CATHEDRAL COVE

January 2012 at Eric's

2012-01-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

Watching TV in the family room. The tree reaches to the ceiling.

eric, sammi, ashley and carol e

Dewey looking in the deck door hoping someone will let him in AND then play with him. The "snow" decoration was on several windows throughout the house.

Don't know why this is on its side. Shows the creche from Jerusalem that was Aunt Marilyn's

Sorry about sideways. Tree number two and the decorations for New Years. Kelly did Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years for her extended family this year.

Eric and Sammi playing a melon chopping game on XBox. Grandma Carol is behind them on the couch.

A back view!! They really get active with this game. It has several different activities and matches the motion of the players to accomplish something on the screen. The "game" senses and follows the individuals without the need for holding something in the hand. Really neat.

Grandma Carol playing 3D connect with Sammi. There is a "tray" below near countertop.

The chefs. They had just fixed lasagna and french bread. Note the FBI apron on granny!!

Family Photo Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T13:04:00.000-08:00

Savana, Ron, Kristi, Korby, Ayden, Pat, Gary, Carol E, Alec, Kim, Shelby, Ava, Shannon, Sam, John, Lee, Rae and Aaron. Erin's finger in bottom right. Carol A was also taking picture

Gift Bag Contents 2011

2011-12-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

Starting at bottom left

Starbucks coffee "tube" from ?

Green 8x8 cloth from Carol A(IOU for embroidery)

Chap stick from ?

Silver container of seasoning salt from Kim (we had to ask who gave it)

Colorful container of homemade cookies from Kristi. Carol E got a flower pot gnome which is precious but not pictured

Baggy of dried kiwi, mango, pineapple and papaya from R /C

A silver ink pen and 2 homemade candies from Pat

Magnet clips from J/C

Two tootsie rolls from ?

A black sunglass holder from Gary

Light blue candy from Brasil from S & W

A foil wrapped Santa candy from ?

A giraffe head book place holder (animals) from J/ C

Mentos from ?

Orange package of handwarmers from J/C

Black tall box of Kahlua candies from J/C: Carol got Baileys flavor.

Pint jar of pear jam from Shannon with peeling assist from Gary.

Sam gave a quart jar of laundery soap which only requires a tablespoon per load. Not pictured, sorry Sam!!

Carol keeps bringing items missed in the photo: A picture collage of The Bryant clan in many poses. A flower topped clip for holding photos or recipes.

If you can help with more items or the identity of the giver, please e-mail and I will update the above.

Thanks again to all for making the afternoon lots of fun.

Christmas Eve Luncheon 2011

2011-12-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

Sam, Shelby and Ron. Ron has the funny hat!! As you can see in the background it was a sunny day with no snow. This is just after lunch and we are opening the gift bag. More on contents in the next post.

Aaron, Carol A, Carol E, Rae, John

Lee, Gary and Pat. The poinsetta was carried over from last year. Not as full as those from the store, but festive. Yep, we rearranged the furniture for the event.

Savana, Kristi, and Lee. Note the mentos in Lee's pocket. Savana had those in her right hand which I "cropped". Don't know who put them in the white gift bags.

Alec, Kim, Korbyn and Ayden. Ayden favored the apple and orange while Alec was thrilled with the "Mater" (from Cars) shampoo bottle. I'm not sure what Korby has.

Ava with her yoyo. I think the only mishaps of the day were a 2 piece yoyo (will need to be glued together) and a smashed small snow globe ( the pieces were manually picked up and then the area vacuumed)

Rae and Aaron just about ready to head to their next party.

I think the only person not pictured is Erin. Sorry "roomy"!!

Lunch was served first. Then the large community gift bags were pillaged and finally the gag gifts were opened. KimShannon rummaged thru their attic and brought a photo printer and scrabble game (not really white elephant, but WELL received and traded); John/Carol wrapped up 3 huge, landscape nails and a Christmas assortment; Pat/Gary brought a small water fountain and ?; Erin/Aaron gave a book and ?; Kristi/Shelby brought 2 pillow shams and a bag with giraffe stuff; Ron/Carol gave a naked lady nutcracker and a WIDE LOAD banner. We know there was other stuff but can't remember. Any help would be appreciated.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

A Christmas Carol Dec 18, 2011

2011-12-19T05:55:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoon performance. During intermission, Ron was selected from the audience to be measured for size of casket he would need!!

He has just received the "official quote" for size of casket and cost. 4 pounds!!

Kristi and Savanna were supporting actresses in the play and did great. It was a good thing that Kristi was in the "choir" or we wouldn't have heard much of the music. She has a great voice!! Savanna had a costume change about midway thru the play and this is her second "character".

Ayden came with Kim and was fascinated by the characters who wandered thru the audience several times during the play. The moans and screams of persons in dark and dreary London were "exciting"!!!

Thrift Store Christmas Party

2011-12-13T20:10:00.000-08:00

Lisa, Rosanne, Noni Carol E Ron Donna
Judy Ralph

Carol E and Ralph are spouses, the rest are active in the operation of the Eldon Food Pantry Thrift Store. Rosanne thru the party and we all enjoyed good food, desserts and conversation. Lots of Eldon history was shared.

$2.99 Gas in Eldon!!!

2011-11-28T13:05:00.000-08:00

As I was driving in to the Eldon Food Pantry, I saw that Northshore was at $2.99 for regular gas!! Eldon is the same.

We had seen $2.95 at one station at 435 and Front Street in KCMO on our Thanksgiving Day journey to E & A. Most stations were still over $3 but we did buy at $2.96 at the Roadway MiniMart, LaMonte, but this is cash only, otherwise it was $3.06.

Come on down to Missouri for some more reasonably priced gasoline!!

Thanksgiving at E & A 2011

2011-11-27T17:20:00.000-08:00

This was supposed to be the last photo to show Aaron leaving for the night shift about 8pm. Yep, he was out protecting KCMO in the Central Division. I forgot to add and now it is the front photo.

We arrived about 11:30 and Grandma Carol held the happy girl before she even took off her sweat shirt. We drove in rain from Rocky Mount with heavy rain at Sedalia and finally it stopped east of Lees Summit and then the north wind took over. Brrrr

We can be serious at times and really like the jumpy chair with leaps and squeals!!

The table was set with decorative touches and the food did it proud!! Yum Yum. Note there are no pictures of food, cause we were tooooo busy chowing down!!

Someone got a deco bow and some milk for dinner.

Yep, the kitchen was full of cooks!! Kristi finally shooed us all to the TV room.

Ayden, Aaron and Rae

Does the shoestring go over then under???

I'm not sure if I like this guy??

Ava and her new winter hat. It is bright and reminded Carol and I of the Peruvian musicians who played in Boston when Carol and I first met Wemerson.

Hey, I'm happy and I think I'll cut a tooth one of these first days, cause I like to chew on my thumb or anybody's finger!!

Thanks Erin and Aaron for a wonderful weekend.

Eldon Food Pantry Thrift Store

2011-11-18T10:39:00.000-08:00

The Thrift Store is just south of the community center (& library) at 312 E. 2nd in Eldon, MO The hours are Mon, Wed, Sat from 9-2. A website is

http://www.eldoncommunityfoodpantry.com/

573-392-8380

A center hallway between the two "buildings" leads to the food pantry which distributes each Monday and the 1st and 2nd Wed of the month from 9-2 to eligible families.

The first day of the month usually has over 200 families, the next open date will have about 150 and then 70-100 families the rest of the month. The shelves are virtually EMPTY this month and donations are really needed.

Funds raised by thrift store sales will be used to buy more food items as needed.

Just to the west of the main thrift store is the "annex" where the overflow and larger items are kept. It has been converted to a Christmas room this year and sales have been pretty good for so early in the season.

The view from the door as you enter the room.

View from the west wall back to the east wall by the main door.

Yes, we are rushing the season!!!

I have been helping with this room and getting stuff ready in the back rooms for displaying and selling in the main store. We had all volunteer help for the last 10 days as Rosanne, the thrift store manager, went to California to visit family.

Auction Time in November

2011-11-16T17:49:00.000-08:00

Tuesday nights is the TriCounty Auction which starts at 5pm. I like the action in "the barn" which is where a lot of "garage sale" stuff is sold. The gentlemen in the "cowboy" hat is the auctioneer who uses a portable microphone system.

Another view from the "east side" of the "barn". I usually stay a couple of hours and have been buying remainders of "lots" for a $1 which I take to the thrift store.

On this day the sun was setting and I hoped I could get a shot of the fire red we saw last week.

I thought the sky was just going to fade away.

And then it finally appeared and lasted for about 3 minutes!!

Brasilian Wedding

2011-11-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

Wemerson's brother, Adriano (Dri or Dree) finally weds. He is older than Wem.

Handsome Max escorting a young lady down the aisle.

Proud Mom, Sara, and Max with a very serious look!!

