TOUGH

                                I am getting tough.  It will be tough to stick to this.  Both of us can do it.

Another bad night.  We have to try this for at least two or three days.

Dad can go to the blood clinic today.

Then we will pay for the tree being chopped down.

We need to figure out what to do with the awful water.  It looks like the Insurance may help pay but who will do the work.

Tough that the Canucks lost again.

How bad can it get?

A good question.

GOOD NEWS

The day has finally arrived when I hear the results of my tests.

What is good news?  Nothing is wrong?  Why do I feel so tired?  Am I just not coping with old age?

One of our friends from Colebrook, who was a faithful church attender and Bible study participant will be moving into a care home because she cannot deal with her life.  It is so easy to feel alone and lost and discouraged.  People have tried to keep in touch and we all feel sad that this has happened.

The support of my family as well as the support of my church has been a real blessing.

FAMILY

We enjoyed a visit from Shawn and Tavia and the boys Atlin and Oliver.  They consider us just like family.  Right now Shawn has been laid off but is going to take training in Sept.  Instead of selling paint he will becoming a master chief.  He loves cooking.

The boys are happy playing with their master truck toys we bought for them.

Atlin was a little shy at first.

Oliver remembers us.

We keep our distance.

It seems a little strange.

The afternoon went by very quickly.

Dad had a call as pre-arranged from his doctor.  He will do the blood test for celiac.  He ordered some pain pills for dad.  Both his ribs and his back hurt.  It is good to have our back yard to sit out in and enjoy a safe visit.

I think that in many ways dad is becoming more mellow and calm.

Where is God when we suffer?  He promises never to leave us or forsake us.  He knows we can feel discouraged  but he is with us now by the powerful holy Spirit.  This is the spirit that gave Jesus the energy to heal and to teach the truth about God's love.

We had a good day and I hope dad rests better to-night.  Then I will too!

Family and Faith are what I value the most.

OUR FUTURE

                                                Ben and Morgan say good=bye.

I am so proud of all my young grand children and also the great grand children.  They seem so bright and mature and each one of them has special gifts.  They are the future!  It will be exciting!
Ben is going to be bilited this year.  Morgan starts a new school.  She is continuing her dancing.

Morgan lit all the candles I do not know how many there were.  Theresa plans to carry on hereducation.  We wish her all the best.

                                 They are checking the new up grades kn the up stairs bathroom.

The diner was delicious even though Carol said a lot of things went wrong.  I always found the best meals often turned out the best even when I feared the worst.

A lovely warm evening.

Not room enough to sit outside.

They have all voted to put this place up for sale.

It has been a wonderful place for family groups.

The Canucks won!!

I think it was 5 to 1.

I do not like the rough stuff.

All our lives have a plan and a purpose.

There are difficult days ahead 

but we will find new strength and courage for the future.

I will keep you all in my prayers.

 Tasha phoned to talk to dad about getting tested for celiac,

He said it was a good idea.

Tasha ia still working for the bus company but not driving buses for awhile.

Everyone is worried about dad.

It was so good Sandra and Randy drove 

because dad's ribs hurt.

The temperature in the car was perfect!

BRIGHTER

Our back yard is looking drab.

I can't believe I have not added more flowers

I am inspired by my friend Maxine's back yard.

I love what she has done with her back little shed.

I hope dad will be well enough to make some little flower boxes.

This is our shed.

Dad has painted it and added windows.

It is getting painted the same as our house.

Our lives have been feeling a little drab.  We are waiting for the painters to come and the tree chopper and the water man from the city engineering department.

Thankfully we are getting a lot of help and advice and understanding from our family.  Getting old is difficult.  Thankful Sandra is helping with keeping in touch with these guys.  It has been too easy for us to just drift along.

I can't believe that dad and I ate out and he had fish and chips.  It did brighten up the day for him.  He suffers later.  He will not admit it may be the fish and chips.

Carol has brought over some rice and fruit and vegetables for us to eat today so hopefully we will be able to enjoy a visit with Theresa and Ben and Morgan at Carol and Panteli's. 

I am doing some stupid things.  I forget to pick up the prescription I went to the store for.  I come home and use my debit card in the book I am reading as a book mark.

Looking back on my life I realize how many times the prayer of faith has helped me get through difficult times.

                                          Yes I believe brighter days are ahead of us all.

