Thank you, Roca.
(A friend shared this with me this morning.)
A Dog's Purpose?
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''
The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher we would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure cstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
In the last few months and especially in the last few weeks Roca's health and life quality have been deteriorating. Today, Brentz, Dash and I took her to our vet anticipating that she would be put to sleep. After meeting with the vet, we concluded that there was no realistic alternative. Sadly, we said goodbye to her as she peacefully drifted off to sleep. She has been a wonderful presence in our family and will be missed as well as fondly remembered.
The Bad News and the Good News!
First the bad news--
Several weeks ago I drained all the water out of the 500-gallon tank that supplies our waterfall. My intention was to replace the water and eliminate the stagnant pond smell that has slowly been developing. Without knowing the tank was empty, Brentz turned on the power to the pump. Three hours later she realized the waterfall wasn't working. Uh oh. We feared that between the two of us we had burned out the pump. So we filled the tank enough to test the pump and--bad news--no water fall. We were sick about it, called the landscaper who built the water fall and he agreed that the pump was likely dead.
Now the good news--
Yesterday, after about an hour of monkeying around I managed to retrieve the pump from the bottom of the tank. I wanted to see what the pump specs were so that we could look for a replacement. It was slightly encouraging to hear it hum when I gave it some power. It was even more encouraging to see the impeller spinning. Was it working or just feebly going through the motions? I shut off the power, placed the pump in a 5-gallon bucket of water, turned on the power and was thrilled by the geyser that shot ten feet in the air. The next logical step was to reinstall the pump in the bottom of the tank, hook it up, put 100-200 gallons of water in and see what happened. The picture below was taken shortly thereafter. I have no idea why but now it works.
'Lil TAC Officer
We have carefully considered all schools to send Marin to, and have placed her in a very strict military school. She has done so well that they have already promoted her to head *TAC Officer of her class, and possibly soon, the head of the whole school. Here is evidence of her hard nosed, strict leadership skills that will take her far in her military career.
*TAC Officer; a drill sergeant for aspiring Officers
*TAC Officer; a drill sergeant for aspiring Officers
Mt. Fuji
There is a saying in Japan: 'He who climbs Mount Fuji once is a wise man, he who climbs it twice is a fool.' So far I'm a wise man, but will likely become a fool. I hiked Mt. Fuji yesterday with about 50 other US Soldiers. Myself and another Soldier beat everyone out of our group to the top in four hours. Mt. Fuji is 12,395 feet above sea level. There are several stations on the mountian where one can relax and buy food or souveniers. At the top of the mountain they had some shops where I bought some delicious japanese curry rice. Of course, after that climb, anything would probably taste good!
While the hike up was challenging, the climb down is what made me not want to repeat the experience. Mt. Fuji has a trail for going up and another for coming down. The climb up was mostly climbing rocks (see below photos) and steep 'trails.' The climb down was a very steep trail with lots of loose gravel and rock. We mostly slid, fell, skidded, and rolled our way down the mountain.
It was an absolutly wonderful experience. It was mostly cloudy so I wasn't able to see the valleys below. However, the feel of being among the clouds gives one such a feeling of wonder and awe!
If anyone would like to make a fool out of me when they come to Japan they are more than welcome. And for those of you who think you wouldn't be able to make it I saw a ten year old little down syndrome girl climb all the way to the top. NO EXCUSES!!!
Taken at the bottom of the hike, in between stations 5 and 6.
Also taken at the bottom of the hike, in between stations 5 and 6.
Taken mid-way up the mountain.
Almost there... just past station eight
Myself and SSG King. We finally have reached the top after four hours!!
Those buildings on the hill are shops at the top of Mt. Fuji.
The crater on top of Mt. Fuji.All of these photos were taken on my I-Phone on 14 August 2009, except for the first photo of Mt. Fuji. That photo was also taken on my I-phone, except it was taken on 18 July 2009.
What a Blessing
On Friday night Jeff and I had the opportunity to go to the LDS Temple in Tokyo. It was wonderful to be there to feel the power of the Spirit and peaceful solitude, like a comforter. There is no equal in all the world to the Temple of the Lord. It truly is His house. It is very much set apart from the cares world. In no other place do I feel so close to my Father in Heaven. What a blessing and a privilege.
So,,, What is the Little Man thinking?
Erica says Owen is making this face with increasing frequency and that she's not sure what he's thinking. Got any ideas? If so, please comment or post them.
