HAPPY NEW YEAR

It was extremely windy last night. It blew the umbrella out of the table and across the back yard. We heard some banging noises in the night but so far that is the only damage I've seen.

Looking back we have so much to be thankful for and we know the future will continue to bring us moments of happiness. Dad and I will continue to do all we can to have good health even when it is not that easy. Faith will strengthen and encourage us to look beyond ourselves and try to help those we can. But we have come to the conclusion that it is not your age that ages you but the amount of pain you are in. All of us have our aches and pains and have to learn to cope with them.

Went for a short walk and it is very icy and slippery. Met the postman and he said to be careful; waved at Carol on her way to work!

"Religion begins in wonder, flourishes in relationships and is realized through living with an awareness of holiness." Rabbi D. J. Wolpe

THE NEW NORMAL

As I start to take down the Christmas decorations and move a few tiny things around because no way will I be caught move big furniture; I am thinking how normal changes. Normal becomes learning to accept what we cannot do while still make an effort to be as active as possible.

Last Christmas one of my elderly friends died and now another one has passed on. They were both in their nineties and we had been friends a long time.

One of dad's favorite sayings has been "today is the first day of the rest of your life" so this is our challenge.

FEELINGS

It felt so good to get out yesterday. I am still missing my walks but I think it looks more doable today. We met our old friends at The Pantry yesterday from Colebrook Church and had lunch with them. That felt good too. They had had their Christmas Eve service which would have been nice. We were surprised that the parking lot at the Bell Center was not cleared off as that was one of the reasons we went there. The music and the energy help to lift your spirits and I may not agree with all that is said but they are trying to create a church service for people who are turned off by traditional services. I believe they believe in the uniquenessof Jesus and his message.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessells to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us." We all are just human as we try to convey the mysteries of faith and we are reminded that clay pots get broken and can crack and leak. We are all on this journey of faith and it is important to allow God to lead us in His way into the truth.

Today the weather is plus 2 but the weather man says it feels like -2. Jazmine is coming for a visit today and we will catch up on her news. We seem to be a little out of touch with people as we were busy with our own family.

We may drive over to the library this afternoon.

DISASTERS

Believe it or not this is the path Bryan shoveled off the day before

Just a little pile of snow in the parking lot at Safeway

Brittany and Bryan stuck on the 21 st floor with the whole island blacked out and no food but a mini bar. At least the weather was warmer. I am glad they had a good time here. The main thing was that they were good sports when things were not working out as we had planned or hoped.

In Vancouver many people were without power yesterday and today roofs are collapsing with the weight of the snow. I have always thought we were so fortunate here in regard to weather but all this snow and now the rain is causing so much damage. I guess Randy and Sandy are lucky they have a long drive way and the water should run away from their house.

I do hope to get out today. Kim and Carol met here yesterday and we could have gone to the movie with Carol and Pentali. I think we will make an effort to go to church.

I believe in God who believes in me and gives my life meaning. After all we are all trying to make sense of our lives and feel the assurance of being loved.

Nine-thirty and the SUN is SHINING and I can feel the energy coming back. Life is good. Now I wish dad would let me shovel because I worry about him falling. Doing and lifting do not hurt me.

THE ARK

NOON THE NEXT DAY - THE MESS HAS BEGUN

GRAMA'S "ACTION" SHOT OF GRAMPA CONTEMPLATING HIS NEXT MOVE

GRAMA'S BEAUTIFUL EVENING SHOT OF STREET - NIGHT BEFORE RAIN BEGINS!

The rain has come and now there is a big puddle forming at the end of our driveway.
Now the news is about the roads that are flooding. Dad and I were thinking of going to the movies today or it may just be a day of more hockey.

My Christmas present was an i pod so the children put some music on it and dad was figuring out some more ways to do it. It sure sounds nice and I think we have some Hill songs from Australia on it.

Dad is out shoving around our drains and looking at the roof. The snow is now getting very heavy and the big concern will be the roof.

Mailed Ken's card away and Brittany is taking his present home with her.

