MY GARDEN

Still early for some flowers to bloom.

Many hands have helped shaped my garden with loving care and kindness.  I think it is overgrown and scraggly and lopsided but when I remember all the plants that have been given me I enjoy it's beauty just the way it is,  

I am so thankful for an amazing support system that has been there for me over the years.  

Growing older is reshaping my life so that the woman who could look after three active babies cannot look after even one.  I enjoy being with all our little ones and pray for them daily.  

Two ladies stopped today to comment on my garden so that always is good to hear.

I am changing but so is the world.  Belief in God is also changing but open to critical writers like Richard Dawkins,  Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens.   It is important that we pay attention to their thoughts on irrational belief and intolerance.  They have a point.

I continue to examine my faith by reading but still believe that it does not have to be controlled by the demands of reason or evidence.  The soul that has been cultivated and weeded will experience the beauty of a Creator who speaks through nature and art and music and the words and thoughts of others.

Gardens will always grow weeds and in the soil of human hearts sin can grow

 but I believe in forgiveness and lots of second chances.  

Off to go visiting with dad wanting to drive.  I know Joan is concerned about Joyce who left so suddenly.  Her life has changed from being a world traveler to sitting in her room.  She enjoys revisiting them with me as we visit.

Home now and so glad I made the effort to go Joan was having a very bad day.  She misses Joyce as they sat at the table together.  People moving and leaving can be upsetting for them especially when they have no visitors.

"Bloom where you are planted."

CHEER

 Carol and Hamlet drop by for a visit ti cheer us up.  Kim was at school and Panteli at a business lunch.  Dad did an amazing job of making sandwiches and being helpful.  He had gotten up earlier so that we could be on the same time line.  We did have breakfast together and I had my walk after.

Dad and I had agreed we would drive to West Van. to cheer up Jane with a visit.  Not by solving her problems but by listening. and letting her express the sadness and confusion she is experiencing right now.  She was the one who cheered me up sounding much better than the day before.   She had her day planned and she feels a lifting of her spirits.  She has a difficult road ahead but finds comfort in knowing others are praying for her.

Jane and I have done a lot of praying for each other over the years. We try to be truthful and honest as we share our ups and downs.  I have found it helpful to share but also to write done my worries and concerns.  We have taken turns cheering each other up.

Life can put us into painful situations and all our feelings will not dissolve right away but time can heal and help us adjust.  I think the birds remind me to wake up and cheer up!

Life is shaping us into being the best person we can be, confident and caring and loving ourselves and others.

"A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing.

She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination

prepared to be herself and only herself."

Maya Angelou

TOUGH

                                          You have to be tough to eat out when it is cool,

I think I have been too serious lately.

I was up early with the birds and the bees and the black and white cat who proles the neighborhood.

I watered all the flowers wondering how Sandra does it all and then cut the grass and pulled some weeds.  So I felt hot.  Come on dad I said let us eat on the patio.

I gathered up some clothes to wear checking pockets as I went to throw stuff in the machine.  Well, I missed the one pocket that had dad's wallet in.  Yes, so I am laundering money again.  Naturally dad was upset but I was tough and did not let it bother me.  Two credit cards went missing but I said we can always get new ones.  Right.  But I did find them up on top of the inside of the dryer.

Tough is what you have to be if you are growing old.

My lunch  went down alright but then wanted to come back up.  Dad went over and did the shopping for groceries.  Yes he got cake and cookies and potato chips as well as eggs and bread and butter and coffee.

The amazing good news is that even as I grow older I can find renewed inner strength that helps toughen me up.

Now to watch hockey a very tough sport.  Dad in his favorite chair up close1

CAROL'S WELCOME HOME PARTY!

Also a pre-birthday cake for Justice.

Ophelia had fun walking around the edge of the raised patio.

Stories of garden raiding and airplane rides etc gave us lots to laugh about.

Caught up on the news of Justice's basketball games.  Three games on Sat. and he won them all.

Morgan had been to a brownie day camp a birthday party and her dance recital all on the one weekend.  Ben returns at midnight tonight and Carol would love to pick him up but that was undecided.  He is anxious to get home after a successful trip!

