August 31, 2015

Bob: Well another month has come and gone. Time seems to be flying by. Accounting things seem to be flowing a little bit smoother at the office, but apartments seem to be picking up steam. I have 4 new apartments that the leases arrangements are in different stages. It gets a bit confusing at times as I get them mixed up. There isn't a standard way of doing things. We'll probably get through it though so it doesn't make a lot of sense to worry about it.
Tonight the YSA held their FHE at the McLelland's farm. A small river runs along the very edge of it. We had a corn roast and campfire. There were several there, but not a whole lot. Brought Bonnie home around 8:30 as the Canadian national bird was swarming all around her. Got a couple of pictures below.
Hope everyone is well and satisfied with life. We love ours.
Love,
Dad/Bob

Sister Martin talking to some of the YSA

Paradise Relaxation

Just a beautiful picture

Sister Davis, who wrote and sang the special song in Sacrament Meeting yesterday

Bonnie:

August 30, 2015

Bonnie: Another very special Sabbath. The Sister missionaries did the musical number today--one sang and the other accompanied her on the piano. We found out later that she composed the song. It was beautiful--about the atonement of the Savior. For our 5th Sunday meeting the CES coordinator spoke. (CES stands for the Church Education System, which is over Seminary and Institute classes for youth and young adults.)  He was very good. His main purpose was to encourage the YSAs to take Institute classes, starting on the 11th of September. He really thinks that this generation of young adults needs to be prepared to see the second coming of the Savior. He didn't say that it would be this generation exactly, but that it will probably happen within three generations--them or their children or grandchildren. Wow! That's saying something! We do have strong young adults here. Some of them don't have transportation so they take the bus to church. Some have much opposition from their families.
After church, we came home, took short naps and them began working on YSA stuff and calling children! I talked to Lori and family tonight and also Scott and family. They sent me a birthday card with a darling picture of Nolan and Thea. How I love my children and their spouses and our grandchildren.
May you all have enough hugs today--remember we need to have 8 hugs a day to be healthy!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Church was good today. The CES coordinator pointed out some things in Church history that seem to indicate the Lord's purposes are being fulfilled. President Kimball was the 12th prophet of the Church. Although he doubled the number of missionaries and he doubled the number of temples in operation, Boyd K Packer said the crowning achievement of his administration was the publication and release of the LDS version of the King James Bible and the updated Triple Combination. The next prophet, Ezra Taft Benson, called upon church members 'to flood the world with the Book of Mormon' and to read it more. Howard W. Hunter, the next prophet, called upon the saints to look to the temple as a symbol of their membership. The next prophet, President Hinckley, caused over 100 new temples to be built. And now the current Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, has lowered the eligibility age for missionary service from 19 to 18 for young men, and from 21 to 19 for young women. It appears each of these prophets in turn was doing something to hasten taking the gospel message to more people in the world. I wonder what will come next.
After our naps today we decided to fix sandwiches. So we cut up the tomatoes we got at the market yesterday, added some fresh onion and avocado with mayo and ate it up!! So good.
I'm still playing around with the phone/text report. The clerk in the YSA ward is a computer guru and he thinks he might be able to write a program that will take the reports I have and spit out the information we are looking for. I hope he can do it.
Well I had better get ready for bed. Hope your day was blessed and that tomorrow is ever better.
Love,
Dad/Bob

August 29, 2015

Bonnie:  It's 20 to 10 and Bob is doing the dishes for our dinner tonight with the 2 APs and the zone leaders of the Brampton Zone. They seemed to enjoy what we ate and  Elder Russell gave a great message before they left. Elder Russell is the one who is going home a week from Wednesday. He is a sharp young man who wants to go to medical school at the U of U. Then, because he know how to speak mandarin chinese, he would eventually like to work with doctors who go all over the world giving free medical help to those who need it. I think it's called "Doctors without Borders". The Elders had to leave after an hour, as is the mission rule. As soon as they left we went to see the Mississauga Elders about the YSAs in their area. They were having a sports night and were playing indoor soccer with some members. We met and gave them some new names to try to find as well as flyers for Institute, which will begin September 11th. There is so much to do and very little time to do it!  They are very willing to do the work of finding these YSAs. Great young men and women.
This morning we went to the Brampton Farmer's Market. There were several booths with delicious fresh vegetables and fruits. We bought fresh tomatoes, green onions and cucumbers. I loved the market. We also bought butter tarts for dessert tonight: maple walnut, coconut raspberry, and chocolate pecan. They are delicious. We sent several home with the Elders. Other than that, it was a relaxing Saturday!
May all of you have had a relaxing Saturday, as well!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

 I'd like to insert a word here about Canadians and their love of pets, and all animals in fact. There are two places on the way to work with signs warning of ducks crossing the road. One day on the way to work all traffic was stopped to wait for a line of 15 or 20 ducks who were waddling across the street. Today at the Farmer's Market I accidently stepped into a bowl of water on the ground. When I asked what it was for they said it's for the dogs! It seems that every Canadian has a dog. They are all over the place! And I'm sure they appreciate having water to drink at the Farmer's Market!

Bob: I'm almost too sleepy to write tonight. The Market was nice. We live right next to Queen Street. If we head west on Queen it eventually will intersect Hurontario Street. The City of Brampton blocks off one block of Hurontario on each side of Queen for the Market. You can still drive across Hurontario, you just can't turn either right or left as the Market is each direction. There is a huge city parking lot there that is free parking on the weekend so there's plenty of parking. It appeared that people just stroll from one end to the other picking out what they want and then leave. There were a few food vendors and some musicians as well as the farmers with their home grown produce. It was really quite nice. We plan on going back as the Market will be open till the Canadian Thanksgiving which is October 12th this year.
After the Market we came home so I could do laundry while Bonnie went and got her hair cut. Then I wanted to go to Salvation Army and pick up a couple coasters to set my pop glass on. While we were gone the Jakobs called as they were in town. So we met them at Wendy's for a snack and a short visit. And Karl invited us to come up for Thanksgiving and spend it with them. Our only cost is to speak in Sacrament Meeting again. Bonnie is so over joyed with the idea of speaking again. I'm sure we'll find something to say though.
Everyone have a great Sabbath. My love to all.
Love,
Dad/Bob

A trio of pictures from the Farmer's Market

August 28, 2015

Bob: Nothing new going on. Did get to leave work at 5:40 which is early for us. Got home and ate and then off to the grocery store. Looks like we are developing a routine here. Had to spend some time tonight on the YSA list. First mate has lots planned for tomorrow. Don't know where we'll find the 30 hours to get it all done!!
I'm going to have to get our name changed on all our business contacts. This is not going to be easy. I have talked to 407 ETR which is an electronic toll road around Toronto. To change the name on the account they want either Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Amalgamation. Asked Salt Lake about that and they sent me a couple things that aren't titled anything. They look like a couple of short pamphlets of legal mumbo jumbo. Don't have any idea what to call them or do with them. Called a city utility company and they said send us an email with the new name. Sent it to them and before the day was over they replied it was done. Now why the big difference? Oh well.
Well, I'm going to bed. Hope everyone is well and happy. Talk to you tomorrow night. Bonnie sends her love, as well.
Love,
Dad/Bob

August 27, 2015

Bob: Peaceful day at work. Just kept plugging away and got my desk and credenza cleaned off. Now if I can only keep it that way. Bonnie left a little early to go to the temple with Laura. I stayed till just before 7 so I could finish up some apartment arrangements. Got an application completed for a new apartment on Jane Street in Toronto. Elder Gillen just closed an apartment in May in the same building. Now the President wants to open the area again. We were able to get right back in. It should be fine. I thought we could get a real nice apartment on Bayview Avenue for 2 sets of Elders, but someone else beat us to it. The realtor sent me 2 more other leads, though, that look pretty nice. Called the Elders and told them to call the realtor and make an appointment for tomorrow. We need to get one of them if we can.
I got home just before Bonnie. Took her and went to Wendy's for my weekly baked potato and chili meal. She usually gets a salad, but tonight she opted for Tim Horton's soup and a wrap. The two stores are in the same building. I think they are going to get more of her business in the future especially when it gets colder. The cream of broccoli soup sure looked good though. I'll never know as she didn't share it!!
Hope everyone saw the 2nd post I put up last night with the pictures on it. Got a couple more below.

