Barry Friesen

2011-07-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

Its been awhile! Almost two years actually. Much has happened over the last two years and there are so many stories to be told. I'm enjoying the summer working at Capernwray Harbour Bible Center on Thetis Island as a gardener and various other jobs. Ahhh...the Island life!

Joey's Journey to Juneau

2009-06-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

Meet Joey! Joey is from Juneau. My parents had taken an Alaskan cruise a year ago and when they were in Juneau they picked up rock for me. They knew that I had to go to Juneau to complete my 50 state capitals, so they said I could step on this rock and say that I was in Juneau. I put the rock aside for a while and a year later...Joey would make his way back to Juneau! It all began at Mile 'O' of the Alaska highway....It was nearing sunset as we pass over the Peace River valley near Fort Nelson. The next day we took off due north west and soon came to Liard Hot Springs. I must stop for weary travelers...

Joey enjoyed the natural hot springs so much he didn't want to leave. But after some coaxing we finally got back to the road. Northern B.C. was amazing! The spring leaves were still at their greenest...so we stopped several times for pictures. I put Joey on top of the car to take his picture....

After the photo opp...I got back in the car and shortly after taking off I heard this.... CURPLUNKITY PLUNK PLUNK. ... I FORGOT JOEY ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR!!!! He rolled off the roof and I had watched in the rearview mirror as he bounced along the highway and rolled off onto the side of the road. I slammed on my brakes, backed up, jumped out of the car and scanned the roadside.

Fortunately, I found Joey. He hadn't rolled too far! How stupid could I be!!! I picked him up and we got back to the journey. I actually did this THREE times along the way!

We stayed near Muncho Lake, one of the most beautiful parts of the Alaska highway drive, since the highway skirts around the tourquoise lake. After a long day of adventure we needed the rest! We each had our own bed! Its a good thing, cause Joey is a bit of a bed-hog.

The next day we headed for the Yukon Territory. Saw black bear, moose, bison, fox and sheep. We stopped at Mile Marker 392 which is the highest elevation of the Alaska highway.

We stopped at the Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake. Another must stop along the way.

In White Horse we stopped at the S.S. Klondike and walked around the old paddle-boat.We stopped at Kluane National Park. Usually you can see some sheep here. Saw one sheep WAY on the top of the mountain.We then came to the US/Canada border where Joey took the photo op to sit on the border line. Notice the border clearing way off in the distant horizon.We then finished off the Alaska Highway at Delta Junction and continued on our way to Fairbanks, Alaska - only 200 miles from the Arctic Circle. Because of time constraints we opted not to drive the gravel road to the Arctic Circle - maybe next time. The view from Alaska highway 3 south was awesome. We had to stop and see Mount McKinley - North America's highest point (just over 20,000 feet). So amazing how it looms over all the other mountains. You can barely see the peak in the clouds in this picture.We stayed overnight in Anchorage and then took off back east on Alaska 1. We stayed overnight in Haines Junction. Left at 4:30 in the morning. Saw a mother grizzly and her cubs! SO amazing. We got to the ferry well ahead of time and enjoyed the morning sunrise as we watched the ferry come to dock.Joey was so excited about getting on the ferry.Goodbye land - hello sea! The ferry ride from Haines to Juneau was about 4 hours. Saw humpback whales and glaciers along the way. Out of this world! After we arrived in Juneau, Joey and I went to the Mendenhall Glacier to check out the sights!

In one particular spot...I looked down and then I noticed it....JOEY'S BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!!! HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Joey made it home!

I think this might have been his mom...but she wasn't very talkative. So Joey made the journey all the way back to Juneau! What a crazy adventure! BUT...Joey was not meant to STAY in Juneau. Where will his next adventure take him?

(FYI: Joe Juneau was a Canadian prospector who mined at Juneau Alaska and the town is named after him. Joe is also my middle name.)

