JD'S Back on the Road!

He's Back on the Road!

Most of you probably remember my frustrating
story about recycling our JD.

Well JD....found a warm spot through the winter months.
Hours were spent, cleaning, painting, refurbishing...whatever men do.

Day after day...Hour after hour.

Even the undercarriage is painted and ready to go!


Last week when I came home from work one day,
I saw a very disgruntled look on his face.
He had not conquered his project.
The project conquered HIM!

He left it a few days....
purchased a new battery,
and today I heard a loud boisterous cheer from the house.

Now, I knew he wanted me to come out and look...

Sure enough, it didn't take long and I heard JD
puttering, sorry I mean purring,
around the yard, popping wheelies
just like a young one let out on green pastures.
Of course he checked to see if I could see him from my window,
making sure I knew that things were under control again.

Good to see that JD and JB have resolved all their problems
and are ready to face the spring season again.

Looks like two guys are back on the road!

Spring is in the air...and it sure feels good.

"It's not whether you get knocked down;
it's whether you get up."

Marg

Friday's FAVE Five ~ Spring Break

We're back again to show you that spring has finally arrived.

I don't know what it's like for our dear friend Susanne,
from Living to Tell the Story...
I heard that it was cold in the prairies.
Meanwhile we enjoyed some outdoor activities.

We've always wanted a fire pit just like the one's in the Provincial Campsites.
So today we set out on a mission...found the solid steel rim,
dug out the sand and gravel, and sunk it into the ground.
Oh, yes...don't forget...he had his level...it's perfectly straight.
Big enough to cook our food, big enough to keep warm,
and big enough to bring family together.

Obviously we enjoyed those Bavarian Smokies.
Some of us burned them because we were too hungry,
while others enjoyed the rotisserie method of cooking their meat,
only to be followed by roasting marshmallow, smores and Tim Tams.
The evening cooled down, the fire became bigger...
we grabbed our down vests,
made another pot of coffee...
and enjoyed a pleasant relaxing evening around the pit,
just like we used to do when we went camping.

While some built fires and inspected the new pit...
others enjoyed the first bounce of the season.
Up, Up and away they go!

When suddenly, the youngest snuck away.
"Oh, he went to the house..."
I ran inside to where I thought he might be....
the cabinet door in the bathroom was open.....
He knew what he was looking for.

He knew exactly what to do...
I guess he thought if I was not there to supervise....
What's a man suppose to do...if the toilet is too high?
He figured it out.

Those were my special favorites this week.

Farmers Do It With Flair!

It was a few weeks ago...when we had this young couple drop in at our house. You can tell by their smiles that they are the kind of people who love to have fun. We had a wonderful evening and he delivered us this beautiful gift. It's a ceramic cookie jar in the shape of truck, wearing the logo of Sunrise. If you farm chickens you will have met Mr & Mrs. Sunrise and will have made acquaintances with the Sunrise Processing Plant.

This truck can be seen delivering all kind of different chicken products to local restaurants or larger grocery stores. But as you can see, in our home...it also delivers freshly baked cookies. The grands are always wondering what's in the truck.

Well, one day we get this invite from the Sunrise Company to join them at the BCAC Gala (BC Agriculture Council). Which farmer would decline an invitation like this. I had already informed my husband that he would not be wearing his 505 Boot Cut Levi's for this occasion.

Later in the evening at the gala, I decided to ask the other women, if any of them helped their husband's assemble their wardrobes. Well, this opened the table for discussion. One farmer had to purchase a new jacket that day, and because there was a 2 for 1 sale at Moore's that week...he came home with two new jackets. One guy wore a striped shirt, plaid jacket and a tie with diagonal stripes. His wife turned to me and said, "Can't you tell he's Dutch?" The next guy complained that he was the only guy with a white shirt.... Most of these men are happy country guys, wearing their 505's. Getting them to the gala is no problem...it's getting them dressed the right way. We're still smiling at some of the stories that will not be recorded.

Farmers come and go in all sorts, shapes and sizes. But one thing for sure....when they get together, none of that matters. Good times are to be held.

