WINTER WONDERS

The twins have returned from their holiday visit to Nana in New Mexico where there is no snow for this activity. Actually I would not have thought there was enough in our back yard either, but the proof is in the product sometimes. Great job, girls.

Now what do the rest of you think the snowman is grinning about?

RAIN AND SNOW

We seem to have helped set several new weather records over the past year, but this one became a bit dreary. According to both local papers, this November tops all prior Novembers for total rainfall. Vancouver is now just a few hundreths of an inch short of 12 inches as measured at Pearson Airport, some 10 miles west of us near central Vancouver.

I have regularly emptied my own rain gauge and I am certain I have dumped closer to 18 inches of sparkling dew over the past four weeks. Since we are right at the rise of the foothills and some 400 feet higher that the official station, I'm pretty confident we have had at least half again as much as constitutes the new record down on the open flats.

I know it has rained mightly for days at a time, and we are already for spring to hurry along.
Today has been cold with temperatures between 33 and 37 degrees. A fwm minutes ago a snow squall dropped enough to almost cover the ground and excite birds, squirrels, and small children. In ten minutes the snow shower has passed by and a thin ray of sunshine came out to light up the juncoes, chickadees, and a couple of Western Flickers who were taking turns ravishing the suet feeder.

The wood stove is humming along and we are warm and cozy inside. Now if it would just stay dry a little while I need to put the cover tarp over the camper and button it up for winter. Can it only be November with all this Rain and Snow? Really??

THANKSGIVING

Some of the most worthwhile things in life to notice are often pointed out by my friends. In this case it was Nancy who mentioned a message on a neighborhood readerboard. Today, Thanksgiving 2006, it seems most appropriate. Even the blustery day with nearly freezing rain did not take the warmth and wisdom out of this message. Whether the format is considered pop culture or street talk, the content is a Christian Messsage.
On another note, some of you know my feelings about the modern trend to de-Christianize our nation and its history. Should you have any doubts about the faithful Christian character of the First President, take the time (and effort) to read his proclamation of an early Day of Thanksgiving, 1789.

A GENERAL THANKSGIVING

By the PRESIDENT of the United States Of America
A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

HIGHLIGHTS X

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Finally, a wrap on that trip. Three weeks; 4,433 miles; at least 12 beds; a couple of dozen fine meals; lots of wonderful people (family old and new, friends old and new); neat and worthwhile events and places; and many fascinating miles of the beautiful American West and Southwest. I'm rested up enough that I would be willing to head out again on such a journey if only I could afford it.
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The next stop on our trek northward through California was at my Dad's place. We had visited there not long ago and this was only an overnight, but we went to dinner at a nice family restaurant as usual and caught up on the recent news and made plans for the next time we could visit. At one point Dad got the old 1969 Murcury Marquis out of his garage so we could get at some items,and when he put it out on the street, I snapped this picture for a reason. If you know anyone interested in this fine automobile I could broker a nice deal for them. It has about 103.000 miles on it, the big engine rebuilt at about 80K, all the original manuals, dark blue leather seats, and it is a Big Car! It needs a little fix up, but it could be a wonderful project for someone who remembers when American Cars were heavy, solid, classy, and safe.


From Dad and Naomi's we drove up to Oakdale to see Betty's brother Sam and his wife Billie Jo. We lunched the following day with Ralph and Kay Deakins in Galt, and overnighted in Redding with my brother Marty. Finally home (and I'm sure you are all relieved) we found our place in riotous fall color and a weeks worth of gathering up the leaves. On our acre and a quarter, we have many trees, and about half of them are evergreen/conifers. The restdrop leaves but only half of those color up nicely each year. This season we have wonderful late color perhaps because we have had a couple of nights of frost followed by mild temperatures and record rains.


A countryside drive has been a beautiful experience recently. It's mostly gone now as I write, but we have some pictures we could share. Next year the twins will be tall enough to use the riding mower to help me clean up fallen leaves. They will enjoy that! Anyway, it is good to be home.

HIGHLIGHTS IX

Just a couple of more postings and I promise to move on to current history. I have to say I am much more fond of San Diego now than I was in the 1940s-1950s when I was growing up in Escondido only thirty-five miles to the north. OK, family, no nostalgistic stories here today, so relax!
We arrived early in San Diego with enough time to stop and relax after driving in from Tucson across the deserts, They were in their finest fall colors and still green from the September monsoon season. Balboa Park is very near central downtown and as a teenager I knew all the roads and byways and on and off ramps to the only highway that might have been like modern freeway systems. It is more complecated today and there are several dozen interlocking segments of at least four interstate and bypass freeway systems. If I am having high blood pressure these days it is because of driving on California roads recently.

