UP AND DOWN

The ups and downs of life with Morgan.
Full of energy and so happy t0 visit with Gramma Carol and Panteli
She phones to see if she can arrange a visit with them and then works things out with her mom and dad.
The plan was for her to sleep over Sat. and Sun. night and then spend the day with dad and I on Monday and then on Tuesday she would meet up with her parents in Langley at the soccer practice for Ben.

She is so happy and excited when dad and I come over to Carol's to have supper with her and Pentali.  She is very helpful and also takes our order just like Auntie Kim does at the restaurant.  She takes me up stairs to show me where she sleeps in a cute little room.  Then she races downstairs ahead of me on her bum.  I pause to take pictures on the landing which she also points out of her and Ben.  I get vertigo trying to lean back and take a picture.

Sometime during the day she phones her mom feeling a little homesick, which is very unusual.  She has had a wonderful exciting day at the art gallery where they had special notes under the pictures for children to express what they liked about the pictures.  She was right into doing just that.


Anyway the plans that she would come and stay at our house on the Monday were settled and she arrived early when I am not even fully awake. She again phoned her mom feeling sad so her mom Theresa drove in to pick her up.

She had enjoyed taking Haiti for a walk and going to the dollar store with dad (great grandpa).

When her mom arrived Theresa made some sandwiches and we ate on the table out in the back yard. 

Then she got busy colouring pictures to enter into a contest put on by the store.  Kim had picked up the pictures and will drop them in to-morrow.

Kim was in and out.  Home from school and then out to play soccer.

I lay down after everyone leaves.

Theresa is taking a course called Human Geography and wants to become a full teacher not just a helper.  It is a very taxing and demanding job especially with one child with serious diabetes who needs very close watching.

Well I am off downstairs to join dad watching the hockey which sounds very exciting.  Waiting for news!

TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY.

New birth is a birth of love and promise.

The birth of spring is the amazing sign of new life that has perservered over the long winter months.
The unseen becomes seen in all it's beauty and glory.  This is the story of Easter as once again we journey on the road to the cross with Jesus, as he rides in humility and with a spirit of peace for us to follow.-chi

I am reading "How God Changes Your Brain".

In the chapter on prayer and meditation the effect of both these practices, along with yoga and chi stimulate pre-frontal area of the brain, areas essential for keeping one's mind focused on a task.

There is also benefit to the basal ganglia, lying deep in the center of the brain.

The brain will respond because of it's plasticity the key was to meditate and practice for at least 12 minutes.

The practice recommended is called Kirtan Kriya which can be done by the religious or non-religious.

Begin by focusing on your breathing which in itself can reduce stress and anxiety.

Secondly is the repetition of sound like sa, ta, na, ma which can be said aloud or sung.

Third is movement of touching the fingers with the thumb while repeating the sounds.

Repetition of movement or sound is found in Buddhism, Islam as well as Christian.

Sometimes it is the simple things that can affect change.

It  is pouring rain like a bucket of water is being dumped over us from above.  Get ready for the earthquake we are advised but maybe we should be building an Ark.

Loved seeing the pictures of Gramma Sandra making cookies with Simone.  Was Mary walking laps around the place to get her labour in motion again.  Lit a candle said a prayer for Mary for a safe delivery and a healthy baby and knew the church supported me in my prayer.  Our church service seemed to have renewed energy today which is good!

Dad and I have been invited to Carol and Panteli's so it will be good to be out of the house and enjoy their company.

BEN’S GAME

Ready for action!

Not clear because I had to high focus it.


This was a heart stopper as where many of the saves he made. 


Ben played an excellent game and his team scored three goals and he allowed only one in.  A very fast exciting game as Ben has moved up into a higher league.   Ben had been at an all night birthday party the night before playing paint ball and chase the flag.  How could he do so well when he must have been tired.  
A bit cold for spectators but worth every moment.

Morgan was thrilled to be spending a week-end with Grama Carol and Panteli.
She is hold a present she received because of her good marks in school.

Grandpa Chuck with Mikie and Theresa

Theresa watches for us to arrive.

She will be giving up some of her dreams of attending school because of the time that has to put into travelling to soccer games.



Two very happy young ladies both very young at heart!

TIES THAT BIND

You two are very fortunate to have each other. 

We learn a lot of the lessons in life by being a part of a family.
You learn that people do not always agree and there are times when one or both have to say I am sorry.

I had an older brother who would teas me until I raced around the house after him I was so very mad.  I do not know what I would have done if I caught him!