Too bad Rick was not here he would not have to worry about the gym we could keep him in shape shoveling. I actually am feeling a little weak today so a good day to catch up on reading;
I have not acquire the ability to read in the bathtub as some do.

It is time to stimulate my brain and do some thinking. Also listening to C.B.C.

Later we will watch the end of our video a high tension political thriller called "Faith".

BIRDS HAVE HARD TIME

LITTLE GUY LOOKING THROUGH GLASS DOOR TELLING US FEED IS RUNNING OUT!

Snow is pretty but it is very hard on the little wild animals and birds.

BLUE SKIES AND SNOW

OUR PHOTOGRAPHER FINALLY GETS INTO A PICTURE

THERESA - TRYING TO GET EVERYONE IN THE PICTURE - GOOD JOB

A BEAUTIFUL SKY - BUT MORE SNOW IN THE FORCAST

The sun was shining as we drove to the airport to send Brittany and Byran on their journey to warm Hawaii. It seems like we had just been there picking them up. We are wondering this morning if they got to Hawii all right. No word from our travellers so hopefully they were not stuck at the airport.

Looking out this morning there is no more snow but the whole street looks so different with the piles of snow everywhere.

There is always so much preparation for Christmas and then it is all over. Getting ready is a big part of making it exciting. Our family was just amazing getting everyone to Carol and Panteli's for a great turkey dinner. Leah came home on the bus from Cache Creek at 5 in the morning and even with a cold was bright and cheery. The sky train had stopped running but Sandra and Randy rescued them and they all arrived in good time. We missed Chris and Belinda and Tasha and Justice. All the Mike's joined our noisy group and it certainly was noisy!

Kenny and Melina sent us pictures of Matthew and Jessie so we felt close to them also. Talking on the phone with them and Rick connecting us all.

It was a noisy and fun time with Theresa and Kim getting us all to play a game. Everyone was a good sport and it was a fun time even when the bowl of potatoes landed on the floor.

I missed going to church and the spiritual moments that enrich the Christmas spirit. There is something about the energy that only prayer and worship can give to our longing souls.

Now Christmas is over we will really be envolved in the marriage plans of Mary and Michael John.

CHRUSTMAS BLESSINGS TO ALL

Light snow falling this morming. Only me and the birds were up.

Kim and Mike sleep over and are now up. Grandpa is up and we will wake up the Aussier's soon.

The others are coming for Christmas brunch,

MERRY CHRISTMAS

THIS IS A LOT OF SNOW - STILL SNOWING

GRAMPA WAVES GOODBYE AS THE ALEXANDERS CONTINUE ON TO GRAMAS

OK - NOW EVERYONE PUSH

We were woke up this morning with Doug the homeless guy wanting to shovel our driveway and wanting basically some money. Naturally it was a strang day and I was still sleeping. I jumped out of bed to answer the phone then dropped it and couldn't find it in the darkness of the room.
He has become a pest.

Kim drove over last night and now Theresa is here stuck in the driveway.

More snow today!

GOOD NEWS

BRITTANY TRYS TO NOT GET FEET WET GETTING INTO CAR

THE HAPPY GROUP ABOUT TO LEAVE OUT INTO THE SNOWY EVENING

Today no news will be good news, good news that God still hears and answers our prayers.

I was so thankful when Oliver and Brittany arrived home safe last night. The cold brings on the icy roads. As I look out the window this morning our neighbors with a new four wheel van cannot start their car.

Oliver has just left to take the bus and sky train to North Van. He will be late but with the roads and all I think it will be reasonable to expect people will have difficulty this morning.

We were so thankful that Randy and Sandra where able to drive us to White Rock yesterday.. It is hard for dad to be driven but we find in life that in each stage there will be testing. Plans do not always work out but there are always lessons to be learnt.

It was good to see Mary and Justice on Sunday and we appreciatted Rany's hard work shovling off the driveway and Sandra bringing them over. Michael John was up early back at work.

I do not know what plans today will bring but sometimes we just have to make the best of things. Everyday we are so thankful for all our family and the joy they bring into our lives.

