Tara and Diana

Here is a picture of Tara and our sister in law Diana

Gracie

My friends Tony and Stephanie had a little girl named Gracie. Here is a picture of her.

HERE'S ROBIN!!!

My favorite Niece Robin celebrating Christmas with G-G and the rest of the crew. She is only 2 years old and can sing all of Rudolph the red nose reindeer... :)

Tennis in the rain anyone?

One of our favorite pastimes in Pittsburg is to play tennis...even if the weather doesn't cooperate. Here is a picture of all of us under the lights and rain...

A Kansas Christmas

We have had a great time here in Kansas over the holidays! We spent the first week in Kansas City with Tara's fam and the second week in P-burg with the Hensley clan. Here are some pics.

The first is a picture of the Hensley guys and Dennis my brother in law.
Cabe, Bobby, Dad, Dennis, and Nate

Next is a picture of our time visiting my grandma in Tulsa. From L to R Diana, mom, Dennis, grandma, dad, Nate and Shannon.

Just Coffee

We are nearly done with this semester and can hardly believe it! If it was not for this drink we would have not made it with all of the papers that we had to write.

We consider ourselves regular bean fanatics and have really come to love Just Coffee. Our friends Jero and Bety introduced this to us while they were living in Vancouver. We love the message, the cause, and the robust taste! We miss you Jero and Bety, and we think of you every time we hold tight a warm mug of this amazing cup of coffee.

How to Make an Igloo

We received around 9 inches of snow up here and decided to try to build a snow fort with Nick and Owen. We had trouble making a roof. Therefore, I went on to Google and typed in "how to build an igloo" and found the following instructions on http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/igloo.htm Apparently our families in the Midwest could build some killa' igloos with the snow storm they recently had.
	Step 1. Cut blocks from dry, hard, hard snow, using a snow saw or large knife. Each block should be about 3 ft. (1m) long, 15 in. (40cm) high, and 8 in. (20cm) deep.
	Step 2. Form a circle with blocks around the hole created where you cut the blocks. Cut the circle in a spiral from the top of the last block to the ground ahead of the first block. This will make it easy to construct a dome.
.	Step 3. Build up walls, overlapping the blocks and shaping them so that they lean inward. Cut a hole under the wall for the cold sink and entrance. Put several blocks along one wall as a sleeping platform
.	Step 4. The last block must initially be larger than the hole. Place the block on top of the igloo, then, from inside, shape and wiggle it to slot exactly into the hole
	Step 5. Hot air from your body and stove rises and is trapped inside the dome. Cold air falls into the sink and flows away to the outside. It is essential to cut ventilation holes in the walls with an ice axe.
	Finished Igloo With warmth inside the igloo, the surface of the walls will melt and freeze over, to form a smooth, airtight ice surface. The roof over entrance tunnel prevents snow from blowing into igloo.
WARNING! It is vital to make at least one airhole in the roof to avoid suffocation. The igloo will get very warm inside with heat from your body, even if it is cold and windy outside. Without ventilation, lethal carbon dioxide will build up. Also, the use of stoves in an enclosed shelter is not recommended due to dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide.

Information on this post is taken directly from:

http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/igloo.htm

Twin killing

The Minnesota Twins had a great season but struggled in the playoffs against the Oakland A's.

However, the players have received a lot of recognition.
Today Justin Morneau of the Twins won the AL MVP award beating out the hated New York Yankees player Derek Jeter!


picture by Jonathan Daniel

The Twins also have the AL batting title winner in Joe Mauer and the AL Cy Young award winner in Johan Santana.

Looks like the Twins are going to be contenders for a long time... Go Twins!

Representing Canada
The AP said, "Morneau became the second Canadian-born player to win an MVP following Colorado's Larry Walker in 1997. He is the third Canadian-born athlete to win an MVP in a major pro league this year, following Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash and San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton."

