That is a Big 10/4 on the Troy Built up and running again.

Folks I am very confuse on this belt ting. I have written about it before. 58" is to big and the 57" is to small. Okay yesterday Mark helped and we put the 58" on and it works great. Not slipping at all. Don't have to mickey mouse it at all. Mark ran it for about 5 minutes and it is up and running. Still not sure WHY????

Okay now if you own a Mykia sander. Just to let you know they sell the pads already made up to replace them. While out a couple of days ago with Mr. Bob, buying oil and filters for the buses. We needed to go to JBR for more thin set. So while there I asked if they sell these? They told me yes, with no problem. Which Bob and I both thought yes for a price, $40.00? The guy brought it out and told us the price was $5.45. Like really? So got the old one off, now need new screws to hold it in place. Today I need to go buy a new tie rod for the trolley. So while out and will get a couple of sets. Just to make sure we have them. The reason is I am hopping to start sanding my truck down and do some body work on it this next week or so. 

I took the old tie rod off of the trolley and it should be something that can be fixed with a new tie rod. But it is off of a 1963 Chevy truck. It is left handed tread.  Albury's had it last time. Let us a see what happens.

Is this not a beautiful sky line or what?

That right Mark and I are working on the Troy Built. What are we doing? You ask? Well, I was looking at my notes about all that has been happening with this one lawn mower. Since last April we have had trouble with the drive belt. The blades work great, but the drive one is to tight (57") or to loose (58") There is a 1"' adjustment on the one rod. But it doesn't help at all. Folks you can see Mark was trying something too. I bought a 58" B V belt. This is like 3/4 " wider than a A style belt. Thinking maybe this will help us. It is little wider maybe it will grab better? That one is now to short. So Mark thought maybe try to sand the belt down a little and it might work? He sanded the sides and the V part too. Still to short. So what do you do???

I went out yesterday and bought a 57" and 58" belt. The 57" is too short. Today I will be putting on the 58"?

I am sorry but I really am getting tied of trying this and that. The manual for the Troy Built doesn't have the length on the parts list. I even went out trying to find 1/2" differences. You know like a 57 1/2" length? They told me that they don't carry them. Maybe in  the states but not here. I have been to all most every auto part store on  this island. Like I said, I will try again today the 58". 

Last night my old friends came back home. (Tim and Family)They all went to the states to share what God has been doing in their lives this last year. Plus the children have never been off this island. So they had a chance to see The USA for the first time. I even heard they had a chance to see and play in the snow during their time in Wisconsin. It sure is good to see them again and be able to work along side of Tim once more. He told me that near the end of the week we will be able to do something together, start another work project. I was thinking the roof on the peacock area (cage). It might be to big of a project for this time of the year. We will see what happens. Welcome Home you guys. 

Calvary Bible has three new co pastors.

That would be Ron Springle, Erold Fraruharson and Paul Worrel. I know the pictures are not the greatest, but ad least I took some. It was really nice to watch and see how Calvary commissioning and installation of new pastors. After Pastor Alan Lee prayed for them. That was  it. Then Pastor Shawn Brennan did the teaching. It was on God is ENOUGH 1Timothy 6:6 to 12. Are you content? Well during our Sunday School class today and this, really spoke loud to me. First Brian was asking us, are we doing what God wants us to? Saying that and then the next question Shawn was, are you content? Looking at my life lately, I fell like if I don't have some thing to do during the day. I get bored. Is that contentment? I don't think so. It is just being lazy and no drive. Shawn talked about, is money your goal? Since now I am getting more, I still believe I am very content about that. Am I doing God's work? I believe I am. But why do I have to be doing something every minute of my life? Just use yesterday, I left church and drove over to Paradise Island. Looking for a parking space. If I could find one I was going to the movies over there. But I didn't find one so I just drove back home and laid around all day long, watching You Tube and falling a sleep on and off. Where is my drive any more? The last statement Shawn talked about was True contentment is not laziness, it is call to action. 1 Timothy 6:11-12, fight the good fight for what we believe. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you, which you have confessed so well before nay witnesses. 

Folks, I really hope and pray you are content in all you do. 

This is Willaim

I have known him for over 6 years. He use to live down our way. The reason I know of him is he use to come to the ALC and get our coconuts down and sell them on Zion and Cowpen road. He was telling me how much happier he is up town. There are more people to buy his coconuts and there are plenty around. The neat tings is, he is trying to make a living. Not just asking for hand outs. He will cut you a coconut and the water is very refreshing. So I am not sure where he lives or what he does with his money. But ad least he is trying. He always has a smile on his face and is welcoming to talk with. So please if you see him around buy a couple of coconuts from him and I know you will be blessed at the end. 

This area is called Rawson Square/ Parliament Square.