The enormous Conservatory pictured here is another delightful feature of Balboa Park. I love this park. I really like conservatories everywhere, so I always try to take at least a few minutes to visit this wonderful, serene, interior garden of tropical plants and exotic delights. Its mild interior climate and cathedral-like quiet gives me a peaceful feeling as I wander from end to end searching out examples of my favorite specimins or examples of wonderful color or texture among the thousands of plantings within.
I am especially fond of the cactus and epiphylum samples, but I can't seem to pass the riot of orchids in their multiple varities either. This visit I seemed to be viewing the last day(s) of a special exhibit, and many special displays were artfully spread along the side galleries and in the orchid area, dozens of stunning varities were available for examination. It was quite remarkable, but you need to go see for yourself.

Another park feature I can not forego visiting whenever possible is the Spanish Village Art Colony just a short distance from the Zoo entrance, near the Museum of Natural History.It is an area of shops where artits of several sorts display and market their creations. Lucy Wang, one of my own favorites is here. I am deeply appreciative of her Chinese style of paintings, especially those on silk in several layers..

Of course I have dozens of other pictures, and someday, if I ever have time, I will organize them into "slideshows". Meanwhile, I have enough to remind me of places we have been and enjoyed. I don't get a kickback from the Chamber of Commerce, but if you are looking for a great place to vacation, you would be happy in San Diego and vicinity. Let me know when you go; maybe I'll come along too, to show you the highlights as I see them.

HIGHLIGHTS VIII

The shortest route from from Tucson to Washington State does not go through San Diego, but the best roads do, and the real benefit is visiting family throughout California. It was almost a given from the inception of this trip that we would find a way to visit Aunt Edith whom many of you in Vancouver met last year. I think she is 93, and she is certainly the most active person of her age I know.
While we were there she brought out this version of a scrabble type game. I didn't crop this picture hoping you could see the word level, and I could point out that she made many of the high point plays. Aunt Edith is actively involved in Scouting and works with a troop of Cub Scouts. She attends activities at her church, she has been in a book discussion group, she assists with her church library, she is a lifelong serious hiker and helps lead a group regularly. Recently she again organized the reunion of her high school class and prepared the program booklet for that event. She is still driving and has no fear of California freeway systems. She attends plays and the Starlight Opera outdoors in Balboa Park, and arranges a picnic meal for her group before each concert on the famous Spreckles Theater Organ also in an outdoor setting in the park. And much, much more. Upon our arrival and before I could get out of the car, she put me to work harvesting pomegranates from her loaded tree. I used the picking pole and she packed them into bags and boxes. They are wonderful fruit and I brought just over 100 home to daughter Patty who pointed out that locally they are selling for $2.00 apiece. We did not seem to diminish the crop in the tree by much even after a second large picking, and she planned to have all her fellow scout leaders come and help finish the job. We also enjoyed her garden area and other fruit trees behind the house: peaches, plums, loquats, lemons, oranges, and an avocado.
We always enjoy our visit with Aunt Edith. She is lively, spunky, and delightful in every way. Conversation never lags, and the range of topics is amazing. She is a wonderful soundingboaard for me for she is able to confirm some of my memories of my growing up in the same county. I can remember when she and my Uncle Lee married in 1947; he was a Forestry Ranger and she taught Fourth Grade until retirement (maybe 40 years?). I just can't go the Southern California without finding a way to visit with this "Energizer Bunny" for a day or two at least. We've invited her to visit us again in 2007, and her response was, "When will be best?" We are already looking forward to her coming when we will share the adventure of her life in our own arena.

HIGHLIGHTS VII

The remainder of our time in Tucson was in the company of Betty's high school friends and their families. This red, white, and blue bunch shown below was a hoot. It was Betty's finest hour, being the guest and center of attention, and I think it was certainly the most nostalgic. We stayed with Alice (in blue) as though we were real family. Her hospitality was warm and thoughtful, but her knack of making us feel comfortable like we were at home was very special indeed. We attended her congregation in the morning and were taken to lunch afterward by her father who lives nearby. That was fun and justified the "Sunday Afternoon Naps" which followed.

The second musketeer in this trio was Sonja (in white). The stories these cronies told about their high school girls youth group would almost make one gasp. I got the idea that Betty (in red) and Sonja were the ringleaders in much of the mischief these girls were able to generate. I noticed several times during the retelling of old stories a certain secret, shared glance that told a lot without revealing anything specific. I bet these girls were up to a lot more than anyone ever guessed. We went to Sonja's church in the evening, joined a bunch of regulars afterward for dinner at Wendy's and finally ended up at the beautiful home of Sonja and her husband. He and I seemed to hit it off nicely and that capped a wonderful day.

