UNEXPECTED

The unexpected

Nice when the unexpected happens.

A phone call from Theresa.

We are thankful for a small dog.

Her big dog is a handful.

Dad enjoyed chatting with her.

Later in the  day we both were able to chat with Craig.

Hoping the girls can come by on Sat.

Knee more painful

this was unexpected.

I took a pill

I got very sick.

Very nauseated and dizzy .

Slept

most of the day.

Off to bed now!

Expect to feel better to-morrow.

.

 

SEARCHING

Searching for a happy picture.

guess who?

Saturday was a very very busy day.

Cleaning out the garage searching for signs of mice.

Cleaning the bed room.

Misplaced my eye drops.  Looked everywhere.  This morning I started a gain.  Finally gave up and took Spenser for a walk.  Meet some old friends which was good.  One friend said you will find them I just know it.  Sure enough got home and looked in the drawer again, only further back and they were there.

Trying to explain Jesus to dad is difficult.  I just know one day He just became real.  I know He listens when I pray.  I know he understands that life can be difficult at times.  He is a timeless.  Jesus speaks through the Bible and through the many books I read about spirituality.  It is not always easy to hear what he wants to tell me.  It is important I start the day listening.

Happy to be invited to Sandra and Randy's for supper.

It is good to hear what they are doing,

Yesterday had a long talk with Rick and Carol.

Growing up in my home we went to church but no one shared their faith.  They certainly lived it.  My brother Brian shares his faith openly and faithfully prays for our family.

Yes God loves each one of us just as I love each one of you!

 

Yes Yes Yes!

YES another old one.

Yes dad and I had a good day.

We ate out at the White Spot.

I shopped at Save On.

Yes the message got through to the doctor's receptionist who promised to see that the form was sent.

Yes I put ice on my knee twice.

Yes dad took is pills!

Old age is a time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Time to help one another.

Time to help others with a cheerful greeting and a smile.

Time to let others help us when we need reminding and encouraging.

Time to enjoy talking with old friends.

Dad had a good talk with his old friend Don Uhrich.

Time to count your blessings.
 

 

WARMTH

One way to warm up.

Dad was up early to warm up the kitchen and turn on the fire place.\

I enjoyed my coffee \\

later we are French toast in the dining room.

Watched the older boy drive his little brother to school.

Our street is quieter since Covid.

The young girls from China do not go out at all except to school.

Yesterday we did not do much. 

We did not eat out.

We did not go shopping.

We napped a lot.

Especially after dad puts my eye drops in.

I am standing on one leg holding on to the computer.

The phone at the doctor's just rang and rang.

I will phone again standing on one leg.

I am going to start doing Yoga.

It is called lazy or restorative Yoga.

We are thankful for rests that restore us

maybe even helps our brain.

One can only hope!

Two busy to write more I need to go stand on the other one leg!

 

GLUTEN

Still using old pictures.

Thinking about a new computer.

I know I did a poor job last time on my blog.

Ken phone to check on me

I did not realize it was so bad

but it is like my walking I did not know it was so bad

The cane is helping me walk straighter.

I hope this will help my knee.

Knee's  can be a problem for us all!

Even young Ken!

I have been feeling miserable for a few days.  I believe some nasty gluten has been active.  All the same aches and pain.  Extra tired, les aching, a icy rash, confused, and nauseated.

Feeling much better today.  Even had coffee for breakfast.  I had two long naps knowing the world will not stop because I am not up running it.  Enjoyed Jello yesterday.  We always have some on hand.

The only salad my mom made was jelly with grated vegetables.

Dad was using his edge trimer.

I believe it is too heaver for him even though it is electric.

I went out to help clean up a bit

but I wish we would just hire some one.

If we want to stay here this is our next option.

Jane is doing much better and will be going home from hospital soon.

Her cousin and her daughter have been allowed to visit. One at a time.

I am happy.

Lots to be thankful for.

Good books to read.

"Stealing the Preacher."

A  daily inspiration book that includes meditation for Worriers.

Dad really wants to eat out today.

Rick is having a tough day at work today.

Keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

He will phone on  the weekend.

 A tough job but his employers believe he is the best man for it.

