UNSPOKEN

Camera difficulties.

Took pictures at the airport which did not turn out.

At the airport here he had a real big security check for an hour but he left on time.

At  L. A. he had a wait and another long security check but the last we heard he was in the boarding line.  He was third in line and ahead of him was a couple so if there was only room for one he would get on.  I do not know about the storm at Melbourne.

We did a lot of talking but there are always things that you wished you had mentioned.  Dad and I were thrilled to have him and felt sad coming home to our empty home.  It was not for long as Leah who had been in town with another heart test stopped in for a visit.  Ophelia is now starting to gain weight and was even a bit fussy.  I fed her a bottle and dad went out to find some more special formula which she needs to have added to Leah's breast milk.  She is much brighter and is looking around.

As I hold her I think of the fact that every life has value and a God given purpose.

She is precious and dearly loved.  I will have to remember to speak these words to her.

Words we all need to hear that we are precious and lovable.

I realize that the words of Jesus are like a buried treasure waiting to be discovered!

"Love your neighbor as yourself." 

Ken is on the plane in first class with a broken seat which will not recline we are so relieved he is on his last leg home!

Good last word now I can go to sleep!

ANNIVERARY CELBRATIONS CONTINUE.

What a beautiful surprise to arrive home from last minute shopping to find this lovely flowers waiting

for us.  They are from my dear friends at Colebrook Church.  Cards and greeting arrive with e-mails so we feel so loved and cared for.

The day was spent in Last minute shopping for family at home.  Ken will arrive as Santa does from the North.
  We were relate returning home so missed saying good bye to Carol and Panteli.  Sorry.
Weather in Melourne is very stormy so he can not be assured of his seat on the plane.

Our honey moon flight from Regina to
Vancouver was extremely bumpy.  A warning of difficulties ahead?
Friends of dad's mom and dad wmet us so we were thankful for that and took us to a motel close to their home.

Life seems to be like this that even when we are married or have children or travel our future can be unpredictable.

Prayers for a safe journey home.

Off to airport!

WINE AND DINING!

Yes we are out wine and dining with Sandra and Randy at Northview.  Randy works so many different shifts it is great to have him join us.

It was a shame that dad's stomach was acting up again so he had little choice but to stay home.

Good company and a good view and a good food.  Ken and Sandra talk about their teen-age years and I hear about things I never even knew about.  There is a time to hang on to the past and a time to let go.  It is time to enjoy the moment knowing that good will prevail. 

We have just this one day to live and enjoy the beauty that we gaze upon.

Ken and I enjoyed a walk to the Watershed park, always so filled with color and earthy smells.

My body is at an angle as I walk home because fatigue has set in.  I am thinking about getting some advice on my next doctor visit.

The leaves are just beginning to change at north View and they bring such joy to our hearts to be able to see them.  More and more will change and I hope they last a long time.  If a bad storms comes blowing their branches all about it will also blow the leaves flying off to the heavens.

The expression of love is all that is asked of us and continues to bless our family and strengthen the bond that encourages and inspires us.

I miss my study at the church because I overslept when I lay down for a short nap, this was mostly because the night before I had slept very poorly.  This happens every once in a while and leaves me exhausted the following day.

Wine and dinning is great for recovery.  Thankful for Randy and Sandra!

FALL

We are continuing to have beautiful fall days.

Dad and ken went to the eye doctor and he will get the results from his test later at another appointment.  They stopped at Choices on the way home to buy me some goodies.  I am still enjoying the cheese bread Rick brought to the party. 

In the afternoon Kenny and I drove to Langley to do some shopping to take bac k for the children.

The toy stores are over whelming with all the different variety and choices.  I like to have a few games and crafts here for when children drop by.  I have a few baby things also.

One of the great mysteries in life is why we fall in love with the person we do.  Certainly there is a mutual attraction and happiness is spending times together.  Love matures as  we continue to grow as our own person and as we see goodness in each other.

Now in our later years when we fall it is without the grace and strength and balance that we once had so it can be a very nasty shock.  We need to except help to regain our balance.  We need to learn from the falls we have had and also see the humor in falling.

I think the message of the Bible is that as human beings we all fall, we fall short of what we have hoped to be.

The message is that God is the one who is always there to help us regain and renew our inner failures.  Grace is unmerited but available for all.

PICTURE PERFECT

Dad is improving!

A perfect day for the party on Sunday as we  walk over to the park across from Sandra's and Randy's to take pictures.  My pictures imperfect because the lens was dirty.

  Our family gathered to celebrate our anniversary. 

  Wonderful to have Ken and Rick travel from home to join in and create this amazing memory.

