THE RIGHT DAY THE RIGHT FENCE

                                  
                             Early Saturday morning just missed a racoon that passed by.

The gate

The fence and the dirt where the grass will grow if dad remembers to water it.  So far God has been doing it for him.

The morning visiters



The shade deck where it is lovely and cool to sit on a warm day.  It gets a tiny bit of sun in the morning.
The shade deck

RAINY DAYS

I am always a few days behind myself.  This was early Thursday morning with it's heavy rain showers.  Lots of umbrellas.  First I met the people off to work waiting for the bus.  It takes about 40 minutes before I turn the corner and then mingle with the young people going to school.  They too are carrying umbrellas and walk a lot faster than me. 

The rain does keep the grass and trees all glowing with the greenness of spring.
 I love the pictures that the raindrops make on the flowers etc.

Dad and I had a busy day on Thursday.  He did a lot of cleaning up in the garage and fixed our vacuum cleaner and found some tools he could pass on to Leah.

I visited at the Senior's Home and met some new people.  I just hang out at a table or on a chesterfield and met anyone who wants to have a chat.  This is in addition to my two regulars Tina and Jim.

  One chap gave me his e-mail address.  That was a first. 

We both felt like we had accomplished a lot for us that is.

I am so thankful to come home to a nice clean house which I have never had that before, although maybe I have and have forgotten.   Thank you Leah.

Glad it is sunny on this Friday morning and I will take a few more pictures when there is a little more light.  I feel like I am returning to normal, most of the days I walk.  I run into trouble trying to go a little extra far. 

I am now rewarming my coffee up for the third time and dad wonders why I just do not start over again.  Silly question.

For those of us who are seeking Jesus in the present I realize that all the experiences I have had have been covered by the grace of God, and have led me to where I am today.  The baptism of Jesus in the Jordan river by John the Baptist does not separate him from his boyhood and growing up years but is a confirmation of his sense of a new mission.

So I understand there is no post-conversion person and pre-conversion person.  I am the same person in a variety of ways, the past informing and form the present!

God is at work at all times!

If we view baptism as a confirmation of our willingness to allow God to change us from within with a change of heart and a sense of a new direction.

This is a quote by Maya Angelou who died just this passed week.  She did a lot to help young negro girls like herself fight for themselves and a better life.
"You can't use up creativity.  The more you use the more you have."

"We are destined to be God's child.  Each and everyone of us is on this earth for a reason.  You are precious and unique,"  -anonymous

The world has a responsibility to fight for the girls and women that are being abused here and in countries like India.  I feel sick when I read what is happening there.

Scandalous and I pray for justice and change.

BLACK OR WHITE

Life is like a picture waiting to be coloured.

Nothing is ever just black and white; there will be happy moments and moments of worry and concern.  I look for my phone to take with me and it has already gone missing.  Dad thinks he has seen it but cannot remember where so that is not too helpful.  I had put it in a safe place!

My house is pretty clean but could be cleaner, so I am very thankful when Leah comes to give it a real good clean. My day has been planned and I am thankful for something worthwhile to do.  Jim seems a bit better and brighter and now wants to live to his birthday Aug. 4.
when he turns 85.  We dot not talk much but sit silently together.

Some of it is ordinary, enjoying my first cup of coffee for the day, going for a walk with dad's big rain coat on in the pouring rain, taking pictures as I walk, putting laundry on, picking up prescriptions, washing the bathroom floor, trying to think about what to have for supper,  the usual everyday tasks.  Some of it takes more effort and energy, especially trying to be happy and cheerful when I go visiting and at home too.

 

Dad and I drive to White Rock to pick up my special bread leaving

Leah vacuuming with our old machine clanking and banging and doing a great job.

 

 

Before I know it,  it is time to go visiting I am glad it has stopped raining 

and the day brightens up a bit.  Soon it's time for the hockey game.  Too bad Montreal lost.

 

"Wear your heart on your sleeve today and let the world know how much love you have inside you.

