Christmas

I have posted 7 pix of Christmas decorations about our home. I hope you get to see them all. I love decorating for Christmas- I just love using lights - on the tree, the gingerbread house, Dicken's Village, on the ceramic tree in the front hall, the nativity set in the dining room as well as on the dining room table.  Lights and music - I can't get enough. And of course the Christmas DVD's - I now have quite a collection. 

We had our FHE potluck in our home and were able to view the MormonTabernacle Choir and Orchestra on Temple Square plus the two guests - Brian Stokes Mitchell (singer) and Edward Herrmann (narrator) It was a beautiful concert and our guests were so  happy to be so well entertained. 

We had a lovely Christmas Eve at Hu, Diane, Hugo's home. Their tree was lovely. The gifts under the tree for us were lovely, too. The food was great, set on a table in the family room which was covered with a beautiful tablecloth made by Diane's mom. Hu & Hugo read the Christmas story which was appreciated by us. 

Christmas dinner was at Jeff/Jaima's house. Very n-i-c-e.  Very gracious hosts. The dinner was superb. Jaima did a wonderful job with the turkey - her first time!

We've had some very cold weather, but these past few days have been milder and we walked outside around Heritage Village. I put on my 'yak-trax' on my shoes - so I did not fall. Grandpa had no trouble at all. He amazes me - but then I am extra cautious with this new knee. 

We send you all our love. Hope you enjoyed this festive season and that you will all have a HAPPY NEW YEAR. 

Our love to you all

G & G

Merry Christmas to all

Christmas at 174 Oeming Road

Christmas Flowers

on Diningroom Buffet

Around the House

more Christmas pix

Christmas pix

Explanation of posts

I don't know what I did wrong, but the blog (written) is followed by 3 pix, so you'll have to get them from (older post)

Hello to all-

We have had an unusual October - but have survived the setbacks. I had a new pacemaker implant - makes a difference, but I can't drive for 6 weeks - so Grandpa is happy to oblige - thank goodness. I also have had a back problem - could hardly get out of bed. I am now taking some physio therapy and have exercises to do which helped ease the pain somewhat, but complete recovery takes time. Hu administered to me and I realize I have abused my back - too much quilting. I will have to monitor this activity. 

We both got our flu vaccine and H1N1 shots. We were lucky to get them without too much difficulty. There have been such line-ups, it is unbelievable.  We are con stantly reminded about the pandemic - but so far I think it is under control.We so enjoyed our Thanksgiving dinner with the Edmonton Youngs and the Schneiders plus another guest. I asked Coleen to help with the turkey - she had it ready for the oven on no time flat. She and OJ did all the veggies, too. I made pumpkin pies ahead of time as well as my famous molded autumn salad. We ate, visited and Diane even tidied up so I was grateful for all the help. 

I have spent my recuperation reading a book that Grandpa bought at the Church Bookstore -UNDAUNTED by Gerald Lund. 800 pages. Very interesting.  There were 2 interesting comments in the story which I found inspiring. Here is one - made by a Danish convert, hence the accent):"Even ven der is no way to go troo, you must go troo" He used it in different settings. One can use his sage advice in one's own life. It is truly profound.

We hosted 'Sundaes on Sunday' in our home last weekend. It

 was a ward activity after Stake Conference.  The host couple (that's us) provide the ice cream. The assigned guests are to bring the toppings. We had a wonderful time getting 'to know each other'. That was the reason for the activity.

Love to all

Grannie

halloween

thanksgiving special guests

october pix

I am soliciting help for teaching my RS lesson  - TFOT from President Monson's talk "Be Your Best Self"in May 2009 Ensign. I would like to make a quiz using a situation and then having a multiple choice answer - good, better, best.

Any help would be appreciated. email me.

thanks

grannie

Help Wanted

September G/G

Hello to all-

We have had a very interesting September. The latest happenings that I'd like to share with you are:

(1) attending Ivy's baptism - just a truly memorable experience. 

