COUNTING

Every moment counts.

Every little light shines brightly in the darkness.

I am deciding November is my second least favorite month after January.  I am counting the days .

Dad and I need to do a bit of shopping to provide payamas for needy families which our church is sponsoring.  They are also asking for diapers.  It is time for us to go to Shopper's Drug Mart again.

Christmas is a time of miracles and the impossible becoming possible.  Can love transform our world even in our small area of influence?

BEAUTY

The street is coming alive with the beauty of Christmas lights.

We received our first Christmas card today, along with a parcel for Kim and a parcel with the wrong address.  Haiti and I will deliver it on our walk to-morrow.  She was here today so we did two walks to the park.

I have had a busy day.  Our minister is doing a book study for advent.  It is a good way for me to keep in touch especially when I have missed a lot of church lately.  The lesson was about how Jesus would fulfill the role of king in a new kingdom.  Jesus was wise, he taught with authority, he threatened the established order, he invites others to walk this same path.  We start out with questions but talk about a wide range of everyday topics.

Christmas is about love with skin on!

The weather is heating up in Australia.  Weare going to have more rain!

Dad has an appointment with the doctor to-morrow.  After we will go to the craft fair at the College.  Kim has been working very hard doing her pottery.

"There is beauty in imperfection."  some wise person said.

VISIONS

Visions can be a glimpse of  another world waiting for us.

Become a part of the vision by entering the story, of the nativity, a loving couple sharing the joy of a new baby.  This is a time for faith!   Lots of happy creatures around.

It was sunny but cold today.  We are fortunate to have  farm fresh eggs delivered to our door ow!
Thanks Sandra for coming out in the cold.

Dad worked hard cleaning up the mess left by having our yard dug up to fix the water leak. 

  His arm are very sore and his feet are not getting any better it appears but it feels good to be keeping busy.  Still lots more to be done.

The pills are making him dopey so that is not good at our age or any age.

I want to start doing Christmas cards although I have cut back a lot.  It is more important to phone if possible to keep in touch.

I had a good visit with Theresa on the phone.  Both Morgan and Ben are doing well at school.  Both are keeping active with sports and Morgan will be singing in the choir at school for Christmas.

My computer will not download my pictures so I will need dad's help to see how we can fix it.

Our imaginations can bring to life new visions of hope and peace that is the longing of all our hearts.

ACTIONS

We became friends because our dogs liked each other and she liked Haiti.  We have met on our walks for many years.  She is from Russia and seems lonely.  I listen as she tells me first her husband is very sick dying of cancer.  I tell her I will pray for her.  Next time we meet her husband has passed away.  We hug and I walk her home.

She tells me she has no appetite and also very little food.  I offer to help but she says no.

Why has she told me this I wonder?

I start praying for her Sunday morning and I realize I need to do more than pray.  I make some soup and buy  a few groceries and dad and I will deliver them.  She kindly invites us in and says she would offer us some food if she had any so I tell her that is why we are here.  She was very grateful so that made dad and I feel good too.

Prayers are good but sometimes we have to put our words into actions.

I felt sad about missing church again but I can only do so much in a day.

Dad is not feeling too good but we enjoy watching the Gray Cup together.

I have another bladder infection so must get the cranberry drink

but for now it is App;e Cider Vinegar.

."Before you open your mouth to speak

open your heart to care."

-Kerry Shook

DARKNESS

My walk over at t he park with Haiti just as it is getting dark.  I would not go on my own when it starts getting dark.  The light is from a lantern at the top of the fence and it is not as dark as it looks.

Until today was neighborhood was in darkness with no Christmas lights put up.  Today people were putting them up but they are not turned on yet.  Maybe next week-end.  We have nor disgust what we are going to do just yet.

Today dad worked in the yard cutting up the big branches that were knocked down by the guys fixing the water main.  He got a good start on cleaning it up and if i not raining tomorrow we can put them into the brown bags.  I will help.