Sandra's garden looks even better in real life

The pool was the perfect answer for a warm day.

Theresa was the first sun burn victim.  Ouch!

Theresa is now a shop Stewart for her Cupie Union!

Just think we nearly did not go feeling lethargic and then the battery on the car was dead.  Sure glad we did.  Dad wants to have a party in our back when it is finished. We were pleased we had a morning visit from Carol to get caught up on her life.

Once again May proves to be a merry month! ! !.

PRICELESS

Spending time with my family is priceless.

Spending time with Carol and Kim and Theresa in Theresa's back yard was priceless as our relationships are what matter the most.

Attending Morgan's concert filled us with great joy and pride,

She was in two dances one a jazz dance and one a hip hop.  Her costumes were amazing.  One with balloon pants and one a white dress with a full skirt.

Yes, I took pictures of both these advents in the back yard and at the concert, but these pictures refuse to leave my camera even though dad tried all morning to down load them.  I was very disappointed.

After going to the concert we returned to our car we thought our G.P.S. was stolen but Theresa had put it safely in the glove compartment.  Good thinking Theresa!

An honest man priceless1

My first thought this morning was how priceless it is to spend time with your family.  They take good care of us and are so thoughtful in a million ways.

My faith in God is also priceless to me.  He is the One who comforts us and renews our faith in the goodness and the meaning in life.

God does not protect us from all suffering but walks with us through the rocky paths.

So I say to ALL my family from the oldest, dad, to the youngest, your love is priceless!

NAP TIME

Dirty and tired I am ready for a nap.  Dad started later so he is cutting the lawn and timing the edges and does not even get dirty, but he does get hot.

The patio is looking good but not all finished.  A good place to take a nap before heading out to Theresa and Mikie's and then to Morgan's recital.  We will meet Carol and Panteli there too.

A nap according to Martin  Marty is a very spiritual thing to do.

It shows that we trust God to do his work while we are free to nap!

"Prayer is a way of life."  -  Martin Marty

THE FUTURE

Today I had a bone density test to find out the strength of my bones,.  It is a simple test and everyone was so kind and considerate.  Dad could not find me when he arrived at the waiting area because he was putting money in the meter.  He had the lady check to make sure I was the one who  had gone in for the test.  We have ended up waiting in the wrong places in the past but this time we ended up right where we were meant to be.

I do wonder if our future will be able to feel like this.

We had planned to eat out but the traffic was horrible and also dad's eye got more painful as the day went on.  I think that we often fear the worse especially as we get older, especially when we are in pain.  Right now he is resting after removing an eye lash.  Anything in your eye can be very painful.

We did enjoy some lunch out on our back patio.

We are looking forward to Carol's arrival and Morgan's dance recital Sat. night and the family get together at Sandra and Randy's.  Randy has worked hard to get the pool in good shape for the first swim of the year.

The future for the next while looks great!

HARDER

It is harder for us to escape from Laurel Place where Joyce is now living.  She was tucked away in a corner by the window and it was harder than ever for her to stay awake.  We were given a code to open the steal gate to go in but we did not know the code to get out.  Maybe the lady that opened the gate was kidding but she said she was not sure we should be escaping.

Dad and I visited Joyce and Margaret and they were both delighted to see us.  The hard part was the long was the long walk on two different floors.

Dad again worked hard in the back yard and it looked great when Kim came to visit.  This is her soccer night.  In some ways it seems like just yesterday she was coaching Ken's little soccer buddies.

They chased the ball all around the field and also outside of the field.  Great fun!

Both dad and I had a very hard time staying awake watching the hockey game even though it was exciting.  We took turns nodding off.

We are excited to see Carol when she arrives, not Friday at midnight, but on Sat.

"Rivers hardly ever run in a straight line

Rivers are willing to take ten thousand meanders

and enjoy every one.

and grow from everyone.

When rivers meet an obstacle

they merely go around it."  -James  Freeman

I can hardly keep my eyes open 

and finding the right keys to push is even harder!

THE BREVITY OF LIFE

                                           My newest flower in the basket!

Once again we have been reminded of the brevity and unpredictability of life., and to reminded to  making every moment count.

