The blessings that we have received from our travel to Haiti continue. There is a new spring in Rudy's step and a renewed interest in life. While there, he (along with Mike and Brian) worked with 3 Haitians in the shop building the top kitchen cabinets. He seemed to especially build a rapport with a Haitian named, Lazaitim. Daryl informed us that they have now hired his brother, Pierre, as an electrician. Since learning this, Rudy has been studying his "Engineer's Notebook" to determine what projects he might be able to work on with these men. He also was excited to purchase some nails and to ship them over via Agape Flights (someone had given them an air nailer, but they didn't have any nails).
This morning, Rudy asked what I had planned for the day and after I kind of went through my list, he asked if I would be interested in going to World Relief sewing at the church. (Last year, I had suggested it and he shrugged it off - not interested...) I kinda' had my day planned out in my head, and wasn't sure that i was interested (sometimes need time to change course), so during our walk, we stopped by Harold and Carole's to see if Rudy could ride with them. Well, I did decide to go along and I am so glad I did. It really was a great time of fellowship. Rudy knotted quilts...and talked... with Harold, Dean Marty, and Bob Indermuhle. I quilted before lunch and then knotted after lunch. We enjoyed the drive with Harold and Carole, also. Marge (Zollinger) is thinking that she might even be able to talk John in to coming if he knows Rudy is around :-)
This morning, we did purchase our tickets to return to Haiti, March 2. When I received the flight info from Daryl, I asked Rudy if we should make the commitment. In response, I simply got that big huge grin of his that shouts "yes! yes! yes! Can we? Can we?" Interestingly, I have struggled a bit with going back...I enjoyed being there, but the trip is a bit overwhelming. But God is good. I have prayed a lot about it, and this morning, I just felt OK about it ~ kind of calm. And this morning the e-mail came through with the flight info. I could book the flights with joy in my heart.
In addition to our time in Haiti, we have turned to studying the word and drawing closer to God through another area. We are working our way through the "The Lord's Table", a biblical approach to weight management. I have understood for some time that my weight issue is really more of a spiritual issue than a weight issue. If I could not show any control in this area of my life, how could I really expect myself to really draw close to the Lord and follow His leading in other areas. I researched a bit on dieting from a biblical approach and came across this program. The book arrived right before we left for Haiti. When we returned, I showed it to Rudy and asked if he could be my accountability partner. He did even better - he told me he would like to do the program with me. So, each day, we spend about 30 minutes reading and studying together. It is a time that we both look forward to each day. Day one set the focus for the study - Proper Motivation: the Glory of God. The purpose of ALL things in life need to be for the glory of God. Often, overeating is an attempt to find satisfaction in heart. Or maybe we are looking to it as a comfort. Or maybe we are lonely or bored. In all these cases, God is the one who can truly satisfy and it is Him to which we need to turn. I am happy to say that we have both shed a few pounds, but even more importantly, we are gaining a greater appreciation for the power of our Lord.
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"
I Corinthians 10:31
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Planning to return....
Well, things aren't definite yet, but we are exploring the possibility of returning to Haiti. We would arrive with a work team on March 2 and would leave with a medical team on March 23. The work team is mostly from Latty, OH and will be working on the Klopfenstein house. Rudy and I would spend the second two weeks continuing to help with the Luginbuhl and the Klopfenstein house. Daryl said that he could still use some extra hands if anyone feels moved to travel with the work team March 2 - March 9.
This week has been a busy one, but I am not quite sure what we did :-) Shuffle and Bocci ball as well as a Mexican themed meal at Harold and Carole's on Thursday night. Actually, I didn't play Bocci. On my way over on my bike, I started talking with Burney Fournier (a cardiac radiologist from Montreal). He was asking about Haiti and shared that he and his wife spent four years in the Congo. He was teaching/training at a University and she taught school. It was so interesting to compare our experiences (though he had more to share, having been there 4 years compared to our one week). In addition to the experience itself, it has been wonderful to get to know different people through our trip. Some have been to Haiti, others to another third world county, and yet another used to volunteer at Agape flights (sends the materials to the missionaries).
Rudy has been to Agape a couple of times since we have been back. On Wednesday mornings, they have a small worship time. He has sat in with them and he often repeats the one of the sayings he heard, "In America, we get all we can, can all we get, and then sit on the can".
