Despite rain, rain and more rain, we consider the Cowboy Church and Country Gospel Jamboree hosted by our Mennonite Church to be a great success. Bless you, all who attended! Our “Ultimate Christian Cowboy”, Larry Krause, did a wonderful job as host musician and we did at least get to enjoy some of the music in the sun on the lawn in the early part of the afternoon. The barn was pretty well full for the beautiful church service, and although we could see the rain coming down outside with the doors open out behind the preacher, we were warm and dry inside. “As I Went Down to the River to Pray” was one of the music choices sung by our church’s quartet, and it was a wonderful selection having regard to the Red River flowing right by behind the barn!
The children’s message resembled a Sunday School lesson and included the children’s song “The Wise Man Built His House upon a Rock”, which was the sermon content for the day. Although our pastor was not exactly comfortable in his “cowboy preacher” role, his message was very meaningful. We sang old songs with Larry leading, and before we knew it, it was time for lunch to be served. Pastor Ryan indicated the offering(s) and proceeds from dinner would be in aid of Mennonite Disaster Services to assist in funding the various projects underway due to disasters. There was a brief presentation by Ed Buhler from Aberdeen on behalf of Mennonite Disaster Service as to why donations are required.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the pulled pork dinner with beans and coleslaw, dessert and coffee. Good thing the food was readied in a large coverall building, as the rain was really coming down and people had to make the trip across the wet grass from the barn to the food, and then back to the barn to eat it.
When the jamboree music started at 2:00 p.m., the rain had quit, and the decision was made to begin the music outdoors. The lawn chairs came out and it was nice and sunny for a while, but then the clouds started threatening again, and after a couple of sets, they moved the equipment inside – a good decision, as it started pouring and we were all happy to be in out of the rain.
The rest of the program was inside and it was over by 5 o’clock. As cotton candy does not fare well in damp circumstances, we didn’t even start up the machine. A few ice cream cones were enjoyed while the folks were outside, but not nearly as many as we had hoped...
I felt moved to share with those in attendance, especially those who are regular readers of my weekly ramblings, that our 1962 T-Bird, the subject of a recent article, was stolen from our garage in the early mornings hours last Friday. It appeared to have been a carefully planned crime and our gorgeous car is probably long gone. Just a reminder that the things we have can disappear in a blink! I can retain my sanity by realizing there are much worse things that could happen, but it is still difficult to realize there are low-life people who could do such a thing! Our son got word of the theft onto Facebook immediately and we put out the word to as many friends and car acquaintances as possible, but the car has not been sighted. The RCMP came immediately, but there is probably not much they can do either…
Friday, July 8, 2011
June 20, 2011 Living Waters Gospel Jamboree
Despite rain, rain and more rain, we consider the Cowboy Church and Country Gospel Jamboree hosted by our Mennonite Church to be a great success. Bless you, all who attended! Our “Ultimate Christian Cowboy”, Larry Krause, did a wonderful job as host musician and we did at least get to enjoy some of the music in the sun on the lawn in the early part of the afternoon. The barn was pretty well full for the beautiful church service, and although we could see the rain coming down outside with the doors open out behind the preacher, we were warm and dry inside. “As I Went Down to the River to Pray” was one of the music choices sung by our church’s quartet, and it was a wonderful selection having regard to the Red River flowing right by behind the barn!
The children’s message resembled a Sunday School lesson and included the children’s song “The Wise Man Built His House upon a Rock”, which was the sermon content for the day. Although our pastor was not exactly comfortable in his “cowboy preacher” role, his message was very meaningful. We sang old songs with Larry leading, and before we knew it, it was time for lunch to be served. Pastor Ryan indicated the offering(s) and proceeds from dinner would be in aid of Mennonite Disaster Services to assist in funding the various projects underway due to disasters. There was a brief presentation by Ed Buhler from Aberdeen on behalf of Mennonite Disaster Service as to why donations are required.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the pulled pork dinner with beans and coleslaw, dessert and coffee. Good thing the food was readied in a large coverall building, as the rain was really coming down and people had to make the trip across the wet grass from the barn to the food, and then back to the barn to eat it.
When the jamboree music started at 2:00 p.m., the rain had quit, and the decision was made to begin the music outdoors. The lawn chairs came out and it was nice and sunny for a while, but then the clouds started threatening again, and after a couple of sets, they moved the equipment inside – a good decision, as it started pouring and we were all happy to be in out of the rain.
The rest of the program was inside and it was over by 5 o’clock. As cotton candy does not fare well in damp circumstances, we didn’t even start up the machine. A few ice cream cones were enjoyed while the folks were outside, but not nearly as many as we had hoped...
I felt moved to share with those in attendance, especially those who are regular readers of my weekly ramblings, that our 1962 T-Bird, the subject of a recent article, was stolen from our garage in the early mornings hours last Friday. It appeared to have been a carefully planned crime and our gorgeous car is probably long gone. Just a reminder that the things we have can disappear in a blink! I can retain my sanity by realizing there are much worse things that could happen, but it is still difficult to realize there are low-life people who could do such a thing! Our son got word of the theft onto Facebook immediately and we put out the word to as many friends and car acquaintances as possible, but the car has not been sighted. The RCMP came immediately, but there is probably not much they can do either…
The children’s message resembled a Sunday School lesson and included the children’s song “The Wise Man Built His House upon a Rock”, which was the sermon content for the day. Although our pastor was not exactly comfortable in his “cowboy preacher” role, his message was very meaningful. We sang old songs with Larry leading, and before we knew it, it was time for lunch to be served. Pastor Ryan indicated the offering(s) and proceeds from dinner would be in aid of Mennonite Disaster Services to assist in funding the various projects underway due to disasters. There was a brief presentation by Ed Buhler from Aberdeen on behalf of Mennonite Disaster Service as to why donations are required.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the pulled pork dinner with beans and coleslaw, dessert and coffee. Good thing the food was readied in a large coverall building, as the rain was really coming down and people had to make the trip across the wet grass from the barn to the food, and then back to the barn to eat it.
When the jamboree music started at 2:00 p.m., the rain had quit, and the decision was made to begin the music outdoors. The lawn chairs came out and it was nice and sunny for a while, but then the clouds started threatening again, and after a couple of sets, they moved the equipment inside – a good decision, as it started pouring and we were all happy to be in out of the rain.
The rest of the program was inside and it was over by 5 o’clock. As cotton candy does not fare well in damp circumstances, we didn’t even start up the machine. A few ice cream cones were enjoyed while the folks were outside, but not nearly as many as we had hoped...
I felt moved to share with those in attendance, especially those who are regular readers of my weekly ramblings, that our 1962 T-Bird, the subject of a recent article, was stolen from our garage in the early mornings hours last Friday. It appeared to have been a carefully planned crime and our gorgeous car is probably long gone. Just a reminder that the things we have can disappear in a blink! I can retain my sanity by realizing there are much worse things that could happen, but it is still difficult to realize there are low-life people who could do such a thing! Our son got word of the theft onto Facebook immediately and we put out the word to as many friends and car acquaintances as possible, but the car has not been sighted. The RCMP came immediately, but there is probably not much they can do either…
Getting back-logged again
It appears I have been very lazy in putting my articles on our blog. Looks like I missed the one about our dear friends, Len and Nettie, so I'm going to put it on now:
We met Len and Nettie of Southern Manitoba, on our second tour of duty with MDS, at Johnson Bayou, Louisiana, in 2009. We immediately “bonded” and they have remained close friends ever since. As a matter of fact, when they learned John was building a sun room onto the back of our house in 2009, they came and helped for a week putting up the roof. It was like our own little MDS project at home!!
In recent years, in addition to volunteering with the Senior RV Program with the actual rebuilding, Len and Nettie have also undertaken the responsibility of receiving, servicing and inventorying all of the MDS vehicles and tool trailers at the large storage facility at Columbus, Mississippi, when the projects close. More recently, they have also been needed to HAUL some of the tool trailers and office trailers from the projects to the storage facility. It’s a good thing they enjoy traveling, as they put on a tremendous amount of miles in one season.
When we learned of the horrific tornadoes which ripped through Alabama, Mississippi and the other states recently, we were wondering whether Len and Nettie were still down there finishing up. A quick e-mail the day after the news of the tornadoes brought the following response: “We are in the midst of things down here and our guardian Angels will be getting overtime pay for sure…We have been scrambling to get the vehicles and equipment serviced and ready to respond to the devastation around us. Macon is half hour south, Birmingham is ninety minutes east, Aberdeen is twenty minutes north. Tuscaloosa is forty five minutes south east. We have strong winds, some thunder and lightning, the power went off around 4 pm and came back on during the night We expect some people tonight yet [from MDS Head Office in Pennsylvania] and by early tomorrow they will be off to investigate as to how to respond to this crisis.” We were very relieved to hear that they were safe, as well as those they have come to know and love as family down there from their yearly visits.
The next day, the following e-mail arrived from them: “The stories are coming over local media, a kindergarten class wiped out ---a person driving home when the vehicle is lifted up and found maybe seven miles away with occupant dead…” We are hoping the survivor stories will also start to come through. When we see the pictures of these places around us we know that we have truly been protected.”
We are so thankful that our friends are safe, and almost wish we could be there to help them with the initial contact and clean-up. However, the word is they have many agencies and assistance from neighbouring areas that the tornadoes did not demolish, and if MDS requires volunteers, we would be notified. Our Senior RV crews are not involved in the initial clean-up, but rather are called in quite a time afterwards for rebuilding and repairing homes for those citizens who “fall through the cracks” – the elderly and the poor who don’t have insurance. The MDS field reps are already in the area of the new tornadoes assessing where its assistance will be best provided by regular MDS volunteers. They will be on the front lines dealing with those in crisis, hearing many of the stories of the people who have lost everything.
John is in the process of getting together a local MDS response team which will be ready for action in the event of a disaster in our area. It is in the beginning stages. He has met with members of the Ministerial Association to inform them of the plans and provided the with sign-up forms for volunteers. There are no special requirements for volunteers, just be ready, willing and able to assist should the need arise. The “purpose” is: (1) to assist citizens in Prince Albert area in cleaning up debris after an initial disaster and (2) to make temporary repairs that will help secure structures and prevent secondary damage after an initial disaster (intended to address wind damage to buildings and trees and flooding damage to buildings). We were astonished to hear about the severe wind damage that was done in Prince Albert area several years ago. It certainly refuted the idea that tornadoes do not occur in our area. The consensus is that sooner or later, there will be some natural disaster which will require such a team to be ready to go.
Please call John at 763-8180 in the event you would be willing to be a part of a local MDS response team.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Rhubarb Season
My Article for the P.A. Shopper May 30, 2011
Rhubarb season is here. If I hadn’t discovered, last year, THE BEST RHUBARB CAKE RECIPE EVER, rhubarb season could have come and gone and I wouldn’t even have noticed. Two years ago, we dug up our patch of rhubarb, as it was encroaching on our raspberries, and there was rhubarb readily accessible at our son’s place if I ever needed any. We had company over to watch our Ken Davis video last weekend, and there was the opportunity to make my rhubarb cake! What I really like on this cake is the wonderful topping, which surprised me the first time I made it.
