Life and Times of Art A Pederson

Aunt Ethel &Uncle Norton Myrah - 65th Anniversary

2009-08-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Ethel & Norton Myrah

ANNIVERSARY Norton & Ethel Myrah 65th Anniversary August 6, 2009 Celebrated with family August 1 including Five Generations

Published in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix on 8/8/2009.
The five generations is from their daughter Marilyn.

Gator Show at Ex 2009

2009-08-04T22:53:00.000-07:00

We didn't actually get to see the Gator Show, but I did have a chance to snap a picture with my phone camera after the crowd had dispersed after the show.

P.A. Exhibition Parade July 27, 2009

2009-08-04T22:41:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures I took with my phone camera of the P.A. Exhibition Parade

Evening Boat Ride on Anglin Lake

2009-08-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

The day described in the earlier post about our adventure to Anglin Lake. This is a picture I took with my phone camera during our evening boat ride to the south part of Anglin Lake. Not bad for a phone camera!

P.A. Profile July 20th - Guy Shannon

2009-08-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

My friend Guy Shannon was featured in the P.A. Profile feature of the July 20th issue of the Prince Albert Daily Herald. I tried doing a search for theURL Link, but couldn't easily find it. Another friend of both Guy and I, Jim Pattison gave this jpg file from the newspaper which is now the first thing you see on Guy's business computer at his shoe shop.

A WEEK OF HOLIDAYS

2009-07-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

We decided to give the new Jeep and GPS a good test run.

MONDAY: Drove to Humbolt. We went shopping and especially enjoyed The Bargain Shop. Nicest one we have seen so far. Had lunch at the Dairy Queen and headed back home.

TUESDAY: Drove to North Battleford. We went shopping in the 2 shopping malls. Thought the Frontier Mall with the CO-OP Stores was the better of the 2. We ate at the CO-OP Cafeteria in the Frontier Mall, then went through the Western Development Museum. We spent 2 hours going through all the exhibits. We learned we could use the admission receipt in North Battleford to get into the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon for half price.

WEDNESDAY: Drove to Waskesiu via the scenic route. Definitely a lot less hectic than Canada Day. We had lunch at the Golf Course Restaurant. We went through the Interpretive Centre on Lakeshore Drive. I picked up a historical book of Waskesiu Lake, P.A.N.P. and area. - a good souvenir for me for the earlier years of my life I spent growing up at Waskesiu.

THURSDAY: Drove to Saskatoon. Ran into construction on Hwy 11 between MacDowell and Duck Lake. Very poor operation of Pilot Vehicles with long delays because of long area of Construction. We immediately planned to go home via Hwy 41 and Wakaw.

We went shopping in the Midtown Plaza and ate at the food court. At 1:00 pm we met up with Garry and Karen Connolly (Diane's sister) at the Western Development Museum - 1910 Boomtown. We spent 3 hrs. touring those exhibits. Garry and I eventually went ahead while Karen and Diane went at their own pace. We then went to the Asian Buffet on 8th St. After a good visit over supper, we parted company from the Connollys and went to McNally Robinson Bookstore. I bought a Discipleship magazine. We went to the Market Mall and then went home via Hwy 41 and Hwy 2.

FRIDAY: After I completed my meals-on-wheels route, we drove to Anglin Lake. We spent the afternoon and evening with Twyla and Michael and kids. I went out for a kayak ride in the channel and William joined me in a second kayak for one trip around the channel. We spent a fair amount of time bumping into each other. Rebecca and Diane went for a paddle boat ride. The Ganges over several tries between them all never caught enough fish to feed everyone, so Twyla opted for Speghetti and salad. We had the chocolate cake Diane had brought for dessert.

Howard and Shirley came over to visit in the evening.

I learned how to program the GPS much better and am thoroughly enjoying the Sirius Radio while travelling. The Jeep does get the mileage it advertised and it is convenient to have an instant readout of the mileage even if I do have to convert it from l/100km to mpg (imp).

Summer Jam 2009

2009-07-07T23:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 5th, I attended St. Alban's 8:00 am Service, so that I could help Walter Pope set up the equipment for the Victory 100 CIAM Live Cast of Summer Jam 2009 in Kinsmen Park sponsored by First Baptist Church. The Lord blessed the event with beautiful weather. The Live Cast was very successful with various volunteers (including me) making cut-in announcements promoting the event over the radio. There was a wide variety of music from Geoff Green's Band from the Alliance Church, Jeremy Doerten's group from First Baptist to the Last Mountain Boys Trio, Carried Away from Toronto and the Teen Challenge Team of Men from Saskatoon. The personal highlights for me were the Last Mountan Boys and the Testimonies of the men (students) of the Teen Challenge Team.

Cake on Fire

2009-07-07T23:16:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, I rushed home from work, climbed out of my work clothes, rearranged the back of the Jeep to make room for extra passengers. Diane loaded up the car with the cake, ice cream and strawberries and we proceeded to Twyla's house. We unloaded the desserts into the house and loaded Twyla & Rebecca and William into my new Jeep and proceeded to the Venice House to celebrate Twyla's Birthday. After the meal was completed we proceeded back to Twyla's house for dessert; but we decided to wait, since we were too full. Eventually, Rebecca decided she would put the candles on the cake (with Diane's help). A careful count and recount and recount resulted in the removal of one candle before lighting the remaining 39. I quickly took this picture with my cell phone camera, then we all quickly blew to extinguish the blaze before any serious damage was done. After the candles and melted wax were removed from the somewhat softened icing, the cake was served with the ice cream and strawberries. Happy Birthday, Twyla.

Drive to Shellbrook

2009-07-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we drove to Shellbrook to see if we could find the Shellbrook Cemetery and the grave of Eunice Wood. After driving around Shellbrook for a while, we angle parked on the main drag. I got out of the car and walked across the street. I asked the people in front of the market store and they said to follow them because they were on their way to the cemetery. That has to be more than a coincidence. We followed the Silver Toyota Camry West of Shellbrook and turned north at the Cemetery Road. We searched the cemetery for Eunice's grave, but we were unsuccessful. We did however find the grave sites of Joe Balzer (formerly in our Men's Chorus) and Herb and Alida Jacobs. Herb was a former Ham Radio Operator and Lay Reader. I introduced Herb to the Amateur Radio Missionary Service Net and I used to regularly stop in for a refresher break on my way back from Big River the year that I conducted Anglican Services there. I guess we shall have to ask Fred Payton for directions to Eunice's grave site.

2009-07-01T23:07:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, June 30th, I took possession of my new (485km) 2008 Jeep Patriot 4cyl 4x4. I am discovering more features than I had even known were included such as Sirius XM Satellite Radio built into the Radio. It also displays average fuel consumption in l/100km (which means nothing to me). We took it for a test drive to Waskesiu Lake as part of our Canada Day activities. Sure do enjoy Satellite Radio. Lots of choices. Tried to sign up online later this afternoon, but it did not like the ESL number I gave, so will try the 800 number tomorrow morning. Plan to drive Harry Hancock to the Birch Hills Golf Course tomorrow morning.

Peaches - At Rest after 15 years :(

2009-06-12T23:36:00.000-07:00

Our beloved cat, Peaches has been battling Diabetes for four years and more recently developed cancer in her mouth/jaw. She continued to have spunk and courage, but she was having great difficulty eating. She never complained, but we knew we had to give her the peace and relief she deserved. Thursday afternoon, I took her to our Vet and with the help of her assistant, Feng euthanized her. I had given her something to calm her about 1/2 hour before. Peaches growled when Feng clipped the hair on her leg and again when inserting the needle. I was able to pet her as she quickly passed on. Feng told me to make sure I told Diane that Peaches remained spunky to the very end.

I brought her home laying in familiar baby blankets curled up looking very comfortable in a box. We miss her. We were very accustomed to having to get up at 5:00 am every morning to test and feed her. At this time it seems only a small blessing that we can sleep in longer especially on weekends.

