I cannot believe that is almost a year since I last posted to my blog. I noticed it was in June 2015 when I posted last. So in this post I will tell you all what has taken place since June.
Valerie and I left the 21 of June for Manitoba. We stayed with Tania and her family until the middle of August. Leaving Manitoba we drove to Hamilton Ontario an spent some time with Michael and Annie. We also visited a couple of my cousins while there.
While we were in Winnipeg, I had an email from a small church nearer our home asking if I would be interested in becoming their pastor on a part time basis. Valerie was involved in the church where we were and I knew it would be hard for her to make a change. However, I was ready for a new experience. After a few weeks of thinking and praying about it I decided to take the church. So I resigned from Ashmore at the end of November and started in Bear River East Baptist Church December 1st. I am enjoying my work there thus far. It doesn't seem that I will ever fully retire.
Tania, Bill, Liam and Jenna were home during the Christmas holidays. We enjoyed their visit and hated to see them go. The weather so far this winter has been much friendlier than last year. Hope it continues through to spring and then gets better.
Well, that is my life to now. Hopefully I will have another update in the near future. May God richly bless you.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Monday, June 1, 2015
SUMMER IS ON ITS WAY
Time seems to fly by very quickly these days. I have noticed the last time I wrote in this blog was in February. That does not seem too long ago until you look at the months that have passed. However, time has gone by and we soon will be in the summer season.
It is good not to have to shovel snow or have the driveway plowed when we need to go somewhere. However, now it is lawn mowing and gardening along with the black flies and later mosquitoes. Oh well, that is life around here.
Valerie and I have been able to keep ourselves busy over the spring season. Our health is good with the exeception of a few aches and pain. Valerie is busy this week gearing up for the annual yard and bake sale put on by the ladies group of the church. In past years it has gone well and we have had a lot of junk, I mean items to sell. I will help out where I am needed.
I am not doing church work at all this summer. We are going to spend most of the summer in Manitoba looking after the grandchildren while their parents work. We will leave here June 19th and drive out to Winnipeg. It will take us 5 days as we don't drive anymore that ten hours a day. We will stop in Hamilton ON and see Michael and Annie and some cousins on the return home Hoping to arrive back home by the end of August.
I haven't fully decided whether I will fully retire or return to work on a two week basis each month as I am presently doing. I may be ready to go back after two months away, but we will see.
The winter weather has put us a couple of weeks behind in getting our flower gardens going and the dahlias planted. I am hoping to do it sometime this week. It is suppose to rain until Wednesday, so I will acess the situation then. If not then, my planting will have to be next week as for the weekend I will be busy. Valerie wants me to plant string beans as she cans them for the winter months. Because of the storm we had last July while we were in Manitoba, our bean crop was damged fairly bad. So we didn't get many canned last year. Hoping things work out better this year. These plants do not need a lot of attention, especially if we can prevent the weeds from growing. That is the greatest problem.
Well, that is all I have to tell at this time. I will try to give an update when we are out west. Wishing all my readers a good and safe summer. May God bless you all!
Monday, February 23, 2015
I'M BACK!
I want to say hello to everyone who reads my blog. I have not been writing on my blog for quite awhile. The last entry was October 3, 2014. I have been debating what I should do with this blog, delete it or continue to post to it from time to time. I have decided for now to keep the blog and write when I get the urge to do so. I may even do some reflections of what I am thinking about these days.
Since I haven't written since last fall, we have had Christmas and the beginning of a new year. Tania, Bill, Liam and Jenna were home during the Christmas holidays. It was good to have them here. We didn't have the snow that we have now, so the kids didn't play outside very much. We were able to make a couple of snowmen. Bill, Liam and I also took a walk in the woods behind us to see if we could see any wild life. But none was to be seen. But we did view Eddie's son Tom's GPS cameras he has set up to view the deer and bears that come by. He had a load of carrots there, where he baits the wild animals. He can sit at home in Digby and watch the animals from his living room or where ever his laptop is. He saw us there looking over his camera equipment and heard us talking as well. I have been worried that I might have said something about him. He called one night to tell me he saw us and heard us. I am so amazed with modern technology.