The wedding was on Saturday Nov 5. On Sunday Nov 6 Wem and Dree's maternal grandmother who has had Alzheimers for several years finally dies. The families traveled to the state of Rio for her funeral on Monday.

Finke Theater Sunday Nov 6, 2011

2011-11-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

Patty plays in the California band/orchestra and they had their concert in the Finke Theater. The opera house/theatre was built in 1885 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

The performance started at 3pm and lasted til 4pm with about 8 selections from marches to a Lion King medley. I liked the circus march the best.

Patty plays the bassoon and is the white hair just below the conductors left elbow. We sat near the back and this is the best of several photos I attempted with a cheapy camera.

There were 17 members playing and about 70 in the audience.

Halloween at Kim & Shannon's

2011-11-01T05:35:00.000-07:00

The group that dressed up for the combined October birthdays and Halloween soup and sandwich feast at Kim and Shannon's on Sunday, Oct 30, 2011.

Race car driver #1 (Vanna), swordsman (Alec), Orange race car driver #2 (Shelby), blue man (Kristi), pumpkin (Rae), catsup (Aaron), mustard (Erin), bumblebee (Ava), ghost (Ron), rainbow hair (Pat), bright eyes (Gary), spiderman (Ayden) and getting out of picture blue person (Kim)

Primary colors - red, blue, yellow, white and black

Signage on backs - forgot to get photo of mustard and catsup which listed their ingredients!!

The little pumpkin.

Thanks for the birthday cards and lottery ticket (with no winnings!!)

Fall foliage and blooms

2011-10-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

This shot was taken before we left for Maryland

A similar shot when we returned. Still very pretty

Our view of the cove. The red maple is really nice and this is without any sunshine.

Across the cove. So Sara can remember what autumn is like!!

Pumpkin Carving at Eric's

2011-10-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

Our last evening was spent around the kitchen island with carving tools in hand. Eric, Eddie (he left fast), Ashley, Sammi, & Carol

Pumpkin brain matter is really ugly and disgusting!!

All three are getting into it!!

The island top is getting messier.

The dremel tool is GREAT but is does splatter on the purple (Ravens) shirt.

I'm melting (with flash)

Without flash -- sorry about the blurs

Number 2 pumpkin

Number 3 pumpkin.

Last year they put the pumpkins outside and someone vandalized them. Don't know what might happen this year??

Barbara A. Parkhurst 1934-2011

2011-10-14T05:58:00.000-07:00

2008 at their house near Olathe

Ron and Barbe in the pool for the housing complex

Barbe making sure that Deane serves the meat correctly at gourmet dinner.

At a gourmet dinner at the lake in 2007. This is the smile and relaxed look that we remember the most.

With Carol E. at Barb and Deane's 50th Wedding Celebration in Overland Park, KS in 2010.

Barbe was born Aug 22, 1934 in Chicago and died Oct 3, 2011 in Olathe, KS due to complications from reoccurring lung cancer.

We have been friends with Barbe and Deanne for 34 years and have enjoyed many, many dinners together in that time.

We will miss you Barbe but you will be in our hearts forever.

Rae and Sis

2011-10-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

While I went to ReStore in Camdenton, Sis came down to "help" with Rae. The little munckin really keys on the camera!!

I really like the little and big fingers shots.

Friday Night Football - Homecoming

2011-10-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

The stands and sidelines were packed on the Eldon side so I set up my chair on the Warsaw Wildcats sidelines which was almost empty. They did have a few in the stands on the visitor's side.

The band as it was entering the field before the game. I liked the large flag.

Seranading the Eldon crowd. Tried to catch the flags in motion.

Yes, I did watch the football game, which Eldon won 48 to 12 (I think). Of course Lee didn't get to play until I left early in the fourth quarter. I listened to the radio broadcast and he was mentioned twice as having tackled the Warsaw runner. Way to go Lee!! My camera is a real "dud", as at night the picture is taken about 15 seconds AFTER you push the button. Had to anticipate the action. Missed a really good shot right in front of me with a gang tackle headed right at me!! Darn.

BABY TIME

2011-10-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

We had the "difficult" task of watching baby Rae on Wednesday afternoon while mommy Erin was at a "conference". She loves to watch things move.

And her bottle. We thought of Sara and Max as we were putting the frozen breast milk into the freezer for future use.

Such little fingers.

I think we are happy but am not really sure!!

Yep, even old gramps got a chance to hold her.

We put a pillow under her feet so she could make the jump up work better.

After some fussing and getting tooooo tired, Ron held her snuggly to his chest and walked around the house humming a tune and she finally conked.

There may be more pictures when we get back to downloading the camera.

Eldon Turkey Festival -- Quilts

2011-09-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

Quilts in the order she took them. They were displayed in the community center large room. Enjoy.

I think these must be ties??

Eldon Turkey Days -- Tractors

2011-09-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

Carol was too late for the band (check out Kristi's blog) so she took a few photos of tractors for Max, Lucas, Ayden and Alec!! And any one else who is young at heart.

There were red and green and blue and yellow tractors.

And a black automobile by Henry Ford.

Apple Pie Time in Missouri!!

2011-09-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

The Nazarene church in Eldon makes and sells pies to generate funds for Missions projects. The set up is quite efficient and requires 40-50 volunteers per session. In the garage where the church buses and tractor are normally housed, are the tables for peeling the apples. The gentleman in white hat takes the peels and cores and feeds his hogs. He is turning a "peeler" and the gentleman across is cutting into pie sized pieces and checking for bad spots.

My "partner" is in the black hat. The peeler I borrow from Jay is just visible in the bottom right corner. Behind to left are empty boxes which hold 1 and 1/9 bushel of apples or 80-90 apples.

The lady in the kitchen with the maroon apron is the "pie chef". She has been running the operation for several years. She also volunteers at Eldon Food Pantry Thrift Store on Wednesdays so I sometimes work with her there, too.

From 1-5 a crew comes in and makes the crust "balls" on the round platter in foreground. These are then rolled into the bottom crust and placed in the aluminum pie pans by several "holy rollers" including Louise in the yellow blouse on left side of table. The whole assembly operation is set up in their activities center which also has basket ball court, etc.

The bottom crusts go to the filling area where 4 cups of apple slices are added then topped with butter, sugar, cinnamon & ??.

The filled pies are staged awaiting top crust. The top crust crew was too small this evening, as the table is normally not this full.

The dough balls are rolled into upper crusts and placed on the filled pies. I think they crimp and vent the pies here, too.

They then package and place into freezer or into boxes for immediate dispersal to advance sales customers who can bake them or freeze them. The gentleman in front is taping the directions for baking onto the plastic covers (they use #1 PETE containers which are recyclable!) In a 2 hour shift (6-8pm) they complete about 400 pies. Target total is over 3500 pies(oopss make that 5000-5500 pies)!! Pies sell for $7 each or 6 for $35. They are REALLY GOOD!!

Sara and Wem, I thought of you making 400 lunches for a fund raiser at MTC.

Korbyn is Two!!

2011-09-18T17:31:00.000-07:00

Miss K's bedroom, just recently redone.

Miss K liked to look at her cake, BUT NO WAY was she going to blow out the candles. Daddy Sam did it 3 times for her.

Her adoring audience sang Happy Birthday, but I was paraphrasing Para bens Voce in my head!! Just for the Brasilians.

Miss K did enjoy the cake and wore a bit for show!! We thought she would take a nap, but NO the sugar kicked in and the kid was wired!!

Miss K opens a large present with Alec, Ayden and Ava wishing they could HELP, as she was almost as slow as Great Grandma Ella Blecke!!

Even Great Grandpa Gary had to help a bit under the watchful eyes of Savana and Sam.

Miss K opens a doll with daddy Sam watching. Note the torn knees on his jeans. They are the "in" thing.

Another present.

Of course some Dora the Explorer!!

Great Grandma Pat gave a bank and $5 in coins which they carefully dropped into the piggy. Shannon and Ayden are watching from the couch.

Carol E and Miss K with her new backpack.

Aunt Kristi with her two new leg weights!!

Grandma and mommy Kim with two of her three girls.

MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS KORBYN

Improvements at MTC grounds and road

2011-09-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Photo in 2009 which shows the fields below the main building. Note the area just above and between the two predominant posts. That is tall cane of some sort which blocks the view of the road at the base of the hill in background.

A higher vantage point - taken from 3rd floor of main building in 2011. Just above the yellow date stamp is a tan ribbon of road. All the cane has been removed and the road improved.

The knoll leading up to entrance of MTC in 2009. Sara, Max and Lucas are looking at the irrigation canal. Note the heavy green growth behind them.

2011 the same knoll. I was standing just below the irrigation ditch and looking down the same knoll. You can now see the fence and the roadside!! Way to go Wem!!

Pontoon Ride Late August

2011-09-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

The captain, Jay, and crew, Louise, were kind enough to take us on a quiet morning cruise of the cove. They wanted it to be longer, but we were delighted to just stay close to home.

