UNEXPECTED

When they arrived they were very shy.  They soon became very active and funny until the
 little one Atlin became very  afraid of the dog and then his big brother had an asthma attack.
It was a bit of a disaster!

Another time we will keep Spenser upstairs.

The rain that we expected did arrive and Spenser refused to walk more than two houses away.

We both came in very wet.

They say that nothing is certain in life

and in some ways that is true but that is not always true.  

It seems that most health issues take time to be diagnosed.

Rick will be having an M.R.I. early in Feb.  

Another thing to add to the stress of a move and a new job.

They are willing to wait for his reply.

Very quiet after everyone left.

LIARS AND CHEATS

I stayed up too late watching hockey games.  Our teams won that is Van. and Calgary.  I do not like the fighting it really spoils the game for me.  They looked so stupid punching each other.  No one wins.

A warm and sunny day to drive to the pub in Ladner.

Time to close the door on unfinished jobs.

Story time as we sit by the window and reminisce of our boat owning days.

We had fun but the boats were replaced by airplane.

I took this pictures just before we saw swan floating by.  They look so graceful and peaceful.

                                         'There were even some little ones.

On the way on Ladner trunk road the eagles perched high in the trees watched as we drove by.

They look so serious 

It is hard for dad to not be able to do things himself.  It is time to call in the experts.  

The Bible is a book of many stories written by different people.  A book that tells of imperfect human beings who faced war and persecution and fear and jealousy.

They were liars and cheats who often used force to take what they thought belonged to them.  We can learn from their mistakes.

Jesus came to reveal to each one of us just what is in our hearts.

"Let the one who has never sinned cast the first stone."    We are all have our human weaknesses and faults.  Religion is not meant to be a place where we hide but where the truth shines i'ts light on us all.  Learn to forgive and forget and love one another.

NATURE

                                                              A very interesting sky.  Yes those dark clouds do bring on the heavy rain.


We look forward to Tuesday and a visit from Kim.  She feels good helping us .

We phoned Stephen to wish his happy birthday.  He is sounding happy and busy helping his dad.

Rick is clearing out stuff from his house and thinking of moving to White Horse where he has a good job offer.  A big decision.


WE took some stuff to the Salvation Army  because we need to pass on what we are not using.
Dad got a new sweater, Kim says it will be a good Christmas sweater.  Dad is enjoying it now.

I met an old friend from Colebrook at the Store.  She was very active there.  She has not gone to a new church yet.  She will try Crossroads where we have been going.  I worn her about the sound system.  It may be something we need to adjust to and wear our hearing aids.

The music is very lively and inspirational.

I am looking for a spirituality that is healing and renewing.  We all need change.  We live in an area where nature brings dark days but also sunny ones too.  We need both.

Yesterday was sunny and full of promise and happiness with a visit from Kim, today is rainy and dull.

We have to find out who can help us fix the water linking onto our sidewalk.  We will need an expert.

I am reading a book called "What Is The Bible."
I feel it is important to keep learning especially for me when things I use to know seemed to have leaked out of my brain.

OUTSIDERS

On the way to Carol and Panteli's on Thrisday.

Ditches full of water.

Water lying on top of fields.

The ground is saturated when we drive there again on Sunday.  We had good food and good discussion but history and leaders who still affect our lives by the changes they made.

A good way to end the day.

We did make it to church and the message was about exception the people who have been shut out of our churches by people who believe they know what the Bible is teaching.  It is a book of contradictions and ugly truth.  

The lady who was invited to preach had a sex change.  Her story was one of struggle and shame and rejection.

The birthing of new ideas has never come easy.  The life of the prophets brought the harsh truth that convicts the righteous and invites the outsiders to come into the community of believers.

Jesus made this even more clear as he declared no one is untouchable or beyond the healing love of God.  

Let the one without sin cast the first stone.

Her prayer that she prayed over and over again was that she could feel normal.  This prayer was not answered as she expected but came with struggle and pain.

