March 30, 2017

Bob and Bonnie: Well we made it home. Got here about 5:10. Had some heavy rain in the western part of Wyoming. At times it was hard to see and all we could do was stay within sight of the big truck in front of us.
Well our 23 month adventure is now officially at an end. It has been a wonderful adventure. We loved the opportunity to work with the Saints, new friends and missionaries in the Canada Toronto Mission. We hope can see them in the years to come. They are so dear to our hearts.
We stopped for a short rest at the Bitter Creek rest stop in Wyoming. It is about mile marker 143 or 144. As we were walking around the stop we spotted the antelope pictured below. He was spooked by us and backed off some, but he just couldn't leave the grass he was eating.
Well this is the end of the blog for our mission. Maybe someday we'll do a 2nd edition. We really don't know what's in the future. We do know that spending every day with each other the last 23 months has caused us to appreciate and love each other more than before the mission. That fact alone has made our mission a success.
It's time for bed. For the last time, love to all. Good night brothers and may you accept the gospel!!
Dad/Bob
Mom/Bonnie

Antelope at Bitter Creek Rest Stop

March 29, 2017

 Bob and Bonnie: Left Kansas City about 9:00 this morning heading for Sidney, NE. We had a light rain about half the total drive. It didn't quit till 100 miles or so into Nebraska. When we got to the motel in Sidney the temperature was about 45°. The last time we stayed here on the way home from Canada the temperature was 0°F. It feels much better now.
We got here just after 4:00 local time. After we rested for a while we went to Perkins for supper. Afterwards we went to Cabela's and looked at their exhibits and the fishing gear. Then we walked around Walmart for a while to get a little more exercise.
Well it's time for bed. We hope you had a wonderful day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Mom/Bonnie

Wolves at Cabelas

Polar Bear at Cabelas

Moose at Cabelas

Brown Bear at Cabelas

Elk at Cabelas

Bighorn Sheep at Cabelas

March 28, 2017

Bob and Bonnie: Wow! Four weeks ago we were in Fort Erie, Ontario thinking about the next 4 weeks of travel, etc. We only have one more night and then we'll be home. It has been loads of fun and happy times visiting family, etc.
Left Shannon and Michelle's this morning. Sad to say good bye, but happy memories were made. There are many more to make down the road.
The drive to Kansas City went well. I'm glad we had my phone to get instructions on which routes to take. It didn't agree with our GPS so we went with the phone directions. Did not have any problems. There was a huge back up on I-70 Eastbound at a bridge that had one lane closed. That line of traffic went on for miles and miles. So glad we weren't stuck in that mess. It took us 9 hours to get to the motel as we made 3 stops. We didn't have to burn up the roads to get here. We ate lunch at a Dairy Queen in O'Fallen, Missouri about 1:00. When we got to Kansas City 4 hours later neither of us was very hungry. Because we were in Walmart getting some water we picked up some things from the deli to eat. Bonnie said it was her most satisfying cheap meal yet!!
Well we had better close and get to bed. Hope everyone has had a wonderful day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Mom/Bonnie

March 27, 2017

Bob and Bonnie: Been a good day with the Martins. Spent some time shopping and then at Culvers for ice cream treats. And as you see below, dinner at the Longhorn. We have had a good time today. Even found time for a few rounds of Mexican Train!!
Well tomorrow we pack up and head for Utah. At the beginning of March we looked forward to being with family, travelling, etc. Now we are very, very, anxious to get home and get unpacked. We left home on April 20, 2015 and should be back on March 30, 2017. It is hard to believe that almost 2 years have elapsed.
Well it is time for bed. Hope everyone has had a wonderful day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Mom/Bonnie

At Longhorn with Shannon and family

March 26, 2017

Bonnie: It's Sunday evening and we are enjoying snacks before we play some games together. We had a wonderful day at church in Charlestown Ward in Indiana. It is Spring Break and Christian has taken the day off tomorrow. We will be doing some fun stuff after Cooper works on his college class online. More tomorrow about that.
We hope everyone has had a wonderful, satisfying Sabbath.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

Bob: I met a guy at the Ward today that worked in Phillipi, WV for about a year in 2012 - 2013, but he didn't remember anyone I knew. He said he spent most of his time at work, but the company finally went belly up. He is now working for Amazon.
Weather has been damp as there has been some rain, but temperatures are nice. I believe it was in the high 60s today.
Well we are about to begin 'Ticket to Ride' so I will sign off. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Looking forward to this week. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

March 25, 2017

Bob and Bonnie: Left Concord at 9:30 headed for Sellersburg. We had a nice drive through Tennessee especially on Route 40 through Cherokee National Forest. It was very beautiful going through those mountains.
Arrived in Sellersburg a little after 7:00, but we stopped 3 times today and ate twice at these stops. Once we got there a storm blew up and it rained pretty hard. Bonnie and Michelle watched the Women's General Conference Session on the computer while Shannon and I watched Kanas get beat by Oregon.
Not much else happened today so we'll sign off. Love to all, enjoy the Sabbath and good night brothers.
Mom/Bonnie
Dad/Bob

March 24, 2017

Bob and Bonnie: It has been a very good day. This morning we went to 'The Depot', a very, very large antique outlet. It is an old deserted textile factory that is quite full of antiques. Bonnie found a copy of a very old cookbook that she still uses, among other interesting things.
We left there and went for lunch at 'The Smoke Pit'. Bonnie and I decided we would only get a salad between us and split it. We didn't want to eat too much as we were planning on going out for dinner. By the time I finished my half and drank some diet cola I was stuffed.
We went home after that and several of us took naps while Bonnie and Bette went for a walk. Then we went to 'The Longhorn' for dinner (see picture on Facebook). Bonnie and I decided to split a 12 oz. ribeye. By the time we finished the steak, salad, bread and hot lava cake for dessert we waddled out of a restaurant for the second time in one day.
We then went home. Steve is presently showing some genealogy on Puzzilla to everyone while I write the blog. Tomorrow we will get up and head to Sellersburg, Indiana our last stop before heading to Utah. Getting anxious to get home. Bette hired some people to deep clean the upstairs for us so we won't have to worry about that when we get there. So it's not going to be as bad as we thought.
Hope everyone has had a good week so far. Looking forward to a great weekend with Shannon, Michelle and the boys. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Mom/Bonnie