Busy Days

2009-06-12T23:34:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot happening since my last entry of May 25th. Hopefully, I will still be able to post a summary of the events, but for now I will just make an entry about Peaches

Michael's 40th Birthday Celebration - May 24th

2009-05-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday evening, we joined the Ganges at the Star House Restaurant to celebrate Michael's 40th Birthday. We all chose the Chinese Buffet, which was followed by a delicious Birthday cake provided by Shirley. Howard and Shirley presented Michael with a history photo book created by submissions to Apple online who published the book.

Twyla and Michael gave me a belated birthday card along with a Sudoku Book and a Golf Trivia Book. I had to leave early to get ready for my concert.

Without A Song Concert Sunday Evening May 24th

2009-05-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

The Weather was perfect. There was a good turnout of our faithful patrons and many new ones.

This Train, Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning, Brighten My Soul with Sunshine, Keep in the Middle of the Road.

Guest Artist: Gabrielle Paul-McKenzie - Piano

Beat Mortui, Make Me An Instrument of Thy Peace, Bless the Lord O my Soul, Steal Away.

Guest Artists: Emily Davis - Tenor Trombone, Gabrielle Paul-McKenzie - Horn, Kathy Davis - Accompanist

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, Frobisher Bay, The Two Roses, Summertime.

Guest Artist: Kathy Davis - piano.

The Policeman's Song, Java Jive, Bye Bye Blackbird, Without a Song.

The concert from our perspective went very well. I have chatted with several people at the CO-OP Store today that said they really enjoyed it.

The Male Chorus performs a variety of musical styles from classical to contemporary. The members of the Chorus boast a wide variety of ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds and all share the love of music. Chorus director Bob Gibson provides a wide variety of musical styles and levels of vocal challenges that accentuates the unique quality of blended male voice harmony.

Although Charles Dent has been struggling with health issues recently, we still included his name on the program and we were pleased to see that he and Irene were able to sit at the entrance table and receive the free will donations. We wish him a speedy recovery.

May 19th - More Winter

2009-05-19T23:06:00.000-07:00

It started to snow in the afternoon. I noticed it when I went to crush boxes at the CO-OP. When I got off work it was a steady rain and still about +3c. Sometime before 6:00pm it was snowing big flakes, wet ice pellets. Downright depressing. I shot this picture with my phone from the back step. The one good thing is there should be lots of moisture for the fertilizer I sprinkled on the lawn.

Sunday, May 17th - Supper at Ed's Inn

2009-05-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

We phoned my brother Arnold just after 3:30 pm to see if he had any supper plans. He said he had a large lunch at Johnny Boy's after church, but could eat again. We picked him up just before 4:00 pm and headed out to Ed' Inn. Call it a belated birthday gathering for both of us. The weather was unsuitable on the 13th & 14th to consider a golf game and we were both committed to other projects. Golf will have to wait, but having a good meal is easy to accommodate.

May 14th, 2009 - Now 61 years old

2009-05-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

I spent so much time last evening thanking everyone for wishing me a Happy Birthday that I had no time to write anything on my blog.
Most of the day was spent running around doing errands, such as delivering Posters for the PA Men's Chorus Concert. I did drop off my dress shoes for heel repairs to the Shoe Guy - Guy Shannon's new business venture. I had a short visit and checked out his accessories. Good choice, good prices. As I said elsewhere. I will be a regular patron of his new business.
My day took a turn for the worst when I went to Roberta's to look after her dogs. I let her dogs out and then went to work checking the light on her stove. I found a burnt out bulb. I went to the CO-OP to and found a replacement, went back and replaced it. Then I went to chat with her birds. I found them both dead in the bottom of their filthy cage, obviously deprived of water for sometime. The water container was bone-dry.
Diane treated me to supper at Johnny Boy Restaurant, but we could not talk about anything else but Roberta and her dead birds.
Roberta phoned me later before she had even walked through the house and I had to tell her about her birds. After I told her she had not left them water, and that she could never have anymore birds, I hung up on her.
Not a great way to end a birthday :(

Prince Albert Men's Chorus Spring Concert

2009-05-14T00:12:00.000-07:00

Without a Song

W ithout a song, the day would never end.

Without a song the road would never bend.

When things go wrong, a man ain't got a friend - without a song.

Prince Albert Men's Chorus

Spring Concert

24th May 2009 7:30 PM

Calvary United Church

114 25th Street East, Prince Albert

Free Will Offering

In Concert! Anna Bekolay, Riane LaPaire, Diane Bestvater

2009-05-09T22:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight I attended this Concert featuring Anna Bekolay, soprano, violin

Riane LaPaire, soprano, violin

Diane Bestvater, piano

The Benefit concert for the Honey Bee Music and Dance Camp was held at Mahon Auditorium, John M. Cuelenaere library, Prince Albert, Sk.

I have known Anna for many years and her mother for many more than that. I went to hear her play her violin, but was also treated to her superb soprano singing as well. Normally, I am not an opera fan, but listening to her mature, clear, voice with an incredible range of dynamics was refreshing. I also enjoyed listening and watching her play her violin.

I purchased her CD (Bare Bones) of mostly her own compositions and one song composed by her mother on the mandolin. I will be listening to the CD in my Jimmy for quite some time. I have fond memories of playing my baritone ukelele and singing in a Praise Group many years ago with her mother Diane floating around with her flute in what ever key we were playing in.

It was not a large crowd, but definitely an appreciative crowd for all 3 musicians. I am sure that whatever moneys were raised will be put to good use at the Music/Dance Camp this summer.

Thank you, Anna for coming and performing for us in Prince Albert. I will continue to follow your music career with special interest.

Turned out to be a nice day

2009-05-09T22:33:00.000-07:00

I took advantage of the nice weather to spend the morning and afternoon to finish the raking of the yard. I tossed all the bags including Sylvia's (next door) bags into my utility trailer and tied a tarp over them to haul off later next week to the dump.

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

2009-05-07T22:49:00.000-07:00

I worked at the till at CO-OP Hardware on Wednesday. It was raining when I came on at 10:00 am. Before noon, all the customers going past me or making purchases were commenting about the snowfall. When I got off work, I drove home to -1c and wet pavement (Thank God!) with a layer of white stuff covering everything else. I had planned to finish raking the yard Wednesday evening, but that was impossible. The picture of our house and front yard was taken soon after I came home after work. Depressing :(

OSL Information Meeting in St. Stephen's,MacDowall

2009-04-30T23:03:00.000-07:00

Wednesday evening, April 29th, an information fellowship meeting was held at St. Stephen's Anglican Church in MacDowall. Mel Melashenko and 3 ladies from the Saskatoon Chapter, Kathleen Stewart, Andrea Martinson, Mary Essel and myself from Prince Albert and a good turnout of ladies from MacDowall were in attendance. We spent the first part of the meeting with a time of sharing. It was most exciting to realize that after a passage of a good number of years with people in attendance at various conferences, that, in fact, some in attendance had prayed for one another and learned just at this meeting the results of their prayers. Mel and the ladies gave a teaching on Mike Endicott's Kingdom Healing, Kingdom Living. We adjourned for a short coffee break and then naturally started to gather and pray for one another. It was a wonderful time of prayer evidenced by both tears and laughter. The prayer theme throughout is a remembrance of what Jesus did on the cross for us, shedding His own blood for our salvation and healing. Thank you Lord. We said our goodbyes just after 10:00 pm and headed our separate ways. I served as Chauffeur in Andrea's car both ways. Thanks again for the ladies of St. Stephen's for being wonderful hosts.

John Diefenbaker School Talent Show

2009-04-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

Grandson William Gange - John Diefenbaker School Talent Show

2009-04-28T21:16:00.001-07:00

Imperial March - William Gange - Piano Solo.

Medallian Calls - William Gange - Saxophone Solo.

Great job William.

2009-04-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

Granddaughter Rebecca Gange at John Diefenbaker School Talent Show

2009-04-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

Fiddler on the Roof - Rebecca & her mother Twyla Gange - Piano duet.

Balance Beam Routine - Rebecca Gange.

Great job, Rebecca. (in spite of a bad headache.)

Messiah Lutheran celebrates 75 Yrs of the Lutheran Hour Radio Broadcast

2009-04-26T23:23:00.000-07:00

The Men of the Way were invited guests to present a concert to celebrate 75 yrs of the Lutheran Hour Radio Broadcast on CKBI Radio. Our guests were Gillian Lyons and my daughter Twyla played the flute part for Your Only Son. The concert was well received and I had a good visit with Angie and Morris Hesje at the Coffee Fellowship after the concert.