Passengers, Bob and Pat, had come from KC to visit.

Passengers, Ron and Carol, also wore their hats to protect our sensitive skin from the warm sun. It was a delightful ride with a surprise HOUSE on the property that Gary's family used to have around the corner by Hachlers. Don't know where they will put the septic system??? Maybe they will just use porta-pots!!

It is a rainy, cool Saturday in Missouri today.

Joy's 4'O'Clocks

2011-08-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

We gathered some seeds from Grandma Joy's garden in Wayne several years ago. I remember the yellow and the red (below).

I'm wondering if this is a new crossbreed??

As this might be too?? Does anyone remember the dual colored blossoms??

Tomato Worms

2011-08-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

These "monsters" can hide in plain sight!! I pulled these two off early this morning.

Yep, they are almost the diameter of my index (pointer) finger. We both went out about 11am and found at least 8 more!! Most were smaller, about the diameter of a round toothpick.

This photo was when we came home. You can see some of the "eaten" branches to the upper left. The worms have been working their way down. They even chew on the green tomatoes. SueSue, where are you??

Back Home in Rocky Mount

2011-08-12T05:30:00.000-07:00

With all the e-mails about the hot weather in Missouri and rest of USA we expected to have BROWN when we arrived, but it was still quite green. The tomato worms were very hungry and liked the offerings available in pots on the deck. I hope we will get some good tomatoes in the near future. Some of the smaller dogwoods in sheltered areas looked brown, but our greenery seems to have weathered the heat.

View toward the cathedral. Thanks, Carol, John, and Bob for putting up with a tricky electrical system and keeping the water flowing thru the sprinkler system.

The marigolds are still blooming.

Hostas in the shady part of the garden are looking very pretty.

Of course, the weeds did grow a tad, too!!

Carol has enjoyed a couple of sessions at the heated water excercise pool and I have returned to Eldon Food Pantry and Resale Store on Mondays and Habitat Restore on Tuesdays. Once the tractor is back from the repair shop I will be able to reduce the washboard road that has developed down Dunnings Hill. ttfn

Recycling in Montes Claros

2011-08-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

The recycle place that Wem prefers is right next to their church!! We have separated the aluminum cans from the plastic containers and loaded them into a large, strong, plastic bag and hauled it on the trailer behind their car. Wemerson is unfastening the load while Josue watches.

A better shot

The "recycle" center. It has lots of interesting items and I always think of Grandpa Willard when I find a place like this. His mind would be making all kinds of interesting inventions with the objects that have been abandoned by their original owners. Wem doesn't take cardboard anymore, as it doesn't add much to the $ amount and is really difficult to haul. Some of the people recycling did have cardboard on their loads.

Flora

2011-08-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

The middle of Brasil's winter so when I watered this corner of the garden the amaryllis decided to bloom. Remember, temps are 55-85 at this time of year.

Bouganvillia (spelling??) that are growing along the main road into the complex.

An interesting plant that Anna (on furlough to Australia) had pointed out the last trip. I had never seen it bloom. The blossoms are elongated "balloons" that hang down and then push out these bright red "stars".

My hand gives an idea of the size of the blooms.

The leaf structure that supports the long flower stalks.

The jubuticaba fruit are now the size of your little finger nail and Wem says they should be ripe about mid August IF someone continues to water them!!

Off into the sunset.

2011-08-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, I was bored out of my gourd waiting in Belo for our delayed flight to depart. This is about 6pm and I was watching flights come in and depart and saw the beams of light coming thru the clouds from the setting sun. You can see the lift off of a jet just at the horizon between the two planes on the ground.

Another shot as the plane soars toward the cloud cover. The large plane in front is TAP, a Portugal based airline. It had landed a couple of hours earlier. Carol and I had found a spot on the third floor observation deck and were able to lay flat for 15-30 minutes at a time to keep our backs from aching. The concrete floor was not the most comfortable, but with a small blanket and hooded sweat shirts for pillows it worked ok. The airport did have a computer place to rent time on the internet, so we were able to keep Sis, Sara and Eric informed of our travails.

Hey, Kim, can we get one of those ice cream cones?? We really enjoy your blog. Hope you have fun on the Meramac. The lake has been BUSY this weekend.

Wildlife at MTC

2011-08-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

The little monkeys returned the last couple of days we were there. They are lemur like!! This one is sitting in the shade of the water reservoir for one of the houses. If the well pump fails or electricity cuts out, there is a 6000 gallon tank on top of the hill and each house has a 300 gallon tank in reserve. I think electricity may have been intermittent when the site was started 25 years ago. We did not have an outage while we were there.

The burrowing owl also showed up that week. Must be some timing thing?? We did not see the pair so suspect that one must be sitting on the nest??

The hollowed out log where the owls reside and hide.

A vinte vee. That is the sound it makes, also!!

Really miss the telephoto lens on the film camera but DON"T miss the cost of film and developing. Sorry Kodak.

Family Fotos

2011-08-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

Wem, Lucas, Max & Sara

Montes Claros Airport

Sara, Wem, Lucas, Ron, Max, & Carol

As we were starting our "memorable" but not good journey back to Missouri.

The GOL flight to Confins Airport in Belo Horizonte went nicely, but the rest of the trip was how NOT to travel.

American Air flight from Belo to Miami was scheduled at 9:50pm but was delayed until 1:50am the next morning. It finally got in the air and we got some sleep between dinner and breakfast. The walk from the D gate to Customs was VERY LONG!! They claim they are improving the airport but the distances are almost as bad as Atlanta. We knew we had an early afternoon flight which normally would have required us to be in Miami from 6am to 2:50 pm. The "late" landing time of 9:15am did not bother us, but MANY people missed their connections. We found a Dunkin Donuts and had coffee and donut and fiddle around until noon all the while checking for our flight to be posted on the Departures board (didn't happen) and then went looking for our gate (not indicated on ticket). American has the entire D concourse and 3 security checkpoints to relieve some of the congestion. We checked with a lady who had a list of the gates and she told us D24. After we cleared the middle security set up I checked the Departures monitor where our flight was finally listed and it was CANCELLED!! Panic ensued and I directed to a customer service desk with 2 beleagured employees trying to calm down the CANCELLED passengers. Long story, short version: we got put on an 8:30 flight which was scheduled to get into STL at 10:35. During the evening wait, AA changed the gate twice and rescheduled departure time 3 times!! Eric got us a Courtyard room near the airport which had limo service. Flight gets in after 11pm and limo service stopped at 10:30pm!! $26 cab ride and we finally got to a bed. Sis drove up the next morn and picked us up and we finally made it to the lake about 2pm Friday. Should have been home about 8pm Thursday. I'm working on a "reimbursement" letter to AA for the hotel room and cab ride. Supervisor at Miami said policy would not authorize because they got us to our destination!! I asked about the policy if the flight was delayed until 3am the next morning. SAME ANSWER!! We got you to your destination!! I will also ask for $100 refund for each ticket, because they cancelled our flight. When we cancelled due to visa problems, they charged $100 per trip ($400 total plus a $88 fare increase) to reschedule

Assorted Stuff

2011-08-01T01:54:00.000-07:00

Grandma Carol bought the boys balloons on one shopping spree.

Allison, Janet and Carol examine some of the wooden items in the central market.

Sara looks at some of the hats. Ron would like to find another hat similar to the red one he has borrowed from Wemerson. Carol, Janet (nose), Allison, and shop keeper are in background. The market has fruits, veggies, flowers, clothing, meat, eating spots, etc and is a very small version of the one in Belo.

Claudio is saying a prayer for the Sadtlers who have been serving in Africa and will return for a two week intensive course. The son, Chris??, in the middle, translated the Portugese into English for his dad who is wearing the black, I Love Africa, t-shirt. The dad was a very energetic speaker. He had graduated some years earlier from MTC.

The River Water Wheel

2011-08-01T01:46:00.000-07:00

The water from an irrigation channel is shunted into the blue pipe which runs to the top of the wheel and makes it turn.

The pump which the wheel drives then takes in some of this "river" water and forces it up the hill to a concrete holding tank. The water is then gravity fed into a system of pipes for watering trees, grass and flowers on the MTC property. The piping system is old and seems to break alot.

Brian, the Englishman, is walking atop the concrete diversion "dam" which starts the irrigation channel.

River Walk

2011-08-01T01:40:00.000-07:00

This post is out of order as internet was very slow the day I thought I had posted it, but gave up in frustration. A group of potential students and several persons from MTC decided to take a stroll to the river. One group is ahead in the upper right corner.

The river is to the left and Sara (lower right says that this pool which can be accessed fairly easily has been used for baptisms. Janet is next, then Wem with Lucas on shoulders.

Carol is looking at some papyrus. This is the second "falls" that we saw.

The papyrus.

The group gathered at a swimming hole. Michael in the white and blue striped shirt in the middle is hanging on the rope swing that is well used by locals.