Congrats Tonst and Steph

My good friends Tony and Stephanie just had a baby girl named Madison Grace...
Here is a picture of her
Born: 11/17/2006
Time: 6:10 PM
Weight: 7 pounds and 7 ounces
Length: 19 inches
Parents: Stephanie and Anthony

Song of the Builders

Song of the Builders

On a summer morning
I sat down
on a hillside
to think about God--

a worthy pastime.
Near me, I saw
a single cricket was moving the grains of the hillside

this way and that way.
How great was the energy,
how humble its effort.
Let us hope

it will always be like this,
each of us going on
in our inexplicable ways
building the universe.
Mary Oliver

Happy Birthday to my twin Bro Nate!!!

We celebrated my twin brothers birthday tonight! It was a lot of fun. Here is a picture of our b-day group. We also had a great "homemade" pie from the grocery store.




And finally here is a picture of a couple of cool 29 year olds about 28 years ago!

I love laboUr day

Here is a picture of my mom under the gate she built with my dad's help in honoUr of laboUr day.

The Eatery

One of our favorite sushi places in Vancouver is "The Eatery". It is here that we celebrated Oliver and Cristy's last week in Vancouver in Sushi Style. Our friend Kate was able to dine with us as she came today from Kansas City to spend a few days with us. We really enjoy the variety and quality at the Eatery...Plus the staff was honest enough to return Tara's purse...which she left sitting in front of the restaurant.

Here is the sushi man to get you ready for some sushi!

Tara's b-day party and Tai's take off crew

Front Row: Tai, Cabe, Tara, Andrea
Back Row Carla, Lisa, Julio
Here is a picture of us celebrating Tara's b-day and Tai taking.

The SUNSHINE COAST

Tara and I celebrated her birthday last week by going to the Sunshine Coast. Here is a typical sunset off the coast. This is a picture of dinner rock from where we camped out. We were so happy to be able to have a camp site over looking the ocean. It was SOOO beautiful. We were able to go on a hiking trip in an old growth forest named Hidden Grove in Sechelt.

This is the book we used to find our camping sites on the Sunshine Coast.

Here is a free web page to check out for suggestions on free camping in BC.

couch surfing

Last night Tara and I met an ambassador for Couch surfing. Couch surfing is a web site that allows people from all over the world to meet new people and possibly stay on their couch. We met up with some friends at The Nam on 4th St in Vancouver.

Festival of lights

Here is a picture of the Vancouver Festival of Lights by our friend Brian. During the Celebration of Light different countries put on a show off a boat in English Bay. This Saturday was the final firework show of the festival. We were unable to watch the show live but we could hear the fireworks very clearly from the Vancouver Southlands.

The Ant Bully

Owen, Tara and I saw the Ant Bully on Saturday. All three of us really liked it. However, I wanted to see the Pirates of the Caribbean or Superman. The Ant Bully was in IMAX 3D.

Tamage reunion

For my family
summer time = 2 family reunions + warm weather
As I have been up in Canada I have not been able to attend either for a couple of years. Yesterday was the annual Tamage reunion...Tamage was the name of my grandmothers mother.

It was around 109 degrees for this years reunion.

The picture shows Aunt Claudine, who was married to my Great Uncle Art, my Grandma Hensley's brother. Also, seated in the wheel chair is my sweet Grandma and standing on her left is Aunt Edith, who was married to Dr. Paul Darnell, before he died a couple of years ago. This is a picture of my dad and his cousin Pam.

Maddenoliday

I have enjoyed playing the John Madden football game ever since I was in Middle school. The new edition comes out on August 22nd. Looks as if EA Sports is trying to make it a world wide holiday.

Jeremy Begbie

Theologian and Professor Jeremy Begbie is up at Regent teaching a theology of the arts class. Tara and I went to his public lecture entitled Discovery Through Creativity: Bach's D Minor Chaconne at Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church on Monday. It was an amazing presentation demonstrating how famous composers such as Bach combined theology with the arts.