Lay Readers Licencing Service 4:00 pm

2009-04-26T22:38:00.000-07:00

The Diocesan Lay Readers Licencing Service was held at St. Alban's Cathedral followed by a catered supper. John Hareuther and I had to eat and run to go over to Messiah Lutheran for our Men of the Way Concert.

Order of St. Luke Healing Service, James Smith Reserve - Saturday, April 25th

2009-04-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

I am using this picture of the Primate and me taken earlier in 2008 because St. Stephen's Anglican Church, James Smith Reserve is in the background. The gentleman in the smaller right hand picture is Rev. Wilfred Sanderson, pastor St. Stephen's Anglican Church.

Four members of our Order of St. Luke P.A. Chapter left for James Smith Reserve from St. George's at 4:30 pm, with the assumption that the Healing Service was scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm. We were travelling in Stella's minivan and we all decided that we would go on the pavement past Kinistino rather than travelling on the Coxby Road. We guessed at what road to turn north on to go to James Smith, but the ladies thought we needed to turn east a few kms up the road. That proved to be the wrong decision and we became hopelessly lost. After asking directions a couple of times and having to alter course according to their instructions we finally made it to the main community of James Smith. Kathleen and I went into the Service Station to ask how to proceed to the church. We followed the latest instructions and soon after arrived at St. Stephen's Church assuming we were late, only to meet with Rev. Wilfred & Theresa Sanderson only to learn that he has arranged for the Service to begin at 7:00 pm. So we had lots of time to set up the Service.

A good crowd showed up by the time the Service was to begin. The Communion Service was a normal BCP Service using the readings to commemorate St. Mark the Evangelist. Wilfred celebrated with Theresa assisting. I read an introduction to Kingdom Healing by Rev. Mike Endicott which appeared in the March 2008 issue of the Sharing Magazine. I was really impressed with the last hymn Bill had selected for us to sing. I had not heard it before. It was hymn in the evening section of the blue hymnal with a strong theme of salvation and healing. The words of the hymn confirmed the words I had read from Mike Endicott's article.

At the conclusion of the Communion Service, I decided that we would have 2 prayer stations with Andrea, Stella & Kathleen in the upper section at the front of the church and Wilfred and I would at the station in front of the pews. Everything went well with a good response of people coming forward for prayer for themselves a family member. There was even a young girl who came forward to ask pray for her Dad. The last person was a young man with a troubled past. The ladies had finished ministering at their station and Andrea asked if she could join us. The Holy Spirit was speaking clearly to Andrea and she asked if she could ask the young man a question. I, of course, said Yes. She asked him if he remember anything happening to him when he was 4 years old. He said to me - Yes, his brother had pushed him down a set of stairs. Andrea had clearly received a word of knowledge. Thank God for her boldness and obedience to present that word. It changed the direction of prayer for this young man and definitely left an impression with Rev. Wilfred Sanderson.

I made a special point to exhort Bill, another Lay Reader, who played the organ during the Service and the Prayer Session. I told him he had a special ministry as organist and it played an important part in the Service.

After the Healing Prayer Session, we were treated to a feast of food before going home. We were given clear directions on how to proceed home. Just stay on the road heading south until we came to the Highway. We eventually found the highway just as they promised and realized it was the same road that we had started off on when we had left the highway on our way to the Reserve. We should have kept going North instead of turning east. We will not make the same mistake twice. We arrived at St. George's at 11:30 pm and Stella still had to drive home to MacDowell area.

Delivering Posters for Victory Radio Fundraiser Concert next Week.

2009-04-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I spent most of the day delivering posters for the upcoming Victory FM Radio Fundraiser Concert. Had a nice visit with the Ukrainian Orthodox Priest. He sounded very supportive of the Radio Station, especially when I said he could put promos on air and offer us sermons in Ukrainian.

I also visited with Lyle Locke and Pastor Ivan Brewer from the Apostolic Church. I also visited with Pastor Ches Jacobs at Crossroads Pentecostal where the Concert will be held.

Other Activities

2009-04-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

I met with Debby at Cornerstone Insurance to discuss proposed policy for Prince Albert Christian Radio. I met Grace at the bank with hopes of setting up automatic debit for donors, but only managed to make an appointment for next week. I walked Roberta's dogs around the block because I can't release them in the back yard with Albert's guard dog back there. Diane & I went for supper at Arby's then shopped at Mark's Work Wearhouse and I stopped at Rona's for a socket plug-in while Diane went to Value Village. We came home early and have been relaxing since. I have been watching golf and NHL Playoffs on TV.

Coffee with Harry

2009-04-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

I met up with Harry for coffee this afternoon. I was confused as to where the Bison Cafe and the Chandeliers Restaurant were, but we did find each other. I opted for Hazelnut flavored coffee. Nice comfy atmosphere in the Bison. We stayed in the first section, but there is the option of going into the second part where Harry assures me is just as comfortable and also serves as an Art Gallery promoting local artists. We will go in there next time. Esther Hay came in and I chatted with her for a few minutes. She is incredibly upbeat considering she is going to have her Mastectomy Surgery Monday afternoon. Rev. Tracey Smith also made an appearance.

http://bisoncafe.ca/

Anglican Men's Coffee Fellowship

2009-04-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

This morning we had a good group of guys for coffee. Unfortunately, Rev. Ken Lyons was conspicuous by his absence and we missed him. (But he was the centre of a large part of the conversation. There was Joe, Fred, Doug, Dennis, Roger and myself there this morning.

Victory FM

2009-04-16T23:36:00.000-07:00

Today I made the deposit from the Good Friday Offering - just under $3,400. Thank you, Lord. I learned a few things needed for making the next large deposit. I also visited George to talk over a few things and he said he had mailed a package to me. When I got home, the package was in my mail box. I spent the rest of the afternoon removing my old stereo system and installing the new one. Nothing fancy like the last one that quit working. But this one does tune in 100.1 albeit not in stereo. I have to learn all the features, especially how to copy LP Records to digital storage.

Been a few days

2009-04-16T23:25:00.000-07:00

I am still meeting people who are mentioning the Way of the Cross Newspaper picture. They all think it is a great picture. A customer at work noted I had obviously "risen". Another person commented that I was smiling even with the weight of the cross.

Wednesday morning I read my emails before going to work. There were 2 disturbing ones. Rev. Ken Lyons had fallen Tuesday night after setting the alarm at the Cathedral after our Men of the Way practice and had somehow driven home, but was taken by ambulance to the hospital and stayed overnight. The second email was from Eloise Varga telling me that Esther Hay had surgery to remove cancer in her breast and would be going back for masectomy.

Prince Albert Daily Herald Front Page Photo Saturday April 11, 2009

2009-04-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

Good Friday Way of the Cross Newspaper Photo

2009-04-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

I made the front page of the Prince Albert Daily Herald with the photo of me carrying the cross for the beginning of the Way of the Cross. I have saved the picture and caption from the online newspaper as a pdf file, but it is quite a large file at about 2.5 megs. I haven't figured out how to display it on my blog so until I do you can see me at the url link: http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx

Under the Viewer search, type in Prince Albert Daily Herald under the April 11th date.

Roberta's Emergency - Part 2

2009-04-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

Roberta phoned later after I got home and said that they were going to be sending Albert by ambulance to Saskatoon. I told Roberta I would come out again to be with her until Albert was on his way in the ambulance. I corrected the information on the admittance sheet to show that the word commonlaw was removed as there is nothing commonlaw in their relationship. I did go in with Roberta to see Albert a couple of times, but mostly waited outside. I thought the medical staff was very good to Roberta. Of course, things moved very slow from her perspective. Arrangements were made to transfer Albert to St. Paul's ICU in Saskatoon. Roberta took Albert's cell phone and everything else was loaded in bags to be transported with Albert. The ambulance pulled away from the Victoria Hospital about 2:45 am and we drove to Albert's house to check on his dog, then I drove Roberta home. I was home shortly after 3:00 am.

