2011 - Where Do I Begin?

My sincere apologies to those reading this. My intent several years ago was to blog a little every week to share information about the Old Colliers. I have not done that and again I am sorry.
My beautiful wife of 36 years, Susan, has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and is currently on Hospice home care. I continue to work and preach and spend as much time with her as possible. Our son Ben (35), has been making trips from his home in Atlanta, Georgia to help around the house and visit his mother.
I am beside myself as to why all this has happened but will tell you that I believe God is still God and He is in control. Praise God!
Over the past year I have reconnected with some old high school friends and have even made a couple of new friends. More to come, stayed tuned....

Now and then and 2010

Nearly one year has gone by and I continue to tell myself "you need to write on your blog". This is the new year so what do you say....2010 - We begin again. Updating old blogs in a short manner, our sons molther in law, Sherry Henry, got better and my mother in law did not.
I rejoice at Sherry being up and going again and I have mourned along with my wife Susan the death of her mother. Alice Mouros was a special woman who spoke her mind and let the chips fall where they may. Since her passing I often think of this or that she would do or say. I am a better human being for having known her. Sleep well Mom.
I know I have written about the family automobiles and I will probably stop that because I seem to trade them in rather quickly. The 1997 Chrysler Sebring convertible is gone and was replaced by a 2007 Toyota Yaris and then in a short while it was traded for a 2008 Ford Focus. I go through cars like a baby goes through diapers. Hopefully I will hang on to this car.......oops, there I go making a promise I probably will not keep. Let's see shall we? I also changed jobs in the past year. The Four Winds Casino decided I was not worthy of them and as I was being asked to move on I did. I am a Field Support Rep for redbox, the video rental company with over 22,000 kiosks nationwide. I love the job and am entrusted with the care of several dozens machines in a 60 mile area.
So there, you are up to speed as I begin in 2010. Begin to try and lose weight. Begin to try and take better care of a quickly aging body. Begin again to serve God. Begin again to seek answers to questions that have no answers. O.K. that didn't even make sense. Time to wrap it up Bob.
Say Bye.

News Updates and Tidbits

Georgia - Son Ben's mother-in law, Sherry Henry is home from the hospital. Although now at home Sherry continues to need prayers for a lengthy recovery period. Remember Sherry and the ones that love her.

Moscow - Son Harry visited the USA last month spending nearly a week here in Indiana. We loved having him and observing his Wii skills. He took a computer back with him along with gifts from America that included a stuffed Donald Duck, a Care Bear, Chocolate, and a new pocket watch. We also received gifts from Harry and his Russian family including silk ties, a beautiful scarf, candy, and cologne. During his visit Harry spent time with his daughter, Alexandria, and her brother Dennis. Lots of fun for them and for grandma and grandpa too.

California - In talking with my friends in California I realized that birthdays happen in February for them. Bob Mollenhauer celebrated 89 on February 5th and Von Dean will be ?? on February 25th or 26th depending on what birth certificate you look at. True friends for over 40 years. All the best to you both.

Indiana - Susan and I continue to feel our age but not act like it. Susan visits her mother, Alice, everyday at Holy Cross Care Center. Mom is struggling to maintain her daily routine. She is on dialyasis three times a week and the procedure leaves her very weak.
I continue to work at the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan in the Players Club.
It seems all I have time and energy for at home is shoveling snow and more snow. Come on springtime.

Son Harry Marries Katya Marchenko

Our son Harry recently tied the knot with lovely Moscow native,Katya Marchenko. The couple met on the internet and eventually met in person when Harry traveled to Russia to begin a teaching assignment with Language Link International. After a year together, they made it official and were married on January 16, 2008. Congratulations to the very happy couple.

Pray for Sherry Henry

Sherry Henry is our son Ben's mother-in law. The other day Sherry was rushed to a hospital in Augusta, Georgia for tests. Doctors are still undecided on what the problem is and Sherry remains in the ICU. Please take a moment from what I know is an already busy schedule to say a prayer for Sherry. God answers prayer. Enough said. Thank you

We Have A New President

Okay, Okay... so it isn't Brett Farve. I guess my wife Susan's vote didn't count as much as she was hoping. Seriously though, congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama. As I watched him on CNN yesterday visiting President Bush at the White House I thought he really looked presidential. Hey, the two men were wearing almost matching dark blue suits and red ties. Susan and I voted about a week before the election at the county court like some many others did. People standing in line with us actually asked us who to vote for. Are you kidding? You don't know who you are voting for? Give them credit for showing up and casting their ballot for whoever moved them at the moment of decision. The presidential transition promises to be a smooth one. It should be. They have over two months to get it together. In 1963 President Johnson had two hours. Well, enough about this. Congratulations again to President-elect Obama and better luck next time Senator John McC...,how soon we forget.