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

February 15, 2017

Bob: Wow, I just had another senior moment. I just said to Bonnie, 'Today is Saturday isn't it?'.  She finally got me straightened out.
We went to Kirkland Lake again today. Wanted to see a member and a lady we have met. Unfortunately, the non-member lady was too ill for us to stop. Bonnie said our good byes over the phone.
Weather dropped into the teens today and will remain there tomorrow. However, from Friday thru Wednesday the forecast calls for temps in the 30s.  And they're not calling for snow either. But I think the weatherman has been wrong before.
Got a high school basketball tourney to do tomorrow. Games are 9:00, 10:30 and 2:00. Then the adult league will start at 7:00. Hope I am up to it. Have several acquaintances now that know 'that official is a Mormon'. Hopefully there are some seeds that will sprout.
Well I will get off here now. Hope everyone had a great day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: We also visited Donna tonight. It is always interesting to talk to her. It's been a good day, with lunch at the member's house in Kirkland Lake. She is from Poland and served us some very interesting food. It actually was very good!
I have just made my last shopping list. There are three big dinners I am making plus the end of the month Pot Luck in our apartment building. I'm trying to use up our food, but there will be some food left for the Zobell's no matter how I plan it. The big dinners are for people in our Branch that we love. It's so hard to say good-bye!
Have a great evening, everyone.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

February 14, 2017

Bonnie:  Happy Valentines Day, everyone! We started our day at Sister Benn's shop where we hung clothing and also picked up a big bag of children's clothes for President Jakob's little girls. Then, we were to meet an investigator at the New Liskeard Library. This was an appointment that the Elders set up, and then were unable to keep. We were not able to find him.  (Of course we didn't know what he looked like anyway!) We then went to a grocery store to pick up a dozen red roses for Sister Vottero, whose husband has just passed away. Next, we saw an older Sister in our Branch to give to her a valentine envelope with cards and Hershey hugs in it. She is so sweet! Then, it was on to Englehart to see the Cushman's and to deliver their valentine envelope. We had a great visit. Lastly, we visited Sister Vottero and gave her the roses and her valentine envelope. It was a long day for us, but full of good feelings and love for the great members of our Branch.
I hope everyone has had a day full of hugs and kisses, the real kind, not the candy!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Bonnie took me to my favorite restaurant for a quick bite before we went to Englehart. Enjoyed that very much. She knows how to make me happy!
She has summed up the activities for the day. We did get a little snow today--there were flurries most of the day, but not much accumulation. The temperatures climbed to about 30°F. Tomorrow is supposed to drop a little and then the temperatures climb to the 40s. Can't wait for that.
Better get to bed. Hope you and your valentine enjoyed the day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

February 13, 2017

Bob: We got up this morning and found some new snow, but the sun was shining brightly. I cleaned off the car, around our parking spot and then we headed for Elk Lake. I went with Karl so he could do his home teaching and Bonnie stayed at the house to watch the girls when they got out of school.
Karl and I visited the Cushman's, Granatier's, and Sister Ng. And we ate lunch at the BNS restaurant in Englehart. Had a very good day and nice visits.
We got home near 9:45 and have been busy making phone calls and some plans for our trip home. It is now time to hit the hay. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: I was able to write up some notes today for our replacement couple, the Zobell's, while waiting for the little girls to come home from school. And I got to finish the January Ensign. I will be giving all of the Ensigns we've received to Sister Margetson when we leave. I won't have time to finish the February one, however. When the men got back they wanted dinner! They didn't let me know ahead of time, so I'm glad we were just finishing up and there was plenty left. President Jakob is still struggling, but doing ok. We gave him and the girls a valentine "envelope" with candy and little valentines. These are the ones we made at our Activity Night. The girls really liked it. The best part of the night was receiving a bouquet of flowers and a sweet card from  Bob. I love that we are celebrating Valentines early!
Tomorrow we have a full day beginning with our service for Sister Benn. It will be a great day, however. May all of our friends and family have an enjoyable Valentines Day tomorrow!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