Happy 80th Birthday Bert

2009-04-11T17:11:00.001-07:00

We were invited to an early 80th Birthday Celebration for our neighbour, Bert Hanson, pictured on the left with his wife Doreen and on the right with one of his daughters. It was held in a meeting room in the Best Western. There were a few people we knew but mostly Bert's or Doreen's family. Fellowship was good, food was good and so was the cake. It appeared Bert had a great day. I guess Doreen plans to hold another party for Bert's neighbours on his actual 80th Birthday next weekend.

Roberta's Emergency

2009-04-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

Roberta's boyfriend had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance after 10:00 pm and I went to pick up Roberta to take her to the hospital. The early report is that he was not in good shape and the medical team was still trying to stabilize him. I left Roberta at the hospital with $20. She will not be able to see him until he is stabilized. I have since gone back to her house to let her dogs out. She just phoned and said she thinks she left the coffee maker on. I forgot to look for that when I was there the first time so I will have to make another trip to her house. She does not know what she will do about going to work tomorrow. It will definitely be a long and difficult night for Roberta and may be for us, too. I'm praying in my spirit.

My Good Friday

2009-04-10T21:53:00.000-07:00

I attended the Good Friday Service at St. Alban's Cathedral. A lot of scripture. David read Psalm 22 responsively with the congregation from the Book of Common Prayer. I read 1st Lesson from Genesis and Epistle from Hebrews. Rev. Ken Lyons read the 2nd Lesson from the Gospel of John. David narrated a dramatic version of the Passion with Ken reading the words of Jesus and the congregation reading all other voices. The music was solemn. The service concluded with the youth and a couple of adults doing a dramatic presentation of the Way of the Cross. Always moving is the pounding of the nails.

Immediately after that service I met with Bishop Michael Hawkins outside the Cathedral. Then I met up with the Bishop, Rev. Norbert Haukenfrers and Rev. David Smith at City Hall steps to start the Stations of the Cross. The Anglicans were the 1st Station. I read a short lesson, the Bishop shared a short homily, and David a short prayer, then I had to carry the cross to the next station. Angela Hill from the Herald took my name and church and took my picture, so I anticipate being in an upcoming article. The weather was cold and windy, but the crowd was good - I'm guessing about 200 from a wide spectrum of churches and a good representation of clergy including both the Roman Catholic and Anglican Bishops. It lasted 2 hours with stops at the Salvation Army Outpost, the Legion, the Co-operative Health Clinic, the Liquor Store, St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, the Friendship Centre, the YMCA, The Gateway Mall, the Margo Fournier Centre, the Provincial Courthouse, the Saskatchewan riverbank, the Museum. There was definitely a Spirit of Christian Unity.

Good Friday according to the Back Pew Guy

2009-04-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

CLEAN HUMOR & GOD'S TRUTH (for a world that needs both)

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Love God with all you have, and others as yourself.. the rest is trivial pursuit. Mt. 22:37-39 (BP Paraphrase)

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It is a Very Good Friday...

The movie the Passion of the Christ had a powerful impact on me like so many others. I grew up with a Bible that had beautiful art of important moments in the Bible. This included Easter pictures with Jesus looking so serene while on that cross.

I love those paintings even though I have come to realize Good Friday was a very brutal Friday … and though the images from the movie the Passion of the Christ are disturbing.. this was a closer picture to what Christ endured on the cross that first Good Friday.

Then being a cartoonist.. how do I draw anything that will bring a glimmer of truth to this most significant day?

Good Friday is not funny.. and my goal with these cartoons is to share a thought or an image of irony that captures an aspect of this story without making light of this great day of Amazing Grace, love, and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So let me present my cartoons for this Good Friday.

- Judas in total despair misses the gift of grace available even for the man who betrayed Jesus.
- The Message of the Cross (borrowed the quote from Lucado I think)
- Golgotha is the hill of redemption where the shed blood of Christ on the cross was the price of salvation for our sins.
- Jesus cries out Father Forgive Them , and the thief cries out JESUS FORGIVE ME! Both prayers were answered.
- Barabbas sweats it out in jail.
- WRONG, WRONG, and WRONG.. Pilate, Barabbas, and Satan.. they all were very mistaken.
- The Curtain is Torn .. access to God is now open for business!
- The Roman Guard could not deny the power of the moment.
- So in the end.. Who was responsible? Let’s go to the police lineup and choose from the USUAL SUSPECTS .. hey what am I doing there?

May God bless you this Good Friday, and this entire Easter weekend. May the story of Easter where Christ died for each of us, and rose from the dead impact our lives like never before.

Jeff

BBYD - Blessings Beyond Your Dreams

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Maundy Thursday Service

2009-04-09T22:51:00.000-07:00

I attended the Maundy Thursday Evening Service at St. Alban's. I picked up Mary Essel on the way. I sang in the Choir and lit the candles in the chapel during the service and helped with the traditional stripping of the Sanctuary. Attendance was fairly low and much more low key as would have taken place in Ghana according to Mary Essel.

Thursday Activities.

2009-04-09T22:38:00.000-07:00

Started the day off with the regular Men's Bible Study at St. David's Anglican Church at 7:00 am. Psalm 18. I stayed to wash up the dishes. I then went home to look after Peaches, then went to Walter Pope's place. Tim Gradin was also there. After a cup of coffee, Walter showed Tim and I the back-up procedures in case of power outage at the transmitter site or in his house. I then went to South Hill Animal Clinic to pick up some medicine for Peaches, came home, vacuumed the house, tested Peaches, cleaned out the aquarium and watched the 1st round of the Masters Golf Tournament on TV.

Work-out at Work

2009-04-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

Today at the CO-OP I had to move and stack countless 40lb bags of seed potatoes. Definitely got my exercise. Grace and Walter stopped by to have me sign a couple of cheques for Victory Radio and duplicate a couple of keys for the Tower building.

Victory Radio Board Meeting - April 7th

2009-04-08T23:20:00.000-07:00

The Victory Radio Board Meeting was held at the Victory Radio Studio in the Nazarene Church. I took my turn at the devotional for this meeting. The meeting went beyond the 9:00 pm planned ending until close to 10:30 pm - but that is board meetings. I was appointed treasurer of the Board until next annual meeting.

Order of St. Luke Healing Service

2009-04-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

We held an Order of St. Luke Healing Service at St. David's Anglican Church Service beginning at 7:00 pm this evening. The attendance was not large, but we definitely felt the Presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst. Kathleen played the piano for the music. Rev. David Smith led the service. I led Psalms 118 responsively. Andrea gave a talk on the need for committed continued prayer for those we pray for in services. The Prayer team consisted of Rev. Norbert Haukenfrers, Andrea, Noreen and myself. The last part of the prayer time was devoted to praying for healing of hearing loss for both Andrea and Stella after an inspiring testimony of faith and healing shared by Andrea. After the service we discussed the details of the Healing Service planned Saturday, April 25th at James Smith Reserve and an OSL Information Meeting planned for Wednesday evening, April 29th, 7:00 pm, St. Stephen's McDowall with Rev. Larry Mitchell and Mel Melashenko. I phoned Mel after I arrived home and he will confirm with Larry and then email me back. We will be in charge of alerting everyone around here and Mel will invite people from North Battleford and Humboldt, etc. to attend.

Palm Sunday Service

2009-04-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

This morning at St. Alban's Cathedral we had retired Bishop Tom Morgan leading the Eucharist Service. Pomp and ceremony with lots of readings, Choir procession around the Church, Choir singing the same Anthem which we sang at the "Funds for the Furnace" Concert. Not sure it was needed, but we had Bishop Tom and Ken administering the bread and David and I administering the wine. It was announced in the bulletin that the "Funds for the Furnace" Concert had raised over $2,000.

P.A. Music Festival Instrumental Awards Concert Pictures

2009-04-03T22:33:00.000-07:00

Ginter Brothers play

their saxophones.

Instrumental Awards winners.

P.A. Music Festival Instrumental Concert Pictures

2009-04-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

Saxophone Duet. Trombone student.

Twyla's students playing Jamaican Holiday.

