Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Fun Pics for Dan

The Trussell Bridge celabrates 100 years
Nanny Westall at the "Old Farm House" French Lake NB
Cousin Daniel Phillips Basketball Games
Posted by PicasaLights in the night....Photo Fun!

Pictures For My Nephew Daniel Standring

Daniel.....Your mom doing Reflexology in Newfoundland
Daniel...Your mother Camping with us Phillips at our camp NFL
Daniel....Your Mother walking on the Trussel Bridge
Daniel....Your Nana Westall when in the Hospital in FrederictonPosted by Picasa

Pictures for Daniel

Okay family....Let get as many pictures of us on here as we can....Roxi, you must have Xmas pictures of you and Mark and kiddies....Heidi you must have pics of Kris and yourself....Joe and Queen..take a couple of pics of you guys on your new Chesterfield set...Dad and I would like to see that new set too!. Becky and Isaac, you guys must have some pics stored on your computer....Becky you can sign in and post cause I set it up so you have administrative right to the blog too...Lavina you have pics of you and Stan on you computer on Picasa...all you have to do is push the BLOG button. DeeDee can you find a couple of picture of you and I together from last fall? Remember guys you all have SELF TIMERS on your digital cameras....so you can ALL send SELF Portrait!!!

LETS GO, SO DAN CAN SHOW US ALL OFF & FILL UP HIS LONESOME HEART!!!!

Lovingly; Mother

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Back from the Jungle

Though I will have some great pics to post soon, I won't right now. It just seems like too much effort. I just arrived in Sandican (In the south east of Sabah province in Malasian Borneo) for the day, and will fly back to Kota Kinabalu tomorrow morning. I will be in KK for only one day before flying to Kulala Lumpur (as you can see if you check my itinewrary (already posted). I just wanted to say to Joe, first of all thanks for posting. Second, I like to hear about your everyday life... A little about what happened at work, a little about Caleb.... What you did on some random evening... Anything really. It's just nice to hear from you, and so hard to get a hold of anyone by phone. Also... I too love it when you guys post pics. Not just of the kids (Though I love those too) but of yourselves. Even if it's just you lounging on the couch... I like to see you. That goes for everyone. Post pics of yourselves. The last set of Aunika pics are great. Shes such a beautiful little Girl. Uncle Dan is sorry he missed your first birthday Aunika. I was in the Jungle ( I saw a leopard eat a monkey!!!) Uncle will send you a picture soon. The Jungle was great... but man its nice to be back in civilization. SUPER Glad I got to visit. But I wouldn't want to live there.

I love you

Dan

Sorry Joe....xoxoxo

That was a fantastic post...and it really helped me to understand better what your job entailed, Joe. I always seem to do better with the written word. I'm sorry I said drilling sites....cause Dad always says "Well-Sites" and somehow in my unwestren brain they all sort of mesh together...wells....drills...site...oil??? I try to remember...wirelines...greenhats..white hats....fracker....iron trucks...safety personal....Field engineers....inspectors......I must admit, I really am not clear on what tasks these all involve.....Hey!.... want to know what is really funny about it all, as the Mom of all you boys.....I always know who is on the job and who is on days off.
Like right now tonight....Mark and Scott and Isaac and Kris are on job.. mark & Scott are coming off this week for six days...Isaac and Kris are off next week for six days...Joe is off for a two week stretch with a week left to go.

Now the Girls...Oh they are so much easier to understand what they do. Becky works in Public relations and does administration work, runs an office and has a part time job selling "Party-lite products and MOTHERS Dino FULL time!!MANY JOBS....Corinna works at school as a TA, and teaches children, she also works weekends as a Respite Worker where she cares for, and teaches special needs children, On top of all this she parents Caleb FULL TIME...Mmmm...four jobs..WOW! Roxann also cares for and teaches a special needs child,as a Respite worker. She run a Boy Scout, Cub group,and parents TWO children, Skee & Dassi, FULL time...Mmmm Quite a lot of jobs! Heidi had to a leave her Respite work just before Christmas due to Aunika's increasing needs, they now attends sign-language classes, also attends a special parent-link group, takes special swimming lesson with her baby, and will be hosting a moms and me group in her home.
and she also PARENTS FULL time.

