Life@1351

"Dream Home Series"

2012-01-29T22:08:00.003-05:00

Dream Home Series - Norway

"Dream Home Series"

2012-01-29T21:48:00.000-05:00

LuccaTuscany, Italy

I know this is a dreaming. So?

Places I'd Like to Visit

2012-01-29T21:37:00.001-05:00

Baatara Gorge Waterfall Tannourin, Lebanon

"I want that Kitty!"

2012-01-24T11:29:00.000-05:00

This is the kitty we'd like to have!

Our cat, Jehu, is no more. We still miss him.

We've had cats since 1977, and we'll have more, I'm sure.

Dream Home Series

2012-01-14T16:27:00.000-05:00

Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mud_creek_photo/ a small home in Port Huron

Dream Home Series

2012-01-11T08:34:00.000-05:00

I just like the look of these houses - complicated, interesting, mysterious

Dream Home Interior Series

2012-01-10T14:34:00.000-05:00

This is the beginning of a "Dream Home Interior" Series. Figured that we might as well look at some fabulous Dream Home Rooms!

(I grabbed this photo from http://sweethomestyle.tumblr.com/page/3)

My Mom

2012-01-06T09:42:00.000-05:00

Frouwkje Visser (Wolters)

November 30, 1925 - January 1, 2012

A person in Christ, In anticipation of the Resurrection
(Psalm 73:28)

Frouwkje Visser,
November 30, 1925 - January 1, 2012

On the Lord's Day, the first day of a new year, the Lord Jesus took mom into his care. Amazingly, unplanned by us, but through the Lord's precise planning and care, my dad, brother and family, Jean and I were drawn to be together with mom in her room at the Meadows. An hour after we all arrived, it became clear that the end was near. We stood around her in prayer, and by the time we said 'amen', she was gone. The end was a generous act of mercy for she had suffered much in the last while.

http://www.lifenews.ca/thespec/profile/238626--visser-frouwkje-freda-nee-wolters

It's been a long time!

2011-12-17T18:08:00.000-05:00


It used to be every other Friday night -- family over, make our own pizzas -- each time they were declared the best ever! Tonight, just the two of us, Jean and I made what we think are the "best ever". Jason will appreciate the cheese stuffed edging.

Good Memories

2011-12-17T11:13:00.000-05:00

5:30 a.m. Sunrise - Aug 30, 2011 -- remembering all the great meals we've had here with family and friends Proverbs 15:17

Icing on Top

2011-11-04T08:35:00.000-04:00


Onions have long been harvested; it's time to rest. With a touch of frost, there's icing on top. Psalm 147:16

2011-10-18T21:53:00.000-04:00

There were only 3 or 4 camp sites occupied during the week we were in Allegheny State Park

2011-10-18T21:16:00.001-04:00

It may seem like a carefully posed scene, but no, it just involved me getting on my knees and seeing the art.

For just a moment...

2011-10-18T21:02:00.003-04:00


For just a moment the sun broke through the clouds and with the hills and trees displayed some Divine Glory. (4 p.m.) Click on the photo for larger image.

This was taken with my phone two days later in the early evening - the glory had changed

Dream Home Series

2011-10-09T13:22:00.004-04:00

The Old Woman May have Lived in A Shoe, but wouldn't this be cool?

I edited the photo that I grabbed from the video
http://www.howrealtorshelp.ca/#video-old-woman-1

Algonquin Park (Lake of Two Rivers)

2011-10-08T14:34:00.000-04:00

Sept. 20, 2011

Old Railway Bike Trail, Algonquin Park

2011-10-08T08:11:00.001-04:00

The Old Railway Bike Trail is a leisurely family bicycle trail. For most of its 10-kilometre distance the trail follows the abandoned bed of the historic Ottawa, Arnprior, and Parry Sound Railway, opened in 1896 and decommissioned in 1959.

2011-10-08T08:03:00.000-04:00

Along the Madawaska River, Algonquin Park, Ontario

2011-10-08T07:52:00.000-04:00

Near the end of September 2011, Algonquin Park

Your Onions Are Almost Ready

2011-10-08T07:12:00.001-04:00

Remember those onions in the windrows? Now they're curing.