Dad is disappointed that his new meds are not helping as we had hoped, but he will continue to try for another week.

It seems to get dark so early these days and it is one of the things I do not like about winter.

We want the light of hope to shine into the darkness that is all around us in so many sad stories of homeless and lost o\people all over the world.

For me it is the humanity of Jesus that shines out of his compassion that keeps the spirit of hope and love alive.

TOO LONG

It was not a good day to go shopping with all the sales of Black Friday.  Dad and I drove down to the bank by White Spot and the parking lot was extra full.  London Drugs would be the attraction.  The line up at the bank was huge and dad came in to look for me as he thought I was too long inside.

After coming home for lunch I took Haiti for what was suppose to be a short walk.  It turned out to be too long so he was going to come looking for us.  The reason was I met our friend Anette whose husband died on Nov, 2 and she looked very sad and lonely so I walked her home.  Dad had already started cooking.

Kim dropped in to have a visit and then left to meet friends in town.  We were able to visit Hamlet  on Kim's iPad and he looks great!

Haiti will spend the night with us in her own little bed.

The Jewish people were discouraged because God was taking too long to keep his promise to send a Messiah. 

"For a child is born to us
a son is given to us. 
Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace. "

Sometimes the unexpected really does happen.

Promises do come true!

MILD

It was so mild it almost felt like spring.

It would have been a perfect day to walk Haiti but she was keeping Ben company on a day off from school.  Haiti looks so proud and happy when I take her for a walk.  I wish I could let children especially pat her but she cannot be trusted,

Instead dad and I drove to the library where I was looking for a good mystery book.

This is one of the books I got for dad.  It is stories about how dogs are trained to be therapy dogs for children with disabilities.  Amazing and touching stories.

We went out to lunch on the way home and talked about getting some exercise.  Dad on his bike and myself on a walk.  I did make two trips to the store and dad was too tired to ride his bike.  We are not sure about his pills.  His feet were painful and he feels tired but we are going to give them a try.

A mild and sunny day seems like a gift from heaven just to be enjoyed.

OPEN

There was a smaller group of us waiting in the sunshine for the church door to be opened.  We are having husband trouble with several husbands not being well. One had an operation and the other waiting for another hip surgery.  The girl who we were waiting for to open the door also had problems.  We chatted outside the door for about 30 minutes. 

One thing I appreciate about our group is our open mindedness which leads to great discussions.

Dad was happy to see me come home as then he was able to go out to a bit of shopping.

Haiti was also happy to see me and we went for the second walk of the day.  She likes to play with this toy throwing it it around and throwing it up in the air.  She is almost as much fun as Ophelia!

I was reminded today of how much we take life for granted.  The freedom to walk in the fresh air and visit with a friend on the way.  Yes we take for granted the church door will be opened as it usually is

A good day after all.

MOTIVATION

A few Christmas decorations here and there motivate my thoughts toward Christmas that will be here sooner than expected.  The main thing for me is sending out cards and keeping in touch with family and friends.

I decided to get the blood test for celiac so I would be motivated to be even more careful.  We arrived in good time and there was so sign of Sandra.  I had to run to keep up with the nurse that showed me to the little tiny room.  Dr. Nolte seemed relaxed and pleased to see me.  I did not agree with his opinions about being gluten free but I could have said more but there is no need if I am doing well.

I walked home in the rain from the blood clinic and was thankful they took me without an appointment.  The girl that took my blood had never heard of celiac.  I was surprised because going gluten free is popular now.  My results were 0.5

Dad feels like he is getting a cold but his feet are not as painful but it will take time to figure out what his new pills are doing.  His one foot is a bit numb. 

We were happy to stay home and then watch hockey.

I had to work on my Bible study for our meeting to-morrow.  I am looking forward to being with the gang.  Doing the study motivates me to read scripture and try to figure out how it impacts my life.  There are no right or wrong answers to the questions but we learn from the answers others give.

