CHRISTmas Caroles around the tree!

wee E joined in as we sang caroles to the new born King. 

Santa has a way with young and old alike!

 

"I saw Sarah kissing...Santa Claus!!!

Say, did I hear Santa Claus say something about wanting to be in Miami Beach?
Santa must have never heard the Beach Boys sing about the "Northern Girls and the way they kiss...!" He'll come around.

The time has gone WAY TOO FAST!!!
We are thankful, however, for each and every moment.

Blessings to all,

GrandDad Jones 

Who says that CHRISTmas is for kids.... Its for Grandparents!!!

These celebrations with family have been great! One more today (12/26) at Dale & Jodie's.
More to come as far as photos and reflections... but had to post this one from CHRISTmas Day.

Love,
GrandDad Jones

"Well the winter outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful..."

We have three of the five winter travelers under the roof. Sarah & Nathanael along with our darling GrandBaby Evelyn, arrived Monday evening. Meg & Bry will fly in on Thursday.

The days will be enjoyed greatly. I will have to post some new photos soon. (I snuck this photo into an older blog post). It was taken on CHRISTmas Day.

Blessings to you & yours,
Merry CHRISTmas

Duane

In the words of Max Lucado (with a twist)..."Its Friday, but Monday is a comin!"

The anticipation of the arrival of the Mosley's & Wolff's is building strength in our hearts!

As I thought of this, my heart was directed to the fact that as we celebrate our Saviour's first advent, we are to be even more thrilled as to His second advent.

Looking forward to the appearing and great glory of our God and Saviour, Christ Jesus!

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds."
Titus 2: 11-14 NAS

Merry CHRISTmas & Maranatha!

Dad Jones

I'll be Home for CHRISTmas...

Well, the long awaited photos have arrived. We are so looking forward to this CHRISTmas.
The distance from home and the time between visits, makes the time anticipated so much more special.
The house, and its decorations are coming together nicely, it is however, family & love that make a house a "home". We can't wait to have ya'll in the house! (I mean ...HOME!)
Enjoy the photos...its even better in person!

Love,
Dad to most, GrandDad to one, wee E.,

Duane

May I have a drum roll please?!

The long awaited photo of the CHRISTmas lights gracing our home is likly to arrive this weekend on our blog.

As to CHRISTmas, I have decided to always and forevermore, write the word CHRISTmas, as written.

With all the broohaa in the media, and the seeming removal of CHRIST from the season, I shall do my best to be an agent of change.

"And change he did, for there was never a man who could keep CHRISTmas as well as Ebenezer Scrooge "

With Love this CHRISTmas!,

Dad Jones

Jessica & Danielle out for a walk!

This photo was from two weeks ago today. I was working in the yard and with the CHRISTmas lights. Sandra was doing errands, and these two went out for a walk and an outing to Bachman's.
Jessica loves the photo and wanted me to share it with you all.

Love Dad

We DO love Nathanael Eleos!

I submit this image as proof to the world!

Love Dad

One Day...Two Postings...Two Bathing Beauties!

And now for another treasured photo of two of our beloved.

Two images worth sharing!

In an effort to give equal press coverage... I submit the following.

Duane

An Image worth sharing!

While going thru some photos recently, we came across this photo of Sarah. It was taken at a Control Data costume party that I was covering for the employee magazine. I scanned the image to be able to send it to Sarah & Nathanael, and then I thought I'd post it for all.

N., I guess this image fits Ansel Adams' 3 corners vs. 1 corner that you mentioned.

Love Dad Jones

Dad Jones is Jealous!

We are thrilled to hear of your opportunity to go camping in Yosemite. Ansel Adams, truly one of America's finest outdoor photographers, traveled and photographed Yosemite extensively.

I wish I could be there too!

Enjoy!

Dad Jones

P.S. Take photos!!!

Missing our Children....(indentured servants)

We miss you!
Wish you were here!

We love you all......blessed Lord's Day

Dad & Mom
Dale & Jodie, E.J. & J

Color GrandDad Blessed.....

I had to post these photos from yesterday before Sarah & wee E. left MN to return to Nathanael in FL.

We had a great time with almost all the family together. We did miss not having N.

Today is Sarah's birthday!

