Home in the Ontario Snow

Well we safely arrived home in Ontario this past Sunday and boy oh boy does Ontario ever have snow! We definately notice it in the city subdivisions where the snow banks are higher than the vehicles, but we love seeing all the snow on the trees. What a beatutiful sight,

We have now spent a few days with family and the fun we are having with our neices and nephews can't be cherished enough. Christmas day will definately be full of excitement. We did some city mall shopping today and it was abit crazy but our 3 yr old neice kept us entertained the whole time. It's hard to "hide" gifts from her and not look like shop lifters :)

This weekend we will be trying to catch up on visits with friends...and we hope the weather cooperates.

Crispy Crunch

No, we are not talking about the chocolate bar, but crispy crunch is the clear sound as we are walking around the camp property these days.
Tonight before the sunset we decided to go for a brief walk. Brief was the outcome because the temperatures here were about -17 degrees, but it was amazing to experience the stillness. (This past week we had talked with some friends and loved ones who are in the midst of job and holiday stress already...making us realize that we do enjoy where we live.) No one else around the 140 acre property, just us. So, we didn't talk we just enjoyed the sound of the crispy crunchy snow.

It is now less than a week before we will be returning to Ontario to visit those we love and we can't wait!!

BBBBRRRRRRRRRRR

Oh it is winter!! The temperatures here in AB have been almost unbearable. All week we have watched it (and felt it) get colder and colder. -18,-26, -38 and then you have to add the windchill all I can say is NOT fun.
I, Sonya have also been sick. Yes, a full blown winter cold and have spent 3 days in bed...wishing I had financial shares in a kleenex company.
Well if we don't freeze we will be back to post again in a day or two.

What a Difference 2 Days Can Make

Well, we knew that winter was bound to arrive in Alberta whether we wanted it to or not, and it is now here! For two days straight we have had flurries and definately everything is covered in snow, which is a wonderful thing when you don't have to move it, but the roads do need to cleared as we have another group of 100 coming this weekend. As you can see in the pictures, two days ago our temperatures were much warmer.
The one thing about being in the country is when you look out the front door you see a huge blanket of snow everywhere...no dirt, sand or salt residue only a few tracks from the little critters that run the property. It is beautiful.

The past week here has been full of activity. David and one of the camp board members gave oversite to a small work crew who were upgrading our outdoor zipline and building a whole new indoor climbing wall. They were long workdays but worth it. Wow, it is exciting to see this change come about here.

A iew from the Front Window

It really is hard to believe that is November! The weather and temperatures here have been so above normal. This is an added bonus when there is still lots of outside work to be done around the camp property. One of these tasks is to "batten down the hatches" and cover all the windows with plastic so that was done today and now we have lost our beautiful view. This picture was taken last night as we watched the beautiful sunset. Another reminder of the beauty in God's creation.

We continue to putter away at the process of moving. Bit by bit we hope to have everything here by this Sunday! Oh how we love boxes..not!

Housewarming Gift

Well we have begun the journey of moving AGAIN.
Our final destination here at camp became available beginning of last week and we grabbed the paint brushes and went crazy. We also decided that two rooms (our bedroom and the scrapbook/workout room) would be getting laminate flooring, so that kept David busy. By the weekend we were ready to begin the march of the boxes. We have downsized so much in the last 3 yrs since moving west but there always still seems to be "stuff" and the current pile in the middle of the room is a true testament to that fact. Now the process is to decide where everything will belong in our new surroundings.

The cats, Charity and Chloe made the transition fairly well although they cried during the ride to the house but this by far has been their shortest car ride! Charity is an old pro when it comes to moving. She has moved 8 times and after she runs through every room she settles in quite nicely. Chloe however is still the skittish one and hides under the bed or runs out of the room if you rustle paper or move too quickly. At night when things are calm she does come out and sit with us.

We also acquired a new outside cat as a housewarming present, since the previous maintenance family couldn't take her with them. "Scotia" is now a camp cat and can regularly be found outside our front door looking for abit of food. She even let us take her picture.

It feels really good to be in a "home" again :)

Beautiful Banff

As we promised....some pics of Banff, AB.

After 3 years out west we FINALLY made it to the mountains!!
We were so blessed to be able to go on this trip as our camp board sent us to a couples conference at the Rundlestone Lodge. It was a wonderful facility and we enjoyed the "cabinish" ambiance and the relaxing hot tub. (Unfortunately the hot springs were closed for renovations.)
We also spent an afternoon walking through all the little shops looking like real tourists and then took a trip up beautiful Sulphur Mountain. This is where we caught the gondola ride up to ``the top of the world``. Now, as breathtaking as it was...half way up the mountain it really took Sonya's breath away and the feeling of panic seemed to hit. (Really, I , Sonya never thought I was afraid of heights...but that is a long way up!!) Once both feet were on the top of the mountain everything was ok again and we enjoyed the sights immensely. Our Creator has given us so much to enjoy!

