THE HOUSE

The end of the first day

The finished job.

Dad and I are happy.

That is all that matters

.We now have little boxes all around the place to catch the mice.

I know our brains  are not working  as well as they should 

not easy to admit.

Right now I am too tired to think.

I am very worried about dad.

We both want to stay here as long as possible.

          

 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY HONEY

 

I love the month of September.

                                                 We were married on a beautiful fall day.

My parents were so happy and proud of me and of dad.  This means a lot to young people when they marry.  I felt beautiful and dad looked so handsome.  Dad is writing words on his computer as I write this.  He is more romantic than I am which helps keep our love alive.

Dad wants to take me out to buy a new dress and ask everyone to join us for a supper out.  I do not feel up to doing that today.  We have to be here when the exterminator is here.

I just heard today of  a marriage break up with a couple we like very much. So sad.  This Virus has caused many problems with our relationships.

Dad and I value our relationships with all our family.

I believe at this time of life it is important to embrace our vulnerability as we find we cannot do a lot of things.

 

We all enjoy hearing dad tell stories but it is good to ask what did that story mean to you?

Our family is asking what can they do to help us.  There are a few simple chores I need help with.

We enjoy their visits and invitations to have a meal with them.

We do not want family to stress and worry about us.  We all have enough stress in our lives.

.Our goal is to try to live in this house for a few more years.

We will get more help when we need it.

We will need more help in deciding what to get rid of and what we can give to others.

Maybe a work family  day to clean up the yard.

Maybe with shopping.  Although right now we are doing okay.  We were both very tired just buying some plastic containers and a garbage can.

We have to be more open to advice and act upon it too.

Today a day for good memories!

UNDERCURRENT

It was good for every one to come over and talk about how we are doing and how you can help us.

Please do not stress about us.  We know if we need help we should ask.  We know we sometimes do not take advice that we should.  This is true about the mouse situation and also  the pond andI am ready for a change but dad is not.  It happens in families that misunderstandings happen and feelings can get hurt.

We appreciate all the kind and thoughtful things you guys do for us.

We are all worried about dad's health and not being able to have a visit is unsatisfactory.

I am happy that everyone is so different and has opinions about what can be improved.

The lack of sleep messes me up and I feel nauseated and have a headache.  It is hard to think clearly.

\.

Last night dad and I went to bed in our own bed.  I know I will never get over my fear of mice.  I lay there with my eyes wide open and my heart pounding.  After over an hour I went into Rick's bed even then I could not fall asleep.  Dad came and joined me but was having stomach problems.

I could not believe how the mice were running around in our kitchen when we were there.  I could not believe all the mess they had been making.  Yes, I will be glad that SAndra took action and got ud help.

We are realizing that we also have a fear of getting old.

It is important that we continue to help each other.  

The Lord is my shepherd and He will give us strength and courage to face the reality of changes.  

It is an important time to stay as calm as possible.  We are blessed to have time with you all.

We are going out shopping now.  The windows are getting covered with tap. 

EMPTY

 Rick and I had a good morning visit before he left on the ferry to Salt Springs.  I did not like him carrying his heavy suitcase in and out.  He certainly was out of breath.  I guess he is use to this.

Yesterday we enjoyed a family supper with Sandra and Randy and Rick.  We enjoyed the meal Sandra provided.  Dad sure ate  a lot.  He needs to catch up on some eating, and put some weight on!

Carol and Sandra came over at noon today to talk things over with me and dad.  We are all concerned about dad and I have a list of things to talk to the doctor about.

Yes I could do with a bit more help.  The worry over the mice problem has become worse.  The mouse was on our bed again last night but dad did not wake me up to tell me.  I believe he is coming into our room through the small door to the crawl space above.  I cleaned closet throughly and the door is on better.  I do not know if I will sleep in that room to-night.  

We have several empty bedrooms to choose from.

Dad and I did not feel like going to the store even though we had things we need.

One moment the house is full of our loving family and then it becomes empty again.  We should be used to family coming and going.

