DOWN LOADING

I spent an hour last night trying to down load these pictures.

The boys were very active and extremely cute but they were off to bed before I could take a picture of them all.  Walker is the last one to head up stairs.

I am taking a picture of the Cat!

Finally Walker smiles for us!

I am late going for a walk so I will just write a few words.  The tree boys are active and healthy and soon got to know us.  They had had a busy day swimming but did not have a long naps.  Randy made a great supper but dad ate too much.  I was so tired and I did not see him sitting up in the chair.

He also was having coughing asthma attacks maybe the new pillow!

A very bad night for him.

We look forward to many more visits.

I did get the days mixed up I thought they were arriving today.

Yesterday I had invited a friend over who had been in hospital with chest pains.

We had lots to catch up on since the death of her twin brother a year before.

I know how important it is for us to share from our hearts.

"Letting joy temper sorrow is how we endure 

and letting sorrow temper our joy

is how we remain compassionate."

-Nark Nepo

TRANSPARENCY

        "When we are deeply loved by some one significant in our lives we blossom into our true selves.
         -Chilean port  Pablo Neveda

Sunday we shared our afternoon with our younger friends.  Ava and Jeff are living out their dreams of helping and supporting their community and using natural resources daily.  They have new goals they hope to achieve and we are sure they will do this.

Our friend Cathy has been very transparent in adjusting to her new life.  Thankfully she has good friends at work who have been supporting her.  Her worry right now is about her mom whose health is failing as she gets older.  Cathy was the first friend we met when we moved to our home here.  She has remained a good friend.

We were reminded as we visited with them that life can bring the unexpected into journey through life. 

Dad rode his bike in the forest as usual today and enjoyed meeting some new dogie friends.

I had my walk in the early morning chill that turned out to be a lovely warm day. 

Scripture reminds us that being more transparent deepens our relationships to others and also to God.

OVER BOOKED

I am try very hard to remember to write things down and to remember where they are written.

We were waiting and waiting for Ava and Jeff to come and finally sent them a message.

I had the right time but the wrong day and both them and Cathy were coming at the same time.

Overbooked just like the airlines.

After feeding like a failure we get a call from hospital from Vera.  She is very happy and excited telling us that everyone who came in her room had a great laugh at the card we gave her.  It said she was the "Bees Knees" which was an old fashioned saying that fir her perfectly.  She is a very happy person who made us laugh .

Sunday morning is prayer time as is every morning.  So many going through tough times.  Prayer helps me focus on God's love and have compassion for others to feel their pain and sadness.

Prayer was the topic at church this morning.  A very thoughtful sermon.

I went but dad had a little stomach upset.

It was a busy and very day enjoyable sitting in our back yard with Ava and Jeff and later with Cathy.

FRESH

This is old news Craig and Rick after getting signatures for Craig to run in the federal election as a member of the green party.  It is good when we can help each other.

Enjoying my beautiful flowers from my birthday.  Yesterday I was too tired to do much.  Dad had a long bike ride and I rested and read a mystery book.  Later dad and I did manage to have a visit with Vera.  She was sitting up when we arrived as she wants to continue to live each day that she has and not to just sleep it away.

I tell her her presence is a gift of love just being herself.  She is like one of my lowers that continues to blossom in the midst of suffering.  We all eventually wear out our bodies that have been so earth bound and it is important that loved ones give you permission to die.

She wants to hear all about my birthday party and we are happy to share the good time we had.

This morning I was relieved to feel the freshness of the air after the warm day yesterday.  Too warm for me.  I am happy it rained last night.

Ava, sister of  Tavia, and her husband Jeff are coming for a visit.  They are living their dreams raising sheep and chickens on land they rent and living in a trailer,  It will be fun to have a visit with them.

To-morrow Cathy our old neighbor is dropping by.  It is good she keeps in touch with us old folks!

Living out each day with the strength and courage of who we are not what we can do.

HAPPY AND HEATHY

My battery ran out so only one picture went on.  I am glad it was of marvellous Morgan!  Our very shy loving great granddaughter.  She sings and she dances!  She is having some health problems, one being low blood pressure and dizziness.  Morgan came in carrying a bright bouquet of flowers which I am enjoying today.

