Bob: Not much to report except my desk is looking better and we got home at 10:00. Bonnie was working on the orders for MLC tomorrow so I was clearing off my desk. We should be ready for the conference tomorrow. Won't be as late tomorrow.
Everyone have a good night. Bonnie says good night.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Tuesday 30 June 2015
Monday 29 June 2015
June 29, 2015
Bob: Not much happened today. Got most of the office credit cards balanced, which took most of the day. Still a few loose ends to catch up on and then we start the month all over again. Can't wait!! But I know some things will go better this time around.
Hope everyone is doing well.
Love, Dad/Bob
Bonnie: The phones were down today, so it was a quiet day. Bob thinks that the construction in front of the building had something to do with it. Maybe so. Tonight after the office we went to a YSA activity at the Bishop's house. Bob helped cook lots of hamburgers and hot dogs. There was plenty of food, soda pop to drink and sweets for dessert. We are getting to know more and more of the YSAs. They are a fun group of young adults. Many of them had the day off for Canada Day, even though the actual day is July 1st. Tomorrow is our weekly visit with the Clayton's and then I will begin to put together the orders for each of the 11 zones for MLC. It is a big job, but I will have lots of help. One missionary companionship wants 4 or 5 boxes of Books of Mormon! Each box has 40 books in it. They must really be sharing the gospel with lots of people. How great that is!
May everyone be healthy and happy this evening!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Hope everyone is doing well.
Love, Dad/Bob
Bonnie: The phones were down today, so it was a quiet day. Bob thinks that the construction in front of the building had something to do with it. Maybe so. Tonight after the office we went to a YSA activity at the Bishop's house. Bob helped cook lots of hamburgers and hot dogs. There was plenty of food, soda pop to drink and sweets for dessert. We are getting to know more and more of the YSAs. They are a fun group of young adults. Many of them had the day off for Canada Day, even though the actual day is July 1st. Tomorrow is our weekly visit with the Clayton's and then I will begin to put together the orders for each of the 11 zones for MLC. It is a big job, but I will have lots of help. One missionary companionship wants 4 or 5 boxes of Books of Mormon! Each box has 40 books in it. They must really be sharing the gospel with lots of people. How great that is!
May everyone be healthy and happy this evening!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Sunday 28 June 2015
June 28, 2015
Bob: It has been a very interesting day. Before we went to church Bonnie baked several potatoes to take for the munch and mingle afterwards. When they were done, according to the instructions we had, we put all of them in a 8 quart soup pot and put the lid on. Then we placed the whole thing is a fabric bag that seemed to be filled with beans of some kind. Then we put the fabric bag lid over the top of the pot. This was about 11:30. The potatoes weren't served till a little after 3:00 and they were hot and delicious. I would never have believed it. Don't know what that bag is or what it's made of, but it is a good thing for taking hot food if it's not being served for hours. Our friend's the Berrett's,
who are the Institute teachers, let us borrow it. They teach 4 classes each week and provide food each time. I'm sure this warmer comes in handy.
Tonight we went to a fireside given by President and Sister Clayton. Their subject was, "Is Faith Relevant in Today's World?" It was held in the Brampton Stake Center, which is just across the street from the temple (you can see it on Google Maps). There was a pretty good size crowd and it went pretty good I think. We rode up with the Barrett's, They gave us some ideas where we might go to eat.
Found 2 things today that I had misplaced, but still haven't found my apartment keys. Going to try Walmart again in the morning. If they're not there then I'll have to purchase a new set.
Been raining most of the day and the temperature probably never got out of the 60s, Think I'll start selling umbrellas and give up on the idea of selling air conditioners.
Hope everyone is having a great day and that you are well.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It turned out to be a wonderful day. I had three appointments for the Bishop and at least 5 other YSAs who wanted to see him at the last minute. I have one for tomorrow night and one for next Sunday already. It won't surprise me if I get more requests to see the Bishop tomorrow night at the dinner at his house for the YSA Family Home Evening.
Canada Day is coming up Wednesday, when the whole country celebrates its birth. There are flags all over. Because it's MLC that day we'll have to buy little paper ones to put in the waffles we cook, or do something to acknowledge the day. Before church officially started the Bishop had us all stand up and sing their national anthem. The music was inserted in all of the hymn books.
The Clayton's gave wonderful talks and shared several instances in their lives where they were blessed because of their faith-filled choice to be obedient. There were lots of missionaries there tonight, as you can imagine. That's always fun!
I want to share a little about two young men we talked to tonight. One is 36 and is the only member in his family. He has some disabilities and cannot drive. He had had a very bad day today because his family got on his case for being a member of the church. They told him he could not go back to church any more. He said that when he got home, he needed to hear the Clayton's speak. He called someone for a ride and was so happy to be there tonight. Wow, will he need lots of faith to continue to go despite his families wishes! The second young man is 20 and has been baptized only about a month. I remember entering his baptismal record information for the church. He also is the only member in his family. He is praying about going on a mission. I asked if his parents would support him. He took a while answering but said in a low voice that they probably would not support him. He is a wonderful young man and I was inspired with his desire to do what the Lord wants him to do, despite what his parents would say. The interesting thing is that these are common issues here in our mission. Oh, how I pray for the Lord's blessings to be upon them. May they have the faith they need at this time, and may all of us have the faith we need at this time, as well.
Lots of love this happy Sabbath!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
who are the Institute teachers, let us borrow it. They teach 4 classes each week and provide food each time. I'm sure this warmer comes in handy.
Tonight we went to a fireside given by President and Sister Clayton. Their subject was, "Is Faith Relevant in Today's World?" It was held in the Brampton Stake Center, which is just across the street from the temple (you can see it on Google Maps). There was a pretty good size crowd and it went pretty good I think. We rode up with the Barrett's, They gave us some ideas where we might go to eat.
Found 2 things today that I had misplaced, but still haven't found my apartment keys. Going to try Walmart again in the morning. If they're not there then I'll have to purchase a new set.
Been raining most of the day and the temperature probably never got out of the 60s, Think I'll start selling umbrellas and give up on the idea of selling air conditioners.
Hope everyone is having a great day and that you are well.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It turned out to be a wonderful day. I had three appointments for the Bishop and at least 5 other YSAs who wanted to see him at the last minute. I have one for tomorrow night and one for next Sunday already. It won't surprise me if I get more requests to see the Bishop tomorrow night at the dinner at his house for the YSA Family Home Evening.
Canada Day is coming up Wednesday, when the whole country celebrates its birth. There are flags all over. Because it's MLC that day we'll have to buy little paper ones to put in the waffles we cook, or do something to acknowledge the day. Before church officially started the Bishop had us all stand up and sing their national anthem. The music was inserted in all of the hymn books.
The Clayton's gave wonderful talks and shared several instances in their lives where they were blessed because of their faith-filled choice to be obedient. There were lots of missionaries there tonight, as you can imagine. That's always fun!
I want to share a little about two young men we talked to tonight. One is 36 and is the only member in his family. He has some disabilities and cannot drive. He had had a very bad day today because his family got on his case for being a member of the church. They told him he could not go back to church any more. He said that when he got home, he needed to hear the Clayton's speak. He called someone for a ride and was so happy to be there tonight. Wow, will he need lots of faith to continue to go despite his families wishes! The second young man is 20 and has been baptized only about a month. I remember entering his baptismal record information for the church. He also is the only member in his family. He is praying about going on a mission. I asked if his parents would support him. He took a while answering but said in a low voice that they probably would not support him. He is a wonderful young man and I was inspired with his desire to do what the Lord wants him to do, despite what his parents would say. The interesting thing is that these are common issues here in our mission. Oh, how I pray for the Lord's blessings to be upon them. May they have the faith they need at this time, and may all of us have the faith we need at this time, as well.
Lots of love this happy Sabbath!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Saturday 27 June 2015
June 27, 2015
Bob: Good evening to everyone. It has been a cool rainy day in Brampton. However, we were able to get some things done in the apartment. We finally got our shelves assembled, the large painting hung in the dining room, and some wall decor hung in the bedroom. Still need to purchase one more rug for the living room and then I think we'll relax. May get another headboard for our bed too. The one we have is held together with rope, but hey, we're missionaries, eh!
Did manage to misplace my apartment keys today. I'm hoping they are at the office as I do remember walking into the office with the keys in my hand and thinking, "Why didn't I leave these keys in the car as I always do." After we left the office we went to Walmart. Once we left Walmart I realized I didn't have my keys. So the possibility exists I could have lost them there. We'll see come Monday.
Hope everyone is feeling well and enjoying their weekend.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: I feel so much better today than yesterday. It makes a difference to have clean living quarters! As Bob mentioned we are about done buying things for the apartment. All we have left is the second bedroom, and we are in no hurry to do that .All it needs is a bedspread and pictures on the walls.
Tomorrow morning I will bake about 25 potatoes before church to bring for the Munch and Mingle afterwards. Then Monday night is a special YSA activity at the Bishop's house. My assignment is to bring 40 popscicles. I'm glad that's easy to do!
I look forward to the Sabbath Day tomorrow. I have three interviews for the Bishop tomorrow. But it seems there are always a few YSAs that want to see the Bishop without an appointment each Sunday, so I have to monitor that. I look forward to the talks and taking the sacrament, though.
May all of you feel the Spirit tomorrow wherever you are.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Did manage to misplace my apartment keys today. I'm hoping they are at the office as I do remember walking into the office with the keys in my hand and thinking, "Why didn't I leave these keys in the car as I always do." After we left the office we went to Walmart. Once we left Walmart I realized I didn't have my keys. So the possibility exists I could have lost them there. We'll see come Monday.
Hope everyone is feeling well and enjoying their weekend.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: I feel so much better today than yesterday. It makes a difference to have clean living quarters! As Bob mentioned we are about done buying things for the apartment. All we have left is the second bedroom, and we are in no hurry to do that .All it needs is a bedspread and pictures on the walls.
Tomorrow morning I will bake about 25 potatoes before church to bring for the Munch and Mingle afterwards. Then Monday night is a special YSA activity at the Bishop's house. My assignment is to bring 40 popscicles. I'm glad that's easy to do!
I look forward to the Sabbath Day tomorrow. I have three interviews for the Bishop tomorrow. But it seems there are always a few YSAs that want to see the Bishop without an appointment each Sunday, so I have to monitor that. I look forward to the talks and taking the sacrament, though.
May all of you feel the Spirit tomorrow wherever you are.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Our loveseat in the living room
Other end of the living room
Our dining room
Picture in dining room (I got from an apartment closing)
Friday 26 June 2015
June 26, 2015
Bonnie: Well, today seemed like the children's story "Alexander's No Good Very Bad Day"! (Moms, did I get that right?) I was printing flyers for the ESL classes that the missionaries give. Some of the phone numbers have been changed so I carefully changed the number on the top of them and proceeded to print them. The problem was I forgot to change the numbers on the bottom of the flyers. When I realized what I had done, I called to Bob to help me stop the printer. That led to a break-down of the printer, along with my computer and me as well! We finally got everything fixed, thankfully. I think I will replace some paper in the office! Then, I received the Staple's order of the tape needed to put up the flyers. We needed 30 rolls of tape and I thought that's what I ordered. What I didn't know was that 1 means 6 rolls of tape! So, 180 rolls of tape were delivered. We should have enough tape now for 6 MLCs!! The good thing was that we left early for a change, about 5:35. We had a quick dinner and then went for a walk. We found some more walking tails across the busy street of Queens. I'm so glad there is a small part of nature close by. It really helps to calm my nerves. And I finally had the time to clean the apartment tonight, or most of it, at least. Tomorrow we have no pressing things to do, other that the shopping which I will do in the morning. I love week-ends!