Happy Birthday to You...
Happy Birthday to You...
Happy Birthday Dear Sarah.... Happy Birthday to You!


Love GrandDad Jones

Saddened hearts, Post-visit day approaching!

Sarah & wee E. will return to the loving arms of N. on Wed. 11/2.
While we will feel the loss here, we look forward to Nathanael being able to wrap that wee E. & Sarah in his welcoming embrace.
The time with Sarah & E. has been wonderful.

My thoughts have turned to missionaries who have left home and kin to relocate to places far from home. This week is our "Missions Festival" at our church. We need to uphold those who have gone, and those who have been left behind for the sake of the call to make disciples of all nations.
I look forward to viewing the new documentary, "Beyond the Gates of Splendor", based on the lives of 5 men who were killed in January 1956 in Ecuador, South America.

God is good... His mercies never fail!

GrandDad Jones

Happy "All Saints Eve" day!

Meg & Bryan have returned safely to CA.
It was great to have them with us for the weekend!
Meg starts her new job today. We are thankful for the Lord's provision.

Duane

wee E. visits GrandDad at Johnson/Anderson

wee E., Sarah & Auntie Meg all stopped in the see GrandDad at his place of employ.
GrandDad was a bit proud to host the tour to co-wokers! Not that I can claim responsibility for any of God's handi-work.

HE, did a fine job in spite of GrandDad.

Evelyn was delightful to all.

Blessings,

GrandDad

The changes a day can bring!

As I looked at the time piece on my desk a moment ago, I was reminded of all that has transpired in the last 23 hours.

- Meg called with news of a new job.
- We offered the possibility of her flying in to Mpls to see Sarah & wee E.
- It worked with Meg & Bry and we got a GREAT fare on a last minute notice.
- Bry could also come after classes on Thursday.
- They both will be here for Kelly's confirmation.
- They both will fly home on the same flight Sunday.
- Sarah & wee E. arrived.
- GrandDad rejoiced!
- We ate out together.
- Picked up Sandra at the airport.
- GrandMum & GrandDad rejoiced!

and that was just until 9:00 PM last evening!

We are very thankful in the Jones & Wolff households.

Dad

A day to rejoice!

In addition to Sarah & wee E. arriving today (if that wasn't exciting enough)....
Meg arrives Wed. - Bry arrives Thurs.
They go back to LA Sunday evening on the same flight.

And---- Meg starts that new job Monday morning!

Oh what a weekend we'll have!

Duane

Today, GrandDad gets to hold Evelyn!

I just stopped by the house to p/u the car seat for our grandbaby.
Sarah & wee E. will arrive at 3:41 PM.
I am looking forward to their arrival, and I plan to meet them at the bottom of the the escalator on their way to baggage claim. Sarah will have to turn-over Evelyn to GrandDad's waiting arms. I do pray the flight(s) are un-eventful and wee E. is patient with all of the bustling and shuffling on the connecting flights.
Sandra too arrives back in Mpls. later in the evening.
A blessed time is expected.
N., M&B will be missed!

Duane

Late breaking NEWS!!!!!.....
Meg called with the announcement of an accepted job offer at a Cardiovascular doctors office! PTL!!!!!!!!!!!!
She starts Monday 10/31.

25.5 hours... and counting!

wee E. & Sarah to arrive soon!!!!

Sandra too, back from NYC. (30 hours...and counting)

Dad J

31 hours.....and counting!

GrandDad to one, and Dad to the other is waiting with great expectation for the arrival of wee E. and Sarah.

I spoke with GrandMom this morning. She is in Manhattan at a conference. She will arrive in Mpls about 6 hours after Sarah & Evelyn. Our prayer is for safe travel & a blessed time.

Jessica is looking forward as well. She was so happy to see Meg & Bry last weekend.
I have never experienced such a whirlwind schedule with all this travel.

GrandDad

Cool wet weather.... docks, boat lifts, and boat to bring in...Brrrr!

This weekend will be waterfront equipment to be hauled in weekend.
Sandra will leave for yet another NYC trip, returning Tuesday evening.

Speaking of Tuesday...Sarah & wee E. arrive from FL!

Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GrandDad is excited, to say the least.

Please pray for safe travel for all.

Duane

Talbot (our Westie) revisited....

