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.

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!

 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!

 WEDDING!!

Ben and Emily have announced (to us, at least) their plans for a September 29, 2024 wedding. Folks, we are absolutely beside ourselves! These two have been in love since 7th grade, though they only realized it at their high school graduation. Venue has been selected and plans are underway.

I have to say, there have been many very important events in our lives. This is WAY up there.

Congratulations Ben and Emily, we love you!

There's No Title

 Do you read the news? I’m so done with whatever agenda is driving their sales, thereby steering their viewers in our society. I’m sure it's cyclic, "Say, Claudius, did you see the sign hanging in Rufus' shop? Once Titus sees it there'll be a fight in the Senate to change sign laws, I’m telling you."

Frivolous lawsuits, laws to challenge the law-abiding citizens in an attempt to wrangle in the criminals, this person is offended by the color of that person's coat, cats and dogs living together. 

I think of myself as a conservative liberal. I’m sure I just offended someone. 

What is bothering me is how I’m being instructed, even legislated, to behave so as not to hurt someone else's feelings. 

Here's my shock to you: I make an effort, while imperfect, to think and behave in a way that reflects my religious faith. The thinking is the challenge. In a nutshell, I try to treat everyone with respect and acceptance. The shock is that I just might disagree with you. Oh my gosh! Can you handle that?

Problem is, I’m being told what I should think and say by others. Not like a pastor telling a Christian how to think and behave (Oh, my friend, what's the difference in that and a PAC? Honestly, if you don't know, I’m not going to try to explain it. How very un-Christian of me. No, that's another, much longer conversation), but more like a pot telling a flame it's too hot. Sorry if I've left you here. 

I once told a young family member that they need to manage their house in a way that's best for their wife/husband and kids. Extended relatives' needs and opinions don't count. That doesn't mean don't love and respect one another, but, you have to make crucial decisions for your family, not for someone else's (psst...that's their job). 

Wait, doesn't that contradict wanting to help, and accept, others?

NO! Guess what? THEY get to live their lives, too! Without YOUR opinion! AMAZING!

Can't we all just be friends...without suing each other? Or making laws that dictate morality? Or language? Or dress style?

Am I the only one tired?

If you don't like my view, stop reading my blog. Easy!

 Attending Mission Coordinator Training with the NCCUMC! Looking forward to where this takes me for God's work!

 It's been quite the past two years. In April 2021 we lost my Mother-in-Law unexpectedly. I've never seen my wife so crushed. The following September we lost my dad. January 2022, while our younger son was in Sweden we lost our long-time dog, Bailey, to old age. Not 6 weeks later our long time cat disappeared, never to be seen again. Alex came home to both family pets gone and his brother moved out into his own house. Must've felt pretty empty to Alex.

2020 will be forever remembered as the year of Covid. For us it will forever be these losses.

But, for every loss, there are gains. We adopted Olivia in June from the animal Shelter. Olivia is a black Lab/Boxer mix. Sweet, loving, loyal, and plenty smart. At about the same time we adopted Miss Bella (formerly Missy) from my dad's widow. Now, if we can get the two to play nicely together!