Merry Christmas

Joyce and I wish each one of you a very Merry and blessed Christmas. We trust you are having as much fun and experiencing as much blessing as we are. To God we give the glory. You will notice in this photo that there are shadows in the picture? You know what that means? Yes, sun!!! It is a beautiful sunny day in LA -- about 70 degrees. This is our campground for about another month. Jana and Korak's house is on the left with our pickup and fifth wheel waaaay back in the driveway. Notice how narrow the driveway is? Just a little wider than the RV.

Our joy quotient topped out Wednesday evening with Ginger's arrival. We picked her up at the airport about 10:00. All of us are having a blast shopping for each other, playing with kids, enjoying the weather, visiting, and just being ALL together. This is the first time in many years that the four Mumaus have been together at Christmas -- and even then it was for only a day or two. And to top it off, we get to have Korak, Josiah, and Lilly with us.

Our friends, Rhonda and Eric with their children, Andrew and Katrina, flew in from Japan Monday morning. Rhonda is Joann's daughter (this is the Joann of the "knock out the closet and make a bigger kitchen/dining room" job last October). They are very special to us. Rhonda was a little girl when we moved to Newberg and met her family. She and her brother grew up with our girls and we've kept contact over the years. I married Rhonda and Eric and rejoiced in the births of their children. After a couple years in Japan as single missionaries, they married and are there now with Asian Access helping to plant a new church way down in the southern part of the country. Anyway, they flew in, rented a car, and headed for Lake Havasu, AZ where his family lives. We were able to meet them at Avis and take them to lunch before they started out. In a week they'll go up to Oregon to see Joann and connect with their supporting churches.

I want you to know I have been very spiritual lately (is that why Santa was so good to me? Naw.) Sunday I went to church at Marina with the kids -- two times. We went to the early service because Josiah, Korak, and I lit the fourth Advent Candle (the 3 generations of guys). But the ladies had nursery duty for the second service so... church again. Actually it was good because they had a lot of music -- really good music. They DO put together some awesome worship experiences. Then last night Korak and I went to the Christmas Eve service at 6:00 and Ginger, Jana, and I went to one at 10:00. The girls and I have a "tradition" of going to a midnight Christmas Eve service together -- sometimes we can't because we're not together and sometimes it's not midnight, but we always try to find one we think will be really good. Last night we went to Belair Presbyterian. This is the church that was pastored by Don Moomaw and is where Ronald Reagan attended. It is big, grand, and stately -- and it was a good candlelight communion service.

Oh well, how about a couple more pictures! Top is Officer Josiah is his new uniform about to give Grandfather Gene a citation for unauthorized picture taking. Bottom are the bakers, Ms. Jana and Miss Lilly in her new cooks uniform. They are making an apple pie of which I need to sample. So I've blabbed on long enough.

The weather is great and it's time for a walk. The Lord is good and it's time for a talk. Always remember, you are loved, even if from a distance. Be careful, be grateful, be useful.

Grand Kid Pictures

Ok, I promised some grand kid pictures so here they are. Josiah is eating popcorn and watching TV. Lilly is cuddled up with daddy. Of course! They are the cutest kids in the world. Josiah is the smartest kid in kindergarten and Lilly is simply charming. She is also stubborn and strong willed! So now this has become a brag blog! Well what did you expect?

Our trip down was enjoyable and uneventful. Uneventful is good. We decided to travel down 99 instead of I-5 because we hadn't been on that route for a couple years. For those not acquainted with the area, look on a California map south of Sacramento and you'll see that the two roads parallel each other.

Some will want to know about diesel prices. I paid $3.36.9 at the Flying J is both Corning and Bakersfield. Here in LA, I've seen it for 3.49.9 at a Shell and something like 3.65.9 somewhere else. Not as bad as I thought it might be.

Tuesday night we stayed at an RV park in Bakersfield. This allowed us to dump our holding tanks and soak in a hot tub. They also had winter rates! It also allowed us to get to Jana's at 11:00 the next morning. This meant less traffic on the freeway and fewer parked cars on the street in front of her house. That was important for backing in. This all worked real well except that I didn't do a very good job of backing in. After being over the curb and on the grass, I finally got in. Their driveway is very narrow; at least that's my excuse.

