Daily Views

Today it rained. Nothing unusual in the Netherlands. Rather depressing sometimes. I have felt moments of discouragement and depression while we have been here and mission the association with my family members. Our lifestyles in NJ was a wonderful time. I think about them often.

But this morning I took your dad to work. We listened to some older music that brought back good memories. After dropping him off I returned to our home, but along the way I had some wonderful experiences.

While driving along one of the canal roads there was a beautiful, male swan all puffed up in his glorious plumage swimming peacefully along. I know that it was male because 30 feet further on was the female swan in her nest with two cygnets. They were right next to the road and she was feeding them.

About a kilometer further the traffic slowed down unexpectedly. Why? There were two ducks walking across the road. One large one at the front of 8 little ones with the second on herding behind. They crossed the medium into the oncoming traffic, slowing them, I passed them and watched in the mirror as they crossed the medium again on their way back to the canal.

There is a children's park close by "Plaswijck" that has a playground, rides and a small lake. On the lake are boats that are paddled around that seat four. What makes them interesting is that they are in the shape of swans. They were all lined up like sentinels waiting for their next visitors. Along the shore were beautiful, tall, yellow iris-like flowers. Lilac bushes all around with their purple and white blossoms. All this is accomanied by the lush green of trees and grass.

I realize that it is the simple things each day that makes our time here worth it. We have made wonderful friends who we enjoy, but just looking out our back doors andwatching two little blue birds flying back and forth from the bird house bringing food to their babies is peaceful and theraputic.

I will always miss my children and grandchildren. But I know that soon we will see them and enjoy them once again. Until then I will Skype as often as you all will let me. But until we are all close by each other again I will continue to enjoy all the simple things that the Lord has given me each and every day.

Return to Germany

DORNHOLZHAUSEN

David Pond

March 2009
We returned the same way familiar to us
To Bad Homburg vor der Taunus
The roads have been changed, we figured
Rearranged and reconfigured
The old white tower can still be seen
But the trees are new on that field of green.
On the face of buildings, the same color stone
But with new name alone, and with trees grown.
The kindergarten is yet colorful, ready for play
Traffic winds past the corner in the same old way
Dornholzhausen, clustered before the mountain meadow
Still feels the passing of sun and shadow.
I looked around to see the fair ones
That once clustered about me,
Their bright blond hair, their happy blue eyes
Still loving their father.
Haven taken them through foreign skies
I see the walks their happy feet walked
And the rooms in which they happy slept and happy talked.
Whenever I wander vor der Taunus
I want those with love bound to us
Dornholzhausen kinder of bright and blonde and blue
Though the years be reeling, I am still there, happy with you.

We had a wonderful time driving through Frankfurt, Bad Hamburg and Dornholzhausen. Wonderful memories were brought to mind. Thank you, kids, for giving us wonderful times as a family. I know that these places gave each one of you mixed emotions and feelings, but we as a family were still together and we could accomplish anything together.

We then drove up the Rhine and stopped for lunch. I hope that each of you are a little jealous of those delicious desserts. Perhaps the next time we can all do it together again sometime.

Applestrudel-on-the-Rhine

Raspberries anyone?

Home Sweet Home

We wanted to share this photo that was sent to us by Jay. It had snowed and he went flying before anything had been plowed. There is another picture taken from a plane showing the whole estate. It was rather hard to look at these pictures becuase it brings back wonderful memories of the past and dreams that haven't occurred yet. I have moments when I feel homesick, moments when I feel that there are great things ahead for us here in Europe, and moments when I miss everyone in our family. Sometimes they hurt. I cherish the time spent last month with my brothers, sister-in-laws, cousins, childhood friends, and most importantly my children, daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. The times playing Wii with Harrison and Elly, (they always beat me in every game and laughed when I tried Indiana Jones), running and falling in the parking lot (hope you feel better Elly), watching two little girls dress up in princess outfits again and again and most importantly, all the hugs and kisses that I received from all my loved ones. Thank you so much for providing me with new memories, new dreams. One day I do hope to be back in our home that was built for our family and future. A time that we could all be together in that house to swim, laugh, play games, eat and just enjoy one another. Those are dreams that are worth working toward. May they come with security and soon.
KP

Holiday with Family and Friends

We have had a wonderful Christmas holiday with the girls here visiting. Belinda, Adriel and Emily Taylor (Adi's college friend) have kept us busy running around trying to show them as much as possible in the short time they were here. I guess we really didn't realize how much we missed family until they came and then I realized that I was homesick. We miss all of our wonderful family members and have truly learned to appreciate each and every one of you for the person you are. We love you and look forward to seeing you soon.

We have added some pictures so that you will kinda know the things that we have been doing and so you will all be jealous and want to come over yourself. We would love that.

May you all have a Happy New Year and know that you will always be in our prayers.


Oma

Adi and Emily at the Maduradam (miniature village in Den Haag).

The shore at Schevinigen (just outside of Den Haag). It is great in the summer.

This, and the following two pictures, is at the Kinderdijk (about 20 minutes from us).

Opa and Oma at Notre Dame in Paris.

The Champs Elysees. This was a beautiful evening but crowded and cold.

Our leader at the Arc de Triomphe.

Last day in Paris.