Fear is not our motivation but a happy soul that enjoys life with others is.

"Invest your energy in what makes you happy

and do not worry about being right."

--Demi Lovato/

POWERFUL

                                            The power in the beauty of silence.

"All spiritual teachings are directed towards (or should be) inspiring us to recognize the power of choice.  Choice is the process of creation itself."  Carolyn Myss

The power of the words we say to our selves, the power of our thoughts, our desires to fulfill a purpose, our beliefs in the words that are spoken to inspire and help us to grow and develop.

For several years I was searching for spiritual entertainment now I want to be more grounded in the tangible.  I still believe that there are messages that come to us as we live our daily lives.  There are messages that speak to my heart and soul in many different books I read.

Spiritual("Daily Love"  growing into grace
A mystery
A good story ("The Broken Road")
An educational book ("Of Hockey and Hijab).
Religious tensions grow out of false beliefs and traditions.
Misinterpretations and prejudice.
My Bible study book on Corinthians.

Another ordinary day except dad gets his stitches taken out at the dentist.
Dad walked to the dentist and was not too bad.
I went for a short walk too.

Dad is taking Teva Nabilone to help his painful feet and legs.  I had a bad dream that plain clothes police came into our home to search for drugs.  I kept trying to tell them it was okay.

The stores are now decorating for Christmas.  I love the bright colors.

God said: "Light up the darkness."  With love.

Love expressed as we share our lives with one another.

I am going visiting at the Home.

My appointment is 11:20 at Dr. Nolte's

DUCKY

Have you seen enough ducks?

I had presents all ready to take to church for the toy donation but I was the one who had the Sunday stomach ache.  I said  to  myself :  "Well that is just ducky." 

Dad said he felt like going but was happy to stay at home and watch football.

He did ride his in door bike while I talked on the phone to Jane.  

She had a ride to church and a visit from her son Michael so that was good.

Ken and Melina both were off to work today so she is feeling a bit better but I am sure pretty weak.

Dad and I watch football together.  Actually we first saw each other at a football game.  The Saskatoon Hilltops.  He cheered for the wrong team just to get my attention.  

A good day for the ducks I guess.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled

Trust in God and also in me."  John 14

Remembering the humanity of Jesus is important which is why we celebrate his birth.

EFFORT

It took a real effort to go for a walk this morning.

I was glad I did I met my old friend Joanne who I have not seen for a long time.

We were both thinking of each other.

She was walking over to the shopping center and asked if I would like to meet her for breakfast or for a coffee.  I agreed but first I had to return home for a 20 minute rest and the drive down in the car.  I do the listening and she does the talking.

It was an effort to drive but I know I am regaining confidence each time I do it.  We had a good visit as we had a lot of things to catch up on.  She is a character and was telling the waitress how she lost her first job being a waitress.  It is not as easy as it looks!

Dad did not feel like going out at all today. 

Waiting to hear from Ken how Melina is?

 Now he has hockey and then it is time for Heart Beat.

Tomorrow at church there will be a play after the service.  A humorous one so I am told.  I hope dad will be up to going but it will depend on what side of the bed he gets up on!

"An effort made for the happiness of others lifts us above ourselves."

--Lynda Child

LAUGHTER

                                             Laughter and Fun will revive and strengthen.

This little duck comes looking for food but we are not allowed to feed them. It will make them weaker.  It is important for dad and I to see the humor in our antic's that make us look like lunatics.
My best friends are the ones I can laugh with.  Even the IPhone does not always hear him right when he is trying to put on a message.

We both need to laugh more and complain less.  Habits!

Believe it or not I am still hearing dad's funny stories some for the first time.  Others I can correct him if he makes an error.  We do not always understand what we say to each other nor do we understand why we do certain things.  Just to keep our children guessing I guess.

We managed to get to the doctor on time with me finishing to get dressed in the car.