One question/comment, we have heard time and again since we have returned from Haiti is concerning whether the Haitians are lazy. I will say that they have learned to ask white people for things and they are not driven (in the general sense of the word), but I don't think I could say they are lazy. I felt that they were a clean people (beyond PAP) - not an easy task without running water. The cement for the building for the hydro plant was carried down by Haitians in 5 gallon buckets (50 going down and 50 going up). One man is said to have made the trip 32 times - barefoot. this is not an American tall tale. They had a pully system rigged up, but the Haitians could carry it faster. After the earthquake, one man arrived in a wheelbarrow with a shattered leg; he had been pushed the 125 miles from PAP. No the Haitians don't seem to be driven to get ahead - they are more concerned with survival. And quite frankly, with years of a corrupt government, this has probably been a realistic goal. Who knows, if I spend more time there, I may have a different impression.
I was talking with Karen Indermuhle today at church and she shared that her father, traveling to India often, feels overwhelmed with the need and wonders if he is making any difference. I forgot who said the following comment to him, but I really like it: "Are you asked to feed ALL the birds in your backyard or just the ones who come to your bird feeder?" No, we can't fix all the ills of the world, but we can put out an invitation and feed the ones who come.
Changing subjects....we have not been to the beach much. they have had problems with the red tide this year. It is the growth of a red algae, which can cause respiratory problems and can even kill the marine life. I have heard of it in other areas, but this is the first year that we have had it at Nokomis Beach. Guess it is the worst it has been in a number of years. It is fine. We find enough to keep us busy :-)
Hope all is well with each of you!
This week has been a busy one, but I am not quite sure what we did :-) Shuffle and Bocci ball as well as a Mexican themed meal at Harold and Carole's on Thursday night. Actually, I didn't play Bocci. On my way over on my bike, I started talking with Burney Fournier (a cardiac radiologist from Montreal). He was asking about Haiti and shared that he and his wife spent four years in the Congo. He was teaching/training at a University and she taught school. It was so interesting to compare our experiences (though he had more to share, having been there 4 years compared to our one week). In addition to the experience itself, it has been wonderful to get to know different people through our trip. Some have been to Haiti, others to another third world county, and yet another used to volunteer at Agape flights (sends the materials to the missionaries).
Rudy has been to Agape a couple of times since we have been back. On Wednesday mornings, they have a small worship time. He has sat in with them and he often repeats the one of the sayings he heard, "In America, we get all we can, can all we get, and then sit on the can".
One question/comment, we have heard time and again since we have returned from Haiti is concerning whether the Haitians are lazy. I will say that they have learned to ask white people for things and they are not driven (in the general sense of the word), but I don't think I could say they are lazy. I felt that they were a clean people (beyond PAP) - not an easy task without running water. The cement for the building for the hydro plant was carried down by Haitians in 5 gallon buckets (50 going down and 50 going up). One man is said to have made the trip 32 times - barefoot. this is not an American tall tale. They had a pully system rigged up, but the Haitians could carry it faster. After the earthquake, one man arrived in a wheelbarrow with a shattered leg; he had been pushed the 125 miles from PAP. No the Haitians don't seem to be driven to get ahead - they are more concerned with survival. And quite frankly, with years of a corrupt government, this has probably been a realistic goal. Who knows, if I spend more time there, I may have a different impression.
I was talking with Karen Indermuhle today at church and she shared that her father, traveling to India often, feels overwhelmed with the need and wonders if he is making any difference. I forgot who said the following comment to him, but I really like it: "Are you asked to feed ALL the birds in your backyard or just the ones who come to your bird feeder?" No, we can't fix all the ills of the world, but we can put out an invitation and feed the ones who come.
Changing subjects....we have not been to the beach much. they have had problems with the red tide this year. It is the growth of a red algae, which can cause respiratory problems and can even kill the marine life. I have heard of it in other areas, but this is the first year that we have had it at Nokomis Beach. Guess it is the worst it has been in a number of years. It is fine. We find enough to keep us busy :-)
Hope all is well with each of you!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Pictures
If you are having difficulty viewing the pictures, click on the link on the right rather than scrolling down. Not sure what is going on, but this seems to work. I have tried reposting them...they work and then they do not.