Adventure and Accomplishment

2009-06-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Today I finally finished visiting all 50 capitals of the USA in Juneau, Alaska! To celebrate, I bought TWO bagels and a mango drink from the Silverbow Bakery in downtown Juneau and walked up to the capital building. The evening was perfect. It was quiet and there was no wind. The flags were resting as I sat under a mountain ash tree which was in bloom. It’s petals we’re falling on me & my snack – almost like confetti at a wedding. The flowers around the area were giving off all kinds of delightful scents. “Alaska State Capital.” I smiled a sense of accomplishment and gladness for finishing the crazy checklist. I ask myself, “WHY?” Why this desire? It really doesn’t make much difference eternally or even for this life. Maybe I’m trying to prove something. Am I making a statement? It’s such a waste of time and money – but for me something that I enjoyed! Maybe it’s the open highway or the space and time to think. It’s really not about the 50 state capitals but an odd excuse to travel. Sometimes the road was boring and dangerous, other times the road was stunning and live. Sometimes quiet and peaceful other times loud music with the windows rolled down and my left, sunburned arm, beating to the blaring music. Perhaps this journey has been about the soul’s desire for adventure and accomplishment. Adventure, in that joy, beauty, and laughter is something we all long for. To see beauty and sense wonder and bliss. We long for beauty and see things that defy explanation. We are drawn to mystery and the unknown – afraid of it – yet desire it. Why is it that tourism is so huge? We will pay big money to see glaciers & whales – volcanoes & lions. Creation is mysterious and we desire to gaze upon its beauty – perhaps there is something deeper – a longing to see something or Someone that is beauty in all its glory. Maybe we are created for this very thing – to gaze upon the beauty of Almighty God. So what about accomplishment? It seems that we are made to be on a great adventure. We search for roller-coasters and mountains to conquer; businesses to build and horses to tame. We are built for mission and purpose. We want to achieve and be known for something. Maybe part of this whole thing (50 capitals) is to have a sense of accomplishment. Now this is no lasting, impacting accomplishment – but it WAS over 17,000 miles of driving – no little accomplishment and not many people have done it. BUT, what is the driving force and reason? I think I want a sense that I’ve done something great, that I’ve been apart of finishing something (hopefully something more substantial than the 50 state capitals) – but something great and eternal. Perhaps it has something to do with a man dying on a cross to save the world. I want to be apart of the great rescue of saving people from destruction – THAT I believe is our deepest desire for accomplishment, mission and purpose – a great RESCUE – redeeming the world from chaos!

The Royal Treatment

2009-01-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt like you were being treated like royalty? Well, just recently I traveled to Hawaii and I was blown away by my experience traveling there. I boarded the small plane in Grande Prairie only to discover that my seat was on the last row and THE closest seat to the lavatory. I could stretch out my arm (only half way) and I could touch the door of the toilet. HOW pleasant is that? Before the plane took off the stewardess came to the back and said there were lots of empty seats at the front and the two of us went and took better seats. I had a couple empty seats to myself. Now that's a good deal. I flew to Calgary where I had to take a shuttle to the Super 8 motel for the night. I was instructed to call the shuttle from the shuttle post just outside the airport. When I got to the post, the shuttle was ALREADY there. A family had already called it in. The driver motioned for me to sit in the front seat. After a short sleep, I woke before the early birds wake for the 5am shuttle. The driver was a very joyfilled Christian, whisling away as he loaded people's luggage and whisked us away to the airport. I checked in and found my gate, then proceded to have breafast and back to the gate for boarding. As they began the preboarding announcement I look down at my ticket to see what seat I was in and read, "FIRST CLASS." WHAT? I've never sat in first class before. But sure enough there it was. I remembered that when my parent's used their airmiles they said the only way to get to Hawaii when I wanted to was to go on business class. The Calgary to Pheonix flight was first class - with extra space and special treatment; and the flight from Pheonix to Honolulu was also first class. Infact, my seat number to Honolulu was 1A. You can't get much closer to the first than that. I started out at the worst seat possible and ended up at the first of the line. I was greeted in Hawaii by my parents who crowned me with a Hawaiian Lei. I wonder if these things are just circumstances or maybe, just maybe, there is an unseen King who seeks to crown us with royal treatment.

Back to Reality

2008-07-31T09:32:00.001-07:00

I went searching for blueberries yesterday and noticed a wall of aspen poplars and Canadian fireweed. I was reminded that I need to get out into creation more. How much our world is consumed with cement, noise and the barrage of digital images - this blog is one of them! :)

Oh...I did find some blueberries!

What does God want?

2008-04-18T20:28:00.001-07:00

All that God wants is for us to know Him and to have fellowship with Him. What we do and where we live is secondary.

Near Death Experience

2008-02-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

So, Doris almost died the other day. I was driving back from Edmonton, on a VERY chilly day with three ladies from the church. We had to stop in Valleyview to use the washroom and when I got out I smelled something funny. I opened up the hood of the car and there was oil EVERYWHERE. I called the gas attendant over and he said that I probably broke a seal or something and that I shouldn't drive anywhere in these freezy cold conditions. I took Doris and the three ladies to Fountain Tire and the guy at the desk said his mechanic was tied up (it was near the end of the day). But he told me to pull the car into the bay anyway. So I pulled it in and 4 workers came over to the car to look at Doris. The PVC value (I think that is what you call it) had frozen up and so oil was coming out of the dipstick area. They thawed the part and put a piece of cardboard over the radiator. They had checked the oil level and there was NO OIL MEASURING on the dipstick. I almost killed Doris. They charged me $12.00 for the oil and I drove out with a smile on my face thinking....a free oil change. :)

Eric and Kristine's Wedding

2008-01-24T20:15:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Eric and Kristine! I had the priviledge of being apart of the their wedding in Franklin, Tennessee (Jan 5). I enjoyed the little vacation and found the whole weekend life giving. They did a great job of planning everything. I look forward to watching how their life together unfolds. Tons of talent and heart and they both love the Lord Jesus.