Dad starts his new pills tonight which may help his pain or at least make him happy.  Leah will be happy we are following her advice.

The only trouble driving was in the under ground parking at the doctor's office.  A car backing out of their stall cannot move because we are on one side and a car coming in is on the other side.  It is the worse parking lot we have ever seen.  I cannot believe they are going to actually start charging money.

It was a sunny day but too cold for dad to go far on his bike, but at least he gave it a try.

I had a short walk and will do better to-morrow.

It has been a funny day.

Time to do some serious reading.  "The Broken Road" by Richard Paul Evans.

RECOVERY

A day just to recover from our long day yesterday.

A brief stop at the duck pond to take a few pictures then on to do our shopping.

A brief visit from Sandra and Peanut to deliver our eggs.  I do not know how she can recover after her bad night with Peanut on new medication.She is very lucky to have such a loving owner.

Old dogs and old parents can be problems at times.

The problem is we do not even understand ourselves at times.

Recovery takes time and I am thankful we have the time to do it.

Hoping others in the family are recovering too!

"How do you recover from disaster? (from fatigue, sickness, disappointment)?

I do not know any answer except the obvious one.

You meet it head on.

From each you learn something 

from each your require strength

and confidence  in yourself

to meet the next one." Eleanore Roosevelt

Let others pray for you.

LIFE CHANGING

Prayer is life changing!

Dad and I visited our friend Vera who has stories of life changing events in her family.

Prayers asking for help were answered.

For me I made a wonderful connection 

I am thankful to know someone who has faith there is a loving presence that is with us.

After our visit we took her to the hospital for a radiation treatment.  Her appointment was for 3:45 but because a machine broke down she did not get in until 5.  Vera is now home but in pain so she needs our prayers.

Both dad and I were very tired by the time we arrived home.  I know that I was meant to call her today.  God answers our prayers through our care for one another.

There is always hope where there is prayer.

I am holding up Melina and Ken in my prayers as she continues to be very sick with throwing up and diarrhea, so sick she can hardly stand.  I am praying that God will guide them and help them to get to the bottom of the problem so that her love for others will continue to be a blessing.

Sickness takes us into a place of uncertainty and distress.  The amazing thing is that God"s love can meet us there as we pray for one another.  We are all learning to walk by faith by the light we are given for each day.

I started out the day extremely sad for Carol who has given up her dream to be an on-line counselor.

She put her heart and soul in to it and it appears she was cheated,

Healing prayers are being sent their way!

As we as prayers for the rest of the family.

DAILY

         There are so many beautiful things in the world that remind us daily of our own uniqueness.
I know I need to remind myself to be thankful for the goodness within me and the goodness I see in others.

I enjoyed watching the sea gules and the crows riding on the wind early in the morning.  It was good Haiti arrived to take me for a walk.  She enjoys every moment.

Melina is still not well but did go to the doctor today.  At least it is a bit cooler there today.

Had a good visit with Kim when she arrived to take Haiti home.  She is busy making pottery to sell to raise grad. money.  She left with more homework to be completed.

Dad is still feeling a little tired but doing better.  He enjoys the hockey game.

"Choose daily to be energized by love."  -Mastin Kipp.

EASY?

Sometimes in life you can feel like you are just barley managing to hold on.

Most days are good but  some days are not easy.

So we hang on and find new strength!

Teamwork is important.   I brave the cold wind and wet snow to get a few groceries while dad cooks.

The wind is huffing and puffing try to creating chaos with branches being blown down, and maybe even loss of power.  Time for candles and matches. 

How did I deal with my diagnoses?  I believed it was an answer to prayer., after any years of feeling hopeless.  I was happy to look for recipes and read up on this strange disease I had never heard of.  It seemed strange to think that even a crumb could damage my villi.  I felt  like I was being given a new hope and courage.

The trouble was there was misinformation about what was gluten free.  When I returned to the doctor my blood test showed great improvement but the iron was still low.  I was better but still felt tired.  As the iron dropped even lower I had a hysterectomy and later  my gall bladder removed.  I had the love ans support of dad which was good.  

