Bob: Last day of January and the temperature was in the 40s and no snow on the roads. We didn't imagine this a year ago when we were getting ready to go to Toronto for the winter. But we're not complaining. They say February is the worse month however. We'll see how it goes.
We talked to Jeff and Scott tonight so we're caught up on their news. Try to do 2 more next Sunday. Tried to Skype with them, but they couldn't hear us. I have yet to see a conversation in Skype that was half the quality of face-time on an Ipad. To me Skype is a complete waste of time.
Not too many at church today as there were several YSAs at Montreal for a Young Adults Conference. I think they had a good time as there were several pictures on Facebook.
I am cutting this short tonight to hit the hay. Start another grind tomorrow The first 2 days of the week are long ones and it takes a lot out of us. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Making plans on spending the last weekend of February in Temiskaming for some ice fishing. Told them I don't want to be cold and I especially don't want to get WET. No one seems to be worried about either. I am still somewhat concerned about it.
My love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It's been a wonderful Sabbath Day. We were reminded about President Monson's advice to CPR today--go to Church, Pray and Read the scriptures. There was an excellent talk on the Atonement, too. During Priesthood and Relief Society, our Bishop, who has spent his whole professional career doing financial planning, spoke on how to handle money. It's something that the YSAs need to hear. He spent quite a bit of time talking about how to do a budget. He and his wife are financially very well off, yet they are still on a budget! Very good advice from a pro. The soups today were a hit. The squash soup was my favorite. There was plenty to go around because of the fewer numbers.
The best part of the day was talking to Scott and Jeff and their wives and children. Because our sound was not working, it was interesting to communicate with Thea and Nolan. We could hear them and see them, but they could not hear us. The best part was when they gave us kisses--right up to the computer screen! I love it.
My love and kisses to all!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Sunday 31 January 2016
Saturday 30 January 2016
January 30, 2016
Bob: A couple of things I forgot from yesterday. Filled the car up with gas last night. The price was $0.829 per liter. At current conversion rates per Google that converts to $2.25 per gallon in US dollars. Christian paid 0.689 2 nights ago in Indiana.
Yesterday I received a call from a lady in Vancouver, BC. She is one of the people who negotiates the Rogers contract between the Church and Rogers. She told me that Samsung, the manufacturer of the flip phones our missionaries use, has discontinued the production of these flip phones and there are no plans to resume their production. She also said that most of the big phone players have already discontinued the manufacture of these rugged flip phones. She recommended that we upgrade as many of our phones as possible immediately at the reduced price of $30 each. These phones were over $100 each last year at one time when I inquired about upgrades. We held off and the price dropped to $50 and now it is $30. Once Rogers' inventory is gone there will not be anymore of these phones. So I talked to the President and we upgraded all eligible phones, 104 of them. It would seem that we will have enough phones to last us for awhile because I still have 16 other new phones from our last upgrade of 25.
Dinner at the Mandarin was good tonight. There are 2 Mandarins in the area. I personally didn't like the other one. Everything looked good, but nothing was very tasty. Tonight everything was tasty especially the clam chowder and the creme brule. Those 2 items were delicious. Bonnie didn't mention the shrimp and crab legs. I never did get to the Chinese food tables. And I still feel stuffed.
Got our computer up and running tonight. Christian came over and got it running for me. We tried booting it up and it wouldn't go. Called the service tech in Utah and he wasn't any help. Finally Christian went into the registry and did something to get it going. Now if Office products work we will be okay.
Hope you enjoy my new life's motto below. It's kind of on hold though till we return home!!
Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: We had a delicious dinner at the Mandarin tonight. It is a festive place, with lights on the trees and bushes outside, and inside, red hanging lantern-like lights and lots of other colorful decor. We ate in the "Bird" room. Two huge make-believe birds hang from the ceiling and the upper portion of one wall has a cage with birds in it. There is also the "Fish" room where there is an aquarium, and probably other rooms with other themes. The food was wonderful. It included prime rib and mashed potatoes and gravy as well as pizza and grilled food and all of the Chinese eating delights one can think of. They are celebrating the Chinese New Year so they had Chinese dumplings. Great!!
Tomorrow I start back at my job of getting the YSAs in to see the Bishop. Many of them will be gone because of a YSA Conference in Montreal, but I'm sure there will be many last-minute requests. The challenge will be getting everyone in because he will be conducting the 5th-Sunday combined meeting of Relief Society and Priesthood. That's a whole hour out of his schedule. We will be eating a delicious soup tomorrow. I made a batch of it today and it should be very good. May we all have a spiritual day tomorrow as we honor the Lord on His day.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Yesterday I received a call from a lady in Vancouver, BC. She is one of the people who negotiates the Rogers contract between the Church and Rogers. She told me that Samsung, the manufacturer of the flip phones our missionaries use, has discontinued the production of these flip phones and there are no plans to resume their production. She also said that most of the big phone players have already discontinued the manufacture of these rugged flip phones. She recommended that we upgrade as many of our phones as possible immediately at the reduced price of $30 each. These phones were over $100 each last year at one time when I inquired about upgrades. We held off and the price dropped to $50 and now it is $30. Once Rogers' inventory is gone there will not be anymore of these phones. So I talked to the President and we upgraded all eligible phones, 104 of them. It would seem that we will have enough phones to last us for awhile because I still have 16 other new phones from our last upgrade of 25.
Dinner at the Mandarin was good tonight. There are 2 Mandarins in the area. I personally didn't like the other one. Everything looked good, but nothing was very tasty. Tonight everything was tasty especially the clam chowder and the creme brule. Those 2 items were delicious. Bonnie didn't mention the shrimp and crab legs. I never did get to the Chinese food tables. And I still feel stuffed.
Got our computer up and running tonight. Christian came over and got it running for me. We tried booting it up and it wouldn't go. Called the service tech in Utah and he wasn't any help. Finally Christian went into the registry and did something to get it going. Now if Office products work we will be okay.
Hope you enjoy my new life's motto below. It's kind of on hold though till we return home!!
Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
My New Philosophy
Bonnie: We had a delicious dinner at the Mandarin tonight. It is a festive place, with lights on the trees and bushes outside, and inside, red hanging lantern-like lights and lots of other colorful decor. We ate in the "Bird" room. Two huge make-believe birds hang from the ceiling and the upper portion of one wall has a cage with birds in it. There is also the "Fish" room where there is an aquarium, and probably other rooms with other themes. The food was wonderful. It included prime rib and mashed potatoes and gravy as well as pizza and grilled food and all of the Chinese eating delights one can think of. They are celebrating the Chinese New Year so they had Chinese dumplings. Great!!
Tomorrow I start back at my job of getting the YSAs in to see the Bishop. Many of them will be gone because of a YSA Conference in Montreal, but I'm sure there will be many last-minute requests. The challenge will be getting everyone in because he will be conducting the 5th-Sunday combined meeting of Relief Society and Priesthood. That's a whole hour out of his schedule. We will be eating a delicious soup tomorrow. I made a batch of it today and it should be very good. May we all have a spiritual day tomorrow as we honor the Lord on His day.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Friday 29 January 2016
January 29, 2016
Bonnie: We had a nice surprise tonight when we got home from doing the shopping. The bulb that President and Sister Clayton gave us at Christmas has blossomed! See the picture below. I don't know if I can keep it blooming, but I'll try.We were blessed to have 5 plants given to us when we moved in here from the previous occupants. Neither of the African violets are doing well, but the fern and the two other ones seem to be doing great. It sure makes for a better environment in our apartment.
Today I ordered 59 name tags for the missionaries. It's the largest order I have done yet for those. I also did a Staples order and spent quite a bit of money doing it! Toner ink is expensive and we go through lots of it. I'm over halfway done with the ESL flyers, too. It will be busy Monday and Tuesday in preparation for MLC so it's good that I've done this much.
Tonight we went to Costco and Walmart, got gas for the car, and then washed it. I really don't like grocery shopping here. It's hard to find things (the stores here are definitely not arranged the same as in the US) and the selection is not very good, (unless you are from Italy, the Philippines or any other Asian country, or are Hispanic.) I'm glad it's over with for another week. At least we will have a tempting treat plate for the missionaries on Wednesday.
I hope everyone has had a good day today. My love to all!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Not much happening today, but very busy. We have a new couple coming in next week and no apartment for them yet. We found a two, but neither worked out. Can't look at anymore until Monday because the realtor is having car problems. But we have a nice "young missionary" apartment to put them into.
A couple of sisters called today and said not to forget them when we give out the bus passes for the month. Well, we had forgotten them. The Z/L sent me their list for bus passes and then one of the sisters of a threesome moved and took the car with her. Thus 2 sisters don't have transportation right now. They'll buy their bus passes Monday, but I'm not sure what they are doing right now. They didn't say anything and I didn't ask.
Don't know if I told you last night or not, but one of our apartments had a change in the firm that bills for electric. I wondered why we haven't gotten an electric bill so I called them yesterday afternoon. They have been sending the bills to the apartment instead of the Mission office, where I had asked them to send the bills. So I called the Sisters living in that apartment. They had the bills, but they thought they were their copies so they didn't think they had to say anything. I paid the bills today and then charged the 3 sisters the cumulative late fees. I'll tell them about it next week. They each got charged 0.50 for the 2 late bills. Those were the smallest late fees I have ever seen.
Had another great experience at the bank today. After standing in line, and I was the only person in line for a while, I finally made it to a teller. I had a deposit of $360 cash only. It took him over 5 minutes to finally get it done. Then I asked him if I had the authority to have a $1000 check from Petty Cash cashed. He immediately said NO. I asked him if he would mind checking as I thought I was authorized to do that. Thus he began his computer search. After a few minutes he said 'Excuse me', and got up and took his cash drawer back to the vault. He returned and continued his search. A few minutes later he said, 'Excuse me', and got up and went back to the vault to get his cash drawer. A little later he said that yes I was authorized, as well as Bonnie Martin, and Weatherford Clayton. The problem was the names were not listed where they should have been. That's why he couldn't find them. But through a series of emails he was able to find it.
So when I got back to the office I wrote an email to the Branch Manager and told her about my experiences today and in the past. I would imagine from the thoughts expressed in the email she could sense my frustration. Anyway she wrote back apologizing for everything and said there would be no problem cashing Petty Cash checks.
Told Salt Lake about my experience also. The person out there that is the church officialwho works with CIBC bank has told me that no one in Canada but me has these problems with the bank. I guess I just have a talent for that.
Well I'm going to head to bed. It's after 11, but the alarm is off for the morning. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Today I ordered 59 name tags for the missionaries. It's the largest order I have done yet for those. I also did a Staples order and spent quite a bit of money doing it! Toner ink is expensive and we go through lots of it. I'm over halfway done with the ESL flyers, too. It will be busy Monday and Tuesday in preparation for MLC so it's good that I've done this much.
Tonight we went to Costco and Walmart, got gas for the car, and then washed it. I really don't like grocery shopping here. It's hard to find things (the stores here are definitely not arranged the same as in the US) and the selection is not very good, (unless you are from Italy, the Philippines or any other Asian country, or are Hispanic.) I'm glad it's over with for another week. At least we will have a tempting treat plate for the missionaries on Wednesday.
I hope everyone has had a good day today. My love to all!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Not much happening today, but very busy. We have a new couple coming in next week and no apartment for them yet. We found a two, but neither worked out. Can't look at anymore until Monday because the realtor is having car problems. But we have a nice "young missionary" apartment to put them into.
A couple of sisters called today and said not to forget them when we give out the bus passes for the month. Well, we had forgotten them. The Z/L sent me their list for bus passes and then one of the sisters of a threesome moved and took the car with her. Thus 2 sisters don't have transportation right now. They'll buy their bus passes Monday, but I'm not sure what they are doing right now. They didn't say anything and I didn't ask.
Don't know if I told you last night or not, but one of our apartments had a change in the firm that bills for electric. I wondered why we haven't gotten an electric bill so I called them yesterday afternoon. They have been sending the bills to the apartment instead of the Mission office, where I had asked them to send the bills. So I called the Sisters living in that apartment. They had the bills, but they thought they were their copies so they didn't think they had to say anything. I paid the bills today and then charged the 3 sisters the cumulative late fees. I'll tell them about it next week. They each got charged 0.50 for the 2 late bills. Those were the smallest late fees I have ever seen.
Had another great experience at the bank today. After standing in line, and I was the only person in line for a while, I finally made it to a teller. I had a deposit of $360 cash only. It took him over 5 minutes to finally get it done. Then I asked him if I had the authority to have a $1000 check from Petty Cash cashed. He immediately said NO. I asked him if he would mind checking as I thought I was authorized to do that. Thus he began his computer search. After a few minutes he said 'Excuse me', and got up and took his cash drawer back to the vault. He returned and continued his search. A few minutes later he said, 'Excuse me', and got up and went back to the vault to get his cash drawer. A little later he said that yes I was authorized, as well as Bonnie Martin, and Weatherford Clayton. The problem was the names were not listed where they should have been. That's why he couldn't find them. But through a series of emails he was able to find it.
So when I got back to the office I wrote an email to the Branch Manager and told her about my experiences today and in the past. I would imagine from the thoughts expressed in the email she could sense my frustration. Anyway she wrote back apologizing for everything and said there would be no problem cashing Petty Cash checks.