Congratulations to Doris...she turned 144,444 kms.

2008-01-22T12:49:00.000-08:00

Just want to congratulate my car Doris for turning 144,444 kms. Here's proof:

(Notice that I'm driving 44 kms per hour).

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T08:41:00.000-08:00

I look forward to 2008 and all that is in store. I took this photo this morning...the light has dawned.

Winter Solstice

2007-12-21T17:10:00.000-08:00

I'm very happy today, because from now on, the days will get longer...and hopefully warmer. Pagan traditions of worshipping the sun, where developed around the winter solstice and even Christmas has both a pagan and a Christian past. We don't worship the sun, but we do worship the "sun of righteousness, who rises with healing in his wings." (Malachi 4:2). This is what Charles Wesley was referring to in his Christmas song, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." This day gives me great hope that the darkness will be swallowed up by the light. I'm celebrating the great Light of the world who comes to bring healing and life!

The cat didn't come back!

2007-12-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

So, another cat died in my house-sitting saga. It was expected (the cat had cancer) but I'm starting to think that maybe people with animals shouldn't allow me to house sit for them.

Quality Falls and Bergeron Falls

2007-07-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

So a bunch of new found friends (Jordan, Jessica, Jeremy, Arlene, Arthur, and Kateland) and I jumped into a van on Saturday and headed towards Tumbler Ridge to hike to Quality Falls and Bergeron Falls. Quality Falls is a very short, easy hike and very interesting waterfall. Nice place to get your feet wet and I've heard in winter is a good place to learn to climb ice.
Bergeron Falls is the tallest waterfall in northern B.C. Its a 5 km hike out to the falls. The first kilometer is uphill and the rest of the hike is quite flat. It took us one hour to hike out and probably a bit faster on the way back. Very steep cliffs at the falls. Great view. We found some wild blueberries at the viewpoint. I would like to hike to the bottom of the falls someday.

Sand Sculpture Competition

2007-07-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

So, I joined an 8-person team in a sand sculpting competition in Slave Lake. I had no idea what to expect but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Its an annual competition and this year's theme was "A Tribute to Aboriginals in Canada." We built a dream catcher...and we WON! First place received 3000, which we split between the 8 of us. It was a beautiful day, got some exercise, worked as a team, had fun...and made some money. Here are some pics from the day.

For more competition details go to: http://www.slavelake.ca/rainbow/portal/alias__Rainbow/lang__en-US/tabID__3332/DesktopDefault.aspx

Sukunka Falls and pictures from the Peace Country

2007-07-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

Sukunka Falls is located approximately 45 km south of Chetwynd via the Chetwynd-Tumbler Ridge Highway (#29) and the Sukunka Forest Service road (no sign about the falls). Its a narrow service road. Probably best to drive behind a truck that has a radio...so you can pull over for trucks with huge loads. At km 21 of the Sukunka Forest Service road, there is a pullout which provides a good view of the falls (took me about 40 minutes to drive from the main highway). There are a series of 3 falls. The first picture is the main falls. There's a cool little beach right nearby. I hear that there is fishing here too...but I didn't have anything with me...or a license. Anyways, great little spot. You can walk right up to the edge where the falls are. Probably not the safest thing...but I did it anyway.
View above the main falls.
View of the cascades from the upper view point.

The Alaska Highway begins in Dawson Creek, which is about 1.5 hrs north of Grande Prairie. I decided it was time to take a picture of the sign...and make it official. I've been to Mile 'O' of the Alaska highway. These are Indian Paintbrushes. BEAUTIFUL!
Canadian Fireweed.
Chetwynd, B.C. Cool town. Lots of wood art and carvings throughout town.
Wood carver at work.

Berry picking

2007-07-19T15:02:00.001-07:00

So, I went berry picking. Just south of the Wapiti River I found a spot that had alot of wild strawberries. Notice how small they are in my hand. Wild-strawberries have great flavor and make icecream or cereal taste amazing! Found a few saskatoons as well. See how red my fingers are from picking. Took about 2 hrs to pick the strawberries.

I found a bunch of saskatoons east of Grande Prairie. Its a bit early for saskatoons since the clusters were not all completely ripe...but I am too impatient. See how black my hands are from picking them. I picked an icecream pail full in about 2 hrs.
Friendly doe nearby.

