Updates for 2003Q4 can be found in   http://www.bolzern.org/journals/vj2003Q4.html 

Updates for 2003Q3 appear below with the latest information at the top.

Sunday, September 28, 2003  11:51 am

Another weekend is fast departing.  Mark and I took our bus for a spin yesterday.  These "diesel-pushers" need to be driven at least once a month, preferably more often.  We've been stationary for three weeks.  We drove down to the truck wash south of town to get the bus washed.  Now we have water spots on it instead of dirt/dust.

Today I'm puttering around doing household chores that we never seem to have time to do during the week.  Also doing some cooking.  I got some lintel soup started.  Later today I hope to make some zucchini bread.  I still haven't used the big zucchini that Kenzie gave me over a week ago.  I'm really enjoying having a day to be quiet.  I was complaining enough (shame on me) that Mark finally told me to stay home from church.  I just wanted to be alone some today.

We found a organic co-op a few blocks from us and signed up to receive emails of merchandize being ordered.  I am so excited about the various sources for organic foods down here.  I was dispairing the first week when I found out that Vitamin Cottage and Wild Oats are on the other side of town.  But there are several health food stores that are small but closer.  So I should be able to get the items we want without difficulty.

I had been derailed from my Bible reading and am getting started again now that life is settling down.  I've been reading the whole Bible in a year.  This is my third year in a row and I'm behind.  I recently heard that there's a "fad" to read the Bible in 90 days.  I'm going to check into that.  Although that wouldn't be a deep study, they say that one reads it fast enough that one begins to link it together instead of forgetting.

I haven't said much about my health lately.  The good news is that my sinuses/respiratory system has been clearing up the past few days.   I've had more difficulties since we moved.   However, I'm still not sleeping well and my blood pressure remains higher than preferred.  I am getting back into my exercise program at the gym.  I've been swimming some.  I'm not a good swimmer but the lap pool only goes to five feet so I don't mind that.  I can swim; it's just that I don't have endurance.  Of course, hopefully that will improve as I continue exercising.

Friday, September 26, 2003, 7:10 pm

Autumn is coming to Colorado.  The first of the trees started turning this week.  I imagine it will be absolutely beautiful in a week or so.  The temperatures remain warmish.  We need our jackets in the morning during our short walk to school.  It is wonderful to be approximately two blocks from "work."

We survived our first test on Thursday.  As there are a number of us who have been out of school for a while, we were wondering how it would go.  I don't think I did badly but it wasn't the easiest test either.   But at least the first hurdle is past.

We need to take the bus out for a spin this weekend.  These diesel-pushers need exercise at least once a month and preferably weekly.  We haven't taken it out since we moved to the RV park.   Once we got it level, we weren't anxious to move.  And then we still have been moving things around, trying to find appropriate places, etc.   We've still got more than enough stuff to put on the bus.  I've got to get brutal in throwing out some things.  They say it takes at least six months and several seasons before one figures out what they really use.

I've always had the tendency to keep things and use them for 20 or more years.  For instance, the socks I wore to the gym this morning were hand-me-downs from my sister in about 1969.  But stuff doesn't wear out when you don't use it very often.  Until I started going to the gym, I wore socks about twice a year.  So I've been learning to get go of some of my older things.  It's not as if there's no place to get more.

There's a German bakery across the street from the school.  They have a small selection of bread, meats and cheeses.  Mark is enjoying having breads and cheese that are European.  He likes the hard crusts on the bread and strong cheeses.  They also have some pastries that are good.  

Tuesday, September 23, 2003, 5:23 pm

Today was an exciting day.  We started our electives.  They had decided to previously fill in the time slots with guest speakers.  This is the first year they've had electives.  I'm so glad we get to be the guinea pig class.  Mark and I are taking Media and Ministry, Counseling I, and CBC Systems.  That last is about the method behind the school.  We decided to take it since we want to apprentice next year.  The other first for today was the beginning of the Interaction Groups.  We had the lectures today and tomorrow and Thursday we will meet in our discussion groups.  My group is discussing Missions.  Mark is in a different group with a different subject.  They rotate around so by the end of the year we'll have covered all the subjects. 

This afternoon we worked at the Helpline.  It went pretty well except my phone's microphone quit working so people couldn't hear me.  It took us a while to figure out what was going on.   But I still learned a lot with the phone calls I did take.
 
It's a beautiful warm, sunny day.  I do have to say that Colorado Springs is pretty.  I don't know where Dr Quinn Medicine Woman was filmed but it do do a pretty good job of portraying what it looks like in the CS area.

Thanks for the warm reception our newsletter has received.  If any of you aren't on our direct mailing list, please let us know.   I hope this will be a good way to reconnect with those of you with whom I've lost touch over the years.