Told Salt Lake about my experience also. The person out there that is the church officialwho works with CIBC bank has told me that no one in Canada but me has these problems with the bank. I guess I just have a talent for that.
Well I'm going to head to bed. It's after 11, but the alarm is off for the morning. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Thursday 28 January 2016
January 28, 2016
Bonnie: I think I may have to keep my boots in the car! None of the weather forecasts that I saw for today suggested snow. But, sure enough, it fell as the day wore on and it got colder and colder. I really could have used my boots.
I finally received all of the orders for MLC and ESL supplies. So, now the work begins as I run off flyers (only 2400 this time) and I order name tags--three pages worth, and as I try to decipher the hand-writing of the Zone Leaders so I can put together their orders. I must admit it is getting easier each time I do it. We should have plenty of supplies, except for the media referral bibles. They are still on back-order. I have ordered 240 so far. I hope to get some soon because the referrals keep coming in and many of them request a bible.
I went to the temple tonight with Laura. I really enjoyed the session, though it was small. I love seeing so many people that I know. It's quite a delight.
I hope all of you have experienced something delightful today as well. Let's pray for good things to happen and then thank our Heavenly Father for the tender mercies that come our way!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Drove home in the snow tonight. It started sometime this afternoon as I saw the flurries out my window. Did not realize it was accumulating. I would guess there was about an inch on the car. Bonnie had already left with Laura to go to the temple. Main streets were okay, but the off-ramp from 410 wasn't too clear until you got right up close to the stop light. Considering the ramp is 'S' shaped it was a little hairy pulling off the freeway about 60 MPH and hitting the snow. But me and the guy in front of me made it okay.
Haven't done much tonight but pay the credit card bills. Been a relaxful night.
Saw Christian's text tonight with gas under 0.70 cents a gallon. Wish it would come to Canada. We have dipped to 77 cents a liter, but it is up in the 80s and 90s now depending on where you go. There is a station right as we get off 410 coming home that is usually 15 cents higher than the stations near our office. And these prices change almost every day, during the day. It is always cheaper coming home then going to work.
Have to go to bed. Wish everyone a great weekend. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
I finally received all of the orders for MLC and ESL supplies. So, now the work begins as I run off flyers (only 2400 this time) and I order name tags--three pages worth, and as I try to decipher the hand-writing of the Zone Leaders so I can put together their orders. I must admit it is getting easier each time I do it. We should have plenty of supplies, except for the media referral bibles. They are still on back-order. I have ordered 240 so far. I hope to get some soon because the referrals keep coming in and many of them request a bible.
I went to the temple tonight with Laura. I really enjoyed the session, though it was small. I love seeing so many people that I know. It's quite a delight.
I hope all of you have experienced something delightful today as well. Let's pray for good things to happen and then thank our Heavenly Father for the tender mercies that come our way!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Drove home in the snow tonight. It started sometime this afternoon as I saw the flurries out my window. Did not realize it was accumulating. I would guess there was about an inch on the car. Bonnie had already left with Laura to go to the temple. Main streets were okay, but the off-ramp from 410 wasn't too clear until you got right up close to the stop light. Considering the ramp is 'S' shaped it was a little hairy pulling off the freeway about 60 MPH and hitting the snow. But me and the guy in front of me made it okay.
Haven't done much tonight but pay the credit card bills. Been a relaxful night.
Saw Christian's text tonight with gas under 0.70 cents a gallon. Wish it would come to Canada. We have dipped to 77 cents a liter, but it is up in the 80s and 90s now depending on where you go. There is a station right as we get off 410 coming home that is usually 15 cents higher than the stations near our office. And these prices change almost every day, during the day. It is always cheaper coming home then going to work.
Have to go to bed. Wish everyone a great weekend. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Wednesday 27 January 2016
January 27, 2016
Bonnie: Last night was great, especially with Sonu. He is a tall, rather big man whose family is from India. He really liked Institute, which is saying alot because he is shy by nature. He is a "returning" member and it is wonderful that he is coming back to church.
There is nothing real special about today, other than the fact that we got home early, about 6:00. I was able to make dinner and we've been "zoning out" all evening. I love having an evening like this in the middle of the week! Tomorrow I hope to go to the temple one last time before it closes for cleaning. I have one more name of Bob's that needs an endowment. Then, it's the usual stuff like wash and shopping on the week-end. We hope to go with the other senior couples out to eat at the Mandarin late Saturday afternoon, though. That will be fun.
Today I finally got all the information together to send to the parents about packages sent from over the border. It seems like it all changes depending upon who I talk to, especially at UPS. There is no way to anticipate how much a package will cost and if it will incur customs charges and Canadian taxes. It's a royal pain to deal with UPS, especially. Time will tell if I got all the information I needed.
The time seems to fly--I can't believe it's almost the end of January! I need to make the most of being here. I really miss my family--children and grandchildren, so I have decided to do all I can to be a profitable servant of the Lord. That way I can say without a doubt this mission is worth everything I have given up to be here.
Have a wonderful day tomorrow.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: I agree with Bonnie that there wasn't anything special about today. Things at work would pop up and they would be handled. Caught up on everything except the phone report. Need to look into these extra charges and see if they can be reduced/eliminated.
Our internet was down for a little while this evening. Don't know what happened but I received a notice on my phone that the internet signal was strong but not of good quality. Have no idea what that meant. Rebooted the router and things came back on.
Warmed up into the 30s today so it was pleasant outside. Wind is howling again right now. I think tomorrow is supposed to be another good day.
Starting to try to put together tax information. Not sure how I'm going to get everything I need. Going to file for an extension first and then fine tune everything for October when we file.
Well I'm going to bed. Hope your day was great. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
There is nothing real special about today, other than the fact that we got home early, about 6:00. I was able to make dinner and we've been "zoning out" all evening. I love having an evening like this in the middle of the week! Tomorrow I hope to go to the temple one last time before it closes for cleaning. I have one more name of Bob's that needs an endowment. Then, it's the usual stuff like wash and shopping on the week-end. We hope to go with the other senior couples out to eat at the Mandarin late Saturday afternoon, though. That will be fun.
Today I finally got all the information together to send to the parents about packages sent from over the border. It seems like it all changes depending upon who I talk to, especially at UPS. There is no way to anticipate how much a package will cost and if it will incur customs charges and Canadian taxes. It's a royal pain to deal with UPS, especially. Time will tell if I got all the information I needed.
The time seems to fly--I can't believe it's almost the end of January! I need to make the most of being here. I really miss my family--children and grandchildren, so I have decided to do all I can to be a profitable servant of the Lord. That way I can say without a doubt this mission is worth everything I have given up to be here.
Have a wonderful day tomorrow.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: I agree with Bonnie that there wasn't anything special about today. Things at work would pop up and they would be handled. Caught up on everything except the phone report. Need to look into these extra charges and see if they can be reduced/eliminated.
Our internet was down for a little while this evening. Don't know what happened but I received a notice on my phone that the internet signal was strong but not of good quality. Have no idea what that meant. Rebooted the router and things came back on.
Warmed up into the 30s today so it was pleasant outside. Wind is howling again right now. I think tomorrow is supposed to be another good day.
Starting to try to put together tax information. Not sure how I'm going to get everything I need. Going to file for an extension first and then fine tune everything for October when we file.
Well I'm going to bed. Hope your day was great. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Tuesday 26 January 2016
January 26, 2016
Bob: Today went rather well. Only lingering problem is an apartment for the senior couple coming next week. I think they are going to end up in one of the nicer young missionary places until we get the furniture and everything for their place. We have some things in storage now, but precious few of them would be appropriate.
Took Sonu to Institute tonight. He was waiting at his door when we pulled up. I was happy he didn't back out as he is very bashful. But he was talkative in the car, had some comments for class, and said he really enjoyed it. Finding his house wasn't real easy. I don't think they believe in lighting their house numbers so seeing him standing in the front door really helped. He is the first one we have picked up that was ready to go. Usually there is a little wait and sometimes a long wait for them.
Weather was mild today but the wind is blowing pretty strongly right now. Temperatures are not too bad however.
Going to bed. Hope your day was great and tomorrow is even better. As Patriarch Holdaway always says, 'My best day yet'. Love to all and good night brothers.
First mate sends her love.
Dad/Bob
Took Sonu to Institute tonight. He was waiting at his door when we pulled up. I was happy he didn't back out as he is very bashful. But he was talkative in the car, had some comments for class, and said he really enjoyed it. Finding his house wasn't real easy. I don't think they believe in lighting their house numbers so seeing him standing in the front door really helped. He is the first one we have picked up that was ready to go. Usually there is a little wait and sometimes a long wait for them.
Weather was mild today but the wind is blowing pretty strongly right now. Temperatures are not too bad however.
Going to bed. Hope your day was great and tomorrow is even better. As Patriarch Holdaway always says, 'My best day yet'. Love to all and good night brothers.
First mate sends her love.
Dad/Bob
Monday 25 January 2016
January 25, 2016
Bob: Got home at 10:00 from FHE at the Brampton Stake Center. We had 3 riders to take home. One of them was a new young man, Nick Lau. He just got back from a mission to Vancouver, BC last Wednesday. His father, Henry, is the PFR for the area. We talk with Henry quite often. The Laus moved from Hong Kong in 2008. Nick would like to go to the Mississauga Institute class as there are a few Chinese in that class. We'll pick him up tomorrow night and see how it goes. Have to stop in Mississauga and get another young man, Sonu Chibber too.
Work went rather well today except I forgot about the two missionaries leaving Wednesday. I need to put together their departing packets. That will need done the first thing in the morning.
Weather is very mild and getting better tomorrow. The lines at the car wash are quite long. Will be in one myself tomorrow.
Got to get to bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was a good day--one of my big orders came in. I put a few hearts around, too, on the Tender Mercy jar. Tonight it was great fun playing family feud, boys against the girls. The girls won, of course. Even the adults played. We had a good time! I'm tired tonight and want to get to bed so this will be short. I spent quite a bit of time with a parent who was frustrated trying to motivate her son to get some papers in for college. I had to be the go-between from mother to son and son to mother. We got it all straightened out finally. I only had to call Mom twice and talk to her son twice.
May all of us have a good day tomorrow!
My love to all, Mom/Bonnie
Work went rather well today except I forgot about the two missionaries leaving Wednesday. I need to put together their departing packets. That will need done the first thing in the morning.
Weather is very mild and getting better tomorrow. The lines at the car wash are quite long. Will be in one myself tomorrow.
Got to get to bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was a good day--one of my big orders came in. I put a few hearts around, too, on the Tender Mercy jar. Tonight it was great fun playing family feud, boys against the girls. The girls won, of course. Even the adults played. We had a good time! I'm tired tonight and want to get to bed so this will be short. I spent quite a bit of time with a parent who was frustrated trying to motivate her son to get some papers in for college. I had to be the go-between from mother to son and son to mother. We got it all straightened out finally. I only had to call Mom twice and talk to her son twice.
May all of us have a good day tomorrow!
My love to all, Mom/Bonnie
Sunday 24 January 2016
January 24, 2016
Bonnie: It's been a wonderful day today. President Evershed conducted because each member of the Bishopric is out of town. He shared a missionary experience from his son who is serving in Equador. He and his companion had planned to go tracting on a Wednesday, but his son felt like they should go on a Tuesday. He is a tall, blonde missionary who wears contact lenses, but because he had lost one of his contacts this day he was wearing glasses. They knocked on a door and the woman who answered was shocked. She had had a dream where she saw a tall, blonde man wearing glasses that would share with her the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord is in the details of our lives, for sure! At Munch and Mingle I talked with a young single adult who is taking the temple prep classes. He is a sharp young man who has his own business. He will be getting his endowment at the Toronto Temple soon in preparation for his temple wedding, which will be the first part of March at the Montreal Temple. He has only been a member just over a year. His fiance is a french-speaking young woman from Montreal who did not know much if any English. She went on a mission to Utah where she learned to speak English, of course. This young man is from India and did not know any French, so it really was a miracle that they met. And to top it all off, his sister is flying in from Germany to be there at the festivities, and she will be baptized by him the day before or the day after the wedding. What a very special few days for this young man, his fiance and sister! His parents live in India and he says that they are supportive of what his is doing. Again, the Lord is in the details of our lives.
The baptism went well this morning. That will be the third baptism in a very short time. And we learned in Gospel Principles class that two more young men will be getting baptized the first part of February. The missionary work is going forward very well in this area. It's a miracle to me. And I love to be part of it, even if it's a very small part.
Happy Sabbath, everyone.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: We had our first couples monthly FHE tonight at the Cannons. The Conrads were their partners and they did the dessert. We had 4 Temple couples, the 3 office couples and the Budgetts. Two couples, the Laus and Laquas live other places and did not attend. Next month the Backus' will be with us and that will make 11 couples. We took turns and read the talk, "Why the Church" given by Elder Christofferson in the last General Conference. Of course we got off track a little but the comments were all good.
Sonu Chibber, a YSA from Mississauga, was at church again today. I believe that is 3 weeks in a row that he has been there. He is very shy, but was quite chatty with us at the Munch and Mingle. He gave me his address and said we could pick him up for Institute on Tuesday night this week. He usually works evenings, but the days vary each week and he can come this week. We will see how it goes. I found out that the A/P's have an appointment to visit he and his family Thursday morning. Hopefully we'll give him enough encouragement that he will fill confident enough to keep coming. He did not go into Priesthood class this week, but he told me he would go with me next week.
