Isn't that a great photo above. As I wrote earlier, we had a great time up at Tahoe Thanksgiving week. Click HERE if you'd like to see some more of this beautiful country, both before and after Wednesday's snow. Be patient - it'll probably take a little while to load. Enjoy!!Monday, November 27, 2006
Tahoe Vistas
Isn't that a great photo above. As I wrote earlier, we had a great time up at Tahoe Thanksgiving week. Click HERE if you'd like to see some more of this beautiful country, both before and after Wednesday's snow. Be patient - it'll probably take a little while to load. Enjoy!!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Back Home
Well, Virginia and I made it back home from our Thanksgiving trip to Tahoe. We sure had a good time. Here's a pic to enjoy, and I'll do a PhotoShow tomorrow if I have time.
The one thing we missed was getting to be with family. Jen, Fok and Kaleb were in Boston hosting some of Jen's students. Jeremy and Amber were with the Fosters this year. My mom and Virginia's mom were at Kent's and Susan's, along with three of Virginia's other siblings and families. When we talked with everyone, it sounded as if they were having a great time... including what looked like quite an ultimate frisbee game from some pics Kent posted.
As I said, we really enjoyed our time at Tahoe, but it's also good to be home. Check back tomorrow for a link to more pics. And have a blessed Sunday!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Migrating
A couple of weeks back I ordered a new laptop to replace my old one. It seemed like the thing to do... had so much info on the old one (also backed up) and a 3-year old hard drive; I could get a new version of the same machine from Dell (only lighter and much faster) for about 1/2 what I paid for the other one; the old one could be a back-up and travel machine for VJ. Sooo... I got an early Christmas present.
Instead of loading all the software from the old machine and moving all the files manually, I decided to go with the Dell-recommended software from LapLink called PCmover. It's supposed to move all your files and programs from the old machine to the new one as slick as a whistle. Well, after two days and two complete attempts and about nine hours of time as stuff moved over the USB cable, it's finally almost right. I think I'll have to reinstall some software, and PCmover did not move any of my pictures, but I think it may work. It's been a really frustrating process, but VJ has been a calming influence, and if it doesn't work out I can just do a system restore to Thursday and do it all manually. The interesting thing is that I decided to use PCmover to save time, but if I'd just done it all manually, I'd probably be done and not have the issues. Oh well....
Virginia has class at Sac State this weekend, and I came along too so we could hang out and explore a bit. We've done a little of that, however, most of the time has been spent with my computer... oh well.
Sunday I think I'll go to church at Rancho Cordova while she's in class, and then we'll head up to Tahoe for a few days... we were able to use a time share week that was about to expire. It'll be cold with maybe a little snow, but it's supposed to be mostly clear. I'll get some work done, run a little, catch up on some reading, and just relax. Back in town next Friday or Saturday... haven't decided yet. I'll try to post some this week if I can find a cafe with wireless... no connection at the resort. Maybe even a picture or two.
God bless and happy Sunday!!
Instead of loading all the software from the old machine and moving all the files manually, I decided to go with the Dell-recommended software from LapLink called PCmover. It's supposed to move all your files and programs from the old machine to the new one as slick as a whistle. Well, after two days and two complete attempts and about nine hours of time as stuff moved over the USB cable, it's finally almost right. I think I'll have to reinstall some software, and PCmover did not move any of my pictures, but I think it may work. It's been a really frustrating process, but VJ has been a calming influence, and if it doesn't work out I can just do a system restore to Thursday and do it all manually. The interesting thing is that I decided to use PCmover to save time, but if I'd just done it all manually, I'd probably be done and not have the issues. Oh well....
Virginia has class at Sac State this weekend, and I came along too so we could hang out and explore a bit. We've done a little of that, however, most of the time has been spent with my computer... oh well.
Sunday I think I'll go to church at Rancho Cordova while she's in class, and then we'll head up to Tahoe for a few days... we were able to use a time share week that was about to expire. It'll be cold with maybe a little snow, but it's supposed to be mostly clear. I'll get some work done, run a little, catch up on some reading, and just relax. Back in town next Friday or Saturday... haven't decided yet. I'll try to post some this week if I can find a cafe with wireless... no connection at the resort. Maybe even a picture or two.
God bless and happy Sunday!!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Monterey
I posted earlier about our trip with Richard and Cindy to Monterey. It was so much fun! They say a picture is worth a whole lot of words, so if you like the shot above, check out this link to a Comcast PhotoShow of the trip. Enjoy!!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Special Sunday
Well, today was a really good day. We worshiped a faithful and powerful God and he showed up big time. In the spirit of Ephesians 3:20-21, Richard encouraged us to live expectantly into 2007.
It didn't start out smooth, however. When I got to the building early, the main projector in the auditorium kept shutting down after about 5 minutes, so I figured the filters might be dirty. Well, the only way to clean them is to drag out the big honkin' 18' step ladder, climb to the top and pull out the filters. Those who know me understand that heights are not my favorite thing, but I sucked it up, climbed the ladder, cleaned the filters and crossed my fingers. I guess it was dirty filters after all because the projector stayed on the entire service... yea!! Then as the service began we started getting some horrible feedback out of the monitors up front. Not sure what that was... probably somebody had twisted some of the knobs... will check it out this week. The guys in the booth just turned them way down... of course nobody on praise team could really hear through the monitors, but it all went well anyway.
Brad and Marla joined us and Richard and Cindy for lunch. We grilled chicken, added a great salad and other fixin's and just enjoyed eating and talking together. It was good. A bit later in the afternoon, the 4 of us went for a long walk up over the hill and around the lake. It was a bit chilly, but still really pretty.
It's an early start in the morning to get Richard and Cindy to the airport, so I'd better close and start winding down for bed. Hope God blesses your Monday!
It didn't start out smooth, however. When I got to the building early, the main projector in the auditorium kept shutting down after about 5 minutes, so I figured the filters might be dirty. Well, the only way to clean them is to drag out the big honkin' 18' step ladder, climb to the top and pull out the filters. Those who know me understand that heights are not my favorite thing, but I sucked it up, climbed the ladder, cleaned the filters and crossed my fingers. I guess it was dirty filters after all because the projector stayed on the entire service... yea!! Then as the service began we started getting some horrible feedback out of the monitors up front. Not sure what that was... probably somebody had twisted some of the knobs... will check it out this week. The guys in the booth just turned them way down... of course nobody on praise team could really hear through the monitors, but it all went well anyway.
Brad and Marla joined us and Richard and Cindy for lunch. We grilled chicken, added a great salad and other fixin's and just enjoyed eating and talking together. It was good. A bit later in the afternoon, the 4 of us went for a long walk up over the hill and around the lake. It was a bit chilly, but still really pretty.
It's an early start in the morning to get Richard and Cindy to the airport, so I'd better close and start winding down for bed. Hope God blesses your Monday!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Special Weekend
Richard and Cindy Fancher have been with us for the last few days, and we've really enjoyed their visit. Richard has been here to help us with an elder/minister retreat, and we've tried to make the most of their time with us.
They flew in Wednesday. Thursday we drove to Monterey, enjoying the beach, Cannery Row, and the 17 Mile Drive, including Pebble Beach, and stayed the night at a great condo courtesy of Doug and Melody. We drove back Friday, and that evening was our first retreat session at the building.
Our leader retreat lasted pretty much all day, and Richard did a great job leading us through some steps to help us as a team, minister to our church, and grow in our ability to reach out to our community. No time for details today... and too pooped. More later.
Virginia and Cindy had a great time exploring the new Trader Joe's, a really cool local place that specializes in olive oil, and a couple of other places. We got to savor some of their finds at supper tonight. Yummy stuff.
I'm really looking forward to our worship tomorrow. My prayer is that God will use our time in worship to shape us all a little more to who He wants us to be. I pray you have a great Sunday as well. Blessings...
They flew in Wednesday. Thursday we drove to Monterey, enjoying the beach, Cannery Row, and the 17 Mile Drive, including Pebble Beach, and stayed the night at a great condo courtesy of Doug and Melody. We drove back Friday, and that evening was our first retreat session at the building.
Our leader retreat lasted pretty much all day, and Richard did a great job leading us through some steps to help us as a team, minister to our church, and grow in our ability to reach out to our community. No time for details today... and too pooped. More later.
Virginia and Cindy had a great time exploring the new Trader Joe's, a really cool local place that specializes in olive oil, and a couple of other places. We got to savor some of their finds at supper tonight. Yummy stuff.
I'm really looking forward to our worship tomorrow. My prayer is that God will use our time in worship to shape us all a little more to who He wants us to be. I pray you have a great Sunday as well. Blessings...
Monday, November 06, 2006
New Week
Yesterday was a really good day... our worship time was rich as we praised and confessed and prayed and thanked God. Kay and Bill Jennings asked me to join them (along with the Koonce family) for lunch at their house. The food was good and the fellowship was better. Then... Virginia flew back into Oakland about 3:00. Nice way to complete the day.
Jeremy seems to be doing well with his surgery. I can't wait to see the movie. :-)
Back in the summer I decided to sign up to be a police chaplain. I had one call shortly after to comfort a lady whose husband had died. I finally got some training last week, and had my second call today. Again it involved a death. An elderly lady with Alzheimer’s lived with her husband, who was her primary care giver, with help 3 times a week. Well, he died in the night, and the lady didn't know it. I got the call this morning and drove over to the house. The police were still there along a care giver and a neighbor. Most of the morning I kept having the same conversation with the lady about her husband passing away. Two minutes later we'd start over with her asking questions about who all these people were and why they were here. It was interesting, however, after a while, something about it began to stick with her because she went from an attitude of defiant denial to just a puzzled description of the morning as weird. Perhaps the saddest part is that because they have no children and no family in the state, she went to a convalescent home today, likely never to return to her house again. It makes me wonder who, how, when the house and all her stuff will be taken care of. Hard to know.