Kinuseo and Flatbed Falls - July 11th

2007-07-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to drive to Tumbler Ridge, B.C. yesterday. Found a short cut, just past Beaverlodge that cuts off 45 minutes from the drive through Dawson Creek. There were some rough places in the road...but Doris (my car) survived. The Tumble Ridge area is GREAT. Lots of things to see if you're the outdoorsy type. It took just under 3 hours to drive there. First, I went to Flatbed falls and to the dinosaur tracks area (see pics). Then I went to Kinuseo Falls (65 km south of Tumbler Ridge). GREAT water fall. For a leisurely view, there's the two lookout spots. I climbed down the steep gully cause I wanted to get to the bottom where you're in the mist of the waterfall. I ended up climbing up a different spot which wasn't too smart, but I made it out alive and found some sunglasses along the way (see pic). I took the Dawson Creek route on the way home - great drive and saw some canola fields that desparately wanted their pictures taken.

Flatbed Falls

Dinosaur tracks

This is the view just before the falls (above).

View from the falls lookout. Notice the red trees. This is pine-beetle damage. Unbelievable amount of dead trees.

Jade Lake (just before you get to Kinuseo). Canadian fireweed in the foreground.Canola fields near Dawson Creek.

Room with a view

2007-07-12T11:00:00.001-07:00

My grandpa was admitted to the hospital several weeks ago. He will probably stay in the hospital in long term care until he leaves this earth. Room 513 overlooks the city of Grande Prairie. I noticed how green the trees were in the city one day and had to take a picture. He has quite the view from his window. He's blind.

Kakwa Falls

2007-07-05T19:38:00.001-07:00

So, me and my sister's family drove out to Kakwa Falls. No easy task. You CANNOT drive out there without a 4x4. I was thinking of taking Doris (my Ford Taurus)...but its a good thing I didn't take her. Its only 190 kms but it took us 4 hours to drive. Definitely 4x4 country. Had to cross 22 creeks. Some very small ones...but some were a couple feet deep. Kakwa falls is beautiful! You can actually walk behind the falls. Unfortunately we couldn't, but next time I go I want to. Sometimes you have to work hard to see beauty. We saw a bear on the way. Also some other wildlife including a LYNX. Incredible!

Some of the views along the way.

Alberta rose. Alberta's flower.
One of the streams we had to cross or drive through.

Doesn't this all make you want to come and visit Grande Prairie!

50 State capitals

2007-07-02T15:55:00.001-07:00

Check out my blog on tagging the 50 state capitals. http://50statecapitals.blogspot.com/. Not including Washington D.C. I'm at 27.

Staff Retreat

2007-06-01T08:49:00.003-07:00

We left for Vancouver Island on Monday for our staff retreat. WOW! I was amazed by the beautiful scenery, the bonding moments amoung the staff and the wonderful hospitality of the Hamm's. They treated us to delicious meals, a beautiful cottage and a ride on their 64 foot yacht to Salt Spring Island. Absolutely amazing. Spent time at Buchart Gardens (which I haven't been to since I was 12).

The Hamm's flew most of us out their on their personal jet.This is the view from their patio. You cannot see where the swimming pool ends and the salt water begins. BEAUTIFUL!Here is a pic of the cottage. If only you could see each of the rooms. Great place for a retreat. Five foot grand piano in the living room, overlooking the water.I didn't sleep at the cottage. Myself and the Burns (can you spot them on the yacht?), stayed on their 64 ft yacht. Poor us. :) Totally amazing! 3 bedrooms, kitchen, living room and more. I was laughing because I was blown away by how incredible this was.This was my room.Here am I driving the yacht...which was very cool. Lots of instruments for navigation. We went to Ganges on Salt Spring Island. Quaint little town.
Also went to world reknown Buchart Gardens.
I stood on these rocks when I was 12. Should find that picture.
Gail found a plant that wasn't fully planted and decided to help the little one out. Thanks Gail!

Jasper

2007-05-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

So I took off for Jasper for my day off! Its a 4 hour drive. It was a beautiful day! I went up the Jasper Tram and hiked to the top of the mountain. Great view. It started to snow a bit and there was a beautiful rainbow below me. Then, I took off to view Mount Robson (highest point in the Canadian Rockies). Mt Robson is one of my favorite mountains. For hours, I could sit and watch the clouds and sun dance off its majestic peak. I was fortunate to see the top. Along the way, I saw mountain sheep, a mountain goat (rare sighting), elk and moose. I also saw a hummingbird at Mt. Robson but didn't get a picture of it.

Carrots

2007-05-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

So I was helping weed the garden at the people's place I'm staying at and we found carrots that overwintered. I was amazed that they didn't freeze. The green shoots show that they were trying to grow again. They were crunchy and very sweet too. (Carrots are the sweetest after the first or second frost. The carbohydrates turn to sugar. Same thing with corn.) Harvesting carrots in MAY! AMAZING!

Where I Come From

2007-05-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday I drove up to my brother's farm, the place where I grew up. It's just a beautiful place in the springtime. The leaves were just starting to come out and the crocuses were dotting the hills. I truly enjoyed the peacefulness and the beauty of where I grew up.