As you "Men Folk" can see....unlike all of you who a "Week-Off" or Two....these gals out work you guys...all added together....and I DO understand EXACTLY what women do. I do not need to know when they have a week off...They don't! HA!

I love ya all...the guys, the gals and of course...the kiddies!!

As Ever Mother/Nana Standring xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo..TO ALL!

Hey Dan:
I see in your blogs that you are having a great time on holidays, and it is always fun to look at the pictures you post, however I have a seem to have a more difficult time finding things that are worth writing about as my life is much more consistent in day-to-day events, although I recently started a new job that I think is totally sweet. I saw on one of Mom's blogs that she had written about it but got it all wrong (sorry Mom) . I don't go to drilling sites ever (that is exploration), that would mean I work around drilling rigs and I don't, nor do I work with service rigs (or any other kind of rig). What I do is work for an international oil/gas company called Apache. What do I do for them I hear you asking? well, I go to wellsites that have already been completed and in most cases already been producing (oil/gas) for years and service and optimize them and their pipelines, as well as setting up gas reading charts, taking samples and interpret them using chemical mixtures and simple mathematical formulas, however the largest part of my job and most mentally challenging part is trouble shooting when I get to a well that has stopped producing and figuring out what sort of well servicing companies I will need to fix the problem, how much it will cost, and who to hire.
I'm still learning the rope obviously, and will be for many years. most of the guys I work with are engineers and mechanics by trade and seem to be light years ahead of me when it comes to a lot of this stuff. There are 7 different levels for being an operator, 7 being the lowest and 1 being the highest (my lead Op has been at it for 16 years, he's a level 2), so its a long road, fortunately the company sends their Ops to school after some time with the company for tickets and power engineering. Anyway besides that the job schedule is super ultra mega sweet, 2 weeks on, followed by 2 weeks off!!! I love it. Well that about all I have to say, so I guess I'll sign off with
I love you, I miss you and wish I was with you for some wicked good times in whatever little 3rd world Island you find next to exploit your western education and riches.
Love your Bro Joe.
ps- I quit smoking

Monday, January 26, 2009

DANIEL. LOOK FORWARD BREATHLESSLY FOR MORE PITCURES AND COMMENTARY ON YOUR FANTASTIC JOURNEY. KEEP SAFE LOVE YOU AUNTIE LAVINA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! ONE YEAR OLD AUNIKA TAKE GOOD CARE OF MUMMY. LOVE AND HUGS FROM AUNTIE LAVINA & UNCLE STAN GOD BLESS YOU

Sunday, January 25, 2009

BIRTHDAY GIRL TODAY !!!


JANUARY 26th 2009

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday darling Aunikaaaa
Happy Birthday to youooooo.

May the Good Lord Bless You
May the Good Lord Bless You
May the Good Lord Bless Nonniiiiii
May the Good Lord bless Youoooo

For She the Jolly Good Princess
For she the Jolly Good Princess
For she the Jolly Good Princess
Cause today her has turn ONE!!!

From Nana & Papa Standring On the East Coast

AUNIKA AND HER DA DA DA

Wow. all I can say is it looks like Aunika has an awsome daddy. She looked really loved in every one of her pictures.

Good Job Kristopher!!!!!

While Daddy Took Care

Daddy took Care of me while Mommy was sick
and while he did we took naps together,
and stayed up late, Oh so late!!!
We Worked Together

I Got Into the Flour...what FUN!!
I hardly got dressed...that was nice!

But now Mommy is ok .
I go to bed on time,
I play instead of work;
wear clothes,
and she hid the flour too...???

I sure had fun with my Dad


The Morning Feed of the Blue-Jay

Hey Roxi, I caught this little fellow real well!

This is what we call ....High Tailing it?!
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Rafting down the Kiulu River

Vicky coming across a rickity suspension bridge over the Kiulu River



Vicky and I on a farm that sits on a hill in the jungle. This was on the other side of the river (over the suspension bridge) from the site where we put our raft in the water.