I can not use the excuse when I look in my cupboard that I have nothing to wear.  I received new clothes for my birthday which I am looking forward to wearing.  It was an amazing parry with all my favorite foods and some of my favorite people.  I was surrounded by radiant young faces and happy voices pouring love and blessings out to me.  Theresa and Morgan, Sandra and Carol and Panteli and Kim.

I had many phone calls before and after my party.  Always good to hear from Kenny knowing Matthew is having a birthday in July too.  Early in the morning a cheerful call from Mary and Simone calling from the beach.  A beauty full day there too.

Happy and surprised to hear the voices of  Ranu and Lucas on the phone from Trinidad .  Lucas speals very well with a British accent.

Ron also phoned from Salt Spring where he and Dona have an exciting life.  She is away riding her horse on a camping trip with other horsey people.  Ron will be playing music for their return barbecue.

Rich and Tasha and Justice were unable to come on a work night but left messages on my phone.

Dad writes his own words from me and I appreciate knowing that our love is strong and that it has helped us to overcome some of the fears and hurts that I have overcome.

I set out for my walk and as I pray I am thinking of my brother and his wife Traudle because he always phones and sends a card.

I phone him and find out they are going through a very tough time.  Traudle is very ill in hospital and Brian is exhausted trying to care for her.  My prayers are with them both.  I wish I could do more. do

A happy and a beautiful day touched with some sadness but feelings of thankfulness for everything.

Ben returns from Germany today.  Another exciting day!

I am happy to be happy and healthy and loved!

DAY BY DAY

"Joy is the serious business of heaven."\

C. S.Lewis

One thing I remember from growing up was the beautiful trees that gave me shade as I walked and also the beauty when they met and formed an arch.  

So today is my birthday and I read my cards and receive a phone call from Mary and Simone.  Day by day, year by year the months and years fly by.  Today I get to choose what to do, what to eat and what to remember.  Many joyous days.

A good day to reflect on the meaning of life.  

Did I live a life of faith?

Did I laugh and sing with my whole heart?

Did I do my best to live a life of kindness and generosity?

Did forgive and also receive forgiveness?

I have felt the joy of being able to visit the sick and the lonely and hear the deepest secrets of their hearts which they may not have told anyone else.  I have beeen blessed to share mine with my loving family!

We all express the love of God day by day sharing and caring.

I be,ieve a snse of humor along with determination and courage are very important at any age.

HILARIOUS

After lunch dad and I drove down to have a visit with our friend Joanne.  I met her years ago out walking.  She always had a story to tell and it was always hilarious.  She lives in a big house with big rooms and big furniture.  I felt like the picture you see of a small child sitting on a big chair looking so tiny.

She had made G.F. blueberry pie and telling how she made it was hilarious.  It was delicious even .though it was crumbly.  Not bad for her first attempt.  She had a captive audience to tell her stories of the ups and downs of her life.  Even sad stories became hilarious with her telling of the tale. I couldn't believe we stayed three hours.

Today Mary Gaule is coming for a visit.  I wake up this morning thinking of things I ought to be doing.  Cleaning up inside and out.  Will it be warm enough to sit out back.  I hope so. Mary is a friend from church we have known for years also.  She has a great sense of style and always looks beautiful.  I am envious but then I think I am comfortable just the way I am.

I continue to search for cobwebs in my thinking
but this morning it is the cobwebs in the living room that need attacking.

"Before I tell my life what I want to do with it
I must listen to my life telling me who I am."   Parker Palmer

I value these dear friends and the times we can spend together.  Laughing together is good medicine.

KINDNESS

Kimdmess is such a blessing.

           Rick takes out to lunch.  Most people have beed kind when they come to the door.

At the I.C.B.C. they broke the rules about accepting a paper birth certificate for my enhanced drivers license.  The problem was I had grabbed dad's license by mistake.  She wanted me to come back with the right one.  I did not want to do that.  Driving out to Langley is no fun anymore.  All has been done now and I will get my new license in the mail in a couple of weeks.

They were a lot nicer to me than they were to dad the last time he went.

