Corpus Christi

Musical Pots - A New Beginning

2008-09-09T20:29:00.003-06:00

Hello,

It's been quite a long time since I've posted, so I'm not sure if anyone still reads this or not, but I wanted to let anyone out there who's interested know that I will no longer be posting to this blog, but will be sharing a new blog with my beautiful wife, Susan.

Please change your links and bookmarks to check out http://musicalpots.blogspot.com

2008-02-29T10:31:00.005-07:00

I can't believe it is already the end of February... this month seems like it has gone by WAY too fast.

The end of the month has been a bit slower for me. I've been forced to relax a bit as I've battled with a cold for the past week. It's starting to go away (I think). I was able to be at work yesterday, but a rough night of coughing fits slowed me down again today.

Tomorow is moving day for Susan. We have found the apartment that we will share after we are married in August. It is a nice little 2 bedroom setup in a small, quiet building. It has been an interesting experience preparing for this move. Learning how to get the power hooked up, ordering services like phone and cable, it is all a new experience.

Plans for the wedding are coming along. Initially Susan had hoped that we could have the wedding in Ontario to allow more of my family to be present, but it quickly became apparent that we would not be able to make that work very well. The wedding date and location is now set and booked and we will be married at Grand Falls Citadel (in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland) on August 23. We have a piano player, soloist, photographer and other details worked out. Planning is coming along nicely and we are excited for that day.

Christmas with New Family

2007-12-31T08:35:00.000-07:00

After a long break, another post appears...

Susan and I are happy to announce that we were engaged on December 21st. The wedding will be in late summer of 2008 in Ontario.

We have just returned from Newfoundland where we spent our Christmas with the Banfields.

We were greeted at the airport in St. John's by a welcome party made up of Susan's: father, sister, brother, 2 aunts, an uncle and 3 cousins. During the next week I met several other members of the family.

We spent time with family and friends and had a great time in Grand Falls.

Our trip home was a bit rough. We were scheduled to leave St. John's at 5am on Dec. 30. Our flight was delayed and then cancelled due to bad weather (oddly enough every other flight leaving around that time took off). The flight was eventually rescheduled for 4:15 that afternoon. After napping and grabbing lunch at Jungle Jims, we returned to the airport and checked in around 2pm. However, our flight did not leave at 4:15. It was discovered a little before we were scheduled to begin boarding that the plane at a mechanical problem and that the flight would be delayed until a mechanic could look at it. After replacing the dead batteries, the plane powered up and they boarded us at least an hour late. We were further delayed while we taxied to another part of the airport for de-icing, and then to our runway. Were were nearly 2 hours late leaving. This made our connection in Toronto VERY tight...so tight that when we got to the gate, we discovered that our seats had been given away. The agents at the gate were very rude (they seemed to think that it was our personal fault that our flight was late), but they did get us seats on the plane. We were moved from row 19 to row 29, which of course meant that we could not recline our seats because were in the last row and had a bulkhead behind us. Obviously it didn't matter that we had paid extra to select our seats in advance back in September when we booked our flights. We did make it home though, and our baggage, which was not transfered to our plane in Toronto, is expected to catch up with us today.

I haven't flown with Air Canada much, prefering to travel with West Jet, and the amount of complications on this trip as well as the poor customer service has definately convinced me to stick with West Jet. Hopefully the next time Air Canada runs out of money the government won't waste their time (and our tax dollars) bailing them out.

I will be sure to post further information regarding the wedding as details are established.

For anyone living in the area between Pickering and the Niagara region, if you attend an Army corps (or other church for that matter), we'd appreciate some pictures of sanctuaries as we are trying to figure out where to have the wedding. You can e-mail me at listowel1984@gmail.com

Where to begin...?

2007-09-21T10:35:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been nearly 2 months since my last post, and LOTS has happened!!

To follow-up on my last post, the GBS concert was great!! So much fun!! Since then, I've also been to see Rick Mercer, thrown a suprise "welcome home" party for a friend who went to BC for a week, a fair-well party for a friend who has headed back to England for school and the waterpark at West Edmonton Mall. I'm pretty sure I'm missing stuff. Oh, I was also at Music Camp in August - that lots of fun.

I am continuing to take various training courses for work and the certificates are starting to pile up. Over the next two weekends I will be taking the Amateur Radio Licensing course.

Seeing as I am not doing very well posting, I figure I'll include a bit on my plans for the Thanksgiving weekend. That weekend I'll be in southern Alberta with Susan. We're going down to Banff/Canmore/Calgary for that weekend. She hasn't been south of Red Deer yet and never out to the Rockies, so that's where we'll be. So, people in Calgary, make sure you're around so I can catch up with you!!

Here's a picture that I took on Tuesday at a "Crash-On" exercise at the Edmonton International Airport. You can see the Salvation Army's EDS Canteen in the foreground with the Stars Air Ambulance taking off just behind.

Finally!!

2007-07-26T12:13:00.000-06:00

Hey all!! I'm finally going to a Great Big Sea concert tonight!! A couple years back I had tickets to a concert in Calgary but ended up not going because I was supposed to get my wisdom teeth out...which I didn't on that day...bummer!! Anyways, they're doing an outdoor concert at Capital Ex this evening, free with gate admission, so Susan and I are going to check that out.

Yes, Susan. For those who don't have facebook, or who I haven't found to add as a friend, I have a beautiful girlfriend named Susan. Readers of my father's blog might have noted a reference to her on a post a little while ago. We will have been dating for 3 weeks this Saturday and are very happy.

Today I'm at home for most of the day working on my sermon for August 19. I'm speaking at Castledowns Church on that Sunday. I realise that it's still a while away, but my schedule will be busy for the two weeks leading up to it and the officers are commencing their vacation time at the end of this week and they're wanting to find out what I'm speaking on. I'm looking forward to the opportunity!! I very much enjoy any opportunities I get to speak on a Sunday (hint, hint for any officers in the Edmonton area who might read this).

Take care everyone! (If anyone is still reading this)

They just might make an Edmontonian out of me yet...

2007-07-20T15:00:00.000-06:00

I am absolutely loving living in Edmonton!!

I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD EVER UTTER THOSE WORDS!!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first month in Edmonton. My job is great!! I've made some new friends. I'm getting out and seeing more things than I have for a long time. Life is just really great right now. Since moving here I have been to an international soccer match, a picnic in a park, a day at a plant conservatory, the Taste of Edmonton Festival, the Edmonton Street Performers' Festival and just been out and around. There are pics on facebook for my friends with accounts.

On Monday I am headed to Calgary for a day and a half for work. My hotel is booked and I'm looking forward to the trip, just for something a bit different.

Still alive...

2007-07-02T06:38:00.000-06:00

Well, I have now been in Edmonton for 3 weeks, or very near that. And it has been just under one week since we moved into our house here. I am really starting to feel more settled.

I am loving my job!! I am excited about the opportunity for me to learn and grow, as well as the potential for ministry and partnerships. I have just finished my first training course - Standard First and CPR (scary thought - I've spent 3 summers at camp and however many more years working with kids and I've never taken a First Aid course before now). So now, instead of not knowing what to do, I'll simply not remember what to do...(joking...really...)