THE BEST RHUBARB CAKE EVER
Base: 2 cups flour
1 cup margarine
¼ cup icing sugar
½ tsp salt
Mix and press into 9 x 13 pan. Bake 12 minutes at 375 degrees.
Cover with 3-4 cups of thinly sliced rhubarb.
Sprinkle one small package of strawberry jello crystals over the rhubarb.
Topping: 1½ cup sugar
¾ cup flour
½ cup melted margarine
Spread on surface of rhubarb. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.
ENJOY!
Our friends and relatives in southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba have been praying the rain would STOP. The water from the snow melt in our daughter’s yard in Pierson, Mb. had just all dried up (maybe a week or two), and she now says they need a boat to get around again!!! It was almost getting to the point we’d have to pray the rain would START here – our new patch of seeded grass required watering every day and then it only wet the very top of the ground. Our front lawn and garden were dry as a bone. We were very happy to get the nice rain on the weekend, even though it arrived precisely at the time my husband and son were resuming siding on the front of his house in town… I think they got three rows done before the sky opened up. What a difference new siding makes! It seemed that with the rain, our front lawn grew three inches over night!
We are in the process of looking for another cat. Our daughter’s beloved cat that she had gotten last October died in March, of natural causes, we believe. A friendly, adult, long-haired, “fixed” cat is what we are looking for. Our little Maltese dog is probably saying to herself “enough with the cats already”, but we really do love to have a cat in our home. The SPCA sees us looking frequently, but we have not brought anything home yet.
It is amazing how “life goes on” despite the devastation many people have suffered in Missouri, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and even Slave Lake, Alberta, and southern Manitoba and Quebec, in Canada! We have seen some of the rebuilding required down south with Mennonite Disaster Service, but nothing like what we have seen on T.V. and on our computer in the last week. The most revealing devastation on Facebook is a superimposed picture of part of Joplin, Missouri, before and after the tornado. And even thinking about how the people of Japan are surviving after their devastating earthquake and tsunami is unimaginable – we hear very little about how they are coping and getting their lives back on track. We can certainly count our blessings each and every day that things carry on in a “normal” fashion, and pray for those who are living in uncertainty, wondering if anything will ever be normal again.
Rhubarb season is here. If I hadn’t discovered, last year, THE BEST RHUBARB CAKE RECIPE EVER, rhubarb season could have come and gone and I wouldn’t even have noticed. Two years ago, we dug up our patch of rhubarb, as it was encroaching on our raspberries, and there was rhubarb readily accessible at our son’s place if I ever needed any. We had company over to watch our Ken Davis video last weekend, and there was the opportunity to make my rhubarb cake! What I really like on this cake is the wonderful topping, which surprised me the first time I made it.
THE BEST RHUBARB CAKE EVER
Base: 2 cups flour
1 cup margarine
¼ cup icing sugar
½ tsp salt
Mix and press into 9 x 13 pan. Bake 12 minutes at 375 degrees.
Cover with 3-4 cups of thinly sliced rhubarb.
Sprinkle one small package of strawberry jello crystals over the rhubarb.
Topping: 1½ cup sugar
¾ cup flour
½ cup melted margarine
Spread on surface of rhubarb. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.
ENJOY!
Our friends and relatives in southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba have been praying the rain would STOP. The water from the snow melt in our daughter’s yard in Pierson, Mb. had just all dried up (maybe a week or two), and she now says they need a boat to get around again!!! It was almost getting to the point we’d have to pray the rain would START here – our new patch of seeded grass required watering every day and then it only wet the very top of the ground. Our front lawn and garden were dry as a bone. We were very happy to get the nice rain on the weekend, even though it arrived precisely at the time my husband and son were resuming siding on the front of his house in town… I think they got three rows done before the sky opened up. What a difference new siding makes! It seemed that with the rain, our front lawn grew three inches over night!
We are in the process of looking for another cat. Our daughter’s beloved cat that she had gotten last October died in March, of natural causes, we believe. A friendly, adult, long-haired, “fixed” cat is what we are looking for. Our little Maltese dog is probably saying to herself “enough with the cats already”, but we really do love to have a cat in our home. The SPCA sees us looking frequently, but we have not brought anything home yet.
It is amazing how “life goes on” despite the devastation many people have suffered in Missouri, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and even Slave Lake, Alberta, and southern Manitoba and Quebec, in Canada! We have seen some of the rebuilding required down south with Mennonite Disaster Service, but nothing like what we have seen on T.V. and on our computer in the last week. The most revealing devastation on Facebook is a superimposed picture of part of Joplin, Missouri, before and after the tornado. And even thinking about how the people of Japan are surviving after their devastating earthquake and tsunami is unimaginable – we hear very little about how they are coping and getting their lives back on track. We can certainly count our blessings each and every day that things carry on in a “normal” fashion, and pray for those who are living in uncertainty, wondering if anything will ever be normal again.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Cruisin' weather - finally!
What a little bit of sun can accomplish! It seems the leaves on the trees are exploding, as well as the dandelions! It feels like just last week the hostas in the flower garden at our church were mere little nubs, and this past Sunday, there were full-blown beautiful purple flowers on them. I hope the grass seed we planted this week shows the same progress…
Recently our daughter-in-law’s dishwasher required repairs. Her handy dandy dishwasher repairman passed along a helpful hint with respect to keeping her dishwasher clean. As we use well water in our home, and have experienced problems with spots and dishes not always being clean, I thought I would try the “cure”. I am happy to say that I am 100% satisfied, and am also happy to share this helpful hint with all of you. Citric acid crystals is the answer. You can buy it bulk at the healthful store and it is relatively inexpensive. You put your regular soap into the soap holder and the citric acid loose in the extra little dispenser in the door of the dishwasher. No extra rinse agent is required. My glasses come out spotless and the dishes clean…another problem solved!
The first car that John and I bought together (way back in 1969 in Calgary, Alberta) was a red 1961 Thunderbird convertible, for the grand sum of $900.00! How we loved driving that car – for a while anyway. After a while, it began breaking down all too regularly. We were both working, but that car seemed to nickel us to death. Everything was power – the top, the steering, the brakes, the trunk and the windows. We could pretty well count on it breaking down any time we took it on a trip, and finally it was necessary to park it, as repairs were too costly. Eventually we sold it to a friend for $250.00, as we were moving and it had to be removed from the driveway.
Fast forward to 1989 – no longer on such a tight budget and we were looking for a classic car to drive as members of the Klassic Kruizers Kar Klub. We found an awesome 1963 red T-Bird in Nipawin and made it ours. It was not a convertible, but we remembered the hassle with the power top, and with children, having a convertible did not seem appropriate. During our time with the car club, we enjoyed many cruises and car shows and the friendship of many car enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, over the years, the frame rails on the ’63 rusted out badly and John did not feel it was safe to drive. He was able to find a 1962 T-Bird, originally an Arizona car, which had an excellent body. He purchased it to use the body and transfer all of the good usable parts from the old Bird (motor, transmission, etc.) into the ’62. For John, this was a tremendous undertaking in itself, without the interruption of work by a heart attack and by-pass surgery which intervened. He managed to get the body painted red and then the poor Bird sat in pieces for several years until the will and the way came together, in 2002. Over the last few years, we have driven it occasionally over the summer. However, this year, we figured it would be better for the car to actually DRIVE it often… first thing to need attention when we got it on the road was the brakes.
Then when we went to do a wheel alignment, it was discovered an outer tie rod end is required before the wheels can be aligned properly. With a quick phone call to Larry’s Thunderbird in California, the part was ordered and should be here next week. Then that big puddle of engine oil on the floor of the garage needed looking into – the rear main seal in the engine is leaking. As the vehicle sits, seals and gaskets dry out. Try to find someone in this day and age who has the expertise to work on a classic vehicle like this one!? We managed to find one at Walter’s Service. He is as excited to work on it as we were to find someone qualified. The young fellow who was to drive it into the garage to be put up on the hoist had never seen slide-away steering, and was in awe of how to get the steering column to slide back. By the time this is published, the main seal will be replaced. Hopefully it will be back on the road by the middle of June and gas prices will go down so we aren’t grumbling about that every time we go for a drive! Honk when you see us go by!
TIME ON OUR HANDS
Since returning home, I find myself spending increasingly more time at my computer. Unfortunately, it is not for anything “productive”, but mostly for entertainment. I had signed up for Facebook some time ago and initially, upon viewing the unacceptable photo that our teenage granddaughter in B.C. had put on her Facebook page, decided this was not for me. That was about three years ago, and since then, her choice of photo has improved, and I have found that many of our MDS friends have signed up. Following the postings is sometimes quite interesting, but sometimes makes me just shake my head! To see the postings of friends of friends of friends is mind-boggling. It is like a giant pyramid encompassing thousands of friends.
More recently, I have discovered some Facebook games – Slotmania and Tri Peaks Solitaire are my two favorites. Some friends and relatives are trying their hand at farming, waitressing, building a city, creating an aquarium, or playing T.V. games like Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right and Family Feud, on Facebook. All in all, it can be very time-consuming and enjoyable, and you can even watch T.V. while you are on the computer… I must confess, at the same time, to feeling guilty about wasting all that valuable time!!! Maybe when the weather improves I can get “into” my gardening instead.
And speaking of television, the new OWN Network (Oprah Winfrey) seems to have some pretty good programs to my taste… It’s always a battle of the channels. At our house, as in most, “the man” usually has control of the channel changer. We are not interested in many reality shows, but have been following Dancing With the Stars. It appears to make a difference when a wrestler is dancing… Chris Jericho was great – too bad he didn’t make it into the top 5. Super Nanny, Undercover Boss, Heartland (Canadian show, no less!), and the new show, Mike and Molly are on my list of favorites. Not so much for the man in our household though. He prefers the History Channel and the Discovery Channel with Ice Pilots, American Pickers, Judge Judy and The First 48. One of our old friends had told us in the past that her second husband had always (only) watched all the cop and crime shows. and that should have been a sign to her that he suffered from severe depression. In rethinking the matter, I believe it just showed signs that he was A MAN!!
Every month, receiving our Star Choice bill is a traumatic time – kind of like complaining about gas prices. When we started out, our bills were around $30 for the minimum package. Now it’s over $60 for the same thing, and it seems that every month it’s up a dollar or two. John keeps threatening to change to some other provider, but Sask Tel Max is not available in our area and there seems to be no better alternative. Whatever we end up with, it had better include my VERY favorite channel: Country Classics Music at 920! We usually listen to CJWW radio in the mornings, as we enjoy Rod and Dave, Vic’s coffee talk and the Boots and Salutes Show. Often we leave the radio on for the Moo Crew Garage Sale as well. But then when they play the “new country” music, it is simply too hard on the ears. I can honestly say I have never felt the need to turn off the Country Classics channel; it seems each song is better than the last!
Sister-in-law Rita has been in touch by phone often, and is doing well. You know the flooding in Brandon is really getting bad when she can’t get to Walmart to buy the new phone she needs!!! It is also beyond comprehension to see the flooding of the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee.
