Happy Christmas from the Ryes 2001

Last Christmas was mild for here and we were able to go downhill sking in Prince Albert. Otherwise it was a very mild winter with only about three months snow. It was notable for the invasion of owls-there were great gray owls, a snowy owl and a tiny downy owl that we passed perched only a few feet from the ski trail. Again, we saw in the New Year with a barn dance in the basement of St. George's church. We produced a Christmas play at church, based on the characters from “Sound of Music” having Christmas on the run. In February we had a trip to Edmonton to see the “Anno Domini” exhibition of images of Christ, with sacred art from all over the world including a Durer drawing. In April, we visited our godson in Winnipeg and Hammock Marsh.

John

With the departure of several doctors from Prince Albert, the office is now busier than ever In Spring, John went to a course on dementia and in November he was back at the local college for a further computer course. In May, thanks to the Saskatchewan Railway Museum John had a tour round the C.P. shed in Moose Jaw and the model railway exhibition.

Christine

Christine continues to work part time on the palliative/ medical floor. Christine's palliative care certificate modules were on children, breast cancer and A.I.D.S.

She has been part of a women’s Bible study group and is still running the Sunday School , and is also the programme director for back on the board of Camp Okema and was nurse for the

7-9 year old camp.. On Monday evenings the whole family did an alpha course at St. David's church.

Michael

Michael is now in High School at St.Mary’s. He is taught how to drive at school (the course seems to be mainly “Don’t drink and drive”). Each half year, he does five units and within three years he has to pass twenty-four, twelve in French, to graduate with a bilingual certificate. This time, he is doing French, Maths, History, Industrial Arts and Science. He is busy building buildings and painting people for the model railway.

Peter

Peter was confirmed on his birthday December 17th and is enjoying playing the piano in grade 6 and now plays guitar. He is serving at church. He has been active in athletics and volleyball. Peter and Michael were also partnered in a golf tournament in which they came second.

Deborah

Deborah continues to take ballet and tap, performing in Saskatoon and at the “Year of the volunteer” celebration in Prince Albert. The “Mad about Madeline” website is doing well and she made filters on the computer for her science project. She is learning piano and enjoyed going to Camp Okema on her own.

The year of the eagle

The summer holiday this year was like Asterix’s Gaul. The first part was at Camp Okema, the second was a three week trip to the west coast and the third a trip to Churchill, Manitoba which entailed 25hours on the train each way. Details in the holiday letter.