On New years eve we had fireworks for the kids. We bought more this year, but they were not as impressive as other years. If they come home next year, I will buy the fireworks early and try to get a better selection so we can create an impressive show.
It was hard to see the family go back home in early January. But they had few problems and arrived home safely. Since the last part of January we have had snow storms which has left us with a great deal of snow. Before one storm is finished it seems another is on its way. I have more snow in my yard than I can ever remember having before. Maybe back in the 1970's when we lived here, we might have this much accumulation of snow in our yard. Tania seems to think so. however, it has become a problem of where to put it. Once is piled up it freezes and is there to stay, so it can't be moved.
I need to order furnace oil this week and I will have to tunnel through one of the piles to make a path in order for the delivery man to fill the oil tank at the back of the house. Last Saturday Valerie and I shoveled snow off the back part of the roof. It was to rain on Sunday and with the rain in the snow on the roof, it would be too heavy and could damage the roof. We got it shoveled off and it did rain in our area on Sunday but not enough to cause any damage. Just enough to make the snow heavier.
Other than the storms and having to shovel snow daily, our lives are fairly quiet. I do not like to travel too far from home when the weather is unpredictable. I work out when I can at the YMCA in Cornwallis. I also work at the church two weeks a month for the present time. We have had to cancel church a couple of times this winter because of the weather.
In June I will decide whether to retire full time or stay at what I am doing now. The idea of retiring is looking very appealing. I don't know what the summer will bring. I really would like to stay home this summer. But I may change my mind before then. If Tania needs us to look after the children for part of the summer, then we probably will go to Manitoba. Any way I will leave the summer travelling decisions to discuss in a future blog.
Well, I guess this is all for now. I will write again soon, and I won't wait as long to write, as I did the last time. May God Bless you all.
Since I haven't written since last fall, we have had Christmas and the beginning of a new year. Tania, Bill, Liam and Jenna were home during the Christmas holidays. It was good to have them here. We didn't have the snow that we have now, so the kids didn't play outside very much. We were able to make a couple of snowmen. Bill, Liam and I also took a walk in the woods behind us to see if we could see any wild life. But none was to be seen. But we did view Eddie's son Tom's GPS cameras he has set up to view the deer and bears that come by. He had a load of carrots there, where he baits the wild animals. He can sit at home in Digby and watch the animals from his living room or where ever his laptop is. He saw us there looking over his camera equipment and heard us talking as well. I have been worried that I might have said something about him. He called one night to tell me he saw us and heard us. I am so amazed with modern technology.
On New years eve we had fireworks for the kids. We bought more this year, but they were not as impressive as other years. If they come home next year, I will buy the fireworks early and try to get a better selection so we can create an impressive show.
It was hard to see the family go back home in early January. But they had few problems and arrived home safely. Since the last part of January we have had snow storms which has left us with a great deal of snow. Before one storm is finished it seems another is on its way. I have more snow in my yard than I can ever remember having before. Maybe back in the 1970's when we lived here, we might have this much accumulation of snow in our yard. Tania seems to think so. however, it has become a problem of where to put it. Once is piled up it freezes and is there to stay, so it can't be moved.
I need to order furnace oil this week and I will have to tunnel through one of the piles to make a path in order for the delivery man to fill the oil tank at the back of the house. Last Saturday Valerie and I shoveled snow off the back part of the roof. It was to rain on Sunday and with the rain in the snow on the roof, it would be too heavy and could damage the roof. We got it shoveled off and it did rain in our area on Sunday but not enough to cause any damage. Just enough to make the snow heavier.
Other than the storms and having to shovel snow daily, our lives are fairly quiet. I do not like to travel too far from home when the weather is unpredictable. I work out when I can at the YMCA in Cornwallis. I also work at the church two weeks a month for the present time. We have had to cancel church a couple of times this winter because of the weather.
In June I will decide whether to retire full time or stay at what I am doing now. The idea of retiring is looking very appealing. I don't know what the summer will bring. I really would like to stay home this summer. But I may change my mind before then. If Tania needs us to look after the children for part of the summer, then we probably will go to Manitoba. Any way I will leave the summer travelling decisions to discuss in a future blog.