The diversion "dam" and another set of falls. The pool is also used for swimming. Michael and Wem (green) are in foreground.

Brian is carefully walking atop the concrete diverter that takes water from "upriver" and puts it into an irrigation channel that winds thru MTC and around several farms on the south side of the property.

More shots

2011-07-30T03:11:00.000-07:00

Computer is still fast, so will add a few more.

Max's friend from private school is in middle.

Swinging dudes.

More flowers in "winter"

Max and friend

How did they know I liked giraffes and turtles??

A Vana White pose??

Yep, it was a great day!!!!

Hair Cuts

2011-07-30T03:06:00.000-07:00

Carol getting prepped.

The "new" look. Quite short and with the part on the other side. She awoke this morning with her hair unmussed!! Earlier mornings required a shower to tame the tangled tresses.

Max getting his haircut in the regular chair.

Lucas in the car chair. Note the hydraulic lift underneath.

It isn't everyday you get to have your hair cut in a Porshe!!

Wemerson also got his hair cut at a different barber and has a much shorter look!!

Max-Min Clube more

2011-07-30T02:58:00.000-07:00

Books were used to get some quality rest time. A slight breeze made it chilly when one was wet.

Max reading about polar bears to Lucas.

A warm weather Bird of Paradise blooming in winter in Brasil.

This giant turtle houses a snack bar for the wading pool, but it has not been open either time we were here.

Two "cuties" enjoying the day!!

Max-Min Sporte Clube Again

2011-07-30T02:51:00.000-07:00

One last day of relaxation as one of the students from EFM has a membership at this private club, so we got to have the pool all to ourselves from 10am til 1pm. Not because we were exclusive, but that just seems to be the time that everyone shows up!! Max and Lucas enjoy the deeper, heated pool as much as the shallower wading pool with all the slides. Lucas doesn't like the swim ring.

Max and Lucas at the start of the morn.

A time for resting.

A time for playing.

MTC photos

2011-07-29T04:13:00.000-07:00

From the road, across a field that will be planted with veggies, to the main 3 story building with all the windows across the topand the white duplex to the left. The kitchen, cafeteria and girls dorm is "above" the white house. The field had been fairly weedy until a couple of days ago when they brought in a tractor and disc/plow and really worked it up nicely.

A view of the white duplex from the side and the tan "front" of the 3 story main building which houses the classrooms, offices, library and main worship area (third floor which is an open design).

Sara is pulling Lucas on his "moto" up the road which runs between the cafeteria and main building. The cafeteria is the yellow/tan building.

A succulent which has a downward hanging, elongated balloon shaped blossom which develops a red "star" on the bottom. Quite different.

The front wall at the entrance to the complex. The A at the end would have spelled "Americano" if it hadn't been cropped.

The new bicycle

2011-07-28T03:05:00.000-07:00

Daddy Wem has gone to the bike store on his motorbike to buy a bike for Lucas who no longer needs training pants. Yep, Lucas remembered that mom and dad had promised a bike when he got big enough to go potty all by himself. Watch what you say, parents, because kids have GOOD memories!! Yes, Wem has the small bike lashed to his back with two large plastic bags. With a little help from Grandpa Ron the bike was finally "unveiled".

Lucas tried the bike on the grass with a few envious onlookers. They stayed so close he probably did not even need the training wheels.

Look, guys, my new bike with Batman Mask, too!!

Solo with a steadying hand from daddy. Wait, where is my mask??

That's better. I think I can do it by myself, now that I'm dressed correctly.

Da Dah!! Here I go. Wonder why Grandpa Ron keeps walking with me on the grass. It used to be mommy. Looks like she is now going to play hula hoops with the other kids. Too bad they didn't get new bikes!!

Hot Wheel Tracks

2011-07-28T02:28:00.000-07:00

Let's see, if we put this piece thru here this should work pretty good.

We don't think daddy will mind if we run the track thru his medicinal herbs??!!

If you aim the rocket launcher like this, the track should stay down??

And the waste basket with lid becomes the final stop for the hot wheels.

Climbing the tree

2011-07-28T02:23:00.000-07:00

The children use this small tree as a climbing area, but Max has had difficulty getting into it on his own, so this was a big day, when he finally figured out how to use his legs and arms to get to the branches. He is built like Grandpa Ron with a heavy body and not enough arm strength to pull the weight up.

And finally a safe descent. He now does this without any help.

The three year old wants to do the same, so with a little assistance from Mom, the feat is accomplished, but the look on the face is not really convincing that he enjoyed it.

Yep, the 5 year old wanted to be back in the action, too.

2011-07-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

The road to MTC has been in bad shape for many years. Wem worked hard with neighbors and MTC to get enough money to make some major changes which has really improved the access to the site. Many cabbies and mototaxis would only take fares to the village which had paved roads, but now they don't mind taking students, staff and visitors to MTC campus. Ron is handing a rock to Wem. There is a drain pipe under the road where Ron is standing that will carry a lot of the drainage water during the rainy season to the other side of the road instead of it pouring down the middle of the road and making deep ruts and pools of muddy water. The drain pipe to the right is to handle overflow for heavy rains.

Jusuae, Thiago and Wem on the upside of the single drain section.

Ron with the KC Chiefs shirt and KC Royals hat. The wagon is our main hauling device.

Wender is our cement mixer for this batch. The roadway behind is typical of the improved road bed.

Thiago lifting a rock. The MTC buildings are in the background, so you can get a feel for how long this road section might be. I'm guessing it is about 1/2 mile of road.

Fun on Friday

2011-07-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

Max is flying a kite on the green medium while Lais (lye ees) the next door neighbor watches as her kite lies on the ground.

Lucas helping the wind lift his kite by running fast. Sophia, directors daughter, who lives in the house to the upper left and Max are in the background.

Daddy Wem gave Lucas (helmet affixed) his first BIG motorcycle ride.

Of course he HAD to give one to Max, too. The boys had grins from ear to ear.

Churrasco Dinner with Brian and Janet

2011-07-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Ron and Carol wanted Brian and Janet from Cambridge England to have a Brasilian restaurant experience, and the kids to have a fun night, so we went to a massive pizza place that has both. Here we are with our plates full with salads, sushi, and lots of different pieces of meat from the wood fired grill. Brian is taking the picture and Wems arm is visible.

Here is one of the 6 meat carriers who would stop by your table as long as the green "coaster" was still up. When you turned it over it was red which meant stop bringing meat!!

After dinner the boys got to play in a "3-story" play area.

Lucas coming off the slide and Max is at the top.

Brian, Janet, Ron, Carol and Sara are watching. The noise level was high, as the place was full and "rocking" on a Saturday evening about 8:30 pm. We had arrived at 7pm as that is LATE for our normal dinner hour of 6pm.

Wem's Mission Project

2011-07-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

Wem has a mission project to build 2 rooms and a hallway onto a SMALL 2 room house that 4 people are occupying. The mother cleans rooms for MTC and is very industrious. The dad has a job in a quarry and 2 children live with them. The current main room serves as kitchen, dining, living and bedroom. The other room is a bedroom. A small bath is off to one corner. Wem normal spends 5 hours on a Saturday afternoon working on the house. He is supplying labor and expertise. The family is providing materials and some labor. This Saturday we were adding 4 rows of block to the main hallway wall. Wem is on a "scaffold" which consists of a metal saw table and a plastic 55 gal drum with boards over the void.

The cement mixer is a concrete floor and a large hoe. We had seen this technique in Jamaica and Wem has always done cement mixes this way, too. The motor is one horse!! Whoever mans the hoe!!

The American cement mixer. The hod pan has some of the mortar mix already available for Wem to trowel onto the next layer and build the wall higher.

Just off the front of the new rooms was a tree with pretty white flowers. Somewhere in the photo is a small blue-black hummingbird. You have to look really hard. Don't strain your self, because I can't find the darn bird either!! I took several shots, but a black object is really hard to capture in bright sunlight and shade. Wem hopes to have the roof on and walls finished with a topcoat containing smooth sand by Christmas. If he can convince others to help, he just might make it.

Churrasco Night

2011-07-26T03:40:00.000-07:00

The rush to get the churrasco meat hot off the grill. One of the students who is the directors brother in law purchased and prepared the beef and chicken for this feast. About 60 people attended which included some family members of the students and some invited guests.

Kids will find a place to eat just about anywhere!! Lucas is "reclining" on Wem's legs while Max and Yannis (Swiss family's youngest) just plop down on the floor.

One of the tasks was for each group level of students to prepare some form of entertainment. Allison, Sara and Helaine started off with an "American" cheer. Give me an E! Give me an F! Give me an M! EFM. What does that stand for??? ENGLISH FOR MISSIONS. This made a pretty good noise in the play area of the creche. It was quite chilly that night, so active events were really appreciated.

As each letter was shouted, you were supposed to make that shape. Kind of like YMCA!!

Tia Aurea had arranged a very active dance routine to a popular Christian song. Samara, her daughter, tia, Danielle, and Jaziel were in the front row with another row of demonstrators in the back.