A distant relative of our little "warrior" has come by to help us all with computer maintenance.

.......Keeping our screens "clean"!

Duane

Back, between two coasts

We arrived safely in Mpls. at 11:45 PM Monday evening.

Our time with Meg & Bry was wonderful, restful, and much needed. Jessica was thrilled to see them and seems that she was reserved and a bit pensive on the way home. I told her we would call Meg & Bry on the phone after We Can Ride Tuesday evening.

Please be in prayer for the Lord's "best" as far as employment for Bryan & Meggan. Meg has had some real good leads and promising interviews, but has come up empty so far.

Our desire is a job for Meg that would have her somewhat close to home, so there is not all that CA highway commuting, that she could work near enough to their home so she could be back to it, in time to prepare dinner and have a bit more of a normal home life. (Trust me when I say, Californians like to live life in the "fast lane").

We now jump back into the work week with both feet. Next big event is this weekend with raking and waterfront chores, Sandra's next business trip to NYC and wee E. and mother's arrival from Florida.

Today we head East!

We have had a wonderful & relaxing time in Castaic, CA and surrounding areas with Bryan & Meggan Wolff.

Today we went to Grace Community Church and enjoyed the fellowship and ministry of the Word.

A somewhat leisure afternoon with the beginning of Wedding Album photo selection underway. Meg & Bry will continue the selection process with a goal of having the album completed before their visit at Christmas.

This evenings dinner was steak & crab legs, salad and biscuits. We are all satitated and content.

It's about 10:30 PM and time to retire for the night.

Duane

Dear and Gentle Reader.....

Today we head west!
It may be some time before I can post again to you, Dear and Gentle Reader.

Until then...

Duane

T minus 26 hours...and counting!

As we tucked Jessica into bed this evening we explained that in the morning she would go to school, and after school Danielle would pick her up, we'd meet them at home and head off to the airport!

I said, "Jessica, tomorrow night at this time we'll be on an airplane going to see Meggan & Bryan!

We packed most of the luggage this evening while watching a little TV. These days (well, last month) have been a whirlwind!

Mom spoke with both Bill & Denise this evening. We had to cancel a planned dinner a couple weeks back and we're trying to re-schedule. It was good for me to see the photos of Mike & Julie from last weekend in FL. Those photos, the phone conversations, they are all reminders of the blessings that God has given, both though our daughther's husbands, and in the close friendships & love we are experiencing in and thru our larger families... (Mosley & Wolff).

Thankful GrandDad

Loads of smiles.....across the miles!

New pics of wee E., Mom, Dad & GrandMum!

Home Again...(for a little while)

Sandra made it home safely last evening. All went well except I was late to meet her flight. ooops!

The film is at Walgreens I'll p/u at lunch. (Sarah, I would recommend using 200 or 400 ASA film and not 800 ASA)

We'll be in touch.

Love Dad to some, GrandDad to wee E.

3 Days... and counting

The day of our departure is drawing nye.

JJ had a great weekend. Special Olympics bowling on Saturday, she came home with a Blue Ribbon!!!! Saturday evening was with the Eden Prairie group. Sunday was Barnabas & an afternoon adventure at WoodLake Nature Center.

Sandra returns this evening at 12:33 AM (I guess that means Tuesday early morning).

I can't wait to see the photos of wee E.

GrandDad Jones

Touchdown!

No, not football season, airplane wheels on the tarmac.

Between business trips, family visits etc. Sandra & I have truly entered the "Jet-Setting" crowd.

..."perhaps we'll fly to Nova Scotia to view a total eclipse of the sun"....

Please keep us in your prayers as we travel to visit the Mosley's & Wolff's and yet another NYC business trip for Sandra.

Duane

7 Days... and counting

As the days tick by, we are getting more and more excited about our visit to Califorina.
Tomorrow, Sandra leaves for Florida to visit the Mosley's. Please pray for safe travel and a precious visit with Sarah, Nathanael and Evelyn.

GreatGrandDad Jones arrives in Minneapolis today and will spend the weekend with Jessica & Me. This afternoon we will tour Mainstreet Village in Richfield. Mainstreet is a retirement community endorsed by the Minnesota Baptist General Conference and operated & managed by a group of christian investors. It is in a nice location and will provide a place that is close to us and Dale & Jodie. They also have shuttles that run to a number of churches.