Last haiti pictures
Well, I think I have posted the bulk of my pictures. I am anxious to see what the others were able to capture. For example, we went to the market in Cayes, but Sheila (runs the guest house) advised us that if we were going to take pictures, we should 'shoot from the hip'. I decided that I didn't want the added stress. It was chaotic enough as it was. We were only about half way through and Susie and I both said that we had enough! Brian was brave and recorded it as we walked through. I do not have many pictures in the hospital...just didn't feel comfortable taking people's picture. A lot of the ones in the surgery ward were there due to motorcycle or machetee accidents.
Rudy and I ran some errands this morning. It was so "strange" do be driving down the road divided by lanes! And where was the constant blaring of horns??? Oh, and to take a warm shower yesterday - what a treat!!! We didn't have one for a whole week, and yes, the water was very cold. But then, hey, we had running water. Many of the roofing teams that go out from Cayes into the villages don't have running water and they definitely do not have the comfy guest house that we enjoyed with its safe drinking water and cleanly prepared meals. We had it pretty good!
I included some pictures of the compound in Cayes - the multi story building that Tim and Joan Reinhardt designed has their home and three aparments. The bulk of the concrete for the buidling was mixed by hand. the new building being constructed is a storage building for the roofing materials. MEBSH (missionary evangelist baptist church of south haiti) churches or schools have to have their walls completed and they the can apply to receive the roof. Gary Tonner (in our group) had been on one of their trips where they had to hike two hours with all of the materials to get to the building. Joan said they have one waiting that will be a 6 hour hike!! Tim does NOT think he will use an American team for that one :-)
The hike to the hydro plant (generates the electricity for the hospital compound) was an enjoyable experience, but it was a bit treacherous - steep and a lot of loose rock. We did take a dip under the powerful runoff water fall. I didn't get a picture of it, but I know that others did. Once again, can't wait to share! the children at the top of the hill were just darling! The little girl with the big eyes ran after our truck for quite a while when we left - so precious!
Rudy and I ran some errands this morning. It was so "strange" do be driving down the road divided by lanes! And where was the constant blaring of horns??? Oh, and to take a warm shower yesterday - what a treat!!! We didn't have one for a whole week, and yes, the water was very cold. But then, hey, we had running water. Many of the roofing teams that go out from Cayes into the villages don't have running water and they definitely do not have the comfy guest house that we enjoyed with its safe drinking water and cleanly prepared meals. We had it pretty good!
I included some pictures of the compound in Cayes - the multi story building that Tim and Joan Reinhardt designed has their home and three aparments. The bulk of the concrete for the buidling was mixed by hand. the new building being constructed is a storage building for the roofing materials. MEBSH (missionary evangelist baptist church of south haiti) churches or schools have to have their walls completed and they the can apply to receive the roof. Gary Tonner (in our group) had been on one of their trips where they had to hike two hours with all of the materials to get to the building. Joan said they have one waiting that will be a 6 hour hike!! Tim does NOT think he will use an American team for that one :-)
The hike to the hydro plant (generates the electricity for the hospital compound) was an enjoyable experience, but it was a bit treacherous - steep and a lot of loose rock. We did take a dip under the powerful runoff water fall. I didn't get a picture of it, but I know that others did. Once again, can't wait to share! the children at the top of the hill were just darling! The little girl with the big eyes ran after our truck for quite a while when we left - so precious!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Hike through the village
We had the opportunity to take a hike through the village behind the hospital one afternoon. Toto (in first picture with his daughter) was our guide. His home is to the left in the first picture and is in the last picture. That building is actually two homes - each one a room maybe 14 X 14. It was very clean and orderly. We came across some ladies making coffee and a couple of us gave it a try - they roast the beans for about 45 minutes, throw some sugar on, and then pound them into a powder. There were coffee plants all around. The hut with the four posts and thatched roof is a "kitchen". The village was relatively clean and well kept. they showed us a 20 foot hole that they had recently dug by hand - it will be a bathroom.