Almost everyone attempted to motion and dance along.

Finally a shot with Tia Aurea with hands high and energy flowing!!

The advanced group did a skit on how to use the phone with lots of humor because of misunderstanding due to pronunciation of the English words.

Ron gave the serious explanation of the meaning of the fish that were handed out to most participants during the evenings activities. See a previous post for explanation. Thanks again Larry and OMP.

Apple Pie Preparation

2011-07-26T03:17:00.000-07:00

A good group gathered to peel, core and slice the apples. The recipes were in English, so this was not just a fun time with fruits!! Lots of action verbs and measurements were learned or reinforced.

What the heck is this word?? l-r Daisey, Cris, Carol, Sara

Rollin', Rollin' Pie Dough. Claudio

How about this for a nice bottom crust. The edges are pinched evenly. Mar., Eduardo, Carol

More shaping and pinching and patching. L to R: Samara, Sarah, Mar., Eduardo, Carol

The final product!! Each of the six students had to pick a different top decoration so they could identify their pie when it was baked. Eduardo and Samara are pictured here. The pies were the dessert at the churrasco that night.

Award Time

2011-07-24T03:31:00.000-07:00

Ron and Carol received a note signed by all students and each got a pair of flip flops.

Debora and Josue (not pictured) received awards for food prep and cleanup.

Wender received award for cleanup and grounds maintenance

Allison from Pennsylvania got an award for assisting where needed and worship

Brian and Janet from Cambridge, England received award for grammar and music

Thiago and Luana did food prep and cleanup

Stephanie and Luke from Switzerland were teachers, too.

Danielle was the translator for many events and classes. She had been a nanny for a family in Alabama for 3 months when the mother of the two children died of cancer. She had to learn a lot of English FAST!

Sara was awarded busiest and most important person for EFM. Sergio, the MTC director, also received an award for having the vision to attempt the first Missions for English at the Montes Claros site. Lots of clapping, hooting and hollering accompanied all awards, but Carol and I believe the applause meter favored SARA!!

Larrys Agape Fish

2011-07-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

Larry Horseman makes agape fish and crosses from the remnants of wood used in the OMP (Ozark Missions project). The 2x4 chunks are converted into these 2 inch long by 1/4 inch thick objects. He had written JESUS on them. He would usually give these to the OMP campers, cite Isaiah 43: 1-3 and then pray for each individual camper. This year the Arkansas based project was completed in Camden with about 80 campers and it was directed by Ellen.

I have added the EFM 2011 on the top edge.

I had seen them when we visited in May and asked if we could take some to Brasil to share with the English for Missions, EFM, course that Sara was spearheading. I have added the person's name (this is VANUSA not van usa. She and her husband Daniel live next door to Sara and has a daughter about 4 years old) and MTC on the "bottom" edge.

The "master" list I used had about 50 names of students, teachers and helpers. I handed them out at the churhasco on Thurs evening and then explained their meaning. They were very well received and I got lots of hugs and handshakes. Thanks, Larry and Ellen.

Cookie Cooking Class

2011-07-23T03:59:00.000-07:00

Although I couldn't find any pictures of her, Carol did help Sara with the cooking classes.

This couple has been married over 30 years. He is from Sweden and she is from Brasil. They met while both worked in an orphanage in Montes Claros.

What in the heck is this ingredient?? And how much should we add??

Mr. Lucas

2011-07-23T03:53:00.000-07:00

Having a good time at the playground.

Overlooking my properties and my castle tower.

Just hanging around and getting a little excercise.

You have been listening I hope??

I'll be keeping an eye on you, so come back soon!!

Water Slides

2011-07-22T03:34:00.000-07:00

Out of the beak of a Pelican

Down the tail of a Toucan. Max is to the lower left. He wasn't a fan of either of these.

Out of the mouth of the Whale

Kersplash

The ADULT slide!! I missed the action on this, as several of the guys and gals had a blast in this deeper pool and more awesome slide.

A giant turtle that houses a refreshment selling spot.

Max at the pool

2011-07-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

Our "big" fish likes to touch the bottom and not just on his tippy toes. Sara coaxed him into the deeper heated lap pool.

He was brave enough to jump in from the edge if someone was there.

Max is climbing into the whale slide as Wem awaits at the mouth and Lucas looks on. Lucas would not do this one.

Kersplash!! Good catch daddy. Lucas did make it to the steps!!

Sara says the giraffes in the background are kissing!!

More Pool

2011-07-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

We were just getting started and the water was cold at 10am. This is a very large wading pool with lots of imaginative slides(later posting) for kids, water fountains and chairs and tables for adults to watch the kids.

The main "heated" pool has tables with umbrellas. Thiago, Luana, Wender are talking to Tony (standing). We had put our stuff at the top of the steps in a nice eating and changing area which was covered to keep stuff cooler. The sun was starting to get hot. We used lots of SPF 50.

Another group along the wading pool.

Keep away in the large, heated pool. Sara has both of her hands raised in the middle right. Allison has back turned in pink suit.

The covered area where lunch and snacks were served. They were provided by EFM course.

Brian, English teacher from Cambridge England, preferred the heated pool, also.

Lucas and the Water

2011-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sara and Carol try to coax Lucas into the shallow wading pool. NOT

Along comes Ben and Lucas gets more daring.

Mom, please help me take off my shirt like Ben!!

I'm in with no fuss and no bother!!

We even had a "boat" ride with Wem 's help.

Allison on the water slide

2011-07-21T05:49:00.000-07:00

Allison from upstate Pennsylvania enjoys the water slide. Note Wem in background.

Sara and Max are watching. We couldn't get the young ones to go.

With a little more daring!!

Pool Time for the Grandparents

2011-07-21T02:47:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, all of the people involved with EFM went to a very nice private club.

Janet and Carol enjoying some low impact walking

Carol relaxing after lunch

Carol posing under a mushroom water feature. She wasn't getting wet in this shot.

All Nations Night with a Senegal meal

2011-07-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Howdy partners!! Yep, they represent cowboys from any nation!!

India was represented with many examples. The clothing fits many sizes of people.

Representing the nation of Kurds, who have no flag or country, was Grandpa Ron. Wem is seated on the floor in black and red, Uraguay clothing. Lucas is nestled in his legs and Max has his back turned.

A Senegal meal is eaten on the floor and a common dish is used to serve to a group. An individual eats on his side only and with the right hand. The men and women are separated.

We had two groups of men that used the floor. Some of us older folks used tables but had to be separated by sex.

A Mexican costume in red and the white dress behind was Bolivia.

A muslim outfit. She removed the veil to talk and give her countries description and then we had to guess which nation she represented.

Sara and Elena are not dancing, but having a discussion. Sara is Japan and Elena is Guinea Bissau. France is in the brown and the blue is India.

Elena again

Three ladies pose.

Grandboy stuff

2011-07-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

Rather interesting that Wemerson "invents" stuff like Willard. He took a broken bike, had it repaired at a local bike shop and added a plastic kids chair to make a "2 holer"!

Both Max and Lucas like it, but since the updated version with a childs car seat, Lucas has become the premier backseat driver. Will try to get a shot of it. Max has become better at riding his bike, as they take some long rides on the dirt/rock road that leads to the nearest village.

Karate Max at the ice cream store.

Max will read to Lucas at times. Still think that Lucas prefers Grandma. The PJ's with Spiderman theme have really been a hit. Grandma Carol took some spiffy shorts to Lucas who immediately put them on and went to breakfast. After breakfast he wanted to play outside but insisted that mommy change the shorts so they wouldn't get dirty!!

Ice Cream Caper

2011-07-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

We had a group outing at the ice cream parlor. This time instead of 5 people we brought 25-30!! The owner was delighted. He even gave everyone samples of a squash soup with sun dried meat chunks that was delicious. He even sold a couple of bowls with this approach. The hot soup sells better in this cool season with temps of 55-85 degrees. Of course everyone had a few scoops of the 80 plus flavors available with all types of sprinkles and toppings.

Wemerson was really excited to have his picture taken, as Allison was going to use it on her facebook page.

Sara is on bottom right and Wem is just above her.

I added this to show how many people we could have had if everyone had been able to attend the evening outing.

Max's School

2011-07-13T04:04:00.000-07:00

The classroom with some of his friends. Class size is limited to 20 or less??

Hallway area that separates classrooms. Lucas is way down there past Sara.

Max and some of his class. Yep, he is the blonde guy. Sara said the teacher is great.

The covered play area with two good looking guys.

Lucas wishing he could stay and play!! Maybe in a couple of years.

The lower grade school is "balanced" by middle school group on the other side of twod shared sport fields. A high school is in a building across a very busy avenue, so the older kids are not involved with any of the youth. These are private schools that are financed by tuition. Public schools are not as nice and class sizes are much larger. The public school teachers were on strike when we arrived. The school year has now ended and July is a month of vacation and travel. Air fares jump $200 to $300 per ticket at this time, so we booked our flights for late June and early August!!