You are very fortunate to have a mom and dad who love you a big bunch and a loving family of grand parents and uncles and aunts and cousins that surround you with love!

Enjoy these years when you have fun doing things together like swimming of watch D.V.D.'s or playing games or riding your bikes.

Be activate by taking part in sports.

Be generous because others do not have all that you have.  There are people who are very poor.
Be a doer.

Be thankful for everything.  Keep as healthy as you can as their are many children who cannot run and play because they are very sick.

Be helpful.  At home and at school.

Be a listener.  Keep reading and learning. 

Be forgiving of yourself when you make mistakes
Be forgiving when others hurt you.

Keep an open mind and heart that sees the goodness in the power that is greater than anyone of us.  A creator and a friend that who is on your side and is cheering you on.

Learn to be peaceful, take time to pray and to meditate on the beauty and mystery of life.

You are Loved and you have the gift of loving others.

AND THE WINNER IS

Kimberly Ateah!  She won the Eagle Spirit Award.
Congratulations!  !

            
One by one we are very proud of our children and grand children and the greats too!

They each have special talents and abilities.  They work hard to do their best.

Dad and I are so very proud of Kimberly for the enthusiasm and team spirit she shows and pleased that she has been acknowledge for her efforts.

Way to go Kim!  !  Love you!  May you continue to have success in your new endeavor
Thank you Oliver for being such a good host and doing so much to give us a super happy time.
Dad and I are proud of all the things you have over come and achieved so much now.
Love you! 
May your future bring you wonderful surprizes and your surfing be a blast!

BALANCE

Balance is so important in life.
Balancing work with time to relax.
Balancing on a surfing board.
Or just balancing when you walk.


These are the waves that crashed all around Ben while Oliver was teaching him how to surf.  He tried really hard but a few more lessons will be needed to be able to balance on a surf board like his Uncle Oliver.  The bigger the waves the more exciting it is for him.  He certainly lives in the right place for riding the waves!

On the way home on the ferry Ben and Morgan find these games which took their total concentration.

A game of keeping the car on the right side of the road and    not to crash into other cars etc.  They took it very seriously.

Yesterday it was sad to see one of the ladies I visited has lost her balance and is afraid to walk alone.  She is taking her meals in her room and I hope her daughter comes soon to see why this has happened.  It is sad to see how quickly they can start to fail and it is also a reality check for me.  Of course none of us know what our future will be which I guess is just as well.

Bit by bit we lose the optional balance of neuroplasticity  in our brains which affects our memory, our coordination, attention span, information processing, problem solving and social decision making skills.  Our brains dry up.  My book talks about the benefits of meditation and how it can help the aging brain.  I really must read the next chapter!

Also we take so many things for granted that we do each day.

Dad worked on fixing a drain pipe today so did not get out on his bike. 

To balance the stress of a day I find a relaxing bath or the serenity of quiet prayer helpful.

WOW

 

Wow amazing view of mountain clouds and sky.

 

We are all so small even when we climb up high about everyone else, compare to the wonder and majesty of nature.

I believe in the transcendent experiences that reveal to us the deeper dimensions of life.
There is an awe in the greatness of huge trees, high mountains and crashing ocean waves that create an experience of WOW in our souls.

Children also color our world with joy and love.

 

I would describe God as love and yet love is so hard to describe.  Feelings of love increase neurological activity in our brains.  I would describe God as spirit, hope, inspiration, life, love and truth.  Also as a creator,  friend teacher and guide to teach us how to love.

 

Today I must make an effort to go for a walk, visit Gundy and Jim.  Yesterday was a rainy day but not as heavy as the rain I experienced one day in Ucluelet.  Morgan was prepared with adorable rain boots (darn I should have taken a picture) but I was not.  Lots of puddles here too.

Dad and I want to make am effort also to do some weight lifting as we find our arms are so weak.  First we have to hunt them, not our arms and legs but the weights down and lug them out of hiding.

 I know life is an effort for most of us, at  some time or another, whether is trying to break a habit or fighting tiredness or making decisions or just having too much to do, having  aches and pains etc.

Wow everyone I visited had the miseries but I can only hope they felt better after my visit.

THE BIKERS IN THE SKATE BOARD PARK

The ferry ride was very smooth and it was like being on a million dollar curse ship!  We were on the look out for whales or seals but the sea was calm and sparkling.  The land quickly disappear behind us but we were surrounded by very green inviting islands.islands.

