Another rainy and blustery day here in Montreal...perfect for Halloween! So many people are in costume here. Whether they are out for a run, shopping or going to classes, there are costumed people all over the place! I went back up Mont Royal again today..beautiful...and then after the sessions at the conference, I headed down to old Montreal. Notre Dame cathedral was the standout, but the entire walk was filled with lovely old architecture.

The Museum of Art



Notre Dame



Grand Central station



Really cool bird houses



Then after all the rain, God provided this beautiful sunset to end the day.

Continued...

Today was way better in terms of my luck...our presentation was well attended and thought provoking (at least for me!). The sessions I went to were great too. Then I got to take a hike up Mont Royal and was treated to a beautiful view of Montreal.

Here's my hostel from last night...didn't get to stay...a little problem with the air conditioning...among other things like big holes in the wall!



Sights from the city...



This beautiful Bascilica was even more remarkable inside, and at 5pm there was an incredible bell concert for 15 minutes! It was amazing...the sound bounced off of the buildings around and it echoed through the streets...



The hike up Mont Royal...

Did you ever have one of those days when nothing went to plan, but it was kind of fun because the whole experience was way more of an adventure than you could have planned? That was my day! A two hour delayed flight that was rerouted through New York. An airline employee that had about a dozen of us on the wrong plane out of New York. A very friendly, but extremely talkative Canadian that took me on a two hour bus tour of Montreal. A metro station that offered French-only directions. And a hostel which was closed because it fell down! But throughout the entire day, I was filled with an understanding of the funny sense of humor that God has, and although nothing went to plan I never felt outside of His care. What fun! I can only offer these two pictures of the beautiful scene coming into New York because the rest of my adventure took place during a constant bus ride conversation or in the dark...much, much more to follow! Now a little rest before the presentation tomorrow...

The saga of Quibs

Quibs is a turtle. Kristin received Quibs from the HS science teacher because he said she'd take good care of him. She does love him dearly. So much so that the first night he was home, he left his new home on a rock that Kristin placed in his home. He promptly disappeared, so we figured that the cat had an exciting night and a midnight snack. One week later, I walked into the kitchen to find what I thought was a leaf. Instead, I found a very dry and somewhat hair-covered turtle emerging from under the refrigerator. You will be happy to know now that Quibs has a new and safer home, and is doing fine. More stories to follow...

God's wall hanging

Every year at this time, I am treated to the most amazing wall hanging...the colors are so distracting that sometime I actually have to turn my chair away from this view to get any work done. But mostly I am just so grateful for God's artwork in my office!

Sweet ride!

We have had a little trouble with Frank's car lately, so while it was in the shop our neighbor, Ron, generously loaned us one of his. For a while we were riding in style as we tooled around in this sweet red Cadillac!!

Laona wildlife

Each time we visit Laona I am amazed by the variety and expanse of wildlife. So far on this visit we have seen frogs...check out the size of these things! (And could this water be any clearer?)







This may not look like a deer, but legend has it that this is an ancient form of deer communication...



Becky and I witnessed this bear as we walked home from Steve and Sue's last night...Bobbie couldn't see it, but it was very clear to us!

Laona continued

Today was a full day...wood splitting, lawn raking, fishing and hike taking. We ended it all off with a great dinner (thanks Sue and Bobbie!) and rich conversation. It was a beautiful day!

Wood splitting...







Well, the leaves were gone for a while...



The lake that holds the fish (it's still holding all of the fish...)



A view of the house from the dock...



Dinner participants...









Happy hikers...

On the way...

We are spending the weekend in Laona to celebrate some time with our Kuhrasch family and hopefully to hook into some of the big fall fish that Frank promises every fall. Wish us luck!

On the road...



Silver lake road...



The beach...



The house on the lake...

This is my job...

I have the coolest job in the world! My job involves playing in the gym with incredibly cute kids and students who want to be teachers...and they pay me! Unbelievable!

Homecoming 2009

Our little girl is a junior! Homecoming this year is with a wide group of friends...bus ride, pizza and dancing. We are so proud of our wonderful daughter!

Maynard!

We got a last minute call yesterday for someone to serve as Maynard at the local walk for Down's syndrome children, and Kristin answered the bell in fine fashion. It was almost scary the way she "became" Maynard! Kids were flocking to her and she danced up a storm. It was an honor to watch...

The sights of fall in WI

Even before the leaves have turned here, there is much color...I always thought that Wisconsin is at its most beautiful in the fall!