Gnarly tree we saw in Niagara-On-the-Lake

Sign outside a pub in Niagara-On-the-Lake

Bonnie:  It was a good day. I made three orders, one from Staples, one from the General Book of Mormon Fund and one from the LDS Online Store. We seem to get wiped out after MLC as far as Books of Mormon are concerned. Right now, we only have three boxes left. Sister Gillen said to always have at least at least 24 boxes so I ordered 23 more which will give me a few extra. It's really hard to anticipate what the missionaries will want at MLC and at transfers. I wish it didn't take so much time to receive the orders. That's the frustrating part. Oh well.

I had an enjoyable time at the temple tonight. The session was small, but I quite enjoyed it. I'm thankful that Laura wanted to go. 

One of our APs will be going home soon so there will be a new AP "in training" soon. It's fun to speculate as to who will be called to serve as the new one. There are so many excellent young men to choose from. 

Bob read that it will warm up the next few days. I sure hope so. We don't have any heat in the building and I am cold, even with a blanket on me as I write this blog. That broccoli soup from Tim Horton's was delicious. I wish I had some right now!

May all of you be warm this night!

Love, 

Mom/Bonnie

August 26, 2015 A

Bob: Just got my camera back. Thought I would put some pictures up.
Below is a picture of one of the homes we passed on our walking tour in Niagara-on-The-Lake this past Tuesday. The story goes that a businessman came to town, fell in love, married her, and later on built this home. Years later another woman visiting the town saw the home and went up to the front door. She knocked and in talking to the lady of the house said she would like to see her home on the inside as the outside looked so much like hers. While looking around she spied a picture on the mantle. She asked where that picture came from. The lady replied that it was her husband. She in turn replied, 'That's my husband too!' The final outcome of this situation is: The man lost 2 wives, 2 homes and his business. I guess he liked the looks of the home too much.

His dream home!

A planter at the street corner

Fort Niagara (which is in the United States)

Prince of Wales Hotel

Some of the street decoration

August 26, 2015

Bonnie:  Well, another MLC is over! It went well, very busy as usual. How I love these missionaries! It's not easy to do what they are doing, yet they have faith that the Lord will help them, and He does. Probably the most important person they convert is themselves. It's great to work with them.
Because we were gone all day yesterday, Bob had to work late again tonight. We got home about 9:00. Tomorrow I  hope will be a shorter day. In fact, the temple has reopened and I may do a session with Laura and leave work a little early. We'll see.
Well, I have about 65 pages left to read of the Book of Mormon and the month is almost over, so I better get reading.
My love to all,
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob:  Bonnie is right, it was very busy today. I'm trying to get 2 leases signed and completed plus the North York Zone Leaders are looking at a new apartment tomorrow. I really would like to get it and move 2 sets of missionaries into it. We have several apartments to close the next couple of months. One of them is a seniors apartment up in Bancroft. They told me they have 2 bedrooms full of furniture, Ugh! Don't know where we'll put it. It doesn't seem to be slowing down much.
I had to have Bank of American cancel the church credit card I use. It appeared to have some fraudulent activity on it. Today I got the new card by special delivery. There was a sticker on the card saying call xxxxxx to activate your card. So I called the number and spoke to a service person. Gave her all the information and finally she said, 'Your card is a large business card. We aren't authorized to activate the card. You need to call xxxxxx, but I can transfer you'. So I got transferred. Had to enter information. Then I got to listen to my card balance, card limit, last payment, etc, etc. After that I got a list of options.  Finally an option to talk to someone comes up. I opt for that. The phone rings and an automated message says, 'Your call cannot be completed. Please hang up and call back.'
Gave up and went back to fixing waffles for the Elders.
After everyone ate I thought I would try to activate the card again. Everything happened just as before. So I hung up and called back. Got someone finally. They activated my card and he finally said 'The card is activated. Would you like to have the PIN number.' I don't know, no one has ever asked me for a PIN. Well I can send the PIN by mail or you can get it at our website. I'll get it at the website. (I should have known better.) Enter your user name. Don't have one, Then get registered. After several entries I finally found my PIN. -- Maybe it's not as bad as it sounds; maybe I'm just old and out of patience! It's sure fun to growl about it though.
It feels like fall is getting closer as its only 61 outside right now. Checked the weather forecast and the coolness is not going to last. Tomorrow is supposed to be 72 and then for the next 9 days it is between 80 and 90.
Well, I have rambled on long enough. Time to get ready for bed. Hope everyone had a great day.
Love,
Dad/Bob

August 25, 2015

Bonnie:  It's 10:00 pm and we are home for the night, finally. We had a wonderful day with training in the morning followed by lunch and an excursion to Niagara-On-The-Lake. It's an interesting town with lots of history. We learned about the War of 1812 and also the freedom granted to the slaves secretly coming from America. Canada was the first country to state that slaves were free. It is something to be proud of in my opinion. After we got home, Bob felt he had to go into the office. I also needed to buy fruit for MLC tomorrow to have with our waffles. So, we went to the office. I'm glad we did because there were several things I was able to do. I think Bob paid some bills and got some things done so he can have some time tomorrow to help with the waffles. I hope we will have a good day tomorrow, with about 30 missionaries, plus the APs and President and Sister Clayton. The entire event will be held in our building again. I still need to  move the boxes of supplies for each zone out to the foyer, plus the ESL supplies, plus all of the mail, which includes lots of packages that parents have sent to their missionaries. Then, there are other odds and ends that I need to prepare for, including preparing all of the fruit (peaches and blackberries) and making up the waffle batter. I bought 5 containers of whipping cream this time, and two jars of nutella, plus some more syrup. I think there will be enough stuff to eat with the waffles. We'll let everyone know tomorrow!
May all of you have a wonderful "waffle" Wednesday, too!!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

Bob: It's been a long day, but well worth it. Got some good pictures at Niagara-On-the-Lake, but I left my camera in the car we went down in. We went with the Barrett's.Will try to put some on tomorrow.
Several issues with apartments going on. With the one landlord not allowing hardly any access to the laundry we need to find a new apartment for those missionaries. I talked to the A/Ps about it and it looks like we can move them and another set into a nice apartment. With closing two apartments and renting just one the rent will almost be a wash, but the Elders will have a very nice apartment. They'll have 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a garage, air conditioning, etc. They are all for it. But by the time we get the apartments closed and the new one opened some of them will probably be transferred to another area and won't get to live there.
There are a couple of apartments that have Sisters in them that need fumigation. One is set up for Thursday, but the other one hasn't been set yet. I'm trying to get the Sisters to help with this, but they don't seem to understand what needs to be done. They are from China and their English skills are not that good. Zone Leaders are going to check up on it tomorrow.
Along with the waffles tomorrow I have to read and sign a lease, pay the bus pass money for September and fund 3 missionaries that have either lost or damaged their debit cards. Takes at least a month to get a replacement debit card. Has to be mailed to Salt Lake first and then mailed to us. We in turn then have to get it to the missionary. We haven't gotten the new cards yet so I have to put their allotment on their companion's card. Then I need to contact all 6 missionaries and let them know what is happening. It will be interesting getting this all done in the morning.
Well, it's headed towards eleven. Better get to bed. Hope your day has been grand.
Love,
Dad/Bob

