SOLO BAREFOOT IN THE SNOW

Another tradition: Running around the house barefoot in the first snow of winter!

I usually do this with my kids when they are available, or with my grand-kids, however reluctant they may be, but today the twins were applying for an early college program called "Running Start", so I had to do my "running in the snow" alone. I could have used the company and the encouragement.

Oh Well. It's the thought that counts, right?

IN MEMORIUM: JOANNE ROBERTS

1948 - 2011

Joanne Marie Roberts

We first met Joanne in 1970 in Juneau, Alaska, when our friend Ron brought her north from Oregon, as a new bride. From the beginning Betty and I were as smitten with her as was her dazzled hubby Ron. She was beautiful; she was smart; she was extraordinarily capable; she was really good company; and consequently, she was quickly "adopted" by the entire Juneau Church of Christ. From the first Joanne made their apartment a cosy, efficient home which was a joy to visit. As young couples we had a lot in common, but much of the Wyatt's appeal to the Roberts was in the persons of our children David and Patty. That bond was quickly and solidly formed, and Ron and Joanne were soon as dearly loved by the kids as by us.

Those Alaska years went all to quickly as the new Christians were so deeply devoted to the Lord that they yearned to be able to serve Him in greater ways than Juneau offered. By the fall of 1971 they were off to Colorado to attend Bear Valley School of Preaching after which they served the church in Tomball, Texas as they acquired a family of five sons: the first three were chosen the last two were given. Before long they felt a greater call and ended up serving as missionaries in Santiago, Chile. When they finished that work, Ron and Joanne moved the family to Vancouver, Washington, and yet another congregation fell in love with Joanne (and Ron too, of course). We were delighted to have them close by again.

Over the years untold scores of people admired and enlisted in the ever increasing circle of ministry which radiated outward from Ron and Joanne. Their demonstration and encouragement of good works and spiritual development was both infectious and compelling. Joanne's home based fund-raising garage sale in behalf of missions and missionaries became a major annual church project. She often taught Bible classes for the kids and launched a special series of lessons specifically featuring both local and foreign missions. She continued to be a superb hostess not only in her own home but for showers and weddings and women's events. She became a major participant in the annual Mexico mission not only coordinating meals for scores of participants each year but also providing much of the Spanish translation necessary. She used this language skill in her professional work for the Clark County Health Department where she held the position of Assistant to the Director for years. Ron and Joanne were always active in the congregations Mission Committee. Her personal ministries included providing meals and counseling and instruction and support to more families and women and girls than anyone ever realized. The contribution and personal involvement she lent to most current activities can not be measured. Joanne was an incomparable example of the Lord she so deeply loved and served.

It seemed that her courage and positive attitude in the face of three different cancer attacks would be enough to conquer, for her determination was fierce and her faith was unwavering. If these factors and confidence and optimism alone were enough, she would have triumphed, but the cumulative devastation was too much the third time around. A memorial to her extraordinary life will be shared at 2:00 pm, Monday, February 21st, at the Vancouver Church of Christ.

Joanne was a precious friend - Betty's "dearest, best friend ever, ever in the whole, wide world" - and we hardly imagine living without this sweet sister in our lives. We know her salvation with the Lord in Heaven is secure and that He has indeed prepared for her a special mansion. Surely we will mourn her passing, as will Ron and their Christian sons and families, but we do not grieve as those without hope. We believe we will be together again one day and that alone softens the edge of our sorrows.

COPING WITH S.A.D.?

How long is winter anyway?

OK. OK. I know it only lasts three months or so on paper, but the reality is getting to be a lot longer this year. If memory serves, we had cool weather in late September, and through a big chunk of October. I don't know when the rains began, but it seems most of November was cold, wet, and soggy. Even December was colder to my bones than ever before and the couple of weeks when it didn't rain as much wasn't much of a break emotionally, nor was the stretch of freezing days and darkness.

So along comes January, a little less sever than it could have been, but almost constantly in the high 30s and low 40s and nary a chance to shake off the shivers. Then one cold rain front after another with only an occasional bright day and virtually no real sunshine. Wall to wall gray overcast without even much variation in the texture of the clouds for what seems forever. And finally February with a little hope of the break in which I often begin pruning my little orchard. But wait, there's more: cold days and drizzle that is.

Finally we have had a few days - now and then - of sunshine, but the temperature this morning was 27 degrees at 8:00 am and at mid-day was only up to 48 degrees and when I stepped outside it still felt like it was freezing. The main floor of our house has no south-facing windows, so outside most of what I see is shade and shadows. I guess I'm just feeling SAD.

Really, S.A.D. It is one of those convenient medical acronyms for "Seasonal Affective Disorder". I don't know much about it, except some folk need more sunshine, or balanced light, than they get from normal daylight in places like the Pacific Northwest and northward. My mom was one who got the blues in the winter and would have benefited from more wintertime sunlight in Arizona or Palm Springs or somewhere. I have noticed that in late winter in recent years I begin to feel glum too. Probably the passing of close friends in the past couple of weeks hasn't helped this year, and having to postpone our drive to California was another factor, but the last few days have been more depressing than usual. Struggles with health and stress and overload are all magnified, so I am ready for travel to sunny climes.

