The weather

Ten days ago I was ordained to be a pastor in Lutheran Church of Australia. It was a wonderful service in the Concordia Chapel and a great day. Since then my furniture and goods have been packed up by the moving company, so my rooms looks a little spartan. 

Last Sunday I preached for my first time as a Lutheran pastor and blessed the sacrament. What a day. It seems so strange, I will never again be able to say "when I'm a pastor", because I am. 

Tomorrow I'm going to Qld for 5 days to preach in the Alberton Parish where I worked as a youth intern before studying at Sem, and catch up friends and family. I will at my parents place for Christmas and the new year. Just a lazy few weeks before starting in parish. 

By the way, as predicted the temperature for ordination was perfect, 22. 

Christmas blessings to you all

Adrian

The weather

I am a fan of global warming. Usually the temperature for ALC graduation is something in the range of 35-42. This year, and maybe for the first time in history, it is going to be in the teens, 19 in fact. According to my calculations this is because of global warming!

I wonder if I will have to eat my words next week at ordination? It could be in the 40s and my theory be mocked.

Keep cool

Adrian

Graduation

By 3pm today I will no longer be a student. I will graduate from Australian Lutheran College with a bachelor of theology and bachelor of ministry. That means I will be unemployed. Thankfully the people of Esperance and Kalgoorlie have promised to give me a house to live in, and I said I would help out around the church while I am there. 

Until I go to WA in January I will visit family and friends, spend Christmas at home, go fishing /camping with my brothers, go to two weddings and spend 11 days with my girlfriend. 

Only 40 days left now Bec.

Adrian

Incredible

This morning while driving to the chiropractor my eyes almost fell from their sockets, petrol for 99.9 cents. So on the way home I filled up my car and for the first time in I can't remember how long the litres were more than the dollars. 

I'm not sure how long this will last, but enjoy it while you can.

Adrian

I'm all done

Five years ago I came to ALC to find out if what people said about me being a pastor was true. As a high school dropout I came fearing the study. How could I do everything required of me? How do you write an essay? Am I going to last the distance? 

For the first year I told God that if you want me to be a pastor you are going to have to help out, big time! Surprise, surprise, I liked my studies and found that God not only helped me but I was better at study than I ever thought possible. St Paul expresses it in this way:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:20

Praise be to God for helping me and growing me into the man to whom the church says "we will ordain you Adrian." I give my deepest thanks to all those people who have helped me along the way with encouraging words, a listening ear, money, and for being a friend when I needed you most. You probably don't even know that you helped me, but thank you. 

Now begins the process of buying furniture, finding a removalist, buying a car and saying good bye to the place and people that have been a pivotal part of my life for the last five years. 

And a new adventure is just about to begin.

Blessings

Adrian

I drink water too

Two posts ago I reported on the inundation of engagements here at Sem and made the comment that 'there must be something in the water around here.' Well - I know, a strange choice of words when talking about water - I have been drinking some of the local Adam's ale myself and have caught at least the slightest bug that has been going around. 

Hello Rebecca

I look forward to seeing you in January 

Only 58 days to go

Now I can tell you

Last Monday us final years had our interviews with the College Presidents so they can get to know us better in order to place us in our first parish. 

32 hours later I opened an envelope in the National president's office to discover that next year I will be the pastor in the Esperance/Kalgoorlie parish in Western Australia. 

WOW, I am excited!!!!

While five of us were placed on Tuesday, two families are still waiting and may only find out in 2 weeks. I hope the waiting is not too long.

Adrian

There is something in the water

Engagements are everywhere. First of all Matthias and Julie were engaged a few weeks ago, and just this last weekend 3 more people living in Catharine Court were engaged. 

Michael and Maria

Tim and Lauren

Carl and Krista

There must be something in the water round here. 

The only thing happening with the water in unit 1 is its coming up through the floor! While vacuuming on Monday I noticed a wet patch on the carpet. On Tuesday it looked like our lounge room was going to be jack hammered up to get to the pipe. Thankfully we didn't wake this morning to find our apartment floating on Welly Square and the plumber fixed the problem without getting out any heavy machinery. But the fan is running 24/7 to dry the carpet.  

Keep dry, Adrian

The things you see

When going on long trips I can recommend that you take plenty of stops and don't drink too much coffee. One every 2 hours is stacks. Having broken these rules on Sunday afternoon I thought I was seeing things when I saw an elephant in a trailer near Tailem Bend. However to show my friends that i was not hallucinating I shot it... with my D40x 

Thanks Rach for teaching me about photoshop.