Well, I guess this is all for now. I will write again soon, and I won't wait as long to write, as I did the last time. May God Bless you all.
Friday, October 3, 2014
THE FALL SEASON IS UPON US
As I write this blog the weather is cooling down and daylight hours are getting shorter. In our part of the world the harvest is almost in and homeowners are getting ready for winter. I do not like to see winter coming, but it has to come and we must do our best to prepare for it.
My health is improving and I am glad for that. A matter of fact I am amazed and truly thankful. The CPAP machine is doing wonders. I would never have believed that air blowing in ones face could enable one to sleep and get the rest needed to cope on a daily basis. The more I explaine to people why I am better, they tell me they have the machine or a family member has to use one. One lady in our church said all her family members have to use a CPAP machine.
I am using a loaner machine to get all the bugs worked out. At first the face mask was too big and so I received one that did fit. Then the air was too cold and I was getting brain freeze. So the therapist sent me a heated tube and that has done wonders. As long as arthritis in my back does not act up, I get a good night's sleep.
Since I have been using this machine during the month of September, my voice has come back strong again, I have energy I haven't had for a long time. As time goes on it will only improve. But the machine will be a part of my life for a long time. If I go away over night or on vaction I will need to take it with me. I will be getting my own machine some time this month. The machines are quite expensive.
I visited the doctor yesterday and we talked about my health and he went over my reports and medical history of late. He told me I was a lucky fellow, as my health otherwise is very good and if I drop some pounds I will do a lot better. He is only a young fellow just starting his practice, but wants to work with me and get me where I should be health wise. I look at this, as another chance to live a good productive life in my senior years. I am going to do what he suggest.
When I look around and see others my age, or younger, and see what they are going through, I am certainly thankful for what I have been given. I have a younger person working with me at the church and has been working two weeks a month while I have been ill and I do the other two weeks. Yesterday he entered the hospital with eternal bleeding and his kidney's shutting down. Hopefully he will pull through, but he is seriously ill. So it looks like I may be working every week for awhile. I pray and thank God every day for what I have been given.
Later this month as family and friends, we will get together and help my mother celebrate her Ninetieth birthday. She will be 90 on October 25th but the celebration will take place on Sunday October 26th at the Kentville Fire Department. Best wishes only. It will be nice for all our family to come together again,
This coming week will be a busy one as I am taking a course on Church Renewal. It is a university course, but I am only auditing it. I don't need to take it for credit as I am not taking anymore degrees. It cost enough just to audit it. The course runs from Monday through Friday, 9 am through 4:30 pm each day. I hope I will get something from it to help build the church for the future.
Valerie is doing great and helps to keep me going in the right direction. I don't know what I would have done without her during the last 10 months or so. Again I am a very fortunate man.
I must sign off for now. I am looking forward to seeing my sister and her husband from Pittsburgh PA. later this month. Hope everything is going well with them. You, my readers are in my prayers. May God bless you all!
My health is improving and I am glad for that. A matter of fact I am amazed and truly thankful. The CPAP machine is doing wonders. I would never have believed that air blowing in ones face could enable one to sleep and get the rest needed to cope on a daily basis. The more I explaine to people why I am better, they tell me they have the machine or a family member has to use one. One lady in our church said all her family members have to use a CPAP machine.
I am using a loaner machine to get all the bugs worked out. At first the face mask was too big and so I received one that did fit. Then the air was too cold and I was getting brain freeze. So the therapist sent me a heated tube and that has done wonders. As long as arthritis in my back does not act up, I get a good night's sleep.
Since I have been using this machine during the month of September, my voice has come back strong again, I have energy I haven't had for a long time. As time goes on it will only improve. But the machine will be a part of my life for a long time. If I go away over night or on vaction I will need to take it with me. I will be getting my own machine some time this month. The machines are quite expensive.
I visited the doctor yesterday and we talked about my health and he went over my reports and medical history of late. He told me I was a lucky fellow, as my health otherwise is very good and if I drop some pounds I will do a lot better. He is only a young fellow just starting his practice, but wants to work with me and get me where I should be health wise. I look at this, as another chance to live a good productive life in my senior years. I am going to do what he suggest.