One wonderful encounter was running into Ryan and Karin who formerly were members with us in Vancouver. Here is the current family group, with Maya and Osborne standing still long enough for the photo. If I have it right, baby Anna was due to join the family any day. Ryan led the morning singing and his dad is the regular preacher for this congregation. Finally, to close with a bit of trivia, I also met here a man who shares my name. In the past I've known about a couple of guys with my name, but this John was the first I had met and spoken to in person and it was all right. I think I would like to know him better someday.

HIGHLIGHTS VI

Reluctantly leaving Carlsbad behind, we headed west/southwest across the morning desert on our way to Tucson, Arizona. One would think that going from New Mexico to Arizona would be a rather straightforward event, but the first major town along that routh is... Wait for this... El Paso, TEXAS!! No illusions, no mirage; it's just there sort of unexpectantly in the midst of a lovely southwestern desert full of fascinating cacti and colorful mountain landscapes.

Just south of Tucson we arrived at the home of Bill and Carol, a most gracious and congenial couple, for a couple of wonderful days in their gorgeous home and community. While Betty was researching and composing her book about Jessie (See http://wyattjourney.com/jessie/index.htm), she encountered Carol, who as a child knew Jessie and who was able to confirm and contribute much insight to her life. Carol visited us twice in Vancouver offering her eyewitness memories and family movies to help document the research Betty was completing.

Carol also holds quite a number of items which once belonged to Jessie, and it was such a treat for the two new buddies to review these treasures and celebrate the publication of the book which had just come out. In fact, one the the very first book orders to arrive anywhere came to their house only an hour before we arrived from Carlsbad. We all enjoyed checking out the completed text together. The serving set pictured belonged to Jessie's parents and are monogramed with her fathers initials. I wonder how many moose or caribou roasts it has carved?

The "Friday Tour" in Tuson is not to be missed. I took dozens of pictures but do not have space for them here. We saw the lovely community in which they live, and drove to the viewpoint on "A" Mountain overlooking modern downtown Tucson, we drove up an intriquing valley full of stately saguaro cactus to a view of "Old Tucson".

Next we located the home where Betty and family lived when she was in high school and were amazed at how far she and her brother had to walk to the massive, classic building. We visited for a couple of hours at the local botanical gardens, and we shared a strange but serendipitous luncheon at the historic Arizona Inn. What a wonderful day in such special company. The rest of the time we lounged in Bill and Carol's lovely home, enjoyed the wild birds and quail, explored the golf courses nearby for wildlife, and visited about life and families. This was a most relaxing stopover and deeply appreciated.

Such was the first half of our time in the Tucson area. Return for Part VII in a few days.

HIGHLIGHTS V

Carlsbad surprised me with its variety of Southwest scenes and obvious pride in its history. The general city architecture tends toward Spanish styles, although that is not seen throoughout the residential areas which probably have more ranch type homes than any other and which are from a slightly older era.

The main downtown buildings - City Hall, The Federal Building, The Chamber of Commerce, The Museum/Library, Municiple BUilding, etc. - all are designed in western mode and are intended to impress. For a desert town, is was amazingly green, and the lawn were frequently lush green and well manicured.

Actually the city is sprawled out along the main highways inbound and outbound, showing the same tardy planning many other communities have experienced in the age of franchise fast food and more recent commercial establishments building larger and "flashier" emporiums out where the land is cheaper.

Nevertheless, there seems to be plenty of everything locally. If that fails, Lubbock is three hours to the northeast and El Paso is three hours to the southwest. Between them they have every shopping and medical and entertainment need covered in multiple spades.

Let me mention a couple of true gems Carlsbad offers. Firstly, that museum and library combination is quite nice. The former is large enough and has suffieient significant permanent displays to be very impressive. I enjoyed the current (temporary) art show in progress, but also found a room of permanent western art wors of great distinction. Indian, Spanish/Mexican/ and Wild West periods are each well represented as is the military history of the region right up to modern times. The library seems large enough to serve the town, and they have on staff at least one librarian who made an exceptional effort to assist me in my unusual request.

Secondly, On a hill west of the valley is a wonderful combination Desert Museum and Cactus/Succulent collection that should not be missed when you visit Carlsbad. The character of the local flora and fauna is awesome and well represented in the inside exhibits and in the outdoor plantings and along the remarkable walkway which winds through cleverly concealed bird and amimal display areas. It is a great place to enjoy the regional cacti and critters and a peaceful place to view the entrie regional Pecos Valley below.

