Adventures with my Australian Sister...

Camille is my "flatmate" as she would say and we have become so close over the year. She is such an incredible friend, listening ear, and just so much fun. We laugh, enjoy wine together, and just live in harmony. However, her land of Aus is calling her back so her time with us in the great land of Canada is coming to a close. To celebrate our friendship and drink some last moments together we decided on a trip.

Since we both love rail rays we decided to take the Algoma railway and view the canyon areas. however, we did this adventure like we have done many others ~ late. We didn't leave Sundridge until 1:30am thus having us drive through the night and arrive in Sault St. Marie at 7:30 am, just in time to catch the train. Here we are looking surprisingly fresh with no sleep. It was a lovely ride. The return was even more grand as we viewed the back of our eyelids rather than the passing "wilderness".

The Agawa river ~ from the view of this tourist platform we climbed. It was a gorgeous view but it really made me want to paddle. So that is what we left to do.

Beautiful Lake Superior ~ It was crazy the first day we paddled on it, white caps, a dump right away (even before we left the bay), intense navigation once we were on the open water and a quick turn into another bay an sheltered area. The next day... picture perfect glass. We couldn't have asked for a more serene day. Spending the night on a little tuck away beach we enjoyed the beauties that the lake had to offer us.

I wanted to share some of the happenings that have filled my summer days. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into my moments.

Cheers to all

I got a dog!



I think I surprised even myself with getting a pet, especially when I have been unable to commit to anything for longer than a year, for the past three years of my life. However, I went dog sledding this year and fell in love with the Alaskan & Siberian Huskies. They are wonderful dogs, very social, hard working, and love being outdoors and active. I thought if a dog has all the characteristics I strive to have, how could I not get one. So, I went to the local dog sledding company and walked around there dog yard to see what dogs they were retireing for that year. This is the dog yard in the winter, (there wasn't that much snow when I went) they have 300 dogs living there. In the winter they run almost every week, pulling a sled but in the summer they just have their barrels and their three foot lead, not an ideal way to spend your "vacation time."

So during my walk I met Jesse, a ten year old mostly Siberian husky but he has some Alaskan husky in him. He is a great work dog with a calm personality. So loving , he has some quirky mannerism where he howls in the morning, sticks his head in my armpit (even while I am canoeing), and eats my candles. Overall we are doing well ~ he is adjusting to no leash and house manners while I am adjusting to remembering I have a dog and picking up dog poo.

I had him off leash, for the first time since
I have got him, at the campsite we canoed to.
He was very keen on watching a loon.

Sleepy dog, he just started getting use to the canoe. Before that he was standing up, pacing, and nearly causing a canoe dump. We made it though.

I went to New Hampshire to an AEE conferance (what a wonderful experience and learning time). While there we went to Boston and of course did the must sees in Boston ~ Fenway, Boston Common, and here we are in Cheers bar. The guys (co-workers and disgruntled Canadians) enjoyed the aluminum Bud bottles so much they kept ordering them. What sillies, we can't bring those back to Canada, they would freeze to our lips in the winter... can only enjoy them in the wonderful red, white and blue country.

While there I also got to visit Karoliina and John, it was such a grand time of fellowship! I was so happy to see where they live, hear about life, and be able to pray more directly for the path God is taking them on. Here are some lovely snapshots of our time together.

My summer has been pretty packed, I am not sure if I have done anything spectacular ~ I have just been living out the questions and living out the days. It doesn't help my cause that life at Project DARE changes each month and that there is no routine set for my week or day to day. I find that this life for the almost past year has been living for the days and the moments. It is great for keeping the mundane out of life and not so great for having structure and routine to help balance out my life. I don't think my schedule will change any time soon, but my ways of dealing with the days can. I hope if you are reading this you can pray with me in ways to help me structure, discipline, and organize my days so that I take time for God, take time for myself, and take time for those I really care about.

Okay, I must apologize to all my blogging fans. I have failed as a blogger. Time has been slipping through my fingers like soft silted sand and the last thing on my mind has been to communicate with the masses. But I did want to share with you how my winter adventures ended and to fill you in on the beginning of a new season. I am looking forward to a wellness summer: filled with fresh fruit, fresh paddling waters, and fresh thinking. I must bid farewell to the wonderful snow and all that it brought me this winter. I do look forward to another bout of it next winter but till then I will leave you with the pictures of plenty.

Sorry this picture is all whacked, I was climbing in an ice cave and the picture below the whacked one is the cave.

This next winter I hope will be more opportunities to climb, it is a fantastic experience.

Mom and Betsye R. came to visit me in March it was good times all around; from the bright lights of Toronto, to the bush and cold of northern Ontario. Dog sledding, snowshoeing, and giggles were all in the package.

Coming soon to a blog near you...

My ice-climbing tome
the Tag I owe Karoliina on sharing deeper parts of who I am

Life in the North

Life in near north Ontario is never dull. This winter especially I have been experiencing many new cultural situations.

