INPROVEMENT

Dad is a bit better today.

               He cleans up the kitchen while I take Spenser for a walk in a very light shower.

Sandra and Randy drop by for a visit by the fireplace.  Not warm enough for a pool party today.
They are busy shopping at Value Village and then on to look at  Trailers to take to Edmonton in July.

It is hard to believe Justice is now 16 ready to get his driving lesson.

                       The young girls have put out more hearts and rocks with messages on.

A time to remember who you are and the healing power that lives within us all and that we are loved.

                        I think it is important to remember it is not the size of our bodies that matter but the                              size of our heart.

"I really wish you an even deeper peace, the peace that lives underneath the turmoils and anxieties of our heart and doesn't mean inner harmony or emotional tranquility.  God's peace comes from beyond our thoughts and our painful wounds to being healing that improves our lives daily."
 - Henri Nouwen.

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly forgetting the changes that had to happen to achieve this beauty and the freedom to enjoy life."    -Maya Angelo

Healing ourselves day by day.

DISAPPOINTMENTS

Early morning duck patrol.

                         Yesterday the black cat was ready to chase them when a dog chased it.
                                            But they are back today.

Dad was disappointed with the phone visit with his doctor.  He was questioning why we went to get the x-ray before they sent it out.  The reason was we wanted it done before the end of the day.  He acknowledge the old injury that dad is well aware of.  He talked too much about other cases he had treated.  It was like he was talking to some one who did not understand.  He said keep doing what he is doing and get active when you can.

We are disappointed to miss the first pool parties of the season.  We know everyone will have a great time.

Spenser was very disappointed not to get a ride in the car yesterday.  We cannot take him when it is so warm.  He can come for a ride as we buy his dog food.

The news from the States is tragic.  Bitter disappointment and anger over the death of a black man arrested by a white police officer.  The officer was brutal and the man died.

President Trump could have helped ease the situation but he is a coward who only cares about himself.  A very disappointing president.

DAY BY DAY

One good thing about walking with Spenser I have time to look around and see new growth.

Dad's doctor will phone early Friday morning.  It is important to know what the x-ray showed.

It is good to have some warm weather so we can enjoy being a part of our neighborhood.

Dad tried to take Spenser for his last walk of the day which is around the block.  He even took his cane but only made it part way.  

Life has changed so much because of the Covid-19 bugs that can be in the air and everywhere.

Carol is working hard teaching on line.

Kim is now preparing for her class to return to the classroom.  Everything has to be done with social distancing.

Phoned Ken to hear how Jasmine is doing.  It is not certain she is sensitive to gluten and so she can not change her diet before being tested again.  They are worried about her re-action to more then food but to medication and other complications.

Love changes everything so that day by day we awake to new possibilities.

I am thankful that dear friends are praying for me and dad and our family.

EARLY

Have I put this picture on before?

It is the water running in our back pond.

Dad had his treatment at the physio but it got too painful so he ask her to stop.

He communicates with her very well it is the receptionist he cannot understand.

He decides to stop in at the Safeway before coming home.  He does not notice the arrows at first. 

It was drawn to his attention when actually he was going the right way but the old lady coming the other way admitted she was in the wrong. They are good in some ways and I have a feeling they may stay around for a while.

It is hard to stay positive when you are in pain.  I remember the story about the lepers who lost fingers and toes because they did not feel pain.  I know it is easy to re-injure yourself.

Early in the morning.

Early days as things open.

Early days in dad's recovery.

We continue to honor the first responders

who have risk their own lives to save us.

We all can draw on the courage that is a part of who we are and do our best to do our part.

The problem is the pain that dad is having is worse today.

GUESS

Life can seem like a guessing game sometimes.

Dad thinks he feels a tiny bit better this morning.

He goes to physio this afternoon.

I guess I am getting used to losing things like keys or wallets, my book or my glasses.

Everyday I try and guess what day it is.  They all seem the same.  I have the same routine.

I guess we are all a little uncertain about the future.  A step at a time into the future.