Today everything seemed to get turned around as dad headed off to the dentist and I planned to go for a walk.  I saw Linda parked outside our house while this man was loading up his truck and trailer with a lot of furniture and mattresses and tires etc.  I really should have taken a picture.  Both his truck and the trailer were pilled high with stuff but he did clean out the garage.

Linda has moved into the Gillford area and this has been a stressful time for her.  I asked her about her parents being able to stay in their home right to the last and she thought they should have moved into a care home but her dad has dead against it.  In the last 5 years of his life he was angry with life and all he could not do.

When we went to bed the night before we could hear banging noises from the wind blowing against the house.  Dad had a quick look around but could not see anything causing the noise. I put ear plugs in and went to bed.  I found it even harder to hear dad in the morning until I realized they were still in.

I am reading about Samuel Johnson who authored the first English language dictionary.  He also was a prolific writer and wrote sermons for others but never gave one.  He valued honesty and admitted that he wrestled with his own doubts and fears.  He was known for his acts of charity even though he was not a rich man.

He wrote about the brevity of life and living in the present moment. He was called a spiritual gladiator with wisdom for others and the depth of his profound writings.

During the last few years of his life he found peace and even experienced a healing both physical and spiritual.

"Jesus came to give to each one of us the gift of abundant life."

None of us know the future but I believe that the abundant life also includes courage and strength in the adversity and brevity of this life!

WHAT IF

What if Ophelia wonders

Ophelia finds a little twig Grandpa did not blow off.

A perfect day to sit out.

Ophelia is an excellent crawler and will be walking soon.

Some days I just think to myself what if I just?

What if I prayed not only for my friends and family but for the families who have lost loved ones in that tragic bombing attack in London.  It has deeply saddened us all.

What if I do not do a lot today but

what if I water all my plants

what if I pull ten weeds

what if I talk to my neighbor and listen to his gardening advice

what if I phone a friend who is very down and just listen

what if I breath in the freshness of the morning

what if I feel the warmth of the sun

what if I believe that love can conquer evil and violence and hatred

and it is only through forgiveness

what if we try to understand why

what if I am just  thankful for the good and caring people who always are there when tragedy strikes.

"No one has ever seen God but what if we love one another and His love lives in us."  1

-John 4:12

Maybe the hungry would be fed and the homeless would find shelter and justice would roll down like a river, a river of compassion and love if we could learn to love one another.

What if no one comments?

UNKNOWN

Unknown to us while we were having brunch at the White Spot with Sandra and Randy Theresa Ben and Morgan were knocking at our front door.

Unknown to us they would arrive at the White Spot just after we left.

We were pleased they were able to drop in to have a short visit before taking Ben to the airport.  His soccer team is flying to Sweden and I hope he is able to get some rest.  He is very excited.  Morgan looks very cool with her green sunglasses.  We are excited about her dance recital on Sat.

It was a short but happy visit.

Yes that is Ben under there.

Love was the message on Sunday.

But there is a lot of unknown about this powerful emotion.

Unknown to our selves or to others may be the motive behind why do do certain things.  

We want to be loving but sometimes we can even feel annoyed at some one we love.

All relationships matter and it is good to know that God's love is always there for us because we choose to be in relationship with Him.  I believe He knows us better than we know ourselves.

"If you radiate genuine love and compassion you will ultimately receive love and compassion in return."  -Baptist De Pape

SELF DOUBT

                              It seems to me that some people are just born with self-confidence.
Others of us have experienced moments when we doubt ourselves and start worrying.
 
I was concerned about reading the scripture  I say to myself
          am I crazy?
          I do not walk too good
          I do not talk as well as I used to?
          There will be unpronounceable word I am sure.
Yes, these are my friends and they will not know if it is pronounced wrong.

I wanted to do it to be supportive of our minister Daniel.  And of course I was glad I had done it when it was over.  One lady said I was an inspiration and that made me feel good.

There were people there from the head office of the church judging Daniel which would be stressful
He did well and  there was a good turn out to say good-bye.

Dad did not make it to church as his eyes were very sore and there was no way he was going to get ready on time least of all a freq  minutes early.

He had a busy morning while I was gone cutting the grass and digging up the dirt to put down the rubber squares.