Including: Big black -40 C insulated boots that you tuck your pants into (as shown to the left)

When you go for a walk in the -35 weather there are seven skidoos on your road, one very fast diesel truck and the only other people walking on your "Main" street are the old folks to afraid to drive in the snow.

In your car is always packed a shovel, a bucket of sand/ashes/or kitty litter, a change of warmer clothes, sleeping bag, and a emergency candle / food / water purifier kit.

Skidoos: they are everywhere, people drive their kids to school, their spouses to work and themselves to the LCBO on them.

Ice travel is open and becomes a way to travel faster to the Beer store.

I now own five toques, four pairs of mitts, and though I have three pair, I realize I need more long johns.

The best part of living in Ontario is the plethora of winter adventurous: Ice climbing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and cross country skiing.

Car Drama ~

It all started in December... my car became addicted to drama. I love my car, it has no official name but it has affectingly been deemed the little herbie. It contained all my possessions on my trek out west, climbed mountains in Colorado, explored lakes in Canada, visited the valley in North Carolina, and rumbled along the beach front in Ontario. Then in December it took on too much adventure, it ran over a large deer and then yesterday decided to bank itself on a rock hard snowbank. This morning when the temperature was a whopping -37 C it decided it was done and wanted to face the day no more. So, on the tow truck it went and my mourning is still going strong. I miss my little herbie and most of all I miss my independence.

Hail to the little herbie and pray for a quick recovery.

I know the time and shine of the New Year has worn off. But, I find that I still contemplate it and all I experience in 2006. Here is to a little run down of what this year involved for me.

1. Where did you ring in the New Year? Time Square Baby!! Right on the lands that marks the most celebrated place to ring 2007!! Great friends, great memories, and great parties.

2. What was your status by Valentine's Day? 2006 Valentine’s day I was working diligently on my Masters, I had finished up a Grant proposal and was doing research on Domestic Violence. The guy I was sort of of dating called me in the research lab and wanted to hang out but I was a geek and choose the articles and computer. Gotta get my priorities straight

3. Were you in school? Yep, in the thick of it. Some incredible classes and incredible experiences.

4. How did you earn your keep? Finished working at a mom / pop outdoor store called Bivouac and then started doing research for the Government on Domestic Violence.

5. Where did you go on vacation? Skiing in Michigan, Florida to Karen’s and Kayaking (oh Disney World as well), Canada to Kayak and explore, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina (backpacking), and then ended in Michigan. Oh I guess to New York to bring in the New Year.

6. Did you purchase anything over $500? A Master’s degree.

7. Have you run into anyone you graduated high school with? Hmm, when my sis got married I ran into a lot of people. Then I went on a canoe trip with three guys from high school. Two I keep in touch with and the other I hadn’t seen since high school. Then just over the World Wide Web.

8. Did you move anywhere? I moved to Canada!!

9. What sporting events did you go to? U of M and Penn State football game! Then the local Hockey in Sundridge Ontario. That is a close second to football… well not even but still fun.

10. What concerts did you go to? Handel’s Messiah, that was about all except some local jazz and folk in Ann Arbor.

11. Where do you live now? Good ole’ Near North Ontario Canada (Sundridge is the official town)

12. Describe your birthday: I worked at my placement in Detroit and then had friends over for strawberry shortcake and good talks. Oh, then the next day some friends and I went to a great Korean restaurant and shopped.

13. What is one thing you regretted this year? Hmm, I don’t think I could share that with all. It has to do with a boy.

14. What did you learn about yourself? That my voice is loud when it comes to other people but when it comes to me I am more timid than I want to be.

15. What from pop culture will you remember 2006 by? I got an IPOD and a new computer and fully couldn’t live without the internet. Though I tossed my cell phone.

16. What was the most surprising thing of 2006? That I moved to Canada. I thought I would be an outdoor guru but my job is a traditional type of therapist office job, then some weeks I don a backpack and walk around with teenage boys who can’t control their emotions.

17. What are your goals for 2007? Dig deeper into who God is, be responsible all around with my body, my finances, and my time. Most of all to see my beautiful friend Lindy!!

"Time Square ~ New York City"

Try saying this with a dramatic show tunes kind of voice, like you are introducting broadway or I guess a huge New Years Eve Bash at the infamous Time Square. This year I got to hear the "dramatic show tunes kind of voice" right on the very spot. It came from a large man with slick black hair that looked more like a ring master (the circus kind, not the Tolkein kind) than a New Yorker. It was an incredible trip and Time Square was the starting block. Well actually quaint hostels and indian food where the starting block but we jumped into Time Square, only to keep running. I wish I could weave the tales and adventures in poetic witty form. However, 10 days straight working with at-risk youth will leave your brain mushy. So I will settle for lists and pictures. Hope you are able to capture the experience.

This is a new friend, the dread head, psychiatric nurse from Australia. We enjoyed conversations and live music at a bar in Time Square.