Theresa giving directions to her brother and sister.  Kim has been helping Sandra organize the whole party. 

Oliver travelled over on the ferry to be with us.  He had had a bad accident a few days earlier riding his bike when a dear ran right in front of him and sent him flying onto to shoulder and ear.  His ear has been damage.

Everyone has a chance to hold baby.

Always a lot of food!

They are not looking at me but they are smiling.

Rick waiting to hear his test results.

Our great grand kids.  Leah is in front of her dad and then Oliver, Kim and Tasha.

Rick behind Craig and Leah.

We survived the wedding stress and the move to a new city to build a marriage still in progress.
I have to pinch myself when I think of all the years that have flown by.
Many great joys with some difficult patches and some sad times.

What started as romance has ended in becoming best friends!

SATURDAY

A walk in the park and Ken remembers the way so we did not get lost.  It was dry although the odd puddle here and there.  Lots of rocks and fallen branches so we are careful.  So thankful for a quiet bit of nature in this lovely forest.

Ken waits as I take pictures.  I am happy to have some one to walk with.

Home again and Ken goes off to get some special cream for Melina who is recovering well.

 I have a rest and then as I am sweeping the kitchen in [pops Leah and Craig with baby Aphelia.

I drop everything only to happy to hold her. I love the way she holds her hands and she is a precious cuddly bundle.

Auntie Carol and Panteli drop by and Carol has a turn talking to her and just admiring her beauty.  She still seems so tiny.  She will have another heart test when she is a little bigger just to make sure everything is okay.

The house is full of our happy family when Pat and John drop by with veggies from their garden,].

They are good friends and good growers!

Dad is still a bit up and down with stomach upset but he sure enjoys a visit.

Caught dad looking at his I phone naughty boy.  Good things do happen in life when you have a home and a wonderful family.  We order in from the Green Lettice.

"Memories to be tucked away in our hearts." 

FINE

Dad is doing much better today. What is required is a mental toughness like long distance runners have to continue even with some pain.   Good enough to say he is fine although in reality he is not there yet!

Kim drops in from school and then leaves for work.  Looking fine!

Ken and I went for a walk in the light rain.  I know I feel better with having a bit of exercise.
and it helps to have someone along.

Leah and baby are doing well and we received another picture.

Yesterday we enjoyed a visit with Melina.  She was glad to be home from the hospital and she is cheerful and doing fine.

Jasmine loves being on camera and showed us what she can do with a hand stand etc.  She also sang us a song.  Matthew did tricks in the back ground.  How wonderful to see these children so active and happy.  Thankfully there is always something to laugh about.

Some times the purposes of life seem unknowable but are revealed later, but one think I know we are all human and make mistakes.  Dad will learn by making mistakes what he can eat and how much.  I know that one day he will say he is fine and it will be the truth!

UNPREDICTABLE

Ken and I walked over to Boundary Park and back.

Along walk for me.

I do walk funny Oh well.

Dad's dad started out with him feeling very well.  The only problem was he felt a little dizzy.

He decided to rest while Ken and I drove down to  Scouts Dale.  We looked around Walmart and had a few pictures developed from Ken's phone so I have pictures of his family. 

When we arrived home Kim was sitting out in the sunshine and right away I wondered about dad.  While we were gone he had been very sick to his stomach with throwing up and very bad diarrhea.

I wondered after if it was what I had had on Sunday or was it from the operation.  Kim went to the store to get some old fashioned chicken noodle soup and some Jello and pop and V8 juice.  She has organized a shelf in the frig. for him.  What a good idea.

Kim and ken had a visit then she was off to soccer.

We try to plan for the future then the unexpected may happen.

"Do not waste your energy by scattering your energy to the winds." -Jesus Calling

Live instead knowing you are not alone and all your hopes and fears and worries will be met in the One who loves you through the good times and the bad.

FUTURE

An early morning drive to the hospital.

Looking relaxed

Sandra left and Panteli and Carol arrived.

Dad is happy to have visitors.

Would you believe dad was still talking as they put him to sleep!

The future now looks brighter knowing that nasty gall bladder is out.

I know the next few days are very important making sure we follow instructions especially the diet.

The next day dad felt a little worse but I am sure that is common.

Thankfully he has ken hear and hockey to watch.

He can even sit out in the warm sun shine.

I think it is good that we do not know what our future will bring but when we look back will appreciate all the blessings we have been given.

I am reminded of  the movie "A Wonderful Life".  He felt bad because his dreams were not fulfilled and he had not been a help to any one.  He is shown by the angel how his life changed and improved the life of others.  Let us be thankful for every precious moment.