INTERTWINED

It is good to remember all the ways our lives are intertwined with others.  I will always have fond memories of my years at Colebrook.    More names are being added to our prayer list.  Life can be very painful for a lot of people and the virus has touched some of their lives.

Sunday is a good day to start the day prayerfully.

Also it turns out to be a good day for visitors.  Sandra and Randy arrive first looking very healthy and happy.  We hear a little more about Mary and the improvements with her home.  The children will be back in school soon.

Then Jasmine arrives with her son.

Usually we bring out toys but not at this time.

He climbs the tree and blows bubbles.

She is Cathy's oldest daughter.

She faithfully comes to see us when they are visiting from down east.

She has a big family to visit.

Before she leaves she pays for me.

She is gentle and kind and loving.

She looks so much healthier and she has had a lot of answers to prayer herself!

Our lives have been intertwined over many years.  If I had any desire for my children and the family it would be that prayer would be woven into our relationships.  I pray for you all.  This is the only way I can feel at peace instead of worrying about you all.

It is good to keep connected to our past in positive ways.

Somehow God in some mysterious way is intertwined in our lives.  God is Good.  God sees the goodness in each one of our hearts.

We had a happy Sunday I hope you did too!

TOGETHER

Flowers and vegetables share this small space together.

We were happy that Carol and Panteli came over to share watching the Canucks game together.  Sharing the supper Carol had prepared was delightful.  Lots to talk about.

We know others like Ken  in Australia are watching too.  We connect before the game starts.  I am sure Shandel and Cameron will be watching too.

A rainy day when the sun came out at the last minute.  Spenser and I enjoyed a short walk to the park.

Sadly dad did not have a good night.  He fell in the bathroom rushing in and losing his balance.  He has hurt his ribs.  This will take time to heal but it will.  He has done worse he tells me.  We have to learn to slow down aswe grow older and try to be careful!

Everyday is special as we share time together.  I come up with some weird ideas but dad is the more practical.  

It is good to remember all the family memories we have shared together.

It is okay to think differently and we know every relationship has it's imperfections.   It is important to communicate our feelings.  The goal is maintain a sense of our worthiness and authenticity. 

We may be apart but we will always feel together.  Miles cannot separate us!

                                             Kim's garden growing away.

FAITH

                                                  Faith to live out our faith is important.

Dad is facing another painful procedure as he goes to the eye re-constructive surgeon.  The tiny little stitches have ro be removed.  We  know he is a good doctor so that helps.  It will be good when this is all done and healing is complete.

Every time we have done we have gone to the wrong floor.  I have faith we will get it right today

I have always been a person of faith that believed in the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God and the goodness of others.

I believe that any religion that draws us closer to God's love is great!

A faith that encourages us to help others.

I meet Erick standing by his car looking a little lost.  He tells me his wife Jan is back in hospital again.  Se has done so well recovering from her surgeries but this is discouraging for them both.
I tell him I will pray for her and pray especially they can go on there motor home holiday in Sept.

"Persistence  purifies our prayers as we pray continually for one another."  unknown

UNANSWERED

It is hard to go to sleep with unanswered questions

and unanswered prayers.

It was good to know the Canucks won! !

Dad left the game to go pick up his eye drops.  Until he opened the garage door we did not know our street was full of police cars.  Both Mountie and Delta Police.  We could not see two little girs sitting on the sidewalk until a police woman went over to talk to them.

I saw several police men surrounded what appeared to be the young father.  They were searching his back pack and when he tried to grab it they handcuffed him.  Out came some incriminating articles.

His hands were in the air.  He was put in the police car.  They then seemed to be waiting fr some one to come and get the children.  I do hope it was a family member.

I cannot image why this was happening.  I will ask the neighbors today.  Some one will know.

I did not see them leave but it was just as quietly as they arrived.

I do not know why some prayers do not seemed to be answered but I trust that they are being heard.

All of u want to do what we used to be able to do.  I know I do.

Faith can believe in the goodness and faithfulness of God even when Prayers are unanswered.

We have tried to find some answers with the water leaking but now the City has to help us.

It is good to know that we can go to sleep knowing our relationships are all healthy.  Especially to be right with those who love us and who we love.

We want some answers to our health problems soon.

TESTING

carol suggested we have the water tested.

From our pond and from the two streams out front.

There are two different streams now.

One is very clean and the other a dark color.

Dad and I took it down to Art Naps and the two young kids were willing to test it.  They were all different.  The darker new stream they could not really test as it was too thigh.  The city water department should be doing this.