August 24, 2015

Bob: Just got home a few minutes ago. We had a senior couples gathering tonight at the mission home. Bonnie and I barely made it. She told them she would bring brownies and deviled eggs. Last night she decided she should make the eggs up today just before we went. The plan was to quit work at 4:00 and make the eggs up in the kitchen at the Mission Office. Well, another 2 couples were helping her get orders ready for MLC on Wednesday at 4:00 so she couldn't stop till they left at 5:00. Then we had to rush to the kitchen, peel the eggs, make up the filling, etc. and then drive there. We ended up getting their at about 5:55. But there was one other couple that showed up after we did so we weren't the last ones there. This goes in cycles though as we were the first couple to the Bishop's Fireside last night.
Tomorrow we meet at the Mission Home at 9:00 for some training and lunch. Then we're headed to Niagara on the Lake. Have a tour planned and some sightseeing to do. We'll have to return in the evening to the office to get the rest of the MLC items ready, but with 4 of us working it shouldn't be too bad.
Weather seems to be a little cooler than just a week ago. Kind of reminds me of last summer when things got colder in August and never got real hot again. Temperatures are supposed to rise to only 71 tomorrow with 12 mph winds. Better take jackets with us.
Got some good news today from our cell phone supplier. I had emailed them asking about the price of the 'flip' phones we have and the length of the contract for the phones. They told me the price was $100 for a 3 year commitment or $300 for no commitment. I told our account manager that I didn't like the idea of paying $100 for a phone with a 3 year commitment when most of the phones start failing during the 2nd year. Well today she emailed me back and said the phones were going to drop to $50.00 on September 1st. I wrote her back that sounded better, but I was still concerned about a 3 year commitment. Then I called Salt Lake to see if they had anyone that could help us with the phone contract. They do, but he is on vacation till after Labor Day. So I am anxious to talk to him and see if we can work out something better for the Mission. I think Rogers, our present carrier, has the contract for all 7 missions in Canada. We will see.
Hope everyone had a great day.
Love,
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: The deviled eggs were made with fresh avocado and turned out very well, except that I didn't have enough fresh lime juice and they could have used more salt. I'll never try that again, trying to make stuff at the office. I should just accept the fact that I won't have time to do much else other than missionary/office things.  I'm excited to go tomorrow to do some training and then sight-seeing, and I can wear pants!! The dress is casual. Tonight after our dinner with the other missionary couples, we saw some of the training given to the 70s by the Quorum of the Twelve about keeping the Sabbath Day holy. This training is supposed to be passed down to stakes and wards and ward councils. I am so glad to hear more about how the Brethren feel about the Sabbath Day. I love what was said. I think it is extremely important to  honor the Sabbath as our world gets more and more wicked.
We had a wonderful surprise tonight just as we pulled into our underground parking space. Shannan called! I called her back to save her money for long-distance calls. I got to talk to Beckham, Mia and Faith and Jonathan, Daphne and Suzy. Evie was not feeling well so I didn't get to talk to her, and Chris was home in Pennsylvania. I'm so glad she called. I love haring the voices of my grandchildren.
I hope all of you have a worthwhile day planned tomorrow, one that will bring you some joy!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

August 23, 2015

Bob: We have had a very enjoyable Sabbath day. It started out great as we woke up without an alarm going off. I was able to go for an hours walk while Bonnie was preparing macaroni and cheese for the Munch 'n Mingle. It didn't look like ordinary macaroni and cheese as there was a crusty top on it. I actually ate some, and with a little tangy salsa it was pretty good. Only had one helping though. Looks like I'll have to cut back on my chips and sweets as my new suits are a little too tight. Seems like I have that problem every time I am in Canada. One time I gained 9 pounds in one week when I came with Bob Shreve, Ron and Elwood Wilson. Of course we ate lots of potatoes, biscuits, etc.
We went to Bishop Finnigan's house this evening for a devotional. He spoke about the necessity for obedience and going to the temple. Everyone sat outside on his wrap-around deck and he stood at the corner so both sides could see and hear. He emphasized that the Lord is aware of everyone. He told a story about a young man from Tonga who wanted to serve a mission. He was assigned to the California Fresno Mission. His Mission President then assigned him to labor in Patterson, California. 13 years before that this young man's sister came to America and the family had not had any contact with her. No one knew where she was. Well his sister was now married to a Polynesian and she was pregnant. They had talked about how they were going to raise their child. She wanted to raise him as a Mormon, but her husband insisted he be raised in his religion. Finally her husband told her, "I'll consent to you raising him as a Mormon when your brother knocks on our door." A few days later, on Thanksgiving Day as they were sitting down to eat, there was a knock on their door. When she opened the door she stared at the face of her brother, but still not sure it was him. Then seeing his nametag, she ran to him and threw her arms around him. Her husband was later baptized and the child is being raised as a Mormon. The Lord knew where this sister was, had the Prophet assign the Elder to Fresno and then had the Mission President assign him to Patterson. Moral of the story: The Lord knows where each of his children are.
May your week be filled with happiness.
Love,
Dad/Bob

Bonnie:  We've had a nice week-end. I'm thankful for all of my blessings. I love the young people we serve in the YSA Ward. One young man who was baptized in March said how hard it was to know what to do in some situations because he had no LDS role model to follow. He is the pioneer in his family because he is the only member. We learned tonight that many of them take the bus to church. So, not only are they the only member of their family, they don't have a way to church unless they take the bus. I think that requires deep commitment, don't you?  And there was a beautiful musical number again today in church. This sister has a gorgeous voice. I hope she sings often.
Tomorrow will be kind of crazy. I want as many of the MLC orders filled as possible, plus we have our regular responsibilities. Both the Ericksons and us will have to leave early because of the pot-luck dinner for the Senior Missionary Couples at 5:00. I will have to take part of my day to prepare some special deviled eggs that have avocado in them. I didn't do it tonight because I was worried the avocado would go dark. Tomorrow I have to follow through with a referral, too. The person that gave it to me called back on Saturday, wanting to know how it went. So, tomorrow I will call the missionaries and then call the person back. He is really anxious that his friend be contacted as soon as possible. I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. My Savior has blessed me in countless ways.
May He bless you, too!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

August 22, 2015

Bob: I didn't get a good picture of the Bed 'n Breakfast, but below is one I found on the internet. This is what it still looks like.
This has been a beautiful day. The temperature was in the low 70s and the humidity was down. We had to make a trip to the office and then stopped at Fortinos and Walmart to pick up a couple of items. After that we came home and I took a short nap.
Caught up on some paper work that has been hanging around. Balanced the checking account. Not too much to that anymore since we are using the debit card so much. Had one mistake, but I found it within a few minutes. Next task was to clean off my desk. Have everything off it now except 2 sheets of paper. They are instructions for an EXCEL shortcut. Think I'll start an EXCEL shortcut folder. Maybe by the time I finish this mission I'll be able to work with EXCEL more proficiently.
Went for a walk about 6:30. Was gone for slightly over an hour. It was a beautiful evening. I think the temperature was about 70 with a breeze. Feels like football weather to me. That means skiing season won't be long coming!!
Hope everyone enjoyed their day and that tomorrow will be even better.
Love,
Dad/Bob

Puddingstone Place Bed and Breakfast

Bonnie: Our room was the one with the middle window in the above picture. It's a real quaint place. I loved it!
Today we accomplished much, beginning with finding my phone-a huge tender mercy from the Lord! I left it in the women's bathroom yesterday afternoon. It's a miracle that it was still there.I made some appointments for the Bishop, got the apartment cleaned, ironed and made brownies and hard-boiled eggs for the Senior Missionary Retreat Monday night. I'll finish them up tomorrow night after the special fireside at Bishop Finnigan's house. Tomorrow morning I will be making two macaroni and cheese casseroles for the munch and mingle after church. I had a feeling that I would be cooking alot on this mission. How true that is! I love doing it, however.
Well, I'm determined to go to bed earlier tonight, so I'm going to sign off. Let's all have an inspiring Sabbath tomorrow!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