The weather has been very mild today. The high was predicted to be 32 and think it got just a little warmer without much wind for a change. The highs for the next 5 days are supposed to be 35, 40, 28, 33, and 35. That's not too bad for the frozen north is it?? Sister Martin's weather prayers are being answered. We are learning about the massive storm that has hit the eastern United States. Our family seems to be ok. It was so cold in Florida that the flag-football games were cancelled. It was 43'!
Well the clock on the wall says it's almost 10, so I think I will end now. Hope everyone had a great weekend and that tomorrow is your best day yet. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
The baptism went well this morning. That will be the third baptism in a very short time. And we learned in Gospel Principles class that two more young men will be getting baptized the first part of February. The missionary work is going forward very well in this area. It's a miracle to me. And I love to be part of it, even if it's a very small part.
Happy Sabbath, everyone.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: We had our first couples monthly FHE tonight at the Cannons. The Conrads were their partners and they did the dessert. We had 4 Temple couples, the 3 office couples and the Budgetts. Two couples, the Laus and Laquas live other places and did not attend. Next month the Backus' will be with us and that will make 11 couples. We took turns and read the talk, "Why the Church" given by Elder Christofferson in the last General Conference. Of course we got off track a little but the comments were all good.
Sonu Chibber, a YSA from Mississauga, was at church again today. I believe that is 3 weeks in a row that he has been there. He is very shy, but was quite chatty with us at the Munch and Mingle. He gave me his address and said we could pick him up for Institute on Tuesday night this week. He usually works evenings, but the days vary each week and he can come this week. We will see how it goes. I found out that the A/P's have an appointment to visit he and his family Thursday morning. Hopefully we'll give him enough encouragement that he will fill confident enough to keep coming. He did not go into Priesthood class this week, but he told me he would go with me next week.
The weather has been very mild today. The high was predicted to be 32 and think it got just a little warmer without much wind for a change. The highs for the next 5 days are supposed to be 35, 40, 28, 33, and 35. That's not too bad for the frozen north is it?? Sister Martin's weather prayers are being answered. We are learning about the massive storm that has hit the eastern United States. Our family seems to be ok. It was so cold in Florida that the flag-football games were cancelled. It was 43'!
Well the clock on the wall says it's almost 10, so I think I will end now. Hope everyone had a great weekend and that tomorrow is your best day yet. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Saturday 23 January 2016
January 23, 2016
Bob: Had a relaxing day. Rolled out at about 8:15. Finally finished my walk, showered, and ready to leave about 11:30. We had a couple things to pick up or we probably wouldn't have left then. It was a nice bright, sunny day today. Been watching the news and we see that the eastern part of the US is being hammered with snow and freezing rain. Hope everyone survives okay.
We had a set of Sisters over for dinner this evening and then the Budgetts came down later to just visit.
We are leaving early for Church tomorrow so there won't be any sleeping in tomorrow. There is a baptism at 10:00 and we are picking up 2 riders on the other side of town. We will be leaving at just a little past 9:00 in the morning. Looks like we will have a little down time between 11 and noon when our Sacrament Meeting starts.
Got my phone unlocked this week. Have everything up and running now including unlimited text to the USA. Did not realize I was being charged for text previously.
Going to get ready for bed now. Hope everyone is safe from the storm and warm. Love to everyone and good night brothers.
I think Bonnie's gravy had some leftover butter tart filling added to it. We aren't sure, but the gravy had a sweet taste to it. Everyone ate it except me though. Too sweet for me.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It's been a wonderful day. For dinner tonight with the Sister missionaries, I used some leftover turkey to make croissants and they turned out well, except for the gravy. I thought I was defrosting turkey gravy from my freezer, but it ended up being something else! So, the gravy tonight was interesting to say the least. And dessert went well. I served warm brownies with ice cream and chocolate syrup. The Sisters are sweet and it was a joy to have them over.
I was able to accomplish everything I needed to do today and so I feel prepared for the Sabbath. It will be a long day tomorrow with the baptism at 10:00, but well worth it, I'm sure.
A blessed Sabbath, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
We had a set of Sisters over for dinner this evening and then the Budgetts came down later to just visit.
We are leaving early for Church tomorrow so there won't be any sleeping in tomorrow. There is a baptism at 10:00 and we are picking up 2 riders on the other side of town. We will be leaving at just a little past 9:00 in the morning. Looks like we will have a little down time between 11 and noon when our Sacrament Meeting starts.
Got my phone unlocked this week. Have everything up and running now including unlimited text to the USA. Did not realize I was being charged for text previously.
Going to get ready for bed now. Hope everyone is safe from the storm and warm. Love to everyone and good night brothers.
I think Bonnie's gravy had some leftover butter tart filling added to it. We aren't sure, but the gravy had a sweet taste to it. Everyone ate it except me though. Too sweet for me.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It's been a wonderful day. For dinner tonight with the Sister missionaries, I used some leftover turkey to make croissants and they turned out well, except for the gravy. I thought I was defrosting turkey gravy from my freezer, but it ended up being something else! So, the gravy tonight was interesting to say the least. And dessert went well. I served warm brownies with ice cream and chocolate syrup. The Sisters are sweet and it was a joy to have them over.
I was able to accomplish everything I needed to do today and so I feel prepared for the Sabbath. It will be a long day tomorrow with the baptism at 10:00, but well worth it, I'm sure.
A blessed Sabbath, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Friday 22 January 2016
January 22, 2016
Bob: Interesting day at work. Got most things caught up except for the end of December filing. We usually get our operating statement around the 7th and then I file the monthly expenditures away. Didn't get the year-end statement until today. So that will need done next Monday.
Also solved the 22 page lease problem today. Sent it to Salt Lake and one guy said he didn't seen any major problems, but thought we should run it by the legal department. He said he would send it over to them, but he didn't know when someone might look at it. I told him to just forget about sending it over and that we would just pass on this apartment. So I called the listing agent and told them we couldn't review the lease so we would just pass on the lease. He began to try to assure me that there was nothing wrong and he would have me talk to someone else about it as he didn't know that much aboutwhat was in it. Told him I didn't want to bother with that because my relator was already preparing an offer on another place and that they could just rent it to someone else. He said okay and that was it. So we have another offer in and are waiting to see it they will accept it. Still think we can find something nice before the Backus' arrive from Arizona.
We are also trying to rent another basement apartment for the Ossington Zone for the young missionaries. Found one we liked and made an offer to start the lease on the 1st of March. Their relator came back and asked us to pay half a month's rent for February and they would do it. Told them to rent it to someone else, too. So we don't have anything here either. However, the Sisters presently in the apartment don't want to move now. I talked to them about it and told them the apartment has had bedbug problems off and on so we are going to move out when we find another place. That probably won't happen now until April because of the 60 day vacate notice we are required to give. You have to give 60 days notice from the end of the current month and the notice must be in their hands before the end of the current month. So to leave at the end of March I would have to ensure they had the vacate notice on or before Jan 31. That leaves us 9 days and 4 of them are on the weekend. I don't think we could make it unless we drove the vacate notice to them, which I am not interested in doing.
Did the shopping tonight after dinner. We drove 8 miles to another Walmart on the other side of Brampton. It is newer and cleaner that the other 3 that are nearer. Bonnie said it was worth the few extra miles.
Hope everyone has a great weekend. Good night brothers and love to all.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: This Walmart is not only cleaner, we also don't have to put a dollar in the shopping carts to get one. That's how they keep the carts from getting taken, I guess. And this Walmart is not nearly as busy as the other ones, at least not yet. It was nice not having to deal with crowds of people!
Today was a good day and there is one thing I want to record. I got a phone call from a missionary in Germany wanting to know if we had any Persian Bibles. We have two actually. He wants to know how to get one. I told him I would email him back any information I could find. The Online Distribution Store does not have them any more! So, I called my favorite Farsi Elders and asked them. Elder Vanderzanden said the Church is almost finished with translating a King James version of the Bible in Farsi. The other ones were a translation of the "new" Bibles that other churches use and was printed by a Bible Society. He said the churches translation will have language like the Book of Mormon and that will be a very good thing. When I asked him how he knew this he said that he knows a man who was a missionary here in our mission who is over the committee that is translating it! I can't wait to have some of those on our shelves.
Next week the preparations MLC begin again. The time really seems to be flying by. I hope everyone had a good day today and that all is well with each of you and your families.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Also solved the 22 page lease problem today. Sent it to Salt Lake and one guy said he didn't seen any major problems, but thought we should run it by the legal department. He said he would send it over to them, but he didn't know when someone might look at it. I told him to just forget about sending it over and that we would just pass on this apartment. So I called the listing agent and told them we couldn't review the lease so we would just pass on the lease. He began to try to assure me that there was nothing wrong and he would have me talk to someone else about it as he didn't know that much aboutwhat was in it. Told him I didn't want to bother with that because my relator was already preparing an offer on another place and that they could just rent it to someone else. He said okay and that was it. So we have another offer in and are waiting to see it they will accept it. Still think we can find something nice before the Backus' arrive from Arizona.
We are also trying to rent another basement apartment for the Ossington Zone for the young missionaries. Found one we liked and made an offer to start the lease on the 1st of March. Their relator came back and asked us to pay half a month's rent for February and they would do it. Told them to rent it to someone else, too. So we don't have anything here either. However, the Sisters presently in the apartment don't want to move now. I talked to them about it and told them the apartment has had bedbug problems off and on so we are going to move out when we find another place. That probably won't happen now until April because of the 60 day vacate notice we are required to give. You have to give 60 days notice from the end of the current month and the notice must be in their hands before the end of the current month. So to leave at the end of March I would have to ensure they had the vacate notice on or before Jan 31. That leaves us 9 days and 4 of them are on the weekend. I don't think we could make it unless we drove the vacate notice to them, which I am not interested in doing.
Did the shopping tonight after dinner. We drove 8 miles to another Walmart on the other side of Brampton. It is newer and cleaner that the other 3 that are nearer. Bonnie said it was worth the few extra miles.
Hope everyone has a great weekend. Good night brothers and love to all.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: This Walmart is not only cleaner, we also don't have to put a dollar in the shopping carts to get one. That's how they keep the carts from getting taken, I guess. And this Walmart is not nearly as busy as the other ones, at least not yet. It was nice not having to deal with crowds of people!
Today was a good day and there is one thing I want to record. I got a phone call from a missionary in Germany wanting to know if we had any Persian Bibles. We have two actually. He wants to know how to get one. I told him I would email him back any information I could find. The Online Distribution Store does not have them any more! So, I called my favorite Farsi Elders and asked them. Elder Vanderzanden said the Church is almost finished with translating a King James version of the Bible in Farsi. The other ones were a translation of the "new" Bibles that other churches use and was printed by a Bible Society. He said the churches translation will have language like the Book of Mormon and that will be a very good thing. When I asked him how he knew this he said that he knows a man who was a missionary here in our mission who is over the committee that is translating it! I can't wait to have some of those on our shelves.
Next week the preparations MLC begin again. The time really seems to be flying by. I hope everyone had a good day today and that all is well with each of you and your families.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Thursday 21 January 2016
January 21, 2016
Bonnie: Today was a rather frustrating day because I talked to UPS about a bill they sent us. If a parent sends a package that is worth less than $60.00 Canadian and it is marked a gift there will be no customs fees or taxes. However, if it is worth over $20.00 Canadian there will be a brokerage fee charged by UPS. Why this hasn't been explained to me before now I don't know. It makes me wonder why we need a broker for these packages after all. When I asked UPS why we needed a broker she couldn't answer me! I was all ready to get us out of this deal, but thought I better not until I understood a little bit more about it. Laura told me afterward that brokers ensure that the packages are not opened and searched at the border. I guess that's reason enough to have one. So, in preparation for sending out new information to the parents, I asked the girl on the phone to email me information about UPS, some dos and dont's about mailing packages through them. She said UPS doesn't do that. The parents have to look up the information on their web-site. That's the first place I will go tomorrow when I have time. Oh, and they also said we owed over $100.00 to them, and then said, after I asked about that, that about half of it is paid. Because two packages are on the same invoice they cannot say any of it is paid until all of it is paid. So, tomorrow I will try to reach the parent of the other package.
I went home just before 5 with Sister Erickson tonight and left Bob working at the office, trying to catch up. He got home about 9:00. I was also able to get the wash done and relax, although there were not enough washers when I went down the first time. This meant starting one load and waiting until it was finished so I could use the same washer for my second load. I've never had a problem finding an empty washing machine until tonight.
I hope all of you have had a better day than I have! Thank heavens, the gospel is still true!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: I am trying to rent an apartment for a couple coming the 5th of February. They will be staying at a different location than ours because they work several miles away from here. We have made application and I thought everything was going fine. Today the Landlord sent me their 'legal lease' and asked me to sign it. It is 22 pages long and full of a lot of legal jargon so that I don't know what it means. I think I will get on the phone with Salt Lake tomorrow and ask them if they can take a look at it and give me their opinion. I don't think I can get a quick legal opinion from SL however. Will have to decide pretty quickly whether to give up on this place and look elsewhere.
