fall is falling

in the form of rain, wind or leaves...at least here in Ontario. It has been rather blustery and chilly here as of late. We turned the heat on today and Bill and I had to put our electric blanket on our airbed last night. Yay for no more ice pack bedding:) It was a beautiful sleep last night.

The weather has brought the end to much of the crops around us. Tobacco appears to be done. The only real crop growing is what the locals refer to it as "cow corn". (Corn grown for livestock etc). There are fields of beautiful purple wild asters and yellow goldenrod. Truly a sight to see. Not too many trees are changing color yet but I'm sure after this cold snap that will change. Oh yeah.. Timmins, Ont received snow last night.. wow hey? Glad I don't live up there! Snow in September...no thanks!

What's new what's new... well we have been attending a new church in a city called Caledonia. It's called Gateway Alliance church and so far we are really enjoying it. The people are very friendly, the worship is modern, well led and usually upbeat and the sermons have been VERY good. We have started attending the Alpha course there every monday night. For those of you who don't know Alpha is a worldwide course that is presented by a large variety of churches, denominations, universities and organizations that is pretty much Christianity 101. Bill has been wanting to attend but our previous church hadn't offered the course. This one did so we jumped on the bandwagon. I am going for a refresher and to meet new people. So far our small group seems really friendly. I think we'll have lots of fun at this course. (plus did I mention dinner is included every week...score!)

Other than that there hasn't been too much new. We have ventured into Hamilton a few times for "big city" shopping(new pants, a new computer, shoes, gelato..etc).

Mona is still busy working on the house. Bill helps out where he can but her work is on the exterior trim and brickwork. She's redoing some mortar around the brick and painting the trim and fixing eaves-troughs. We have a large scaffolding out around the house that Bill is called to help move when she's done a section. We are praying for nicer weather so she can actually get some work done. It has been so cold, windy and wet it's not safe or very much fun to be outside at all let alone on a scaffolding.

In other news we are awaiting news on Nicole's Opa. He had a heart attack a couple days ago and is awaiting a bed opening in Victoria for an angioplasty. We are praying everything goes quickly and smoothly so he can rest up and get better. It is hard being so far away from that side of the family. If you're a praying person please add him to your list :)

Well that's the latest update. We are both healthy and welcoming in the cooler weather that is conducive to sweaters, socks, warm soups and a good book.

Talk to you all soon!

N

cotton candy and potato chip swirls

Well hello there! It's been awhile. It's been awhile mainly because there hasn't been too much new to report. We've been keeping busy with projects and everyday tasks. Bill can now add patio demolition to his list of accomplishments here at Mona's. I can add incredible spare rib maker to mine.
We have gone to the Paris Fair and rode the rides, sampled the hot dogs, hamburgers, taffy, potato chip swirls and cotton candy. Watched the Demo Derby (my first one....what a hoot) and checked out the biggest and best flower arrangements and cheerio creations at the exhibitions. We even managed to catch the high dive clowns which was highly amusing. All in all it was fun.

Since then we have managed to finally arrange our stuff in boxes so that the things we need to get to (winter clothes, shoes, bathroom supplies etc) are in reaching distance and so the extra furniture clutt... er decorating Mona's upstairs foyer is in the room also. We now all have lots more space!

Today we went to a new church called Gateway Alliance Church in Caledonia (about 20 min away). It was pretty good. We're going to go back next week and check out an actual service as this week was their Kickoff. There was a talent show and before we got there lots of games, pie eating contests and a dunk tank. The people seem younger and peppy and we really enjoyed both the message and the talents today.

Other than that things are good. I got my first EI check this week so money is finally coming back in. I also got news that there will be a VW dealership opening up in the town Simcoe near us. I might see if they have any work for me on monday.

Well that's all folks. Have a great week! Feel free to email us anytime with news about you :D

Signing off,

N