Thankful I have a wonderful family to love and who love me and dad!

They try to keep me on the straight and narrow.

Especially walking straighter and promising to do my new moves.

 

EARLY BIRDS

\

The sun has not come out.

Old picture.

Dad was the early bird this morning.

The sun and I slept in!

I woke up to the smell of burnt toast and a warm kitchen.

Dad was hungary

The physio man came early yesterday morning..

He thinks it is tendons.

He will bring some exercises for me to do.

His concern is lack of strength   and Lack of balance

 I see Dr.Nolte next month on the first of June.

The x-ray showed arthritis but should not be the cause of the pain.

I am having trouble seeing the computer

Sorry Sandra no towels in the bathroom.

Did you use toilet paper to dry your hand.?

Spenser and I are ready to have a walk and then we can go back to bed!

 

DISASTER

 So far the morning has beeen a disaster.  Cannotfind the June cards I had ready to send.

Thankful for a sunny day.

I will be walking with Sandra and an old age expert.

Is the problem with my knee cased by the way I walk?

Sandra believe it is.

I am using a cane and I am walking straighter.

Shopping was a disaster for me.

It is very tiring making sure I choose G.F.

There were boxed stacked up on a high shelf

in a pile.  I wanted the one at the bottom of the pile.

The whole pile fell down.

I look around and no one is watching.

I coild have left them but I picked them up one by one.

I could have asked for help.

The store ws very busy. People lined up just to get in.

At the check out I could not find my purse.

It had fallen down on the floor.

I ran out to the car.

I did not want to lose my purse that Sandra had kindly licked out for me.

.

I had spent the morning loking for my phone list.

Yesterday was a disaster

Is the way  I am walking the problem with my knee.

I will be walking with Sandra today. and an old age expert.

WISHES

I Wish I could find a picture of Jane and I.

I found this one of Sandra and Morgan.

I wish I could see her one more time.

Only one visitor allowed while she is in hospital..

We have shared a lifetime together.  We always ate out on our birthdays.  We went for a morning walk once a week.  This gradually became a time we would go back to her beautiful home, where her husband would put the coffee on and Larry would come and join us.  Sitting out on the sundeck with a view of the ocean surrounded by trees and flowers was a beautiful time.  What a blessing our husbands got along well too.

We shared her gried when Jeff died.  /Back then you could have a funeral at the church..

Dad and I visited her when she has surgery on her spine.  She and Jeff visited me when I had my lung surgery.  We both recovered well.

We shared all our deepest secrets and we shared the sadness of the death of her trobled daughter andd the death of our great grand daughter Madeline.

She taught me to be a better hostess and I shared my faith with her and helped her through times of doubt.  We pray for each other every day.

To have a good friend is a blessing.

I was wishing it would rain lasts night and it did.

Now I am wishing for the sun to come out.

Dad spent hours putting his weed wacker together.  Not an easy task when screws provided do not seem to fit.

Sandra went shopping at Value Village and bought me about five purses.  I will need to clean out my cupboard to find space,  When I looked at my purse, Simone came me years ago, with her eyes I realized it was very worn out and full of crumbs.  We where talking about going and buying

 one.  When something is given with Love it's value is priceless!

We talk about things but do not always do them.

I am walking with my cane and every friend I meet tells me I am walking much better, standing straighter and not bent over.

If you are lucky enough to find a way of life (which 

includes love and friendship) your life has meaning and strength, laughter and tears and wholeness which is another word for holiness1

Thank you Jane for being my best friend.

I wish you will be well looked after and feeling better soon.

I may go back and corret this or I may not..

Still raining.

Dad and Spenser are st both snoring away!

Happy Monday.  Wear your raincoat and boots!

 

HOLINESS

Let your hert be filled with the beauty of life.

Be loving and kind and caring.

Be human 

Express your emotions

sadness or joy

Find healing words to comfort your soul.

Holiness expressed in all the tasks we do 

and all the faces we smile at.

Our faith in the future.

Let strong hands lift you up when you fall down.

Be humble and hones and laugh lots.

Sunday was a special day for our family when I was growing up.  Dad stayed home from work and mom did not do any house work or laundry or shopping.