Hug as many people  or make as many people smile as you can."    -  Demi Lovato

Sunny week-end promised by the perky female announcer on the news last night.  Sure they can be notoriously wrong but hopefully she is right this time.

EXCITEMENT

The excitement continues as Montreal hangs in for yet another game and chance to win.  Dad’s favorite player is on the opposing team,  St. Marten Luis.  He is small and very fast.  It is never over until it is over!

It did not rain at our house so enjoyed a nice walk
and had a nap before going out with the girls for lunch.

Dad and I had that old standby scrambled eggs when I got home as the menu had no gluten free items except for a tiny fruit salad.  Afterwards I had another nap.

The writer now visits Nazareth the place where Jesus grew up.  Today the ruins of the houses there are scant, but archaeological evidence has revealed small buildings built with local stones.  It was considered a backwater town.  Two or three homes would be clustered together around an open courtyard.  There would be a common cistern and a millstone for grinding grain.  Common activities would give a sense of community.  They had to pay taxes to the Roman authorities and to King Herod and a tithe to the temple.  Poor and hardworking.

There have been many stories about the early life of Jesus but it would seem that for most of his life he was just a carpenter in a little nowhere town.  This may explain why Jesus' stories contain many ordinary everyday experiences into which he breathes new life into the meaning and worth of our ordinary lives.

He was a part of a loving family with strong religious beliefs upon which he relied.

Imagine his excitement when the community would travel into Jerusalem and he would be able to talk with the priests and at an early age show great wisdom.  Even today we see young children with the ability to learn quickly and amaze us as adults.  They do ask amazing questions.

Learn to be proud of who you are, love yourself, and our value is in our service to one another.  It is not where you come from but where you are going that is important.

 And now I remember to take my phone just in case I may need it.

FAILURES

My soup did not turn out like the picture.
It did not taste so hot either so I would say it was a flop.
Back to the store and back to the recipe books
It was a failure.  But at least I am trying!

Last night was better and  even sent some home with Leah, who was picking something up and dropping off a book we left with Howard.  He is getting moved to a nicer place on Wed. today.  This will be very stressful for Howard and of course Vera and Leah.

Dad is not happy with his gate so he is going back to the drawing board.

Yes we learn from our failures.  He has redone his gate and we all thought it look good.

I wrote dad a note saying Don't Worry I have my phone as I left for my walk,
 trouble is I left the phone  with my the note and remembered about half way along.

I have failed to walk my whole walk for several days so Tuesday I did the whole way!  It was funny an elderly Chinese lady with a walker told me I should have a walker too.  Did I look that bad?  Next  met my encouraging couple with big grins and encouraging words.

Yes we all need encouraging words, whether we are starting school or starting a new project or just trying to do better!

Three cheers for Montreal hanging in there.  Very exciting games as even a 4 to 1 lead is not enough  when the other side starts scoring.  They pull out the goalie I guess they are afraid he has lost his confidence. 

                                                   Lots of prayers needed by loved ones!

Looking forward to our Jet Lag luncheon today.  Lots of laughter and fun!  I hope we do not get asked to leave the restaurant as we are used to making lots of noise at the church!

HEALING PRAYERS

I am praying for the healing love of Jesus to touch family and friends.
Especially Melina, Jean, Michael John’s mom. Nancy Lou and my friend Jane,
Hope all things will look up real soon.
Love to all!

CROWDS

A  very uncrowded sidewalk on my morning walk.  Very wet again. 

 Our power went off for a short while and the milk was sour and we had no eggs so went out for breakfast.  We brought half home so have enough for lunch.  On the way home picked up a few groceries and finally mastered the self check-out!



My plants are crowded but they hold each other up.


Dad and I laughed as we enter the tiny elevator at Howard’s place that said no more than 19 could enter.  I think 6 would have been crowded.


Dad took a picture of me and Howard but his eyes were closed so it was not flattering or appropriate.

When we leave there is a crowd around the elevator wanting to escape.  Not today we told them.