It is not as easy as you may think but neither is being patient and loving.

It is easy to lose hope but then we find it again.

Healing is in the choices we make daily.  

I became susceptible to cheating a little bit here and there.   Now I am really being serious and my cupboard always holds gluten free goodies.  I am thankful I can eat fruit and vegetables but have to be careful with spices etc.

It is an expensive change when shopping for flour or gluten free baked goods.  We have looked into tax cuts too.

"Hope never abandons you

You abandon it."

-- George Weinberg

SIGNIFICANT

A significant day for us to attend Ben's soccer game.

It was cold and rainy  and this picture is from far away behind a bar wire fence.

Dad and I had put n several layers of clothes.  The walk was long for us but also having to move the car from a no parking area to one you had to pay for parking was stressful especially for dad.

Ben's team won 1 to 0. 

Ben making several brilliant saves.

As soon as we got home dad was feeling dizzy and was losing his balance.

I wanted to take Tasha several books on Celiac but dad was not up to going over to Sandra and Randy's.  So Theresa picked me up.

Theresa picked me up and I had a good visit hearing about their busy lives.

A significant time to compare notes.

It was significant because we shared from our hearts our real pain and anxieties.

I felt unsure about leaving dad and what I should have done was let Theresa pick up the books and take them over.  I am not much help because I have forgotten a lot of things.

Dad was in bed resting when Sandra drove me home.

I was glad to be home.

We are watching a little bit of T..V. then we both will be early to bed.

REMEMBRANCE

Remembrance day has always been important to Larry.  He remembers seeing his uncles off on the train.  His dad was very sad he was not going too.  He had bad feet I believe and it was not right for all three sons to go leaving his mom alone.

Grannie was a silver cross mother who laid a wreath having lost both her boys,

Dad and I have attended many services mostly in the cold and rain.  So very heart breaking and sad.
My dad lied about his age and signed up at 17.  A relative watched over him until the end of the fighting which came soon after wards.

We watch on T.V. now.  Dad is watching a show about the 2nd World War right now.  It was making me sleepy which T.V. can do.

I make a second cup of coffee and go out to do some raking. 

These leaves are hard to get to and will soon join the big pile that is growing. A huge pile has landed in the pond and the water is ice cold.  Dad will help after he has his breakfast but the day is saved by some heavy rainfall.   They will still be there for Monday. 

Sunday we go o Ben's game at U.B.C. and maybe have lunch with Theresa, Morgan and Ben before we head over to Sandra;s house to spend some time with Tasha.  She has lots of questions. 

Everything is dying in my garden except the plastic flowers.  I have to remember to remove them.

It is importance to share our experiences.

So tonight when we turn on the T.V. Heart  Beat will be on.

"Life is a path with many experiences.If they were all painless we would not have a way to measure our joy!"   -Marci

DULL

                        Soon the trees will be bare and barren and the job of raking begins.                                It is milder outside and the fresh air is invigorating.

Dad has now got the car back together and that is good.

Every day this past week has felt like Saturday.  Saturday has a certain feel to it.  A day to tackle jobs around the house or garden.   My job today is raking leaves and putting them in brown bags.  I will do a bag or two every  day. I remember as a kid raking leaves and my brother coming along and jumping in the pile and spreading them all over again.  Yes, brothers can be a bit of a tease.

November can be a dull month and thank goodness there are good things to celebrate like birthdays and anniversary's.  My faith tells me there is a reason for each season of nature and of daily life.  Dull days help us look for sunshine in our relationships.

"A faith is necessary to a man or woman

Woe to the one who believes in nothing."

-  Victor Hugo

           

SEEKERS

                                         Another cold day at the park.