February 12, 2016

Bob: We had Branch Conference today. President Brady, 2nd Counselor in Stake Presidency, was presiding. Everything went really well. He then had a bunch of temple recommends to take care of. The Stake is initiating a system where the members get the Stake approval for their recommend at the Branch Conference instead of at Stake Conference. With 12 units the Stake Presidency was getting overwhelmed for temple recommend interviews. About everyone got their recommend today so it looks like the system will work out quite well.
We had about 50 people there today for Sacrament Meeting. That's as big a crowd as I have seen in the Branch. We only use one Sacrament tray so we obviously had to add additional cups as we emptied the tray. But the Elders had not brought out enough cups and had to go to the kitchen and get more cups. Had a pot luck after services and I'm stuffed again.
Temperatures were supposed to be warm today and the sun shining. Didn't work out as it is now snowing and has been for about 3 hours although it is not heavy snow.
Had a great visit with Conrad tonight. He struggled to keep his emotions under control when we talked about our leaving. We will miss him. Just wish we could get him to church. He gave us a silver specimen sample.
Hope you had a great weekend. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: The reason there were so many at church today is because Nicole Vottero had four out of her five children there with spouses and grandchildren. (Her husband's funeral was yesterday.) It was great to have them there. And we had lesson three from the Gordon B. Hinckley lesson book about cultivating an attitude of happiness and  a spirit of optimism. What an appropriate lesson for our Branch--much needed.
Tonight we also visited with Lois, the elderly lady who lives down the hall from us. She is lovely to talk with, and she will be another person we will sorely miss.
Enjoy the pictures Bob has taken of some of our friends below. And we hope everyone has had a wonderful Sabbath Day today.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Jack Perry, Trudy Sauve and Bonnie

Mike Dale and Bonnie

Norm and Margaret Villneff with us

Brad and Kayla Sauve

Ralph and Lynn Granatier

John and Bonnie Humphrey

The old Martins

February 11, 2017

Bob: The funeral went very well today. Brother Vottero's children and 3 of his grandchildren all spoke and it went well. One daughter and her husband sang one her dad's favorite songs. A granddaughter later played another of Ron's favorite songs and the family sang. Both songs were Elvis Presley songs! One was 'I Can't Help Falling in Love With You'. After the funeral we had a nice luncheon at the church. There was much more food than was needed, but we'll use it tomorrow for the pot luck.
Our friend Norm Villneff came to the funeral. He walked off the hill where he lives to the funeral home. We were so glad to see him there. He went to the church with us and had lunch. I don't think we'll see him baptized before we leave, but I do think he will some day. Hope we get to see it.
Tonight Brad and Kayla, Jack and Trudy came for dinner. Bonnie put on a feast of roasted chicken, stuffing, special mashed potatoes, vegetables and blueberry cobbler for dessert. Everyone was stuffed for the 2nd time today. After dinner they stayed and we had a good time just visiting. Before we knew it, the time was 9:00. After they left we resorted to the dishwasher instead of washing the dishes by hand.
Weather warmed up to 25° today. Felt really nice with the bright sunshine. There was some fresh snow this morning, but it wasn't much.
Time for bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie:  Things did go well today. And tonight, Jack asked Bob if he had been a member of the church all of his life. This led to Bob telling him his conversion story. This discussion happened while the rest of us were talking about something else so we didn't hear it. This is the first time Jack has ever initiated a discussion about the church. At least we feel that we have planted a seed with Jack. We hope to see them one more time before we leave. They are some of our most special friends.
Tomorrow will be our Branch Conference and pot luck. We sure eat well here in the Temiskaming Branch! I have a pizza we didn't eat today at the funeral luncheon that I will bake tomorrow.
May we all have a wonderful Sabbath tomorrow!!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

February 10, 2017

Bob: Lot of running around today, but we only got to see one person. Bonnie has been busy since 5:00 getting food ready for our dinner here tomorrow night. We are having Jack and Trudy plus Brad and his daughter Kayla. His other daughter Emma is non-committal right now.
We were taken on a tour of 3-H furniture today by Tom Cambridge. He is one of the partners there. He will have been with the business 40 years this year. He said well over half their employees have been there over 20 years.
Went to the funeral home this afternoon with Brad, Brother Vottero's son, Mario, and son-in-law to dress Bro. Vottero's body. Everything was alright and Mario really appreciated everyone's help. The funeral will be at noon tomorrow.
Got up with a lot of back pain this morning. I hope it is only the bed as once I get up and get moving things get a lot better. When we were visiting in Pennsylvania and Maryland my back felt better. I don't think we'll be getting a gel mattress soon!
Hope everyone has had a great week and looking forward to a great weekend. It was -15° when we got up today. The weekend highs are expected to be 25 each day. That actually sounds pretty good to us. That's about it for the day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: Bob has summarized our day. I think everything will go well tomorrow. We are picking up Sister Margetson at about 9:30 and will then go to the church to help the RS President with accepting food for the luncheon. The viewing is at 11 and the funeral at noon. It will be hard for the Branch to say goodbye to Bro. Vottero. It makes me wonder what the future holds for our Branch. After the luncheon Bob will take us home early, about 3:30, so I can get dinner ready for our guests.
Everyone have a good night!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

