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2003 Christmas Letter

Dear Friends:

Christmas 2002

What a roller coaster of a year this has been! And how important to remember that our God is a God of new beginnings!

Christmas ’02 found our family together for the first time since the fall of ’97 – right after Dave and Maia were married. Since Chris and Melodie both living with us in Calgary, we were able to drive, together, all the way to Atlanta, where we could join Dave and Maia, along with Bren and Jace, to celebrate the birth of our Saviour. We arrived back in Calgary on January 2nd.

Dave (who turned 30 a couple of weeks ago!!!) and Maia are now in their 4th year in Sugar Hill, just north of Atlanta. Dave continues to work for Pfizer Pharmaceutical there. Maia has been working at Egleston Children’s Hospital at Emory University 3 years, and has a new position in the ER. They welcomed a new little boy into their family, Joel David (May 15) – a little brother for Bren and Jace, their 2½ year-old twins. In their spare time (??!!??), both Dave and Maia have been working toward Master of Counseling degrees. We had the joy of spending a week with them when Joel was just a month old. What a great time we had playing with Bren and Jace, taking them to our date restaurant (On The Border), to the playground, and especially to the Water Park!

Chris continued to develop his career in web design, as Sketchboy Productions. (www.thesketchpad.net.) One site he designed (www.sk8palace.com) won as the best skate park site in the US! At the end of August, he moved to Abbotsford, where he continues to hone his skills, and make use of his artistic abilities. He’s been attending Northview Com-munity Church since moving to the Lower Mainland, and is one of the featured singers in their annual “Night Before Christmas” event. With 14 productions over a week and a half, it’s quite the experience – way beyond a Christmas Pageant. In addition, he’s been on Atkins, and has lost over 55 lb.

With Melodie’s move to Calgary, she became involved with South Meadows Community Church, a relatively new Salvation Army church plant. This has been an excellent experience for her, as she was preparing to enter The Salvation Army’s College for Officers Training in St. John’s, Newfoundland, in September. She’s really enjoying the ministry opportunities this is giving her, and most of her classes. In ’05, she will be ordained as a Salvation Army Officer, hoping to eventually serve overseas once again.

Joel David Routly

For us, this has been another year of tremendous transition. After 22 years of ministry, the Lord has led Phil into the investment industry, with the plan to open an Edward Jones Investments office in Langley in March ‘04. So far, he’s completed two Canadian Securities courses, has written four exams, and is beginning the insurance training aspects of becoming an Investment Advisor. It certainly is stretching, but he is thoroughly enjoying it.

As Elsie continues to seek her place of employment, the Lord is clarifying her love for children and her desire to see them grow well both physically and spiritually. Waiting on God’s direction in His time is a challenge. Our move to a new home and with all its challenges and changes has filled most of her time. The renewing old friendships and beginning of new ones has been great.

Leaving Calgary was a very difficult decision, as it meant leaving behind friends at several churches (Hawkwood, Foothills Alliance, Berkshire and South Meadows), Calgary Choral, and Ranch-lands Playcare where Elsie had worked for 2½ years. With our arrival in the lower mainland, we found a warm welcome at North Langley Community Church, and have been enjoying our time there. The worship is dynamic, and we are really blessed through participating in a small group. Phil was able to teach a spiritual gifts class at a ROOTS disciple-ship day. It has been a pleasure to renew friendships we’ve had since living in Langley in the late ‘90s, as well as to meet many new friends. Prayers and support never go unappreciated!

What an incredible year! God bless, Merry Christmas, and may 2004 be a year of God’s grace! Now, let’s just settle down for a while…

Phil and Elsie Routly

Add comment December 14th, 2003 Phil

Christmas Report - 2002

For the first time since 1996, the Routly’s would be celebrating Christmas as a family! And to make it really special, this included Maia, Dave’s wife, and their twin sons, Bren and Jace (20 months). All it would take was a 52-hour drive from Calgary to Atlanta!

Thursday, December 19

We couldn’t leave until 10:30 at night, since Chris had to have his traditional Survivor Finale party. Actually, we all enjoyed it, and he had predicted that Brian would win it all. Check out his web site at www.thesketchpad.net.

With Elsie half awake/half asleep beside me, and Melodie and Chris asleep on the bench seats of our ’96 Aerostar, I had the privilege of driving for the first eight hours, while listening to the Kathy Reich’s latest book, Grave Secrets. Since the summer, I had either read or listened to each of her earlier Temperance Brennan novels, enjoying each one, even though they are rather graphic when it comes to her forensic anthropologist activities (http://literati.net/Reichs).

It was a great night for driving and listening!

Friday, December 20

Arriving in Regina at 6:30 AM brought a short stop at Tim Horton’s, and I crawled into the middle seat, with Elsie in the back, while Chris got behind the wheel, with Melodie beside him. During our summer drive to Ontario, Melodie had introduced us to Lemony Snicket and the first two books of the very entertaining Series of Unfortunate Events (www.lemonysnicket.com). Before leaving Calgary, we had been able to obtain books 3 to 7 on tape, so at the first opportunity, The Wide Window went into the player.

It wasn’t long until Elsie and I were falling asleep, but it suddenly began to snow, accompanied by wind and ice on the road. About an hour east of Regina, I found myself praying for safety, and I sat up just as wind, snow and ice coincided. The rear of the car began to slide right, and the spin took us backwards at 80 KPH, taking us across the oncoming lane, down a bank about 75 yards through about 3 feet of snow, so far onto the passenger side that the spring-loaded mirror was folded back and the running board cap ripped off. But, as we came to a stop, we felt a hand push us back to vertical, and there we sat. The only explanation for our safety is clearly the hand of God. A cell-phone call to 911 put us in contact with CAA, and within 15 minutes, a tow truck arrived. The driver first dug around the van, then anchored his truck, hooked up his cable, and winched us out. I got back behind the wheel, and we were once again on our way – none the worse for wear. Thank you, Lord, and thanks to our friends who are praying for our trip!