Stranger in a coffee shop.

2007-05-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

My friend Kase and I were in Esquires Coffee shop doing some Scripture discussion when a guy sitting next to us asked if he could join in our discussion. We were discussing our thoughts about the previous week's reading from the book of Revelation - somewhat of a difficult book to discuss. After you read Revelation you kinda just sit there and say, "Wow." ...or, "OK."...and thats about all that can be said. Anyways, the stranger added his thoughts and we had quite the discussion. We ended with some prayer for each other and went our separate ways. Just find it interesting that a stranger had the guts to ask if he could join us. It was a blessing for all.

Barry DOES have friends!

2007-04-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Finally, I found someone that wants to go on a road trip with me!

Look into my eyes

2007-04-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

I needed to get more contact lenses so I got my eyes checked. One eyes (I think my left one) needed a little bit of adjusting but eyes are in good health. Trying some different contact lenses (a bit larger but are supposed to breathe better). I'm not that happy with the new contacts, eyes feel heavy and drier. Check up cost: 100.00. Contacts for a year: 375.00. Yikes! I asked for a print out of my eyes...thought the photos were blog worthy. The lit up area is where the optic nerve enters the back of the eye.

Deer in the city

2007-04-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

The other day I took this picture of a bunch of deer in the city. Notice we still have snow. :)

The Dentist

2007-04-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent some time at the dentist. It always takes longer than expected. I hadn't been to the dentist in years! Now that I have health insurance and have more money...I've decided it was overdue to get my teeth worked on. I have a bunch of cavities and a couple of my wisdom teeth might need to be abstracted. Kelly did a great job of educating me about brushing/flossing and Curtis (the doctor) is not charging me for the dental work. WOAH! I couldn't believe it. My experience at the dentist was better than what you hear. I got free toothpaste, floss, and brand new tooth brush. Yippee! Here is an exray of my teeth. As you can see the upper molars are pointed in a funny direction and so they might need to be taken out.

Introducing....Doris!

2007-04-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce you to Doris. Doris the Ford Taurus. Her name derives from a Greek sea goddess meaning "abundance. I think the light blue color is fitting. She's a '94 and I think I'm the 3rd owner. Anyways, she came to my rescue back in October when Mimas died (the 95 Saturn). Check my post October 18/06 for details. I didn't realize it at first, but since my grand parents couldn't use Doris at the time I borrowed her while I was car-less. She was there right when I needed her. She was in early retirement (see the lisence plate) but has since come back to work for me - even though she still dosen't have a home address. So far we've gotten along real well. She has had a garage to spend the winter in and had her front brakes and tires, exhaust and alternator belts replaced. Also gave her a tune-up and in this picture she has actually been treated to a car wash (might be the ONLY one she receives). She has 120,000 kms on her and was purchased for $2,500 dollars. I wonder where all she will travel and wonder of the many adventures we will take together. Thank you God for Doris!

Art Contest

2007-03-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

So I'm going to enter a painting contest. The theme is "Capture the Beauty of the Peace." So I tried my hand at painting a photo that I took a few months back. The cow moose was only a short ways away from where I live. Here is the photo and the painting together.

First Day of Spring

2007-03-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

So...it snowed again today. It's supposed to be WARM and SPRINGY.

On another note...I saw a cow moose just outside the house. Cool creature!

Dead Deer

2007-03-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

So, the other day I saw this deer. It was right outside the front door. I was a bit freaked out by it because it just stood there and staired at me. Kiva, the cat got a little close and the dear bunted the side of the porch. It must have been injured or sick...because on Saturday it died. So...a cat and a deer haved died at "my" place this winter.

Welcome to Our World

2007-03-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

Wednesday I went up to Fort St.John for a baby tour. First I met Amber Jessica Braun.

Then I met Rebecca Marianne Friesen.

As you can see, uncle Barry is a bit awkward holding the babies and is scared he may break these precious little ones. May God's hand of love and protection be upon them both.

What a blessed week!

2007-03-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

What an amazing week! To start the week off my sister had a baby girl - Amber Jessica. Melissa had to have a C-section because things weren't progressing as they had hoped. But, everyone is healthy and Melissa and Tim are very happy.

Then, Duane (brother) and Bonnie had a baby girl - Rebecca Marianne. There is a bit of concern of platelet counts, but so far things are ok. That makes SEVEN nieces. NO nephews. I'm not sure what's in the water here, but my family is multiplying like locusts. Look out Peace River country!

Yesterday, I met a couple that needs someone to house sit for them for April and June through September. 5 months total. It works perfect with the house sitting job I have now since it is from the end of October till April. That means I have a place to house sit for 10 months of the year (and this could be a yearly thing). I will have to figure out where I will live for the months of May and October. But, I'm sure everything will work out fine. With the housing/rental situation in Grande Prairie I have the best possible situation anyone could have. Hopefully, I will be able to save up to buy a house soon. We'll see. GOD IS GOOD!!!