Prince Albert Music Festival Instrumental Awards Concert

2009-04-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderful concert with only one oboe reed unco-operative. Our grandson William Gange was second on the program and he did a fine job on his saxophone.

Anglican Guys Friday Morning Coffee

2009-04-03T22:09:00.001-07:00

In attendance this morning Joe, Harold, Fred, Ken, and myself at Coffee at the A&W.

Thursday Lenten Luncheon Series

2009-04-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

The newly elected Bishop Albert Thevenot of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert was the guest speaker at the last Thursday Lenten Luncheon at St. Alban's Cathedral. Laurent Fournier led the singing with Ken Lyons playing the second guitar. Harry and Stephanie Hancock finally remembered to come out. I had gone for coffee at Walter Pope's acreage and Grace and I convinced him to join us for the Lenten Lunch. Walter and I had a chance to talk to a few people about the Christian Radio Station and hand out a few brochures. I gave one to Bishop Thevenot after the Lunch was over. The Bishop gave an excellent talk about our responsibility to have believe and have faith in Jesus Christ, to be witnesses to others struggling. To be witnesses of that belief and faith in front of our children and grandchildren. They expect it of us even if they do not yet live it. Be strong in your faith. Walter seemed to be visibly impressed with what the Bishop had to say as he frequently nodded his head.

The Concert that didn't happen

2009-04-01T21:55:00.000-07:00

I left at 7:00 pm to attend a concert of an East Indian Canadian Musician who plays the Sitar. When I arrived across from Wesley United Church, I was met by Ken Torbert, who informed me the concert was cancelled because the star of the evening could not make it through a winter storm... not sure where, but I believe it was in Manitoba. I had hoped to take a picture of him and his sitar with my cell phone and post it on the blog... Maybe another time soon.

Peaches is 15 yrs old.

2009-04-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

Today is the birthday of our cat Peaches. It has been over 3.5 yrs. since she was first diagnosed with diabetes. We have done our best to regulate her, but have been unsuccessful. But she is a wonder that amazes our vet. Her BG numbers can be off the meter and yet she continues to function. We give her lots of attention with special diet, extra fluids and lots of vitamins and supplements. We give her a supplement from the U.S. that is suppose to reduce her BG but doesn't, but does appear to give her lots of energy and a nice fur coat. She is on two types of insulin, twice a day, and the doses of insulin remains total guesswork. It has been a month since we had to put our dog, Muffy to sleep, and although in later years Peaches and Muffy paid little attention to each other, they were company to each other. We think we are seeing some signs of Peaches missing Muffy. We don't know how many of her 9 lives Peaches has used up, but we know that she is a fighter and lots of energy when she wants to exhibit it.

Our Anniversary - 39 years

2009-03-31T20:41:00.000-07:00

I bought the card at the CO-OP on my second coffee break - opted for humour this time. I ordered the carnations from work and picked the up on the way home. After looking after Peaches we went out to Humpty'sfor supper - our usual one-size less meatloaf. Brief stop at Shopper's Drug Mart on the way home, then a quiet evening at home. Still have to read the card Diane left on the piano for me. Wonder what Twyla will have planned for us next year :)

March 30th - Men's Chorus

2009-03-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

Great time as usual. Linden Tiezen from Shellbrook came back for the first time this season. He helped out the 2nd Tenors in the session around the piano. After the fellowship break, he joined the sparce Baritone section. Great to have him back. Gerry Page' handed me an envelope marked St. Alban's Furnace Fund. Apparently he had tried to go to our concert, but when he couldn't find a parking spot so assumed an overflow crowd and didn't come in. I will have to ask him why he didn't park in the mall parking lot.

FUNDS FOR THE FURNACE

2009-03-29T22:11:00.000-07:00

A Concert of Sacred and Secular Songs featuring Men of the Way and Guests.

Director: Ken Lyons

Accompanist: Gillian Lyons

St. Alban' Cathedral

Sunday, March 29, 7:99 pm

All proceeds for the St. Alban's Furnace Fund.

MEN OF THE WAY

Morris Anderson, Roger Cochrane, Harold Collins, John Hareuther, Andrew Lyons, Ken Lyons, Michael Lyons, Fred Payton, Art Pederson, Doug Porcina, Ed Stephens

ARIOSO

Ruth McIvor, Eunice Mooney, Linda Jensen

ARIOSO ACCOMPANIST

Michael Langlois

ST. ALBAN'S CHOIR

DIRECTOR

Karen Langlois

ACCOMPANIST

Margaret Zulkoskey

TWYLA GANGE (my daughter) FLUTIST

GILLIAN LYONS (Ken's daughter) PIANIST

The weather was great today. So was the turnout. Chris Lyons counted 222 people. It was a great Concert. Even the DVD machine co-operated for Twyla's solos. (except for a remote control number button - quickly remedied). With that many people seated in the Cathedral, the inside temperature definitely rose and some doors & windows had to be opened up during the intermission. The atmosphere was great. The reception that followed hosted by the St. Alban's Parish Life committee was a happy noisy crowd of enthusiastic supporters. If was fun to mingle and talk to so many people. Diane offered to drive Mary Essel home and look after the cat if I stayed and helped in the kitchen. Did I have a choice? :) I am hoping to track down some digital pictures of the evening which I will post with this report later. A report needs to be submitted to the Diocesan Web page and the Saskatchewan Anglican Newsletter.

Spring?

2009-03-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

3 hrs. after I snapped the pillar of ice photo on my cell phone, I glanced over to where it was in the front yard as I was climbing into the car. I witnessed the pilar of ice falling into the soft melting snow below. I believe it is indeed a sign of Spring. Tempertature is 11c at my weather station on the pole 15 ft. above the ground by my back door. Beautiful Sunday afternoon. Praise the Lord!

Sign of Spring?

2009-03-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

This pillar of ice has been standing in my front yard for a day or so. Although there is still lots of snow below it, I am suggesting this is my sign of Spring. Eternal optimist :)

Saturday Activities

2009-03-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

Went to Rebecca's Gymnastic Competition. She was the only competitor in the Elite Class, so she automatically took home all the medals and ribbons for that class. Regardless, she did perform very well. We sat with William (playing video game), Michael and his parents. Twyla was a judge of the beam competition.

Helped a little cleaning up after the Rummage Sale, but got there a little too late.

Weatherwise it was much warmer :) with the melting and running water on the streets. About +9c.

Order of St. Luke the Physician Group on Facebook

2009-03-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

I decided to invite members of the OSL Group on Facebook to become my friends on Facebook. The response has been positive. I also offered to post upcoming events and received a couple of information packages of Healing Conferences and one that had already taken place. I posted that report under a new Discussion Topic - Conference Reports. I encouraged the people that submitted the information to also comment on the OSL Group Wall. Hopefully it will stimulate more conversation on the OSL Group page. I also gained a few new Twitter friends, as well.

Thursday Happenings

2009-03-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

The morning started out cold again (-17c). This is the end of March? Right?

Had a large turnout for coffee gang at the A&W.

After coffee I went to the Victory FM Radio Studio and recorded a promotion spot which should be airing regularly soon. Pastor Gregg Rustulka is very good with words and phrasing as he edited my brief thoughts about receiving a blessing from listening to the station and inviting friends to tune in to 100.1 FM. After several attempts, we finally came out with a version we were both happy with.

This evening I went down to the Cathedral to help the ACW ladies set up for their Rummage Sale tomorrow. Not much rummage, so didn't take long. Diane and I stopped off at the downtown A&W for supper before going home.

Wednesday Activities.

2009-03-25T22:59:00.000-07:00

Worked my one day this week at the CO-OP - 10 am - 4 pm. Spent a quiet evening at home except to pick up Roberta from her shift at the hospital. Watched the Western - The Magnificent Seven on the Drive-In Channel.