ALL SNOWED IN!

IT IS SNOWING - HARD TO SEE - PRETTY BUT TOO COLD (MINUS 14)

It is so beautiful but we are not driving today. Have been looking for an AWD vehicle (Subaru) for the past couple of months - too late now - but we sure need one!

EXCITING

A BIT BLURRY PICTURE - ARRIVING FROM FRIGID PENTICTON - BUT HAPPY

How can dad be so sleepy when I am so excited about seeing Brittany and Bryan.

Sandra has offered to pick them up but we will see.

Cold out today and my neighbor offered to put salt on our driveway.

SAD FAMILY NEWS

Theresa had to take their dog into the vet where Cloe was put to sleep. I think Cloe had not been well for awhile. It is very sad for all especially Ben.

Sad things often happen at Christmas or maybe it seems that they should not happen and everyone should be happy.

So it is good Ben and Morgan are going to grama and grandpa Panteli's tomorrow and Sat.
She will take them out in the snow and swimming so they will have a fun time. Theresa and Mikie are going to Salt Spring to see Donna and Ron.

Walking in the snow was great this morning it was not slippery; but it is a bit cold and windy. Trying to talk grandpa into going out.

SNOW IS BEAUTIFUL

NEIGHBOURS - MOM AND LITTLE HOCKEY PLAYER CLEAR DRIVEWAY

I wanted to do some shopping today and have a last visit at the Nursing Home but I do not drive in the snow. Grandpa and I are wondering about the drive to the airport tomorrow to pick up Brittany and Bryan.

I am so thankful that we can walk to the stores.

I am finding how hard it is to meditate and just breath quietly because the mind always wants to fill any stillness with words and thoughts, worries or concerns.

The beauty of the snow reminds me of the sacred awe that the presence of God that comes to us in the unexpected moments and reminds us of his presence within. Becoming spiritual is our responding to the wonder of life.

THANKS KIM!

A big thank you to Kim for braving a very cold windy day to go and help Grandpa pick up the tree. They did a very good job without my advice. Although picking out Christmas tress was never my best talent. She also carried it in and put it up while grandpa put oil in the car. Then in the middle of the night he started having serious doubts that he had put the lid on. Since I was not sound asleep he shared this with me talling me all the awful things that could happen. The engine could have filled up with oil and started smalong and the car could be ruined.

I certainly know what it is like to not to be able to remember is you have turned the stove off or locked the door etc. etc.

We were very relieved the next morning to hear the top had been put back on.

I will be having a few x-rays and tests which I really do not want to do right now, over the next week. For now I am doubling my meds. We , the doctor, dad and I all agree the scource of the pain should be found.

To-morrow I will be walking first thing and yes Sandra I will be careful.

THEY HAVE ARRIVED

IT IS 7:45 AM - JUST GETTING LIGHT - THE LITTLE BIRDS HAVE BREAKFAST

Brittany and Byran have made it to Canada. We believe they are at the hotel at the airport.

It is a lovely snowy day today. I have been out feeding the birds.

One of the most amazing memory I have is singing Handel's Messiah at the United Church in Saskatoon. It was a huge church with a very large choir. As a small child I had always dremed of singing in that choir. So when I moved up from the junior choir to the senior I was thrilled. I never missed a practice or a service.

PAIN UPDATE

FROM OUR BEDROOM WINDOW -7:30 PM - SNOW FALLING

The good news is that the pills do take the pain away and I am not feeling as cranky as I was.
I enjoy my walks and taking pictures and doing my bloging. I sleep well and feel happy when I wake up.

I bought a book for my Christmas present that I will wrap up and save for Christmas.

My concern od course is not to have to keep taking these pills but we will have a good talk with the doctor on Tues.

To-morrow after church we will get our Christmas tree and I am looking forward to that.

Dad has to be very careful about what he eats because his stomack is upset easily.

Facebook is amazing isn't it.

Love to anyonw who took the time to read this. It is a busy time of year!

SMELLY DOGS

WHERE THE RECEPTION WILL BE HELD - PROBABLY LESS SNOW AND RAIN IN SUMMER!