      Very spiritual experience. I have commented on Jaima's blog.

(2) Grandpa's trip to PG to accompany President Young on Stake business to Bella Coola - a 6 1/2 h drive - and the opportunity for him to address the saints there. The scenery was awesome!

(3) Grannie's 'maiden' RS lesson on ADVERSITY from the May Ensign by Pres Eyring.  I am a visual person so I dreamed up a visual aid for the lesson - which to my amazement facilitated much participation from the sisters. It was truly a spiritual experience for us all. And we learned much from each other.  Which 'face' are you in the picture & why? The conclusion of the lesson was this -  'the conquering of adversity produces strength of character, forges self-confidence, engenders self-respect, & assures success in righteous endeavors'(quote from Church News) I feel very blessed to be able to be 'an instrument in the Lord's hands' to be able to teach. 

Love to all

Grannie

Thanksgiving Decoration

September experiences of G & G

Connection with 3/5 of Redd Granddaughters

We have had Janine and Elena visit us primarily to work on their 'crazy quilt' projects. I called it the 'sweat shop'. To facilitate the work so many blocks had to be completed before we could take a break. Good motivational technique.  First break merited a visit to Southgate Mall to have a smoothie - but before this the girls were encouraged to shop for a new T-shirt - which they did find at Gap.  Next break Grandpa took us for supper to Joey's Fish 'n Chips. The girls worked hard and  Elena finished all the blocks she needed to complete her quilt. Janine  has a few more to complete hers (being away from home 1 1/2

 years)

Our next connection was with Katey and her family in Slave Lake. I had never traveled on that road so it was a treat - lovely country. Kate was a good hostess - took us on an excursion to Marten Mountain where we got a good view of the lake. We had to quench our thirst by visiting Robin's Nest for a smoothie. Their apartment is very nice. Jason's school is a modern building. The boys are adorable. We stayed at the Sawridge hotel - an excellent accomodation.

On our way home we stopped at Westlock to visit a nephew of mine - Robert Kowalchuk. We had a great reacquaintance and his wife is a quilter - so you know how quickly quilters bond.

A great trip. But it always is wonderful to be back home.

Robin's Nest

Janine

Redd Granddaughters

Holiday - August 15 - 24 Rosebud, Calgary Windermere Valley

Hello to all -

Well, we are home now after a very satisfying holiday. Grandpa and I like to attend the Rosebud Theatre luncheon near Drumheller every summer. "Man of La Mancha" was performed. For those of you who are not acquainted with this story by Cervantes, here is a brief description of the plot: A wealthy old Spaniard leaves his home to become a knight, living out a fantasy that ultimately brings grace and dignity to a village bar-maid. He, of course, has assumed the name "Don Quixote de la Mancha" and fights for justice, purity, freedom. and above all-love. Included in the rich, dynamic and soul-stirring music is the much loved theme song 'To Dream the Impossible Dream' It was just an outstanding production.

Our next stop was Calgary to visit the Redds where we also met up with Mikyla who was visiting from PG. We left early Monday to the Invermere Valley in BC where we had a delightful stay at a bed/breakfast place ....superb accomodation in a private cabin built in an abandoned apple orchard. What hospitality!! We drove through Banff past the place where 'Pop' was the Park Warden, stopped at Boom Lake for lunch and hiked along the trail (mini hike) Remember - Katey, Emily, Janine? We took you there 'once upon a time.' Grandpa did some golfing at the numerous Par 3 courses, I drove the cart. But I did putting at Coy's - which is a very picturesque golf course while Grandpa went to the driving range.  We always like to go to Strands - a very lovely restaurant remodeled from a doctor's house/hospital in the good ol' days. Their menus are great and served with very proper taste (as well as price) Grandpa took a picture of me by the gazebo in the garden adjoining the restaurant. Superb cuisine and ambience.