Saturday, September 19, 2003, 8:00 pm

Greetings from Cool Colorado.  I'm sure enjoying this wonderful weather.  Comfortably warm in the daytime and cool at night.  We haven't had any rain the last few days.   Mark had fixed the leak we had around one of our vents--now it has stopped raining.  I'm grateful for any rain after so many dry years.

The Helpline training was great!  Applicable stuff even one never works on the helpline.  Cecil talked about some of the ethics/legalities involved in doing ministry.  But the good stuff was just the stories about dealing with people and how to say things to them that would speak to their hearts.  I personally learned some things that will help me in my spiritual walk.

I hope to clean house tomorrow.  I still haven't gotten everything put away.  It is looking a little better.  We bought a stand to put my keyboard on.  And a bench that I'll use as my desk chair and can also use at the keyboard.

Friday, September 19, 2003,  6:30 pm

Ah...the end of the school week.  Well, not exactly.  Mark and I have volunteered to work on the Helpline.  Training is to be tomorrow morning.  Then Women's Ministry is to have a tea in the afternoon.  They're looking for someone to head that aspect of Family Ministries.  I'm not feeling led to volunteer--even though I was up to my ears in WM in Aurora.  I will probably talk to Leslie Decker who is the FM coordinator.  She's more interested in the Children's Ministry area.

I'm wanting to start practicing the piano again.  I keep feeling like I'm supposed to learn how to play modern worship music.  My experience has been with the hymnal our denomination used which had many songs written for our church rather than traditional hymns.

I'm still not sleeping well.  I won't say I'm to the point of exhaustion but I'm feeling very low on energy.  I do need to start forcing myself out to exercise even when I don't feel like getting up.  I have felt better on the mornings I've gone to the gym.

Thursday, September 18, 2003  9:09 pm

Mark and I have been working on getting our mailing together.  We mailed most of the letters yesterday.  Now we are putting together an email list.  We want to assure people that we are not spamming people; the recepients of our mailing are people who are friends or business contacts.

We're looking forward to the Walkathon (read the newsletter and link to the walkathon).  They announced the prayer teams.  Mark and I are to head two teams.  At this point I'm not sure what we're supposed to do--but we'll find out sooner or later.

We're enjoying being in town.  The campground is fairly quiet.  We're getting used to having to close our curtains.  That was so nice in the country where our neighbors weren't a few feet away.  I did laundry this afternoon; it was great to be the only one in the camp laundry room.  I've been suffering from being around too many people all the time and not enough quiet.

Saturday, September 13, 2003, 4:49 pm

Mark and I are starting a monthly newsletter to be mailed or emailed to our friends and family.  If you are not on our direct mailing list and wish to read the newsletter, the BBtJ September 2003 Newsletter can be accessed at http://www.Bolzern.Org/newsletters/news0309.html . While some of the material in the newsletter and journal will overlap, I believe both will be interesting reading since my husband will be contributing to the newsletter.

Mark and I are looking forward to seeing the changes the year and God bring in our lives.  It certainly will be an adventure.   We appreciate having you all in our lives; we're glad you can share with us via this Journal and the newsletters.

Saturday, September 13, 2003  10:40 am

I'd like to thank my readers for continuing to check this site.  I've been so sporadic with my writing these last few months.  I expect to become more regular as our life gets more organized.  We've spent so much time getting ourselves set up.  Mark's still working on his computer system; we still don't have adequate web access within the bus and are going to Kinkos to send and receive email.

We are enjoying being in town.  The Goldfield Campground is  within walking distance of the Old Colorado City.  That's the original town and then Colorado Springs outgrew it.  Three blocks from is the old downtown area with cutesy stores and old victorian homes that are now stores.  The library and postoffice are within walking or bicycle distance.  We're just starting to explore.  We found a coop where we can order organic produce and other things; they use Rainbow as the company to order from so I'll have to re-learn what products they have.   The one I belonged to in Aurora  switched to Mountain Peoples some years ago.  They also have quite a bit of organic produce at the Safeway down the street.   So we will still be able to find most of what we need.  The big health food stores seem to be on the northeast side of town.  So I'll have to make a list and go there when the list is long or the need is great.   The tiny health food store in Manitou Springs does have a good variety considering their size; we'll have to check out the cafe that is attached.

I finally made it to the gym early yesterday morning.  We were spoiled to have one so close in Aurora.  The closest is a 12 minute drive.  I'm going to give it a try before we cancel.  I did feel real good yesterday and slept better last night.  Still woke up several times but went right back to sleep.  I was so nice and slim after my surgery.  I've put back on the pounds and this time am determined to find the correct balance of eating and exercise.  

The dress code of the school doesn't allow t-shirts.   We've lived in our shorts and t-shirts for several years so this is an adjustment.  Mark has been wearing his polo shirts left over from the business.  I've been experimenting with my "fat clothes" so I'm not wearing the same item a lot.  I have such a variety of jackets and knit shirts that I can wear with various skirts and slacks.  I did buy an inexpensive dress at Wal*Mart the other day.  Mark says everyone has seen his supply of shirts.  They may think he only has three or four shirts and we wash alot.  The answer is that he has multiples of the same four shirts.