Lots of little problems keep reoccuring which just takes time from the routine items. Some of them have fallen through the cracks and it is taking extra time to get everything back in order. Oh well, maybe tomorrow I'll get things back on track.
My love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
I went home just before 5 with Sister Erickson tonight and left Bob working at the office, trying to catch up. He got home about 9:00. I was also able to get the wash done and relax, although there were not enough washers when I went down the first time. This meant starting one load and waiting until it was finished so I could use the same washer for my second load. I've never had a problem finding an empty washing machine until tonight.
I hope all of you have had a better day than I have! Thank heavens, the gospel is still true!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: I am trying to rent an apartment for a couple coming the 5th of February. They will be staying at a different location than ours because they work several miles away from here. We have made application and I thought everything was going fine. Today the Landlord sent me their 'legal lease' and asked me to sign it. It is 22 pages long and full of a lot of legal jargon so that I don't know what it means. I think I will get on the phone with Salt Lake tomorrow and ask them if they can take a look at it and give me their opinion. I don't think I can get a quick legal opinion from SL however. Will have to decide pretty quickly whether to give up on this place and look elsewhere.
Lots of little problems keep reoccuring which just takes time from the routine items. Some of them have fallen through the cracks and it is taking extra time to get everything back in order. Oh well, maybe tomorrow I'll get things back on track.
My love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Wednesday 20 January 2016
January 20, 2016
Bob: Not much happening today. We had a 2 hour world wide broadcast about the purpose and how to of doing missionary work. Among the speakers were Neil L. Anderson, David A. Bednar, L. Whitney Clayton, Dallin H. Oaks, 2nd Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, Sister Oscarson, and some others. It was very unlifting and informative. They stressed obedience, study and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We didn't stay too late at the office, but by the time we dropped off some things at the Mission Home and got the car washed it was after 6:30. Been working on some accounting submissions since dinner though. Got a full day tomorrow. Hope I can get it all done and caught up.
Heading to bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It's been busy for me today. The best part was listening to the Broadcast. Some of the most inspiring comments to me were: when we're talking to non-members and don't know what to say we can always testify of the Savior; we can bring the spirit unto but not into the heart of the investigator;
hearing and understanding are not enough--investigators need to act; we are teaching people not lessons; members and missionaries need to come together; our purpose is to teach repentance and baptize converts.
Some of the things that I did today other than the two-hour broadcast included helping Elder Cannon burn a CD on my computer, entering a referral who lives in Germany, ordering more Farsi learning materials, having two men come by to discuss making a curtain to cover the Transfer Board that is in President Clayton's office, so visiting missionaries cannot see it before it's time, and the best thing: having a Korean couple come to the office and bring high-end bottles of shoe polish, shoe horns and cleaning clothes for each missionary! What a sweet sacrifice! They have just retired from owning a shoe repair store near downtown Toronto. I'm so impressed with this couple.
Well, I have been working on monthly deductions with Bob tonight and it's late so I will close.
Have a happy Thursday tomorrow, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
We didn't stay too late at the office, but by the time we dropped off some things at the Mission Home and got the car washed it was after 6:30. Been working on some accounting submissions since dinner though. Got a full day tomorrow. Hope I can get it all done and caught up.
Heading to bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It's been busy for me today. The best part was listening to the Broadcast. Some of the most inspiring comments to me were: when we're talking to non-members and don't know what to say we can always testify of the Savior; we can bring the spirit unto but not into the heart of the investigator;
hearing and understanding are not enough--investigators need to act; we are teaching people not lessons; members and missionaries need to come together; our purpose is to teach repentance and baptize converts.
Some of the things that I did today other than the two-hour broadcast included helping Elder Cannon burn a CD on my computer, entering a referral who lives in Germany, ordering more Farsi learning materials, having two men come by to discuss making a curtain to cover the Transfer Board that is in President Clayton's office, so visiting missionaries cannot see it before it's time, and the best thing: having a Korean couple come to the office and bring high-end bottles of shoe polish, shoe horns and cleaning clothes for each missionary! What a sweet sacrifice! They have just retired from owning a shoe repair store near downtown Toronto. I'm so impressed with this couple.
Well, I have been working on monthly deductions with Bob tonight and it's late so I will close.
Have a happy Thursday tomorrow, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Tuesday 19 January 2016
January 19, 2016
Bob: Got the final apartment furnished today. We had planned on leaving for Kitchener at 3:00. Well we left the office at 1:30 to stop at the storage hut and pick up a table which didn't take long. Then we stopped to buy 2 box springs. The first place where we stopped didn't have any in stock. The 2nd place had them in stock, but not at the store. We had to drive to the warehouse to pick them up. Once we were admitted to the warehouse loading dock area it took them about 20 - 25 minutes to bring them out to us. By this time it was almost 4:00. We had originally thought we would be in Kitchener around 4:00, but twas not to be.
The trip down required us to travel on 401. We were slowed down 4 separate times for accidents, etc. It ended up being almost 5:30 before we got to the apartment. The apartment actually is pretty nice. It might need some curtains, but other than that it is pretty nice and spaceous. In fact, Bonnie commented that she was jealous of their counter space!!
We finally unloaded everything, which wasn't too much. Helped the Elders put their bed frames together and got ready to leave. When we got into the truck Bonnie couldn't find one of her gloves. After searching everywhere and offering a prayer the glove was found between the seat and seat belt beside the passenger seat. A prayer of thankfulness for this tender mercy was then offered by the First Mate.
We finally got started home and realized that we wouldn't make it back to Mississauga in time for the start of Institute so we stopped for something to eat. Arrived back at our apartment a little past 8:00.
The wind is still blowing and that seems to make the temperature a lot worse than it really is. I think it got up into the high 20s today, but it felt a lot colder because of the wind. It is 25 right now. Tomorrow is supposed to be 26.
Going to turn in now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Kitchener seems like it is a nice place. There are some beautiful churches downtown. I do like the apartment we were in tonight. The kitchen is twice as big as mine, which is a shame because it will be used by two Elders! Oh, well, I'm happy for them. On the way home we stopped to eat at Tim Horton's. There seems to be one on every other corner. I had one of the best soups I've ever tasted there-- a roasted red pepper gouda. It made the trip well worth it. It's fun to help get the apartments set up. It makes a nice break from the office, especially because Sister Cannon is there to cover for me. Tomorrow there will be a special broadcast from Salt Lake for all missionaries at noon our time. It will be wonderful, I'm sure. We'll let you know tomorrow all about it.
I hope everyone is staying warm this winter. I'm doing my best at it, believe me! Sleep tight tonight.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
The trip down required us to travel on 401. We were slowed down 4 separate times for accidents, etc. It ended up being almost 5:30 before we got to the apartment. The apartment actually is pretty nice. It might need some curtains, but other than that it is pretty nice and spaceous. In fact, Bonnie commented that she was jealous of their counter space!!
We finally unloaded everything, which wasn't too much. Helped the Elders put their bed frames together and got ready to leave. When we got into the truck Bonnie couldn't find one of her gloves. After searching everywhere and offering a prayer the glove was found between the seat and seat belt beside the passenger seat. A prayer of thankfulness for this tender mercy was then offered by the First Mate.
We finally got started home and realized that we wouldn't make it back to Mississauga in time for the start of Institute so we stopped for something to eat. Arrived back at our apartment a little past 8:00.
The wind is still blowing and that seems to make the temperature a lot worse than it really is. I think it got up into the high 20s today, but it felt a lot colder because of the wind. It is 25 right now. Tomorrow is supposed to be 26.
Going to turn in now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Kitchener seems like it is a nice place. There are some beautiful churches downtown. I do like the apartment we were in tonight. The kitchen is twice as big as mine, which is a shame because it will be used by two Elders! Oh, well, I'm happy for them. On the way home we stopped to eat at Tim Horton's. There seems to be one on every other corner. I had one of the best soups I've ever tasted there-- a roasted red pepper gouda. It made the trip well worth it. It's fun to help get the apartments set up. It makes a nice break from the office, especially because Sister Cannon is there to cover for me. Tomorrow there will be a special broadcast from Salt Lake for all missionaries at noon our time. It will be wonderful, I'm sure. We'll let you know tomorrow all about it.
I hope everyone is staying warm this winter. I'm doing my best at it, believe me! Sleep tight tonight.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Monday 18 January 2016
January 18, 2016
Bob: Awoke to snow on the ground today. The trip to the office was a little dicey. It warmed up some during the day and the roads were clear when we headed to FHE at 6:40. However, when we left FHE snow had fallen and the roads were wet and slick. Can't make much time with these road conditions.
Finally got the rent all paid today except for 3 apartments we just opened. I'm waiting for Salt Lake to set them up in the system and then I can pay them. Got caught up on my 'Follow-Up' file too. Hadn't checked that for about 4 days. Thankfully there wasn't anything too pressing.
Going to Kitchener tomorrow with a small load of furniture. Although we are opening a new apartment the Zone has stuff they are bringing to the apartment. I won't have to take much except 2 sets of box springs, a table, chairs and kitchen items. Shouldn't have to spend too much time at the apartment.
Well, I'm going to hit the hay early. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Tonight at Family Home Evening the missionaries put together a great game, using scriptures to look for clues put all around the building. The YSAs divided into three groups to look for them. It turned out to be a fun activity. I especially liked how the groups were mixed--getting them to really mingle with each other. The reward for coming in first was a box of TimBits, which are donut holes from popular Tim Horton's. I'm really glad that Bob was able to drive tonight. It would have been very draining for me to drive on the snowy roads. Tomorrow I may go with him to do this next apartment and then we will probably go to Institute after we get a bite to eat. I am basically caught up on things in the office. I am going through the old files from 2014 and giving them to Sister Cannon to shred. It's turning out to be a bigger job than I expected and I am glad she is willing to help me.
I hope you all have had a wonderful day and Family Home Evening, as well. My love to all.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Finally got the rent all paid today except for 3 apartments we just opened. I'm waiting for Salt Lake to set them up in the system and then I can pay them. Got caught up on my 'Follow-Up' file too. Hadn't checked that for about 4 days. Thankfully there wasn't anything too pressing.
Going to Kitchener tomorrow with a small load of furniture. Although we are opening a new apartment the Zone has stuff they are bringing to the apartment. I won't have to take much except 2 sets of box springs, a table, chairs and kitchen items. Shouldn't have to spend too much time at the apartment.
Well, I'm going to hit the hay early. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Tonight at Family Home Evening the missionaries put together a great game, using scriptures to look for clues put all around the building. The YSAs divided into three groups to look for them. It turned out to be a fun activity. I especially liked how the groups were mixed--getting them to really mingle with each other. The reward for coming in first was a box of TimBits, which are donut holes from popular Tim Horton's. I'm really glad that Bob was able to drive tonight. It would have been very draining for me to drive on the snowy roads. Tomorrow I may go with him to do this next apartment and then we will probably go to Institute after we get a bite to eat. I am basically caught up on things in the office. I am going through the old files from 2014 and giving them to Sister Cannon to shred. It's turning out to be a bigger job than I expected and I am glad she is willing to help me.
I hope you all have had a wonderful day and Family Home Evening, as well. My love to all.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Sunday 17 January 2016
January 17, 2016
Bob: Our Sabbath has been a delight. The meetings were wonderful and we have had late afternoon and all evening to relax and snack!! You could say we are resting up for the challenges that will come starting tomorrow. I am a couple days behind on the rent payments and have about a dozen scenarios I need to check out before I pull the trigger to pay everyone. Hoping to get it all done tomorrow as I want to deliver furniture on Tuesday.
The weather has cooled off 14 degrees since this morning and it sounds like we live in a wind tunnel. The wind has been howling ever since we got home. Snow flurries scheduled for tomorrow so I will probably have reason to wear my new snow boots! I was hoping I wouldn't need them for a while, but they are polished and ready to go. Bought some wool socks to wear also.
Hope everyone's favorite team made it through the playoffs this weekend. I still have one team with a chance, but sounds like everyone is ready to give the trophy to the Panthers.
Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: How I love the Sabbath Day! It truly is a day of rest for us. We have just spoken to one of our good friends at home in Lindon and caught up on all of the news. And I have contacted all of the missionaries that I need to about our less-active YSAs so I feel good about that. I'd like to talk to all of my kids but that won't happen tonight. I hope to talk to two of them if I can before we turn in, though. Today in sacrament meeting we listened to President Russell M. Nelson's talk to the Young Single Adults of the Church from last weekend. It's a great talk about the "Millennials" of the church. Then, after Munch and Mingle and taking our three YSAs home, we have had the evening to relax and get ready for tomorrow. Bob will probably have to work late, so that means that I will have to pick up three YSAs and take us to the Brampton Stake Center for FHE. Then, of course, I need to take them all home and pick up Bob at the office. It's going to be another late night. But then, most Mondays are that way.
I hope everyone has had a wonderful Sabbath today and felt the deep love of our Savior.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
The weather has cooled off 14 degrees since this morning and it sounds like we live in a wind tunnel. The wind has been howling ever since we got home. Snow flurries scheduled for tomorrow so I will probably have reason to wear my new snow boots! I was hoping I wouldn't need them for a while, but they are polished and ready to go. Bought some wool socks to wear also.