Erica's latest
Yesterday, as Erica was busy preparing for their trip to Delta and her show at Ridgway, she sent me her most current version of her Chameleon. With her permission, I'm posting this incredibly cool creation. I can't stop looking at it. I hope the posted image does it justice. Good luck in Ridgway, Erica. I hope the weather is better than it was last year and better than it is forecast to be here.
Odawara Castle
This past week Emily and I traveled by train to Odawara Castle, with our Japanese Head Start class. Odawara is a beautiful, ocean side city. The castle is 600 years old. It would be a great place to take family when you all visit!.....hint, hint
From a website:
Odawara Castle was the family residence of feudal lord Hojo. You can retrace the mighty steps of feudal lords in this elegant place which has come through the Edo age to the present day.
Take a step back in time with feudal costumes - at the Tokiwagi gate of the castle, you can hire (for a fee) samurai armour and kimono and have your photograph taken wearing the outfit, with the castle in the background. It will be a wonderful souvenir of your visit.
An Outback Experience!
Emily, Marin, and I have been working hard to truly experience Japan in every aspect, especially in the eating establishments. So far my favorite is Jumbo Shrimp with fried Tempura along with Pot Stickers. The Sushi is pretty tasty too (I haven't gone after the really weird stuff though). Today we went by train to a shopping district in the town of Ebina which is not too far away. As we were walking through the mall area we saw something that made our stomachs growl. Outback Steakhouse!! Thats right. Not only is there a COSTCO in Japan (we have yet to go), but there is an Outback Steakhouse as well! It was good to taste something of home (besides Subway).
And Happy Anniversary to Grandpa & Grandma Brandt
Let's see... Is it their 67th? I think they got married in 1941 on August 1. Anyway, Happy Anniversary you two!!
Happy TENTH Anniversary!!
Wow! Erica and Zack have been married ten years today. Can anyone believe it?
Candace's Link, "Eisley Rain" is really cool.
Candace maid very brief mention of her blogspot, Eisley Rain, which is where we can see the stylin' stuff she's making available for parents and grandparents of trendy babies. Unfortunately, I've piled so many posts on here that I buried her post. So, please accept my apology, Candace, and , everyone else go to the Eisley Rain link in the right margin of this blog. Lots of cool stuff and lots of great photos of little Eisley modeling the wares she and Candace have created. Pass the word.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRENTZIE!!!!!
Happy Birthday, Brentz from all of us. Your happy, radiant, energetic, vibrant soul has brought so much richness into our lives. Thank you for being the instigator and igniter of so many memorable family moments. We love you and thank Heavenly Father for you every day. From Paul, Dash, Zane, Andrew, Hilarie, Daniel, Candace, Eisley, Erica, Zack, Owen, Emily, Jeff and Marin. Mahalo!!
One More Picture
OK there has to be at least one shot of the ocean. For more, check out our blog paulandbrentz.blogspot.com
View From Our Balcony
Though the ocean is only a short, intensely scenic walk away, our view is of Bali Hai. My camera does not show the details, e.g., the ribbon-like water falls that start near the top of the mountains and can be traced to the bottom.Since this isn't video, you can't hear the frogs, pigeons, crickets, an occasional rooster, or the breeze; or see the swaying branches or soaring birds. This place is Garden of Eden-like.
Woo Hoo!! Off to Kauai!!!
It was a last minute decision and we chose Kauai as the place to celebrate Brentz's birthday. It was a late night with almost no sleep, we passed up the early morning flight and caught the 10am flight to Phoenix and barely got on the 2pm flight to LiHu'e (lee hoo' ay). We have a new blog started--paulandbrentz.blogspot.com. It looks pretty utilitarian right now but it's a start. Help!! Candace!! Can you set us up with a link from brandtcentral to paulandbrentz? The email address for paulandbrentz is paulandbrentz@gmail.com and the password is changa01
We're phasing out utbrandts@comcast.net. Too much junkmail. It's still active but we only check it every several days.
Just getting started and very excited!!
So, I just started the blog for my craftiness!! It doesn't have much on it yet and I'd like to make some adjustments to it, but I'm excited about having something up for people to look at and hopefully order things!!Eisley Rain is the name. www.eisleyrain.blogspot.com. Spread the word to all those baby having, baby shower going, grandparent friends of yours!! Thanks!!
I put a link to my site on the side!
I put a link to my site on the side!
A fun evening
This evening we went to the park for a surprise birthday party for one of Marin's new friends that she met at soccer last week. It was a lot of fun. Jeff and I chatted with the other parents while Marin waited anxiously with the other kids for Isabella to show up with her family. When she did, Marin was at the head of the pack of kids running to meet Isabella in the middle of the field. Marin ran with arms wide open and gave Isabella a big hug. It was so cute! There was so much excitement among the kids as they ran to the playground to play, then came to the pavilion for cake, and then ran back to the playground. All three of us really had a great time! We are so happy here!