Kids were coming home from school; it was so fun to hear their squeals and laughter - I guess that is just a universal response :-) The building with the paper chains is their church. The kids really liked Susie's iphone. It gave such a nice big display of the pictures we took of them. One girl kept holding my hand. I wasn't sure if she liked me or if she was hoping I would give her something. Unfortunately, we didn't think to take any of our toys with us. It would have been a perfect opportunity to share. One little guy that walked with us the whole time asked at the end for a "petite machine" (matchbox car). On this trip, we saw many children with a shirt (pre-school age), but no bottoms. It is a great sacrifice to send their children to school. The cost is $300 a year (they just raised the cost). Jami informed me that that Haiti's min wage is $5 a day!!!
Kids were coming home from school; it was so fun to hear their squeals and laughter - I guess that is just a universal response :-) The building with the paper chains is their church. The kids really liked Susie's iphone. It gave such a nice big display of the pictures we took of them. One girl kept holding my hand. I wasn't sure if she liked me or if she was hoping I would give her something. Unfortunately, we didn't think to take any of our toys with us. It would have been a perfect opportunity to share. One little guy that walked with us the whole time asked at the end for a "petite machine" (matchbox car). On this trip, we saw many children with a shirt (pre-school age), but no bottoms. It is a great sacrifice to send their children to school. The cost is $300 a year (they just raised the cost). Jami informed me that that Haiti's min wage is $5 a day!!!
Haiti trip
I will break the trip into different sections. Post a group of pictures and then a post with text. I may do one section each day or a couple each day. It can be difficult to try and summarize all that we experienced - saw, felt and did, esp what we felt.
Port Au Prince
Our trip began and ended in Port Au Prince, so that is where I will start.
As we began to land in PAP, Rudy and I both had tears in our eyes. The poverty was so vividly evident even from the air. Our plane left Miami about an hour late (they couldn't get the cargo door shut) and I think that worked in our favor in the end. Daryl said that it was the smoothest time in the PAP airport that he has ever had; I am sure the Haitians know when the planes land and leave. There weren't many who were fighting over our bags. We did have someone scheduled to pick us up and that helped also! The a/c on our bus wasn't working so we had the full effect of the sounds and smells of the city. There were sooo many people!!!! And they were burning trash all over, though there was plenty left on the ground and in the water ways. There is no system for trash, so they burn it. At one place in the city, there is a big dump of sorts. The trash is burning and people are digging through it. The city stretched on for quite awhile - it was beyond heartbreaking. As we reached more of the countryside, we saw more fields and animals. It is a long drive and towards evening, we could see the children bringing the animals in (staked out different places). Before we began the drive, Daryl said we needed to say a prayer (seriously -it was needed). Our driver drove like a madman! The horn and brakes are essential! and it doesn't matter what side of the road you drive on as long as you get through - vehicles, motorcycles (taxis), walkers, donkeys, etc. We did get caught in a protest - thankfully it was a peaceful one - the street was full of people and we kind of inched a long for awhile. We were weary when we reached Cavillon, and then we transferred to the truck from the hospital and began the 7 mile drive up the mountain. The road was so bad it took about 45 minutes! The 4 wheelers would have loved it!! It was so bumpy and you would often find your stomach about a foot lower than it was a second ago. There were also a couple of spots that were like a washer board - speed bumps a good foot height. The Haitians put them in to keep the traffic slow. Some spots were still dangerously washed out from hurricane Sandy. We realized again on Sunday how thankful we should be for our safe travels when we heard that four people from Michigan were not as fortunate. They came in the same day as we did and traveled the same road, but the brakes on their vehicle failed. Four out of 5 lost their lives (some had been to Haiti 15 times).
the drive back yesterday began at 4:45 am. They never know what will happen on the road to PAP, so they give plenty of time (a few teams have missed their flights). There were already many Haitians on the road at that time, heading to market. We saw some beautiful sights in the early morning, but were unable to capture it on camera. at one point, we saw the sun rising behind the mountains, reflected on the ocean with the silhouettes of three or four fishing boats. This driver was much more cautious - thankfully!!! As we arrived in PAP, we got into a major traffic jam - not really going anywhere and pretty soon we saw a couple of UN MPs, heading the other direction, as well as some Haitian police (first time I saw them do anything other than sit outside their office). A little later their was what looked like a tank of some sort and when our driver took to the back roads, we passed a UN tanker that we are assuming was carrying tear gas. At that point, I was quite glad that we got up at 4am to get an early start to the day!!! I would much rather sit in the airport for a few hours than to get caught in that. Daryl had said he was stuck for 3 hours once.