This weekend I hope to do chores around the house with dad, as well as have some fun and good meals. I'm thinking of a Lake Trout & Rainbow Trout dinner. We will see...

Blessings to all dear and gentle readers,

GrandDad

Lakers, Smallmouth, Walleye, Rainbow & Splake

We returned from the annual "Fall Fishing Trip" Sunday evening.
We limited on Lakers Thursday and had good numbers of all other species on the following days.
The weather was the warmest we have had in all the years we have done this.

It was a joy to return home to Sandra & Jessica. We are truly looking forward to FL & CA visits. I wish that we were all going to both places, but we will do what we can at later visits. GrandDad's arms are itching to hold Evelyn Gwendplyn.

Love you all,

GDad

A fun place to visit....but "No Place Like Home"

Sandra is on board her flight to MSP from her business trip to NYC.

We look forward to her return. Jessica was excited to know that when she came home from horseback riding, Mama would be here.

The weather in Mpls is beautiful, 70 degrees and sunny. My task this evening is to cut the grass and get the nest ready for being gone again to the "The Gunflint Trail". This time with friends who share the love of fishing, laughing and being "boys". (They are all brothers in Christ, however, so it won't be like many "guy" fishing trips.)

Please do pray for Sandra & Jessica in my absence.

It is a joy to read of Sarah & Meggan's lives and their walk with their Lord, and with their husbands (and wee E.). Love you N & B!

Blessings from a thankful heart,

GrandDad

New York, New York

Sandra is in NYC and had an uneventful flight.
She had to take a cab from JFK to the Westin - Times Square. $80 USD.

Ouch!

Her trip is only through tomorrow evening...I'm glad! I told Jessica that tomorrow was "We Can Ride" and that when she got home from riding...Mom would be back home. A BIG smile followed.

The day started early, so it needs to end earlier than normal.

Good Night Moon, Good Night Cow Jumping Over the Moon...
Good Night Blog.

Dad

Splake?

The Splake question troubled me. It is a cross between lake trout and brook trout.

Rainbows....please excuse my lack of knowledge and question of your breeding practices.

"Over Sharing!"

Duane

link below will provide more info on Splake.

www.dto.com/fwfishing/species/generalprofile.jsp?speciesid=333

Safe return...All is Well

Sandra & I returned from a wonderful weekend on one of Minnesota's Jewels..."The Gunflint Trail".

Sandra caught her first trout! It think it was a "Splake". (I believe it is a cross between a rainbow and lake trout.)

We arrived home around 9:20 PM. JJ was asleep, and we received reports from Danielle of a great weekend. Jessica did wake up to greet us, and went back to bed like a real trooper. We'll need to wake her early as I need to drive Sandra to the airport for a two day business trip to NYC.

Until Later "Dear Blog"....

Duane

Prayer for Protection & Blessing

Sandra & I will be in the north woods of Minnesota this weekend enjoying some quiet time together at a friend's cabin. Jessica will be cared for by two dear friends here in Mpls.

Please pray that all goes well for us all.

Duane

We Gonna Shake Wrattle & Roll!

This evening brought us a bit of "weather"!

As Sandra, Jessica & I enjoyed dinner on the patio, sirens began to sound. There were two tornados sighted in the northern metro area.

Two homes were destroyed in Andover, MN (where my nephew Brad & family lives). I spoke with Trisha (Brad is away on business) and all is well.!!!!

It was about 30 blocks south of where they live, where the heaveist activity came through. PTL! Trish has three little ones to protect.

We pray for "Rita", that the Lord takes the "wind out of her sails" so to speak.

Trusting for His hand of protection,

Dad

Jet Setting X2!

We have a new budget item, in our budget!

AIRLINE TICKETS !!!!

I have become quite a "PRO" at reasearching available tickets via the web.

Perhaps there can be a new travel program like "frequent flyers"....called "frequent surfers"!

Dad

Blessed by a Sunny, rain-free afternoon!

AccuWeather.com was wrong!
The forecast was for rain around 4:00PM. It did not rain, and we had a wonderful time with the Kopacek's, Adamson's and Wacther's. The "Seafood Extravaganza" was.... just that.