Deer Sausage

2007-02-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

So...what do Canadians do in the spare time? We make deer sausage!

Check out my videos on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=barryfriesen

First we mix the meat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeblPqnnp2g

Then we fill the sausage maker machine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7oEKg7Gzt4

Then we apply the pig intestines:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5KlUlXHARM

Then we fill the pig intestines:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02NYzr94OW4

Then we put the sausages in the smoker for a couple hours:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APF2sLX5OCQ

Winter on the Farm

2007-02-10T11:24:00.000-08:00

This is my parent's place:

This is my brother's place, which is in the same yard as my parents:

Some friendly baby bovine:

Winter wonderland:

Brother Scotty

2007-01-11T13:41:00.000-08:00

Brother Scotty arrived today! I guess he has a wandering spirit like me. I'm not really sure why he decided to come all the way from Mahomet, Illinois to visit me...perhaps he would like to go on another adventure!

I decided to try putting Scotty back in the box he came in....but he couldn't fit back in.

So....I decided to keep him around for awhile to do some work for me. If it wasn't for his stubby hands he would be a pretty good typer.
I wonder what adventure he will go on next??? Until next time.....Thanks Mahomet friends!

Blizzard

2007-01-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

Tuesday night we got a nasty blizzard. I barely made it back to the house where I'm house-sitting and already the drifts were up to 2 feet high. Since the drifts were still soft I was able to push through them with the car (my grandparents). Wednesday I was pretty much snowed in. There were 4 foot drifts! I managed to get the snowblower out of the garage but then I got it stuck (its a small tractor with a blower on the front). I called the neighbor to help me out. Once free I spent the rest of the morning clearing snow. Its amazing how quickly this snow came. This morning it was -36 degrees! Yikes!

Highlights of 2006

2007-01-03T16:29:00.000-08:00

Here are some highlights of 2006.
January: Continued schooling and serving at Mahomet Christian Church, Illinois. Great to work with David Johnson and see the progress at MCC. Began working on my thesis (extended research paper) – topic: The Tabernacle. Started to read through the chronological Bible and a blog called “What did you have for breakfast?”
February: Turned 30. Visited Junior and Emily in D.C. and shared my testimony with the youth group. Changed Dryden’s diaper (first ever diaper change). Philip is new roommate on the weekends from LCC. Made a deal: He would cook and I would clean.
March: Sabbatical from MCC to work on thesis paper in Colorado Springs. Invited 31 of my closest friends to call me during the sabbatical and ask “What did you have for breakfast?” Grew a beard. Fasted. Spiritual retreats at Glen Eyrie, Horn Creek and the Great Sand Dunes. Finished rough draft of thesis at 100 pages. 6300 mile road trip (Mahomet, IL to San Diego, CA). Broke my fast on Mission Beach, San Diego with an apple. Stopped at the Grande Canyon, Death Valley, Las Vegas and the Arches National Park.
April: Created “The Upper Room” for Good Friday. Shaved my beard off the day before Easter. Drove to Eureka Springs Arkansas with Bret to see the life size model of the Tabernacle. While in Eureka Springs we drove to Oklahoma just to say I’ve been to Oklahoma. Finished second draft of thesis paper.
May: Presented paper on the Tabernacle. Graduated with two degrees (BA in music; MA in Worship Studies). Mom and Dad came to my graduation. Open house at my apartment. Hung out in Chicago with Justin and Bret and was given a HUGE American flag for FREE. Interview with the Grande Prairie Church of Christ.
June: Invited to come to Grande Prairie as the Creative Arts Director. After much deliberation and prayer I accepted the position. June 13 Bret was in an accident and almost died. Ankles were shattered, 4th lumbar was shattered, tear in the aorta, ligaments were stretched and hands burned from cable. Induced coma. Psalm 91. He had to have his right leg amputated below the knee. God spared his life and is using him in a mighty way to bring glory to Himself. Went to Edisto Beach, SC and spent time with Smiths, Mays, Armettas and Krafts. Drove to Florida and visited Derek and Ashley. Drove to the furthest southern part of the continental US (Key West). Stopped at the Unclaimed Baggage Store in Scottsboro, Alabama.
July: Indiana Dunes. Sears Tower. Vacation with the Hufford’s in Michigan. Sleeping Bear Sand dunes. Drove around Lake Michigan. Checked off Wisconsin as the 48th state I visited.
August: Farewell concert at MCC. Sky-dived into church (with JC Colclasure) on my last Sunday (Aug 6th). Flew to Reno, NV to meet up with Rob and Amanda for a 5-state road trip (Checked off Idaho as the 49th state I’ve visited). Experienced Lake Tahoe, the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone National Park. Flew to Hawaii as the 50th state I’ve visited: Experienced sky-diving, sea turtles, Dole plantation, volcanoes, Mona Kea (highest peak in Hawaii and taller mountain than Everest if you count from sea floor), snorkeling, waterfalls, hostels (great place to stay for cheap), Waikiki beach, Honolulu and Hilo. Drove from Denver to Grande Prairie (40 hour drive). Stopped in Radium Hot Springs, Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefields. Arrived in Grande Prairie Aug 22nd. Lived at Pine Ridge Camp. Staff Retreat at Pine Ridge camp.
September/October: Lived at Pine Ridge Camp for 3 weeks. House sat for the Bertrands for a few weeks. Lived with the Tunke’s for a couple weeks. Becky and I sang “Praise You in the Storm.” Began house sitting for Ken. Major snow fall. 2/3’s of the annual snow fall within 3 weeks. Very cold temperatures (-42 degrees with the wind chill). Grandma had back surgery. Accident with my car (Mimas). Car is totaled. Driving Grandma and Grandpa’s car. Started using Media Shout in the worship services.
November: Art’s Night. Started a Christmas Choir.
December: Invested in RRSPs for the first time. Lived at the Landon’s for a few days. Christmas Eve service (used the song “My Deliverer” as a central theme to the service). Drove to Shelley’s for Christmas Eve. Drove with Shelley’s to Mom and Dad’s for Christmas day. Everyone but Jamie’s was there. Drove back with Shelley’s and then drove to Jamie’s for Boxing Day. Great to see all the nieces and hang out with the family. Bought a computer.
To all my friends and family and to my Lord – thank you for a wonderful year of friendship, challenge, determination, wonder, thrills and life change. To God be the glory!