We were very happy and content in Bonne Fin, but the drive to and from PAP was anxiety inducing!
As we began to land in PAP, Rudy and I both had tears in our eyes. The poverty was so vividly evident even from the air. Our plane left Miami about an hour late (they couldn't get the cargo door shut) and I think that worked in our favor in the end. Daryl said that it was the smoothest time in the PAP airport that he has ever had; I am sure the Haitians know when the planes land and leave. There weren't many who were fighting over our bags. We did have someone scheduled to pick us up and that helped also! The a/c on our bus wasn't working so we had the full effect of the sounds and smells of the city. There were sooo many people!!!! And they were burning trash all over, though there was plenty left on the ground and in the water ways. There is no system for trash, so they burn it. At one place in the city, there is a big dump of sorts. The trash is burning and people are digging through it. The city stretched on for quite awhile - it was beyond heartbreaking. As we reached more of the countryside, we saw more fields and animals. It is a long drive and towards evening, we could see the children bringing the animals in (staked out different places). Before we began the drive, Daryl said we needed to say a prayer (seriously -it was needed). Our driver drove like a madman! The horn and brakes are essential! and it doesn't matter what side of the road you drive on as long as you get through - vehicles, motorcycles (taxis), walkers, donkeys, etc. We did get caught in a protest - thankfully it was a peaceful one - the street was full of people and we kind of inched a long for awhile. We were weary when we reached Cavillon, and then we transferred to the truck from the hospital and began the 7 mile drive up the mountain. The road was so bad it took about 45 minutes! The 4 wheelers would have loved it!! It was so bumpy and you would often find your stomach about a foot lower than it was a second ago. There were also a couple of spots that were like a washer board - speed bumps a good foot height. The Haitians put them in to keep the traffic slow. Some spots were still dangerously washed out from hurricane Sandy. We realized again on Sunday how thankful we should be for our safe travels when we heard that four people from Michigan were not as fortunate. They came in the same day as we did and traveled the same road, but the brakes on their vehicle failed. Four out of 5 lost their lives (some had been to Haiti 15 times).
the drive back yesterday began at 4:45 am. They never know what will happen on the road to PAP, so they give plenty of time (a few teams have missed their flights). There were already many Haitians on the road at that time, heading to market. We saw some beautiful sights in the early morning, but were unable to capture it on camera. at one point, we saw the sun rising behind the mountains, reflected on the ocean with the silhouettes of three or four fishing boats. This driver was much more cautious - thankfully!!! As we arrived in PAP, we got into a major traffic jam - not really going anywhere and pretty soon we saw a couple of UN MPs, heading the other direction, as well as some Haitian police (first time I saw them do anything other than sit outside their office). A little later their was what looked like a tank of some sort and when our driver took to the back roads, we passed a UN tanker that we are assuming was carrying tear gas. At that point, I was quite glad that we got up at 4am to get an early start to the day!!! I would much rather sit in the airport for a few hours than to get caught in that. Daryl had said he was stuck for 3 hours once.
We were very happy and content in Bonne Fin, but the drive to and from PAP was anxiety inducing!
Friday, January 11, 2013
On our way...
We will be leaving for Miami within the hour. We both woke up this morning rather excited! We have had moments of apprehension and doubt, but right now we are really looking foward to our experience. This evening, we will meet with our team - going out to eat and then will have a briefing on the travel to Haiti and the work for the week. Our flight leaves at 10:15am tomorrow and will be about 2 hours long. BUT then we have a 4.5 hours bus ride to Bonne Fin!
We managed to load everything including light weight comfortors, little girls' dresses, toys, and clothes into carry-on luggage. We are traveling light! I know we will be so thankful once we get there.
Take care here and we will look forward to talking with you when we return. We will make some phone calls before we head out, but then will have limited communication in the next week. Our flight will return to Miami at 3:40 pm on January 19.
We managed to load everything including light weight comfortors, little girls' dresses, toys, and clothes into carry-on luggage. We are traveling light! I know we will be so thankful once we get there.