I guess I should let my neighbor Amy cut my grass.  She so kindly offered when I started but did not finish. 

 I guess celiac does run in families.  Jasmine has just been diagnosed.  Good that there are more awareness of this now and more products to help.  Kim and Theresa and Morgan and Tasha have it too.  The earlier they catch it the better.  It can affect you mentally and emotionally when it is left untreated.

I do not guess I know I have a lot to be thankful for.

I was thinking this morning about how important each member of our family is.  

The young and the old.

VOICES

The voices that gladden our hearts

                                                         and lighten out load speak to our hearts.

It was a joy to hear from so many in our family both on the phone or on my blog,

We heard from Theresa, Rick, Carol, Sandra and Ken.  It means a lot to both dad and I to listen to the concerns that bring is comfort.

Evidently our friends Pat and John tried to reach us by phone too.  It would be evening before we talk to them.  

What would we do with out each other?

We are very blest with each one of you!

We are a family with big hearts!  

We care for one another by keeping in touch.

It was a day when places started to open up. 

But many did not hear the words of caution.

We still still need to keep a distance from one another

but we can invite family to come in now.

Sandra phones to invite me to shop for flowers but my heart was not in it.  After waiting for over an hour for me to find my wallet we went to buy some much needed things like eggs, butter and milk and bread.

The clerks were very helpful in finding corn meal flour for me.  The found two kinds and even told me the prices.  Sandra did not waste  her time waiting but did a lot of work in my garden.It is blooming as both the weeds and flowers continue to grow.

Dad had a restful day and slept for three hours while Spenser nd I walked to the park to return the books I have read.

"More than one voice needs to be heard in a healthy society."  Dr. Lee who died after first being jailed for speaking out about the seriousness of the Covid-19.  Later he was released and hailed as a hero but he ended up dying with this disease.

Dad has seen a mouse so two mouse traps are put out.  Spenser decides the cheese is meant for him and tries very hard to taste it.  What a disaster if he were to have his nose caught in the rap.  I dream about this frighting possibility.  I was the one who had a restless night.

Morning came and two little mice have been caught.

"Being seen and heard happens one voice at a time."  Mark Nepo

Our neighbor brings over some delicious cinnamon  buns.  

Another way others are speaking into our lives.

Dad and I are both very tired at the end of the day

We are both very grateful for family and friends and for Spenser even though he can be extremely stubborn.  He belongs in this family of stubborn but good hearted people.

WILD

My wild garden

Dad had a wild night wrestling with his pillows

He is very tired and feeling weaker.

It is a shame we do not know the results of the x-ray.

He will go to physio to-morrow.

It is very hard to find personal meaning when you are in pain.

We value the gift of life and the gift of courage to see us through.

Hopefully dad has a better sleep to-night.

Loss of sleep can easily make one not only tired but depressed.

The duck returns after a night away.

She is sitting in the little water hole I dug.

I think we have done all we can do

we just wait and see.

We did ask the experts.

           Spenser and I went out to look for the ducks and we were joined by two mothers doing the same thing with their children.  At 4 there was no sign of the ducks.  It is fun to enjoy a walk with your neighbors and get to know them a little better.  The one girl Angela knows dad and says she will come and visit.  I wonder if that is okay at this time.

We now have a neighborhood watch group.

"My concept of God" :writes Sheila Cassidy,  "is of a very wild, mysterious, transcendent God who allows suffering to be mystery we need to live with."  We like to question and to rebell and compain but it is what it is.

FUN

I think one of the worst things about this pandemic is that it seems to have tried to drained a lot of the fun out of life.  There are rules everywhere you go and that will be the way it is for awhile.

I am happy we had fun getting together for mother's day and to open my mother's day present.

The ducks have brought some of their friends to the neighborhood.  Now there are four of them.

They do not worry about social distancing and they walk close together as they cross the street.  I wished I had my camera.  

Dad and I did not have a good day today.  Dad was late getting to the Physico because he had to walk over because we could not find the car keys.  When he got to his appointment the girl did not want to let him in because he had not filled out the form for the virus.  Did he have a sore throat or a cough or had he been near anyone who has been sick or has he travelled out of the country.