Each year they choose one outstanding young farmer. Unfortunately, our age group does not qualify anymore. Congratulations to Kevin and Annamarie Klippenstein, outstanding farmers in BC. In 2001 they bought a 5 acre orchard in Cawston, BC. Today they farm over 40a acres and provide produce year round. They market their products not only locally, but through the Vancouver Farmer's market. This young progressive couple have worked hard to create a farming environment that is sustainable and at the same time provides a lifestyle for their family of four aged, 5-13.
Their goals continue to find ways to improve their organic farming practices, educate people on what they are eating and pass out this knowledge to other young farmers starting out.
You will find them qualifying for the Nationals this Fall!

Congratulations to the Klippensteins!

Friday's FAVE Five ~ Gifts

It's been another week of celebrations and friendships,
Somehow, we like getting together, and sharing common interests.

This young gal in the middle is celebrating all year.
Run over to Ellen's blog to see the 60 tasks on her bucket list.
Ellen brought along 6 goody bags...
You know, when I was young...we never had goody bags.
I think it's a great idea!
I know we all just love that kind of thing.
Thanks Ellen for your thoughtfulness.

We celebrated this birthday, with an ocean view at Chuckanut Manor.
The view was stunning, and the food was beyond words.
The sun shining through the clouds, describes Ellen's radiance in our group.

Have you ever tasted the Amish Friendship Loaf?
It's one of those recipes that gets mushed for 9 days.
Thank-you Judy for sending this mush my way.
Some of you will be receiving mush today.

I came around the corner, listening to the giggling,
while the popcorn was overflowing and cracking.

"What, No shirts?"

So What!