Friday, September 12, 2004 4:03 pm

Mark and I have had a good week.  Nothing much but going to classes and running errands.  This afternoon we visited the various health food stores in the general vacinity of where we live.  The campground where we live is just south of Old Colorado City (the original part of what is now Colorado Springs).  There are several streets of neat little shops and victorian houses that are now businesses.  The branch library is in this same area.

We don't have much planned for this weekend except to go to church somewhere and to work on a project for our missions trip.  

A friend gave me a huge zucchini so I hope to do some baking.  I bought flour and eggs.  I think I have everything else.

Thursday, September 11, 2003 7:15 pm

We just got home from errands after going through the first day of training for the Helpline at Andrew Wommack Ministries .  This first part was a video explaining what it is all about.  Next Monday we will be taught how to use the computers.  Then on the 20th there is a morning session about prayer support.

Monday, September 8, 2003, 8:21 pm

Mark spent the afternoon leveling the bus.  We'd been sliding down the the bottom of the bed because the front of the bus settled more than the back.

I took a nap and then finished my library book.  Now I'm supposed to be working on homework.  We did get our testimony turned in this morning.  We'll probably write several different versions before the end of the year.

Mark and I will be putting out a newsletter.  We'd hoped to have it done and out by now.  Maybe by the end of the week.  We'll post it to the web as well as sending it via other methods.

Sunday, September 7, 2003  8:02 pm

Mark and I are finally home today.  It's been an adventurous weekend.  Yesterday afternoon we loaded up and moved from the country to "the city."  Even though we've loved the time we've spent at Midway Exit 119 with our friends, we felt we need to be in town where we can have easier access for running errands.

The campground to which we've moved is two blocks from the current CBC school building.  This morning we walked to a church that meets across the street from our school in a building that is some sort of early childhood education school.  Despite the light rain, we decided that we
could amble over there.  The rain here is sort of drizzly, reminescent of the rain in Anchorage.

Several of the students attend Charis Christian Center.  This church is not directly connected with the school.  The pastor has known Andrew Wommack for 25 years and teaches similar theology.  But it's a "coincidence" about the name of the church and the school being the same.  We were excited to find the Perino brothers at church.  I went to college with Ivan.  Larry regularly attends this church; Ivan had driven up from Pueblo to visit today.  I'm not sure about the other brother.

My cousin Maureen called me before we got home; fortunately I had turned my phone back on when church had ended.  I've been arranging to attend my high school reunion in October.  Originally we'd both planned to go; however, since we're in school, we've decided we can't drive down because of the timing.  I'll leave after school, flying from here through Denver and end up in Dallas.  Maureen will pick me up for the night.  On Saturday, she'll deliver me somewhere to meet my high school friend who is driving up from Rosebud, TX.  We'll stay the night with her family in  Arlington.  I look forward to seeing both families.  I've only seen Maureen a couple of times in my life since my uncle was in the Marines and they were not stationed in Texas.  I've seen Debbie three times since we graduated 30 years ago.

We invited a guest home for lunch.   We're not quite organized enough for a real company meal.  But Sarah had shared pizza dough with me yesterday before we left; I made a deep dish pizza which I could bake after church.  Once lunch was over we went our separate ways to run errands.  Mark and I ended our day by taking a drive into the mountains.  The west side of Colorado Springs is in the foothills.  Such beautiful country.  We wound around in some park; finally decided to turn around since we didn't know where we would come out.  I took a couple of pictures with the digital camera.  I've decided that I want to try taking pictures that I could possibly paint.

Saturday, September 6, 2003 8:25 am

Hi, it's been a busy week.   Mark and I moved into town this afternoon.   We're at a trailer park that is about two blocks from the school.  We're hoping it will work out to walk unless the weather is bad.  

At school, things finally began to start making some sense.  We were given the syllibi for a couple of the courses and we actually had some real classes.  We got the information to choose our electives and were assigned to our Interactive Groups.  Those are classes in which we have a lecture and then we divide into groups for doing special assignments.  We've started with classes called "Making of a Minister," "Twelve Keys to James," and "New Testament Survey," and "Bible Covenants."

I had a few bad days earlier this week.  Everything seems to crowd in on me.  My blood pressure shot up.  I haven't slept well.  I took an herbal sleep aid last night.  It knocked me out but I had really wild dreams with people shooting and car chases.  So again, I appreciate your prayers.

Monday, September 1, 2003, 2:23 pm

Labor Day.  Hope everyone is getting some much needed rest from labors.  I fixed Mark lunch but have mostly been relaxing and reading.  Plus working on our first homework assignment which is to write our testimony.  It sounds easy but still takes a lot of thought.