February 9, 2017

Bonnie:  It's been a kind of wild day today because we rearranged our plans several times. We started out in Milberta Township to visit our friend Jim. What a kind, loving older man! I will always remember him and his sincere questions about the church. We then hoped to see the Field's in Enlgehart, but they weren't home. We had planned to go back to Haileybury to see our friend Donna, but Bob then decided to go on to Kirkland Lake. Only one person could see us there, our fiend Mike Dale. So, we had a good visit and took his picture. Bob is taking pictures of everybody in the Branch before we go home. Then, we headed back to Temiskaming Shores, but got sidetracked by Roosters, a very good restaurant in New Liskeard. In fact, we think this is the best place we've eaten not only here, but including Brampton, too. This was our Valentines Dinner, and we enjoyed it very much. Bob figured we may not get to do it next week. I'm not complaining! Then it was back to Walmart to do some shopping. After that, I dropped Bob off to do his basketball games. I have been busy cleaning and baking for the week-end.  What an interesting day!
I hope you all have had a good day, too.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: So the games were fine this evening. My partner in the 2nd game got upset with one of the players and tossed him out of the game! I'm not sure what happened as it was on the other end of the floor. The first game of the night the best team in the league played the worst team. Of course the best team made a 3 pointer with less than a second on the clock to win by 1. The worst team is a bunch of high school kids. They had a large lead and just gave the game away. Missed 3 of 4 foul shots at the end.
Turned colder today. It was -4 in the car when we left today. Warmed up to 12 degrees according to the car. At least we didn't get any more snow. Have to get up and move the car by 10 AM tomorrow so they can scrape the snow out of the parking lot.
Time for bed. Hope you had a wonderful day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

February 8, 2017

Bonnie: Today I spent the morning helping to plan the funeral for our dear friend Ron Voterro. There will be a luncheon at the church afterwards so there are calls to make! We had some errands to do afterwards. We tried to see two sisters but neither of them were home. So, we did not have a very "missionary" type of day. We took some great pictures, though, some of which are below. Tonight, we planned out the rest of our three weeks here, and hopefully will be able to see everyone we want to see. The next two week-ends will be crazy because I want to have several people over for dinner.
I hope everyone has had a very good day today.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Spent my morning shoveling snow! Norm loaned me a snow scoop to use. It moves a lot of snow and is much easier to use. The drawback is there is a lot of walking. In total I would say it is much easier although maybe a little longer to get the snow moved. With a lot of snow, however, the scoop is the best way to go. Going to get one when I get back to Utah. Maybe a tractor with a snow blower would be even better!!!
Took some pictures of huts on the lake and the Catholic Church next door. They are below.
Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

First truck on the lake!

Fishing Hut City on frozen Lake Timiskaming

Close Up of a Fishing Hut

Catholic Church next door

February 7, 2017

Bob and Bonnie: We went to Latchford today to help Sister Benn. Left her store about 1:30. A few snow flurries were beginning to fall at that time. Came home and got ready to do the high school basketball game. It started at 3:00. After the game the snow was coming down a lot heavier. On the way home a couple of cars had banged together on Lakeshore Drive. We were able to get by before the police came and shut the road down. The roads were mostly snow covered at that time.
About 6:10 I started to Cobalt to pick up Sister Margetson and Delainey for Activity Night. The roads were really packed with snow by then. It was much harder to get into Sister Margetson's place, but it went alright. When I picked up Delainey I didn't back the car up quite far enough and when I went forward the passenger-side front wheel went into the yard which has a small ditch. Two people had to shove the car backwards and then we were off.
Made valentines at Activity Night. The Elders and the Humphreys left around 9:00. I took Ann Margetson and Delainey home. No problem at her house this time as I just backed out instead of trying to turn around. When I got back, I helped Bonnie and the Cambridges finish up the valentines. We finished about 11:00. And it is still snowing out. The wind is drifting the snow badly.
The funeral for Brother Voterro is scheduled for noon Saturday. There is a meal to follow and then we have the Sauves and Perrys coming for dinner at 6:00. It will be a tight schedule.
Hope you have had a wonderful day. We may be stuck inside for a while tomorrow. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob and Mom/Bonnie