March 23, 2017

Bob and Bonnie: Been a very relaxing day. First it was bacon and eggs for breakfast. Then we went to the store with JoAnne to pick up a few things. Bette and Steve got here at 2:30. After dinner Bonnie, JoAnne, Steve and Bette went to see 'Beauty and the Beast'. Niels and I watched the WV - Gonzaga basketball game. If WV had some scorers they might have won. In my estimation they are not a very good offensive team.
It was great fun visiting with everyone when they got back from the show. Niels showed us how he works out their car. It loves to chase his laser pointer!
Bonnie has a book of JoAnne's that she is enjoying very much. The name of it is 'All the Light We Cannot See'. Author is Anthony Doerr. She says it is very good so far.
Time for bed now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Mom/Bonnie

March 22, 2017

Bob: Left Clermont just before 9 to go to JoAnne and Niels' home in Concord, NC. Scott gave us some directions that would help us avoid all the construction in Orlando. We headed northwest and then headed east. Didn't have any problems except I was a little unsure at the 4th turn. The turn came up much faster than I expected, but I made the right choice.
We were doing fine until we hit route 26. There was an accident that held us up for at least 40 minutes. Then on I-77 there was a stalled vehicle that caused a back up for a few minutes. We eventually got there at about 7:45. Stopped in Rock Hill at exit 77 to get gas again. The price was still 1.889 per gallon. That is the cheapest price I have seen anywhere.
When we got here JoAnne had pork chops, rice, corn and rolls waiting for us. The meal was delicious, and the Klondike bar for dessert was heavenly.
Well it's time to get ready for bed. Hope you had a great day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie:  We had a wonderful visit with Lori and Scott and their sweet kids. It was hard to leave, especially little Lucas.  But we will have a good time with JoAnne and Niels. And Bette and Steve are coming tomorrow! What a wonderful surprise for us.
I hope we all have a nice surprise of some kind this week!!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

March 20, 2017

Bob and Bonnie: Left for Clermont at 7:00 this morning and got there around 11:30. Stopped once for gas and once to take a break at a rest stop. Drive was fine though.
Had some issues with the motel in Darien however. For one thing there was no hot water this morning. Another issue is that the desk in the room does not have any light near it so you are sitting in the dark working on your computer, etc. And finally, there usually isn't anyone in the lobby at the front desk. Other than that things were fine.
It was good to get back together with my companion again. I surely did miss her. We went with all the Crossleys this afternoon to Disney Springs which is an outdoor mall, restaurants, etc. Had a good time and a great fish dinner.
It is now time for bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Mom/Bonnie
Dad/Bob

March 19, 2017

Bob: Left Charleston for Beckley at about 8:15. Got to Beckley about 30 minutes before Sacrament Meeting. Talked to 3 different members plus the Bishop, a Counselor and 2 missionaries. People were very friendly. Left right after Sacrament.
The hilltops around Beckly had a slight dusting of snow, but I was soon out of that. The temperature per the car was in the 60s today.
Got to Darien just about 8:00. I made 2 stops on the way here. First stop was in Rock Hill, S.C. to get gas. It was the best price yet, 1.889 per gallon. Then I stopped at a Cracker Barrel for dinner. Bonnie would have been proud of me as I got 2 salads as my sides for the meatloaf dinner. I am sure she will not understand how my appetite changes so often.
Well I have about 189 miles left to Scott and Lori's so I am going to bed early. If I wake up early I can get on the road sooner. Hope you have had a wonderful weekend. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

March 18, 2017

Bob: Well the tournament is over and I'm heading to Florida tomorrow morning. Planning on stopping in Beckley, WV for Sacrament Meeting at 10. After Sacrament I should arrive in Darien, GA in another 7 hours. Then I'll go onto Clermont Monday. Should be there by 1:00 PM.
Some exciting championship games today. 2 of the teams I was rooting for won. Watching some of these guys play basketball causes me to just shake my head. It's hard to realize how quick they are.
Talked to Bonnie today. She isn't feeling a whole lot better. Lori is back now though. That should keep Bonnie from having to lift Lucas so much.
Well it has been fun watching the basketball games and visiting with Bobby and his boys. I remember doing this with Eddie a few years ago. Those were good times. However, I am anxious to get to Florida and see my companion!! We will be completing the last few stops of our trip home. It has been fun, but it is getting tiresome living out of a suitcase and driving with the car stuffed full.
Well that's it for tonight. Hope your weekend is going well. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

March 17, 2017

Bob: Some interesting games today. Saw Wheeling Central take it on the chin. Clarksburg Notre Dame beat them by 21. Probably the only time in my life I have rooted for a team named Notre Dame. Other than that most of the teams I rooted for lost!!
Did enjoy some fine Chinese food for dinner though. The hot and spicy chicken was delicious.
Bonnie said her back isn't much better and she is quite busy trying to keep up with Lucas. He gets into everything and loves to play in the toilet!!
It's late and I need to go to bed. Have to pack in the morning and get ready to leave early Sunday morning. Hope you had a wonderful day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

March 16, 2017

Bob: Another day of basketball. I am getting tired of sitting though. We had one really good game today as a number 2 seed got beat by a number 7 seed. In fact the number 7 seed had a losing record, but made the tournament by winning one of the regions. In WV every team gets in the state tournament. They play a sectional tournament then a regional tournament. The winners of the 8 regions go to Charleston for the state finals.
Talked to Bonnie again. She said it is hard to pick up Lucas as her back is hurting her. I hope she makes it through the next 2 days without hurting her back anymore.
Weather is still on the cool side, but it is supposed to be getting warmer. I wish it would hurry up.
I had to sell my extra tickets for each session. There are 8 sessions of the tournament and I had 2 tickets per session to sell. A guy and his son bought all the tickets I had left today. I wanted to sell them, but would rather have sold them to students that want to sit with there classmates. That way there are extra seats to put our coats in and it's not so crowded. But, I can't complain as the tickets are sold.
Got an email from our health insurance agent. My supplement has been approved, but we still need Bonnie's to be approved.
That's about it for today. Hope you had a wonderful day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

March 15, 2017

Bob: Not much going on today. Spent all day watching 6 basketball games at the Charleston Civic Center. Wasn't a real big crowd at either the morning or afternoon sessions. Did talk to an old friend that I haven't seen for years. He is retired also and doing very well. We graduated from high school together.
Talked to Bonnie in Florida. She is having a good time with the grandchildren. She will be alone with them starting tomorrow morning. Wishing her good luck.
Weather was a little cool today. It is supposed to warm up a little each of the next few days. I think we could use that.
Well I am going to get ready for bed and watch some of the BYU game. They are trailing 47 - 42 with over 5 minutes left in the first half. No defense tonight.
Hope you had a great day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