Music Festival

2009-03-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

I helped with the numbers board and adjudicator stand for the morning session of the Music Festival Instrumental Section. Twyla gave me the CD for the background music for the Men of the Way Concert, so that I could try it out at the church later. I accidently left it locked in Messiah Church with no afternoon session scheduled. I followed Kevin Hrycay to the Bed and Breakfast, then picked him up to go out for lunch. We opted for a no rush relaxed meal at Rickys Restaurant. We didn't get out of there until 2:00 pm. I went home, tested Peaches, then phoned Messiah Church. Their secretary had gone in for the afternoon and had noticed the CD. She said she would take it to the Church Office and I went right down to pick it up. I went to St. Alban's and figured out how to find and play the two cuts on the CD that Twyla will be using. It wasn't too difficult once I found the remote. I will have the first song cued up. Then load the second song with the line to the amplifier disconnected until it is cued. Twyla will come down to St. Alban's Thursday after school to test out audio levels.

Weather again :(

2009-03-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

Still not a Spring Day.. Forecast is for closer to normal temperatures on Friday and above freezing Temperatures on the weekend. Bring it on!!! I actually stopped in at the CO-OP an bought another large bag of Meltz-All. I never thought I would still need that this late in the year.

Weather :(

2009-03-23T23:28:00.001-07:00

It was cold and windy and even trying to snow today. The forecast is for no change at least until Friday and no real nice weather maybe even until the middle of April. :(

Music Festival

2009-03-23T22:52:00.000-07:00

Today I helped Twyla at the Instrumental Section of the Music Festival at Messiah Lutheran Church.

The morning was spent listening many young kids playing the same pieces.

With the inevitable cancellations, we managed to finish the morning by 12:05 pm.

Diane was able to get time off to come and listen to William play his pieces. He did very well winning both his classes with 85 & 87. He may be playing in the awards concert.

For lunch, I drove the adjudicator to Quiznos Subs and we order takeout for ourselves and Twyla and headed back to Messiah.

The afternoon session was finished by 3:45 pm and I went home to relax for a while and we had DQ Takeout for supper.

The evening session was filled with the senior entries and it was wonderful to listen to. The evening concluded with Katie Ormerod's Drummers. The adjudicator has not adjudicated with a high calibre of musicians in one evening before. He was very impressed with the talent and teaching level in Prince Albert.

Sunday Evening

2009-03-22T22:58:00.000-07:00

Supper at Arbys. Diane bought cat food at Walmart while I let out Roberta's dogs.

At 7:00 pm went to St. George's Anglican Church for an Order of St. Luke Bible Study listening to a CD of Mike Endicott while he was in Saskatoon. Prayer followed.

Sunday Schedule

2009-03-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

9:30 am - Picked up Mary Essel for Choir Practice.

10:45 am Choir Practice. Soon after I had arrived, I realized I had forgot to pick up the grocery bag of food for Food Bank Sunday. It hadn't helped that Diane had put it on the chair by the back door.

10:30 am - Sung Mattins Service at St. Alban's led by Lay Reader, Fred Payton. Fred did a fine job with the sermon this morning - "I am the Bread of Life".

After dropping Mary off, I went home, tested Peaches, then decided to take the grocery bag of food to the church and leave it in the basket with the other offerings.

When I got back home and started doing things on the computer, I noticed that Twyla announced on Facebook that she was setting up for the Music Festival. I drove over to Messiah Lutheran to help her. After we had things set up, the adjudicator arrived and we visited for a while. He had attended U of S first year during Twyla's last year and had gone through U of S with Anna Bekolay.

I arrived home before 3:30 pm and retested Peaches.

I printed out the Poster and Registration Form for a Healing Conference in Creighton, SK. in May to present to the OSL Group this evening.

As of 4:15 pm, Diane is not back from her First Aid Course.

Prince Albert Music Festival Piano Awards Concert

2009-03-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

I attended the Prince Albert Music Festival Piano Awards Concert at 7:30 pm at Calvary United Church. I arrived early enough to ensure a front row seat in the balconey. I worked on my Sudoku Puzzles until the concert began. It was a very entertaining concert. The skill level of the young pianists is very high in Prince Albert. I enjoy listening to the kids interpret the music and see if I can sense from their music, an interpretation that corresponds with the title of the piece. Usually no problem - fire - fly- waterfall, for example. I enjoyed the duets on one piano or the duo piano performances. The highlights are the performance by the senior students, and especially the concertos where the student plays one piano and their teacher or someone else plays the orchestra part on the second piano. Hence the 2 pianos in the graphics tonight. I left after the concert therefore not staying for the awards presentation. On the way out I handed out more personal posters of the Men of the Way Concert and bumped into my daughter Twyla. We discussed using playback equipment at the Cathedral for her accompaniment at the Men of the Way Concert. I told it was DVD player, so thought it would work best if she could burn her accompaniment music on separate CDs. She will try that and work out a time when we can test things out at the Cathedral.

Coffee with Guy Shannon

2009-03-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

At 2:00 pm I met for coffee with Guy Shannon at the Coffee Shop (formerly Hunt's). I found he lives in the neighbourhood so that will make a convenient Coffee Shop for us. We discussed his future business plans hopefully beginning April 1st. I don't want to share details at this time for confidential reasons. I told him about the Men's Breakfast tomorrow morning and have since arranged to pick him up at 7:45 am tomorrow morning.

Friday Morning Breakfast at A&W

2009-03-20T21:33:00.000-07:00

I arrived at the A&W just after 9:00 am and ordered my usual Bacon&Egger and coffee. I handed out a number of personal sized posters of the Men of the Way Concert to acquaintenances. No one else showed up until 9:45 am. It was Joe. We stayed until 10:15 am and then I stopped in at the Victory Radio Studio on my way to the Starlight Restaurant. I dropped off Men of the Way Posters with Walter for Scarborough Baptist and Gregg for Church of the Nazarene.

Lenten Lunch reflection

2009-03-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

I found it ironic yet totally in sync with the ideals of the Lenten Lunches that the Covenant Women came to provide the Lunch for Rev. Dan Stroman after the Baptist Ladies said they couldn't do it. Keep in mind, this is the same church that asked Dan to resign for his serious error in judgment (sin) and would never re-instate his credentials. I think it is wonderful that Dan is comfortable asking for their assistance and that the Ladies are gracious and generous enough to help him out. Thank you, Lord.

Summary of Thursday's Activities

2009-03-19T23:11:00.000-07:00

7:00 - 8:00 am Men's Bible Study at St. David's Anglican Church. I stayed to wash dishes and clean up. Went home to look after Peaches, our diabetic cat.

9:00 - 11:30 am Sat up in the balcony of Calvary United listening to the Senior Piano Section of the Music Festival and play Sudoku games.

12:00 - 1:00 pm Lenten Lunches series at St. Alban's Cathedral Hall. Had a chance to greet Father Ivan from St. George's Ukranian Catholic Church and sit with a group from the Covenant Church. Dan Stroman spoke on the crowds during Jesus' time. He also played a piece from Handel's Messiah on his violin. I left Sharon Dice a Men of the Way poster to post in her church. Then I went delivering the rest of my posters.

I also went up to Cooke Municipal Golf Course and paid for the 11 game package for the upcoming season (who knows when that is going to be.)

2:30 pm Came home and tested Peaches and cleaned out the aquarium and the bathroom sink.

3:25 pm Let Roberta's dog out, came home and relaxed.

5:15 pm Diane and I used a Grainfield coupon for supper then went to Petland for a while.

We came home for a few minutes and then I was off to another Men of the Way Practice until 9:00 pm.

I came home and drove Diane's car to the gas station.

When I came home, I took the time to fill windshield washer tanks on both cars.

I have spent the rest of the night catching up with my email and adding and getting acquainted with new contacts on Twitter. I will have to save the word game moves until tomorrow. It is now 12:30 am and time to call it a day.

Music Festival - Senior Piano

2009-03-18T21:06:00.000-07:00

This evening was my first opportunity to drop in at the Piano Section of the Music Festival. I snuck up to the Calvary Church balconey to watch quietly and work on sudoku puzzles when the kids weren't playing. The kids varied from 8 yrs and under to senior. Most were well prepared and the adjudicator was very positive with all of them. My timing to come down from the balconey was not good for me, but good for Frances, as she needed help putting the chairs away in the hall. Mitch Holash and another gentleman offered to help, so it did not take very long.