The weather slowed us down considerably, and we did stop in Brandon to buy snow tires. As we were approaching Winnipeg, about 4 hours behind schedule, we contacted our friends, Dave and Karen Oldford, and arrived at their home at 5 o’clock. They welcomed us in their usual way, giving us the opportunity to check weather conditions, get some rest, and enjoy a pizza feast. By 7 PM, we felt the weather was clear enough that we were able to head south, and that by heading for St. Louis instead of Chicago, we could avoid another storm. So, we were on our way – cautiously until we had passed through Grand Forks. By then we were past the snow and ice, and back up speed. Chris and Melodie had been resting, and were ready to drive through the rest of the night.

Saturday, December 21

So, on we went! Through Fargo, ND, and getting to Sioux Falls, SD around sunrise.

On to Omaha, NE and breakfast at Cracker Barrel (www.crackerbarrel.com), our favourite breakfast place! How we wish they were in Canada! Anyway, we were quickly back on the road, through Kansas City, MS, and St. Louis by sundown. On to Mt. Vernon, through Paducah, KY, and Nashville, TN around midnight. We didn’t see much, but we did cover a lot of real estate this day!

Sunday, December 22

Considering how far we had come, we were almost there, so we kept on the move. Through Chattanooga, and on to Atlanta, arriving at Dave and Maia’s at 4 AM after a drive of almost 4100 KM. Not bad – very tired – all under the same roof – off to bed – ready for a long sleep – no church today!

Of course, we didn’t sleep too late – mostly because Chris was sleeping in the living room, and there were two little boys wanting breakfast! Chris and Melodie had never met Bren and Jace, so they were both up early. Elsie and I had been in Atlanta for their first birthday in April.

For obvious reasons, this proved to be a pretty relaxed day. Maia was off for the day, so we could spend it together. In the afternoon, we went out to get a Christmas tree, and to finish up some shopping for the boys.

After supper, our friends, Case and Janet Koolhaas, dropped in for a few minutes. We had known them from Langley, where Case had planted Emmaus Christian Fellowship, and had met again at the Oasis Retreat in October. That was when we realized that their daughter and son-in-law were living very close to Dave and Maia’s home in Sugar Hill. It really IS a small world, you know.

After the boys were off to bed, it was time to decorate the Christmas tree.

Monday, December 23

Dave was off to work early at Pfizer, as usual. He had recently replaced his unreliable Mercury Mystique with a Toyota Prius – a very interesting hybrid car, that automatically switches back and forth between gas and electric (http://www.toyota.com/html/shop/vehicles/prius/). Driving it is really cool – when you stop at a traffic light, the engine completely shuts down! Step on the accelerator, and the electric motor gets you moving, the gas engine starts up, and away you go! While you’re driving, there is a monitor, like a small computer screen, that constantly monitors your fuel efficiency and several other factors.
Jace especially loves getting in the car and playing with everything there is to play with, but Bren enjoys it, too. (Why is there a pacifier on the windshield? So the driver knows when to stop when driving into the garage.)

Tuesday, December 24

Christmas Eve – er, Day. Oh, whatever! Maia would have to work on the 25th, so for us, this was Christmas Day! After all, Bren and Jace would never know. They had a great time opening their presents during the morning, and we all enjoyed playing with them and their toys throughout the day. Pictures speak louder than words.

We enjoyed the Christmas Eve service at Perimeter Church (www.perimeter.org), where Dave and Maia attend, returned home, put Bren and Jace to bed, and then it was time for the adults to open their gifts. Our family tradition has always been to enjoy some special food on Christmas Eve, and this year was no exception, as Dave brought home some lettuce wraps and hot wings from Chili’s. It seems the only constant through all these years is Elsie’s special eggnog! While we have usually opened only one gift on Christmas Eve (Elsie is always accused of making sure it’s pajamas…), Maia’s family opens everything, and that’s what we did.

Wednesday, December 25

Christmas Day! Thank you, Jesus, for coming to our world!

Things were pretty quiet, but there was still lots of playing, as Chris and Melodie were getting to know their nephews. After lunch, we all climbed into our van for the drive to visit Maia at Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta. Afterwards, we drove through downtown, and stopped at the Martin Luther King Memorial.

Of course, Bren and Jace were missing their afternoon nap, so…

Dave and Maia had OD’d on turkey at Thanksgiving, so for the first time in our lives we had roast beef for Christmas dinner.

Thursday, December 26

In Canada, this would have been Boxing Day. Both Dave and Maia had the day off, so we were once again all together for the entire day, and we were able to relax – and play!

With Chris, Dave and Maia, I was also able to enjoy Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (www.lordoftherings.net). Since renting Fellowship of the Rings a couple of months ago, I had begun to read the J.R.R. Tolkien trilogy, and become a fan. What a fascinating imagination he had, and how faithfully Peter Jackson has brought it to the screen! I can hardly wait until this second installment comes to DVD, and the final one comes to theaters in December, ’03! What an epic.

Friday, December 27

With Dave at work for the day, the rest of us went to Discover Mills (www.discovermills.com) in Lawrenceville. While we were there, Maia introduced us to Cold Stone ice cream (www.coldstonecreamery.com), where they mix your choice of ice cream and ingredients on refrigerated marble, to make some of the best we’ve ever tasted. What a neat concept!