March 14, 2017

Bob: Sorry we didn't get anything written last night. When we finally got to the motel it was almost 10 and we just wanted to get to bed as we were getting up at 7. We wanted to get up early in case the snow storm had an effect on Bonnie's flight and my drive to Charleston.
Yesterday we checked out of the New Martinsville Microtel and they said we didn't owe anything. I had used some reward points to get a reduced rate, but thought I owed about $250. Tammy, a member of the Church, said she billed everything to Wyndham Rewards as per the statement. She said if it isn't correct she'll hear back in about a week. So we'll see how it works out.
During the day we talked to Verizon about a phone, but ended up going to AT&T and putting another phone on Scott & Lori's Family plan. Spent some time at the New Mart. library and then went to visit Alexis Haught and family. Didn't have a lot of time to see them as Alexis had therapy until after 4 and we had the retirees' dinner at Quinet's at 6. Hardly anyone showed up for the dinner however. Gary Church was upset about that as several people had said they were coming. In fact, based on the number he told Quinet's they brought an extra worker in to work our group.
After we left the dinner we stopped at Kroger's in Moundsville to see Gary's wife. Didn't get to say much to her though as her checkout line just never slowed down. After we left Kroger's we had to drive to the Highlands on I-70.
We only got snow flurries today. Got to the airport without any problems. Had about a 2 hour wait for Bonnie's plane to takeoff and then they had a 22 minute delay taking off. She got to Orlando before I got to Charleston. I went to Wendy's for dinner. Will probably have a few meals there this week.
My room at the Red Roof Inn seems okay although it is an older motel.
We have been having trouble getting our medicare reinstated, but yesterday we were told it was reinstated effective March. Then today United Healthcare checked our medicare records and they hadn't been updated. The records still didn't show we had Part B medicare. Finally someone was able to get through the records and find the correct information. Now our supplement will start April 1. We just have to stay well until then.
Got some bad news from Canada today. Sister Donna Craig has passed away. Bonnie and I probably spent more time with her than any other member of the Temiskaming Branch. She was in a nursing home and on 2 liters of oxygen all the time, but no other major problems we were aware of. The sister that posted her death didn't say anything about what happened.
Well it's time to get to bed. Hope you have had a great day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

March 12, 2017

Bob: We have had a wonderful day. Went to church in New Martinsville. We knew less than half of the people there! So many new faces. It was great fun talking to our old friends once again.
After church we hurried to the motel, ate Bonnie's left over lasagna from last night, changed clothes and headed for Reader to see Lorraine, Jerry and family, Rhonda and her family. We really had a great time reminiscing and nibbling on the appetizers Joyce and Jerry had set out. Went to Lorraine's to look at her new home. It is really nice. Jerry has built a nice deck on the front and is going to put another one on the back of the home.
After that I took Bonnie for a short drive up 8 mile ridge. She had never been up there and she sees pictures taken by Linda Straight all the time from that area. Then we stopped and visited with Linda. Had a good time finding out about her family and where everyone is now.
The weather hasn't warmed up much at all and I hear Monday and Tuesday won't be much better. At least there isn't any snow right now.
Hope your weekend has been as good as ours has been. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie:  We had a wonderful Sabbath as Bob has written. Everyone has been so kind and hospitable to us. A counselor in the Stake Presidency and his wife spoke in Sacrament meeting. I really enjoyed their talks. Mary Rose gave the RS lesson and it was very good. We stayed until about 2:00, just talking with everyone. We had a good time with the Martin family and visiting with Linda Straight.
Tomorrow we will see Alexis Haught and go to dinner with the former Bayer employees and their spouses who worked with Bob. Then, we drive to Triadelphia for the night, so I can take a plane to Florida on Tuesday. What a wonderful time we are having! I'm so thankful that we can do this. The Lord has really blessed us.
May we all be grateful for the blessings we have received!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

March11,2017

Bonnie and Bob:  We've had wonderful visits today--the first with Vicky Bohrer. It was quite a trip, taking about an hour and a  half to get to East Liverpool. She is temporarily in another room while they paint her assigned room, and she has to downsize. Vicky had a friend visiting who was taking some of her things and Bob was able to help get them into her car. I'm so glad we saw her because Vicky has some health challenges that seem to be getting worse.
We saw Sally Briggs next, who has moved to East Liverpool to be near her oldest daughter. She is in a beautiful condo there. One of her granddaughters was also there. It was really good to catch up on all of her family news. We left about 6:40 and headed for Undo's in Benwood, WV. We had a delicious meal--they make excellent Italian food, some of the best I've ever eaten.
It's getting late, especially because of daylight savings tomorrow, so I will let Bob finish.
Happy Sabbath tomorrow, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Nothing else to add except we caught up on all the laundry today. Washer, dryer and detergent are free here at the Microtel.  Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

March 10, 2017

Bob: What a shock this morning. Woke up and got up before 7:00! Don't think I will make this a habit. It is not conducive to driving long distances. Went to breakfast at 9:15 with Chris and Suzy. We ate at Caffe 101 in Boiling Springs. They brought our meals to us is styrofoam containers as the hostess mistakenly marked our order as takeout. And the food wasn't top shelf either. However, the pastries were excellent. We finished breakfast and headed for lunch with my sister-in-law Renee at 10:40.
Arrived at the Olive Garden in Washington, PA at about 2:10. We were meeting Renee there at 3:00. She showed up about 2:30 though so we got started early. We didn't leave till almost 5:00. And what made it great was she accepted a Book of Mormon from us.
Then we headed to the Microtel in New Martinsville. Got there a little past 6:00. Most Microtels we have stayed at have a single bed and very little room. However, this room is really quite nice. We have 2 beds, large shelf for computer and many other items, a fridge, microwave, closet and shelves in the bathroom for our toiletries. Bonnie has given this site a passing grade.
Went to visit Flo and Ken Loy once we got settled. Had a good visit with them. They had a couple young boys visiting so it got pretty loud at times. Eventually the parents showed up and took them home.
Stopped and got gas on the way home. Posted the per gallon price and total below.
It's time for bed. We need to get some rest as we are headed to the East Liverpool area tomorrow. Hope you have a great weekend, love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie:  There was another shock this morning. There was lots of snow that had fallen over-night!
The roads were not too bad thankfully.
It's been great to be back in West Virginia and to see New Martinsville again. Our visit with Loy's was so nice! And I felt strongly that we should give Bob's sister-in-law a  Book of Mormon. He will be sending her some things online, too. I hope she reads it!
Anyway, it's been a wonderful day. I hope all of you have had a wonderful day, as well.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Caffe 101