Hope everyone's favorite team made it through the playoffs this weekend. I still have one team with a chance, but sounds like everyone is ready to give the trophy to the Panthers.
Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: How I love the Sabbath Day! It truly is a day of rest for us. We have just spoken to one of our good friends at home in Lindon and caught up on all of the news. And I have contacted all of the missionaries that I need to about our less-active YSAs so I feel good about that. I'd like to talk to all of my kids but that won't happen tonight. I hope to talk to two of them if I can before we turn in, though. Today in sacrament meeting we listened to President Russell M. Nelson's talk to the Young Single Adults of the Church from last weekend. It's a great talk about the "Millennials" of the church. Then, after Munch and Mingle and taking our three YSAs home, we have had the evening to relax and get ready for tomorrow. Bob will probably have to work late, so that means that I will have to pick up three YSAs and take us to the Brampton Stake Center for FHE. Then, of course, I need to take them all home and pick up Bob at the office. It's going to be another late night. But then, most Mondays are that way.
I hope everyone has had a wonderful Sabbath today and felt the deep love of our Savior.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Saturday 16 January 2016
January 16, 2016
Bob: I apologize for not writing anything last night, but by the time I got home I was just too tired. We left for work a little early Friday and then I had to go buy some chairs, 2 box springs, and some bed frames for an apartment. Then we loaded everything in the trailer and I took off for Oshawa at about 3:10. Didn't get back till after 7 and then I worked till 10 before coming home. I was beat.
Today was a bit better. Slept till 8, which is early for a Saturday for us. Exercised and then started running errands. Had to go to the bank, unlock my phone at Rogers, get a hair cut, buy some socks and boots, and return a mission car to the office. At 6:00 we went to RD's Southern Barbeque with the Ericksons, Cannons, and Budgetts. We tried to go to the Mandarin, but we needed reservations I guess. I called about reservations, but the guy told me they didn't take reservations till after 8:30 which didn't make a lot of sense to me. So we drove to the restaurant and they told us that they couldn't seat us till after 8:30. So I think something must be lost in the translation.
Had a good time at RD's, but I learned that I don't want medium hot sauce. Mild is plenty warm enough. Brought most of mine home. In fact. I think everyone brought something home.
Weather was pretty nice today. Some sunshine, no snow and temperatures near 32 most of the day.
Signing off for the night. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Last night while Bob was working I went shopping and then did the wash. That doesn't sound like much, but it is. It's hard to find things in the grocery stores here. They are arranged very differently than the stores in the States. It took me two hours to do the shopping, and then I had to go from the underground parking to our apartrment (thank goodness it's on the second floor!) to get the cart so I could get all of the groceries up to our apartment. Then I did the wash. It's not easy to get everythng downstairs to the main level where the washing machines are. I got done with everything just about the time that Bob got home. We both were tired!
I have all of my valentine stuff out in our apartment. It's not much, but it cheers me up when I see it. I'm going to get something for the "Tender Mercy Jar" at the mission office, too. I think it will make the missionaries happy to see it.
Today I had a good long talk with my sister Bette, which was wonderful. We talked about my brother Jan, who will be moving sometime soon from where he is to a group home in California. He has lived at the Sonoma Developmental Center for over 50 years so this will be a major change for him. Other than that, today was full of errands. Bob got a good pair of boots at the Mall across the street. We decided at our dinner tonight that it would be good to start a Family Home Evening group once a month for the senior couples. We will be doing it on the third Sunday night of each month, and take turns leading a discussion on one or two of the latest conference talks. That will be great, I think. We will include the temple couples, too. It will be something great to look forward to.
Well, it's time to turn in, so I will close. May we all have an enjoyable Sabbath day tomorrow.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Today was a bit better. Slept till 8, which is early for a Saturday for us. Exercised and then started running errands. Had to go to the bank, unlock my phone at Rogers, get a hair cut, buy some socks and boots, and return a mission car to the office. At 6:00 we went to RD's Southern Barbeque with the Ericksons, Cannons, and Budgetts. We tried to go to the Mandarin, but we needed reservations I guess. I called about reservations, but the guy told me they didn't take reservations till after 8:30 which didn't make a lot of sense to me. So we drove to the restaurant and they told us that they couldn't seat us till after 8:30. So I think something must be lost in the translation.
Had a good time at RD's, but I learned that I don't want medium hot sauce. Mild is plenty warm enough. Brought most of mine home. In fact. I think everyone brought something home.
Weather was pretty nice today. Some sunshine, no snow and temperatures near 32 most of the day.
Signing off for the night. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Last night while Bob was working I went shopping and then did the wash. That doesn't sound like much, but it is. It's hard to find things in the grocery stores here. They are arranged very differently than the stores in the States. It took me two hours to do the shopping, and then I had to go from the underground parking to our apartrment (thank goodness it's on the second floor!) to get the cart so I could get all of the groceries up to our apartment. Then I did the wash. It's not easy to get everythng downstairs to the main level where the washing machines are. I got done with everything just about the time that Bob got home. We both were tired!
I have all of my valentine stuff out in our apartment. It's not much, but it cheers me up when I see it. I'm going to get something for the "Tender Mercy Jar" at the mission office, too. I think it will make the missionaries happy to see it.
Today I had a good long talk with my sister Bette, which was wonderful. We talked about my brother Jan, who will be moving sometime soon from where he is to a group home in California. He has lived at the Sonoma Developmental Center for over 50 years so this will be a major change for him. Other than that, today was full of errands. Bob got a good pair of boots at the Mall across the street. We decided at our dinner tonight that it would be good to start a Family Home Evening group once a month for the senior couples. We will be doing it on the third Sunday night of each month, and take turns leading a discussion on one or two of the latest conference talks. That will be great, I think. We will include the temple couples, too. It will be something great to look forward to.
Well, it's time to turn in, so I will close. May we all have an enjoyable Sabbath day tomorrow.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Thursday 14 January 2016
January 14, 2016
Bob: Delivered furniture to the Midland Elders today. Just got home about 20 minutes ago. Took Bonnie with me. Midland is north of us and sits on the Georgian Bay. They have at least a foot of snow. It has been snowing up there for 3 days, but not while we were there. Driving there was like driving through a winter wonderland. We got off the main route and for the last 30 minutes or so it was a two lane road through two or three very small towns without any stop lights or stop signs. The highway was just like a black ribbon surrounded with white frosting everywhere. It was very a beautiful and relaxing drive.
To unload we parked behind the apartment in the city parking lot and then carried everything about 100 yards and then up to the 2nd story. The apartment is over top a Chinese/Canadian Restaurant. Don't ask me what Chinese/Canadian is, but that's what they advertise. I think it must have been at least 15 steps up the stairwell, maybe more.
Elder Fenske and and his wife are also in Midland. After we unloaded everything they had the 3 Midland Elders, Bonnie and I over for dinner. She had fixed baked ham, funeral potatoes, fresh fruit salad, corn, white rolls, and home-made cookies for dessert. Waddled out of their place and back to the truck.
The drive home was okay and I spent most of the drive in the left lane passing cars. Had to pull over occasionally to let someone around me, but we made good time. It snowed most of the way until we were almost back to Toronto.
Thankfully we didn't have to stop and drop off anything to some sisters!! However, we took some paperwork with us and forgot to leave it!!
Time to go to bed. Hope everyone had a great day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was a beautiful drive, and I like how Bob has described it. It was so nice for the Fenske's to have us over for dinner. And let me note that it was Elder Fenske who made the cookies. In fact, he is known far and wide for his delicious cookies! He sent lots of them home with us which we will put in the office for all to share.
Of the three Elders, two are brand new. One is waiting for his visa to come so we don't know how long he will be with us. They seem like very sharp, obedient Elders who will do well. The third Elder is a great young man who has had lots of experience. And it's a good thing because he has not worked in Midland before. He has been a Zone Leader the past few months and will go home in two transfers. So, according to the new "norm," he has been made a trainer. The President wants our best Elders to be trainers of the new Elders, and set the example of what excellent missionary work is all about. I think it is working very well.
Again, it's another late night and we are both tired, so pleasant dreams everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
To unload we parked behind the apartment in the city parking lot and then carried everything about 100 yards and then up to the 2nd story. The apartment is over top a Chinese/Canadian Restaurant. Don't ask me what Chinese/Canadian is, but that's what they advertise. I think it must have been at least 15 steps up the stairwell, maybe more.
Elder Fenske and and his wife are also in Midland. After we unloaded everything they had the 3 Midland Elders, Bonnie and I over for dinner. She had fixed baked ham, funeral potatoes, fresh fruit salad, corn, white rolls, and home-made cookies for dessert. Waddled out of their place and back to the truck.
The drive home was okay and I spent most of the drive in the left lane passing cars. Had to pull over occasionally to let someone around me, but we made good time. It snowed most of the way until we were almost back to Toronto.
Thankfully we didn't have to stop and drop off anything to some sisters!! However, we took some paperwork with us and forgot to leave it!!
Time to go to bed. Hope everyone had a great day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was a beautiful drive, and I like how Bob has described it. It was so nice for the Fenske's to have us over for dinner. And let me note that it was Elder Fenske who made the cookies. In fact, he is known far and wide for his delicious cookies! He sent lots of them home with us which we will put in the office for all to share.
Of the three Elders, two are brand new. One is waiting for his visa to come so we don't know how long he will be with us. They seem like very sharp, obedient Elders who will do well. The third Elder is a great young man who has had lots of experience. And it's a good thing because he has not worked in Midland before. He has been a Zone Leader the past few months and will go home in two transfers. So, according to the new "norm," he has been made a trainer. The President wants our best Elders to be trainers of the new Elders, and set the example of what excellent missionary work is all about. I think it is working very well.
Again, it's another late night and we are both tired, so pleasant dreams everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Wednesday 13 January 2016
January 13, 2016
Bonnie: It's been another good day, much more peaceful than yesterday for sure. I got one of my supply orders that I wish had come yesterday in time for Transfers. Oh well. I'll figure this out sometime!
I stayed until 6:00 and then was picked up by my visiting teaching companion. We travelled about 30-40 minutes to reach one of the two sisters that we are assigned. I am thankful that she was driving because it is still snowy outside. I really enjoyed our visit. It was so nice to get together and just talk. I was home by 8:15. I don't know how we will be able to see our other young single adult. She is busy on the nights when we can come during the week. It may mean a Saturday visit.
I'll now let Bob finish up. I'm tired and want to get to bed soon. My love to all of our readers.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Got the Temiskaming apartment under contract today. Need one more in Waterloo, another in Ossington, and a senior apartment in Brampton. Asked one of the temple couples today if they would go with the realtor and look at apartments for this senior couple. They said they would be glad to do that. So that will save me some time.
I paid some bills today and then went with the Assistants for lunch and loading furniture. Then I took the furniture and headed for Tillsonburg, about 90 miles away. Before I left Bonnie had me take a couple of packages to be dropped off to a set of sisters along the way. Well, Elder Gleave told me a good place to meet them. With that said I figured the sisters would know where that place was. You know what you get when you assume something. Suffice it to say it took more time to drop the items off than I had planned on. The sisters finally said they had no idea where the place was that I wanted to meet them.
I ended up getting home about 9:00. Had to stop for gas and a car wash. They spread the salt on heavy and often here. Gets all over and under the cars. A 90-day car wash pass costs $189 plus 13% tax, but I figure I'll get the cost per wash down pretty low if I use it enough. Elder Erickson and I split a card earlier this year. I'll give him and Elder Cannon an opportunity tomorrow to buy into it if they want.
Got to get to bed now. Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
I stayed until 6:00 and then was picked up by my visiting teaching companion. We travelled about 30-40 minutes to reach one of the two sisters that we are assigned. I am thankful that she was driving because it is still snowy outside. I really enjoyed our visit. It was so nice to get together and just talk. I was home by 8:15. I don't know how we will be able to see our other young single adult. She is busy on the nights when we can come during the week. It may mean a Saturday visit.
I'll now let Bob finish up. I'm tired and want to get to bed soon. My love to all of our readers.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Got the Temiskaming apartment under contract today. Need one more in Waterloo, another in Ossington, and a senior apartment in Brampton. Asked one of the temple couples today if they would go with the realtor and look at apartments for this senior couple. They said they would be glad to do that. So that will save me some time.
I paid some bills today and then went with the Assistants for lunch and loading furniture. Then I took the furniture and headed for Tillsonburg, about 90 miles away. Before I left Bonnie had me take a couple of packages to be dropped off to a set of sisters along the way. Well, Elder Gleave told me a good place to meet them. With that said I figured the sisters would know where that place was. You know what you get when you assume something. Suffice it to say it took more time to drop the items off than I had planned on. The sisters finally said they had no idea where the place was that I wanted to meet them.
I ended up getting home about 9:00. Had to stop for gas and a car wash. They spread the salt on heavy and often here. Gets all over and under the cars. A 90-day car wash pass costs $189 plus 13% tax, but I figure I'll get the cost per wash down pretty low if I use it enough. Elder Erickson and I split a card earlier this year. I'll give him and Elder Cannon an opportunity tomorrow to buy into it if they want.