Yesterday I was at Edmonton Temple for church. It was the installation of Captains Don and Donna Bladen. They have 4 children (they must be nuts!!). I also had my first cell phone call during Don's sermon (the phone was on vibrate - not ringer mode). I was sitting in the band and had to leave the service for a bit...kind of awkward on my first day up there. I was also back in the trombone section for the first time in years...that was interesting...I remembered my slide positions luckily enough, but dropping down and switching back to Bb was a bit awkward for the first bit...it'll take some time.

I'm definately feeling positive about all of this!!

Counting down the hours!!

2007-06-07T13:17:00.000-06:00

Well, almost all my belongings are packed (minus my computer - that goes in the box tomorrow). Either my things are in boxes to be shipped in a couple of weeks or in suitcases to go with me next week. All that remains is some cleaning.

Tomorrow evening I head for Salmon Arm for the weekend and won't be back until late Sunday night. It should be a fun weekend. I always enjoy these weekends (at least when I don't get sick!!).

Monday morning I'll head for St. Albert where I'll be staying until the end of the month. Then I get a couple of days down time before I start work on Thursday. So - my next post should come to you from north of here.

Move date pushed ahead

2007-05-29T06:32:00.000-06:00

I will now be moving to Edmonton a couple of weeks before my parents and ahead of schedule. I have accepted a position in Edmonton working for The Salvation Army which requires me to be available as soon as possible. So, I have given my two weeks notice at my current job and am trying to find a place to stay in the Edmonton area until my parents move up later in June.

I will be coordinating the Army's Emergency & Disaster Services for the northern part of Alberta. This is another fantastic opportunity for me to learn new skills and grow personally and "professionally" in preparation for officership. I start in the office on June 14th.

This has come together very quickly. It was only last Tuesday that I got a phone call to setup an interview. I had my interview on Friday and was offered the position yesterday.

This means that this upcoming Sunday will be my last at my church since I will be in Salmon Arm, B.C. the following Sunday just before I move north. I only have 7 work days left in my current job. It all seems very fast, but I feel great about it!!!

Sick in Cranbrook

2007-05-21T20:14:00.000-06:00

My weekend was spent in beautiful (but rainy) Cranbrook, B.C. on a band trip - the first of two over the next few weeks (in a few weeks an ensemble is going to Salmon Arm, B.C.). I billetted with a lovely family who were very friendly and hospitable. I spent more time with them than I have with any other people that I've been billetted with on a band trip. Most trips are so full of activities that very little time is left to get to know the people we are staying with, but due to a smaller schedule and some rain on Saturday there was plenty of time to just relax. Saturday morning was free for us and many bandmembers travelled up that day. And because of rain our afternoon outdoor engagement was cancelled leaving us with more time off.

Sunday was not quite so pleasant for me as I awoke with an upset stomach that lasted all day, causing me to miss the second half of the morning service. In the whole day I only managed to keep down a bowl of chicken noodle soup in the evening once I got home...most unpleasant. I had to take my first ever graval for the trip home, meaning that I slept soundly from Kimberley, B.C. to Okotoks, just south of Calgary.

Today my stomach has been fine, but I've had headaches, muscle aches and been very tired. I've slept a lot and still feel ready for a solid night's rest.

It is interesting to see how much my father packed over the weekend. There is still a lot more to pack, but quite a bit has been done at this point. I need to repack many of my boxes that I never really unpacked since I got back to Calgary from Peace River, just because I had to open them to find a couple of small items. Overall, I don't really have much to pack most of it is already done. Most of my efforts will go towards cleaning the house for the Vincents who will be moving in to the house in July.

7 great years...

2007-05-04T17:54:00.000-06:00

Today The Salvation Army announced that my parents, Fred and Wendy Waters, are appointed to Edmonton, Alberta as the Area Commanders for Northern Alberta. This means that I am most likely moving to Edmonton in June as well. Finances aren't likely to permit me to remain in Calgary for the next year before I am expecting to go to Winnipeg.

Our family has enjoyed our time in Calgary so much, and we are sad to be leaving things behind here. But Edmonton will be a new experience and we do have many friends there. It's not too far away, so I'm looking forward to visiting Calgary several times.

The complete list of moves for the Canada and Bermuda Territory is available online here. Several more Candidates have been accepted for officer training this week as well. That list is available here.

I am looking forward to spending the next couple of months with my friends and family that live here in Calgary.

2 weeks in Calgary

2007-04-16T12:00:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been a couple of weeks since I moved back to Calgary, so I thought that I ought to write a post to keep things updated...

On April 2nd I had an interview down at the Centre of Hope (a facility operated by The Salvation Army in downtown Calgary that provides residential and additions services, as well as other services that are open to the community at large). The interview went well, and I started work there as a Client Services Worker on the 13th. I'm working the night shift (8pm to 8am) during the second half of the week (alternating Wednesdays, Thursday, Friday, Saturday). So far I've only worked two shifts, one of which was during the day for orientation. This job is great, not only am I enjoying the work, but I was also able to have my personnel file transferred, meaning that I won't have to wait the 3 months probation to get benefits, etc. There is a chance for overtime since the Centre is, like most places in Alberta, short staffed. For now I'll stick with my 40 hours though.

In the two weeks between my interview and starting work I was able to just spend some time with my parents helping with a few things at the church.

It is good to be home though. I am enjoying my mother's cooking, having at least a bit of a social life, and being involved at church again.

Adios, Farewell, Good-bye

2007-03-30T11:51:00.000-06:00

Well, even as I type this post my father is driving to Peace River. I am expecting in about an hour from now. Now that the end is here I am very ready to get out of here soon.

Depending on things are looking after he gets here we may leave this afternoon and stop at a hotel along the way for the night. Otherwise we will be leaving first thing tomorrow morning.

I'm looking forward to being back at my home church on Sunday and going for my job interview on Monday. My next post will come from Calgary, Alberta.

Nearly packed...

2007-03-24T16:46:00.000-06:00

Well, with one more week until moving day the vast majority of my belongings are packed and ready to go. Just a few more last minute items and a bit of cleaning left now.

It sure feels like spring in Peace River now!! I walked down to Panagos to get a pizza last night at 8pm and the sky was still light, there were lots of people walking downtown or driving with windows down, the air just had that feel of spring to it. It was such a great feeling!! Temperatures continue to be above freezing during the day and the snow is melting!! Most of the roads are fairly clear now, although a bit wet. And a sure sign that we're getting spring weather - construction!! I found myself having to take a detour today to avoid a construction zone!!

Spring is in the air...

2007-03-20T13:29:00.000-06:00

...oh, wait!! That's snow!!

Well, we have accumulated a few more centimeters of snow on the ground since my last post. Hopefully it'll end soon.

Today I am at home for he afternoon preparing for Sunday. I am preaching at my church in the morning. This will be my last Sunday at the church here in Peace River. April 1st I'll be back at my home church in Calgary again.

Packing is coming along. I sold my bookcase on Sunday, so I only have the couch, desk, night stand and dresser to worry about now. My landlady informed me today that someone interested in renting the space where I am is coming on Saturday to speaking with her and to take a look at things, so I have to have things in good shape for that. I'll just have to speed up my schedule a bit I think.