THE HAPPY COUPLE PICK US UP TO GO OUT IN THE SNOW

As soon as we openned the door to Sandra's van this wet doggy smell hit us. "No one said the dogs were coming, "said dad as he climbed in the back. He was then given a wet kiss on the ear and he laughed.

Yes, we were off, Sandra, Mary and Michael John to see the camp grounds where the reception would be held. We were glad to be asked along especially when Sandra started heading to take the Seatle turn off. Everyone shouted no not that way.

We gave our seal of approval as we pictured this place on a beautiful sunny day not wet and cold.

We had lunch out at Milestones but dad ended up with a bad stomach ache. He is going to have to watch what he eats, no pastry, no meat, no spicy etc. And he has to take a pill right away which I told him to do. Consequently he had to sit up with his stomach ache after our usual bed time.

I enjoyed the walk in the snow first thing in the morning but it is all gone today.

I started my day with my meditation book which encourages entering that place of quiet rest, willing to be transformed by the unknown oneness that surrounds us all. It is hard to escape the harsh reality of "I should" or "I have to" as things keep coming to mind of what needs to be done.

The only way for me is to use my immagination and to picture myself in a monastary filled with amazing music that opens the way to the "stairway to heaven." Angels sing with complete adorarion and wordship. Even Clarence from "It's a Beautiful life is there."

An angel comes to each one of us who have gathered there to say "hush" just be still and listen".

NO SNOW YET

CORRECTION - 10AM THE SNOW HAS STARTED - BACK FROM WALK

THE HAPPY GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS - AFTER FINISHING THE HAMPERS

I was amazed at the generosity of people when I went over to the church to put together Christmas hampers. The table was overflowing. We had a lot of laughs so it was an very enjoyable time.

Yesterday Larry and I delivered clothes to Oak Ave. United where they give out clothes to the children. This church is in a very poor neighborhood and they make meals and help people new to the country learn the language etc. There is no stress on conversion but just kindness and caring.

Next we took a pizza to an older lady in the Nursing home. She kept saying how she would love one. She as speechless when we brought it in to her. I have brought cookies and flowers but this was a first.

On Monday we drove out to Chilliwack to see Ben's concert and we stayed over night in the hotel. We had a good visit with Theresa and Mike. Mike is back at work and still taking treatment for his back and hip. His parents came too and we have not seen them in ages. Kim made us breakfast in the morning.

We both were glad to be back home though.

Today we are going with Mary abd Michael John to see a place where you can have a simple wedding in a camping area. They keep changing the date so I am not sure. Sandra hopes the man comes early about the flooring so she can come.

Colebrook Church is having a birthday party for a dear old fellow who has turned 90. We would like to go to that.

We do not have a tree yet so I put them on our little tree.

Thank you again Melina and Ken and it was good of Sandra and Randy to deliver them.

Now I must get out for my walk.

OUR CHRISTMAS TREE - FOR NOW

THAT IS UNTIL YOU REALIZE THE TREE IS ONLY INCHES HIGH

THESE ARE THE DECORATIONS FROM OZ LAND - THEY ARE MONSTROUS

this is

I THOUGHT IT WAS ALL DECIDED.

GRAMPA JUST WOKE UP - GRAMA MADE HIM INTO SANTA

WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT

Every year we talk about what to do about giving presents.

Because our family is so big I thought the idea of giving to a charity of your choice was a good idea and then buying one present. We tired picking names but that seemed to be a problem for us because some people lost their names. So I thought we just buy a present and you pick a number and get the present with your number on it and you can take someone elses present if you want.

We sent money to Lucas and Ben and Morgan and I have a card here for Justice, so they can put it in the back.

We still have our families we have adopted from world vision and we support the cancer fund and I would like to give something to the children's hospital.

I would like to go to church at 4, then to Carol and Panteli's at 6 and then open a present and play a game. This is Christmas Eve. Christmas morning people can drop by to say good-bye to Brittany and Bryan. and than they are off to the airport.