They were not happy because he was late.

I went to the Safeway to pick up medicine and was told to come back in the morning.  This was after standing in line to get into the store and another line up at the Pharmacy.  I looked disappointed and they said they could do it by 6 o'clock. 

Spenser and I went over later and the security guard took care of him while I went into go it.

I guess it pays to be old sometimes.  I got a few groceries while I was there and two people offered to carry them for me.  I said I just lived near by so it was okay.

We went out to Brown's for supper and the waitress made a big fuss over seeing us.  It was not busy as people do not know it is open.  They have less tables set and the waiters and waitresses are wearing black masks.  I find it hard to hear them talking through them.  But my hearing is not the best.

Will I still get comments if my ducks fly away?

Yes the keys had been hidden in the car behind some gloves which was unusual too.

CHOSEN

I went out first thing in the morning and there were no ducks in sight.  Later when I went with Spenser the lady duck was sitting in the gutter water near my neighbor's car.  I am hoping they fly away at night.  The racoons were in our pond last evening.  Will they hurt the ducks?

I am enjoying exchanging books at the book bin at the park.  

I am choosing books that I have never know about before. I love to see my books get chosen also.
I also return them after I have read them.

When you read Paul you discover that not only our tribes chosen but they are also predestined to be chosen.  They were chosen for a purpose and the responsibility of sharing their faith in a God of mercy and love.  One God is enough.

Jesus was chosen to bring this good news of the freedom of God's love to chose each one of us by giving us gifts that will bless others.  Each in our own small way.  No one is better or more superior.
We each have a purpose to live out in our own way.  Instead of becoming narrow minded expand your mind and open your heart to accept one another.

Dad is going to the Physio-Therapist this after noon at 3.  He chose to take Advil instead of the drugs prescribed for his pain.  He does not like the side affects.  I think this is going to be a slow process but relief will come as he is healed.

We are on a path of discovering how old age changes us.  Life can be beautiful at any age when we choose to see the beauty that speaks to our open spirits.

TOO MUCH EXCITEMENT

There may be a nest there.

The lady duck is sleep under our tree.

Daddy duck is standing by on guard.

They like the water that is running down our street from some unknown stream.

Dad is on the phone to try and find help.  I run back and forth to make sure they are still around.

Dad's grilled cheese sandwich gets burnt but he eats it anyway.  Our neighbors Amy and Cloie 

come out to cheer us on.  They are not afraid afraid of me and come closer.  Should I be wearing my mask and gloves!

We have phoned two rescue places but they will not help at this time.  They may have made a nest close by.

Dad is not in good condition to try to catch them with his sore back from his bike accident,  Actually he had two bad falls and can barely walk.

So I am keeping an eye on them and they are keeping their eyes on me.

We have raccoons in the neighborhood and lots of crows.

I will go and pull some weeds and talk to others who are walking by.

Too much excitement for us two oldies.

Brittany arrives from the Animal Shelter to help/

Concerned neighbors watch,

The bird starts to fly a bit.

We all decide to leave them alone.

they may have a nest.

Sandra also came to help on her way to pick up the mother cat.

WORDS

                                                       Our duck has returned.

                                                    It is a female my friend says.

                              She seems happy wandering through yards pecking at the grass.

                                        Another duck also comes and walks along with her.

The animal shelter phones about the duck because Sandra phones them.  No ducktoday.

                        Do I have my ducks all in a row?  Do my words line up with my actions?

As our world starts to reopen where will I be confident to go and what should I wear?

"Although we live in a sea of words, we rarely acknowledge their power to

uplift or put down,  to inspire or discourage,  to help or to hurt."  -Ken Blanchard

"Every day when we wake up is a good day"  (for most of us) .

Every breath we take filled with new hope for a better day.

Every word that we speak is a chance to change what is bad into something that is good."

-Walter Mosley

Our lives have been shaped by the words we have heard and the words we believed.

Words become a part of us and give our lives meaning and purpose.