Our garage is getting some use these days. First, our van door had a 6 inch strip of rust along the bottom of one back door. With a replacement door, a coat of paint applied in the garage, and the unfamiliar task of putting the old window into the new door, thanks to my handy husband, we soon had a “new” door on the van. His next project is putting new brakes on our ’63 T-Bird so we can drive it this summer…
More recently, I have discovered some Facebook games – Slotmania and Tri Peaks Solitaire are my two favorites. Some friends and relatives are trying their hand at farming, waitressing, building a city, creating an aquarium, or playing T.V. games like Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right and Family Feud, on Facebook. All in all, it can be very time-consuming and enjoyable, and you can even watch T.V. while you are on the computer… I must confess, at the same time, to feeling guilty about wasting all that valuable time!!! Maybe when the weather improves I can get “into” my gardening instead.
And speaking of television, the new OWN Network (Oprah Winfrey) seems to have some pretty good programs to my taste… It’s always a battle of the channels. At our house, as in most, “the man” usually has control of the channel changer. We are not interested in many reality shows, but have been following Dancing With the Stars. It appears to make a difference when a wrestler is dancing… Chris Jericho was great – too bad he didn’t make it into the top 5. Super Nanny, Undercover Boss, Heartland (Canadian show, no less!), and the new show, Mike and Molly are on my list of favorites. Not so much for the man in our household though. He prefers the History Channel and the Discovery Channel with Ice Pilots, American Pickers, Judge Judy and The First 48. One of our old friends had told us in the past that her second husband had always (only) watched all the cop and crime shows. and that should have been a sign to her that he suffered from severe depression. In rethinking the matter, I believe it just showed signs that he was A MAN!!
Every month, receiving our Star Choice bill is a traumatic time – kind of like complaining about gas prices. When we started out, our bills were around $30 for the minimum package. Now it’s over $60 for the same thing, and it seems that every month it’s up a dollar or two. John keeps threatening to change to some other provider, but Sask Tel Max is not available in our area and there seems to be no better alternative. Whatever we end up with, it had better include my VERY favorite channel: Country Classics Music at 920! We usually listen to CJWW radio in the mornings, as we enjoy Rod and Dave, Vic’s coffee talk and the Boots and Salutes Show. Often we leave the radio on for the Moo Crew Garage Sale as well. But then when they play the “new country” music, it is simply too hard on the ears. I can honestly say I have never felt the need to turn off the Country Classics channel; it seems each song is better than the last!
Sister-in-law Rita has been in touch by phone often, and is doing well. You know the flooding in Brandon is really getting bad when she can’t get to Walmart to buy the new phone she needs!!! It is also beyond comprehension to see the flooding of the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee.
Our garage is getting some use these days. First, our van door had a 6 inch strip of rust along the bottom of one back door. With a replacement door, a coat of paint applied in the garage, and the unfamiliar task of putting the old window into the new door, thanks to my handy husband, we soon had a “new” door on the van. His next project is putting new brakes on our ’63 T-Bird so we can drive it this summer…
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Sprng has sprung article
Spring has Sprung!
After all the years of saying in spring “we have to burn off our mound” before the grass starts growing again, we finally got it done this spring on a cool overcast day. Mama was happy! After a little bit of revamping of our back yard, our garden is about ready for planting. I had envisioned a nice board walk from our lovely garden shed to the house, and that was the project for last Friday. It is beautiful! There is still way too much JUNK in the back yard, but what can I say – we are both “collectors”. And then there’s our son’s tent trailer back there as well… We’ll have to work at it a little bit at a time.
One of the things we have been enjoying tremendously since we returned home this spring is the home-made crabapple juice which we made last summer. We had tasted some our sister-in-law in Neuanlage had made when we visited there, and she asked if we wanted some crabapples, as they had more than they needed. I initially declined, saying we had made apple juice when we lived in B.C. and it was too much trouble to bother with. When she described how she made her delicious apple juice, it wasn’t anything like the process we used! All you do is wash and cut the crab apples in half. As she used to be a painter, she has access to paint straining bags and uses them instead of a cheesecloth bag. You put the strainer bag into a big crock or pail and fill it with the cut crab apples. Then you pour boiling water over them to the top of the apples and leave them sit. After 2 days, you pull the bag with apples out, allowing the juice to drain. For every 10 cups of juice you bring to a boil in a pot, you add one cup of sugar, and then put the boiling juice in hot sealable jars or bottles. For that little bit of work and only crabapples and sugar, the juice is every bit as good as bought apple juice, and better.
Last December, for John’s birthday, he had only one request for a birthday present: a Ken Davis CD. While we were down south, we had the occasion to watch one of our friend’s CD’s of this Christian comedian doing his thing. He is absolutely hilarious, without being strictly religious or off-color. It is just plain good comedy. I was able to order the “Under the Influence” CD for his birthday, and even after the half dozen times we have watched the CD with friends, the tears are just rolling down John’s eyes! The content is mostly family oriented and Ken has a great talent for expressions and telling a story. Although he lives in Tennessee, we learned that he has been on tour in Saskatchewan; that would have been before we knew he was someone we would travel miles to see if he was in the area. We recently saw a commercial on the Gaither program that Ken Davis was on the list of entertainment for one of their Caribbean cruises. Hey, that might be a good point in favour of going on a cruise!!
With Dancing with the Stars winding down, it is amazing to see how Kirstie Allie is hanging in there, and how much slimmer she looks compared to when she started! She has sure given the other much younger ladies with hour glass figures a run for their money… The pro dancers on the show are so very talented with the choreography they have to come up with every week!
After all the years of saying in spring “we have to burn off our mound” before the grass starts growing again, we finally got it done this spring on a cool overcast day. Mama was happy! After a little bit of revamping of our back yard, our garden is about ready for planting. I had envisioned a nice board walk from our lovely garden shed to the house, and that was the project for last Friday. It is beautiful! There is still way too much JUNK in the back yard, but what can I say – we are both “collectors”. And then there’s our son’s tent trailer back there as well… We’ll have to work at it a little bit at a time.
One of the things we have been enjoying tremendously since we returned home this spring is the home-made crabapple juice which we made last summer. We had tasted some our sister-in-law in Neuanlage had made when we visited there, and she asked if we wanted some crabapples, as they had more than they needed. I initially declined, saying we had made apple juice when we lived in B.C. and it was too much trouble to bother with. When she described how she made her delicious apple juice, it wasn’t anything like the process we used! All you do is wash and cut the crab apples in half. As she used to be a painter, she has access to paint straining bags and uses them instead of a cheesecloth bag. You put the strainer bag into a big crock or pail and fill it with the cut crab apples. Then you pour boiling water over them to the top of the apples and leave them sit. After 2 days, you pull the bag with apples out, allowing the juice to drain. For every 10 cups of juice you bring to a boil in a pot, you add one cup of sugar, and then put the boiling juice in hot sealable jars or bottles. For that little bit of work and only crabapples and sugar, the juice is every bit as good as bought apple juice, and better.
Last December, for John’s birthday, he had only one request for a birthday present: a Ken Davis CD. While we were down south, we had the occasion to watch one of our friend’s CD’s of this Christian comedian doing his thing. He is absolutely hilarious, without being strictly religious or off-color. It is just plain good comedy. I was able to order the “Under the Influence” CD for his birthday, and even after the half dozen times we have watched the CD with friends, the tears are just rolling down John’s eyes! The content is mostly family oriented and Ken has a great talent for expressions and telling a story. Although he lives in Tennessee, we learned that he has been on tour in Saskatchewan; that would have been before we knew he was someone we would travel miles to see if he was in the area. We recently saw a commercial on the Gaither program that Ken Davis was on the list of entertainment for one of their Caribbean cruises. Hey, that might be a good point in favour of going on a cruise!!
With Dancing with the Stars winding down, it is amazing to see how Kirstie Allie is hanging in there, and how much slimmer she looks compared to when she started! She has sure given the other much younger ladies with hour glass figures a run for their money… The pro dancers on the show are so very talented with the choreography they have to come up with every week!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
A lot of words about nothing...
We ran into my publisher at the A & W downtown in April and he said he hoped I would keep writing for the newspaper all summer. I had already decided that I would like to keep writing until I ran out of words. Could be interesting....
Here is my last article called: TIME ON OUR HANDS
Since returning home, I find myself spending increasingly more time at my computer. Unfortunately, it is not for anything “productive”, but mostly for entertainment. I had signed up for Facebook some time ago and initially, upon viewing the unacceptable photo that our teenage granddaughter in B.C. had put on her Facebook page, decided this was not for me. That was about three years ago, and since then, her choice of photo has improved, and I have found that many of our MDS friends have signed up. Following the postings is sometimes quite interesting, but sometimes makes me just shake my head! To see the postings of friends of friends of friends is mind-boggling. It is like a giant pyramid encompassing thousands of friends.
More recently, I have discovered some Facebook games – Slotmania and Tri Peaks Solitaire are my two favorites. Some friends and relatives are trying their hand at farming, waitressing, building a city, creating an aquarium, or playing T.V. games like Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right and Family Feud, on Facebook. All in all, it can be very time-consuming and enjoyable, and you can even watch T.V. while you are on the computer… I must confess, at the same time, to feeling guilty about wasting all that valuable time!!! Maybe when the weather improves I can get “into” my gardening instead.
And speaking of television, the new OWN Network (Oprah Winfrey) seems to have some pretty good programs to my taste… It’s always a battle of the channels. At our house, as in most, “the man” usually has control of the channel changer. We are not interested in many reality shows, but have been following Dancing With the Stars. It appears to make a difference when a wrestler is dancing… Chris Jericho was great – too bad he didn’t make it into the top 5. Super Nanny, Undercover Boss, Heartland (Canadian show, no less!), and the new show, Mike and Molly are on my list of favorites. Not so much for the man in our household though. He prefers the History Channel and the Discovery Channel with Ice Pilots, American Pickers, Judge Judy and The First 48. One of our old friends had told us in the past that her second husband had always (only) watched all the cop and crime shows. and that should have been a sign to her that he suffered from severe depression. In rethinking the matter, I believe it just showed signs that he was A MAN!!
Every month, receiving our Star Choice bill is a traumatic time – kind of like complaining about gas prices. When we started out, our bills were around $30 for the minimum package. Now it’s over $60 for the same thing, and it seems that every month it’s up a dollar or two. John keeps threatening to change to some other provider, but Sask Tel Max is not available in our area and there seems to be no better alternative. Whatever we end up with, it had better include my VERY favorite channel: Country Classics Music at 920! We usually listen to CJWW radio in the mornings, as we enjoy Rod and Dave, Vic’s coffee talk and the Boots and Salutes Show. Often we leave the radio on for the Moo Crew Garage Sale as well. But then when they play the “new country” music, it is simply too hard on the ears. I can honestly say I have never felt the need to turn off the Country Classics channel; it seems each song is better than the last!
Sister-in-law Rita has been in touch by phone often, and is doing well. You know the flooding in Brandon is really getting bad when she can’t get to Walmart to buy the new phone she needs!!! It is also beyond comprehension to see the flooding of the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee.