Adrian

A big week

What a week it has been. 

Last Thursday my flat mate for the last 4.5 year left to do his vicarage in Springwood NSW. It has been strange not having Paul around. No random discussions on eco-theology (his honors topic), and no important questions like "what wine will go with that?"

On the bright side Julie Anne, my new flat mate, was here one night and she gets engaged! It's all happening here at the moment. People moving out, people moving in, people getting engaged...  I wonder what exciting event waits around the corner for me? 

God bless you Julie and Matthias as you embark on the wonderful journey of wedding planning then marriage.

Adrian xo

Fresh Sheets

I love the convenience of using clothes dryers in winter. But what I like more is the feel and smell of air dried cloths and sheets. They are crinkly to fold and feel so fresh to put on. And there is something special about getting into bed the sheets are washed. It is like wiggling your way between layers of filo pastry. 

I love the small pleasures God provides for us everyday.

How about you? What small things make your day...

Thinking back

On Saturday it was 12 months ago that I arrived in Desboro to begin my vicarage. I didn't know all the wonderful blessings God had in store for me. And today is 91 days until ordination and a new adventure will begin. God really is a fantastic tour director.

Adrian

They're home

I have just spoken to my Mum and Dad who arrived back in Australia this morning from their trip to Canada for Brenton and Shirley's wedding. Before flying out for Australia they went on a 7 day Alaskan cruise. Dad described the ship as a "feedlot for people." Maybe they will have to live on cornflakes and bread for the next week?

Welcome home Mum and Dad, I hope you sleep well.

Happy Father's for Sunday Dad

God's blessings

Love Adrian

A new toy

You may have noticed the lack of photos on my blog lately. Well it is not because I haven't been taking photos, but that they are too big to put on my blog. So, because I am getting more into photography and my old computer is full (in Canada recently it refused to down load some photos because there was not enough room) I decided to but a new computer. You can see a what it looks like here. It will take me a while to get up to speed with my new machine, so you might have to wait a while yet.

I'm looking forward to showing you more of what I see though the lens of my camera. 

Adrian

The home straight

I have just started my last trimester of study. Five years ago this point seemed so far away, and now it has arrived. Although I have loved the journey, I have been looking forward to the end.

I think its time for a new challenge.

Back to work

I made it safely back to Australia, just. When we landed in Melbourne from Auckland we had to sit in the plane for 50 mins waiting for the baggage system to be repaired. So when we got of the plane I had to jump the customs line to catch my flight to Adelaide. I made it, but it was a bit hairy for a minute or two.

Being in Canada with my family was great. I loved spending so much time with my sister Debra, and showing my parents around the part of Canada I know well was a blessing for me. I wonder what country we shall get together in next year?

Such a long plane trip is doing funny things to sleep pattern. I feel tired at night, but no matter how early or late I go to bed I still wake up early and ready to go. I'm sure it will settle down soon.

Adrian

Grey/Bruce adventures

We have just spent the most wonderful 5 days with the people of Faith Desboro. Catching up with my close friends has been an amazing experience. As we left today driving, along side of the 7 ft high corn crops, we all had damp eyes. Again I would like to thank everyone who opened their hearts to me and my family. Returning to Canada has confirmed that vicarage was more than just a practical part of my study, it was one of the highlights of my life.

On a similar note, at the Horse Shoe competition last year I was paired up with the champion from the last 5 years, Bill Kuhl. And the day ended as expected, the champion carried the novice to the winners podium. This year Bill could not compete in the Klages trophy and I was paired with Julie Hachey and with her help I successfully held my title of Klages Horseshoe champion. Now the people of Desboro have told me that I will have to return next year to defend my title. Maybe if they pay half the airfare and let me preach that day....

Oh and if I get a feed of pig tails at a potluck that might sweeten the deal.

From the North

We are having a great time traveling around Grey/Bruce Counties catching up with friends from vicarage and showing my family the sights. We are all tired from the flight which went fine but was long. The weather is real nice, about 25 degree days. A lot like our springs, just a little more humid.

Cheers, Adrian

Packing

I am all packed and I leave tomorrow morning for Melbourne to stay the night at Brenton and Shirley's place with Mum and Dad. On Tuesday morning we will meet Debra at the airport and fly out for Toronto at 11am, arriving at 11pm the same day.

No, Toronto is not 12 flying hours from Melbourne, it is about 16, plus the waiting at airports it will be a long day.