7th Presbyterian Church

2011-07-13T03:53:00.000-07:00

We went to Sara's church for a luncheon. I forgot to take pictures of the inside, but they had totally rearranged the wooden pews to make a large indoor eating area for about 30 Korean Christian Youth from Sau Paulo who were visiting churches to help evangelize in schools in several towns in this area. The group was very well organized and energetic. Sara and Wem's church was hosting them while in Montes Claros. A few of them spoke good English and one girl from California had joined the group to be with a friend of hers who lived in Sau Paulo.

They travelled on a very impressive bus. A few of them are by the loading door as they were arriving at the church for lunch. The guy in front is Raphael or Gabriel, one of the twins who are at MTC with their parents who are on staff. They also attend this church.

Swan Boats

2011-07-13T03:45:00.000-07:00

The park has a nice sized lake which featured swan boat rides for $R10 for 20 minutes. Grandma Carol offered to pay for two boat rides. Max and Lucas were excited and put on life preservers and were going with Grandpa Ron. BUT when they saw the boat move when Ron got in, they said NO WAY and refused to board the swan. Ron and Elane went instead.

This picture is out of order.

So Ron and Elane took off. Note that Ron is on the right side of the swan.

Now noticre that Ron is on the left side of the swan. Elane was unable to reach the pedals that make the swan move!! Yes, we did a mid water transfer and Ron became the "motor".

The boys look on with Sara attempting to cheer them.

Ron became tired long before the 20 minutes was up, so three others were allowed to finish the ride. The student with the black hair is also named Sarah (note the "h" on her name).

I guess this event could have been titled "You can lead your grandboys to water but you can't make them ride??"

More of the picnic in the park

2011-07-13T03:33:00.000-07:00

The picnic was attended by about 25 people including their family members. Note how the groups are mainly in the shade, as the direct sun is hot even in winter. Our temps have been between 55 in early morning to 85 in mid afternoons.

Wemerson is the white shirt seated to right side.

Carol and Alisson are seated in front.

Sara is seated on blanket. Tiago is our resident bon bon maker and ice cream vendor. He and his wife, Luana, do this to make money so they can attend MTC. They are working on site during the English for Missions course to help pay for their studies.

Janet from Cambridge England and the music/worship coordinator with Carol

We had brought a rocket toy which uses compressed air by stomping on a bellows devise to propel a plastic cylinder into the air for Max and Lucas, however this picture shows the ADULTS have a blast. Pun intended!! Tiago in the blue shirt is trying to catch the rocket as it descends.

Philadelphia Baptist Church

2011-07-13T03:16:00.000-07:00

A church on the "east" side of town (we are northwest) invited MTC to an service in English and asked our English WEC TREK, Brian, to give the main message on missionary work in China. We gathered at MTC about 7pm, loaded three cars, to make the "start" of service about 7:30pm. This was the size of the audience when the assistant pastor, who is in charge of their English program and school, began the service in English and then had the translator do the Portuguese. As with most services we have attended the music is LOUD. Their worship group was even LOUDER. Janet, Brian's wife, wears rock band ear plugs for this type of service and even they were not too effective this night.

The childrens choir sang a song in Spanish and then again in English. This was the 5th or 6th group to sing or dance during the worship (musical) part of the evening which finally stopped about 9pm. Brian then gave his talk on how he and Janet had become "lay missionaries" in China and Egypt. My eyes and ears were glazing over at this time and I forgot to take a picture of he and Sergio, who translated into Portuguese. Sergio is the director of MTC and quite fluent in both languages. However even he was having trouble understanding Brian this night!! The loud speakers were interfering with his hearing and Brian speaks with a strong English accent. We finally got home after 11pm!! You got it right, I probably will bow out of the next event like this. Sara said the audience which really became large as the evening progressed was subdued compared to a normal service at this church.

Jubuticaba Tree

2011-07-13T02:58:00.000-07:00

The jubuticaba tree is native to Brasil and is about the size of a cherry or crab apple tree. It normally blossoms and bears fruit in October but can be "encouraged" to bloom in dry "winter" season if watered frequently. Sara suggested that I attempt this with the three trees that are in this group just to the north of the cafeteria building. The fruit is prized enough that the base is protected with a stone circle and the suckers are trimmed to increase fruit development on the main branches.

When I said main branches, I really meant "on the wood", as these are the "hairy" white blossoms growing directly on the branch. They have a faint sweet fragrance.

The fruit begins to develop as small breen balls. I have put my reading glasses on the branch to give an idea of the size of the new fruit which is the size of a small pea.

AAAKKKKK, this is the same tree branch two days later. The little green "peas" are flower buds. We have not seen the start of the fruit!!

Yes, the fruit grow on small and larger branches and even down the main trunk of the tree. They eventually become the size of a small grape and are dark purple when ripe. I find the fruit somewhat bitter, but the jam is wonderful.

Picnic at the park --yellow tube

2011-07-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

Near the park entrance gate was an open area with good playing space. The only object in the field was a large yellow concrete drain tube. Brian is nearest, and others are in the background. Frisbee was a good activity.

Max and Fideles were playing pitoka??? and I did another artsy shot

Leave it to 4 boys to make a lounge chair out of a concrete tube!!

Father Wemerson also had to get into the act!!

Jump Rope

2011-07-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

While I was cleaning the kids park at MTC the children were amusing themselves with jump rope and looking for rocks. Yes, that is Max checking out the ground.

Campfire and marshmellows

2011-07-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

The last picture should be here, but somehow I got it out of order. Wem, note the hooded sweatshirt as he had just finished a shower, is helping light the log pile that Wender and Tiago had gathered during the day.

The fire has started. Rather artsy shot??

The FIRE IS HOT!! Notice how far everyone is away. We did have to move some of the plastic chairs as they were starting to get too warm.

This is fairly late in the event with the fire burnt down to a few large log chunks. Yes, his left hand is shielding his face from the heat.

We started a smaller fire for the kids, as the main fire was too strong.

Max is in quite a few pictures and he did eat quite a few marshmellows. I think he said 10!!

The kids fire. Sara is actually turned to talk to someone rather than avoiding the heat.

Jaziel and Fideles were attempting to start the fire.

Grandpa and grandma left at 9pm. Don't know when it finally ended.

Volleyball set and watch

2011-07-09T03:54:00.000-07:00

Volleyball spike and block

2011-07-09T03:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is the old man actually getting off the ground, but not too high!!

I call this one, the beauty and the beast!! Guess which one is the beast??

Carol E is sitting in the background watching the assembly players. I was resting and attempting to get action shots.

She jumps alot higher than me.

Where is the ball??

Dance "moves" in action.

Volleyball Serves

2011-07-09T03:41:00.000-07:00

An overhand delivery. Note the lack of Nikes!! Yes, we are playing on concrete.

Two pastors and a student translator

Jaziel definitely had the most smashing serve!! Allison and Fideles watch.

Allison, the niece of Alecia, attends high school in NE Pennsylvania.

Word Game Three

2011-07-08T18:01:00.000-07:00

Sara is giving directions to Allison who is blindfolded and will find her way along the obstacle course.

She was given a difficult task of going under the table!!

She then went further toward the finish line with Sara's directions.

The students had an easier route, BUT they went in pairs to see who could win!!

Samara takes directions. NO portuguese was allowed. Try this some time in a foreign language!!

This was the closest race of the day!! Well done.

Word Game Two

2011-07-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

The players were given squares with words and pictures. They had to match the pairs that went together for words such as over, under, turn right, turn left, etc.

The group that was quickest was rewarded with Hersheys Kisses.

Word Games One

2011-07-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

Chairs in a circle. Person in middle must say in English a descriptive phrase. Those who fit the phrase (wearing jeans or red on shirt) have to leave their chair and find another. No empty chairs so someone is left standing and must make up the next phrase in English. Nice activity for just after lunch.

However, if you are playing with very competitive people, this "accident" can happen and it did twice during this excercise!!

Happy 50th Alecia

2011-07-08T08:07:00.000-07:00

After Monday nights lecture on WEC by Jose-Frans, we all gathered in the cafeteria to surprise his wife, Alecia on her 50th birthday. She is carrying the books and entering.

With Sergio and a shot of the wonderful cake with prunes and chocolate bits.

Happily holding up a bottle of guaranara, the native Brasilian soft drink. Sergio and Sara are setting up for cutting of the cake and dispensing of soda.

Allison, niece, and aunt Alecia. Allison is helping with the EFM. She will get credits from her Pennsylvania high school for foreign studies??

Our House in the Middle of Brasil!!

2011-07-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

There was supposed to be a large picture of our 4-plex, but somehow it was deleted. Will post it above. This is our front door and window WITH screens!! Common tools used are the broom, rake, digger, dust pan-small shovel, and rubber squeege. I like this rake as it has the wide swath, but the more common rake is the small metal leaf rakes that are expandable to about half the width of the plastic rake.