I am open to suggestions. I admitt I find it hard to pick out presents.

Mom can't wait for christmas to hang picture

Or for that matter to eat the christmas pudding

MIRACLES

If I did not believe in miracles life would be dull and boring and incomplete. I realize that people who want to be in control of their lives, their fate, their destiny, deny the possibility of miracles.

Sandra must be a believer she is dropping by for supper.

Just the story in the Bible where Jesus heal Simon's mother and she got up and cooked a meal.

Anyway dad has interrupted me so I am off for awalk. This afternoon we make hampers to deliver to those in need.

IT'S UNBELIEVEABLE.

A COLD, RAINY, FOGGY DRIVE HOME

A HAPPY TIME AT CONCERT -- BEN HAVING A SERIOUS MOMENT!

Was it the prayer at church, the new pills, the rest Theresa insisted I had as soon as I got to Chilliwack or all three the pain is gone. Praise the Lord as my brother would say!

MEDITATION

HERE I READ AND MEDITATE

MY QUIET LITTLE RETREAT

When we get over tired and stressed we can be miserable to live with. I have beeen guilty of both. I think that if we are all honest we admitt this has happened to all of us at times.

I am being forced to have several rests a day and it is difficult for me because I think of things I want to do. This I am understanding is the ego manifesting itself in acts of doing, fixing etc.

I have decided to view this as a challenge to learn to meditate; which I do in the morning as I pray and read. I am hoping through meditation to silence this compulsive voice and to become calmer and less anxious'

I want to take time to be more aware of God's love that calls me to rest and to be aware of how precious it is find the refuge that waits for me to leave some things undone. I remember as a child how I admired the nuns that lives close by to us. They all seemed to have such beautiful faces and they walked with a gracious quiet spirit.

I am now reading a book and am practicing to really rest and find inner healing for my soul and physical healing of my body.

We all know it is hard to change but I am willing to try,

WE WE WERE ABSOLUTELY AMAZED AND DELIGHTED

this

I had just walked home from the store and found dad with a huge bag of Christmas delights. Some one had rang our doorbell, left this present and drove off into the dark of the night.
I think he was the nearest to speechless than I have ever seen.

The beautiful colorful card said from "God's Elves'" wishing us a Christmas full of happy moments, warm memories and peace. "You are a blessing in many lives." It was the perfect gift for a day when both our spirits were extremely low.

Words cannot express how this surprised lifted our spirits.

Thank you I have several ideas who it may be but it is only a guess!

Yesterday we had open the very special presents Sandra and Randy had brought bad from Australia from Ken and Melina. Hey Guys I thought we were not going to give presents! ! !
We were thrilled and really felt loved.

We both feel discouraged because we get tired so easily and often can not do what we were planning. I did not get my cards mailed and dad did not get extra lights;
but I did return my over-due books and he got some paint for the messey stove burner.

Everyone is just so kind to us and we have the best most womderful family in the world.
To know you are loved is the most precious gift of all.

Thank you dear ones who ever you are. Thank you from the bottom and the top of our hearts!

WHAT A BLESSING TO LIVE IN A WORLD FULL OF LOVE!

HEY I HAVE BEEN THERE!

CROCODILE/I SWIM WITH SHARKS WISE ARRIVES HOME

We had a wonderful weekend with the family.

We were amazed that Sandra and Randy; and chauffeur Mary, dropped in to see us on the way home from the airport after their long and tiring journey.

Thank you Melina and Kenny for the presents. I cann't wait to hang the picture, put on the Christmas decorations and eat the pudding. Each year when I get out our decorations I remember something about each one, who gave it to us or where we bought it. Thank you for your beautiful and thoughtful gifts. [I didn't recognize Australia at first but once Sandra told me I realized what it was.]

Carol, Kim and Oliver along with Theresa and Ben and Morgan came over on Thrusday night and it was so good to see them all. Ron was pleasant suprise and brought us some 100% supper free range eggs! Ben went swimming with Carol the next day as they ;Theresa, Ben and Morgan slept over; and Morgan and I went to the park.

