I Thought My Eyes Were Lying To Me

I have always told everyone what a "braniac" my little Harvey is, but you won't believe what he did the other day. He was out in the backyard, and obviously decided he needed a snack, so he went over to the garden grabbed the stalk of a carrot with his mouth then pulled up with all his might and pulled it up. He then shook it to get all the dirt off, and then ate it - a huge carrot! He had seen Otto do this before but just the fact that he figured out how to do this himself amazed me. Smarty pants. :-) But the little guy in this video may know a couple tricks Harvey still needs to learn. :-/

I am sitting here at work today for a few hours in the afternoon. I am teaching grammar in the morning and then have a gap until 4pm. :-( Hasn't happened before and probably be back to normal next month, but I am trying to use my time wisely. Studying my Spanish bookstudy material for tonight, and doing some Chinese lessons too. Might as well make the most of it. :-)

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a great week. If your dog can do more advanced tricks than the one in the video...or my brilliant Harvey's carrot pulling trick then let me know for sure. Sadly I had to leave Pearl out of this one - her best trick is just loving me. Other than that just, just having her tongue hangout, and bark at the fridge is what she is best at.

love to all,
d :-)

Baby Kroes on The Way!

Well Tyler and Janelle's baby is almost here. Went into labour last night so any time so the little one should be making its appearance. Mom and Dad are out there ready to make phone calls once he/she gets here. :-)

This was a great long weekend. First, Saturday, I attended the Special Assembly Day again. It was quite a bit bigger than the one I visited a few weeks ago - 700 people - so had to sit in the cafeteria. The speaker was Clayton Hansen. He was a really good speaker and I noticed he focused on Canadian experiences. That was unique because even though it is nice to know what is going on around the world - it is also nice to hear what is happening right here in Canada too. I really liked a couple points he made. One being that even though the governments of even the super power nations right now do have the best of intentions, but the reason they can't succeed is because brings in legislation to improve government laws and policies to improve life for people - the governments can't legislate peoples morals and ethics...and that is why life is deteriorating world-wide. Lots of food for thought.

Yesterday, as a massive Kingdom Hall work bee. We had a fantastic turnout of about 75% of the congregation. My raking partner was Lauren. She is studying French. And I am studying Spanish, and doing my Chinese lessons too. The company where I am studying my Spanish also gave me free Chinese lessons, so I thought "why not??" There are both language groups in the territory so why not try to learn both. Anyway, it was great that Lauren and I could work together because she was able teach me French words and phrases and I could teach her Spanish and Chinese ones. So excellent morning there, and then hung around the house doing stuff in the afternoon. And now TODAY...the actual holiday I have a laundry list of things i want to get done around here. Starting by curling this mop of hair on top of my head and then going to put all my summer stuff into storage to make room for all my over-sized winter clothing. Lots to do!

Okay, everyone have a wonderful day yourselves. Harvey and Pearl need a good scratch on the head so gotta run and get than done with too. :-) ....oh ya and that cute little cuz of theirs Otto too.

Love to all,
d :-)

Okay, I added Some Music

Hey hi again. :-)

As you will hear I added some background music. Thought it would be kind of nice as I was reading...or writing. But if you are reading this and you are thinking "oh my goodness, she is trying to drive me insane with this stuff!" ...don't want to be responsible for anyone's demise...so just scroll to the bottom of the page and there is an on/off button, and and volume button. Okay, happy listening!

Love again!
d :-)

Fabulous Special Assembly Day

Hey hi everyone, :-)

Can't believe it is already October 1st. However, this year is off to a great start. Last week Mom and Dad slipped off to a Saturday assembly day, and were telling me how great it was so I decided to take it in the next day...just EXCELLENT. A superb program. One of those assembly days where the information is presented is such a good way with really fitting interviews so that a person feels motivated to keep on going - or do more. :-) Warren Schufeldt was the visiting speaker. Over the years him and Al Hamacher have been my favorite speakers because both can and could, paint really vivid pictures with words. In the closing talk he was talking about living in a spiritual paradise as we do now, and drawing the parallel with residing in Yellow Stone. However, as much as deers love living in a protected paradise their are some that wander unintentionally, or intentionally, outside the park sometimes and end up with their head being a trophy on someone's wall.

Work has been coming together nicely. I am loving working with older students. They know that it affects their career and future studies so they are very serious and listen acutely. Also, I have a student from Saudi Arabia that I am learning a lot from about life there. It is even more of a flip culture than even Asia. Really gives good insight though too into some things mentioned in the Bible. Makes me think ahhhhh.....that makes sense now.