Sunday hike

Andrew, Hillary, Brian and Tara under a waterfall just north of Squamish.

Diana and Nate meet President Carter

Diana and Nate met President Carter and his wife Rosalynn at the Carter's church in Plains, GA this past weekend. They also were able to visit Koininia an intentional community dedicated to inner racial and economic equallity.

Nice fencing

Here is a picture of the fence my parents just put up in front of the house that I grew up in. They have done a fantastic job on the fence! Now it is time for them to get a puppy.

MAUER POWER

My favorite baseball team is the Minnesota Twins. Currently they have the league leader in batting average, catcher Joe Mauer. Check out this link to see the secret behind his success in hitting.

Cascade Lake

This is Cascade Lake the lake I swam all the way across on Orcas Island to do a little cliff jumping.

Working in a coal mine

My bro Dennis and Robin using little Brutis to dig up some coal in South East Kansas in 100 degree weather!

Wisdom Tree

Here is a picture of my mother and my niece Robin underneath the Wisdom tree in Pittsburg.

Out of the Woods-ONG

Here is the view from the ferry between Orcas Island and Anacortes. We had a wonderful time at the Woodsong festival. Yesterday we got the chance to swim and go cliff jumping at Cascade Lake at Moran state park.

Tragedy strikes South East Kansas

Girard coach Crespino dies at 45On Friday Morning tragedy struck South East Kansas. Craig Crespino was electrocuted to death as he was moving a goal post to the Girard Trojans practice field. The goal post came into contact with a power line. Lord we pray that you will allow the family and friends of Craig to be aware of your presence and be able to mourn his loss while celebrating his life.

Woodsong Folk Festival 2006

Tara and I are planning on going to our 2nd annual Woodsong Folk Festival on Orcas Island this weekend. We can't wait to hear some good music and go camping!

Melitzanes me Feta

Tara and I made some baked eggplant with feta and it was wonderful! The ingredients all complemented each other and created an amazing taste sensation.

Check out the recipe from Nancy Gaifyllia

Melitzanes me Feta: Baked Eggplant with Feta Cheese

In Greek: μελιτζάνες με φέτα, pronounced meh-leed-ZAH-nes meh FEH-tah

The classic combination of eggplant, tomato, and herbs is enhanced by the addition of feta cheese to create a delicious meatless appetizer or main dish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds of eggplants (long slender type)
• olive oil for frying
• 5 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 pound of ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 pound of feta cheese, crumbled
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION:

Wash the eggplants and remove stems. Cut lengthwise into 1/2 inch slices. Fry lightly (until soft and gently browned) in 1/4 inch of oil.

Preheat the oven to 355F (180C).

Layer the eggplant in the bottom of a baking dish.

Combine the tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste, basil, and garlic in a bowl, and spoon the mixture over the eggplant. Top with feta cheese, and bake at 355F (180C) for 45 minutes.

Serve hot or cold.

At a Glance

Cook Time : 45min

Course : Appetizer, Entree

Special : Vegetarian

Type of Prep : Bake, Fry

Cuisine : Greek

This recipe comes from

Nancy Gaifyllia

You can find the original at:

http://greekfood.about.com/od/vegetablerecipes/r/melitzanesfeta.htm

Happy 80th Nana!!!

While we were back in Kansas we were able to celebrate Nana's 80th B-day! Happy Birthday Nana.

Just another day at the beach!

Here is what the sky looked like last night at the Folk festival. It is amazing to think that we live here!

Julio, Lisa and I were at the beach the last couple days to sell water, diet coke, gatorade and snickers for the Vancouver Folk Festival. We sold all of our drinks. The snickers didn't sell as well as we would of liked. But it was a Good lesson for future events. Last night we got to hear the band Feist play for a little while.

Vancouver Folk festival

The Vancouver folk fest begins today. Julio and I are hoping to be able to sell some stuff at the fest in order to pay off Regent this coming year.