I read a lot and ask myself what is the purpose of the writer.

This is important when reading the Old Testament where we read about violence and corruption.

And we do not like it but has the world changed a lot since then?

Dad remembers the words that saved his life when he could not speak or move. 

The doctor declared him dead.  The young girl said  "He cannot be dead.  I know this boy." 

Because he responded to the pain when he was touched he proved he was still alive.

Words saved his life literally.  God had plans for the life of this young man who would later save the life of a man who crashed into a murky ditch, or the time he went to rescue people in a boat having trouble.

He had to fall in love and have a wonderful family with his dear wife.  Me.

Words go into the body (the heart and soul) of who we are.  Some we keep and others we discard, 

and need to be forgotten.

Dad feels discouraged waking up and feeling the pain in his back.  He has stated taking a new medication it makes his sleepy.  Hopefully he can find a place open to have Physio Therapy which I hope will help him to heal.

Spenser and I walked over to the Phys-Therapy office and dad has an appointment for Thursday at 3 o'clock.

"Respect the power of words choose them carefully."   -Chinese fortune cookie

CHOICES

                                                    Very rainy morning.

      

Spenser refused to go for a walk.

No kids jumping in the pools at the park.

No one was there at all.

Just me!

The sun is out now and dad is sitting outside.

He missed doing the morning Sudoku as there was no paper.

He is not feeling so good today.

The company was very good for him yesterday.

He needs some therapy on his back.

We are fortunate to have so many choices even with this staying at home.  It is important to keep choosing love over fear.  Faith in our choices making a difference is helpful.  We stay home today.

I would love to worry less and be more joyful.  

The Bible tells me that there is a sacred mystery at the very heart of being human.

Perfection is not possible and not even obtainable but we do the best we can day by day,

It is not always easy to make the right choices.  Many things to be considered.

Strength will come when we need it.  

Healing takes time.

             

TOGETHER

                              It was great fun to open my special gift from Melina and Ken and the kids.

                                            It was a cold and dreary day.
It  was so good to be together.  It is not really a basket but is a box.  I wanted them to take some goodies home, but it was mostly gluten free so they refused and said I should keep it all.  It was fun finding all the different little packages.

We kept a little distance and no hugging this time.  Kim acted as our hostess.  She sanitized us all.

There was crackers and cheese, chocolates and cranberry compote and even Maple Cream Fudge from back East.  Lots of good fun things and even some special hand cream!!

When they went to leave there was a duck wandering around the yard.  We called the Owl Animal Rescue but they did not respond.  When Spenser and I went for our last walk it had disappeared.

Talked to Thelma Inkster on the phone and we shared a lot of good times we had together when we were neighbors on the ridge,

Trying to stay awake for Heartbeat that dad and I like to watch together.

Soon this will be all over and just a memory.       

POSITIVE

Dad comes out to help with the front grass.

He felt a little better for awhile.

That was on Friday.

Saturday he is having more pain.

No word about his x-ray.

He is also worried about his kidneys.

They case pain in the back too.

So many beautiful flowers coming out now.

It is a challenge to stay positive with too much time on our hands.  The words we think andsay are so important.  I try to read something inspiring every day.

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak

but their echoes are truly endless."    -Mother Teresa

FINALLY

                                        Finally we achieved our goals for dad.
                                        He needed an x-ray and pain Meds.
This was going to be or third trip to the Emergency.  We went to Delta.  First we phoned dad's doctor for a phone appointment.  He said he would get a form filled out for an -ray.  He would order some Tyndenal 3 from the Safeway.

We waited for the fax but finally phone the office and they only send them out at the end of the day.

We phoned the delta Hospital and they said they were not that busy at the x-ray department.  That was good but he had to go all through the stages first before he could see a doctor.  When after 3 hours he finally saw a doctor he game him a good check-over which was good.

It would take another hour before the x-ray was taken and he was released.  Spenser and I waited in the car.  I took him for a short walk on the grass.