Harvey and Pearl are doing awesome. Getting lots of exercise. Pearl seems to suck up to my dad a lot. Makes me wonder if he drops crumbs on his chest or something. :-/ I really have to say their health is still doing great and I can't believe they have only been to the vet only once since leaving Korea. So hopefully they'll continue to be healthy little rug rats. :-)

Well, the next week should be good. I have my own Special Assembly Day next Saturday, so I will get to hear it all again - how good is that! Then Sunday a work bee. Weather is getting colder all the time. Some people try to say that it is still warm, but when you ride a motorcycle YOU KNOW when it is starting get cooler. :-/

Okay, will run. Have a wonderful week. Love to all,

d :-)

Got Back & Things Are Going Well

The trip home was wonderful. At one moment we were at a rest stop called Shasta River rest area. It was absolutely gorgeous. I think we were there the whole afternoon and enjoyed the grass and river and then drove at night when it was cooler. Harvey and Pearl had already impressed several people with their talent for belly dragging on the grass. :-/ I noticed something this year. There must have been a police crackdown on people that solicit at rest areas because of all our stops, there were no people asking for money or such. It was terrible when a person doesn’t know who was in need and who is a scammer. :-( Anyways, I think it took about 4 days to get back to Kelowna – 55 was a lot slower than 70 for driving. But that was okay. I had one man in a morning at a rest stop, yell out, “hey novice! I saw you in Palm Desert. Amazing that we are at the same stop again in Northern California." Mind you, he had already been to San Francisco so he was hauling a lot quicker than me. I also had several people tell me they saw me on the highway and my driving was fine. Of course they are referring to my sign I wrote on the back window of my RV warning people be cautious near me. I think I will leave it on there for a long time as people seem to be more patient when they know someone was admitting they are not good at something. - - Harvey and Pearl are did well the entire way. We were out of the 117 degree heat (for you Celsius people, subtract 30 and divide by two) by Northern California. My truck has really good aircon, but even I felt a little warm one afternoon as the heat kept getting higher and higher. I was really worried about going up the Grapevine, but just crept and crept and made it over. Then I was worried about Grants Pass, but we did just fine going very slow. Downhill was almost as hard as going up hill because it was a bit of challenge for me figuring out what was the right gain on the brake controls – too much and steering column shakes violently as the trailer hops behind (the big rigs ripple the pavement in the heat), and too little and I can feel all 7,500 lbs pushing me. Anyway, I said lots of little prayers asking for calm nerves and it went good. I think the plan was to get to Portland or somewhere close to it, and then drive the rest of the way the next day…but it took more time. This was definitely my longest haul yet, but now I am getting ideas for some other jaunts. It REALLY was nice to have a little apt on wheels right behind though because I could drive until I was tired and then just pull off beside a CHEVRON or some other safe place because I had everything with me and just had a good night’s sleep. My unit is definitely not anything outstanding compared to others, or expensive but I sure do love it.

Now being here, things are going good. I am teaching afternoons at the college, and will be doing a little tutoring – not big bucks but enough to cover the expenses. And right now the schedule is allowing me to have more time for study, so I am really enjoying that.

Living in the interior as opposed to the Coast is a bit of an adjustment. I was told that the weather would be similar to Korea and so far it is. So I like that. However, I am not used to wildlife walking around the houses. I don’t mind the deer, but I don’t like the huge coyotes and bears that wander around. I find that my eyes are darting everywhere when I am walking Harvey and Pearl, and I am very thankful the yard is completely fenced. I am thinking within a couple months the bears will be hibernating, which will make me happy as they are the ones I worry about the most. I hear others say, “oh they fill up on other stuff. You don’t have to worry about them eating humans.” In my mind, that comment converts to: ”they eat all the cats and small dogs in the neighborhood”. Anyway, we are living on a mountain so I guess wildlife can be expected. :-/

Other than this, all is good. I am riding my motorcycle back and forth to work which means cheap gas. I am enjoying getting to know people in the congregation, and gradually getting to know the area better too.

Well, I better run. I have a little study to do. My Spanish needs to be a priority these days.