Waiting for our house to be painted has been testing our patience.  The power washers will come on late Thurs, or on Friday.

Dad is still watching what he eats.

Everyone is very nice and we all our doing our best!

KNOW

                                                There are things I just know.
                                                     I know who made this mug.

We know more people are being tested for Covid-19 as the crew that was to power wash our house could not come because they were being tested.  We waited all day before they let us know they were not coming.

We all have our ways of knowing things.

It is amazing that after all these years of knowing dad I am still learning new things.  He tells me a story of when he was very sick as a young boy and he left his body and was up on the ceiling looking down on it.

I knew what to give dad to eat but until Carol came along side to give us more information about knowing exactly what to do it was not helping.  Dad is now eating white bread with out butter.

Dad tried to get on his bike but just he count not get his leg up.  Healing takes time!  Especially as we get older and need to regain our strength.  Dad knows this.

I know that we are a close family and when anyone has a problem we all do what we can to help.
This helps to keep us closer.

There is also a mysterious way of knowing things.  Tasha and I know we both believe in heaven.

I am confident that life does not end at death but there will be a new beginning.

I have a book written by nurses who work in Hospice with the dying.  Their experiences have changed there way of looking at death.

I was taught that Jesus loves everyone and that love can be known in our hearts!

I know because I have experienced it!

BREEZE

Tasha sat in her special place.

                                             A little breeze today makes a big difference.

Thanks Shandel for wanting to keep in touch!

I have been thinking a lot about my old friends and so has dad.

I met a lovely lady in the park named Maxine.  Everytime we meet we have a little chat.  She is becoming a friend.  Today I was going by the house

Today I found out that Maxine lives at the house with the bench which I had already put on my blog.

I think we will be sitting on that bench with Spenser lying on the grass one day soon.

We are waiting for the house washers.  I have moved furniture away as they asked.  I always find waiting a hard thing to do. 

Dad is doing better.  I think he is not so worried.  Poor health is a big worry.  Finding the problem some times takes years as it did with me.

We are sitting out in the back yard enjoying our books.  We are blessed! !  !

TOO HOT

                                              Dad has warm socks on to watch the game.
                                              I watch for awhile but then go out and water the garden.
It has been a long hot day.
I was up early to walk over to the store to get a can of pumpkin for dad.
Then Spenser and I went for a early walk before it gets too warm.

Dad is not too happy with his diet but I tell him just to give it a try.

Enjoyed lunch over at Carols.  She made a rice fruit soup.  Dad ate his all up.  There back porch is lovely and cool.

New chairs are being painted for the patio at the side of the house.  It will be a good place too.  A lot of hard work putting the heavy cement squares in place.

Looking back over my life I remember how great it was to make new friends every time we moved.  There was Dorothy Wells in Tsawwassen and Jane in Surrey.  My best friend now is dad.  We share many memories and now we share growing older together.

I am too hot but dad is not.  So we still have our differences!

RELAXING

They were all enjoying a swim when we arrived.

Ben was the first one out.

Time for a sun tan.

They have made some good food for us all,

Mikie helped

Tasha kept the conversation lively.

Morgan looking so happy enjoying summer.

Spenser is happy too.

It was very good for dad to relax.  He has had a good day.  If he is okay to-night we will postpone the hospital.  He still has an appointment with a specialist, but we do not know when.

This has been a big worry for us both.

And yes dad stopped at all the red lights on the way home.

We do not hug but tell each other we love them sooo much!

PROMISES

Our garden promises to keep blooming.

As a young couple with a bright future it was easy to promise to love and to cherish in sickness and in health.    It has not always been easy and I find now at this stage of life I have to be tough.

Last night I had a bad night having an asthma attack.  Very difficult.  I wonder if it was brought on because of the injection.  The doctor asked me a lot of questions about asthma.  I told I had an inhaler and it was seasonal.  

Dad was up in the night going to the bathroom again.  No. 2 and No. 1.  I have decided he has to go to the emergency to-morrow if nit today.  We both want to visit with Theresa and Mikie and Ben and Morgan as well as Carol and Panteli today.

Dad talked to his doctor but he has been no help so far.  The specialist are all booked up.  Dad always says well then you go to the emergency.  We have to face what ever the problem is.  What if it is cancer?  The sooner one finds out the better it is.  It may not be.  He is not getting any better.  The pills are not helping.