Our garage is getting some use these days. First, our van door had a 6 inch strip of rust along the bottom of one back door. With a replacement door, a coat of paint applied in the garage, and the unfamiliar task of putting the old window into the new door, thanks to my handy husband, we soon had a “new” door on the van. His next project is putting new brakes on our ’63 T-Bird so we can drive it this summer…
Here is my last article called: TIME ON OUR HANDS
Since returning home, I find myself spending increasingly more time at my computer. Unfortunately, it is not for anything “productive”, but mostly for entertainment. I had signed up for Facebook some time ago and initially, upon viewing the unacceptable photo that our teenage granddaughter in B.C. had put on her Facebook page, decided this was not for me. That was about three years ago, and since then, her choice of photo has improved, and I have found that many of our MDS friends have signed up. Following the postings is sometimes quite interesting, but sometimes makes me just shake my head! To see the postings of friends of friends of friends is mind-boggling. It is like a giant pyramid encompassing thousands of friends.
More recently, I have discovered some Facebook games – Slotmania and Tri Peaks Solitaire are my two favorites. Some friends and relatives are trying their hand at farming, waitressing, building a city, creating an aquarium, or playing T.V. games like Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right and Family Feud, on Facebook. All in all, it can be very time-consuming and enjoyable, and you can even watch T.V. while you are on the computer… I must confess, at the same time, to feeling guilty about wasting all that valuable time!!! Maybe when the weather improves I can get “into” my gardening instead.
And speaking of television, the new OWN Network (Oprah Winfrey) seems to have some pretty good programs to my taste… It’s always a battle of the channels. At our house, as in most, “the man” usually has control of the channel changer. We are not interested in many reality shows, but have been following Dancing With the Stars. It appears to make a difference when a wrestler is dancing… Chris Jericho was great – too bad he didn’t make it into the top 5. Super Nanny, Undercover Boss, Heartland (Canadian show, no less!), and the new show, Mike and Molly are on my list of favorites. Not so much for the man in our household though. He prefers the History Channel and the Discovery Channel with Ice Pilots, American Pickers, Judge Judy and The First 48. One of our old friends had told us in the past that her second husband had always (only) watched all the cop and crime shows. and that should have been a sign to her that he suffered from severe depression. In rethinking the matter, I believe it just showed signs that he was A MAN!!
Every month, receiving our Star Choice bill is a traumatic time – kind of like complaining about gas prices. When we started out, our bills were around $30 for the minimum package. Now it’s over $60 for the same thing, and it seems that every month it’s up a dollar or two. John keeps threatening to change to some other provider, but Sask Tel Max is not available in our area and there seems to be no better alternative. Whatever we end up with, it had better include my VERY favorite channel: Country Classics Music at 920! We usually listen to CJWW radio in the mornings, as we enjoy Rod and Dave, Vic’s coffee talk and the Boots and Salutes Show. Often we leave the radio on for the Moo Crew Garage Sale as well. But then when they play the “new country” music, it is simply too hard on the ears. I can honestly say I have never felt the need to turn off the Country Classics channel; it seems each song is better than the last!
Sister-in-law Rita has been in touch by phone often, and is doing well. You know the flooding in Brandon is really getting bad when she can’t get to Walmart to buy the new phone she needs!!! It is also beyond comprehension to see the flooding of the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee.
Our garage is getting some use these days. First, our van door had a 6 inch strip of rust along the bottom of one back door. With a replacement door, a coat of paint applied in the garage, and the unfamiliar task of putting the old window into the new door, thanks to my handy husband, we soon had a “new” door on the van. His next project is putting new brakes on our ’63 T-Bird so we can drive it this summer…
Thursday, May 5, 2011
More devastating tornadoes down south
We met Len and Nettie Hiebert of Grunthal, Manitoba, on our second tour of duty with MDS, at Johnson Bayou, Louisiana, in 2009. We immediately “bonded” and they have remained close friends ever since. As a matter of fact, when they learned John was building a sun room onto the back of our house in 2009, they came and helped for a week putting up the roof. It was like our own little MDS project at home!!
In recent years, in addition to volunteering with the Senior RV Program with the actual rebuilding, Len and Nettie have also undertaken the responsibility of receiving, servicing and inventorying all of the MDS vehicles and tool trailers at the large storage facility at Columbus, Mississippi, when the projects close. More recently, they have also been needed to HAUL some of the tool trailers and office trailers from the projects to the storage facility. It’s a good thing they enjoy traveling, as they put on a tremendous amount of miles in one season.
When we learned of the horrific tornadoes which ripped through Alabama, Mississippi and the other states recently, we were wondering whether Len and Nettie were still down there finishing up. A quick e-mail the day after the news of the tornadoes brought the following response: “We are in the midst of things down here and our guardian Angels will be getting overtime pay for sure…We have been scrambling to get the vehicles and equipment serviced and ready to respond to the devastation around us. Macon is half hour south, Birmingham is ninety minutes east, Aberdeen is twenty minutes north. Tuscaloosa is forty five minutes south east. We have strong winds, some thunder and lightning, the power went off around 4 pm and came back on during the night We expect some people tonight yet [from MDS Head Office in Pennsylvania] and by early tomorrow they will be off to investigate as to how to respond to this crisis.” We were very relieved to hear that they were safe, as well as those they have come to know and love as family down there from their yearly visits.
The next day, the following e-mail arrived from them: “The stories are coming over local media, a kindergarten class wiped out ---a person driving home when the vehicle is lifted up and found maybe seven miles away with occupant dead…” We are hoping the survivor stories will also start to come through. When we see the pictures of these places around us we know that we have truly been protected.”
We are so thankful that our friends are safe, and almost wish we could be there to help them with the initial contact and clean-up. However, the word is they have many agencies and assistance from neighbouring areas that the tornadoes did not demolish, and if MDS requires volunteers, we would be notified. Our Senior RV crews are not involved in the initial clean-up, but rather are called in quite a time afterwards for rebuilding and repairing homes for those citizens who “fall through the cracks” – the elderly and the poor who don’t have insurance. The MDS field reps are already in the area of the new tornadoes assessing where its assistance will be best provided by regular MDS volunteers. They will be on the front lines dealing with those in crisis, hearing many of the stories of the people who have lost everything.
John is in the process of getting together a local MDS response team which will be ready for action in the event of a disaster in our area. It is in the beginning stages. He has met with members of the Ministerial Association to inform them of the plans and provided the with sign-up forms for volunteers. There are no special requirements for volunteers, just be ready, willing and able to assist should the need arise. The “purpose” is: (1) to assist citizens in Prince Albert area in cleaning up debris after an initial disaster and (2) to make temporary repairs that will help secure structures and prevent secondary damage after an initial disaster (intended to address wind damage to buildings and trees and flooding damage to buildings). We were astonished to hear about the severe wind damage that was done in Prince Albert area several years ago. It certainly refuted the idea that tornadoes do not occur in our area. The consensus is that sooner or later, there will be some natural disaster which will require such a team to be ready to go.
Please call John at 763-8180 in the event you would be willing to be a part of a local MDS response team.
In recent years, in addition to volunteering with the Senior RV Program with the actual rebuilding, Len and Nettie have also undertaken the responsibility of receiving, servicing and inventorying all of the MDS vehicles and tool trailers at the large storage facility at Columbus, Mississippi, when the projects close. More recently, they have also been needed to HAUL some of the tool trailers and office trailers from the projects to the storage facility. It’s a good thing they enjoy traveling, as they put on a tremendous amount of miles in one season.
When we learned of the horrific tornadoes which ripped through Alabama, Mississippi and the other states recently, we were wondering whether Len and Nettie were still down there finishing up. A quick e-mail the day after the news of the tornadoes brought the following response: “We are in the midst of things down here and our guardian Angels will be getting overtime pay for sure…We have been scrambling to get the vehicles and equipment serviced and ready to respond to the devastation around us. Macon is half hour south, Birmingham is ninety minutes east, Aberdeen is twenty minutes north. Tuscaloosa is forty five minutes south east. We have strong winds, some thunder and lightning, the power went off around 4 pm and came back on during the night We expect some people tonight yet [from MDS Head Office in Pennsylvania] and by early tomorrow they will be off to investigate as to how to respond to this crisis.” We were very relieved to hear that they were safe, as well as those they have come to know and love as family down there from their yearly visits.
The next day, the following e-mail arrived from them: “The stories are coming over local media, a kindergarten class wiped out ---a person driving home when the vehicle is lifted up and found maybe seven miles away with occupant dead…” We are hoping the survivor stories will also start to come through. When we see the pictures of these places around us we know that we have truly been protected.”
We are so thankful that our friends are safe, and almost wish we could be there to help them with the initial contact and clean-up. However, the word is they have many agencies and assistance from neighbouring areas that the tornadoes did not demolish, and if MDS requires volunteers, we would be notified. Our Senior RV crews are not involved in the initial clean-up, but rather are called in quite a time afterwards for rebuilding and repairing homes for those citizens who “fall through the cracks” – the elderly and the poor who don’t have insurance. The MDS field reps are already in the area of the new tornadoes assessing where its assistance will be best provided by regular MDS volunteers. They will be on the front lines dealing with those in crisis, hearing many of the stories of the people who have lost everything.
John is in the process of getting together a local MDS response team which will be ready for action in the event of a disaster in our area. It is in the beginning stages. He has met with members of the Ministerial Association to inform them of the plans and provided the with sign-up forms for volunteers. There are no special requirements for volunteers, just be ready, willing and able to assist should the need arise. The “purpose” is: (1) to assist citizens in Prince Albert area in cleaning up debris after an initial disaster and (2) to make temporary repairs that will help secure structures and prevent secondary damage after an initial disaster (intended to address wind damage to buildings and trees and flooding damage to buildings). We were astonished to hear about the severe wind damage that was done in Prince Albert area several years ago. It certainly refuted the idea that tornadoes do not occur in our area. The consensus is that sooner or later, there will be some natural disaster which will require such a team to be ready to go.
Please call John at 763-8180 in the event you would be willing to be a part of a local MDS response team.
RV Roof Repair
Looks like I missed posting one of my earlier articles, so I am doing it here:
REPAIR OF RV ROOF
John had been noticing for two years already that the roof of our fifth wheel trailer was becoming spongy around the area of the air conditioning unit. It was high time we got it fixed, or at least start getting quotes to get it fixed.
A guy in Beaumont quoted a minimum of $7,000 and he needed the trailer for 3 weeks. At Orange, where we had bought the RV, the quote was $5,500. The New Iberia RV dealer said he could fix it for $7,000, with another $700 for metal. At that point, John was thinking metal might be the way to go instead of rubber because he thought it would last longer. Then, along the road through our RV Park came a truck marked “Fun in the Sun Mobile R.V. Repair”. John tracked him down and Melvin came over to check out our roof. His diagnosis was that the air conditioning unit had probably been leaking since the factory and that some of the rafters may need replacing. He did not recommend metal, as it was more difficult to put on and not as flexible as rubber.