The Kiulu River



Heading down the River


A quick pic at a calm spot of the rapids. They were only class 2+ nothing crazy... maybe we'll hit the class 4 next time :)



I'm flying to the other side of Sabah super early tomorrow morning to trek into the Jungle for a few days, so you wont hear from me for a bit. I plan to visit one of the largest bat caves in the world there as well as trying to spot some Orangutans or Probiscus Monkeys. Should be rough but interesting.


I would love to see a blog from Joe or Isaac sometime. I never hear from you guys.


I love you all so much.

Daniel

Saturday, January 24, 2009

A LETTER AND UPDATE TO DANIEL.

Oh Daniel You make me so excited for you. I LOVED with a PASSION the pictures you took of the locals....Oh please if you have more post them. The little girl on the right, her face was so beautiful, so tender, it made me want to hold her and hug her. I also loved the underwater picture...COOL... Do you have pictures of you in your Submersible ______????? Underwater Breathing Apparetise , can't remember what the "C" stood for...SCUBA! If so do send us some....;if not then take some for us :)


The picture of the BEAST kissing your hand looked a little dangerious....Hey becareful...never know what kind of salavia you could be allergic too!!(Hahe). It all looks so fun...and yes Dad and I LONG to be there with you. But as you said, it is not possible at this time. You taking the time to post pictures and tell us you adventure sure make us all (The Whole Family), feel like we are in a small but important way, a part of your adventure. For me my heart leaps with JOY when I open the blog and you have posted.

I do hope you have enjoyed the pictures from the girls...the baby granddaughters are growing up fast and of so cute and charming. What did you think of Aunika last video....And Hadassah Birthday pictures......AND WOW>>WOW...to Roxann's beautiful new hardwood floors and her new Italian Leather Chesterfield and chair. I am so happy for her. She also has a new table and Chair set but it has not been posted yet.

Now for some family news for ya!


Joseph LOVES his new job. He is working for and oil company this time instead of a service company for the oil company. His first two week were so great that he "LOOKED FORWARD TO WORKING" as quoted by Joe himself! Now that is something for Joe!! He says the men he work with are so respectful. His job involves a lot of driving from drilling site to drilling...where many decisions must be made as to what is needed. He is still learning the ropes, but the thing with Joe is when he really loves something he does so awesome...always has! So we are pleased for him. Now he is on his two weeks off, and Corinna and Caleb will be so pleased. I haven't heard how Corinna's new semester is going, but I do know that around Christmas she had a new student. I spoke to her about two weeks ago, but she was checking in on me. She is such a dear girl! She helped Heidi out when Heidi was so sick, how nice uh? Did you see how much Caleb is growing, Dan? WOW


Heidi is doing much better, it was too bad that she had such a physical crises when she lost this pregnancy. She lost a lot of blood and her body's red cell count dropped so low. She is taking TONS of vitamins, supplements, medication, etc to build herself back up. She saw the Doctor on Monday and for all she has been through, the doctor thought she was doing pretty good. They would have kept her in the hospital until her levels were back on track, but she could not be without her Darling Little Aunika...so they had to let her go home. It will take longer to return to health this way, but for her nerves and Aunika's needs it was the best route. Kristopher took two weeks off to care for his girls, but he has had to return to work this week. Heidi is still very week in body. She says she might need to look into finding some hired help.


Isaac and Becky are doing fine. Becky was very lonesome for her people this Xmas, as is understandable, but I do understand that her sister Vicky may come and stay with Becky and Isaac's for a wee bit. I think Vicky's husband is to be on a Job Out West for a few weeks. I hope they come....it would do Becky heart good....She sure loves her little niece....something you Daniel, can relate too!?! Isaac and Becky gave a lot of time this past week to helping Heidi and Kris with Aunika, and they also Babysat Hadassah for weekend while Roxann and Skee were on cub retreat. It sure is nice of the two of them! I know that both sisters were so appreciative toward all the giving.

Roxann has been crazy busy with the installing of her new floor. Hadassah found it so hard when they moved things all around. Mark said she would stand in the middle of the floor and howl and point to the things they were moving wanting them back. She had a couple of hard days. Skee he was all WORK....he stayed beside Uncle Scott and his Daddy for the days that they put the floor in. As you can see fro the pics...it all looks so nice.