August 21, 2015

Bonnie: It's been another long day. It's 10:45 pm and I still have to go downstairs to the laundry area and get our dry clothes about 11:15. And then it's bedtime for me!!
We had a wonderful trip to St. Joseph's Island. It's the second largest fresh-water island in North America. We stayed at a lovely Bed and Breakfast that is right out of "Olde" England. I think Bob took a picture of it. We had a few mishaps but all in all the trip was worth it. Lake Huron is huge, and yet it is supposed to be the smallest of the great lakes. The island is typical of northern Ontario, with lots of trees and huge green pastureland areas. And the lake shore is never very far away. One thing the island is known for is a type of rock called a "pudding" stone, named such because when the first European people came it reminded them of a special kind of pudding. We ate dinner at a very nice Italian restaurant right on the shore. Because we didn't have reservations we had to wait about 15 minutes. It's a popular place and the food is delicious.
Today we spent catching up at the office. We have a busy busy schedule the next 4 or 5 days. And  then the Temple is opening up. I can't wait to go back for an endowment session. I like being in the baptistry helping the new converts with their baptisms, but I also need to attend an endowment session once in a while just for myself.
I hope everyone is doing well, and feeling the love of our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, and our love, too!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Yes it was a long day. We didn't leave the office till after 8:00. Got things pretty well caught up though. We have the senior couples retreat Monday evening and Tuesday morning and afternoon. Sometime before Wednesday afternoon we have to get everything ready for MLC which begins Wednesday morning at 7:00. It seems as though this merry-go-round just keeps picking up speed!
Its closer to midnight than eleven so I am hitting the sack. Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Love,
Dad/Bob

Bridge to the St. Joseph Island (Island is on the right)

Sign to town

A home overlooking the north channel

Richards Landing lighthouse and restaurant we ate at behind it

August 20, 2015

Bob: Did not get back till after 11 PM. We had a unexpected side trip that took just over 4 hours and trouble with truck over heating. Found a GM dealer and stopped there. Thankfully the only thing wrong was the coolant reservoir was almost empty. So they about 5 quarts for 27.00 and off we went. No more problems after that.
Got held up by road construction on 400 also. They everything restricted to 1 land. It took between 20 - 25 minutes to get through that.
I going to bed now. Got some pictures from the island. Will try to get them on tomorrow night.
Love,
Dad/Bob

1st mate has already retired!!

August 18, 2015

Bonnie: I have been home about 5 minutes and it's 9:20. Bob just walked in. Tomorrow we are going to a place about 8 hours away to close down an apartment. We're spending the night at a Bed and Breakfast on an island in Lake Huron. I had to stay late tonight to put in a big order for MLC and to order the business ESL cards or, believe me, I would have been home alot sooner. We are taking the trailer and truck so we can load up furniture. It will actually be nice to have this break. Friday will be a long day,though, because we will have to catch up on what we missed. Anyway, I'm kind of excited to see new country.
We came home to a new counter-top in the kitchen. As Bob says, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. It looks nice, but they aren't done. One of the doors below the sink needs fixing. Maybe that will happen while we are gone.
So, tomorrow, I will continue reading the Book of Mormon while Bob drives the truck. Bishop Finnigan has challenged everyone in the ward to read it by the end of the month. That means roughly 18-20 pages a day. It gives one an interesting perspective to read it that fast.
May you all have a wonderful day tomorrow. We love you all!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Bonnie might have been home sooner, but I wouldn't have been. Been a long day. After the initial rush we had a meeting with President Clayton. Then I went with 2 Elders to unload the trailer. Took them to McDonalds afterwards. Then I took the trailer back out to the shop I went to yesterday and had him look at the hitch to make sure it hadn't been damaged when the jack wheel got knocked off, twice. He said it was good to go. Gave me a new pin to hold the latch closed and didn't charge me anything today. Said I could buy him a double, double sometime. My plan is to take him a dozen donuts and a Book of Mormon the next time I go.
Anyway, left his shop and drove downtown to deliver a queen size mattress and box springs to the guy that wouldn't let us use the box trailer to go to Brockville. The mattress barely fit on the elevator and the box springs wouldn't fit. Had to carry it up 3 flights of stairs, but we were able to do it pretty easily. Then it was back to the office. Got there a little past 3.
Got a call from our realtor about an apartment. The landlord is only allowing the missionaries to use the laundry 2 hours a week and not after 9 am.The realtor called about it and he said if we don't like it give him notice and move. We have the rent paid till October 31st, so I know what I am going to be doing on October 31st.
After I finished at the office I had to go back to the storage hut and put away a king size bed frame. Had to call Bonnie and get her to stop as my building key was in her car. So we caught up to each other and finally got home.
Tomorrow will be about a 7 - 8 hour drive with breaks and then we'll load the trailer. Doubt if we will have much time to sight see, but we'll try. Going to 1172 Richards Street, Richard Landing, ON. You can find it on google maps.
Well I have to pack a few things. Have a good night. Don't know if we will have internet tomorrow night or not, so there may be no posting.
Love to all,
Dad/Bob

August 17, 2015

Bob: Our work day ended in record time today. We left the office just after 5 PM. Bonnie said that is a record. But then we had Family Home Evening with the YSA Ward at 7:30. That lasted to just past 9. Took Gabriel Padron home then. He has only been home about 9 days from his mission to Mexico City. He gave his homecoming talk in Sacrament on August 9th. His sister gave her farewell talk the same today as she is now in Bolivia on her mission.
Had to get the the jack wheel repaired on the mission cargo trailer today. I think I told you about going to U-Haul to get it repaired. Anyway I looked online and found a dealer out about 4 miles from the city . So I took the trailer and went out there today. He put a new wheel on and sold me another receiver for the van and the total was less than 75.00. The last time we had the jack wheel repaired it cost over 300.00. But that was done by a mobile repairman. Anyway, today the guy put a new wheel on and said that we shouldn't be driving with the wheel on. He said that is a dangerous thing to do as it could damage the receiver. Then someday we could be driving along and hit a tiny bump and the trailer would become disengaged. Didn't think about it right then, but I'm going back tomorrow and have him inspect our hitch. Want to pull the trailer about 7 hours on Wednesday and Thursday. Don't need it popping off the ball.
Today is my brother Eddie's birthday. He is 78 years young. Called him tonight and he is planning on having his cake and ice cream about 11:00 tonight. A big bowl of ice cream is his nightly medicinal intake to stabilize his sugar he says. The doctor says his A1C is as low as it has ever been. So the prescription must be working.
Wish everyone a great day, especially you, brother.
Love,
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: It was great to get home so early today. We actually ate dinner before 7 pm tonight. Tomorrow will be a much later day because we'll be gone Wednesday and Thursday and so we will have lots to do tomorrow in preparation for that.
I'm in for a week-end of cooking. Saturday I have to prepare food for the Munch and Mingle and a special fireside on Sunday at the Bishop's house. Then, Sunday morning I will be cooking for a special Senior Missionary retreat that is Monday and Tuesday of next week. All of the Senior missionary couples are invited, including the temple missionaries. Then, the next day is Wednesday and it will be MLC. We are in charge of the waffles. That means preparing lots of fruit. Making the waffles is not hard. When it rains it pours! Oh, well, I love to cook, and haven't had the time so I will be making up for it!
May all of you find the time to do the things you love to do!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