We indicated that we were under some time constraints, as we were leaving New Iberia at the end of the month and he said that if we could get it to his place on Sunday, February 20th, he could have it done by Wednesday, the 23rd. We somehow got the impression that we could live in it while he was working on it, but that plan fizzled out when we learned later that he lived on an acreage at Cecelia, north of Breaux Bridge, some 40 minutes away! His quote was $4,500, possibly $5,000, depending on what he found when he opened it up. He also advised that he would be putting on a layer of ¼ inch marine plywood underneath the new rubber top.
Now this was something that required serious consideration, when we hear there are all kinds of fly-by-night operators around. The campground owners said they had never heard anything but good comments about his work and pricing. Accordingly, we took the RV up to Melvin’s place and left it for the three days. We moved what we needed into the motel across the highway from our RV Park. It was not a fancy motel by a long shot ($39.99 a night), but it was adequate and clean, and we only had to kill four cockroaches… They are a fact of life down there, and the motel has all the rooms sprayed with an organic pesticide once a month. Our room was sprayed the last day we were there.
An old friend from Fort McLeod had told us the story of a holiday trip they had taken in Southern Louisiana some years ago. She had told us that she particularly LOVED the New Iberia/Breaux Bridge area. I can honestly say that New Iberia itself did not impress me in any way, shape or form. However, when driving up the road to Breaux Bridge from New Iberia, we witnessed what she was talking about. It is an absolutely gorgeous drive, with huge ancient oak trees overhanging the road for miles, branches meeting in the middle, with lush acreages on either side. As John wanted to see the open roof and how things were going at Melvin’s acreage, we enjoyed the scenery one extra time...
At that time, it was also quite obvious it would not have been convenient for anyone to be living in the unit as it was being repaired! Each of the ceiling vents and both sky lights, as well as the air conditioning unit, had to be removed. All of the gaskets and flashing were replaced and a new skylight was installed in the bathroom.
When we picked up the RV on Wednesday at 5 p.m., we were more than satisfied with the result. What a breath of fresh air when the final bill came to $4,500! John had one of his handy dandy bee keepers bars with him and gave it to Melvin as a bonus. It is a tool that he would not be without, and when Melvin looked at it, he could see that it would be something he could certainly use.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Back home again March 2011
What a delight to be home! At least it was last week, when 90% of the snow in our yard was GONE. It was my daunting task to tackle cleaning up 6 months of doggie doodoo, and it was quite obvious that there had been many snowfalls, as there were layers of it exposed during the melting process - my task, I say, because it is my choice to have the dog… The garbage man (husband) will have the wonderful job of taking it to the dump. Oh the joys of having a pet. The good thing is that we only have one dog, unlike our son’s family, who has two, larger than ours, so he has more than twice the clean-up. The children probably get stuck with that job!
It was not so delightful to wake up to find all the snow back on the yard the beginning of the week ! And then more coming yet… Back to square one, with just the walks shoveled and a trail to the garden shed. The snow was so heavy that the sun deck needed to be relieved of the weight. Our metal roof that was finally cleared of snow, was in exactly the same state as when we arrived home in mid March. Obviously we should have extended our trip south another month…
Then when the news included 62 tornadoes in one day in North Carolina, and 240 throughout the USA the same day, how foolish we feel complaining about the inconvenience of another downfall of snow!!! Looking on the U.S. map shows that North Carolina is a very small state. 60 tornadoes would pretty well devastate the whole state.
It was a wonderful surprise to receive a telephone call from Jeanerette, Louisiana, in the middle of the week. There was Rosella, one of our homeowners, who was just thinking of us and wanted to keep in touch. When I inquired about what she had been doing recently, she replied, “Oh, just sitting here waiting for you to come back!” When we are asked why we do what we do with MDS, this is one more confirmation that God sends us to people who have a need for a special personal touch, even more than just help rebuilding their home. What an enormous blessing we receive from these contacts. Whether we ever get to see them personally again is unknown. She has never seen snow in person, so I wished she could have been here instead of on the telephone…
As you are aware if you have been following our story, we have tremendously enjoyed attending Cowboy Churches in Texas and Louisiana. Upon our return, we suggested to our home church, Grace Mennonite, that we would like to try that casual type of service here and were happy to find they were receptive to the idea. Accordingly, you will soon be seeing posters about a Cowboy Church service on Father’s Day, in the restored old-fashioned barn at Spruce Home Farm, followed by a dinner which can be purchased, and a Country Gospel Jamboree in the afternoon featuring Larry Krause and others. Any proceeds generated at the dinner and from goodwill offerings at the Jamboree will be donated to Mennonite Disaster Service. We hope we will see y’all there. It should be a very enjoyable Father’s Day! I sort of see it as akin to St. Patrick’s Day, where everyone is Irish. This Father’s Day we can all be “cowboys”. At one Cowboy Church we attended, the pastor told us to feel free to say “Eee-haw” instead of Amen!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Tribute to Hospital Chaplains Article for Shopper
Hospital chaplains are a tremendous blessing to patients in palliative care and their families. We have encountered two very special gentlemen in that capacity. First of all, our very own Pastor Dennis Serfas, with the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region has been a most dedicated, caring chaplain, for 15 years. Anyone who has had been in the position to require those services can attest to the fact that he goes above and beyond in his compassionate care. How difficult this profession must be! Daily helping terminally ill patients, and the people who love them, deal with the situation they find themselves in and have no control over, must take a special kind of person indeed. Pastor Joe Ball at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, was truly a Godsend for our whole family during the time Jake was in palliative care, from January 12th to March 13th. We had been told by our niece what a wonderful man he was, and that was immediately confirmed upon meeting him. His warmth and sincerity impressed us and it was apparent why he had “bonded” with our brother at this critical stage of his life. Joe Ball, in his words at the funeral, indicated that in this case, Jake knew how to live, but he wasn’t so sure how to go about dying. He appeared to be so “well” for so long, it was difficult to believe he was a dying man. His meeting with all of the family in Jake’s home the evening after his death was a huge blessing for all of us. He asked the family members to share their memories, whether good or bad, and it was a time of laughter and tears which we will all remember with great fondness. It truly allowed the grief to be present, but at the same time, ushered in the concept of celebrating Jake’s life rather than only grieving his death. None of the rest of the family had attended a church except for a wedding or funeral in many years. It was therefore very astonishing to hear many of the family say, after Joe left, “What church does he preach in. I want to go there!!!” Although being a Hospital Chaplain is a full-time job and Joe Ball does not preach on Sunday mornings in a regular church, the Good Lord surely has him in the spot where his exceptional gifts lie. Rita confirms that his calming presence helped her greatly in dealing with her loss.
And for Jake’s family, the Circle of Life continues, as on April 2, 2011, Easton Rachel, a new great grandbaby was born.
A very strange occurrence in the family the week after Jake died was grandson, Dustin’s 3 year old daughter, Brooklyn, asking her big sister to get her a pencil, whereupon she put it up above her ear, JUST LIKE HER GREAT GRANDPA JAKE ALWAYS DID in years gone by. They did not believe little Brooklyn had ever known about this habit. How did she know now???
Our own family has their own weird experience with our little granddaughter. At age 2 ½, she appeared to be having terrible nightmares in the early mornings and would wake up holding her ears and screaming: “Make it stop, make it stop”. They could not figure out what might be causing the nightmares. When asked “Make what stop?”, she finally told her Mom, “the quacking!!!”. Then Jeanie recalled that her Grampa Pugh, who had passed on before Emily was born, used to wake her up when she was that age, by quacking in her ear!!??! Gives me goosebumps just thinking about the possibilities….
Monday, April 11, 2011
Last week of February in New Iberia 2011
Although it is already April and we are back at home, there are still stories to tell about our time in New Iberia.
Our last week in February was a very busy one. It was unbelievable what we seniors accomplished in four short days!
Monday, the ladies painted doors and soffit at one house, while the guys took all the furniture out and began to put down laminate flooring throughout the living room, kitchen, back bedroom and loft. We all lamented that this laminate was going over top of beautiful, albeit well worn, hardwood flooring!
Tuesday, while the rest of the crew were finishing up the laminate, John and I were sent to the George house to remove and install one more window which had been ordered the wrong size and had finally arrived. Then we were off to Jeanerette, where John put the bathroom vent pipe in, and we got Rosella and her husband to sign off on the job card. We were happy to have one last visit and to say goodbye in person.
Wednesday was a very BUSY day. Last year, the MDS crew had repainted half of Karen’s bedroom, and built and painted a walk-in closet, as well as putting lino on half of her floor - that is all she could afford to get done at the time. This year, we were to repaint the rest of the bedroom, repair and put lino on the rest of the floor, fix two doors so they would close, put crown mould around the top of the ceiling, fix the folding closet doors, and replace some ceiling tiles in the living room. Well, I tell you, it was like a beehive in that house! First, the furniture had to be moved into the living room. The ladies painted the walls, and then the men fastened the crown mould on top of the wet paint. The poor subfloor was so rotten in places that we were wondering why the bed leg hadn’t fallen through! Plywood was put down before the lino was laid. By the time we left at 3:30 p.m., EVERYTHING was done and back in place. We were certain Karen was going to be one happy lady coming home to a “new” bedroom, and a bathroom door that she could actually close! We wished we could do much more work for her, but it was not on the list. As warm and homey as the house is on the inside, the outside looks like an old granary, and could really use some new siding! Maybe next year…
Thursday, the last work day for John and I, our crew started a totally new project. Betty is a grandma with a wonderful family. We had the pleasure of interacting with several of her grandchildren for the one day. Her 10 year old grandson and his friend offered to clean out the back porch. We were replacing the screen, ensuring there were no places where wasps and bugs could get in.
John always enjoys bantering with the homeowners. After we had been there for an hour or so, he asked the teenage grandson, Wilson, sitting in the living room on the chesterfield with his cousins and Grandma, if he would stand up. He did, and then John said “Thank you!” The kid said, “For what?” John said, “For not wearing your crotch down around your knees!!” They all laughed. A short while later, Wilson was helping haul in sheets of gyproc, and wanting to mud the nail holes. In the one day we were there, we realized it was our loss not to get to become more acquainted with this family, as the other workers would be doing. However, our time working there was completed.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Obituary - Jake Braun
In Loving Memory of
JACOB BRAUN
March 2, 1932 - March 13, 2011
Rather than mourn
the absence of the flame
let us celebrate how brightly it burned.
Let’s comfort one another
with favorite memories
of sharing times when we were all together,
Let’s celebrate the spirit of one very special life
So in our hearts the flame will burn forever
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TRIBUTE TO JAKE BRAUN
With Love, by Linda Braun
When Jake asked me several months ago to do the Eulogy at his funeral, I was speechless. What an honour! Even though he has been my brother-in-law for 42 years, I thought surely there was someone else who could better say the things that need to be said, but I am going to give it my best...
How does one eulogize such man as Jake Braun? Jake was a man for all people! We cannot even comprehend how life can continue without our brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and above all friend, who has been our solid rock for so many years.
To Jake’s family: Rita, Terry and Debbie, Donna and Brent, Rick and Deb, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brothers, George and John, and sister, Anne, nephews and nieces, and Rita’s brothers, we grieve with you in the loss of your beloved Jake. However, Jake showed us unquestionably how we all have to be strong and get through this with dignity and grace, as he did throughout the many years of his illness, right to the very end.