We returned to Calgary to attend the Melchin-Murray wedding reception - also met many old friends/acquaintances  from the 3rd ward. On Sunday we attended Church at Royal Oak with the Redds where Jim spoke at Sacrament meeting. What an excellent talk - he is the Family History Consultant so the topic  concerned genealogy. Nice to see Peter at the Sacrament table. Karyn had to conduct the Relief Society meeting, she did very well.  Emily, Shaun, Isaac,  Andrew came for dinner - so it was a bonanza day for us.

Now that we are home we are getting 'caught up'. Such nice memories  of a most well-deserved holiday.

Love to all

Grannie

  

Road Trip with stops at various places

Interesting week

Nice to have such nice visitors at our home. We enjoyed visiting with David & hearing about his holiday in England/Scotland. Lucky RM. We were fortunate to have him trim up our flower beds under the trees. Makes such a difference. Thanks Davíd,we really appreciate your work. 

It is humbling to have a grandson who dwarfs us. Peter looks like my dad - Gido to you - he was a great worker & operated a big farm & the farmstead was very attractive. So you have a good role model, Peter. 

Our flowers on the deck are exquisite & the tomatoes are prolific. I like going out on the deck & picking a cherry tomato, popping it in my mouth - very tasty, right off the vine. 

We enjoyed visiting at the Fixsens - watching Jeff, Jim, Peter build a playhouse for the the lucky greatgrandchildren. And Jaima sure knows how to prepare a superb meal. Thanks.

Hope the summer is treating you all well & that you are preparing for.

s-c-h-o-o-l.....let us know how it goes for you.

 s-c-h-o-o-l   

Garden Produce

visitors at 174 Oeming Rd

visitors at 174 Oeming Road

View from Deck

Greetings -

Just got from Church - something a visiting brother from Oshawa shared with us as he & family journeyed to the West - "God formed us, sin deformed us, Christ transformed us" I thought it was a profound statement - which I am pleased to share with you.

 We've had some peculiar weather lately. Yesterday was lovely - sun shining, breeze blowing softly, then at the end of the day, a violent storm - rain, hail, etc.  W-e-i-r-d!  And it was Heritage Days at Hawrelak  Park. Glad we went there the day before to enjoy the beauty of the park, walk around the lake, to read.  I have read Orson Scott Card's trilogy - Women of Genesis: Sara, Rebeka, Rachel & Leah. Very well written & enjoyable summer reading. Good for a book club. I highly recommend these books. An interesting point of view.

We are enjoying the summer sitting on the deck, watching the view, dead-heading the flowers, reading, quilting. Can't complain. Dad taught the lesson in Sunday School last week -very well done. I am proud of him.

 I am planning to go to the Spanish session at the Temple next week - can hardly wait to go through the veil in español! I know the dialogue from memory.

Love to all

Grannie

 

Pioneers

Pioneer day, today

Just to have you be aware of the word "PIONEER" -

Anyone who is preparing the way for others is a pioneer. 

Anyone who is a transitional character, who changes for good the entire course of a lineage is a pioneer.

Well that is "us" !

We are working for familial solidarity - to encourage you in all things righteous - by trying to be good role models for you. 

Thanks for your support at our recent family reunion.

People ask me what did we do at our reunion, when I tell them, they are i-m-p-r-e-s-s-e-d. 

Love you all

G & G

Reunion Pix

Reunion Pix

Reunion Accolades

July 12, 2009

Well, the party is over and we are settling down to normalcy. We so enjoyed everybody's contribution. We call this a memorable week-end. The meals were what I would call gourmet. Thanks Coleen, Hu/John, Karyn. You did learn how to turn out sumptuous meals in my kitchen - messing up my kitchen paid dividends ! Thanks. Now I know how to delegate & get results.

I will never forget the Shoebox Hampers & the excitement that was exuded by Ivy on reading the clues and finding the treasure. I believe Nora also enjoyed the 'hunt'. We will deliver these hampers to the Mustard Seed - who work closely with the homeless. When I phoned & explained what we had done the lady in charge was as excited as Ivy & she said "God bless you"! The quilt was fun to make & we had a good visit while quilting. I bound it & it is ready for the Humanitarian Club - some lucky child will enjoy our labors.  Melissa got a one-on-one instruction on making burritos from scratch. When we visit we'll expect to be fed this Mexican dish. 