Her message was a challenge to accept people who have felt like outsiders and open the door of our churches and our hearts to them.

THE BATTTLE

Every day Spenser and I start out on our walkand we never know who we will meet.
Some days we meet no one.
Especially on rainy snowy days.

Every day I battle with my computer that says it does not know me.

I am going to take it to our next family gathering to get some help.
I do not like spending so much time before I even get started.

We had a little talk with Kenny but we phoned when he was at work.

It is Australia Day there which meant a holiday.

We took Spenser for a ride to the library.  He loves his car rides.
I had to return my brain book as some one else has ordered it.

I am sure that dancing must be good for your brain especially if you are having fun.

I wish we had continued with our dancing lessons but we decided to drop out.

I was thinking today how it is hard to make the right decisions for me especially as I get older.

We have made some mistakes but usually things turn out okay in the end.

STORMY

 Thankfully Spenser and I were back from our morning walk when heavy rain, almost hail, came down in our back yard.  Right away we heard the noise as it splashed hard on the road and sidewalk.

Then the thunder crashed like an angry god shouting and expressing his dislike for all our meanspirited attitudes. No wonder the prophets in the Bible would believe in a god of thunder and punishment.

It was a short but stormy time.

I was sorry to miss the phone call from Theresa when we were out but dad told her all the news and shared the news of her family.  Both Ben and Morgan are doing well.

I took Spenser to the Care Home on Thursday but forgot to bring his leash.  I expected he would just lie down on the floor beside me while I visited my old friend Joan.  Right away he took off running down the halls and looking in every room.  The staff gave him lots of pats and really enjoyed him.  I was not happy.  I was afraid he could make some one fall or upset some one in their room.  I finally had to chase after him and carry him out the door. It ended up being a short visit as I hurried him out to the car where dad was waiting.

Joan and several others thought he was very cute and funny.  He brightened up their day.  They thought I was funny too!

We planned to have a quiet day today and were very happy when Pat and John dropped by.  We always have lots to talk about with them.  

Driving home in the rain yesterday was no fun. 

I remind myself how lucky dad and I are in many ways but especially to grow old together.

Putting on my sleep machine was laughable trying to tape it on so it would stay on.

"In order to sustain a consistent outlook and pattern in your life,  your thoughts, feelings, choices and words need to work together to bring harmony that expresses who we really are!

Switch on Your Brian by Dr. Caroline Leaf.

Looking forward to going to Carol and Panteli's for supper.  I love to eat out.

LISTEN

Quiet listening is good for my soul.  I take a moment just to forget all my worries and anxieties.

Quiet listening can be a gift we give to one another.

I tried later in the day at the nurses office to listen to the instructions for putting on the sleep moniter

but when  got ready for bed  was not sure I was doing it right.  I had a hard time falling to sleep with the band around my middle and wires to my nose etc.  

I am thankful the receptionist listened to my request for an appointment for dad before his does his test.  Visual Fields.  His appointment is on the 4th of Feb.  I wish it were sooner.

Next week we have three appointments.  One to see the nurse for the sleep test results as well as dad's eye doctor and I have a stress test.  I hope I do better than this sleep test!

Today I return the sleep tester.

I wonder if any one is listening to the Impeachment speeches of the other side,

Taking time just to listen is important even if we have no answers.

Really making an effort to listen is good for the brian.

CANCELATION

We cancelled dad's eye appointment with the Visual Fields.  He did not want to give anyone his cold.

She will not see him until this is done.

I suggested his eye should be looked at since his operation.

Early morning walk with Spenser.

Wow I put this picture on finally.

FAMILY

We attended church.  The Church is called Crossroads.  A very modern church with high ceiling and chairs instead of pews.

The message was about following Jesus who both comforts us and challenges us.

We had a hard time healing as the sound system was not that good, it was loud but not clear.

The hymns were put on an overhead which was difficult to read because there was too much light on the windows.

We will go again and sit near the front.  It was a comfort and a blessing to see many of our old Colebrook  friends.  They have become our church family.

