Yesterday, (Wednesday March 31) G, G, Jordan & Caleb went into deep outer space. We were passengers on a mission to repair the Hubble space telescope. After succesfully completing the repairs we then continued on into space, out of our own galaxy and deep into and past many other galaxies. We ended our trip at a galaxy that began emitting light many, many light years before our own galaxy was born. Some of the pictures that were taken on our journey are available for viewing at http://images.google.ca/images?hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENCA369&q=hubble+images&lr=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=4wG1S8LlHoXGlQfJ4dxm&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBQQsAQwAA
All we needed for this trip was an Imax ticket to see Hubble 3D and a pair of glasses. We all arrived home safely in time for lunch.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Anon(ymous)
Friday evening Grandma and I had the oportunity to see Alba in the Gordon Bell High School production of a drama by Naomi Jizuka called Anon(ymous). It was based on Homer's The Odyssey.
It was a very couragous play to be presented by a High School as it dealt with the topic of refugees from various countries being mistreated in a developed country. There were very few laughs but lot's of serious issues raised. In my opinion however, it was an ideal play for this particular school due to the very multi-cultured makeup of its student body.
Alba had three roles; she was a sewing lady in a sweat shop, she was Belen, an immigrant woman in various positions and she was part of what was called The Chorus. The Chorus was not a singing group, rather a group of black clothed and hooded figures that added a number of dimensions to the production. I thought The Chorus was a great way of adding a very sombre mood to the whole production.
The venue was the Ellice Theatre (formerly Cinema 3) on Ellice Ave. It is attached (side by side) to the Ellice Cafe. This is a cafe/theatre that was started by an organization called New Life Ministries which was headed by the late Harry Lahotsky. He was known throughout the city and province as a tireless community worker in the area where Kathy, Wes and Alba live. I thought it was an absolutely perfect location for the presentation of this production. We aslo enjoyed supper with Kathy & Wes as well as her friend Violet and husband Barry at this Cafe. It's run as a community venture that provides employment and training to some people from this area.
Both Grandma and I gave it two thumbs up in addition to lot's of congratulatory hugs for Alba.
It was a very couragous play to be presented by a High School as it dealt with the topic of refugees from various countries being mistreated in a developed country. There were very few laughs but lot's of serious issues raised. In my opinion however, it was an ideal play for this particular school due to the very multi-cultured makeup of its student body.
Alba had three roles; she was a sewing lady in a sweat shop, she was Belen, an immigrant woman in various positions and she was part of what was called The Chorus. The Chorus was not a singing group, rather a group of black clothed and hooded figures that added a number of dimensions to the production. I thought The Chorus was a great way of adding a very sombre mood to the whole production.
The venue was the Ellice Theatre (formerly Cinema 3) on Ellice Ave. It is attached (side by side) to the Ellice Cafe. This is a cafe/theatre that was started by an organization called New Life Ministries which was headed by the late Harry Lahotsky. He was known throughout the city and province as a tireless community worker in the area where Kathy, Wes and Alba live. I thought it was an absolutely perfect location for the presentation of this production. We aslo enjoyed supper with Kathy & Wes as well as her friend Violet and husband Barry at this Cafe. It's run as a community venture that provides employment and training to some people from this area.
Both Grandma and I gave it two thumbs up in addition to lot's of congratulatory hugs for Alba.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sunrise
Early this morning I drove Jonathan to Boundary Trails Hospital for surgery on his knee. He'll be back this afternoon as it's lapascopic surgery.
On the way home the sun was just rising. Some clouds in the sky were reflecting all of the colours of the sun, orange, green, red and purple. It was one of those great rural Manitoba winter mornings when the snow-covered fields are all moving low on the ground. Just enough wind to create this scene, not enough to pick up the snow. The drifting snow was also catching and reflecting the colours of the sun.
I stopped the car and marveled at the spectacle before me. I was reminded again of why I love living in rural Manitoba, there's no place like it. I was also reminded of how God provides me with these amazing visual experiences on a regular basis as if to confirm that He loves me.
On the way home the sun was just rising. Some clouds in the sky were reflecting all of the colours of the sun, orange, green, red and purple. It was one of those great rural Manitoba winter mornings when the snow-covered fields are all moving low on the ground. Just enough wind to create this scene, not enough to pick up the snow. The drifting snow was also catching and reflecting the colours of the sun.