We stopped at McDonalds for milkshakes on the way home.  Dad had half a sandwich left over and some potatoe salad and some peanut butter cookies.  I picked up his pills from the Safeway.  I tok affirmative action and insisted I did not need to wait in line to just pick it up.

The cute guard said she would check first before I could enter.  She said there was no pills for dad.

I insisted I needed to drop off his prescription that he got from the hospital.

I was losing faith in his doctor by then.

We are both hoping and praying or a better sleep tonight.  I know my dreams were full of fears of the worst kind.

Face your fears and you will finally overcome them.

Thanks everyone.

Randy for getting us food.

Carol and Sandra helping us to keep going.

Hamlet and Kim for good advise!

PURPOSE

My bush has been has had a trim.

It has been trimed a lot!

It looks sad right now.

The mouse has given us a merry chase.

I feel sad it had to end it's life.

So I am rethinking why I write this blog.  It is good for my brain and to let my family know how we are doing.  Our life will always have purpose and meaning even when we are limited in what we can do.

We were happy to have a visit from Craig.  Talking to others is helpful for our brains.  He looks good,

He as please to pick up the chocolate bunnies.  Too pleased?  Yes they will be shared.

Our purpose in going to the emergency was to get an x-ray and some stronger pain pills.  

It was totally different than the other time we went.  The car lot was full.  There was a sign about the virus we just glanced at it but we should have read it.  They have now set up a testing station and in the waiting area, the second waiting area, it was all full.  Not the place we wanted to be.

My thoughts on Mother's day go back to the last visits I had with my mom.  It was terribly sad to leave not knowing if I would see her again.

So hear we are still learning how to do life and still find purpose and meaning .

Healing is more than just the body we need healing for the spirit and soul.

That gives suffering some purpose I like to believe.

Dad is willing to go to Delta E,  We will stay there no matter what.

.

GRAMMA'S

Gramma's are forgetful.

I gave Justice a little hug as I walked by.

Everyone screamed "Gramma".

                                                  I behaved better after that.  Sorry Justice.

                                           It was a very warm day but lovely by the pool.

                                            Justice and Tasha are both real characters!

Sandra made us a feast of chips and dip ending with strawberry short cake.  Not a day to worry about a diet.

"Gramma's are good at sitting on the floor to play but have a very difficult time getting up again."

It was a great fun be a mom,  although exhausting at times,  but I remember the good times.

 It is even greater being a gramma.!  !

Good to talk to our boys on the phone.  Ken and Rick are in good spirits in this difficult time.

Yes Gramma's are a part of the future but also a link to the past!

THOUGHTFULNESS

                                 I appreciate the thoughtfulness our family expresses all year long.
I especially appreciate the thoughtfulness of their visits, their cards, and their gifts on Mother's day.
                                 Thank you Rick for your card and the thoughtful words you sent.

Thank you Carol and Kim for your visit and the lovely hanging basket.

Thank you Carol.

Thank you Melina and Ken and family for the basket full of wonderful and delightful items.

The man that delivered it was so happy to give it

he was all smiles.

Dad and I are looking forward to having a visit with Sandra and Randy and Tasha and Justice.

It will be great fun opening the gift basket with them.

I was very thankful the manager at the Safeway 

went and got the item I most needed at the time when the store was closing.

Very thoughtful.  Yes I wore my mask and gloves.

I do not like the mask or the gloves.

I had to stop and think what did I come to the store for anyway!

Thoughtfulness is a timeless gift that blesses our lives each day.

Every little visit, every little phone call

renews and restores our courage.

Growing older is not always easy.

It is so wonderful to have things to look forward to.

                                                       Another very happy Mother's day.

AUTHENTICITY

Becoming who you were meant to be.

Not a phony-baloney.

There are times when we agree with each other.

And times when we see and do things differently .

I now delight in the imperfection within and around me.

We were feeling lazzie enjoying sitting in the warm of our back yard.

  I was surprised when dad decided to go for a bike ride.  His back is still sore from the fall he had in the forest.  He was extremely careful and was glad he had made the effort.  Riding his bike is the only real exercise he gets.  He also gets out and meets other people.