May your week-end be glorious and wonderful.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Did a bank deposit today for the first time. I was gone for over an hour. The bank is 9 miles away and there was a short line of business customers. The regular customer line had 16 people in it the last time I counted. I think I'll avoid the bank on Friday from now on. Getting the deposit ready took some time. The paper money in Canada is not paper now. It is plastic, and it is slick to count. And I had 83 twenty dollar bills to deposit. The accounting program is set up so you receipt in any money you collect. When you make the deposit you should be able to just total the receipts and go. But it isn't that easy when you get American checks or cash. Today I had to make a deposit for Canadian money and a separate deposit for 2 American checks. I receipted the American checks in. When I went to the bank they converted the checks to Canadian dollars which was trading at 1.2007 today. Then when I got back to the office I had to adjust the 2 receipts for the American checks up to match the Canadian equivalent amounts. Then I was able to run the deposit report. Kind of backing into your number.
It was good to get home earlier today. There is a nice subdivision across Queen Street. We only walked through a part of it today. We haven't had any exercise for weeks so after about 40 minutes we stopped by a small lake and just watched the ducks for awhile.
The weather has been very pleasant this week. Tomorrow they are forecasting heavy rains for southern Ontario and a high temperature of 17 Celsius (63 Fahrenheit). Sunday is more rain and a high of 15!! It has been a short summer.
Met the new owners of Elk Cabins last Sunday. The owners from last summer walked away from the business in December. I heard they are suing the previous owner for something or other. I don't think they had any idea how much work was involved with running a camp. I would be interested in hearing how the suit turns out.
Everyone have a great weekend. Enjoy your summer. Ours was great!!!
Love,
Dad/Bob
May your week-end be glorious and wonderful.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Did a bank deposit today for the first time. I was gone for over an hour. The bank is 9 miles away and there was a short line of business customers. The regular customer line had 16 people in it the last time I counted. I think I'll avoid the bank on Friday from now on. Getting the deposit ready took some time. The paper money in Canada is not paper now. It is plastic, and it is slick to count. And I had 83 twenty dollar bills to deposit. The accounting program is set up so you receipt in any money you collect. When you make the deposit you should be able to just total the receipts and go. But it isn't that easy when you get American checks or cash. Today I had to make a deposit for Canadian money and a separate deposit for 2 American checks. I receipted the American checks in. When I went to the bank they converted the checks to Canadian dollars which was trading at 1.2007 today. Then when I got back to the office I had to adjust the 2 receipts for the American checks up to match the Canadian equivalent amounts. Then I was able to run the deposit report. Kind of backing into your number.
It was good to get home earlier today. There is a nice subdivision across Queen Street. We only walked through a part of it today. We haven't had any exercise for weeks so after about 40 minutes we stopped by a small lake and just watched the ducks for awhile.
The weather has been very pleasant this week. Tomorrow they are forecasting heavy rains for southern Ontario and a high temperature of 17 Celsius (63 Fahrenheit). Sunday is more rain and a high of 15!! It has been a short summer.
Met the new owners of Elk Cabins last Sunday. The owners from last summer walked away from the business in December. I heard they are suing the previous owner for something or other. I don't think they had any idea how much work was involved with running a camp. I would be interested in hearing how the suit turns out.
Everyone have a great weekend. Enjoy your summer. Ours was great!!!
Love,
Dad/Bob
Thursday 25 June 2015
June 25, 2015
Bonnie: Another long day! But, we just heard some good news about tomorrow night. The Baptistry training has been postponed so we have a "free" night Friday!! I plan on cleaning this apartment. I just haven't had the time. Then, maybe Bob and I can do something fun like a movie or a long walk around the lake behind us. I hope everyone is doing well. Know that we love you.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Worked late again. Can't say much else. Looking forward to a night off tomorrow. I seem to remember us having a relaxing and enjoyable day this past Sunday. Seems like that was weeks ago. Maybe things will look up.
Heard Bob Briggs was back in the hospital. His son-in-law said the doctor warned them that Bob could have a massive stroke anytime. They seem to think there is something abnormal with Bob's brain. Prayers for his family would be welcome.
Love to all.
Dad/Bob
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Worked late again. Can't say much else. Looking forward to a night off tomorrow. I seem to remember us having a relaxing and enjoyable day this past Sunday. Seems like that was weeks ago. Maybe things will look up.
Heard Bob Briggs was back in the hospital. His son-in-law said the doctor warned them that Bob could have a massive stroke anytime. They seem to think there is something abnormal with Bob's brain. Prayers for his family would be welcome.
Love to all.
Dad/Bob
Wednesday 24 June 2015
June 24, 2015
Bob: Closed the 4th apartment of the month today. It went pretty well as the missionaries had cleaned it up and gotten rid of most of the items. I couldn't park very close so we just carried the things out to the curb along side of the building and piled them up. When we finished I drove the truck and trailer up onto the curb so we could load everything. The only hard part of today's move was getting there. I put in the street address, but had the wrong city. Finally got there, but it was a battle with the construction I went through. Coming back wasn't too bad once I got past the construction. Dumped most of the things in the garbage bin at the office and put the rest in storage. We were able to give away part of the items in the storage area tonight, but it barely made a dent in it.
Stayed late again to work on several things. Got home about 9:45.
Good night and love to all.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It's hard to write this blog when I'm so tired! We have long, busy days. The best part is interacting with the missionaries. The sisters always want to give me hugs and I love that. The young men always have a handshake ready for us, too. We're getting to to know the APs well. They are very sharp young men who love the gospel of Jesus Christ. And they work hard to move the work forward. It looks like I will have 25 pounds of potatoes to bake for our YSA Ward Sunday. There never is a dull moment around here! And Friday night we have been asked to learn how to be temple workers so we can help in the baptistry. The new members will be getting baptized for their family members one Saturday a month. That's an exciting prospect I think.
At the end of this day, I hope all of you have exciting prospects as well!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Stayed late again to work on several things. Got home about 9:45.
Good night and love to all.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It's hard to write this blog when I'm so tired! We have long, busy days. The best part is interacting with the missionaries. The sisters always want to give me hugs and I love that. The young men always have a handshake ready for us, too. We're getting to to know the APs well. They are very sharp young men who love the gospel of Jesus Christ. And they work hard to move the work forward. It looks like I will have 25 pounds of potatoes to bake for our YSA Ward Sunday. There never is a dull moment around here! And Friday night we have been asked to learn how to be temple workers so we can help in the baptistry. The new members will be getting baptized for their family members one Saturday a month. That's an exciting prospect I think.
At the end of this day, I hope all of you have exciting prospects as well!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Tuesday 23 June 2015
June 23, 2015
Bob: Got an early start this morning so I wouldn't be too late. Left at 7:30 to stop at the storage shed to get a couple of mattresses to take to sisters in Cobourg, which is 2 hours away. To get to the mattresses I had to climb over a couch and a dining table. Then I had to wrestle around some box springs and other mattresses to get the two I wanted. When I finished I had my tie off and was soaked with sweat. Not my ideal way to start the day.
Went to the office and printed a map of where I was going. Then I called the sisters and a set of elders that I had to drop something off to on the way. Got out of the office and on my way about 9:10. With dropping off a mirror and ironing board to the elders I finally arrived in Cobourg about 11:30. Had to take 2 desks and new beds in to their new apartment first and load the old beds they had. Then we went to the old apartment and brought everything out of it except the piano!! Would love to know the piano story. Finally got everything loaded and left Cobourg about 3:30. Headed straight for the dump in Brampton.
The sisters are not allowed to be in their apartment with me so they carried everything in and out of their apartment. I think they carried out at least 2 occasional chairs and one triple dresser. Plus there were old bicycles. I got to the dump at about 5:30 and dumped everything. It took me about 45 minutes to get the truck and trailer emptied. A girl at the dump helped me lift the heavy things and throw them in the dumpsters.
Got to the office at little after 6. We ate some warmed up chili and worked till 9. Stopped to get gas at a station that is about 10 cents a liter cheaper than everyone else. Then we washed the car. Got home at 9:40. Final apartment closing for the month is tomorrow, but I can't even start it till in the afternoon. Might not get home till midnight tomorrow night.
Hope everyone is well and enjoying your summer.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: I was the only one in the office today because the Erickson's were at a zone conference. I had plenty to do and the day went fast. It's hard coming home so late, but at least we're doing something worthwhile.
The thought of going to bed is very enticing right now, so I'm signing off. Sweet dreams, everyone!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Went to the office and printed a map of where I was going. Then I called the sisters and a set of elders that I had to drop something off to on the way. Got out of the office and on my way about 9:10. With dropping off a mirror and ironing board to the elders I finally arrived in Cobourg about 11:30. Had to take 2 desks and new beds in to their new apartment first and load the old beds they had. Then we went to the old apartment and brought everything out of it except the piano!! Would love to know the piano story. Finally got everything loaded and left Cobourg about 3:30. Headed straight for the dump in Brampton.
The sisters are not allowed to be in their apartment with me so they carried everything in and out of their apartment. I think they carried out at least 2 occasional chairs and one triple dresser. Plus there were old bicycles. I got to the dump at about 5:30 and dumped everything. It took me about 45 minutes to get the truck and trailer emptied. A girl at the dump helped me lift the heavy things and throw them in the dumpsters.
Got to the office at little after 6. We ate some warmed up chili and worked till 9. Stopped to get gas at a station that is about 10 cents a liter cheaper than everyone else. Then we washed the car. Got home at 9:40. Final apartment closing for the month is tomorrow, but I can't even start it till in the afternoon. Might not get home till midnight tomorrow night.
Hope everyone is well and enjoying your summer.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: I was the only one in the office today because the Erickson's were at a zone conference. I had plenty to do and the day went fast. It's hard coming home so late, but at least we're doing something worthwhile.
The thought of going to bed is very enticing right now, so I'm signing off. Sweet dreams, everyone!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Monday 22 June 2015
June 22, 2015
Bonnie: It was so nice to get away, although I didn't really relax until after my talk was done. It was so relaxing to be out of the city and in beautiful "Elk Lake" country. It's hard to describe, but think of lots of woods and trees and green fields and large lakes and streams, and blue sky with pretty clouds. Church was wonderful seeing many of our friends from last summer. After church, the Primary President provided some treats for Father's Day which was a pleasant surprise. Then we were invited to the Branch Clerk's house. It was his birthday so we went to the party celebration. It was very fun. We really like his mother and Jack. She is an excellent cook and she made a delicious Chinese meal, complete with deep fried egg rolls from scratch. For dessert, we had some of her scrumptious rhubarb pie with vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries. Right after church we made two visits, and found that one of our dear friends who lived in a nursing home passed away about 3 weeks ago. It makes me sad that we were not able to see him and say good-bye. He's in a better place, though, so that's good.
Today was kind of crazy cleaning out an apartment. It actually was one of the better ones that I've seen. Thankfully we had the help of two sets of Elders. We didn't get on our way until about 4:00, which made us late getting home. And you should have seen us taking everything upstairs after our trip! I'm sure we looked like vagabonds, each of carrying a couple of lamps we took out of the apartment we cleaned, plus clothes bags, a suitcase, Bob's Franklin, my purse, a pillow, a blanket, our scriptures, some bottled water and a bag that had left-over food. It's a miracle we made it up to our apartment in one trip.