Exxon price per gallon

Total gasoline purchase

Leaving Boiling Springs

March 9, 2017

Bonnie:  We went on a tour of historic Boiling Springs this morning with Chris and Suzy. It is neat to see the water boiling up in the lake from the hot springs underneath it. We walked around the entire lake, and also saw the furnace where they used to make iron from 1732 to 1895.  It was a pleasant walk. Then we went to visit an art store full of items from local artists. However, we did find something done by an artist from Oakland, Ca. It's a fun store, with some very interesting artwork.
Chris had to go to work, so we headed home. We did some errands in the afternoon. and then I helped Evie make dinner--chicken parmigiana, linguine, marinara sauce and salad. It turned out well. It was ready just in time for Suzy, Jonathan, and Daphne to come back from their horseback riding lessons. It's been another wonderful day. I'm really going to miss my grandkids!
I hope everyone has had an incredible day as well.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Not much to add. I did find some carved fish in the art store that I want to send pictures of to our friend, Fred Field, in Englehart. I've lost his email address so I am trying to get it back.
Weather was around 60 today, but it's changing tomorrow. Supposed to be in the 40s with snow in the morning and flurries in the afternoon. New Martinsville also predicting flurries. We're supposed to stay there tomorrow night.
Well it's time to go. Enjoy the pictures below. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Boiling Springs

Founder of Boiling Springs

Daniel Kaufman's House is still standing

Iron Furnace used to make iron

My fellow hikers!!

March 8, 2017

Bob and Bonnie: Arose a little early today as I was awakened by something. Not sure what it was. After everyone was off to school and Suzy off on errands, Bonnie and I ran a couple of errands ourselves. One thing we did was look for the "boiling springs", after which this place is named. We didn't find them. Will go back with Suzy tomorrow to take pictures of them for the blog.
When we got home this afternoon I think Suzy, Bonnie and I all took a nap. Then for dinner we took Suzy and the kids to Red Robin. Chris couldn't make it because he had an appointment with a graduate student. Afterwards we went to the Ward House where we met up with Chris. The YW were decorating the cultural hall for their Girl's Camp fund raiser dinner on Friday. Suzy is in charge of it. I believe the YW will cook the meal and then desserts are auctioned off to raise money for camp. Chris said they raised over $1000 last year. Bonnie and I left the decorating early and came home. Others arrived shortly afterwards.
The weather is 48 right now, but it got up close to 60 today.
Time for bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob and Mom/Bonnie

March 7, 2017

Bob and Bonnie: Bonnie got up early to see Katie, Ammon and Sarah off to school. By the time I awoke Michael was still home. He came down stairs and told us goodbye. We played a few games of Uno with Reni before we left for Chris and Suzy's. Had to stop at Walmart and return the new charger we bought to replace a lost one. We found the lost one! So they took it back no questions asked.
Spent time with Suzy and the kids this evening playing some games. Chris was teaching a late class. He didn't get home till after 10.
Temperature has been wonderful today. It was still 55°F a few minutes ago.
Called and talked with President Jakob this evening. He seems to be doing pretty well. Said he was about to do the dishes so he was glad I called!! This past weekend he said with the wind blowing it was -30°C. Yikes!! He said it was really cold because of the wind. They didn't get any snow though. Schools were cancelled today because of freezing rain.
Well it's time for bed. Hope you have had a great day. Love to all and we'll be seeing you soon. Good night brothers.
Dad/Bob and Mom/Bonnie

March 6, 2017

Bob: A leisurely day for a change. We got up and at about 10:30 we took Misty out for brunch. Went to Eggspectation to eat. It was nice and I had biscuits and gravy, which I haven't had for a long time. Left there feeling like a stuffed turkey. Once we got home Bonnie and I went back to do some shopping for FHE tonight and to mail a package at the post office. Had dinner tonight and then FHE.
So not a whole lot happening today. Going to Chris and Suzy's in the morning.
Hope you had a wonderful day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie:  I don't have much to add, just that we enjoyed seeing some movies on the computer tonight after Family Home Evening. For our activity we played Werewolves, which was fun. Then, for a treat we had cheese curls, chosen by Michael who had that assignment. Oh, and a little ice cream for everyone else. It's been wonderful to be with Misty and Dan and their children, our very special grandchildren.
And tomorrow, the joy continues with the Keyes household in Pennsylvania!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

March 5, 2017

Bob: Got up and took Ammon to church this morning at 8:15 so he could help prepare the Sacrament. I've been wondering what it looks like outside before 8:00 for quite a while now. Don't want to get used to it however.
Church was very good. Testimonies were great. Stu Finnigan, brother to the Brampton YSA Bishop, taught Sunday School class. We always enjoy his lessons and comments.
Spent most of the day just relaxing with the Ellis'. Misty and Katie attended a 'Personal Finance' class at 5 - 7 this evening. Dan, Michael, Ammon, Bonnie and I played 'Dominion'. Bonnie and I have never seen the game before so we must have had beginners' luck. I ended up winning the game. Don't know how as my only strategy was to end the game after a couple hours!!! I would prefer playing games of chance, such as Mexican Train, Uno, etc. Don't like thinking about how to win a game.
Everyone is getting ready for bed (9:15) right now. Too early for myself so I am doing the blog. Will let Bonnie add some further comments. Hope you had a blessed Sabbath and great weekend. Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie:  It's been a lovely Sabbath. I like this Branch. And we've had a restful day. The best thing about today is that my back has improved and my energy is coming back.
Tomorrow, Ammon is in charge of the FHE lesson and Michael is in charge of treats. Both may get some help from us!
Hopefully all of us have had a restful, spiritual day.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

March 4, 2017

Bob: Went to the Stake Center today to give blood. They told me since I did not have an appointment that I would have a long wait. Suggested I come back later. So I went to Walmart to see what they offered in phone plans. Didn't see anything that looked promising, but thought I would talk to Verizon when they opened. After that I washed the car and went back to the Stake Center.
Bonnie wasn't feeling well this morning. She stayed in bed while the rest of us were out. I woke her up when I got back about noon. She is feeling a little better now, but really tired.
Got to give blood without much wait at all. In fact, it was one of the fastest times I got in and out. After sitting in their canteen and enjoying some goodies I headed to Verizon. Don't think their options are any better than AT&T's. Haven't checked out Sprint. Will probably try that on Monday.
Ellis' celebrated Katie's birthday (March 5) tonight. Katie wanted home-made pot pies for her meal. Misty made 3 pies with chicken and 1 with turkey. We also had a ceasar salad with ice cream and homemade cookies for dessert. Chris, Suzy and their 3 kids, plus Helen Stanger and her 3 kids joined us for the meal. Had a very good time.
Well it's time for bed. Hope your weekend has been fine so far. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie:  I am feeling pretty good right now, but we'll see what tomorrow brings. I need to sleep well tonight.
We went to see Katie's high school production of "Seussical". It was quite well done and we enjoyed it. That was followed by Katie's birthday party. It was fun! One thing I especially liked was going around the room twice, the firsts time giving Katie a compliment and the second time time giving her a wish. 
Time for bed. Love to all.
Mom/Bonnie