Crowds at the  present-day  Church of the Nativity find that you must bow and enter on your knees at  a narrow archway.  It is so crowed inside that all feeling of reverence and awe is gone.  People are moving elbow to elbow and getting nowhere and lots of talking and laughter.  Each one may have been there for difference reasons.  Some curious to see this place that was a must on the list of places to see.  A place that has been there since the sixth century dating back to the time of the emperor Justinian.  A touristy site had turned what was suppose to be a holy place into a crowed space to take pictures.

How could anyone maintain a reverent attitude in such a throng of people.  Difficult I would say.  Just as difficult as squeezing 19 people into a 6 room elevator.

Mary and Joseph may have been confused about their circumstances then and also now if they could see the crowds of people claiming this was the birth place of their son, unusual child that he was.

We are called to nourish our faith with prayer, worship, spiritual meditation and service in the silence of our own hearts and souls.  This may be in a church or  outside beside the ocean or in a grassy field where ever we stop and listen.

HOMEWARD BOUND

I may not stop and smell the roses but I stop and take pictures.

 

Up one street and down another.

Finally back home again.  It does not matter if I have just been out for a walk
or out visiting or shopping I am always glad to be home.

Sunday morning dad and I took off for the appointment  at the Jim Patterson X-ray place.  Dad even watched a T.V. show about building fences and decks while he was waiting.  Every thing went smoothly as it is well organized. We came home and made something to eat and dad turned on the World Hockey. 

Sandra turned up to muck about in my garden.   I got tired out try to keep up with her as she flew branches and weeds out from the overgrown mess. and I try to clean them up. She also took some plants home and I will check on them the next time we are at their place.  I have a picture to put on later.

Although we were quite happy to settle in for the day we keep our promise to visit Howard.  He was having a sleepy day, so he slept while we visited with Leah.  Very boring for her when he has one of these days and yet other days he can be very talkative.  We enjoyed talking to Leah and before we knew it,  time for her to leave and for us too.

Home for a short nap before the hockey game and started to read my "Jesus" book.  I put the pictures on last night.

Monday will be a work day.  Dad wants to work on the gate.

It seems that scholars agree that Jesus was born not at home but in a stable or cave in Bethlehem, with each writer focusing on  different parts of the life of Jesus.  Their writings were not meant to be historical but more a religious document to help people understand and believe in Jesus Christ.  Reading these stories one must use one's faith but also one's reason, aware of the culture and the religious atmosphere at that time.

What really happened at the birth of Jesus we may never know but it was a miracle that promised to change the future.

Mystical experiences are hard to verbalize and thus hard to share or explain.  Modern minds have a hard time believing in the miraculous because it seems to us out of the realm of possibility.  Changing water into wine, healing the sick, raising the dead or giving sight to the blind all seems impossible. 

A miraculous pregnancy is not beyond God!   Miracles do happen!
 

SUNDAY PICTURES

My over grown garden

Three bags full.

Leah was happy to see us as Howard was sleepy.

VIBRANCY

I do not think we need any more new religions even though some I know would like to start one.  I want my faith to be vibrant, colorful, alive, joyous meaningful and sustaining in the ups and downs of life. 


We live in a beautiful world but still there are many problems.  Children are abused and the poor go hungry and the sick have to endure pain and suffering and life is not fair.  Some will have more problems than others. 
We think we know what is best for some one else but we do not always know exactly how they are feeling and why.
Dad and I will miss church to go to the Jim Patterson Center for a x-ray.  Afterwards we will go visit Howard and either Vera or Leah will be there.  We have also been invited to Gracelyn and Glen's birthday party at 6.  It would be fun but our energy will have run out I think.  The party is in Langley at Desirae's house.

We are moving more and more to a religionless age except for the fundamentalists.  Christianity is about what Jesus has done for us and declared the works of salvation completed in the new awareness that God is love, mercy, justice and truth.  We have been set free from self-imposed morality which creates a spirit of joyless hypocritical thinking.  God as Jesus taught was a God who through parties and liked to celebrate.  Once the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus is experienced our hearts are changed and we receive faith as a gift.

Yes there are fakes and flaky people but Jesus welcomes us all!

And the lost magnifying mirror was found just where dad left it!