First and foremost, Jake’s family was always the most important aspect of his life. He cherished Rita and adored her special traits that endeared her to him in the first place. She was his soul mate and his right hand. It was his nature to bug the heck out of her – that was his way of showing her how very much he loved her.
Jake’s children made him proud, even when they didn’t do the things he thought they should, or shouldn’t do. He loved them unconditionally and was always there to support them. He had a very good head on his shoulders and you could count on Jake for reasonable advice. He allowed the latitude to take it or leave it, but mostly his advice was right on.
The family enjoyed many outings and activities. Camping, golfing, snowmobiling, fishing and spending quality time at their cabin at Oak Lake were some of their favorites. They also enjoyed many hours popping popcorn, and spinning cotton candy at local fairs with their concession booth. And then there was all that time fixing washing machines and dryers and folding clothes at the Laundromat…
When the grandchildren came, they proved to be “the cream of his crop”. He felt blessed to be so close to Dustin and Tiara as they were growing up. Recently when Jake and Rita and John and I were on a road trip together, we were traveling through Manitoba, and Jake would point out places where they had gone - just hopped into the car and taken the kids to see the countryside. It was obvious that these were treasured memories for him to enjoy over the years. He was tremendously proud of them both as they grew up to be responsible hardworking young adults.
Then, even though their two granddaughters, Lindsey and Randi, lived way out in Alberta, they were a big part of Papa and Palma’s lives - and Jake had somebody new to bug. They knew they could count on Papa for all the love a grandfather could show, and then some. How he loved his girls! And how he enjoyed watching them grow up into beautiful young ladies with lofty goals and good judgment. He never hesitated to tell them how proud he was of who they were.
He ensured that J.J. and Ricky stayed a part of their lives though they lived in B.C., and when they moved to Manitoba again, Jake made sure they felt a part of the family. When Ange and Jeremy, and then Ian became part of the family, he welcomed them with open arms.
Although he never felt old enough to have great-grandchildren, they too enjoyed his attention, which was basically “bugging” with lots of hugs and kisses.
Jake was the glue that held OUR family, the Braun family together, his brothers and sister, nieces and nephews, all of whom he made feel special. We could always count on him for support and good advice, and regular telephone calls just to keep in touch. He was there for each and every one of us.
Then there is Julie’s family, the Puhatches, who adopted Jake many years ago. He felt a part of your family as well, and valued that relationship deeply. And Debbie, who can testify that the love of Jake and Braun family is the reason she is still here today. And Donna across the street who had been like a family member for many years, as well as her husband, John and their children.
We all know that Jake had a way of making people feel very special and good about themselves. It was one of his most admirable qualities.
An enjoyable part of his life for many years was their dog, Jennie. It was so difficult when she died that he wrote a beautiful poem about her. Jake had a talent for writing short stories as well. He was published in The Saskatchewan Senior on many occasions and had planned to write a book about his life experiences.
To get into Jake’s accomplishments in various aspects of his life would take us all day. Suffice it to say, he was probably the best teacher his students ever had; he could run a meeting in the most efficient and entertaining manner so that people were happy to be there; he was an excellent businessman; he never started a project that he didn’t finish; and above all he was the first to volunteer where help was needed, both with friends, and with the many clubs and community organizations he was part of.
As a man who passionately cared about his country, his community and his family, he was also actively involved in politics. He knew Preston Manning and Steven Harper personally and was proud to help the Reform Party get on its feet.
In retirement, he and Rita were able to do some traveling. They went on a teachers’ tour to Greenland, one of the first tours ever to that destination. When Jake was District Governor of the Lions, they traveled all over North America. They enjoyed an extended vacation in Florida and it was a joy to hear them reminisce about their trip to Las Vegas! One of their favorite trips was to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and most recently, they were totally thrilled to enjoy a cruise to the Bahamas with Donna and Brent. With Jake using a “transporter chair”, aka a wheelchair so he didn’t have to walk everywhere, all four of them went FIRST CLASS and he had many stories to tell about their adventures.
Telling stories was one of Jake’s forte´s. You could always depend on him coming up with a good joke, either in a meeting, or in visiting. His repertoire of jokes was endless, and he was a master joke-teller!
Among the things he enjoyed to do most was dancing! He could dance the feet off of Rita and could not resist dancing at an anniversary party even as late as this past summer.
In the last few years, he became involved with the Brandon Prostate Support Group. From what I gather, attending a meeting chaired by Jake Braun was never a dull event. You never know what he was going to come up with next . . . you either had to get on board the train or you were left at the station!
A general observation: If you wanted to get something done, Jake was the guy to do it. He didn’t have enough time to do all the things he wanted to accomplish. We did see firsthand how excited he was in December when he came home from the Mayor’s office. His proposal about how the City and the Lions Clubs of Brandon could apply for grants and effectively refurbish all of the outdated Community Centres in the City had been favorably received and he was on Cloud 9. This was just a few short months ago.
Recently, I had asked him if he had any items left on his “bucket list”. Those of you who have seen the movie will know what I am talking about. Although he had put some of the things he would have liked to do on the back burner, his reply was “Not really”. That answer was a testimony as to how Jake had lived his life. He did it all, and extremely well. He had met and married his sweetheart; he had an exemplary career as a teacher and educator; he had traveled to every place that he ever wished to; he had met so very many people in so many avenues of life who called him “friend”; he had rubbed shoulders with people in high places; he had his share of fun and fulfillment, right to the very end. What more could a man ask?
Rita, you will always carry Jake “right here”, but now life takes on a different dimension for you. We know these last months helping Jake get through this have been hell on earth for you. But what an admirable job you have done. No man could ask more of his wife than you gave to Jake. We know he appreciated every second of his time with you. We pray that you can find the strength to carry on and find much happiness in the years to come.
Terry, we know that your Dad was also your best friend. The excellent heritage he has passed on to you is the best gift he could have given. Hold tight to those family values that meant so much to him.
Rick and Deb, you made the Friday night card games the highlight of Jake’s week over these last years. We know you will miss those times of love and laughter. Your happiness meant everything to Jake and it warmed his heart to see that you had finally found it.
Donna, you are your father’s child and we know that you realize that with pride. You showed us your Dad’s heart as you were at his bedside and supported your Mom throughout his illness, right to the end. And Brent, emblazoned in our memories is the classic birthday invitation – in disbelief, we watched Jake, who could barely walk, walking around the table and getting down on one knee to invite you to his birthday party – then the realization set in that there was no way he could get up off the floor without help from us!
Jake was thankful for his many blessings and he had made his peace with God in his last years. Now, he is living away from us, but we know he is in a better place. We are certain that Heaven is blessed by his presence, and he is surrounded by all those of his family and friends who have gone before. We all know that Heaven will never be a dull place with Jake Braun there!
Some of you may have heard the following “wish” before, but I am certain it would be what Jake wishes for all of us here. It is called “Enough”:
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
(Awesome Southern Gospel song)
IF YOU ONLY KNEW
by the Inspirations
If you only knew
I’m just going home
Your prayers are all answered
My sickness is gone
Things are much better
From Heaven’s view
The sun always shines
We’re having a time
If you only knew.
SMILE, LOVE LIFE, I DID!!
Last week in New Iberia end of Feb. 2011
P.A. Shopper Article: LAST WEEK OF FEBRUARY IN NEW IBERIA
Although it is already April and we are back at home, there are still stories to tell about our time in New Iberia.
Our last week in February was a very busy one. It was unbelievable what we seniors accomplished in four short days!
Monday, the ladies painted doors and soffit at one house, while the guys took all the furniture out and began to put down laminate flooring throughout the living room, kitchen, back bedroom and loft. We all lamented that this laminate was going over top of beautiful, albeit well worn, hardwood flooring!
Tuesday, while the rest of the crew were finishing up the laminate, John and I were sent to the George house to remove and install one more window which had been ordered the wrong size and had finally arrived. Then we were off to Jeanerette, where John put the bathroom vent pipe in, and we got Rosella and her husband to sign off on the job card. We were happy to have one last visit and to say goodbye in person.
Wednesday was a very BUSY day. Last year, the MDS crew had repainted half of Karen’s bedroom, and built and painted a walk-in closet, as well as putting lino on half of her floor - that is all she could afford to get done at the time. This year, we were to repaint the rest of the bedroom, repair and put lino on the rest of the floor, fix two doors so they would close, put crown mould around the top of the ceiling, fix the folding closet doors, and replace some ceiling tiles in the living room. Well, I tell you, it was like a beehive in that house! First, the furniture had to be moved into the living room. The ladies painted the walls, and then the men fastened the crown mould on top of the wet paint. The poor subfloor was so rotten in places that we were wondering why the bed leg hadn’t fallen through! Plywood was put down before the lino was laid. By the time we left at 3:30 p.m., EVERYTHING was done and back in place. We were certain Karen was going to be one happy lady coming home to a “new” bedroom, and a bathroom door that she could actually close! We wished we could do much more work for her, but it was not on the list. As warm and homey as the house is on the inside, the outside looks like an old granary, and could really use some new siding! Maybe next year…
Thursday, the last work day for John and I, our crew started a totally new project. Betty is a grandma with a wonderful family. We had the pleasure of interacting with several of her grandchildren for the one day. Her 10 year old grandson and his friend offered to clean out the back porch. We were replacing the screen, ensuring there were no places where wasps and bugs could get in.
John always enjoys bantering with the homeowners. After we had been there for an hour or so, he asked the teenage grandson, Wilson, sitting in the living room on the chesterfield with his cousins and Grandma, if he would stand up. He did, and then John said “Thank you!” The kid said, “For what?” John said, “For not wearing your crotch down around your knees!!” They all laughed. A short while later, Wilson was helping haul in sheets of gyproc, and wanting to mud the nail holes. In the one day we were there, we realized it was our loss not to get to become more acquainted with this family, as the other workers would be doing. However, our time working there was completed.
Monday, March 21, 2011
March newspaper article re Mardi Gras
The spirit of Mardi Gras was ever evident in New Iberia, Louisiana, during our time there in January and February. The Carnival Season begins on the Feast of the Epiphany (Twelfth Night – January 6th) and ends at Midnight on Mardi Gras (“fat Tuesday”) the day before Ash Wednesday. Carnival can be translated to mean a farewell to the flesh. Though Mardi Gras actually refers to just the one day (the Tuesday before the first day of Lent), rather than refer to “Carnival”, it is common to call it the Mardi Gras season, with balls, parades and other festivities taking place throughout the entire period, January 6th to Mardi Gras day.
The brilliant Mardi Gras colors are very symbolic. Purple symbolizes justice, green symbolizes faith, and gold symbolizes power.
A Mardi Gras tradition is the King Cake. It originated in 12th century France to celebrate the visit to the Christ Child by the three kings (or Three Wise Men). The cake is circular in shape and decorated with sugar in the three colors of Mardi Gras representing a king’s bejeweled crown. In times gone by, the plastic or ceramic figure of a baby was hidden in the cake to represent the difficult time the three Wise Men had finding the Christ Child and the gifts brought. Whoever found the baby in their piece of cake was supposed to buy the next King Cake. Nowadays, at most outlets, the baby just lays on the top of the cake.
