Hi everyone,

Back from my day and a half off and here is the news since my last blog.  I was kept busy (by myself) with things I needed done.  I started my time off getting my 2nd TB test which is mandatory for all people working with the developmentally disabled in Ontario.  My first one was negative so this is just a precaution in case the first one was false.

I stopped at the main Dayspring property (we along with three other houses are located downtown in what they call Little Richmond Hill) and went into the craft studio to say hello to the gang and see what projects they were working on.  Their work is amazing and they are so proud of their work and sell it and the profit goes back to Daybreak.  Tom Krusiak of our house was working on a mosiac that was just awesome.  I put first dibbs on it to buy.  It is a real work of art and Tom is quite respected here for his artistic abilities.  They have a sense of the imagination which is childlike but at the same time very profound and wonderful.

I stopped over and visited with Sue Mosteller and we had a chance to catch up on things.  As I mentioned Sue came with Gordie Henry for the retreat in Nov of 2004 I believe when Phil was with us in Riverview grouping.  I had a chance to share with her what I have been living this year and how I was so grateful for the space at L'Arche Daybreak to live my Sabbatical time.  I truly believe that L'Arche has a gift for me this year (and not the kind of gift Phil Mulligan is always looking for...ha!) and I am so willing to accept it.

In the afternoon I took my driver's test with CAA to be able to be put on the insurance to drive the house van.  Well it was an experience to say the least.  But all said and done, I passed without an accident or having to bribe her to pass me.  It was a bit nerve racking by times with not understanding her commands, but I kept my cool and passed.  This is important because they really need me to be able to drive our house people to work, events and right now so many people are being so understanding and coming to help us out.  I will be able to drive the house van in a week.

After I was done, I spotted Dave Harmon, one of the core members from Green House sitting smoking his pipe on the bench outside the woodery on break.  Dave, if you can imagine, sounds exactly like Jim from the old sitcom "Taxi".  He is quite a character but wonderful to chat with.  he has an incredible memory and asked me all kinds of questions about my family and will remember and it will come back in future conversations.  It has also been wonderful that when I mentioned that Phil was coming in October for a visit, so many of the core members are excited and keep asking the date.

I went and relaxed last night by seeing a movie  "World Trade Center".  I was a bit worried that it would be too American, but it was a powerful movie and so well done.  It brought back vivid memories of that day and the events.  I forgot for the most part that this was filled with actors as they portrayed the events of that day and the raw emotions.  The stories that people carry in their lives is incredible.  On the way home I filled my gas tank at 76.9 per litre.  Jealous?

Well I must go down stairs and get ready to welcome the gang back from work.  I am the cook for supper so honey mustard chicken and a vegetable rice is on the menu.

Also where Phil is coming up in october, I would love to have some drawings from the kids to put on my wall, so pass the word around if you can.  Talk to you soon!

Jeff