When I look around and see others my age, or younger, and see what they are going through, I am certainly thankful for what I have been given. I have a younger person working with me at the church and has been working two weeks a month while I have been ill and I do the other two weeks. Yesterday he entered the hospital with eternal bleeding and his kidney's shutting down. Hopefully he will pull through, but he is seriously ill. So it looks like I may be working every week for awhile. I pray and thank God every day for what I have been given.
Later this month as family and friends, we will get together and help my mother celebrate her Ninetieth birthday. She will be 90 on October 25th but the celebration will take place on Sunday October 26th at the Kentville Fire Department. Best wishes only. It will be nice for all our family to come together again,
This coming week will be a busy one as I am taking a course on Church Renewal. It is a university course, but I am only auditing it. I don't need to take it for credit as I am not taking anymore degrees. It cost enough just to audit it. The course runs from Monday through Friday, 9 am through 4:30 pm each day. I hope I will get something from it to help build the church for the future.
Valerie is doing great and helps to keep me going in the right direction. I don't know what I would have done without her during the last 10 months or so. Again I am a very fortunate man.
I must sign off for now. I am looking forward to seeing my sister and her husband from Pittsburgh PA. later this month. Hope everything is going well with them. You, my readers are in my prayers. May God bless you all!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
SUMMER IS ALMOST OVER
In my last post I stated how I was enjoying summer. Now as I sit down to write this update to my blog. I realize summer is almost over. The days seem to travel by so quickly.
We had a good time in Winnipeg. We left Tania and family on Saturday August 02nd. The travelling was not too bad until on Monday August 04th we went on to highway 400 down to Toronto from northern Ontario. When planning my trip back to Michael's I knew it was a holiday Monday, but did not think of people heading back into the city from their cottages. Highway 400 was crowded and slow.
That wasn't enough, when we got through Toronto and headed on the QE 427, the clouds burst and it rained so hard. We crept along and had to stop for long periods on time. The road was flooding but we managed to get through and thought we were through all the ordeals.
As we left the ramp to go into Burlington where Michael and Annie are temporarly living we came to an intersection. We waited a long time at the intersection and when it was clear we thought it was safe to go as the traffic lights were not working. A car came out of no where and hit us on the driver side back corner spinning us around and we hit a small car going through the intersection. No one was injured but the three vehicles received damage. The police were not laying charges as the accident was the result of faulty traffic lights. There was another accident at the same intersection as we waited for the tow truck to arrive.
Our van was not drivable as the impact of the car hitting us broke the rear axle and bent the wheel housing. It ended up both bumpers and wheel axle needed to be replaced. It was going to take 10 -12 days to do it. We had a problem. Where Michael is staying, it is nice but small. From Saturday through Monday he works the night shift and sleeps during the day. They have a big poodle and she barks every time we moved around. So that was not a good thing. Going home seemed like the only thing to do and I was not up to socializing anyway.
I really needed to be home the following week as I had booked a wedding and had worked with the couple since December 2013. In my thinking it would not be fair to back out and leave them looking for someone else. So Valerie and I decided we would fly home and do what needed to be done and fly back to Ontario when the van was finished. The insurance would not pay for flying home, but we did it anyway.
I have been talking with the repair shop in Burlington and they say the van will be ready on Wednesday or Thursday. We have our tickets to fly into Hamilton tomorrow. We will stay Thursday and start the drive home on Friday, arriving home on Sunday.
I consider ourselves very fortunate, because we have been driving to Winnipeg every summer for the last ten years and this is the first accident we have had in all those miles. However, it goes to show that one cannot be careful enough.
Our problems are small and insignificant compared to others who are going through illness and other problems. My heart goes out to them and their families. They are in our prayers.
I am planning to work only two weeks a month starting this fall. I a not sure how it will work out, but I am looking forward to it. Then maybe next spring retire completely. We will see how the winter goes.
This is all that I am writing for now. God be with you all, especially my sister and brother-in-law in Pittsburgh.
We had a good time in Winnipeg. We left Tania and family on Saturday August 02nd. The travelling was not too bad until on Monday August 04th we went on to highway 400 down to Toronto from northern Ontario. When planning my trip back to Michael's I knew it was a holiday Monday, but did not think of people heading back into the city from their cottages. Highway 400 was crowded and slow.