So I've been busy fixing the mud flat I tore off and putting together a doll cradle we brought for Lilly. This is a cradle that my uncle Ken made for Jana. When she grew out of that stage we took it apart and saved it. So I sanded, glued, put it together, and painted it. It is almost finished. I've also done of a bunch of "daddy dos." Those are like "honey dos" except they come from one's daughter. And there are more!

This last picture was taken Saturday evening. Josiah and Lilly are on the left, middle and back rows. The Taylor clan celebrated Christmas early because one of the brothers and his family can't be here at Christmas. So they all shared their gifts and the kids had a blast. These are the cousins -- plus there are two more in Portland.

Today we went to worship at Marina Christian Fellowship where Jana, Korak and family attend. It was a great time of worship. Good music even if I didn't know all the words. Two young ladies shared the message with the central theme of Joy. One told her story of disappointment in her earlier life. The other became a quadriplegic two years ago. She shared how God had brought her through all the emotions to one of joy. Good, good, good.

Well, some it happens to us, some of it happens because of us, but all of it happens as God watches over us. What is happening in your life? Where is God in it?

Off We Go

I am posting this on Monday, December 10 at almost 9:00 p.m. from kinda warm, kinda sunny, kinda southern California. Actually central California. We are boondocking in Bill & Kathy's parking lot. That is a restaurant at the Dunnigan exit a little north of Sacramento. It is not exactly warm but it is warmer than the 37 degrees we had when we left Grants Pass at 12:45 today. It is also windy. We'll get rocked to sleep tonight!

I guess I can't say the last week has been exactly boring. Lots to do in getting ready to leave plus a funeral Friday. And on top of that a dear lady we became friends with many years ago is in the hospital dying from the effects of a stroke. She lives between us and the church so we often stopped to see her. Her health has never been very good but she is a wonderful person. So Joyce and I made numerous visits to see her in the hospital -- even though she didn't know we were there. We left her in the good hands of her granddaughter, many friends, and the professionals in the hospital.

Yesterday we attended worship at the local Mennonite Church. They changed their name a few months ago -- I think they call themselves New Hope Christian Church, which is logical since they are located on New Hope Road. It was a really great service. They have lots of Hispanic people who attend so the first part of the service was bi-lingual. The sermon was only in English however. The pastor is a friend who is part owner of Farmer's Building Supply and he has always helped supply us with materials when we went to Ensenada with Allen Creek Church.

Today I sold the car. It had quite a few mechanical problems, the biggest being the transmission. I mentioned this to Don, Joyce's brother. He asked if I wanted to get rid of it because he knew a guy who needed a car and he thought he could fix it. The short version, is that I sold it to the fellow after telling him the problems. He found a used transmission and knows how to take the old one out and put the new one in. So it was a good deal all around. But all this had to happen early so I could get Joyce to a lab work appointment and then back to do the last minute packing (maybe the word is stuffing) of the RV and the pickup. One of the things we stuffed in the RV is an 8 foot noble fir Christmas tree we are taking to Jana and Korak. They are cheaper in Grants Pass than in California! So the RV really smells nice. It is still wrapped in binding twine so it will be like opening a Christmas present when we get there. Hope it looks good!

So this is how this new chapter in our world is developing. We commit it go God and expect to have fun experiencing many of new things. Grandkid pictures next week! And what's in your world?

Calmness Prevails

Wasn't last week's blog boring? I'm afraid this one won't be much better. I guess I'm used to more excitement. It has been fun having my sister here. She has spent many hours each day helping Joyce with craft. Saturday evening we went to the "big" Grants Pass Christmas parade. It really isn't very big and we didn't even see Santa Claus -- found out later he was riding in a car with the window rolled up. Oh well, what can you expect for a small town! It was cold enough that we bundled up real good. All the downtown Christmas lights were lit and everyone was in a festive spirit so it was a lot of fun. Even if we are in a small town, I think we have the most beautifully decorated downtown of any I've seen (except maybe the theme towns like Leavenworth, WA).

So, it's coming along. I mowed the lawn yesterday during the little bit of sunshine we had. It started raining today and is supposed to do that for quite a few days. I've started on the little things on the RV like putting a new rod in the closet and making a better bracket for the VCR and DVD.

A real strange thing happened in the church here. Maybe instead of "strange" I should say "unusual." For many years two ladies attended who knew each other but were not close friends. One was very involved in church life, the other was simply very faithful in Sunday morning attendance. During the past year both began to suffer health problems. Their ailments were different but both ended up in the same adult foster care home. Then as the days went by and their health continued to deteriorate they both were in the same room. On the Monday before Thanksgiving I went to visit them (at the request of a family member) and they were comatose with labored breathing. The next day they both went to be with the Lord within a hour of each other. It was like they were racing to see who would get to see Jesus first. I was asked to participate in their services so Pastor Dan and I have been planning for them. Because of Thanksgiving and because of a wedding in Hawaii the services were delayed. Yesterday we had the memorial for the lady active in the church. Next Friday we'll have the service for the other lady. But those things have kept me out of trouble for a little while!!

Today we attended worship at Redwood Country Church. The pastor is new but we know some of the people. It was a good traditional service. They had the church decorated for Christmas and we sang carols. It was fun.

It will be a busy week -- mostly getting ready to head south. And now you know what's in my world. What's in yours?

A Good Week

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. After the shed project, Joyce launched into getting crafts ready for the daycare and I just kicked back for a few days. Joyce needs to get crafts ready for the daycare leaders to use with about 60 kids for the 3 months we will be gone -- December, January, and February. She has two months done already. Thanksgiving day we went to JJ North's for dinner with Mike and Joann. Had a great meal and ate too much. Afterward we watched the movie, "Amazing Grace" at Mike and Joann's. Friday I hit the early morning sales at Staples and then we headed out for Salem.

We are staying with Ginger in her new little mobile home -- I mean, new to her. It actually is quit old but adequate for her. We have had fun helping her get a few things set up and then just visiting. We celebrated Thanksgiving with her Friday evening by going to the Olive Garden. Sunday we all went to Newport for worship and I met with Willy for a little while. Today I met with the superintendent for a little while and then helped Ginger with some meetings she had.

Remember the closet we tore out of Joann's house before we started the shed project? Well Joann invited us to dinner at her house tonight and we got to see the finished project with ceiling finished and new carpet to accent the floor we put down. It really looks nice.

Tomorrow I have a Ministerial Education and Guidance committee meeting. Then we go home. On the way we will pick up my sister, Beth, in Eugene who will stay with us for a week -- and help Joyce with some of the craft preparation.

Not a lot of excitement in this past week but that it okay. What has happened has been good. And that is my world. How about yours? Is it good?

The Shed, Part 2

Yes! Here it is. May I present to you, The Shed. It is done, finished, complete. Well, at least as finished as I will get it. Mike is going to add a ramp at the door. They will run electricity to it later. And put up some rain gutters. Mrs. Boss elected to not have it insulated and sheet rocked. I'll help with whatever they want. It was a long and fun project but I'm glad it is over. I need to start working on the RV and other projects to get ready to head south in 3 or 4 weeks. Next spring I'll gladly go to your place and build you a shed. But you can't afford me! The weather has been amazing during this project. Even though the mornings were cold and often foggy, it never rained. Hear that! In November in Oregon it didn't rain while we were working. It did rain last Saturday and Monday but I didn't plan to work those days anyway. Sunday was a gorgeous day. So was yesterday. But now it's done.

Saturday, I led a family memorial for Mike's father. About 15 people gathered in their living room to share fond memories. It was a good time of reflection and bringing family together. This coming Friday I will lead an interment service for him at Eagle Point National Cemetery. Sunday we attended church at Bethany Presbyterian. Pastor Steve Parker has always been part of our ministerial group and it was good to be in worship with him. Monday, Joyce and I went to Medford. There were a couple things I wanted to get done on the pickup, plus a few other errands. It rained the whole time but we didn't care.