We enjoyed coconut scallops, grilled shrimp & King crab legs.
We are, have, and continue to be blessed with dear friends.

What a blessing the body of Christ is!

In HIS Grip,

Dad (GrandDad) Jones

Sunny Saturday in September

Sandra and I are about to ride our bikes around Lake Harriet, and then have breakfast at the Edina Cafe, on 50th & France.

Today we need to do a lot of yard work in preparation for our "Seafood Extravaganza" Sunday afternoon, with the "decorations committee" from wedding II.

We have tried unsuccessfully for some time to get everyone together. Tomorrow is the day!

With Love from MN,

Dad

Whew!! I heard from a distant relative Jack Jones!

Today was a busy day. We awoke early and had to keep Jessica busy and distracted. Her morning routine is that of waking up around 6:30 AM having her morning O.J. / custard style "LaCreme" / some cereal and watching PBS until its time to get ready for school.

Well today was quite different. Today Jessica had to be NPO (nothing by mouth) in prep for dental proceedures to be done under general anesthesia. All went well and she was back to normal by dinner time.

Sandra & I had a nice walk around Lake Harriet, did some errands and came home around 9:30 PM. I then began "chores" which included un-clogging a couple sink drains...etc.

While waiting for the chemical drain opener to work, I checked emails. I was blessed out of my socks by a forwarded email from Bry & Meg from a dear friend "Jack Jones".

Friday AM I will see Jack's dad. Steve & I have both been blessed with how our kids have been blessed by the care providers that have been involved with our kids.

Truly they have made ETERNAL impacts in their lives!

Praise to HIM who does all things well.

Dad Jones

Hello from home....

Today was a busy day, and I wonder if yours was as well. (Isn't Sunday supposed to be a "Day of Rest"?)
Jess is settled down for bed after a long weekend. Dad is unpacking the car and trailer. We enjoyed a nice dinner on the patio with the Feltault's.
Tonight I still have to work with PICS paperwork, and I have an early start at Piper.

We so miss or kids! Dad & I are counting the days till our visits (CA & FL)!!!!

Love Mom

Do You Canoe?

I returned today from our cabin. Canoe and its associated accessories that we'll need for our excursion the the Boundry Waters later this month.
......and now for something entirely different, Mom will come of age, (so to speak) and post an entry to our blog.

Dad Jones

Misty in Minnesota

No its not our eyes...its the weather.

As I read the headlines today on the web, I am thankful that our daughters (and sons) are not in New Orleans. While they all have their own set of challenges (tropical storms, huricannes, earthquakes & crazy traffic), I was reminded that our charge as parents was the initial rearing and now the continued intersession on their behalf.

While waiting for a haircut today, I read an article about the "empty nest". There were good insights from the author about the condition we face.

Our hearts are with both our Floridians & Californians. Love you all.

Dad

A Glorious Sunrise

We arrived last night about midnight. Unpacked the car and turned in for the night. We awoke this morning to a glorious sunrise over a glass-like lake.

Today we will see Auntie Pam, Brandon & Larissa. We will try to mix work with pleasure durring the day, and plan to grill burgers with them this evening and possibly a campfire.

Miss you bunches....pray for Sarah, N & wee E. It appears they need to brace for another hurricane. Katrina approaches the Panhandle.

Dad

Blog Day Afternoon

It is 2:50PM on Tuesday, 8/23.

I've been waiting to post something during the afternoon so I could title the post... "Blog Day Afternoon".

We are looking forward to a CA visit. We are trying to figure out the "when" question. It looks like early October would work best. Possibly 10/6-10.

We'll keep you posted.

With Love,

Dad

Blog Day II

Well MN weather is beautiful. A bit humid...but all in all a very nice day.
The lawn is freshly cut and would surely delight N.

We miss wee E, and her parents. Auntie & Uncle Wolff too!

JJ is soon to return from an outing with Brenna & Jason.

A Minnesota Welcome to CA & FL

Wolff's & Mosley's...

"Welcome to the Ninties... George Banks!"
The two (couples) of you, have convinced Nina & I to update our methods of communication.

We so cherish the calls, emails, and blog postings.

Looking forward to more!
.....and also, "The appearing, and great Glory of our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ."

In HIS Great, Great, LOVE,

Dad &Mom Jones