March 17th - St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T23:29:00.000-07:00

Today in the CO-OP Hardware, we wore little green shamrocks on our nametags. I am colorblind and had to be told that my Order of St. Luke medallion I wear is also green. Diane and I went out to the St. Patrick's Irish Stew Supper held at St. George's Anglican Church. We sat beside Kay Walberg and across from the Garsons so we had a great time of fellowship.

Doug Sinclair

2009-03-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

Doug Sinclair has been a long-serving Lay Reader. The Diocese of Saskatchewan featured him in an article. Check it out at: http://www.skdiocese.com/home/2009/3/15/honouring-doug-sinclair.html. Doug is right front in picture

Fresh Snow

2009-03-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

It is March 16th isn't it. Fresh snow and -11c. Depressing.

Ed's Inn

2009-03-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

Supper tonight was a trip to Ed's Inn at 4:00 pm - Diane's treat.

Music Festival

2009-03-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

At 2:00 pm today, I helped Frances Short setup for the Jr. Piano Section of the Music Festival in Calvary United Church Hall which starts on Monday.

Installation Service

2009-03-15T21:24:00.002-07:00

Take a moment to scroll down to an update to the post of the Installation Service. I have added a picture.

Installation Serve

2009-03-15T21:24:00.001-07:00

Shopping Saturday

2009-03-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

Starting the day with breakfast at Zellers, Diane and I went through the Gateway Mall, purchasing a Slow Cooker on sale at Sears with gift money from Christmas. Visited 2 of our favourite spots - Nutters (replenish my cereal supply) and Giant Tiger. Spent the afternoon watchin g golf on TV (and dozing off). The evening has been the much the same - watching golf on TV.

Busy week

2009-03-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

In addition to working at the CO-OP Monday through Wednesday, Monday night - Men's Chorus, Tuesday night - Prince Albert Christian Radio Corporation Board Meeting out at Gerry Sand's place, Wednesday night - first session of Strings section of Music Festival. Had a few words with the adjudicator, Anna Bekolay, originally from Prince Albert and St. Alban's and a Facebook friend of mine. I volunteered to look after the Class Entry Board. I enjoyed Anna's adjudications. She has a way of making the kids feel at ease. Thursday morning - Men's Bible Study - I stayed to wash the dishes. Went home to look after Peaches, then off to Rivier to the Music Festival. I received a call on vibrator which I did not recognize. I phoned the number back and found out it was Roberta. She was at work and thought she had forgot to shut off the coffee maker. I went over to her house and sure enough - the coffee maker was on. I shut it off and went back over to the Music Festival. I went to the Lenten Noon Lunch at St. Alban's. No sooner had I told Rev. Greg Rustulka that we would have to change the Radio Announcement for next week because Dan Stroman was having his knee surgery that day, when in walked Dan. He had waited in his hospital gown for 3 1/2 hours and then they sent him mome because there was not bed after surgery. The operation has been postponed until April 16th. Pastor Dennis Defoe from Under the Juniper Tree Church was the speaker talking about the women disciples of Jesus. At 1:00 pm, I dashed home to test Peaches, then returned to the Music Festival. Left to be home in time to meet Diane and test Peaches and go across the river to deliver a birthday card to our niece Jordyn. Had a short visit with Paul and Vickie, then off to look after Roberta's dogs and a bite to eat. Thursday evening - Ham Radio Meeting. Friday morning - A & W coffee with Fred Payton and Rev. Norbert Haukenfrers. Next, I cleaned out the fish tank and watched golf on TV. Friday evening - quiet evening at home.

It did end!

2009-03-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

Nice day today with + c temperatures. Had no problem replacing electrical connections for interior car warmer and block heater. Sure is nice not to have to go inside the house to warm up my hands.

When is it going to end??

2009-03-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

It's almost the middle of March and it is -29c. BRRRRRRR!! When is it going to end????? Everyone is soooooo tired of this cold weather. Promising to warm up to possible melting by the weekend. I sure hope they are right.

Sunday Morning Sermon

2009-03-08T23:09:00.000-07:00

Rev. Ken Lyons was definitely struggling with his voice throughout the service. The guest preacher was the Rt. Rev. Larry Robertson, Suffragon Bishop of the Arctic. He gave a wonderful children's talk with his puppet friend, Wally the Wolf with a clear invitation to the children to accept Jesus into their lives. His sermon on the prodical son, illustrated with true testimonies, was very powerful.

I had a chance to chat with him for a few minutes during coffee hour to exchange notes about the Arctic. He knows Jonas Alloolloo,Priest in Arctic Bay while I was in Nanisivik in 1989. Jonas is now in northern Quebec. He advised me the cartoon I thoroughly enjoyed in the Yellowknifer Newspaper is still being published.

Bishop Michael Installation - Saturday morning March 7th

2009-03-08T22:54:00.000-07:00

Bishop Michael Hawkins was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Saskatchewan at the Installation Service 11:00 am Saturday morning. Bishop Michael had asked me to be his chaplain for this service a couple of weeks ago by email. When I went to seat myself at my designated seat next to the Bishop, I found my spot already occupied by a Cree Clergyman. I opted to stand beside the Bishop and follow him down to a space on the pew below the pulpit during his sermon. I joined the Choir for the singing of the Lenten Prose, so overall, there was not that much conspicuous standing :) In the picture above I am the 3rd person to the right of the Bishop in the back row.

Consecration Service - My observations

2009-03-07T22:52:00.000-08:00

I asked prayer of several group lists that I am on for this service. I felt their pray support. What a wonderful show of support from a wide and diverse Christian community, including celebrating the Eucharist. I even noted members of the mass Choir and congregation singing along with the Cree singers using the phonetics printed in the service booklet.

About a week ago, I had chatted with Rev. Jean Paul Westin, a close friend of Michael's from the Maritimes. I asked him if he was coming and he said "No", but when I went over to St. Mary's High School for the reception, there in person was Jean Paul.

I sang in the Men of the Way, the Mass Choir, and St. Alban's Choir and my daughter, Twyla Gange accompanied the Men of the Way with her flute during the Communion number. She also played along with the organ and violin for the Hymns.

Consecration Service - Friday March 6th.

2009-03-07T22:25:00.000-08:00

I probably will say a bit more about this wonderful evening, but I want first to include the comments of Pastor Daniel Graham, of the Free Methodist Church as he shared with members on his newsletter list.

I had a great experience last night attending the service for "The Consecration of Michael Hawkins as a Bishop in the Church of God". In other words, Michael Hawkins is now a bishop in the Anglican church.

If you have attended a wedding, funeral, special service, mid-week service, or even a regular worship time at St. Alban's Cathedral, then you have maybe met Michael. He has been the pastor there, and the Dean of the Prince Albert area for about 8 years now, and when that is your role, you are stationed at St. Alban's (St. Alban's is the big church that the mall and Dairy queen were built around.)

Last night's service was a 2 hour event with all the rich symbolism and tradition that you might expect from our Anglican brothers and sisters at such an important time. loved seeing the robes. I love the grandeur of the Sacred Heart Cathedral where it was held. The gifts of a ring, cross, Stole (shawl) & Cope (cloak), Mitre, Bible, and Staff from various church leaders and his own family seemed like such an appropriate set of tools so that Michael may never forget the great trust placed upon him by those he will serve. The liturgy of prayers, scriptures, responsive readings, and statements of truth was never boring, but rather... um... captivating. The whole atmosphere was fresh to a guy like me, raised solidly inside the ultra-pragmatic world of evangelical protestantism; and so I thoroughly enjoyed the many symbolisms in the service because they reminded me that we are part of something really important. I am glad that my friend Michael has been selected to be the Bishop of Saskatchewan ('Saskatchewan really meaning the area around Prince Albert and the north, in Anglican leadership terms). He is wise, he is a capable leader, he has been a competant pastor at St. Alban's, he is very personable, he has a great track record, and most importantly - he relies on Jesus for guidance and strength. Lord, may your servant Michael be ever more reliant upon you as he is given greater responsibility. Give him your grace and wisdom as he helps to lead a major denomination through unstable waters. Work through him so that he is a blessing to everyone whom he comes into contact with. Bless our Anglican brothers and sisters in Christ that they may see many new disciples made through their churches.

Amen.