That wasn't enough, when we got through Toronto and headed on the QE 427, the clouds burst and it rained so hard. We crept along and had to stop for long periods on time. The road was flooding but we managed to get through and thought we were through all the ordeals.
As we left the ramp to go into Burlington where Michael and Annie are temporarly living we came to an intersection. We waited a long time at the intersection and when it was clear we thought it was safe to go as the traffic lights were not working. A car came out of no where and hit us on the driver side back corner spinning us around and we hit a small car going through the intersection. No one was injured but the three vehicles received damage. The police were not laying charges as the accident was the result of faulty traffic lights. There was another accident at the same intersection as we waited for the tow truck to arrive.
Our van was not drivable as the impact of the car hitting us broke the rear axle and bent the wheel housing. It ended up both bumpers and wheel axle needed to be replaced. It was going to take 10 -12 days to do it. We had a problem. Where Michael is staying, it is nice but small. From Saturday through Monday he works the night shift and sleeps during the day. They have a big poodle and she barks every time we moved around. So that was not a good thing. Going home seemed like the only thing to do and I was not up to socializing anyway.
I really needed to be home the following week as I had booked a wedding and had worked with the couple since December 2013. In my thinking it would not be fair to back out and leave them looking for someone else. So Valerie and I decided we would fly home and do what needed to be done and fly back to Ontario when the van was finished. The insurance would not pay for flying home, but we did it anyway.
I have been talking with the repair shop in Burlington and they say the van will be ready on Wednesday or Thursday. We have our tickets to fly into Hamilton tomorrow. We will stay Thursday and start the drive home on Friday, arriving home on Sunday.
I consider ourselves very fortunate, because we have been driving to Winnipeg every summer for the last ten years and this is the first accident we have had in all those miles. However, it goes to show that one cannot be careful enough.
Our problems are small and insignificant compared to others who are going through illness and other problems. My heart goes out to them and their families. They are in our prayers.
I am planning to work only two weeks a month starting this fall. I a not sure how it will work out, but I am looking forward to it. Then maybe next spring retire completely. We will see how the winter goes.
This is all that I am writing for now. God be with you all, especially my sister and brother-in-law in Pittsburgh.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
ENJOYING SUMMER
The last time I wrote on the blog I was waiting for summer. Now summer has finally arrived and I am enjoying it. We did get our garden planted before leaving for Winnipeg. Everything we planted has come up and hopefully it will not be too hot or too wet for them to grow nicely. I planted green and yellow beans, peas, squash, cucumbers, onions and carrots, I also set out a few pepper plants to see if they will grow and a dozen tomato plants.
The tomato plants were in blossom when we left. The plants don't look strong enough to bear fruit as of yet. Oh well we will see what happens.
On Monday June 23rd we started out for Winnipeg. We got on the ferry in Digby 8:00 AM and travelled to Saint John and from there to Edmundston, The next day to Arnprior Ontario 45 minutes west of Ottawa. Then on Wednesday night we stayed in a small community called Blind River. Thursday our goal was to go to Thunder Bay, but there was a bridge out past Marathon, so we back tracked and stayed in Terrace Bay over night. On Friday we arrived in Winnipeg around suppertime. The going was slow because on Route 17 there was construction on most of the bridges. The road is rough anyway at the best of times.
We had planned to go to Hamilton first but Michael and Annie are having work done on their home and they have had to move out until the work is finished. We plan to spend a couple of days in Hamilton when we start for home the first part of August.
We are having a good time with the grandchildren. They sure are growing and Jenna starts school this fall. It is difficult for me to believe how fast the time is going.
That is all for the blog at this time. Will bring you upto date on my travels at a later time. May God richly bless you my readers.
The tomato plants were in blossom when we left. The plants don't look strong enough to bear fruit as of yet. Oh well we will see what happens.
On Monday June 23rd we started out for Winnipeg. We got on the ferry in Digby 8:00 AM and travelled to Saint John and from there to Edmundston, The next day to Arnprior Ontario 45 minutes west of Ottawa. Then on Wednesday night we stayed in a small community called Blind River. Thursday our goal was to go to Thunder Bay, but there was a bridge out past Marathon, so we back tracked and stayed in Terrace Bay over night. On Friday we arrived in Winnipeg around suppertime. The going was slow because on Route 17 there was construction on most of the bridges. The road is rough anyway at the best of times.