August 16, 2015

Bonnie: We have had a wonderful Sabbath Day. At Sacrament Meeting there were excellent talks, one I especially liked about the prodigal son. Then, there was a musical number where a young man sang "Because I Have Been Given Much". He was accompanied by an excellent pianist who had no music--none--and it was beautiful! Then we gave a ride home to a man who lives by the airport. We knew we had to go to the office for Elder Russell's birthday so I was nervous about the time. So after we finally dropped him off, we had to wait for a train, probably 10 minutes!! So we finally were able to pick up the Ericksons and get to the office. When we got there, the Elders weren't there. They finally showed up after about 20 minutes. Bob will tell you about the party. So, then we had to go straight to the fireside meeting at 7:00 tonight. It was amazing. I'm so glad we could go. A woman who is a literal descendant of Joseph and Emma Smith spoke to us, along with her son. She has quite a story to tell about how she found the gospel. She has had to deal with generations of lies and hatred of Brigham Young and Mormons from her family. But, she has overcome it all. The Holy Ghost led her to the church through family history. She bears testimony of how love and forgiveness need to be part of every family and that the family needs to be unified in love for each other. It was powerful. Her returned missionary also spoke to us. What a wonderful evening. We got home about 9:30 so it's been a long day, but one I really enjoyed!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Had a small surprise birthday party for Elder Russell, one of the Assistants. He is going home in 3 weeks. His mother sent him some gifts, but they got held up in customs and didn't arrive.  She wrote us an email and said she would pay for a cake, and anything we could do for him. She said there is no budget. So Bonnie and I wrote her back and said we would take care of it. She responded thanking us and saying how much she loves her son and how he has always exceeded her expectations for him. The Ericksons, a set of sisters, Elder Gunnell, who is flying out in the morning, Elder Russell and his companion Elder Marchant, and Bonnie and I were there. It was pretty nice. I put the pictures below.
The Fireside was long, but a good one. She is the great, great granddaughter of Joseph and Emma Smith. There are about 2400 direct descendants of Joseph and Emma Smith, and only about 10% of them belong to the church. Joseph and Emma's son, Joseph Smith III became the first president of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He didn't want to do it, but after several attempts to persuade him to do it he finally agreed. Seems almost impossible to me that Joseph Smith's finally fell away from the church he started. Not sure what that means, but Satan has his influence.
When we took the young man home after church we drove around the airport to get to his apartment. Lots of things down in that area. We'll have to go back and take a longer look around.
Set beside a Spanish guy at the fireside. The only hymn we sang was 'Praise to the Man', a song about Joseph Smith. The Spanish guy had a very loud voice and sang with a lot of gusto. His pronunciation wasn't always clear, but he sounded very good.
Hope everyone has had a great day and felt uplifted today.
Love,
Dad/Bob

The Cake

Elder Russell

August 14, 2015

Bonnie: Today we were in the office by ourselves and it was a quiet morning until President Clayton came in with his wife, son, daughter and 5 or 6 grandchildren. It made me miss all of my grandchildren! They were so cute. And we saw a different side of President Clayton, which was enjoyable. We received a text from one of the mothers of our APs saying her birthday gift for her son was  delayed in customs and that she would pay for us to do something for her son on his birthday, which is Sunday. Now, that is fun--to spend someones else's money on a birthday surprise for a special young man. So, tomorrow we're picking up a cake and some balloons. When I talked to his companion about a time, he suggested that after church, during the munch and mingle, we go into a room and celebrate his birthday. They will have two investigators there Sunday, so they will be invited and we'll have the Erickson's there as well, and any other missionaries that are there that day. It should be great! I also got a call from the Bishop of one of our Elders who wants to send him some pants that he needs. He wanted his home address rather that the mission office address. I think it's a very nice thing that he is doing that for this Elder, who apparently does not have much family support, (or maybe it's just that the family does not have the means to help him out.)
Tonight Bob and I went to a movie, a first for us on our mission. It was great to get away for an evening and occupy our minds with something other than missionary things!
My hope is that all of our faithful readers have had a good Friday night, doing something they enjoy.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Bonnie forgot to tell you that we saw 'Mission Impossible; A Rogue Nation'. It was pretty good especially the very last line. It begins with 'Welcome to..." You'll have to go see it for yourself to see what I mean.
Got some very good news today. A representative from Pitney Bowes called and told me that they were going to end the contract and reclassify the equipment as 'Lost Equipment' without any charge to us. That will save us over $9000 in lease payments for equipment we don't have. I told President Clayton and Elder Gillen about it. Both were very happy about it. I told Elder Gillen that they hadn't said anything about a refund of previous payments. He said he doubted if there would be a refund. I told him once we have the cancellation in writing I'll bring up the subject of a refund! They probably owe us a lot of money from years past, but if I can get back the 2 lease payments we made on this bogus lease I will be satisfied.
Bonnie has a lot planned for tomorrow. While she is out and about I am going to tackle the phone/text report. Started it today, but I couldn't get the Companionships to transfer over to the phone report. I think I have something formatted wrong. There is where I'll start. I think the phone numbers on the 2 EXCEL spreadsheets are in different formats. At least, I hope that is the problem.
Wish everyone a great weekend. Hope everyone is well.
Love,
Dad/Bob

August 13, 2015

Bonnie: It's been a good day today, nice and quiet and not too many calls from missionaries needing things. I was able to come home early with Sis. Erickson and do the wash. That's nice because it frees us up to maybe take in a movie tomorrow night or Saturday. I don't need to buy much from the store because I have little time to cook. We eat a lot of eggs, baked potatoes or hot dogs/hamburgers and easy things like chili, spaghetti or soup.
One of the best things that happened today was that some Elders who speak Farsi or Persian want to order 6 boxes of Books of Mormon in Farsi! That's about 36 to 40 books per box. They talked to someone who helped in the translation of it who said a new version was being printed by the church. Right now there are only selections of the Book of Mormon in Farsi. The new book will have the complete book translated. So, today I called SL to check on it and found out it is being printed! I can't order it through the Book of Mormon Fund where it's free, however, because it's not available there yet. So, the mission will have to pay for it. I ordered 80 books for them. They will give 40 to the other companionship who speak Farsi. This is so exciting! The Elders assured me that they will easily be able to give out these books. I never thought in my lifetime I would see the Book of Mormon go to the Persian people. Wow! And hopefully, soon, I will be able to order them from the Book of Mormon Fund. What a huge blessing this will be.
May we all be grateful for the blessings in our lives. I know that I have too many to count!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Bonnie came home early, but I stayed till about 6:50. The apartments are starting to take up a lot of time. Got most of the financial stuff done except for the phone/text report. Will try to have that thing done by Monday. Did pay all the rents today. The total is down to about 115,000 this month. I paid for 119 apartments. In the past we could only process 40 at a time which is a pain. But now they have done an update on the system and I was able to process all of them with a couple clicks of the mouse. Sure made it easy. And I was able to balance the totals too.
Had to call ATT tonight. I made a $0.03 mistake in June when I paid the bill. Didn't get it corrected last month. They charged me a $5 late fee in July and August. So I called them and they are giving me a $10 credit on the bill. That was a good customer service experience.
Speaking of customer service, I went to UHaul the other day to inquire about a safety pin for the trailer hitch and getting some repairs on the trailer. I couldn't understand a word the person was saying. Took him outside to show him the problem. He went back in the store and showed me something that had nothing to do with the problem. Then he just walked away and didn't come back. I don't understand how these people stay in business.
Got to get to bed. Have a great day.
Love,
Dad/Bob

August 12, 2015

Bob: Not much going on today. Just busy trying to keep up with apartment problems, accounting duties and giving away some items from the storage shed. Got home about 6:30. After supper we went for a walk around 8:15. I needed a jacket. Doesn't look like summer is a long term thing up here. Still comfortable in the morning when I walk.
Bonnie and I are headed to Richard's Landing next Tuesday to close an apartment. There isn't much to get so it should fit INSIDE the trailer. Google says it is 6 hours and 45 minutes or 662 kilometers. I believe it's very picturesque and beautiful there. We will be staying the night and looking the area over. Half of the trip will be new country for me.
Closed out July's expense charges today and everything looked good. Didn't have to go back and hunt for some items as in the past. Getting better as time goes on.
Everyone around here is developing pennant fever as the Blue Jays are making a real run for the baseball playoffs. I think Canadian football is going on too now, but I never hear anything about it. Of course there is usually some hockey news.
Hope everyone is having a great day.
Love,
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: The morning started out quietly, but just as we sat down for lunch in came several Elders and Sisters. They were coming in after specialty training with the APs and the Claytons. It usually means that I need to be around to answer questions and help them do things. So about 45 minutes later I got around to eating lunch. I love it, however. I had a call tonight from a lady who found one of the Sister's planners on a shelf at Walmart. Inside each planner is a sticker with mission information on it. So she called with her name and phone number so I could relay it to the Sister who lost it. Maybe it will turn out that the woman wants to know about the church! Tomorrow I will be putting some new supply labels out. It will be nice to get the supply shelves looking better. I always worry that I won't have enough supplies for the missionaries. I did get 100 planners, which is a "hot" item and I expect 100 more any day now. They are only to get 3 at a time, but they still go fast.
May your day tomorrow be bright and beautiful as it was on our walk tonight!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