Thanks to Janine & Lindsay for teaching the song "I Love the Mountains" - it was fun to hear the Puente boys singing this song while they were playing at our home. The music contributions added a special touch to the celebrations. Thanks Hugo, Rachel/Coleen, Sydney/John. Thanks, Jim for your Family Search  motivation. And thanks to our two RMs - Janine & David. We are so proud of you.

We were fortunate to be able to visit & entertain Spencer, Nora, Eliot at a BBQ in our home as well as go with them & Jaima & children to the Ukrainian  Village. Good authentic food- kolbasa, perogies, holubtsi. 

We appreciate Aaron & Patti driving from Vancouver - glad you made the effort to be present. And the Thompsons who came from Slave Lake.

An added bonus was the arrival of Andrew Russell July 2. We are very blessed  

Next reunion will have to be at some resort. So come up with ideas. Also e-mail me to tell me what we could have done better with this reunion. 

Love to all,

G & G 

A delightful Sunday afternoon

New Pics

Grannie's blog

Hello from 'sunny' Edmonton. We are so happy that the sun is finally shining in the Capital City. We feel very blest. We will begin planting flowers in  the pots & other containers. It is so nice to see the tulips blooming under the mountain ash. Also the rhubarb - can hardly wait to make  my special recipe for rhubarb sauce....yummy.  We have been home for 3 weeks & have not accomplished much - too many appointments to keep & a backlog of mail to sort through. I needed to get a new hard drive in my computer - so I am now ready to go full throttle. 

The big event will be our family reunion first weekend in July. Tentative plans are in the making & you will be informed of the schedule. So start thinking how to contribute for "show & tell" - you know how much I like some sort of program.  Right now: POT LUCK - Friday night at the Edmonton Youngs, BRUNCH - saturday am at Gigi/ Bapa  - Schneiders;  DINNER - Saturday night -The Young boys:Hu /John; CHURCH (Sacrament) Sunday am 10:30 - Riverbend Stake Centre; LUNCH Sunday - Redds - at Hu/Diane's. We will have a SERVICE PROJECT Saturday am  at our place :SHOEBOX HAMPERS for the homeless. I will purchase the goodies, but the grandchildren will be assessed $5/head. The only ones that will go scott- free will be the greatgrandchildren - and most of the activities will be geared for them. We hope to sing, dance & be merry; also listen to the missionary accounts of Sisar & Elder - our recently returned RMs. If any of you have some suggestions, please e-mail us at( eandpyoung @shaw.ca)

Ward Bulletin First Ward Quadra Chapel Book of Mormon & Cell Phones Victoria

   Book of Mormon & Cell Phones

Do you ever  wonder what would happen 

if we treated our Book of Mormon

  like we treat our Cell Phone?

What if we carried it around

  in our purses or pockets?

  What is we turned back to go get it

if we forgot it?

What if we flipped through it

  several times a day?

  What if we spent an hour or more

  using it everyday?

What if we used it to

  receive messages from the “text”?

What if we treated it

  like we couldn’t live without it?

What if we gave to kids as gifts?

What if we used it as we traveled?

  What if we used it

    in case of an emergency?

  Unlike our cell phones,

    one Plan fits all.

  Unlimited usage.

        No roaming charges.

  You always have reception.