Anyways, it's back to the books for me.

No more puddles

2007-03-13T20:58:00.000-06:00

Well, last week the temperatures rose and allowed puddles to form in Peace River...the puddles are gone...or where they do remain they are frozen ice. We received another good batch of snow over the weekend. I've got pictures below that I took on Monday.

I'm making a bit of an announcement: I'm moving back to Calgary at the end of this month. After about 10 months in Peace River I am leaving. I've decided to give up my job here and return home to make it possible for me to save up the money I need to go to college in September of 2008. I'm a little disappointed that things didn't work out up here, but there have been many, many positive things over the months I've been here and I am glad that I've had this experience.

2007-03-13T20:55:00.000-06:00

2007-03-13T20:48:00.000-06:00

2007-03-13T20:45:00.000-06:00

4 Generations

2007-03-08T22:41:00.001-07:00

I love history and I love the heritage of my family. I don't know very much about some of my ancestoral lines, but I have been able to learn a bit about the Waters line.

Here are 4 pictures of members of the Waters family as members of The Salvation Army. First is my Great-grandparents, next my Grandma & Grandpa Waters, then my parents and last me.

1st Generation

2007-03-08T22:41:00.000-07:00

2nd Generation

2007-03-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

3rd Generation

2007-03-08T22:38:00.000-07:00

4th Generation

2007-03-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

PUDDLES!!

2007-03-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is true and I'm very, very excited!! There are puddles in Peace River. For the first time in months we have liquid H2O on the ground!! How excited am I? I took a picture!!

I know...it isn't the most beautiful picture...but I don't care...I'm just glad to see flowing water!!

Umm...good news came this week. I received word that I have been pre-accepted to go to The Salvation Army's College for Officer Training in Winnipeg for September 2008. In order to achieve my financial goals for going back to school there will be an employment and residential change coming soon. In all likelihood I'll be headed back to Calgary. I'll let you all know when that might be happening.

Have a good weekend!!

Happy Birthdays

2007-02-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm a day late and a day early, but happy birthday to my brother, Phil, who celebrated his 20th yesterday. And happy birthday to my Grandma Waters, who celebrates another birtday tomorrow!! (I wonder, do people eventually get tired of having birthdays?)

Umm...it's been a while since I posted, and for a good reason...I really don't have anything to type...

Favourite Pictures

2007-02-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

One of the wonderful things about being sick is the amount of free time that you have on your hands!! Well, I've been looking through all sorts of pictures on my computer and thought I'd post some of my favourites. Some are sentimental, some are silly and some are...well...disturbing. Anyways, here are pictures that come from various people I know, taken in various places at many different points in time over the past number of years. Hope you enjoy.

Good news...bad news...

2007-02-09T05:52:00.000-07:00

Well, the good news is that my shoulder hasn't bothered me for nearly a week now!!

The bad news is that for the past 5 days...today is day number 6...I have been dealing with a stupid cold...I think. No fever (thank goodness), but this cough is horrible. I have trouble sleeping (I haven't slept yet tonight), I can hardly talk, and eating is difficult. I haven't been to work since Monday morning. I am low on engergy and very tired. Not good conditions for getting better...I'm thinking it is time to go to the clinic...okay maybe it was time to do that a couple of days ago...but I'm thinking it is going to happen.

I hate when I get sick. It only happens once or twice a year...but at least once a year I get something really miserable!! It SUCKS!!

Anyways, I've finished browsing blogs and was a bit bored and still hacking so I thought I'd voice...or type...my petty little complaint.

Chocolate Egg Cream

2007-02-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

Well, the second half of this week has been sort of on and off. My shoulder has good days and bad ones. Yesterday was pretty bad, so I decided that it would be best if I didn't work this weekend at Boston Pizza, which sucks cause I won't get paid and my boss sounds pretty unhappy with me...hopefully things'll get worked out.

A special word of congrats to my parents, who are celebrating 28 years of marriage today!

To think that it has been 3 years already since their big Hawaiian themed party to mark the big 25!! Of course this year they will actually get to spend a week in Hawaii - somewhere they've drempt of holidaying since they had their honeymoon in a small cabin in the middle of winter.

This week in some browsing around I found a recipe for a New York City drink that intrigued me, so today I decided to attempt it - the Chocolate Egg Cream. Of course I didn't have the "authentic" chocolate sauce or the seltzer cylinder, but it didn't come out too badly. I might have to play with the amounts of milk and club soda that I use, but I will be making it again. If you like trying new things, I'd suggest this one! It's easy and is something of a unique experience to try. Here's what most people online seem to agree is the "authentic" recipe.

Not the day off I had imagined...

2007-01-31T19:30:00.000-07:00

Well, the highlight of my day off on Tuesday? Going to the emergency room at the Peace River Hospital! Monday night while eating supper I noticed a great deal of pain in my shoulder/upper arm. After taking hours to fall asleep at night and waking up with more pain I headed up to the hospital. After 2.5 hours up there what did the doctor decide I had? An injured rotator cuff. So my new best friend is my heating pad and the Advil he recommended. I'm supposed to some resistance excercises to build up the muscle and not put too much stress on it. What fun.

So between the pain and being at the hospital for quite a while I didn't get nearly as much as I had hoped done during my time off. O well.

I hope everything's well where you are!

Time for a break...

2007-01-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally have a bit of real quality down time. I have worked without a day off since the 14th. With 2 jobs I am working 7 days a week now and I'm still adjusting to the pace of work at Boston Pizza. I must say that I really do enjoy both of my jobs, but I do need a bit of a breather from time to time. So I have this afternoon and tomorrow off (with pay). The Army owed me a bit of time from Christmas, so I'm collecting on some of that today and tomorrow. Hopefully this'll give me that chance to catch up on some school work, cleaning, laundry and (hopefully) some rest.

Earlier this afternoon I was at the dentist getting a couple of fillings...the freezing still hasn't worn off...it is the weirdest sensation. I've never had freezing in my mouth before. The whole experience was decidedly unpleasant, not to mention expensive.

I've been enjoying reading several blogs lately, and one that I have found particularly interesting is that of Graeme Smith, a Salvationist who lives in Latvia (but is from the UK). I'm adding a link to his blog to the sidebar. Check it out, it is definately worth it!

Anyways, I should probably go and do something productive with the time I have.

Take care all!

The longest short week

2007-01-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

The week seemed like it went by so quickly, and yet it seems like ages ago since last weekend!! The relative perception of time can be so odd at times.

Well, this past week has been full of enjoyable moments for me. Nothing particularly remarkable at work, but it has bee enjoyable. I spent an afternoon earlier in the week visiting local businesses encouraging them to sponsor one or more children to go to the Army's summer camp in July. The response is very encouraging so far, and I am very optimistic.

Away from work (well, in some respects), I also received back my first three assignments from my course that I'm working on. The marks and comments were encouraging and I am pleased with my results so far. Tomorrow I will complete another component when I will be preaching and evaluated.