THE FENCE

In process

The gate needs some finishing

The Carpenter

THAT SPOOKY SPIRIT

 I was taught to say the Holy Ghost not the Holy Spirit.  This brought a picture of Casper the friendly ghost to my mind,  so it was not a scary thought.  I had to laugh at the book that I am reading that calls the Spirit "that spooky spirit".  I think that spooky spirit must be wandering around here hiding things but I get the blame, and I am often the culprit.  I look and look.

Panteli dropped by to say a quick good-bye and get on with organizing his trip.  Dad and I looked at doing some things in the yard but it was all too muddy and instead I had a rest and he went to the library.  Hopefully today will be a better day to do some of the things we have planned.

Everybody in our family seems busy making plans which we are delighted to hear about.

Sandra did drop by and I did not even notice her black eye until she pointed it out to us.  Gardening can be very dangerous.  I hope the things she is trying will increase her energy and renew her strength.  We are pleased she is trying some alternate medicine which if you are not satisfied with the treatment your doctor is giving you go for it!  It is not easy being tired all the time.  I came home and my stomach felt very bloated and I think it was because of what I ate.  I will have to be more careful and not trust people to know if some food is okay.

Dad and I enjoyed having supper with her at the White Spot.  She is hoping to buy lots of plants at the United Church sale today and then come over here and see what she can dig up.  This year all my plants have really grown and probably need to be separated

There needs to be no divide between the sacred and the secular if  there is a realization that God is in all things.  We have not been called to convert but to restore what has been lost and to continue to build and plan for our futures.  I am concerned about so many people who are fighting illness right now and am praying for their healing.


The work continues.  The creative spirit continues to breath new life into each one of us.  I create my blog because I enjoy doing it.

 Dad enjoys creating with wood and hammer and nails.

Yesterday morning the rain poured down on me out walking.  There were not many walkers and even the dogs had rain coats on.  I was happy because we really needed some rain and the refreshment it would bring.   I am thankful for the rain.  It takes both the rain and the sunshine to create growth and new life.  I am thankful for the words of encouragement I have received lately.  This is especially helpful when I feel clumsy and slow and hopeful of further healing.

Even when we are ill our bodies are incredible machines!

Today looks promising.

MISSING

                                                      Yes I have finally left the soccer game!

What a scare to have Peanut go missing.  Maybe she was looking for you.

Dad had a walk in the water-shed park on Wed. he has been missed by his dog walking friends.

She is not answering her door again and the lawn looks very, very
 over-grown.  Her good friend who has had a disastrous fall waits for her to visit.  Lily, who has had the accident sends a friend down so that she knows the news.

I drop by to see Lily and she is worried about her friend not coming to visit.  I volunteer to bring her over for a visit.  Then I worry about getting involved. These are two strong willed and opinionated ladies.
I know they have both been missing their visits with each other.

They were both so happy and so was I.

We have missed our visits from Sandra but we have been busy and she had lots to catch up on at home.

In 1296 the pride of Scotland, the Destiny Stone was stolen, and placed under the throne seat in Westminster Abbey.  The movie The Destiny Stone tells the true story of four university students attempt and succeed in stealing it back.  It is a hilarious true story of this very heavy stone that goes missing.  They are caught but not sent to Jail.  The stone was returned to England and then returned to Scotland but will again be returned to sit under the throne seat at the next Coronation.

Dad is finishing the missing part of the fence which is the gate and it is looking good.

I missed most of the hockey game because I could not keep my eyes open but did see the over-time goal and I think it was because I missed my afternoon nap!

I wonder if we miss the real message of Jesus which is to love one another and to recognize that at any age we can be fragile and easily hurt.  We all mess up things at times and life is too precious for us to let our messiness keep us stuck!

I will miss church on Sunday because I am having a bone scan at that time.

SKILLED

Our great grandson Ben works so very hard to become skilled and to become the best goalie he can be.  He is very focused and present watching every move of his teammates.  It takes a mental ski;; and also a lot of hard work.  He is disappointed when he feels he could do better and I want him to know how proud of him we are for all the effort he puts into his games!  Plus he can do a rainbow kick!  That is kick it around the back of your head to the front.