To-morrow the house painters arrive.  That is excitin

THE UNEXOECTED

                                                 The sunshine was unexpected yesterday after all the heavy rain.. It was warm enough for dad to sit out on the front porch.

He told me that he was worried about something on our bed.  So we pull it apart to look underneath.  We both fell several times.  

Later as we are in bed reading dad shouts there is a mouse on our bed.  I couldn't get out of there fast enough.  Neither one of us wanted to sleep there.  So we cuddled up together in Rick's bed.  I know I could not fall asleep.  Today we will tear it apart again.

So some times the unexpected is good and other times it is horrible.

Thankful Carol and Sandra will be bringing food over today,

Looking forward to Rick's arrival.

PROGRESS

Rick is making Progress

as they now believe he has  a heart problem.

He will have a catheter put in with a camera

and a decision is being made if he needs a stint.

It will be done in Nov. in Kelowna.

He plans to drive down Sat.  Come and visit if you can.

 

WAITING

 Waiting to hear from Rick in the morning.

He did not have good news about his health

so driving here would not be the wise thing to do.

Having a fun time trying to set mouse traps.

We could be a comedy routine!

SAFE

Yes we are to keep each other safe.

I am so thankful that Ken is now safe in Darwin after a stressful tiring journey.

We know how important his family is to him and how important it is to be at the wedding of his son and future daughter-in-law.  

A time to be present as they make their commitment of  of Holy Marriage.

Actions and words to express what we value in life.

We value family.

I hope these values were planted in childhood celebrations.

As a mother I know the worries I have experienced when I thought some one in our family was not safe.  

At this time when worries are being increased with the spreading of this virus we are told to limit our family gatherings.  This will help keep us all sate.

All night we heard the heavy rain and wind outside out windows and we were glad to be safe at home and in bed.

Pray for Melina to free of her headache pain and for all to be safe.

For all our family to be safe and calm!

 

THE GANG

A new sign on the bench at the park.

What a surprise it was to meet the whole gang of my friends at the a\park.  There was Brian and Rob and their two dogs.  Katheron and her two children and her dog.  There was Julie and her dog.  There were six of us with one large dog, two middle sized dogs and two smaller dogs.  Spenser was the smallest and the oldest.  We chatted for awhile and then I said I had better get home or dad would start to worry.  The whole gang started walking home with me.  It was like a little parade.

Today it is raining so the Colebrook gang will not be meeting at the park.  We will meet in October in the home of Ken who has a very , very long table.  We will wear masks and be well separated.

Dad had a good visit on the phone with his doctor.  This is an important relationship.  They both know dad will have to continue to be tested and when the results of the colonoscopy are in have another chat.

Until then it is important to deal with any extra stress.  Dad has had this problem for many years and the cause has seemed to be unknown.  Every illness cannot be cured but new inner strength can emerge to help us cope.  

"Serious illness is an invitation to the Soul, a path to becoming more than you have been."

-Dr. Rachael Remen.  She has had her own battles with serious illness.

Life can take on deeper meaning as we become aware of the spiritual healing hidden within us all.

Being a part of a gang is fun as we become more aware of how important friendship is to our well-being.  

Glad you have made it.  Ken    Did you get a cell with a view? 

FUNNY

                                                   Funny signs Spenser and I saw on our walk today.

Dad and I had a funny day today.  We arrived at the Eye doctors to find the office closed.  We tried to phone but no one answered you were suppose to just leave a message.

We did drop off the paper for the colonoscopy doctor to say dad wants to go ahead with it.

Ken I can relate to you worrying about things at night.  Do you have to get approval to go to the airport?

After we turned off the T.V. dad mentioned he does not want the pond dismantled.  It appears it is not leaking right now.  We will have to talk it over before we can decide.  The city engineer did not come by today.  We want to know what he is going to say.  

We tried  to talk to Rick tonight but the messages came out funny.  He says he is coming down on Friday to help move rocks.  There is a lot of over grown trees here that could be cut back instead.