The other thing that caused excitement to our day was to discover that the refrigerator wasn't working.   I noticed a piece of salmon in the freezer was softish.  The problem was a blown fuse.   Yesterday evening I noticed there wasn't any light on when the door was open but just assumed it was a burned out bulb.   Hopefully nothing got spoiled.  

Everyone has been asking how the first week of school went?  The isn't like any school I've been to before.   Last week was mostly orientation type activities.  They read through the handbook; various teaches gave introductions.  The high point the guest speaker, a lady missionary from Uganda.  She had a lot of fascinating stories to tell.  At this point, I still don't know what classes we are taking this year.  We'll get our outlines for the first set of classes some time this next week.  Most of the time everyone in each year is in the same class.   We're in the second year class, having had the correspondence course which substitues for first year.  There will be some electives later in the year.

We're slowly getting acquainted.  I attended a tea for the ladies, meeting students, wives and alumni.  Friday afternoon we were invited to go with a group to the Broadmoor Hotel.  We purchased lunch from the deli and then sat in one of the many parlours to chat; the idea was to spend time with other students.

Monday, August 25, 2003 6:06 pm

Does anyone out there cook/bake using a convection oven?  Our bus came equipped with a Sharp Carousel II Convection Microwave Oven Model R-1810A.  I've read the instructions and still haven't figured out why it turns off every 2 minutes.  For instance, when I punch in to preheat, it will begin preheating with it showing the fan going and Lo (meaning the oven temperature is under 100 degrees).  But after two minutes, the fan symbol topes flashing but it doesn't ever beep 4 times to indicate being up to temperature.  When I re-push start, it again shows the Lo symbol.    If I try baking, it starts the count down but stops after two minutes.  If I push start again, it will commence doing it's thing again.  I can't figure out why it stops. I certainly can't leave the kitchen if I have to push the start button every two minutes.

Monday, August 25, 2003  4:06 pm

Mark just told me that I could have been writing messages (even though not able to post).  We haven't had email access for some time.  It's been driving me batty to be cut off from all my friends.

The status on our email is that we haven't been able to get data communications access at the location where our RV bus is parked.  Mark had bought a Sprint card that should have enabled us to hook up via wireless.  We could do it if we drove south toward Pueblo or if we drove north toward Colorado Springs.  Unfortunately, Sprint couldn't give us a satisfactory reason for why it didn't work.  Mark called them daily for over a week before demanding our money back.   We were finally able to get on and fetch email today at Kinkos.  They don't charge if we bring our own laptop.  Hopefully we'll get a full-time solution figured out soon.  But in the meantime, we can fetch and send email by going to Kinkos.  There's one fairly close to the school.

We've been here exactly two week.  I'll try to give you the highlights since I last posted to this journal.  It's been quite an adventure.

We moved out while our buyers were moving in.   Mark finished loading his computer equipment into the van Saturday afternoon, August 2nd.  We continued to park that night "behind the fence" instead of having to move.  They were so nice and let us stay another week parked on the side street and hooked up to power.

We spent the next week doing errands, re-sorting the storage unit, etc.  At the end of the week, we attended the wedding of Crystal Armstrong and Richard Lewellen.  It was beautifully orchestrated, with an outdoor wedding and reception.  The buffet was more or less a southwest theme.  We knew quite a few people so enjoyed seeing "old friends" one more time before leaving town.

I appreciated the "send off" given to us by both the House of Faith and Hosanna Christian Fellowship.  The HOF let me give a little speech and they prayed over me and sang a goodbye song.   I didn't previously mention that.  That was the 19th when we were having the Summer Women's Ministry activity.  Therefore, they devoted part of the services time to wishing me well and let the WM activity substitute as a party.  It was sad to say goodbye to the men and women with whom I've fellowshipped for the past fifteen years.

Mark and I also fellowship at Hosanna.  The pastor had asked if we would still be in town on August 10th.  I think our leaving kind of snuck up on everyone with all the summer activities.  We said yes, we would be there.  That morning at church, someone asked me when we were leaving.  I replied that we thought we'd leave later that day.  The pastor's wife looked funny and said "You can be at my house at 5 pm?!  We're having a party for you all and really would like you to be there."   At the party, we found out that the next day was a surprise 70th birthday party for another good friend--it was strongly suggested we stay around for that.  Although our presence wasn't necessary, we agreed to do so.  Monday, we put in our appearance at the party and then hopped into our vehicles and left town.

We arrived about bedtime at the house of our friends Gregg and Sarah Grobe.  The news was that Gregg had been kicked by a horse a few days previous.  He is doing much better but at that time was still in a lot of pain from the surgery, trauma, etc.   He arm was broken and his elbow dislocated.  He has a handyman/welding/car repair business which is difficult to do with one arm.  For a week, he was barely able to function as a person, much less a businessman/laborer.  Mark has been helping him try to finish his current projects.  We found out yesterday that he's had to give up a contract that he'd just gotten because there's no way he can do the job under the present circumstances.  