My study group meet regularly, one with a walker another with a cane.  Yes we are seeking knowledge  but also friendship.  Jesus was a good example as he reached out to choose friends to walk with him and be his companions.  Yes we are not spring chickens more like vintage wine that improves with age!  One 90 year old has flaming red hair and dances with a stage group.
WE have all lived long enough to face many struggles and challenges.

Some of us have had unique experiences and been even guided out of danger by a voice prompting a sudden change in plans.  Life is not neat and tidy and controllable

God comforts and strengthens us so that we in turn can be a comfort and source of strength for each other.  We share and listen and pray for each other.

Dad is happy to have the car fixed as he would feel lost without his car.

I am thankful to know it is available for me too.

I first liked the author Louise Penny because she was Canadian but I skipped through her latest book just because I did not enjoy it that much.

I believe that one of the great needs in our world today is stability.

For me I am trusting Jesus to be my security in this life and the next!

Our bodies may be getting weaker but our faith shines with inner light of the Holy Spirit!

DEEPER

Awesome and well done job!

Meanwhile dad was home with Haiti working on those annoying the break lights!

The problem forced him to go deeper into the problems.

We are a happy group meeting at the church today trying to go deeper into Scripture.

To do this we share from our own experiences of how the words we are reading as a group have a individual meaning and also a meaning for our community.  We all agree it takes courage and committment to try and live out lives that are caring and supportive. 

I found that I was too tired to enjoy the meeting although the discussions were great and as usually lots of humor made it fun.  I also felt others in the room were feeling weary.  We want to be positive and yet knowing our own weaknesses  open to deeper changes that are needed in our hearts and attitudes to others.  

"Everything that needs to be said has already been said.  But since no one was listening, everything must be said again.    -Andre Gide

It is as we listen to one another we continue to learn and hopefully grow, with a deeper relationship that flows out of the affirming love of Grace.

Dad did get his brakes fixed.  Yeh!  

HABITS

Habits are so very hard to change.

So often I do things without thinking.

Some habits are carried over from childhood.  I was always losing my mitts and today I lost a glove walking Haiti over to the park.  I retraced my steps in the afternoon and could not find it anywhere.

I am trying to develop a good habit of cooking more vegetables and I am back eating my spinach and egg for breakfast. One of the hardest things to do is change your eating habits. I am fortunate the vegetable store is just around the corner.  I walk over first thing in the morning before Haiti arrives.  The wind  chills me to the bone.  

Dad is still working on the car.  He drove m to the Seniors Home because of the brake lights not working.  Fortunately the top light still works.  I had a good visit with several of the residents and especially with Joan, my new friend.  We are the same age but her husband has died and she broke her hip in a fall and now needs care.  We never can take for granted what we have in the present 

moment.

I am trying to make it a good habit to visit her regularly.  

I am finding it important to take note of things I do by habit and to see what needs to be changed.

I do not think I am going to advert difficulties but I may learn to grow and develop from my past experiences.  My goal is to have more energy to be able to help others.  To-morrow is Jet lag Bible study so I will put just as much energy into doing my study as if I were the leader.

I believe it is possible to let the love of Jesus shine through us to others by our words and deeds.  As a child I sang about This Little Light of Mine and I believed it.  I had a simple faith which I hope and pray I never lose.

Our lesson is the message Paul gives to the Corinthians that all believers have a ministry of caring and sharing.

TIME

One clock actually has the right time!

One by one the others will get changed.

I find it hard to adjust to the time change.

It has been a busy but fun day.

I walked to the park with Haiti.

It is good to still see some color.

Haiti did not want to leave.

We walk around the edge but she wanted to have another go.

Leah and Craig came by with the little one.

She is changing week to week.

We sure enjoy their visits.

We shut Haiti away as Kim worries Hati might react and snap at Ophelia.

She is so curious about every thing and is getting more little bumps, on her nose this time.

The time spent with loved one's is so precious,

The children grow up so quickly.

Kim came to pick up Haiti and then was off to work.  Then it was time for Craig and Leah to do some shopping before heading home.  Ophelia has been waking up at 3 so that is tiring for them all. 