March 3, 2017

Bob: It felt pretty cold this morning even though the temp was 31. Got the car reloaded and headed to the Philadelphia Temple at 9:00. We got there in about 30 minutes which is what Google predicted. Had to call the temple because we couldn't find parking. There is an underground facility next to the temple that patrons can use and the temple validates your ticket.
The temple inside is very beautiful. Most of the floors are hardwood. The stairs have small risers and wide treads for easy walking up and down. Did not hurt my knees like most stairs do. There is some intricate carving in the doors and other wooden trim. During the endowment you move from one room to another once. The original room had 56 seats for partrons and beautiful wall paintings on the sides. The other room was white and brighter. All in all it is a beautiful temple. Reminded me of the early days of our nation.
Drove to Misty's after the temple session. Stopped to do some shopping, get some gas and have dinner. Got there around 5:00 due to several traffic delays. None of them were major except the transition between I-695 and I-70. Then on I-70 there was another major holdup at exit 87. It's always a problem in the afternoon because a major entrance ramp is there. I-70 remains 2 lanes and when the cars try to enter traffic gets bogged down. Another engineering marvel!! It might have been designed by relatives of the people that designed the Don Valley Parkway in Toronto. It has the same problem.
Well it's time to go to bed. Got to get up in the morning and give blood. Hope you enjoy your weekend. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie:  The temple session was great and the temple is a beautiful place. It is now one of my favorite temples. The chandelier in the celestial room is massive and brilliant and the patterned carpet is elegant. It certainly has an early-American theme, which is appropriate. The temple is built in downtown Philadelphia so the underground parking is a great blessing.
We are settled in at Misty's for the next few days. I hope that I feel better as time goes on. I seem to have had an allergy "attack". Tomorrow will be a busy day so I am going to bed soon. I want to have enough energy to participate in the activities. We'll write about it tomorrow.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

March 2, 2017

Bob: Woke up to 20°F and snow this morning. Thought someone had moved us back to Haileybury. Supposed to quit snowing and get into the mid thirties here. It is in the 40s in Philadelphia where we are headed tonight.
Stopped at the Priesthood Restoration site. A senior Elder took us on a tour of the site. We saw restored homes of Isaac Hale and Joseph Smith and learned many things about the translation of the Book of Mormon done in Harmony, PA (Mosiah to Moroni). Everything prior to Mosiah was translated at the Peter Whitmer farm AFTER the work was done in Harmony.
The weather did warm up this afternoon, but the wind never died down. This kept it cold enough for winter coats. Quite a change from yesterday.
We're in Philadelphia now. Going to attend a 10:00AM session at the temple tomorrow morning.
Well it's time to get ready for bed. Hope you had a great day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: Bob has explained our day well. One of the best parts was walking down to the Susquehanna River where Joseph and Oliver were baptized. It is a special place. Our visit ended with a hymn sung by four of the sister missionaries, "Abide With Me". It was absolutely beautiful, especially the last verse sung in four part harmony. So well done and so awesome!
We need to retire early tonight so we can be to the temple on time, so good night and sleep tight everyone.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Liverpool, NY at 8:20AM

Sisters who sang "Abide With Me"

Susquehanna River at the Priesthood Restoration Site

Resotration of the Aaronic Priesthood

March 1, 2017

Bob: Did not wake up very early this morning. But we did make it to breakfast before it closed. Kind of wished we hadn't eaten though as it was very poor. Got out of the motel after 10:30 finally. And I think we left one of the phone chargers there.
The first place we stopped was AT&T. We wanted to activate my phone, but of course the people at the store had no idea what to do to activate my number. The people at the main number for AT&T told me that the outlet stores would have no problem doing this, but then they didn't have a clue. So we called the main number. They said I needed to be transferred to 'Port Activation' and of course they never did answer. Never got one sound after dialing the number they gave us for them. Ended up finding a phone for Bonnie and activated it instead of one for me. And then we got 2 different stories about the phone from 2 different sales people. I can't believe AT&T hires these people and expects them to help people when they don't know what they are doing!!
Our next stop was the temple. We got there early so it was a short nap time. Went up to the main entrance then and found out they were closed for cleaning. I had specifically called them and gave them the date we would be there. No problem they said. Oh well!!
Then we stopped at the Hill Cumorah site and ran into 5 YSAs from the YSA Ward in Brampton! It was good to see them. Left there and arrived at our motel just about dark.
Bonnie has her coat on and is freezing. The thermostat is maxed out now. Hope she makes it through the night.
Better get to bed so we can get up earlier tomorrow. Hope you had a great day and that the flooding isn't too bad in WV. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: I don't have much to add. I was sad at not being able to attend the temple, but we will be going Friday to the Philadelphia Temple! Chris has told me it is beautiful inside. I can't wait. Tomorrow we will be going to the Priesthood Restoration Site and then heading for Philadelphia. I feel odd not having my name tags on, especially when we talk to other Senior Missionaries like we did today at the Hill Cumorah Visitor Center. I suppose that's only natural since we've been wearing them for 23 months! I loved seeing the YSA's, too. One was newly baptized so that was neat.
I hope everyone has had a blessed day today. We love you all.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

February 28, 2017

Bob: Well this is Brother and Sister Martin reporting because Elder and Sister Martin no longer are here! Officially released this morning between 9:55 and 10:00. Thus we got to serve as missionaries an extra 40 - 45 minutes more than  we first thought. Our Stake President got busy this morning and called about 30 minutes later than he planned. We were on our way to breakfast and called him back. I told him I started this Mission by calling and asking to be assigned there and I am now calling to ask that I be released from the assignment. He thought that was funny. Anyway, we were released and admonished to drive carefully as we no longer had our badges on!!
Went out to breakfast with the Budgetts and Cannons. It was hard to say goodbye. Sister Budgett is looking into a week in Orlando at some Marriott condos next spring for those we have served with. We'll see what happens. It would be a blast I'm sure.
Drove to Gage Park in downtown Brampton and took some pictures of the area. The park has an ice skating rink that goes around the center of the park. This is a walkway in the warmer months, but they freeze water on it during the winter months and it becomes an ice skating rink (picture below of it and some houses in the area).
If being released is a highlight, then the 2nd highlight of the day was dinner tonight with Grace (see below). She is very spiritual and so concerned about attitudes and actions of humans that she thinks there needs to be a book published,'Basic Christianity for Dummies'. She is close to God and will eventually be baptised. She is planning on going to Palmyra. Bonnie said if she doesn't go by August we will take her. We went out to dinner with her at the 'Red Lobster' and when the waitress brought the check she scarfed it up before I could get it. She said she wanted to repay us for everything.
Well we arrived safely in Fort Erie. Hope you have had a wonderful day. We love you and are looking forward to seeing you soon. Love to all and good night brothers for the last night from Ontario. USA here we come!!
Dad/Bob

Bonnie:  Bob sounds positive that Grace will be baptized, and I pray that is true. She has many questions, however, and doesn't say anything about wanting to be baptized yet. She is a beautiful person inside and out.
I can't believe that we are on our way back to the US. Where does the time go? We are so anxious to see our family and friends! We love you all.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Grace and Bonnie

Ice Rink Around Gage Park (ice is on far side of brick)

Gage Park was once the front yard of this place.

