HAPPY HALLOWEEN

                                             Our first visitors arrived early,

Ophelia gets her hat adjusted

Astrid is in there somewhere.

She is very happy and excited

She is a cartoon dog.

They have a quick visit and then to see Susan.

                                               

GOOD AND BAD

I did not wear my hearing aids to the dentist.

My appointment went extra long with Dr. Patterson and his daughter now a dentist too looking in my mouth.  I knew things did not look good.  And I was right.  I need to go back for a root canal.  That was the bad news of the day.  The good news was it was good I am already on antibiotics and have some pain killers.  Everyone there was very kind and there were lots of smiles!

Off to dad's doctor for a second opinion which I needed to hear.  He actually sat down and listened to our concerns.  He will contact the Cancer Doctor and make sure he has got dad's letter.refusing the treatment.  Evidently this is not that uncommon.  Dr. Muckiber says he will take care of the blood work too.  Dad and I both felt better.

I stopped to go into Save-On-Foods and discovered I did not have my wallet.  I had lots of small change which took forever counting out but fortunately I had enough to pay.  Coming home I looked everywhere but could not find my wallet.  It had dropped out in the bottom of the car when I was putting my camera in my purse.

I recognize the important role a lot of people play in my life.

Happiness comes and goes but it is there waiting to be discovered!

SMILES

Yesterday was  day of lots of smiles.  Even the sun shone upon us as we drove to Carol and Panteli'
The beauty of sun shining through the clouds is breathtaking.  I try to capture it.

It started with an unexpected visit from Carol.  The house was a bit of a mess but that did not matter.
She is working on plans to get back into counseling.  It is good to keep busy.

Dad and I make an effort to drive in to drive over to see the family hoping we will also see Ben and Kim and Haiti.  Lots of smiles for us.  Haiti expresses her smiles with all her being!

                                                  Busy students with lots of studying to do.

It is the things we try not to worry about and we try to put them into the background of our minds.
But our minds can play tricks on us.

I am off to the dentist and then to see dad's family doctor to get his opinion that would reassure me.

Rain or shine the world smiles through the love of family and  and friends!

In the midst of his awful pain and suffering Job experienced the sacred.
"But now my eyes behold you."
Eyes that smile from heaven.

INTENTIONS.

                                      What seeds of deepest longings lie with in our hearts.
                                                  What are the good intentions that drive us?

An intention is a thought that arises in the mind and creates a desire to manifest this idea or plan into affect.

I have good intentions to use my hearing aids.  I have started putting them in first thing in the morning.  Now I hear strange little noises all around me.  I do not feel to hopeful at this point.

I missed going to church on Sunday
and i missed not going out except for my walk.
Dad went on a bike ride later in the day.
I went to the health food store o buy pills to help with the discomfort of gas and bloating that dad is experiencing.   I also used the blower to clear away some leave'

I like to believe that these small actions of good intentions are important.

I am reminded dad to take his pills and my intention is to be helpful not nagging.

I have been inspire in many ways by many people starting with my own family.

It is helpful to quieten our minds and trust that each life has a purpose.

Pay attention to coincident

Our highest intentions to do good come from the soul that is inspired by deeper more selfless desires.

FASTER

I do not need to be faster in my thinking or in my walking or just doing things.  I just need to keep moving.  The first two falls I had where because I was trying to run to the garage with papers and run to the car.

Every day new decorations are appearing on the lawns of my neighborhood.  It seems like Halloween has become a big advent now.  I have some candy  already on hand.  I do not mind the little kids that come early but I quickly get tired of going to the door with a cheerful voice and happy smile.

I have not thought about Christmas yet because I will come fast enough and I will keep it simple.  Dad and I got tired out just buying him some slippers.  He tried on a dozen at least.

Dr. Nolte has put me on a fast acting strong antibiotic  to get rid of my bladder infection.  It upsets my stomach but I know it will be the best thing for me.

I remember being small and loving to run.  I would run to school so happy to think I was the fastest runner of all.  Look at me I am sure I said when I would run ahead of my mom not wanting to have to stop to cross the street,.

