November 20, 2015

Bob: Another day, another MLC in the books. Tough thing is, there is another MLC in about 3 weeks. I cooked waffles today with Sister Erickson. Sister Martin had to take care of the front desk and Elder Erickson had a car accident among other things to deal with. With the 2 waffle makers it's not too bad. One person can usually operate both of the makers while the other person makes batter, etc. We ended up with more waffles than we needed though. Some were taken home.
One thing I forgot to tell you about yesterday. When we went to Costco the first thing the First Mate told me was that she needed to visit the washroom because I had taken so long at the bank. I said ok, I'll wait for you because I don't want to get separated in Costco (Walmart is bad enough; I might never find her in Costco). So I'm standing there waiting for her when she finally appears. She tells me, "I must be getting tired. I went into the wrong washroom!" I said, "Was anyone in there?" She said, "Oh yeah! It didn't take me long to realize I was in the wrong one." I asked her if anyone offered her a seat! Anyway, she didn't seem too flustered by it. Happened to me one time, but I don't remember when or where. But the washroom was empty!!
After work today I took 2 Elders to the storage hut so we could load up a box spring, a bed frame, and 3 chairs. They are taking that plus 4 bikes to Windsor, which is just across the border from Detroit. Takes them about 4 hours to get there. That's one trip I didn't want to make. They had to leave their car and take the pickup and cargo van.
Once I got home we went to Walmart to pick up a few things. Don't have major plans tomorrow except helping the Ericksons move their personal things from Building 6 to Building 4. A new couple will be moving into their old apartment in Building 6. I didn't get the insurance certificate till 6:00 today for a new apartment we are trying to lease. The ball is in their court now if they want to lease to us. I originally wanted the apartment by today, but that didn't happen. Now I don't need it till January. I am sure that is going to make them very happy.
Don't know if I mentioned it or not, but Hannah totaled her car a couple weeks ago. Well on Tuesday night she totaled her mother's new car. She is alright, but that's 2 cars in about 2 weeks. I think her mother better sit down when she gets her insurance renewal/non-renewal letter. Either way it's not going to be pretty.
Got to let the First Mate write now before she goes to sleep. Love to all and enjoy your weekend. Good night brother.
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: Some good things happened today. We could hear the missionaries singing for MLC. I just love it--those powerful voices singing "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" and the combined songs: "As Sisters in Zion" and "We'll Bring the World His Truth". It makes me want to weep! Some packages that I have been waiting to receive came today. And two companionships gave us pictures to put on our bulletin board. We  had plenty of waffles and plenty of treats on the treat platter. It was a very good day.
Tomorrow we will  help Erickson's move and then have them over for a simple dinner. It will also be a good day and I will get to do some cooking!
May all of us  have a good day tomorrow, where we are blessed by the Lord is my prayer this night.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