I stopped the car and marveled at the spectacle before me. I was reminded again of why I love living in rural Manitoba, there's no place like it. I was also reminded of how God provides me with these amazing visual experiences on a regular basis as if to confirm that He loves me.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Olympics in Altona
Mia has been having a little taste of the Olympics at preschool this week. She came home with four medals, two gold and two silver, the olympic torch, olympic flag and of course the Canada flag. She has really been enjoying all the excitement and especially the medals. When I went to pick her up all the kids had a medal around their neck but Mia....she had three! She's a competitive one!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
so far...
So far- sorry for the long delay as i have been jumping around from White Rock-Vancouver to Burnaby.
But so far the Olympic city is BUSY. Lots of big crowds with bright red mittens and international scarfs and flags. The flash dance that mom and I were practicing did not go off as smoothly as the streets were not fully closed off and many people had already heard about it...however I got some air time being interviewed by a Taiwanese and an American crew! Crazy eh?
I have not yet experienced the FREE zipline that is in place on Robson Square (in the heart of downtown), nor have I been in the VAG (Vancouver Art Gallery) which is also FREE and has a DaVinci exhibit!!!! I'm very excited to eventually do both! I have been in some of the free Pavillions, but so far they are not too exciting...nor have i had the chance on visiting the international buildings, but the Olympics are still young.
I have also been watching as much of the events as i can- and what was the most amazing event so far on the sports events was seeing our Alexandre Bilodeau win the first Gold for Canada, and the first Gold ever on Canadian soil on the moguls. :)
Have any of you been watching the events? Any sites that you wish me to go see and report back on?
But so far the Olympic city is BUSY. Lots of big crowds with bright red mittens and international scarfs and flags. The flash dance that mom and I were practicing did not go off as smoothly as the streets were not fully closed off and many people had already heard about it...however I got some air time being interviewed by a Taiwanese and an American crew! Crazy eh?
I have not yet experienced the FREE zipline that is in place on Robson Square (in the heart of downtown), nor have I been in the VAG (Vancouver Art Gallery) which is also FREE and has a DaVinci exhibit!!!! I'm very excited to eventually do both! I have been in some of the free Pavillions, but so far they are not too exciting...nor have i had the chance on visiting the international buildings, but the Olympics are still young.
I have also been watching as much of the events as i can- and what was the most amazing event so far on the sports events was seeing our Alexandre Bilodeau win the first Gold for Canada, and the first Gold ever on Canadian soil on the moguls. :)
Have any of you been watching the events? Any sites that you wish me to go see and report back on?
Friday, February 12, 2010
15
That's right, Alba is 15. So Happy Birthday and I hope you enjoy your day. For all you followers of this blog here's a skill testing question. In which city and country was Alba born? Anyone who answers correctly gets a kiss from Alba.
7 waiting for news about 5 from 2
Yes, there are seven people waiting for news about the five Olympic rings at the rehearsal of the opening Olympic ceremonies from two people.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
TATP
There seems to be a virus making the rounds among teens. It's commonly known as TATP (Teen Aversion To Posting). The only known cure to this point is an anti-virus activity known as JDI (Just Do It).
So far there are no known TATP Support Groups. But since this is a growing concern in our society there seems to be a need for such a group. Psychologists are baffled by this relatively new phenomenon but considerable research is currently happening at various renowned institutions.
In the meantime, remember, there is a simple cure available to you, so JDI.
So far there are no known TATP Support Groups. But since this is a growing concern in our society there seems to be a need for such a group. Psychologists are baffled by this relatively new phenomenon but considerable research is currently happening at various renowned institutions.
In the meantime, remember, there is a simple cure available to you, so JDI.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The four C's plus a bonus
This morning I decided to walk uptown (about 1 km each way) to do a few chores. The weather was absolutely perfect. It was a four C day. Calm, clear, cold and crisp. As a bonus, God threw in some georgous hoar frost covering everything. It was absolutly breathtaking. The sky was a deep blue, no clouds. The snow was crunchy under my feet. It was about -25 with no wind. A perfect day for walking outside. I felt lucky to be able to experience this miracle.
Did you know that hoar frost is caused when mosture in the air changes from a gas to a solid, bypassing first becoming a liquid? How cool is that? It's one of those mysterious wonders in nature that God has provided for us simply to enjoy.
Did you know that hoar frost is caused when mosture in the air changes from a gas to a solid, bypassing first becoming a liquid? How cool is that? It's one of those mysterious wonders in nature that God has provided for us simply to enjoy.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
countdown
Only 4 more days until the Olympics are here!!!
Only 3 more days until the Olympic torch comes to SFU!!
Only 1 more day until the Ross's (or the majority of them) go to the Dress Rehearsal of the Opening Games Ceremony!
Ain't things great?
I believe so.
Only 3 more days until the Olympic torch comes to SFU!!