In a Fog

For the past week or so there has been a flurry of activity in our region. It's the time of year when you look out accross the fields and think that there is a haze of fog in the air, when actually it is all the farmer's working on their harvesting. Now to us this is an amazing sight to see as neither of us have a country farm bone in our bodies. We will look at the fields but can't identify the type of crop if our lives depended on it. This whole process has given us a great admiration for the farmers out there who work so hard to provide healthy food for us and a living for their families. God bless them!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Please tell us that we are not the only ones who seem to be thinking that time is flying by so quickly...wow! We are always reminded of the days quickly passing when we think of all the things we want to post in our blog.

Since the beginning of the month we have enjoyed the slower pace of camp life. On one of our days off we took a scenic drive through the countryside. Talk about wide open spaces. There is so much to see! Our fall season of colours came and went very quickly. We were able to snap a few pics before all the leaves disappeared but it is amazing how one rainy day with high prairie winds seems to clear out the trees quickly.

We have also just returned from 3 days in beautiful Banff, AB. We will share more about that in our next post...with pictures.

Postcards from Home

Well, the mail came and.... nothing for us. So sad. Being at camp we only get mail picked up from town about twice a week. Every letter or card is a great source of encouragement!! Today we commented, "Do people even write letters anymore? even a postcard would be nice" Then we got into a big conversation...about do people even send postcards anymore? So, we decided, Let's find out:

We want to hear from you!!! Ofcourse we know hundreds of people do not read our blog but if you do we are asking you to send us a postcard...or even ask a complete stranger to send one..lol (This is cheaper for our American friends) Please mail them to:
Box 690 Alix, AB. T0C-0B0

Thanks! We look forward to seeing where they come from :)

Pototoe Pictures

Admist the fun of potatoes...yes we sorted through 3 ton of them. David found one that resembled a heart...such a romantic! Oh and this is one of the shop kittens.

1 Potato, 2 Potato, 3 Potato

MORE! Alot more!!

This past weeekend we recieved a generous donation of potatoes. A local farmer fills a big truck full and dumps them in a big pile here at the camp. Then the fun begins. Picking out the rotten ones and the baby small ones.

So, today was a full 8 hr day of potatoes. Three of us worked on this, putting them in bins and mesh bags. The two little camp kittens tried to help too but basically chased some of the baby potatoes around the yard. Thankfully it`s been a nice sunny day but not too hot.

There are 3 groups using the facility this weekend. So it may get abit confusing as to who goes where but in the long run they will all show up in the dining hall at meal times.

Monday Musings

Starting a Monday with the sun shining on the fall colours is wonderful. God does bless us with His creation and the gift of nature!

We are nearing the end of our second/third month at camp. Soon (we hope) there will be more transition. We have been living in a very small 1 bedroom suite that is situated right off the dining hall kitchen since we arrived here. Most of our belongings are scattered in various storage places around the camp. The "talk" is that once the former maintenance family moves out of the small 3 bedroom house that we will be moving in there, however we are told that some flooring and painting will need to be done first. (The family is headed for missions in Mexico)So with the winds and workings of camp life we are hoping that this next transition will go smoothly and we can feel settled before the white stuff flys. We are longing to feel "at home" again.

Also with the feeling of being abit cooped up, Sonya has been struggling abit with homesickness. OK must admit both of us are missing the cute stages of our little neices and nephews. But for Sonya not having a specific ministry role here at camp is a challenge, so pray for a sense of peace and belonging.

We are also trusting God to provide for us financially. The reality of our earnings is upon us and although we have very little expenditures here at camp it would be nice to get to a place where we could afford the little extras once in awhile.

Well, while the sun is still shining we must be off to enjoy the outdoors. We will try and post some more pics soon too.

Just a little view from the deck at camp where we often sit for coffee and good cell phone reception

Time Flys

It does seem that everyday is blending into the next and when we are working at camp we never really know what day of the week it is.
Currently we still have many weekend groups using our facility so that keeps us busy serving meals and doing clean up.

This time of year also finds David busy with clearing trails, trimming trees and getting the property ready for the winter season. He definately gets a workout walking the property, since we are situated on 140 acres there is lots to care for. The fall season has brought us much enjoyment with all the fall colours and visitors...somewhere on the property we have a moose! We have seen the tracks but have not spotted him yet, although apprently he has visited during past winters.

We think of our many friends and family in the East often. Trust everyone is well.

New Surroundings

Yes, we've settled. The move was only about an hour south but being that we only had the van to move things in there did seem to be many many trips.

August 1st we officially arrived back at camp!