We want to hear God's voice and I believe if we could hear He would be saying.: "Let me love you."

SMOOTHLY

There was a problem the night before surgery when his special soap was missing.

Yes I had put it into the garbage because the bag was all crumbled up and looked empty.

Out into the cold dark and rainy day dad went to try to find it.  Then it turned out to be in the side garbage where I told him to look first but he did not hear me.

It was too bad as it should have been a time for inner peace!

In the morning Sandra arrived to drive to the hospital with Ken along as support.

Once there all went smoothly and everything was right where it was supposed to be.

All the staff were very caring and kind.

I was very thankful for the prayers of friends.

Prayers that all will go smoothly and his recovery will be quick.

Sandra took me shopping while he was in surgery and forced me to try on dresses so I will have some thing new for the upcoming party.  We also got some sheets so all that  it takes is a little help making decisions. 

We came home but it is hard to do anything but have a nap while Ken watched hockey.  Then he had a nap and I tried to read but find I am reading the same thing over and over.

A lovely day for a walk so I went for a walk and Sandra drove to pick dad up.

She would have on less old foggy to look after.

All has gone smoothly!

ARRIVAL

Ken's plane arrived 20 minutes early and Sandra and Peanut where there to meet him.

Peanut will miss her best friend Lucy but she was going to have to have her leg amputated so the kindness thing was to put her to sleep,  A very sad time for Randy and Sandra.  When Peanut was at our house she seemed very lost.

Dad goes in for surgery at 7:30 to-morrow.  Sandra wants to drive him and we will meet Randy and have breakfast while he is becoming gall balder free.  A little nervous tonight.  He did have a short bike ride but the rain started and he returned home.  I too was caught in the rain when I was out for my morning walk.

I have left a little dust and a few cobwebs around because Ken gave firm instructions not to wear myself out cleaning.

As usual we had supper at the White Spot where Ken enjoys the hamburgers!

The doctors office phoned to make sure I am taking my iron.  With all the worry and visits to the hospital I must confess I have forgotten it on too many days.  Now everything will be back to normal.

Happy to have Ken here for the anniversary on the 25 although the real date is the 29.

HAPPINESS

Dad and I surprised Kim by showing up at the Country Fair.

What a surprise to see Ava and Jeff and son at the both right next door.  It has been awhile since they have seen each other.  Ava phoned to try and arrange a visit with us but Sept. is a crazy month.

It was much nicer to be there on a sunny day and so we walked around a few of the other displays.   There was a real crowd of people streaming in and out.  Lots of fun and creative things for the children to do.  A very happy place.  Dad and I enjoyed the drive in the country to get there.  Still lots of green leaves on the trees to make the drive so pleasant.

We were happy to have a visit with Randy and Sandra before we left.  They are full of plans that may include moving in to our place and put us up somewhere else.  Anyway we take it a day at a time.  Dad and I often do not agree on things but we are still very happy together!  He would not be happy if I always agreed with him!

Carol is at home doing her project of making a on line counseling project.

Rick is still not feeling very well but hopefully once they diagnose his problem they can restore his health.

Ben is playing out at Simon Fraser University.  I hope we can watch a game while Ken is here.

Thankful and happy Sandra will go from work to pick up Ken.

I love being there to see him arrive but this seems like a good plan.

Ken set word at 6 he is on the plane.  My prayers go with him.

Dad did not feel up to going to church so I was okay going myself.

Going to church makes me happy and often stirs up new questions to ponder.

The thought that God knows my name and loves me unconditionally is a wonder beyond words.

Kim is happy to see us.

                     Happy and excited and hope I can sleep!     Off to bed.

WARMTH

My early morning walk to the blood clinic was a chilly one.  The thing is if you drive you have to park so far away you might as well walk.  The girl that looked after me was from the Philippines.

She was very good at her job and it was not painful at all.  I was glad to get home to my warm house.

Even then I felt a chill the rest of the day.  The good news is that the first results show improvement.

At noon carol picked me up to go to Campbell River Park where there was a fall fair.  It was too bad it was a rainy chilly day and the wise people who set up their stalls in the tents were wearing boots.  Kim had some of her pottery on display for sale. Walking around seeing all the creative work people had done was amazing.  I should have taken pictures and regretted it after words.

We plan on attending church where we are always greeted with such warmth!

Thankful for a warm home and a warm family and friends!

For me there is something just healing and comfortable being there!  I can just be myself.

MOODS

Many things can affect our moods.

Sunshine on a fall day is a mood brightener.