We are authentic when we are real.  We are authentic when we enjoy life just as we are.

You are here to learn to value yourself for your good qualities and your weaknesses.

What a beautiful world!

Dad has come home very tired from his bike ride.

LINES

This is not a good picture.

The window is open in the car 

as we drive by.

Spenser is hanging out the window and I am trying to hold on to him.

His ears are flapping in the breeze and he is loving it.

                                                Is this any better?
We are refusing to stand in these long lines to get into the store.  We drove to White Rock to Art Naps but people are lined up down the block.  We were going to buy some plants but just kept driving to the beach.  We have friends we could have said hello to but I guess we are not allowed to do that either.

It was a beautiful day and we had lunch out in the back.

I have started a new book called "Lost Boy Found."  The family searches for two years to find their 4 year old son.  The family is torn apart.  Then the boy is found in the company of a tramp but it becomes complicated when another mother claims it is her son.

The search now begins for the truth.

SEARCHING

Happiness is finding the unexpected.

I have been looking up at the windows now I am looking down at the ground.

It is nice to think you have been chosen!

Happiness is finding your own inner strength

Your path and your purpose.

your very own faith.

Each of us struggles with our own disappointments and failures.

We need to keep searching for answers.

Am I honest and faithful?

Can you be too honest?

Am I kind and.caring?

Am I going to be safe?

Do I still need to keep my distance or is it okay to hug one another again?

One thing I know is we need to support and encourage one another, especially when one feels vulnerable.  No I am not feeling depressed but I am feeling vulnerable.

LOCKED OUT

Help I am locked out.

Dad thought I was in bed

and he was locking up down stairs.

But I was out in the garage

and the light was turned off

and the door locked.

It was very dark.

I made my way to the door and started banging on it.

He couldn't believe when he heard the knocking

and opened the door and there I was.

Yes we have been locked out of many places at this time.  It is disappointing.  We are learning to accept what we cannot change.  One day all our waiting will be over.  Hopefully we will use what we have learnt at this time and continue to be careful not to spread germs or catch any germs.

"The most valuable possession you can own is a happy heart."  -Carlos Santana

I was very surprised to find a little heart on the rock of our front garden'

There was also one at the park.  I kept looking to see is any other house had one.  Not on our street.

I felt very special.

I did a little work outside, cut a little grass, pulled a few weeds,  and had my walks with Spenser.

Our fire alarm has been going off all day so we drove to get a new battery.

An another quiet day!

GOOD AND BAD

We all have our good and bad moments.

Today felt like summer.

It was a good day.

Spenser got his hair cut just in time.

We all have our good and our bad days.  Dad had another bike ride today which was good but he fell and that was not so good.

Dad sent his taxes in which is always a good thing to get done.

Spenser and I had two walks but I was too tired to make supper.  Dad is always happy with a peanut butter sandwich.

I was delighted to receive a mother's day card from Rick.

Disappointed there will be no gathering at Sandra and Randy's for Mother's Day.  Maybe for Father's Day.

Sorry to hear Craig has not been well.

Scripture tells me that nothing  can separate me from God's love.

Not the good nor the bad.  It is all okay.

"Take time to love and nurture yourself."

-Demi Lovato

"Most of the time all you have is the moment

and the imperfect love of the people around you."

-Anne Lamontt.

SUNDAY

A different kind of family gathering.

It had been very cold early Sunday morning but we put the chairs out on the driveway anyway.

I gathered up blankets to keep anyone warm who wanted them.

We had a bite to eat and it started to rain.  We ran out to put them

 back in the garage.

The rain stopped as quickly as it had started.  Out came the chairs.

They all arrived at the same time.  We were very thankful for the groceries that Carol and Kim had brought us.  We invited Craig and Leah and the girls to come also.  They did not get back to us.

Feeling loved and cared for kept us warm.

Find a way to enjoy the day  in new ways now that there is no church service and no family gatherings.

Have an open mind about spirituality and listen to the whisper of God.s unconditional Love.