Goertzen's Gaggle

Wow, seems like a long time...

2011-06-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

Funny how time flies... Scott return home March of 2010, finally! Glad to have him. He's been subbing for the Regina Public Schools waiting for a full time job from them. He's planning on working for The Willows Restaurant for the summer and returning to subbing in the fall. If Regina Public doesn't find him a job, I think they'll lose him to a school somewhere out west (closer to the mountains). *crossing fingers* I'm hoping that Regina Public does hire him, it would be nice to have one of my children close to home. No, he's not marriage, but enjoying life.

Jason and Shelley are still in Wetaskiwin, AB. Shelley traded her intense job for one that a bit nicer at the Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton. Yes the commute is a bit longer but the job, she says is much nicer! They've put in a new brick patio in the back and are planning some more for their yard over the summer. Jason and Shelley are planning a trip home this summer for a wedding of one of Jay's best friends, Shaun. Jay finished his second year at Augustana Campus and he seems to enjoy the professor's lifestyle. He keep busy with his many research projects and class preparations.

Deb has been laid up a few times this spring, once with an infection and twice now with gastritus. She seems to be on the mend now and hopefully will have a relaxing summer at the cottage. She's taken up photography like me as now she has my old Nikon D40. We've both taken a short photography class together and we've both learn lots and she seems to be getting better at it.

Me, I'm busy as ever! I've taken 3 levels of ASL (American Sign Language), still bowling twice a week, coaching on Saturdays during the winter. Last year I took my first trip to Nationals YBC Competition in Quebec City! My team took silver! I was proud of them. This year's Nationals were in Regina, where I helped somewhat. I've photographed two weddings both turned out better than I expected. Both brides were excited about what I had produced. My job, interpreting was just temporary for one year. I bid on a permanent interpreter's job last June and got it. So, I'm in my second career! I'm going to try to work at it for about 4 years (or until my arms give out!) then I will 'retire' from full time work. I may go back and substitute teach or sub as an interpreter, but I will be finished with full time. Deb and I want to travel more in the winter time to somewhere warm and we're tired of paying the high season prices. We both did Cuba at Christmas time and really enjoyed our time there. We will go back in the future!

Don't forget to email us and let us know how you're doing! Take care until next time!

Rene

Okay, Sue Me...

2010-01-19T15:09:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged lately. I know, I know, that I should do it more, but things have been a little hectic around here.

Let's start with the boys, as usual... Jason has started his second semester teaching, going well still. Shelley has found a job! She will be a doctor of psychology in Ponoka, at the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury. She was excited about it. She started Jan. 11. Furthermore, they bought a house in Wetaskiwin, AB! It's 2100 sq. ft; ample space to have family over and an unfinished basement to renovate. They both have to commute, but they each will have only about 20 minutes to drive! Their moving date is at the end of January.

Scott, at last email was on the island of Santorini (one of the islands of Greece). He has had some neat adventures so far and has included some of them in his emails. Too many to start talking about them here. They (he and a friend) have plans on staying in Greece for about 2 weeks then back to Rome to travel to Vienna, Austria and beyond. They are hoping to be in Sweden sometime in April or May. Home will be in June (or when the money runs out) for Jason and Shelley's wedding.

My mom is doing very well. She has settled nicely into her Benson Manor senior centre and she's enjoying the people and the activities very much. She's got a few more friends there that help keep her busy.

Deb is still working. She's helping her dad get out of his house and into a senior's centre, hopefully in the near future. She's keeping busy.

Me. Still working. Still trying to get some photography gigs; I've got one in May with another hopeful in late July. My interpreter's job is temporary until June with great hopes that it will turn permanent for me for the next 3 to 5 years. THEN I hope to completely retire (maybe...)

Please, all of you, take care. Try to send us an email and tell us how you're doing. (include pictures if you want!)

Lovingly,

Rene

Starting Anew...

2009-09-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

Here it is, the middle of September and I haven't written anything here for awhile. Some things have changed and some things stayed the same...

Where should I start? Let's start, as usual, with the boys. Jason has begun his teaching career at Augustana Campus. He's phoned recently and said that all is going well with his classes and he's enjoying it. Deb has left Regina tonight(Friday, Sept. 18) to go visit Jason and Shelley so I'll get more news soon. Shelley hasn't had any luck with finding a job, but she's hopeful for the future.

Scott picked up a short teaching job for the fall. The school is located just 10 minutes from his flat! Teaching is going well, but he has some "problem" children which of course can be challenging. He's still planning on backpacking Europe with Devin when their working visa runs out in December. Deb and I worry about him doing this, but 'kids will be kids!' and we just hope he returns safely in the spring.

Deb, she's still at Rosemont. The job has remained manageable to the point where she is sometimes 'bored' but she finds things to do. She slow down quite a bit on the scrapbooking, but is planning on getting back at it this fall when things quiet down a bit. Our fall is filled! We have Mom's 80th birthday is in October. Jason's convocation is in October, and I have a wedding to do at the end of October. Deb has also planned a short getaway to Calgary to visit a close friend in High River next weekend. As you can see, we're busy.

Me, I'm out of retardment(retirement). I'm working full time (6 hours/day) as a sign language interpreter at Henry Janzen School. I sign all morning and work with two hearing impaired children in the afternoon. The job is challenging and rewarding too. Hopefully, I can do this for a few years before I have retire completely. My photography is going well too. I did a wedding in August. I was happy with many of my shots with only a few that I was unhappy with. The couple were beautiful and the day was cloudy (rainy, too). This help with some good shots, but made some shots tricky(father was grey hair that match the sky!). I didn't take a lot of other shots, but did manage some 'educational' shots at the airport in the restricted area which could be used for teaching purposes.

I'm closing with wishing all the very best for the coming season and hoping that you'll see family and friends as we will be. Good luck until we see each other. Take care.

SAD NEWS

2009-06-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

It's been almost 2 months since I last blogged, but it seems a life time! A lot has happened in the last 7 weeks.

My dad passed away on May 13th. Even though it was a blessing, it's still too soon. Mom was the strongest of all and somehow manage to prop up the rest of us. We had his memorial on June 19th to accommodate family being there. I wrote and gave the eulogy: the toughest job I've ever done, but I'm glad I did. I've posted the eulogy in its entirety at the end of this post.

Now some good news. Jason and Shelley announced their wedding! It's on July 3rd (our anniversary) of 2010. The nuptials will be held right here in Regina. Furthermore, Jason successfully defended his thesis on June 2nd and now I can proudly say that its DR. JASON GOERTZEN! Formal graduation will be held in Toronto in October. I'm looking forward to Jason and Shelley walking across the stage to receive their doctorates. WOW! I'm proud.

Scott is finishing up his teaching in England, but has no plans yet on returning home. He is planning on working for about 3 months and backpacking Europe over the winter. May is the month of his planned return. I'm proud of Scott too, surviving his first year of teaching is no easy task, but his was complicated more by doing it in a different country.

Deb left June 27th for the cottage. Her summers have been spent there and she finds it very relaxing. She's taken everything, but the kitchen sink (I had to take it out of the car) with her as she there until the end of August. The car was riding pretty low when she left. She works on the garden, does some maintenance, scrapbooking, and of course reads about 10 books over the summer. She loves it out there.

Me... well I'm home here. I've just finished a 2 month full time temp job at Janzen School as a sign language interpreter. It was both tiring and rewarding. I was in a grade 6 classroom signing for 2 boys. They were great kids! Fortunately, they read lips very well and thus my slow signing wasn't a big factor. I've applied for another temp. job in the fall for the same thing. This time I'll be working in a grade 1 room! Imagine me, helping in a grade 1 room. I'm looking forward to the challenge with renewed optimism. This might be a good retirement job to have! For the summer, I'm will be working a bit at the airport again. I'm also photographing a wedding on the 15th of August! Looking forward to this. I may even get to Seattle to watch the Blue Jays.

Y'all keep well!

The Eulogy of Frank Goertzen:

Our Dad, Frank George Goertzen, was born Feb. 4, 1923, the 3rd child of seven, to Jacob and Margaretha Goertzen in Rosthern, Sask. He grew up on a homestead during the Dirty Thirties. Everyone knows that times were tough during the ‘30’s and Dad’s family had their share of hardships. The family had to travel from Rosthern to Penn, Sask. (some 200+ miles) to take possession of the homestead. The 3 oldest sons, Dad included, had to drive the cattle on foot the whole way. While his brothers went off to war, he quit school at Grade 6 to remain behind to help at the farm. In the late 40’s, our dad got a job working for the Dept. of Natural Resources; clearing bush to build roads. It was at one of the jobs at Cypress Park building the Seven Mile Hill Road where he met his wife, our mom, Kathleen Neely. These early years had a great effect on the kind of father he was to become.

Together with mom, they raised 4 children. In 1957, they rented a small house on Broad Street in Regina and Dad now worked for Tobin Tractors, welding and fixing the big Euclid’s. In 1960, they purchased a home on Rose St. where they remained for 49 years. This home was filled with many memories, some sad, some funny, but all found places in our hearts.

We didn’t see much of our dad during our early years growing up on Rose St. Dad was constantly on the road trying to make enough money so that he could feed, clothe and shelter us. He had one brief period away from this traveling in 1960, when he broke his arm. Though this didn’t stop Dad from helping out. Mom was babysitting at the time, and one of Dad’s chores was change the babies’ diapers. I remember him changing a little guy, Danny, I think, and during this change, a stream of pee shot out, straight up into the air. Luckily, Dad quickly covered up the fountain with the clean diaper.

Near the end of the sixties, Dad was tiring of the road trips and he was fortunate to able to get away from it and had more or less of an 8 to 5 job. With this new freedom, Dad was now able to find more time to do the things that he wanted to do. We kids soon realized that Dad was unafraid to tackle any interest, big or small. Throughout the following decades, refurbish and fiberglass a boat (which on its maiden trip was struck by a train), make wonderful oak furniture, grow fantastic tomatoes and flowers, just to name a few. He and mom also joined square dancing, took up playing card games (of all kinds) with friends and still found time to take in some trips: camping trips at Echo or Oyama, fishing trips (On one of these he caught a whopping 22 lbs. jack fish and on another trip catching the worst sunburn imaginable), a bus trip to Texas, and a camping trip to Alaska. We also took a number of trips for family reunions in Minnesota, Alberta, and in parts of Sask. He and mom even found time to become Regina Pat’s fans and had season tickets for many years.

Dad’s circle of friends grew steadily larger during these years. His helpfulness gained him quite a reputation. He always found time to help a neighbour, a friend, or family, unafraid to tackle any job. He and mom had a membership for Oyama Campgrounds near Kronau, Sask. where he became a board member, this was due to all the work he had done around the campsite.

Dad may have not been a very well educated man, but was smart in many ways. And along the way, he taught us kids a number of things:
1. Family is number one.
2. Get an education.
3. Friendship is important and worth cultivating.
4. Never stop learning.
5. Be independent.
6. Have integrity.
7. Plan for tomorrow, but live for the day.
8. Make the most of what you have.
9. Measure twice, cut once.
These were just a few of the many things that Dad taught us and he did this with quiet authority and setting the example for us to follow.

Dad, we thank you, we will miss you and we’ll always love you.

What a Month...

2009-05-01T21:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Thought I might just bring everyone up to speed on our family. Those of you who have internet, please share with family members that don't.

Let's start with Mom and Dad. Dad is still with us and living in Parkside Nursing home. He was taken to hospital by ambulance Wed. (April 29); the tips of his fingers were turning blue! It turned out to be the results of gout. The medication prescribed cleared everything up and he was taken back to Parkside. Parkside is once again closed to visitors because of some bug which is spreading through the home(not swine flu, fortunately). Mom is enjoying her new home; she's plays bingo, puts jigsaw puzzles together and goes out to supper occasionally with friends that she's met. I've noticed a marked improvement in her demeanor, so I think the new place is helping. She even traveled with Auntie Linda and Auntie Joanne to Maple Creek for a friend's funeral.

Jason has finished writing his thesis and will probably defend it in June; he's hoping middle of June, so that he can begin preparing for his new job in Camrose. Yes, Camrose, much closer to home!!! They've talked about buying a house or if they have to, even renting again. We're excited about his new job, their engagement, and their move closer to home. Shelley is looking for a job in Camrose but if she must, in Edmonton. All is finally coming together for them and we are thankful for that.

Scott is still in England. For their Easter break (and his birthday), the 3 of them went with friends to Amsterdam. WOW, that boy is traveling! He has canceled his planned trip to Rome in May to meet with Leon as money is short and he needs it for their backpacking trip later this year. They (Devin and he) are not sure when they are returning or even when they are going to start on their backpacking trip. They only know that the latest that they going to be back is in May of 2010. Too long as far as I am concerned, but this is what he wants and he might as well do it now while he's young. The plan so far is to get them to southern Europe during the winter and head north as it gets warmer.

Deb is at Rosemont School still and is also still enjoying this small school. The workload is easily handled by her skills and she's not taxed a bit by any of it(rather the opposite, some days she's bored). Her scrapbook of our trip is coming together nicely, but it will still take her about a month more to finish. Her parents are doing as well as can be expected. Her mom is in the same nursing home as my dad. She's trying hard to convince her dad to sell the house and move closer to the home. He spends 6 out of 7 days/week there and up to 12 hours every day. I agree! Why have a house, when you're not there anyway. Hopefully, he'll see the light and sell while the warm weather is still around.

Me, I'm still working. I've taken on a temporary job at Henry Janzen School as a sign language interpreter! Imagine me, at my age, doing this! I'm not fast and my vocabulary is comparatively small, but I'm the only one that the Board could find for just 2 months! The pay is decent and I'm guaranteed an income. Come summer, I'll go back to the Commissionaires and work for them. When fall comes and bowling starts, I'll slack off a bit on the working and try to relax a bit. Looking forward to next year - maybe wedding or 2 and Scott coming home. I'm blessed.

Still waiting on some email from some of you. Haven't heard from some of you in a long time. Hope all is well. Till next time....

Just a FANTASTIC Trip!

2009-04-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

What a terrific trip we had! 6 days on an ocean cruise ships, visiting 6 ports of call. St. Thomas, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, and finally, St. Kitts. We planned an excursion for every day. We spent every evening - fine dining, which was 5 star! We snapped some 1400 photos in those jammed packed days (some seen below). We met some fabulous people every day on the ship and even on shore. The ship had 4 swimming pools, 4 dining rooms, a buffet area, 24-7 snacks, countless bars, a casino, a huge theater-style TV, water slide, 4 glass elevators, Starbucks, shops, and much more. We were upgraded to a balcony suite, which we enjoyed very much, though I wouldn't have spent an extra $400 for it in the first place, but for $80 we took it!
Some highlights of the trip included, mushroom boulders on Barbados, Blackbeard's castle on St. Thomas, Trafalgar Falls on Dominica, the English Harbour on St. Lucia, Fort James on Antigua, and a 2 hour ride on the 'Sugar' train (top speed 8 mph) on St. Kitts. We were plum tuckered out by the end of each day, but it was all worth it. I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone! We also stayed extra days in Old San Juan to take in the sights there and we did. We toured El Morro and San Cristobel - two fortresses in Old San Juan, and took in the many sights, sounds, and food of Puerto Rico. The room at the Howard Johnson was much to be appreciated, but since we only slept there it wasn't too bad. In the 9 days away, we only had one poor day for weather - Wednesday in Barbados; the rest was 30º+C with VERY high humidity which was on some of the days almost unbearable. My ears were burnt and on the last day my upper arms got very red, but I survived.
It was pretty depressing to come back to Regina to this kind of weather, (it's raining as I'm typing and it's cold!) but it's good to be home. Not keen on going back to work, but it's the only way we can afford to go back to these warm climates again.
I'll write again when I get the chance.

Happy New Year....

2009-01-23T19:31:00.000-08:00

May joy and health follow you throughout this year and the years to come.

Good fortune has blessed this family. Dad is still with us, though the beginning to this year was a bit of a struggle for him. After returning from a short visit to the hospital just before Xmas, he contracted a bout of Norwalk virus at the Extendicare home and than right after he got another bacteria in early January which caused him some more discomfort. During the Norwalk and this second virus, we were prevented from seeing him. Mom was concerned until just the other day when it was all clear to see him. He ate a huge supper while we were there which made us feel good. Mom's happy... she has moved (Jan. 21st) into the same senior's complex in west central Regina as one of her closest friends. She's excited about the new place... no more stairs, people to talk to and activities practically every night of the week! She couldn't have asked for a better spot! Email me if you want her new address, phone number is the same.

Scott had a terrific time in Paris at Xmas, they posted numerous pictures on the web which we were able to vicariously enjoy Paris too! Aimee and Devin have provided Scott with companionship while he teaches in Jolly Ol' England. They are thinking about Scotland and Holland in Feb. and Italy in May (flights throughout Europe are extremely cheap from London). Must be nice!

Jason and Shelley have not been without good fortune... Jason landed a job - teaching in Camrose at the Augustana College! While Shelley was asked to fly out to Camrose for a job interview with the hospital in Camrose. We are all waiting with bated breath for the results of the interview. Furthermore, they have set the date for the wedding, but you'll all have to wait until they've announced when it is, themselves. We are excited and proud to have Shelley as our daughter-in-law and we wish them nothing but success and happiness in the coming years!

Debbie has been busy scrap booking everything and researching our trip to the southern Caribbean later this spring. We are both looking forward to this particular cruise as it's 7 days, 6 ports-of-call! It's the one Debbie wanted to do on our 30th anniversary, but was too expensive at that time. With a 50% savings to fly American Airlines, we can do the trip. Now we just need the great weather to grant us the chance to see some of these wonderful islands. Debbie is still at Rosemont School and continues to enjoy working there.

Me... well, things have changed somewhat, too. I've finished my job (at least until summer) at the airport and have taken up substituting for the Board. Since Jan. 5th, I've subbed 6 full days. This left me plenty of time to help Leon and Roxene to move mom. I've also got a chance to take pictures at 3 different weddings this summer (and get PAID!) Hopefully, this will lead to more weddings.

That's all for now... Don't forget to send me an email and let me know how you're doing.

Merry Christmas All!

2008-12-23T07:43:00.000-08:00

Where do I begin...

Let's start with the boys. Jason came home for Christmas. He's excited about his new job. He had accepted the position of professor at the Augustana Campus of the U of A in Camrose. He starts July 1, but doesn't move there until mid-August. Shelley, his fiance, will complete her internship in Ottawa by the end of July. She's being helped by the Dean of Augustana in finding a job in Camrose. Their wedding maybe in the fall of 09 or the summer of '10, in Regina!
Scott is still in England. He's off school now until January, so the 3 of them, have decided to go to Paris for Xmas! Hmmmmm, I wish I could be there with him... They're planning to hit all the touristy spots, plus take a boat ride down the Seine, nice! His classes are going well he tells us and he's not complaining about the length of year too much (done mid July). He's looking forward to backpacking Europe next fall.
Debbie is still a secretary at Rosemont School, but she's talked about retiring in '13 and then sub for awhile after that. She's really enjoying her hobbies of scrap booking and greeting card making. She's taken over a spare bedroom for all of her 'stuff'.
Me... I'm still at the airport, but not for long. The job has been interfering with my social life, so it must go! My last day will be on the 27th of Dec. I've said that I will still do the occasional escort duty, only if during the day shift and I'll be back for the summer, as there will be plenty of escort and relief for holidays. Deb spends much of the summer at Manitou, so I will work pretty much full time and more for them. My new job is days only and not as many either, because I've decided to go back subbing. 6 days subbing equals to 13 days at the airport. I've subbed 3 days already in Dec. and it wasn't all that bad. I'm sure that I will get at least that much or more for Jan, Feb and March. I'm still into photography and I have a chance to do 3 wedding this year.

Merry Christmas and may 2009 bless you with good fortune!

Wow, it's been a long time....

2008-11-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

Well, it's almost the middle of Nov. and it's been awhile since I have added anything to this blog. Sorry, I know some of you would like to keep up with the Goertzens.

First, the boys. Scott is still in England. We have received several emails and pics of his visits to various places. It appears that he's having a great time there and teaching is going well, too. They've been to London and Wales so far, with plans to go to Paris for Xmas, nice... Would love to go with them. Amy's found a job and I believe Devin has found one too. Sooo all is well in the "Jolly Old". Jason is writing his dissertation and has almost completed the first part to submit to his adviser for approval. His next portion must be completed by Xmas(approx.) to submit to the panel for approval and revisions. He wants it done by late spring so he can defend it before he goes to his new job. He has sent out a few resumes to possible universities, and he has gotten his first interview for a job, which he likes. The university is located in Camrose, AB. It's connected to the U of A in Edmonton. They will have the advantage of living in 'small town' community, yet still connected to a big university. His interview is later this month, so we are sitting on pins and needles until then. Shelley has completed a few months of her internship and Jason tells me that she has had some pretty long days, but it is going well for her. She is excited about Jason's interview and says that he must land a job first and then she'll either get hire on at some clinic or put out her own 'shingle' She'll only need to get a few clients weekly to make some decent money. I sure do miss the boys! Would love to have them both home for Xmas, but it looks like only Jason and Shelley will be here.

Second, ourselves. I'm working still 1/2 time only. We finally got a decent raise, and this will mean that we are getting closer to the norm. We were the lowest paid commissioners in the city, but now we are only a bit behind the average. My sign language course is going well with only 2 weeks left. My birthday gift was a brand new iMac!! Nice. This machine will definitely help when I work with large picture files. My old one was a bit slow when uploading shots to a photo centre on the web to get developed. Now speed is definitely not a problem. This one is FAST!! Deb is working (not very hard) at Rosemont still. Some days she finds it boring (she's so efficient that it doesn't take long to get the work done!). She spends a bit of time every day on the web, researching our spring cruise to San Juan. Yes you read right. San Juan Puerto Rico in April. 7 days of sunshine visiting 6 different islands, one per day. Sound like it will be a great trip.

Lastly, parents. Dad continues to be a concern to us. He sleeps continuously during the day and is having more and more bad days than good. There are some days that I'm sure that he doesn't recognize me, which is hard on me, but I keep talking to help him to orient him into who he's talking to. Which is very hard since, his hearing is getting worse. Leon has purchased a gizmo which we hope will improve this situation. Mom has finally decided to move out of the house. She filled out forms, to be put on a list to move into a senior's apartment, either at Benson Manor (where May, a friend, lives) or into Highland Manor (Eileen and Helen, friends, live). Because mom's pension is small, she moves up the list, but since narrowed the places she wants to be, it may take longer. We are hoping for her to stay until spring and then get her moved. Mom and Dad Bott are doing better. Mom is adapting better to the long term care home and Dad is more relaxed because she's there.

I'll try to post more often as time permits, but c'est la vie. It will happen when it happens.

The Summer of UP's and DOWN's

2008-09-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

Well, this summer wasn't what I expected.

First, the family, a downer. My father was placed into long term care at the Pasqua Hospital. He has had good days and some bad days. Has suffered with an urinary tract infection, but recovered nicely from it. He spends most of his days sleeping. They do get him up and walking for a bit, but he tires quickly. He also has had some brief moments of dementia, but only when he's been disorientated from waking from a sleep or just after his UTI. My mother is now using a walker full time. Her thighs and hip not treating her very well, but she is managing to get around fairly well. It helps that she is getting Meals on Wheels. My mother-in-law was also placed in a long care home. With father-in-law unable to lift mom around anymore and with her diabetes running amok, it was best for both of them. I think that now mother in law is in the care home that father in law will become healthier. He was losing weight and he was plagued with sore hips and legs (from lifting).

Secondly, work, another downer(sort of). I was hoping for a relaxing summer, I was so WRONG. I ended up working over 380 hours in 2 months. The money was nice, but the hours were long. The airport had lots of construction, mostly to the aprons(where the planes parked) and thus they needed escort for all the construction workers.

Sarah's and Spiros' wedding was beautiful, an UPPER. I'm posting pictures pictures below, so have a look. Sandy and Sarah were both beautiful (as usual) and little Iliana was so cute as the flower girl. Spiros' parents were so friendly, we felt very welcome, both at the church and the ceremony.

Debbie, an UPPER. She had a great summer, she spent much of it at Manitou Beach, entertaining company that she had invited. She also went on a casino bus trip to Winnipeg with a friend near the end of August. She had a great time and yet only spent about $100 for 4 days, so it was all good.

Another wedding, an UPPER. Our best friends'(Perry and Debbie) daughter got marriage in August, they wedding was beautiful too.

I'm hoping that things will begin to slow down. I'm back volunteering at Buck once a week. My shifts are down at work 10 to 15 per month(as promise from the guy who does the scheduling). Bowling starts this coming week and I had several chances over the summer to practice so I'm looking forward to the season.

It's still going...

2008-06-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

Well, things are going along. Summer is here and I'm working, but not too much. 12 shifts which is just 1 shift short of normal. Heading to Winnipeg soon for Sarah's wedding. Will try to get to the lake one weekend this summer to visit with friends.

Scott, my youngest, landed a job in England! He's leaving in August to Bicester, 1.5 hours northwest of London. He and 2 friends will work and live in Oxford. Flat will run around 500 pounds ($1100/month) and Scott will commute 30 minutes by train to Bicester. He'll work 1 year and then Devin and he will backpack around Europe for 3 months.

Jason and Shelley are moving to Ottawa. They are both in their final year. Shelley will intern at a clinic/hospital while Jason will finish his dissertation. He landed yet another scholarship so that he won't have to work while he finishes it. After Ottawa, who knows. Jason will have to find a teaching position in some university, while Shelley can put up a 'shingle' anywhere. Both deserve a good clap on the back for all their hard work.

Debbie will spend the summer at the lake. Work a little, tan a lot. She is also planning a bus jaunt to Winnipeg sometime soon with a friend.

All is right in the world.

Not much....

2008-06-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

Not much has been going on since my last entry. I did work my very first, second, third and LAST night shifts for the commissionaires. NEVER again. I was physically sick after the first day, so I will not be doing them again. I even gave away 2 of my night shift at month's end.

I took pictures at a friend's wedding on the 17th of May. I was disappointed at some of the results, but I'm going to try to fix that for next time. I will definitely have extra batteries for my flash, as by night's end I was having difficulties with it charging up the flash. My outside shots were much better, so I'm hoping to do more of those in the future.

My friend and I went to Minneapolis for 3 days and watch 3 Blue Jays games. Wow, couldn't have planned it better. The weather going there was crappy. Warm up for our sight seeing day. Used my new 75 x 300 mm lens at some of the players out on the field. Work great! Will have to plan a trip to Seattle next!!

Back from Cancun

2008-04-06T01:48:00.000-07:00

Had a terrific week in Cancun. We ate, drank, and had fun! We visited the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, did a Captain Hook Cruise Show, and went to Isle of Mujures (Island of Women) where Deb swam with the dolphins! We snapped 900+ pictures and met many different people. We'll definitely do this again sometime! Check out the shots below!

After Last Month's Bad Luck, Some Good Luck!

2008-03-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

I got a surprise phone call on Monday. Sask. Tourism wants to purchase the rights to one of my photos!!!!! It's below in my shots from Manitou. The one with the sailboat in the sunset. They are going to pay me $300 for it!!! My mouth dropped a foot and I did a little dance. I sent the photo to them today and will probably get the money in 1 or 2 weeks.
SOOOOO, out with the camera again to take some more shots this spring! And take my wife out for supper! The rest will be going to my ROAD TRIP to Minneapolis in May to watch the Blue Jays play! Ian is coming with me, so we are leaving the women behind (to save money from shopping!) Looking forward to it as much as I'm looking forward to the trip to Cancun on Sat.

Not Too Bad!

2008-02-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

Sorry for not writing sooner, but things are hectic around here. I got news that SGI will NOT fix my car, but between my insurance and what SGI gave me, totalled $2600, not too badly. The bruise on my arm from the accident is now all, but disappeared.
They also charged me for the accident so my insurance will probably take a hit. I have a RCMP friend who said that I should challenge it in small claims court, but I don't think will. No one was hurt, it won't affect my SGI insurance, as it was my first ever accident and finally, if I happen to lose, I will be out the cost of small claims court as well.
I haven't been out much with the new camera, but intend to do so sometime in March here as I'm not scheduled to work so much this month. Maybe will try to head to Qu'appelle Valley on Sunday with the wife and take in the sights and take in a quiet dinner in Lumsden.

WOW!

2008-01-31T13:49:00.000-08:00

The total damage to my car was $2900! Don't believe that, but there it is. Now I have to wait to see if the other guy's will get charge for the accident. I'll know by next week. If it's equal at fault or I'm charged, I think that I will fight it. I've got nothing to lose. But let's not put the cart before the horse! We'll wait out the week and see the results.

My First!

2008-01-24T13:56:00.000-08:00

No, it has nothing to do with THAT! I was in my first car accident. I was doing my usual u-turn on Dalgleish to head to my sign class and BAM! Some kid? 18 or so, hit me on my driver's side door! I ended up with a bruise on my left shoulder! But hopefully my car won't get totaled off as I can't afford another. Oh well, could have been worse I guess. I walked away from it, which is more than what I can say about other accidents that I've read about. Will meet with the adjusters on Thurs of next week. Keep your fingers crossed.

Well......

2008-01-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

This is my first day of 5 in-a-row working! I suppose this will occur regularly now, but hopefully not too often. We experienced an alarm today, but it was false! I had to RUN from outside, up 2 flights of stairs and to the area, just to find out that it was false. That's life. My sign language class starts in a couple of weeks, I'm hopefully for both of them to occur. It should start near the end of the month (19th??) and go for ten weeks.

New Year's Eve and more...

2008-01-04T20:21:00.000-08:00

Well, the wife and I had a quiet evening at a friend's house. Played cards till 10 and returned home to bed... YES, bed! I still had my cold and wasn't feeling all that great! I had to work New Year's Day and the next, too. The wife spent much of this time working on invitations to a friend's daughter's wedding (which I'm taking pictures for in May). We even had to move Scott out to his new apartment(located in Uplands) on New Year's Day. We are now officially "empty-nesters"! We'll miss him, but the lower cost of running the house will help ease the pain a bit more!
Deb's holidays are coming to an end and she's not looking forward to them ending. Hopefully, the days of work will seem less as she realizes that there's only 2 months until our trip! Cancun, here we come!

Ohhhhhh!

2007-12-29T11:45:00.000-08:00

I've came down with one "dooo-zey" of a head cold. I feel like someone steam rolled me a few dozen times. I'm going to spend the day in bed. Hopefully I will feel better on New Year's Eve. If anyone has a recipe to get rid of it fast, please pass it along.

BORING!!!!!!!!

2007-12-28T14:54:00.000-08:00

I spent the last 8 hours watching electricians work on tubing for a parking lot!!! I was without a book or my portable DVD player! This was AWFUL! I hope that I never do it again! Or at least have more things to do. Plus, I think that I'm coming down with a head cold (Thanks, Jay!) and I arrived home to an empty home and no supper cooking!!

We (ex-Trancona alumni) were planning a small get-together, but it seems that only 2 could meet so it's canceled until the next time one of them returns from Cyprus Island. Maybe with any luck it might be in the summer when people have holidays.

Boxing Day

2007-12-27T09:27:00.000-08:00

Boxing Day - Wow, what a meal at Newtown! We ate and ate and ate! ... And for some reason the price was cheaper than last year, fancy that! We had the whole family there, including Jason and Shelley, Scott, Mom and Dad, Leon, Janey, Jared, Sarah and little (well, not so little) Nolan. He's a cutie! For 9 months old he was built solid and was he good! Truly, a Goertzen in the making here! It was good seeing everyone in good spirits! With dad getting around better and his health seems to be improving somewhat, it made this Christmas time very enjoyable.

Xmas 2007

2007-12-26T20:45:00.000-08:00

What can I say about this Christmas? It was terrific! We brought Jason home (it was a birthday gift to him). We had a turkey and all the fixings Christmas Day. Both sets of parents, Jason and his fiancé, Shelley, Scott, and my sister, Roxene all sat down and devoured most of it! We wasted the day away playing games. It was great!