We had been invited to an evenning out to Bob and Pat's where we had a fun time with a lot of Colebrook friends.

I have some new pills but even they do not seem to help if I do not rest. I want to be pain free and full of energy but I guess that is a lot to ask for.

Dad wants to put up some more lights today so he is getting the Christmas spirit!

WANTED TO PLAY A GAME?

Lots to choose from

Reading interupted - Grampa Ron just fell from fireplace

Ben and Morgan are coming for a visit and one of the favorite things Ben loves to do is play a game. I like snakes and Ladders but dad has to do chess. I have played games over the years with many chilldren and enjoyed it. Morgan wants to get in the action now too. Children definitely like to play to win and when our children played games together we would often hear "you cheated" and "no I didn't". The accuser would usually end up quiting.

We all seem to want to win. We want to be right. We want things done our way.

A balanced life will include times of winning and times of losing. A balanced life will include joy and disappointment, success and failure. We are discovering more about ourselves as we inter- act with others.

"WE MUST ACCEPT FINITE DISAPPOINTMENT, BUT NEVER LOSE INFINITE HOPE"
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

The changing sky above us draws our eyes to the glory of deep mystery and we experience a feeling of awe and wonder that we are apart of something bigger than we could ever dream.

WAITING

We are waiting and counting the days for Sandra and Randy to return from Australia. It sounds like they had a great time and maybe they will want to move there too. But then it would be too far away from Edmonton where they love to visit their children.

Michael John and Mary have done a great job looking after the house and the dogs. A busy time for them both as they are working as much as they can to help with fiances. School and jobs are a hard role as Kim knows too.

Mikey is waiting for his spine and hip injury to get better and it is looking better than first diagnosed. He may be back to work sooner than expected but I do not know if that is wise.

Oliver should be here now at Carol and Panteli's starting his course as a coast guard. Weekends back to Victoria to work and see his girl friend.

Larry had blood work done yesterday so we will be waiting for the results till Dec. 11. I worry about every little pain he has especially the last few days he has been having head aches.

I have put up a few lights outside and inside that brighten up our house. The street is looking very colorful and a good reson to take some little walks around the neighborhood. Dad had a walk yesterday a little longer this time. Waiting for his energy to come back is hard.

Today I really need to clean up the house because I have been doing Christmas cards and writing my letter but I do not think I will do this anymore.

At church they talk about advent as a time of waiting but I have put up my manger scene and yes baby Jesus is there already.

Waiting for a visit from Melina and Ken to meet Jessie and Matthew will seem like a long wait.

We are waiting to hear what Rick is doing for Christmas? ? ? Has he not heard? does he not know family secrets are forbidden now.

There is always room here for anyone and I will make sure any noisy clocks are removed and you do not even have to get up early dad certainly does not.

I guess we are waiting to see what our government are going to do whether there will be another election and the whole situation seems unstable to me. Who can do a good job?

Right now I am waiting for sleepy head to wake up and make his porridege. I may go help at Oak Ave United where them give warm clothes to the children and extra food etc. This place is run mostly by older women and it can be tiring sorting through clothes etc. So I am waiting to see if they phone and ask me to help.

Right now I am enjoying my morning coffee!

PRAYERS OF IMMACULEE ILIBAGIZA

She has writen her second book. Her first was "Left to Tell" She survived the 1994 genocide in Rwanda hiding in a very small bathroom for 91 days with 7 other ladies barely able to breath let alone move. They could not even talk they were teffifies they would be found and murdered.

She prayed. She tried to say a prayer of forgiveness as she prayed the Lord's prayer because her heart was hard.

She had a vision of Jesus on the cross, using his last breath to forgive his persecutors; for the first time I was able to completely open myself to let him fill my heart with his power of forgiveness.

God's love flooded my soul and I forgave those who had sinned and continued to sin, in such unspeakable and unholy ways. The anger and hatred that had hardened my heart vanished, and I was overcome with a deep sense of peace. She would still face many dark days and doubts on the path toward an uncertain future, but I knew this journey would always be blessed if it was traveled with faith.