We stopped at the store and dad picked up a big nail which could damage sone one's tire and a lady offered to carry out my groceries for me.

When we returned home our neighbors Core and Natasha brought over some fresh baked croissants they had fun baking together.  They have done many kind things for us.

To-morrow Aneta wants to walk with me.  We have fun on our walks and it is fun to have her dog Lucy along.  She is just like Haiti so happy to see us.

In the afternoon Joanne has asked us over for tea.  She loves to tell funny stories so that is just what we want to hear.

My friend Mary, from church is coming over Wed. to bring me some special G.F. cookies she has made.  She is a fantastic cook.

Thursday we are invited to Carol and Pantel's to celebrate my birthday.  I can pick what I want to eat which is hard because I love so many of the good meals I have had there and at Sandra's and Randy's.

I have received several birthday cards in the mail.

Friday we will visit Vera again.  Not an easy visit as she is failing but still cheerful.  She is another wonderful cook and has made delicious soup for me when I have been recovering from my hospital stays.

When we feel the kindness of others life seems to take on a special glow!

COURAGE

I am a woman of great courage and inner strength.

I have determination.

Great and impossible challenges are overcome once again.

Facing my fears has not been easy.

Remembering has stirred up a great amount of anger.

Emotional wounds take time to heal and I have healed.

I feel happy and stronger.

I am thankful for Sandra's visit on Friday that reminded me of who I am and the lives that I will continue to touch as other reveal their deepest fears and hidden secrets.

"Let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint . . . . 

for in good time and at an appointed season we shall reap renewed courage."  Galatians 6;7

I am a woman of faith and a woman of courage!  I am awesome!

Happy to have Rick here for a visit!

It takes courage for him and Craig to knock on doors to get signatures.

GIFTS

                             The gift we have to offer our children is the love we have for each other
                             
                                                    The future is what counts now.

                                Dad is the story teller and writer and I am the listener.

  We are unique individuals and deal with life differently.

Dad's stories are full of heroic deeds of great adventure.

We love you all equally , the best we know how.

Today we came home with heavy hearts after viviting Vera, our dear friend.  She has taken a  turn for the worse.  Now is the time for her family to be there.  The reality she is close to death ovwewhelms me.  Another friends comes and is very annoying because she is very talkative. 

Thankfully the nurse came in to offer Vera more medication.

What a gift it is to have compassion.

We are thankful for the fun times we have had together.  The gift of friendship is to be cherished.

PREPARATION

It is important to be prepared.

I am prepared for power failure.

My early morning is a time for me to prepare for the day ahead.

Today is rainy Wed.  Time to organize our garbage that needs to be pit out to-night.

Sunny Tuesday was a busy day.  I was nervous about going to the doctor.  He did a very thorough test of my balance and my flexibility and my strength.  I would say he was not to enthused about me driving and asked why I wanted to do it.  

The thing is I do not drive very much or very far but it is nice to be able to do even a  little.  I really do not need to do much driving as dad is a willing chauffeur.  He drove me to the doctor's appointment and then over to visit my elderly friend Joan in the nursing home.  She is so very grateful for my visits and for dad driving me.  

I sat between her and another elderly lady who listened in to our conversation.  I thought Koan was not happy when she made the odd comment.  The good thing was when I left they talked to each other and it would be nice if they could be friends.

Carol had prepared a delicious supper for us to enjoy later that day.  I am so thankful for all the good cooks, female and male. in our family.

I am thankful we did get home from White Rock in time for dad to ride his bike.

Thankfulness is a wonderful way to prepare for the day, along with prayer.

Spirituality I see as a way to be free to grow and develop your own inner strength.  We cannot be ourselves if we look to others for approval.  It is living out your beliefs and looking ahead to many moments of joy that lie ahead for each one of us;

KNOWLEDGE

         Knowledge without revelation will not produce a spirituality that heals with the warmth of love                                                                the light of the spirit of truth.

The rich man came to Jesus with all the knowledge of the law and proud that he had kept these commandments.  He did not want to be open to another way of doing religion as he was comfortable and expected to be praised.  I know it all he was telling Jesus.

Jesus told him that : "Your own righteousness will not save  you."
Salvation means wholeness.  Body, mind and spirit.