Developing life skills is always challenging.  The challenge is different for everyone of us and different at every stage of our lives.  Emotionally physically and even spiritual we are all different but share our humanity.  We all need lots of praise!

We can learn from our past experiences but I have often found that it was prayer that helped me to cope.

Reading the book of miracles I am reminded of how closely connected we are and how miracles do happen even in ordinary ways.
Twins girls that were separated at birth and put up for adoption  in China end up meeting in the States after several years and become apart of a united family group.  Just one of the amazing stories that seem to good to be true and can only be viewed as a miracle.

On my walk yesterday  was debating how to best get in touch with Lee our secretary at church.  Should I phone or email.  I just got home from my walk and the phone rang and it was Lee and we both had the very same thoughts about some changes that could be made.  I know that this often happens that we are thinking of some one and they are thinking of us but it is still amazing to me.

"Many New Testament passages have also taken on greater meaning because of particular events in my life writes James Martin, SJ in his book    -    "Jesus".
When you encounter Scripture at a critical moment it often feels as if you have never seen that passage before.  You notice something new and the passage takes on unmistakeable  urgency.
I'll be clear about what comes from the gospels, the Christian tradition, and historical research and my own personal Prayer."

I am looking forward to reading this book by this skilled author and researcher.

But today is Milkshake day and it sure comes around fast.

FOCUSED

Morgan and her friends are totally focused and practice over and over  

Sometimes this is the result!  I am taking pictures from a distance so I know they are not well focused and trying to take action shots is a skill that has to be developed.  It was great fun watching them.

There are many things that need to be done at home but at this time it is good to just focus on the joy of youth,  It is good to focus on happy times, because there will always be times of change that I will have to deal with.

We learn from our failures as we find ourselves faced with new possibilities and sometimes difficult choices.

As a child I was excited about going to school but also a little scared because I knew my brother did not like school.  Learning to make friends is not easy when you are a little shy with a very outgoing brother.  I wanted very much to be able to read so that was my goal.  There will always be kids that tease you or teachers that are strict and I had to learn that this was just a part of life.

"I's  a Hard Knock Life"  says the song

Right now I am trying to focus on what to read I have a choice of a good novel, a true story and a spiritual book about Jesus.

Jesus seemed eager to learn as a child and there is a big gap in his life before he starts teaching and has a focus for his life.  Was he learning to develop a  listening ear that could hear directly from God.  Once his brain was full of knowledge he was able to dump all that he knew into the minds of others.  He had to be focused because what he was teaching was so different than the teachers and scholars at that time.

Jesus was focused on his humanity and aware of the Holy!

LOST IN THE CROWD

Sometimes it is hard to find Ben in the crowd of players.
I find it easy to feel lost in a crowd of people.

 I feel at times,  life losses its joy and becomes empty and feelings of exhaustion over take our positive side.  The answers lie not in great wisdom but in the very practical and sensible conditions of life.

It can come with a dissatifaction with life, with the job you are doing, with loss of health and energy, with difficult people in your life or with many different reasons.
 
“True identity is found in selfless love and compassion, which we share with others, and allow the soul within us to drink of a cup that quenches these inner longings"  -T. Rinpoche 

There is a song which says "Fill my cup Lord" which has been my prayer at times.

We are all much stronger than we think.  We all have something to give, something to be thankful for, we all have unique gifts that help create better energy in our world.

Sometimes we have to learn to laugh at ourselves.

I love spending time with our family.  Enjoyed the game and eating our snacks at another day , yesterday, watching Ben play soccer and Morgan do a hundred hand stands with her friends.  Panteli joined us for the game watching Ben and then later watching the hockey game.  Still hopeful the Havs. will start winning again. 

I am so thankful that we can enjoy the children without all the worries that come with being parents, although we share their concerns when problems or sickness arrives, we do not have the responsibility. 

I believe that the goal of religion is to set us free of pain, insecurity, and doubt but from childhood there has been layered over our souls.  We develop  wrong ways of seeking  happiness and security.  The ability to love and to be loved is within us all.