We really enjoyed walking around this evening, to and from dinner at the Community Club, to the park, and then to lodging in the dark and the quiet rain. It smelled so good outside, and felt so peaceful.
We would have taken pictures, but it was already getting too dark. The sun sets here at about 6:50 PM and is totally dark by 7:30. Then it's already getting light at 4:30 AM and 9:00 AM looks like noonday. It's really different here. I wonder if Japan got confused on what time zone they're actually in. I really have no idea. I'm curious to see how early it gets dark and light in the winter!
Anyway, we are very, very excited to be here. There is so much for us to do, Jeff's leadership (who he will work for when finished in processing) are totally laid back, relaxed, and very excited to have him working for them, and me? Well, I'm not sure yet what I'll spend most of my time doing, but I am very excited about many opportunities and possibilities. This is a dream come true for us, to live in a foreign country and to immerse ourselves in the culture. We are already very at home here.
See my personal blog for more stories and pictures on our adventures!
We really enjoyed walking around this evening, to and from dinner at the Community Club, to the park, and then to lodging in the dark and the quiet rain. It smelled so good outside, and felt so peaceful.
We would have taken pictures, but it was already getting too dark. The sun sets here at about 6:50 PM and is totally dark by 7:30. Then it's already getting light at 4:30 AM and 9:00 AM looks like noonday. It's really different here. I wonder if Japan got confused on what time zone they're actually in. I really have no idea. I'm curious to see how early it gets dark and light in the winter!
Anyway, we are very, very excited to be here. There is so much for us to do, Jeff's leadership (who he will work for when finished in processing) are totally laid back, relaxed, and very excited to have him working for them, and me? Well, I'm not sure yet what I'll spend most of my time doing, but I am very excited about many opportunities and possibilities. This is a dream come true for us, to live in a foreign country and to immerse ourselves in the culture. We are already very at home here.
See my personal blog for more stories and pictures on our adventures!
Apple and iPhones!!
Very early Sunday morning (around 2am, so it was more like Saturday night) I dropped my iPhone on the hardwood floor and ruined the display. All that was visible were vertical lines. I was sick about it. Then being without my phone, text messaging, clock, flashlight, alarm clock, music, weather report, easy access to email and my calendar left a gaping hole in the next 42 hours. Tonight I went to the Apple Store at The Gateway to see if they could fix it. I hoped they could have it repaired soon and without too much expense. Without asking any questions, they replaced it with a new phone!! It was still under warranty. Actually, there were only two days left on a one-year warranty. Yay for iPhones and Apple!!
At the moment, I'm syncing my phone with my computer--restoring music, calendars, contact lists, etc. and hoping the battery on my Mac doesn't die (I left my charger at work) before the syncing is completed. That would be a drag but I am so thrilled to have "my" phone back.
At the moment, I'm syncing my phone with my computer--restoring music, calendars, contact lists, etc. and hoping the battery on my Mac doesn't die (I left my charger at work) before the syncing is completed. That would be a drag but I am so thrilled to have "my" phone back.
Way to go Dash!!
Dash went for it and has experienced the audition process first hand. Way to show up, Bud! We're proud of you!
72 new pix at oze.me
Erica, Zack and Owen have been doing some serious traveling, too, and just posted 72 photos on their blog at oze.me. Check it out!
The Andersons are ahead of us!?!?!?!
Since Jeff, Emily, and Marin flew west to get to Japan and since it is nine hours earlier in their day than it is in hours I made the assumption that they were behind us. What a surprise to read (at 2:00 pm MST, on Sunday) Emily's post about their experience at church! Either their new ward meets shortly after mid-night or they're actually fifteen hours ahead of us rather than nine hours behind us. Sure enough. I checked my iPhone and Jeff, Emily, and Marin (and a few million Japanese) are getting out of bed to take on Monday while I'm about to settle into bed for a Sunday afternoon nap. I'm not sure how I feel about this but I do like the thought that they are a whole day closer to coming back to the states. I miss those guys.
