February 5, 2014 Wednesday

I did Pilates with the ring.  There are so many different ways to exercise, you really need to find what works for you.  Walking is the best from what you hear now.  If you do want to find a video for days like today when you would rather not go out,  try an online site called Gaiam for yoga and pilates and much more.  There are all ranges and abilities.  Just a suggestion.  I also see snow removal on my near agenda.


1 John chapter 3 - God knows everything about you, and forgives you through his son Jesus Christ.  Now you just need to forgive yourself.  It is a burden to go through life regretting something in your past.  I think, we all have them.  I believe God forgives me, still answering to myself.


1983 - On this day, I flew to Florida for a vacation.  I stayed with my cousin Peggy a few days and with her parents, my Aunt Margaret and Uncle Don.  The weather was so/so, I went to the beach and got sand blasted one day, but it was a memorable visit.  My Aunt and Uncle took me to all their favorite cafeterias for lunch and my uncle regaled me with stories of my dad.  Dad had died at age 40 when I was only 13, so, it was nice to hear from his brother, what a great guy he was.  My aunt and uncle and cousin Peggy are gone, but this is a nice memory of a week spent with them, in a mostly warm place.  Take a vacation!  Call someone you haven't talked to in a while!


Parenting - I take from the lack of response that you have as many motivational tools for offspring as I have.  Rewards stop working after age 18 I think.


Book club - finished My Antonia.  It was our classic read, I enjoyed it, a little slow, but relaxing.


Wyoming - Jackson Hole, Hey they do sleigh rides!  For those of us in Michigan we don't have to go that far this year;

Settlements[edit]

The only incorporated town in the valley is Jackson, sometimes also mistakenly called Jackson Hole itself. Other communities in the valley include Wilson, Teton Village, Moran Junction, Hoback, Moose (Moose Wilson Road), and Kelly. On the west side of the valley, Teton Pass crosses the Teton Range providing access to Victor and Driggs in eastern Idaho and Alta, Wyoming on the western side of the Tetons. Numerous elk use the valley as grazing range during the winter, and sleigh rides are offered to tourists. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King and Grand Targhee Resort ski areas, and nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks are major tourist attractions throughout all seasons of the year.

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!

February 4, 2014 Tuesday worse winter ever.

Started out with Jillian again, she finished, I didn't.  Just have to keep working up to it.


Mark chapter 12 - The Greatest Commandment -  Love God with all your heart, with all you soul, with all your mind and with all your strength, and then love your neighbor as yourself.  Most, I think love themselves first, putting what we want for ourselves before anything else, like food and care.  Take care of yourself first, you can't help anyone else if you aren't happy, is a common statement that I have heard.   Jesus Christ and the American soldier are exceptions to this rule as someone once noted.  What do you think?


1982 - On this day, I got stuck in the driveway trying to leave for work, was an hour late.  AND my boss was off this day because he was at a Curling tournament.  Do you know what curling is?  Where they have a large round rock with a handle on top and they slide it across the ice to a mark, the one that gets closest gets points, much like bocci ball, but you are on ice with shoes and brooms.  Not making fun, I have heard it is very entertaining.  In fact, some friends of mine wanted to get a date for doing this, but the curling places are booked.  Now you know how popular it is.


Parenting - What motivational tools do you use with your off spring?


Book club - My Antonia, this segment should be under parenting.  Antonia, eventually marries and has 11 kids.  Happiest person in the world, proud mama.  She seems to know how to motivate her brood, they are working the farm, cleaning the house, etc.


Jackson Hole - Here is some more history:

History[edit]

The valley is thought to have been named after David Edward "Davey" Jackson who trapped beaver in the area in the early nineteenth century as part of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company.^[1] Though used by Native Americans for hunting and ceremonial purposes, the valley was not known to harbor year-round human settlement prior to the 1870s. Descriptions of the valley and its features were recorded in the journals of John Colter, who had been a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. After returning to the Rocky Mountains, Colter entered the region in 1807 in the vicinity of Togwotee Pass and became the first white American to see the valley. His reports of the valley, the Teton Range and the Yellowstone region to the north were viewed by people of the day with skepticism.
The first people to settle the region were Native Americans, then fur trappers, and then homesteaders. Because the soil is not ideal for raising crops, the valley was used for cattle. Tourism quickly became popular with the establishment of dude ranches.  HMMM DUDE RANCH sounds good!


Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!

February 3, 2014 Monday

Been down with a cold, so this morning I forced the Jillian trainer on myself.  I got through the warm up.  Hey, I didn't have to tell you.  Sometimes you just do what you can.


Romans chapter 14 - this again about being judgmental.  We are all only responsible for our own faith.  I like to share mine, whether or not you accept it, is your business.  Yours and God's.  Those of us who have faith, want everyone to know why it gives us such hope, happiness and comfort.  We want to share it with you.  I know some people try other methods of sharing faith, some do more harm then good, again its about you and your relationship with God.  That is what this passage from Romans says.