"Wholeness lies beyond perfection."  -  Rachel N. Remen

Dad and I went to Boundary Bay Airport for lunch.  We enjoyed sitting outside together.

Dad did some writing on the computer which he enjoys doing.

I find writing very therapeutic and also revealing.  I start out with a few thoughts and the rest just flows out of me.  I am busy reading and learning about others.    Searching for stories that heal!

Fragmentation separates  and keeps fear alive and deadens and entraps us with feelings of despair.

Writing is a process by which I discover knowledge about my self that sets me free to be me.
Off to get my medical exam from the doctor for my license to-morrow.

FAITH

My faith in the beauty and mystery of what I believe is my strength.

Healing often takes time and courage 

Outer beauty does not last forever but inner beauty can!

What I need is to believe in myself again.

I am thankful others believe in me

Evan of you are on you are on the right track ; you will get run over if you just sit there." 

Will Rogers.

Like most  things in life you have to look for the beauty and the blessings

that surround you.

Sunday morning found us back in church in our same pew.  Surrounded by beautiful friends.

The story was about the good Samaritan.  Our minister was tough on the religious men who passed by the incurred man while a person of a different way of life stopped to help him.  He was certainly the good Samaritan.

We have a very caring group of people who care about each other and also about the poor and sick and homeless.  In this way we are caring for others especially those who are powerless and hopeless.

We share in each other's pain and sorrow knowing that we can also share this with Jesus.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy burdened.  I will give you rest and refresh your soul."

I know that my soul needs to be quiet at times and just not to worry.

POTENTIAL

The water is warm and Sebastien and Simone chatter away at us while they are swimming.  They are very happy and very lovable children,  I wee great potential for that family including Mary.  She will begin to walk in the direction of her purpose.

                         That is Me going for a little swim. I will improve if I try again I am sure,

                                                     Good to see Mary looking so happy,

                                                 Simone likes to talk with great joy!

                   Carol and grandpa look on.  We had a wonderful lurch and a happy visit.
Today was quiet except for a visit to the Thrift store.  Dad also went and got you needed groceries.
But we still did not have much for supper.

We will be so sad to see them leave.  The time has gone by fast!

                                       Words I love you float back and forth over the pool as we say good bye.

One of our Chinese friends made this and came by for an evening visit.

I believe that as I write my way through many experiences I will find a new potential too!

SUCCESSFUL

                 It is wonderful thing to know at the end of the day you have been successful.

 We arrived right on time for my eye exam but was disappointed I did not talk to the doctor.  I go back in Nov.  I am in no hurry.

We found a parking spot right near to the eye doctors and right near to the hospital where we were going to visit our dear friend Vera.  We finally both made it up to her room.  She is cheerful even
though she is in a very deary place and the food is disgusting.  For lunch it was a piece of bread with cheese sprayed on, a little soup and a Popsicle for desert.

If we share an other's suffering we are successful.

She made this choice thinking it was best for her children.

I know that hospice was created to give the dying a cheerful pace where they would have some choice about food and care.  Growing old takes a lot of courage.  Having pain at any age is discouraging.

 I think the most important thing is to be able to touch the lives of others in simple ways of kindness and caring.

We see Kenny's kids are having a  grand adventure exploring in the woods.

Sandra is enjoying sailing the ocean with her family.

Life moves on and carries us with a love that sustains us and completes us.

We enjoyed talking to Rick when we arrived home.  He and Carol want to help Craig with his political career which I believe will be successful in helping others.  Rick has lots of experience to help him on this journey.

We were happy that dad had a good day.  Success at last!

TODAY

                                               A bit of sunshine at the end of the day!

Our trip out today was even shorter than yesterday.   We went to the Health Food Store but had to leave very quickly.
We are trying to find solutions for these attacks and knowing it is diet related is important.

The traffic on the road was horrible and we got lost trying to take a short cut to the store.  Newton has grown very fast with a whole new area of shops and we seem to be going in circles.

We were disappointed not to be able to join the family get together at Carol and Panteli's.  Sandra, Mary and Chad were also going to be there with Simone and Sebastien.