Watching the harvest moon become bigger and bigger makes me aware of the miracle of the stars and the heavens.  There seems to be a mystery beyond which we cannot see and yearn to experience.

I have a good family doctor who I am very grateful for.  Most times I feel that I have been listened to with respect and caring.  Although there have been times when I felt rushed and left dissatisfied.  I realize that he has a busy schedule and often seems weary.

Yesterday I went not knowing.  He was running late which is not unusual.  I told him as he came in the door I would be quick and I knew exactly what I wanted.  Yes I needed a prescription refilled but after asking a few questions he decided it needed to be changed.  I also told him that I needed to have his support if I am going to improve my health not just let it go along with what seems like an okay but slowly fading existence.

I felt he listened and it was a good visit.

I was in a good mood when I left and even standing waiting at the check out at the store did not cause me to feel impatient.  A lady was hold up the line by complaining about a price.  The line was growing longer behind me and the check out girl called for help, which did not come.  It was causing her stress too.  The problem was solved and I was on my way home with a cheerful attitude.

Reading about Jesus told the disciples they would get in the boat and cross to the other side.  I think they were all excited thinking it would be a time to see new miracles and hear more about the good news.  A great storm churned up huge waves and they became fearful for their lives while Jesus was asleep in the stern. 

Jesus calms the wind and the waves and this terrifies them even more.  He rebukes them for their lack of faith.

"Jesus is teaching them from a place of rest.  He is telling us that when the storms of like come, we can trust him.  Their is no fear in Jesus, only annoyance.  We can look at his attitude of peace and find rest for our souls."  -Judah Smith

Yes we are all human and makes mistakes especially when we do not realize there will always be more lessons to be learned,  as I for one learn not to be afraid.  We are not always aware of the changes within us until a situation reveals to us what we really believe!

Yes I am off to the blood clinic with a rumbling stomach and a headache.  My mood will be on a low edge but will change once I am back home again.

If those fearful disciples can change to men of faith willing to lose their lives for their beliefs I know there is hope for me too!

Dad worked hard cutting the front grass and trimming the edge.  It grows very fast and he did a good job.  Kim came by to pick up some pottery and we both had naps.  She would be working late and she has a pottery sale today.  Busy girl!

VISITORS

Oliver,  Tavia's  little guy is 6 months and loves to crawl.  He is at the stage where he "makes strange" so he is wondering who we are.  Tavia dropped in for a visit and I was glad to stop sorting and cleaning.  She tells us of all the newest ways to treat your baby.  We have shared many dreams with her and one was to find the right husband and she certainly seems to have done that.  We are happy for them both.

It seems like this time of year a lot of bugs seem to be visiting and giving people sore throats or coughs or sinus infections.  Our bodies do not adjust well to change and dad seems to be proof of that.  His stomach is acting up and we hope it is all part of the gall-bladder problem.  He had to pick up some special soap he has to use the night before and the day of his surgery.  He is grumbling saying just plain soap is just as good.  Anyway we are following instructions.

My toe is also complaining and I am sure it is broken.

Kim also stopped by for a visit.   She is not moving back any time soon as she is extremely busy and working hard at school.  I told her that the bedroom is hers anytime she wants to use it.  She had a visit and a nap before soccer. 

I am off to the doctor today.  I need some blood tests and a prescription filled.

Looking forward to Ken coming.

Love makes a house a home where visitors are always welcomed.

RETURN

I expected that our study group would be returning to meet again at the church but no one was there when I drove over.  I decided I would visit Joyce at the Seniors Home.  I wheeled her out to sit in the sunshine and she was so very pleased.  Something so simple as feeling the warmth of the sun and a slight breeze made her day.  We had a cup of tea before going up in the elevator to her room.  A little prayer and she was napping before I was out the door.

Meanwhile dad had put the big ladder up against the house and did some painting up by our window that has been unpainted since we moved here.  Evidently he was up and down the ladder many times

which he knew I would not approve of.

One of my favorite Bible stories is the return of the prodigal son.

This son has dishonored his father by asking for his inheritance  to live a life of wild drinking and outrageous behavior.  The son returns to be greeted with great joy and a party is help for his return.

This is an amazing story to tell us of the unconditional love of our Father in Heaven who waits for those who return and  feel the welcome of being home again.

"Today I close the door again to the past,

open the door to the future.

Take a deep breath and return

to start a new chapter of my life!

Author unknown

THANK YOU

Thankful that Melody is going to help me in the garden on Sat.

She is so happy to be asked and yet I hesitate.

Thankful for Cathy and Glen dropping off some rice salad.

