Sunday, December 31, 2028

What is Test For Echo?


In the Canadian Arctic there are sign posts of a sort, inukshuit, or inukshuk (singular), used to point the way, indicate a particular location, or align the viewer to a certain important landmark or destination. Used here it is the idea that we are all looking for answers and wisdom. Not just the obvious ones, who am I and why am I here? But the less obvious and very personal ones that only you can ask. Test For Echo expresses that searching, asking, discussing, and, hopefully, finding. Test for echo means to call out to the wilderness and listen for what comes back. Does anyone have the answers? I don't know. This is the place to explore that particular question. Welcome to Test For Echo.

Monday, August 11, 2025

Tropical Storm Erin


Tropical Storm Erin formed over night from an organized storm to a tropical storm, virtually skipping tropical depression. Its track is typical of those that approach the US east coast. I'm not a meteorologist, just an amateur observer.


Edit: Thankfully, Tropical Storm, and later category 5 Hurricane Erin, stayed out to sea, equally distanced between Bermuda and the Outer Banks. Although storm surges were significant, no major damage occurred. 

Friday, August 08, 2025

Hot July, Cool August, Church News

 After blistering July days with heat indexes of 110, August has graced us with unseasonably cool weather with daily highs of the upper 70s. But, with that has come a TON of rain, causing flash flooding and some fatalities. As well, can't cut the grass, so it looks almost like a prairie....

Marvin is hanging in there. Very tired daily, but in surprisingly good spirits. Still no guess how long he'll be with us. We have him in Hospice care (Transitions in Raleigh) and they have been incredible. Something I didn't know: Once a Hospice patient all medical expenses are covered, which includes things like hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, other durable medical equipment, and medications. They also have a short-term care facility where we were able to give a break from us for a few days....no cost to us or him. Incredible program that I've known about for decades, but hadn't appreciate the depth of what they provide.

On other fronts: our church was told, quite unexpectedly in mid-June we were informed that our pastor was being re-appointed to another church (United Methodist Church traditionally moves pastors every 4-5 years based on congregational needs). This usually is decided in April for a July 1 move. So, this was quite the surprise.

While we went through some frustration, I have met and had lunch with the incoming pastor and am excited for our future. I also know our out-going pastor's skills and talents are need elsewhere. While we'll miss our current pastor, we welcome our incoming one.

Tuesday, August 05, 2025

Papa and Alex

It's been quite a year. After recovering from his broken leg Papa got diagnosed with cancer. He's at peace with the prognosis....on Hospice. We've decided I won't look for work for the time being so we can make sure someone is always available for him. Again, he's at peace with the situation. He's tired, yet resilient. We don't know how long he has. Each day with him is a gift, though. So thankful we're able to have him living with us.

Alex didn't get accepted to college in Sweden due to a lack of understanding how NC homeschooling works. We'll try again this year.

Monday, December 16, 2024

Latest Updates

 Well, what an eventful year. Not much happened throughout the year.....until September. Ben got married (Emily). Then November hit: Papa broke his leg (hip), requiring surgery and admission to a rehab facility (thankfully a really nice one). December followed and I got a stomach virus for two weeks, causing me to miss playing in our church Christmas cantata, Ange got a sinus infection. Had to reschedule Maynard Christmas for two weeks before Alex leaves again for Sweden in early January. I guess the good news is Alex has completed his college application to attend in Sweden. Fingers crossed.

Oh, and after successfully selling our church building while looking to relocate, we are meeting at an elementary school gym/auditorium. My trailer gets to carry all the AV equipment until the church finds a suitable trailer.

I'm not worried, though, as I'm feeling better, I know Ange will, we'll have family Christmas the end of December, which Papa will be able to be at, and Papa is expected to make a full recovery!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, y'all!

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Totalled Car, DoorDash, and FNL

 Last December Alex had the misfortune of being in a car accident. He's perfectly fine. The car, though, due to its age and value, was totaled by insurance. We opted to salvage it and get it repaired. It's in pretty great shape now. Actually better, as the hood was re-painted...fixing all the miniature rust spots on it! Alex is back in the saddle, and has been delivering for DoorDash. Beyond getting paid, he says it lets him practice driving. What a trooper! And, even though the accident was his fault, it's a really stupid intersection, dark, and heavy traffic. We didn't get mad, but were just relieved he was OK. That's why we have insurance. Oddly enough, our insurance carrier couldn't get a response from the other driver, so he didn't get compensated. Weird.

Things are still going well with Marvin, he his enjoying "The Cave." The dog still loves him and vice-versa. And he still mows my lawn...at nearly 89.

Wedding is just around the corner, so close! But, before, massive exterior work getting done on our house. $$$....can't take it with you, might retire here after all!

Friday, July 14, 2023

 It's been a few months since the wedding announcement. What's happening now? Well, my father in law has moved in with us (that's a VERY good thing), Alex is on his 4th trip to Sweden, hoping to be there 6 months, we're still planning an wedding, and now e're trying to sell Ange's childhood home. Oh, did I mention planning my dad's memorial service, of which I am presiding? It's been rescheduling several times due to weather....we're planning on having it come Hell or high water on 7/18/23. That being said, everyone seems to be happy. Ben works long hours, which I'm sure is stressful for he and Emily, but it won't be forever...Ange and I have been there.


Maybe more later, it's late. Goodnight!