We had planned to go to Hamilton first but Michael and Annie are having work done on their home and they have had to move out until the work is finished. We plan to spend a couple of days in Hamilton when we start for home the first part of August.
We are having a good time with the grandchildren. They sure are growing and Jenna starts school this fall. It is difficult for me to believe how fast the time is going.
That is all for the blog at this time. Will bring you upto date on my travels at a later time. May God richly bless you my readers.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
SUMMER ALMOST HERE
It is almost two weeks to the official beginning of summer. The weather is slowly warming up and feeling like summer like weather.
I am hoping this week to plant a few things in my garden. I am not sure whether we will have any more frosts or not. It should be safe to plant almost everything I want to plant. I have a dozen tomato plants to set out. I also want to plant squash and cucumbers. I will plant beans and peas a few days before we leave and maybe they will be ready by the time we return home in August.
We are planning to leave on Monday June 23 and head to Ontario for a few days and then off to Winnipeg for the month of July. I do not need to be home until later in August.
Health wise I am not sure what is going on and neither are the health professionals. I saw the Doctor of Internal Medicine and the tests I had did not show anything serious. I do have a few nodules on my lungs but they are not concerned right now and will check them in six months time. The doctor felt that they would dissappear in a few months or not grow any larger.
He cannot explain my lack of breath. He suggested weight loss would help, nasal irrigation and he suggested maybe I should look at some other ways other than medical. I am not sure what he meant, but I told him if he lived in this body I am sure he would feel differently.
I had a stress test and my heart is good. My vitals are always good. Have good blood pressure, and regular blood test are good. This is why they say they can't find anything wrong and don't want to go any further.
I have a sleep test on the 17th and that is it for testing for now.
We asked the doctor if I had to continue with the puffer and he was waiting to read the breathing test. I asked the person doing the test how I rated and she said I was good. I was at almost 80% and she said I might not need a puffer.. Having not heard back from the doctor I decided to give up the puffer anyway. I could not take feeling miserable and not being able to talk easily. I went off the puffer and I feel better and my voice has improved.
However, the doctor did change my reflux medication and this one does not affect my being able to talk. I was able to preach this morning without sounding like I had larngitis.
Well that is it for now. Wishing all you a God's richest blessings.
I am hoping this week to plant a few things in my garden. I am not sure whether we will have any more frosts or not. It should be safe to plant almost everything I want to plant. I have a dozen tomato plants to set out. I also want to plant squash and cucumbers. I will plant beans and peas a few days before we leave and maybe they will be ready by the time we return home in August.
We are planning to leave on Monday June 23 and head to Ontario for a few days and then off to Winnipeg for the month of July. I do not need to be home until later in August.
Health wise I am not sure what is going on and neither are the health professionals. I saw the Doctor of Internal Medicine and the tests I had did not show anything serious. I do have a few nodules on my lungs but they are not concerned right now and will check them in six months time. The doctor felt that they would dissappear in a few months or not grow any larger.
He cannot explain my lack of breath. He suggested weight loss would help, nasal irrigation and he suggested maybe I should look at some other ways other than medical. I am not sure what he meant, but I told him if he lived in this body I am sure he would feel differently.
I had a stress test and my heart is good. My vitals are always good. Have good blood pressure, and regular blood test are good. This is why they say they can't find anything wrong and don't want to go any further.
I have a sleep test on the 17th and that is it for testing for now.
We asked the doctor if I had to continue with the puffer and he was waiting to read the breathing test. I asked the person doing the test how I rated and she said I was good. I was at almost 80% and she said I might not need a puffer.. Having not heard back from the doctor I decided to give up the puffer anyway. I could not take feeling miserable and not being able to talk easily. I went off the puffer and I feel better and my voice has improved.
However, the doctor did change my reflux medication and this one does not affect my being able to talk. I was able to preach this morning without sounding like I had larngitis.
Well that is it for now. Wishing all you a God's richest blessings.
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