I've been feeling a little isolated.  We're about 25 miles from Colorado Springs and 20 miles from Pueblo.  Now that school has started, we'll be in town with other people and stores.  Of course, the main problem has been that I haven't had easy internet access.  I feel bereft without my multitude of friends at my fingertips.

Well, folks.  I think I'd better sign off.  I hope I can sleep better tonight.  I appreciate your prayers.  I don't want to be dozing in class again tomorrow.

Thursday, July 31, 2003, 9:05 am

I sure appreciate those of you who have said you keep up with us through this web page.  

Our move hasn't happened in the order planned.  Therefore, the computers haven't gone totally down.  That will probably happen today.  So this may indeed be the last posting for a couple of weeks.   Don't forget me but keep checking.  I'll post whenever I get capability back.

Our Realtor called yesterday that everyone was panicking when they realized that a goof was made.  Our move-out date was the same as the other people's.  They'd be in a pickle having to leave their house and we were still in our house.  We have several rooms already emptied so told them to start bringing things over.

We had someone who was supposed to come over with a big truck to help move in a big clump.  But it wasn't happening, so we were stressed about getting things moved.  Dave Shaw, who used to work with us, came to the rescue in helping Mark load boxes into our and his vehicles.  They took two loads to storage and we took another yesterday evening.  We still have more to do but the majority was done.  Still have the file cabinet that we kept and the washer and dryer to move.    I forgot to mention the tools and exercise equipment that are still in the garage.  Mark will find someone to help with that.  There are still a lot of odds and end plus the remainder of kitchen items that I'll be packing up today.

The new people said we could stay parked outside until we have to leave town.  That's a relief.  The nearest campground is pretty expensive so we didn't really want to go there; most of the campgrounds are on the other side of town for some reason.  Our RV is parked in the side yard.

We have several things that we want to be in town for this next week including Crystal Armstrong's wedding on the 9th.  We'll continue moving things around in storage.  We still would like to eliminate some of the boxes that were hurriedly packed.

So, hope all goes well for you in the coming weeks.  Let's keep in touch.  I'll try to go to the library to check email at least once next week.  Hopefully soon Mark will have time to re-construct the network so we can have access to the outside world.

Sunday, July 27, 2003, 7:32 pm

Hi, Friends,  I had a moment to say hello.  This has been a busy weekend--but not working on house stuff.  Months ago I signed up to attend the Women of Faith conference in Denver.  Of course, I didn't know I'd be in the process of moving.  On top of that, my friends wanted to rent a hotel room downtown to have a mini-retreat and one last fling before I move away.  In some ways I dreaded and begrudged the time away.  But also I wanted to be with my friends.  Having made the commitment, I wanted to enjoy it to the fullest.

Connie and I went to the Friday Intensive with Kathy Trocolli and Patsy Clairmont as the speakers.  It was a special day, hearing about their lives.  I was so exhausted that I had difficulty staying awake.  I was better on Saturday.  There is so much I could say about the speakers and the messages.  The message I kept getting was "you have to let go."  Several months ago I had a dream in which I was told I needed to let go.  This was kind of a confirmation that it's what I need to do.

Luci Swindoll  had a good message.  She reminded us that if we continually say "no" to opportunities in life, that we will miss out on a lot.  It's easy to let fear keep us from doing things.  Luci chose to enjoy life.  Her latest book is called I married Adventure .  I looked at it and the accompanying Journal.  She asks a number of poignant questions.  I, for one, recognize that I have  spent many years bound up in the past and worry about the future instead of really enjoying life.  I am determined to not miss out on the rest of my life but to enjoy it.

A for instance, the other evening at the Wille's wedding reception...Remember Bobbie and Sissy of the Laurence Welk show?  Mark and I have always thought that was soooooo cool.  Anyway, they played a swing song and Mark and I did our version of the dance.  Everyone got out of the way and applauded.  

During our big finale, my feet went out from under me and despite Mark's efforts to hold me up, I collapsed on the floor instead of dipping.  Well, I had a good laugh and no one seemed to mind.  So we had a good time.  It was a good choice not to let myself be self-conscious or have wounded pride.  The lesson I learned is that I have to learn how to dip.

It's hard to come back to reality after having such a good weekend.   It was a special time with my three friends.  We walked a lot rather than taking the bus or taxis.  It drizzled on us last night on the way back  to the hotel after a delicious steak dinner at Willie G's.  It was "an adventure" to be walking down the 16th street Mall which is the pedestrian shopping street in downtown Denver in the rain with horse drawn carriages clopping past, street musicians, and lightning in the distance.  Then we stayed up until midnight drinking herbal tea and talking.  