It is good to feel confident  which comes from being your authentic self and not let doubt or fear take over.  I am thankful that I can smile with my teeth back in place.

"Taking joy in living is a woman's best cosmetic."
-Rosalind Russell.

TRIVIA June 21

Both our brains and our bodies are worn out today.

Good to have a sunny warm day.

I had a short walk before going to the store to get our bill corrected.  Evidently they did not realize we were seniors because we did not get the senior's discount.  They were very pleased we had come back in.

I felt very much like a senior when I could not climb up on a chair to hang our new picture up.  I even tried using a cane.  Pant and John dropped by and said I should get an electric step ladder to keep up with dad's electric bike.

Good to have a chat and a laugh with this active couple who had been bike riding as a change from gardening.

They had heard about our minister not being well enough to continue his duties as our minister. 

I feel sad for him and for our congregation.  There will now be a search for a replacement.  It is not an easy job especially trying to preach an upbeat sermon and then talk to everyone afterwards.

We all have our God-given gifts and when we use them to the best of our ability we are a gift to others.  Life is a process of discovering how best to do this,

I will be taking part of the service to-morrow reading the scripture and I hope I can do it with heart and soul put into it.

Yes, I am reminded that these words I will read are important and can even be life changing.

Yes 

when I cry for help

when my heart is overwhelmed

Lead me Lord to the towering rock of safety.

Psalm 61:2

Yes, He is like a rock, a fortress and our strength, our healer and rescuer.

Yes He is on our side and I know that I do not need to face sickness or weakness of failure alone!

The best kind of trivia!   

TIME TRAVEL

A warm day perfect for dad to put down new rubber squares.  Haiti will be surprised with no grass to dig up.  It will look very neat and we think safe for children.  They are heavy and it is hard work so not surprising his feet are hurting but he is pleased at his progress so far.

I had a much quieter day doing a bit of gardening and a bit of house work.

Dad came in and spent the afternoon doing his Sudoku puzzle and completed the evil level and was very pleased with that.  Hard work must be good for the brain!

Travelling back to the beginning of the Bible we read about lives in some ways so different than ours but yet with so many of the same emotions.  They were superstitious and lived in fear of other tribes, and of nature and of God.

Moving ahead to the true story of Hannah Moore, 1745 - 1833 who was a devout Christian yet she believed that the poor were born into their class and were to carry out the duties of their class.

She supported William Wilberforce in his movement to abolish slavery.  His passion affected her to see the lives of the poor in a new light.  She would establish schools because she believed lack of education was a problem.

She wrote a book The Shepherd of Salisbury Place to provide solace and comfort and inspiration to the poor.

She would show compassion to everyone she met. of whatever rank or station they held.  She invited Buddhists and Muslims into her home to share her faith and to learn about theirs.

And from the best of her writings an authentic and radiant devotion still shine.

Our faith needs to continually be examine in the light of new truth!

EMPTY

Dad drove me to go visiting and then we went to the store(I cannot remember the name) I think Home Depot to buy his blocks.

Arriving at the Home Joyce's room was empty and that always upsetting.  Fortuneteller the new lady I met across the hall could tell me she was moved to another place.  It would have been nice if the family had let me know.  At this point I do not know for sure where she is because the girl at the desk could not tell me.

We arrived home with very empty stomachs but a full frig.

The house was not empty as Kim was here to have a visit and a rest before soccer.  She rescued a dish cloth from the burning oven. I think we have to be more careful and coming home tired and hungry and a little disappointed because it is an effort for me to go, is not a good idea.

Running on empty is not good if you are driving a car
or for me physically, emotionally or spiritually.

Going to church helps and prayer helps and reading about the experiences of others helps.

TWISTS AND TURNS May 17

                                           Twists and turns yes life seems full of them.
                                           We know all those little ducklings will not survive.

In our life who would have thought Bobby, Rick's friend would end up being our dentist
and not only that but a block from our house.

I know that many times I have been in the right place at the right time.

I am thankful for the many different homes we have lived in and the many friends we have made.

I cut the lawn today instead of going for a walk.  Then dad went out to blow off the sidewalk and get the front pond working.

Next we are off to the bank because my debit card is not working.  Dad was trying to use it to pay off the dentist but put in the wrong number.  I hope this means my bank is looking out for me.