Some Maintenance Required

2011-09-15T16:39:00.000-04:00

Jean has cut the hair of her boys from the beginning. Eventually, it was clear that something wasn't well with the WAHL buzzer. I engaged in standard repair techniques, opened it up, found the broken wire, fixed it, but wow, look at all the hair clippings jammed inside!!

Onions in Windrows

2011-09-14T14:44:00.001-04:00

"Wind rows" Sept 14, 2011

Ready for Windrowing

2011-09-01T19:44:00.000-04:00

early morning fog shifts and slides and dissapate quickly

2011-08-29T10:41:00.000-04:00

Your Carrots Coming Soon From The Marsh

2011-07-08T21:29:00.001-04:00

Your Onions Coming Soon - A Brief History, April to July, 2011

2011-07-04T14:02:00.000-04:00


April 14, 2011 - cleaning up the fields - this stuff rises to the surface annually

April 16, 2011- working the muck

May 10, 2011, Onions & Wheat seeded

Beautiful Fields- Filled with Promise

May 19, 2011 - Spraying (fertilizer?)

May 30, 2011: Wheat growing fast protecting the soil, little onion sprouts

June 22, 2011: Wheat has been killed off; onions growing well, workers cleaning, weeding?


June 24, 2011 - Fertilizer?

June 24, 2011

July 4, 2011 - Coming along just fine.

"I'm Thinking About It"

2011-06-23T09:39:00.001-04:00

During the "shoulder seasons", Jean and I get away for 1.5 days (2 sleeps) as often as we can (usually Sunday night and Monday). From where we live now (Holland Marsh), there's a whole new world of camp grounds and sites within an hour or two. Taken on the southern banks of Lake Ontario - Fourmile Creek SP.

Early Morning - The Lord's Day

2011-06-05T19:30:00.001-04:00

Another Sun Rise in the Holland Marsh

2011-05-22T22:48:00.000-04:00

Early Spring Sunrise Overlooking the Onion Fields - May 11, 2011, 5:18 a.m.

2011-05-14T13:16:00.001-04:00

Annual Clean Up - April 14, 2011, 8:14 a.m.

2011-04-17T08:14:00.001-04:00

The crazy thing is that every Spring the fields need to be cleaned by hand. Huge roots, tree branches continue to rise up (from the deep?) and surface. This photo was taken April 14, 2011.

Dancing the Day Away -- Best Friends

2011-04-16T19:22:00.000-04:00

Sage Advice

2011-03-26T14:58:00.000-04:00

"If you need advice, I can give you some" ~Jehu

The Good Old Days -- 1933, RV'ing at its Best

2011-03-10T07:07:00.000-05:00

We've Been Thinking of Camping

2011-03-10T06:53:00.000-05:00

This trailer is from circa 1930. I love the relaxed look and dress of the campers! Maybe they've just come home from a worship service at a local church.

Updates -- click the link or scroll down

2011-03-10T06:36:00.001-05:00

I found a few more photos of flood's impact on the house in which we're living!

Flooded! Updates Click the link or scroll down to Dec 8, 2010

Dream Home Series ?

2011-03-03T07:19:00.001-05:00

Went to a RV show in the International Centre in Toronto the other week. What you see here doesn't really fit in the "Dream Home Series" because ... it's a bus!

Such a deal at $319,000!! (I think it's a Charleston 430BH). The upshot to all this is that we're even more happy with our pop up trailer.

Dream Home Series

2011-02-08T17:19:00.001-05:00

Dream Home Series

2011-02-07T09:09:00.000-05:00

While this house may not be of the vintage of the others in my "Dream Home Series", it caught my eye. Found in Grimsby on Lake st.

Morning Mist over Muck

2011-01-29T13:32:00.000-05:00

New Every Morning

2011-01-29T13:25:00.000-05:00

Ducks in the Morning

2011-01-22T14:50:00.001-05:00

There's a ditch that runs straight back of our house toward the 400. Likely the water will not freeze. Makes a nice place for ducks in winter time.

One particular early morning, as I was walking to get a better shot of the sun rise, suddenly these ducks took flight. This was the first wave. As I continued, wave and wave flew away.

They circled high above until I had left.

Sun Rise over the Marsh (note the "sun-dogs")

2011-01-17T11:52:00.001-05:00

Ps 113:3

Sights like these don't last long. When they appear, it's a mad dash grabbing camera, coat, boots ... Get dressed, race out to the field and start clicking!