Remeber, these remarks are only highlights. There's more, but you'll have to visit to make your own list.

HIGHLIGHTS IV

After leaving Lubbock, we headed southwest, beginning the turn toward the west as we began to head home again. But first...


We headed for Carlsbad, New Mexico, and a few days with our long-time Alaskan friend Margaret Clark. Margaret retired to a Christian retirement community called RiverBend and into a home built especially for her. So did a handful of other Alaskans, several of whom we have known for many years. We took advantage of the time there to talk at some length to Kay, one of the administrators responsible for introuducing the concept and the project to potential new residents. It is quite nice and offers several special advantages to older couples.


Margaret's house, show here at the right, was very nice, quite comfortable, and nicely decorated of course. We viewed several of the available floor plans, the range of materials and flexible features available, and the layout of this portion of the local christian retirement community. There are two other sections; one is quite nearby and the other is only a couple of miles away. These are all tied into a companion system of home care, nursing home, convalescence and hospital care when one should need such.

The whole town is quiet, very southwestern, and offers almost all a couple would need in the twilight years. We sampled several eateries, the museum and library, and brought home a stack of Chamber of Commerce type material. The lovely parks along the Pecos River are right behind the RiverBend neighborhood as is the adjacent golf course. I must admit there are several appealing features to the concept. It could be worth a visit to you to check it out for yourself.

HIGHLIGHTS III: MIssionaries Galore

OK, one last picture from the World Missions Workshop, and then I'll move on to the latter half of our trip. I know three or four photos can't really convey the tone or spirit of a missions oriented event, and I haven't time or words to do more. Suffice to say the "happening" is in the heart and lives of those who are passionate about taking the Gospel to folk anywhere - sometimes afar in other countries - who need to hear and respond to God's calling them to holiness.

Some of you may know the fella at the left. He is Matt Miller, a member of the Kabiye team in Kara in north-central Togo. With him is an engaged couple, (also a) Matt and Grace, who are already beginning to focus on the foreign mission ministries in which they would like to become involved. These three were great fun to talk with, and I found their intensity to be refreshing and inspiring. They are representative of scores of potential missionaries who were in Lubbock to dream, plan, connect, seek information and guidance from more experienced individuals. From the Keynote talks to the smaller classes, to little, casual campus meetings and discussions like this one, WMW gives everyone a chance to be better informed about the "state of missions" by the churches today.

Why don't you plan to attend one of these wonderful gatherings in the next year or two?

HIGHLIGHTS II

Another of the neat things about a World Missions Workshop is the area of booths and displays that are always set up to provide information on mission activities and opportunities in various places and ministries. Featured are countries where efforts are underway, training programs where preparations for mission participation can be obtained, or sites where materials and supplies and services can be acquired which can benefit individuals or teams or congregations in their developing missions focus.

My eye was quickly drawn to the "Adventures In Missions" display presented by the AIM Program at Sunset church in Lubbock where young persons can receive months of training in Bible and evangelism followed by a mission placement in one of many countries of the world where practical field experience can be lived on a daily basis for perhaps 18 to 24 months under the guidance of a a veteran missionary family. Vancouver CofC has sent many teens to and through the AIM program, and we are happy with the results not only in the mission field but in the lives of the participants who become life-long advocates of gospel missions works.

Highlights I

Betty and I often play a game (although she claims it is merely my schtick) called "Highlights". Goes like this... I usually ask, after an interesting or significant event, movie, meeting, trip, circumstance, or experience: "Well, what was your highlight?"

Although there were dozens of HIGHLIGHTS on our recent trip, It would take way too long to mention them all. So to be brief over the next few posts, I'm just going to share a few of the best. You have to understand that these randomly selected examples are only some of especial merit. If you insist on seeing all the hundreds of photos, we'll work something out at my convienence perhaps...

Without a doubt, one big highlight at the World Mission Workshop was having a chance to see and visit with men who have had a a powerful impact on missions, in the case of these two, in Africa. Monte Cox, standing, and Mark Berryman have done profound work for the cause of missions in Africa. Mark, in particular, was extremely instrumental in the selection and inception of missionary efforts in Togo, which is a great love of ours.

Being able to refresh such friendships and do a little catching up and a little dreaming forward is a large part of the lure of the annual workshop. With men like these two and many others as equally dedicated to world outreach, any congregation, indeed every congregation can be assured of having a significant impact in planting the gospel and establishing churches in key receptive areas, whether Africa, Asia, South America, or the USA.

Thanks, guys, for what you have done and for what you are doing. May your futures be filled with many missions and a multitude of newer missionaries.