Take care here and we will look forward to talking with you when we return. We will make some phone calls before we head out, but then will have limited communication in the next week. Our flight will return to Miami at 3:40 pm on January 19.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Bike ride to Caspersen Beach - text
Yesterday, we rode our bikes on the trail to Caspersen Beach. I have included some pictures of the beach and along the trail. The pictures are a bit frustrating - I can upload them from a phone or a webcam or a URL or picasso, but I am not finding where I can upload them from my computer or my SD card. If I send them from shutterfly, you get the slideshow. If any of you bloggers out there have some advice, I sure would be glad to hear it!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
PS "preparing for Haiti" post..
Our purpose in traveling to haiti is to work on Daryl and Norma Luginbuhl's home. They are moving to Haiti (this trip, I believe) and will be maintaining the hospital. Daryl is Dawn Maibach's brother and if you remember Mary Elizabeth, Sandy's friend, it is her parents. The pictures came out a bit smaller than I expected. The first is our bus trip from the airport to Hospital Lumiere, Bonne Fin. The second is the outside of the Luginbuhl home. We will be doing a lot of painting, cabinetry, etc.
Preparing for Haiti...
Just starting with the picture addition...
I have some learning to do, but I at least have these in for you to see.
We will be driving over to Miami this Friday, will meet up with the rest of the team, stay overnight near the airport and then fly out Saturday morning. We are excited to go...a bit apprehensive, but excited. Gary and Terry stopped in after their trip and showed us their pictures and told us of their experiences. It made it seem so much more real! Once we are in Haiti, we will not have cell phone usage, but hopefully, we will have access to e-mail occasionally.
I started to put aside the clothes that we will take, the little gifts that I have rounded up (Daryl had mentioned a few things that they can pass out at the hospital), and travel size toiletries. Martha Marty has some light weight blankets from the Sarasota sewing group as well as some simple little dresses that she made. I am hoping to get by with carry on luggage, but we will see - maybe one checked bag. It sounds like it can be a chore to gather your luggage in port-au-prince. We have had our tetanus and hepatitis A/B shots as well as pills for typhoid and malaria. Hopefully, we are covered. We will probably do just fine in Haiti and come back here and get a good 'ole case of the flu!
Sunday, we helped with lunch. I had signed up with two other couples that we didn't know real well and it just went great. It was an excellent opportunity to make some additional acquaintances. People arrived at church late and at first we thought that we were going to be left with a lot of extra food. As we sat in the back, so we could go out of church early to finish preparation, we watched more and more people come in. Then some were worried that we might not have enough! It went fine. We spent the evening over at Lorris and Lottie's along with Jean (Mr) and Jean (Mrs) Dagesse, a couple we have gotten to now well through the Stissers as well as shuffling and bocci ball.
Monday, started out cool and rainy. Rudy was a bit lost as to what to do. It was the perfect kind of day for him to spend a couple hours at Dave or John's (Zollinger), but neither of them are here. And then he got to thinking about how he missed Sheldon too. Thankfully, the day cleared off and he went off to open shuffle at 1:00. In the evening, we had about 25 people here for a fish fry. Gaylord Beery brought some fish he had caught in Lake Erie. They were going to have it at their place, but we offered to host since we had some tables and chairs and more space on our car port. Boy, was it good!! Rudy added some limburger cheese to the food choices - yuck! Obviously, some others liked it as well, because it is mostly gone - yeah!
The next couple of days we are supposed to be looking at the high 70s/80. We are planning to get some bike rides in as well as the doubles tournament (shuffle) on Thursday. I also called Mary Jo and we are hoping to get together some time this week.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Settling in...
Coming south is a blessing in so many ways, but it also requires a time of adjustment. There is the push to get through the holidays (many joyous times, but also exhausting). Then we push to finalize winter preparations at the house - trying to think 3 months in advance. Next comes the drive down and you get here and you go through the same motions as up north, just in reverse. Anyway, not meant as a complaint, just an observation. It is definitely different than going on vacation and it takes some time to settle in and relax. I think that today we started that transition.
This time of year is difficult for Rudy and this week seemed to be particularly rough. There have also been some good times. We went out to eat for Harold Widmer's birthday and have visited with Gaylord and Cheryl Beery and boys a few times. Lorrie Stisser was cutting down an orange tree and Rudy went over with his chainsaw - it is always fun to rev up an engine, right? :-) Throw in some bocci ball and shuffling, too. But underneath it all, there is a tinge of sadness. We discussed whether he would fly home for Dorothy's funeral, which would also allow him to spend tomorrow with his immediate family. In the end, he decided to stay here. I think just knowing he had the option to go home and to work that through his mind, helped to lighten his mood. He took his bike out on the trail, loaned some bikes to the Beerys, and discussed a fish fry/limburger cheese party for Monday night. (I was "resting my ankle" by the pool :-) Anyway, you can send some prayers his way (and he loves phone calls from his family - he may be busy, but he is still touched when he hears from you).
