Rick Austin's Website

Hi, I’m Josh and here’s what I have to say:

Yo!

And the cat says – YYYIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Today Josh built an electric motor. He had all the pieces from various other projects and he put it all together. Look at this . . .

This is “Elephant” and one of his buddies. He belongs to Noah and Elephant has quite a history. Elephant travels with us just about everywhere. Someday I’ll tell the story of rescuing Elephant after he fell out of the car near Victorville and I found him 3 days later – that was a close call. And there have been other escapades . . . but somehow Elephant has survived and he is an important part of our lives.

In Yuma, AZ and in Tracy, CA

Arrived on Thursday – spent Thursday evening with David and family.
– had a nice dinner with David on way home from the airport – and then he showed me his “work” – very impressive – very interesting.

Visited Mom on Friday – late morning. She was in the TV room – but just kinda sitting there – not really watching. She recognized me and we went for a walk to her room. She showed me her new digs. Lots of mementos from home – very tasteful. We talked for a bit then we went for a drive out past Beeton – west for about 15 miles and back. She tires easily but when she is focused – she seems quite on track – remembers items/situations/places from the past with no problem. But 45 minutes after I left she may not have remember that I had been there. Nonetheless – when the lights turn on – she’s all there. We had some very nice moments.
Took her back – helped her with lunch then settled her back in her room – left about 1:30PM.

Drove to Liane’s – arrived about 4:30PM – Had a great visit. She is making the very best of a difficult situation. Her kids are very cool – they respect their Mom and she them. She is strong and fair with them – they have the family unit that I remember my neighbors in Massawippi had – a tight family bond. Liane – You have a great family. And you are a good role-model. (I can’t believe I’m saying this!)

Met Liane’s friend Adele on Saturday. Smart girl – nice eyes. Tough life – Why does this happen? Good luck Adele – Keep swimming. Liane is lucky to have you as a friend. Thanks Liane and John and Merrin and Mitchell and Isaac. The bike trips to the fields were the High 🙂 – only low was leaving 🙁 See you soon . .

Back to Mom’s on Sunday for a “family re-union” in the courtyard at Beeton Manor. Other than a lost soul than kept bothering the kids, the event was OK . Lots of people, me, David, Pattie and Jenny and Lexy, Michael, Naomi and Myles and Sydney and Mom. Lots of KFC etc., We all talked with JC when he called – that was nice.
Followed Michael and family back to Guelph – about an hour and 15 min. Michael gave me the grand tour – they certainly have done a lot of renovating. I can see how much planning went into the process. a lot of work. Nice job. Very efficient use of space. And dimmers everywhere! Nice touch. You have maintained the family traditions.

Monday was Naomi’s birthday. We had lunch – then Michael and I drove to see Mom. She saw us coming down the hall and very graciously greeted us. We had a nice visit – talked with Helen Morrison. Left about 3:30PM – back to Guelph for Birthday events and dinner – and cake.
Drove back to David’s work on Tuesday morning – We had lunch en route then he drove me to the airport about 2:00PM.
Got home about 8:00PM – Had a great trip – saw everyone I wanted to – Thanks to everyone for your hospitality. Nice to be home with my peeps and my stuff.

_Birthday Girl

Today is Naomi’s birthday – We’ll try to give her a few hours of peace and quiet!