I have been reading about some of the old scholars and preachers   who wrote way back in the beginning  of Christianity.  Their writings and their sermons and poems took many twists and turns.  What we believe now has come forth out of many changes.  

Each writer and preacher had their own view and interruption of the Bible.

The Bible continues to be central to our faith even though we now acknowledge the human element in their writings which makes for some contradictions.

Today we are searching for spirituality that brings value and meaning into our lives.  A happy heart sees the beauty of life that reflects an inward and an outward change.  God created us with minds that reason and search for truth,

"The incarnation tells us not only who Christ is but who we are"

Jesus in the flesh uniting Himself to all humanity in all its frailty and humanness.

Our past has had some twists and turns and so will our future.

THE YOUNG

Feeling a little better so decided to walk to Boundary Park hoping the fresh air and movement would do me good.  When I arrived I discovered I was walking behind a group of moms with baby carriages.  They were doing exercises as they stopped at certain points.  The mothers looked so young and the babies very young too.

Here they are stopping to do stretches.

A young family of ducklings huddled together.

One by one they wake up and follow mom into the water.

She calls to them and they swim out in a file behind her.  

They have even grown in the two days since dad saw them first on his bike.

All the bushes and trees look so fresh and green.

Dad and I have to go to the dentist at 5.  I know mine is a short visit but poor dad has to have that plaster stuff in his mouth again.  I am sure we all hate it.  So I do not think he will want fish and chips to-night.  I think I will have toast again but with an egg.

"The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible-and achieve it, generation after generation."  Pearl S. Buck

Young people help us to feel young at heart every time we are with them.

TOUGH DAY

Tough day at the dentist totally unexpected.  We both ended up having surgery.

I had two roots cut out and dad had two teeth pulled out after they had been cleaned.

We both have frozen mouths, although mine has come out now, so we can really say I know how you feel.  Totally miserable and having some pain.  I started to have waves of nausea which ended in throwing up a little blood.  My pain is now being controlled and I have had a piece of bread.  Dad is having mushroom soup.

I will get a new flipper with by old teeth to-morrow and then in a few months a new chrome one which should last longer.  Dad was told he will have to go through getting a new implant which is a long process.  I think Sandra and Rick and Ken have had it.  Ken's teeth were clued in with super glue because they did not have screws.  That glue sticks like it is meant to last forever.  Sandra knows because she glued her long finger nails on.  

In the morning I was thinking the toughest things was trying to read with dirty glasses.  I know that it is important to love myself before I can really love others but that can also be tough especially with teeth missing and  skin wrinkling (but that has the potential of improving with all my skin care products that Ken and Melina sent for mother's day.)

The good thing is that we were home when Ken phoned  on his way to work.  Great to have a chat.

I was able to finish my library book and dad now has a hockey game to watch.  We have warmth and power and each other.  We have pain pills to take and left over food to eat and a secure dwelling safe from the rain.  It is coming down very hard now.

We are now joining others who need prayer for strength and courage

and much better than most of them.  For me the worst is over and the healing will begin.

"Faith is left to find it's own way."  

Helen Humphreys

THE BEGINNING

I should have started at the beginning of my mothers day celebration.  Dad and I had a nice long talk to Rick on the phone.  Church was missed I was too slow getting ready.  But even before that. . . .

Before that I was surprised to find in the kitchen a lovely car with a little box with a gold chain and tiny cross. I had not been able to find the one I had treasured for many years.  It had been taken off for an x-ray and dad had kept it safe but after giving it to me at home it disappeared.

More cards with lots of hugs were a joy to receive!

Then came the fun of opening the basket from Ken and Melina and family.

What a delightful surprise with every thing I need to enjoy a refreshing bath.

The best gift is when family make you feel loved with all your imperfections!

MOTHER'S DAY

Three mothers.

two cooks.

Good food.

I am thankful for all the thoughtful deeds and kind words that people have done and given to me.   for me.  We live in an imperfect world and we try to do our best to love from our hearts and learn from our mistakes.  A busy happy day that made me feel very secure and loved by my family.

REFLECTIONS

                         
                          First the mail came with a card and loving words written by our son Rick.