Now I am finally realizing that slowing down is a gift of old age as I learning to walk at the sped that is best for me.  I take time to appreciate breathing fresh air and watching life go by me.  They pass me on the way to school or work walking fast wanting to get ahead.

Old age is a gift that helps us enjoy life  in the slow lane. We are not in a race.

All movement is a miracle as we breath and look and hear and move and see.

A stomach ache stopped dad from riding his bike.

Neither one of us felt like going out.

THE UNEXPECTED

        The unexpected blooming of a summer flower doing a last show of color with their happy faces.

It was very dark last night at 6;30 when the doorbell rang.  Dad and I were snuggled up together watching a T.V. drama.  It was our good friend Diane from church arriving to pick me up for a meeting of the Ministry and Personnel.  I had completely forgotten about it.

I did not feel up to going out at all as we had already turned down an invitation to visit Carol and Panteli.  Theresa and Ben would also be there with Kim.  We love to visit them all.

We have been asked to meet because the secretary is changing her hours and it is up of our little group to give our approval.  I knew Diane had already put in a hard day's work at the cancer clinic so I certainly could not refuse to attend.

The church is cold and dark with one light shining in the room where we gather around a small table.
We are close friends who known each other for years.  We have gone through times of illness and sadness in each one of our lives.

We quickly do our task so that we can laugh and enjoy this time together.  As I look into each dear friend I see the marks of aging on each one.

Love sees the beauty in with the wrinkles of old age!

We have many memories of the different ministers that have come and gone.  We can now even laugh about the big problem that divided the congregation over serving wine at weddings.  What would Jesus do?  He would make sure there was enough!

Some of the unexpected changes we each have had in our lives have changed us and in the end have strengthened our faith and our love for one another.

There will continue to be moments of unexpected beauty that fill our souls with wonder and sacred
need to trust.

KNOWING

Dad was the chauffeur today driving over to pick up Vera from the Seniors Home and bring her to Bible study.  She is in her nineties and still studying.  We have a book which uses scripture to challenge us to look deeper into our every day experiences.

We have been together for years and now we face a lot of the same problems within our families especially when it comes to health issues.  There is knowing about problems but then there is facing them in your own life.

We are all finding we need help cleaning our homes and doing our gardening.

I tried out my hearing aids but still had trouble hearing when the person turned away.  Maybe I should turn it up but then the people nearest me are too loud.

Our refugee family is now here and in a home.  It is a big commitment  for those who are supporting them.

I bring home the food we collect at our meeting for the food bank.

So all in all we are helping each other deal with our concerns and share our faith. through study and laughter and prayer.

To become more aware of the spiritual strength that lies with in our souls.

STUDY

Prayer and meditation are good for us all in our everyday experiences.  We may do them in different ways.  I still have lots to learn in these endeavors.

I really believe to understand the meaning of scripture on has to be prepared to study.  I came home with a huge, the biggest book, in our church library to help me guide our study group on Wed.  I am finding it hard to reach back in time to visit a different culture and a different mind set.

Yesterday was a day of doing as I visited my friend Joan in the Seniors home.  I am so thankful I went because she was very shaken up by a nasty fall which meant she had to go to the hospital for x=rays and ultra sound.  She was returned home at 10:30 at night.  She is thankful she did not break any bones but she is feeling very dizzy and unsure of herself.

I certainly understand.

After visiting dad and I went to buy some better slippers for him because the old ones are worn out and dangerous because of the lack of support.

We resolved a concern we were feeling in trying to help another friend.
We are still both learning how to be helpful in a positive and 'caring way

Our lesson is on the prophet Hosea and I find the harsh words of the prophets so difficult to understand.  Time travel is required to help me find the message of ancient times.

Life is all about relationships and God speaks through many people to remind us of his unconditional love, mercy and grace.  We gather together as wounded souls who have struggled to do our best and continue to seek  for answers.

Scripture can be a help to me but is not to be used as a weapon to make it appear I have all the answers.

First we look inward before we can see others with compassion and grace!

Now time to study!

FALL

         

                       Yes it looks like fall with more and more leaves falling down one after another.