There will be more adventures tomorrow that I will let Bob tell you about. Some sisters have to move out of their apartment because of black mold, and another Elder had his bike stolen and he needs a bus pass, which is Bob's responsibility.
May your day tomorrow also be adventurous in a wonderful way!!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Sorry, but we have been traveling since Saturday morning. We stayed all night in Elk Lake both Saturday and Sunday and stayed up too late to do the blog. Talking with Karl and Patsy was so much fun and relaxing. And their dog, Daisy, kept us entertained too. We really love spending time with them. It was great to get away. And don't tell anyone but I got to fish for about a couple hours. Karl caught one little pike and I have a couple of good bites, but didn't land either.
We drove 4 hours from Elk Lake to Sudbury today to empty an apartment. Bonnie said it was a nicer apartment, but that was after we took 2 loads of trash to the dump. Then it was a 4 hour drive home. Have to go to Cobourg tomorrow and do an emergency move. The Sisters called about the carpets being damp and a few other problems. Landlord sent a contractor down to look at it and he said the carpets are covered with mold and need thrown away. They put 4 dehumidifiers and fans in the place to dry it out, but we're going to move anyway. It is an old basement apartment and it looks like water is seeping in through the walls. Only problem is they have a piano in that apartment!! Sisters think they can get the Elders quorum to come and get it out.
Wednesday I have another apartment closing. Can't remember where, but it will probably take a good bit of the day. And all the time I'm away from the office things that need done with the finances are piling up. Planning on spending a couple of late nights getting caught back up on those things. Then Bonnie and I have to report to the Bishop about how the contacting of the YSA members is going. Have only gotten one report so far,so I don't think it is going real well. Will know more about that later this week.
Speaking assignment in Elk Lake went pretty good. Bonnie got mixed up on the time so she used it all except for 5 minutes. They only have a 45 minute sacrament meeting. The party was in honor of father's day/Brad's birthday and held at his uncle Glen's house. Jack is Brad's step-dad. Trudy is Brad's mother and Glen is Jack's brother.
Today was kind of crazy cleaning out an apartment. It actually was one of the better ones that I've seen. Thankfully we had the help of two sets of Elders. We didn't get on our way until about 4:00, which made us late getting home. And you should have seen us taking everything upstairs after our trip! I'm sure we looked like vagabonds, each of carrying a couple of lamps we took out of the apartment we cleaned, plus clothes bags, a suitcase, Bob's Franklin, my purse, a pillow, a blanket, our scriptures, some bottled water and a bag that had left-over food. It's a miracle we made it up to our apartment in one trip.
There will be more adventures tomorrow that I will let Bob tell you about. Some sisters have to move out of their apartment because of black mold, and another Elder had his bike stolen and he needs a bus pass, which is Bob's responsibility.
May your day tomorrow also be adventurous in a wonderful way!!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Sorry, but we have been traveling since Saturday morning. We stayed all night in Elk Lake both Saturday and Sunday and stayed up too late to do the blog. Talking with Karl and Patsy was so much fun and relaxing. And their dog, Daisy, kept us entertained too. We really love spending time with them. It was great to get away. And don't tell anyone but I got to fish for about a couple hours. Karl caught one little pike and I have a couple of good bites, but didn't land either.
We drove 4 hours from Elk Lake to Sudbury today to empty an apartment. Bonnie said it was a nicer apartment, but that was after we took 2 loads of trash to the dump. Then it was a 4 hour drive home. Have to go to Cobourg tomorrow and do an emergency move. The Sisters called about the carpets being damp and a few other problems. Landlord sent a contractor down to look at it and he said the carpets are covered with mold and need thrown away. They put 4 dehumidifiers and fans in the place to dry it out, but we're going to move anyway. It is an old basement apartment and it looks like water is seeping in through the walls. Only problem is they have a piano in that apartment!! Sisters think they can get the Elders quorum to come and get it out.
Wednesday I have another apartment closing. Can't remember where, but it will probably take a good bit of the day. And all the time I'm away from the office things that need done with the finances are piling up. Planning on spending a couple of late nights getting caught back up on those things. Then Bonnie and I have to report to the Bishop about how the contacting of the YSA members is going. Have only gotten one report so far,so I don't think it is going real well. Will know more about that later this week.
Speaking assignment in Elk Lake went pretty good. Bonnie got mixed up on the time so she used it all except for 5 minutes. They only have a 45 minute sacrament meeting. The party was in honor of father's day/Brad's birthday and held at his uncle Glen's house. Jack is Brad's step-dad. Trudy is Brad's mother and Glen is Jack's brother.
Coming into Temagami
Brad on left and Jack on right
Trudy
Glen
Friday 19 June 2015
June 19, 2015
Bob: Has been a pretty good day. Bonnie and I were the only ones in the office so there weren't as many interruptions as there normally are. The other couple was at a Zone Conference. They only had 38 cars they had to inspect! I took a receipt for 4 brand new Chevy Equinoxes today. Other than that, I was able to get some more things off my desk. The one problem I did have was at 5:00 I went out to hook the trailer up to the truck. Alas, someone had put a lock on the tongue of the trailer. Made a few calls and found the key to get the lock off. We finally got away from the office at about 6:00. Came home, ate, and off we went to do some shopping. I was looking for some pants and Bonnie some summer clothes. We only had time to visit Hudson Bay and neither of us found what we were looking for. Then we went to Walmart to get an expensive area rug. Found one that looks okay with everything, but I'm not sure the first mate likes the lay out of the room now.
Made out my first purchase order today. Called our salesman contact at The Brick, a local furniture chain. He told me what to put on the order and where to send it. Had to go to the website to pick out the items I wanted. So I filled it out and sent it off. About an hour later he called and said we had a problem. I had ordered a queen size mattress set when I wanted a king size. So I did it over and sent it off. The set is for the CES couple in our building. The total cost was slightly over 1800. Now you know where part of your tithing goes!!
Got to sign off. Getting up the usual time tomorrow so we can get out of here by 8:00 and arrive at Elk Lake at a reasonable hour.
My love to everyone. Hope things are great in your lives.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: I now have a rug but I can't decide how to arrange everything. The room is long and Bob has his computer in the middle of it! I may change things around after a while.
So, we're off on a trip tomorrow back to our summer place Elk Lake. It would be a relaxing get-away if I didn't have to give a talk Sunday. Since it's Father's Day I may give part of the talk I gave in Lindon Third Ward. I talked a lot about my Dad in it.
(She's too tired to write anymore. She said good night and love to all.)
Made out my first purchase order today. Called our salesman contact at The Brick, a local furniture chain. He told me what to put on the order and where to send it. Had to go to the website to pick out the items I wanted. So I filled it out and sent it off. About an hour later he called and said we had a problem. I had ordered a queen size mattress set when I wanted a king size. So I did it over and sent it off. The set is for the CES couple in our building. The total cost was slightly over 1800. Now you know where part of your tithing goes!!
Got to sign off. Getting up the usual time tomorrow so we can get out of here by 8:00 and arrive at Elk Lake at a reasonable hour.
My love to everyone. Hope things are great in your lives.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: I now have a rug but I can't decide how to arrange everything. The room is long and Bob has his computer in the middle of it! I may change things around after a while.
So, we're off on a trip tomorrow back to our summer place Elk Lake. It would be a relaxing get-away if I didn't have to give a talk Sunday. Since it's Father's Day I may give part of the talk I gave in Lindon Third Ward. I talked a lot about my Dad in it.
(She's too tired to write anymore. She said good night and love to all.)
Thursday 18 June 2015
June 18, 2015
Bob: Not a bad day at the mine. Left about 5:15 today. Could have left earlier, but we were waiting on 2 elders. They came over to our apartment and we traded couches with a couple on the 5th floor. The elders did most of the lifting. Once we finished we took them to the Pizza Hut next door. I told Bonnie that it was only pizza, but it was the best meal I've had so far in Canada. We left there and went grocery shopping, but we didn't have many things to pick up.
Bonnie is really pleased with the couch. It probably isn't in as good as shape as the one we traded, but it is leather and matches the other items. Tomorrow she is going to get a rug to put in front of the couch. We need to get some storage shelves also.
Didn't get behind today at work. Was able to get things done as they came up, plus get ahead on the bus passes I'll be working on next week. We will be out of the office Monday, so I want everything off my desk when we leave tomorrow.
I'm going to sign off now. Hope everyone is having a great summer. God bless all of you.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: As soon as I get my rug and we put up the picture in the dining room and some other things up in the master bedroom I will take pictures of our apartment. It's quite cozy!
I want to tell you about one of the Elders we took to dinner tonight. He is from San Diego and is the oldest of 7 children. He has tatoos all up and down his arms. He wears something over one arm to hide one of the tatoos, I guess. Apparently, growing up he was in a gang that wielded a lot of power. He was not active in church, of course, during this time. His aunt joined the church and saw what was happening to him and at great risk helped them move far away from the gang, to Idaho. He gained a testimony and decided to serve a mission. He's a great missionary. One day they were about 10 minutes from a meeting with the mission president and his wife and they decided to see who they could talk to. They saw someone walking down the street and ran after him. He turned out to be someone quite interested in the gospel. He's a very inspiring young man!
May all of you have a restful night tonight and a fulfilling day tomorrow.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Bonnie is really pleased with the couch. It probably isn't in as good as shape as the one we traded, but it is leather and matches the other items. Tomorrow she is going to get a rug to put in front of the couch. We need to get some storage shelves also.
Didn't get behind today at work. Was able to get things done as they came up, plus get ahead on the bus passes I'll be working on next week. We will be out of the office Monday, so I want everything off my desk when we leave tomorrow.
I'm going to sign off now. Hope everyone is having a great summer. God bless all of you.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: As soon as I get my rug and we put up the picture in the dining room and some other things up in the master bedroom I will take pictures of our apartment. It's quite cozy!
I want to tell you about one of the Elders we took to dinner tonight. He is from San Diego and is the oldest of 7 children. He has tatoos all up and down his arms. He wears something over one arm to hide one of the tatoos, I guess. Apparently, growing up he was in a gang that wielded a lot of power. He was not active in church, of course, during this time. His aunt joined the church and saw what was happening to him and at great risk helped them move far away from the gang, to Idaho. He gained a testimony and decided to serve a mission. He's a great missionary. One day they were about 10 minutes from a meeting with the mission president and his wife and they decided to see who they could talk to. They saw someone walking down the street and ran after him. He turned out to be someone quite interested in the gospel. He's a very inspiring young man!
May all of you have a restful night tonight and a fulfilling day tomorrow.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Wednesday 17 June 2015
June 17, 2015
Bonnie: It's been a rather short day for me because Bob brought me home early to do the wash and go to the bank. Then, he went back to the office to try to catch up on some of his paper work. I've really enjoyed having some down time, although it's been filled with trying to reach YSAs. for appointments with the Bishop. I'm learning some important things--what to do and what not to do as I try to do what I need to do! Tomorrow night we are exchanging couches with another couple in our building. I'm excited because it will look much better in our living room. We will also be feeding the elders who will be helping us. Friday night might be a "free" night, depending on when we leave the office.
We are planning to drive to Elk Lake Saturday morning. We'll spend some time there and go to church Sunday in the little Branch we attended last summer. Monday we have to close out an apartment and then drive back to Brampton to go to the the office Tuesday morning. It is a 6 hour drive one way. I wish we had our truck in Utah. It's lots more comfortable.