Adrian

Winter

July is the coldest month of Australia's winter. And in the past I have described certain days as 'freezing!' But after spending a winter in Canada the term freezing has taken on a new dimension: freezing means ice and snow. And although we don't have snow and ice in Adelaide, Sunday was yucky walking to my car after church when it was 12 degrees, and the wind blasting the spitting rain in my face, I just couldn't bring myself to say it was freezing.

Adrian

I'm still here

It has been a while since I have blogged. I haven't been feeling the best since starting back in class. Settling back into the routine is difficult. Things have looking up since our mid trimester two week break started. I have finished one assignment, have a good start on another and will finish a third later this week.

I have spent most days working, but I am going to the Barossa Valley on Wednesday wine tasting. Yummo! I have tried wines from around Australia, and a few overseas, but I think the Barossa has the best reds, so I'm looking forward to the trip.

In just over two weeks I will going to my second favourite country in the solar system: Canada. My brother Brenton will be marrying Shirley in Vancouver. I have the privilege of preaching at their wedding as well as showing Mum, Dad and my sister Debra around Grey/Bruce county to see where I did vicarage. I'm excited to see my friends again. Who knows when I will see again?

See you Canucks in a few weeks eh!

Adrian

My weekend

Last weekend on the farm was great fun. We got our hands dirty on the Saturday working with the cattle, including the calves as you can see.


The foggy mornings, eating Mums fine fare, driving around the farm in the ute with Dad, talking with my siblings about work, life, food and hunting was all good for my soul. And i got to bring some of it back with me. One of Mum and Dad's apple trees went silly this year and produced 160kg of apples. So they sent two big boxes with me back to Adelaide to use and give away to my Sem mates.

By the way, i got two votes for my photo in the facebook competition. I didn't take it to win a prize, but to preserve a memory.

Blessings,

Adrian

Going home

I arrived back in Australia 3 weeks ago, but I haven't seen my family yet. So with the long weekend coming up I am going to my parents farm at Edenhope, Victoria.

Going back to the farm connects me the years I spent farming between leaving school and studying at Sem. 'You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy.'

Being on the farm recharges my batteries like nothing else can. I am looking forward to sitting in the same room as my family, driving around the farm looking at the cows and calves, and getting my hands dirty doing whatever it takes. Being a city boy these days I love going home to the farm: there is no traffic noise and the water smells and tastes like water. Not like a shower cleaning product!

I'm looking forward to the weekend.

Enjoy your long weekend (sorry Canucks)

Adrian

As many of you know I love my photography. So, when I saw on facebook that I could enter a photography competition I jumped at the chance. The current theme is vehicles and I entered three photos like this one.

It was taken from the Auckland airport on the way back to Australia. We left LA at 5:30pm Sunday and arrived in NZ at 5:30am Tuesday, just before the sun came up.


I will let you know how I go.

Adrian

Adapting

Many of you will know that when I went to Canada I regularly wrote 'you know you are in Canada when.' Well, moving back home after living overseas for an extended time means that adjustments have to be made and old things look new. So...

You know you are in Australia when:

• You use the wiper controls (mounted on the left side of the steering column) to show other drivers which direction you are turning
• You use the indicator control (found on the right side of the steering column) to put the car into park
  
• The price of petrol (not gas) is $1.55 and diesel $1.82. Canadian $1.47 and $1.72 respectively

Blessings to you all

Adrian

The Hills in Autumn

After church today my mate Paul and I went for a drive in the Adelaide Hills to take in their Autumn beauty and to give my camera a run in the Australian landscape, given that up to now it has lived on a Canadian diet. And what a wonderful afternoon it was. Unlike a lot of South Australia the hills are very green, the vines have dropped their leaves, some of the native flowers are out and the roads are as windy as ever. A vista around every corner. It was a relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

A typical hills scene: vines and native bush

I think the horse was admiring the sun set also

Adrian xo

I'm back

Well, 36 hours after leaving Marmion I arrived at my unit in North Adelaide on Tuesday morning at 10:30. I was welcomed at the airport by a placard waving crowd of four. I was tired and as promised the first thing I did was have a shower, then the unpacking and the telling of stories began.

I will have more to say later

Love, Adrian XO

The trip back

The first leg of my return to .au is complete. I am sitting in LAX waiting 5.5 hours until my flight to NZ leaves. Catching the plane this morning was a bit hairy. The scheduled leaving time was 12:55pm. We arrived at Toronto half an hour earlier than planned and discovered the flight was due to leave at 11:55. I rushed as much as I could and I was running for the boarding gate heard the final call for Air Canada flight 799. I boarded at 11:45.