I woke up at a usual early hour.  I'd made arrangements to go inside the walk-in closet to read instead of disturbing the others who want to sleep.  After a few minutes, Connie knocked on the door and joined me.  We were able to talk some more and pray together before Laura and Kim got up.  It was special "closet time."  Laura said she heard us giggling--and we thought we were being so quiet!

Today has been nice as well.  I got on the internet and wrote several friends.  Then I talked on the phone to my sister, Julia, and my friend Brenda in Washington State.  That was  a treat and a special way to end a special day.

Back to the present--hopefully Mark and I will get a good night's sleep.  To get up fresh and be ready to start in again.  One of my friends is coming over tomorrow to help me.  Our friends from Colorado Springs are coming Tuesday to pick up our freezer.  

Wednesday, July 22, 2003, 3:16 pm

Had an appointment with the oncologist this morning.  We decided not to do any tests this time. He is curious about what is going on since the lump is continuing to soften.  I believe that healing is going on. The good report is that I've actually been feeling better lately.  My blood pressure was higher this morning.

Mark wants to shut down the computers fairly soon.  So this may be my last message for a while.  Mark can send some messages but we haven't yet gotten the network set up on the bus and things figured out so I can get on the web.  If I can get to a library, I'll be able to get on the web and access my email.  But if you write me, realize that it may be a while before I can answer.

We don't yet have a mailing address.  We're going to have our mail held at the post office while we're in transition.  We're being busy trying to get the house excavated.  We were hoping to get a pickup from a Christian ministry that redistributes  household goods.  They just called that it may have to be tomorrow.  We're also waiting for the curator of a computer museum to come pick up some things.

Please bear with me over the next few weeks.  I probably won't be able to post anything more for a while.  I'll be able to access email by going to the library and getting on through the ISP.  Mark says that the computers shouldn't lose any addresses.  I have some on my palm pilot.  I'll write again when I can; I certainly don't want to lose touch.  

Please pray that we can get lots done tomorrow.  I signed up months ago to attend the Women of Faith Conference and the Friday Intensive.  So I'll be out this weekend.  The closing of our house is next Thursday and we have to be out Saturday at noon.  So we have bunches to do before then.
 
Tuesday, July 22, 2003 7:27 am

Sunday was our niece Lindy's birthday.  Happy Birthday, Lindy!  I hope she got the card we mailed.  I am hoping to phone some time to say hello.  We want to call before we turn off our phones because our cell phones don't go overseas.  Well, I believe they will but the cost is humungus. (how do you spell that word?)

Mark is borrowing a truck so he can start hauling things to the storage unit he rented yesterday.  We were told of a Christian organization that accepts furniture to distribute to the needy.  So we hope maybe they will come do a pickup.  I'm ready to get things out of the house so then I can see what is left.  At this point there is a lot left.

Sunday, July 20, 2003 6:05 pm

We had a lovely weekend.

The wedding was wonderful.  A summer storm came up to break the current heat cycle.  The reception was in the mountains outside of Denver.  We could look eastward to the city lights and the storm.  It was beautiful.  We also got rain.  Fortunately, it helped cool things off.  As the lightning wasn't where we were, at the end of the evening, Mark and I went out of the terrace and danced.  So that was a romantic end.

Our Women's Ministry Tea went well.  Since it was my final time to be there, I didn't want to have a lot of Business.  Mostly we discussed making plans for Angel Tree early this year so there is less pressure when the holiday season rolls around.  Then I announced my successor.  Since we started a year ago, we're still organizing things like officers.  The women had wanted to take things slowly and let things evolve.    That's nice to say but we really do need structure so I've been working toward that.

We had cell group on Sunday afternoon.  We had a good turnout considering it was not our usual meeting time.  We're studying the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.  Everyone seems to really be enjoying this study.

Friday, July 18, 2003, 11:55 pm

Just a quick note.  We had a wonderful evening attending the wedding mentioned below.  I'll have to tell you more about it tomorrow as it is past our bedtime.

It is raining this evening.  My garage sale signs are wet; hopefully they will be readable tomorrow.  The paint will be okay but the cardboard will be shriveling.  However, as warm as it has been, I'm grateful for the dampness and coolness.

Tomorrow will be a full day with church in the morning and our Women's Ministry Tea in the afternoon.

Thursday, July 17, 2003 9:15pm

I just noticed that I had put Tuesday's date as being in 2004.  Must be wishful thinking.

Mark and I started our last garage sale today.  Things are slowly going out.  We still have a lot of stuff.  I guess Salvation Army, Good Will or someone will benefit.  We took some paintings we have to a home furnishings consignment shop.  We'd bought these for the office years ago; it would be nice if someone else could enjoy them.

It's been over 100 degrees lately.  We are getting limp after having such a lovely, damp June.

I'm tired and need to head for bed if I plan to get up early again tomorrow.  In the afternoon/evening we will be attending Jason Wille and Suzanne Pierce's wedding and reception.  We wish the best for them.