Got to get to bed now. Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Tuesday 12 January 2016
January 12, 2015
Bob: We had our first snow storm last night and this morning. Maybe 4 inches or so of snow. We left at 7:15 and went to the Stake Center. The main streets were slick. When we left the Stake Center about 30 minutes later the drive to the office was not good. Roads were packed down with snow and slick. Snowed some more during the day, but this evening when we drove to Mississauga the roads were fine. I think more snow is forecast to be coming soon though. I'll have to be driving in it the next couple days to deliver furniture and such.
Went to Institue tonight. Elder and Sister Budgett did a very good job and in my estimation I think they will be great teachers. They relate very well with the YSA. Our class had 4 chinese students tonight, plus Jeffrey, Charlene and her brother, Jeremy, plus Andrew whom we had not met before. So for Mississauga it was a pretty good turnout.
The wind is howling again and if we get near the windows you can feel a definite temperature change. And one end of the apartment is all windows. The other outside wall doesn't have much window space.
Breaking news: WVU men's basketball just beat the number 1 Kansas Jayhawks in Morgantown by 11 points I think. Way to go Mountaineers.
Well I'm going to get ready for bed. Hope your day was great. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was a very busy day. Transfers are harder than MLC if there are lots of changes, and today there were lots of changes. Somehow I will get the hang of when to order supplies. None of the supplies I wanted delivered for transfers were delivered today. I ran out of Books of Mormon, which makes me sad! There are several areas that were "whitewashed" which means that the two missionaries that were serving in a particular place were replaced by two new missionaries. AS Bob said, we met with the first-time, brand new missionaries this morning. They look like a good bunch of young adults. I hope they are able to settle in and get about doing their missionary work soon. They were so tired today, some of them. Some had not brought in their passports, etc. But on the whole they look great. We hadn't eaten by the time we left the office, so we stopped at Wendy's before arriving at the chapel for Institute. I agree with Bob that the Budgett's will be great teachers. We had a good class.
One special thing happened today. An Elder who had to go home for medical reasons had brought with him a digery-do, which is an Australian instrument that is similar to a bassoon. We are keeping it until the Elder comes back. Elder Cannon loves playing one, and he blew on it several times today. It's got quite an odd sound that I really enjoy.
Well, it's tme to turn in, so I will close. May we all find rest this night so we can do the most important things tomorrow!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Went to Institue tonight. Elder and Sister Budgett did a very good job and in my estimation I think they will be great teachers. They relate very well with the YSA. Our class had 4 chinese students tonight, plus Jeffrey, Charlene and her brother, Jeremy, plus Andrew whom we had not met before. So for Mississauga it was a pretty good turnout.
The wind is howling again and if we get near the windows you can feel a definite temperature change. And one end of the apartment is all windows. The other outside wall doesn't have much window space.
Breaking news: WVU men's basketball just beat the number 1 Kansas Jayhawks in Morgantown by 11 points I think. Way to go Mountaineers.
Well I'm going to get ready for bed. Hope your day was great. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was a very busy day. Transfers are harder than MLC if there are lots of changes, and today there were lots of changes. Somehow I will get the hang of when to order supplies. None of the supplies I wanted delivered for transfers were delivered today. I ran out of Books of Mormon, which makes me sad! There are several areas that were "whitewashed" which means that the two missionaries that were serving in a particular place were replaced by two new missionaries. AS Bob said, we met with the first-time, brand new missionaries this morning. They look like a good bunch of young adults. I hope they are able to settle in and get about doing their missionary work soon. They were so tired today, some of them. Some had not brought in their passports, etc. But on the whole they look great. We hadn't eaten by the time we left the office, so we stopped at Wendy's before arriving at the chapel for Institute. I agree with Bob that the Budgett's will be great teachers. We had a good class.
One special thing happened today. An Elder who had to go home for medical reasons had brought with him a digery-do, which is an Australian instrument that is similar to a bassoon. We are keeping it until the Elder comes back. Elder Cannon loves playing one, and he blew on it several times today. It's got quite an odd sound that I really enjoy.
Well, it's tme to turn in, so I will close. May we all find rest this night so we can do the most important things tomorrow!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Monday 11 January 2016
January 11, 2016
Bob: Just a quick note tonight. We have to be at the Brampton Stake Center tomorrow morning just before 7:30am to deliver our welcoming remarks and instructions for the 24 new missionaries that came in today. It's after 10 so we have to turn in.
Today was quite busy and I left a lot of work on my desk. Had to take a quick run to look at furniture that we might order, but they didn't have the items in stock that I'm looking for. It looks like we only need to stock 3 apartments tomorrow and Wednesday, so we might have enough in storage to get by. It will be close, but we'll rob Peter to pay Paul if necessary.
Went to family home evening with the YSA tonight. The activity, which we passed on, was hip-hop aerobics. That is not quite our style.
Hope everyone had the their best day yet and that tomorrow is even better. My love to everyone, and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Actually, I would have loved to do some of the hip-hop aerobics if I was dressed for it and I was not the only 65+ something person doing it. It looks fun. And our friend Sean was the leader of tonight's activity. At about 4:15 or so I got a call from one of the young adult girls who helps plan the FHEs asking for us to bring treats. We stopped at Freshco to pick up some fruit and cookies on our way tonight. It turned out well.
Tomorrow will be crazy transfer day, so I need to sign off. Have a great day tomorrow, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Today was quite busy and I left a lot of work on my desk. Had to take a quick run to look at furniture that we might order, but they didn't have the items in stock that I'm looking for. It looks like we only need to stock 3 apartments tomorrow and Wednesday, so we might have enough in storage to get by. It will be close, but we'll rob Peter to pay Paul if necessary.
Went to family home evening with the YSA tonight. The activity, which we passed on, was hip-hop aerobics. That is not quite our style.
Hope everyone had the their best day yet and that tomorrow is even better. My love to everyone, and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Actually, I would have loved to do some of the hip-hop aerobics if I was dressed for it and I was not the only 65+ something person doing it. It looks fun. And our friend Sean was the leader of tonight's activity. At about 4:15 or so I got a call from one of the young adult girls who helps plan the FHEs asking for us to bring treats. We stopped at Freshco to pick up some fruit and cookies on our way tonight. It turned out well.
Tomorrow will be crazy transfer day, so I need to sign off. Have a great day tomorrow, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Sunday 10 January 2016
January 10, 2016
Bonnie: We picked up Shaun and Belinda today for church. I enjoyed Sacrament meeting very much this afternoon. We had lots of new people, many of whom are Chinese from the Mississauga Ward! The two sister missionaries who speak Chinese who served there are being moved to our ward because of the many Chinese speakers. Savannah was confirmed today as well. Standing in the circle were blacks, whites and Asians. There are also many Hispanics in our ward. It's truly a cosmopolitan ward and I love it! Also, one of the Sister Missionaries in our ward sang a song she composed. It was beautiful. There were several who wanted to see the Bishop who have to wait until next week. It was a busy day as far as appointments for him. His last one was about 3:30 so he missed Munch and Mingle. Of course, we saved some food for him. We took Sister Budget home along with our two riders because her husband was sick and he had to leave early. Elder Erickson is also sick with a cold. That's unfortunate because this week is transfers. Tonight we will attend the YSA world-wide meeting from Salt Lake City. It will make a rather late night because that doesn't start until 8:00 pm. But, I'm looking forward to it.
It truly has been a wonderful Sabbath for me, and I hope for all of you!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
PS The following pictures are of our going-away party for Elder Baumgartner last Friday
It truly has been a wonderful Sabbath for me, and I hope for all of you!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
PS The following pictures are of our going-away party for Elder Baumgartner last Friday
Elder Baumgartner
Elders Gleave, Forsyth, and Baumgartner left to right;
Elder Cannon looking at the Elders; Sister Cannon and Sister Erickson talking.
Bob: Just got back from a World Wide YSA Devotional with President Russell M. Nelson as the main speaker. He was speaking to the Millennials, and the fact they truly are saved for this, the dispensation of the fullness of times. It was pretty good.
The temperature has dropped big time. It started out at 43 this morning, but is now down to 25 and the wind is howling. Expecting some snow tonight. We'll see in the morning. It is only 1 degree in Elk Lake right now.
Church was very interesting today. As we have mentioned, Bonnie and I were called as advisors to the YSA in the Mississauga Ward. Well today the Chinese Sisters in Mississauga came to our services and there were about 6 to 8 Chinese YSA with them. They seemed to have a good time and most of them said they will be at Institute Tuesday. We are excited about that. Need to get a package of cookies or something as a special snack.
Think I'll go back to the doctor tomorrow and get my test results plus the antibiotic prescription filled. I've been gargling with salt water, but my throat still is a little scratchy so I'll follow his instructions and take the antibiotic now.
Interesting week in the NFL playoffs. All of the road teams won, but Pittsburgh and Seattle were very lucky to be alive for next weekend. When will their luck run out?
Got to get to bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Saturday 9 January 2016
January 9, 2016
Bob: It has been a long day and it started bad as my alarm went off at 5:45. First Mate was roused and trying to turn it off when I awoke. Got it off finally and then passed out till after 8. We left for the temple at 11:15 and didn't get back till about 6:45 with the A/Ps due at 7:00. We attended a temple baptism session for new and returning memebers first. That was over about 1:50. Then we did an endowment session with several YSA members and advisors. When that was over we drove across the street to the Stake Center for Savannah's baptism. Had to hurry and finish the baptism as there was another ward scheduled for their baptism at 6:00. We were about ready to start home when Sean asked if we could drop him off. That takes about an extra 20 - 25 minutes. So we made it back home in time to get the potato soup and everything ready.
We put the soup in the crock pot on low while we were gone. That turned out to be a bad idea as a lot of the potatos stuck to bottom and side of the crock pot. Guess it needed to be stirred. Has anyone ever seen a insert for a crock pot that prevents the contents from touching the sides? I think that would work.
Bonnie wanted to take the tree down tonight. I was taking a perfect nap and was awakened by the rustling around. Got sucked into that project when all I wanted to do was rest. But, it does look a little nicer in the living room. Again, the First Mate knew best. She may take over the Captain's post if I am not careful.
Time to turn in. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was a very special day at the temple. There were not many first-timers this morning for the baptisms for the dead, but it was wonderful to watch them do it. I helped a woman in a wheel-chair who had brought some family names. The sister with her did the baptisms and she did the confirmations. I really enjoyed getting to know her. Savannah's baptism was neat because she had three cousins, an aunt and her mother there. There was a good feeling during it.
We enjoyed our farewell dinner for Elder Baumgartner tonight. The Elders asked us to pray about someone we can give a pamphlet to this week. I mentioned Spencer across the hall and they asked us to pray that we would see him, talk to him and give him a pamphlet by Monday!! That will be a huge challenge because we don't see him that often. We'll see what happens tomorrow.
It's late again, really past my bedtime, so I will sign off. May we all have a glorious Sabbath Day tomorrow!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
We put the soup in the crock pot on low while we were gone. That turned out to be a bad idea as a lot of the potatos stuck to bottom and side of the crock pot. Guess it needed to be stirred. Has anyone ever seen a insert for a crock pot that prevents the contents from touching the sides? I think that would work.
Bonnie wanted to take the tree down tonight. I was taking a perfect nap and was awakened by the rustling around. Got sucked into that project when all I wanted to do was rest. But, it does look a little nicer in the living room. Again, the First Mate knew best. She may take over the Captain's post if I am not careful.
Time to turn in. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was a very special day at the temple. There were not many first-timers this morning for the baptisms for the dead, but it was wonderful to watch them do it. I helped a woman in a wheel-chair who had brought some family names. The sister with her did the baptisms and she did the confirmations. I really enjoyed getting to know her. Savannah's baptism was neat because she had three cousins, an aunt and her mother there. There was a good feeling during it.
We enjoyed our farewell dinner for Elder Baumgartner tonight. The Elders asked us to pray about someone we can give a pamphlet to this week. I mentioned Spencer across the hall and they asked us to pray that we would see him, talk to him and give him a pamphlet by Monday!! That will be a huge challenge because we don't see him that often. We'll see what happens tomorrow.
It's late again, really past my bedtime, so I will sign off. May we all have a glorious Sabbath Day tomorrow!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
January 8, 2016
Bonnie: It's just after 10 pm and Bob is cutting up potatoes for some potato soup that we'll have tomorrow for dinner. The APs are coming after a baptism at 5:00 to eat. We'll be all day in the temple before that so this will work out well. We actually have a fairly small group of converts and returning members that will be there tomorrow for their first temple experience. We are praying that it will be a wonderful experience for them.
Today was a quiet one except that it's close to transfers and the APs are going a bit crazy with figuring everything out. Elder Forsyth has been doing somersaults, actually. Near the end of the day we received a Christmas present!! Shannan sent us an "edible bouquet" and a Christmas balloon that was finally delivered. It was delicious melons, pineapple, grapes and strawberries very artistically arranged to form a bouquet. What a great surprise! Thanks Shannan!
Well, I better go help Bob so we can get some sleep tonight. Have a great weekend, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Well at 11:40 I turned the lights out in the kitchen. Soup is in the fridge and everything is washed. First Mate is in bed. Our plan was to put the soup in the crock pot tomorrow and let it cook while we were at the temple. Problem is about a quart and a half won't fit in the crock pot. Guess I'll have to heat it up separately.