Many people have asked me, "what is the first thing will when you get home?" I have given varying answers, but I can now give you the final answer: have a shower!!! After traveling for 32 hours I'm sure my friends will appreciate me not smelling like a gym towel.

Take care

PS: thanks for leaving early this morning Phil.

Adrian xo

Driving in a snow storm

Before I leave Canada I must tell my aussie friends what a driving in a snow storm is like. The following description must be performed to get a full understanding of driving in a snow storm.

1. Go to your tv and pull out the the antenna cable
2. Turn on the tv
3. When snow has appeared on the screen get on your knees and push your nose against the glass and try and see the edge of the road. Can you see it? No. Good.
4. Place your hands on the side of the tv, or even better, if you have a tv cabinet grab hold of the sides of the cabinet. This is now your steering wheel.
   
5. While keeping your nose on the screen (which is now your windscreen) and hands on the wheel try and feel the vibration of the car driving on the edge of the road and heading for the ditch. If you can feel the car leaving the road, correct its path by gently steering in the opposite direction .

If you are laughing insanely and thinking to yourself "what am I doing this for?" then, and only then have you entered the mind of someone driving in a snow storm. Remember, if you stop you might be hit by another car or even worse, a snowplough.

Happy driving


Adrian

Close encounter

Last night I arrived home late and was getting my things out of the car when I heard something rustling in the bushes along the side of the house. I watched and waiting to see what would appear. To my surprise a skunk darted out of the bushes and walked along the edge of the garden about 6 metres from me. I have been well taught and did not make any sudden moves but let the little critter go on it way.

Adrian

Farewell Sunday

On Sunday I preached my last sermon for vicarage at Faith Desboro. The 11am service was followed by a potluck (which one of the young people said must mean 'try one of everything' in German) and a farewell program that involved much singing, reminiscing, laughing and a few tears.

It was an extraordinary day. To hear so many people say many nice things about me was overwhelming. Can everything they say be true? Truly God has used me in this place to speak his word to his people, who are also my blessed friends.

I was struggling to know what to say that made my gratitude for everything the people of Faith have done for me sound genuine. Just saying thank you didn't seem enough. A friend said, ‘speak from your heart’. So I did and I managed to say everything I wanted to say.

To wind down from the emotional high of my farewell I went home and gave my new camera lens and spin. I photographed the flowers in a bouquet from church. I’m happy with my new toy.

Blessings to you all.

May you friends know how much you love them, as I know my friends love me.

Adrian xo

Thoughts of home

Well, the 'Return to Australia Clock' has ticked into single figures. I only have 9 days left until I climb aboard that tin bird and return to the southern hemisphere.

I have not been thinking much about going back home until last Saturday night. I went to bed early and started thinking, what is the first thing I will do when I get back to my unit? Sleep for two days? Visit my friends? Go and sit in the park across the road from my unit where I often go and talk to God? Eat a pie and sauce?... That was the end of getting to sleep early.

The jury is still out, but I will be glad to get off the plane.


Adrian

Spring, Spring, Spring

Spring has sprung, the grass is riz and i don't have to wonder where the boidies is. They are in Ontario because the weather is fine and dandy. The Cardinals, Canada Geese, Red Winged Black Birds, Golden Finches, Turkey Buzzards and many more have returned to Canada after spending winter in the warmer southern climes.

The days are glorious, 20-25 degrees, sunny all day long and just the a slight breeze. I didn't know Canada could be so beautiful without snow.

For you mum,
some daffodils i met on the way home from church

Adrian XO

Thoughts on leaving

Last Sunday i was back here at Faith after spending the previous Sunday with the people at the Moncton Lutheran Church in New Brunswick. Although i was only gone for 10 days it felt like a month. I had the feeling that i had returned home after a long absence. Desboro has been my home for the last 8 months and the people of Faith my family.

Leaving Australia was hard, but going home may prove more difficult than i thought.

Adrian

The trip

4 people, 5 provinces, 10 days, 4811 km

Yesterday (Tuesday) we arrived home safely after our whistle stop tour of the Maritimes. I am more informed about Canadian culture (the French influence), food (poutine, escargot, genuine French onion soup and taffy), history (Arcadian) and people (maritimers). It would have been better to see it all in summer, but we made the best of the weather we had.

Now to catch up on sleep.