Saturday, December 28

Elsie and I had the opportunity to begin a new tradition with Bren and Jace, that we hope to continue every time we see them – we took them to one of our favourite Atlanta restaurants, On The Border (www.ontheborder.com). With Maia at work, Dave, Chris and Melodie went to Atlanta Underground (www.underatl.com), and then World of Coca Cola (www.woccatlanta.com).

Sunday, December 29

I had been in touch with Dan Reiland, Executive Pastor at Crossroads Community Church (www.crossroadsconnect.com) in Lawrenceville, about a ministry opportunity as Pastor of Lay Ministry. Since it’s only 15 minutes from Dave and Maia’s home in Sugar Hill, Elsie, Melodie and I headed there for their early service. It was a truly excellent and inspiring experience. For many reasons, this would be our dream opportunity – not the least of which is the proximity to four + very special people. Then, we caught up with Dave, Maia, Bren, Jace and Chris at Perimeter, before heading to Bahama Breeze (www.bahamabreeze.com) for lunch. The food had great variety, and we had a marvelous time.

Monday, December 30

Dave was back to work, and Maia was studying, so this was kind of a relax-and-enjoy-the-twins day.

Elsie and Melodie had the idea of creating pictures of Bren and Jace’s hands and feet – so, they painted on the watercolor, and took their prints!

BTW, if you haven’t been able to figure it out, Bren is usually dressed in Blue, and Jace in … whatever. So, Bren got the Blue feet, and Jace the Green. What do you do when one is in yellow and the other in red, like they are in these pictures? Either you paint their feet… or, when they get dressed, just etch their colors on your mind for the day! They could have DNA tests done to determine whether or not they are identical, but why bother? They’re pretty much the same size, have the same amount and colour of hair, and their feet and hands are the same shape. Any questions? Now, can you go back and identify them in each picture?

Tuesday, December 31

Already, the day of our departure had arrived. We were expecting a couple of parcels (late Christmas gifts), but by 11 they still hadn’t been delivered, so it was time to go, and we very reluctantly said goodbye, not knowing when we would be all together again. By noon, we were through Atlanta, and heading for Chattanooga. Our return trip took us north, through Knoxville, Lexington, Indianapolis, and Chicago. Before leaving Atlanta, we had stopped at Krogers, and picked up some goodies to bring in the New Year. At midnight, we had passed through Chicago, pulled over for fuel, and enjoyed some great shrimp and other appy-style food.

Wednesday, January 1, 2003

On to Madison, Torah, Minneapolis and brunch just before Fargo. Unfortunately, we had passed all the Cracker Barrels, and had to settle for second (or third) best at Perkins. We connected with the Oldford’s in Winnipeg, arrived there at 3 PM, enjoyed a wonderful New Years dinner with Dave, Karen and their family, and watched a really bizarre movie, “Kung Pow: Enter The Fist,” (www.kungpowmovie.com). Look at http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/KungPow-1110958/ - it gets 8%, and Roger Ebert writes, “Not since Freddy Got Fingered has a major release been so painful to sit through.” However, we followed this up with Nicole Kidman’s “The Others,” (www.theothers.com), a very interesting, somewhat scary, and much better film (it received 81% on rottentomatoes).

Thursday, January 2

We hit the road early, so we could arrive in Brandon shortly after 8 AM, to pick up the all-season tires we had stored there, and had an uneventful drive the rest of the way. When we passed the spot where we had spun off the road, we realized that if we had gone another 50 yards, we would have been into a culvert and stream, and our Christmas would have been very different. Once again, thank you Lord, and thank you to all our friends (especially in our small group) for your prayers.

Without further incident, we arrived home at 9:30 PM. During our trip, we had covered 8692.5 KM, experienced parts of the US we had never seen before, listened to taped books by Kathy Reichs and Tom Clancy (Rainbow Six), and seven (!) books by Lemony Snicket. More importantly, we had spent 14 quality days with Chris and Melodie.

What a great holiday this was! It was the first time we were all together – the eight of us – ever. Chris and Melodie got to meet Bren and Jace. We celebrated the Lord’s birth. And we had some very memorable experiences.

Oh – I have to mention Squiggle. When Dave and Maia sent out their Christmas letters, they signed them, “Dave, Maia, Bren, Jace, and Squiggle.” There is a new little one on the way, due in May. On Friday, January 2, Maia had an ultrasound, and … it’s another boy. Praise the Lord! (I guess it’s too early to start thinking about giving us a granddaughter, isn’t it?)

Add comment January 2nd, 2003 Phil

Reflections of the Garden Island

For years, Elsie and I have hoped to be able to celebrate a major anniversary in Hawaii. Finally it happened, as Dave and Maia made it possible for us to use their time-share. After a brief scare when Canada 3000 went bankrupt, Sears Travel (thanks, Bev!) shifted our reservations, and we were off!

Thursday, November 22: A 5:00 AM arrival at Calgary International Airport ensured plenty of time to get through the enhanced security, as well as the opportunity to see the Calgary Stampeders Outriders, who were catching a flight to the Grey Cup in Montreal - when the Stamps won, by the way. After a brief layover in Vancouver, we were on an Air Canada 747 for the first time, on our way to Honolulu. When we arrived, it was time to get our bags, and check in with Aloha Air, breath in the warm, moist air, and enjoy the fragrance of the flowers.