Each community in Mardi Gras country has at least one large parade. In the urban centres, especially New Orleans, their parades are very elaborate. There are various named organizations, called “Krewes”. Each Krewe has its own royalty: King, Queen, Maids and Dukes elected annually. Each Krewe holds an annual themed masked ball at which that year’s court is presented to the rest of the Krewe. Prior to the ball, members of the court are kept secret. The themed masked balls are very sophisticated affairs. Some of the parades are conducted by separate Krewes. Items thrown from parade floats by Krewe members include beads, plastic cups with the Krewe’s crest, doubloons bearing the Krewe’s crest and some referent to the theme of that year’s ball, or toys.
Over the years we have attended mostly small town Mardi Gras parades. They reminded us of small town Saskatchewan parades where everyone in the community is involved, and everyone is safe and having a good time. The larger centers’ parades are more boisterous and sometimes not all that safe.
This year, although there was no actual Mardi Gras parade in the area while we were there, as volunteers, we were treated to an all-you-can-eat boiled shrimp feast hosted by the Methodist Church. They invited the over 80 MDS and other volunteers they knew of. The feast was delicious, and as an added bonus, the Krewe of the Methodist Church gave us a mini Mardi Gras parade in the dining hall. As we were enjoying the feast, about a dozen beautifully costumed Krewe members including this year’s King and Queen, accompanied by lively taped Cajun Mardi Gras music, wove in and around the guests, placing strands of Mardi Gras beads around each guest’s neck. It was a highlight of our time in Louisiana.
The brilliant Mardi Gras colors are very symbolic. Purple symbolizes justice, green symbolizes faith, and gold symbolizes power.
A Mardi Gras tradition is the King Cake. It originated in 12th century France to celebrate the visit to the Christ Child by the three kings (or Three Wise Men). The cake is circular in shape and decorated with sugar in the three colors of Mardi Gras representing a king’s bejeweled crown. In times gone by, the plastic or ceramic figure of a baby was hidden in the cake to represent the difficult time the three Wise Men had finding the Christ Child and the gifts brought. Whoever found the baby in their piece of cake was supposed to buy the next King Cake. Nowadays, at most outlets, the baby just lays on the top of the cake.
Each community in Mardi Gras country has at least one large parade. In the urban centres, especially New Orleans, their parades are very elaborate. There are various named organizations, called “Krewes”. Each Krewe has its own royalty: King, Queen, Maids and Dukes elected annually. Each Krewe holds an annual themed masked ball at which that year’s court is presented to the rest of the Krewe. Prior to the ball, members of the court are kept secret. The themed masked balls are very sophisticated affairs. Some of the parades are conducted by separate Krewes. Items thrown from parade floats by Krewe members include beads, plastic cups with the Krewe’s crest, doubloons bearing the Krewe’s crest and some referent to the theme of that year’s ball, or toys.
Over the years we have attended mostly small town Mardi Gras parades. They reminded us of small town Saskatchewan parades where everyone in the community is involved, and everyone is safe and having a good time. The larger centers’ parades are more boisterous and sometimes not all that safe.
This year, although there was no actual Mardi Gras parade in the area while we were there, as volunteers, we were treated to an all-you-can-eat boiled shrimp feast hosted by the Methodist Church. They invited the over 80 MDS and other volunteers they knew of. The feast was delicious, and as an added bonus, the Krewe of the Methodist Church gave us a mini Mardi Gras parade in the dining hall. As we were enjoying the feast, about a dozen beautifully costumed Krewe members including this year’s King and Queen, accompanied by lively taped Cajun Mardi Gras music, wove in and around the guests, placing strands of Mardi Gras beads around each guest’s neck. It was a highlight of our time in Louisiana.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
We are actually at home
Jake and Rita and J.J. and Ricky (Rick's two boys)on Grampa's 79th birthday.
Just thought we'd let you know that we have returned early to help Jake celebrate his 79th birthday on March 2nd. We stayed in Brandon for a week and then, as Jake appears to be rallying in palliative care, we decided to come home. Rita was happy to have the support for the week. She and Donna are at the hospital as much as they can be.
We had planned to still be in Texas by now, and when we have to go outside, we wish we were still there...
The last week in New Iberia, we stayed in a motel across the highway from the RV Park for 3 days while the roof on our RV was being repaired. We had to take it to Breaux Bridge to be done. We were very thankful to get an efficient, well priced job done. That's a rare commodity down there (or anywhere, for that matter).
Shari and Abby are happy to have us home. Shari's new cat, Minx, is not so sure about it.
No doubt we will be travelling back to Brandon before too long, either to give Rita a break in hospital visiting, or to be there for the final farewell. The fact that Jake is still here and in the shape he's in is nothing short of a miracle. The doctors can't even figure it out!!
Have a good day!
P.A. Shopper Article re Hopkins Street Revitalization
Hopkins Street Revitalization, New Iberia, LA
First of all, I must make a clarification. In the last paper, the caption below the picture of Art and Bruce in his mask in the MDS trailer should have read: “Insulating is a hot job.” There was no hot tub involved!!
There is some degree of controversy as to whether the participation of Mennonite Disaster Service in the revitalization of the poverty-stricken area of Hopkins Street in New Iberia, LA. is a worthy mission. From speaking to most of our volunteers who have worked in this area, there is no doubt that helping these people has been a blessing to themselves beyond measure. One of our friends wrote in her Christmas letter “We worked in an area where the poor were barely surviving, having been born into extreme poverty, and never knowing another way of life. They simply exist, without hope, until someone takes the initiative to reach out to them.”
We are at this place in conjunction with “The Hopkins Street Revitalization Project”. Historically, the district was the hub of African American Culture in Iberia Parish, and home to many of New Iberia’s middle class Black families; teachers, railroad workers and business owners all fueled by a large and successful group of sugar cane farmers. The area began to deteriorate in the mid seventies and the process accelerated as local business were squeezed out of the capital market. The area suffers from the same urban maladies as most inner cities – drug related crime, high drop out rates, single parent female headed households, out of wedlock births, general health issues, sub par education and high unemployment. An excellent revitalization plan has been prepared to address abandoned and blighted properties and MDS has been involved in this plan providing volunteer labour.
The drive for the improvement of the conditions in the Hopkins Street area has been spearheaded by Joseph Lockwood, a former resident. Joseph grew up in this culture and is devoting his retirement to helping his neighbors and stopping this desperate cycle. He was fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue an education. He completed high school, went to University and had a career as an engineer. Coming back to visit his old stomping grounds, he was horrified at the state of affairs on Hopkins. He put his money where his mouth is and has been instrumental in officially beginning a Task Force for the implementation of a revitalization program. His goal has been to help shape the quality of life for generations to come and “to help our community be what it ought to be”. There are many others who have a heart for this project, including retired educators, judges, corrections officers and others, as well as Juanita Lewis, the lady who started St. Joseph’s Diner to feed the hungry and has run it for the past 11 years.
The focus of the revitalization is upgrading homes, ensuring a quality education for the children of the area, self-esteem issues, youth services, supervised recreational opportunities including Boys and Girls Clubs, student assessment, K.Y.T.E. (Keeping Youth Trained and Educated), Drug and Alcohol Programs, Job Skills Training and Behavior Modification and the National Guard Youth Challenge, just to name a few.
It is unknown as to how long MDS will be sending their volunteers to assist in upgrading the state of the housing where possible, but we do know that we have been very blessed to have played a small part in this worthy project.
First of all, I must make a clarification. In the last paper, the caption below the picture of Art and Bruce in his mask in the MDS trailer should have read: “Insulating is a hot job.” There was no hot tub involved!!
There is some degree of controversy as to whether the participation of Mennonite Disaster Service in the revitalization of the poverty-stricken area of Hopkins Street in New Iberia, LA. is a worthy mission. From speaking to most of our volunteers who have worked in this area, there is no doubt that helping these people has been a blessing to themselves beyond measure. One of our friends wrote in her Christmas letter “We worked in an area where the poor were barely surviving, having been born into extreme poverty, and never knowing another way of life. They simply exist, without hope, until someone takes the initiative to reach out to them.”
We are at this place in conjunction with “The Hopkins Street Revitalization Project”. Historically, the district was the hub of African American Culture in Iberia Parish, and home to many of New Iberia’s middle class Black families; teachers, railroad workers and business owners all fueled by a large and successful group of sugar cane farmers. The area began to deteriorate in the mid seventies and the process accelerated as local business were squeezed out of the capital market. The area suffers from the same urban maladies as most inner cities – drug related crime, high drop out rates, single parent female headed households, out of wedlock births, general health issues, sub par education and high unemployment. An excellent revitalization plan has been prepared to address abandoned and blighted properties and MDS has been involved in this plan providing volunteer labour.
The drive for the improvement of the conditions in the Hopkins Street area has been spearheaded by Joseph Lockwood, a former resident. Joseph grew up in this culture and is devoting his retirement to helping his neighbors and stopping this desperate cycle. He was fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue an education. He completed high school, went to University and had a career as an engineer. Coming back to visit his old stomping grounds, he was horrified at the state of affairs on Hopkins. He put his money where his mouth is and has been instrumental in officially beginning a Task Force for the implementation of a revitalization program. His goal has been to help shape the quality of life for generations to come and “to help our community be what it ought to be”. There are many others who have a heart for this project, including retired educators, judges, corrections officers and others, as well as Juanita Lewis, the lady who started St. Joseph’s Diner to feed the hungry and has run it for the past 11 years.
The focus of the revitalization is upgrading homes, ensuring a quality education for the children of the area, self-esteem issues, youth services, supervised recreational opportunities including Boys and Girls Clubs, student assessment, K.Y.T.E. (Keeping Youth Trained and Educated), Drug and Alcohol Programs, Job Skills Training and Behavior Modification and the National Guard Youth Challenge, just to name a few.
It is unknown as to how long MDS will be sending their volunteers to assist in upgrading the state of the housing where possible, but we do know that we have been very blessed to have played a small part in this worthy project.
Monday, February 28, 2011
New Crew for February
If anyone had told us we would be making a quick trip back to Brandon for the first week of February, we would have said they were dreaming. However, we found ourselves doing exactly that when we learned that brother Jake was rallying. We drove three days there, on clear roads, where it had previously stormed, stayed 4 days, and drove three days back on clear roads, just before it started storming again! We had a wonderful visit with Jake and Rita, and the support right at that time was greatly needed.
As January ended in Louisiana, we had some changes to our crew. Bernie and Agnes stayed one week while we were gone to Brandon, and then headed off to Florida to do some vacationing with relatives. They will return to help again in March.
Art and Hilda went down to southern Texas to vacation at Snow to Sun. We believe they enjoyed their first encounter as Senior RV volunteers.
Newcomers were Bruce and Martha Isaak from Medstead, Sask. The only time we get to see them is when we come down south! They have been to New Iberia previously so were looking forward to coming back. Two other new couples arrived, one from Killarney, Mb. and the other from northern U.S.A. The Project Directors and crew foreman remained the same. They make a great team. We can hardly believe the amount of renovation work that has been accomplished in February: Four houses with complete window replacement, caulking and painting the frames, two houses of repairing and painting soffit and fascia, as well as the back siding on one, fixing and repainting doors, installation of laminate flooring and one house of vinyl flooring, as well as insulating three homes. All of these homes had the residents living in them, and the furniture and window coverings had to be moved out in order for the work to proceed. In addition for 90 per cent of the windows, the window air conditioner had to be removed and then re-installed when the new window was in. This was a huge amount of work in itself.