I mentioned Lorrie's orange tree. Many of the fruit trees in the park have died over the last year. It has been dry and then I guess there is some disease that has affected them. Lorrie and Lottie had been nursing their orange tree back to health over the last two years, but it didn't make it. Our grape fruit tree is hanging on. We chopped the top off last year - it was way out of control and we took about half of it off. This year we will trim around the sides (talked to couple people at a nursery last year). The grapefruit are limited, but they are starting to increase in size (softball+ rather than a tennis ball) and there seems to be some new foliage. I had wanted to plant a lemon tree, but I am not sure if we will this year or if we will wait.
Weather-wise has been good. Yesterday was cool (60) and overcast, but otherwise we have been in the 70s. We are going to head over to the beach for the sunset now...take care.
This time of year is difficult for Rudy and this week seemed to be particularly rough. There have also been some good times. We went out to eat for Harold Widmer's birthday and have visited with Gaylord and Cheryl Beery and boys a few times. Lorrie Stisser was cutting down an orange tree and Rudy went over with his chainsaw - it is always fun to rev up an engine, right? :-) Throw in some bocci ball and shuffling, too. But underneath it all, there is a tinge of sadness. We discussed whether he would fly home for Dorothy's funeral, which would also allow him to spend tomorrow with his immediate family. In the end, he decided to stay here. I think just knowing he had the option to go home and to work that through his mind, helped to lighten his mood. He took his bike out on the trail, loaned some bikes to the Beerys, and discussed a fish fry/limburger cheese party for Monday night. (I was "resting my ankle" by the pool :-) Anyway, you can send some prayers his way (and he loves phone calls from his family - he may be busy, but he is still touched when he hears from you).
I mentioned Lorrie's orange tree. Many of the fruit trees in the park have died over the last year. It has been dry and then I guess there is some disease that has affected them. Lorrie and Lottie had been nursing their orange tree back to health over the last two years, but it didn't make it. Our grape fruit tree is hanging on. We chopped the top off last year - it was way out of control and we took about half of it off. This year we will trim around the sides (talked to couple people at a nursery last year). The grapefruit are limited, but they are starting to increase in size (softball+ rather than a tennis ball) and there seems to be some new foliage. I had wanted to plant a lemon tree, but I am not sure if we will this year or if we will wait.
Weather-wise has been good. Yesterday was cool (60) and overcast, but otherwise we have been in the 70s. We are going to head over to the beach for the sunset now...take care.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
No checks in the mail yet...
As I went to look in the mailbox yesterday, Julie (of Tony and Julie who live on our street here in Florida) pedaled by on her three wheel bicycle. Her comment, "No checks in the mail yet" left me a bit puzzled at first, and then I realized that it was January 2. I live in a retirement village, thus the first business day of the month is an important day. One thing about living here is that my mind (and compassion) has been opened up to a whole new world. Five years ago, other than owning a Roth IRA, retirement living really wasn't something that I thought about too much. We think it is going to be this glorious time in our lives where everything is "relaxed and easy". People here are happy, but they still have struggles. Life on this earth never stops being just what it is - life on this earth. Each chapter has different high points and low points. We can spend so much time yearning for something "better" that we often miss the joys that are all around us. Simple things that we just take for granted.
New year's day, we took our bikes for a spin on the Legacy trail. It felt so good to be out, but wow, we both have some work to do to get back into bike riding shape! Thankfully, it is an exercise that my ankle (still causing me trouble from a twist the day before Thanksgiving) tolerates well. For lunch, we had fresh salmon, rice and vegetables. Not exactly pork and sauerkraut, but we did have that New year's eve. One of the guests at Joanne's commented that she had never heard of the pork, sauerkraut, mashed potato combination. Another guest (also of German heritage) responded that it was very German. Oh, to be reminded once again that there is a much bigger world out there than our limited view!