Tuesday, July 15, 2003 1:16 pm

Mark went to take some things to the shredder.  I've been sorting file cabinets.  We have lots of stuff that is way out of date that we need to get rid of but just can't toss it out in the regular trash.  He's probably going to be tired; I've got a lot of boxes ready for him to lug upstairs.  After we eat the leftover lasagna that is in the oven.

We had hoped to move some furniture out of the basement this afternoon as well.   This seems like it will be a never ending task.  But it Will be done!  It will help when we get some of the boxes moved to storage.  Then we can see what we have left.  

Monday, July 14, 2003 8:45 am

The rest of the weekend went well.  The shower went well.  Most of the ladies did appear in hat and gloves as requested.  I was wrong in thinking that they would all beg and borrow from older people.  Most seemed to be newly purchased.  I discovered some yellow gloves so they blended well with some yellow/green leaves on the dress.    The hostess served cold tea in varying flavors with hot tea available for the die-hard tea drinkers like myself.

Yesterday evening was the Hosanna Couples group.  It was originally planned to be at our house.  We had assumed we'd be out and children could plan in an adjoining room with a teenager to observe.  Our move hasn't come together as easily as wished--as far as getting stuff out of the house and into the bus.  And none of the church teens were available.  So we moved the activity to the church.  Which worked okay.  I had frozen lasagna and garlic bread.  The others brought appetizers, side dishes and beverages.  I believe there were 10 people.  There was plenty of food and we enjoyed the meeting.  The group is watching tapes of a Marriage Enrichment Seminar by T.D. Jakes.

I've got a long list of things to do today.  I find it helpful if I have a list.  Even though I do other things, there's always the list for inspiration.  One thing at a time.  Hope y'all have a wonderful day.

Saturday, July 12, 2003, 6:56 am

Up early.  Have a lot to do before we rush off to the morning seminar.  The plan is that Mark will stay for the afternoon and friends will bring him home.

I'll be attending a bridal shower this afternoon.  It ought to be "a hoot."  The hostess decided we'd be throw-backs to an earlier age; we're to come dressed up, complete with hat and gloves.  It will be interesting to see what people come up with.  I'm wearing a hat I bought in Belgium in 1984.  My sister and I inherited gloves from my grandmother and mother; I couldn't find any black gloves (I should have asked Julia if she has any) but I did come up with some dark green ones that will match okay.   My dress is black with bright colored purple flowers.  I thought the black hat would look better than going with my white hat and gloves.

The seminars are going well.  Yesterday was material on staying in the Word.  The section I liked the most was a discussion of James 4:7.  One can't resist the Devil if one hasn't submitted to God first.

Thursday, July 10, 2003, 10:48 pm

Just got back from the first night of the Equipping Seminar.  Today's topic was mostly on why there is a need for the lay members of the church to be part of the ministry.  In other words, the body of Christ should be available to help each other rather than the church pastor having to do it all.

I was so tired today; I had to fight dozing--I wasn't entirely successful.  But it was a good day.  Saw a number of people we've met at past seminars plus other friends.  I look forward to tomorrow.

The roofing materials were delivered today.  We'll have to start watching for nails.  I think they are just covering up the old roof so hopefully there won't be a lot of debris to clean up

Thursday, July 10, 2003, 7:43 am

Just a quick note.  My friend Christine helped me yesterday.   She finished cleaning the second freezer as well as the one in the refrigerator/freezer unit.  Then we sorted all my coats into files for giving away, storage or the bus.  It's good to have that done.

Mark and I are cutting loose to attend a seminar by Pastory Henry Wright of Pleasant Valley church.  This is the organization that helped me recover from Multiple Chemical Sensitivies.  Through their teachings I was able to cast off enough baggage that my immune system recovered to the degree that I no longer reacted to all the chemicals we encounter in life.

This will be a busy few days as the seminars are long days and evenings packed full of information.   I slept well last night.  I look forward to seeing friends whom I only see a couple of times a year at these activities.  Saturday afternoon is a bridal shower for Crystal Armstrong.  I need to organize a card to go with my gift.  Another thing to get on the list.

Tuesday, July 8, 2003 9:01 am

We had a power outage yesterday evening.  That was a bummer.  I came home early from prayer group because Mark and I wanted to spend some quality time together after being apart for the day.  Then without electricity, we didn't have a lot of options.

Today one of my other friends is coming over to continue cleaning.  I've pulled the plug and cleared out one freezer.  Then after wiping it, we'll move stuff to the other freezer.  I'm also hoping to get the recyling loaded into the car for delivery.

There's a lot to do.  Yet, I'm having trouble figuring out how to explain things to other people.  Some things I'll just have to sort out by myself.   I do very much appreciate friends coming forward to offer help.