A friend of Chris’ gave us the code to access the Hospitality Suite for the airlines, so we enjoyed fresh pineapple and guava juice in beautiful, air-conditioned comfort. Then, after a short 25-minute flight, we arrived at the Lihue airport, picked up our rental car, and, after a brief stop at K-Mart for sunscreen and macadamia nuts, we headed for the Lawai Beach Resort in Poipu. Even though we were very tired, it was time to view our first Hawaiian sunset, and then head for a restaurant for dinner - the Tropical Burger. Happy Thanksgiving Day, America! We’re certainly thankful!

Friday, November 23: The day began with an orientation meeting at the resort, where we learned that as Canadians, we were disqualified from any discounts for sitting through sales pitches. Oh well - apparently, it’s cheaper for us to buy from Canada than while in Hawaii. We then set out for Kapaa, the North Shore, and the Na Pali Coast. Along the way, we discovered the Kilauea Lighthouse, and Hanalei - remember “Puff, the magic dragon, lives by the sea. He frolics in the autumn mist in a land called Hanalei”?

Further on, after driving past some amazing homes on stilts, we came to Ha’ena Beach Park, and the hiking entrance to the Na Pali coast. After climbing for about 15 minutes, we experienced some of the most beautiful landscape you could imagine. Our return trip brought us back to Kapaa, where we both enjoyed Bubba Burgers. What better way to end the day than a swim and a Jacuzzi right outside our lanai? Just assume we were in the pool and the Jacuzzi at least twice each day.

Saturday, November 24: Would you believe SCUBA lessons? Chris, from First Time Scuba, met with about 15 of us from the resort, in our pool. After an hour of instruction (”don’t forget to breath out…” “adults find this difficult because they think too much…”), we each got to spend about 10 minutes underwater.

We then had lunch from the Fish Market in Koloa (recommended by Fodders), but we ate it on the beach at Poipu. What a beautiful day! There was a market/craft fair going on there as well, and we found a couple of beautiful paintings and photographs that will soon adorn our walls. We drove through a couple of the resorts in Poipu, including the Embassy Vacation Resort that is part of the time-share plan Dave and Maia are in - just to be able to tell them to get there ASAP!

Lunch was some great Mexican food in Poipu Shopping Centre. We had been told that the best places to visit in Kauai are beyond the end of the road, so we headed east on Poipu Road, beyond the Hyatt Regency and the Poipu Bay Golf Course (where Tiger Woods won the PGA Grand Slam of Golf that week), to a secluded beach where we, once again, watched an amazing sunset. Steaks and on barbecue, eaten on our lanai, concluded the day.

Sunday, November 25: One month to Christmas, there are carols on the radio, and evergreen trees on sale everywhere! This morning, we headed off early, again to Kapaa, where we would worship at New Hope Christian Fellowship - a daughter church to New Hope in Oahu. We could not have felt more welcomed. Seldom have we been hugged so many times!

After a light lunch, we stopped at Lydgate Beach - hereafter referred to as “Our Beach” - for a swim. Check out this site: it’s really cool, as you can take a tour of the beach. Lydgate Beach has a rock wall that prevents all but the biggest breakers, even at high tide, from crashing onto the beach. More about this later on!

Then, back to the resort to get ready for the “Drums of Paradise” Luau at the Hyatt Regency. We were disappointed that the luau was moved inside, since there was a threat of rain. We sat with a couple from Tennessee who had just graduated from Optometry school, and a family where the father was about to be sworn in as a US citizen. The pageantry, rhythm and dance of the show was incredible. And so was the food - all except the poi, which tastes about as good as it sounds.

Monday, November 26: The morning was cloudy, but no rain yet, so we headed west from Poipu, to Port Allen, where Capt. Andy’s tours leave for their Na Pali Coast Sunset Cruises. Unfortunately, they were cancelled due to the winter storm that was coming. We hoped to join several others from our resort for this cruise on Wednesday afternoon. There we also met up with the “Mayor of Salt Pond” - at least, that’s what his t-shirt said - one of the friendliest guys you could ever meet!

We also visited the factory where they make Red Dirt Shirts. The story goes that a hurricane came through Kauai a few years ago, destroying their shirt-making factory. When a new one was built, the famous Kauai red dirt kept blowing into it, ruining scores of white shirts. So, when you can’t fight ‘em, join ‘em! The shirts are really quite unique.

We headed further west, and found ourselves on a dirt sugar-cane road to Kekaha Beach, but turned around since it was pretty rugged. Heading back towards Poipu, we headed inland toward the Maimea Canyon. After driving on the ridge of this very rugged terrain, we finally arrived at the lookout for this 10-mile long, 3600-foot deep canyon that has been dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific - but we were socked in, and couldn’t see a thing! Even continuing up to Kokee Lodge didn’t help. The rain had started, and they didn’t expect it to stop for days. In fact, we learned later that Kokee received 7 inches of rain that day. Winter had arrived!

After a very good lunch (BBQ smoked beef on a bun, and wonderful chilli), we drove back to our resort, and rented snorkelling gear and beach chairs. Our journey continued to Our Beach (see Sunday) where we experienced snorkelling for the first time. It was incredible! Immediately, we were surrounded by dozens, and sometimes it seemed like hundred, of fish of all shapes and sizes. Elsie was in her element, since she loves to swim so much.