Gage Park History

Another view of the ice skating oval

Februaryb 27, 2017

Bob: What a wonderful day today, The sun was shining and you could feel the warmth. There was no 'white stuff' to be seen!! We went to the Mission Office to say our goodbyes and settle up the phone bill and some other minor charges. Got in touch with President Jones and he will be calling at 9:15 tomorrow to release us. Then we have breakfast scheduled at 10:00 with our dear friends the Budgett's and the Cannon's. Getting a haircut at 12:30 and then dinner tomorrow night at the Red Lobster with our friend Grace. Then we will drive to Fort Erie and start the adventure of going home. Excited to get started.
Tonight we had dinner at the Mission Home with the Shield's, Budgett's, Cannon's, Youngberg's, Wolfley's, Backus', Swenson's, Knight's, and a couple from the temple we just met. It was fun seeing everyone for the last time and then listening to everyone give a short report on what is happening with their area. President Shields had us go last. Bonnie talked mostly about our experiences in the Office and I talked more about Temiskaming. It has been a wonderful time getting to meet so many good people and just share our testimonies of Jesus Christ and the restoration of the Gospel. I'm sure we will miss it. The first dinner we went to when we arrived in Canada I remember Sister England saying, 'We are leaving people we love, but we going home to people we love.' I feel the same way. Not much more can be said.
Time to go to bed. Hope you have had a great day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: We visited Sister Ternieden this afternoon. She has an illness of some kind that is steadily getting worse, to the point that she has to have help to do anything--even dress and eat. The doctors don't know what is causing it. She has had all kinds of tests and they all come back normal. She was laying in bed when we saw her. Bob helped her husband give her a blessing. It's so sad to see her, but she is valiantly trying to meet this challenge with faith in Jesus Christ.
I don't have much else to add. It's been another wonderful day, saying goodbye to people we love. I am very anxious to start on our trip!
Love to all,
Mom/Bonnie

Jim and Cheryle Budgett

Us with Z'Thomas and Marsha Cannon

Sudbury Nickel Monument (9 meters tall)

February 26, 2016

Bob: We are now in Brampton. We will have our exit interview with President Shields in the morning and then on Tuesday morning President Jones, our Lindon West Stake President will release us via telephone. I guess they don't want 2 lame duck missionaries running around the US!! Probably safer that way.
We have enjoyed our weekend at the Sudbury Stake Conference. Initially I thought having to drive to Sudbury the weekend we were going to be packing to leave would be a burden. It turns out it has given us many special blessings. The Elders sang a special number for the conference and both of our mission presidents were in the choir. Both Elder Clayton and President Shields sang. It was special to share this last weekend with them. We miss Elder Clayton and his wife, and we will miss President and Sister Shields.
The Stake President, Ian Jenner, bore his testimony today for at least 4 guests that he invited that attended the session this morning. It was truly a powerful message to them. He told them the same thing that President Hinckley used to tell the world. Bring everything you believe and come listen to us. With what you are and what we'll tell you, you will be happier and a better person. He said it with love and conviction. I know I want to follow up with him and see if any move along to baptism.
It was so hectic at the end of conference today that we didn't get to tell the Temiskaming Elders, Myers and Baird, good bye so we called them a few minutes ago. They were with some other Elders so they put us on speaker. After good byes and final thoughts they said the group had a song to sing for us. They then sang 'God Be With You Till We Meet Again'. Very, very special.
Well it is time to close. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Love to all, we will see you soon, and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: It was a very special two days. Everyone seemed so loving to each other at the stake activities yesterday, and at conference today. Sudbury Stake celebrated its 20th anniversary with a delicious meal and a dance after the 6:00 meeting on Saturday. Today we had the blessing of hearing from our former mission president, Elder Clayton, as well as our Stake President. As Bob has written, one of the best parts of today's meeting was hearing the missionaries and President Shields and Elder Clayton sing "We'll Bring the World His Truth" and "Called To Serve". There is such a feeling of love and comradery here--it's priceless. After the meeting today there were pictures taken of us with our Branch, Elder Clayton, President and Sister Shields, and President Jenner. The hard part, of course, was saying good-bye. There were lots of tears shed. I'm so glad we will see everyone again, if not in this life in the life to come.
We have several things to do tomorrow before the senior couples dinner at 6:30. It should be a wonderful day. May all of you have a wonderful day, as well.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

February 24, 2017

Bob: Well the first phase of the packing is complete. The trunk of the car is loaded to the max. I hope we can get the remaining items in the back seat tomorrow morning. An even bigger concern is the weather tomorrow. We should have clear roads, but it is supposed to be raining. Could easily turn to snow and muck things up!! But it looks like we'll be loading in the rain.
4 Elders for dinner tonight. Bought hamburgers and fries at Granny's. Got rid of a lot of leftovers too which pleased the chief cook. She is busy sweeping the floors now. Will get up in the morning and wash and dry sheets and towels for the Zobell's.
Well I'll close for now. Hope you have a great weekend. Don't know when we will be in touch via the blog again. Probably won't write till Sunday night. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie:  I'm really tired now after cleaning most of the floors in the apartment. I'll do the bedroom tomorrow after we have packed the car.
Tonight we visited with Norm, the second "in command" over these apartments. We gave him a Book of Mormon and a Restoration pamphlet. Bob wrote our testimonies inside the front cover. He grew up Catholic but is disillisoned with that Church. We'll see where it goes. He also has one of our cards with our address, phone number and email information. It was a great way to spend the last evening of our mission!
Now, the next stage begins. We hope to see everyone over the next month and a half!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