Monday, July 7, 2003, 5:00 pm

Today was a strange day.  Mark organized a rafting trip for our church people.  It started out as a men's group but they did allow wives to come.  Only one ended up doing so.  I'll be looking forward to hearing what it was like to have a day hanging out with the guys.

Mary Clark came over to help me today.  She sorted out the drawers of various desks and office supplies.  We probably have 10 staplers.

Several people have asked me to clarify as to where we are moving.  I know I've been unclear because we haven't finalized our location.  We will definitely be in the Colorado Springs area.  However, we haven't settled as to where.  Since we will be mobile, we probably will try out several RV parks.  Also, it's possible that some of the time we will stay on property owned by some friends of ours.  And yes, we do hope to keep both of our cars for this year.  If we actually start traveling, we will probably need different vehicles

Yesterday evening we had the Sandovol family over for dinner.  A very simple meal of hot dogs and potato salad.  Beverly brought nearly everything so I didn't have to do much.  We've been going to church together for a number of months.  Nice to be able to discuss church activities, plans and insights with people of like mind.  We had a good visit.  They took their kids home for bed after Mark tired them out flying them around our bare living room.

Friday, the 4th of July in the year of our Lord 2003, 11:28 pm

Mark and I just got back from watching fireworks.  We've had enough rain this year that they were allowed.  Most cities cancelled them last year.  We put down the roof of the convertible and drove around looking for parking.  Although we weren't early birds, we finally drove into the parking lot across the street from the park (where Aurora was hosting fireworks).  We were able to pull up behind parked cars while still leaving enough room for others to drive past.  We didn't have to wait too long before it started.  Mark gave me a hand rub which felt so good.  

We had a ringside seat for the fireworks.  For a little while we sat balanced between the edge of the seat and the edge of the door.  That got hard on our derrieres so eventually we just sat in the seats.  The wind was blowing from behind us so they aimed the fireworks into the wind.  One felt like it would be possible to reach out and touch them as they dripped down toward us.  Very beautiful...

It was nice to have a little break and not to push ourselves with our packing up.  Although we need to keep ourselves in gear.  My friends have been so encouraging.  Jean came three days in a row this week so we got lots done.  Laura is coming Sunday afternoon; Mary Clark is coming on Monday and Carolee on Tuesday.  I'm finding it better to have only one person at a time.  But it has been helpful to have someone else to discuss things with, to be doing something while I run get something else.   That way my attention isn't real divided.  Jean and I got most of the kitchen things moved to the bus. 

I've noticed it, too.  I've had to retrieve a can opener and a pan.  I used real garlic in the bean dish for tomorrow's potluck/July 5th cookout for our cell group.   I don't have cayenne in the house.  I guess I'll go out since these are supposed to be more barbequey rather than Mexican.  Our cell group will begin the study of the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.  We've been hearing lots about that; even in the secular world, it is being discussed as life-changing.

I've managed to misplace a picture of my great-grandmother.  That's kind of bothering me.  It has to be hear somewhere.  I wanted to make sure it gets into the box with the other pictures.  There are things that I want to know where they are.

I'm feeling pretty well.  Prayers for energy are being answered.  I did take a long nap this afternoon; I really passed out.  My blood pressure monitor has sprung a leak or something; it's not working right.  So that's frustrating when I don't really want to deal with that right now.

Some of you may know that the husband of my sister's daughter, Christy, has been looking for work.  He studied to be an orchestra teacher.  Nick was offered a position for the Amarillo ISD.  They have about a month until he has to go to teacher's meetings.    Christy will be able to move to the Amarillo office of the actuarial firm for which she works.  That is such a blessing.  Julia and Sam will enjoy having their daughter closer again.  Nick's parents and many extended family members live in Lubbock where they have been.

Karen, Julia's other daughter, is back in Azusa, CA.  I haven't heard word that she has located a job.  She was hoping to get a job on campus.  I've head that young people are having a harder time finding jobs these days.   Of course, it hasn't been easy for "old" people either.

Well, it is long past my bedtime.  But I wanted to post while it was still July 4th to say Happy Holiday!

Wednesday, July 2, 2003, 7:12 am

Just a quick note.  It's time for me to get up and at it.  Jean came over yesterday evening and helped a lot with packing up my books.  She even got my Christmas lights off the tree outside (I intentionally leave them up year around.)  We also got the remainder of the shelf liners installed on the bus.  

Mark's busily working on his new hobby -- the bus.  He discovered that one of the airconditioning units isn't working.  I'd used the one in the bedroom but not the one at the front.  Hopefully that won't cost an arm and a leg.  We're getting into the warm part of the Colorado summer so will need AC.

The news is that the other people have a contract on their house.  Our realtor is supposed to come over this afternoon and iron out final details.  So now Mark and I will really have to pour on some steam to get things done in the coming weeks.  I'll keep you posted as best I can.  One of the things is that we'll have to get our computer access figured out.  Mark's been working on how best to do that.  

Virginia's Journal 2003Q2