Yes we did get out to vote and we were surprised at what appeared to be a slow turnout.  Anxious to hear the results especially for alderman.  I realize should be a better informed voter.

Dad had a ride in the forest and his trail is also covered with leaves.

I wrestled with a couple of rose bushes who refused to let me go when they got their needles into my shirt.  I tire very quickly working in the garden but the main thing is I am very careful.

We have fallen into a mistake of trying to communicate with some one we are trying to help.

We want to be completely honest  and hope they are too.  Dealing with the present is okay but some tricky past information has to be disclosed.

The sunshine made me aware of the warmth of happiness and the security of being loved.

I do love the fall.

THE PAST

                                            Learning to live from the heart in the present moment.

Yesterday I was already stressed out not being able to find the case o keep my ear aids jn when a call came from a friend who needed some help reading  a letter that had come in the mail.  We went to visit and now are committed to help even more.

It is wonderful that others still ask for our opinion and for our help.

I have started going over to the Safeway at 7 in the morning because I am up so early.  Dad gets up about 8.  If I walk with Aneta we go at 8:30.  It is cold first thing in the morning but it helps to wake me up.

Dad went for his bike ride today and I had my walk.

Last night I talked to my brother on the phone and also my best friend Lynn Stark.
It was good to hear their voices and hear what they are doing now.
Lynn is a golfer and goes away for the winter.

Dad has been doing a lot of reliving the past which I am happy to just let the past be past.

"Youth is a gift og age while age is a work of art."  -Helen Carel

Each new day for me is a new beginning that I try to live prayerfully.

SUCCESSFUL

Everyday brings new opportunities to appreciate the wonders of nature and the challenge of learning to balance life. with times of busyness and times of rest.  There are things we need to let go of just as the time comes for the leaves to let go.  The colors have been so beautiful this year.

Dad and I enjoyed sitting out on the front porch in the autumn sunshine.

It surprised me when Dr. Nolte's nurse phone to ask how my cough was.  I was glad to report that I was successful in getting rid of it.  I followed the instructions which is always wise.

It is no surprise that getting use to our hearing aids has not been as successful.  Even putting them on right is tricky.  We both put them in for awhile today and dad could turn the T.V. right done low when I had a rest.

Dad enjoyed his bike ride and met some new dogs.  One chased after him in the park.  A good size pit bull.  Dad just stopped and surprise the dog by saying hello.  His owners came chasing after him fearing the worse.

Trying to learn new things is not always easy but success comes when we keep trying.

YESTERDAY

                                            Lots of love in this family!

We were invited again to-night but I had a tiring day.  I was fasting for a blood test but first I had an appointment at the dentist to have my teeth cleaned.  I do not like fasting but it is probably good for you occasionally.  I was certainly ready for my coffee and toast when I returned home.

It sure made me feel weak but I am glad it is all done for now.  I have a tiny cavity that needs fixing in a few weeks.

Yes I had very negative feelings about this morning.

"Negative feelings have the power to open us up to parts of ourselves that are still afraid and not able to trust."    -Richard Rohr

Trust is important in all  our relationships with each other and with God.

MOVEMENT

                              Another beautiful day.  Breath taking trees seem even more beautiful this year

I love the fact that we live in an area where the seasons change and because we know the rainy season will soon be here we appreciate these blissful days of basking in the sun even more.

A busy day out in the yard raking the leaves and mowing the lawn..I had a good walk with Aneta but we do not go through the park.

Dad took off on his bike and had fun on his ride through the Water Shed park

We had a quick but healthy sandwich before we drove to the hospital to visit our friend Sheila.  The worst part of her treatment was having to have skin grafts and the one is very slowly healing

You need a credit card to pay for parking but our card refused to work but fortunately I am enough change to pay for an hour.  We went to the wrong floor to start with but met up with another friend in the elevator and finally found the right room together.  Sheila is doing well and anxious to get home.

Moving on we joined Carol and Panteli and Kim and Hamlet for a delicious supper and lively conversation.   Ben came home later.