Since this blog is so late in the week, there won't be one next week. So have a great Thanksgiving. Remember to be thankful for all the good blessings God has given you. As always, this is my world. Love to hear what's in yours.

The Shed, Part 1

Most of the week has been devoted to two things: getting unsore (like that word?) and working on the shed. I'm happy to report that there is progress. And as usual, no day is complete without an interruption or two but I expect by the end of this week the outside will be finished. You remember, we are building this for our friends, Mike and Joann. Mike's father has been seriously ill with heart problems and has lived with Mike and Joann for the last month or so. Sunday afternoon he died and we are going to have a family remembrance for him at their house on Saturday. So I want the outside (maybe not the door) finished by then. Also... it is supposed to rain the end of this week.

Yesterday we attended worship at Calvary Church where my friend, Ron is pastor. He is teaching through the New Testament on Sundays and the Old Testament on Wednesdays. It was a good message from Romans, chapter 6.


I promised some pictures. So here is the progress.

The floor is down and we are using it to make the trusses for the roof. The "boss" is helping by standing on rafters to keep them from moving while I nail them.


The framing goes up.
Watch out! I'm coming for you. I need help. The siding is on. There is one big door and one little window. The window isn't cut out yet.

The roof sheeting goes on. Now watch for the updated pictures next week. (I write with a lot of confidence, don't I?)


Well you can see this is my world right now. What's in yours?

I'll Live

Oh my! I think I'll live. For awhile there was some doubt. I have spent a week being stiff, sore, and discovering muscles I didn't know I had. This all started last Monday -- a week ago. On Saturday we went to Newport with a stop in Salem to take Ginger a bed. Oh yeah, I haven't told you about Ginger. Maybe I just better start at the beginning.

Ginger left Gary. This had been building for a long time. About a month ago she called because she had discovered some things he had been doing. I asked her what she wanted to do. She said she wanted to move out. I asked when. She said Monday. So that was our emergency trip to Salem. On Monday she went into a temporary place until a permanent one opened up. She will move from the temporary to the permanent next weekend. If you want to know more, ask me personally but this is enough for public reading.

Last weekend (the 20th-21st) we went to Newport and on the way we delivered a bed for her. It was raining so we wrapped the mattresses in plastic like a Christmas present with lots of duct tape. We also took along a young man who might move to Newport to help with the music. We left him these and still haven't heard how (or if) he made it back. Sunday afternoon we went back to Salem and laid our air mattresses on Ginger's living room floor. Monday was the day of destruction! Our friend Joann in Stayton wanted a closet removed from her house. It was between the dining room and kitchen and took up a lot of living space. So after wielding a 4 lb. hammer, tugging, prying, and carting we got the sheetrock off and the boards removed. All this we took to the dump. That began my week of misery. Boy, was I sore that night. The next day we laid some "floating" wood-grained floor over the whole area. Her son helped by preparing the place where we took out the closet, and laying some of the floor. We were done by early afternoon. Home to Grants Pass.

Now it was time to get serious with the storage shed. This is for another Joann -- our friend who lives down the street. Friday we began to tackle this project in earnest. Well, earnest means when we aren't off to some other meeting or task. Everyday this week there is an interruption. But I'm not sure I could stand a full 8 hours. Next week I'll show you pictures but right now we have the walls up and will work on the siding tomorrow. The next blog tells a little more about it.

Tonight is the first night that I haven't felt like dying when I got home. I think these old (I mean, OLD) muscles are beginning to take the hint. But I'm still stiff with plenty of slightly sore spots. And we're having fun. At least, I think we are. We keep telling ourselves we are. Sunday we drove to Roseburg and attended the Free Methodist church there. Had a nice dinner with Pastor Dan and his wife, Carol. On the way home we left the freeway and took the scenic root through Wolf Creek and along Grave Creek to Galice. It was a little late in the season to see lots of colored leaved but there were still enough to make it a beautiful drive. Very curvy and narrow.

Well I've got to rest my fingers. They're needed for holding a hammer, you know. But that's my world. Now, what's in yours?