Did you see the sunrise this morning?

2006-12-29T08:38:00.000-08:00

This morning I couldn't help but take a picture of the sunrise. Pictures never do sunrises justice, but I had to capture the moment. It was as though God was painting the clouds. How beautiful! God is faithful and everday we can rely on his mercy and love. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness.

Dunvegan Bridge

2006-12-21T08:48:00.000-08:00

As the sun was setting I couldn't help but stop and take a picture of the Dunvegan Bridge and the way the sun brought brilliance to the snow on the hills of the valley.

Life is fragile

2006-12-06T11:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Kally died. He was one of the cats that I was taking care of at the place I'm house-sitting. I woke up and there was blood EVERYWHERE. The cat was still alive but near the end of life. I called the family and rushed the cat to the vet, where they proceeded to give it a needle in the leg. Unfortunately, the cat had lost so much fluid that they couldn't find a good vein. So, they gave the needle to the heart and the cat died instantly. Gone. In a couple seconds. I went back to the house to clean up the blood. It looked like a crime scene - one of those scenes from C.S.I. In witnessing the death of this poor creature, I was reminded again of how fragile life is and when it is time to go...it is time to go. Life is amazing!

Moose on the Loose!

2006-11-30T16:26:00.000-08:00

Saw this cow moose this morning just down the road from where I'm living. Incredible creatures!

Poor Mimas

2006-10-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Mimas
I wasn’t sure the best way to apologize to you so I thought I would write you a letter. I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through. You have been so faithful to me and I have not been all that good to you. Although we are each going our separate ways I will have fond memories of where we’ve been. You and I have driven over 45,000 miles and you never ever complained. You were a gift to me and I’ve been very thankful for the time we’ve shared together. I remember the time I almost lost your gas cap and wondered how you would continue…but fortunately we found it. I know that I did not change your oil as often as it should have been but you kept plugging along and never gave up on me. You drove me safely from Mahomet, Illinois to San Diego and several times to Colorado. Do you remember the time when we drove up Pikes Peak? Yeah, I wasn’t sure how you would do but you took the 14,100 feet like a pro…twice! We journey to Edisto Beach, South Carolina and then all the way to Key West, Florida. I’m sorry that I packed you so full in the move back to Canada. It wasn’t right. But you never complained. I will vividly remember traveling through the Canadian Rockies, stopping at Lake Louise, the Columbia Icefields and many other stops. Well…I’m sorry about the accident. I know that you did nothing wrong. The white van came out of no where. He was mostly at fault but I can’t deny the fact that I wasn’t thinking properly. I should have been paying more attention. I didn’t realize I was in the left hand turning lane. I thought the road was widening into two lanes. But it was early in the morning and the road marks were not visible. Mimas, thank you for keeping me safe and taking the brunt of the accident. I came away with no scrapes or bruises. You looked pitiful with your fluids spilled all over the street; lights broken to bits, pieces of metal and your license plate lying on the pavement. I’m sorry that I laughed at you too. I just couldn’t help it. I found the whole thing a bit humorous. I mean…I just finished importing you to Canada. I had just received your Alberta plates several days earlier and had paid for all the fees and repairs to make you fit for Canada. Perhaps you were not meant to change your citizenship. I’m sorry for trying to force my country on you. Some day, hopefully we will travel together again. I hope you don’t get taken to a derby where you would have a cruel death…but I hope that someone will take pity on you and repair you. Although your name is not the most flashiest name I hope you will still be proud of it and know that you will always be a moon of Saturn to me. No other car could ever replace you. Yes, I will probably drive another one, but I know that I will never forget you. I apologize for what I’ve done to you and hope that someday, somehow, you can forgive me.
Your driver and friend,
Barry

Importing a car from the US to Canada.