It helps when you have friends who believe in you.  I meant my friend Joanna yesterday on my morning walk  and she warn me not to go down a certain street because there were several police cars there  and it looked troubling, so I turned back and walk along her path.  She is one of my encouragers.

It also helps if you have something you really love do and able to do it freely and frequently.

Everyday I spend with family I feel all hugged up!

THE WAY

The minister talked about the Way of Jesus Christ which was a way that opens us up to God and to each other.  Others have different ideas of the way that is important to them and we need to listen and listen for what is healthy and important for others that builds a foundation of respect.

Sadly the church has turned the way into dogma that restricts and shuts others out.  I know what is important to be as I journey on my way of faith but I can listen without changing others to this way.



Ben on his way to score a goal but he shoots it a little two high.  Excellent kicker.  The way to find his game among the many being played was difficult and we started out by parking at the wrong side. I was starting out to look while dad phoned on the cell phone and listened to Theresa give us advice.  Dad with his very sore feet cannot do a lot of walking.

There was lots of action but not easy to capture even though I ran up and down the field.




Waiting for the right moment.

Our man in motion.

Proud great grandparents!  We went to the restaurant after and all it did was make us all sleepy.  Dad and I came home and did not stay for the 4 o'clock game although I was game. I  hope we can go again to-morrow to see Ben play goal.

ADJUSTMENTS

This is our view right into our neighbor’s  yard without the fence,  It feels funny to see right into their place and they can see into ours.  I am happy it will be fixed soon.  The good part is that we have gotten to know our neighbors a lot better over the no fence business.

I felt the urge to go down the street to see my neighbor Gunty and I was so glad I did.  She had bought me a little garden ornament.  She is so grateful for our walks we had and my little visits.

Later in the day we drove out to see Howard as Vera is away at the funeral.  I was amazed how much happier the place felt seeing Leah there.  She is a real blessing to them, as she has been to us.  She thinks I should go to a ear and nose doctor because of the dizziness.  I will keep this in mind but just want to finish up my tests that are already arranged. I think it is because I have not adjustyed to the fact I cannot walk as far as I used to.

Next Sunday I have a bone test and then at the end of June a breathing test.

I am thankful for good kind neighbors who take time to ask after both dad and I.

I woke up early again and it felt so cold that I turned on our fireplace for a minute. 
Just wanted to warm my toes and all the little guys sitting there were happy too. 
Everyday we seem to adjust to cold and then hot.
I am not complaining.
I just have to adjust.

Sunday is church and then to White Rock to watch Ben play soccer.  He is a great little goalie!  Fun to watch.

My computer is acting a little strange.


                                         

SUSPICION

This is the road out of Sandra’s street and it is delightful.  I am suspicious I have put this picture on before?
I fell out of bed the other night but I have my suspicions that I was pushed. 

I count my blessings that I live on a street and in a country where I do not have to be suspicious of anyone.  And if some one does look suspicious I just stay clear of them.

I am reading a book called “The Diary of Hanna, 1938 – 1941.  She was a Jew when Hitler’s shadow looms over Europe.  She can no longer be seen openly with her lover, a Christian, so she begins to write to him in her diary.  She  was a Jewish Czech and as the rumors spread she loses her job and her friends and her family who move away.  She does not know where  her boyfriend is at this time.

She manages to get a passport and join her parents in Kralupy  (Prague) and is trained to be a cook. At least when you read a novel you find at the end who was the good guy or the bad guy.  Now she is suspicious of everyone.  She leaves to find work as a nanny in London but finds the language difficult.

 

 March, 14 Hitler marching into Czechoslovakia. 

So many areas were already Germen and she spoke both Czech and German.

I am so thankful for the freedom of expression we have here.  We do not have to be suspicious of others.

I am thankful for our library and the good books I find there.  A  good way for me to learn about history.   Dad and I did get to the library today and to the store.  I started to feel a little faint I do not know if it was hunger or tiredness or just too many books. So home to eat and rest.