Also, after church tomorrow is the monthly pot-luck!! I'm taking perogies!! I'm thinking that I'm going to bake them...normally I would fry them, but I enjoy baked perogies.

Today was my first day working a second job. I have been hired at Boston Pizza as a serving assistant (which should lead to being a server). I worked from 9-5 today. It wasn't a bad first day. I'm utterly exhausted...my desk job has made me a little soft. My legs were killing me while I was walking home after work. I've taken the job so that I can meet my budget objectives for the next 6 months. I'll likely be work 20-24 hours a week at BP's.

Hockey & Academia Update

2007-01-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

First of all, I want to say that yesterday was a good day in Canadian hockey!! As part of CBC's Hockey Day in Canada, the three Canadian teams worth taking note of won their games: Ottawa CRUSHED Montreal with a final score of 8-3. Vancouver defeated Toronto, 6-1. And of course the Calgary Flames continued their winning streak (5 games now) beating Edmonton 3-1.

A good day in hockey!!

I am very excited! I finished the first half of the course I'm working on right now yesterday. The course is through the Booth College Extended Learning program. "Introduction to Officership" is a required pre-requisite for going to the College for Officer Training. I wrote a book review, essay and sermon outline yesterday. The course will wrap up at the end of February.

I also want to say that I had a fantastic experience in church today. It's been a long time since I got so much joy and refreshment out of a church service!!

THe river is FROZEN!!

2007-01-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

This first picture was taken yesterday. You can see the steam from the warmer water escaping from between the flowing ice in the middle of the river and the ice that is at the side of the river.

The second was taken about 4:30 this afternoon. The entire rive is now frozen over and none of the ice is flowing rapidly anymore. Any motion that is taking place is imperceivable.

Today the team from The Salvation Army was serving at the Peace River Soup Kitchen. This was just the second day of operation for the Soup Kitchen. Wednesday lunch was cancelled because the pilot light in the furnace went out, and with temperatures below -40 with the windchill, we couldn't operate.

The river is freezing!

2007-01-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

It is cold here in Peace River today. After a blizzard last night we reached a high of about -35 celsius with the windchill. The overnight low is forecasted to be -33 without the wind tonight.

A New Link!!

2007-01-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Ryan who brought a site to my attention!! I have been enjoying sampling various clips from Salvo Audio this evening. I have added a link to the sidebar, but I am finding it so great that I wanted to highlight it in a post!

The site includes sound clips from various SA bands and songsters from around the world (including the Japan Staff Band - I didn't know there was one!!). But better still it has sermons and speeches from various SA and other church leaders, including General William Booth, several other Generals, officers and lay speakers - including many Canadians (General Arnold Brown, Major Kevin Metcalf, Major Wendy Swan and others).

I have especially enjoyed this clip, with Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth, the grandaughter of William and Catherine Booth, the founders of the Army. She is speaking at the Centenary Thanksgiving Service in Usher Hall at Edinburgh (June 1979).

For the Salvationists out there, enjoy some amazing pieces of our heritage, musical gems, and samples of the Army throughout the world. For the non-Salvationists, enjoy experiencing some of the truly prime examples of where the Army has been...and perhaps, in the words of some of the speakers, some insight into where we might be headed...

Highlights...followed by an indepth story

2007-01-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, here are the highlights of my life since my last post:

Dad breaks Methuselah's record!!

Phil spends Christmas in K-country.

The Turtle visits Calgary.

Outdoor staking New Year's Eve.

Youth Pastor nabbed at checkstop on Eve of New Year.

New driver runs stop signs, jumps curbs.

Okay, that's the abbreviated version for those who don't particularly care. For those of my friends who more concerned with the happenings of the past few weeks, here's what I've been up to.

December 22nd, I flew down to Calgary via Peace Air flight 708. The plane was a little 9 passenger deal. A very different experience than a 737 or 747. It was a strange sensation to feel the plane being pushed around by the wind. I enjoyed it!!

The 23rd I completed my Christmas shopping 45 minutes after starting. Most of it was done at Chinook Mall. Normally going to Chinook on the Saturday right before Christmas is not on my list of things to do, but I didn't have a lot of options. The mall was suprisingly quiet, and I was out of there fairly quickly. I also got my hair cut. So far I have not got a hair cut in Peace River - I just get it done when I'm in Calgary. With my next visit to Calgary not scheduled until July, I think I will have to find somewhere in town to get a hair cut or two.

December 24th was my father's birthday. Man is that guy getting old!! The Christmas Eve service at Glenmore was wonderful (as usual). I ran the MediaShout during the service, which projects the words for songs, readings, etc for the congregation to see (kind of like PowerPoint - only better). That service proceeds unannounced, so congregational participation is cued by what is shown on the screen...such power no one man should wield!! I enjoyed the evening.

It was different this year at Christmas, as it was the first time that our family has not been together on Christmas Day. My brother, Phil, spent Christmas at Camp Horizon in Kananaskis with the Easter Seals. We did have my Grandma Waters with us. A couple from the church who immigrated to Canada from Columbia also joined us, along with their children.

I can't really remember what happened on Boxing Day...so I'll skip that one.

The evening of the 27th I was able to visit with my friend Jackie. She has become a very dear friend of mine over the past several years and it was fantastic to spend some time catching up. Then on the 28th I spent some time with Kyla, another fantastic friend. We went to see Casino Royale, the latest James Bond film. I also finally tracked down the one Bond film that I did not yet own. It's an older one, but one I have been unable to find in at least 4 years of searching. I know own 20 out of 20 "007" films on VHS and DVD, and have the 21st in theatres.

On the 29th a bunch of us who hang out together got together and Mr. and Mrs. Decker's house (aka Michael and Lindsay's) for a few hours. We watched the fireplace channel, discussed hockey, and just had a good time. Myrtle, one of the Australians that I went to school with joined us. She had arrived in Calgary on the bus from William's Lake, BC earlier that day. She was staying with Alicia for a bit before heading back to Australia.

On the 30th I had an eye exam and got new glasses. I had been wearing the same glasses since 2001. Last time I had an exam (in 2004 I think) my prescription had changed so little that I decided that instead of getting new glasses I'd get prescription sunglasses. Unfortunately the finish on the lenses has been pealing for a while now and it has been very irritating. But now I had nice new glasses!! After that I met Myrtle and Alicia for lunch, and then we went to the Museum of the Regiments. We had supper at Peter's Drive-In. After we finished supper Alicia couldn't get her parents' van started and we ended up having to get a boost from a nearby man. Very kind of him to help us with that.

Sunday dinner on the 31st we had a full table. Here's a picture (taken by my father):

Pictured are (going clockwise, starting on the left): my Mom, Myrtle, me, Kyla, Amanda (Phil's girlfriend), Phil (my brother), my Grandma W.

New Year's Eve was spent at Glenmore. Michael, Linds, Kyla and I were the "old" people. At least that's how we felt standing in the kitchen drinking hot drinks away from the noise in the other room. We had a good time though. We took some of the kids skating downtown Calgary at Olympic Plaza. We also played volleyball, "terminator" and watched some movies. Linds made waffles and Michael made sausages for breakfast. The waffles were great, but my stomach couldn't handle anything that morning.