November 19, 2015

Bonnie:  We're getting started early on the blog tonight. I'm glad for that because I want to go to bed early. Tomorrow Elder Perkins is coming to finish his visit by presiding over MLC. He will be leaving after lunch, but I'm not sure what time. Anyway, Bob was all set to leave today before 5:00 and I still needed to clean and straighten the office before we left. I vacuumed and dusted in the outer office and it looks much better. I've hidden away all the packages and Bob emptied all the garbage. It looks presentable. We then went to the bank (I'll let Bob tell about that) and then to Costco to get the treats for the treat tray. We're having the little cinnamon rolls, the brownie bites and a selection of chips as our offering. I'm sure the missionaries will be pleased with it. The poor Erickson's spent the day in Bracebridge inspecting cars. She came by tonight to get the key to Barrett's old apartment, where they will be moving Saturday. We're getting a new couple who want to be on the first floor because she uses a walker and cane. They will live in Erickson's old apartment. Anyway, to make a long story short, Sis. E. looked like she was ready for a restful night. I'm sure it will be a good day tomorrow. I just have a few preparations left to do, such as the mail. Of course, the mail is a huge deal the closer we get to Christmas.
It's getting colder, especially when the wind blows. It's all good, though. The Lord is blessing me so that I'm not cold very often. What a tender mercy! Maybe I'll have to write that on our Tender Mercy Jar and get some candy--NOT! I've had more than enough candy!
Sweet dreams, everyone I hope you're warm and snuggly tonight.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Let me tell you about the bank. It is amazing that Canada is so far ahead of the rest of the industrialized world. They make it such a joy to do business here. They informed me tonight that they will no longer let us deposit checks that say 'Canada Toronto Mission'. Only checks in the name of the account, 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Canada' will be accepted. Also, they will not honor our checks to buy money orders, nor will they certify our checks. To make this an even sweeter deal you have to stand in line for a good length of time before you get to hear this. I am calling Salt Lake tomorrow and letting them deal with the banking situation. I can send them the checks and they can deposit them in the local account. As far as getting a money order for a rent deposit I'll just keep telling them we can't get one. That always makes the prospective landlord anxious to accept your offer to rent.
Didn't hear anything today about the proof of insurance for the apartment. Actually, we don't need the apartment now until about the 1st of January. I think I'll drop that tidbit of information when they finally call to complete the closing, if they call. They could have had about almost $2000 Monday, but that is now off the table. Anyway, there are lots of other apartments to rent.
Went to Costco tonight after work. We learned that Thursday is a good day to go. The checkout lady looked about beat. She said she couldn't wait to get home and sit down, but that Thursdays are not that bad, really. She said Friday is much worse and that there is no descriptive terms to describe Saturday and Sunday. And now they are staying open an hour later on the weekends. She said she is thankful she doesn't work on the weekend.
Better wind it up for the night. Love and hugs to all. Good night brother.
Dad/Bob

November 18, 2015

Bonnie:  We were able to leave fairly early tonight! Life is good here. There were two big orders that came in late this afternoon, for which I am so grateful. It means I will have many of the things the missionaries will need for Friday's MLC. Because it's so soon after the last one, there will be no big orders to fill or any ESL supplies to prepare. But, there are always a few "hot" items that I need to have on hand such as planners, media/referral bibles, the four standard works in pocket size, "I'm A Mormon" pass-along cards, and "The Restoration" DVD. Oh, and full boxes of Books of Mormon. I should be ok with what I have now. I never know for sure, however. Today a missionary asked me for a Book of Mormon in Burmese. The church doesn't make those, but they do make a Thai translation, so this will work for them.
Just as we were getting ready to leave, the Erickson's came in to pick up the mail for zone conference tomorrow. They looked so tired! They had many more cars to inspect today than yesterday, and no help until the afternoon. I'm sure they will be glad to finish up zone conferences tomorrow. And then, after MLC on Friday, they will have to move to our building on Saturday! Another couple is coming here and will need their first floor apartment. So, life goes on and the missionary work goes on, too.
It's getting colder each day. Now I need my heavier coat. But, the sun still seems to shine, for at least part of every day. I like the weather here so far!
Have a wonderful day tomorrow, everyone.
Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Got caught up on most things today except for the Vertica lease. Got the Certificate of Insurance, but they didn't like something on it. Now Salt Lake has to request it be changed by a firm in Toronto, who in turn sends it back to Salt Lake. Then they send it to the Vendor and me. Can't wait to see what else they find wrong the next time. I called the realtor tonight and she is looking for something else close to here. If I can find it we are on our way out of here. We can keep the 7 apartments we have, but as a couple goes home we will close it down and move elsewhere. Us and the Ericksons need to be closer to our office anyway.
The weather is wet right now. Started raining this afternoon before we left the office. Chance for rain until about 1 tomorrow. Temperatures will be in the 50s from now until about 4 tomorrow afternoon. Then they drop to low 40s and high 30s throughout Friday.
Been going round and round with ATT. They suspended my phone at a reduced rate on May 4th for 6 months. They turned it back on again on Nov 1 and activated the mobile data without me knowing it. When I found out about it on 5th or 6th I had incurred over $50 for data overage charges. They aren't willing to back off anything so far. We'll see what tomorrow brings. My contract is up on November 5th and that's when I say good-bye to ATT. I hope the $50 helps them to a record year!!
Did get the Ossington Zone Leaders a new apartment though. We're keeping the realtor busy looking for apartments. Hope she can find one for the new CES couple that is nicer than what we have.
Joey called and said that Hannah totaled her car last night. Rear ended a tractor-trailer. The truck didn't even stop. Joey bought the car within the last month so I don't think she is going to like the settlement she gets. We'll see how GEICO treats her.
Got to hit the sack. Love to all, and good night brother.
Dad/Bob