Roast beef and Yorkshire Pudding. and Pie!

I am thankful for all these good memories.

I am thankful that I learned about  God and His son Jesus at this time.

I loved Christmas when he was born as a baby just kike you and me.

His Mother Mary was beautiful and loved him with all her heart.

His dad Joseph loved them both and protected them from danger.

He did not hide in church behind rules and demands.

He walked freely in the open air and spoke to every one who would listen.

Easter was a time when the disciples felt very sad because they did not know where he was.

Holiness abides in our deepest pain and sadness even when we have felt alone.

Holiness is the presence that heals and restores the lost and hopeless.

I loved going to church later.  I loved meeting best friends.  I loved helping at the Harvest Dinner and the Strawberry Tea.

My faith has deepened during this time when there is no church.

Prayer and Thankfulness help me face each day!

A simple story of God's grace

that lives within in all our imperfections to create Holiness and Compassion.

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!  !  !

 

ACCIDENTS

One very close accident.

Went to go at the stop sign and a truck came racing by in front of us.  Fortunately dad had not gone right away and he put on the brakes.  It could have been a very bad accident..

The other one was at home.  I was making muffin dough and the bowl went flying in the air and landed up side down.  What a mess.  I scooped  it back in the bowel and out it in the cup cake pan and cooked it anyway.I think a few germs might be good for us. I am the only one who will eat them unless Sandra comes over and may try one.

We drove to Canadian Tire to get some trimer thing and went to Milestones after.  We sat up at the bar as there was no room.  The bar was out side.  I dropped my purse and the bottle of pills fell all oveer the floor.  Two young boys came to help me pick them up.  Very kind but I would have just done it by sitting on the floor.  /they helped me up.  I was embarrassed.

We think it is okay to eat outside at a safe distance with a mask on coming in and going out.

My eyes are fine now.  My knee is not.

We are enjoying the hockey too.

Cheering for Edmonton.

 

BRIGHTER

A bright blue sky today.\

Yes this is an old picture.

Dad and I had breakfast together in our sunny dining room.  He had his favorite porridge and I was addressing cards.  Dad was not much help in choosing which one to send.

I came home from my walk to hear the news Jane was in Hospital.  I phoned and she was having tests.  She may have a stomach blockage.  She did not sound good but I phoned this evening and she sounded much brighter.

We have had so many good times together.  Ours has been a lasting friendship.  /we remember the first day we met as we were leaving church.  We stood and talked for a long time until we realized everyone else has gone.  My prayers are with her.  I am thankful her daughter    Susan was allowed to visit.

The day became brighter as we heard Mary's wonderful news.  She has full custody.  Yah/!

Happiness bubbles up deep within me.  I read that somewhere and I liked it.

The day has finally become brighter so that also makes me happy.  Everything on my walk looks brighter.  So my eyes are improving.

Sandra wondered why I did not answer the phone and I wondered why she had not phoned!

 

AGE

The shade deck is showing it's age.

Dad has good ideas about how to fix it.

t will not be easy as the bottom of the poles are showing rot.

"Age is just a number."

Well my numbers are adding up. 

Act your age I was old growing up. 

Don't be so silly.

Now I enjoy a good laugh.

Life has many things we can enjoy.

I enjoy a good family celebration.

I enjoy keeping

 tough by phone

and by face book.

I enjoy comfortable clothes.

I enjoy my walk with Spenser 

and meeting new friends

Like Eric. David. Bob. Cliff and Brian and some I do not even know there name.

When I think about being a home maker i

realize that it was often a lonely life.

Every one else was so busy..

Even my friends.

I was old before I started using a computer

I enjoy it but also get very annoyed at it.

It is always trying to out smart me.

I enjoy my quiet morning coffee

and the stillness at the end of a good day.

 Time is a gift we are given so I try to enjoy the things I can do.

No I do not like cleaning house

Or cooking.

But I still enjoy eating.

I an be annoying but dad just lets it roll off his back like water.

Yesterday I messed up the T.V.

It was smarter than both of us and fixed its self.

I do not know how but it works for me..

"Be alive, body soul and spirit."