Since I don’t swim, and just know that I can’t float, I was more reluctant. However, I applied the lessons learned from Chris at SCUBA class (see Saturday), and away I went. And I didn’t sink! All I had to do was stay in water where I could stand up, and I was fine - especially after I got rid of the flippers, so I actually could stand up. We purchased a disposable underwater camera, and Elsie managed to take all 27 pictures in about 3 minutes. Okay, 4 - but you get the idea! The fish, the salt air, the waves, Elsie trying to sing underwater (she was having so much fun!), the rain falling on our backs while we floated around… Yes, the rain had caught up with us, so we really couldn’t use the beach chairs this day.

On the way back to the resort, we discovered Hilo Hattie’s - where you are greeted with fresh juice, a shell lei, and Kona coffee, and where you will find a great selection of “Aloha wear” at very reasonable prices. We would be back to do some Christmas shopping. Back to the resort, into the pool and the hot tub, yada, yada, yada… Dinner on the lanai again, and the freshest, juiciest, you-could-even-eat-the-core pineapple for desert.

Tuesday, November 27: We had hoped to go snorkelling at the beach across from our resort, but the waves were pretty high, which also meant the water would be cloudy. So, we headed back to “Our Beach,” since the snorkelling gear wasn’t due back until 5 o’clock. This time, we actually did sit on the beach chairs, though. When I asked about the best time of year to visit Kauai, I was told, “Anytime. This winter storm is the first in three years. But the best time is late September or early October, when it’s still pretty warm, and most of the tourists have left.” This winter storm had caused the temperature to plummet from 85F to 79F. Brrr!

Another trip to Hilo Hatties, and then to “Two Frogs Hugging” - a very unique store within walking distance of Hatties. Then, back to the resort to great freshened up, because we had reservations at The Beach House Restaurant, located right across the road from our resort. It’s been referred to by Zagat as “one of the most romantic restaurants in the world”. And was the food ever good! Elsie began with the Ahi Taster, while I had Beach House Crab Cakes. Delicious! For the main course, it was Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime Crusted Sea Scallops for Elsie - “the best scallops I’ve ever had! The recipe is on their web site. And I had Crusted Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi. Mmmmm! We couldn’t resist sharing the Molten Chocolate Desire for dessert - hot chocolate tart (it takes 20 minutes to prepare, since they have to bake the brownie/cake), topped with vanilla-bean ice cream, chocolate and caramel sauce, served in a flan dish. Out of this world!

Wednesday, November 28: How can this be our last full day in Kauai? We began and ended the day in the pool and Jacuzzi - how else. During the morning, we headed for Hilo Hattie’s again, and then had lunch in Lihue at the Oki Diner. The very friendly waitress, greeted us. She brought us the menus, and said, “You won’t need these. Order the salad bar and Beal Chicken. It’s the warden’s recipe, and you can only get it here or in prison. It’s the best food you’ll ever eat.” I ordered it. Elsie ordered garlic shrimp, and got a dirty look. I was ordered not to share. The salad bar was delicious, featuring a terrific cold noodle dish.

The waitress approached us, and asked, “Where are you from?” “Calgary, Canada,” we replied. “Ah, prairie people.” We soon learned that she knows Canada, especially the west coast. We mentioned having lived in Langley from ‘93 to ‘97, and she mentioned Langley Concrete Company. “We are very familiar with the company, and Sam and Pam Omelaniec are good friends.” “Really?” She said. “He’s my cousin.” Small world, isn’t it? Before we left the restaurant, the cook took a picture of the three of us, and we phoned Capt. Andy’s to learn that our sunset cruise, scheduled for that afternoon, was cancelled due to the “winter storm.”

So, we headed to Princeville - an amazing resort on Hanalei Bay, considered the most opulent on the island. While we were there, we noticed an “Open House” sign on a small house overlooking a ravine. So, we checked it out. Nice kitchen and living room on the main floor, with a deck overlooking the fifth green a hundred yards or so down below. Downstairs to two bedrooms, again with a deck and an incredible view. And they were only asking $409,000, with a monthly maintenance fee of $460 - mostly to keep the foliage trimmed. No grass, and the whole thing is built on stilts, embedded into the hillside. From there, we headed back toward Poipu Beach, where we had dinner at Brennecke’s Beach Broiler. We were a long way from hungry, so we shared a Local Style Pupu Platter, that included Ceviche, Sashimi, Smoked Marlin, King Crab and Bay Shrimp. Again, delicious!

Thursday, November 29: How could our holiday have come to an end so soon? We got the car back to Thrifty’s, and took the shuttle to the Lihue airport. Checking in brought a new experience - we were randomly chosen by the computer to have our luggage searched. When we got to the boarding gate, we were checked twice with metal-detector wands, and our carry-ons were searched a second time. If anyone was trying to get away with anything, the chances were pretty slim they’d get away with it! Somehow, it didn’t make us feel any safer - even with the National Guardsmen standing there with their AK-47’s.

The flight to Honolulu was en-eventful, but then it’s pretty short. With a four-hour layover there, we hoped to at least check out Pearl Harbour and the Arizona Memorial, but when we called Information, they informed us (1) we would have to take a city bus or taxi to get there, (2) we couldn’t get in if we had any bags with us (I had my carry on case), and (3) all the airport lockers were sealed for security reasons. So, we got in line for our flight (1 hour), got in line for security (1 more hour), and then had a tremendous lunch at the Stinger Ray Bar - Kahlua Nachos. They’re much like Mexican nachos, but with pineapple salsa, and instead of hamburger, they had luau pork. Were they ever good!