Dad and I are both reading funny books which is a good idea right now.

We make mistakes but have decided to just laugh about them.

The funny thing is I put a picture on but I cannot remove it.

Dad is reading "An Irish Country Doctor" full of Irish Humor.

Dad is having a bad spell.  The doctor is phoning early in the afternoon.

I think he needs to have the poo test and maybe some blood work..

His family are all worried about him.

The cleaning ladies are coming at 10:30.  They are very happy and cheerful.

COLOR

I love the colors of fall.

They brighten up my walks.

Often they fall down on my head.

Can you see the grapes on these vines?

One of the kittens.

I am finding the lack of sleep is not helping me to think clearly.  I muddle through my day until it is time to join Sandra and Randy and Carol and Kim at Sandra's place.  The bright red chairs are perfect for us to gather together around the table.  Dad really enjoys the hearty stew.  His daughters spoil him!

I am thankful the air quality is a little better.

Today dad will visit the eye surgeon and drop off the form for collin  surgery .  Nothing will happen for a month or two.  It would be great if he improves in the mean time.  Our quality of life is restricted.  This along with the aging process and lack of sleep takes a toll on us.

We are thankful that our emotions improve as we have family gatherings.

We want to remain steady and strong to cope with whatever the future holds.

I want to hear the whisper of God's presence in all of nature.  He is with us all!

Only then can I believe in the miracle of healing and restoration.!

I am off to the store to do early morning shopping.  Dad and Spenser are still sleeping.

 

ANSWERS

I do not like these dark early mornings.

I am hoping and praying and 

               searching for answers.

to all our health problems 

in our family.

                                                             I hope they will be some this week.

                                                                         another sleepless night.

                                                             Thankful I can have a nap.

                                                                          Dad is still sleeping.

 

PUZZLES

 Good news Ken about your flight to Darwin.  I am happy for you being able to make the wedding.  What do you do about your meals living in that place under restrictions?

We are doing these puzzles at night .

                                                         Not much on T.V.

                                 I have never been much good at solving mysteries.

Life seems to be a bit of a puzzle for me trying to figure what dad should or should not eat,

We now have the expert help of a dietician.  We talked to her on the phone and she sounds very nice.  She advises us to get all the tests, like the poo test, from the doctor first.  She is sending us an  E.mail.    

Dad talks about fish and chips but we have not gone out to have any yet.  I am a little curious about what his reaction might be.

Plans are being made for taking the bottom out of the pond and filling the hole in with dirt and planting flowers.  Our back yard needs some color.  We will give the rocks away.   The water is worse today.  It is still a puzzle where it is coming from. 

Spenser had two walks tonight.  Dad took him around the block and after supper I took him to the park.

One of the ladies came out and gave me some home made jam.  People are so kind.                                       

                                                                  \

GOOD OLD DAYS

I miss the good old days.

Dad was up in the night again.  I know he is getting worse.  I phoned to see is the doctor would do a phone visit.  Not until Tuesday.  If he is not better tonight we will go to the Ladner emergency to-morrow.  It may be the way we visit the doctor from now on.  

How am I feeling?  I am feeling tired and stressed.  The pills do not help me sleep so I will stop taking them.  I am worried about dad.  He has an appointment to talk to the health care person Sat. at 11.

I know we have a good life most of the time.  I enjoy my walks, meeting new friends, and reading lots of books.

The pond has been drained but there still seems to be water running.  It is frustrating.  I do not know what they will suggest next.

We bought the noise things but all it does is make them run by me when I am cooking lunch.  Yes we bought the mouse traps too.

I know it is a crazy world right now.

 

ONE

I am tackling our problems one by one.  First because the city inspector told us to drain our pond that is the task for today.  I hope dad is feeling better.  I will worry about the mice to-morrow.

 

                                                 Ponds add beauty when they work right.

Everything seemed to go wrong as I try to drain our pond.  The Shop Vac. hose gets plugged and then when it gets fixed the hose springs a leak.  I am now scooping it up with a container.