Each small improvement we could accomplish gave us a great deal of satisfaction. It was unbelievable what a difference it made to see a new coat of paint on the soffit and fascia. Where it had previously looked old and decrepit, it was now bright and clean and gave the whole house a “face lift”!
In addition, we encountered another interesting task which we were asked to do. One of the Directors of the Hopkins Street Renewal Project has a heart for feeding the hungry. For the past ten years, she, along with a number of other volunteers, prepares enough food every day to feed 350 underprivileged people breakfast and lunch at the St. Joseph Diner, a sort of food bank/hall. They needed a concrete hallway painted, so our ladies were sent over to do the painting in the morning. In the afternoon, our project was to paint the lines on their parking lot, including handicap areas. That was certainly something none of us had ever done before. The City of New Iberia provided the paint.
We are very much appreciating every day of lovely warm sunshine and 75 degree temperatures, and thinking of y’all back home enjoying the Saskatchewan winter.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Hi from New Iberia
I seem to be having a writer’s block when it comes to my articles for the P.A. Shopper. So I decided I would just make mention of what’s up these days on the blog instead.
We’ve been down with the flu for a few days. Right now we are in a motel waiting for our RV roof to be repaired. Should be ready tomorrow. We were lucky enough to find a reliable outfit to do it. Apparently the air conditioning unit had been leaking probably since it was built, and the leakage caused the trusses to rot. Had to be done sooner or later…
The amount of repairs we have accomplished here in New Iberia in two months is unbelievable. Sometimes a house a day! If we were here for 10 years, there would still be work to be done!
I am attaching a picture of one job that we never expected to be doing! Painting the lines on the parking lot at the food bank!!
We certainly weren’t complaining about 80 degree weather today!!
Can’t believe we are only two days away from heading back to Canada. Jake is waiting for us to help him celebrate his 79th birthday!
Blessings to all who read this.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Newspaper article: Last week of January at New Iberia
LAST WEEK OF JANUARY AT NEW IBERIA, LA
We had not spoken personally with brother Jake since we learned he was in hospital in Brandon for pain control, and then had been placed in palliative care in Assiniboine Hospital. We had only gotten phone reports from Rita that he was stabilized, then he had some more problems, then he was stabilized again. Accordingly, when a voice message showed on our Magic Jack telephone on the computer on Tuesday, January 25th, from their home phone number, we immediately assumed the worst.
Upon returning the call, surprisingly, John was able to speak with Jake, who was home from hospital for the day. It was such a shock and pleasure to carry on a converation with him sounding as strong and positive as ever, with no hint of illness or pain. John immediately made the decision that we were going to take a week off, and leave at the end of the week to go back to Brandon and visit with him while the visiting was good. They were both delighted!
The work week consisted of finishing up soffit and fascia at Rosella's house. We also painted the back porch floor. Hilda, one of our ladies who does not come to the job site due to allergies, does sewing in her R, and she made Rosella the most beautiful handbag. Presenting it to her gave Hilda the opportunity to see what we had been doing there for the past month. Rosella was delighted with the handbag, as it was in her favorite color, red.
Agnes and I had been addressed Rosella as "Miss Rosella", believing this was a term of endearment and respect in the south. One day, Rosella said, "Oh, please don't do that! It makes me feel so old". After that, we simply called her "Rosella" and she was happy. So much for our trying to be "Southern"...
We usually do a home dedication when a job is completed, but in this instance, Southern Mutual Help Association who provided the material was not anxious to do a home dedication until later on. It is questionable if any of us will even be here when the home dedication is actually done, so we were glad to have had our own little "presentation", such as it was, while we were all still here.
The men started on renovations to Gwen's home when they were done in Rosella's in Jeanerette. Gwen's home is in New Iberia so we will no longer have to drive the 20 miles to work every day.
When we left for Brandon on Friday morning, two new couples came in. Bernie and Agnes postponed their trip to Florida so they could stay and work the extra week that we would be gone. We were able to close up our RV and just drive away, to return to work on Monday, February 7th.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Third week in New Iberia 2011
THIRD WEEK IN NEW IBERIA
While Americans were celebrating Martin Luther King Day on Monday, we were back at work. We are at liberty to work if it is acceptable to our homeowners, and they had no objection. Although a lot of businesses were closed, Chaney’s Lumberyard just down the block, where we buy our supplies, was open. Not only was it open, we were advised that the windows we ordered were in! Installing windows is what John did for a living for years. The windows were picked up at 9:30 a.m. John and Norm took the first old window out, and then John installed the new one. Then, as fast as Norm could remove the old mouldings and the windows, John installed the new windows, caulked and trimmed. It helped that all the windows had been properly measured and ordered, and that they were all the same size single-hung old style wood windows. Our Project Director and the rest of the crew could not believe that 13 windows were R & R (removed and replaced) by 3:30 p.m.! There was still lots of painting for the ladies to do. My job for the day was painting doors.
The Southern Mutual Group who has the say about what work is done at this house, decreed that Miss Rosella’s old kitchen would just get a face lift. The 5 cabinet doors were removed and Patty and I painted them outside on Tuesday. The many years of grime on the cabinet doors and drawer fronts had to be scrubbed off and then dried before they could be painted. The men were installing the flooring in the dining room. The rest of the ladies scraped the kitchen ceiling.
Wednesday I put a coat of black paint on the bottom cabinets. The top cabinets are white with black door handles, and the bottoms are black with white drawer fronts. It is quite pretty. The drawers themselves were blue and they got painted black along the side that shows when the drawer is open. They also got self-adhesive shelf paper inside the drawer bottoms.
By the end of Thursday, the kitchen and master bedroom got the final coat of paint, as well as the hallway. Porch doors were installed. The son-in-law fixed up the living room and installed the 72 inch TV. We were a bunch of busy bees. Another work week finished.
It has been very interesting to observe the community of trailer park dwellers. Many of them are living in RVs year round. The men come and go from their jobs, and the children run for the school bus. There are some holidayers, but they are in the minority. One couple from Illinois observed us walking to and from the building where we have our devotions in the morning and asked Patty what we were doing. She told them about our MDS projects. Patty learned that they come south to spend the winter in this RV park. To do what??? There really is nothing to do in New Iberia, LA.
We had attended the Gospel Concert one of the first weeks we were here and The Inspirations had sung the wonderful song, Beulah Land. Before doing so, the leader advised that the composer of that song, Squire Parsons, was a personal friend of theirs and was suffering from some health problems. Never in my wildest dreams did I envision being requested to personally pray for Squire Parsons! Apparently he is on the mend and did not even have to interrupt his concert tour.
One of our volunteer couples is from Fort Francis, Ontario. They were telling our group about the winter festival there, known as Ice Box Days. We all laughed when they referred to the 5 k. run as the “Freeze Your Gizzard Blizzard Run”!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Second week at New Iberia, January, 2011
Agnes scraping diningroom wall
Painting bedroom closet doors
SECOND WEEK IN NEW IBERIA
Monday morning we were ready to get to work. We had advised the family of the elderly homeowners that the toilet would be out of commission for at least one night and it would be best if they had another place to stay for a couple of days, until the bathroom was finished. Then, as they spend all of their day watching TV in the living room, they would have no place to sit while we were painting the living room. They were very reluctant to leave their home for even one night, but finally agreed to go to her daughter’s place.
Finishing the bathroom was the first priority of our crew. The ladies painted the bathroom and then the men removed the old flooring, covered it with a sheet of new plywood and installed the new lino. The “stool” as it is called down here [toilet, to us] was put back in place and also the newly-painted bathroom vanity. Carolyn used every cleaner at her disposal, including her “Awesome” to try to make the very stained bathtub match the rest of the newly painted room. The curtain rod was put back up and the shower curtain hung back on. Agnes repainted the bathroom door and John installed a slide-bolt lock on the bathroom door after it was dry.
The walls in the house had not been primed when they were painted years ago and, accordingly, the paint was peeling off badly. In all rooms except the bathroom, we had to scrape it off – in some places the paint came off freely in sheets and in others, it simply could not be scraped off.
John and I stayed late Monday and texture sprayed the spare room. Tuesday, he prime- coated the ceiling and then the ladies helped cut in and paint the walls. I chose the job of painting the shuttered closet doors. Did they ever look fine with a nice new coat of white paint! We also texture-sprayed the living room on Tuesday, but it took “forever” to dry. Wednesday was a SUPER day: Wednesday morning, we primed the walls of the living room, but again, it took longer than the 2 hours it was supposed to take to dry. The men decided to lay the lino in the living room during the drying time. By 2 p.m., John and his ladies had the finish coat on the ceiling and walls completed. By 3:30, all the crown molding at the ceiling was on, all of the quarter round at the baseboards (which had also been purchased and painted this day) was installed, all of the beautiful 8 inch wood baseboard was cleaned up and the floor was cleaned up. The furniture was put back into the room, including the 72 inch flat screen T.V., the beautiful three-section black entertainment unit and couches along the walls, and the curtains put back on the windows, ready for Miss Rosella and Mr. Calvin to come home for the night. John also put the ceiling fan put back up. In addition, all of the paint supplies in the spare bedroom were removed and the floor was cleaned up and vacuumed in preparation for installation of the linoleum. The lino was laid, then the quarter round at the baseboard installed and repainted. What a day!! It was nothing short of a miracle.
Miss Rosella and Mr. Calvin were there on Wednesday morning, delighted to be back in their home, even though we were basically working around them again.
Thursday, we were treated to boudin sausage and cracklings for lunch, brought by a relative. Some of our crew enjoyed the spicy sausage!
The weather all week was on the cool side at night but nice sunshine during the day. Warm but not hot.
On Friday, our day off, we all enjoyed a tour through the Jeanerette Museum which told the story of the sugar cane industry in the area. The sweet little elderly Cajun lady who was the volunteer guide charmed us to pieces with her Cajun accent and knowledge of the area. She had lived here her whole life.
Saturday morning, John and I went out for breakfast. It was 10:35 a.m. and we were disappointed to find no fast food places served breakfast past 10:30. We ended up at Duffy’s Diner, which was a very unique 50’s style diner with beautiful memorabilia displayed. We struck up a conversation with a local retired couple, who advised that they come there often. She said she did her share of cooking when she raised her family and then her grandchildren – now she makes the choice not cook at all. They go to various places during the week and to some on a regular basis. Somehow, I cannot imagine not cooking and eating EVERY meal out.
As we deal with the work days, we are also dealing with worries about how brother Jake is doing up in Brandon. From our daily phone calls, we learn he has been placed in a private palliative care room and has a lot of bad days, but there are good days as well. We are thankful he is still able to spend several hours back at home on alternate days. We do not know if we will able to fulfill our commitment to MDS to stay here for the month of February. Time will tell.
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