Bob: Finally got home at a little past nine. Got several things caught up and discovered that I have a wooden desk top. I had never seen it before!! I think I'll polish it tomorrow, as it may never see light again. Only one project left to get caught up. Have to call Elder Gillen in Utah to get it done. It's a big EXCEL report that I probably can't do without his help. There are about 15 columns of data and about 200,000 rows. Somehow I've got to condense it down to 11 zones and by each phone number. This may be a long process the first time through. Had to pay rents on Monday. Double checked them last night and I found I was off by about $115. If someone got shorted I figure they'll let me know. Hopefully, if they are overpaid they'll let me know too. Don't know what the problem is because the only mistake I can find is about $6.00. I adjusted number 20 instead of number 19. Time will tell.
Well I think I will go to bed and try to catch up on some missed rest. Hope each of you are well and enjoying your evening.
Love,
Dad/Bob
We are planning to drive to Elk Lake Saturday morning. We'll spend some time there and go to church Sunday in the little Branch we attended last summer. Monday we have to close out an apartment and then drive back to Brampton to go to the the office Tuesday morning. It is a 6 hour drive one way. I wish we had our truck in Utah. It's lots more comfortable.
Bob: Finally got home at a little past nine. Got several things caught up and discovered that I have a wooden desk top. I had never seen it before!! I think I'll polish it tomorrow, as it may never see light again. Only one project left to get caught up. Have to call Elder Gillen in Utah to get it done. It's a big EXCEL report that I probably can't do without his help. There are about 15 columns of data and about 200,000 rows. Somehow I've got to condense it down to 11 zones and by each phone number. This may be a long process the first time through. Had to pay rents on Monday. Double checked them last night and I found I was off by about $115. If someone got shorted I figure they'll let me know. Hopefully, if they are overpaid they'll let me know too. Don't know what the problem is because the only mistake I can find is about $6.00. I adjusted number 20 instead of number 19. Time will tell.
Well I think I will go to bed and try to catch up on some missed rest. Hope each of you are well and enjoying your evening.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Tuesday 16 June 2015
June 16, 2015
Bob: Good evening. Hope everyone had a wonderful day. Our day started with a 7:30 meeting with the 12 new missionaries that got in early this morning. Poor souls had to fly all night from Salt Lake and then go through orientation, etc. today. Some of them didn't look too alert this morning. Bonnie and I gave our short speel and then we left to man the office.
Got to work and thought I would have a day to get the mail and bills out of the way and then spend some time catching up. As I was putting my things down on the credenza I noticed the stack of envelopes for the outgoing missionaries. I have to put their passport, their missionary photo and a cd containing the letters the individual missionary has written to the mission president during their mission. I have to download the letters and then burn them to a cd. All of them needed to be done by this afternoon!! So I start putting the pictures in first. No problem. Then I put the passports in. Oh no!! The missionary flying home to Hong Kong doesn't have a passport. I search to see if it has been filed incorrectly. No luck. I get Bonnie to help me look at each individual passport to see if it got labeled wrong. No luck. I decide I'll phone the missionary and see if he has it. We usually don't give them their passport unless it is absolutely necessary. And then we would make a copy of it and put the copy in the file. Low and behold, he has his passport. Don't understand why there wasn't a note or something in the file. Oh well, about 3/4 of a hour shot.
Now it's time to start downloading the letters and burning the cds. Do the first one without a hitch. Go to do the next one and my cd burner won't work. I tried several cds, but the same message kept coming up, 'Insert a writeable cd'. So I go to the other office people hoping someone else has a cd burner. Finally got one to use and finished up about noon. The assistants to the president come and get the envelopes about 3. Three hours to spare this time. Next time I'm going to start a few days sooner.
A little after eleven the missionaries start coming to the office. They keep coming and going for about 3 hours. Impossible to do any work as they have questions and concerns that need answered and they're just wanting to talk to everyone. It is fun to visit with them and see how they respond to our questions. But it is a lot of noise, confusion, etc. for about 3 hours.
Get done early enough that we were able to stop and get haircuts. I haven't had a haircut since I left Utah in April. I either had to get a haircut or a collar with an ID. The haircut was probably cheaper. Told the barber I wanted it cut short, but leave enough to comb. The first shear she used was a number 8. She kept using a smaller one till she found one I liked. I settled on a 2. This haircut might last 6 weeks or more again.
Well I got to go to bed. First mate is already sacked out so you'll have to excuse any errors about. Bonnie isn't able to proof my comments tonight.
Love to all,
Dad/Bob
Got to work and thought I would have a day to get the mail and bills out of the way and then spend some time catching up. As I was putting my things down on the credenza I noticed the stack of envelopes for the outgoing missionaries. I have to put their passport, their missionary photo and a cd containing the letters the individual missionary has written to the mission president during their mission. I have to download the letters and then burn them to a cd. All of them needed to be done by this afternoon!! So I start putting the pictures in first. No problem. Then I put the passports in. Oh no!! The missionary flying home to Hong Kong doesn't have a passport. I search to see if it has been filed incorrectly. No luck. I get Bonnie to help me look at each individual passport to see if it got labeled wrong. No luck. I decide I'll phone the missionary and see if he has it. We usually don't give them their passport unless it is absolutely necessary. And then we would make a copy of it and put the copy in the file. Low and behold, he has his passport. Don't understand why there wasn't a note or something in the file. Oh well, about 3/4 of a hour shot.
Now it's time to start downloading the letters and burning the cds. Do the first one without a hitch. Go to do the next one and my cd burner won't work. I tried several cds, but the same message kept coming up, 'Insert a writeable cd'. So I go to the other office people hoping someone else has a cd burner. Finally got one to use and finished up about noon. The assistants to the president come and get the envelopes about 3. Three hours to spare this time. Next time I'm going to start a few days sooner.
A little after eleven the missionaries start coming to the office. They keep coming and going for about 3 hours. Impossible to do any work as they have questions and concerns that need answered and they're just wanting to talk to everyone. It is fun to visit with them and see how they respond to our questions. But it is a lot of noise, confusion, etc. for about 3 hours.
Get done early enough that we were able to stop and get haircuts. I haven't had a haircut since I left Utah in April. I either had to get a haircut or a collar with an ID. The haircut was probably cheaper. Told the barber I wanted it cut short, but leave enough to comb. The first shear she used was a number 8. She kept using a smaller one till she found one I liked. I settled on a 2. This haircut might last 6 weeks or more again.
Well I got to go to bed. First mate is already sacked out so you'll have to excuse any errors about. Bonnie isn't able to proof my comments tonight.
Love to all,
Dad/Bob
Monday 15 June 2015
June 15, 2015
Bob: It has been a long birthday! Had a special lunch with everyone in the office plus President Clayton, his wife, and the 2 assistants. Bonnie provided the pizza and the Erickson's provided the dessert. It was very tasty.
Someone asked me how it felt to be celebrating another birthday. I told them I kind of like it. In fact, I would rather be celebrating my birthday than being a memory on my birthday!
Had 2 big tasks to get done at work today. Didn't realize it, but one of them should have been started on Friday. Anyway, after starting each one, and then restarting each one I finally got them done and got home at almost 9. Next month will be a lot better because I now have a better handle on what I need to do to pay rent on 124 apartments and close the prior month's accounting.
This has to be short tonight as we need to get to bed. Have a 7:30 meeting with the new missionaries in the morning. Not exactly sure what I am going to say to them, but I need to say something about phones and debit cards. As I see it, we have 18, 19 and 20 year olds away from home, maybe for the first time. And we are giving them a car, a phone and a debit card. How could anything go wrong, eh!! So I think I can come up with something.
May everyone we blessed to see the positive in life and to overcome the negative.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Someone asked me how it felt to be celebrating another birthday. I told them I kind of like it. In fact, I would rather be celebrating my birthday than being a memory on my birthday!
Had 2 big tasks to get done at work today. Didn't realize it, but one of them should have been started on Friday. Anyway, after starting each one, and then restarting each one I finally got them done and got home at almost 9. Next month will be a lot better because I now have a better handle on what I need to do to pay rent on 124 apartments and close the prior month's accounting.
This has to be short tonight as we need to get to bed. Have a 7:30 meeting with the new missionaries in the morning. Not exactly sure what I am going to say to them, but I need to say something about phones and debit cards. As I see it, we have 18, 19 and 20 year olds away from home, maybe for the first time. And we are giving them a car, a phone and a debit card. How could anything go wrong, eh!! So I think I can come up with something.
May everyone we blessed to see the positive in life and to overcome the negative.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Sunday 14 June 2015
June 14, 2015
Bob: It has been a quiet Sabbath day. Got to sleep in this morning and take a nap before dinner. How relaxing. We're gong to need the rest as this is transfers week. So we will have some extra work to do. We each get to speak to the new missionaries Tuesday morning during their orientation. I'll talk to them about their debit cards and phone usage for calling and texting. I'm not sure what Bonnie will mention. She can explain below.
It's just after nine here and it's still daylight outside. The day has been overcast and rainy. Besides transfers this week I will have to pay rent for all our apartments. Went through it once with Elder Gillen. I have some notes and remember it takes a while to enter everything. Will get started on it tomorrow. Also, I need to find an outlet other than the garbage dump for our excess furniture. Our storage hut is clear full. We need to move some things out before we can get to the back of it. And I still have 2 apartments to close down this month. Trying to make arrangements to close the one Sudbury next weekend. Don't know if that will work out.
We forgot to take our camera with us yesterday. Will try to get some more pictures the next time we go to another town.
Bonnie: We'll also include pictures of our apartment when it's finished. We are trading couches with another senior couple this week. And then we have to buy a rug. Bob found a large painting of a fishing cabin in some woods that we will put up in our dining room. It's becoming more and more like home to me.
Today, I didn't get to go to Sunday School or Relief Society because I was helping YSAs get in to see the Bishop. There were several young adults who wanted to see the Bishop that had not made an appointment. It worked out ok, though. It's hard to communicate with them sometimes. They don't always respond in a timely manner! Oh, well. It's turning out to be easier than I thought it would be.
Bob mentioned Transfer Week. I think that I will talk to the new missionaries about writing clearly on their baptism and confirmation records and having the correct address! I send out a baptism packet to each new member with a signed letter from the mission president. I've had three returned because of incorrect addresses. Because these missionaries will be a bit apprehensive and won't have had much sleep the night before, I plan on telling them that they are part of the greatest generation of young adults, as Elder Ballard put it in his conference talk, and that they can do hard things and be successful missionaries. That, and that I will do anything I can to help them do and be their best on their missions.
May all of you have a wonderful day tomorrow. We will be celebrating Bob's birthday! It will be great. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow night.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
It's just after nine here and it's still daylight outside. The day has been overcast and rainy. Besides transfers this week I will have to pay rent for all our apartments. Went through it once with Elder Gillen. I have some notes and remember it takes a while to enter everything. Will get started on it tomorrow. Also, I need to find an outlet other than the garbage dump for our excess furniture. Our storage hut is clear full. We need to move some things out before we can get to the back of it. And I still have 2 apartments to close down this month. Trying to make arrangements to close the one Sudbury next weekend. Don't know if that will work out.
We forgot to take our camera with us yesterday. Will try to get some more pictures the next time we go to another town.
Bonnie: We'll also include pictures of our apartment when it's finished. We are trading couches with another senior couple this week. And then we have to buy a rug. Bob found a large painting of a fishing cabin in some woods that we will put up in our dining room. It's becoming more and more like home to me.