I am hopeful that this is the problem.

It is no use worrying about things I cannot fix.  We will have to decide on what help to get to fix the other problems.

One step at a time. 

WORK

                                                    Also a lovely place to sit quietly.
                                                         The camera does not do it justice.

Inside the house Carol has been cleaning and moving furniture around and making supper.

We are always happy to be invited.  It was good to see Kim back again.  She has signed up to substitute

teaching again.

I am up early again today to check the mouse traps.  I imagine those mice running around our traps with a smile on their faces.  

I am standing outside checking the water running again across the sidewalk when the paper girl arrives.She works hard every day to deliver these papers early in the morning.

The engineer from the city came to look at the water because some one has complained.  He tells us we must take all the water out from the pond.  This will be our work for today.

First I clean up mouse poo.  Yuk.

As dad and I grow older it is important to keep busy as well as trying to stimulate our brains.  I am doing more reading and thinking about what I am reading.  It stimulates my brain and keeps me open minded.  Also using our imagination is important.

I enjoy my walk with Spenser to the park where I always check to see what new books have been added.

Spenser and I enjoy meeting other dogs and other people.

Work and play are both important.  I think in a marriage it is important to have date nights.

I see the girls from across the street, the first time all summer, as they get driven to schools.

HOME

Yes Ken a nice brown door would be fine.

I am glad you did not get a fine when you left your area.

I think I am get paranoid as I think maybe I should not write this

will it be read by the wrong people.

                                                Maybe a white door.

                                                We contacted the painters.

                             We will change our mind several times before they arrive.

Not a good morning for me.  Those cute little racoons have got into or garbage and it needs to be cleaned up.

The cute little mice have made a mess behind the chesterfield and in the down stairs bathroom.  Another mess to be cleaned up

My early morning words to dad were very unhappy ones.

I know there are lots worse problems people are having but I can only try to solve ours the best way possible.

Dad's other favorite is meatloaf.  I do not know if Ken like that either.

Thinking about Tyler's wedding I know our family was all excited about coming and yes we would love to be there too.

There are so many rules now it makes life stressful.  I am not alone in feeling this.

Another day to look for the perfect mouse trap!

CLOSER

I have been looking for a yellow door wondering if we should paint our door yellow.

Every day brings us closer to wet and cold weather.

When will the painters come?

As I relive my day yesterday I am thankful that our family seemed to be closer.

Dad and I enjoyed the tasty stew and corn bread Carol and Panteli brought over yesterday.  I appreciate any time I do not need to cook.  Thankful for some left over for today.  Thankful for their visit.

YES DAD and I do not agree about putting on the fireplace to heat up the room.  It is even colder this morning.  We can laugh about it later.  We hug every morning and I feel we are becoming even closer!

YES visits, and phone calls from Sandra and Rick help us to feel closer as well as the comments Ken makes on my blog.

Dad feels good this morning, no stomach ache!

 

RESTFUL

A very calm and gloomy morning.

Yesterday was a stressful day for me.  I was worried about dad.  He laid down and rested for over two hours.  The longer he rested the more anxious I became.  The more anxious became feelings of anger and annoyance.  Not easy for me to admit this.  When I am over-tired and stressed I am not at my best.  I am sure this is true of us all.

I was hoping our visit to the doctor would have been some help.

I will phone dad's family doctor on Monday and insist on a real visit.

Today I am hoping we will both have a restful day.

All I can do is try to be kinder and love myself even when I feel unloveable. 

Sunday a time to rest in God's unfailing love and grace.

I am thankful for the healing power and the comfort of prayer!

  

NORMAL

                                                          Nothing seems normal.

You could say the world has turned upside down.

I am making a lot of mistakes with the new way my blog is set up.

Talked to Ken on the phone who is trying to fly to his sons wedding.  They do not want him to leave Melbourne.  Does anyone wanted to be put in a shack and to be guarded for fourteen days?