This should be the third picture. It is the table (immovable) in the dining/living area with kitchen behind orange wall. Couch is to the left and my single bed is not visible to the lower left. The table contains a laptop computer (good WiFi signal) and a sewing machine that mom has borrowed to do several projects for Sara and MTC. On the back wall are the storage cabinet for dishes, etc. The white refrig is next then two small wooden tables. You can't see the stove or the stone sink. The stone sink counter runs the total length behind the orange wall. The door to bathroom and bedroom is to the upper left.

This photo is as you enter the wooden door.

The main bedroom with the lady of the house reading a magazine. The blue netting can be used if bugs are a problem, but we have a couple of plug in bug "bombs" that seem to keep the mosquitos at bay. The window to the upper right has NO view. It is a hillside that was cut away to level a spot for the houses - their is a duplex next door. These units are mainly for single staff members and visiting guests.

Standing in the kitchen and looking into the bathroom.

Note, the stool has no water tank. It is behind the tile IN the wall and is difficult to repair!! The whole bathroom is tile and the stick in the back is another squeegy which is used to remove most of the water when a shower is finished. The sink is the light blue oval and below is a white covered trash container in which potty paper is placed. Flushing it would clog the two inch drain pipes that are common thruout Brasil. Airports have larger drains but still provide the trash containers by each stool, otherwise the soiled paper is placed in a corner!! We had this problem at ReStore, as many Mexican families shopped there. Finally had to put a sign on stall doors that it was OK to flush the paper!! Different cultures are interesting. The heated on demand shower head is in upper right.

No OSHA inspectors, please! Note the open electrical box?? This is one of the large shower heads that requires more water pressure and electrical current. The little nibs at the bottom clog quite easily with the hard well water that is stored in a very large tank on the highest point of the property which then feeds down to separate 200 gallon tanks on top of each building. If the main pump stops, there is a supply of water to be used until it can be repaired. Someone had purchased several of these shower heads for the boys dorm, but it doesn't have enough water pressure or electrical supply so Wem had to replace them quickly last Wednesday. Normally he would have done this, but the church that he and Sara attend was hosting a group of 30 Korean Christian youth from San Paulo and he would leave at 6am and return near midnight from Mon - Wed. Yep, he was TIRED.

Beginning of EFM

2011-07-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

The main assembly and worship room on the third floor of the school. Sara is standing with papers and is getting ready to open the first meeting of the English for Missions project.

Sergio, the director of MTC, is addressing a small group that has gathered to start the EFM.

A stand up and wake up your bodies. Sara is to far right.

Lunch time has MANY more bodies present. Students were coming in all morning from various locations in Brasil. Most are from the Montes Claros region, but a few have travelled from Belo and other points. I think the total "class" size is now 26 with 7 teachers and Carol and Ron as "go phers" and native speakers.

Sara set up a skit with various countries represented: Brasil, muslims countries, India, Russia, Native Brasil (Amazon) and USA. The lady to the left was asked to pass out the money (from a large stack of bills) that each country received for mission and mission related work. Sadly after her fairly evenly distributed money was redistributed by Sara, the USA ended up with almost ALL of it. Most is consumed by administration, fund raising, etc. Rather a sad commentary!! An eye opener!!

More of the BOYS

2011-07-07T12:18:00.000-07:00

Lucas (Sergio's) and Max in small tree in open area between houses. This was a big first for Max, as he is built like grandpa ron with a stout body and marginal arm strength. His friend is like a squirrel and crawls all over the tree.

Sara, Lucas with helmet!, and Max with bike at the entrance to MTC Latino Americano, Montes Claros. They have worked hard to improve the road bed and this is really MUCH better than when I was here in May 2010.

A look down hill from the entrance to MTC. There are fields on either side. It is the dry winter season.

Max and Lucas with their new legos. These crazy legos have teeny tiny pieces and come with an assembly guide to make some very complex trucks, cars, etc. Too old for Lucas and a real challenge for Max. Max is wearing his school uniform and was ready for a field day at the county fair.

Puzzles and Books

2011-07-05T03:10:00.000-07:00

Carol, Lucas, Max doing a puzzle

Carol and Lucas doing another block puzzle that sis had brought on her trip to Belo. Lucas will do these puzzles ALL day long. He usually dumps all the pieces between the bodies on the couch and then starts the puzzle. He has most of them memorized but is "sharp" enough to share with grandma and grandpa and even fake the location of pieces to get some conversation going and keep the "event" going longer!!

Thought I had a picture of book reading but that must be on Carol's camera.

Ice Cream Store

2011-07-05T03:05:00.000-07:00

Sales lady, Sara, Christiani, Carol. The ice cream in the cooler in front of them contains flavors from fruits of Brasil. Some are really tasty and some are "interesting". Christiani is an ex math professor who became a pastor who now travels from his home base in Belo Horizonte and lectures on creationism. He was at MTC for a week giving lectures during the final week of classes.

Wemerson, Lucas and Max getting ready to chow down on some very tasty ice cream with more traditional flavors. At least 5 types of chocolate were available. The big difference about this store vs USA is that the individual dips their own choices and places them in the cup, bowl or pastry dish. The total dish is then weighed and the cost is a set price per gram. A soda and water cooler is behind Max's head if you want liquids with your treats. Oh, yes, they also have all type of sprinkles and syrups to add to the concoction. I forgot to ask Wem how much it cost to feed the group. The visiting prof put us all too shame as he REALLY loaded up his dish!!

Wem & Sara's home in Montes Claros

2011-07-05T02:56:00.000-07:00

The view as you step into the home. Kitchen area upper left, bathroom (blue and white shower curtain) upper right, dining table middle, tv and book stand right side, and two couches not visible to lower left. The two bedrooms are off to the right just past the TV stand. The kitchen starts with (1) white, metal storage cabinet on the left, (2) white washing machine next, (3) then wraps around back side with full length stone countertop with aluminum sink and storage underneath, (4) a 4 burner propane stove is hidden behind (5) a white refrigerator.

This is a better shot of the kitchen.

The view back to the entrance door. You may even recognize the lady on the couch. Max and Sara did the painting in the upper right.

Lucas, Max and the back of Wemerson who was helping prepare breakfast at 6:30am so Max could leave for school at 7:10. The two blue coffee carafes on the table contain sugared and BLACK (for grandpa ron).

The boys' bedroom. The wooden storage cabinets in the back are marked with dinosaurs so Sara can tell them which door they need to open to find "stuff". Max has the bed in middle and Lucas's is just visible to lower right. Blue and white are the colors of "our" favorite soccer team, Cruzero!!

I will try to get a photo of the OUTSIDE, too.

Hi Guys

2011-07-01T02:25:00.000-07:00

Lucas with tiger mask peeking out of blanket. If he had the mask on you wouldn't recognize him!!

Lets color and trace in these new books.

Lucas is a puzzle doer. He has to do all 4 in the book EACH time we start.

Max and Sara playing checkers on a board she made and the pieces are caps from soda bottles.

Dinosaur shirts from Grandma Carol.

Max the reader

Two boys a brushing with the new striped tooth paste.

Both boys tracing their letters and shapes.

Grocery Shoppuing with "Da Boys"

2011-07-01T02:16:00.000-07:00

Grandma, I want this and this and this!!

Here, let me help you with the cart!!

Piniata at the party

2011-06-30T02:40:00.000-07:00

Lucas and his friend waiting for the piniata.

Lucas whacking at the candy filled heavily decorated box. Max will be next. Wem was controlling the rope which was thrown over a beam so the box could be raised and lowered to make it more difficult to strike. Some of the fringe is on the floor from earlier hits by the birthday girl and her sister. Sara is just above Lucas and Carol is upper right with white cup in her hand.

One of the Korean boys really getting into the spirit!! My best action shot. Wem on rope and Sara to upper right.

Birthday Party with cowboy theme

2011-06-30T02:33:00.000-07:00

Our first night in Montes Claros at the MTC we were invited to an 8th birthday party for Lara, the daughter of a professor of theology. Max is in the plaid shirt with arm out stretched and Lucas is the blonde guy next to him. Aren't their backs cute??

Most of the kids liked to hang out on the steps on the south side (downhill) of the site. Max has his hand raised and Lucas is between the two boys in upper right. I'll try to fill in more names later, but there are Koreans, Brasilians, Swiss families in this photo. The birthday girl is in the red dress in upper left.

Yes, Kelly, they like to decorate as much as or even more than you would!! Banners in the back, flags flying from the rafters, tables decorated and all kinds of food, trinkets, goodies, etc on the main table. Carol is in the middle getting some wonderful chicken soup. I think Wem is preparing a hot dog.

Sara is preparing a hot dog for Lucas. They slice the hot dogs into little "wheels" and leave them in a tomato sauce and serve them on "half sized" hot dog buns. Shoestring potatoes are being added!!