August 11, 2015

Bonnie:  We just got home and it's just before 9.  We left about 6 but we needed to stop at Costco for some prescriptions. Then, Bob was hungry for a Wendy's baked potato so we stopped there. And then he wanted to buy some socks for a missionary who has very little money, the missionary from Haiti. We went to Sears for that. I also bought a pretty necklace to match my new skirt. It was a fun evening, even though we got home so late. What's not to like about shopping? It was a very good day, too, for several reasons. A sister who had finished her mission in January came into the office, with her mother. She was visiting several people and having a wonderful time. Then, some sister missionaries came in to check on various things with the office staff. We had to have lots of hugs, of course. I love giving hugs and receiving them. After all, we all need at least 8 hugs every day, so I've heard. Then to top off my day, after our meeting with President Clayton when it was close to lunch-time the APs went to buy some shawarmas to eat. This is a Persian food and a popular item with the missionaries. When the Elders came back they had one for me, saying it was a buy two and get one free! I was so surprised. We had talked about good places to eat before and they knew I wanted to try one. It was delicious. It's a mix between a large burrito, except with pita-like bread, and a wrap. It is full of several kinds of meat and vegetables and spicy sauces that make it really good. Wasn't that sweet of them? The next time we go out to eat I'm voting for the "Shawarma King"!!
May your evening be full of pleasing surprises!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

Bob: It was a pretty good day. I was able, with the help of the Brampton Zone Leaders, Elders Patrick and Vang, to get the trailer unloaded. The wet couch and chairs were in the storage hut over night. We put them outside in the sun while we unloaded the trailer. Once everything was out of the trailer we put the couch and chairs in the trailer. Although they don't feel damp at all I'm guessing letting them sit in the trailer under the sun will dry them out even more. I'll check them out tomorrow and see how they are.
If you are interested in what a shawarma is then try this website (HTTP://www.shawarmasking.ca/). On the way home after doing the shopping Bonnie told me about the Assistants bringing her back the sandwich. She said half of it is in the fridge for me!! Fine time to tell me. I'll heat it up tomorrow for lunch along with my usual bowl of cheerios and strawberries.
Wendy's baked potato with butter and sour cream hits the spot for me. And the next day my sugar is usually a little lower than normal. Can't explain that, but that is what happens.
President Clayton sent me an email asking that I look into our costs as we are way over budget. So in today's meeting with him I asked what specifically he wanted me to look at. He said for one thing, our phone costs are over budget. I said that last month everything was under budget. He asked if I saw the email about it. I said I hadn't. So he pulled it out and showed it to me. As I looked at it I pointed out that he was interpreting it wrong. The chart showed our 'projected costs' for the year in one column, our budget in the next column, and our proposed 2016 budget in the next column. The first column for phones was 79xxx. The budget is almost 120,000 and the proposal for next year is 80000. I said we are projected to be 40,000 under budget for this year. He was so relieved.
Then I opened the 'Statement of Operations' for July and printed it off. It shows that 58% of the year is past and we have spent less than 50% in all categories. I gave the President a copy of that. He asked me how I did that and then said, "You deserve a raise!" Told him an all expense paid week at Temiskaming would be sufficient. He said I drive a hard bargain!!
I'm finally getting a system so that I can keep abreast of everything. It is a modified way of how we did things at State Farm. Ross always had us keep a set of folders with a folder for each day of the month. So I would have 31 folders numbered 1, 2, etc. When I work on any specific item and I am going to have to work on it later, I file it in the folder for that day. Then on a calendar I make a short note on that day reminding me. Thus when the follow-up day comes along I pull out the folder and the material would be in it. My desk is starting to get cleaned off as I do this.
At Costco tonight as we were finishing up, the guy who had been standing behind us while we were waiting asked, 'Elder, how are you doing?' Found out his wife is a member, but he isn't. Said she hadn't been to church for about a month for various reasons. Told him I hoped she would be back soon, and that he would come with her. He said he knew he was welcome, but it wasn't his time yet. Said that the time would probably come though. We sincerely hope so!
Well, I had better close for the night. Hope everyone is well and that your prayers are being answered.
Love,
Dad/Bob

August 10, 2015

Bob: We made it to Brockville and back okay. Elder Erickson and I left at 7 this morning. I think we got there between 11:30 and noon. Packed almost everything up by 2:00 and headed back. Gave away a chest of drawers with an attached mirror. The Elders will be back there Wednesday to get a microwave and some dishes, plus a few odds and ends. Got everything in the trailer except the couch and 2 rocker recliners. Put those on the back of the truck and tied them down. After all, it was a hot and cloudless sky when we finished. But as luck would have it, on the way back it clouded up and rained off and on for over half the way back. Needless to say that the things were soaked when we got back. Unloaded them into the storage shed. Will take a look at them tomorrow and unpack the rest of the trailer then too.
Bonnie came home early and had a hot meal waiting for me when I got home at just past 7. We pulled into the parking lot here at the apartment at exactly 7 on the dashboard clock in the truck. Glad Elder Erickson went with me to keep me awake and drive some. Without him I would have had to stop and take a short nap or two.
Bonnie went to the store to get some milk, fruit and a few other things. She let me stay and rest. I've been over a lot of road the last 2 days. Got to get to work and catch up on several things. The biggest tender mercy is I don't have to go back to Brockville. I thought at the outset I might have to make a second trip.

Bonnie: I loved coming home early today, but it was rather scary because of the rain. I've only been in rain that heavy one other time, in Georgia. It looked like rivers of water, and we saw a car slide as it went through some of it. Needless to say, we traveled slowly home, Sister Erickson and I. Coming home early gave me a chance to cook a good meal for Bob, which I enjoyed. But, the best part of the day was when  Brother Goldthorpe who is over the CES (Church Educational System) came by. It was great talking to him.You could tell he loves what he does, working with the youth in Seminary and the young single adults in Institute. I felt his love for the Lord as we talked.
Well, Bob and I are going to head for bed early tonight. May everyone have a peaceful, restful night.

Love,
Mom/Bonnie

August 9, 2015

Bob: We got back to our apartment area about 7:30, but drove over to the office to get the pickup and trailer. Elder Erickson and I are leaving at 7AM for Brockville in the morning. One thing I learned about traveling from Toronto and going north, coming back Sunday afternoon is a bad idea. We hit bumper to bumper traffic on route 11 just north of where it ties into route 400. From there to our turnoff if was stop and go most of the way. I believe that was about 70 kilometers. Its even worse trying to go north on Fridays. There is only one highway, route 400, that goes to Barrie. At Barrie 400 splits and route 11 begins. 400 is a divided highway with 3 lanes for each direction, but they need 2 or 3 more lanes each way. Route 11 is a lot of divided highway till you get to North Bay. From there on north it is just a 2 lane some passing areas. Anyway, it just takes longer in the daylight hours than it should.
Went to church at the Temiskaming Branch. The Branch Clerk came to church today and showed everyone where a small black bear climbed all over his Honda Accord this morning. When Warren went outside and discovered the trash turned over and paw prints all over the car he walked around the house. Met the small bear on the other side of the house and it took off. People say there just aren't many blueberries this year and the bears are hungry. They are coming into town, etc. Don't think it would be a good idea to take a walk after dark!!
Anyway, it was good to see everyone. We had a great time.
Love to all,
Dad/Bob

Bonnie:  We did have a wonderful time. And I really enjoyed it because there was no pressure to give a talk. Bob had to give the Priesthood lesson, but then men don't need as much time to prepare lessons as sisters do. The Elders gave very good talks today. They seem like good missionaries. I wish they could be at the Temiskaming Branch full-time.
So, tomorrow it's back to the office. I'm picking up Sister Erickson tomorrow because they are cleaning the parking garage floor and all vehicles have to be out by 8:00 am! So, Sister Erickson and I will be early to work. I hope that the men are not too late tomorrow night. It's liable to be a busy day without them in the office.
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and that all have had a wonderful Sabbath.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