You cannot go to the big pet store and walk in.  You are to phone before you go and order what you want.  This store is the only place that has Spenser's canned food.  You drive there and phone when you arrive.  That was a problem for us as we did not phone first from home and our cell phone was dead.  I got out of the car but you are not aloud to get anywhere near the door as it is all a restricted area.  I walked back and forth in front of the window and I am sure they saw.  It was a long wait before a girl came out.

She took our order and went out to get them and then came and put it into our car.

When we got home dad drove over to the Safeway and I walked Spenser to the park.  It looks pretty normal there with kids playing and parents watching.

I picked up a book, after returning some, called "The Country Guesthouse" by Robyn Carr.

My pick for the book club.  I know others will have better picks.

Saturday seems pretty normal.  Heartbeat tonight.

Lots of work in the house and outside.

Testing our pond to see if it is a problem,,

Sunday I will rest.

COMMENTS

The vets. on Scott Road.

TEST

My computer is doing funny things.My new sleeping pills are a form of Melatonin and are not habit forming.I turned on my computer  and my blog was changed.I am trying to figure out this new form.Dad is worried about his lack of balance.We went to the vets. to pick up new canned food for Spenser.  He got to go for the drive.

Comments

I cannot comment on the comments . Everything has changed. Rick Good advice. Sorry you were dizzy after your test. Where you short of breath? Was this to slow down your heart? Please say thank you to your landlord. Wish we could be there to help. Love mom

CONFUSED

Yes I am confused. they have changed my blog page. I cannot put on pictures I am Mad. I need help. Yesterday Sandra drove dad and I in to have a visit with Kim. I think we will try a new diet, in a modified form. We will contact the doctor next week. I am confused abou picking a book for the book club. I will wait for others to respond. Do not senser a book because of me Kim. Very smoky today.

THE SURGEON

 

We did not not know we were going to see a surgeon.  

We were ushered into her small office where she sat on a stool facing dad and I on the chairs.  She was dressed in scrubs which I thought unusual .  She seemed kind and asked some questions.  She informed us she does colonoscopy and polypectomy.  She does not order any blood work or suggest any test to see is that was what dad needed.

We felt that there should be further investigation first.  She was not helpful but said he needed to see his doctor again.  Dad came away with a form to fill out if and when he decided to have the surgery.

Believe or not we ended up on the wrong floor of this big building.  That was laughable.

Earlier in our drive we had seen a car speeding through a red light and nearly run over a family with small children.  It was at the stop light at 64.  We were in shock.  It was so close and would have been a tragedy. 

We came home with no helpful things to tell us what to eat.  She suggested metamucil for I.B.S.   

Dad had a bad night last night and is very unhappy today.

I am glad we are going to have a visit with Kim at Carol and Panteli's.

Sandra is also going.

WE know we will have a good time.

AT THE END OF THE DAY

                                      The end of the day dring home from Sandra and Randy's

The park was a perfect place to be for our study.  Four of us sat on the long benches with two on each end.  Others had brought their chairs and sat at one end.  It was my turn to be the leader.  I had misplaced my book and felt unprepared for the job.  I had others read out the questions and we all took turns answering.

I felt I was not doing a good job.  I came home and dad asked how it went and I said okay.

Later as we were watching T.V. the phone rang and one of the ladies who is very committed to our group phoned to say I had done a great job.

I really appreciated hearing that at the end of the day!

GETTING TOGETHER

                                  We arrived to find Theresa and Carol and Sandra in the pool.
                                              The perfect place to be on a very hot day.
                                    It was going to be a small and intimate getting together.
                                    Missing Kim and Rick and Leah and craig and the girls.
                                    Also Tasha and Justice, Ben and Morgan.
                                    Ben was settling in at his new home billet, with another guy.
                             
    Sandra and Randy has prepared a great feast for us.

                                           Sorry Carol.  The table looked lovely.

Our Bible study group got together at the park today.  It was good to see my old friends.  There was a stiff breeze which blew away the smoke.  Too many fires below us in Washington.' and in the interior of B.C.