Sunday in Japan
Well, we had our first Sunday in Japan. It took us about 30 minutes to drive to the meeting house in the middle of Zama City. Most of the roads were so narrow that if another car had come the other way there would have been a real problem. The actual meeting house has three stories to it. The first level is for parking, the second is where the chapel is, and the third has classrooms. The Japanese wards share the building with us and it is absolutely wonderful! We met several other families and are excited to be apart of the branch. The Branch is quite small with only 10 sisters attending Relief Society, 11 kids in primary, and 6 Elders in the entire priesthood quorum at the moment. They say that after Summer the Branch will get bigger. Marin loved Primary as well. There are several young girls about a year younger than Marin, but she gets along with them just fine. Oh yes, Marin wanted to be sure we let you know the building has an elevator!
We also found out how dedicated the members in Japan really are. The work week here is 6 days with the only day off being Sunday. Top that off with a regular 12+ hour work day and you can understand why these members are truly dedicated. They give up their only day off in order to attend church and fulfill church callings. They don't go on many excursions or outings because they keep the Sabbath day holy. What dedication and sacrifice.
The Church is true. Even here in Japan. I hope the spirit of the Sabbath will rest upon you today and that you will find peace and comfort in the Savior's promises.
Love,
Jeff, Emily, and Marin
We also found out how dedicated the members in Japan really are. The work week here is 6 days with the only day off being Sunday. Top that off with a regular 12+ hour work day and you can understand why these members are truly dedicated. They give up their only day off in order to attend church and fulfill church callings. They don't go on many excursions or outings because they keep the Sabbath day holy. What dedication and sacrifice.
The Church is true. Even here in Japan. I hope the spirit of the Sabbath will rest upon you today and that you will find peace and comfort in the Savior's promises.
Love,
Jeff, Emily, and Marin
Thanks for the update, Emily!
It was great to read about and see the pictures of your new home. Thanks! And great job figuring out how to post so quickly. Now, if I can just figure out how to call you guys on Skype. I love you.
I think we landed in Paradise!
Camp Zama
Well, here we are! We're in Japan! We are doing very well and LOVING our adventure! Everyone is telling us too, that this is a great assignment---very kicked back and relaxed, and lots of amazing cultural and travel opportunities for the whole family---and it's evident in how happy and relaxed they are as they tell us. We are given tons of time to in process and acclimate to the new time zone at a very relaxed pace. Jeff wont even start working til August 1st, but we're finally getting paid again! Phew!
Japan looks very different from the US. I don't even know how to describe it well, but to say that everything here is very cramped and compact---cars, streets, walkways, buildings. Camp Zama has more of a US feel to it, not so cramped, but most everything here is Japanese made.
The vegetation is beautiful. We can see mountains. It's extremely humid here. Virginia's humidity is nothing compared to this. I love that it's low elevation. I struggled with the high elevation last week in Utah. I could hardly stay awake, but here I have lots of energy! Marin and I adjusted quickly and easily to the new time zone, but Jeff is still working on it.
Camp Zama is very small and everything that we need is within about 5 minute walking distance from Army Lodging---shopping and dining (the basics, nothing fancy), Army Community Service Center, medical and dental offices, schools, the library, the park. It's a good thing because we don't have a car. We'll get a nice cheap one after we take the class for driving in Japan next Tuesday. There's a '98 Beamer for sale for $5000, but most are for maybe $2000 or even much less.
Last night we had Mongolian BBQ. It was so good!!! The set up was buffet style where we each filled a large bowl with all the raw veggies and raw meat that we wanted stir fried together and then they took it back to the kitchen to stir fry it for us. Even Marin's pizza was a self made pizza that they took back to bake.
Everyone here tells us that this is a great assignment and to kick back and relax! The work load and work schedules here are very light, even for the Lt. Colonel (high ranking and usually a very busy position). He met with us yesterday for a while to welcome us and chat for a while. That's not the case anywhere else in the military. Anywhere else it would be a quick, impersonal 5 minute "hi, welcome, we'll see you at work".
This morning we stopped by the MWR facility (Moral Welfare and Recreation). That's where we can check out sports and camping equipment and sign up for fun trips to do all kinds of fun things---group hikes, trips around Tokyo and other areas for festivals, Disneyland, clam digging, berry picking, you name it! This is staring to feel like a 3 year CRUISE!
We are SOOOOO excited to be here!
This may be unrelated but it's just too cute not to add it. Last night Marin was whimpering in her sleep and I knew that she was having a bad dream, so I woke her up from it. Her bad dream was that some "bad guys" were taking a Pegasus away. She beat up 3 of them, but the rest of them still got away with the Pegasus. Is that so cute and funny or what? She's such a 5 year old girl! :}
After the 11 hour flight, with our 11 bags! Marin wouldn't look.
Our very first sight of Japan.... HOW THE HECK DO YOU FLUSH THE TOILET?????
