Santa Claus Comes to Town

It was a dark and stormy night. (sorry, wrong story)


There was a knock on the door. The youngest member of the family ran to the door in eager anticipation, and threw it open like it was flimsy wrapping paper on a new package of underwear. The shriek could be heard all around town as though a herald was unveiling news of a new revolution, or announcing another tea party at the harbor. Indeed, it was Santa Claus, back from a long hiatus of sun bathing on the beaches of the South Pacific drinking cool beverages from tall glasses with tiny paper umbrella stuck in a myriad of tropical fruit lining the rim to hide the lipstick prints. Only this time the weather fit the stereotypical drawing from a second rate children's book about the jolly old "elf," or what ever particular myth you personally grew up repeating: Papa Noel, Chris Cringle, Saint Nick, Chonon, etc.

People can say, as most young boys over the age of 6 or 7 will, that Santa Claus does not exist. I can refute their every claim. Santa Claus is more like money, real money, big money. Not like $100 bills, but like state of federal budgets, more concept and confidence than hard fact.

Case in point: The little boy in the picture above was at the door to greet his father as he came home from work. as the man opened the door, he told his son to look toward the elevator, from which we had just emerged. The boy, over joyed, shouted, "Santa Claus!" and took off at a dead run down the hall to where I was standing. I knelt down and he nearly bowled me over, hugging me with all his might. I hugged him back, and we talked about him. Nothing else mattered. He told me he loved going to school, and he liked to draw pictures. He loves his parents and he would like to have a new truck to play with for Christmas. That's all. No video games, no elaborate multi piece toy sets, no ipod, electronics, etc. Just a new truck.

Now the real magic was not for the little boy, who did not even tell me his name. The real magic was the love that radiated from him for the promise of Christmas. My expectations for the holidays usually take weeks to materialize because of the commercialization of the season. I must admit though, in these small eyes of a small boy full of hope and kindness, I see reflected the pure light of Christ. How refreshing! What a wonderful gift that I receive over and over.


Here is another example:

We have several posts where Lockie, the son of Michelle's good friend Barb has been featured. About a week and a half ago, I went to get the box out of storage to don the Santa Suit. The box was there. The boots were there. The wig and beard were there. But the suit was not. Imust have lent it out, and I simply do not remember. If anyone has a recollection, I would love to hear from you. That was the suit my mother made for my father, and the one he wore for years and years as he spread holiday cheer.

Anyway, Lockie was anticipating a visit from Santa for almost 2 weeks, and when we set up the appointment, he helped clean the apartment, his room, etc. He and his dad drew pictures and I told him his looked just like his dad's did from when his dad was a boy. Lockie showed me some crafts he'd made, and his stocking. I gave him a red and green striped candy cane and called it a "Ninja Turtle" candy cane because he loves the Ninja Turtles. We also sang Christmas songs. I had a great time, and the report from his mother is that he is still talking about the visit and the candy cane. He wants to take it with him everywhere he goes.

This is one of my favorite shots. He went to press the buttons on the elevator so I could go get ready for the Christmas Eve flight. He promised to have a snack ready for me, and one for the reindeer too, a single carrot to nibble on.

You know, for a grouchy old man, I think I really do like the holidays a bit more every year.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

Hugs and Kisses,

Alan

Let it Snow

We had a little snow again last Tuesday night, about 5 inches. The snow here changes as the winter season deepens. The first snows reminded me of the snow from my childhood in South Dakota. Huge flakes, an inch or more across, and very sticky. They cling to everything. Then the snow begins to lighten into large soft flakes, quite powdery and fluffy. Now the snow is mainly small flakes, almost like Styrofoam balls. They blow everywhere, and so most people do not brush the snow off of their cars in the morning. After a block or two, the snow is practically all gone form the tops of cars.

On the highway, the snow blows in mesmerizing waves and undulations, like a free form dance of tiny white fairies skittering along the roads. At night, as we drive by areas where there is new fallen snow, the crystals glitter in the headlights of cars like millions of flash bulbs at a concert welcoming the passing performers.

The youth, like the group above, tend to try to use it to make snowballs to toss. You can do that early in the season, but not now.

We have a group of Christmas Pixies here in Fort Mac. We have received treats on several occasions, all fun home made things with a few store bought local candies. I think it might be our dentist. Just kidding.

YW Presidency in the Timberlea Ward. Barb, Michelle, and Wendy.

Some of the YW in the Ward. Others are on holiday, including Jessica in San Salvador for the better part of a month.

After church, the cloak room is the busy place where families get bundled up for the trek to the cars. Everyone dons the winter wear, coats, gloves, snow boots, etc.

Well, almost everyone. This is one young Canadians idea of "get dressed so we can go."