Life@1351 - Part 2

2010-12-25T15:51:00.000-05:00

There are many beautiful experiences that make living in the Holland Marsh a pleasure. Beside all the wonderful people, there are fabulous sights. Here are a few pictures I took on the first day of winter 2010.

(A view from our back yard - sunrise)

It's only a thought, but it seems that the land of the Marsh retains it's heat & moisture longer than other soils we know. First thing in the morning, even now near the end of December, it's not unusual for a fog of some sort, more like gentle mist to float over the land. This particular morning, the mist had climbed the trees and frozen there to sparkle in the sun.

Psalm 147:16 (NIV)

"He spreads the snow like wool

and scatters the frost like ashes."

Here's a comparison shot. It's not exact, but these give you the idea of a field covered with snow and the same field loaded with carrots ready for the harvest.

OK, it's back to Life@1351 - Part 1

2010-12-08T13:51:00.005-05:00

We live in the Holland Marsh (not near it, in it) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holland_Marsh

The soil around here is called Muck http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muck_Crops_Research_Station

Most memorable event: Hurricane Hazel - 1954

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Hazel
http://www.hurricanehazel.ca/ssi/about_community.shtml (Scroll down to Holland Marsh)
Environment Canada account of Hazel's impact on Holland Marsh (first photo on that page shows the original Springdale church building and the house next to it in which we now live. Here's a section of that photo) I should add that this photo shows house and church building partially under water!

Today we're living in that house!

The church facilities were eventually dismantled leaving only the steeple sitting on the ground.

(taken Dec 8, 2010 -- notice it's tilting a bit - sinking in the muck)

New ministry centre was opened in 1998.

(Click on image for larger size)

(Panorama redone on Jan 22, 2011)

Reformation Day Gathering

The parsonage has been expanded over the years, but essentially it's an old and large (expensive to run) house. This is the view of the back.

A view from our southern deck (that's our trailer in its parking spot), and our closest neighbour's house nestled in the trees).

Looking out the back of the house toward the east and the front toward the west, we see the sun rise, and the sun set. But that's for another post

That's right! Snow

2010-12-05T19:17:00.001-05:00

Sunset on the First Snow Day

2010-12-05T18:53:00.004-05:00

What we're really appreciating with life in the Marsh, are the sun rises and sunsets. I saw this one right out my study window today.

Sun Set, and It was a Day

2010-11-29T16:44:00.002-05:00

Sun Rise Over the Marsh

2010-11-29T07:17:00.001-05:00

Red in the Morning....

2010-11-20T08:26:00.003-05:00

Sorry about not posting anything in such a long time. This photo is fresh this morning, 7:30, from our side deck at 1351.

Life@1247 is now Life@1351

2010-10-17T23:13:00.000-04:00

We've moved from 1247 to 1351.

8 out of 5 Dentists say ...

2010-07-17T08:58:00.003-04:00

On the Banks of the Mighty St. Lawrence River

2010-06-19T07:10:00.002-04:00

For a few days near the end of the merry month of May, Jean and I found one of the best camp spots we've enjoyed in a very long time. Right on the banks of the Mighty St. Lawrence River. A wonderful cooling breeze came off the river, no mosquitoes, well, you'll get the idea from the next few images.

Site 92-b Panorama, Kring Point SP, NY

2010-06-19T07:09:00.005-04:00

Site 92-a Panorama, Kring Point SP, NY

2010-06-19T07:07:00.006-04:00

Blue Heron , Kring Point SP, NY

2010-06-19T06:37:00.002-04:00

Kring Point SP, NY

2010-06-19T06:36:00.001-04:00

The "Thalassa Desgagnes"

2010-06-19T06:35:00.001-04:00

Throughout the day and night, some mighty ships went past our site.
Psalm 107:23

Long Boats

2010-06-19T06:34:00.012-04:00

From the edge of our site, there was this little island to which we could walk. Click on the image to get a better view of that ship in the background. Some of the ship slipped by quietly; others were so deeply powerful, the ground seemed to shake with their engine rumble--it was actually quite impressive.

Hand-Held! Kring Point SP, NY

2010-06-19T06:34:00.005-04:00

Exodus 19:16

EOD, Kring Point SP, NY

2010-06-19T06:30:00.002-04:00

Wired

2010-06-14T21:31:00.001-04:00

Forgot to mention this, but our camper's left turn signal wasn't working. Turns out that the original installation (ahem, done by "professionals"), was shoddy, childish, incorrect, defective and, and.. well, terrible. Consequently, two fuses were blown, a $32 converter was ruined, and some wires burned through. In short, I tore it all out and did it properly.