February 23, 2017

Bonnie:  It's almost 10:30 pm and Bob is not back yet from officiating three games tonight. I've been busy packing things up, including all of my clothes and the gifts we have received while being here, CDs, books, sheets, towels, memory kinds of things and some kitchen items. Then, I cleaned out the refrigerator. Thank goodness it didn't need much. Tomorrow I want to clean our shower well, and, of course, the floors need cleaning again.
We had a good day visiting Ann Margetson, whom we absolutely love, and dropping by something for Conrad, and then taking a tour of the Bookstore in Cobalt. That was quite interesting. We made a quick visit to the Laronde's and headed home. I'll let Bob finish up.
May tomorrow bring happiness and love to all of us!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: I was late from basketball because Brad and I went to Wendy's and got frosties after the games.
We also visited Donna today. She is pretty sad to see us go and wants us to remember she is waiting for us to come back to see her.
Don't have any idea how we'll get all this packed tomorrow, but we will give it a shot. Looks like a lot more than we started with.
Time for bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

February 22, 2017

Bob: Drove to Dobie this morning to meet with Sister Janet Hamilton. She is a very interesting lady. Her life has had a lot of hardships and she believes the Church is true, but can't make the commitment to attend regularly. We had a good visit and hope to see her again when we come back to the area. The little town of Dobie is surrounded by the bush and there are no retail services of any type there. I believe she is about 12 miles from Kirkland Lake.
We tried to see Cathy Mason on the way back, but the people at Wendy's told us she is off work with some medical issues. They said they would give her a message from us.
Delivered meals for Meals on Wheels this afternoon and then attended the monthly potluck here in the building.
Went to visit John Evans, but he forgot we were coming and wasn't there.
Packed  up our portraits tonight. Will start packing in earnest tomorrow.
Time for bed now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie:  As I write this, I am surrounded with stuff--food to deliver to a Branch member, kitchen stuff that must be packed away, packing materials, towels, sheets, CDs, games, books, etc. Tomorrow I will deep clean the refrigerator and begin to figure out what clothes I will need for the next month. It's a daunting task. We may not come back from Stake Conference on Sunday. Instead, we will go straight to Brampton afterwards. That means that we must be all packed up on Saturday morning. Whew! I don't know if we can do that, but it makes a lot of sense to try.
Well, I must go to bed soon if I will be able to do this tomorrow. Everyone, have a good night!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

February 21, 2017

Bob: Visited Sister Benn this morning and then headed for the Cushman's in Englehart. The schools had been cancelled because of freezing rain, but the roads turned out to be okay. Took the Cushman's to their favorite restaurant, Lucky Loi Chinese Restaurant, for lunch. Everyone had a good time and it was quite nice. I believe it is under new management and everything was crisp and clean. Would recommend it.
After lunch we took them to Service Ontario to check on a personal matter. Their social worker had received a letter that they were to go there. However, Service Ontario said the matter was not yet resolved and they didn't know when it would be. Cushman's believe Ontario has unfairly cut their benefits once they were married, and they are attempting to get them back. However, I believe the Nursing Home will take most of the money as almost all of their money has always gone to the Nursing Home.
We had President Jakob, his 3 daughters, and Warren Cambridge over for dinner. Bonnie served a wonderful chicken parmigiana with angle hair spaghetti. We had homemade brownies for dessert. It was great.
Then we had Activity Night. Only 6 of us were there but we had a great spiritual thought by Elder Baird about missionary work. Then we enjoyed a game of 'The Great Dalmuti'.  Everyone in the family needs to get ready for this game as we are bringing it home with us. Some pictures are below. You will love the hats!!!!
Better get to bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: I am finally through with putting on big dinner meals!! I've enjoyed it, but it has been a lot of work. The rest of the week we will eat leftovers, except for tomorrow night's Pot Luck here at the apartment building. We had fun tonight at our last Activity Night. I do hope it will continue.
We will be going to Dobie tomorrow morning to see our friend Janet. It will take an hour and 20 minutes, so we will be leaving early. Then, we have Meals on Wheels to deliver and another less-active man to see tomorrow night. It's hard to believe that we only have three days of our mission left, at least where we can visit people. The packing will begin in earnest on Thursday.
May everyone have a great night!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Elder Myers

Warren Cambridge and Elder Baird

Delainey Brady and Sister Martin

Elder Martin and Warren Cambridge

Landscape North of New Liskeard today

February 20, 2017

Bonnie:  Today we started our day with a "visiting teaching" visit to a single Mom. Her daughter painted a picture of Devil's Rock that we commissioned her to do. It's turned out very well! We will proudly hang this picture up in our home in Lindon when we get there. Then, we hoped to see our friend Cathy at Wendy's. She is still sick, and we have no phone for her. We can't even find it in the phone book. So, that means another visit to Wendy's, which makes Bob happy. I sincerely hope we are able to see her before we leave. Then, we went north to Englehart to see Karl's good friends, Fred and Linda Field. We stayed far too long, again. I was able to talk about the gospel to Linda, though. Her husband carves wood, very intricately. He gave me a pin of a little wooden bird that I will wear proudly! We got home in time to feed the Elders some leftover lasagna, and then headed out to see Donna at the nursing home. She is doing ok there. We'll try to visit her againbefore we go.
So now we're home, and Bob is doing the dishes and I have got brownies baking in the oven. They are for dessert tomorrow for our dinner late afternoon and for our last Activity Night. I feel like I have done so much cooking while we have been here! I really feel like the time has come to do other things now. After tomorrow's meal, we will have leftovers till we leave.
May you have had a good day, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Brad took the Elders ice fishing today. I could have gone, but was too busy. They let Kayla, Delainey and her friend tag along. Guess what? Kayla caught the only fish, a 27" pike. A couple pictures are below.
The husband of the couple we visited, Fred, lost a leg over 20 years ago due to a terrible accident while working on the railroad. Then he got diabetes and ended up losing the other leg. Both legs are completely gone. But, Fred got interested in wood carving and has done some fun things. Right now he is carving a rainbow trout that is about 3 feet long. He plans on hanging it over the door to their cottage on an island in Ruben Lake. The access to Ruben Lake takes at least a 4 wheel drive. Then you need to have a boat to reach the island. I told him Karl and I might surprise him with a visit there in August.
Well that's about it for today. Hope your day was great. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Kayla and her 27" pike (both pictures)

February 19, 2017

Bob: Today was our last Sunday meeting in the Temiskaming Branch. It is so hard to say good bye to dear friends. I put several pictures taken today below plus a picture of our friend, Lois, taken tonight. After Church today the Priesthood cooked waffles for everyone and provided ice cream and several different fruits for toppings. It was very delicious, but I am partial to waffles. We 'donated' our waffle maker to Brad and we are sure he will make good use of it.