I slept most of New Year's Day. Our family went to the Russell New Year's dinner that evening. The food was great as usual and a few of us had a good time playing Scattegories for a while.

Then it was off to the airport at 5:50am on January 2. My flight left Calgary at 6:50am, and after a stop in Red Deer and a delay in Edmonton I was back in Peace River by 10:30am.

I was back to work January 3rd to start cleaning up from Christmas. Now it's time to move forward with some other projects that have been on hold over Christmas. Two big ongoing projects plus planning and fundraising for a couple of things in July. Oh, and a volunteer appreciation gig to plan. Lots to do still, but definately a slower pace...I'm not sure if I'm glad about that or not...

The pics are back!!

2006-12-19T20:27:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to announce that my camera was found last week, and I have all my pictures in tact!! The pics will continue into the future!!

Here are the ones that I had hoped to post before:

Only a couple more days until I get to go home for Christmas!! I will be spending 10 days in Calgary from Dec. 22 to Jan. 2. My Grandma Waters is visiting over Christmas and my classmate Myrtle from Australia is spending time in Calgary over New Year's.

Life is VERY busy these days, but I am having a great time! But I am definately looking forward to the down time that is coming at the end of the week.

No Pics for Now

2006-12-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Well, in my last post I said that I hoped to get some pics posted in the next day or two. Well, that won't be happening. Somewhere along the way of my travels yesterday I dropped my digital camera. After retracing my steps to every place I'd been to during the day, including those before my last use of the camera I have resigned myself to the fact that it is gone.

Until I can purchase a new camera there will be no more pictures to come.

SunnyD and lots of it!!

2006-12-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

Over the past week I have picked up HUGE quantities of food and toys from various grocery stores and other locations around town. In addition to picking up the food that we ordered for our Christmas Hampers we also received a large quantity of food as a donation from the local IGA - big thanks there!! Lots of toys have been coming in to support the Toys for Tots program as well. It's increadible to see the tangible evidence of people's generosity and caring for those in the community who are less fortunate than themselves!! Way to go Peace River!!

This upcoming week will be the last that we are taking applications for Christmas Hampers, then we just have to finish up putting the boxes together for distribution the following week. I will not be around Peace River on Thursay and Friday as I'm headed for Edmonton.

I have my interview with the Divisional Candidate's Board Friday afternoon. This is one of the final stages of my application for entry into training for Officership in The Salvation Army. I am rather glad that the application process is coming to finality. It's been at least a year since I began filling out my preliminary application. The Territorial Candidate's Board is set to meet early in the New Year, so I'm hoping that I'll have an answer one way or the other soon after that meeting.

Today the Fire Department is manning the Christmas Kettles around town. They're a good bunch of guys and are well known in the community so we're hoping that will have a positive impact on Kettle contributions today.

I am continuing to sit on the local Poverty Action Committee, although that group won't meet again until the new year, but I am now a part of the Community Soup Kitchen Committee as well, representing The Salvation Army. We have been meeting once a week for a couple of weeks now and the committee will meet again on Thursday, although I will be in Edmonton and miss that meeting. We have found a location for the soup kitchen and have set a start date of January 8th or somewhere thereabouts.

Life is very busy right now, but I am thoroughly enjoying myself. I am looking forward to a couple of slower days later in the week when I'm down south in Edmonton, even if I do have the stress of the interview to consider. And I am looking forward to flying out of the Peace River Airport at 11:20am on December 22nd aboard Peace Air flight 708 for 10 days of Christmas holidays.

Those 10 days feature seeing my Grandma Waters for the first time in nearly 2 years, a visit from my friend Myrtle (who was a classmate of mine in Australia), and getting to visit with my good friends in Calgary - possibly for the last time until August (we'll see how things go).

Hopefully I'll get some pictures up in the next day or two...we'll see how things go.

Christmas Kettles

2006-11-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

Well, things are really into full swing for Christmas now!! Last week we started our Christmas Kettles at work. We have them out Wednesdays to Saturdays, which is enough in a town the size of Peace River.

We had a formal little "kick-off" up at the IGA on Saturday. The Mayor and MLA were both in attendance, and the newspaper covered it to include with a story on the Christmas Hampers which will run in the paper this week (I think). A brass ensemble from Grande Prairie also came up to play some Christmas songs. They brought along an extra cornet for me to play so that all the parts were covered. Then a few of us had pizza back at the church with the ensemble before they headed back.

Frustrated?

2006-11-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

Today a friend asked me the question, "Why are people so frustrating?"

It got me thinking, maybe people aren't really that frustrating. Maybe most of us just aren't understanding enough to appreciate where someone is coming from or why they have done or said certain things, and so we have a negative reaction...frustration.

I know, some people are actually frustrating - perhaps even intentionally so. But I am beginning to think that maybe most of the time it isn't their fault...it's our own. We are so busy with our stuff to stop and think through what that person has said or done so that we can better understand it.

I work with a number of Cree and Metis clients on a regular basis, and at first they frustrated me a great deal because they did certain things or wouldn't pay attention to other things that I had asked of them. But as I start learn more about their culture and the way they think and live, what they do and say starts to make a bit more sense. They just understand things in a different way. In fact I am probably frustrating them quite a bit too.

So next time we get frustrated by a person we encounter in our daily race to the finish line, perhaps we should slow down a bit and try to be understanding...it'll probably reduce our frustration...and even the amount of stress we feel!!

Happy American Thanksgiving!!

Another Day Off

2006-11-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow is another day off. I've worked a little over one half-day in the past 4 days, soon to be 5 days. I'll get in two hours in the evening to go visit with the fire fighters for the weekly drills.

I got EXCELLENT news today!!! I received news that Katimavik, a national youth volunteer service sponsored by Heritage Canada is coming to Peace River, after it had looked for a long time like they wouldn't be able to because they couldn't find anywhere to live. But things are looking up. The participants arrive in town on Wednesday and will begin work a week later. The Salvation Army is going to have two of these young people with us. This is absolutely fantastic news for us!! It will boost our available human resources significantly. We had been told quite some time ago that the group wasn't coming, so I had stopped working on the planning, so now I've got some last minute work to do, but I am more than happy to do it.

Wednesday morning is my dentist appointment - ouch!! Not the dentist...the bill!! O well, whatcha gonna do?

The weekend is here...

2006-11-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it's only Friday morning, but the weekend has arrived (at least for me). I have accumulated my hours for the pay period, and am released until Monday.

This weekend I intend to write an essay, watch a couple of movies, play some Xbox, do a bit of cooking...a very relaxed few days I must say. And then of course Monday is a half-day at work, and I have Tuesday off. Don't worry, I'm not completely slacking off - come Wednesday things pick up again as we start our Christmas Kettles.

Winter continues up here. One thing we don't get is Chinooks - and after 6 years in Calgary I was getting used to those mild spells during the winter. So, while temperatures rise to above zero in Calgary, Peace River is currently sitting at -16 and 50cms or so of snow on the ground. So, we just take a bit longer to get dressed and then go about our business as usual - and don't forget the ice cream or slushie...can't forget those to round out a good ol' fashion Canadian winter.