Thomas Merton

ce at the end of the day.

  

 

ORGANIZED

I am happy my sight is improving.

My goal today is to try and be better organized.

Rick sure did a good job when he was here.

I see the eye doctor on Wed.

Dr. Nolte phones on Thurs. with the results of the knee x-ray.

Good to talk to Ken.

Should be a fun week-end with scary people coming out for fun times.

I managed to organize lunch and supper

along with shopping'

Dad has been enjoying the hockey and I watch some with him.

Sunny but still cool. 

Talked to Panteli while I was out.

"watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you

because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most

unlikely placed."

Ronald

Dabl

 

WONDERFUL

Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful!

Annette F.

Yes I am so tankful that I can see.  I am taking ot easy for a few days.

I am thankful day is doing such a wonderful job cleaning the kitchen and doing vaccuming.

Dad is doing wonderfully keeping the house clean/

I probably do not even see the dirt.

We plan on driving to Delta to have my knee ex-rayed.

We went out to eat because I want dad to eat more.

He had one half of a hamburger.

For supper all he wanted was some pudding.

It was very cold eating out at White Spot/

The wind chilled is to the bone.

The waitress was very happy to see us.

The more weight he losses the more I gain!

Funny !

So thankful we have each other.

Time for him to put my eye drops in now/!

 

PROMISES.

Today promises to be warm and sunny.

I will take Spenser for a short walk.

Dad will help me put my eye drops in.

He brought home some beautiful red roses last night

.

Dad knew it had been a scary day for me.

Nice to get a letter from Mary and the children in the mail yesterday.

I believed the promise that I would see better.  Right now both eyes are blurry.   do not know why the other eye is poor.  I am wearing glasses all the time.  I am having a hard time seeing .

Yes I am so happy the surrgery is done.  The nurse who took care of me was a beautiful and kind person.  All the nurses in the place worked verry well together and were very cheerful.

Dr. Tam is quiet spoken and kind.  She tells you what she is doing every step of the way.  /s sheet is put over your eyes and a hole is open where she removes the film.  She knows I am anxious.  She had made a point to tell me all that could go wrong.  I think she stressed it a little too much.

Anxiety crushes the spirit and energy out of our souls.

I feel that my life has been blessedh having a czring and loving family.

I am thankful for the life we pour into each other's life.

Thankful Pentali will make us supper to-night..

 

Today

Today was sunny.

I worked hard in the back yard.

Enjoyed supper with Sandra and /randy.

Came home and Spenser wanted a walk to the park.

Now it is time for bed.

I will be glad when to-morrow is over.

A trying day for both dad and I.

Had a message from Tasha on the phone.

We need to try to keep in touch.

 

GROWTH

Sometimes growth can be painful.

Spenser and I go on shorter walks because my knee is painful.

Dr. Nolte phones Monday morning.

Later I have the eye surgery.

I find the three eye drops confusing.

Dad will help.

Yes it is Sunday again.

I ask myself how can I live out God's love and compassion.

Certainly being a good neighbor helps.

Bing a good listener.

Working with dad to clean up te back yard.

My faith is a precious part of how I am.

It has deepened as I have gotten older.

Now I invite Jesus to walk with me through the day and night.

It is not always easy to feel kind and loving.

Jesus love me so I can love others.

Happy Sunday!

DREAMS

When you are young you dream about your future.

Now I am older I dream about the past.

My dream was to live by faith

and to listen to the inner guidance.

Today went well as dad and I were both tested for the Covid -19.  Young people met us at the door with friendly smiles as they took us into a bright sunny room to be tested.  Yes it did hurt a bit but it was good to have done.  

We had a late lunch so supper was very light.

We had a visit from John and Pat.

sitting on the front porch.

Christopher and Cameron were born in May.

It is harder right now to remember birthdays.

Too many other things to remember.

Dad had an excellent visit with his doctor and a blood test will be order for diabeties.

"Never stop dreaming

Never stop living out your dreams."

 

ADVENTURE

Walking on cherry blossums.

The green trees are all out now.

My quote for the day is "Never let an adventure pass you by."