Right near to Oliver's abode was a neat skate board park.
I followed the young at heart which included Carol, Morgan and Ben.  They had a blast until the time came to get up and out over the very high wall.  Such colorful decorations!

  I must have missed Ben maybe he was having surfing lessons.

Tired but happy we made our way home to cuddle up by the blazing fire.  Another fantastic day!

The discussions were lively too and as usual dad was in a good story telling frame of mind.

It was hard to come down to reality when we returned home.  Laundry to do and lists to write for groceries although lots of vegetables, some unnameable in the frig.  Dad picked up a few things like milk and apples and eggs after going to the eye doctor.

The left eye could not see the little dot but he knew it was not so good.  He did not see the doctor but will see her in April.  The left eye had laser surgery.

I went to my Jet Lag Bible study and there was laughter and learning as usual.

Still more pictures of waves to come.

THE WILD OCEAN

It never stops pounding the shore and hitting the rocks creating noise and huge sprays of water.  I wish I could capture the amazing energy and uniqueness of the natural beauty.
It was spiritual and awe inspiring as well!


Everyone was happy to relax. 
Ben and Morgan wait for directions.  Morgan will go to the store with Grams Carol and her mom.
Ben posed for a picture of chopping wood.
With a little practice I know he could do it.

Oliver gathers his own wood and keeps his home warm and comfortable.



Windy and cold outside on the ferry.  The weather was wet when we left Delta.

Just happy to be together and to leave all worries behind!

THE HAPPY WANDERERS

Yes the happy wanderers have returned,  Dad and I had a wonderful holiday and want to thank our family once again for arranging and paying our way.

We all piled into Theresa's car the children way at the back.  Carol and dad in the next seat and I was up front with Theresa.  She is a extremely good driver and took all the twists and turns like a professional and I never felt car sick at all.
My goal is to take  pictures that are natural but not always polished!


I took lots of pictures but mainly the family was important.



Finally we arrive at Oliver's house and fell in love with it.  It is a perfect size and he has it fixed up so creatively.  I was too excited to really stop and take this happy moment,  Oliver had just come back from surfing and was trying to polish up a very clean and neat and tidy place.  A cottage feeling that welcome you in with it's warmth and charm.

Lots of windows create beautiful light.
He has a small eating area in the kitchen and a cozy sitting area with a fire place.
He chops his own wood and does his own cooking.  He surfs everyday when he is not working on the Coast Guard boat.  He plays music with a band when he can and also does yoga.  The right girl has not come along yet!

Everyone helped to shop and cook the meals and clean.  What delicious meals we had starting with stew and baking powder biscuits for supper and in the morning bacon and eggs and French toast.

Lots more pictures which will tell how I lived every minute of it.  Looking at the glowing faces surrounding me I had pinch myself to believe it was real.

Oliver you were a wonderful host and made us all feel at home.

Ben was so excited when you took him surfing in one of the best surfing places in Canada.

Dad and I are so blessed to be loved with so much consideration and thoughtfulness.

Thanks to you all.  Have a good sleep I know dad and I will soon be snoring in tune of course.

MARCH MADNESS

Brave flowers keep growing and blooming.
So far the weather has been mild and wet with some sunshine. We have lots of warm clothes. 

I had my M.R.I..  Your  head is in a vise and it is the worst noise I have ever heard. There was hammering and vibrating etc. It took an hour and I prayed for you all and sang Jesus loves me.

I came home to pack our suitcase and have no idea what is in it because I had a headache. 
Hopefully I have dad's meds.   Dad  leaves everything to the last moment!  Sigh!

The trip on the ferry will be very calming and maybe we will see a whale or a big fish.  I have not been on a ferry since the last time I went  to visit our friend Dorothy.  That was the ferry from the North Shore.    

"God of blessing, you call us to venture into the unknown and to trust that you know the way.  We are often afraid, reluctant to listen and take the next step. 
Give us faith to overcome our fears.  Remind us of your Power to sustain us when we are weak,
Heal what is broken, forgive us and bring us back to life!
Heal and touch the lives of those who are sick and suffering.
May we live in the midst of Your Blessings, ever rejoicing in your love.  Amen
-by Ann Weens

At every age there are problems and disappointments but for me now it is the aches and pains and limitations of growing older that I refuse to let them drag me down but try to be quick to forgive myself and others, and quicker to laugh!  Yes I had a big hole in my sock when I was up on the x-ray table.  The thing is that if you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.
  
I know dad and I will have an amazing adventure.  We return Tuesday.  Love you all very much!