Today, I didn't get to go to Sunday School or Relief Society because I was helping YSAs get in to see the Bishop. There were several young adults who wanted to see the Bishop that had not made an appointment. It worked out ok, though. It's hard to communicate with them sometimes. They don't always respond in a timely manner! Oh, well. It's turning out to be easier than I thought it would be.
Bob mentioned Transfer Week. I think that I will talk to the new missionaries about writing clearly on their baptism and confirmation records and having the correct address! I send out a baptism packet to each new member with a signed letter from the mission president. I've had three returned because of incorrect addresses. Because these missionaries will be a bit apprehensive and won't have had much sleep the night before, I plan on telling them that they are part of the greatest generation of young adults, as Elder Ballard put it in his conference talk, and that they can do hard things and be successful missionaries. That, and that I will do anything I can to help them do and be their best on their missions.
May all of you have a wonderful day tomorrow. We will be celebrating Bob's birthday! It will be great. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow night.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Saturday 13 June 2015
June 13, 2015
Bob: Up at 5 this morning. Going to the temple with the YSA members at 7 this morning. Then at 10 we are headed to Orillia to close another apartment. That is about an hour and a half north depending on traffic. Yesterday was spent at the office. Got home at 6, ate and then Bonnie went grocery shopping while I did the wash. Once we were done we went to bed to rest for today. Will let you know how it goes. On the 21st we will be in Sudbury to close an apartment. That is the Stake we were in last summer.
Not many problems with the move today except one. We started to unbolt the headboard from the bed rails and we couldn't turn the nuts. Got out the toolbox my predecessor left me. There was a set of small sockets in it. Found the right size socket and then started to put it on the ratchet. Oops. The ratchet was 3/8 and all the sockets were 1/4. Don't know who thought that socket set was any good. Sent the Elders to the store to get an adapter and a crescent wrench. They finally got back and we started again. We could not turn one of the nuts with a socket and wrench. I can't imagine how they got the nut on the bolt. The nut is seized to the bolt, but not tight against anything. Bed rail just flops around. Next stop at the hardware store and I'm getting a hacksaw!!
Hope everyone is enjoying their day. Love to everyone.
Bob/Dad
Bonnie: I had a good time today, although I wasn't much help moving the furniture. It started with unloading the trailer into a storage unit. The Church rents a storage unit for the very purpose of moving furniture, etc in and out of apartments. Then, when we arrived in Orillia, the Elders took care of most of the loading and unloading. It was nice because the owner said we could leave all of the furniture there and she would have Salvation Army pick it up. There wasn't much we took from there. Next stop was Wendy's, (really fun with four Elders!) followed by the "new" apartment. What an improvement over the old one! After we unloaded their furniture, we had to load some of the furniture in this apartment into the trailer because it wasn't needed. Then, we went back to the storage unit and Bob and I (mostly Bob) put a large table, a queen bed and box springs and a couch there. Then, it was back to the mission office, where we found the APs working hard on transfers, and then back to our apartment. What can I say? Just that I am thankful that church doesn't start until noon tomorrow!
May you all enjoy your Sabbath Day--
Love,
Mom/ Bonnie
Not many problems with the move today except one. We started to unbolt the headboard from the bed rails and we couldn't turn the nuts. Got out the toolbox my predecessor left me. There was a set of small sockets in it. Found the right size socket and then started to put it on the ratchet. Oops. The ratchet was 3/8 and all the sockets were 1/4. Don't know who thought that socket set was any good. Sent the Elders to the store to get an adapter and a crescent wrench. They finally got back and we started again. We could not turn one of the nuts with a socket and wrench. I can't imagine how they got the nut on the bolt. The nut is seized to the bolt, but not tight against anything. Bed rail just flops around. Next stop at the hardware store and I'm getting a hacksaw!!
Hope everyone is enjoying their day. Love to everyone.
Bob/Dad
Bonnie: I had a good time today, although I wasn't much help moving the furniture. It started with unloading the trailer into a storage unit. The Church rents a storage unit for the very purpose of moving furniture, etc in and out of apartments. Then, when we arrived in Orillia, the Elders took care of most of the loading and unloading. It was nice because the owner said we could leave all of the furniture there and she would have Salvation Army pick it up. There wasn't much we took from there. Next stop was Wendy's, (really fun with four Elders!) followed by the "new" apartment. What an improvement over the old one! After we unloaded their furniture, we had to load some of the furniture in this apartment into the trailer because it wasn't needed. Then, we went back to the storage unit and Bob and I (mostly Bob) put a large table, a queen bed and box springs and a couch there. Then, it was back to the mission office, where we found the APs working hard on transfers, and then back to our apartment. What can I say? Just that I am thankful that church doesn't start until noon tomorrow!
May you all enjoy your Sabbath Day--
Love,
Mom/ Bonnie
Thursday 11 June 2015
June 11, 2015
Bonnie: We just got home and it's 5 minutes to 9! I'll let Bob tell of his adventures today. I finally got the phones at the office to work with the correct voice message today. But what I want to share are two experiences I have had in the office. I am the one who does referrals. Yesterday I received a call from the Temple President. The temple is right across the street from the hospital. He saw a young girl who is 18 years old standing on the steps of the temple and went out to talk to her. She is in the psychiatric unit at the hospital for a while because of an abusive home. She looked at the temple grounds and angel Moroni out of her window and felt drawn to it. She asked about the church and, especially after talking to the Temple President, wanted to know more. The APs went to see her today. Then, an east Indian man came in today after he had bought a car from the church. He had to bring in the license plates. He said something about how happy we were all the time and that everyone in the office seemed to smile a lot. I said, "Sometime we will have to tell you why!" With that cue, Elder Erickson asked him to meet two young men who work here. Out came the APs. What followed was a great discussion, general in nature, about the church. Before he left he gave us his name and phone number and told the Elders that they could come in to his Wild Wings franchise and he would feed them at a discount! I love it that people can see something different about us. I hope we will have more experiences like these. How I love the gospel of Jesus Christ! And how I hope that others can see a difference in me because I try to be Christ-like in my behavior.
Have I wonderful evening and day tomorrow.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Another adventurous day. The plans were to go to Brantford, empty the apartment, have lunch, make a quick stop at the Mississauga Ward to drop off some things and get back to the office by about 3:00. Took a little longer to get to Brantford than I planned on. And by the way, I didn't see Wayne Gretzky while in Brantford. So we emptied out the apartment. There was a lot of furniture, but the landlord said he would take all that we didn't want. So I left almost everything because none of it was very good and we don't have room to store more furniture. I told the Elders and Sisters (who came over to help clean the apartment) that I'd take them out to lunch. The Sisters have an appointment so they couldn't g. They had to go back to their apartment to change. The Elders were not from Brantford and they didn't know where we could go. So, the Sisters said to follow them and they'd take us to Wendys on their way home. As we left the apartment I put 'Wendys' into my GPS. It said 2 kilometres. The first turn we came to the GPS said go left. The Sisters went right. The next turn, same thing. I followed them wondering where they are going. We are meandering through an old part of town which reminded me of downtown Sistersville. We had to make a left and a slow car got between the Sisters and me. They are pulling away, but then I see them pull over. Good, they are waiting for me. When I get near them they jump out of their car, start running up the street and disappear around the corner. I pull over to wait. After a minute they didn't come back. The Elders drive past so I pulled out behind them. The first red light we come to the GPS said to go right. The Elders go straight, I go right. I see them turn in to a store. I figure they will follow. About 1/4 mile later we arrived at Wendys. I found out later that the sisters saw someone they had lost contact with and wanted to talk to him and that's why they jumped out of their car.
While we are eating the Elders ask, would you mind dropping off a couple of mattresses at some other Elder's apartment? I said okay. Where is it? They said it's only about 50 kilometres. That's okay as long as it's on my way. Sorry, but it was the opposite way!! So off we go. Finally get there and drop off everything.
So I'm off again to Mississauga. Should be there at 3:30 to meet with Elders, 2 sets of Sisters and Brother Beltran. I got there at the same time Brother Beltran did. About 10 minutes later the Elders show up. They say the Sisters are coming, but will be a few minutes. (I have come to learn that missionaries don't have a clear concept of what a 'few' is.) Got finished with Elders and still no Sisters. Everyone leaves and about 10 minutes later the Sisters show up. I go over everything with them and I'm ready to go. Then, they asked, "Brother Martin, would you mind swinging by our apartment and picking up the extra bed we have?" So off I go. Pick it up and start home. As I pass the Ward house (that's right, their apartment was in the opposite direction) I pull in to call Bonnie to say that I'm leaving Mississauga and should be there shortly. It's 5:00 now and I'm only about 20 minutes from our apartment.
So up route 403 I go. Traffic moving smoothly. The overhead marquee says '401 Collector and Express Routes moving slowly'. I think, I'm lucky I don't have to take 401. I'll take 410 and miss all the traffic. As soon as I hit 410, which starts right between the 401 Express and 401 Collector routes, traffic comes to a standstill. I'm moving a few feet and then I stop. Meanwhile, 401 on both sides of me is moving along at the speed limit. I figure the guy typing the marquee message must have been half asleep and messed up the numbers. I get to the turn off for our apartment and it is 5:55. Took 55 minutes for a 20 minute drive.
Only one more thing to do and I can get to the office. I need to get gas. Pull in the gas station and I thought it was Christmas time! Cars are lined up at the pumps in both directions and cars are just sitting all over the place. There is a Mercedes that no one seems to be attending to. After a few minutes a guy comes out and gets in the Mercedes and as he pulls out I pull in. I got the credit card out and it won't work!! Tried it twice. Says PIN recognized. Then says CARD UNAUTHORIZED. Have to use Bonnie's debit card account. Now I have to get the church to issue her a reimbursement check, another thing for the auditor to look at me cross-eyed about! Finally, at about 6:15 I get back. I'm taking Bonnie this Saturday and we are driving to Orillia to close an apartment up there. That's about 2 hours away. Can't wait to see how that goes.
One other thing. While I was away our upstairs renter called to report that the freezer on the refrigerator quit so everything thawed out and is ruined. Called my son-in-law who is my acting property manager to go check it out. May end up with a new refrigerator. Asked Bonnie what color she would want if we have to buy one. She said, "Well, if I don't buy white we'll have to get a new range, microwave and dishwasher too." After the way today has gone, what color do you think we'll end up with?
Hope everyone is having a great day and all is well.
Love to all,
Dad/Bob
Have I wonderful evening and day tomorrow.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Another adventurous day. The plans were to go to Brantford, empty the apartment, have lunch, make a quick stop at the Mississauga Ward to drop off some things and get back to the office by about 3:00. Took a little longer to get to Brantford than I planned on. And by the way, I didn't see Wayne Gretzky while in Brantford. So we emptied out the apartment. There was a lot of furniture, but the landlord said he would take all that we didn't want. So I left almost everything because none of it was very good and we don't have room to store more furniture. I told the Elders and Sisters (who came over to help clean the apartment) that I'd take them out to lunch. The Sisters have an appointment so they couldn't g. They had to go back to their apartment to change. The Elders were not from Brantford and they didn't know where we could go. So, the Sisters said to follow them and they'd take us to Wendys on their way home. As we left the apartment I put 'Wendys' into my GPS. It said 2 kilometres. The first turn we came to the GPS said go left. The Sisters went right. The next turn, same thing. I followed them wondering where they are going. We are meandering through an old part of town which reminded me of downtown Sistersville. We had to make a left and a slow car got between the Sisters and me. They are pulling away, but then I see them pull over. Good, they are waiting for me. When I get near them they jump out of their car, start running up the street and disappear around the corner. I pull over to wait. After a minute they didn't come back. The Elders drive past so I pulled out behind them. The first red light we come to the GPS said to go right. The Elders go straight, I go right. I see them turn in to a store. I figure they will follow. About 1/4 mile later we arrived at Wendys. I found out later that the sisters saw someone they had lost contact with and wanted to talk to him and that's why they jumped out of their car.