November 17, 2015

Bonnie: What a great day this has been. We went to the first part of Zone Conference this morning and listened to Elder Perkins, Sister Clayton, President Clayton and several of the missionaries. According to Elder Perkins instead of the term "meeting" we should call it a "revelatory experience" and come to such gatherings with personal questions. He had us write down two questions. I got help with one and feel I will get it with the other in time. After a huge lunch put on by the Oshawa Stake, we started inspecting the vehicles. Except for the misionary who put oil into the windshield fluid, things went well. In fact, two missionaries made cookies for the Erickson's, which they shared. That was a nice surprise. We then changed and listened to the end of a question and answer session and Elder Perkin's final testimony. Then, tonight, we had dinner with him at Clayton's. We have been well fed today, both physically and spiritually! It was wonderful to sit and ask our own questions to Elder Perkins tonight. Bob will probably share some of what he said.

Tomorrow it's back to the "old grind" I guess you'd call it. Except that each day there are new experiences. I'm sure there are a mountain of packages waiting for me at the office, some that are for Christmas and some that are supplies. Bob will probably stay late tomorrow night to catch up on his many financial/apartment problems. 

May all of my precious family and friends feel the love of the Savior tonight and tomorrow. I know he loves us all with a perfect love.

Love, Mom/Bonnie

Bob: It has been a good day. The 'revelatory experience' was very good today. It was about 50 miles to the Stake Center where we met. But it was good to get away from the apartment problems for at least a day.

I asked Elder Perkins tonight how President Monson was doing. Most of you probably saw him almost fall during his last Conference talk. Elder Perkins said that President Monson is in a wheel chair most of the time now. He does not have much energy and conference week had probably taken a toll on him because of all the meetings, plus Elder Scott's funeral on Monday of that week. His mind is still good, except he does have some problems with short-term memory at times.

One story Elder Perkins told us was about Elder Nelson. I think Elder Nelson performed one of the first heart transplants in China. After Elder Nelson retired from surgery he got a call from China that they wanted him to come over and do an operation on a special person. Elder Nelson explained that he couldn't do that for various reasons. The next day he got another call from the 2nd man in charge in China asking that he please come over and do the surgery. So Elder Nelson went to see President Benson and he told him to go ahead. So Elder Nelson went over and directed the team of doctors that performed the surgery and saved the man's life. I think that was in 1985. During the 30 years between then and now the church has sent various apostles to China requesting a meeting with all Chinese Saints, both natural Chinese and foreigners. The Chinese have always said no to them. They would allow the meeting, but without the Chinese and foreigners combined. This year Elder Nelson went to China and asked the same question. They said, 'For you, old friend, yes, you can have your meeting.' There is much more to the story, but the real point is the Lord is preparing China within for the gospel. Chinese Elders are teaching the gospel and the church is growing in China.

I had better get to bed. Remember, the Lord loves you no matter what. He may be sad with some of the things we do, but He will always love us.

Love to all, and good night brother.

Dad/Bob

November 16, 2015

Bob: This day started okay then went south. Went to sign the lease with Vertica and it didn't happen. They have more concerns so I'll give it one more shot. After that I'll just get apartments elsewhere. They must not need the money.
Then this evening got better. We met at the Bishop's Storehouse for the YSA FHE. There were about 25 there and we did a lot of cleaning and other things that should help those that are there everyday. It was fun to get my mind off the bad experience with Vertica. We took a young man and a young woman with us. Both of them worked hard. The young man worked with me and he didn't stand around watching like some were prone to do at times. We moved pallets, swept and mopped under them. Then we cut the plastic off several pallets and stacked the items so they could be gotten to easily when filling orders. Ended up getting home about 10 after stopping at Wendy's. Had to check out their Frosty machine.
It's late and we have to be in Oshawa (about an hour away) tomorrow at 9:00 for a meeting with Elder Perkins, a visiting First Quorum of Seventy member. After that meeting we have to check the vehicles that the missionaries are driving. Tomorrow night we have dinner at the Mission Home with the President, his wife and Elder Perkins. Probably won't get home till about 8. So starting Wednesday I will be about a day and a half behind. Will be working late both Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Hope your day was fantastic. Love to all and good night brother. Bonnie sends her love.
Dad/Bob

