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

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

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...

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.