February 6, 2017

Bonnie: Today we have been planning the week. It's complicated because there has been another death in our little Branch. Brother Voterro passed away this morning. His funeral will be Saturday. That's the day we are having a big dinner for Brad Sauve, his daughters and his mother and step-father. And the next day is a Pot Luck after Church. I will be doing lots of cooking, that's for sure. It is so sad for everyone here to know that another member of our Branch will not be with us anymore. At least we know they both are in a better place.
Today we tried to see a  potential investigator, but she wasn't home. We were able to see our friend that works at Wendy's, though. And she said we could come over to her house and explain why the Book of Mormon is so special to us. (We gave her one several months ago.) I'm excited about that!
I will let Bob finish up. Sweet dreams, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: We are expecting 6 - 8 inches of snow tonight. People in the apartment building were talking about it today and getting prepared to stay in their apartments for a day or two. In fact, Norm, who is the assistant 'caretaker' here was talking with us about it today as we were leaving to see the potential investigator. He was saying as long as you had water, milk and something to eat you would be alright. And then he added 'and you need your Bible'. Bonnie said not only the Bible but the Book of Mormon, too. He replied that he didn't understand how the Book of Mormon is different from the Bible and that maybe we could explain that to him!! Told him I have one with his name on it and we would do that real soon. Now we're getting a personal note ready to put in the front of the book for him. He and I have talked about religion and many other things over the past few months. And he has helped us out with advice and anything we needed done. He has been a real friend. So I am looking forward to giving him the Book of Mormon.
Well that's about it for the day. Going to be a cold and snowy night. Hope your day went well. Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

February 5, 2017

Bonnie:  It's been a full Sabbath. After Church we had Branch Council. It was a good meeting, except that President Jakob wasn't there. One of the little girls was sick and he stayed at home, of course. The Zobell's were there and that was wonderful. After the Branch  Council, Bob and the Humphry's went to give Sister Huywan the sacrament.  Then, the Zobell's and I went to our apartment. When Bob got there we went to see the Villneuf's. I'm really glad they got to meet the Zobell's. Then, I was dropped off to get dinner ready while Bob and the Zobell's visited Donna Craig. About 5:30 everybody got there, including the young Elders, for dinner. It went well. It is so interesting to talk to Elder Zobell. He, at one time, was over the mental health department of Church Family Services for the world!! He and his wife are wonderful people. Their assignment will be slightly different than ours. One of their major purposes will be to support the Elders in Val D'Or, Quebec, and Timmons, Ontario as well as the Elders here. They will be spending time in these two other places as well as doing what they can for our Branch. It will keep them very busy!
So, now it's almost 9:00 and I am tired. But the dishes are done, and I am about to call some kids! Yes!!
I hope all of our readers have had a delightful Sabbath.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob:  Not much to add to what Bonnie has said. When the Zobell's and I went to visit Donna her daughter, Jeannie, and her husband were there. Donna had Jeannie, Sister Zobell and myself each go over and talk to her roommate, Ruth. I put in the blog a night or two ago a little about Donna's roommate. She doesn't have complete control of her senses and will often just keep repeating the same phrase over and over. And Donna was worried that she would really get agitated if Ruth kept that up. However, now Donna is concerned about Ruth and wants others to talk to her. It shows the true side of Donna and not the indifferent, tough persona she often tries to exhibit.
It was a great meal tonight with the sour cream enchiladas. The home-made brownies topped it off.
Hope everyone has had a great weekend. Ours has been. However, we are bracing for 6 inches of snow coming Monday night and Tuesday. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

February 4, 2016

Bob: An interesting day. The weather is a little colder and many more fishing huts are appearing out on the lake. I tried to take some pictures today, but the subjects were too far away and turned out blurry. Will try and get some pictures tomorrow. Did see several snowmobiles running up and down the lake. Saw a 4 wheeler sitting beside one hut.
Went to visit Norm and Margaret today. We were talking about something and Norm said, "It's been 3 weeks since we saw you." I think we need to drop in a little more often. Maybe we won't harvest the crop, but maybe we can prune the ground some.
Also dropped off some cookies at the apartment of Joe and Deborah. I had seen him in the hallway yesterday and told him we would try and return the plate we had of theirs tonight. He said they waited up till 9:30 and decided to go to bed! He even said she came home early from work. We went to visit Lois last night and she kept us till almost 9. Looks like we need to go back and see Joe and Deborah ASAP.
Elder and Sister Zobell got to Haileybury about 3 today. They came to our place after getting a bite to eat. Talked with them till about 8:30. They brought several boxes with them that we are going to store in the spare room for them. They'll be here tomorrow. We'll have dinner with them and the young Elders after the Branch Council Meeting.
That's about it for now. Hope you are enjoying your weekend. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: We have had a good day, and Bob has written about the important stuff. Let's be prepared for a wonderful day tomorrow as we fast and pray and honor the Lord on His Sabbath  Day.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