Last night I went to a community meeting to discuss a establishing a soup kitchen in town. The previous soup kitchen shut down due to personnel/financial/organisational reasons and has not been operating for 6 or 7 months now. The Poverty Action Committee (a local group committed to advocacy and awareness of poverty issues - of which I am a part as a representative of the Salvation Army) has been looking at the issue and called this meeting to try to bring community members together to try to look at solutions to this problem - while hoping to bring great awareness to the need for a living wage and increased affordable housing. About 35 people attended, including the Mayor, several well-to-do local business people, church representatives, the press, and concerned members of the community. The response was very encouraging! The Poverty Action Committee will be meeting again on Tuesday (a day off for me - but I'll be there) and we'll discuss the feedback each of us received and look at pulling together those who indicated they were willing to be involved in this to get the ball rolling - and fast!!

Well, it's time that I should get to work and write an essay. Take care all!!

A few pics.

2006-11-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

Here are a few picutres from the Salvation Army Community & Family Services Centre in Peace River. I spent 6 hours on Friday decorating for Christmas. Today we started taking applications for Christmas Hampers.

This morning I saw the first 7 of the close to 200 clients we expect to see during the Christmas season. We will take Hamper applications up until December 14. Christmas Dinner Hampers will be picked up by clients during the week before Christmas.

One year as a SFYL Graduate

2006-11-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

It was about one year ago that I stood on the platform of Eastlakes Corps in New South Wales, Australia with my 7 classmates and received my Certificate IV in Salvation Army Youth Ministry from the Salvation Army's School for Youth Leadership. Already, the SFYL class of 2006 has stood before attendees in Sydney, NSW, Australia to receive their certificates, ending their nine months at the school.

So, what has been accomplished in the 365 days that have passed? Have any of those days been wasted? Have I learned anything, matured at all or made any sort of a mark on those I've come into contact with?

At SFYL the staff undertook to show us how to live our lives as "agents of positive change." People who lead the way to making a difference in our world by living Kingdom lives. My father also recently wrote a post titled "Living Without Regret" - Have I?

So, I'm going back a year in my memories - what has happened? After returning from Australia I spent two weeks resting and re-acquanting myself with Calgary, my family and my friends. I quickly became bored without much to do so I took a job at Staples Business Depot as a Night Stock Associate. This was one of my longer lasting jobs during my pre-Peace River months, I think I kept it for almost two months. I did do my best at the job, and did quickly earn a reputation as good, hard, dilligent worker - but it just wasn't a good fit for me.

After leaving that job I took a job with Bridgebrand, a food food-services distributor, again on the night shift as a "picker." I really enjoyed working for Bridgebrand and the job wasn't bad either. The pay was good, the company took two full weeks to train me, one week during the day learning how to operate the equipment, read labels, etc. And another week at night completing more training, including proper living habits for night shift workers and then picking orders with my own private trainer who I observed and then who followed me to make sure I was doing okay. I didn't last long after that though. I was put on 4 - 10 hour shifts, which wasn't so bad, but because of a labour shortage (as felt throughout the province of Alberta) we didn't have enough pickers, and 10 hour shifts quickly turned into 12 hour shifts. There was also very little personal interaction as chatting among pickers while working was discouraged (for the sake of speed and accuracy). I couldn't handle it all and I quit after about a month working there. I wasn't know so much as a good worker there as I had high picking errors and a slow picking speed, but I had developed a reputation as punctual, friendly and easy to get along with.

I then took a job working for Leon's Furniture. I was finally working during the day, and no longer doing labour work. No heavy lifting in this job - I was a Front Office Clerk/Data Entry worker. In other words I was a cashier who did some basic filing and data entry when there weren't many customers around. I had great co-workers and generally enjoyed my job. This was the cleanest job I've ever had in my life, and most of the time the pace was pretty relaxed. It didn't pay as well as some of my other jobs, but I did enjoy it quite a bit. I probably would have stayed there for quite a bit longer if I hadn't taken the job i have now. At that job I was known as punctual, hard working, friendly, and a good customer service worker. I was also recognised as having strong beliefs and as someone who has a strong faith. I often impressed my supervisors, and when I did make errors I was quick to try to learn from them and rarely repeated the mistake. A co-worker and I were both very hard workers and were quickly setting new levels of expectation for serving our customers and getting paper work done quickly and effeciently. My plan in that job had been to work there until September when I had intend to attend SAIT where I had been offered a seat in a two year program there. I had intend to work part-time for Leon's while studying. I left that job and turned down my seat at SAIT to take another job - the one I currently am in.

In May I moved 8 hours north of Calgary to Peace River to take a position working for the Salvation Army. As the Community Ministries Worker I took over responsibility for the Community & Family Services Centre, including a food bank and other social assistance services; the Salvation Army's local Emergency Disaster Services; and the Christmas Campaign, including Hampers, Kettles, Coats for Kids and Toys for Tots. I arrived to a situation that was generally disorganised, with only very broad guidance on most day-to-day operations. Since arriving the process of creating written policies and procedures to guide all of our CFS operations has begun, the centre has been organised and a large amount of the stored waste has been disgarded. A cleaner, more friendly client space has been created by opening up the space some more and giving greater attention to maintaining cleanliness. In conjunction with the corps, a mid-week Kids' Church has begun on Wednesdays. An effort to better understand the needs of our community, as well as how the community sees us has also been undertaken so that we can look at ways to increase and improve our services.

I have made many mistakes in this new experience - some of them rather serious. I have lost my temper on several occassions, usually with my superiors. I have also disregarded policies (which I wrote) leading to some problems. I have made quick decisions that were not necessarily for the best. But I recognise those things, and am trying to learn from them. At times I have been ready to give up and go back to Calgary, but I am still here and am learning how to deal with those things that are real struggles for me in more effective and productive ways.

So, those are the things that I have undertaken for employment (and generally these make up most of my life, especially here in Peace River). In my personal life, the largest journey that I've made in the past year is in my calling to Officership. When I returned from Australia I began the application process for entry to the College for Officer Training. I had intended at that time to enter training in September 2006, which has now passed (and you might have noticed that I'm not living in Winnipeg at the College). After completing the preliminary step I decided to delay proceeding with that application for the time being. I recognised that I could not meet my goal financially. I also realised that I wanted to gain some hands on experience in ministry.

My initial hope was to move to Thunder Bay and participate in a "Pastoral Apprenticeship" at Redwood Park Church. They take on young people who intend to enter full-time vocational ministry, giving them experience, training and mentoring in pastoral work, as well as part-time studies through Briercrest Distance Learning. I had been corresponding with the sr. pastor there for a while and saw this a good possibility to pursue. I soon learned that the church had decided not to take on apprentices in the fall of 2006 because they intended to use those funds to hire another pastoral staff member. So, I asked for written information on the program and using that formulated a proposal for a modified concept within the Salvation Army. I then sent that to Divisional Headquarters in Edmonton.

They didn't quite adopt what I had suggested, but they did suggest that I consider a position here in Peace River, which I eventually took. I moved here with the intent of gaining the experience of hands on work in a small town, learning more about Salvation Army operations (particularly in this type of setting) and also benefitting from the experience of the Officers here.