2006-09-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

I just recently imported my car from the US to Canada. I wrestled with whether or not it was worth it, but I came to the conclusion that it was in my case...I got the car for one dollar and the car is in great condition. If you are thinking about importing a car, you might want to consider all that you have to go through before doing it. Hope this helps:

At Canada/US border
-car is inspected.
-wasn’t a big deal. I had my car completely full and they didn’t unpack everything. Perhaps because it was a smaller border crossing.
-You will sign several forms and will get your Vehicle Import Form – Form 1. They will ask for a dollar amount of how much your car is worth.
-Fee of 206.70 which can be paid either at the border or by calling 1-888-848-8240 (Registrar of Imported Vehicles). Once they receive the payment they will give you (they emailed me) Form 2. This may take a few days. This second form is the guidelines for the inspection centre regarding modifications and inspection.

Insurance
-you will need to insure your car in Canada. Find an insurance company (I decided to use Cooperators, since I used them in the past). You will need a Record of Insurance History, which your insurance company (I used Progressive Drive) can fax to you. You will also need a Certified Driving Record (also called a Driver’s Abstract), which is a record of any speeding tickets or offenses on your record. This was one of the most frustrating things for me to get. I had to call The Secretary of the State of Illinois (long wait on the phone) and ask for my record. I could not request this over the phone and needed to send a letter with my signature, date of birth and license number mailed to them (This could NOT be faxed), plus a 12.00 USD fee (I had to get a US money order and there was a 5.00 fee on that. FEES ON FEES!!!). I sent this through FED-EX which was another 32.58. They can fax the driving record back to you and will send the original by mail. You need proof of insurance for this to all work, so get started on this right away.

Out-of-Country Inspection (At Canadian Tire) (No Fee)
-Before going to your inspection centre call your car dealership for a Recall Clearance Record. They can fax this to you. GM (Saturn) charged me 25.00 and this took a couple days. This form basically says the model of your car has no recalls and is safe to drive.
-take the three forms with you: Vehicle Import Form (Form 1), Form 2 and the Recall Clearance Record with you to the inspection centre (Canadian Tire).
-The inspection doesn’t cost anything. I think the initial 206.70 covers that cost. I had to get day-time running lights put on it (84.53 + 133.50 for labor +tax). Other things that may come include: metric speedometer, an infant restraint kit, French SRS Maintenance label if it is equipped with an airbag that requires periodic maintenance, a functioning air bag if your car is equipped with an airbag.
-The inspection center stamps both your Vehicle Import Form (Form 1) and Form 2.

Out-of-Province Inspection (At Canadian Tire) (199.99)

The first step in order to get an Out-of-Province Inspection is both Form 1 and Form 2 (make sure they are stamped by your Inspection centre and Form 2 includes your VIN number) and go to a Vehicle Licensing agency and ask for a Request for Out-of-Province Inspection (No FEE!!!). Then you must take this request form to your inspection centre and begin the Out-of-Province inspection. This Inspection is the toughest. They are checking your vehicle to see if it is road worthy. Fortunately, all I need was a new exhaust system (parts/labor/tax came to 236.09).

Registration and License
Once you are finished the Out-of-Province inspection you can finally register your vehicle for plates and driver’s license. You will need:
-Vehicle Import Form – Form 1
-title or permit of car
-proof of insurance
-two pieces of proof of address
-former driver’s license
-another form of I.D. (birth certificate, etc)
-the fee for registration is 70.54. (This is where they give you your plates.)
-the fee for a driver’s license is 64.54. (They will take your picture and you will receive the license in the mail 2 weeks later. They will also take away your former driver’s license.)

So this cost me around 1,100 Canadian dollars, not including insurance.

Welcome to my world!

2006-09-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to my world. Well...this is just a snap shot of some of the highlights along the way. This picture was taken on Mount Kea in Hawaii. Mauna (Mount) Kea reaches 13,954 feet above sea level. If you measure it from its base below sea level to its tip, its actually taller than Mount Everest. Nasa has put space observation equipment on top of it because its one of the best places on the planet to view the sky. From the picture you can tell I enjoyed my time up there (I'm lighter than air). Great view above the clouds. Well I hope you enjoy the blog! TGBTG