          No weak signals AND we don’t ever have to 

                 worry about our Book of Mormon

being disconnected,

  because our Savior already paid the bill

-Author Unknown

Victoria en route to Courtney

Surprise Visit

Qualicum Beach

Flowers

Via Rail

Interesting Week in Victoria

Hello to all -
Just under 2 weeks left of this 'lazy' holiday. It is quite a new adventure for me. I do enjoy the walks to various places - most of which Grandpa discovers. He got a book from the library that tells about hiking, excursions. Well, one of them has been almost too much for octogenarians!! He booked us for a Via Rail train ride from Victoria to Courtney which we took seven years ago - and that makes a difference. What can be exciting at one age may be nerve-wracking at another. I have included two pix to show you what I mean. Traveling along the mountainside overlooking wilderness & then crossing water on a trestle bridge just about did me in. Looking back it was an adventure but which I do not care to repeat.
My knee still is acting up so that has slowed down our forays into nature - have to sit & rest more than I care to do. But we both accept our limitations.
Walking along the Strait of Juan de Fuca seems to be the most popular place for humans as well as dogs, but we have found some small, secluded places which are inviting & interesting.
Grandpa has gone to the driving range & hit a bucket of balls.
We had a surprise visit from Aaron when he came to the Island on business. We had breakfast together as he stayed at the same hotel as we. We appreciated him taking time to spend with us.
Something I read in the newspaper which caught my attention is by Archbishop Collins of St Michael's Cathedral in Toronto:
"He worries that rampant individualism will rot society by destroying any true sense of community" We feel very blessed that we can go to Church - be spiritually fed as well as make new friends & acquaintances and get new ideas.
Hope everything is well with you all. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Thanks for your communication via phone, blog. We feel we know what is happening in your lives.
Love
G & G

Enroute to Victoria

ramada Inn - Victoria

Can't believe we've been here ONE WEEK! on the 'SUNSHINE COAST' The weather has NOT been sunny. But we have been able to go out rain or shine. We are settled comfortably in our suite here on Gorge Road.
We had a wonderful trip from Calgary last Friday. jim drove the entire trip. Dad & I changed seats half way - from front to back. We even stopped at Langley to see George & family. We enjoyed visiting with them all. Dominic is quite a soccer player and would like to play professionally but realizes he does not want to do it all his life. He studies hard at school & still plays the violin, much to my delight. I always encourage him and tell him about the quality of life you can enjoy when you prepare in your youth. He is a neat kid for 14 years of age. George looks great & Kate looked especially pretty. I am glad we stopped there They live close to the LDS Temple so we were happy to see the progress in the building from last year. A very lovely location.
Jim phoned Aaron on the cell phone. He was on Vancouver Island but said he could meet us at 4:00 pm at the Oakridge Mall where Patti works. Grandpa took us all for supper at the Whitespot in the Mall. It was nice being together not only to eat but to visit. We even bought Grandpa an argyll sweater at Banana Republic where Patti works. She is looking for another job. We were able to catch the 7:00 pm ferry (just made it!) so we were happy to arrive earlier at the Ramada. We had reserved a suite but it was not ready 'till April 1. There were two double beds in the room we were assigned, so Jim had the privilege of sleeping in the same room with us. We enjoyed Saturday just hangin' out together and then it was time for Jim to fly back home.We haven't done much but we are getting a good rest. Tomorrow we will go to the Stake Centre in the am to view General Conference.
Hope everyone is doing well. Love to all
G & G

great family news

Well, I just had to send these photos to let you know what has been happening in Edmonton.
The phone call from Hu kept us waiting & how good to hear from him early Friday am that he has a grandson!! that makes him a GRANDPA! So now we are greatgrandparents again. I guess we will be called more and more by the names "Gigi & Bapa" That way the small fry will know who they are talking to. Eliot Arthur has a family name - Eliot is the second name of his father, grandfather and great-great-great grandfather. Congratulations.
The two pix are of (1) Bapa - he is chewing on his Bernard Caulibeau .chocolate cigar, courtesy of Hu.IIn his cap & new glasses he resembles George Burns who used to have a radio comedy show with his wife Gracie Allen. Some of you may remember him.
(2) The next pix is of Hugo whose team won the city championship in basketball. I remember John Schneider also had this honor when he was Hugo's age. We watched the game & were very proud of Hugo - he had some really good moves & made several baskets and was a good sportsman.
Hope you enjoy them this communique.
Gigi

city finals

exciting week