My moments in New York City: waiting~ for subways, friends, bathrooms, the long hours where the hands of clock finally align. Walking briskly along streets lined with countless lights your vision blurs with energy. Watching people live, sit, move, cheer, freak out, sulk, and just be the unique New Yorkers they are. Grasping the bredth of this massive city through bars, cafes, hostels, foreign eyes, and just feeling it. Living history and anticipating future.

The wonders of New York City, all should walk through them.

The place itself, Time Square

The Brothers chilling out on the Square...

Waiting and waiting and waiting, the game we played for many hours to experience one second of celebration.

Finally I arrived and locked our spot right inline with the ball

I know it looks like a sit in but really we are just, yep you guessed it, waiting.

The time has arrived!! 22 Seconds to go .....

Happy New Year!! Welcome 2007!

Am really glad I experienced the infamous Bash, I don't know if I would grace it with my presence again. New York on the other hand, most definitely deserves my attention. Here are some sights of this grand city that I know will encourage me to explore it again...

Traveling Mercies and Happy Exploring

Just wanted to let all know that I will be gracing NYC with my presence this year, or actually next year.

Am way stoked to be dancing on Time Square while the year 2007 rolls in. Will let you all know how the adventures unfold.

PS: I feel like I have become a blog binger. I am really absent and stay away from it for a few weeks and then bam! I whip out like four blogs. Whew, I am worn out may need to take a break for awhile... you see where the cycle begins. "Is there a counselor in the room? I am going to need some help." Thanks for listening / reading the ramble

Merry Christmas To All!!

A few days late but that is the Matchette tradition, can't break tradition. This year I worked on the actual day but the week before we had a beautiful time in Boyne. Enjoy the picture of festivities.

Had some indoor time as well as some stellar outdoor time. Was great to be outdoors and playing with my family. Hopefully this new "tradition" will only foster more memories and quality time together.

Praying the Holiday was a beautiful time with whomever you spent it with. As you walk these days, I hope the Peace of Christ and the Gift He truly was and is to us sinks deeper into who you are. Blessings to all!

I saw a fox on the road today coming into work, he slinked away into the woods on the side of the road. His eyes never left me and when I stopped my car ( you have to truly drink in the wildlife when you see it here, it centers you ) he stepped curiously into the road and came up beside my car. He had such personality that I thought at any moment he would start speaking to me such as the fox in Narnia did. I felt very much like it was Narnia in fact, the temperatures reaching the level were your nose hairs froze and your skin tightened. The air swirled around filled with snow crystals and the trees hung heavy with think crusty snow.

So the fox and I look at each other, his head bobbing as if to say who are you and what contraption are you in? I could tell he was searching out the situation, all the while his eyes never left mine. After a minute or so he bounded off towards a hill and scampered up a steep area. I was curious myself, where was he going, in this frozen Narnia world? Then as my eyes followed him I saw him stretch and leap towards where the sun was hitting the hill. Then my eyes traveled up and sun filled the whole upper level of the foot hills and the Narnia world seemed to melt. It was as if Aslan was coming and slowly the melting of cold, crisp, shells was beginning. All who knew in their instinct and perhaps hearts (if foxes have hearts, well of course in Narnia they do) that they must reach the light, the Aslan touch.

As I parked my car into work and crunched my way down the hill and to my office, I felt my heart warm as I prayed today would be a reaching light day and Aslan touch day.

So here I was so excited to get back into Canada and this time be completely legal. Refreshed after time with my family and still feeling really excited about my job and opportunities in Canada I bounded to the boarder with enthusiasm and assurance. I sauntered into the immigration office with a folder full of affirmative Consulate paperwork and smug smile gracing my face.

Well... that smugness was wiped clean when after a half hour passed and I left, shoulders slumped with a red stamp plastered on my paperwork...REFUSED BY IMMIGRATION. It was a no go, once again. I had all my paperwork and they said they could issue me another VISA if I was willing to drop 200 bones on it, though I had already paid the processing fee. So, no amount of smooching would work. I had to accept that the Consulate had not put me in the computer and thus I was victim of their office delays.

So I did what any resourceful Social Work would do, I went back and emailed, called, and most things short of hassling the Consulate to get them to contact the border. Then I drove the bridge again....

And got REJECTED again. Then I waited as I drove back to the states. Tried crossing with the intent of being a visitor, however, they were on to me and I was stopped, searched, and REJECTED a third time. Third time is not a charm. Then I had to stop to be cleared from the U.S.'s system, where they also did a drug search on my vehicle. I waited 45 minutes to be cleared and wondered to myself how much data they had on me that it takes this long to "clear."

The next day I successfully entered into Canada and now am 100% legal. The consulate finally got on their game and entered me into the computer so sailed across the Ambassador Bridge with ease. Except for the minor charge for carrying goods into the country without claming them and assaulting a border officer with a 12 box of water. No worries my smile and charmed worked wonders and I was released with no more than a small fee of $15 and a warning to learn the ways of the Maple Leaf.