As we end the day, the temperature is up to -24 degrees C. At 10:20 p.m. It is the high temp of the day so far. Tomorrow will bring more adventures and more opportunities to serve within the church and the community at large. We are planning to volunteer at the local shelter on Christmas day this year. They always serve a traditional meal for the men and women that have no family close by. This will be the first Christmas without extended family here, and worse, without immediate family here either.

We did go to the Christmas devotional at the chapel tonight. There were musical numbers from around the world, and instruments as diverse as bell choirs, cello trios, brass solos, and piano. The vocal selections ranged from traditional hymns to folk tunes to modern songs, all celebrating the season.

I missed a nap today (not counting the rubber neck head bobbing required when High Council speakers are in town), so I'm going to bed to dream of sugar plums.

Good night Ya'll.

Nordic, Part Deaux (that's french, kinda)

Saturday 12:30 p.m. Samuel wanted a silhouette picture (that's french too, kinda) The sun came to see us today for a few hours, and brought an old friend along, Mr. Wind Chill. Our skiing class was cancelled today because of the low temps. I guess -44 is a bit on the chilly side, but i have to be honest, it did not seem like it was any colder than -39 or so.

Los ninja (that's not really french, but you can make it sound sorta french if you hold your nose and say it)

Who is the old fat guy with the beautiful model?

Since we could not ski today, we retreated to another family tradition, eating. We went to the local Sea Food restaurant for lunch and started off with fresh Prince Edward Island Mussels in Garlic Butter Sauce. Then we indulged in other treasures of the oceans, like BBQ ribs, poutine, and cole slaw with a chocolate milk chaser. At least that is what teen age boys think is good at a sea food restaurant. I tried Cod Au Gratin (that's french and Newfie). Michelle had the battered halibut.

While we were waiting for food, a little boy approached the waitress and gave her a picture he had drawn. She asked his name and he replied, "Ethan." Michelle practically shouted, "It's a sign!" (that is the name of the young man one of our daughters is dating) and I spewed water on Joseph. (that is not french, but was funny anyway)

Michelle hosted a luncheon the other day for the new members of the Ward. There have been 5 new families move in within the last month. there were about 10 to 12 sisters and about 400 children. The parade leader and chief instigator is Chloe (that's french, but we cannot take credit for naming her). She sobbed at the end of the luncheon, "I don't want to go home, I want to stay here and play!" So do I, Chloe, so do I.

Hugs and Kisses to you all, and to all a good night. (or something like that)

Nordic, Baby, Nordic

You may remember this lodge from earlier posts. It is at the entrance to the Birchwood Trails, and it is the home of the Ptarmigan Nordic Ski Club. We joined the club and today was the first lesson. We stood in line with the other hearty souls to get fitted for equipment (boots, skis and poles). You need to understand that the boots are made for people who are not well grounded. That is to say we all squished our Patones (great big feet) into the booties. The poles are for pure decoration because we used them for approximately 15 seconds, which is how long it takes you to remove the wrist strap and throw the poles down. The skis are "an extension of your foot flowing gracefully from your legs as you glide in silent bliss," according to people that really do this, or are used primarily for making you look and feel like a dying cockroach, since that is the position you have to assume each and every time you fall (3000 give or take) and have to get up. the only other option is to freeze to death, offering up your body to science or the wolves, your choice.

This is where you can store your skis before you enter the lodge, if you have them, or you can hang around and chat up the other new looking people until you try to ski away like a suave movie star (think Bond, James Bond) and actually end up looking like a complete dork, face down, legs askew, cursing silently.

One must first stretch before any strenuous physical activity. That was the first clue that this might be a great spectator sport. Samuel can touch his toes, I can see mine.

First we learned to ski with one ski, to get used to gliding on the skis. First one leg, then the other. See the track where Sam has his ski? That is groomed by a snow mobile and a special sled that packs the snow to make the track. We were instructed to be careful of the track and not destroy it. I prefer to think of the damage from by big, fat, geek hiney as auxiliary packing. This is also just after we were instructed on how to fall and rise again. (the saying: There is no failure in falling, only failure in not getting up again. might be appropriate here. This might also be an appropriate place to offer up a small lesson in physics and Newton's laws of motion and gravity.) Newton never tried to nordic ski, but he did a great job on describing how bad it hurts after you fall, and fall, and fall, and fall... Remember those wheels on the ox cart form the primary song? I have new lyrics for that tune now.

Joseph showing off by not falling.

Michelle met Mari Luz Posada from Venezuela, and they immediately became friends. Sam was too busy being the darling of the class and showing off his "He's a natural" moves. Next time I am going to make him ski with a bowstaff to see if his bowstaff skills help him any. Gosh!