We as  nation just celebrated our 40 years of independence. So this area as all the people that where part of that time. It really is a neat place to visit and just read some of the stories that these people had to go through. The sad part is most Bahamians will never come down here and check it out. I haven't until today. As a nation this place is so blessed and as the people of the nation should be very grateful in all that has happen and what they have today, because of it. I know I am very blessed to call this place my home. 

Then if you look down the street, east first and then west. This place is so beautiful. 

Taking a walk from Arawak Cay down town.

Just a little walk from the Fish Fry to down town, was very refreshing. Even the area that was the old straw  market tents, Looking real nice now. They even put picnic tables out there to sit and relax. Then you see the Senor Frogs is hopping. I took a bunch of 8th graders in there one time. Please don't never do that. I saw the large frog outside and said to myself, that look like a neat place for the kids. I have been there before and ate out side, not inside at all. It was nice place. But as I took the kids inside. The whole place changed into  a party house. Now at first it was just a place to sit and eat some good food. But after 1pm the liquor and booze came out. The bars open up and boy it was party time. We did finish eating our food and left right after that. I explained I didn't know about the party seen? Sorry and I even talked with the leaders afterward telling them I was sorry too. So if you have kids of any age, Senor Frogs is not for kids. 

Okay walking around still, I got down to Prince George Wharf and walked around there a little. This is the place where the ships come in and leave. So it is kind of neat to see there too. I have had the chance to pick people up in there and take them to different places to visit. This was a quite time. When I was there before around 10am. Every one comes off that time and there are all kinds of tings to do here in Nassau. The folks trying to sell you different stuff to do. Tours, jet skis, what ever the island has, this is where you try to sell it. 

Take a look at the old Nassau Palm Resort

It is so neat to see before and after pictures of places that have been redone. So this place is right on Nassau Street and Bay Street. It sure needs some cleaning up and what ever else. Like I said after they finish it I will be back and show how nice it will be afterwards. 

Driving to Goodman Bay

I am so blessed to call this place my home. I just get into my truck and take a drive. After leaving the Straw Market area. I said to myself. Self you need more walking. So I drove over to Goodman Bay and walked some more. Just thinking how people from around the world come here to visit and have to go back to their homes. I can get into my truck and just drive for about 20 minutes and I am at paradise. Looking around and seeing what is going on with Bahmar. They are opening in Dec of this year. There sure is a lot more that needs to get done before that. Maybe they are only opening half or just a small part at first? 

It is still beautiful. 

How I finished my day

After running (driving) around all day long. I had this moment to say, let me clean up the truck. My main reason for going down town was to buy two more T shirts for my seats. The ones that have been on there are starting to look pretty worn out. I got those T shirts from a friend here, Mr Harrison. Like I said they have been on my seats for a while now. It is time to replace them. Which I did and looking real good now. 

Folks my day started out slow. Just doing a couple of tings around the centre. I got back home and sat down and even laid down for a while. Thinking I need to go do something? I am so happy I did. I got up and drove up town and walked and walked some more. I was feeling pretty good after the walking. I need to do more of that, instead of laying around and just saying I need to rest. I was at the doctors on Friday and I was telling about how I do have any strength any more. That is my fault, not exercising and just walking. He told me not to do any sit ups or even push ups. The reason is my two hernias. But walking is the best any way. Today after church I will be doing more of that. 

My day started out with going to test my blood.

Folks I have not had a complete physical for over 7 years. So as I feel my body is falling apart, I thought maybe it is time to find out. I am usually very much a fast walker, plus I have a drive to do something, I push to get it done. Well for a while now I feel I am slowing down and I don't like this at all. So, I understand I am getting older, but that is just a excuse. When my dad was still around. He got up in his age and when going to the store to buy like food, he would lean on the cart. Then push it around. I caught myself doing that last week. Thinking why not lean on the cart? It is so much easier to walk around. Then I thought of my dad, when I was with him, I would say, come on dad stand up straight. He did pass away at the age of 89 years old. 

Okay back to why. The blood test cost $360.00. Then I saw the doctor and that was $110.00. Boy I can not get sick! Oh I did get a tetanus shot too. Plus the doctor told me I had two hernias. Boy I really don't like getting older. Lord help me PLEASE.

Sorry to say, broken tie rod.

Yesterday Eric had some kids in to do a program from a church. While driving them around the front tie rod broke. So Sean and I got the John Deere and Gehl out and got it back in on the grassy area. I am not sure if we will be able to get another one or not? The reason is, last time I went to get one they told me that this is off of a 1963 Chevy truck. Maybe I can make some thing else work. We will see what happens next week. I did scratch the top a little with the chain. Just needs a little touch up. 

Our Lord is soooooo, good to me.