March Winter Storm :(

2009-03-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

The morning started out nice - but by about 10:00 am it started snowing and by 10:30 am it was a heavy snowfall. Downright depressing watching the snowfall coming down heavy while I was in the barber chair. I was just getting ready to climb into the Jimmy to go to the Lenten Lunch when my cell phone rang. It was Volunteer Services asking if I could take over a Meals on Wheels route. A lady from our church was involved in an accident at 6th Ave. E. and 22nd St. and her car was damaged too much to finish the route. I went straight there and arrived at the same time as the police cruiser. Her son arrived about a minute later and helped me load the meals into my car. I finished the East Hill Route in time to arrive at the Lenten Lunch by 12:30 in time to hear the speaker and the ladies providing the lunch made sure I had lots to eat.

I drove through the inclimate weather to another practice of the Men of the Way in preparation for the Consecration of our Bishop tomorrow night.

With the weather and road conditions what they are I told Diane I would drive her to work tomorrow morning.

Promising Day

2009-03-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

Woke up at 5:30 am to -9c, no fresh snow. After Bible Study it was up to -7c. Hopefully, by noon it will be approaching 0c. Still have to try and get a haircut this morning and then go to noon Lenten Series at St. Alban's.

Day at Work

2009-03-04T20:42:00.000-08:00

I spent most of morning at the CO-OP with work associated with the Compound/Greenhouse. I had to shovel the snow away from in front of a half pallet of 50l Potting Soil to take down to the Hardware downstairs. I also had to with the assistance of my manager, remove the top row of bales of Peatmoss off the pallet in the warehouse so that I could take the pallet through the front door to the Compound. While doing that something fell in my eye and I had to rush and flush out my eye. Eventually, I got all the pallets where they were supposed to be and apparently nothing serious with my eye. I finally had a chance to take off my boots and coat, about 1 1/2 hours after I started work and went for my coffee/lunch break just before noon.

Still Missing Muffy

2009-03-02T21:20:00.000-08:00

I did not go home at noon hour today. It did seem strange. Diane went to the Vet to the pay the bill. I think it was good for her to talk to our Vet. If you scroll down to my first report of Muffy you will find a picture of her (after a clipping).

Missing Muffy

2009-03-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

Reflections on a weekend without Muffy:

Peaches is showing no sign of missing Muffy. Diane definitely is. She wants to delay washing the blankets Muffy laid on on the couch - not ready to give up her scent. Diane asked me if I was coming home from work Monday for my noon hour. I immediately said Yes, then I realized that with Muffy gone, I had no reason to come home. With the rush that it always is, I opted for not coming home.

Victory 100 FM

2009-02-27T20:23:00.000-08:00

As of before Christmas 2008, Prince Albert now has a Christian Radio Station on air. I was nominated at the Annual Meeting of Prince Albert Christian Radio Corporation, Inc. to serve as a Board Member and was ratified by the previous Board members to serve along with them. It is definitely a hands on Board. Hopefully, some of the meetings will be spread further apart when we get more established in the community. I am already chairing a Promotions Committee. I make a point of handing out as many brochures as possible. I had the opportunity to share at the first session of the Lenten Lunch Series on Thursday. We call the station Victory 100 FM on 100.1 transmitting with 50 watts power from a Tower and Base Station on the acreage of our Technician, Walter VE5PJP (also the home of one of our local Ham Radio Repeaters). We are looking forward to gradually increasing local programming and supporting our local and Saskatchewan Christian Gospel recording artists.

Time to move on

2009-02-27T20:21:00.000-08:00

In January, I resigned from the Board of Fountain of Life School of Ministry after serving on the Board in several positions for about 10 years. I felt the Lord leading me in a new direction.

Sad Day - Good Bye Muffy

2009-02-27T19:58:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been a long time since I made an entry in my blog.

After a 5 month courageous battle with renal failure (kidney disease), our beloved 15.5 yrs. old dog, Muffy, finally deteriorated to a such a level last night, losing the use of her hind legs, that we made the decision it was time. I called the Vet this morning and got a recording. I talked to the answering service and she advised they were closed today with no one on call-out. I phoned our vet at home and she said the office was closed for a computer upgrade. I said I would have to go elsewhere - it couldn't be put off. She said she would be there in 10 minutes.

I sat and held Muffy during the euthanasia process. It was over in seconds. We put Muffy in a box still wearing one of her sweaters.

I took her home and left her in the kitchen while I opened up the grave I had prepared last Fall. I placed her in a corner of the large hole. (We have an old cat, as well.) I covered her with 100 litres of Potting Soil and re-covered the grave with boards and tarpaulin to await Spring, when I will complete the task.

Fond memories, Muffy. We will not forget.

St. Petersburg String Quartet

2008-11-07T18:46:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been over a week since Diane and I attended this concert at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre. This group is from the St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music in Russia. This touring group consisted of 2 men and 2 women. The 2 women played 1st and 2nd violin, while the men played the viola and cello. Besides being wonderful to listen to, it was great to watch the changing of voices of the instruments back and forth. Their encore was a fun polka with lots of plucking and intentional discord. During intermission, I purchased a 2006 CD featuring music by Mendelssohn and Dvorak. That CD was actually recorded in Canada and the 2nd Violin player was a man.
Take a moment to check out their webpage at http://www.stpetersburgquartet.com/

Life and Times of Art A Pederson

Aunt Ethel &Uncle Norton Myrah - 65th Anniversary

Ethel & Norton Myrah

Gator Show at Ex 2009

P.A. Exhibition Parade July 27, 2009

Evening Boat Ride on Anglin Lake

P.A. Profile July 20th - Guy Shannon

A WEEK OF HOLIDAYS

Summer Jam 2009

Cake on Fire

Drive to Shellbrook

Peaches - At Rest after 15 years :(

Busy Days

Michael's 40th Birthday Celebration - May 24th

Without A Song Concert Sunday Evening May 24th

May 19th - More Winter

Sunday, May 17th - Supper at Ed's Inn

May 14th, 2009 - Now 61 years old

Prince Albert Men's Chorus Spring Concert

In Concert! Anna Bekolay, Riane LaPaire, Diane Bestvater

Turned out to be a nice day

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

OSL Information Meeting in St. Stephen's,MacDowall

John Diefenbaker School Talent Show

Grandson William Gange - John Diefenbaker School Talent Show

Granddaughter Rebecca Gange at John Diefenbaker School Talent Show

Messiah Lutheran celebrates 75 Yrs of the Lutheran Hour Radio Broadcast

Lay Readers Licencing Service 4:00 pm

Order of St. Luke Healing Service, James Smith Reserve - Saturday, April 25th

Delivering Posters for Victory Radio Fundraiser Concert next Week.

Other Activities

Coffee with Harry

Anglican Men's Coffee Fellowship

Victory FM

Been a few days

Prince Albert Daily Herald Front Page Photo Saturday April 11, 2009

Good Friday Way of the Cross Newspaper Photo

Roberta's Emergency - Part 2

Happy 80th Birthday Bert

Roberta's Emergency

My Good Friday

Good Friday according to the Back Pew Guy

Maundy Thursday Service

Thursday Activities.

Work-out at Work

Victory Radio Board Meeting - April 7th

Order of St. Luke Healing Service

Palm Sunday Service

P.A. Music Festival Instrumental Awards Concert Pictures

P.A. Music Festival Instrumental Concert Pictures

Prince Albert Music Festival Instrumental Awards Concert

Anglican Guys Friday Morning Coffee

Thursday Lenten Luncheon Series

The Concert that didn't happen

Peaches is 15 yrs old.

Our Anniversary - 39 years

March 30th - Men's Chorus

FUNDS FOR THE FURNACE

Spring?

Sign of Spring?

Saturday Activities

Order of St. Luke the Physician Group on Facebook

Thursday Happenings

Wednesday Activities.

Music Festival

Weather again :(

Weather :(

Music Festival

Sunday Evening

Sunday Schedule

Prince Albert Music Festival Piano Awards Concert

Coffee with Guy Shannon

Friday Morning Breakfast at A&W

Lenten Lunch reflection

Summary of Thursday's Activities

Music Festival - Senior Piano

March 17th - St. Patrick's Day

Doug Sinclair

Fresh Snow

Ed's Inn