Well, it's late afternoon and I need to get dressed and go somewhere before it's dark again. Maybe I'll go stroll around in Borders and look at books. Might help even though they have filed for bankruptcy and may fold up soon. Perhaps I'll find a love letter in the mailbox today, although I haven't had one in a long time, but, Hey!, who knows?

My most recent bright spot was getting to see a grand-daughter participate in areawide singing, drama, and swimming competition. Katie did a fine job in all her events. That felt good!

Well, heads up. It will soon be warm enough to go golfing. That's outdoors and a lot brighter than any room inside. I'm really ready. Any takers?

A TRIBUTE TO LARRY

LARRY SCHOENBORN 1939-2011

Today we honor the extraordinary life and indomitable spirit of Larry Schoenborn.

A man of high standards and fine character, Larry was the essence of a focused life and illustrated it time again in achievements like the "Larry's Sports Centers" and "Fishing the West" and "Fishing with Larry", each an outstanding career monument to his determination and vigorous work ethic.

It took a vicious cancer twelve years to bring him down, but it never vanquished his enthusiasm for life or his love and cheerfulness with family or friends.

We will miss Larry but we will never forget the way he filled our lives with caring and sharing and steady encouragement. He showed us how to live a fulfilled life by staying involved, by doing what is right, by honoring God and family, and by demonstrating that we should "never, never give up."

Thank you, my friend, and enjoy casting your line over Jordan and in the Crystal Sea.

[PS To see more of Larry's story, scroll down to my January 18th entry.]

SILLY SEASON AGAIN.

OK, I saw this on Patty's blog and before I could get to it, it came again from Betty and again as a comment on Patty's blog. So here is my response. I'm not sure the answers would all be the same if I had to do this again in a couple of weeks, but who knows? It is just some silly fun and maybe it will generate some questions or comments which I will count as real dialogue. Be nice, kids.

1. What color are your socks right now? White ones are in the drawer, dirty ones in the hamper; I’m wearing skin at the moment.
2. What are you listening to right now? Heater fans and a couple of ticking, pendulum clocks.
3. What was the last thing you ate? Salad, stew, and cornbread.
4. Can you drive a stick shift? Yup! And I used to be able to operate a forklift and a dual drive D-8 caterpiller tractor too..
5. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Precious Ethel with an update about Larry.
6. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I love my bride more than mere words can say; I love my daughter and daughter-in-law Dana’s versions too.
7. How old are you today? Still 71 today (if I’m not in a coma).
8. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV America’s real national sport: Baseball
9. What is your favorite drink? I drink a lot of caffeine free diet Pepsi.
10. Have you ever dyed your hair? Sort of, with shoe polish for a Sophomore class float in high school.
11. Favorite food? A good rib-eye steak? Dark chocolate? (Such a small line for such a long list!)
12. What is the last movie you watched? We saw “The King’s Speech” recently at the local cinema.
13. Favorite day of the year? Christmas, I guess.
14. How do you vent? I don’t vent well; I tend to gunny-sack instead.
15. What was your favorite toy as a child? Oh, there were a lot, but my first thought went to a collection of small cars. (They predated “matchbox”.)
16. What is your favorite season? Late Spring and early Summer.(Although I almost said "Lemon Pepper")
17. Cherries or Blueberries? Cherries are real fruit with honest pits! The other have pithy grit and worms and taste “blue”.
18. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Sure, selectively. I don’t much care for enormous megabyte picture files on random topics.
19. Who is the most likely to respond? Most of my regular correspondents come through in timely fashion.
20. Who is least likely to respond? A nearby son-in-law.
21. Living situation? Ecstatic wedded bliss with my best friend, counselor, lover, and sometime conscience.
22. When was the last time you cried? I cried over “Hallmarks’ The Lost Valentine” and I only saw the second hour of two.
23. What is on the floor of your closet right now? Ugh! Shoes, boxes of new file folders, satchels of maps and misc, a computer case, and a stack of plastic crates holding seldom used clothing. (so no mo flo’)
24. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? On my website? I think there are several folk I’ve known over forty years, and once in a rare while one fellow I’ve known just over fifty years.
25. What did you do last night? Worked some on a “text” I am preparing, watched a little TV, and read until midnight.
26. What are you most afraid of? Dying a lingering, helpless death.
27. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? No ,thank you. I ‘m trying to watch my diet.
28. Favorite dog breed? There are lots of fascinating kinds of dogs, but I am not "fond" of any of them.
29. Favorite day of the week? Of course, the Lord’s Day, but I like any day when I get to spend time with my grandkids.
30. How many states have you lived in? CO, CA, KS, OH, AK, WA, but I’ve been to all 50 of them.
31. Diamonds or pearls? Neither for me, but either looks nice on pretty girls and beautiful ladies.
32. What is your favorite flower? Any of God’s blooms delights me, but I have probably spent more time cultivating epiphyllums (Orchid Cactus) than any other flower.