Yesterday while Kevin and I were leaving to help some one out. I didn't even say good bye to this group above, John, Kim, Steve, Kevin and Chelsea. I was thinking that is sad, how I just forgot about them and did my ting. But as I was driving Kevin back home yesterday morning. Guess who we ran into? That right my old friends I wanted to say good bye to. As Kevin and I were on our way, I needed some thing cold to drink. So we stopped at the Shell gas station next to the air port, they were getting gas. They told me that they got all the way to the airport and remember they didn't have their passports. So they drove back and got them and then had to fill the car back up again, rental. So see how our Lord works things out sometimes. He knew I would forget an He knew they would forget too. 

Hey guess where this is?

That right the land fill. Yesterday Kevin and I had a chance to help a young lady out with some junk she wanted to get rite of. So got out to her home and started cleaning up. I got a surprise, I stepped hard on a long nail. It bleed for a little. Should be okay. I will be going to the doctor today for a physical any way, I will get a tetanus shot then. The sad part is how many people live up there and look for any thing that they might need. I had one older guy just come along to help empty my truck, he ask if he could have what was on the back? I yes help your self. Then he asked for a ride back down to the parking lot. He loaded up what he wanted and I dropped him back off in the parking lot. He took a two cement blocks (had concert on them) A blow up swimming pool, plus some wire mess for stucco work. Folks we are so spoiled, Not sure what this guy was going to do with the stuff, but he thought he needed and now it is his. Maybe building something? 

I am bored, what can I do today?

That right we as staff are to have these days off. The reason is there are no kids coming in until next week. Remember this is Easter Break time here. So after the group that worked on the cottage had finish using the rock and sand. I started taking the rock out and bring it down to the centre. We really could use it to fill in holes along the back where the train goes each day. So most of the rock went back there. To make the area look a little better I use the Gehl yesterday to clean up the rest of the rock and try to make it look a little better. Then went behind the cottages and clean that up a too. Ad least now it looks a like a road going to the cottages and the back too. If you remember many years ago, Patmos dug a trench to run the electric back from the Dinning Hall to the cottages. But now we ran the electric from the small power house over. So I filled in the trench yesterday too.

So after all that, I did go shopping and bought some things for the centre. That is stuff I enjoying doing. Just driving around and looking and making sure we have what we need at the time of the need.  

The last picture is the group that is in until today. This is Kevin,Kim,Logan, Steve and John on the left hand side. Then coming around the back right is Arron,Zax,Tim,Mindy and then Chelsea. She brought a group of three with her this time. The reason I say, this time. she has been coming here for many years. First with Mission Discovery. Then the last two years on her own. Small groups. three for four students. This time her main reason was to help out Pastor Joseph, on Carmichael Road Church. He has had this church for a while now. So when Mission Discovery comes each year, Chelsea as a group of students 20 to 30, during the Summer time to help out.While here this time, Pastor Joseph is in Canada, I think that is what she told me. So they just came in and painted one of the classrooms that the church uses for Sunday School. Kevin was even a part of their time there. He has been staying with me for this short time. Well Chelsea and her three helpers will be flying back home today, which is in Connecticut. So last night we had a meal together. The Seeley's has been part of their time here. So to finish it off we all got together.  I am so blessed to be part of groups that come in sometimes. I know when they get here, they are here to serve and ministry to the Bahamian people. To tell you the truth I miss being the Camp Guy. But I don't miss all the work that goes with it too?  So the Seeley's really have been a blessing to me too. It is hard work to keep this place in order and making sure all the paper work and calender is right too. Like today Tim will be working on finishing up the back bathroom, tile. The group that was here last week, tore out the old bath tub. When Tim is finished there will be a tiled shower. It really has needed this for many years. 

Are you going through something and not sure why?

By watching this video, He is trying to get your attention. I know during my time reading His Word I see words like Refining fire. Potter's wheel. He is trying to clean you up. You know the fire is to purify, the wheel is to shape. I would love to hear about what is going on in your life. Please drop me a line or two at toms@alcbahamas.org.  

Thank you Jesus, Easter Monday is OVER

These are only a couple of shots of all that went on that day. To tell you the truth it was a very busy day. But looking around you can really see who was doing all the of the work during the day. I am very blessed to have people come here and help us out. First of all Kevin, he did the face painting, he had a couple of helpers. Then you see my buddies, Billy and Ambrose, I am sorry but I didn't get a picture of Josh, he was the main chief. On cooking hamburgers and hot dogs. After ward I talked with Josh, he told me that he really enjoyed working along side of Ambrose and Billy. Then Jason he did the horse back rides. Over all if we didn't have these people, volunteers to help us This would never be able to work. Every stations needed people to man. So I know our staff really worked hard to get them to come and helps us out. Like I have said so many times, this place could not run and even come close to being able to keep going with out them. THANK YOU EVERY ONE THAT CAME OUT TO HELP. I know we as a staff was very much blessed and He will be the One to give you their blessings. 

Today is a day to relax and just enjoy some quit time. Every one else is working today, but as staff we have it off and that is very much needed. 

YOU ALL DID A WONDERFUL JOB AND I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU ALL!!!