cseitz.com is where I am writing longer and more complete posts.
craigseitz.net contains lighter info about my activities; this site also feeds my facebook and twitter accounts.
In late August 2010 Jean and I moved to Alabaster, Alabama.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
End of Summer
Summer is drawing to a close and fall is coming on fast. The students are returning to Athens and the pace is picking up. I have fallen off the "blogging horse" once again -- no blog for over a month -- but I am bravely getting back on.
What happened is that I did a lot of things that I wanted to do, especially for family. We keep up a steady conversation with Kacey and David in Alabama. Their marriage is off to a good start and they are having some good trips and holidays together -- some with and some without Holland and Hope. We still talk with Mom and Dad Seitz almost every evening. And I have made two trips to Chicago since the Alabama wedding at the beginning of the summer. One trip was a quick on just to see them for a couple days. Earlier this month I stayed with them while I attended the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. Both of these were good times with them and other family members. Jean and I are planning to visit Des Plaines the second week of October.
Jonathan, Emily, and Samuel arrived safely in Taiwan and are settling into their new home. We met them at a motel near the Columbus Airport last Tuesday night. On Wednesday morning they caught their plane. The trip had three legs and took almost a full day of planes and airports. Apparently everyone handled it well. We were amazed to receive a Skype call on our computer only a few hours after they arrived in Taiwan. Jonathan has several blogs and websites running now. One is seitzseeing.com -- now in early stages of development. A blog about the family is found at http://smallbabybigworld.blogspot.com/
I am thinking about starting a couple websites in the coming months, one for my own interests and another for the entire Seitz family. I have reserved the domain names craigseitz.net and seitzfamily.net -- I am not sure exactly where I will have them hosted. If anyone has suggestions for these projects (especially the seitzfamily.net one) please let me know.
Jean and I are celebrating our 42nd anniversary today. I am a lucky man. Jean has helped and encouraged me to pursue my hopes and dreams over the years, and I am very happy at this stage in life. We went out to lunch together, and we may go out again tonight for dinner.
This weekend we will be visited by Lynn , one of Jean's dear friends. Lynn, a Navy chaplain has been stationed in Germany the last two years. She has been working with service people injured in the Middle East conflicts. We are grateful that there are kind faithful people like her to look after those who have faced hard times. At this stage in life, friends are especially precious to us, and we look forward to a good visit.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Middle of July - Summers are Great
I am realizing once again that summers are great. Just enough stuff stops and slows down so that we can work on things that are important to us. I have used the summer to throw some things away and to make plans for getting rid of lots more.
Jonathan, Emily and Samuel are getting ready to leave for Taiwan next month. That means we have some of their things with us that will finally go with them when they leave. Then we will be able to look around the house and figure out what needs to go where. Jean and I remember the days when we were preparing to move to Congo, so we are very sympathetic and supportive with the efforts of the kids. They are past the worst, packing and moving out of their home. Now they are attending orientation meetings, getting visas, and completing travel plans. Quite an adventure.
I have used the summer to get some of the major medical checks that were needed this year. I received good reports on everything that has been done. Today I purchased a machine with a mask that is supposed to help me breathe better when I sleep at night. Several people I have talked with say that this device has been a major help to them. I am hoping it will give me a bit of a boost.
We are planning to go to Chicago in early August. That is the week we enjoy staying with the folks and attending the Willow Creek Leadership Conference. They have some excellent speakers once again this year. I am also looking forward to spending some time with my friend John Bristol, who will be at the church once again this year.
Before I know it September will be here, and this fall the schedule is intense. But for now I can work at a steady patient pace, laying the foundations for busier days to come.
Jonathan, Emily and Samuel are getting ready to leave for Taiwan next month. That means we have some of their things with us that will finally go with them when they leave. Then we will be able to look around the house and figure out what needs to go where. Jean and I remember the days when we were preparing to move to Congo, so we are very sympathetic and supportive with the efforts of the kids. They are past the worst, packing and moving out of their home. Now they are attending orientation meetings, getting visas, and completing travel plans. Quite an adventure.
I have used the summer to get some of the major medical checks that were needed this year. I received good reports on everything that has been done. Today I purchased a machine with a mask that is supposed to help me breathe better when I sleep at night. Several people I have talked with say that this device has been a major help to them. I am hoping it will give me a bit of a boost.