Tonight we visited with Lois down the hall. Her husband was the founder of the Highway Bookshop on Route 11 just before it splits with Route 11B. He owned it for years and after his first wife died he married Lois. They ran it for about 32 more years before he died. Then, she closed it after failing to find a buyer. I put a picture of the bookshop below.

Well I will call it a day. We have had a wonderful weekend. Now our attention turns to getting ready to travel home. We need to make decisions about what to take and what to give away. We have two offers from friends willing to store items until we come back to get them!! We will leave with both our car loaded and our hearts full. We have enjoyed our time here and dearly love our friends of the Temiskaming Branch. Love to all and good night brothers.

Dad/Bob

Bonnie: We still have several appointments with people we need to see this week. And, Bob has some basketball games he is doing on Thursday. It will be a busy week. Our friends, the Cushman's, need us to take to them to see someone at a government office, as well. I hope that goes well. I'm glad we are busy up to the very end. 

I hope everyone will  have a great week, and we hope to see you soon!

Love, Mom/Bonnie

Temiskaming Chapel

Temiskaming Branch Presidency:

Tom Cambridge 1st Counselor and President Karl Jakob

Tom & Brad Cooking Waffles Today

Bonnie & Sister Vottero

Relief Society Presidency: Sister Cindy MacLeod,

President Eleanor Ng and Bonnie

Lois Pollard, Our Friend

Highway Bookshop

February 18, 2017

Bob: Been a busy day although it started late. I left at 1:30 to pick up the Villneff's for a meal. Bonnie fixed a delicious lasagna dinner. Everyone had seconds. After dinner we sat and talked until almost 5:00. Then we took them home so we could go see some other people.
Two sisters weren't home and one brother was just sitting down to eat. He wants us to try and come back before we leave though. We finally found Jean at home. Had a very good visit with him. He doesn't have enough faith and wishes he could have more faith like some others in the Branch. He said of all the churches he knows of he feels the LDS church is the truest and if God only had one church it would be the Mormon Church. He asked for our prayers.
Back home now and the dishes are finally done. Getting ready to watch our nightly episode of 'Doc Martin' and then it will be bed time. Thought the picture below showed an awesome sky. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: It has been a busy day but a good one. We are beginning to whittle down our list of people we want to say good bye to. I truly hope we have done some good here. I know we have made some very dear friends. The Villneff's brought us a pot of colorful pansies when they came to dinner. I love the pansies! I will make room to take them home with us somehow. Bob offered Bro. Villneff one of his suits, but it didn't fit, unfortunately. We are trying our best to take  home as little as possible, but it's a challenge.
Tomorrow is our last Sabbath attending church in Temiskaming Branch. Our RS President has cooked up something for after church because it is not only our last Sunday, but another couple's last Sunday as well. And Kayla, Brad's daughter who is going on a mission, only has tomorrow and the first fast Sunday in March. It is working out this way because the last Sunday in February is Stake Conference in Sudbury. We'll let you know what happens in tomorrow's blog.
Have a good Sabbath Day!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Sky Tonight

February 17, 2017

Bonnie: We went visiting teaching/home teaching today to a couple after attending our District Meeting this morning. The District Meeting included 6 Elders, the Zone Leaders and Bob and I. This was our last one. We were asked to bear our testimonies. I will miss being with the young missionaries. We also visited a less-active sister on the way home.  Then, the Elders and Brother Cambridge came for dinner. We had a simple meal of tortilla soup, salad and chips, with cookies and ice cream for dessert. The treat for me was that Brother Cambridge brought an old violin with him. He picked up the violin just because he wanted to learn to play it. Brother Cambridge is an amazing man. Everything he does on it, he taught himself. He did not have a shoulder pad, which helps me play better, but we tuned it up and attempted to make some music. He plays by ear, and doesn't read music. Bob had to bring up some church music on the tablet so I could play something. The violin needs work, and new strings, but it was really fun for me to "play" around with it!
Tomorrow we will have a homemade dinner with our friends the Villneff's.  Bob will have to pick them up because they don't have a car. I hope they enjoy our meal.
Sleep tight, everyone, and we'll add our usual to the blog tomorrow night.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Bonnie wanted me to add that Sister Cambridge is in Toronto visiting a sister and her injured grand daughter which is why she did not come tonight. I have a picture of Brother Cambridge playing the violin below. After he left we went upstairs to visit Joe and Deborah. Joe is retired and not in real good health. Deborah, his wife, owns a 'used book' bookstore in Cobalt. She also publishes and sells books online. They told us many interesting facts about Cobalt. For instance, because of the way the mining industry did business in Cobalt the OPP  (Ontario Provincial Police) came into being and also labor unions were started. In the beginning of the 20th century Toronto was known as 'the place where you catch the train for Cobalt'. Today Toronto is the 4th biggest city in North America and Cobalt has between 1000 - 1500 residents! But when the silver ore was discovered several million dollars were made in Cobalt.
Weather is warming up. It feels better already. Time for bed. Hope everyone has a great weekend and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Warren Playing the Violin

The snow on the opposite of the guardrail is what has been scraped off the parking lot so far. The guardrail ends behind the car to the left. The piled up snow covers 75% of the area. Where will they put the rest of it?

February 16, 2017

Bob: With some ibuprofen I was able to get through the basketball games today. Had a high school doubleheader starting at 9:00. Went back to the gym at 1:30 when the winners played. The home team the Temiskaming Saints won the playoff. They now advance to play another tournament against Timmins, Kapuscasing, and the runner-up today, Englehart. Don't know if I will be doing any of those games. Anyway, it has been fun helping the school with their games. Coach Maga and his assistant coach seemed pleased with my work.
Weather was cold again today, but warms up tomorrow. Looking forward to the warming temperatures the next 5 or 6 days.
Time for bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie's Valentines Day Bouquet

Entrance to Larder Lake

Bonnie: I started the day with a haircut, my last until we get to the States. I finished the shopping after that, my last time for a big amount of groceries. I also made cookies for our special meal tomorrow with the Elders and  Brother Cambridge. Any of the cookies left over I will serve to the Villneff's, who are coming for dinner on Saturday. Tonight I also started to go through  some "stuff" trying to figure out what I want to keep and what I can throw away. The packing begins.

We have basically one week left, and one more time at church with our Branch.. Next week-end is our Stake Conference in Sudbury so we won't be attending our Branch for it. We leave for  Brampton and our release the day after. 

I made a list tonight of all the people we want to see before we go.  It numbers about fourteen! Hopefully, we will be able to do it. With the Lord's help, I know we can.

It's late so I will close. Everyone, have a wonderful day tomorrow.

Love, Mom/Bonnie