The APs aren't the only ones going crazy. I finalized 3 apartments today and have sent out the rent checks for them. The plans are for missionaries to start using the apartments on Tuesday or Wednesday. The remaining problem is that there isn't any furniture in the apartments!! And I have very little to put in them. Monday I will be shopping for sure. The good thing is 'The Brick' will deliver and they have stores near just about every place we have apartments. The mission pick up and trailer is needed for transfers, so I couldn't haul anything if I wanted. We will be opening a new apartment in Temiskaming near the end of January. I'll have to try and deliver them some things of course. Need that reason to go up for the weekend.
Well I'm going to get ready for bed. It is 12:10 and as Bonnie said we have a lot on our plates for tomorrow.
Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Today was a quiet one except that it's close to transfers and the APs are going a bit crazy with figuring everything out. Elder Forsyth has been doing somersaults, actually. Near the end of the day we received a Christmas present!! Shannan sent us an "edible bouquet" and a Christmas balloon that was finally delivered. It was delicious melons, pineapple, grapes and strawberries very artistically arranged to form a bouquet. What a great surprise! Thanks Shannan!
Well, I better go help Bob so we can get some sleep tonight. Have a great weekend, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Well at 11:40 I turned the lights out in the kitchen. Soup is in the fridge and everything is washed. First Mate is in bed. Our plan was to put the soup in the crock pot tomorrow and let it cook while we were at the temple. Problem is about a quart and a half won't fit in the crock pot. Guess I'll have to heat it up separately.
The APs aren't the only ones going crazy. I finalized 3 apartments today and have sent out the rent checks for them. The plans are for missionaries to start using the apartments on Tuesday or Wednesday. The remaining problem is that there isn't any furniture in the apartments!! And I have very little to put in them. Monday I will be shopping for sure. The good thing is 'The Brick' will deliver and they have stores near just about every place we have apartments. The mission pick up and trailer is needed for transfers, so I couldn't haul anything if I wanted. We will be opening a new apartment in Temiskaming near the end of January. I'll have to try and deliver them some things of course. Need that reason to go up for the weekend.
Well I'm going to get ready for bed. It is 12:10 and as Bonnie said we have a lot on our plates for tomorrow.
Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Thursday 7 January 2016
January 7, 2016
Bob: Went to the doctor this morning. He did a throat swab and said it was negative. He then said I have laryngitis and shouldn't talk for 4 days. I have a prescription that he said to start taking in 5 days if I wasn't better. Asked for a flu shot, an A1c test, and a lipid profile. They drew the blood and said they would call if anything was abnormal. Told them I would like to know the results to compare with my past history. They said to stop back on Monday and they would give me a copy of the results. They would not fax or email it. Love their ideas here. Finally I had the doctor look at my foot. Told him I had gotten a prescription from my Utah doctor for a fungus and now the fungus was spreading so I needed more medicine. He looked at my foot and said nothing has spread. What I thought was a spreading fungus was a break in the skin. He said I needed to get an antibacterial ointment on that since I am a Type II diabetic. So for that reason I am glad I saw the doctor today.
Ended up working till 8 as I didn't get to work until between 11 and 12. Still struggling with the apartments though. Paid for one today and sent a revision of a landlord's lease revision back to him for his signature. The only thing I changed was that we didn't want the missionaries mowing grass. Should get that lease back tomorrow. And it looks like we'll be getting an apartment in Temiskaming so we can put Elders up there. Yippee!! I may have to take them up some furniture. That would be a doggone shame.
Got a Christmas package today. It included the hard drive for my computer. Can't wait to get it installed.
Hope your day has been wonderful. Have a great day tomorrow. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Christmas is coming late this year for us. Apparently we have a package and some goodies of some sort that are supposed to be delivered soon. And along with the hard drive for Bob's computer, the Rynders sent me some extra warm layers for me to wear in the cold weather here. I love it! Thanks so much!
My day was good, especially because of something that the three APs did. We have a picture of an Elder (who gave up two years of his profession as a dancer with the Australian Ballet) doing a very high leap in costume. Both legs are out to one side and he's smiling. It's an incredible picture. So, during lunch today the three of them went into the cultural hall and took a picture of them doing the same thing (or trying to!) It is a hilarious picture! We will try to remember tomorrow to send it here so we can post it. We love these guys! They definitely try to make us laugh and lighten the load in the office by asking what they can do for us. We will be sorry to see Elder Baumgartner leave. He's been a great help to us. Our going-away lunch party is tomorrow.
May today be an esecially good day for all of you!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Ended up working till 8 as I didn't get to work until between 11 and 12. Still struggling with the apartments though. Paid for one today and sent a revision of a landlord's lease revision back to him for his signature. The only thing I changed was that we didn't want the missionaries mowing grass. Should get that lease back tomorrow. And it looks like we'll be getting an apartment in Temiskaming so we can put Elders up there. Yippee!! I may have to take them up some furniture. That would be a doggone shame.
Got a Christmas package today. It included the hard drive for my computer. Can't wait to get it installed.
Hope your day has been wonderful. Have a great day tomorrow. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Christmas is coming late this year for us. Apparently we have a package and some goodies of some sort that are supposed to be delivered soon. And along with the hard drive for Bob's computer, the Rynders sent me some extra warm layers for me to wear in the cold weather here. I love it! Thanks so much!
My day was good, especially because of something that the three APs did. We have a picture of an Elder (who gave up two years of his profession as a dancer with the Australian Ballet) doing a very high leap in costume. Both legs are out to one side and he's smiling. It's an incredible picture. So, during lunch today the three of them went into the cultural hall and took a picture of them doing the same thing (or trying to!) It is a hilarious picture! We will try to remember tomorrow to send it here so we can post it. We love these guys! They definitely try to make us laugh and lighten the load in the office by asking what they can do for us. We will be sorry to see Elder Baumgartner leave. He's been a great help to us. Our going-away lunch party is tomorrow.
May today be an esecially good day for all of you!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Wednesday 6 January 2016
January 6, 2015
Bonnie: Well, another MLC is over and it gets better each time we do it. Today, Sister Erickson and I did the waffles while the men stayed in the office and worked. It went quickly and we were done by about 5:00! Unfortunately, the Cannon's had to miss it today because of a medical emergency that came up. They'll be there for transfers, though.
We've decided to have our farewell dinner for Elder Baumgartner on Saturday night, after a baptism which will be at 5:00. Bob has decided that he wants to make his famous potato soup. We'll have to do that Friday night I guess. I will already have the cornbread made because I have to make some for Friday's going away party at the office. It will be a busy day Saturday with the convert baptisms for the dead at 11:30. That will be followed by the YSA temple session and their proxy baptisms, and then the baptism of a wonderful YSA at 5. So much for our "P" day!! It will be a wonderful day, though. I'm sure of it!
Well, this will be short because Bob and I are tired. And he will be going to get some tests tomorrow. I'll be leaving earlier than usual because I'm going with the Erickson's. They leave by about 8:10.
Love to all, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Long day at the office. I didn't get home till after 8. But I don't have to leave in the morning till right before 9:00. Just going across the street to the clinic. Didn't get there today as no one was available to take Bonnie to the office.
I am beginning to feel like a real property manager. We are having all sorts of problems trying to rent apartments. One condo association turned us down because they don't rent to two single people!! I think the ACLU would have a field day here. The owner of the condo wants to rent to us, but the condo association turned the application down. One good thing though, the owner is a lawyer. And he is very upset over this. He is going after his condo association. We can't contribute to his fight, but I will sure cheer him on.
This evening Elder Forsyth came into my office and said he felt inspired to wear his best tie today. It was a solid purple tie. Didn't look that special, but he said it was his best. And then he said that much to his amazement the other A/Ps and Brampton Z/Ls felt inspired to wear their best ties today. too. They had on the same tie! I told them to get out as I felt inspired to tell them I didn't believe them!! (I love these Elders--they are so funny! Bonnie)
I don't think I mentioned the photograph I saw at Jerry Martin's house. An area photographer, Bryan Lemasters, took a picture of Reader, WV. If you get a chance, go to his website, "bryan lemasters photography" and look at picture number 45 in his second gallery. The home I grew up in is in the picture on the left side near the picture border. Not much of the house can be seen except the chimney that goes from the ground to the top of the house. Going to get that picture for our home back in Lindon.
Well got to get to bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
We've decided to have our farewell dinner for Elder Baumgartner on Saturday night, after a baptism which will be at 5:00. Bob has decided that he wants to make his famous potato soup. We'll have to do that Friday night I guess. I will already have the cornbread made because I have to make some for Friday's going away party at the office. It will be a busy day Saturday with the convert baptisms for the dead at 11:30. That will be followed by the YSA temple session and their proxy baptisms, and then the baptism of a wonderful YSA at 5. So much for our "P" day!! It will be a wonderful day, though. I'm sure of it!
Well, this will be short because Bob and I are tired. And he will be going to get some tests tomorrow. I'll be leaving earlier than usual because I'm going with the Erickson's. They leave by about 8:10.
Love to all, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Long day at the office. I didn't get home till after 8. But I don't have to leave in the morning till right before 9:00. Just going across the street to the clinic. Didn't get there today as no one was available to take Bonnie to the office.
I am beginning to feel like a real property manager. We are having all sorts of problems trying to rent apartments. One condo association turned us down because they don't rent to two single people!! I think the ACLU would have a field day here. The owner of the condo wants to rent to us, but the condo association turned the application down. One good thing though, the owner is a lawyer. And he is very upset over this. He is going after his condo association. We can't contribute to his fight, but I will sure cheer him on.
This evening Elder Forsyth came into my office and said he felt inspired to wear his best tie today. It was a solid purple tie. Didn't look that special, but he said it was his best. And then he said that much to his amazement the other A/Ps and Brampton Z/Ls felt inspired to wear their best ties today. too. They had on the same tie! I told them to get out as I felt inspired to tell them I didn't believe them!! (I love these Elders--they are so funny! Bonnie)
I don't think I mentioned the photograph I saw at Jerry Martin's house. An area photographer, Bryan Lemasters, took a picture of Reader, WV. If you get a chance, go to his website, "bryan lemasters photography" and look at picture number 45 in his second gallery. The home I grew up in is in the picture on the left side near the picture border. Not much of the house can be seen except the chimney that goes from the ground to the top of the house. Going to get that picture for our home back in Lindon.
Well got to get to bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Tuesday 5 January 2016
January 5, 2016
Bob: Got home at 9:15. Been working on apartment matters most of the day. At the end of the day I have one apartment locked up and I don't need it until March 1. The other 5 that I need by next Tuesday are still up in the air. Hope something gets resolved tomorrow.
Weather is still very cold, but will warm up 20 degrees tomorrow to freezing. Never thought I'd be happy to see freezing, but you learn new things every day.
Going to the walk-in clinic across the street from us tomorrow morning. Want to see if I can get something for my throat plus some lab work done. Want to get a lipid profile and an A1c. Want to see how much this Canadian food is hurting me!! I have 3 credit cards so hopefully if I have to pay for it up front I will be okay!!
Going to close for now. My throat is sore and I want to just go to bed. Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: I'm with Bob as far as wanting to go to bed! I spent all afternoon and early evening working on the MLC orders with Sister Cannon. Then tomorrow all we have to do is get the mail together, which includes Christmas packages that came too late for us to deliver. Two zones will have a huge amount of supplies and mail to pick up. I also put in another supply order tonight. We are almost completely out of the Restoration DVDs and media Bibles. We are totally out of extra large Triples. In the morning there will be just the Cannon's and myself to set out all of the stuff by zone and to put out the Book of Mormon boxes. Ericksons will be late and so will Bob. And tomorrow it is our turn to make the waffles. I went to the grocery store to get the whipped cream and some fruit tonight. I bought blueberry preserves to put on the waffles, too. Nothing too fancy but it will have to do.
I hope all of you have something delicous to eat tomorrow while we eat wonderful waffles!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Weather is still very cold, but will warm up 20 degrees tomorrow to freezing. Never thought I'd be happy to see freezing, but you learn new things every day.
Going to the walk-in clinic across the street from us tomorrow morning. Want to see if I can get something for my throat plus some lab work done. Want to get a lipid profile and an A1c. Want to see how much this Canadian food is hurting me!! I have 3 credit cards so hopefully if I have to pay for it up front I will be okay!!
Going to close for now. My throat is sore and I want to just go to bed. Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: I'm with Bob as far as wanting to go to bed! I spent all afternoon and early evening working on the MLC orders with Sister Cannon. Then tomorrow all we have to do is get the mail together, which includes Christmas packages that came too late for us to deliver. Two zones will have a huge amount of supplies and mail to pick up. I also put in another supply order tonight. We are almost completely out of the Restoration DVDs and media Bibles. We are totally out of extra large Triples. In the morning there will be just the Cannon's and myself to set out all of the stuff by zone and to put out the Book of Mormon boxes. Ericksons will be late and so will Bob. And tomorrow it is our turn to make the waffles. I went to the grocery store to get the whipped cream and some fruit tonight. I bought blueberry preserves to put on the waffles, too. Nothing too fancy but it will have to do.