I my son, am recovering well. I hardly have any pain in my leg, but I must confess that the rest of me sure is hurting. My arms and elbows and my GOOD knee hurt from the extra work they must do. It is nothing that a couple of Tylenol can not help at the end of the day. Dad has tried to take me out once or twice...you know, just chance of scenery....I guess. But I can not drive very long in the car...as we drive and bump along, the bone in my leg does began to throb...?! OUCH I know then that it is broke! All in all it is coming along.


Dad is as busy as he ever is. He has many plans for his retirement and they change day by day....I guess maybe a man does not have enough day to do all that he can dream. Of course, Dad knows that there is an Eternity that awaits him, and whatever he can fulfill on this piece of his earthy journey, he can have when time shall be no more! He still has hopes that you will find him a temporary job overseas and he might be able to join you in an adventure! Some great Dad Uh????


Auntie BeeBee is planning a trip to Jefferson ville in the spring and is having dad and I puppy-sit her" Loggie". You know how BeeBee loves her doggies! Poor BeeBee and our last visit....and the broken leg affair! Daniel, Auntie BeeBee held my leg together as we moved myself into the house...and she sang with me while we waited for medical care to arrive. She can be a real solider when the need is there. Is not that just so sweet!

I missed having my Xmas's dinner with my folks in Fredericton....but Auntie DeeDee took lots of pictures and Nannie Westall was so well!! I imagined you saw her on the blog...if not scroll back and check out her "New Year Wish"... Good old Nannie.

Auntie Lavina, like myself has been enjoying feeding and watching the birds at her feeders. I am going to visit her soon. I have an appointment on the 12th of February to have my xray and cast changed.... so I will have to wait until then....besides it still hurts to drive. She says she will wait on me "hand and Foot"...not going to pass that up!! I love her cast sock she made me. I actually have two cast covers. sister Wendy made me a fleece on with a wool toe piece...I use that one every night in bed and in the morning I take it off and put on my woolen sock. I am so blessed to have such loving friends.

Monday is AUNIKA"S Birthday......ONE YEAR OLD!!! WOWZERS...a year goes by way to fast!

I love you dearly my Eldest Son...God bless thee and keep thee for Himself!

Always in our heart and Prayers......Mother

PS I await your next set of pics.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Winter time in Borneo ;)

I am absolutely loving Borneo, and am so excited for all of the legs of my journey yet to come. It's funny to think that on many of my days out here I am making more money than I spend. I am such a fortunate man. I wish there was some way I could have you all come and travel with me, but realize that this is not possible (maybe on one of my future super vacations). I think about all of you most everyday. I love you all very much.

Daniel


Vicky and I under water before putting on our diving gear.



On the boat off Sapi Island




A pic of me with a Moniker Lizard




It's a little blurry, but here he's licking my hand.




Right now it's the rainy season in Borneo. Conveniently, It's sunny all day and then in the evening you get the rain (not everyday though). On this day there was a massive downpour. I took my camera out, got soaking wet, and took some pictures of the locals out in the rain. They loved having their pics taken. Almost everyone I took a pic of said thank you. They were really happy when I asked them if they would like to see there pictures on my camera screen. Here are some kids that were hanging out by the street market.



Enjoying the view on my way to a dive-sight.



The Jungles of borneo as seen from our boat.... They sound fantastic. I can hardly wait. In a couple of days, We will fly to the other side of Borneo (To the island of Sandican) to go on some adventures. We plan to visit the bat caves seen on the "Planet Earth Documentaries". We will also spend two days and a night trekking through the jungle"




On the boat to the coral reef to do some diving ;)


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A big Birthday Baloon


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A little community




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MY NEW FLOOR


Can't wait to get the bedrooms done......(next week)
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Thursday, January 22, 2009

Aunika's "fake"..very bad cough!!

Blue Jays for Roxann

Feeding off the back deck railing

This little Black Capped Chickidee is drunk from our seed mix!
Lovingly, As Ever; Mother
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