We are planning to go to Chicago in early August. That is the week we enjoy staying with the folks and attending the Willow Creek Leadership Conference. They have some excellent speakers once again this year. I am also looking forward to spending some time with my friend John Bristol, who will be at the church once again this year.
Before I know it September will be here, and this fall the schedule is intense. But for now I can work at a steady patient pace, laying the foundations for busier days to come.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Summer Changes
When the Ohio University Students leave town Athens sometimes feels like a ghost town. Then the local people emerge and there are a few people out and around. Many regular activities at the church stop for the entire summer, others just for the month of July. It is a good change.
I am using the time to work in my office so I can catch up on unfiled papers and unfinished tasks. We have finished attending a very happy wedding for Kacey and David in Alabama. Emily and Jonathan are almost moved out of their apartment in New Jersey. Much of their stuff is on its way to Taipei, Taiwan. After several weeks of orientation during July they will be ready to begin their work as mission co-workers. Jonathan, Emily, and Samuel will head to Taiwan in mid-August. We are excited about their new positions.
I am using the summer to have a number of routine but necessary physical exams and tests. Some of these are the "once every five years" tests that insure I am taking care of my health. I am hoping also to get some projects done around the house and yard. The rain has been heavy this spring and we have a bumper crop of grass. My little red tractor makes things easier to handle.
With the exception of a few short trips, one for me to Chicago next week, we will be home until August. The changed summer routine is good. I hope you are enjoying your summer.
I am using the time to work in my office so I can catch up on unfiled papers and unfinished tasks. We have finished attending a very happy wedding for Kacey and David in Alabama. Emily and Jonathan are almost moved out of their apartment in New Jersey. Much of their stuff is on its way to Taipei, Taiwan. After several weeks of orientation during July they will be ready to begin their work as mission co-workers. Jonathan, Emily, and Samuel will head to Taiwan in mid-August. We are excited about their new positions.
I am using the summer to have a number of routine but necessary physical exams and tests. Some of these are the "once every five years" tests that insure I am taking care of my health. I am hoping also to get some projects done around the house and yard. The rain has been heavy this spring and we have a bumper crop of grass. My little red tractor makes things easier to handle.
With the exception of a few short trips, one for me to Chicago next week, we will be home until August. The changed summer routine is good. I hope you are enjoying your summer.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Alabama Here We Come
By the middle of next week we will be driving to Alabama for the wedding of Kacey and David. This is a very happy event for which we have been waiting. The wedding will be on Saturday, May 30th. What a lot of fun for all of us. Our families will be well represented and we will get to meet Kacey's Mom and family also.
On the home front I am making a good recovery from a season of illnesses, allergies (as in "I itch") and a root canal. I navigated bravely through that season of adversity and managed to keep the lawn from getting totally out of control. Today I have been working in both the church and home offices, fighting piles of papers that are trying to take over my life.
I am also thinking about starting an actual website for myself. I now have a church blog, a friends and family blog, and some involvement in Twitter and Facebook. I have investigated a fancier phone that would go on the internet. The new website is the most attractive idea. If I move ahead with it I will tell you about it.
I have been following the Shuttle trip to make repairs on the Hubble Telescope. The Hubble pictures of space are among the most amazing photos ever taken. If all goes well we will have more wonderful images for the next several years. What an amazing universe!
On the home front I am making a good recovery from a season of illnesses, allergies (as in "I itch") and a root canal. I navigated bravely through that season of adversity and managed to keep the lawn from getting totally out of control. Today I have been working in both the church and home offices, fighting piles of papers that are trying to take over my life.
I am also thinking about starting an actual website for myself. I now have a church blog, a friends and family blog, and some involvement in Twitter and Facebook. I have investigated a fancier phone that would go on the internet. The new website is the most attractive idea. If I move ahead with it I will tell you about it.
I have been following the Shuttle trip to make repairs on the Hubble Telescope. The Hubble pictures of space are among the most amazing photos ever taken. If all goes well we will have more wonderful images for the next several years. What an amazing universe!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Enjoying Life
For the past couple months I have gone through a series of small but irritating health issues -- chest infection, rash, root canal. I almost hate to mention the specifics because I hate it when people talk about their physical problems too much. I do appreciate the way in which a bunch of small things can wear a person down. That is why I am so grateful to be feeling good once again.