While we are eating the Elders ask, would you mind dropping off a couple of mattresses at some other Elder's apartment? I said okay. Where is it? They said it's only about 50 kilometres. That's okay as long as it's on my way. Sorry, but it was the opposite way!! So off we go. Finally get there and drop off everything.
So I'm off again to Mississauga. Should be there at 3:30 to meet with Elders, 2 sets of Sisters and Brother Beltran. I got there at the same time Brother Beltran did. About 10 minutes later the Elders show up. They say the Sisters are coming, but will be a few minutes. (I have come to learn that missionaries don't have a clear concept of what a 'few' is.) Got finished with Elders and still no Sisters. Everyone leaves and about 10 minutes later the Sisters show up. I go over everything with them and I'm ready to go. Then, they asked, "Brother Martin, would you mind swinging by our apartment and picking up the extra bed we have?" So off I go. Pick it up and start home. As I pass the Ward house (that's right, their apartment was in the opposite direction) I pull in to call Bonnie to say that I'm leaving Mississauga and should be there shortly. It's 5:00 now and I'm only about 20 minutes from our apartment.
So up route 403 I go. Traffic moving smoothly. The overhead marquee says '401 Collector and Express Routes moving slowly'. I think, I'm lucky I don't have to take 401. I'll take 410 and miss all the traffic. As soon as I hit 410, which starts right between the 401 Express and 401 Collector routes, traffic comes to a standstill. I'm moving a few feet and then I stop. Meanwhile, 401 on both sides of me is moving along at the speed limit. I figure the guy typing the marquee message must have been half asleep and messed up the numbers. I get to the turn off for our apartment and it is 5:55. Took 55 minutes for a 20 minute drive.
Only one more thing to do and I can get to the office. I need to get gas. Pull in the gas station and I thought it was Christmas time! Cars are lined up at the pumps in both directions and cars are just sitting all over the place. There is a Mercedes that no one seems to be attending to. After a few minutes a guy comes out and gets in the Mercedes and as he pulls out I pull in. I got the credit card out and it won't work!! Tried it twice. Says PIN recognized. Then says CARD UNAUTHORIZED. Have to use Bonnie's debit card account. Now I have to get the church to issue her a reimbursement check, another thing for the auditor to look at me cross-eyed about! Finally, at about 6:15 I get back. I'm taking Bonnie this Saturday and we are driving to Orillia to close an apartment up there. That's about 2 hours away. Can't wait to see how that goes.
One other thing. While I was away our upstairs renter called to report that the freezer on the refrigerator quit so everything thawed out and is ruined. Called my son-in-law who is my acting property manager to go check it out. May end up with a new refrigerator. Asked Bonnie what color she would want if we have to buy one. She said, "Well, if I don't buy white we'll have to get a new range, microwave and dishwasher too." After the way today has gone, what color do you think we'll end up with?
Hope everyone is having a great day and all is well.
Love to all,
Dad/Bob
Wednesday 10 June 2015
June 10, 2015
Bob: Another busy day and my desk still looks a mess. I think I'm going to buy another filing cabinet and just stuff everything in it at night. Should be able to fool people for awhile.
Headed to Brantford tomorrow to close an apartment. Brantford is west of Hamilton, which is the most western point on Lake Ontario just as you are turning north. Brantford is the hometown of Wayne Gretzky for all you hockey fans. Going to take Bonnie with me so we can a sister's slant on how clean to leave the apartment. Elder Gillen has warned me taking a sister might not be a great idea, but I'm willing to take the chance. Beside I want her to get away from the office for a little while. We'll get lunch away from work. In fact, we might go to Orillia Saturday and close another one. I'm not supposed to close it till the end of July, but the landlord called today and said if I could get it empty so she could paint it she would refund a month's rent. I don't think I have any other weekdays to go up there this month as I have 2 that I must close before the end of the month. That's one each for the last 2 weeks. Don't want to be away 2 days during the week.
Well, I think I'll let Bonnie have a change to add something. Wishing everyone the best.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: This will be short because I need to contact some young adults. It felt so good to get home tonight. Bob immediately turned on some Alan Jackson songs and we had one of our favorite meals--poor-man's spaghetti, garlic bread and some caesar salad. Tomorrow will be interesting if I go with Bob. We'll have to be sure it's ok with the other couple in the office.
It's been a day of tender mercies. We were able to return some money and credit cards to a missionary who had left them in the truck. And I finally got my supply order complete after talking to SL about it. Then, at the end of the day I received a call from a former missionary that needed some help with doing a baptismal interview in his ward, in Mandarin Chinese. Luckily, the APs were in the office and one of them speaks fluent Mandarin. I'm so glad they were there. It's not always the case!
May everyone have a great night and day tomorrow.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Headed to Brantford tomorrow to close an apartment. Brantford is west of Hamilton, which is the most western point on Lake Ontario just as you are turning north. Brantford is the hometown of Wayne Gretzky for all you hockey fans. Going to take Bonnie with me so we can a sister's slant on how clean to leave the apartment. Elder Gillen has warned me taking a sister might not be a great idea, but I'm willing to take the chance. Beside I want her to get away from the office for a little while. We'll get lunch away from work. In fact, we might go to Orillia Saturday and close another one. I'm not supposed to close it till the end of July, but the landlord called today and said if I could get it empty so she could paint it she would refund a month's rent. I don't think I have any other weekdays to go up there this month as I have 2 that I must close before the end of the month. That's one each for the last 2 weeks. Don't want to be away 2 days during the week.
Well, I think I'll let Bonnie have a change to add something. Wishing everyone the best.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: This will be short because I need to contact some young adults. It felt so good to get home tonight. Bob immediately turned on some Alan Jackson songs and we had one of our favorite meals--poor-man's spaghetti, garlic bread and some caesar salad. Tomorrow will be interesting if I go with Bob. We'll have to be sure it's ok with the other couple in the office.
It's been a day of tender mercies. We were able to return some money and credit cards to a missionary who had left them in the truck. And I finally got my supply order complete after talking to SL about it. Then, at the end of the day I received a call from a former missionary that needed some help with doing a baptismal interview in his ward, in Mandarin Chinese. Luckily, the APs were in the office and one of them speaks fluent Mandarin. I'm so glad they were there. It's not always the case!
May everyone have a great night and day tomorrow.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Tuesday 9 June 2015
June 9, 2015
Bob: Another normal day. Work by 8:30 and home at about 9:45. Went to Institute tonight at the Mississauga Ward and then had a meeting with the Elders and Sisters in that Ward. They are going to contact all they can find on the list that we have. They said it would not be a problem! We shall see as time marches on.
After our meeting we stayed to see a young man open his mission call. He is going to California-Ventura Mission on November 4th. It takes several months to get a visa and in the letter it said his assignment might change due to visa restrictions. There were several YSA adults there to see him open the call and also someone by video. His mother was working so he was waiting for her and that made it pretty late.
Weather has been pleasant without any rain today. We left Mississauga at about 9:30 and it was still light enough to see out. Getting dark later and later here.
Got a call from Sister Cambridge of the Temiskaming Branch and now I have to find a reason to go up there. I mentioned it to President Clayton and he said I bet you take a fishing pole with you. I replied I promise not to take one with me, but I can't promise anything else. His wife said what he doesn't know won't hurt him. I want her on my team.
Hope everyone is doing well. Would appreciate someone letting us know what is going on with our granddaughter, Hannah. Could use some news on the other grandchildren too.
A scripture we want to share with the YSA is Mosiah 2:41. It reads: "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." --There is a great promise in that scripture.
Love to everyone.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: We left about 7:30 this morning, not 8, because we knew we would be going to Institute tonight. I'm resigned to the fact that there will be no "short" days on our mission! We feel much better about our assignment after talking to Bishop Finnigan last night and meeting with the missionaries tonight. This will be something that we can do. The hard part for me is setting up all of the interviews. It seems impossible to find a time during the day to call and text the young people. I know I have the Mission President's approval to take the time, but it gets crazy sometimes and I feel like I can't stop what I'm doing.
I received two referrals today, one in the mail and one on the phone. It really makes me happy when I can find some missionaries to visit people who want to hear more about the gospel. The missionaries were so eager to help us, too, with our assignment to reactivate the YSA. What wonderful young adults we have. The future of the Church is in good hands!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
After our meeting we stayed to see a young man open his mission call. He is going to California-Ventura Mission on November 4th. It takes several months to get a visa and in the letter it said his assignment might change due to visa restrictions. There were several YSA adults there to see him open the call and also someone by video. His mother was working so he was waiting for her and that made it pretty late.
Weather has been pleasant without any rain today. We left Mississauga at about 9:30 and it was still light enough to see out. Getting dark later and later here.
Got a call from Sister Cambridge of the Temiskaming Branch and now I have to find a reason to go up there. I mentioned it to President Clayton and he said I bet you take a fishing pole with you. I replied I promise not to take one with me, but I can't promise anything else. His wife said what he doesn't know won't hurt him. I want her on my team.
Hope everyone is doing well. Would appreciate someone letting us know what is going on with our granddaughter, Hannah. Could use some news on the other grandchildren too.
A scripture we want to share with the YSA is Mosiah 2:41. It reads: "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." --There is a great promise in that scripture.
Love to everyone.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: We left about 7:30 this morning, not 8, because we knew we would be going to Institute tonight. I'm resigned to the fact that there will be no "short" days on our mission! We feel much better about our assignment after talking to Bishop Finnigan last night and meeting with the missionaries tonight. This will be something that we can do. The hard part for me is setting up all of the interviews. It seems impossible to find a time during the day to call and text the young people. I know I have the Mission President's approval to take the time, but it gets crazy sometimes and I feel like I can't stop what I'm doing.
I received two referrals today, one in the mail and one on the phone. It really makes me happy when I can find some missionaries to visit people who want to hear more about the gospel. The missionaries were so eager to help us, too, with our assignment to reactivate the YSA. What wonderful young adults we have. The future of the Church is in good hands!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Monday 8 June 2015
June 8, 2015
Bob: Much the same today. Got to work about 8:30 and left a little past 6. Had time to get home, change, grab a leftover and get to the YSA FHE by 7:30. Not much time to try and contact the YSA from the Ward we are advisers for. There were 3 of them there tonight though. We got a new list of names tonight. There are only 117 on the list! However, we have 60 days to reach out to all of them. And we can give some names to the missionaries. We were told they could do about 10 a week and there are 2 sets of missionaries. So twenty a week times 8 weeks makes 160 contacts. No sweat!!!!!
We'll see how it goes.
Got to close down an apartment this week. It will be my first alone. Not anticipating too much problem as I talked to the landlord. He told me he checked it out and said it is spotless. I told him if he wanted to hire someone to clean it or make any repairs we would pay for it. He just laughed and said there would not be any bill for that. Said he has enjoyed having the missionaries in his apartment and we are welcome anytime we want to come back. We have rented from him for over 8 years.