Finally, we were on the plane (no window seats available), and we lifted off the island half an hour late, wondering when we would return - but convinced that we must! The flight to Vancouver was uneventful, except that they served Mahi Mahi. We landed late, and had to get our bags off the carousel, run through customs, check in for the flight to Calgary, run to our gate, and straight onto the plane. When we left Kauai, it was 30C; when Chris picked us up at Calgary International, it was -15C. We had to wonder why we had come home! And, at 2 AM on Friday morning, we learned that one of our bags had gone somewhere that we hadn’t. It was delivered by Air Canada later that day.

So, there you have it. An incredible vacation as Elsie and I celebrated our 30th anniversary; incredible beauty: flowers, mountains, beaches, restaurants, pools. Fantastic experiences: SCUBA, snorkelling, food, smelling Hawaii for the first time. And plenty of reason to return: we didn’t get on that sunset cruise, and I still want to take a helicopter ride with Will Squyres, and the movie tour - that’s where South Pacific, Blue Hawaii, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Jurassic Park were filmed.

http://www.kauai-hawaii.com

Add comment December 10th, 2001 Phil

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

The Routly’s and baseball go back a long way. Some of the earliest stories I remember hearing about my Dad, Ron, include him catching, while his older brother, Gerry, pitched - of course. In fact, in 1929, my Dad played second base for the Ontario Bantam championship team, from Peterborough, Ontario.

Throughout my childhood, there were may nights when we would cross the Hunter Street Bridge to watch some great softball, often featuring one of the best pitchers I ever saw, Ray Judd. I also remember going to the odd Toronto Maple Leaf game on the lakeshore in downtown Toronto, and even to see the Yankees play in Yankee Stadium one July afternoon in 1963 (I think). I don’t remember much about the game, but I know there was an eclipse of the sun that afternoon!

When Elsie, the children and I moved to Toronto in 1979, our interest in the Blue Jays began. For the next 14 years, as we stayed close to Toronto, our attraction to the team increased, and included many highlights, including a League Championship Series game against Kansas City in ‘85, getting lots of autographs, meeting Fred McGriff in Eaton’s Centre, attending a game at SkyDome for the first time, having dinner at Windows Restaurant while the Jays beat Kirby Puckett and the Twins, and of course, two World Series championships in ‘92 and ‘93. Let’s not discuss what’s happened since then.

Our move to British Columbia meant attending the occasional game in Seattle, and seeing the Reds play at Candlestick in San Francisco in ‘94 - the day before the strike began. When Dave got married and moved to Phoenix, it meant two visit in March, and of course, that means spring training, involving several teams in the Cactus League, and included Garth Brook’s premiere in left field for the San Diego Padres. I still wear the cap I bought that day in Peoria.

Last night took our appreciation for baseball to a different level. Elsie and I are visiting Dave and Maia, and of course Bren and Jace (they turn three months old this week). While in Atlanta, we had to take in a Braves game, and Dave made the plans. It turns out Pfizer, where he now works, has just bought out Parke-Davis, and they own a private box at Turner Field. With a group of trainees in town, they booked it for last night, so Dave and I had the privilege of joining them. With catered hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers and hot wings, this was right up there with the peel-and-eat shrimp of Windows Restaurant - but with the added advantage of being a part of the crowd. Oh, and after taking an early 3-0 lead, the Braves managed to give up 5 runs in the 8th, and lost 5-4. Seeing the Braves lose in Atlanta is something I’ve always enjoyed seeing - ever since an October night in ‘92!

Now, if I could only find Dave’s old glove - the one with Bill Caudill’s autograph - maybe Bren, Jace and I could play a little catch. Maybe not THIS year, but soon.

Add comment July 21st, 2001 Phil

Good Dog - A Tribute to Sandy

We recently were in the terrible position of having to put Sandy, our beloved dog, to sleep, due to worsening health problems that were making him suffer too much. Here are some thoughts on Sandy…

Good Dog by Chris Routly

In what we think is the hardest thing we have either had to do, today dad and I took Sandy on his final driveFor 16 years, he was a part of our family. He was a good dog - always loyal, always good for a laugh, always fighting to stay a puppy.I remember very distinctly when we got him, shortly after the loss of Snoopy. I always regretted missing the drive to get him, but his bond to mom was made then and there and his loyalty to her never wavered. He has been one of the few constants in all the years our family has moved around.

It was hard to watch him get old… and to see him fight it all the way. But I am glad he is no longer confused, no longer worried, no longer will feel any pain. He went quickly and with no pain. I spent his last moments holding his head and looking him in the eyes.

I will miss him. He will always be a part of our family. He was a good dog.

Sandy, a Little Brother by Melodie Routly

Sandy to me has always been like the best kind of a little brother. He put up with nearly any kind of treatment I would give him. He let me ride hamsters and cats on his back. I remember on several occasions dressing him up in pretty dresses and in my red skating outfit. Red was his colour. Red furry toys, red squeaky footballs and red collars.I remember when I was seven years old going to get him from the lady who had him. She had named him “Duke”. He wasn’t a “Duke” he was a “Sandy.” The ritual that we had made when I bathed him was to sing the song titled “Sandy” from the movie “Annie.” That and “How much is that Doggy in the window?” Chris was right when he said that Sandy was one of the main constants in our life of moving. He moved with us every time. From Toronto to Calgary. I many ways I feel like there has been a huge loss in our family, and like things will never quite be the same again.

On Christmas morning we won’t see him sitting at his stocking waiting to play with his new squeaky toy and bone. The tradition of him sneaking into his stocking later in the day to go and eat all of his Jerky won’t be happening anymore.

We have always said that he wasn’t the smartest or the bravest. But he survived many many years with us. He must have been smart and brave. Sandy was one of the most gentle and loving dogs I have ever known. When Sushi (and Callie) were a babies he cuddled next to them and comforted them like a father. When I was sad, he would cuddle next to me. When we would attack mom, he would protect her. When Chris, Dave and I would fight, he would join in. Just like a little brother.