In one of her darkest hours after she was released and she walked among the dead she wanted only to die. All but one of her family was alive so "Please God, take me into your arms now. You have my loved ones with you already, so why do you want me to stay here in this ugly place? Why must I suffer trying to survive where it is so lonely; when my soul yearns to be with you? I am ready to come to you now. . Please take me.

Cold and tired she feel asleep where she heard an angelic voice :Stand up Immaculee. You are still alive and you need to move on.
Look for God in all things and don't despair when your heart aches.
God will always be there for you and you can ask him for any favor-with Him, all is possible. Now stand up."

She would pray daily "Thank You for breathing new life into my heart, Lord. Keep it clean, free from hatred, and always willing to forgive."

There will never be peace in our world until we learn to forgive one another. There will never be peace if our religion stirs up hate and revenge. I believe that we all our searching for some spiritual reality that brings meaning into out lives.

"Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work"
faith encourages me to look for the good in others and in all religions. I know I need to take time, sometimes just a few moments, to rest in the stillness of the unconditional love of Jesus.
We read the words of Jesus and some of them really speak to our hearts. But I believe if we could really hear the love and the conviction spoken by Jesus we would be able to put aside our petty differences.

Every child needs to be loved so that the love that God stamped on our hearts before we were born will nurture and strengthen us to love one another with humility and honesty. We need to keep believing that love can conquer evil. We do not understand the passion of hate that destroys lives and all I can trust is that the God who feels the pain of all our sufferings can also heal our wounded souls and restore hope!

We live in a country that has known peace; yet everyday the news tells us about death and violence. Neighbors do not really know each other and now we have even started to lock our doors. Our granchildren get annoyed if we do not.

A DREAM COME TRUE

It was an afternoon to laugh at the simple acts which often happen as we come together as families. Carol suggested going to the Vinyl Cafe that we have listened to on the radio for years and we jumped at the idea. Panteli and Carol picked us up and drove us into busy Vancouver where we sat in a grand theatre and saw Stuart McLean our favorite storyteller [after dad of course].

It was so much fun I will treasure this memory for years.

An Evening with Good Friends

We had a wonderful get togetherthis evening at Ken and Edna's lovely home.

OUR WONDERFUL CHILDREN.

This is an old picture of our four precious children who have now given us beautiful grand children and great grand- children. They did well at school and sports!

They have hearts of amazing compassion and kindness and that is why we are so proud of them.
Kindness expresses all the goodness of the heart of God for all the children everywhere. We celebrate with others of different faith, whose love for their children beats strong within them;
we celebrate families and the joy of being loved.



The gift of motherhood is that the children we are blessed with give so much back to us. My heart aches for the mothers of children who do unspeakable and unbearable acts to violence and bring shame to their families.

Last night my back was so painful it was hard to sleep. I kept thinking of Mary and all she had to go through to being the baby Jesus into the world. She was chosen for her beautiful spirit and her deep faith and awesome courage; yet most important was her humility. She experienced an amazing encounter with the divine energy of God that would be the fulfilment of the ancient promise. She turned to another woman to find comfort and reassurance that Joseph had failed to give to her. His pride and his reputation were so strong he could not believe the powerful truth that Mary had been chosen.

All night all I could think of was the hard road that Mary had to travel to bring new life, new hope, new faith and beauty into a cruel world of complete darkness.

Anyway I feel very blessed with all my family and their love and concern for me.

THE STRANGE BIRD.

DAD JUST HAPPENED TO GLANCE OUT THE BEDROOM WINDOW

AND SAW THIS BIRD KNOCKING TO GET IN ACROSS AT OUR NEIGHBPOR'S.

Busy day today with church, Vinyl Cafe taping in town with Carol and Panteli and pot luch supper tonight with our book club.

I made a mess of the Christmas letter as I was trying to do it all in ine day and sent out a very messy letter so I am glad to just forget it all today.

Maybe I am just as strange as this bird! One thing is good that dad and I can laugh at the silly mistakes we are always doing.

Good luck Rick on entering your Masters.