Dad is now working on the car in the cold garage.  He is determined to get the brake lights to work.

Time for me to settle down on the couch with my book.

It is also time to organize my thoughts and enjoy reliving my busy day.

I have a feeling of deep peace and gratitude.  A good tiredness!

PRAYERFULLY

When I wrote the blog about what next I was thinking of adding Christmas on the end.

I guess Randy and Sandra are gearing up already.

My day began prayerfully as usual.

Lots to pray about in our families.

This is one thing I can do with all my heart and soul.

I was all dressed ready to leave for church when dad told me his stomach was upset so he would not go.  I did say a small prayer as I hoped into the car to drive.  The car knows the way and traffic was not a problem.

The sermon was called :The Transforming Power of Love."  It was about the crazy man who had demons so he was in need of deliverance and compassion.  Jesus showed us again how important it is to love the unlovable and the power of prayer to redeem and heal a sick man.

Coming home to hear of another shooting in a church in Texas reminds us of the power of evil to attach us even in places that should be safe and secure.  Pain and suffering is bringing that community together.  Why another tragedy?  Why did this young man kill Innocent people?  

This life seems full of answered questions.  No matter who we are or what we have accomplished there will be times in our life when we feel we are in a dark place.  Our hearts and prayers do go out to that community.

I believe in the transforming power of prayer that meets us in that dark place.

WHAT NEXT/

Snow before the leaves have fallen, but now that I think of it I do not think these leaves fall off.

More snow today but very tiny flakes that do not stick on the ground.  Felt very cold.

So next we went out shopping for some warm shirts and sweaters. 
We went to the Second Hand Store and dad got a couple of warm shirts.
My seaters were so cheap I picked up about five.
Next week they may go back again.

I am thankful we do not have to shovel snow at this time.

I helped dad clean up the garage and did not go for a walk.

I have this little spurt of energy first thing in the morning and then I crash and burn.

Dad has more energy but his feet soon start hurting.
It really takes the two of us to take care of home and garden.

No gardening for me today.

We talked to Tasha for a long time about Celiac disease which she now has although she has not had the colon test yet but she wants to find out just how much damage there is.

It was through prayer that I was lead to go to the doctor who found out what was wrong with me.
It was through prayer that I was given the strength and the hope to endure and carry on the best I could.

Going on a gluten free diet is not easy.  Years ago I was told that Rice Krispies were okay as were corn flakes and oatmeal.  Now a days they are finding gluten hidden in many places.  Since I was sick for many years I improved very little.  I got discouraged and would cheat on occasion.
I am much more careful now and trying to eat healthy meals but do not find that easy.  I need help with preparation and clean up.

We did a good deed today giving a lady from Africa a ride home from the second hand store.  She is visiting her son and his family.  I guess we looked like a couple she could trust.

Hockey game now and next it is Heartbeat.  After all it is Saturday night.  Next  we turn back our clocks,

My prayer will continue to be for my family as each one is precious to us!  Tonight and every night.

WOW SNOW!

The first early morning view out our bedroom window.  During the night I got up and looked out and saw the snow so I asked dad did he know it had snowed.  He just mumbled.

Lucky me I will get to have Haiti go for a walk with me.  Kim is off to school and we will visit later.

Sandra also came for a visit but refused to have her picture taken.

Understandably because she was just back from the dentist.

I should have taken a picture of her clean teeth!

She and Randy had a blast visiting in Edmonton with Shawna and Stephen and the boys.

They came home with tons of candy so heavy they could hardly carry it.

Randy was a Big Hit!

Too bad they could not stay for Shawna's birthday on the 4th.

No practise driving today because of the snow and the car brake lights are not working.  Dad worked in the cold of the garage to try and find the problem.  Then he went on the inter-net.  Yes, we wonder how we got along with all these modern devices.