After a long rest we jumped into Sandra's car and we sped along to the party at Carol and Panteli's which Kim was hosting for Hamlet's birthday on Jan 21.

 The dancers who had been taking Salsa lessons finally agreed to show us what they had learned. 

                                                                   These two are a bit shy!

The watchers.

The girls are very shy when they first arrive but they become more lively as the evenning moves on.

They ended up climbing all over me in the big chair.

EXPECTATIONS

I expect by the end of the day the snow will be disappearing.

I expect that we will be attending church to-day.

I will feel like a stranger but I will be welcomed as a new friend.

It is not easy as one gets older to adjust to the unfamiliar.

It will take courage .  It will take a positive mind.  It will be a challenge.

It will be a transformation that promises to be healing and renewing.

I have expectations for a happy celebration at Carol and Panteli's for Hamlet's birthday.

I expect to feel loved .

HIDDEN

                                          Yes little things hidden by the snow are appearing.

A gray morning with clouds keeping the sun hidden.

Dad and I are both remembering things we had hidden in our subconscious for years.  They just seem to pop to mind.  Wisdom comes from choosing to see what is important to keep alive and what needs to be kept hidden.

Life is a challenge at any age.

I am thankful that I can continue to learn by examining my own soul and especially  choose my own thoughts and attitude towards life.

We are having a quiet day to day.  Todd came and shoveled a bigger path and sprinkled a little salt.

We have such kind neighbors.

Spenser and I walked to the park.

LEARNER

Early morning sunrise with a heavy cloud over it.

Dad and I have looked at my e-mail account and  will send some messages as I learn more how to do it.

Dad has taken the plastic bandage off where they took the skin craft from.  It seems these areas take a long time to heal.  It had about ten stiches in it.  Dad had a bad night with asthma .  We will go out to the White Spot today after going to the bank.

Yesterday it was scary when we drove out to the huge pile of snow on our driveway.  
Coming back up in the snow was tricky too.

Every time I seem to learn something on this computer it changes.  I do not like changes.  I feel lost.

A little knowledge can give us the courage to keep trying.

DIFFERENCE

Whata difference a day makes.

There is a little sunshine and the snow will be turning to rain.

Spenser was okay with a short walk.

Phone call from a friend asking about dad.

Our friend Joanne dropped by to see if we needed anything from the store.  We asked her to get dad's bread and some eggs.  She came by the first day of snowfall but we were in Delta Hospital.

I think I may walk over later in the day.

I am worried about a little swelling under dad's eye lid.

My biggest worry is that all the test I am getting will show nothing wrong.

I know it is useless to worry but I tend to carry  these thoughts from yesterday on to today.

After a busy morning with the visit of Joanne I need to be quiet and pray with the confidence all will work out!

Faith helps me overcome my doubts and worries.

MESSY

Yes our sidewalk is very icy.

• I put the salt on and it is coming in the house on our shoes.  What a mess.

The appointment at the dentist turned out to be a bigger problem than first thought.  Both Bob Patterson and his daughter were looking at it.  I was glad to be back home.

Kim is coming and bringing us some supper which is good.  Dad does not feel like going out and I did not feel like shopping after the dentist.

I was very happy to have a phone call from a friend at church.  I have been feeling neglected. 

My C.T.Scan showed nothing.  That is always good news but I wish there would be some real answers.  It is tiring all this waiting.

Just got a phone call from Kim she is on her way.  She will cheer us up.  I guess everyone is putting on their dancing shoes for the lesson to-night.  I sure wish I could watch!

Dad took Spenser for a short walk but ended up carrying him home.  I think he got some salt inhis paw.  He was happy to be carried home.

COLD

                                                     No more snow but it is very cold.
                                        Our road is always the worst as it does not get cleaned off.