Love to everyone,

D :-)

Zip Down, Zip Up

Hey hi everyone, :-)

Well, since I will be staying in Kelowna this year I had to run down to the desert and get my RV, just a quick down for a few days, and back up. It has gone well so far. We took off on Friday night. I decided to go down the 97 for a change, so the first night we stayed at a MOTEL 6 in Wenatchee. Pearl as usual had to give me heart attack right off the bat. I was giving them something called CHICKEN TENDER STRIPS for treats. On Friday night I was looking at them thinking "these things really aren't that tender...I wonder if they could ever hurt a dog???" Well, when we woke up on Saturday morning I tossed Harvey and Pearl each one, suddenly Pearl was struggling as one had speared her through the top of her mouth and blood was spurting out all over the sheets as she was crying and struggling to get it out. Meanwhile I was racing to put my clothes on to rush her to the vet. I had instant mental replay of my time in Korea where the item dislodged as I was running with a limp Pearl down the street. The bumping of the running obviously worked liked a heimlich. Anyway, she got it out but it was very scary...and now they are no longer allowed to have CHICKEN TENDERS...rather CHICKEN SPEARS for treats.

After going down the 97 though I think it is nice to do it once to see the scenery, but the I-5 is what I prefer. I didn't like having to slow down to 25 miles per hour to go through towns, and often I was the only one driving on long lonely stretches of road which made me feel a bit uneasy if I broke down or something.

Being down here we have hit the hottest stretch this summer - 114 yesterday and 117 today. But we are taking off this morning so hopefully will be out of it by lunch - even though I really do like the heat. I got the motorcycle in the back of truck. Tried several methods but was able to find two gentlemen on the street looking for work and paid them to put it in for me. It was fast and easy. Now off to the storage unit this morning to get the trailer.

Even though we have been out for some good walks while down here early early in the morning before the sun gets hot, I think Harvey and Pearl will be glad to be where it is a bit cooler. We went around the block last night and Pearl just stop and planted herself and wouldn't go further, so I picked her up and carried her. Even cold water in a dish in front of her wasn't even enough to coax her.

Well, better run to get the truck packed. Been staying at the MOTEL 6 downtown here. It is an awesome deal I think. During the summer months it is only $41 per night (45 in winter), and IMMACULATE. And each time I stay here Harvey and Pearl are treated so good. Anyway, for pet lovers it really is a great lodging place.

Okay, love to everyone. :-)

d :-)

Rolling With The Punches

Hey hi everyone, :-)

Hope you all are having a great summer. Things are going good here. I am in Kelowna. A lot has happened over the last five weeks. Haven't written as there has been SO much happening that writing hasn't really been on my mind. As I mentioned the summer assembly was excellent and then following that I house/dog sat for mom and dad as they went to Dawson Creek. Then Justin and Mel, Tyler and Janelle, and the rest of the family got together and stayed at mom and dad's house for a week. We all had SUCH a good time. Really really great to see everyone. I am still slowly but surely practicing my Spanish. Felt further inspired last night when I was talking to a sister at the beach. Her and her husband were asked by Bethel to move to Kelowna to help with the Spanish because of the work needing to be done here. She says it has really been excellent in response - so now I have to keep working at it. :-) I am going to stay in Kelowna longer than planned. When I first arrived it was just summer holiday, but about 10 days after arriving my teaching company in Korea started having financial problems and it has become quite unstable for work. I prayed about it, because basically Jehovah knows what I need...most importantly FOOD...and He came through. The college here advertised for a teacher so I called them and was hired. Teaching uni students and loving it. Seems like really nice staff who really care about their work and helping other people reach their other goals in life besides just work...mine being spiritual. So I am very thankful. And at this time it is only 4.5 days week and can be adjusted down when the time is right. I can't recommend enough praying to Jehovah about EVERYTHING going on in your life because when I person does, somehow things just work out better. :-) Harvey and Pearl are doing excellent. I was just commenting to mom and dad about Harvey's fur right now. He has struggled with terrible skin his whole life despite only eating the best food, but for whatever reason his fur is thick with good skin right now...so that has been an extra bonus to being here. My biggest challenge is getting to know everyone in the hall. I am glad I am supporting the Spanish because a small room of people is a lot easier. However, I have to say this congregation does have a tradition that is really nice for getting to know the brothers and sisters and bringing the congregation closer together - every Friday night they meet at the same beach with all their lawn chairs and bbqs and just hang out. They do it rain or shine. And I can personally say I know they do it in the not so good weather too because last night it was so windy and the waves were SO high it was like a "Jesus walking on the water" evening - waves were flinging the docks up, and the kids could practically surf the waves, but the barbecues and lawn chairs were still out. Really nice. Anyway, when life throws curve balls I have learned you can either break down and cry and lament about it, or put your chin to the wind and just make something just as good or better happen...and that is what I plan to do. :-)

Right now I am hosting two young Korean boys for a camp so today we are off to the Kettle Valley Railway for riding. Mom and Dad have been fabulous about taking them to see and do things too, so when they go home they should have so many good memories. Okay, everyone have a really great week...or month...depending how soon I write again. :-)

love to all,
d :-)

Well I Held My Breath And Jumped In

Hey hi everyone, :-)

Long time, no write. It has been a busy month. I got up here and then immediately went back down to the coast for the assembly. It was fannntassstic. I totally enjoyed the spin that was put on certain subjects - so same ideas of course, but just different way of presenting them. It really made me think about some things. One was supporting the Spanish Group while staying here in Kelowna. So I prepped my heart out and went to the meeting tonight - - and answered 3 times! I just thought if I think about how bad my Spanish is I would never get my hand up, so I dived in and had a great time. So now, next to Jehovah God, Google translator is my best friend. I also bought a package on the internet of online lessons called ROCKET SPANISH. It got the best reviews, so I thought I will be the ultimate guinea pig for them. And so far so good, people at the KH actually understood what I was saying. :-/ The other District Assembly thing that stands out in my mind was Ian Livingston's experience. He is an elder in Vancouver. He was saying that he has enrolled as a regular pioneer five times now, and will keep enrolling all the way to Armageddon if necessary. They were saying that too many people have the idea that if you had to go off the list once that it meant circumstances weren't right and wouldn't be again. But it doesn't have to be like that...keep enrolling and one day the circumstances just might be right and you can continue on. Anyways, it was very inspiring.

Staying at mom and dad's is absolutely fabulous. I have seen REALLY BIG deer walking through the back and Pearl and Harvey are loving it. Dad has the whole backyard fenced in with wire squares so they can walk out there safely. However, this week Pearl has taken up nesting upstairs in the house. Doesn't seem to care if I am up there or not. :-( When she hears something interesting she just runs out on the patio to check out the action below. I am glad that they are having such a good time. Harvey has found a fellow crazy dog in Otto. They are both happy to chase tennis balls around. Cheap and easy entertainment. :-)

Well, I am going to veg. Tired and meeting is in the morning. Everyone have a really great week.

Love to all,
d :-)

The Assembly Starts Tomorrow

Hey hi everyone, :-)

Well I have made it to Abbotsford for the assembly. Can hardly wait. Haven't seen most people for five years and it feels like a long time. I think it took about 35 driving hours to get to Kelowna. It is absolutely gorgeous up there. I can see why many people have moved from the coast up there - good weather and pretty scenery. Harvey and Pearl are having a wonderful time running around mom and dad's back yard. Took Harve all of 2 minutes to figure out the doggy door following Otto around. Pearl as usual is taking a little longer. She actually got out a couple times but then couldn't figure out how to get back in. :-( Anyway, another couple days and I am sure she will master it. :-) Well, I am at the Ramada Inn Conference Center for tonight, and then with Holgates for the other couple nights. Leanne is here from London so it will be super sharing a room with her and catching up. :-) Dad and Mom volunteered to take care of the furbies - first time apart from me. :-/ so a little anxious...me, not them I am sure...but it will give me time to do some good visiting, so I am very thankful. Anyways, I will update everyone after the weekend. Hope you all are having great assemblies this weekend and this summer and fall too!

Love,
d :-)

ps. couldn't download pics off the cam so will have to wait to show you some really cute pics I took - especially the ones of Ethan and Anastasia graduating their kindergarten classes.

We Are On The Road

Hey hi everyone!

We are on the road. Left yesterday morning after work. I thought we did pretty good getting to the border by 12:30 and on our way within 1/2 an hour. I am getting more confident with hooking my unit up. Even though Fausto the park owner volunteered to help me, I asked him to not to so that I can learn how to make sure everything is done right myself. So he though he came out and watched me do things from a distance, he just stayed away until it was finished and then came and eyeballed that everything was in good shape. That really is a great park to stay at - good owners, very helpful. ....The border guards were wondering why I wrote in large letters on my back window "CAUTION, NOVICE RV DRIVER". I am not that bad anymore but I want a wide berth because I don't have a second set of eyes watching for things...so it is better than having written instead, "CHICKEN AT THE WHEEL"...and basically gives people the right to honk at me if I am scaring them - which one Mexican man did when we were going up a winding here. I can be a bit of a line hugger at times and I think I was probably too close to him. Anyways, got here safe. We stayed last night at the SHANGRILA RESORT in Yuma. Absolutely awesome. Harvey and Pearl are beaching their furry bodies on the RV right now as if they are at a club med. It has everything here including excellent TENGO internet, so I highly recommend it. Well, we are off driving the remaining 2 or 3 hours to Palm Springs, so everyone have a great day!

Love to all,
d :-)