Only 1 more day until the Ross's (or the majority of them) go to the Dress Rehearsal of the Opening Games Ceremony!
Ain't things great?
I believe so.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Kate's Two!
Wednesday February 3rd we celebrated Kate's birthday with a group of her friends who meet every Wednesday for a playdate. Kate was very surprise when she saw her birthday cake. It was her giraffe! Or as she would say Daff! (Thanks to our friend Cindy who made the awesome cake). We all had a fun morning of playing, eating and opening a few gifts! Then on February 4th she turned two! What a big girl! She loves telling people that she is now two!
Waiting
The whole 2:7 Blog world is waiting to hear about Kate's birthday party. I hope her official spokesperson can post a new blog about that.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Alba (tross)
Hey everybody, let's welcome Alba to this blog. We'll wait to see her picture in the FRIENDS section.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics are coming up fast! I hope everyone will take the time off to watch some of our athletes and cheer them on during the two crazy weeks during February.
I, myself do not have any tickets to any events :( not that i could rumage up a couple of grand for the men's hockey gold game *sigh*. However, Mom was lucky enough to get some extra tickets for the dress-rehearsal for the opening games, so that will be the Ross's only ticket for a taste of an Olympic event
BUT, there are SO many cool events going on, which i have already been to one, and planning on attending more. Most of the events are fine and preforming art shows. The streets in downtown Vancouver are also gearing up, with lights and art-work down Granville St., giant ads for the Olympics on sky-risers, and memorabilia in almost every window.
Will keep y'all updated about the activities going on over the Olympics.
Stay in touch!
I, myself do not have any tickets to any events :( not that i could rumage up a couple of grand for the men's hockey gold game *sigh*. However, Mom was lucky enough to get some extra tickets for the dress-rehearsal for the opening games, so that will be the Ross's only ticket for a taste of an Olympic event
BUT, there are SO many cool events going on, which i have already been to one, and planning on attending more. Most of the events are fine and preforming art shows. The streets in downtown Vancouver are also gearing up, with lights and art-work down Granville St., giant ads for the Olympics on sky-risers, and memorabilia in almost every window.
Will keep y'all updated about the activities going on over the Olympics.
Stay in touch!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Welcome Home
It was good to see two tanned and happy people along with two excited girls yestereday. Jonathan & Cheryl spent a week in Barbados and their girls spent that week with their Grandma Mary and Grandpa Paul in Jordan, ON. The girls also spent a lot of time with their Ontario cousins and were invite to four birthday parties in that one week.
J & C had a great time together with another couple exploring the sand and the water on Barbados' east coast. This is the surfing coast in Barbados. They went snorkling, swam with some 7 foot long fish, rode on the back of a giant turtle and watched sunsets while having great suppers.
Unfortunately, they missed a great winter storm here in Manitoba. It's the price you pay for having fun.
Visiting with them over supper yesterday, G & G remembered their week in Barbados many years ago.
J & C had a great time together with another couple exploring the sand and the water on Barbados' east coast. This is the surfing coast in Barbados. They went snorkling, swam with some 7 foot long fish, rode on the back of a giant turtle and watched sunsets while having great suppers.
Unfortunately, they missed a great winter storm here in Manitoba. It's the price you pay for having fun.
Visiting with them over supper yesterday, G & G remembered their week in Barbados many years ago.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Snow
To all of us Manitobans, snow and wind are common winter occurences. We woke yesterday to one of those beautiful winter days when everything is covered with a blanket of snow and there is absolutely nothing "out of place".
Today, however, reality has set in. I borrowed our neighbour's snow blower and tackled our driveway and sidewalk. After that, I went over to our neighbours and started on his driveway. Unfortunately, one of the things that had been out of place, and now covered with snow was an extension cord he used to plug in one of his several vehicles. The snow blower found it. His extension cord is now several feet shorter. And, the snow blower needed a new bolt in the front auger.
So, several hours later, the snow blower repaired and stored back in the owners garage, I was back in the house. My love for that beautiful white snow is still there, only slightly diminished.
Today, however, reality has set in. I borrowed our neighbour's snow blower and tackled our driveway and sidewalk. After that, I went over to our neighbours and started on his driveway. Unfortunately, one of the things that had been out of place, and now covered with snow was an extension cord he used to plug in one of his several vehicles. The snow blower found it. His extension cord is now several feet shorter. And, the snow blower needed a new bolt in the front auger.
So, several hours later, the snow blower repaired and stored back in the owners garage, I was back in the house. My love for that beautiful white snow is still there, only slightly diminished.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Newborn Blog
We've taken the plunge into the cyberworld of blogging. Still don't know what's happening but with seven techies helping us it should work.
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