David actually started on July 1st and he loves it! Being the nature buff, mr. fix it guy is the best use of his talents and abilities. Everyday is different and it never is boring. His job here is full time and we were provided with housing too so that made the transition easier.
Sonya finished her job in Camrose and has helped abit on weekends when necessary. We are praying about whether she should look for work in town (20 min away) during the fall/winter season to help with our finances and for her to enjoy being the people person that God created her to be.

So, if you read this blog please pray for us. Our desire is to serve God with the best of our abilities and to love others. Thanks

The Prairie Wind

Well for 2 days now we have been battling extreme wind here on the prairies. Wow! I'm sure sales in hairspray have skyrocketed. People out here say this is a "normal" Alberta spring...and apparently any type of weather is expected...even snow!! We woke up 2 days ago to a full cover of snow with some fairly deep drifts due to the wind. It's crazy!! Today there is still evidence of the snow on the ground but some of it is melting so thats good.

Can't wait for summer!! Atleast we think it's coming..lol

Easter

Well, we are convinced that we are bad bloggers. So many times in the past few weeks we have discussed that we should write something but still haven't.

Now tonight (actually this morning)I seem to be wide awake and figured ok....just write!

So, today was Easter.
I'm thankful to God for the gift of His Son and the fact that Christ would die for me still is so overwhelming at times, but I find great peace in knowing that He is alive and amongst us today. Other than that reflection, it did not seem much like Easter. Although the sun was shining, I found it difficult today to celebrate. The joys of being employed amongst the retail sector completely hit head on this morning as David put on his trusty work shirt and headed to Totem for the day. Yes, we know that everyone needs building supplies on Easter Sunday......and on Good Friday...grrr...ok...yes, I'm being very sarcastic here but I missed not celebrating today with my spouse and family!! It was a very long, dull, lonely, boring day.

We start a "new" week soon. I always like the word "New" it symbolises a fresh start and excitement.And even though it's Monday and yes, we both are working we look forward to having Tuesday off together.

Stolen

Ok...who stole the last 9 days off of our calendar...hmmm. Really can`t believe time is flying by.

We actually have sunshine today so that is a good feeling but it is still very cold.
Not much else has changed around here except that I, Sonya have lost 6.5lbs in the last 2 weeks! I`m liking that very much.

End of Month

Wow! Where has this month gone. So quickly the time is passing. There has continued to be alot of cold weather here in the west but we are surviving. Even our cats though know at night the best way to keep warm is to snuggle.
Things at church are keeping us busy and now Sonya is leading a young adult bible study on Wednesday nights as well. It seems she has found lots to fill her time with now that she has taken a break from her studies.
We will continue to try and post often through the next month. May you know today that you are never alone. God is always there.

Frosty Alberta

Hi everyone out there in blogger world. Alberta weather is quite a mixture. We are in a real hot spell.Two weeks of only -12 to -4. No snow for the past 2 weeks but lately we have had lots of frost which makes all the trees and bushes look like Christmas cards. It's very pretty. Now we are in the post holiday stretch of dull days that bring on that cabin fever affect. Sonya's been scrapbooking and I've been suffering along with the Leaf's season and lost in a mystery book or two.

Work for both of us is a little slower now but we get the shifts in and await the next season.Please feel free to leave a comment so we know we are not alone in blogger wilderness. We would love to hear from you all.

Creative Moments

It is always nice when the creative juices are flowing. There is something about it that just nourishes the soul. So tonight, actually thismorning I found myself sitting at a table with lots of stuff in front of me and voila! two hours later I am completely finished.
We have a new scrapbook store in town and the owner asked me if I'd be interested in creating a shadow box that she could display. So she gave me the frame and a picture of her girls and the rest was up to me. I like how it turned out and can't wait to see what I'll be creating in the days ahead. The final pictures are not the best. It's hard to see the 3D dimensions of the raised photo, or the sparkle of the glimmer mist on the wooden butterfly, but I really want to share them. One of the layout inside the shadow box and one outside the box.
Oh and if you haven't done anything creative lately...try it..it's a great feeling!

Front Porch View

It is a beautiful day in Camrose! The snow is glittering from the reflection of the sun and the promise of a few days of warmer weather is very exciting. Yes, a balmy -4 predicted for the entire weekend. An interesting fact though, they do not plow the snow off the roads in Camrose unless there is more that 6 inches. Right now from all the extreme freezing temperatures we have had, our roads are like a mogul course and your entire vehicle shakes as you drive. It seems they only plow the main two streets. hmmm....

Not too much has been happening other than work. Our church activities will begin again next week so that will keep Sonya busy. All 3 of our students are back from Christmas break so life at the house seems "normal" again.

A New Year

So today a thought came to mind..

What really does a "new year" mean? They say out with the old and in with the new, but as the years pass by this seems harder to adjust to. It seems to be a test of faith. What lies ahead? Do we keep plodding along with our daily tasks or do we seek out new adventures? Do we live with purpose?
I think this will be our challenge this year.
Life seems to be getting shorter and why not live it to the fullest!