August 8, 2015

Bob: What a beautiful day we had for the Branch picnic. Tom Cambridge, the only Counselor to President Jakob, hosted the picnic at his cottage out on Twin Lake. It is a rather impressive cottage as it is 2 stories tall with 6 bedrooms and an office. Tom is a part owner in a specialty furniture manufacturing plant. Their plans are to finish remodeling it, sell their home in town and move out to the lake cottage permanently. We got to see several of our friends from last summer. Several people went swimming, but we didn't think that would be appropriate for us so we didn't swim. (That was our excuse, along with the water being too cold.) After the picnic Bonnie and I went with! Brad to visit with Karl and Patsy. Brad, Karl and I went fishing for a couple hours. We ended up catching 5 northern pike between us. Bonnie and Patsy ended up taking a nap. When we got back from fishing Patsy had a spaghetti dinner waiting for us. To top it off Bonnie, Jen (Jakob's foster child) and I walked to local market and got ice cream for dessert.
Time to sign off and go to bed. Hope your day was as enjoyable as ours was.
Love,
Dad/Bob

 Bonnie: I just finished a great book, one I was given by a sister in Mississauga who helped write it. It's called "From Muslim to Mormon". It's a fascinating book and I encourage all to read it. I'm going to let Brad have it because he is interested in learning about Muslims. He wants to read the Koran, too.
As Bob wrote we had a wonderful day. Oh, how nice it was to get out of the city! It couldn't have been a better day for the picnic. I am so thankful for good friends! Patsy is just getting over a stroke, so a nap wasn't out of the question for her. Just before we got into the car to return home, President Jakob asked Bob to teach the priesthood lesson. I'm just thankful that we don't have to speak tomorrow. The Elders from Timmins will be there and they have the honor of speaking. I'm sure it will be a good Sabbath Day tomorrow. We should be prepared to travel home tomorrow because we got gas and a Subway sandwich on the way home tonight. Hopefully, we won't have to buy anything tomorrow.
May you all have a wonderful Sabbath Day.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

August 7, 2015

Bob: We are back home in Temiskaming. Trip up here took longer than I expected, but I think that might be because we left an hour late and stopped for an hour. But it was a good trip. We just couldn't make very good time because the police were patrolling today. The weather is a little cooler up here too. Tomorrow should be fun as Brad has a large breakfast planned and then the Branch has their picnic starting at 11:00. They are having the picnic at Brother Cambridge's cottage out at Twin Lakes. It should be fun.
Going to sign off now as it is late and I have a lot of scriptures to read.
Love to all and bless you all.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: We are staying at Brad's house! It's been a nice ride to get here and we are loving the break from city life. It's so beautiful here--we love it. Of course, the phone kept ringing on the way up with missionaries needing our help. The father of a missionary called and told us about a Haitian missionary that their son befriended at the MTC. Both young men are here on missions. Every night at the MTC this missionary would wash out his socks. That's when his son realized this missionary only had one pair of socks! He had no support from his family in Haiti. His ward was paying for his mission. This missionary has lost the support of his ward for some reason, so he is in dire straights. The father wants to help pay for his mission as well as his son's and is trying to figure out how to do it. As Bob has mentioned it's tricky transferring money from the US to Canada. It's something that Bob will be working on for sure. I pray it will work out. It's late so I am getting ready for bed. I know that Bob will want to tell you about his experiences with getting a truck to go to an apartment in Brockville. He will be learning how to have patience on our mission that's for sure! We'll let you know how the Branch picnic goes tomorrow night.
My love to all.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

August 6, 2015

Bob: Very busy day. Made 2 runs to the storage shed and then went to the recycling center to get rid of some things. With the normal things that come up I didn't get home till just past 7. After dinner we went shopping, but thankfully, we didn't need much as we are leaving for the weekend. Trying to get packed and ready to go now.
It has been another beautiful day here. Heard the overnight low is supposed to be 12 Celsius. That's about 54 Fahrenheit. It will probably be a little cool in the morning for walking.
Hope everyone is doing well. Wishing the best Friday ever tomorrow.
Had the oil changed in the car today. I think it was $80.00. With tax, environmental fee and a new wiper blade it came to approximately 121.00.
Love,
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: She said she is too busy and too tired. She sends her love to all.

August 5, 2015

Bob: Long day at the mill. Missionaries didn't leave till about 6:30 and then I went to the storage shed to help a couple individuals pick up some items. One family had scheduled a wooden table that they 'needed' because theirs was glass and they were afraid their handicapped child was going to get hurt on it. But the wooden table we had wasn't nice enough so they decided not to take it. My comment was 'I thought you needed a wooden table!" I guess not.
Scheduled a truck from U-Haul to bring the furniture back from Brockville where the Senior missionaries who left. Will have lots of furniture to pick up. Everything sounded real good, but when I called back they couldn't confirm anything they said till Monday. So I think that isn't going to work out. Going to make alternative plans tomorrow because that apartment has been sold and we have to be out by the 13th. I can't wait till Monday to make alternative plans.
Hope everyone has had a great day and that your weather is as good as ours. We actually have the a/c turned off. Bonnie is very happy about that. Told her I would leave it off tonight, but if she throws the comforter on me during the night the a/c will be back on tomorrow night.
Love,
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: What a delight to visit with all of the missionaries who were involved with MLC today. The best part of it was this morning when we could hear the missionaries singing with enthusiasm, "High On A Mountaintop, a banner is unfurled! Ye nations now look up, it waves to all the world." I feel like here in Toronto we are sharing the banner of the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world! These righteous young adults are such wonderful ambassadors of the Savior. It's a privilege to work with them. Everything went fairly well, except that the new ink for the printer didn't get there until about 2:30. Many of the ESL fliers are not as colorful as usual. Oh, well. Then the order for the ESL business cards didn't come. That means that when they do come, we have to get them out to the different zones somehow. I told this to the APs and they think that it won't be too much of a problem. We'll see. What messed me up on these orders is the national holiday two days ago.
The waffles were a success, as was the treat plate. They do eat well on MLC day, They have a light breakfast and subway sandwiches, chips and cookies for lunch. They seem to enjoy the waffle dinners, especially with the whipped cream and berries and Nutella, of course, (along with the normal stuff like butter and syrup.)
Tomorrow will be catch-up day--hopefully slower-paced. Bob and I need to get ready for our trip up north to the Temiskaming Branch picnic on Saturday. If we leave Friday at noon as planned, that means we have to do the wash and shopping tomorrow night.  Oh what a busy life we are leading but I love it. There is always something interesting going on and it's fun to be a part of it.
May all of you have things you enjoy, too.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

August 4, 2015

Bob: Busy day at work. Everyone ended the day by helping Bonnie get all the orders staged for the MLC tomorrow. Because of work being done at the Brampton Stake Center, the MLC (Missionary Leadership Council) will be held in our building. So there will be about 40 Elders and Sisters around all day tomorrow. When it ends around 3 we'll be cooking waffles again. I will have to go to the storage shed sometime after 6 and help 2 of the Wards pick up some of the items they wanted. So it will be pretty busy.
Weather has cooled a little. Had a good rain today and tonight coming home it was on the cool side, but not uncomfortable. Felt like a good night for a football game.
On the way home we stopped and got gas. The price was 103.4 per liter at the Petro-Canada station. The Petro-Canada station close to our apartment is selling gas for 117.4 per liter. That's a pretty big difference for about 6 or 7 miles.
We're trying to get everything done so we can head to Elk Lake on Friday. The blog may be down for a couple of days. I'll do my best to get hooked up and keep you update on our travels. Plans are to leave about noon. We'll drive back on Sunday. Then on Monday I'll be headed to Brockville which is about 4 hours east of here.
Love to all,
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: I have been having issues with allergies this past week and I am sleepy tonight.  I went to see a doctor this morning about it. I hope the stuff he prescribed for me works.I look pretty scary with red, puffy, itchy skin all around my eyes!
We had a nice surprise tonight because as we were working on putting the orders together for MLC, the Erickson's bought a pizza from Costco! It made for a nice break. Things went so much faster working together to finish gathering the supplies. I just have to pray that the Staples order comes in first thing tomorrow morning. We need more ink for the copier before I can finish the ESL flyers. The reason that it's late is because of the holiday on Monday. I'm frustrated about it, and that doesn't help things. And we need to have the Vista Print order, too, for the ESL business cards. Oh, well. It will work out, right?
May your day tomorrow be glorious and good! My Love to all,
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