Then came some hand delivered flowers from daughter Sandra.  They have a special place in the sun and will bring beauty into our day when we step out the door.

Then came a phone call from Carol catching up on my daily life, asking also about Jane.  Jane is in a healing process right now staying with her daughter Susan.  Thank you Carol for all the thoughtful things you have done for me!

Then came the gardeners who cleaned up dead leaves and overgrown grass.
Dad and I appreciate all the help we have had with our garden.  Thanks Carol and Sandra too!

Mother's day has always been a special day for me.  It seems a long time ago when it was breakfast in bed and hand made cards from school.

I could not have picked a better more wonderful mother than mime.  

I could not have picked better children than my four!

Memories mean so much to me now.  Even though in the last years of my mother's life she was bedridden with a stroke and unable to speak or move.  I choose to remember sitting by her bed and seeing her looking at me with loving eyes.  She seemed to continue to choose to live until her time came to complete her role as a mother.  I was truly blessed.

She taught me that life can be painful but it is still a gift to be celebrated in spite of her inability and loneliness.  All we can try to do is do our best not to hurt others with our words or actions, but when we do asking for forgiveness to helps relationships grow stronger.  Love requires forgiveness and grace,

There is a way of being that speaks in the silence of holiness.

Lord open our eyes to reflect on the gift of life that our mothers gave to us.

Lord let there be moments when in the silence you speak and fills our hearts with thankfulness and wonder and love.  

I can only try to express the love I received from my mother to all my family.

They are a true blessing.

Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

UNBELIEVABLE

The colors in the flowers are unbelievable.so bright and beautiful.  These were at the library and are a bright orange but the true color does not show.

I was walking over to the store in the morning and decided I really should stop into the dentist and make an appointment for both dad and myself.  It was mainly for cleaning but when I said dad was having problems they said hey could fit him in on Monday.  Little did I know I was going to be the one needing an emergency appointment when I bit into an apple and out came my partial with two teeth on it.  It really freaks me out.

It is impossible to get appointments so I am thankful I can get in on Monday.  I just feel like hiding out all week-end.  But it is unbelievable to have this appointment ready and waiting.

I did a little work in the yard and was surprised when Panteli showed up to help.  He is unbelievable because he works so fast and does a great job.  He trimmed off the umbrella tree which was covering the sidewalk.  Everything has grown so much again this spring.

Dad's spine was very painful to night.  He worked hard cleaning up the garage but wanted to do so much more.

When pain strikes one can feel so fragile and yet one remembers the body is an amazing intricate creation that has unbelievable power to heal or to develop the strength to endure and keep going.

I call this the life force that lies within each one of us.

HERO'S

Driving in the rain I try to take a picture of a young girl with an umbrella.  That is the blue.

It was an amazing story to hear about Oliver and his mates rescuing three big dogs in a small boat while working as the  Coast Guard clearing ground around the water.  The big dogs have fallen through the thin ice.  I am sure their boat would be in danger of over-turning with the weight of the dogs Great Danes!   There is a picture of Oliver lifting one into the boat.  The story even made the news.  Many others in my family have and continue to impress me with their bravery and care for others, especially animals.

Most of us live out ordinary lives that are sometimes transform us into hero's.  On my walk I met an old friend, I am sure we were meant to meet, who told me about her husband dying of cancer.  She does not want anyone to know but felt better after sharing her sadness with me.  He is only 66 which I consider still young.

Listening to her made me realize once again how important the little things are in life.  Our stories have powerful messages to live every day like it is your last.

At the tea at the church special hugs were given to several ladies going through difficult times. They continue to face each day with courage and strength and faith.  They are hero's too.

Telling our own story reveals our own personal response to life, the inner response we may share with just a few.

Most of us do not realize just listening and caring is more meaningful than we realize.

My faith is built on the stories of scripture and the experiences of friends and my own life changes.

Organized religion can be a pain in the neck when it is misinterrupted and abused.  We all know how painful a pain in the neck can be.

Yet religion founded on a spirituality of mercy and grace and forgiveness has the potential to transform our hearts and minds so we become caring and compassionate.

Darlene has been through a young grand daughter having cancer and she is now doing well.