I’ll miss him.

Memories by Phil Routly

Sixteen years and thousands of stories later, the Routly’s are now Sandy-less.What a good and faithful friend he has been!One of my favourite stories goes to a June weekend in London, Ontario. 1992, I think. Sandy hadn’t been felling well, and we had taken him to the vet on the Friday. They gave him some medication, but we were concerned because we had to spend all day Saturday in Sarnia, as I was conducting my niece’s wedding. So, we arranged for a couple from our church – Eddie and Doris – to check in on him a few times during the day.They first dropped in a couple of hours after we had left. Sandy greeted them at the door the way we hoped he would welcome a burglar – barking, growling, and gnashing of teeth! It was quite obvious to Eddie that Sandy was alive and well, so he left him alone.A couple of hours later, it was time to check in again. This time, Eddie and Doris were greeted like long-lost friends – nuzzling up, licking, being as friendly as could be! Obviously, Sandy was doing quite well in our absence.

Of course, we also learned that, as a guard dog, Sandy failed miserably! If you wanted to rob us, just visit twice – the second time, Sandy would help you load the truck!

Thanks, Sandy, for all the memories! We’ll always love you.

Sandy: The Dog Who Could Spell by Dave Routly

When I think back on our experiences with Sandy, I am amazed at what a unique and special dog he was. Sandy was not a normal dog. He did a million crazy things, he had tremendous character and personality, and he was as loved as any dog that I have known.There are so many things about Sandy that made him unique. The way that he was afraid of shadows when we got him in Toronto. The way that he tried to bite ocean foam. The way that he hated to have his feet or tail touched, and would lick you like crazy if you blew in his face. The fact that he loved to eat cheese. The way he would go crazy after you gave him a bath, showing off to everybody. The way that he would freak out if you said that you were going to take him for a walk, and the way that you could spell F-E-E-D and he would know what it meant. That was weird.

The thing was that Sandy’s uniqueness never changed or faded. When I left home he was 12 years old, old for a dog, and he had the same personality and temperament that he had held when he was a puppy. So many things changed for our family while we were growing up - moves, different churches, different priorities, schooling, etc. Sandy never changed. We could be learning anything, dealing with anything, or coming back from anywhere and we would find that no matter how we had changed and no matter where we ended up, Sandy was still as crazy and loving as ever. He was a constant in a family life that was so rarely constant.I have only seen Sandy once in the last 4 years. Two years ago I had the chance to see him and I said goodbye. I did not believe that I would see him again, since he was old at the time and I was still not permitted to return to Canada. At the same time, the awareness that he was still there and that he was still unchanged gave me a sense of home and of consistency that was more important than I knew it to be at the time. His loss clarifies the changes that have occurred in us all over the years. He was a rock, and now he is gone.

I miss Sandy. I miss the woolly feeling of his fur, his skinny legs and soft ears. I mostly miss his affection, because he was such an affectionate dog. He was a special part of our lives, and we will remember him always.

Add comment July 9th, 2001 Chris

Routly Heritage Unearthed!

Scientists recently unearthed new findings in the Devonshire area of Jolly Ol’ England that have verified earlier reports that the origins of the Routly Family can be found in the people of The Shire. Shire folk, also known as Hobbits, are recorded in the writings of historian and author J.R.R. Tolkien.

The following is a record of the direct line from our earliest recorded ancestor to the most recent spawn of the Routly clan. Look for expansions to come.

Generation One

John Routly (1665 - ????)

• married Joan Doige (in 1695) in Tavistock, Devonshire, England.
• John begat John Jr. in Peter Tavy, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: Joan Routley (1698 - ????) in Peter Tavy, Devonshire, England.

Generation Two

John Routly Jr. (1696 - ????)

• married Mary Bernard (in 1723) in Exeter, Devonshire, England.
• John begat William in Holsworthy, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: Two children named John who both apparently died either in childbirth or very young and were buried in 1725 and 1727 in Holsworthy, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: Mary (birth and death unknown) married Richard Robbins in 1749 in Bridgerule, Devonshire, England.

Generation Three

William Routly (1729 - 1811)

• married Sarah Ballamy (in 1751) in Bridgerule, Devonshire, England.
• William begat Thomas Routley
• Other children: John (1750 - 1824) married Elizabeth Cole in 1777 in Thornbury, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: Mary (c. 1752 - ????) married Peter Dayman in 1778 in Pancrasweek, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: William Jr. (1755 - 1837) in Holsworthy, Devonshire, England. Married Thomazine Piper in 1780, who died in 1813. Married Margaret Robbins in 1820.
• Other children: Sarah Routly (1758 - ????) married Abel Lane in 1783 in Pancrasweek, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: Richard (1761 - 1829) married Elizabeth Heard in 1794 in Pyworthy, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: Abraham (1763 - 1814) married Sarah Paddon in 1790 in Clawton, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: Thomas Routly (c. 1765 - 1770) died very young in Holsworthy, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: Roger (1768 - ????) in Holsworthy, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: James (c. 1771 - 1843) married Elizabeth Robins in 1797 in Holsworthy, Devonshire, England. Buried in Sutcombe, Devonshire, England.