I have resumed the application process for entering the College for Officer Training, and intend to remain here until that is complete and, if accepted, I am ready to move to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

So back, to my initial questions. I think that I have been somewhat successful in my mission as an agent of positive change. I know that I have made mistakes - but who hasn't? I am trying to learn from those things. I am making an effort to be intentional in what I chose to say and do. And I'm trying to do the best I can to be used to impact the people I come in contact with. Living with regrets? Not now, not ever!

Lest We Forget

2006-11-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

In Flanders Fields

By Lt. Col. John McCrae, MD

(1872 - 1918)

Of the Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.

Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Today, the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause at the 11th hour to remember. We remember those who died to preserve the ideals and way of life that our nation treasures so much. As Canadians we remember those who faught and died in South Africa during the Boer War, the 625,825 who served during the First World War (of whom 61, 082 died and 154,361 were wounded), the 1,086,343 who served during the Second World War (of whom 42,042 were killed and 54,414 were injured), the 27,751 who served during the Korean War (of whom 516 died and 1,072 were wounded), the countless men and women who have served during International Peacekeeping missions (of whom 119 have died). We also remember those who continue to fight in Peacekeeping missions and in Afganistan as part of the NATO forces there. The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces offer a site of rememberance for those who have given their lives in the Afganistan mission.

It is striking to me how many of those who have died in service in Afganistan have not yet reached the age of 30, and how many of them were in their early 20's. War is a sad and terrible evil - but I suppose their are worse evils in the world.

So, today we honour those who have offered themselves to protect their nation, their way of life, and others around the world who would suffer if no one else would be willing to fight for them. We honour the men and women - regardless of whether we agree with our troops participation in these wars. Whether or not we believe in war - we honour those who were - and are - selfless enough to risk their lives for the sake of others.

Lest we forget.

Winter is here!

2006-11-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

Well, since Friday Peace River has accumulated something close to 30cms of snow. We have had two snowfall warnings and one winter storm watch in that time. The locals tell me that in the past four days or so we have had as much (or more) snow than what fell all of last year - it could be a snowy one! Below are a couple of pics.

Also, by way of a link at Ian's Messy Desk I found a really amazing song with a really cool story behind it. Check it out at Phil Laeger's site!!

Hope all is well wherever it is you find yourself this week!!

2006-11-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

The front of the house - driveway shovelled (twice)

2006-11-07T16:27:00.000-07:00

Across the river looking at Misery Ski Hill

Another Milestone...

2006-10-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

Those keeping track (namely myself - who else would be) know that today marks 5 months since I moved to Peace River. It some ways it seems like it has been a much shorter amount of time, but there are times when it has felt much, much longer.

I hope everyone remembered to change their clocks last night and no one got up an hour early today.

Here's a picture of my study area that I've setup for a course I'm taking shortly:

Have a great day everyone!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2006-10-24T16:25:00.000-06:00

Yes, that's right, today is the 2nd birthday of this blog!! Launched on October 24, 2004 so that I would have an easy way to communicate en mass with my friends in Canada and elsewhere while I was at school in Australia...of course things didn't turn out that way, as the archives will attest, but once I returned home I kept things going.

Week end update

2006-10-20T22:23:00.000-06:00

Well, another week has gone by very quickly. It's hard to believe that I've been in Peace River for nearly 5 months now!!

Monday saw our first snowfall of the season, and Wednesday I shovelled for the first time this season. Tuesday I watched fire fighters light diesel, gasoline and wood fires so that the rookies could practice using fire extinguishers. Thursday was uneventful and Friday I only worked a half day. Saturday I will attend a dinner hosted by the Chamber of Commerce as an official representative of the Salvation Army as we have been nominated for an award in recognition of our service to the community. The officers are going as well, but I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity for a free meal - even if I do have to wear full uniform.

Work continues to be largely enjoyable...there are always those things you don't like so much, but those things are overshadowed by the great things that are part of my ministry here.

Jr. Youth Councils

2006-10-14T18:43:00.000-06:00

Today we took 6 kids from Peace River to Grande Prairie for Jr. Youth Councils. We departed Peace River around 7:30am this morning, arriving in Grande Prairie just before 10am, with only one stop along the way at Fairview.

The day was filled with really funky, fun worship; science activities and some sports. It was a very enjoyable and worthwhile day for the kids, and they had a blast. Here are some pictures.

2006-10-14T18:42:00.001-06:00

Brittany works on excavating a whole chocolate chip from her cookie using a tooth pick.

2006-10-14T18:42:00.000-06:00

Riley takes a break from his "excavation"

2006-10-14T18:41:00.001-06:00

Ben and Robin during a lively soccer match.

2006-10-14T18:41:00.000-06:00

Legend playing soccer with kids from Grande Prairie and Dawson Creek.

2006-10-14T18:40:00.000-06:00

Brittany and Riley work on their "rockets"

2006-10-14T18:39:00.001-06:00

The kids have fun making a mess while mixing water and corn starch together to form "stuff"

2006-10-14T18:39:00.000-06:00

The "stuff"

2006-10-14T18:37:00.000-06:00

Ben, Robin and Riley during a worship time.

2006-10-14T18:35:00.000-06:00

The entire crew back in the van ready to head home.

A FANTASTIC Thanksgiving weekend

2006-10-12T11:26:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been a few days, but I'm finally getting a post up after my trip home for Thanksgiving weekend.

I left Peace River last Friday and drove down to Grande Prairie. After driving right past it five times I finally found the church building. I was also there a few hours early, but because I had so much trouble finding it I was terrified to go very far in case I couldn't find my way back. So I sat in the van in the parking lot and read until Ryan, the youth pastor for the Salvation Army in Grande Prairie arrived. I spent 5 hours with the youth group there, playing a bunch of games (most of which were full-contact). It was good to see a couple of friends and to meet some of the other members of that group. I was staying at Ryan's place for the night before my 7am flight to Calgary via Edmonton. We got there about 1am, then talked until about 3am. All in all I got about 2 hours of sleep before getting up at 5:30 to go to the airport.

The flights were uneventful, and I arrived in Calgary right around 11am. Flying was much more comfortable and a lot quicker than taking the bus. It cost a bit more, but I think it was worth it. The entire family went out for Vietnamese food for lunch. I also got some shopping in during the day - I had to pick up some items for our Sunday School in Peace River, as wells as a few things for myself. I had dinner with a friend at Eastside Mario's and we went and saw Open Season - pretty funny. Worth seeing - not sure if I'd buy it though.

Sunday, went to both church services and heard the same sermon twice. Dad, it was good - but twice? We had ham dinner for lunch and I went for a walk in a nature park near my parent's house with my dad in afternoon. I treated my parents to Chinese food and rented a movie for dinner.