Many things are happening in the financial part too. Plus new missionaries are coming in next week, some will be leaving and of course transfers. Got to get started on all that tomorrow. Zone conferences start the week after. Don't think Bonnie and I will attend many of those as the other couple in the office has to go to everyone to inspect cars. I don't think the President wants the office shut down that much.
Well, better get to bed. Trying to turn in early as we are going to Mississauga tomorrow night to meet with the missionaries and see what we can come up with.
Hope everyone is doing well. I apologize if some of this doesn't make sense. My proofreader has gone to bed already. Still love her though.
Love to all,
Dad/Bob
We'll see how it goes.
Got to close down an apartment this week. It will be my first alone. Not anticipating too much problem as I talked to the landlord. He told me he checked it out and said it is spotless. I told him if he wanted to hire someone to clean it or make any repairs we would pay for it. He just laughed and said there would not be any bill for that. Said he has enjoyed having the missionaries in his apartment and we are welcome anytime we want to come back. We have rented from him for over 8 years.
Many things are happening in the financial part too. Plus new missionaries are coming in next week, some will be leaving and of course transfers. Got to get started on all that tomorrow. Zone conferences start the week after. Don't think Bonnie and I will attend many of those as the other couple in the office has to go to everyone to inspect cars. I don't think the President wants the office shut down that much.
Well, better get to bed. Trying to turn in early as we are going to Mississauga tomorrow night to meet with the missionaries and see what we can come up with.
Hope everyone is doing well. I apologize if some of this doesn't make sense. My proofreader has gone to bed already. Still love her though.
Love to all,
Dad/Bob
Sunday 7 June 2015
June 7, 2015
Bonnie: Well, it is official! I am now the "go-to" person who schedules appointments with Bishop Finnigan in our YSA ward. My phone number and email address were in the Sunday bulletin today. I pray I can keep both mission office and YSA assignments going at once!
Tonight was peaceful, thankfully. I called Chris, Scott and Shannan and left a message for Jeff. It was wonderful talking with my grandchildren. It really cheered me up. I've made a list of everything I need to do tomorrow so that will help me to sleep better. I won't be awake worrying about it!
We had a great fast and testimony meeting today. These young adults are wonderful and they have strong testimonies. It is important work to help those who are not coming to return to their Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm excited to part of it.
My love to all,
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: I agree with Bonnie. Testimony was very spiritual as one after another of the young adults got up and told how the gospel is blessing their lives. We met with Brother and Sister Beltran after church was over. They along with us are the assigned supervisors for the Mississauga Ward YSA. They can speak Spanish very fluently as they are from El Salvador. They'll contact the Spanish speaking YSA. We're going to divide the list and go from there. Haven't decided who gets the Chinese YSA!! I was told tonight by the young Elders assigned to that area that most of them do speak English.
Tonight was stake priesthood meeting. The building got full before the Stake President got up and had them open the overflow area. But in his comments he mentioned the many that weren't there. Was a good meeting. Stake President pointed out that no matter how much is said, the doctrine will not change; individuals will be what changes.
Hope your Sabbath day and fast went well. Love to all.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Tonight was peaceful, thankfully. I called Chris, Scott and Shannan and left a message for Jeff. It was wonderful talking with my grandchildren. It really cheered me up. I've made a list of everything I need to do tomorrow so that will help me to sleep better. I won't be awake worrying about it!
We had a great fast and testimony meeting today. These young adults are wonderful and they have strong testimonies. It is important work to help those who are not coming to return to their Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm excited to part of it.
My love to all,
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: I agree with Bonnie. Testimony was very spiritual as one after another of the young adults got up and told how the gospel is blessing their lives. We met with Brother and Sister Beltran after church was over. They along with us are the assigned supervisors for the Mississauga Ward YSA. They can speak Spanish very fluently as they are from El Salvador. They'll contact the Spanish speaking YSA. We're going to divide the list and go from there. Haven't decided who gets the Chinese YSA!! I was told tonight by the young Elders assigned to that area that most of them do speak English.
Tonight was stake priesthood meeting. The building got full before the Stake President got up and had them open the overflow area. But in his comments he mentioned the many that weren't there. Was a good meeting. Stake President pointed out that no matter how much is said, the doctrine will not change; individuals will be what changes.
Hope your Sabbath day and fast went well. Love to all.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Saturday 6 June 2015
June 6, 2015
Bob: Got home late from grocery shopping last night and crashed on the couch. I think we have learned that shopping on Friday night is not a good idea. When I came to, it was time for bed. We were both tired and just forgot to update the blog.
Yesterday was a pretty normal day as far as leaving is concerned. We get there by 8:30 and leave close to 6:00. As far as office activities yesterday, there were a few problems. The biggest was we had an elder going home. I was told that one of my responsibilities is to make sure the departing missionaries have money in their account to pay for baggage fees for 2 bags. Well, the elder called me from the airport and said he didn't have any money to pay his baggage. When I explained that I had put money on his card he said that he left his card with the President! He didn't have a cell phone to call when he got to the check-in counter or I could have paid the fee over the phone. And he didn't have anymore money to make another call. So I got the 2 elders who dropped him off to go back and pay his baggage fees. Next problem is it took too long so they bumped him from that flight and put him on the next flight which delayed him by 2 hours. Monday we'll have to go over this baggage fee procedure.
Next problem was that an elder didn't have any money in his account! I looked at the historical entries to see if I could see a problem. At first it looked okay, but then the problem jumped out at me. In April we tried to deposit some money in his account. Then because of a transfer about 4 days later we needed to take the money back from him. Due to the monetary limit an elder can get in one month the amount we tried to add didn't go into his account, but the amount we took out processed the 1st of June. Thus his monthly allowance for June got cancelled out because of the amount taken out. Called SL to get it fixed yesterday, but they were shutdown because of Elder Perry's funeral services. Will take care of that on Monday now.
Saturday morning is about normal. Have about 12 hours of things to do and only about 8 hours to get it all done. I went to Home Depot, Walmart, and other places for some errands. Bonnie is doing the wash and cleaning. There is a barbecue at the Bishop's home tonight for all couples working in the YSA Ward. They are going to outline our duties and expectations. We'll see how it goes. We've been told that above all things the work at the office takes priority.
Yesterday we signed up for social security over the phone. We had planned on going to Niagara Falls to sign up at the Social Security office. When I called to set an appointment to go to Niagara they said they could do it over the phone. This was a real blessing that we didn't have to drive down there right now. Once we get our feet on the ground we can do that.
Our meeting with the YSA Bishop went pretty well. However, he has given us some extra work. He wants us to personally visit every YSA for the Mississauga Ward each month!! We were told there are about 40 young adults listed right now. Where is the time going to come from??
With that, I'll sign off for the night. God bless. Hope everyone is doing well.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: My special assignment is to schedule all of the YSA interviews with the Bishop. I have to give him my cell phone number and an email address so it can be put into the bulletin. This, along with all I have to do at the Mission Office! Today I prayed that whatever assignment I was given that the Lord would provide a way for me to do it. How I need an answer to that prayer! Then, of course, we will be trying to see all of the less-active YSAs in the Mississauga ward. I truly don't know when we will be able to do it, unless it's on Saturday and Sunday mornings. There won't be much time to cook dinner or do wash during the week. But, I know that the Lord is mindful of me and will provide a way. I'm so glad tomorrow is fast Sunday!
I hope everyone has a blessed Sabbath day tomorrow--I love you all!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Yesterday was a pretty normal day as far as leaving is concerned. We get there by 8:30 and leave close to 6:00. As far as office activities yesterday, there were a few problems. The biggest was we had an elder going home. I was told that one of my responsibilities is to make sure the departing missionaries have money in their account to pay for baggage fees for 2 bags. Well, the elder called me from the airport and said he didn't have any money to pay his baggage. When I explained that I had put money on his card he said that he left his card with the President! He didn't have a cell phone to call when he got to the check-in counter or I could have paid the fee over the phone. And he didn't have anymore money to make another call. So I got the 2 elders who dropped him off to go back and pay his baggage fees. Next problem is it took too long so they bumped him from that flight and put him on the next flight which delayed him by 2 hours. Monday we'll have to go over this baggage fee procedure.
Next problem was that an elder didn't have any money in his account! I looked at the historical entries to see if I could see a problem. At first it looked okay, but then the problem jumped out at me. In April we tried to deposit some money in his account. Then because of a transfer about 4 days later we needed to take the money back from him. Due to the monetary limit an elder can get in one month the amount we tried to add didn't go into his account, but the amount we took out processed the 1st of June. Thus his monthly allowance for June got cancelled out because of the amount taken out. Called SL to get it fixed yesterday, but they were shutdown because of Elder Perry's funeral services. Will take care of that on Monday now.
Saturday morning is about normal. Have about 12 hours of things to do and only about 8 hours to get it all done. I went to Home Depot, Walmart, and other places for some errands. Bonnie is doing the wash and cleaning. There is a barbecue at the Bishop's home tonight for all couples working in the YSA Ward. They are going to outline our duties and expectations. We'll see how it goes. We've been told that above all things the work at the office takes priority.
Yesterday we signed up for social security over the phone. We had planned on going to Niagara Falls to sign up at the Social Security office. When I called to set an appointment to go to Niagara they said they could do it over the phone. This was a real blessing that we didn't have to drive down there right now. Once we get our feet on the ground we can do that.
Our meeting with the YSA Bishop went pretty well. However, he has given us some extra work. He wants us to personally visit every YSA for the Mississauga Ward each month!! We were told there are about 40 young adults listed right now. Where is the time going to come from??
With that, I'll sign off for the night. God bless. Hope everyone is doing well.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: My special assignment is to schedule all of the YSA interviews with the Bishop. I have to give him my cell phone number and an email address so it can be put into the bulletin. This, along with all I have to do at the Mission Office! Today I prayed that whatever assignment I was given that the Lord would provide a way for me to do it. How I need an answer to that prayer! Then, of course, we will be trying to see all of the less-active YSAs in the Mississauga ward. I truly don't know when we will be able to do it, unless it's on Saturday and Sunday mornings. There won't be much time to cook dinner or do wash during the week. But, I know that the Lord is mindful of me and will provide a way. I'm so glad tomorrow is fast Sunday!
I hope everyone has a blessed Sabbath day tomorrow--I love you all!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Thursday 4 June 2015
June 4, 2015
Bob: Today wasn't too bad at work. I took the pickup and trailer this morning to Markham to move a set of elders into a new apartment. They were excited to get into the apartment. They had been living with 2 other elders in a basement apartment. It wasn't bad, but the new one is an improvement. It has a very fancy entry way. It's like walking into a 5 star hotel. Very elaborate. In fact. we had to pay a $400 move-in deposit in case we scraped a wall, etc. Thankfully, no one touched anything to my knowledge. We finished before 11 so I thought I would be back before 12. Didn't turn out that way as I got stuck in a 45 minute traffic jam on the freeway. Other than that things were okay. Still looking for that fire that is probably burning.
Hope everyone is well and happy. Enjoy the summer. Ours will be short!!!