We also got a call from Ron Ateah, bless his heart, to see how our water problems were working out.

It was good to chat with him.  We have never made it over for a visit which is one of our regrets.

All things considered the past has been a blast in many ways.  So many good memories.

Now I wondered about the world I am living in but I think the important things is for me to concentrate on what kind of person I am becoming.  I want to be cheerful and caring able to forget about my problems and listen to others.

Sure I grumbled to myself at times when things take an extra effort.

Why do I write this blog?  I want to communicate with others what has given my life value and meaning.  I want us to communicate as a family too.

"Be content and calm about where you are,

Be at peace with who you are."

-Kathy Eldon  

FORGETFUL

Sometimes I even forget how prickly this thorns can be.  The jab into your skin and will not let go.

I can even forget how forgetful I can be.

Dad invited our neighbor Ken over for coffee but he forgot and went and had a nap instead.
His health is getting worse and his wife says he would not be able to walk down the driveway.
They have been such good neighbors.  Now dad has to eat all the sticky buns he bought by himself.

I wonder why my eggs are not cooking and then realize I forgot to turn the burner on

I am writing myself more and more little notes so I do not forget things, like names and appointments etc.

I am thankful the computer reminds me that our books are due.  Dad suggests I should drive but it is raining hard and I will try another day.

I have forgotten what a chore cleaning our kitchen cupboards can be until I tackled them in the morning.

I soon got tired and decided to bake a cake with the new duck eggs.  Should be the best cake ever!  Well I was beating the batter with firm determination when the bowl flew off the table and landed up side down on the floor.

Forget about the germs I say to myself and scrape it up and put it in the oven.  I am the only one that will eat it so I figure that's okay.

Oops!  I forgot how clumsy I can be!

I would like to forget all the cruelty and injustice and torture that is going on in my world right now. Everyday another disaster.

Scripture reminds us that God hears the cries of the oppressed and He challenges us to hear and to do His will.  To forget this and to fail to do our part is to break the relationship between ourselves and God.

Dad drove to the library and then to do our shopping.

It is cold and rainy and I have so much to be thankful for and I hope I never forget this!

                                                     Our Library.

FREEDOM

Free to enjoy a walk with Haiti on a sunny day.  May be the last sunny day for a while.

Freedom to turn on our taps and enjoy watching the water come rushing out.  Yes he new pipe has been connected and the dirt put back in and the cement power washed.  It all looks so good.  The price was reasonable which was a bonus.

Free to drive my car.  I phoned and was told that I was not under a suspended license.  The miracle was I actually, finally got through to a human being  and he was able to free me from the past mistakes!  They had received all the papers that were needed. I am thankful that I finally got through and now know where I stand.

Free to go at life with my own pace knowing that perfect health will not be my goal anymore but I am free to be happy anyway.

Freedom is the main message of the Bible.  We get into messes and have to be set free.
We sin and have to be set free.  Freedom comes with forgiveness!  Timing is important too!

LIGHT

I am up early in the dark waiting for the light.  Two men left last night promising to have our water line hooked up today.  I know the rain is coming but I hope not until the work is done.

Last night I was busy with our front porch at times crowded with strange creatures.  I am only too happy to get rid of the candy as the plain chocolate is too tempting for me, and for dad!

I was just about to turn out the porch light when I opened the door to a tall horrible creature.  He had an ugly mask and a body covered in mental and a claw for a hand.  He never said a word and I could not see his eyes.  He gave me the creeps.

I close the door quickly and do not even watch him leave.

The evening ended with the continual banging of fire crackers.  As a child there was the cracker that was the burning of the school house, a small little thing.  Would not be allowed today.

We are thankful for good neighbors who are always willing to help.

We want our home to be a place of safety and security,   warmth and love.
There continues to be more violence with tragedy in New York with a school bus the target.

Sometimes I feel a knot of fear that the world is just too full of darkness but the light dawns with the new day and I know I am surrounded with goodness.