They came on their Motorcycles and both looked so happy They love being grandparents as well as riding their bikes.  They rode up to Smithers to see Gracelyn busy working there,

Thankful that dad had a good visit at the hospital where they took him right in with no waiting.  Just as he was settled in to do his puzzle, 

Thankful that after he came home we decided to leave all the things that needed doing and go to the movies.  The movie was Sulley about the plane crash on the Hudson River.  It was well down and brought out the part the air traffic controllers played and how devastating it was for hem to have a plane crash.

I came home a little dizzy from all the flying but sure glad we went.

I sometimes have to stop and realize how many things I have to be grateful for especially the everyday small things, small challenges!

Thankful for all the amazing changes our children have made in their lives.

I am thankful for my readers too and your comments helping us keep in touch!

Today dad has a call from the nurse at the hospital as they have questions they want answered.

The garage dad painted.

Yesterday's picture.

GOODNESS

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Sometimes all we see is the clouds.

The important reality is that clouds do exist as do negative thoughts of anger and fear but if I can see the light that reveals to me that it is important to know that seeing the goodness of God  and not trying to find goodness in myself.

Like most people we like to feel that we have accomplished something during our day that helps us feel good about our selves.  Yesterday dad and I both worked in the yard cutting grass and painting the shed etc.  Such a beautiful day, 

The thought of cooking just made me feel queasy so we drove over to Brown's right next door.  Monday a sale day for pizza's which day ate with no back after affects.  I wonder why they have to have all those screens with T.V. sports going constantly.  Do we always have to be entertained?  Does there always have to be loud music?

Today we drive to White Rock where dad has some tests to take before his operation.  It looks like another beautiful fall day with sunshine.

Humanly we struggle with our own goodness and sense of worth that can be like a cloud that shuts out the light.  We search for the meaning of life but deep within our souls there is a beauty and a goodness that has the potential to change us.

Belief in the goodness of God helps me to see the goodness within me.

REGRETS

Kim is happy to show us her quote in the college paper.

Everyone has a few regrets in life.

I regretted the fact that we arrived late at Carol and Panteli's for supper.  We are the ones who always insist that we eat early.  We had been out shopping for baby things and just arrived home when Kim arrived.  We enjoyed a visit before she went to work.   She is already actively involved with the Kwantlen Art Collective.   I lay down for a cat nap and it turned out to be longer than usual.  We were late but enjoyed a delicious barbecue.

Haiti was so very curious when I held Ophelia she just stared at us.  She new she was not allowed to come closer.

I regretted the fact we did not make church today but I was the one with an upset stomach.

Dad took very good care of me.

I am thankful for the lessons I continue to learn and the most important is not to let regrets ruin your life.  Life so very often just happens. 

It is all just water under the bridge.

DETERMINATION !

Yes I was determined to be feeling better and I am.

It is so annoying to be sick when the weather is so wonderful.

I love the autumn when it is cool in the morning and at night but lovely and warm during the day!

I did get the side yard cut which should be the last mowing for this year.

Dad is painting our shed at the back and the grass is even growing in where Haiti was trying to dig a hole to China.

I was determined to take some pictures of leaves before they all fall off.  Dad and I drove by because I do not walk that far any more.  I am determined to make this a goal too.

Determination helps me to see there are all sorts of possibilities that lie before me yet to be discovered.  When we are honest about our weakness and failures we allow God's enabling strength to walk with us.

I believe in the power of prayer especially as I pray for Edna and Ken and their family with their son Matthew so very, very ill.  May His will be done through the healing power of His love.

TOUCHING

Craig takes a million pictures every sneeze and arm movement is recorded.  Leah does the late shift until three in the morning and Craig takes over at 5.  What a blessing for babies to be born into loving family's.  It is touching to see this family caring for each other.  

Our children sure teach us a lot.

I look at Des and remember how worried her family was when she ran away from home as a teen-ager.  Now she is a wonderful mom and she shares her life with other young people.

I  was reading the story about Jesus touching the lepers and I like to think the message was for all of us that we all need to be touched and loved with kindness and with hugs!  No one should be untouchable.  There are so many sad stories in the world of children unwanted and unloved.  These stories are disturbing and leave us with many questions.

There was a story about a young native boy running away from residential school desperate to be home with his family.  He did not live to achieve this.  Our world is so very imperfect and spirits can be broken when there is no love and no touching.

All we can do is try to touch those near to us by listening and caring with words and hugs!

A good reminder to myself.

ONE

This is three year old big sister with one twin.

I held her for a while but nine pounds seemed heavy and I was nervous!

It was a fun visit but we did not see the two together because her helper was in the kitchen with the other twin.  She is an excellent help and Des does need it.