Determination has helped me in the past to push away fear and find out the answers to health problems.  Many years ago I was the one who decided to go see the specialist.  Yes, I was very brave as well as determined.  I was not coping with life and was getting worse.  I know how that feels.

I have prayed and I feel the answer is not to give up hope.  You know whAT TO DO.  DO IT!

ENJOY

                                I am enjoying the morning and intend to enjoy the whole day!
Starting with my cup of coffee and my toast.  Then I wander outside to enjoy the fresh morning air.
I pull a few weeds and dead head some flowers.  I love the coolness pf the morning.  I enjoy the quietness too.

After having my tests I appreciate a lot of things more.  The gift of a new day.  The choice just to stay home.  I am starting a new book.  "Have a Little Faith" by Mitch Albom  I will return my mystery to the book nook.

I enjoy Spenser just being with me.

"Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them
Filling an emptiness we do not even know we have."  -Thom Jones

Enjoyed having Carol over to share our rice.  Trying to keep dad's diet simple.

I was glad to have this test as many friends my age are having heart problems.

I expect it will be well and so I have nothing to worry about.

Enjoy your day too!

DISAPPOINTED

I was almost a little disappointed I was not going to go on the tread mill.  Almost.  There were three of us going through the same things.  The one lady maybe only 70 was going on the tread-mill.  The other lady I got injections to speed up your heart very very fast.  I did not like it.  My chest felt tight and I felt nauseated.  The two nurses encouraged me by saying it would not be long.  Then I had to wait an hour before going in the M.R,I. I think it is.  Not much fun even though it was just 10 minutes.

Dad arrived in good time and phoned me to see where I was.  He had to wait for about twenty minutes but Spenser was there to keep him company,

I am glad it is done.  I can forget all about it now.

Dad is still have stomach troubles and that is disappointing.  He will need to have some tests too.

We take many things for granted in life.  I think with this virus we are learning what is really important.  At the end of the day we have each other and all our family!

BRAVE

                                                         Yes I am a very brave lady.
                                                           I have been through many difficult times.       
                                                           I may be old but I can still be brave!

I am not worried about my big test to-morrow.  I will get an nukier injection again and go through the machine and then go on the tread mild.       Then back going through the machine.  It will be four hours.  I am prepared so I will do it the best I can do.

Today Cindy came and cut my hair and left her phone here in a bag.  I took Spenser out for a walk and dad heard this strange ring.  He did not find her phone.  He got worried about me but when he came out to the front street I was on the way home.   I tell him I am just fine.

We went to the White Spot to say hello to our friend there.  We find the food not as great anymore.  There were only a few people there.

We did some shopping but then had to hurry home as dad's stomach was giving him pain.

I hope we hear from the specialist soon his doctor was going to recommend.

My faith and trust in God helps me to be brave.  I pray for others when I am in the tunnel.

Sandra and Randy leave to-morrow to see Mary and the children.  Pray they will have a good time.

GOOD PEOPLE

                                       

                                  Good people put a bench by the sidewalk for others to rest!

In general we worry too much about what can go wrong and not enough appreciating what goes right,

Everyone was so kind to me at the x-ray place.  They were so very cheerful and said they looked forward to seeing me on Thursday for the same routine only with the tread mill.  I feel as long as I do not go back-ward I am doing okay.

I was finished in good time and sat outside in the sunshine to wait for dad.  Dad was at home waiting for a call to come and pick me up.  I finally asked this elderly man to phone dad and tell him I was ready and waiting.  He was a real gentleman.

I was very tired when I got home and even a rest did not seem to help.  I decided to go to the Safeway for something for supper.

I fell on my way as I missed the step up.  Four people immediately came to help me.  Very kind good people.

Eric a fellow dog walker stops by to see how dad is doing.

I only scraped my knees which was go.  No broken bones.  I am learning how to fall gracefully.  Dad put a bandage on one and then made supper.  He is good too.

Dad had a good talk with his doctor on a phone visit and will have an appointment with a specialist next.  I am glad I finally phoned andgot him this appointment with his family doctor.

We are so happy Spenser is doing better and can go up the stairs now.  He still has to be carried down.

We go for our evening walk and meet my neighbor who runs into her house to get Spenser a better holder not a choke chain.

She also offers to cut my hair.  I was very kind to her when we first moved in and she has never forgotten it.

No good news from Rick yet.  He is waiting for an appointment in Sept.