I hope all of you have something delicous to eat tomorrow while we eat wonderful waffles!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Monday 4 January 2016
January 4, 2016
Bob: Pretty slow day at the office. Thought we had an apartment in Waterloo, but the Bd of Directors turned down our offer. We must be a bad risk. Waiting on word about 4 others, but nothing came in today. Need the apartments by next Tuesday. And I need some furniture for them.
FHE was interesting tonight. For a quick lesson we talked about seminary and institute. Lots of good testimonies about seminary from the YSA. Everyone was reminded that the Prophet has said, "Make Institute a priority."
The activity tonight was 'Minute to Win It'. We were divided into 3 teams. Then a representative from each team would do an activity. The highest score of that round earned a point for his/her team. I am proud to say that our team won 3 items and tied for 1st place. Some of the activites were: Bouncing ping pong balls into a drinking cup; pulling cards from in between cups so the top cup would fall into the bottom cup; carrying a ping pong ball on a spoon held by your teeth and dropping the ball into a cup; putting a chocolate cookie on your forehead and eating it without using your hands; holding a tongue compressor with your teeth and balancing marshmellows on it; juggling 3 large balloons and trying to keep them from hitting the ground. I was able to pull the cards out from between the cups and get 11 cups to fall inside the lower cup. But I came in second. The balloon balance winner only lasted 11 seconds.
Well I'm hitting the sack. Woke up early last night worrying about apartments. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Yes, it was a great day today! Nothing came up that was hard to deal with except that it was the coldest day so far at 9 degrees! I was not cold because I wore all of my warmest stuff. I'm wearing a very warm coat that a sister missionary no longer wanted. I love the coat!!
The thing I enjoyed most was talking to a young woman who will be baptized this Saturday. She is a striking example of someone who grew up with negative examples and opinions of the church who overcame such and gained a testimony and decided to be baptized. She is hopeful that an older sister will come to her baptism. Her Mom is not sure if she can come. Anyway, she is a wonderful young single adult and I'm excited for her.
May you all have a good evening!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
FHE was interesting tonight. For a quick lesson we talked about seminary and institute. Lots of good testimonies about seminary from the YSA. Everyone was reminded that the Prophet has said, "Make Institute a priority."
The activity tonight was 'Minute to Win It'. We were divided into 3 teams. Then a representative from each team would do an activity. The highest score of that round earned a point for his/her team. I am proud to say that our team won 3 items and tied for 1st place. Some of the activites were: Bouncing ping pong balls into a drinking cup; pulling cards from in between cups so the top cup would fall into the bottom cup; carrying a ping pong ball on a spoon held by your teeth and dropping the ball into a cup; putting a chocolate cookie on your forehead and eating it without using your hands; holding a tongue compressor with your teeth and balancing marshmellows on it; juggling 3 large balloons and trying to keep them from hitting the ground. I was able to pull the cards out from between the cups and get 11 cups to fall inside the lower cup. But I came in second. The balloon balance winner only lasted 11 seconds.
Well I'm hitting the sack. Woke up early last night worrying about apartments. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Yes, it was a great day today! Nothing came up that was hard to deal with except that it was the coldest day so far at 9 degrees! I was not cold because I wore all of my warmest stuff. I'm wearing a very warm coat that a sister missionary no longer wanted. I love the coat!!
The thing I enjoyed most was talking to a young woman who will be baptized this Saturday. She is a striking example of someone who grew up with negative examples and opinions of the church who overcame such and gained a testimony and decided to be baptized. She is hopeful that an older sister will come to her baptism. Her Mom is not sure if she can come. Anyway, she is a wonderful young single adult and I'm excited for her.
May you all have a good evening!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Sunday 3 January 2016
January 3, 2016
Bob: Church was good today as many YSAs were able to bear their testimonies. It was very inspiring and uplifting. Went to a new Sunday School class today as the class I have been attending, 'Preach My Gospel' has been discontinued for now. Not many had been coming to that class, but the 'Gospel Principles' class was packed to the gills. We'll see how it goes in coming weeks.
Been having trouble with our computer since weupgraded "downgraded" to Windows 10. Not only did our printer/scanner quit working but the auxiliary speakers quit also. Well tonight I finally got the speakers working. Not sure what I did but it looks like the microphone is not the default sound device on the computer.
Weather is still hovering around freezing, but will get worse tomorrow. A high in the teens is forecast. The First Mate and I will have to bundle up.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Sabbath. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was nice to go back to our YSA Ward today. It was fun to introduce the Budgetts to them. Budgetts will do a great job. Institute starts this Friday in Toronto. I hope they have lots of young adults come.
We have some busy days ahead with MLC this Wednesday, followed by Transfers the week after. I will be ordering some boxes of Books of Mormon tomorrow, but I doubt they will come in time for transfers. I should have enough for MLC, though. It's a challenge to have enough supplies when they need to be here. You'd think I could get the hang of this by now!
Tomorrow is our monthly dinner at the Ludlow's. Bob has ordered a "Happy New Years Cake" for our dessert tomorrow night. It's always fun to attend these gatherings! And I will be able to pass out two more January Ensigns to Senior couples. That leaves me with just three to mail to the couples who are MLS and live far away.
I hope for a wonderful New Year for all of us. May it be the best year yet, especially as we follow Christ. We love you all!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Been having trouble with our computer since we
Weather is still hovering around freezing, but will get worse tomorrow. A high in the teens is forecast. The First Mate and I will have to bundle up.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Sabbath. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was nice to go back to our YSA Ward today. It was fun to introduce the Budgetts to them. Budgetts will do a great job. Institute starts this Friday in Toronto. I hope they have lots of young adults come.
We have some busy days ahead with MLC this Wednesday, followed by Transfers the week after. I will be ordering some boxes of Books of Mormon tomorrow, but I doubt they will come in time for transfers. I should have enough for MLC, though. It's a challenge to have enough supplies when they need to be here. You'd think I could get the hang of this by now!
Tomorrow is our monthly dinner at the Ludlow's. Bob has ordered a "Happy New Years Cake" for our dessert tomorrow night. It's always fun to attend these gatherings! And I will be able to pass out two more January Ensigns to Senior couples. That leaves me with just three to mail to the couples who are MLS and live far away.
I hope for a wonderful New Year for all of us. May it be the best year yet, especially as we follow Christ. We love you all!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Saturday 2 January 2016
January 2, 2016
Bob: Crawled out of bed at 8:40 this morning! I love Saturdays. Walked 3 miles on the treadmill and then Bonnie and I went to the temple. Our fellow missionaries from apartment 412, the Conrads, were the session leaders. Bonnie and I were the witness couple. It was a good session.
After we got home and finished eating we went to the Bramalea Mall right across the street. I think we spent over 3 hours there and came home with a 2016 calendar and 2 pounds of grapes!! Then we both needed a nap. We are real go-getters!!
The Budgetts stopped in for a few minutes. They said they made a big mistake today. They left right before we went to the temple and they were unloading their car when we pulled in. They had been to IKEA, Costco, Rogers, and Walmart. They said they will never go back to Costco on Saturday again!! Tried to warn them last night about Costco on Saturday. Sometimes you have to experience the trial for yourself to learn though!!
Well I'm working on the checking account so I think I will close for now. Hope everybody has had a wonderful day and that tomorrow will be even better. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It has been a very good day. I've got all the Christmas stuff put away, except for the Christmas tree and its lights. That I will probably do tomorrow, although I like having the tree lit up. Who cares that it's after Christmas? Not me! I also was able to deep clean the oven. It really needed it. Maybe sometime I'll be able to deep clean the stove. That would be great!
The best part of the day was the temple, however. I love the temple. We had a great session.
May we all enjoy and be uplifted by our attendance at church tomorrow as we honor our Savior.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
After we got home and finished eating we went to the Bramalea Mall right across the street. I think we spent over 3 hours there and came home with a 2016 calendar and 2 pounds of grapes!! Then we both needed a nap. We are real go-getters!!
The Budgetts stopped in for a few minutes. They said they made a big mistake today. They left right before we went to the temple and they were unloading their car when we pulled in. They had been to IKEA, Costco, Rogers, and Walmart. They said they will never go back to Costco on Saturday again!! Tried to warn them last night about Costco on Saturday. Sometimes you have to experience the trial for yourself to learn though!!
Well I'm working on the checking account so I think I will close for now. Hope everybody has had a wonderful day and that tomorrow will be even better. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It has been a very good day. I've got all the Christmas stuff put away, except for the Christmas tree and its lights. That I will probably do tomorrow, although I like having the tree lit up. Who cares that it's after Christmas? Not me! I also was able to deep clean the oven. It really needed it. Maybe sometime I'll be able to deep clean the stove. That would be great!
The best part of the day was the temple, however. I love the temple. We had a great session.
May we all enjoy and be uplifted by our attendance at church tomorrow as we honor our Savior.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Friday 1 January 2016
January 1, 2016
Bob: Happy New Year. 2016 has finally arrived. May this be tons better for everyone than 2015.
We went to see Star Wars tonight with the medical couple, Elder and Sister Cannon. Everyone loved it except me. I thought it was okay, just another movie of the same thing though. I have never been a big Star Wars fan. I want to go see the last Hunger Games movie. Maybe we can do that tomorrow! First I want to see if I can find a warm coat for my freezing wife.
Temperatures are hovering around freezing during the day which means it's colder at night. On Monday the high is predicted to be 14 so the weather is definitely changing. The high humidity and strong winds just make it colder. And we had snow flurries for a while, but no accumulation.
Went with the new CES couple today to look at the furniture we have stored in the storage units. They were able to get some things they still needed. Their furniture might not be seen in Better Homes and Gardens, but they are quite content with what they have. They served a previous mission in Samoa, so everything here is quite a bit different from what they had before.
Bonnie made us a broccoli casserole today. Didn't eat any of it though. Want to heat it up and eat it tomorrow. It is always better heated up I think.
Talked with my 3 kids today and everyone said they are doing well except for Joey. She is having a problem with a bulging disc in her back. Has a doctor's appointment soon and then she hopes to get another shot for it like she did about 3 years ago. It has been fine up until recently when it flared up again. She has new insurance now so she has to have a doctor's 'consultation' before any treatment.
I'll call it a day for now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: I really liked the Star Wars movie. It brought back memories of seeing the previous moves with my kids. What do you all think? Did you like it?
I accomplished lots today which makes me happy. Because of New Years Day the office was closed. That means that tomorrow is another day to do fun stuff! And we can sleep in! We will be going to the temple and then looking for a coat for me. My other one is warm enough, but it collects all kinds of lint and looks horrible most of the time. The Cleaners did the best they could, but it won't last for long. So, I am looking forward to another fun day!
I hope all of you had an enjoyable evening last night bringing in the new year and that your first day of 2016 was good.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
We went to see Star Wars tonight with the medical couple, Elder and Sister Cannon. Everyone loved it except me. I thought it was okay, just another movie of the same thing though. I have never been a big Star Wars fan. I want to go see the last Hunger Games movie. Maybe we can do that tomorrow! First I want to see if I can find a warm coat for my freezing wife.
Temperatures are hovering around freezing during the day which means it's colder at night. On Monday the high is predicted to be 14 so the weather is definitely changing. The high humidity and strong winds just make it colder. And we had snow flurries for a while, but no accumulation.
Went with the new CES couple today to look at the furniture we have stored in the storage units. They were able to get some things they still needed. Their furniture might not be seen in Better Homes and Gardens, but they are quite content with what they have. They served a previous mission in Samoa, so everything here is quite a bit different from what they had before.
Bonnie made us a broccoli casserole today. Didn't eat any of it though. Want to heat it up and eat it tomorrow. It is always better heated up I think.
Talked with my 3 kids today and everyone said they are doing well except for Joey. She is having a problem with a bulging disc in her back. Has a doctor's appointment soon and then she hopes to get another shot for it like she did about 3 years ago. It has been fine up until recently when it flared up again. She has new insurance now so she has to have a doctor's 'consultation' before any treatment.
I'll call it a day for now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: I really liked the Star Wars movie. It brought back memories of seeing the previous moves with my kids. What do you all think? Did you like it?
I accomplished lots today which makes me happy. Because of New Years Day the office was closed. That means that tomorrow is another day to do fun stuff! And we can sleep in! We will be going to the temple and then looking for a coat for me. My other one is warm enough, but it collects all kinds of lint and looks horrible most of the time. The Cleaners did the best they could, but it won't last for long. So, I am looking forward to another fun day!
I hope all of you had an enjoyable evening last night bringing in the new year and that your first day of 2016 was good.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
December 31, 2015
Bonnie: We just welcomed in the New Year with most of our Senior Missionary friends at the Conrad's apartment. It was great fun, especially trying to figure out who committed the murder of Peppi Roni. It was complete with a wonderful Italian meal, good fun and lots of laughter! I hope all of you have done something special to welcome in the new year. We wish for everyone peace and love for each other and our Savior in the year 2016!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Happy New Year everyone. We stayed up to see the new year begin. May you achieve all of your goals for 2016 sometime this year. Wishing each of you love, happiness and prosperity.
And for you sports fans, looks like the Big 10's run of consecutive national collegiate football champions will stop at 1.
Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Happy New Year everyone. We stayed up to see the new year begin. May you achieve all of your goals for 2016 sometime this year. Wishing each of you love, happiness and prosperity.
And for you sports fans, looks like the Big 10's run of consecutive national collegiate football champions will stop at 1.
Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
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