To-morrow I have an appointment with the eye doctor which is near the hospital where Vera is now staying.  Maybe we will finally be able to have a visit.

Years ago I quoted these words :
I have realized I should not regret any day of my life
Good days give me happiness
Bad days give me experiences
both are essential to life.

Happiness makes me sweet
trails make me strong
sorrows keep me human
failure keep me humble
but God keeps me going."

Tiredness makes me cranky.

The message for each day is to discover new ways to work at being hopeful and to  bring hope to others.

SHARING

                     We are here to share our lives and to help one another reach their goals.

  "The bond that links your true family is not just one of blood but respect and joy in each other's life."  Richard Back.

Dad and I have put our roots down in the many different places where we have lived.  We have been friends and made many friends.  We have shared many good times and feel very blessed.

Today (Tuesday) we were surprised to get right in to the eye doctor.  Usually it is a long time waiting.  She thinks the little growth in the corner of the eye looks a little better but still wants him to see the specialist.  We are waiting for the appointment.

We had planned to go shopping and visit Vera in Hospice and then on to Carol and Panteli's and Kim's.  We were looking forward to sharing a meal and family news.  Dad started to feel very sick with stomach cramps and diarrhea.  He had a miserable time and was very happy to be at home.

"You do not choose your family  They are God's gift to you
as you are to them."  Desmond Tutu

Sharing some thoughts about family!

SUNNY DAY

Another sunny day to drive to White Rock to see the eye doctor.  We are concerned.

Yesterday was a day to learn another lesson.  I think it is bad enough to get old bu do I have to get stupid too.

Yes, I panicked when I could not find my purse.  At first I thought I left it at Sandra and Randy's.  I could not even remember if I took it there.  We both had worked hard in the yard cutting lawn and pulling dead flowers that have turned brown and ugly.  Time to clean up and do some shopping and maybe visiting Vera as she has moved to Laurel place for continued care.

I had had my walk and dad had his bike ride.  We were feeling good!

Now we both look hard searching everywhere.  When I get over-tired I do not remember much of anything.  Unable to find it we set out going from store to store to see if I have left it there,  Every counter I stand at I am sure I have left it there.  No luck.

We came home very discouraged and worried.  I ate two ice cream bars and lay down and rested.
I gave in to total weariness.
When I woke up I had another idea where to look.  It did not make sense but lots of things in this life do not make sense.

I had taking the comforter off Rick-s bed as it is now to warm for it.  It is bulky.  Some how my purse got rapped up in it.  I couldn't believe it.  We can sometimes remember better when we stop trying to remember.  The inner voice knows more than we think!  !

Oprah writes that the best thing we can do is to surrender to the inner power that is within you.

DISCOVERY

Rick and Craig talk politics.

Ophelia and Astrid discover a new toy.

Ophelia is going shopping

Astrid has a good laugh

Happy and busy little girls until they discover they both want the same toy.

Tears of tiredness result.

Rick takes charge of the toy and Craig takes charge of the children.

Day by day we discover new things about ourselves and about each other.

If we look within our own hearts we will discover the secret of happiness and the joy of helping others,

                                                               Happy Birthday Rick.

FAMILY

Our family is growing!  An exciting time for Many anf James with the baby due the end of August or early Sept.  The presents they received were beautiful and a great joy to see them both so happy.

It was good to see Rick although it took an effort to come down as he is still not feeling well.  Some times problems are hard to diagnose.

                                                 A warm inviting pool.

I'm swimming!

Ben is thinking about going in.

He is finishing his training at U.B.C. and is off to Germany next week for a goalie traing sesion.  Just him and the older goalie and his coach.

                                                 
                                                        A very proud mom and dad,

We celebrate Morgans's birthday too which is July 7.

She loves to go camping with her family.

she loves to dance and sing.

Simmone looks so grown up in her own sweet way.

Daddy Craig with Astrid.

The love birds!

A quieet moment.

Happy Nana and Auantie Leah

at the present opening.

Caught off guard

Another picture taker,

Mary a friend from the Caymons visiting.

Three very special guys

Love creates a family!

We love all of you!

Dad and Rick are still sleeping.

I have been up before 6.

Craig may come over with the children.

Maybe they are still sleeping.