Movement is so important in our physical world with  the sun rising  and settings; as it is in the spiritual world.  As we move through our days doing various tasks it awakens the awareness of all that is alive.

Religion is often presented as dull and boring with it's set of rules.

Spirituality is all about the movement of the spirit within our hearts as we walk enjoying the beauty of nature and  the gentle breeze that whispers.  Dancing and singing are as important as praying as a way to free the mind and open the soul.  There should be more freedom in our worship!  The Bible does say make a joyfun noise to the Lord!

PRAYERFULLY

                       Living life prayerfully bring beauty and energy and peace into our souls.

We can get so fixated on the ball or on the task that we are doing that we forget to lift our eyes and see the beauty that surrounds us.

There are things that are out of our control that we have to learn to accept and appreciate the lesson we are being taught.  Our relationships with each other are so important.

Heather came over to help me in the garden again and I was amazed and how she could walk around the uneven ground and jump down from the rocks.  She is so fast and efficient and I am happy I asked her back/

She came before I was to leave for the ladies cooking party.  It meant I arrived late but I was in time to see the preparation of some East Indian food made with chick pea flour so I could taste it.

It is good to make new friends and we shared stories about cooking and baking that made us laugh at past mistakes/Every stage of life has it's prob;ems and difficulties.  Because I was going to be late I nearly did not go.  Because I felt I had nothing to offer I nearly did not go.  I did bring a listening ear and a will spirit to learn and to enjoy.

I remember how difficult it was to cook for dad's grannies because she was so critical.  Life had not been easy for her losing two sons in the war and not having a good relationship with her daughter-in-law.  This meant she was not close to her youngest son which was sad.

My new East Indian friend had an arranged marriage at age 18.  Very difficult.

We learn and grow through difficulty and through difficult relationships.

I do my best to live a life of faith prayerfully.  Enjoyed going to church this morning.

True prayer starts in our hearts!

FAITHFULNESS

          Every autumn our gardens faithfully produce ripe veg tables of all color and size and shape.
On our way to Carol and Panteli's we drive by fields full of colorful pumpkins.  The stores are full of them, lots to choose, for decoration and for making pies and casseroles/

Faithfulness is important as we shape our lives around what we believe and what we value in life.

Dad has been faithful in following his cancer doctor's orders over the past twelve years.  Now he has written a letter to his doctor asking him to respect his decision not to have the treatment that ruins his quality of life,  Respect is very important to us as we age.  We left the letter with the reception desk and will now wait for a reply.

Cathy our neighbor wanted to take us out for lunch and I am glad she faithfully got back to us and we went to Northview Golf Course where she had never been.before.  Huge tress full of color meet across he road and just give your heart a joyful experience.  We are good friends and she knows we really care about her.

Yesterday on my walk I was invited to two parties.   One is at Joann's to make Christmas goodies and share recipes.   They will be doing baking while we are there.  I will drop in but I am not that keen about baking anymore.  Maybe it will inspire me but I doubt it.  Anyway I will meet new neighbors who are not faithful walkers like Joann and me.

/the ten year old neighbor boy Patten is having a go cart birthday party and I am invited.  I know it is a joke but good for a laugh.

I like to think when we live out our spirituality with faithfulness and respect for others it will be a way of kindness, curiosity, appreciation for friends and family, as well as all the little things of life. It is making the most of life and valuing each other by being present and helping when we can.  The beauty of nature reminds me of the faithfulness of God whose healing power shines through the loving souls of others.

I experience this especially when I attend church to pray and sing and worship in community.

EXCUSES

We were looking forward to having supper with Carol and Panteli.

Haiti was very excited to see us and came running out to see us when she heard the car arrive.

Kim was away on cat duty at Sandra and Randy's home.

I kept thinking of excuses to put off putting my hearing aids in. I know it will take a while to get use to them.  

 I like it quiet in the morning.

Then I was going to vacuum and then cut the lawn so would not need them in then.

Then I ran out of excuses plus I want to try them out when we visited Carol and Panteli.

Ben came home a little later and we caught up on his soccer news.  A very exciting time.  It was too bad Ben was kicked and experienced an injury to his upper leg.  It will need time to heal and lots of ice.