2012 - On this day - Waynette, Ruth, Claudette and I went down to the Detroit Institute of Art to see Rembrandt's faces of Jesus.  It was very busy and there were long lines.  A tribute to Rembrandt and his subject.  I would think that many that were there, actually hunger to see the face of Jesus.  It seems we all have a different opinion of his appearance.  Rembrandt, of course, captured a deeper then skin appearance in his portrayals. The DIA is such an important part of our cultural life, you should go to the art institute, while it is there.


Parenting - Aaron and his wife Lisa had a baby girl last night!  Another life to celebrate!  Lisa is such a good mother, I am so glad she got a little girl to go with her beautiful 2 boys.  God answers prayer!


Book club - I love reading a good book.  When life is overwhelming, you can escape into someone else's joy or tragedy.  My Antonia is a great escape.


Wyoming!  Jackson Hole - Not ancient, but a lot of history here:
Jackson Hole, originally called Jackson's Hole, is a valley located in the U.S. state of Wyoming, near the western border with Idaho. The name "hole" derives from language used by early trappers or mountain men, who primarily entered the valley from the north and east and had to descend along relatively steep slopes, giving the sensation of entering a hole. These low-lying valleys are surrounded by mountains and contain rivers and streams, which were good habitat for beaver and other fur-bearing animals.


Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable! 

February 2, 2014 Sunday February!

James chapter 4 - It is a short book.  The reading today was about not being judgmental, sure it was written just for me this morning.  Gotta quit watching those Sunday morning talk shows. "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy.  But you - who are you to judge your neighbor?'  Anybody else see themselves in this?


2004 - On this day, my boss's son used to be involved with the Wertz Warriors and the good works they did for Special Olympics.  At this time of year they always do a snowmobile run up north, through a lot of communities.  They take donations from people and it really makes a difference for a special group of people. The ride ends, I think, near Traverse City with a big party for the Special Olympians, who get rides on snowmobiles.  It is certainly a worthwhile cause, if you get a chance support them if you can.


Parenting - My brother David, was never high functioning enough to enjoy any activity like this.  He could neither participate in any sport activities or even watch others.  It is a special life to be involved with a child with special needs.  It is both enriching and heart breaking for families that are faced with this.  Fortunately, their are organizations and help available to make life easier for child, parent and family.


Book club - My Antonia -  Life was very different on the plains back in the 1800's.  If a girl got pregnant without being married, her life was pretty much over and the child had a rocky future ahead.  Now a days, it is much different.  Ever see the birth announcements in the paper?  I think half of the parents are not married, some just list the mother, some list both parents names.  I am not making judgment, I know a lot of children being raised in single parent homes.  It is a different time.


Wyoming - Jackson Hole -  Here is where its at if you are driving there;

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!

February 1, 2014 Saturday

They say you can still exercise when you are not feeling well.  Well I don't feel like it.  Haven't had a cold for a long time, hope its a longer time till I get another one.


1 Samuel chapter 1 - the story of Hannah and how she prayed to the Lord for a son.  When Eli saw her praying, lips moving but no sound, he thought she was drunk.  Eli answered her "Go in peace and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him".  He did and she had a son, and the story gets more interesting from there.  God does answer prayer.


2001 - On this day, I had shipped a box of chocolate cake and ingredients for tuna salad to Florida.  My friend Chris, that I worked with for 20+ years has a birthday today.  When we worked together I always made a tuna casserole and chocolate cake for her birthday.  She moved to Florida and I didn't want her to not have her birthday lunch, but she had to make it herself.  This day had a lot of similar reports - a lot of snow, everyone sick with something, winter retreat to Michiluca and the boat show.
It is snowing again today, but doesn't the boat show sound good?  Not sure its going on now, but its always a nice reminder that summer will happen.


Parenting - I'm the caretaker at my house. (now)  With Mom in the hospital I was blessed that they are keeping her another day, maybe this cold will be better tomorrow.  She is well cared for and I can try and get better without worrying.  God does answer prayer.


Book club - My Antonia,  perfect day to probably finish this book.  I am enjoying it.


Wyoming , Jackson Hole to be precise.  Get your cowboy on!  Lets get a little background.

Overview[edit]

Jackson is a major gateway for millions of tourists visiting nearby Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the National Elk Refuge. Jackson is also in proximity to several ski resorts. On the southeast edge of town there is a relatively small but challenging ski-area known as Snow King, Jackson's original ski hill. It has steep vertical slopes and is night-lit. More famous is the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, 12 miles (20 km) northwest. Opened in 1966, it has abundant steep terrain and has one of the highest vertical drops in North America, at 4,139 feet (1,262 m). Grand Targhee, is about an hour away, on the west side of the Teton Range in Alta. Opened in 1969, it is accessed through Idaho over Teton Pass.