February 3, 2017

Bob: Because we got to bed so late last night I did't get up in time to go swimming this morning!! Finally got ready to go grocery shopping and to stop at the bank. After lunch we visited with Donna at the nursing home. Took her some vanilla ice cream and she had to have some right then. Then we visited with Sister Brenda Coe, who is a less active. It was a good visit and Bonnie left a message about temples. By the time we got home it was 6:00. I asked for pancakes for supper and she made bacon pancakes with strawberries. Very, very good!!
After dinner we went down the hall to visit with Lois. She is over 90 years old and is sharp as a tack. She talked to us for over an hour and half. She said there seems to be something about Mormonism that seems to make sense. We'll keep visiting and see how it goes.
Right now I'm enjoying a YouTube concert of Eric Clapton.
Hope you have a great weekend. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: We really enjoy talking to Lois. I always come away from our visits energized. And I always seem to to have things I want to look up. Tonight it is the scripture in the New Testament where Christ says there is no marriage in heaven. I've read something about it before and just need to remember where.
Tomorrow the Zobell's will be here to talk about our Branch. They will spend Sunday here as well, and I will have them over for dinner, along with the Elders.
I can't think of anything to add right now, so I will just wish everyone a good evening and a great day tomorrow.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

February 2, 2017

Bonnie:  We've had an eventful day. We stopped by to visit with a "golden" couple, though they don't know it. He loves to talk, and it's hard to get into a conversation about the gospel, but we did it! We left a Book of Mormon with them and I think the wife will begin to read it. We hope so! Then, we went to visit Cushman's. Karol is better and felt well enough to go out to dinner in Englehart. We got her into our car and headed over to pick up her husband who was having a visit with his social worker. His visit went over by 10-15 minutes. When he came out with his social worker he said he had to go to the hospital because he was having suicidal thoughts. He looked so sad, especially as he said goodbye to his wife. He may not be in the hospital for long, or he may be bad enough that they send him to North Bay to a hospital there. This is so crazy! Why is this happening to them? We love them so much! Anyway, my heart is full of worry for Warren and also full of gratitude for being able to give a Book of Mormon to the Field's.
Tonight I tackled cleaning the floors while Bob reffed basketball games. Take a look at all of the sand and salt I swept up in the picture below. Most of it was in the entry way to our apartment! Then, as I was putting everything away, I found some more in our bedroom. If any of you visit Canada please respect them by taking off your shoes. It will really help with the clean up.
I hope everyone has had a great day, with prospects for an even better day tomorrow!
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: I don't have anything much to add. The ball games were fine and my knees don't hurt as much as they did when I first started.
The picture Bonnie took of the sand in the entryway didn't turn out, so we're using the one from the bedroom. The other sand pile was at least three times as big as this one!
Hope your day went well. All my love and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Sand Sweepings from the bedroom

February 1, 2017

Bob: This might be our last day of warmer weather. The temperature will drop considerably tomorrow. With the wind chill, they are predicting -35°F!! We're still planning on going out though. We'll see how it is in the morning.
Visited with our good friends Trudy and Jack today. We're having them, Brad and his two daughters over for dinner on the 11th. We will truly miss them when we leave.
Today as we were driving away from the apartment I noticed a young boy on a sled moving towards us on the sidewalk. He was not sitting still, but moving. It looked like a toy truck was pulling him. Then I saw his parents walking about 10 feet behind him. The dad was guiding the remote control truck that was pulling the boy. I did not know those remote control vehicles had that much power.
Ran some other errands today and tried to buy some chocolate kisses for our valentines project. We could not find regular Hershey kisses anywhere in town. We were able to get red and pink poster paper to make the valentine containers though.
Able to go swimming again today. Made it 1800 meters.
Time for bed. Hope you had a wonderful day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie:  We made some deliveries today to members of our Branch--a birthday card to a couple finally coming back to church, and some old New Era magazines to another young girl. We hope they will do some good there. We also did our Meals on Wheels deliveries. We had five stops to make, which is more than we started with. It's fun getting out to meet people. And our friend Lois wants us to stop by Friday night to chat. She is the sweetest lady, another person we will miss when we leave.
Tomorrow we hope to see some members and a potential investigator  and his wife. These are the friends of our Branch President and wonderful people.
The only other thing that happened is that I lost a pair of gloves! I don't know where I left them. Not to worry, however, because I have another pair. It sounds like tomorrow I will definitely need them.
Sleep tight, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie