white hybiscus
Sunday, September 11, 2005
A Happy Anniversary
To celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary we had planned on going to an arts and craft show at Ocean Parks. When we rechecked the data the morning we were to leave we discovered it was really going to be at Ocean Shores which is much farther than we wanted to drive. Therefore we spent a rather stressful 45 minutes trying to come up with a plan B (which wasn’t made easier by the forecast of possible thunder showers.) We finally decided to go to the Oregon Gardens in Silverton. We have recently discovered an interest in gardening over the past year or two so this sounded like a good plan.
We hurried out the door after saying a quick good bye to Laura and Teresa who were headed up to Jonathan and Tonia’s for the weekend. We were hurrying out the door because we were late for church. Our church has been having special services since Wednesday in honor of Founder’s Week. This year the teaching is on The Judgment Seat of Christ. Saturday’s session was the end of that particular series of teaching although the teacher, Rick Howard, will be preaching Sunday also and we have continued meetings until Tuesday’s love feast to finish off the week. We arrived only slightly late and Linda had saved a seat for us. We enjoyed the teaching and it gave us a lot to ponder and talk about. It’s a subject we probably don’t think enough about.
After feeding the dog and grabbing our lunch we’d made, we headed out. On the way we discovered we had left the directions and camera so we made a quick turnaround by the Monticello hotel. One stop at Kaiser for some meds and we were on our way. We had a good trip down. We do our best talking in the car it seems. We arrived at the gardens about 3:15. We decided to take the tram for a general overview and then walk some. Everything was beautiful. We covered most of the park, both by tram and walking, before it started to pour about 5:45 and we had just reached the gift shop so the timing was good. We felt compassion for the bridal party whose outdoor wedding was to start at 6:00. We were glad we were not the parents of the bride or groom facing the move to inside the pavilion.
We took a few pictures of plants we might want to add to our garden in the future. We then started looking for a place to eat. We ended up at a Thai place in Woodburn that was nice. We ended the night at home watching a Netflick movie Wait until Dark which was suspenseful.
We hurried out the door after saying a quick good bye to Laura and Teresa who were headed up to Jonathan and Tonia’s for the weekend. We were hurrying out the door because we were late for church. Our church has been having special services since Wednesday in honor of Founder’s Week. This year the teaching is on The Judgment Seat of Christ. Saturday’s session was the end of that particular series of teaching although the teacher, Rick Howard, will be preaching Sunday also and we have continued meetings until Tuesday’s love feast to finish off the week. We arrived only slightly late and Linda had saved a seat for us. We enjoyed the teaching and it gave us a lot to ponder and talk about. It’s a subject we probably don’t think enough about.
After feeding the dog and grabbing our lunch we’d made, we headed out. On the way we discovered we had left the directions and camera so we made a quick turnaround by the Monticello hotel. One stop at Kaiser for some meds and we were on our way. We had a good trip down. We do our best talking in the car it seems. We arrived at the gardens about 3:15. We decided to take the tram for a general overview and then walk some. Everything was beautiful. We covered most of the park, both by tram and walking, before it started to pour about 5:45 and we had just reached the gift shop so the timing was good. We felt compassion for the bridal party whose outdoor wedding was to start at 6:00. We were glad we were not the parents of the bride or groom facing the move to inside the pavilion.
We took a few pictures of plants we might want to add to our garden in the future. We then started looking for a place to eat. We ended up at a Thai place in Woodburn that was nice. We ended the night at home watching a Netflick movie Wait until Dark which was suspenseful.
Monday, September 05, 2005
We like three day weekends!
Today Laura woke up at 9:30 to find the house still dark and everyone still asleep, even Wilson. After working the early morning shift I find it is getting harder to sleep in so I enjoyed this morning’s treat. At about 11:15 we headed out the door to visit Grandma and Grandad in Cathlamet. We made a slight detour to feed Susie’s cat on the way. It was a gorgeous day. Theo, as usual, had a delicious lunch for us.
I was able to find a few blackberries to pick although they were not as plentiful as I would have liked. The elk had picked off the closest ones and many of the rest were either moldy, or too high to reach or guarded by spiders, but thanks to Chris I did get a large tub filled. The girls made an attempt to help but couldn’t handle the spiders and determination required to get to the berries. It is really sad that none of my children find quite the satisfaction in berry picking that their mother does.:) They did enjoy the photo albums inside with Grandma and Grandad. We heard some interesting stories of Grandma’s move from Wyoming.
Last night Chris and I went to Mom and Dad’s and visited a bit and then played a game called Probe that we had picked up at a garage sale. It is a bit like hangman with each player choosing a word the others must guess. We also enjoyed talking to Jonathan and Tonia on the phone. We had a good time. The girls returned from their trip to George Fox to visit Kristin to find an empty house. "I wonder where Mom and Dad are now" We forgot to leave a note not expecting to stay out so late. Oops!
Now it is back to work and school tomorrow. I must go and make our sandwiches so they will be ready for tomorrow.
I was able to find a few blackberries to pick although they were not as plentiful as I would have liked. The elk had picked off the closest ones and many of the rest were either moldy, or too high to reach or guarded by spiders, but thanks to Chris I did get a large tub filled. The girls made an attempt to help but couldn’t handle the spiders and determination required to get to the berries. It is really sad that none of my children find quite the satisfaction in berry picking that their mother does.:) They did enjoy the photo albums inside with Grandma and Grandad. We heard some interesting stories of Grandma’s move from Wyoming.
Last night Chris and I went to Mom and Dad’s and visited a bit and then played a game called Probe that we had picked up at a garage sale. It is a bit like hangman with each player choosing a word the others must guess. We also enjoyed talking to Jonathan and Tonia on the phone. We had a good time. The girls returned from their trip to George Fox to visit Kristin to find an empty house. "I wonder where Mom and Dad are now" We forgot to leave a note not expecting to stay out so late. Oops!
Now it is back to work and school tomorrow. I must go and make our sandwiches so they will be ready for tomorrow.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Hurray for the weekend
Tonight is Friday night and we have been invaded by girls. Teresa is having a “sleep over” (where there is actually very little sleep) to celebrate her friends being ungrounded for the summer. Then Laura’s friends decided to come over also so they are holed up in Laura’s room watching a DVD on her computer since Teresa’s friends were in the living room.
Teresa is very pleased with her teachers this year. She has Mrs. Maldonado for Bible and Mr. Sparks for Spanish. She was dreading Spanish with the other teacher so she is very pleased. Mrs. M. is also teaching all the science classes at Cornerstone this year (but Teresa is not taking science this year).
We have been watching some of the coverage of the disaster from the hurricane. It is very overwhelming. It is hard not to know how to help. I wonder what would happen if every church could sponsor a family to be relocated in their town. Sure makes a person think.
In regards to our battle of the bees we have not won the war only that one battle. Since the battle we have had bees coming into Jonathan's old room through the phone line hole. They are mostly dead or dying so we are cleaning up about a dozen a day. And they stink! So we are still fighting the bees
Teresa is very pleased with her teachers this year. She has Mrs. Maldonado for Bible and Mr. Sparks for Spanish. She was dreading Spanish with the other teacher so she is very pleased. Mrs. M. is also teaching all the science classes at Cornerstone this year (but Teresa is not taking science this year).
We have been watching some of the coverage of the disaster from the hurricane. It is very overwhelming. It is hard not to know how to help. I wonder what would happen if every church could sponsor a family to be relocated in their town. Sure makes a person think.
In regards to our battle of the bees we have not won the war only that one battle. Since the battle we have had bees coming into Jonathan's old room through the phone line hole. They are mostly dead or dying so we are cleaning up about a dozen a day. And they stink! So we are still fighting the bees
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Updates
It's Thursday and my only day off this week so I have been catching up on my errands. (sewing, shopping, buying Teresa’s college books, cleaning a little). Each day seems full. Here is a little of what we have been doing:
-Laura has been house-sitting so we have mostly seen her for meals, then she heads off with her friends although we did manage to go shopping together twice.
-Teresa has been quilting with Aunt Linda, spending a last day with Kristin before she goes off to school, school shopping, going to orientation for running start and working and hanging out with Laura.
-Saturday Chris and I went garage saling with Ed and Bev Hilliard and then worked on fixing kitchen cabinets at Frank’s house.
-Sunday we went to church and did errands around the house.
-Monday was work and home group.
-Tuesday Jan went to work and school shopping with the girls. We had great success at Ross. What bargains.
-Wednesday Chris had a meeting after work and Jan did some computer work at home and laundry after work.
-Today we are going to dinner at Mom and Dad’s with Bev and Deborah. They are down for one day.
-Saturday Chris and I are going to Jonathan’s and Tonia’s for a mariner’s game and will spend the night and go to church with them.
-Laura has been house-sitting so we have mostly seen her for meals, then she heads off with her friends although we did manage to go shopping together twice.
-Teresa has been quilting with Aunt Linda, spending a last day with Kristin before she goes off to school, school shopping, going to orientation for running start and working and hanging out with Laura.
-Saturday Chris and I went garage saling with Ed and Bev Hilliard and then worked on fixing kitchen cabinets at Frank’s house.
-Sunday we went to church and did errands around the house.
-Monday was work and home group.
-Tuesday Jan went to work and school shopping with the girls. We had great success at Ross. What bargains.
-Wednesday Chris had a meeting after work and Jan did some computer work at home and laundry after work.
-Today we are going to dinner at Mom and Dad’s with Bev and Deborah. They are down for one day.
-Saturday Chris and I are going to Jonathan’s and Tonia’s for a mariner’s game and will spend the night and go to church with them.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
The battle of the bees
Our phone was not working. We did not know this at first since we could call out. Then we began to hear that people could not get a hold of us. That is strange. We did a test and we discovered we only had a one way phone. A call to the repairman resulted in a visit (too early in Teresa’s opinion). Thus began the battle of the bees. “I cannot work on your phone line until the bees are gone.” He says. Armed in a long sleeve coat with a hood I sneak up on the swarming bees (all seven or eight of them but is seemed like more in the narrow passage between the hedge and the house.) I spray the hole and they are stunned but rise again to fly away. Again and again I risk shooting the hole with the deadly(?) spray but the bees are unaffected.
So off to Fred’s to arm myself with something more deadly. This time when I shoot the hole with my spray it turns to deadly foam. Now they are trapped! Ha ha. For extra measure I set a trap for those bees away from home with a trusty soda bottle trap. Nothing will stop the repairman tomorrow I say. I arise early and spread more deadly foam before leaving for work. By 4:00 the bees are dead and I am ready for the repairman to fix my phone. He arrives soon and finishes the job after many search and find missions to find all our phone jacks. Why are they all behind desks, dressers and book shelves… even wires coming out of the attic? Alas I hear the ringing of a bell. It is our friendly phone now working again. We are no longer cut off from the world. We can rest safely tonight having won the battle of the bees and restored communication with the world.
So off to Fred’s to arm myself with something more deadly. This time when I shoot the hole with my spray it turns to deadly foam. Now they are trapped! Ha ha. For extra measure I set a trap for those bees away from home with a trusty soda bottle trap. Nothing will stop the repairman tomorrow I say. I arise early and spread more deadly foam before leaving for work. By 4:00 the bees are dead and I am ready for the repairman to fix my phone. He arrives soon and finishes the job after many search and find missions to find all our phone jacks. Why are they all behind desks, dressers and book shelves… even wires coming out of the attic? Alas I hear the ringing of a bell. It is our friendly phone now working again. We are no longer cut off from the world. We can rest safely tonight having won the battle of the bees and restored communication with the world.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Thursday, July 28, 2005
We had a wonderful time on our camping trip to the San Juan Islands. For a while it looked like we would not be able to go on the trip because of doctor’s appointments and worship team commitments and not getting the days off we expected but it all worked out after all for which we are very thankful. I had a little more stress than usual on this trip because of the unknown element of the ferry. We knew we were to allow an hour ahead of departure time so we just made it. When getting tickets our first car got on the ferry but the second one was told they would have to take the next ferry. Of course that stressed us out but I had a tiny hope there was still a chance we could both get on and after some discussion with the attendant and assurances we were going to Orcas Island and not Friday Harbor we both got on and it was smooth sailing.
We had beautiful weather and a nice campsite at West Beach Resort on Orcas Island. Jonathan and Tonia joined us about 11:30 on Thursday night and after putting up their tent we went to bed about 12:30. The next day we went to Moran state park and drove to the top of Mt. Constitution. The view was spectacular. We then rented a paddle boat and a row boat. We all laughed at our rowing attempts and Teresa, Tonia and Jonathan exhausted their legs paddling but we had fun. Then Tonia talked the girls into swimming while Jonathan and Chris flew the kite. Then we went back to camp and celebrated Jonathan’s birthday and played poker.
The next day we went to San Juan Island and visited American Camp and British Camp and had lunch and later ice cream. We all crammed in one car and rode the ferry with the car so we could drive to the two camps. We were one of the last to make the ferry on the way over so we were relieved we made it. We had more games after a late dinner when we returned to camp.
Jonathan and Tonia left Sunday night on the 7:00 ferry which actually left at about 7:40. They wondered if they would get on but they did. They were the 85th car and there were 4 buses and a motor home in front of them. I guess the ferry holds about 120-140 cars.
We took the 12:05 ferry on Monday. Teresa, Laura and I all slept on that trip having had our fill of ferries by that time. We arrived home about 6:15 safe and sound and were welcomed by an exuberant Wilson.
It’s good to go on vacation but even better to come home.
Love Jan
We had beautiful weather and a nice campsite at West Beach Resort on Orcas Island. Jonathan and Tonia joined us about 11:30 on Thursday night and after putting up their tent we went to bed about 12:30. The next day we went to Moran state park and drove to the top of Mt. Constitution. The view was spectacular. We then rented a paddle boat and a row boat. We all laughed at our rowing attempts and Teresa, Tonia and Jonathan exhausted their legs paddling but we had fun. Then Tonia talked the girls into swimming while Jonathan and Chris flew the kite. Then we went back to camp and celebrated Jonathan’s birthday and played poker.
The next day we went to San Juan Island and visited American Camp and British Camp and had lunch and later ice cream. We all crammed in one car and rode the ferry with the car so we could drive to the two camps. We were one of the last to make the ferry on the way over so we were relieved we made it. We had more games after a late dinner when we returned to camp.
Jonathan and Tonia left Sunday night on the 7:00 ferry which actually left at about 7:40. They wondered if they would get on but they did. They were the 85th car and there were 4 buses and a motor home in front of them. I guess the ferry holds about 120-140 cars.
We took the 12:05 ferry on Monday. Teresa, Laura and I all slept on that trip having had our fill of ferries by that time. We arrived home about 6:15 safe and sound and were welcomed by an exuberant Wilson.
It’s good to go on vacation but even better to come home.
Love Jan
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
We are gearing up for camping in the San Juan’s this weekend and celebrating Jonathan’s birthday. We can finally start pulling out the camping gear. Since home group met here last night I didn’t want the mess till it was over.
Laura and I just got back from taking our cans and paper to the recycling center. It was our biggest haul yet and earned us $19. The cans are definitely more profitable. The consensus was to stop saving the paper and stick to the cans. We’ll see if I can actually manage to throw out the newspaper after years of saving them. Old habits die hard. Lol.
Tonight we are going out to Fergusons in Cathlamet. We have seen them lately but have missed going to their home. We are looking forward to it.
Laura has been babysitting a lot and Teresa has a job with a lady from church so she is enjoying earning some money.
Back to packing… love Jan
Laura and I just got back from taking our cans and paper to the recycling center. It was our biggest haul yet and earned us $19. The cans are definitely more profitable. The consensus was to stop saving the paper and stick to the cans. We’ll see if I can actually manage to throw out the newspaper after years of saving them. Old habits die hard. Lol.
Tonight we are going out to Fergusons in Cathlamet. We have seen them lately but have missed going to their home. We are looking forward to it.
Laura has been babysitting a lot and Teresa has a job with a lady from church so she is enjoying earning some money.
Back to packing… love Jan
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Tonight we got together with Mom and Dad. They came over for dinner and we celebrated a belated Father’s Day and played telephone pictionary. We had a good time.
Last night Chris and I went to the Olive Garden for dinner. The girls were out for the night so we enjoyed our date. Laura was babysitting and then went to Andrea’s and Teresa spent the night with Linda sewing her quilt block and attending the quilt class Saturday morning.
Laura and I enjoyed garage saling both Friday and Saturday mornings. Chris joined us Sat. We always buy more toys when Laura is with us! We also got lots of books from a sale that had over 1000 books. We had actually already read many of them. Today Laura found a TV for her college room. Now it will be harder to study. It is her last year and she will have to try hard to stay motivated.
I am enjoying the beginning of two weeks off. I’m not getting quite as much done as I would like because I have too many books around. Lol We found out today that Jonathan and Tonia will be able to join us for our camping trip to the San Juans starting next Thursday night. Tonia was able to get Friday off even with her new job so we are getting excited. Everything has been really uncertain whether we would actually be able to go on the trip for various reasons so we have had to have a wait and see attitude. We do have reservations though so that is one good thing. Now we have to plan what to eat and what time to try to meet the ferry and what to pack.
Tomorrow we share at church about our Mexico trip and the Uganda trip that others went on. After church Teresa is going on a youth group picnic to Battleground. She wants to be back in town to go to a movie with her friends but isn’t sure what time she will be back.
Love to you. Jan
Last night Chris and I went to the Olive Garden for dinner. The girls were out for the night so we enjoyed our date. Laura was babysitting and then went to Andrea’s and Teresa spent the night with Linda sewing her quilt block and attending the quilt class Saturday morning.
Laura and I enjoyed garage saling both Friday and Saturday mornings. Chris joined us Sat. We always buy more toys when Laura is with us! We also got lots of books from a sale that had over 1000 books. We had actually already read many of them. Today Laura found a TV for her college room. Now it will be harder to study. It is her last year and she will have to try hard to stay motivated.
I am enjoying the beginning of two weeks off. I’m not getting quite as much done as I would like because I have too many books around. Lol We found out today that Jonathan and Tonia will be able to join us for our camping trip to the San Juans starting next Thursday night. Tonia was able to get Friday off even with her new job so we are getting excited. Everything has been really uncertain whether we would actually be able to go on the trip for various reasons so we have had to have a wait and see attitude. We do have reservations though so that is one good thing. Now we have to plan what to eat and what time to try to meet the ferry and what to pack.
Tomorrow we share at church about our Mexico trip and the Uganda trip that others went on. After church Teresa is going on a youth group picnic to Battleground. She wants to be back in town to go to a movie with her friends but isn’t sure what time she will be back.
Love to you. Jan
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Last week we finally got all unpacked and got caught up on things. I worked Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Thursday Teresa and I had doctor’s appointments and worked at the fireworks stand for Cornerstone. It was pretty slow but I heard they did better during the weekend. Chris and Laura worked at the stand on Friday.
We had a great three day weekend over the fourth. Jonathan and Tonia came down Saturday about noon. We sneaked out for a few garage sales before they came since I hadn’t been to any in a few weeks. I really am addicted.
We took in most of the festivities including the car show down town, the lake booths, the parade and the fireworks of course. And we were able to see everyone at a dinner at Mom and Dad’s. We also had an opportunity to use our fire pit we bought last year to make some-mores on Sunday night. We also got in a few games of Rummykub (our favorite game) and Monopoly ( my not so favorite game if Jonathan is playing lol).
Yesterday we went to the library and got about 15 books. A little boy at the check out counter asked “are you going to read all those books?” I told him one was for my daughter that I had already read but I would probably read all the others. My house will probably suffer for the next week or so…. But I will have to take work breaks to help Teresa clean her room and keep up with the laundry and meals.
The dishwasher still wasn’t working right so we called our neighbor the appliance repair man and he installed a new hose. He said the old one was kinked in two places. If that doesn’t work he has a different one in his garage we can have. Hurray for dishwashers that work.
Now we are gearing up for Laura’s birthday next week.
Love Jan
We had a great three day weekend over the fourth. Jonathan and Tonia came down Saturday about noon. We sneaked out for a few garage sales before they came since I hadn’t been to any in a few weeks. I really am addicted.
We took in most of the festivities including the car show down town, the lake booths, the parade and the fireworks of course. And we were able to see everyone at a dinner at Mom and Dad’s. We also had an opportunity to use our fire pit we bought last year to make some-mores on Sunday night. We also got in a few games of Rummykub (our favorite game) and Monopoly ( my not so favorite game if Jonathan is playing lol).
Yesterday we went to the library and got about 15 books. A little boy at the check out counter asked “are you going to read all those books?” I told him one was for my daughter that I had already read but I would probably read all the others. My house will probably suffer for the next week or so…. But I will have to take work breaks to help Teresa clean her room and keep up with the laundry and meals.
The dishwasher still wasn’t working right so we called our neighbor the appliance repair man and he installed a new hose. He said the old one was kinked in two places. If that doesn’t work he has a different one in his garage we can have. Hurray for dishwashers that work.
Now we are gearing up for Laura’s birthday next week.
Love Jan
Monday, June 27, 2005
Thanks for your prayers and support.
Just an update on our Mexico trip. Most of you have heard the saga of the food poisoning and Teresa ending up in the hospital. Thank you for all your prayers and calls and support. We really felt loved. We arrived home on Sat. night about 10:15 p.m. after getting an earlier flight. It is great to be home. We had a great service at church Sunday that was encouraging even though the trip didn't seem sucessful in the natural we still praise God and see his hand in many things along the way.
Most of the laundry is done and one suitcase is empty. The rest will probable sit for a few days…. (or weeks?) I went to the doctor today for my cough and sore throat but it is just a cold so no antibiotics for me but I can say that I know it is not something worse. Teresa is feeling fine and is already out and about. She went to a friend’s house last night and a movie and home group tonight so she is obviously feeling much better.
Since the dishwasher wasn’t working well I got impatient when Chris was taking a nap and decided to take it apart. I have watched both Chris and the neighbor do this before and thought it can’t be that hard. Little did I know I would just make it worse. We did manage to get it taken apart and found a few cherry pits but I thought there must be some hair or string dragging the spinner down so I tried using a crochet hook to see if I could pull something out. Needless to say I dropped the crochet hook instead and had to find a way to fish it out. We tried a magnet, scissors, a fondue fork and finally had success with a hook from a plate hanger. Good thing I kept that in the drawer! You never know when I might need it to fix the dishwasher. Lol The dishwasher is now loaded again and working well despite many laughs and shakes of the head from Laura and Teresa and a lot of patience from Chris.
Now I’m off to do a dictation from HealthWorks Northwest.
Love Jan
Most of the laundry is done and one suitcase is empty. The rest will probable sit for a few days…. (or weeks?) I went to the doctor today for my cough and sore throat but it is just a cold so no antibiotics for me but I can say that I know it is not something worse. Teresa is feeling fine and is already out and about. She went to a friend’s house last night and a movie and home group tonight so she is obviously feeling much better.
Since the dishwasher wasn’t working well I got impatient when Chris was taking a nap and decided to take it apart. I have watched both Chris and the neighbor do this before and thought it can’t be that hard. Little did I know I would just make it worse. We did manage to get it taken apart and found a few cherry pits but I thought there must be some hair or string dragging the spinner down so I tried using a crochet hook to see if I could pull something out. Needless to say I dropped the crochet hook instead and had to find a way to fish it out. We tried a magnet, scissors, a fondue fork and finally had success with a hook from a plate hanger. Good thing I kept that in the drawer! You never know when I might need it to fix the dishwasher. Lol The dishwasher is now loaded again and working well despite many laughs and shakes of the head from Laura and Teresa and a lot of patience from Chris.
Now I’m off to do a dictation from HealthWorks Northwest.
Love Jan
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Count down to Mexico
The count down is getting close now. I have been checking things off my to do list. Teresa and I leave Friday night at 7:00 for Mexico. I have finished working for the week unless I get called in so I have time to finish packing and shopping (for groceries for the group meals on the way down), finish a transcription tape, search for Tonia’s veil, donate blood and more packing.
Chris got our medicine chest hung and I am enjoying it a lot. It adds a lot of space for all our stuff but it does change the perspective of the room. My face is much closer to the mirror since it sticks out from the wall about 5 inches so I sometimes feel claustrophobic for a minute.
Teresa has only a half a day of school left. No more picking the girls up from school. Next year she will be driving herself. Yes!
Laura got called for two job interviews today. However the first one didn’t pan out as the employer couldn’t read on her cover letter that she was only available for the summer. But the next interview is next week and is for summer work with the county. We’re praying she gets this one or something even better.
Better get to bed. Love Jan
Chris got our medicine chest hung and I am enjoying it a lot. It adds a lot of space for all our stuff but it does change the perspective of the room. My face is much closer to the mirror since it sticks out from the wall about 5 inches so I sometimes feel claustrophobic for a minute.
Teresa has only a half a day of school left. No more picking the girls up from school. Next year she will be driving herself. Yes!
Laura got called for two job interviews today. However the first one didn’t pan out as the employer couldn’t read on her cover letter that she was only available for the summer. But the next interview is next week and is for summer work with the county. We’re praying she gets this one or something even better.
Better get to bed. Love Jan
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Just for your information I hate war movies! We watched Cold Mountain yesterday which had some good parts but which I basically didn’t like. The ending was dumb! I am really the odd person in our household because I don’t like most of the movies we watch. So in an attempt to get some variety we have joined a mail order video rental program. It is unlimited movies paying by the month having three at a time. We will let you know what we think.
Today we went garage saling. Our biggest deal was a large mirrored medicine cabinet for the front bathroom. Ideally it should be recessed but I think it is okay just to hang which is what we will do. (That’s what the people who owned it did.) Now we will have enough room to put all our bathroom paraphernalia and Laura’s stuff. (Once we get it up of course. Lol) I am excited about the possibility.
Teresa and I also went shopping for clothes for the Mexico trip. We have to have enough stuff for 10 days or do some laundry by hand in our “spare” time. So we hit Ross and got a lot for just a small amount of cash which makes me happy. Only 6 days to go! And so much to do. Lol
Teresa and Laura are out the door to graduation for Cornerstone and then we will go to Cathlamet this evening. It has been a long time… too long. In the meantime I might just take a nap.
Love to you, Jan
Today we went garage saling. Our biggest deal was a large mirrored medicine cabinet for the front bathroom. Ideally it should be recessed but I think it is okay just to hang which is what we will do. (That’s what the people who owned it did.) Now we will have enough room to put all our bathroom paraphernalia and Laura’s stuff. (Once we get it up of course. Lol) I am excited about the possibility.
Teresa and I also went shopping for clothes for the Mexico trip. We have to have enough stuff for 10 days or do some laundry by hand in our “spare” time. So we hit Ross and got a lot for just a small amount of cash which makes me happy. Only 6 days to go! And so much to do. Lol
Teresa and Laura are out the door to graduation for Cornerstone and then we will go to Cathlamet this evening. It has been a long time… too long. In the meantime I might just take a nap.
Love to you, Jan
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Some days are just better when they are over!
This is what I thought about on Monday. I worked 7-4 and then started prepping for a colonoscopy on Tuesday. I have been dreading both Monday and Tuesday but I survived. Actually today was probably better than yesterday. I didn’t get too sick from the anesthesia (just a little loopy)and I am not in any pain like after other procedures I’ve had. He said everything checked out fine so I’m good for another ten years. Yea.
We had a busy weekend with Jonathan and Tonia. They ended up coming here late Friday night or actually about 1:15 am Saturday morning. I think they were tired of camping at that point. But they did have a great time. Saturday their main goal was to buy a car. We had checked out some earlier in the week and given them the details by phone so they did the test drive and negotiating etc. They ended up buying a 93 Ford Explorer. They will probably blog some pictures eventually. A few trips to Wal-Mart for oil changes and pictures and a trip to get Holly also filled up the day.
The main bad thing about their trip was finding out that Tonia’s job had been discontinued. There had been a change in management and we think the higher ups didn’t want to spend the money on the position. So we need to pray for jobs for Tonia, Laura, Teresa and Chris.
On Sunday I had to be at church at 8:30 for the Mexico missions meetings and Teresa went to New Horizons for e-team at 9 and JonTon left about 10:15. In the afternoon we mostly slept and caught up on laundry and bill paying etc.
Laura comes home tomorrow evening. She thinks she can get everything in her car since she brought some things home over Memorial Day. We are looking forward to having her home.
Love to you, Jan
We had a busy weekend with Jonathan and Tonia. They ended up coming here late Friday night or actually about 1:15 am Saturday morning. I think they were tired of camping at that point. But they did have a great time. Saturday their main goal was to buy a car. We had checked out some earlier in the week and given them the details by phone so they did the test drive and negotiating etc. They ended up buying a 93 Ford Explorer. They will probably blog some pictures eventually. A few trips to Wal-Mart for oil changes and pictures and a trip to get Holly also filled up the day.
The main bad thing about their trip was finding out that Tonia’s job had been discontinued. There had been a change in management and we think the higher ups didn’t want to spend the money on the position. So we need to pray for jobs for Tonia, Laura, Teresa and Chris.
On Sunday I had to be at church at 8:30 for the Mexico missions meetings and Teresa went to New Horizons for e-team at 9 and JonTon left about 10:15. In the afternoon we mostly slept and caught up on laundry and bill paying etc.
Laura comes home tomorrow evening. She thinks she can get everything in her car since she brought some things home over Memorial Day. We are looking forward to having her home.
Love to you, Jan
Friday, June 03, 2005
Finally I'm blogging
Others have written about our weekend so I won’t expound on that except to say we had a great time. Jonathan and Tonia are at the beach camping. I have been thinking about them especially when it has rained! We did hear from them yesterday and they have had rain but are still having a good time.
I worked Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday I sewed in the morning. I hemmed a dress and shortened the straps for one of the doctor’s daughters and altered a dress for mom. I had physical therapy in the afternoon and picked up Teresa after school. And I worked on a tape for HealthWorks Northwest. I only had four tapes all last month so I am out of practice but this was a big one so fortunately I had lots of time to do it.
It is now Friday. I finished my tape and will try to sneak in a few garage sales. My big priority has to be finishing painting Laura’s/the guest room. She doesn’t claim the room any more since I painted it pink (which for the record was not my idea). Lol I only have this one window of opportunity (unless it is possibly Sunday) to finish as she moves in again on either Tuesday or Wednesday. We are looking forward to her return for the summer.
Chris will be test driving a car for Jonathan and Tonia and we’ll try to get it to the mechanic to get checked today. Jonathan and Tonia are coming through Saturday on their way home from the beach to try to buy a car and then will go to her parents house early Sunday morning.
Chris has decided not to go to the Mexico missions trip as they have scheduled nerve tests on his arm during that time. He doesn’t want to delay the process at all. Dr. Black doesn’t want to do the surgery for epicondylitis without tests to rule out Dr. Green’s diagnoses of radial nerve problems. We are disappointed about the trip but he has a peace about it. By the way I did finally find my birth certifiate for the trip which is a big relief.
Chauntel is coming for dinner tonight and spending the night. They will be watching Gilmore Girls all evening. Chris and I need to find a different movie to watch for sure.
Love to you. Jan
I worked Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday I sewed in the morning. I hemmed a dress and shortened the straps for one of the doctor’s daughters and altered a dress for mom. I had physical therapy in the afternoon and picked up Teresa after school. And I worked on a tape for HealthWorks Northwest. I only had four tapes all last month so I am out of practice but this was a big one so fortunately I had lots of time to do it.
It is now Friday. I finished my tape and will try to sneak in a few garage sales. My big priority has to be finishing painting Laura’s/the guest room. She doesn’t claim the room any more since I painted it pink (which for the record was not my idea). Lol I only have this one window of opportunity (unless it is possibly Sunday) to finish as she moves in again on either Tuesday or Wednesday. We are looking forward to her return for the summer.
Chris will be test driving a car for Jonathan and Tonia and we’ll try to get it to the mechanic to get checked today. Jonathan and Tonia are coming through Saturday on their way home from the beach to try to buy a car and then will go to her parents house early Sunday morning.
Chris has decided not to go to the Mexico missions trip as they have scheduled nerve tests on his arm during that time. He doesn’t want to delay the process at all. Dr. Black doesn’t want to do the surgery for epicondylitis without tests to rule out Dr. Green’s diagnoses of radial nerve problems. We are disappointed about the trip but he has a peace about it. By the way I did finally find my birth certifiate for the trip which is a big relief.
Chauntel is coming for dinner tonight and spending the night. They will be watching Gilmore Girls all evening. Chris and I need to find a different movie to watch for sure.
Love to you. Jan
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Catching up
The last two or three days have been good for catching up. I paid the bills, replenished the cupboards and fridge :) cleaned the house and finally mowed the lawn once the weather cooperated. It is a good feeling to catch up a little.
Thursday Chris and I went to Wal-Mart and bought some more flowers for the front yard. We now have red and white geraniums in front of the window. I like to try different things from year to year. We also bought some yellow marigolds (I don’t like the orange ones mixing with my other colors just so you know) and some dianthus variety that are brilliant deep pink. These will go under the tree and the marigolds where the tree was taken out by the street. Hopefully tomorrow we will have time to plant these before I kill them!
Chris went to the doc yesterday and they determined the next course of action is to have Dr. Blackstone do the surgery for epichondylitis since it will take too long to appeal the other diagnosis. If this surgery doesn’t work they can try the other surgery. This should help both arms since he won’t be typing during the recovery. The process is still slow so it will probably be six weeks till the surgery is done.
Teresa finally had her birthday party last night. It was delayed due to friends being grounded. It went well and they actually got a little sleep. Teresa was sick for three days earlier and we wondered if the party would be delayed again but she recovered just in time!
Chris and I got two days of garage saling in to make up for last week. We found a few treasures but mostly had fun.
Tomorrow we have Teresa doing E-Team at our church for two services so she starts at 8. We have a Mexico team meeting at 8:30 a.m. and church at 10. After church we have the first meeting of our home group after they have multiplied into two groups. It is a potluck at our house at 1:00. We are looking forward to it.
Love to you Jan
Thursday Chris and I went to Wal-Mart and bought some more flowers for the front yard. We now have red and white geraniums in front of the window. I like to try different things from year to year. We also bought some yellow marigolds (I don’t like the orange ones mixing with my other colors just so you know) and some dianthus variety that are brilliant deep pink. These will go under the tree and the marigolds where the tree was taken out by the street. Hopefully tomorrow we will have time to plant these before I kill them!
Chris went to the doc yesterday and they determined the next course of action is to have Dr. Blackstone do the surgery for epichondylitis since it will take too long to appeal the other diagnosis. If this surgery doesn’t work they can try the other surgery. This should help both arms since he won’t be typing during the recovery. The process is still slow so it will probably be six weeks till the surgery is done.
Teresa finally had her birthday party last night. It was delayed due to friends being grounded. It went well and they actually got a little sleep. Teresa was sick for three days earlier and we wondered if the party would be delayed again but she recovered just in time!
Chris and I got two days of garage saling in to make up for last week. We found a few treasures but mostly had fun.
Tomorrow we have Teresa doing E-Team at our church for two services so she starts at 8. We have a Mexico team meeting at 8:30 a.m. and church at 10. After church we have the first meeting of our home group after they have multiplied into two groups. It is a potluck at our house at 1:00. We are looking forward to it.
Love to you Jan
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Thus sayeth the Lord
We just spent 4 sessions at a prophetic conference held at our church. We had the privilege of being prophesied over which was really cool. We were scheduled to be the last ones prayed over in the last session. We didn’t know what we would think about it all before we got started but were anxious to hear from the Lord. I never would have thought I would be so totally absorbed in hearing two men prophesy over people for over 8 hours. But it was very encouraging and uplifting and exciting. The words from the Lord seemed to be very true to the people they were said over (we wished we had really known more about the people since we are so new). We are constantly amazed by what God is doing at a Baptist church. I have been convicted of my prejudice toward denominational churches. Don’t judge a book by its cover or a church by its name.
God Bless
Jan
God Bless
Jan
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Its official, Teresa has her license. Although she got her license yesterday she is just now going on her first solo drive. She ended up sick last night and this morning so she couldn’t take the car to school as planned. But she is sneaking out to pick up my transcription tape even though she is supposed to be sick (which she still kind of is). However sneakers often get caught and Teresa has had two friends call in the 10 minutes she has been gone. Go figure!
I have also caught whatever Teresa had so I have not accomplished much today except going to physical therapy. I got three new exercises for my shoulder. Fun, fun- but it is getting better so that is good. I also managed to find Chris’s birth certificate amid a bunch of pictures that I had forgotten we had so we spent a few minutes looking at pictures and another envelope that had a bunch of old pictures and thank you cards from Jonathan and Laura to Grandma and Grandad. Now I still have to find my birth certificate. I have one more file drawer to look through.
Unfortunately we had to cancel or rather postpone our mother’s day dinner out with Mom and Dad due to our sickiness. We had been looking forward to getting together with them.
I got my flowers planted on Sunday that I received for Mother’s Day. They look great and will just get better. Thank you everyone.
Love Jan
I have also caught whatever Teresa had so I have not accomplished much today except going to physical therapy. I got three new exercises for my shoulder. Fun, fun- but it is getting better so that is good. I also managed to find Chris’s birth certificate amid a bunch of pictures that I had forgotten we had so we spent a few minutes looking at pictures and another envelope that had a bunch of old pictures and thank you cards from Jonathan and Laura to Grandma and Grandad. Now I still have to find my birth certificate. I have one more file drawer to look through.
Unfortunately we had to cancel or rather postpone our mother’s day dinner out with Mom and Dad due to our sickiness. We had been looking forward to getting together with them.
I got my flowers planted on Sunday that I received for Mother’s Day. They look great and will just get better. Thank you everyone.
Love Jan
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Wonderful kids make me happy!
We just returned from a visit with “The kids”. (That phrase reminds me of my Grandpa.)
On the way to Renton we had a great time talking with Teresa. She asked us all kinds of questions about our history in YWAM and we had fun remembering all the adventures we had and relating to her how God has worked in our lives. She had not heard some of the stories and it was good for us to remember some of God’s direction and leading.
We arrived Friday night at JonTon’s apartment about 10:20 and found the hidden key and loaded all our stuff in. In a short time they returned from their movie night and we talked and talked until about 1:15. Chris started the coffee at 6:30 a.m. while I tried to pretend I didn’t hear. At about 9 it was off to the Museum of Flight. We had a picnic of pizza and strawberries and then toured some more. The planes were fascinating and we heard a talk on how wind power might have been used to build the pyramids that was quite interesting.
After the museum we met up with Laura at her dorm and then went to a park in Ballard for a picnic of sandwiches and a game of Frisbee. Due to car problems in the McQuiston’s family we were not able to meet up with them which was a disappointment. I think they will get together tomorrow instead.
After very slow traffic we arrived home about 9:30. It was a good trip.
On the way to Renton we had a great time talking with Teresa. She asked us all kinds of questions about our history in YWAM and we had fun remembering all the adventures we had and relating to her how God has worked in our lives. She had not heard some of the stories and it was good for us to remember some of God’s direction and leading.
We arrived Friday night at JonTon’s apartment about 10:20 and found the hidden key and loaded all our stuff in. In a short time they returned from their movie night and we talked and talked until about 1:15. Chris started the coffee at 6:30 a.m. while I tried to pretend I didn’t hear. At about 9 it was off to the Museum of Flight. We had a picnic of pizza and strawberries and then toured some more. The planes were fascinating and we heard a talk on how wind power might have been used to build the pyramids that was quite interesting.
After the museum we met up with Laura at her dorm and then went to a park in Ballard for a picnic of sandwiches and a game of Frisbee. Due to car problems in the McQuiston’s family we were not able to meet up with them which was a disappointment. I think they will get together tomorrow instead.
After very slow traffic we arrived home about 9:30. It was a good trip.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Hope deferred a little longer
You are probably wondering about Teresa's Driving test. We found out that she did have to take a written test first. ( I had thought the driver's ed test was the written one but I was wrong) So she passed the written one yesterday and is scheduled for next week for the driving test. We'll let you know.
Yesterday we went to an informational meeting regarding the new school building. It was comprised of the former and current board members. It was basically the first step of the fund raising campaign but we knew it was coming. lol It was interesting to figure out who some of the people were. I had never met the founder of Northlake, Jim Conrad. It was inspiring to hear him tell of his initial dreams when the place was just a field across the street from his house. Now we are in the prosess of trying to figure out what God would have us give. We do believe in the project as the school has been such a good thing for our kids.
Love Jan
Yesterday we went to an informational meeting regarding the new school building. It was comprised of the former and current board members. It was basically the first step of the fund raising campaign but we knew it was coming. lol It was interesting to figure out who some of the people were. I had never met the founder of Northlake, Jim Conrad. It was inspiring to hear him tell of his initial dreams when the place was just a field across the street from his house. Now we are in the prosess of trying to figure out what God would have us give. We do believe in the project as the school has been such a good thing for our kids.
Love Jan
Monday, May 02, 2005
THE BLOGGER DILEMMA
So my dilemma is that when I have something worth blogging about I don’t have time to blog and when I have time to blog there is nothing worth saying, which is why I haven’t blogged for a long time.
Tonight we had home group at our house. We have wanted to do this but there is a certain amount of stress the first time what with cleaning and worrying about the dog barking and comparing our house to some that we have been to that are beautiful homes. We are happy to say everything went well. The dog was happy and quiet with a huge bone and music in the garage. Caleb came and played with the toys I have been collecting (he is almost 4). And the house got clean. Yea! And the most important part is the fellowship with friends and the Lord!
We enjoyed the busy weekend which Laura described well. Thanks Mom and Dad for hosting us all. The food was great. Thanks everyone for making our birthdays so nice.
Tomorrow Teresa tries for her license I think if we have time to do it. I work till four so Chris might take her. Then we have a dessert meeting to find out more about the plans for the new school at 6:30.
But for now it is bedtime at last, 5:40 a.m. will soon be here.
Jan
Tonight we had home group at our house. We have wanted to do this but there is a certain amount of stress the first time what with cleaning and worrying about the dog barking and comparing our house to some that we have been to that are beautiful homes. We are happy to say everything went well. The dog was happy and quiet with a huge bone and music in the garage. Caleb came and played with the toys I have been collecting (he is almost 4). And the house got clean. Yea! And the most important part is the fellowship with friends and the Lord!
We enjoyed the busy weekend which Laura described well. Thanks Mom and Dad for hosting us all. The food was great. Thanks everyone for making our birthdays so nice.
Tomorrow Teresa tries for her license I think if we have time to do it. I work till four so Chris might take her. Then we have a dessert meeting to find out more about the plans for the new school at 6:30.
But for now it is bedtime at last, 5:40 a.m. will soon be here.
Jan
Monday, April 25, 2005
Thank you God
Thank you God for:
*Getting Milton through his surgery. Help him through each new day.
*For life group and a great dinner with friends.
*for our new church and the renewed excitment with have.
*for our jobs and the money we need to live with extra to spare.
*Family
*and Books, especially Your Book.
Love Jan
*Getting Milton through his surgery. Help him through each new day.
*For life group and a great dinner with friends.
*for our new church and the renewed excitment with have.
*for our jobs and the money we need to live with extra to spare.
*Family
*and Books, especially Your Book.
Love Jan
Thursday, April 21, 2005
All together again
Wilson came home from the vet today. He is not quite his normal self but has finally eaten so I think he will perk up as time goes by. Today was my day off so I went to physical therapy for my arm (this is my second time) and did a little shopping. Later in the day we all went to Wal-Mart. I mostly did catchup stuff around the house.
Tomorrow Chris has his independent medical exam in Portland to hopefully confirm his diagnosis and therefore expidite the surgery. We have to be there by 7:30 a.m. I have the day off so I will be going with him.
Teresa will also be hitting the road for Portland ... or rather Boring, Or for an e-Team performance.
Later in the evening we will meet the Ferguson extended family for dinner at Henri's.
That's what's happening with us. Love Jan
Tomorrow Chris has his independent medical exam in Portland to hopefully confirm his diagnosis and therefore expidite the surgery. We have to be there by 7:30 a.m. I have the day off so I will be going with him.
Teresa will also be hitting the road for Portland ... or rather Boring, Or for an e-Team performance.
Later in the evening we will meet the Ferguson extended family for dinner at Henri's.
That's what's happening with us. Love Jan
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
FYI Dogs and slug bait don't mix well!
Well our dumb beloved dog was acting very strange.... not hungry (that is a good clue), very shaky and not able to walk on the vinyl floor covering. So a little deductive reasoning led us to suspect slug bait. It was off to the vet. Now he is being treated and has to spend the night. Poor Wilson.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Sunday
Today we became members of Northlake Baptist Church. It felt good. Already we feel a part of the church and have built relationships. Unfortunately Teresa was at an E-team performance and so wasn’t there to go up and be introduced with us. Our sermon was on the end times and the Mark of the Beast. It was very interesting and discussion provoking.
After church we had our first Mexico missions team meeting. We will be meeting weekly until we leave. Next week we will be meeting with the pastor of the church in Mexico that we will be working with. He is visiting and speaking at church next Sunday.
Tonight Chris and I went to a city wide prayer and praise meeting at New Life dealing with the topic of Meth in Cowlitz county. If you have read the paper at all you know the city is doing a lot of research and discussion on how to solve the drug problems. The sanctuary was packed and it was a good meeting. We desire to become more involved in the community and want to find ways to be informed and actually do something. Our natural tendency is just to stay safely on the outskirts of the problem and not get involved but we also have the desire to make a difference somehow. A few ideas were presented on how to pray and help various organizations involved with the drug problem.
Love to you, Jan
After church we had our first Mexico missions team meeting. We will be meeting weekly until we leave. Next week we will be meeting with the pastor of the church in Mexico that we will be working with. He is visiting and speaking at church next Sunday.
Tonight Chris and I went to a city wide prayer and praise meeting at New Life dealing with the topic of Meth in Cowlitz county. If you have read the paper at all you know the city is doing a lot of research and discussion on how to solve the drug problems. The sanctuary was packed and it was a good meeting. We desire to become more involved in the community and want to find ways to be informed and actually do something. Our natural tendency is just to stay safely on the outskirts of the problem and not get involved but we also have the desire to make a difference somehow. A few ideas were presented on how to pray and help various organizations involved with the drug problem.
Love to you, Jan
Saturday, April 16, 2005
The Field Trip
Teresa and I have returned from our field trip to Hanford and the Tri-cities area. This was a science oriented trip and we visited various scientific sites. Our first stop was the CHREST museum.There we learned about the history of the Hanford plant that made plutonium during WWII and about Lewis and Clark. (Not that they were particularly related mind you.)
Next was a stop at L.I.G.O.
The LIGO acronym stands for Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, whose mission is to observe gravitational waves of cosmic origin. There we did an exercise determining the distance of various stars in three different constellations. And had an explanation and tour of the tubes that house the lasers and mirrors. The tubes extend 2.5 miles in two directions and are vacuum sealed. Their website is found at http://www.ligo-wa.caltech.edu/
The next day we went to the Energy Northwest nuclear power plant and had a tour. Their website is http://www.energy-northwest.com/gen/cgs/
From there we went to the Energy Northwest’s wind project where we learned about their 49 windmills. Each windmill is over 300 ft tall. We went inside the base of one and they are huge. See more at http://www.energy-northwest.com/gen/ninecanyon/index.html
We hooked up with families from Liberty Christian School for dinner and a basketball game and spent the night with host families from the school. All in all it was a good trip.
Love Jan
Next was a stop at L.I.G.O.
The LIGO acronym stands for Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, whose mission is to observe gravitational waves of cosmic origin. There we did an exercise determining the distance of various stars in three different constellations. And had an explanation and tour of the tubes that house the lasers and mirrors. The tubes extend 2.5 miles in two directions and are vacuum sealed. Their website is found at http://www.ligo-wa.caltech.edu/
The next day we went to the Energy Northwest nuclear power plant and had a tour. Their website is http://www.energy-northwest.com/gen/cgs/
From there we went to the Energy Northwest’s wind project where we learned about their 49 windmills. Each windmill is over 300 ft tall. We went inside the base of one and they are huge. See more at http://www.energy-northwest.com/gen/ninecanyon/index.html
We hooked up with families from Liberty Christian School for dinner and a basketball game and spent the night with host families from the school. All in all it was a good trip.
Love Jan
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Theater In Your Head
Ladies and gentleman,
The Ferguson Project is pleased to bring you an operatta. Presented here, in front of your eyes. Your only responsibility is to provide the casting, staging, and music as you enjoy. Trust me, it almost happens automatically. Though admittedly pirated from an old book that certainly has no right to still be in print, I freely share it with you, because you likely will come across it in no other way.
With no further ado, here is our presentation of:
NEWMAN LEVY'S
THE BELLE OF THE BALKANS
A BROADWAY OPERETTA
The scene: a public square in Ruritania,
Fair Ruritania, land of gay Romance,
Where the natives have a strange and curious mania
For gathering in public squares to dance.
Amid a scene of unrestricted gaiety,
They drink from cups of papier-mache.
The military mingle with the laity,
And sing an opening song that goes this way:
"Clink, clink, we merrily drink,
Though the -weather be sunny or rainier;
Then -we sing and we laugh
as our vintage we quaff
From the vines of our fair Ruritania."
Among the local bourgeoisie and peasantry
There dwelt a maid who tended at the bar
Of all the girls, for beauty, charm and pleasantry,
Dolores was the loveliest by far.
She quite surpassed the other maidens vocally.
Her skill and grace at dancing took the prize;
But, strangely, it was not suspected locally
Dolores was their princess in disguise.
And now upon the scene in Ruritania
Arrives a gay adventurer named Cohn
A dashing lad from Scranton, Pennsylvania,
Who greets the maid in dulcet tenor tone:
"Dolores, my dearest, I love you,
You are the ideal of my dreams.
I never knew there was someone like you,
You're fairer than princess or queen.
Springtime you know, dear, is ring time,
So let us get married in June.
Then we'll stroll down life's pathway together,
My darling, Beneath the Balkan moon."
And now, mid cheers the king appears,
A comic chap and rowdy,
A royal clown with tilted crown
Who greets the crowd with "Howdy !"
"Howdy, folks I I've got some jokes. What d'ye think of this ?
My Jester has written a brand new song
Called 'Jester Little Kiss.'
Come bring a drink for your noble kink.
Don't think that I'm complaining,
But it's strange that I am always dry,
Although I'm always reigning.
"I am searching with this large imposing retinue
For my daughter who is hiding here, I learn.
Which is nothing to the hiding, I am bettin' you
That she'll get from her old dad on her return.
"She is working in this picturesque locality
As a bar maid in a neighboring cafe,
An employment of debatable legality,
And unsuited to a princess, I must say.
"So my troops will search this section and vicinity—"
When, behold from out the crowd the maid appears
Quite disguised in simulated masculinity
In the costume of The Royal Grenadiers.
"With a rum turn turn of the fife and drum,
While the banners gaily fly.
For a soldier's life is a soldier's life,
Which nobody can deny."
There, beside her, stands the gallant Pennsylvanian,
As the natives gaily quench again their thirst,
Then they all join in an anthem Ruritanian
As the curtain quickly falls on Act the First.
Act Two. A scene of glittering aristocracy:
The Palace, filled with nobles gathered there,
Who remarkably resemble the democracy
Who were gathered in Act One about the square.
There they merrily imbibe the royal potables;
Mr. Cohn is seen commingling with the throng.
Then the king arrives and entertains the notables
With a tap dance and the chorus of a song.
"Dinah, no gal is finer,
Say that you love me true, Boop-oopa-doop.
Way down in Carolina, Dinah,
We'll have a love nest Just built for two."
Now once again the plot unreels,
(With time out for performing seals)
Upon the scene with royal mien
The princess enters stately.
She sings a song and does a dance,
While Cohn, amazed, looks on askance.
"Last week I saw her wearing pants,
This mystifies me greatly.
My dear," he cries with anguished moan, "
Oh say that you remember Cohn!
Can't you recall my face at all? Please tell me that you know me!"
The princess says, "I quite regret
That you and I have never met."
And then they sing a love duet
Entitled "In Dahomey."
Now a telegram arrives in Ruritania
Which anounces that the gallant Mr. Cohn
Has been chosen Mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania,
By the largest vote the city's ever known.
Then the king says, "Since, in your benighted domicile
That position corresponds to duke or earl,
If to love my child and cherish her you'll promise,
I'll Be proud to let you wed my charming girl."
Then the curtain falls upon an outburst lyrical,
As the critics rush to write their morning rave,
As they pen the words, "Delightfully satirical"
Mr. Gilbert does a handspring in his grave.
Theater In Your Head has been brought to you by
The Ferguson Project,
and your imagination.
The Ferguson Project is pleased to bring you an operatta. Presented here, in front of your eyes. Your only responsibility is to provide the casting, staging, and music as you enjoy. Trust me, it almost happens automatically. Though admittedly pirated from an old book that certainly has no right to still be in print, I freely share it with you, because you likely will come across it in no other way.
With no further ado, here is our presentation of:
NEWMAN LEVY'S
THE BELLE OF THE BALKANS
A BROADWAY OPERETTA
The scene: a public square in Ruritania,
Fair Ruritania, land of gay Romance,
Where the natives have a strange and curious mania
For gathering in public squares to dance.
Amid a scene of unrestricted gaiety,
They drink from cups of papier-mache.
The military mingle with the laity,
And sing an opening song that goes this way:
"Clink, clink, we merrily drink,
Though the -weather be sunny or rainier;
Then -we sing and we laugh
as our vintage we quaff
From the vines of our fair Ruritania."
Among the local bourgeoisie and peasantry
There dwelt a maid who tended at the bar
Of all the girls, for beauty, charm and pleasantry,
Dolores was the loveliest by far.
She quite surpassed the other maidens vocally.
Her skill and grace at dancing took the prize;
But, strangely, it was not suspected locally
Dolores was their princess in disguise.
And now upon the scene in Ruritania
Arrives a gay adventurer named Cohn
A dashing lad from Scranton, Pennsylvania,
Who greets the maid in dulcet tenor tone:
"Dolores, my dearest, I love you,
You are the ideal of my dreams.
I never knew there was someone like you,
You're fairer than princess or queen.
Springtime you know, dear, is ring time,
So let us get married in June.
Then we'll stroll down life's pathway together,
My darling, Beneath the Balkan moon."
And now, mid cheers the king appears,
A comic chap and rowdy,
A royal clown with tilted crown
Who greets the crowd with "Howdy !"
"Howdy, folks I I've got some jokes. What d'ye think of this ?
My Jester has written a brand new song
Called 'Jester Little Kiss.'
Come bring a drink for your noble kink.
Don't think that I'm complaining,
But it's strange that I am always dry,
Although I'm always reigning.
"I am searching with this large imposing retinue
For my daughter who is hiding here, I learn.
Which is nothing to the hiding, I am bettin' you
That she'll get from her old dad on her return.
"She is working in this picturesque locality
As a bar maid in a neighboring cafe,
An employment of debatable legality,
And unsuited to a princess, I must say.
"So my troops will search this section and vicinity—"
When, behold from out the crowd the maid appears
Quite disguised in simulated masculinity
In the costume of The Royal Grenadiers.
"With a rum turn turn of the fife and drum,
While the banners gaily fly.
For a soldier's life is a soldier's life,
Which nobody can deny."
There, beside her, stands the gallant Pennsylvanian,
As the natives gaily quench again their thirst,
Then they all join in an anthem Ruritanian
As the curtain quickly falls on Act the First.
Act Two. A scene of glittering aristocracy:
The Palace, filled with nobles gathered there,
Who remarkably resemble the democracy
Who were gathered in Act One about the square.
There they merrily imbibe the royal potables;
Mr. Cohn is seen commingling with the throng.
Then the king arrives and entertains the notables
With a tap dance and the chorus of a song.
"Dinah, no gal is finer,
Say that you love me true, Boop-oopa-doop.
Way down in Carolina, Dinah,
We'll have a love nest Just built for two."
Now once again the plot unreels,
(With time out for performing seals)
Upon the scene with royal mien
The princess enters stately.
She sings a song and does a dance,
While Cohn, amazed, looks on askance.
"Last week I saw her wearing pants,
This mystifies me greatly.
My dear," he cries with anguished moan, "
Oh say that you remember Cohn!
Can't you recall my face at all? Please tell me that you know me!"
The princess says, "I quite regret
That you and I have never met."
And then they sing a love duet
Entitled "In Dahomey."
Now a telegram arrives in Ruritania
Which anounces that the gallant Mr. Cohn
Has been chosen Mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania,
By the largest vote the city's ever known.
Then the king says, "Since, in your benighted domicile
That position corresponds to duke or earl,
If to love my child and cherish her you'll promise,
I'll Be proud to let you wed my charming girl."
Then the curtain falls upon an outburst lyrical,
As the critics rush to write their morning rave,
As they pen the words, "Delightfully satirical"
Mr. Gilbert does a handspring in his grave.
Theater In Your Head has been brought to you by
The Ferguson Project,
and your imagination.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
The price is right
Well the festival of Jan is about over now. I celebrated in Seattle, Cathlamet and at home group, at Sing Sing restaurant and received cookies at work today. Thank you everyone.
One exciting thing that happened is that we finally sold our desk. We don’t have to cut it up for firewood after all. If it is listed for under $100 the ad in the paper is only $5.20 for two weeks so we listed it as $99 and had many calls. We sold it to the first lady. So we now have a lovely large room. Yea!
Tomorrow, bright and early, (7:00 a.m.) Teresa and I leave for a field trip to Hanford and other energy sites east of the mountains. We will return Friday evening late. So we will fill you in later.
Love Jan
One exciting thing that happened is that we finally sold our desk. We don’t have to cut it up for firewood after all. If it is listed for under $100 the ad in the paper is only $5.20 for two weeks so we listed it as $99 and had many calls. We sold it to the first lady. So we now have a lovely large room. Yea!
Tomorrow, bright and early, (7:00 a.m.) Teresa and I leave for a field trip to Hanford and other energy sites east of the mountains. We will return Friday evening late. So we will fill you in later.
Love Jan
Sunday, April 10, 2005
The Festival of Jan’s Birth
Getting old isn’t so bad when birthdays are celebrated with those you love.
Friday started the festival at JonTon’s home with a great dinner and a delicious carrot cake. I am very happy about the extra set of silverware and I will need to host a large dinner soon I think to put them to good use. I also received some movies from Linda, (one of which we watched tonight). Although we may sacrifice a small amount of sleep by spending the night I really enjoy the talks and games and just being together on Friday night. It is worth it!
Saturday we enjoyed the Experience Music Project. My favorite part was the room with all the guitars representing the history of the guitar. After much encouragement and coaxing we enjoyed dinner at JonTon’s favorite Indian restaurant. It is good to get out of our comfort zone and try new things occasionally. And I was able to find something on the menu I liked :)
The festival continued Sunday with dinner at the Cathlamet Fergusons with Mom and Dad (a.k.a. Ruth and Larry) invited also. There we were fed a feast and I was showered with more gifts including a beautiful new rug for the family room (Yea!) and flowers (potted and bulbs)(very pretty) and a paper cutter (yea!) and various other treasures. Thank you everyone. I am very grateful and blessed.
Love you lots, Jan
Friday started the festival at JonTon’s home with a great dinner and a delicious carrot cake. I am very happy about the extra set of silverware and I will need to host a large dinner soon I think to put them to good use. I also received some movies from Linda, (one of which we watched tonight). Although we may sacrifice a small amount of sleep by spending the night I really enjoy the talks and games and just being together on Friday night. It is worth it!
Saturday we enjoyed the Experience Music Project. My favorite part was the room with all the guitars representing the history of the guitar. After much encouragement and coaxing we enjoyed dinner at JonTon’s favorite Indian restaurant. It is good to get out of our comfort zone and try new things occasionally. And I was able to find something on the menu I liked :)
The festival continued Sunday with dinner at the Cathlamet Fergusons with Mom and Dad (a.k.a. Ruth and Larry) invited also. There we were fed a feast and I was showered with more gifts including a beautiful new rug for the family room (Yea!) and flowers (potted and bulbs)(very pretty) and a paper cutter (yea!) and various other treasures. Thank you everyone. I am very grateful and blessed.
Love you lots, Jan
Thursday, April 07, 2005
4/7/05
Good Food and New Friends
Tonight Chris and I were invited out to dinner with Jim and Janis Harvey. They are the leaders of our home group. They took us out to dinner at the the new steakhouse that use to be Danielle's as a thank you for me sewing Jim's costume for the Easter play. The place was packed but we didn't have to wait to be seated. The food was good. I had a steak and Chris had a shrimp, halibut, and salmon linguini. For a steakhouse they actually had much more that wasn't steak. The service was a little slow but we were so busy talking that it didn't matter. Overall it was great fun.
Meanwhile Teresa was helping some girls from school with their math. We had picked up a Muchas Gracias burrito for her to eat so she was well fed too. We originally met the girls at the library so I got some new books (yea) but the library closed at 6 so they did their studying at our house.
We managed to go for a walk this afternoon although we got more than a little wet. We walked to Northlake Church and turned in our Mission trip applications.
Teresa and I also worked on making some homemade cards this afternoon. We each made two or three cards. I have to admit it is not as much fun as at the card parties because they have more cool stuff and ideas all ready thought up that are pretty neat but we did learn how to make the embossing work with a candle instead of the $30 tool so that made us feel good.
That was pretty much our day. Now it is off to more cards with Teresa. Only a few more days of spring break and staying up to play games. We are combining cards and exercises. The winner chooses the exercises we have to do. We both do the exercises tho because we both need to loose the inches. lol
Tomorrow we are off to Renton and Seattle to see "the kids".
Love Jan
Tonight Chris and I were invited out to dinner with Jim and Janis Harvey. They are the leaders of our home group. They took us out to dinner at the the new steakhouse that use to be Danielle's as a thank you for me sewing Jim's costume for the Easter play. The place was packed but we didn't have to wait to be seated. The food was good. I had a steak and Chris had a shrimp, halibut, and salmon linguini. For a steakhouse they actually had much more that wasn't steak. The service was a little slow but we were so busy talking that it didn't matter. Overall it was great fun.
Meanwhile Teresa was helping some girls from school with their math. We had picked up a Muchas Gracias burrito for her to eat so she was well fed too. We originally met the girls at the library so I got some new books (yea) but the library closed at 6 so they did their studying at our house.
We managed to go for a walk this afternoon although we got more than a little wet. We walked to Northlake Church and turned in our Mission trip applications.
Teresa and I also worked on making some homemade cards this afternoon. We each made two or three cards. I have to admit it is not as much fun as at the card parties because they have more cool stuff and ideas all ready thought up that are pretty neat but we did learn how to make the embossing work with a candle instead of the $30 tool so that made us feel good.
That was pretty much our day. Now it is off to more cards with Teresa. Only a few more days of spring break and staying up to play games. We are combining cards and exercises. The winner chooses the exercises we have to do. We both do the exercises tho because we both need to loose the inches. lol
Tomorrow we are off to Renton and Seattle to see "the kids".
Love Jan
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
4/5/05
Today was a good day!
We have been very slow at work and so I have been given the option of going home early. Since I now have Earned Time I can use it when I take a hit (go home early). So I got off work at 12:00. Yea. Since I got off early Teresa and I went shopping. We had success and bought two tops and a pair of jeans. She also found a few other things she liked such as a dress for possible birthday ideas. After wearing ourselves out we came home and Teresa got ready to babysit for the Keefes. (She also babysits tomorrow for them.)
After we got home Chris and I went to look at a rocking chair that we saw advertized in the paper. It is a gliding rocker, kind of like the other one but lighter wood, and no pad on the back. So we bought it and took the broken white leather chair out TO the back yard. (Now we need a dump run.) Things are shaping up at the Ferguson household. Yea!
We also had a phone call from Jonathan which is also good. He was home early from work ( before 5:30). Then we relaxed and watched the Amazing Race. Now Teresa and I are going to play cards. And I get to sleep in tomorrow. Yea again.
We have been very slow at work and so I have been given the option of going home early. Since I now have Earned Time I can use it when I take a hit (go home early). So I got off work at 12:00. Yea. Since I got off early Teresa and I went shopping. We had success and bought two tops and a pair of jeans. She also found a few other things she liked such as a dress for possible birthday ideas. After wearing ourselves out we came home and Teresa got ready to babysit for the Keefes. (She also babysits tomorrow for them.)
After we got home Chris and I went to look at a rocking chair that we saw advertized in the paper. It is a gliding rocker, kind of like the other one but lighter wood, and no pad on the back. So we bought it and took the broken white leather chair out TO the back yard. (Now we need a dump run.) Things are shaping up at the Ferguson household. Yea!
We also had a phone call from Jonathan which is also good. He was home early from work ( before 5:30). Then we relaxed and watched the Amazing Race. Now Teresa and I are going to play cards. And I get to sleep in tomorrow. Yea again.
Monday, April 04, 2005
4/4/05
I am too lazy to think up a good title. Today we had home group. We went early so Teresa could get interviewed in preparation for joining the church. Chris and I were interviewed last month. We heard a report from a couple that just returned from a medical missions trip to Honduras. They ministered to about 4000 to 5000 people with a group of about 20 people.
We enjoy homegroup and meeting in various people's homes. Today the hosts had three dogs that were actively involved and it gave me hope for hosting sometime despite Wilson.
Last night Teresa and I went to Grandma and Grandpa's and played cards. We each won a game so that was an added bonus. We also finished the beaded tablecloths for Grandma's coffee tables and they look good. Earlier in the day we all took turns taking naps. Yea for naps.
I just finished a tape and need to wind down for the night so
God bless you all. Love Jan
We enjoy homegroup and meeting in various people's homes. Today the hosts had three dogs that were actively involved and it gave me hope for hosting sometime despite Wilson.
Last night Teresa and I went to Grandma and Grandpa's and played cards. We each won a game so that was an added bonus. We also finished the beaded tablecloths for Grandma's coffee tables and they look good. Earlier in the day we all took turns taking naps. Yea for naps.
I just finished a tape and need to wind down for the night so
God bless you all. Love Jan
Saturday, April 02, 2005
First Entry by Chris
Its Saturday. A slow day. We have had busy, and full weekends of late. That has been good, but it is nice to have some unsheduled time. Not a lot happening. Teresa has a friend over and they are watching movies. Due to my problems with my arms I am not able to do a lot (this really bothers me), so Jan is mowing the lawn right now, and I am blogginig. This is a new project for us, but I believe it will be helpful as time progresses to keep us all updated.
Not really much more to report right now. More later.
Chris
Not really much more to report right now. More later.
Chris
Friday, April 01, 2005
4/1/05
Hey this will be short since it is bed time. We just enjoyed the evening watching TV and a movie with Linda. It was great fun. We watched Final Cut which has an interesting concept of a person having the posibility of having a memory chip placed in them to record everything in their lives so that when they die their loved ones will be able to remember them. It was interesting.
That's it for now. Tomorrow is Saturday which means garage sales! And it is the first day of Teresa's spring break.
That's it for now. Tomorrow is Saturday which means garage sales! And it is the first day of Teresa's spring break.
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