November 15, 2015

Bonnie:  We've had a good Sabbath. We picked up three YSAs today. They live relatively close to each other so that helped. I helped serve the Munch and Mingle dinner today, as usual. We had a small group because several of them went to Montreal for the Temple open house. That meant that they could have two servings of rice instead of one. There was plenty of food. Next Sunday is the Montreal Temple dedication, so there will not be any food served. The dedication should be a wonderful experience. I'm looking forward to it.
Tomorrow the mission is hosting a general authority for the week. He's coming to tour the mission. There will be three Zone Conferences and MLC on Friday. We'll get to meet him personally Tuesday evening because Erickson's and us have been invited to dinner at the Mission Home by Clayton's. It should be a great week. I just hope that the deliveries come tomorrow so I can go to Tuesday's Zone Conference. I have two big orders coming from Salt Lake City and someone has to be here to accept them.
It's been unseasonably warm today. At least that's what everyone says. I love it. I haven't had to wear my heavy, extra warm stuff. May we be warm this coming week is my wish for us all!
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Church was good today, but there were several YSAs not there for some reason. Munch 'n Mingle was sparsely populated. Plenty for seconds and more if you wanted it. We took 3 YSAs to church with us. Luckily, they all lived within a couple miles of each other. Usually they are spread all over the place.
Brad left around 8:30 this morning. He was going to go to Barrie and stop for church up there. It is just about an hour away and church starts at 10 so he shouldn't have had any problems. He wants us to come up sometime during the last half of February and go ice fishing with him. I may take him up on it so we can say 'been there, done that'. Still seems like a bad idea though.
Been a relaxing evening here. We talked to Lorraine, Joey, Shannon (Christian), and Lori. Trying to reach Sandy, who is our upstairs renter. We think she is moving out though.
Got a scanner hooked up tonight. This should keep me from having to run to the Mission Office to scan apartment applications on the weekends. It would be even better if I never have anymore weekend applications!!
This week will be taxing. Have to miss most of Tuesday because of Zone Conference. Going to be loading some furniture to send to Windsor, which is just across the Canadian border from Detroit! The Z/L will take the truck and furniture back with them on Friday and then bring it back here on the 25th. Saves me from driving to Detroit. I am all for that.
Weather was really nice today. Don't know why we were so blessed, but it surely was nice. Next 5 days are from 47 to 55.
Better call it a night. Love to all and good night brother.
Dad/Bob

November 14, 2015

Bonnie:  We've had a lovely day today with Brad and going to the temple. We were able to get the initiatory done for his great-grandma just before the endowment session.  I was able to take her name through. The big challenge this morning was getting breakfast. We wanted to go to Flips but it was a half hour wait. So, we tried to find a Denny's near the temple. We couldn't find that either. We ended up going to a place called Wimpy's. It was very good. After the temple we decided to go to the movies to see "Bridge of Spies" with Tom Hanks. It is a great movie! So, we're home now, relaxing and getting ready for bed. Brad will leave early in the morning and attend church in Barrie. He's got a 6-hour drive ahead.
I'm excited for a good night's sleep and for church tomorrow because it's tithing settlement. That means there are no appointments for the Bishop that I have to worry about. I can go to Sunday School and Relief Society. Yes!!
Happy Sabbath, everyone.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie

Bob: Yes, what a lovely day. Was so nice to have someone visiting. Slept in till almost 8, but only did a half hour walk with Brad this morning. Been trying to do an hour's walk on Saturdays.
The reason we couldn't find Denny's today is because it has closed down. However, the Wimpy's was very good. Want to go back and try one of their burgers.
Really enjoyed the movie tonight. I'm trying to remember if Tom Hanks every made a bad movie. The big bag of popcorn helped make it a great night.
Magnolia won their playoff game 54 - 22 over Van, but Valley bowed out to South Harrison 53 - 12. Thus we won't have a state championship game between the 2 of them.
I hear the wind howling outside. It wasn't blowing too bad today while we were out, but I had to break out my scarp to keep my neck and head warm.
Going to hit the sack now. Love to all and good night brother.
Dad/Bob