Not so long ago..I entered a draw from Kathy, at Artful Accents.
How fun to receive a small package in the mail.
Thank-you Kathy for this beautiful piece of hand made jewelry,
with your Canadian friend in mind.

~~~~~~

I can't help but let you know,
I thought I had all the kitchen gadgets...
regardless, I was given a zester....you know why?

My goody bag contained a ginger grater with recipes and fresh ginger.

So there's my week...How about YOU?
Thank-you Susanne for hosting us.
I hear it's warming up out your way.

Do You Feel Robbed?

There is no better place than to enjoy the amenities of Big White!
Fun for young and old!

His first day...lessons and all.
Getting all measure up, as Opa supervises closely.

Skiing in The Discovery Program...and on to the next....level.

"Look I can ski"

We can't forget those silly photos, can we?

Learning to ride safely up the chair, and lifting off.

Finally he get's to ski with Opa and show him the trails.

Through the trails and passage ways we flew,
until....
we found the home of "Winnie the Pooh!

The evening dared each other into the pools and hot tubs.
Who could sit in the snow the longest??

Pool time in the dark was always a fun time.

Never a dull moment.
The evenings led to competition with Fuss Ball!

Then Snakes & Ladders, Parcheesi and Checkers.
Remember the game, Pick up Sticks? He loved it!

The resort, Sun Dance left us with an unbelievable view.
Most times I'm dead to the world, and miss the best...
but not this time!
We left early in the morning at 6:30 am.
Yes, we awoke to the Dance of the Sun.

His last wish was for a sugar glazed and sprinkled donut from Tim's!
At the end of the week, John looked at me and said,
"Do you feel robbed from your ski trip?" knowing my love for the sport.
"Not one bit, I feel honored, and I'd do it all over again."
You bet! We'll do this again!

So What?

Remember the story of Zachaeus?
He was just one short little man...and knew that Jesus was coming to town.
He did not want to miss this golden opportunity...
He found a tree, the perfect limb, jumped up and perched himself.
He knew what he wanted.

That's what I'm reminded of when I look at this photo...
All the older cousins are playing games on their iPhones.
How does a three year old get in on the action?

As you can see...jumped up on the banquet table,
made himself known, and comfortable.
He knew what he wanted.
He was not going to miss out on the action.
The hostess and I discussed, etiquette today and yesteryear.
And everyone smiled as they watched me take the shot.

So What?

What's next? Someone, is going somewhere....

And his Opa, decided to create some fun for him.

It's what you see...
DVD player, and pockets filled with treats.
I can just see some older adult children scratching their heads.
Oh yea, they will remember the pockets filled with goodies..
"But now a DVD player? They are spoiling him!!!!"

The big boy is on his first trip to the ski hills.

So What?

We Celebrated 99 Years of Life!

Papa celebrated another milestone this past Wednesday, March 2. Today we all gathered together to celebrate his 99th birthday. We are celebrating 99 years! Can you imagine all the events that have happened over an era of almost 100 years?

It was more than a privilege to spend some special time with Papa last summer, during his wife's illness. This is one of my favorites photos, watching Papa and John engaged in discussions around agriculture. Papa came from Germany in 1951, which was 60 years ago, which would of made him a young man of 39 years of age. Who says you can't start a new life?

I could imagine Papa picking up the soil, letting it sift through his hands, feeling and testing for moisture, and texture. Papa had achieved his diploma in agriculture before coming to Canada, in 1951. One of the most profound lessons he was taught, was that when he came to Canada, he was NOT to challenge the Canadian agriculture system, but to watch, listen, learn, and observe for one year, to see how Canadians farmed, going through the cycles and seasons to see what he could learn from the Canadian farmers. This, then would qualify him to be eligible to offer his expertise to other farmers about soil, crops and planting. He loved the study of plant life and it's development.

I can see him checking the furrow...Is it straight enough? He's probably wondering if these young farmers know what they are doing today. I remember him always carefully pacing out the steps to the fence post, hanging an old shirt, taking the tractor and dropping the plow, to make the first furrow. It had to be perfect.
"Keep your eye on the target, never looking back." A great motto to live by.

During his years in Canada, Papa was very active in the church, often volunteering his time preaching the German sermon, or he would be conducting the German choir. He had a love for his culture and his faith and it was truly evident. I can still see him conducting the song, "The Lord Bless You and Keep You," and pointing his hand to the tenors for their cue, and then to the bass, for the next cue. He loved music and passionately shared it with others.

Papa loved family. I remember him sitting outside last summer, as the little one slept on the lawn. I can just see him whispering a prayer of blessing over this great grandchild...I wonder what he would of said..."May you grow strong, and stay deeply rooted in the faith, no matter what comes your way...my dear boy and may the peace of our God and Savior stay with you forever." Those are the words you could hear him say many times with the comings and goings of his grandchildren.

"The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. " Numbers 6:24-26. The words spoken to Mikki as she left for Haiti.

We all smiled and cheered today as he opened this one special gift. I can just imagine him proudly wearing this shirt at his new home in the Primrose Gardens at Menno Place.

The evening was filled with laughter, good food, tributes, from young and old. The turning point was when Papa stood up and gave a tribute to God for bringing back Helen's health. It was exactly a year ago when Helen, his wife of 29 years became suddenly ill, bringing on a new set of circumstances for their life. And here they are together once more celebrating another day, another year. Happy Birthday Papa!

And now we want to give back the same benediction to you, that you have often given to us!

"The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. " Numbers 6:24-26.

Feeling Ripped OFF!

I did not believe him!
He told me that there was drifting snow at the farm.
Our home and farm are just around the corner,
and in the country that could mean,
just a few miles down the road.

So I asked my chauffeur to take me for a ride in the dark.
Sure enough...I found the place.
He was right....
Does that not look like 2-3 foot drift?
Sure enough...
As most of you know...
I love the snow and need a good blizzard.

If you look hard enough, you can see the drifting along the fence line.
And better yet, it was beginning to snow....

By the time we arrived home...just a few miles down the road,
rain was pelting on our windshield.

A skiff of snow...barely enough to cover my tulip bulbs.

And these foot prints are proof, to let you know it's a slight dusting.

Do you think there's enough snow for me to declare a snow day?
Our weather pattern has played havoc with us this winter.

Next week...I will get my fill for the season,
as we pack our ski gear and head toward the interior,
and rip down those slopes.