What kind of party doesn't have some sort of fireworks??? Dad and Mom of the birthday girl are lighting some type of sparkler as many watch. Max's blonde head is to the right edge and Lucas is behind the girl with the white blouse.

As the evening progress they broke out into dances. Sara and Wem are jiving it up in the front. Sara had dressed with the theme and had pigtails and large freckles. Carol and Ron came at 5pm and left about 8pm but the party played on!!

Adriano's view

2011-06-30T02:15:00.000-07:00

Carol took these photos from the 7th floor condo that Adriano (Dree), Wem's brother, is buying and already remodeling. The city of Belo Horizonte seems to go on FOREVER and this is just a small slice of the view from the air when you first arrive to land at the international airport.

The city sprawls around some "foothills" that can be seen in the distance and the total population of the metro area is around 7 million. Dree and his fiance are planning a November wedding. The condo overlooks the school where Sara taught English. We had been there in one of our earlier trips at Thanksgiving time. No, the Brasilians don't celebrate, but English schools use it as a teaching event, so we did have traditional foods during those visits. The kids usually left the cranberries and turkey and concentrated on the potatoes and vegetables which are more common in their daily diets.

High Tea with Alecia and Jose-Franz

2011-06-30T02:00:00.000-07:00

Our first "outing" after touching down at Confins Airport in Belo Horizonte. We had stopped at Lena's, Wem's mom's house, to unload our 4 large and 2 small luggage to rest a bit after the 8 hour flight from Miami to Belo. From left to right - ron, jose franz, allison (niece), Alecia, Mary (owner of English school where Sara taught while in Belo), and Carol. Wem took picture. Alecia had prepared scones and cake along with the coffee and tea. Jose Franz and Alecia are the administrators in Brasil for WEC (Plymouth Meeting, PA) which is the "parent" for educating missionaries throughout the world.

June 11,2011 to KC

2011-06-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

This was the fun part of the trip!!

We left the lake at 6 am to start our day by attending a memorial service for Marge at OPCC (Marge was contemporary of Bob and Fran). We wanted to support Jody who was a class mate of Larry's.

Then we headed to OK Joe's BBQ for a 11:30 early lunch but lo and behold the line was ALREADY out the door so we went to Rosedale BBQ instead. Then a 1 1/2 hour stop at rental to de-weed the gardens and cut the grass. Don't know why the computer nerds can't see the tall weeds???

On our way to see Rae and parents, we stopped at ReStore on Deramus to visit quickly with Hayley, Craig, Brian, and Becky who are still there!! The store was celebrating its 11th anniversary. They have amassed over 2.5 million dollars for Habitat for Humanity!!

Finally we made it about 3pm to NKC to visit Renae and her parents, Erin and Aaron!! Yep, twas the BESTEST part of the trip!!

Of course when they handed her to me she became fussy -- but t'was NOT my fault!! She was just hungry, so mommy Erin took care of that and then I got to hold a contented Rae. She had had her hair washed just before we got there and it was soft and silky with a "mind of it's own". Loved the way it strutted its stuff!!

On way home we stopped in Warrensburg for fish dinner --but NO the Captain D's was now a Verizon store. Had to do BK which was a distant second on the fish sandwich!! Left phone message for Chad and Karla but they must have been gone.

Finally got home about 8:30 as it was getting dark. A/C had frozen up again, so will have to call repair guy. Hope it is just low on freon!! Saving grace is that temps were in mid 70's when we got home and had dropped to 60 this morn!!

Gary & Pat's 50th

2011-06-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

Friends who drove down from St Cloud, MN. Gary borrowed the John's suit for his wedding outfit. Marilyn was friend of Pat's in Annandale High School.

Blurry Pat and some of the excercise group.

Nebraska buddies: Don, Bill, Sue and Rhonda

Rocky Mount buddies: Dave, Judy, Dianne, & Kenny

Didn't have any good shots of the family members who did all the work. Sorry. Hopefully Kim's blog will have a few!! Event started at 2 and was supposed to be over by 5 but Carol and I left at 5:45!! Yes, we can still talk this morning, but barely!!

Late May Birthday Party

2011-05-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

Can you guess that the theme was John Deere?? Ayden's cake in center of table.

l to r: shelby, Carol A, Ava, Gary

The birthday boy on dad's lap.

l to r: sam, shannon, ayden, ?,?, Carol E.

Opening presents. Ayden reminded us of Greatgrandma Ella as he was VERY carefull with the wrappings.

Ava wants a cupcake!!

Korby wants a cupcake, too.

The John Deere cutie.

Full face.

Shannon's dad, Sam, Kim, Korby.

I think Kim was excited that all of the candles were finally lit on Sam's cake.

We had lots of good food and desserts to go along with the cakes.

Thanks to Kim and Shannon.

Big Rain While Ron was in Maryland!!

2011-05-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

The boat ramp was a roaring rapids as well as the rip-rap lined ditch down from the burn barrel.

The new rock wall along drive behind house was diverting some of the water that flows from the second tier and past the garage. The asphalt drive also handles a lot of water.

The parking area was washing away as the culvert was blocked with branches and leaves from "cathedral cove".

The water down the boat ramp was NOT flowing where it was supposed to!! Need to raise the boards across the deck supports so the water can flow thru to the lake. We had a lot of rock and dirt wash into the walkway under the deck.

Muddy water flowing from second tier past garage, thru upper rock garden, across asphalt and then over the steps by the rental. Washed out a lot of dirt and smaller rocks. I've chipped an "overflow" spillway into the concrete retaining wall to divert the water into the flower garden spillway to hopefully prevent this.

Water finally runs down steps in lower rock garden and over seawall into the lake. This water was "met" by the flood coming around the cathedral side and running under the deck. A mess but so far nothing structurally damaged. They opened up the dam enough so that the river below was almost out of its banks. The two docks below the new bridge were sticking straight out and almost a little bit "upward"!!

The middle road down to Liebler's was washed badly as was Robin Road. Have those passable but still need some more work.

Photos from Bob for TX trip

2011-05-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Tried to get this to load correctly twice and am giving up. From top to bottom: Ron, Carol E., Gail, & Bob. We have life preservers on as we got off of the pontoon to walk to this nature training site. Most of lumber came from downed trees from hurricane. That is a mangrove "swamp"/"bayou" behind us.

White orchid

Crested heron

Little green heron "fishing"

The heron rookery: Bottom left ??heron, roseate spoonbill, 2 or 4 egrets, and bottom right another ??heron

Thanks Bob for the CD

Skate Party - other shots

2011-05-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

Ashley (blonde) is helping McKenzie (friend of Sammi) around the floor. Sammi says the guy in front in white shirt is Richie. I thought it was Justin who is now taller than his dad!!

The crab walk race was a new event. Probably because Maryland is noted for crabs?? Boys lined up on side wall and had to walk upside down across the rink. Don't remember if any prizes were awarded or not?? Justin did good. He is in white shirt and in second place.

Ben (Rachel's "squeeze"), Rachel and Justin

I have no idea what this is all about. I think I had a nice shot of Kelly and Sammi with Brandon just seconds before this, but my camera response time in low light is REALLY SLOW! Something must have occurred behind me.

May have more pictures when I can get Rachel's camera (used by Eric) downloaded.

Skating Party - Sammi's 9th Birthday

2011-05-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

Waiting in line for the birthday parties in front of us to move into the rink. Sammi is front left, Eric is the tall guy and Ashley has on a light grey hoody. It had rained all the way to the rink, stopped so we could get in "dry" and then it POURED.

Sammi putting on her white socks and then roller skates.

Getting started around the floor. Kelly, Sammi, friend, daughter of bus driver, Marrisa, friend, bus driver (school) Karen in blue, unknown guy.

Pizza time. There are six areas like this that are set up for birthday parties. Very well organized. Sammi is in middle to right of girl with pink cap. Eddie is in back with red shirt.

You have to imagine that the candles on the cupcakes are lit. Sammi with pink/red sash is about to blow all nine of them out. Rachel is near the end of the table sitting down and facing camera.

Sammi opening cards and presents. Michelle (aunt) is in pink blouse in background. Marrisa (cousin) is to the left with the black blouse and glasses. She has really grown up and become a young independent lady. The party ran from 12:30 to 4:30 so I'm sure there were lots of tired kids that night. Maybe even nursing a few bruises, etc. I decided not to skate although I really wanted to. They played contemporary music which kept the kids reved up!!

Carol's camera Shangri La Flowers and containers.

2011-05-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

Dress up your fountain with dusty miller

Put a little red and white in your big iron kettle

Line your sidewalk with wandering Jew. Yep, that is Ron and Gail to the left.

Play tic-tac-toe with green lines, yellow marigolds and purple petunias

Line the end of your greenhouse

Put a few posies in your LARGE ceramic bowls

Blend red with variegated leafy stuff.

Hey, I'm getting old and don't remember the names of many of the stuff we saw!!