Spring has arrived fully now in southeastern Ohio. I have cut the lawn twice already, and there may need to be another cut in the middle of the coming week. I am enjoying being outside, and I have taken the time on several occasions to sit quietly and just look at things in the yard.
I also am enjoying some of the hobbies and interests I have had in the past. A church member with technical expertise has helped totally renovate the church website. You can see it at athensfpc.org. Some of the technology is new to me (videos and RSS feeds) and I have a reason to learn more about websites. I have been a big fan of podcasts (technology and religion) for some time, and I am doing more reading on that technology as well.
There are a hundred little things that make life wonderful. I am trying to make a little time in life to enjoy them. So I have made a couple extra trips to electronics stores to see what is new and to purchase items that will help us with the website at the church and the recordings of Sunday services. There are some useful results from these activities, and I am having a lot of fun in the process. God is gracious and life is good.
Spring has arrived fully now in southeastern Ohio. I have cut the lawn twice already, and there may need to be another cut in the middle of the coming week. I am enjoying being outside, and I have taken the time on several occasions to sit quietly and just look at things in the yard.
I also am enjoying some of the hobbies and interests I have had in the past. A church member with technical expertise has helped totally renovate the church website. You can see it at athensfpc.org. Some of the technology is new to me (videos and RSS feeds) and I have a reason to learn more about websites. I have been a big fan of podcasts (technology and religion) for some time, and I am doing more reading on that technology as well.
There are a hundred little things that make life wonderful. I am trying to make a little time in life to enjoy them. So I have made a couple extra trips to electronics stores to see what is new and to purchase items that will help us with the website at the church and the recordings of Sunday services. There are some useful results from these activities, and I am having a lot of fun in the process. God is gracious and life is good.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Holy Week
We are looking forward to Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday. First Presbyterian Church in Athens has a pattern to its life and worship, with the content changing and new each spring.
Jean and I continue to reflect on the recent death of her father Paul. We are grateful that we were present with him and other family members during the last week of his life. There is loss and also peace in thinking about a life journey that has been completed. Dad Netherwood was a loving and stable presence in the middle of the family, and we will remember his life with gratitude.
We returned from the trip East with terrible colds and chest infections. It took me a little longer than Jean to recover fully. I have been feeling great the last couple weeks, and I am enjoying all the joys of spring.
Dad Seitz celbrated his 85th birthday yesterday. He and Mom continue to stay active with family, friends, community and church events.
Our next big family event is the wedding of David and Kacey in Alabama at the end of May. This will be another chance to see family and we are thrilled to have Kacey joining the family.
Jonathan and Emily are finishing the school year in Hackettstown, New Jersey. They are planning on heading for Taiwan in August. Hopefully there will be time for visits with friends and family in between the seasons of packing and preparation. We are planning to talk with Samuel and his parents on Skype while they are in Taiwan. It seems to me that their ministry at Taiwan Theological Seminary is a perfect use of their gifts and skills.
When Easter is past I am hoping to make more phone calls to family and friends. Please stay in touch with us.
Jean and I continue to reflect on the recent death of her father Paul. We are grateful that we were present with him and other family members during the last week of his life. There is loss and also peace in thinking about a life journey that has been completed. Dad Netherwood was a loving and stable presence in the middle of the family, and we will remember his life with gratitude.
We returned from the trip East with terrible colds and chest infections. It took me a little longer than Jean to recover fully. I have been feeling great the last couple weeks, and I am enjoying all the joys of spring.
Dad Seitz celbrated his 85th birthday yesterday. He and Mom continue to stay active with family, friends, community and church events.
Our next big family event is the wedding of David and Kacey in Alabama at the end of May. This will be another chance to see family and we are thrilled to have Kacey joining the family.
Jonathan and Emily are finishing the school year in Hackettstown, New Jersey. They are planning on heading for Taiwan in August. Hopefully there will be time for visits with friends and family in between the seasons of packing and preparation. We are planning to talk with Samuel and his parents on Skype while they are in Taiwan. It seems to me that their ministry at Taiwan Theological Seminary is a perfect use of their gifts and skills.
When Easter is past I am hoping to make more phone calls to family and friends. Please stay in touch with us.
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