The story was about a woman named Abigail who prevented a war between her greedy and violent husband and the future King David.  She went behind his back and provided food for David and his men.  She is described as beautiful and intelligent.

WE had an interesting study which as usual did not always stay on topic.  It appears we are all doing our best at this time.  Some wore masks and we all kept our distance.  This made hearing a little difficult for me.

Our water is frying up in the front of our yard.  It looks like our pond could be the problem.

So there was the joy of being with our family and for me the joy of being together will old friends.

Dad will visit the specialist tomorrow.  I hope we get some answers.

SURPRISE

The pond is going wild!

What a nice surprise to have Sandra come and clean it out.

We are hoping we can now get it working.

The water has cleared up

It was very muddy when Sandra left.

It is a nasty surprise to see some water there this morning.

We just have to wait and see if it dries up.

Nice and hot today which is good

A nasty surprise it is getting worse!

Dad and I are not feeling good enough to even worry.  Dad's back is hurting and I have had some nasty coughing spells.

We are looking forward to going to Sandra and Randy's.

RELATIONSHIPS

Sandra brightened up our day.  The pond in the back has been turned off and was a big mess after the tree men left.  It was time to be cleaned out but neither dad nor I WAS UP TO THE JOB,.  Our very hard working water got down and dirty cleaning out old roots and over grown plants.  How wonderful to hear the sound of the water falling.

We had talked about going out to eat but we just enjoyed our back yard.  Dad made lunch and I appreciated that too.

I was very impressed by all the fathers with their little ones at the park this morning.  It looked like father's day there.  All the children are so active running here and there.

I hope Ken was treated on Father's Day.

I have always thought father's were important.

Since it was also Sunday I was thinking about the Christian faith and what it values.

Both Mary and Joseph were chosen to be the special family who would bring Jesus into the world.
The important thing is that each one had to agree to be willing.  They were equally important, and families are important.

The Christian faith is all about choosing.
Choosing to believe and act out our faith and love  the best we can day by day,

All belief is important when it inspires us to be the best we can be.
To live out of love not fear nor failure nor guilt.

Old age is a time when we can choose how to think about what we can do not what we cannot do.  We can choose how to spend our time because we have the time to do it.

NEIGHBOR

                                                Our neighbor's house.  I am in my back yard.
Our neighbor Core came over Thursday  afternoon to tell us the city had found a small leak in his front yard.  Maybe it could be a problem.  They turned the water off but it was still running.  He would have it fixed by Friday morning. 

The drainage people where there early in the morning.  Care came over and we stared at the miserable mess together.  It was still draining.  He came over later in the day to say he could hear water running.

Early this morning he informed me that a leak had been found under his foundation.  They broke up the cement and got in to fix the problem.  We both go to the front yard to have a look at the water.  One stream of water had stopped.  Later I went out to look again and the water has stopped running.

It seems like a miracle.

I wish we were feeling a little better to enjoy it.  Dad is worried about our Insurance writing a letter about we have to sue them.  WHAT?

My asthma has gotten very bad.  I am coughing a lot and it is very tiring.  I am fortunate to have an puffer which really helps.

One problem solved and another pops up.

Spenser had a good checkup at the Vets.  His ears are good and so are his joints.  He will have a shot once a month now.  Dad would like to get one too.

Jane told me a funny story.  She put out a mouse trap to catch a mouse.  It ended up sitting on the trap eating the cheese.  These mice are everywhere and they are getting smarter!

BRIGHTER

One tree was chopped down and the other trimmed .

It looks much brighter.

Some wood for Sandra and Randy's fire place.

This is Sandra's home office.

She looked after Spenser for us

we planed to eat at a place near her.

It was not open. 

On returning to her place dad had a fall on the front step to the door.

We picked up Spenser and some cold meat and ate at home.

Now we are enjoying the game.

Thanks Ken for the phone call.

Rick also phoned and we told him he better watch the game too.

                                                    CANUCKS WON AGAIN!  !