God Bless,

Adrian XO

Spring is sprung

Today is going to be the warmest day for the year, 18 degrees in Desboro. Soon the grass will be green, leaves on the trees, the robins singing and flowers blooming; let allergy season begin.

Blessing for the Easter/spring season.

Adrian XO

On the road

Since visiting Quebec City we have been to Beresford and Moncton and New Brunswick, the snow banks in town are 2-3 metres high. All records have been broken this year with 492cm of snow.

Gerry and Yvonne's place where we stayed in Beresford

We crossed the 12.9km bridge into Prince Edward Island - the potatoe capital of Canada - and went to Charlottetown.

The Confederation Bridge to PEI

Then down to Halifax Nova Scotia and now back in Moncton. After going to church tomorrow we will probably go back to Quebec City, our favourite place so far and wander around the streets soaking up the sights, the French Canadian atmosphere, and the coffee.

Au revoir,

Adrian

Quebec

Yesterday we went to the Ice Hotel near Quebec City and waled around Quebec City. The ice Hotel is only open for a limited season of course, but a very beautiful place. The hotel includes 36 rooms, 3 include a fire place that emits 0 heat, a bar, a chapel, an ice slide and beautiful sculptures.

The second bar at the Ice Hotel

Quebec City is 400 years old this year and the only walled city in North America. It was wonderful to wander around the old part of the city and take in the architecture, shopping and views.

The Frontenac Hotel

A Quebec specialty is Poutine; chips, gravy and cheese curds. My new mate Morris loved it. I am told the Poutine we had was not the best, but it was ok.



Today we head for New Brunswick along the Saint Lawrence Strait.

Cheers, Adrian

Skidoo

After breakfast this morning i went for a ride on my neighbours skidoo. Getting out in the bush while the frost was still making everything sparkle like diamonds was wonderful.

On Sunday i leave for a ten day trip with friends to New Brunswick on Canada's Atlantic coast. I got my new camera on Friday and i am looking forward to taking lots of pictures, which i will share with you.

Easter blessings

Adrian

Only in Canada

Canadians love to play golf and will not let the weather conditions dictate when they can play.



In Canada the weather has reached its coldest when the icicles start growing up from the ground. Here is a little one just starting.



This is a picture of a mature one that has grown up to the spouting just outside my front door.



You know it is almost spring in Canada, not when the beers come out, because they drink beer all year round, but when you need a cooler (esky) to keep the beers from rising above 0.

We didn't catch any fish, but my tan looks great.

Another sign that spring is on the way is when that headers start harvesting the snow before it melts.


Adrian

Spring, not quiet

What a beautiful day. The bright shinning sun is lighting up the brilliant blue sky, it could almost be spring... except it is -25 this morning.

It is still beautiful though

Adrian xo

Why I Love Ontario

This is a poem a friend gave me yesterday

It's winter in Ontario
And the gentle breezes blow,
70 miles per hour at 52 below!

Oh, how I love Ontario
When the snow's up to your butt.
You take a breath of winter air
And your nose is frozen shut.

Yes, the weather here is wonderful,
I guess I'll hang around.
I could never leave Ontario,
'Cause I'm frozen to the ground.

Don't worry Mum, spring will come before i have to fly home.

Adrian

Ok eh!

I now feel more Canadian than ever before and it is all thanks to Bob and Doug McKenzie's movie Strange Brew. For the Aussies, I would call it the Canadian equivalent of The Castle. Strange Brew includes wonderful Canadianisms as 'hoser' (a loser), 'take-off' (go away), 'beer' (beer) and 'eh' (ay in Qld).

Bob and Doug

You know you are in Canada when:

• your breath turns to ice on the windscreen when you get into the car in the morning
• you following your friends home from an evening service and the snow is falling so heavy their tail lights disappear, and they are only 50m in front of you

My first blizzard

Yesterday (Wednesday) i awoke to a howling wind and radio reports that most roads in area were shut. The wind was gusting to 100 kph, blowing the snow and reducing visibility to zero at times. The temperature was -9, but the wind chill made it -25. All the schools were shut as were many businesses. A dangerous day to be on the roads. So i stayed home for the day, did some reading and caught up on some sleep.

If you have never experienced -25, and most of my friends back home have not, you may wonder what it feels like. The first thing is that the cold air kind of tickles your throat and lungs making you cough and you breath slower to make it stop, and any uncovered skin feels like there is an ice cube on it.

Invigorating indeed!!

