A Sunny Saturday on the Sea

We were very excited when our new neighbors (as of two years ago) 

invited us to go with them for a day on their boat.

We drove in together to North Vancouver and parked at Mosquito Creek Marina. 

I was enthralled with the beauty of these little houses on the marina

along Jerry (Kanaka) Nahanee Way.

It felt like a little taste of Europe. 

In modern style. 

We had a fun tour of the boat and watched them get set to launch.

There's a rhythm they have by now. 

We passed by some well known landmarks in the Burrard Inlet

and headed toward Second Narrows Bridge, 

which looked so beautiful from the water. 

Another view, with the wake.

We continued cruising up the Indian Arm, past Deep Cove. 

Our lunch was a jointly packed lunch of chicken, potato salad, carrot salad,

rolls and cheese. Why does everything taste better when shared like this? 

We stopped off at the home of our neighbor's sister

who lives right on the coast, with only water access.

We had a lovely visit there. 

On the way back I enjoyed the view and the sun on the bow. 

The mat felt like a bed and when I laid back, I fell asleep.

I don't know if that is being good company,

but that's how comfortable it was. 

I do not often share about times with friends,

but they are such an important part of life,

going through the hard and the good -

 there for each other in many ways. 

Old friends and new friends ...

and all who come by here, so very special. 

A Grand Weekend in August

One weekend we had Ben and Kari's kids here, 

with Makenna and Evy added in for parts. 

Friday night we joined thousands of other locals 

for the annual symphony in the park.

There's nothing like musical selections of our favorite classial movies,

such as Phantom of the Opera, Bring him home from Les Miserables, 

 or Nessun Dorma floating into the open air.

Members of the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra danced the tango while playing Libertango. 

Amazing talent all around. 

Saturday morning we enjoyed waffles with vanilla custard, strawberries,

and/or homemade raspberry syrup with whipped cream.

Teddy was especially full of smiles. 

Jade spent some time trying to figure out what to do 

with the rope she asked Papa to tie to the tree. 

We all played pickle ball. No pictures. 

Whatever paints I had, got hauled out to paint rocks. 

I found little notes (typed on my old manual typewriter) 

alongside some special rocks set aside as gifts. 

Makenna and Lacey tried out our bikes and blue tooth helmets.

It feels so crazy that they can just take off on their own now. 

My favorite memory of them is finding them looking through my fridge/freezer,

late in the afternoon, looking for Eggo waffles!!

When I asked if they wanted some blueberries to go with the whipped cream,

they replied with ,"No, nothing healthy."

I love this pre/early teen stage. 

Dinnertime included Papa entertaining them with stories. 

Sunday morning we all headed to church.

They get themselves ready on their own

and help each other where needed.

This reminds me of the salon they set up one afternoon.

After the younger ones had their hair and make up done at the "salon"

they rummaged through the dress-up bin and came up for a fashion show.

I have a feeling these days are fleeting.

Especially when I see those little princess dresses getting rather small. 

They all love games ...

whether they are outside games, or board games.

Notice that some winners know how to do the winner's dance quite well!

It was a weekend that came up spur of the moment,

so easy and fun! 

 

Sixty-Five

August 17, 1957 was a bit of a scary, but exciting day for my parents. I was two weeks early. My dad only had a bicycle to take my mom to the clinic I was born at, a small place in Nueva Helvecia, Uruguay. He was right there, all in, assisting the labor nurse. I was born with the cord around my neck and quite blue, but on that day I breathed my first, and have seen God's continued hand on my life through every season. 

By this time I've learned that the seasons are short, so we need to pray through the hard and savor the good in each. Don't rush. The only thing that lasts forever is God's Word, His faithfulness and His abiding love! I have no idea how I'd manage life without knowing this.

So very grateful for His care from the moment I was born until the moment He calls me home. 

These Are the Special Times

This past week we squeezed in yet another day to remember.

I'm so glad we started this biennial tradition,

a number of years ago because Julene was home.

We take a day, most often a day and a night 

to spend in Vancouver.

Just us ladies. 

2020 was a year to remember for obvious reasons.

I remember Kari taking one of those roll away clothing racks,

and we filled it up because we were so happy to be shopping.

The three of them all tried on the same outfits,

something they would likely never purchase, 

just for a good laugh. 

What stands out for 2018 is that we had tickets to see Mama Mia

at a small theatre on Granville. 

It's one of my best memories together! 

2016 was a year when Kristal and Kari both had small children at home yet,

so an uninterrupted sleep at a hotel and eating at favorite places

was especially wonderful. 

These are the special times,

for laughter, heart to heart conversations

and intentional time set aside. 

Time well invested.

Lakehouse Family Reunion

After missing Christmas 2020 and 2021 gatherings, we finally got in a summer get together!

We began with making Rollkuchen for an early afternoon snack. 

The guys prepared two cooking spots.

Should have taken a photo of Monika and I ...

but here are the son-in-laws who helped Dad renovate the barn into a cabin

many years ago. 

Year by year, memories have been added 

to this place Dad and Mom Janzen purchased on the weekend that their first granchild was born. 

I remember my Dad's exubernace about the potential that this place held, 

and the fact that he was now an Opa. 

If only he could see today! 

I'd be so very excited to introduce him to his twenty six great-grandchildren! 

Vinny and Jack at the table ...

Victor

Natalie, Makenna, Lacey, Teddy, Evy, Jade

Isabelle

Jade (again) and Erika

Carmen with Vinny (again) and Sebi. I love this photo! 

Makenzie and Chloe added to the mix

Anna, Calvin and Victor (again) on the right

Landon and Koen laughing. The photo does not capture my initial shock! 

This uninvited guest flew over from the neighbor's yard

and took many of us by surprise by his random landings.

A better photo of Chloe, prepping for dinner.

And the two oldest, Tehya and Paeton at the end of the table ... who did I miss? 

Patrick is rolling Rollkuchen on the first photo.

Adelia,  Mikyela, Isaac, Riley and Reese were not there.

Also missing were Helmut, Dorice, Naomi, Matt, Darren, Chelsea and Tim. 

(out of town or country) 

The view that never gets old.

A perfect day in many ways

and worth the effort to make it happen.

No one comes from the earth like grass. We come like trees. 

Maya Angelou

Just for Fun

Our retirement, birthdays, etc gift from the kids was a family photo shoot on the beach.

While we waited for the photographer we quickly shot some of our own;

a good opportunity!

From oldest to youngest ... we were ready!

These are times I do feel like a fly on the wall,

observing the reality of our three grown up,

and reminding us of how life goes on. 

Words can hardly express the sentiments

of seeing the next generations

grow and be their own, yet part of us. 

The four gentlemen

The seven maidens

The moms

The photographer arrived and we headed to the beach.

The following photos are random candid shots

from my phone, keeping out of the way of the photographer,

while she was focusing on individual family photos, etc. 

I'm looking forward to seeing what she saw. 

My view as we left the beach, 

expressing feelings that make me smile. 

All this, as they say,

because two people fell in love. 

And, moreso, because God is faithful.