Every day has it's challenges for each one of us.

I am finding it harder to write so may not write as often as I have been doing.

WORDS

Words cannot express all the beauty that waits outside our door.  The drive to Langley and back was through a world alive with color.  Many trees in different shades of orange and red.  Coming home the sun shone on them bringing the beauty even more alive.

Yes, dad and I drove out there to become wearers of hearing aids.

I cannot describe in words all the noise these tiny little things were coming into my head.  Everything was so loud.  It was exhausting.We walked out the door of the sound proff room into a world where everyone was shouting/!

We stopped at Milestones on the way home.
I took them off as soon as I got home and went right up to bed.

I have to learn how to adjust them and dad and I have to have them adjusted  to the same level so we both are comfortable.  This morning I have not put them in yet but will do so when dad gets up after my walk.

Many people are uncomfortable with the words that describe the reality of a spiritual path.  This is good if they are willing to continue to find words that make sense of something as beautiful as a flower and as gentle as a morning mist.

Life is a mystery that is deep within our own souls waiting to speak words of truth and healing.

Learning to listen is not always easy.

LIFE

An inspiring moment

 Life is good when you can breath in fresh air with your daughter at your side and look upon the beauty of the ocean.

Life for me is the daily things we do but also seeing the spiritual in the daily tasks.

Praying for wisdom and energy for us all.

We all live in a sea of emotions that range from regret to joy.
When we are experiencing pain that takes our focus away from the moment.
There are many painful sad situations all around us but wisdom is responding to what is close to us and how we can help.  Otherwise the pain of the world becomes a heavy burden that creates a weariness and hopelessness.

I think I forgot to publish this but that is okay too.

Dad had his eye appointment and everything looks okay but he must be diligent in doing his eye drops if he wants it to be stay good.

Our plans for the day changed when I started coughing and dad had a bad stomach ache so we rushed right home.  After making our lunch and sitting out on the front porch in the warmth of the sun I had a big rest.  It seemed a shame on such a nice day but sometimes we do not havea choice.

On Wed. we go to get our hearing aids and we try them for several weeks.  I know that I need to hear better so I hope I can adjust them okay.

We have moments that touch us deeply within our hearts so that we can look forward to another day.

INTEGRITY

Yes, we did go to church on Sunday and there was a big basket of food for us to deliver to the food bank.  Considering the size of our congregation it is pretty amazing. We give generously in many ways and this is just one.

There are basic needs that have to be met for us to live a good life that allows us all to be equal.

It is important for these needs to be met.  Food and shelter and safety and love.  It is easy for people to lose their way when their lives are not valued.

My study at church is on integrity which will encourage us to look at our motives and our commitments to tell the truth even if it is not easy.

Energy and vitality flow from generosity and integrity.


"Spiritual integrity and balance are critical for our mental and emotional health."

Dad and I enjoyed a visit from Carol and we share our lunch of left overs.  It is always good to talk things over with family.

Everyone is so kind to us.  We are very grateful.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

I am thankful for left-overs and great memories.

The table beautiful with candles and  flowers
           
                                                    The helpers have arrived.

Carol and Theresa taking pictures.

Astrid is all smiles as usual.

Carol and Ophelia check out the pool.

Morgan deep in thought

The cooks share a laugh

Ophelia wants to share a treat.  She is saying please.

GRATITUDE

                                                 I am very grateful for a lot of things.

This is taking an effort this morning after a bad night fighting an asthma attack.  I really do want to be sell today looking forward to our turkey dinner at Sandra and Randy's home.  I am truly grateful for all the hard work they do and everyone else who contributes.

We will go and we may come home early but at least we are close enough to do so.

Dad and I are grateful for many years of good health.  The problem is for dad to know what to do to keep healthy.

I am grateful for every new day.

I am grateful even when the day is disappointing.

I know that being grateful is a blessing that can carry us through the difficult times and keep the spirit of hope alive.

"It is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up."
E. tolle

I am thankful for sunshine.

I am thankful for good food and good cooks.

I am thankful for all our family near and far.
Love you all!