Oasis of Delusion

Oasis of Delusion

13 December 2008

David


Cooling wells of friendly refreshment
Gurgling spring like the giggling mirth of children
In the shade and shelter
Of palms and trees planted generations ago
Where I want to be, where I want to go
Across deserts we yearn for them
Through the wastes of time we long for them
When we arrive at the shaded grove
We find others to the place betrothed
We can find no tender belonging there
Our children have grown and belong elsewhere
The stars that once twinkled in our family
Are cast upon the nighted sky
They that sparkled beside us
Are now far beyond, who were once nigh
And gather stellar clusters of their own
Of peace, brightness, harmony and home
And so we lonely desert travellers
Below such homes, such spangled stars
Wonder in awe of the newly clustered twinkling lights
And question if there ever were such delights
That we remember and long for
The palm and tree and the family

Trees of November

Why I love the Trees of November
1 December 2008
David

November I rest
No anxiety about the trees
They stand now newly bare and free
No longer worried of the frost upon their leaves
Nor do winds cold and fierce
Hold any fear for them
They, the trees, are stripped trim and bare
Ready for winter combat
The leaves are gone
Their gaiety, color and responsibility too
All that can fall is fallen
All that can go is gone
Only that which is strong and enduring remains
That is my comfort
To have companions that silent say
We are worthy to survive
I abide the season with you
Though the fair winds depart
Though the birds of song have flown
Though the light of early morning now darkness
Though the bright leaves of my glory have all fallen
Yet I remain, remain alone with thee.
I love the trees of November
They are the friends that never depart

The August of Heartfelt Pain

Now, that our great trip is over, at least for me, I am enduring the pain of withdrawl from my favorite narcotic, The Family. You know the agony from your youth; summer vacation over and you must return to school; your cousins go home; brothers and sisters return to their workaday lives; and your daylight dreams of high sun and warm weather must come to an end. It hurts. Just in case, you decide to extend your summer idyl, the season starts to change, the days grow shorter and cooler, reminding you that you need a home and mortage, and job to pay for it. Ah, but summer with The Family, is the greatest!

FAMILY HIGHLIGHTS

Safari - Seeing the great 4 plus 2, and the big 5 (just like a safari). Thats B+H+W+A plus A+C, and the five grandmuffins.

The pool with Harlands family, they like to swim. Thanks for coming over. I miss it. I wish it was every week. I truely do.

Extra repeated time with Belinda, the talks the movies, and finding agreement almost all the time. I still can't get enough.

The flight and Powell trip with Warick, nothing like sleeping under the stars, and monsoon storms for camadarie. Can we please go again, please?

Adi to the rescue, coming and spending a week with us, air mattresses on oak are so wonderful. Basking in the glory of Adi spending off time with me.

GREATEST FAMILY DISCOVERIES

Belinda, - is slimming and avoids sunburn, and turned other wonderful corners in knowledge and interests, wow great! Thanks for the Bulge trip, I learned. Her best is just ahead.

Harland, - He is not actually Canadian, but he is a super host, even if he doesn't own the place. "Well done" is still pink and tastes great. I still wish for deeper talks with him.

Warick, - How much fun it is to sit before the rainbowed Waterpocket Fold and talk and talk. What a great guy. If he wasn't my son, he would be my trusted friend.

Adriel, - is slimming and wants a sunburn, can waterski, and has not yet developed that aloof senatorial personality, - good. She progresses even when she doesnt know it.

Cassi, - All the kids need a reoccurrant dose of Mom, it really settles them down, her left handed afterthought has more mothering skill than an entire parenting library.

Harrison, - Actually liked the C-47, DC 3 we got him, like him, capable, peaceful and enduring. The guy is a gaming monster; the next digital general.

Ella, - This girl likes to be tickled and and chased, and caught. Glad to oblige. She is so tender, she wins my heart. I just want to protect her forever.

Gigi, - Like her father, two steps above the development curve watching an older brother and sister. That girl is on the move; happy, undaunted.

Amy, - Says such great things to her dad, no wonder he is crazy about her. She is kind to so many different personalities, quite a stretch. I love the way she dresses the girls.

Grace, - Is still about up for anything, but a drop in the St. Lawrence did not please her, could she actually be mortal? Can't wait for the next aphorism.

Abbie, - Her two approved food groups, crackers and apple sauce, do not include almonds and chocolate, but her dietary insistance does demonstrate genetic connection.

Daughters in Law, - They're awesome. How can I get them to like me more. I gave them my sons, what more can I do?

Smith Family Funerals, - Truely, a glimpse into the Celestial Kingdom; spiritual gardens; all that I have truely known is confirmed in them.

I love my family and long to be with them.

FLYING HIGHLIGHTS

Landing on the "Green Dot" on Runway 27 at OSH with my favorite co-pilot.

In storms above the upper Missipp.

Talking to controllers about OSH and weather while in the envelope of rain and cloud. Headwinds and a record 6.5 hours to Scotts Bluff (Alliance) Nebraska.

Over 14,000 with Warick between Boulder Mountain and the Henrys, circling Rainbow, Hole in the Rock, Waterpocket Fold.

Flying between the fingers at Monument Valley. Ah hah, you wouldn't believe it! - and around the Mittens.

Flying by storms and Table Top Cliffs, ivory and coral, and discovering upper Red Canyon with Warick.

Crusing up the Mighty Missippi to Nauvoo, swooping over the river around the Temple and Stillman' s place, great western light on the Temple. Exultant spirit. Dream come true.

Skipping trough the line of storms on V12 and flanking a big one over Allentown. It hit after we landed. This was not skill but blessings and prudence.

Return flight from Watertown with three lovely lovely ladies I love so much; severe clear, tail wind, finger lakes, Harmony, speedy, smooth and wonderful, better than an airline.

Ocean City and back with Adi and Karen, quick and high, the beach, the silky surf and green Alexandria.

The last day's early morning flight, Delaware fog licking Runway 08, balloons, a light plane and freedom in America.

Captain David