One of the large arches
of shed elk antlers

Jackson is host to a number of world-class arts organizations, including the Congressionally-designated National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Grand Teton Music Festival, and the Center for the Arts. The large arches of shed elk antlers at the four entrances to the town square are popular attractions.
As of the 2010 Census^[4], The main industries which provide employment are: Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services (32.2%), construction (8.7%), retail trade (12.4%), educational services, health care and social assistance (11.9%), and professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (11.8%).
The town is often erroneously referred to as "Jackson Hole", the valley in which it is located.
A strong local economy, primarily due to tourism, has allowed Jackson to develop a large shopping and eating district, centered on the town square.
Lots of places to see this month.  Get going!


Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday Christina!!!!

January 31, 2014 Friday!

not today.


Genesis chapter 3 - This is the story of the serpent telling Eve she could eat of the tree in the Garden of Eden and would become smart like God, and of  course she shared that with Adam.  This story has a lot to talk about, but I suggest - it wasn't a serpent.  Pretty sure it was a cat.  Think abut it they lure you into thinking they are so cuddly and cute and then POW they lunge at you.  Well our cat does.  You have to love any story from Genesis, and most people know those Bible stories better then any.


1980 - On this day - the opening statement was "the cat came home".  Now that was a nice cat and I looked all over and called for it.  I also had a dog, Ziggy, who really missed his cat.  This is not a good time for any animal to be out, especially this year.  The cat and dog were inseparable, I took them in the car with me and out on the boat.  Be sure to bring your animals in during this cold weather!  I was so happy to find that cat or be found by the cat.


Parenting - Prior to having children, and well most of my life I have had pets of one kind or another, not always of my choosing, but I told you about the gerbils.  Dogs and cats are just like children to some of us, they are part of the family,  loving and entertaining.  They also need disciplining and as with our children, we pay the price if they aren't.  Still talking about that cat.


Book club - My Antonia - There is a very descriptive telling of the lead charactors going to a play.  Good writing, I felt like I was there. 


Vancouver - last day and we move on tomorrow to Wyoming!  Jackson Hole, get your cowboy on!

Fadin' by 9 - A Special Evening at Magenta Theater

Calendar Date:

Saturday, February 1, 2014 - 7:30pm

Please join local Vancouver band Fadin' by 9 for a special evening of "bluegrassified" rock, folk, and bluegrass at the Magenta Theater as they showcase songs from their new CD,"Gone." Featuring vocal harmonies, burning banjo, suave six-string, profound fiddle, and beat-booming bass.
Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. Buy tickets now. 
Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. 
If you decide to spend an extra day in Vancouver, or miss your plane, you could see this.


Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!

January 30, 2014 Thursday

Spent the night at the hospital with Mom, coming down with a head cold.  Let's see, I guess that's all the excuses I have right now for not exercising.  Mom's on the 6th floor, maybe I'll take the stairs. :)


Psalm 116 - We occasionaly use this in worship at church "I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.  I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people".  King David never met his offspring, Jesus on this earth.  I wonder what he thought of his humility and righteousness.  Sounds like a great topic for Bible study, eh?  The psalms are always a great source of comfort, for any occasion.  Better take my Bible to the hospital so I can share the reading with her.


1976 - On this day, it says in the trusty journal, that Jim (the boss) Chris and I went to the Scotch for lunch.  Must have been to celebrate Chris's birthday.  We occasionaly would go out to eat together, but not at lunch, I wonder who was watching the shop?  We worked together for 20+ years, which covered a lot of life events for all 3 of us, we could talk anyone under the table.  Does anyone remember the Scotch and Sirloin restaurant at 8 and Greenfield?  It was a great place and attracted a lot of high rollers.  If I remember correctly it was a hangout for a lot of TV celebrities of that time.   My friend Waynette worked there for years.  Those work lunches used to be pretty interesting, how about yours? 


Parenting - It does go around.  Mom always told me that they wouldn't let anyone stay at the hospital with a patient if it wasn't visiting hours.  When I was a child in the hospital, I remember her dropping me off and checking me out, but not staying with me. things have changed.  I have never been told to leave when Mom is there.  Finishing this up and going back to see what they have found out about her. 


Book club - "My Antonia"  reading last night about a picnic and swim in the warm sun.  Now that was a great thought to fall asleep on.


Vancouver -  Just a little more:
Attractions

A group of friends walking on a bridge (Patrice Halley photo)

Attractions in Victoria are educational, beautiful and inspiring.
Known as “The Garden City” due to the abundance of gardens and city parks, Victoria also has an impressive selection of historic sites and heritage architecture. See floral displays year-round or wander through a castle.
Museums in Victoria cover everything from Aboriginal culture to science and nature. This is also the home of the Royal BC Museum and the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.
Take a Victoria whale-watching tour to enjoy the natural surroundings and to look for Orcas, sea lions and more.
Go finish up your sight seeing, we leave here tomorrow!


Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!