Yesterday, Monday, the roads were in good condition when we drove to the hospital in Delta.  We arrived early and had time to have a snack before my appointment.  This was a nice place for dad to wait.  Everyone treated us with kindness and even came to look for me in the snack area as they could take me in early.  The C.T. Scan was easy and quick.

We were invited to Carol and Panteli's for supper but we were anxious to get home.  Very thoughtful
We were ready for a nap..

I woke up with a nasty headache.  Dad started coming down with a cold in the evening.

At the hospital I remembered the years I had worked for the Women's Auxilery before there was even a hospital.  We opened a small thrift store to raise money.  This group is still going strong.

I am missing my old friends from church and I now realize everyone is keeping in touch by e-mail.  I will have to use my e-mail instead of relying on dad's.

I have a dentist appointment this morning and thankfully I can walk there.

Beginning each day with quiet prayer renews my energy as well as my spirit and soul!

THOUGHTFUL

A very cold wind on my walk with Spenser.

More snow is falling now.

A good day to stay home except we have to drive to the Delta Hospital for a C.T.Scan

Of course I am feeling better.

Usually I can tell when some one comes into our home when we are gone.  But not yesterday.  I only later noticed the bag of salt the Sandra and Randy left at our outside door.  I should have noticed a light was turned off.

Very thoughtful Family.

My neighbor Amy came over to see how we were doing and when she heard about dad and my test she prayed for us both.

Very thoughtful neighbors.

Dad had coffee ready for when I got back home and was even thinking of going looking for me.

Very thoughtful.

LOST

                           A little snow at the park.

"One of the true secrets in life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others,  

Lewis Carrol.

Brain tip "Hope is essential for mental and physical well being."

Yes in life we find that things can go wrong and we are annoyed,

I cannot go back and look at the comments because I can not return  to my blog.
Please continue to make comments as I can read them on dad's computer.

I forget important things that I need to do.

"We are encouraged to live completely in the Now."

Our mistakes can become positive learning experiences.

Hope helps me to look for new possibilities.

FOUND

Yes we found it had snowed over night.

It looks beautiful but hard to walk in

but Spenser and I made it walking around the Safeway and home.

I had trouble finding my blog again but I finally found it,  Yes maybe time for a new computer.

Dad and I enjoyed a visit from Carol and Pentali and received some advice on our leaking water pipe.  Nothing can be done until the snow is gone.


When they left we turned on the T.V. and both fell asleep.  Dad went up to bed and I did too but could not sleep.  So I sat down at this computer.

As we think over our experience at the hospital clinic we are so thankful for all the help we had.  The drive in with Pentali and the ride home with Sandra.  Dad received very good care and now is in a process to recovery.

For me I find there comes a inner strength when we need it.  Faith is an ongoing process.

We need to be patient and listen to our bodies.

SURPRISE

We were surprised to learn Stephen was coming to town.

We were not surprised to wake up to falling snow.  The neighbour  Todd and his two boys came over to shovel off the snow for us.

What a surprise to have my computer working.  Dad worked on it for most of the day.

We are both very tired after the long hours at the eye clinic and the cancer clinic in Vancouver.  The doctors and nurses were very kind and caring especially at the cancer clinic. Your whole world shuts down to the room you are in.  We shared our experience with others who all had a story to tell.

Dad's eye is a little painful and there is a big hole in the place where the growth was taken out.

It is not a pretty sight.

There is an old proverb that says put your troubles in a pocket with a hole in it.

Recovery takes a while.

Dad and I would have liked to visit Carol and Panteli but he really should not drive for a few days

PROBLEMS

Yes I am having computer problems.

Nothing works.

Dad and I worked on it together. 

We are looking forward to seeing Stephen.

Today we drove to Tawwassen to get some muffins that I can eat for my lunch on Thursday.
We meant Carol at the Wooden Frog and then went to her house to have a bite to eat.  She made us some of her extra good cookies.

I had a phone call from a friend who wanted a ride to our Bible Study on Wed.  The trouble was she started telling me all her troubles.  Finally it was arranged.