The down wind side of my car

A new sport

I have taken up a new sport, and it does not require me to master skating as ice hockey would, or cost a fortune like a ski doo would, but it does require skill and uses more energy than you might think. I am part of a curling team. For the Australians who don't know what curling it is best if follow this link; curling . Last week was my first game and we won 9-7. Curling is big in Canada and people of all ages play it. It is included in some school sport curriculum's.

Adrian

More snow

Over the last four days we have had 25-35 cm of snow. Winter is looking at her best again.

You know you are in Canada when:

• you spend the first 15 minutes after arriving at church clearing the snow off the footpath and entry way
• you leave you water bottle in the car during the day and it freezes
• the roads are better to drive on in winter because the potholes have frozen over
• your friends have stories about hitting deer with their car and not kangaroos
• many people don't know what a fortnight is
  
• after church you have to remove 10 cm of snow from your car

• your neighbour's dog looks more wolf than poodle

This is Shamus and despite his wolf like appearance he is real friendly.

Keep warm and keep shoveling

Adrian

This mornings drive into church was a hairy one. It was snowing when i left home, but only 1 km down the road visibility went from 500m to 100m, or less. The snow was sticking to the windscreen and i only had a hole the size of a football to look through. At those times the focus is to stay on the road and on the right side of the road. Two hours later, the sun was shining.

The view from the church door

A question for Canadians: if it is raining heavy it is said to be "raining cats and dogs", what is heavy snow called?

Adrian XO

PS: For those who don't know, you can leave a comment on my blog even if you don't have a google account. Just click other or anonymous and leave your name at the end of your comments.

It's back

Yay, the snow has returned. When i looked out my lounge room window this morning i was excited to see that the snow is back. This is much better. I didn't travel half way around the world to have an Australian winter.

A photo i snapped of the Sachs family's farm yard this morning.

Adrian

Where has the snow gone?

On Sunday temperatures lifted to 4 degrees and it started to rain. Yesterday we had a high of 11 and this morning most of the snow is gone. There are only little bits of snow left here and there. Winter seems to have gone on vacation.

Whiteface

On Thursday and Friday we skied Whiteface mountain at Lake Placid, the sight of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. The mountain is about 1km in height from the bottom of the gondola to the top of the highest ski run. The first day was -22 when we started skiing, but the sun was shinning making it a beautiful day. I had five layers under my jacket to keep warm, but i had to take my jumper off at lunch time because I was too hot. The skiing was great, there were plenty of runs for me to choose from. I kept off the hardest runs, but did go to the top once.

Whiteface from a distance

I'm the one in the red jacket. The gondola went 2/3's of the way up the mountain.

Our group from the top of the gondola. From the left Philip, Adam, Me, Laura, Steve, John, Andrew, Emilie.

Steve and Emilie; check out the backdrop.


Looking to the top of Whiteface. I skied down the run on the left.

My time at Whiteface was brilliant. The skiing was great, even though i am physically exhausted and have muscles that never want to don skis again. The hardest part was getting my legs working on day two. I crashed twice with the only injury being to my pride.

Thank you to the Sachs/Hachey clan for inviting me to join them on their annual ski trip.

Blessings,

Adrian XO

My skiing holiday

Last Wednesday I drove with a group down to Lake Placid, Upper New York State for four days holiday. At the Canadian/US boarder I was pulled aside for closer inspection. Thankfully a search of my person was not necessary and after 45 mins of being mucked around we were again on our way.

Some hours later I was asked for my ID when buying beer at a supermarket. At the age of 36 made my day, especially seeing that 21yo Laura was not asked for her ID.

After 14.5 hours of traveling, shopping and sitting at the US boarder our car arrived at the chalet; we swapped traveling stories with the others, had dinner and settled into our accommodation.

Our chalet and garage/gym.

I'm looking forward to the new three days.

Adrian

PS: The Canadian version of beach volley ball.

Christmas

I must apologize for ignoring my blog over Christmas. It has been very busy with the many worship services and Christmas celebrations that have made my Canadian Christmas special. I will be bringing you up to speed on my Christmas adventures over the next few weeks.

I will start by showing off my new skill; skating. On Sunday afternoon i donned ice skates for the first time and with the help of my instructor Cheryl i managed to stay upright. More over, with Cheryl's constant instructions "just take small steps" i felt that i was actually skating, even though i didn't have a go on my own. Last night the youth went skating and i was solo from the beginning and i didn't fall once. Almost.




Tomorrow i am going with a group from the church to Lake Placid, New York State, for four days skiing. Nice. I will keep you posted.

New Year's blessings to you all

Adrian XO