It turned out to be a good day after all!  Understanding and Kindness is a great healer when we feel a little negative!

WORRIED

A  lovely morning.

Yes I am worried.  I did not sleep well.  You wait for something to take place and all of a sudden it is here.  Right here in the now.

I have walked the dog and packed a lunch and now will wake up dad.

I want to be as healthy as I can.

Dad is doing better.

CHALLENGES

      

                   How are we doing in spite of our health challenges?  Old age is a challenge in itself.

We worry about each other naturally.  Dad goes back to the eye doctor today.  He is a man of few words but he and dad get along well.  We are so glad the surgery is over.  Stomach problems continue.

We continue to worry about Spenser as he may have had a stroke.  He will need a better check-up.

We all enjoy our visit over to see Randy and Sandra.  Very sad to come home and receive the news Randy's dad has passed away.  We know these things are coming but still hit us hard.  Family relationships may not always be perfect but they are so very important.

I am coping even though I get tired easily.  I am having a Myocardial perfusion imaging test on Tuesday.  It is to check my heart.  I have had some chest pain.  I am not looking forward to this test.
No caffine and no food.  Good it is first thing in the morning.

Day by day  I try to appreciate what went well.  My walk with Spenser.  Our visit with Sandra and Randy.  I made myself some muffins.

"It is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension  of life opens up."
-Echart Tolle.

Appreciate the goodness in your heart and soul.
Accept your imperfections.
Keep life simple.
My challenge for today.

WAITING

WE  live in desperate troubled times when the whole world is waiting for answers.

When will we be able to return to normal.

When will the children be able to go back to school.

Waiting and not knowing is hard.

Spenser knows he cannot come down the stairs on his own.

                                             

                                               Waiting for dad and Spenser to come down.
                                                            Dad seems to be doing okay.

Yes we seem to do a lot of waiting these days.  First for dad to arrive home from his surgery and then waiting yesterday for a phone call from the vet.  We were both so very worried.  Fortunately the vet. agreed to have a look at him.  I waited outside as she took a very unhappy puppy inside.

Yes Spenser is getting on in years so his joints are getting stiff.  He was given a shot for pain and some pills.  The pills are Gabapentin which dad is not so sure about.  He will get several more shots and if he takes these pills he would be on them for life.

Spenser and I walked over to the park.  He enjoyed the slow walk.  He went right to sleep when we got home.  He is wobbly.

We are going to take him for a drive to Sandra and Randy's.

Palm 27 says : Wait for the Lord
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord!

HUGS

                                                One lonely bird sits on his rock.
                                                   He is surrounded by all the little duck families.

Dad gave me a last hug as he went bravely out the door with Carol off to get his eye surgery.  He was feeling very anxious and no wonder his blood pressure was high when he got there.

I wanted very much to go with them but dad advised against it as did Sandra.  I felt very alone.  I tried to read .  I tried to pray.  I was so happy when the phone rang and Jane was able to share my worries.  We have gone through difficult times together.  Now we hug each other through the phone.

Later in the day another friend Mary also phoned.

Dad and I now start our day by giving each other a big hug.

People give hugs in different ways.
Our neighbors Core and Natasha bring over huge pieces of the best chocolate cake.
Dad has a piece when he comes back home, after his beef soup.
Little things can be a comfort.

Dad watch a bit of the hockey game.

Spenser follows dad around when he gets home.

Then it is time for his last walk of the day.
His presence reminds me that God's presence is also with us all.

Prayer is a time to be silent and let God give us a hug.

"Do not be be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God
Is with you where ever you may go.  Joshua 1:9

Scripture can also be a comfort.

The beauty of nature.

Dad is still sleeping.  He woke up in the night with a very bad dream.  He shared it with me and fell back asleep.

A TOUGH DAY FOR DAD.

                                              Carol takes the bandage off dad's eye.

This was the worst of all the things he has had done to his eye.  The lid looks very sore.

There is a stitch that is lifting up the lid which is very uncomfortable.

                                                 Very very sore and painful.He is lying down with a cold cloth now after taking a Tylenol 3.   thing some difficult days ahead.  Right now he is very tired and sleeping.
He gets the stitches taken out on Monday in the Surrey Office.

Carol did a good job driving.  We appreciate the fact both girls were willing depending on the time of the operation.

Thanks Carol.

Thanks for the three doctors who did the procedure.