Then I got a call from Randy telling me he wanted to take us out for breakfast with Stephen at 11 o'clock.  Wonderful news but it meant phoning my friend back again and then she phoned back to way she had a ride with another friend.

Kim arrived and we had supper before she left for dance class.  I wish I could be there.

I would like to control the uncertainty but when things do not work I am trying to be more patient.

Dad and I are anxious about the long day at the eye and cancer clinic but I believe the doctors will be the best and things will go well.

If problems come up we will deal with them.  I pray that all will be well.

UPDATES

The grass stays so nice and green.

Dad has confirmed our hotel room.  So good it is right near the hospital.

The plans are all made for our trip in with Carol and our ride home with Sandra.

The nurse from Dr. Nolte's office phoned to see if I had any chest pain.  I do not.

An appointment was made for a T.C.San next Monday.  

We had a quiet day with a trip to the library because I always need something to read.

We stopped at the Safeway but I forgot what I went in for except to pick up dad's medicine.

To-morrow Kim is coming from work and bringing us her famous salad.

Then it is dancing lessons for Carol and Panteli. Sandra and Randy and Kim.

They will have great fun!

INVITATIONS,

It is always great to receive invitations.

Great hockey game with Canada winning over Russia!.

Saturday our friendly neighbor Cathy invited us down to see her new apartment in White Rock.

She is looking so much better and sounds so much more cheerful.

We had lunch at the White Spot.

Later Carol invited us over for supper.  We had a good visit with Kim and Hamlet and Panteli.

We were invited again today and it would have been nice to see Ben who is back to his schooling,

but we were already eating when she phoned.

We were invited to Crossroads Church and we intend to go next week.  We have several good friends there.

I was thinking how exciting it must have been for the disciples who Jesus invited to follow him.

We invite others into our life by caring and sharing ourselves with them.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

We were a happy group.

The table was set with my mom's favorite dishes

and there was great food from the Green Lettuce.

WINDY

Almost blew Santa from the roof.

Blew our empty garbage pail over to our neighbors.

                                          Blew me  and Spenser from behind down the road.

                                                       Dad drove around to look for us.

We talked to Ken and Melina and they are safe at home.  Melina has now come down with the nasty flu and cold that Ken had.  No holidays away for them now.

December had been a month of anticipation.  Putting up Christmas lights brightened up the days that were getting darker.

January seems bleaker and darker than we remembered.  I call it a month of endurance especially when you are waiting for things to change.  I am getting used to my shortness of breath.  Good news Mary has her old job back.  Her children will be with her for the week end.  Hopefully a house can be found for Sandra and Randy to buy and rent back to her.

I am thankful I am not having any pain and dad is such a good help.  He vacuums downstairs while I do up stairs.  We will drop a bag of old clothes off at the thrift store.

Within in each of us is the strength to endure and carry on.

I see signs of new life as I am walking.  

I learn from my brain book we do not need to bury our emotions because that is unhealthy.

Endurance means do not give up and ask for help from God and from family and friends.

The past can be healed although not completely buried.  It is a part of who we are.

The future can be filled with new hopes and dreams!  Dream on!

RESOLUTIONS

Enjoy every sunny day to the fullest.

We are very worried about the fire in Australia.  Hope to hear from Ken soon.

The world seems like a very grim place right now.

Even those who live in a safe country are experiencing a high level of stress.

We worry about things we cannot control but we mostly worry about our loved ones.

My resolution is always the same to think before I talk or act.  

I checked to see if my books were in the book place at the park but they were already gone.  I did pick up a book you may like Sandra the Final Cut by Catherine Coulter.  I am just starting it now.

Resting more means I am reading more.  

We all carry hidden unhappiness or disappointments so it is important we try to be kind to one another.  

I will not get any results until the end of Feb. if I do the appointments through Dr. Nolte.  

I go to a sleep lab and a stress test on a walking machine and an ultra sound.

I will get dad to make a reservation at the hotel now!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year to all

I am feeling very thankful and hopeful.