Our Mission to Toronto: May 20, 2016

Bob: Got back from Temiskaming about 5:15. It is 300 miles to Haileybury, the town where we will be living. We are 5 minutes or less from the Church and as far as I know, no YSA to pick up!! We were quite pleased with all the apartments that we looked at, but as often happens, the first one you look at wins out. I think it won because it was empty. The others that were available had someone else in them. Also, the one we chose has an apartment washer and dryer in it that they are leaving for us. And the whole building is air conditioned. The other apartment had a window air conditioner. In addition the one we chose is $150 cheaper per month. We were able to sign a 6 month lease so we will be able to cancel the lease when we leave if necessary. The other unit wanted a 12 month lease. So all in all I feel really good about it. We are close to the downtown waterfront. Walmart is about 15 minutes away and there is a community pool where I can swim some laps. Looking forward to doing that again.
We are both tired from driving up and back in 2 days. I am starting to wonder how many days it will take us to get home next spring if 300 miles tires us out so much. But neither one of us slept well the last 2 nights. I think Wednesday night I was just anxious to get up and get going. Last night we shared a double bed. It appears we have grown to like our king size bed way too much!!
We looked at the apartment Thursday when we got there. Afterwards we went to the New Liskeard city park (a picture below) for ice cream with Brad and his two daughters, Kayla and Emma. Brad brought his 3 legged dog, Chase along. That dog can run last and swim well considering he has only one front leg. Brag and Kayla kept throwing a stick for him to fetch. Sometimes they would throw it into Lake Temiskaming. He never slowed down at the water's edge. Just dove in and went after it.
We took a nice long walk on their boardwalk that follows the shore line for almost a mile I would say. It then ties into a side street and then the main highway between New Liskeard and Haileybury. The road has 3 ' markers sticking up out of the pavement that separate the bike/walking lane from the main street. If you look in the top left above the dandelions you can barely see one sticking up.
Well I have to hit the sack. Need some rest. Walking in the morning with Elder Budgett. Then all 4 of us are going to the St. Lawrence Market, which will be more walking. All the Senior missionaries are then getting together at Canelli's Italian Eatery for dinner.
The picture of the apartment building is of the front. We are on the back side, #106, just below ground level. Not much of a view for us, but the apartment is very bright and we can go outside to see the lake and beautiful surroundings.
Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: The picture below is interesting to me. In Canada, people are not allowed to use weed-killer on the dandelions because of how it affects the environment. That means there are lots of them in the early spring.
Last night it was really fun to watch Chase fetch the sticks that Kayla and Brad threw. He didn't care if it was into the water or not! He does not seem phased at all that he has only one front paw. I wish I had his energy.
We have had a tiring day, but productive. I think the apartment will work well for us. Getting the furniture in order will be a challenge, though. And, did you notice that there is a dishwasher? How cool is that! Bob is quite happy about it,since he is in charge of doing the dishes. We got home and then went shopping and after that did the wash. We are quite ready to sleep in our own bed tonight. Tomorrow will be a fun day doing things with our good friends here on Silver Maple Court.
Good night to all of you.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Ontario's most prominent spring flower