Well, better get this posted and head for bed. Blessings!
Jeremy seems to be doing well with his surgery. I can't wait to see the movie. :-)
Back in the summer I decided to sign up to be a police chaplain. I had one call shortly after to comfort a lady whose husband had died. I finally got some training last week, and had my second call today. Again it involved a death. An elderly lady with Alzheimer’s lived with her husband, who was her primary care giver, with help 3 times a week. Well, he died in the night, and the lady didn't know it. I got the call this morning and drove over to the house. The police were still there along a care giver and a neighbor. Most of the morning I kept having the same conversation with the lady about her husband passing away. Two minutes later we'd start over with her asking questions about who all these people were and why they were here. It was interesting, however, after a while, something about it began to stick with her because she went from an attitude of defiant denial to just a puzzled description of the morning as weird. Perhaps the saddest part is that because they have no children and no family in the state, she went to a convalescent home today, likely never to return to her house again. It makes me wonder who, how, when the house and all her stuff will be taken care of. Hard to know.
Well, better get this posted and head for bed. Blessings!
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Mud, Gravel and Prayer
Here it is Saturday afternoon, and the time without Virginia has actually gone faster than I thought it would, but I am definitely ready for her to be home. She's enjoyed being down south helping Amber care for Jeremy post-surgery, and today she has driven down to the SD area for Mel's dad's memorial service. She'll drive back to J&A's this evening, go to church with them tomorrow and fly back to Oakland tomorrow afternoon.
It was somewhat muddy out on the trails this morning when Randy and I ran. Much of the dirt in some sections is clay, so when it gets wet it really clings to your shoes. Several times I had to knock mud bricks off my shoes. We didn't run as far as usual today because I wanted to get up to the church and help with spreading the finishing gravel in what will be the new picnic area by the fellowship hall. Some of the guys built concrete retaining walls a couple of weeks back, and earlier this week they used Charlie's tractor with a frontend loader to move and level dirt to create 4 terraced areas. They added a layer of large rock and then a layer of gravel like you might see on a gravel road, following up with water and rolling to pack it down. Today we covered the whole area with a real fine grey granite gravel, wetting it down and using a machine to pack it down. Don plans to build forms and make 3 or 4 concrete picnic tables using some sort of special concrete. Butch has some rock coming to build a retaining wall along the curved sidewalk under where the power tower sits. After that, a little low maintenance ground cover in the dirt area should finish the project. My back's tired after shoveling gravel and pushing a wheelbarrow.
Tomorrow our worship assembly will be a time of prayer and praise. I believe times like this can really help shape who we are in Christ if we truly give ourselves over to allowing the Spirit to work in our hearts as we worship. I know that can be said of every opportunity for corporate worship, but I think it's especially true of those times when we are really focusing on prayer... prayer as an avenue to grow closer to God. I pray that our Family will come prepared to truly enter in to the experience of worship.
Some of you know Kent (my brother), Susan (VJ's sister) and their kids. Their youngest, Ryan, is still in high school and runs cross country for Lipscomb High School in Nashville. Today was the State Cross Country meet and Lipscomb won the A-AA division. Ryan was the first Lipscomb finisher in 9th place. Here are some pics for those who like that sort of thing. Enjoy! And God bless!
It was somewhat muddy out on the trails this morning when Randy and I ran. Much of the dirt in some sections is clay, so when it gets wet it really clings to your shoes. Several times I had to knock mud bricks off my shoes. We didn't run as far as usual today because I wanted to get up to the church and help with spreading the finishing gravel in what will be the new picnic area by the fellowship hall. Some of the guys built concrete retaining walls a couple of weeks back, and earlier this week they used Charlie's tractor with a frontend loader to move and level dirt to create 4 terraced areas. They added a layer of large rock and then a layer of gravel like you might see on a gravel road, following up with water and rolling to pack it down. Today we covered the whole area with a real fine grey granite gravel, wetting it down and using a machine to pack it down. Don plans to build forms and make 3 or 4 concrete picnic tables using some sort of special concrete. Butch has some rock coming to build a retaining wall along the curved sidewalk under where the power tower sits. After that, a little low maintenance ground cover in the dirt area should finish the project. My back's tired after shoveling gravel and pushing a wheelbarrow.
Tomorrow our worship assembly will be a time of prayer and praise. I believe times like this can really help shape who we are in Christ if we truly give ourselves over to allowing the Spirit to work in our hearts as we worship. I know that can be said of every opportunity for corporate worship, but I think it's especially true of those times when we are really focusing on prayer... prayer as an avenue to grow closer to God. I pray that our Family will come prepared to truly enter in to the experience of worship.
Some of you know Kent (my brother), Susan (VJ's sister) and their kids. Their youngest, Ryan, is still in high school and runs cross country for Lipscomb High School in Nashville. Today was the State Cross Country meet and Lipscomb won the A-AA division. Ryan was the first Lipscomb finisher in 9th place. Here are some pics for those who like that sort of thing. Enjoy! And God bless!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