Monday we had our Thanksgiving turkey dinner - turkey (of course), stuffing, sweet potatoe, mash potatoe, homemade cranberry sauce - I'm sure I'm missing something. We were going to have turnip but it took a long time to cook and wasn't ready until after we'd finished eating. There were three choices for pie - lemon merange (I'm sure that isn't spelled right), raspberry (actually it was some sort of rhubarb, cream cheese pie or something, but it was supposed to be raspberry), and a small pumpkin pie (that was for me mainly seeing as no one else in the family likes pumpkin pie). We also had Amanda, Phil's girlfriend with us. Phil was at her house for Thanksgiving dinner there on Sunday. They timed that well.

Monday night Dad and I went to the Calgary Flames game. They were hosting the San Jose Sharks. The tickets we were given to the game were excellent - 13 rows up from centre ice. Very expensive tickets, in an area of the Saddledome I didn't even know existed. The Flames didn't play very well at all - a lot of sloppy passes that resulted in the Sharks having too many good opportunities. The final score was 4-1 for the Sharks. I must say that the Flames did play an impressive last four minutes though.

I didn't fly out until Tuesday morning at 11:35am, so I had some extra time with my family. Dad and I got two games of chess in during the weekend - we each won one. I also got a much needed haircut Tuesday morning on the way to the airport.

The biggest suprise of the extended weekend came when I got the airport in Calgary and tried to check-in. The airline agent couldn't find me on the flight I was expecting to take that day. After doing some searching the agent discovere why. My father, being the loving father he is, who misses his eldest son so much, had booked me on a flight a week later. The Westjet agent waived the reservation change fee, but did have to charge the difference in cost for the flights and I was able to fly home on time.

Once I arrived in Grande Prairie I realised that I had completely forgotten to arrange for someone to pick me up at the airport, so I took a cab back to the Salvation Army church where the van had been parked over the weekend. I then drove to the Salvation Army Family Services Centre in Grande Prairie to pick up a load of food that they were sending back with me to help out our Family Services in Peace River. I managed only to miss my turn once this time.

I then made the two hour drive back to Peace River where I unloaded the food and then went off to the weekly drills with the fire department. This week they were working on their skills for fighting propane fires - that was interesting to watch. It took them quite a while to put out a propane fire, but it was amazing to watch them advance on the fire until the were only centimetres from the flames. The strategy they used called for about a dozen fire fighters and four hoses. I tried to take pictures but it was very dark outside and it just didn't work for me.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

2006-10-05T19:05:00.000-06:00

For those who are not culturally inclined or who live as hermits I would like to point something out - a holy time in Canadian life has begun. A pilgrimage that will mean the spilling of blood, the pouring out of sweat, and the saying of countless prayers over the next 10 months or so - Yes, NHL hockey has begun for another seaon and that can only mean one thing...that's right HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA IS BACK!!

Tonight is the season premier of what is probably the single most important broadcast series in the history of this nation. 2 games broadcast back-to-back are on the air tonight. The first game is already 2/3rds complete, and fans are treated to either a fantastic Battle of Ontario (Toronto at Ottawa) or a match between Vancouver vs. Detriot depending on what part of the country they live in. The second game that will air later is a meeting of epic proportions - the first of several meetings between the Calgary Flames and that other team from a bit further north.

So, as I'm packing for my trip to Calgary this weekend, I will be keeping one and half eyes on the game...I'll try not to forget anything. Tomorrow afternoon I will be driving to Grande Prairie will I will stay overnight before catching a 7am flight to Calgary - of course that means being at the airport somewhere between 5:30 and 6am... It'll be good to be with my family for Thanksgiving this year after being away in Australia last year at this time.

A crisp, autumn Sunday

2006-10-01T12:59:00.000-06:00

Well, I was up a bit early this morning, so I decided to take advantage of that and take some pictures of the fall colours in the valley. I drove up to the Sagitawa Lookout on Judah Hill to get a good view of the valley. Unfortunately we don't get much in way of red leaves during autum out here in the west, or at least Alberta, but the orange and yellows are beautiful.

2006-10-01T12:57:00.001-06:00

Sagitawa Lookout at Judah Hill has recently been landscaped and made into a small park.

2006-10-01T12:57:00.000-06:00

Looking north along the river from Judah Hill towards the main part of town.

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Looking south along the river towards the east bank.

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Looking south along the river towards the west bank.

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More autumn colours in the provincial park.

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I don't know the name of the park, but this Provincial park is just on the other side of the hill from the Peace River Valley.

Church building turns 25

2006-09-25T22:25:00.000-06:00

On Sept. 16 the Peace River Community Church Corps of the Salvation Army celebrated 25 years in the current building. Here are a few pictures from the celebration dinner.

2006-09-25T22:24:00.000-06:00

Members of the corps and friends of the Army share in a meal to celebrate the building's 25th anniversary.

2006-09-25T22:23:00.000-06:00

Jr. Soldier Ben Hunt and soldier Rod Crumb, the youngest and longest serving members of the Peace River Corps.

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25 years for the current corps building.

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The Deputy Mayor of Peace River shares a few words.

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The Deputy Mayor of Grimshaw shares a few words.

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A member of the Peace River Fire Department thanks the Salvation Army for its ongoing support of the Department.

2006-09-25T22:20:00.000-06:00

Rod reflects on his years at Peace River Corps.

More pics...

2006-09-23T09:57:00.001-06:00

Well, I'm four months behind on pics, and I was asked to post more from Peace River, so here are a few more.

2006-09-23T09:57:00.000-06:00

Peace River from space.

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My church.

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Where I live - in the basement.

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The view from where I live.

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Where I work.

2006-09-23T09:53:00.000-06:00

The cat I looked after during the summer.

2006-09-23T09:52:00.001-06:00

Equestrian showing during Peace Fest.

2006-09-23T09:52:00.000-06:00

The sun on a smoky evening. Forest fires burned in northern Alberta during the summer months.

2006-09-23T09:51:00.000-06:00

Some of the entrant bikes for the Toys for Tots motorcycle run.

Internet access!!

2006-09-21T21:03:00.000-06:00

I finally have got Internet access setup at home. It's been 4 months since my access was limited to my lunch hours at work. Now I can post pictures. Here I've posted several pictures. Some are from work stuff and others are just of the town and valley. Enjoy.

2006-09-21T21:02:00.000-06:00

Santa Clause made an early appearance for the 2006 Motorcyle Run Toys for Tots in support of the Salvation Army's Christmas Hamper program. The event was organised and run entirely by community members. 2 more runs were held in other nearby towns.

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This is the Salvation Army hydration station. This was taken at a weekly practice that the firefighters hold on Tuesdays to keep their skills sharp and to develop new skills.

2006-09-21T20:59:00.000-06:00

The command officer waits outside while the firefighters work inside. This is a smokehouse drill during a weekly practice.

2006-09-21T20:58:00.001-06:00

Three firefighters remove a fallen firefighter from the smokehouse.

2006-09-21T20:58:00.000-06:00

The two bridges. The undertruss is the rail bridge. The other is the bridge for vehicles and pedestrians. That is the only way to cross the river in town. There is a ferry that crosses several kilometers south of town (it is currently closed because of low water levels).

2006-09-21T20:56:00.001-06:00

Looking east out of the valley.

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Beside the Peace River Museum.

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From an old steam ship that ran along the river.

2006-09-21T20:54:00.000-06:00

The Peace River Museum