Generation Four

Thomas Routley (1770 - 1846)

• married Mary Martin (in 1806) in Bradworthy, Devonshire, England.
• Thomas begat Thomas Jr. in Bradworthy, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: A child named Thomas Routley (1806) died shortly after childbirth in Bridgerule, Devonshire, England. Buried 72 days after birth in Bradworthy, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: William (c. 1810) married Grace Prance in 1831 in Bradworthy, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: Mary (c. 1810) married Hugh Oke in 1831 Bradworthy, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: James (1822 - 1890) married Honor Dyment in 1841 in Bradworthy, Devonshire, England. Buried in Burns Presbyterian Cemetary, Ashburn, Ontario, Canada.

Generation Five

Thomas Routley Jr. (1819 - 1899)

• married Sarah Sally Manning (in 1841) Bradworthy, Devonshire, England
• buried in Groveside Cemetary, Brooklin, Ontario, Canada.
• Thomas Jr. begat Thomas James in Bradworthy, Devonshire, England
• Other children: Mary Grace (???? - 1917) married Joseph Beer in Whitby, Ontario, Canada in 1864. Died in Pickering, Ontario, Canada.
• Other children: Elizabeth Manning (1842 - ????) born in Bradworthy, Devonshire, England.
• Other children: Ann (1845 - 1902) born in Bradworthy, Devonshire, England. Married to Robert Britton in First St. Andrew Church, Whitby, Ontario, Canada in 1863. Died in Brooklin, Ontario, Canada.
• Other children: John Manning (1846 - 1909) born in Bradworthy, Devonshire, England. Married to Ann Scott in Presbyterian Church Whitby, Ontario, Canada in 1868. Died at Royal Columbian Hospitol, New Westminster, BC, Canada.
• Other children: Sarah Jane (???? - 1927) died in Brooklin, Ontario, Canada.
• Other children: William (???? - 1921) married Honor Jane White in 1878 in Brooklin, Ontario, Canada. Died in Brooklin, Ontario, Canada.
• Other children: Miriam Manning Marion (1854 - 1923) born in Bradworthy, Devonshire, England. Married to Nicholas Richard Nick Burton in West Whitby, Ontario, Canada in 1878. Died in Claremont, Ontario, Canada.
• Other children: James (1856 - 1951) born in Bradworthy, Devonshire, England. Married to Elizabeth Ann Buckley in Whitby, Ontario, Canada in 1882. Died in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

Generation Six

Thomas James Routley (1848 - 1951)

• married Elizabeth Eliza Bond (in 1873) in Brooklin, Ontario, Canada.
• Thomas James begat Robert in Whitby, Ontario, Canada.
• Other children: Nelson (1873 - ????) born in West Whitby, Ontario, Canada.
• Other children: William J. (1873 - 1931) born in West Whitby, Ontario, Canada. Married to Mabel May Brandon in 1910. Died in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
• Other children: Walton (1875 - 1946) born in West Whitby, Ontario, Canada. Married to Gertrude Jobe. Died in Rochester, New York, USA.
• Other children: Norman (birth and death unknown) married and had son Floyd.
• Other children: Jessie (1887 - 1934) born in West Whitby, Ontario, Canada.

Generation Seven

Robert Routly (1878 - 1918)

• married Ida Melinda Law (in ????) in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
• Robert begat Ronald Frank in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
• Other children: Robert Gerald (1911 - 1973) married Gladys Sutherland in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Died in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
• Other children: Doris Marie (1919 - ) married Neil Warrander in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada in 1985.

Generation Eight

Ronald Frank Routly (1913 - 1974)

• married Dorothy Elizabeth Robinson (in 1935) in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
• Ronald Frank begat Philip Andrew in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
• Other children: Marion Elizabeth (1939 - ) in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Married Gordon Weller in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada in 1958. Gordon Weller was killed in a fire on March 16th, 2004.
• Dorothy Elizabeth Robinson (1915 - 2005) died January 31st, 2005, in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada and was buried with Ronald in Little Lake Cemetary.

Generation Nine

Philip Andrew Routly (1952 - )

• married Elsie-Jean Gray (1971) in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
• Philip Andrew begat David Gerald in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
• Other children: Christopher Ronald (1976 - ) in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
• Other children: Melodie Joy (1977 - ) in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Generation Ten

David Gerald Routly (1973 - )

• married Maia LaRain Bender (in 1998) in Eatonville, Washington, USA.
• David Gerald begat twins, Bren James and Jace Philip (2001 - )
• Other Children: Joel David (2003 - ) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
• Other Children: Bryce Gray Stewart (2005 - ) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Christopher Routly (1976 - )

• married Anna Elaine Widmer (2006) in Redmond, WA, USA

Generation Eleven

David and Maia Routly begat:

Bren James Routly (2001 - )
Jace Philip Routly (2001 - )
Joel David Routly (2003 - )
Bryce Gray Stewart Routly (2005 - )

Christopher and Anna Routly begat:

Tucker Perrin Routly (2008 - )

1 comment June 12th, 2001 Chris

Bren James & Jace Philip Routly are Born!

It was a hard fought battle, but the day has finally arrived. On April 27, 2001 at 6:40 PM came the birth of Dave and Maia’s two beautiful baby boys, Bren James and Jace Philip.

Bren weighed 6 lbs 2 oz at birth, and Jace weighed 5 lbs 15 oz. Both babies are very healthy and are growing quickly. Over the last week Dave and Maia have seen them start to gain weight and to put on some of the “baby fat” that makes them look pretty cute.

The Routly’s suspect that the twins may be identical, although they do not know for sure. The twins look a lot alike, and the differences that that ARE seen may be accounted for as birth-related swelling. The only way to really know would be to do a DNA test, which is not really necessary at this time.

We are all very excited to have these additions to our family!

Jace