Well, uh, I'm not sure this is much better...no thanks...
Yen!
The bus from the airport stopped next to a sweet car show for a little 10 minute break. I couldn't resist taking some pictures! Too bad it was getting dark out.
Check out the mail boxes here! Somebody like Star Wars.
I promise I don't normally do such longs posts. I hope no one minds that this one is so long. From here on out they will be much shorter.
Well, here we are! We're in Japan! We are doing very well and LOVING our adventure! Everyone is telling us too, that this is a great assignment---very kicked back and relaxed, and lots of amazing cultural and travel opportunities for the whole family---and it's evident in how happy and relaxed they are as they tell us. We are given tons of time to in process and acclimate to the new time zone at a very relaxed pace. Jeff wont even start working til August 1st, but we're finally getting paid again! Phew!
Japan looks very different from the US. I don't even know how to describe it well, but to say that everything here is very cramped and compact---cars, streets, walkways, buildings. Camp Zama has more of a US feel to it, not so cramped, but most everything here is Japanese made.
The vegetation is beautiful. We can see mountains. It's extremely humid here. Virginia's humidity is nothing compared to this. I love that it's low elevation. I struggled with the high elevation last week in Utah. I could hardly stay awake, but here I have lots of energy! Marin and I adjusted quickly and easily to the new time zone, but Jeff is still working on it.
Camp Zama is very small and everything that we need is within about 5 minute walking distance from Army Lodging---shopping and dining (the basics, nothing fancy), Army Community Service Center, medical and dental offices, schools, the library, the park. It's a good thing because we don't have a car. We'll get a nice cheap one after we take the class for driving in Japan next Tuesday. There's a '98 Beamer for sale for $5000, but most are for maybe $2000 or even much less.
Last night we had Mongolian BBQ. It was so good!!! The set up was buffet style where we each filled a large bowl with all the raw veggies and raw meat that we wanted stir fried together and then they took it back to the kitchen to stir fry it for us. Even Marin's pizza was a self made pizza that they took back to bake.
Everyone here tells us that this is a great assignment and to kick back and relax! The work load and work schedules here are very light, even for the Lt. Colonel (high ranking and usually a very busy position). He met with us yesterday for a while to welcome us and chat for a while. That's not the case anywhere else in the military. Anywhere else it would be a quick, impersonal 5 minute "hi, welcome, we'll see you at work".
This morning we stopped by the MWR facility (Moral Welfare and Recreation). That's where we can check out sports and camping equipment and sign up for fun trips to do all kinds of fun things---group hikes, trips around Tokyo and other areas for festivals, Disneyland, clam digging, berry picking, you name it! This is staring to feel like a 3 year CRUISE!
We are SOOOOO excited to be here!
This may be unrelated but it's just too cute not to add it. Last night Marin was whimpering in her sleep and I knew that she was having a bad dream, so I woke her up from it. Her bad dream was that some "bad guys" were taking a Pegasus away. She beat up 3 of them, but the rest of them still got away with the Pegasus. Is that so cute and funny or what? She's such a 5 year old girl! :}
After the 11 hour flight, with our 11 bags! Marin wouldn't look.
Our very first sight of Japan.... HOW THE HECK DO YOU FLUSH THE TOILET?????
Well, uh, I'm not sure this is much better...no thanks...
Yen!
The bus from the airport stopped next to a sweet car show for a little 10 minute break. I couldn't resist taking some pictures! Too bad it was getting dark out.
Check out the mail boxes here! Somebody like Star Wars.
I promise I don't normally do such longs posts. I hope no one minds that this one is so long. From here on out they will be much shorter.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!! and YOUR CLOCK!!
During the next 24 hours it will be 04:05:06 07/08/09 for one second twice.
Jeff, Emily, and Marin are in Japan!
Emily has sent emails updating us about their flight, arrival, bus ride to the base, and their temporary home in hotel-like accommodations on base at Camp Zama. They are happy and having fun. Hopefully, they will post here or on Emily's blog, RocketChick.
OK, I think I might be on the verge of actually posting something and not just commenting. Thanks Candace for the coaching. Finding the dashboard was a trick, though, down at the bottom left where it says "blogger" in tiny letters with a line under it. Clicking on that is what finally took me to the dashboard. And I think I'm going to even get a picture in my post. Unfortunately, the most pertinent thing I can find on this computer is a picture of Changa. I'm using Dash's computer... lots of games and pictures of Dash. So Erica, Zack, Emily, Jeff, Dash, Roca... represent!