I am having fun with my secret friend who leaves little things for me in the corner of the Book Place.  It is a fun game looking to see what was left there the night before.

Dad was up early and made us French toast for breakfast.

We had some special Jam to put on it.  Special strawberry jam that came in the basket from Ken and Melina.  It had balsamic viniger.  Very tasty.

Today dad worked on his income tax.

I walked to the park with Spenser.

I came home after a rest and cut the grass.

After a rest we went shopping at Shoppers.

Just found out my neighbor right beside us has cancer.  I did not recognize her with no hair.

Her husband has not been well for a long time.

One son is staying at home to help care for them both.

Lots of appointments etc.

To-morrow I get tested for covid.

Dad talks to his doctor.

Spenser gets a shot.

I pick up the eye drops for before the surgery.

We seem to keep busy.

I have lost any yearning I may have had for adventure.

SIMPLE

Dad and I treasure the simple moments of kindness

That fill our days with happiness.

We enjoyed driving to have supper with Panteli.

His favorite simple meal chicken and vetables and salad

and even a brownie for desert.

After we skyped with Carol and Kim and Hamlet and Alba.

Alba has lots of dark hair and reminds us of our girls.

It is good there are many arms to hold her and watch over her.

She will be changing every day now.

A little brighter.

Our day had been simple trying to figure out doctor's appointments.

Dad's doctor will phone on Friday.

My surgery is May 17.

Our friend Pat phoned and we had some good laughs together,.

We are fed up with cooking and cleaning.

Dad is enjoying cleaning up and I am so thankful.

I have a sore knee that I need to rest.

Not a good day to walk or to cut the grass.

Good thing I did a bit in the yard yesterday.

I start the morning with reading some inspirational simple words.

Words that set the mood for the day.

Words that I can share.

Words that can be a blessing to others.

Words on little cards from Shandel.

" Take nothing for granted"

 

EXPRESSIVE

 It is wonderful when family expresses their love for you and appreciation for all you have done.

This was a special day at  Queen Elizabeth Park

How quickly the years have gone by.

I am spending too much time trying to put pictures that are recent on my blog.

I smile at all the happy faces sitting around the table at Sandra and Randy's home.

It is a table covered with good food.  Salmon cooked on the barbecue makes my mouth water just to look at it.  We know we should save room  for desert.

Then it is time to open my presents.

A new hat from Carol and Panteli

Just what I need for sunny days ahead.

Flowers from Randy

Cards from Panteli and Sandra.

Help with gardening.

Thee basket from Ken and Melina is too pretty to open but we do it together.  Lots of good goodies

The day started with a call from Rick and ends with Kenny's call.

All in all it was a wonderful happy day.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

 

I am thankful all my children choose me to be their mother.

You have all given me great happiness.  You took turns being the favorite/!

  

I love each one of you unconditionally.

We have all grown more loving and Kind.

Be yourself.

Did I know what I was getting in for becoming a mother.

I now know it is the hardest and yet most rewarding role

I look back on many happy memories.

Baking your favorite cookies.

Reading you stories.

Taking you all down to the beach.

Sharing the  joy of Christmas and Easter and birthdays.

I made mistakes but I am thankful you have forgiven me.

Be bold

Be beautiful

Be brave

Be loving and Kind and generous.

Be yourself.

I love you all! 

'Let your light shine.'

Jesus

.

WANDERINGS

"New Beauty meets us at every step

in all our wanderings."

John Muir

Every day I will open a card from Sandel and find a new quote.

I meet a friend at the park who I gave a card too,

I wanted to mention it.

It has been a strange  day

The cleaning ladies did not come, my fault I messed up.

I was late coming back from my walk, she was early

They will come on Monday.

I am leaving more mess for them to clean.

Dad was at the dentist so he was not at home.

Yesterday the mailman had a big smile on his face when he gave me the card from Rick.

I appreciate the effort that would take him.

Loving words always make me happy.

Today a young fellow with a big smile gave me a basket of c=goodies from Melina and Ken.  I wanted to open it up but decided to wait until  Sunday.

Thank you both.

I am sure Melina and Jasmine enjoyed the mother's day tea.