Joseph can still walk at the end of the day. I hobbled well enough to not draw attention to the fact that all 3 of my muscles hurt. Michelle practically skipped out to the truck. I murmured. Samuel was bubbling about skiing the trails and keeping up with the instructors. I wanted a nap.

Editors note: The forgoing is an attempt at humor. Any laughing at the fat old man is strictly prohibited unless written authorization is obtained from the FOML.

We all had fun, really, and we will be back next week for another saga in the great white north.

Hugs and Kisses,

Alan and Michelle

Minus 12

With a little bit of snow on the ground, and the temperature hovering at about minus 12 C for the last few days (it may seem cold, but it is a heck of a lot better than the average temperature for this time of year, minus 25 C) it looked like a good day to go sledding. Our combined activity tonight gave us the opportunity we were looking for. With 19 YM and YW, and signed parental permission slips for each one, we headed out to Hospital Hill. The name does not come from the outcome, but from the proximity. What a blast!! Youth went down the hill solo. They went down in pairs. They went in groups (deacons, young women, siblings, etc.) We had so much fun watching the crashes, and the boo-boos, and the successful runs. The best part for us? Listening to them all exclaim how much fun they had, and, "No, I'm not cold. Can we sled some more?"

Bailey and Dana at the beginning of the night.

Gaetz and Jamie after a race. I think Jamie won. He just got out of his second leg cast about 10 days ago.

Joseph getting blinded by the light and wrapped up like a deuce. (for you rock and roll fans)

Samuel and Gaetz. They were second in the longest ride competition tonight.

Bailey, Jenny, and Dana came in first in the laughing uncontrollably category.

3 Deacons and a Teacher.

This is Dustin, the Teachers Advisor. He was riding his old snow board, and just caught a football on one run. Then he spiked the ball and it bounced back into his face. Later in the evening, they kept adding people to the snow board on each run until they got 5 people down the hill on one run - without crashing.

Alan giving up a good pair of gloves for Michael so he could keep sliding.

At the end of the day, there is nothing quite like a donut from the local Tim Horton's. I'm sure they were hot at one time, but at minus 12, they do not stay hot for long. However, the hot chocolate more than made up for the chill of the evening.

Jezzy warms up at last.

Oh! How great it is to be here in this part of the world, with these wonderful young people!

Hugs and Kisses,

Alan and Michelle

I don't have to dream of a white Christmas anymore

On the way home from church yesterday, we stopped at the local junior college to see the trees on one street corner, which have all be decorated for the Christmas season. They really are pretty, and there are about 30 trees with lights and large ornaments. Samuel is holding back his chattering teeth with that smile.

Here is the same photo without flash. You can see some of the trees a little better. There were about 4 other families taking pictures at the same time we were there.

Ryan, Joseph, and Samuel. Ryan is a friend of Samuel's from school, and is a transplant from Houston, Texas. The boys are on the way to the closest hill to sled for a little bit. It is the same hill that bit Sam the other day.

This is right after school, and it had just started snowing. Now, 6 hours later, there is about 4 inches of new snow on the ground, and more on the way. We are going to go sledding tomorrow night as a Combined activity with the YM and YW on hospital hill near down town. Hopefully we do not have to visit the hospital too.

This is the walkway to get from a housing neighborhood into the area known as the trails. In the summer time, you can hike, or mosey, to see all the flora and fauna. In the winter time you can cross country ski, or snow shoe, or sled. For alpine skiing, you have to go to Vista Ridge, the local ski chalet, or to the mountains in Jasper or Banff. We are going to make the trip to the mountains after Christmas for a few days to watch from a safe distance as our boys enjoy themselves, hopefully without incident.

Liquid Gold

Time: Sunday night, 10 :42 p.m.

Place: Home after a long weekend date in Edmonton.

Set up: Jacob just got home from a marathon date with a very nice girl. The photo is how she "officially" asked him to go to Preference with her. Preference is where young single adult women ask the ysa men to go to this activity (or in this case multiple activities).

They went to play laser tag. They ate out at some nice restaurants. The went to the dance. They went to church today too.

Jacob and I had a bet that he would get kissed before the end of the weekend. He said no, as he did not see any reason why such a thing would happen. Upon his return, he said to me, "well, if I owe you lunch for every kiss, then you won't have to spend a dime for the rest of your life."

I laughed out loud.

When we got home, Michelle wanted to know how the weekend went, and Jacob told her about the bet, and about the loss.

Then he pulls out of his bag a bottle of Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne, and said, "This is liquid gold. Everyone loved it."

Michelle asked, "Did all the girls love how it smells?"

And he replied, "All the girls told me how good I smelled. They could not keep their hands off of me. Heck, I couldn't hardly keep my own hands off me either."

"He is your son." Michelle said to me later.

Yes, yes he is.