35th Anniversary

2010-06-14T21:13:00.002-04:00

Jean and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary today, June 14, 2010.
We did all sorts of things today -- mostly we just enjoyed sharing life and life's events.
For dinner went out and enjoyed some "starters" and dessert.
Mostly, we're just thankful for each other and our family.

All Creatures

2010-06-12T17:31:00.001-04:00

How many are your works, O Lord!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24

Gourmet Meals on Goat Island

2010-06-12T17:14:00.002-04:00

Possibly I shouldn't reveal this. When I visited Goat Island (attendance is by invitation only, by the way), I had the privilege of enjoying my choice of gourmet food for lunch; it was either box number 1, 2 or 3. Micah and I agreed on #3, "extra creamy". While that was being prepared (all three of us were involved at various points in that process), Micah had some organizing to do with the lures.

Tarps & Duct Tape

2010-06-12T17:06:00.001-04:00

When men go off camping, they demonstrate their skills of building home and hearth. Vast amounts of tarp and duct tape are required to accomplish this. Red Green would be proud of these boys.

Burp-Spray

2010-06-12T16:58:00.002-04:00

On Goat Island there is a rule -- no girls allowed. That's for their safety and sanity, I think. One thing that guys do when they're off on a distant island, is burp and fart and not have to say, "excuse me, please". Micah demonstrated the art of "the mighty cola burp" but almost choked to death on it, and ended up spraying stuff onto my camera, pants, glasses -- but hey, what do you expect on Goat Island with the guys?

There Comes a Time

2010-06-12T16:50:00.003-04:00

Micah and his dad were camping on Goat Island with a large number of dads and sons. When men get together there are stories to tell, hamburgers to BBQ, and fish to be fished. In that latter process, there comes a time when the earth worm gives its life to the cause. Micah, thanks the worm for its sacrifice, does something to it, and goes fishing.

New Stuff Coming Really Soon ...

2010-05-18T14:56:00.003-04:00

The Turbo Encabulator

2010-01-13T09:27:00.001-05:00

Dream Home Series

2010-01-11T21:49:00.001-05:00

At one time this was probably a neat place; now it's a "fixer-upper" or ?

Dream Home Series

2010-01-11T17:11:00.001-05:00

Water Front Property (if it has hi-speed internet-I'm in)

Dream Home Series

2010-01-11T17:05:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know it needs some hard work, but I like it!

Together

2010-01-11T16:57:00.000-05:00

Good Idea; Flawed Execution

2010-01-11T16:54:00.000-05:00

Dream Home Series

2010-01-05T16:11:00.001-05:00

Well, it doesn't quite fit the criteria for the "Dream Home Series", but it's complete and cosy!

Olie Bollen - New Year's Day 2010

2010-01-01T17:36:00.003-05:00

Jean debated whether she was going to make these, but we're all glad she did. After all, it's a tradition that goes back, way back to before we kept records of this sort of thing.

It begins here, in Jean's stash of highly coveted but secret recipe box.

The results are better every year. If you were here, you'd smell them -- they're hot and ready to eat.

Normally, Jean makes dozens and dozens, and sometimes she gathers up a bunch and delivers them to a few people who would know this tradition from their childhood.

This year, Aaron and Meghan got a pile as they dropped Micah & Elizabeth off for a 'sleep over' and here we are consuming some more.

You dip them in a bowl of icing-sugar and take a bite, then dip, bite, dip, dip, munch, munch, and get another one. They're great!!

Advent 2009

2009-12-23T19:33:00.005-05:00

A year of change, a year of grace
Another year we ran the race
And now we pause and contemplate
And make a poem so we won't be late

Ed and Jean are still in love and give their thanks to God above
Aaron and family are still close by with children both as sweet as pie
Jason married his sweet Rowan and now lives in far L. A.
So Ed and Jean are empty nesters since both their chicks have flown away.

Jean's mom has gone to be with Jesus, Praise God she's free of earthly pain.
We know that when the trumpet sounds, that we will see her once again.
This fall Ed's folks celebrated 60 years - through thick & thin, thru joy & tears
His mom has moved to Long Term Care, we're grateful that she's safer there.