August 3, 2015

Bob: As I sit here (9:27) it is already dark outside. The days are quickly getting shorter. By next week it will be dark when I walk in the morning. Don't know if I want to do that. There are treadmills downstairs, so I think I'll take a look at them. The sign says the exercise room is supposed to be closed till 7 am, but I'll give it a try anyway. It is directly under our apartment. No one else would hear anything but us.
Drove to Orangeville today and signed another lease. It was a nice drive as the road is 4 lane most of the way, but not divided. The maximum speed is 80 KM. Today was a major holiday in Canada and the highway patrol was out in full force. I believe I saw 9 troopers with cars and motorcycles pulled over. The drive is only about 25 KM each way. Told some people that I thought Orangeville was having their fund raiser today!
We left work at 5:30 today to go to the monthly dinner at the Ludlow's. They had everything set up outside on the patio. I would estimate 25 to 30 people. It was a nice evening to eat outside and then sit around and chat for a while. The Temple President, his wife and 2 sons were there. His sons are high functioning adults with disabilities. One has Downs Syndrome.
Tomorrow we will find out personally about the Canadian healthcare system. Bonnie has to make an appointment and have someone check out her eye. She has a swollen left eye with a lot of discoloration around it. She asked the nurse about it tonight and she immediately said, "You need to see the doctor tomorrow!" She said the clinic will take our Aetna insurance. We'll find out tomorrow.
Hope your day has been fantastic and that tomorrow will be even better.
Love,
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: Yes, I will have to go to the doctor tomorrow, something I don't want to do, but need to do. The skin around my eyes itch something awful. It's swollen and red. My makeup doesn't cover it anymore, so I guess I have to do it :).
We had a surprise meeting with the Clayton's today. That is always a pleasure. And there were several missionaries in and out--always fun. They put lots of "tender mercies" on the candy jar. I'll have to put them in the binder before MLC because I figure there will be lots of sticky notes with many more "tender mercies" that day.
It will be a very busy day at the office because it's the day before MLC and I have to get out all of the supplies for each zone. I also have several other things that I need to do, like the flyers for the ESL classes. I envision me getting us some fast food for dinner and Bob and I staying until 9 or 10:00 tomorrow night. And this time MLC will be in our building because of some maintenance at the Brampton Stake Center, where it is usually held. That means a busy day all day Wednesday, not just at 4:00 and after. The Erickson's will be doing the waffles and Bob and I will fill the treat platter in the big office, but we will also have to help Sister Clayton with breakfast and lunch. The missionaries will eat well that day!
It's late so I will sign off. May the Lord bless you all!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

August 2, 2015

Bonnie: My favorite time of the week is Sunday morning. I can really relax and take my time reading the scriptures. Yesterday began our 31-day Book of Mormon Challenge. Bishop Finnigan wants all of us to read the entire Book of Mormon in the month of August! It works out to about 17-18 pages a day. That's a lot of reading in one day! I will be reading on the way to the office and at night before bed.
We have had some beautiful days here in Toronto. It's not been too warm and the humidity has not really bothered me. Of course, being in the office I have to deal with the air conditioning and I always need a sweater!.
I am so impressed with our Mission President and his wife. They truly love all of the missionaries and will do all in their power to help them fulfill their callings as special emissaries for the Lord. This week-end shows how much they care--taking an Elder across the border to get him seen by a doctor, not getting into the ER until after 10:30 pm, spending the night, and leaving early in the morning Saturday to try to make it back for the special baptisms for the dead by the new converts. As Bob said, they had problems at the border because the Elder was from Figi and he had an uncommon visa. They got to the Temple about half way through the baptisms. The Elder seems to be ok, thankfully.
And it was really fun last night. We really like this game, called "The Great Dalmuti". We are going to buy it for future family gatherings. We need something other than Pit and Mexican Train. The hats make it especially fun.
May everyone have a restful Sabbath, honoring our Savior, Jesus Christ, especially as we fast today.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Has been a good day. Went for an hour work this morning. Crossed the street and walked around 2 lakes just north of us. Added a little side trip to make it last an hour. My longest walk yet. I think it is helping as the new suits still fit and actually feel a little bit better than they did when we first got here.
In Testimony Meeting one young man told about how he was so determined to get a sports scholarship to college. He trained and played all through high school. He graduated this year and got his scholarship. He was so happy. Then he began to wonder if that is what he really wanted. Anyway, to summarize, he told his coach he would not be playing this year as he was going to serve a mission for his church. He is so happy and enthusiastic about going. He will be leaving later this year.
As I sit here writing I am looking out the windows of the solarium and lightening is flashing. It really lights up the sky.
This week will be very busy as I need to go to Orangeville to sign a lease, and spend 3 evenings at the storage shed giving away some of the items. Tomorrow night Brother and Sister Ludlow are having their monthly dinner for the senior missionaries in the area. They have been hosting the dinner once a month for several years. It is a fun get together. She always has a little gift for each sister too. There are about 9 or 10 senior couples here in the area. They also invite a few of their personal friends.
Hope your Sabbath Day has been great.
Love to all,
Dad/Bob

August 1, 2015

Bob: A busy day has finally come to an end although Bonnie is still preparing pasta for tomorrow's Munch 'n Mingle. Began the day with a brisk 50 minute walk. Then we got ready and drove to the Etobicoke Chapel (where we usually meet) and helped clean the building. We were only able to stay for 45 minutes, but it was mostly done when we finished. Almost got a speeding ticket on the way there. One of the main streets has a speed limit of 40 kilometers. There were about 3 cars in front of me going about 50 when I saw the 2 policeman just standing on the sidewalk shooting radar with a handheld gun. I was able to slow down, and he didn't have anyone pulled over.
When we got home we had to hurry and eat lunch and then head to the temple. We were going to help with the baptisms as the Mission President had taken an Elder to Rochester, NY for emergency eye surgery. On their way back they had problems with the Elder's passport and they were delayed for hours at the border.
When we started scheduling the workers for the baptisms there were only 2 of us that could do the baptizing, Elder Erickson and I. So he and I split the 14 patrons. Each patron was baptized at least 10 times. It really wasn't hard except trying to pronounce the French, Spanish, Polish, and other foreign names. I am sure I butchered several names.
 It took a little longer than originally planned. We ended up not leaving the temple till after 5. When we got home we had to grab a quick snack and then finish getting the apartment ready for the guests who were coming at 6:30. We had 4 missionary couples and the part time Mission Office worker over for games and munchies tonight. The Barretts brought their favorite game for us to play. It's called 'The Great Dalmuti'. It was a lot of fun. We saw a different side of several people tonight while playing the game. I think we'll do this kind of get- together more often, especially when the temperature starts to drop.
In the game each participant wears a hat. You can pick up any hats you want at a local Salvation Army, etc. At the end of each hand you change seats depending on when you played your last card. The first person to get rid of all his cards in a hand becomes 'The Great Dalmuti' for the next hand. The hats stay with the chair, and don't go with the person. So someone different might wear the hat each round. Some pictures of the players are below.
Hope everyone has had an enjoyable Saturday. Hope your Sabbath tomorrow is the best.
Love,
Dad/Bob

Bonnie

Elder Bugnet, Sister Bugnet, Elder Barrett, Elder Conrad, Elder Erickson

Bob, Sister Barrett

Sister Barrett, Laura, Elder Bugnet, 

 Elder Conrad, Elder Erickson, Sister Conrad, Sister Martin (The Great Dalmuti), Sister Erickson

Bonnie: Bob has done a good job of recapping what our day was like. It's almost midnight so I'm headed for bed!