Yesterday, we went to the Sarasota Health Department to receive our second hepatitis A/B shot for our upcoming trip to Haiti. Since we were up on Fruitville road, we stopped in at the Oakwood Manor park to see the Tieche family. We had a wonderful visit with Peggy (only one home until shortly before we left). We then stopped at Detwiler's (the local Country Hilltop Market) and headed home. The afternoon was spent being lazy - Rudy watched a History Channel DVD and I read a book.
PS the pictures that I posted are from the last four years - gives you and idea of our beach, the jetty, and a little bit of our place. I will take some more around the park, bike trail, etc.
New year's day, we took our bikes for a spin on the Legacy trail. It felt so good to be out, but wow, we both have some work to do to get back into bike riding shape! Thankfully, it is an exercise that my ankle (still causing me trouble from a twist the day before Thanksgiving) tolerates well. For lunch, we had fresh salmon, rice and vegetables. Not exactly pork and sauerkraut, but we did have that New year's eve. One of the guests at Joanne's commented that she had never heard of the pork, sauerkraut, mashed potato combination. Another guest (also of German heritage) responded that it was very German. Oh, to be reminded once again that there is a much bigger world out there than our limited view!
Yesterday, we went to the Sarasota Health Department to receive our second hepatitis A/B shot for our upcoming trip to Haiti. Since we were up on Fruitville road, we stopped in at the Oakwood Manor park to see the Tieche family. We had a wonderful visit with Peggy (only one home until shortly before we left). We then stopped at Detwiler's (the local Country Hilltop Market) and headed home. The afternoon was spent being lazy - Rudy watched a History Channel DVD and I read a book.
PS the pictures that I posted are from the last four years - gives you and idea of our beach, the jetty, and a little bit of our place. I will take some more around the park, bike trail, etc.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
2013 WILL be a good year!
Last night, Dennis Rassi left us with this message from the pulpit...there may be pain, disappointment discouraging moments etc., but with Christ in our heart and life, it WILL be a good year.
Sunday was a good day. I sat with Kim and busy little Ayana in morning church. She even crawled up in my lap for a short moment of time. Diane (Jarrett) and her girls were on the other side of me and the Tieche family behind me...didn't seem so far from home after all :-)
During the months of January, February and March, the visitors sign up to serve lunch in Sarasota. One couple from Sarasota is the host family and then they like to have three families sign up for each Sunday. When I went back to see if they needed table waiters for the day, Nancy asked if we were going to be around next Sunday and if we would want to help serve lunch (only one couple had signed up). Sure! Plus, Aaron and Kim are the host family so that works out well! So I will do a little baking, Kathy Stoller will run to Sam's Club and we will be set!
Sunday evening we visited with Lorris and Lottie Stisser (very spry octogenarians) from Illinois and Bill and Lauretta Clark. Yesterday, was in the mid 70s. I worked on cleaning some of the kitchen cupboards, we ran some errands and then Rudy shuffled and I rode bike and went to the pool - felt sooo good! In the evening, Joanne Widmer had a group in for supper and then we went to church; can't say we stayed up until midnight.
I am hoping to add some pictures soon. We will see how that goes....
Sunday was a good day. I sat with Kim and busy little Ayana in morning church. She even crawled up in my lap for a short moment of time. Diane (Jarrett) and her girls were on the other side of me and the Tieche family behind me...didn't seem so far from home after all :-)
During the months of January, February and March, the visitors sign up to serve lunch in Sarasota. One couple from Sarasota is the host family and then they like to have three families sign up for each Sunday. When I went back to see if they needed table waiters for the day, Nancy asked if we were going to be around next Sunday and if we would want to help serve lunch (only one couple had signed up). Sure! Plus, Aaron and Kim are the host family so that works out well! So I will do a little baking, Kathy Stoller will run to Sam's Club and we will be set!
Sunday evening we visited with Lorris and Lottie Stisser (very spry octogenarians) from Illinois and Bill and Lauretta Clark. Yesterday, was in the mid 70s. I worked on cleaning some of the kitchen cupboards, we ran some errands and then Rudy shuffled and I rode bike and went to the pool - felt sooo good! In the evening, Joanne Widmer had a group in for supper and then we went to church; can't say we stayed up until midnight.
I am hoping to add some pictures soon. We will see how that goes....
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