Our camper was much used this year, from May till late October
We still enjoy the rambling life, even with weather sober
We took the train to Halifax and sure enjoyed the ride
Then VIA decided to go on strike but we took it all in stride

'Cus life, it seldom goes as planned according to our thinking
But God knows all that is in store and watches without blinking
He carried us through this whole year and we are mighty glad
That He is such an awesome God and still our heavenly Dad

We pray that His abiding love you fully will enfold
That you will live a life that's full and have a faith that's bold
We pray this note finds you and yours all well and doing fine.
Our hope is that our paths will cross further down the line.

Stop by and visit, stay awhile, we'd truly like to chat.
It's sad we seldom take the time to do a bit of that.
So Merry Christmas to one and all, God's blessings for 2010
Our hope is that we'll see you soon, God Keep you well till then.

What do you Think These Two are Discussing?

2009-12-21T19:48:00.001-05:00

... and pondered them in her heart.

2009-12-19T16:12:00.001-05:00

Christmas on A Budget

2009-12-19T09:31:00.002-05:00

When you don't feel like putting up all those lights, just point to your neighbour's

The Bridge

2009-11-26T11:26:00.003-05:00

It's been a long time since I put anything here. And then my good friend Pete Hommersen posted this on FB.

Samuel's Turtles

2009-08-09T16:12:00.002-04:00

At Samuel De Champlain Provincial Park, there is a dock around which there are about 5 large turtles eager to eat your food offering or your finger!!

Travelling on the Ocean

2009-07-23T06:02:00.001-04:00

VIA 14 to Halifax

Resting

2009-07-17T22:52:00.000-04:00

Storm Over Kingston

2009-07-09T10:37:00.001-04:00

Only had my mobile phone with me. What an ominous sight!

"No Signal. My cell got wet!"

2009-07-09T10:15:00.001-04:00

Flying

2009-07-09T07:40:00.001-04:00

Emergency Telephone

2009-07-09T07:22:00.001-04:00

Elizabeth the Swimmer Gal

2009-07-08T22:18:00.003-04:00

Yippee! A Mystery Bag

Micah the Swimmer Guy

2009-07-08T22:15:00.003-04:00

How Does That Prayer Go?

2009-07-07T08:55:00.001-04:00

Gewurztraminer

2009-07-06T14:04:00.006-04:00

Gewurztraminer

Tert

2009-06-09T10:14:00.001-04:00

Brain Protection During Focussed Thought

2009-05-18T21:14:00.005-04:00

Micah and Elizabeth stayed over at our house last night. As noted in some earlier posts, this ball (which Aaron ripped apart with his bare hands), serves well as "Brain Protection".

Micah reminded us that this unit was his, but that it could stay at our house for use whenever needed.

1983 to 2009, Trailer for Sale or Rent

2009-05-18T18:52:00.018-04:00

Back in 1983 or 1984 we bought a 'Trunk Mate' to assist us in carrying our stuff for our annual trips from Regina, Sask. to Hamilton, Ont., and for camping. The Trunk Mate served us well till around 1994 when we bought the Coachmen CO 230 "tent trailer". Once Aaron and Meghan moved into 1036, the Trunk Mate slowly found its home with them and they took it over as a yard waste transporter.

It's been through a number of repairs and paint jobs, but eventually after 26 years of service, it seems ready to retirement.

We thought about restoring it for renewed use with camping, but as partially shown in the photos, and for a number of other carefully thought through considerations, we think it's time for a new utility trailer.

So we found a replacement! This fine unit will help Aaron & Meghan with camping and hauling stuff, just like the Trunk Mate helped us.

Priorities

2009-05-18T18:35:00.001-04:00

On our way home from camping in the Alleghany Forest, we came past a family with an intersting set of priorities.

Family Gathering

2009-05-18T18:28:00.001-04:00

We had an opportunity to enjoy dinner at Wayne and Carmen's home. We were in town to visit mom.

Sweeper-Maniac

2009-05-18T17:46:00.001-04:00

Following Micah's Victoria Day Hair Cut by Oma, Elizabeth took it upon herself to clean up! This clip shows only a fraction of the work she did.

Victoria Day Hair Cut

2009-05-18T17:25:00.001-04:00