Love,
Bob/Dad
Bonnie: I want to share something great about last night. There is a young man with disabilities who is quite high functioning that likes to say he is a missionary. He takes the bus from his home to all of the MLCs and Zone Conferences. He is dressed appropriately and it's fun to see him. His name is Jimmy. He called Bob on the phone one afternoon and asked when he could teach his lesson! He told us last night that he will be released soon, in fact as soon as two weeks. We'll see if that happens! The elders treat him well. In fact, after all of the missionaries came to pick up their supplies, the Assistants to the President (APs) went on splits. After one left something fell through and the other AP was there by himself, except for Jimmy. He was so courteous and kind, and treated Jimmy like he would a good friend. It was very heart-warming to see them together.
Today was very low-key, thankfully. I hope tomorrow we can go home before 6:00 pm so we can do wash and the shopping. It's always very busy on Saturdays to do those kind of things.
My love to all,
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Hope everyone is well and happy. Enjoy the summer. Ours will be short!!!
Love,
Bob/Dad
Bonnie: I want to share something great about last night. There is a young man with disabilities who is quite high functioning that likes to say he is a missionary. He takes the bus from his home to all of the MLCs and Zone Conferences. He is dressed appropriately and it's fun to see him. His name is Jimmy. He called Bob on the phone one afternoon and asked when he could teach his lesson! He told us last night that he will be released soon, in fact as soon as two weeks. We'll see if that happens! The elders treat him well. In fact, after all of the missionaries came to pick up their supplies, the Assistants to the President (APs) went on splits. After one left something fell through and the other AP was there by himself, except for Jimmy. He was so courteous and kind, and treated Jimmy like he would a good friend. It was very heart-warming to see them together.
Today was very low-key, thankfully. I hope tomorrow we can go home before 6:00 pm so we can do wash and the shopping. It's always very busy on Saturdays to do those kind of things.
My love to all,
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Wednesday 3 June 2015
June 3, 2015
Bob: Well our first MLC (Missionary Leadership Conference) has come and gone. We got home around 8 PM. Things went pretty well except the waffles. The missionaries showed up all at once and so there was a long waiting line for the waffles. Sister Erickson had the duty of cooking today. We can trade off on that the next time except for Bonnie. She has to be at the front desk to handle order exceptions, etc. But she is the one that puts the orders together, so she does her part then. I am the one that didn't do a lot to get ready or help in the kitchen. Seems like the accountant is always running behind. Oh well, things are getting better. I just get side tracked by phone calls, etc.
Hope everyone had a great day. The weather is still in the low 60s here and it feels real good. And there are no mosquitoes either.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: MLC went better than I expected. It was so fun to see the missionaries come in! They are so fun and cute with each other. One sister routinely gives me a hug and I love it. We have a jar of candy, but to get a piece the missionary has to write down one tender mercy from the Lord. They put it on a sticky note and put it on the outside of the jar. At the end of the day I put them on a sheet of paper and in a plastic sleeve where they will be saved. The missionaries seem to be enjoying this. Next time we will be supplying the fixings for the waffles and hopefully Bob will be able to free himself up to do the cooking. Tonight I feel better than last night, even though we got home later. There is something about serving others and loving others that makes all the difference in how we feel. I love taking care of these young adults--they are like my kids!!
Now, if I can just figure out the paper work that goes along with all of the supplies, it will make the accountant much happier and me, too, in the process.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Hope everyone had a great day. The weather is still in the low 60s here and it feels real good. And there are no mosquitoes either.
Love,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: MLC went better than I expected. It was so fun to see the missionaries come in! They are so fun and cute with each other. One sister routinely gives me a hug and I love it. We have a jar of candy, but to get a piece the missionary has to write down one tender mercy from the Lord. They put it on a sticky note and put it on the outside of the jar. At the end of the day I put them on a sheet of paper and in a plastic sleeve where they will be saved. The missionaries seem to be enjoying this. Next time we will be supplying the fixings for the waffles and hopefully Bob will be able to free himself up to do the cooking. Tonight I feel better than last night, even though we got home later. There is something about serving others and loving others that makes all the difference in how we feel. I love taking care of these young adults--they are like my kids!!
Now, if I can just figure out the paper work that goes along with all of the supplies, it will make the accountant much happier and me, too, in the process.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
Tuesday 2 June 2015
June 2, 2015
Bob: Off to work at 7:00 this morning. Bonnie caught a ride in with the Erickson's. They got there at about 8:40. I was able to get some things done without any interruptions. Busy day however. Didn't leave till about just after 6:00. Then we had to go to Costco as I wanted to check on a couple things and use their ATM. Finally got home about 7:15. After we ate I checked my email and found out that my downstairs renter in Lindon didn't have any lights in one end of the basement. I gave her a call and had her reset the breaker in the correct breaker box. They didn't realize there are 2 breaker boxes downstairs.
At 9:00 I took the car to the car wash. Keeping the car clean, especially in the winter is a bother up here. So to get something reasonable we are going to continue the deal our predecessors had. They bought a 90 day car wash pass and split the cost between themselves and the church. Each pays one third of the cost. The car czar has to wash some cars and then he and I can use it too. You can only wash one car per day so we each get at least 2 washes per week if we want them. I think I'm the only one using it that much so far. In the winter I might buy my own pass. The pass is 189.00 for the period. One car wash is about 13.00.
The work went pretty well today till the end. There are 2 techs that are supposed to call me back in the morning about a couple of computer problems. There is something that the virus protector has kicked out that seems to be causing a problem. The warning keeps popping up. Also, there is a report I couldn't get to download, and Salt Lake couldn't get it work either. So those 2 items need to be addressed. And, if the virus situation doesn't clear up the problem that my speakers have I'll have to get that fixed. Tech thought the virus might be affecting the speakers. I can barely hear them and they are at 100%. We'll see tomorrow. I need that report by Thursday for a missionary who is going home.
Weather was pleasant today. Got up into the low 60s, but lots of people were in shorts and t-shirts.
Hope everyone is well.
Love,
Bob/Dad
Bonnie: It feels so good to be home, relaxing on the couch for a few minutes before we get ready for bed. We're going to bed early tonight because of our long day tomorrow. I hope it turns out ok! We'll let all of you know how the waffles turn out.
On Tuesday mornings from now on we will have an office meeting with President Clayton and his wife. It's a great idea because I still have several questions about what I am doing. One thing I am extremely grateful for is the willingness of everyone in the office to help each other when questions or problems arise. It is a wonderful atmosphere and I am so grateful to be here.
My love to all,
Mom/Bonnie
At 9:00 I took the car to the car wash. Keeping the car clean, especially in the winter is a bother up here. So to get something reasonable we are going to continue the deal our predecessors had. They bought a 90 day car wash pass and split the cost between themselves and the church. Each pays one third of the cost. The car czar has to wash some cars and then he and I can use it too. You can only wash one car per day so we each get at least 2 washes per week if we want them. I think I'm the only one using it that much so far. In the winter I might buy my own pass. The pass is 189.00 for the period. One car wash is about 13.00.
The work went pretty well today till the end. There are 2 techs that are supposed to call me back in the morning about a couple of computer problems. There is something that the virus protector has kicked out that seems to be causing a problem. The warning keeps popping up. Also, there is a report I couldn't get to download, and Salt Lake couldn't get it work either. So those 2 items need to be addressed. And, if the virus situation doesn't clear up the problem that my speakers have I'll have to get that fixed. Tech thought the virus might be affecting the speakers. I can barely hear them and they are at 100%. We'll see tomorrow. I need that report by Thursday for a missionary who is going home.
Weather was pleasant today. Got up into the low 60s, but lots of people were in shorts and t-shirts.
Hope everyone is well.
Love,
Bob/Dad
Bonnie: It feels so good to be home, relaxing on the couch for a few minutes before we get ready for bed. We're going to bed early tonight because of our long day tomorrow. I hope it turns out ok! We'll let all of you know how the waffles turn out.
On Tuesday mornings from now on we will have an office meeting with President Clayton and his wife. It's a great idea because I still have several questions about what I am doing. One thing I am extremely grateful for is the willingness of everyone in the office to help each other when questions or problems arise. It is a wonderful atmosphere and I am so grateful to be here.
My love to all,
Mom/Bonnie
Monday 1 June 2015
June 1, 2015
Bob: Left the office at about 4:30 today. Have only had 3 calls so far tonight!! We went to Brother and Sister Ludlow's home tonight for her monthly senior missionary dinner. They have been hosting the senior missionaries in their home once a month for about 20 years. She won't let anyone bring anything, help clean-up, etc. There were 20 people there I believe. Her husband barbecued some chicken and she served it with corn on the cob, baked potatoes with chili, cheese sauce, and onions, broccoli, 2 types of salad and several types of cookies for dessert. She gave each man there a little gift of a 'manly' candy bar, cookie and bag of chocolates. She didn't want the men to be forgotten for Father's Day. She usually has something for the sisters, but it was our turn tonight.
We came home and took a sewing machine from our apartment upstairs to another apartment so he could deliver it to its rightful owner. Took our waffle maker over to another apartment to compare it to the one they bought. We want to keep one to make the waffles for the missionaries when they come in Wednesday.
The month is over and I'm trying to closeout the month, but can't print the reports I need. Can't get a hold of my predecessor to figure out how he did it. Salt Lake couldn't help me either. It is going to take some time.
Well I'll finish up. Going in early tomorrow to try and figure out what to do for the month end report. There should be something about it in my notes.
Love to all,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was a fairly quiet day, at least for me. I hope tomorrow will be the same. I know that Wednesday will be crazy because of MLC or Missionary Leadership Council. The Zone Leaders from 11 zones come to the mission office for training and then pick up supplies, mail and ESL stuff for their zone...oh, and candy bars for all of the June birthdays. I hope it goes ok. I know that I will have to order many more supplies after that. Bob and the other missionary couple will be serving waffles to the zone leaders that can stay.
We enjoyed our dinner tonight with the other missionary couples. It included Temple missionaries, too. The other couple in our office is leaving tomorrow. Their first mission was to Pittsburgh, PA. They spent quite some time in Wheeling Ward and know Mary Rose very well! It has been fun to talk to them about West Virginia. They will be missed in the office. The couple who is replacing them are doing a great job, though. It will be fun to get to know them better.
It's time for bed!! May everyone have sweet dreams tonight...
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
We came home and took a sewing machine from our apartment upstairs to another apartment so he could deliver it to its rightful owner. Took our waffle maker over to another apartment to compare it to the one they bought. We want to keep one to make the waffles for the missionaries when they come in Wednesday.
The month is over and I'm trying to closeout the month, but can't print the reports I need. Can't get a hold of my predecessor to figure out how he did it. Salt Lake couldn't help me either. It is going to take some time.
Well I'll finish up. Going in early tomorrow to try and figure out what to do for the month end report. There should be something about it in my notes.
Love to all,
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was a fairly quiet day, at least for me. I hope tomorrow will be the same. I know that Wednesday will be crazy because of MLC or Missionary Leadership Council. The Zone Leaders from 11 zones come to the mission office for training and then pick up supplies, mail and ESL stuff for their zone...oh, and candy bars for all of the June birthdays. I hope it goes ok. I know that I will have to order many more supplies after that. Bob and the other missionary couple will be serving waffles to the zone leaders that can stay.
We enjoyed our dinner tonight with the other missionary couples. It included Temple missionaries, too. The other couple in our office is leaving tomorrow. Their first mission was to Pittsburgh, PA. They spent quite some time in Wheeling Ward and know Mary Rose very well! It has been fun to talk to them about West Virginia. They will be missed in the office. The couple who is replacing them are doing a great job, though. It will be fun to get to know them better.
It's time for bed!! May everyone have sweet dreams tonight...
Love,
Mom/Bonnie
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