HUMANITY

As human beings we all have the responsibility and the privilege to make life a little better for all of humanity.  Every lifetime presents opportunities to do this.  Life even offers to teach us what we need to know and how we can become the person we are meant to be.

Some things we have no control over.  We inherit many weaknesses from our parents but also many strengths.

Growing older has many challenges but our lives still have meaning and purpose.

Dad and I had a quiet day at home.  He went for a bike ride and I did two walks.  It is warmer and there were no raindrops on the window pane even though lots wa;ling by  were carrying umbrella's.

Looking forward to our family gathering at Sandra and Randy's.  Lots of fun and food and laughter.

JOURNIEY

                                        Sorry the lens was dirty so this picture is a blurry one.

Our journey took us into Tsawwassen to enjoy a visit with Theresa and Carol at Mario's.  Theresa had just dropped Ben off at the airport for his trip to Salt Lake City.  (I think)  Lots of news to catch up on with these two active young ladies.

"Everyone has to uncover the lessons of their own journey."  Mark Nepo

It was good to see their eyes come alive as they told us of future plans.  School and volunteering.and family.
Every day we do the best we can to live from the heart as we share the dreams and goals of others.

Our journey continued to Surrey Hospital to see the cancer doctor.  The news was just as we expected.  The doctor wants dad to have another hormone shot. The side effects are unpleasant and we discuss them after when we get home.  At this time he will not go ahead.

We each have our own journey to travel and each of us will find the resources of inner strength when we need it.
We need courage and wisdom for all our little decisions and our bigger ones.

CHANGES

This was a great invention  at one time but things certainly have changed.

Some things bring back special memories that will never change what you felt at the time.

The weather has changed very quickly and is very cold.  This is the month where snow is expected in some areas.

I had a good sleep and a brisk walk to help me keep warm.

Dad did not ride his bike in the forest because of the chilly air so there will be no new movies.  Dad has improved a lot in the last few months even though he has had a hormone shot.

We go to the cancer doctor to-morrow and things have improved according to the blood test.

I decided to go visiting and dad volunteered to drive so I am always thankful for that.

On the way I was thinking how nervous I was when I first started visiting many years ago.  I am always aware that the person I am spending time with has an unique story to tell.  I often start with a few simple questions and really make an effort to listen.  Often they are where they are because of some tragic change in their health or there circumstances.  I know how that can feel.

I sometimes feel lost for words when I see the sadness in their eyes as they tell me their story.

I hope to keep visiting for another year unless something changes in my life.

Some changes are for the better.

When I left my friend Joan she tells me again how thankful she is formy visit because she feels so very lonely.  Getting older brings many challenges.  We are growing old together even as we laugh and share a joke or two.

LOST

It is hard to believe we can get lost in Cloverdale, a place we used to know so well.  Yes, everything is changing and there is more and more traffic.We drove out to the library to finalize the news reports from Saskatchewan. 

We did everything we had to do while we were there but arrived home to a message on our answering machine that he will have to return to-morrow.  Very frustrating.

Dad was also waiting for a call back from the Air Traffic Control Center.

It seems that difficulties are woven into the fabric and design of our lives.

I am back walking with Aneta. 

I need to get back into doing some work in the yard but I just seemed to have lost my enthusiasm.

This tree is huge and is now changing color and will look very majestic when all the leaves come alive with beauty.  What a job raking the leaves when they start falling. 

ORDINARY

A visit from Astrid who brought her mom and dad over turned an ordinary day into an extra- ordinary one!  Every time we see her she is up to new tricks.

Dad and Craig are planning to go to the Air Traffic Control center so he can learn more about flight paths.  This experience of running for council will give him an insight into politics.  Not an easy path.

Dad had the test for the P.S.A. today   He will see the cancer doctor next week.

After the visit with the family dad had a bike ride and I had a rest.
Still fighting a cough but I atleast know what is wrong and how to treat it.

Too bad Rick is not getting any answers and not getting any better.

I pray that God will guide him to find the path of health.

""Despite our dark worries, things are lighter on the other side of suffering."
Mark Nepo