Monthly Archives: December 2009

Great stuff!  Cold weather!  Jill and I counted 24 people that didn’t make it because of the chill of the day.

We had some first times – “de-buts” as one person commented.  There was an excellent band – two trumpets, one clarinet, one trombone, one French horn and one saxophone!  What a rich blend of sound.  And Vanessa Klassen played a clarinet solo that was simple yet rich in blend and timbre (check a music dictionary to see what that’s about!).  Marilyn Stevenson, with her usual pinao expertise filled the room with piano chords and melody only she can coax from the keyboard!

And a male quartet just formed in this past month or so.  After the final piece one person inhaled with that “wow” type of expression!

The children presented two short sketches that were lively and felt like actual acting and not a scripted reading. 

But, for me, the most exciting was the debut of a new playwright just finishing her grade 12 year here in Kindersley- Nyla Ditson.  She wrote and acted in two short dramas performed by our youth and one parent.  The second kept us in stitches – laughter which easily brought out the point.  The first combined humor and her background in the culinery arts.  Both brought out the message of the gift of Jesus at Christmas.  Loved it!!

And so, we it at home refreshed and enjoying all God has provided at this Christmas season.

Yesterday my wife went to the “Ipsos Reid i-Say” site.  Yes, this is the Ipsos Reid that does all sorts of surveys the world over!!

She had received an invitation to part of their research base.  Here’s what the invitation said in part:

Some people believe special offers or participating for chances to win prizes means there has to be a catch.  But at Ipsos i-Say, one of the leading market research companies in the world, we work closely with people like you to make sure we get real opinion.

So, she headed to the designated site to sign up to be part of their on-going surveys, particularly as they look to help companies tailor their products.

The first thing is to complete a personal profile.  Of course, there were many times that she was reminded that this was private information.

So, when she came to the part asking for information on her spouse’s occupation, she looked through the list to find “clergy”. 

Not there!

A few centuries ago clergy were the most educated, highly prized for their wisdom, and a the core of a society.

How we have fallen!!

Twice in the last few weeks I’ve changed out sinks.  The previous CRANE sinks had rusted out their overflow channel.  Rust was actually showing and dripping was evident on one.

Now, I figured 15 minutes per job.  Undo a few nuts and things would just fall into place.  As I’ve learned from other trades – consider that to be one unit of time.  Unfortunately the 15 minute unit ends up being 1 1/2 hours. 

Of course, just one small thing takes the time.

On the first sink the fasteners were just slightly different.  In the end I took over a home made brace to make the sink sit firmly in place.

The second sink was much easier – at least in removing it from the counter.  I’ve learned a bit of patience in waiting for WD40 to do it’s job.  But this time a rubber ring had become quite worn.  After a number of attempts at tightening tighter I found a new part.  A few twists and no water overflowed from the joint.

Now, two more sinks are in need of changeout!  With each attempt I bring more equipment.  If I were to become a plumber I would have a complete inventory and I would need a huge transport truck to carry all I would need to be ready for the most remote possibility.

And some people wonder where the Scout’s got their motto:  “Be Prepared”.  One of them must have had a plumber for a father!!

Our XYZ seniors group met today.  Amidst the roast beef, potatoes, carrots, salad and great dessert, we had two special guests.

Karen Kotanko is new to town (when you consider the average age of our seniors groups is well over 65 years, 4 or 5 years in town is new!).  She is a musician of exceptional quality.  A mini concert highlighted the superb dinner.

Then our speaker, Pastor Jonathan Bloomfield, stood to speak.  Our tradition has been to have various pastors in town give us a Christmas message.  Jonathan is a personal friend of mine.  He is fun, sensitive, and a great addition to our town’s ministerial.

His theme was the matter of peace that the Christ child brings.  His story was an example of that.  He grew up on the “wrong side” of the tracks.  His parents were not the outstanding examples we all would like.  He seldom wore clean clothes and his bathing habits were sporadic at best.  And yet, some Christians showed the persistence to show him Jesus – in the flesh, their own flesh.  So the once incarnate Jesus became obvious to Jonathan through the flesh-and-bone people who surrounded him.

In this type of story is great impact.  I have heard his story before.  I’m sure I’ll hear it repeated again.  May God continue to enliven Jesus through Jonathan’s life to each one of us.