Here goes -- my first attempt to post a video. It's one someone sent to Mom & it's amazing!

After further work on this new-old computer, I found these gorgeous photos. I don't know if they came with the computer or a specific program, but who cares? They're pretty to look at.

Corsica cliffs


Corsica water


Carmel


Lake Moraine


Angel Island (So says the title, but it looks a photo manip to me because of the boat & the bridge.)


British Columbia

Being a world traveler can change a person, so I hear, & Ted is not immune. As long as I've known him, he has been a staunch non-dancer. Now, he's not only admitted to dancing, he says it's not as scary as he thought. LOL!

Here is a picture of the group in Futrono, Chile.

Ted seems a tad sun-burnt. Must be all that witnessing in the countryside.

Today we got Brandon's wedding invitation -- so elegant & I love the photos.

I so very much want to go, but Mom is not up to it. :-(

Another email came, so we know he's still alive.
Ted said he's trying to keep up with the Special Pioneers this month & is doing well so far. Monday they went preaching in the country, then attended the Book Study, then got shown around some waterfalls & other beautiful scenery, were caught in a rainstorm & got lost. I am impressed by Ted's stamina. He didn't sound tired, just said "Every day is a new adventure."

I think I have a similiar attitude, but my body can't keep up with it . . . yet.

Yay! We got our first email from the Contes in the Congo. They've been there a couple of weeks in Kinshasa at the Branch Office waiting for their specific assignment, wherever the greatest need is. Meanwhile, they're working in the shipping dept., getting used to things like the weather (warm but bearable) & the language (French with a Belgium accent). Kinda wish I was there ... it must be wonderful to work in a territory that is so spiritually hungry. 775 KHs have been built there since 1999 & they still need that many to be made.

Okay, here are some lovely pictures.....
Steve & Sarah Conte

That's the Congo River behind them.

They were there on a picnic with our brothers.

Here is Sarah & a sister standing by a termite hill. I would say Sarah is about Mom's height, 5'7" or 8". I know she's a little taller than Julie...

I'm so happy for them.

My friend Ted finally was able to email Clover. Sounds like he's having a great time. I think the town he's staying in is called Futrono.

There's a small group of about 27 publishers, very poor but rich spiritually. They welcomed Ted with a party and even baked a cake that said, "Welcome Ted Starkey" on it in English. (Speaking of, he got to witness once in English because the man had studied it in England.)

Ted said the territory is like a whole different world and time. It must be nice preaching where so many people are happy to have visitors and have real a hunger for truth. Of course, they're very interested in him -- he must really stand out. He got a kick out of a little girl wanted to know what was wrong with his eyes, why they were blue.

This last Saturday they went to the country. In their territory there was a house on the side of the mountain, but they could find no road or path, so they just started walking up the mountain through the forest. It wasn't long before Ted was in mud half way to his knees. LOL He said they made it to the house and talked with an old lady, but never did find the road. :D

After service they took a bus to a congregation about 3 hours from here, because his friend was to give the talk the next day. They arrived late Sat. night, about 10 pm, but the whole Congregation was there waiting with food and music.

Here are a few pics he sent. (Ted is the bald one & the other two are his roommates.)

Exactly one week from today, we will be on our way to NY!

Here are some pictures of the Norwegian (sp?) Dream -- Jerry & Gertrude's cruise ship.

one of six lounges

I think these pictures are from a day or two ago.....

dinnertime...

12 noon

La dolce vita...

Stockholm

Jerry & Gertrude in Stockholm

Vasa crewmember

Nobel Hall

This morning, while Mom went on her study & then errands, I was being suctioned. :-P Seriously, for 20-30 minutes at a time, with 5 minute breaks. I felt like a faucet endlessly running water, because nothing worthy of such lengthy suctioning was coming up.By the Mom returned (she was only gone 2 hours) I was very tired. So I went on the vent. It's a nice break.I stopped coughing a couple hours ago, but I think I'll stay on except for when transferring to bed.

Another one of the girls. They are on a bridge.

Julie & Katie at a door.

Clover, Julie, & Katie

Denis & Rika, their hosts

Nothing much going on here today, so far. Oh, except that it's the lovely Fourth of July & my cat is bellowing & screaming between naps as only a Siamese can for two days now! I probably will not be having much sleep this week as Jasmyn is a firm believer in "misery loves company." There are no words bad enough to describe my hatred for fireworks!

Am having a mucusy day, not too bad though, just enough coughing to make everything slow down to a very annoying pace. I'd feel more annoyed if I hadn't gotten my hair washed this morning.

No respite so I've played at the computer transfering music to my ipod while Mom worked in the flower beds, weeding & splitting (?) daffodil bulbs which she's shared with Elisa K.

Pretty bland, huh?

Well, here we are -- Julie, me & Clover -- on the last day of the Convention.

All in all, I am satisfied with how everything turned out. Of course, the program was wonderful. & my mucus didn't cause too much problems, thank Jehovah, because Mom & I were travelling alone. Next year, though, I desperately need to bring someone with us. Yes, it was extremely helpful for Sam & Eva to bring us dinner every night, & for Bill Jones to save us seats every day, & for Clover to feed me lunch, but we were late every day. Let's face it, I am a lot of work for one person to take care of (which not many seem to comprehend) & Mom is tired. She fell Saturday morning, so we were really late -- arriving during the Daily text! We difinitely need more help.!!

So glad we're home in one piece.