Dad and I had lunch at the Irish Pub.  I am feeling sick to my stomach so I am thinking something was not gluten free although I asked the girl to check with the cook.

At Brown's social club they know me and usually mention it when they bring my order that it is gluten free.

My mind did a lot of wandering today.  I was thinking back to the times mom and I spent together.

 She was a good mom who made home a happy place to be.

Happiness comes from all of you remembering me!

 

IT IS A BEAUTUL WORLD.

Yes Shandel it is a beautiful world.

I was surprised when the Fed. X stopped in front of our house.  Hey some is bringing something to our door.  It was a parcel for me.  Yah.  I wasn't going to open it till /Sunday  but my evening I just had to find out what was in it. Dad helped me unwrap it.  I was delighted with the little box with the special words on little cards.  They made me smile and changed my day which had been a bit draggy.  I think I ate some thing that really upset me.

I went to sleep thinking what a beautiful world it is and Sandel that was the perfect surprise for me.  That was a very loving gift that touched me deep in my heart.  It is always good to be reminded how very loved we are!  

Today I started sharing the cards on my walk with Spenser.  I put some in books in the book nook and put some in mailboxes of friends I have made while walking.  I wonder will anyone know it is me?

Many hearts will be surprised and touched.

Thank you for being so kind and thoughtful!  !  !

 

 

YES

Yes another old picture!

Yes it is raining in Vancouver.  Believe it our not.

 We drove to Art Nap's and the parking lot was full.

We manager to find a spot some one was just leaving.

Only 75 people allowed in.

A guard stands at the door counting.

We do get in but we forgot Spenser's lease so he was left in the car,

a kind lady gave us a leash for him.

Yes he was a happy puppy, he loves going there.

Yes dad did buy several plastic flowers,

very colorful and big!

We arrive home cold and wanting food.

.

We quickly warm up a few bites.

STOP  I yelled as dad goes to take his first bite.

The Pills! 

We have been doing well taking them.

His stomach has calmed down

he has gained two pounds!  Yah!

Dad phoned and he has an appointment with Dr. Chang to-morrow at 1:30.

Fortunately a person cancelled.

What do we need to ask him?

Life has handed us a new challenge

Courage and faith will see us through..

Yes life did flow from an empty tomb

Yes His Spirit lives on.

The gift of love flows from the heart of the Father above! 

Every loving  thought a prayer!

Praying  for healing.

especially for  Rick!.

Love is always Healing!

Yes we now have a few plastic flowers giving a back yard some color!

Yes we are looking forward to supper arriving with Panteli!😊😊

HAPPY SUNDAY

Another beautiful day with the trees shining with new leaves

and more and more flowers coming out in bloom.

Spenser and I enjoyed our walk to the park.

He still has a bit of a cough but he is walking briskly.

We were very happy to be asked over to Sandra and Randy's house for lunch.

It was a real feast and all we were expecting was hot dogs!

Dad loves hot dogs.

They have a beautiful yard so gracefully planned and laid out.

You can tell gardening is a work of love expressed in all it's beauty,

I will download my pictures and see if I can put them on my blog.

Yes, I am having trouble.

Thanks Sandra for your loving kind words on my blog.

Right now we will do our best to keep healthy and positive.

There will be a bigger challenge e ahead for us both.

I will try to make an appointment with Dr. Change to-morro.

The pills are really helping.

Going over to Sandra's I realized we did not have them.

I insisted we go back and get them.

We both came home and rested.

Also I forgot to mention dad wrote me out a love letter for Mother's day.

We thought it was today,

Missed talking to Carol but we will zoom on Tuesday.

The drive was pleasant and our visit enjoyable.

A very happy Sunday for us.

 

OK

 

I am okay and you are okay.

We are okay even in our imperfection.

Okay I got one picture downloaded.Sandra and /randy come for a visit on /Friday noon time.

They went to some art gallery in Vancouver!

I am having trouble with my computer and my mouse.

I have succeeded to put this picture on.

I do not know how I did it.

"Perfection is inhuman." 

Human beings were not created to be perfect.

We do not really love others until we love all of who they are.

Yes that includes their  imperfections.

"Blessed are the hearts that can bend,

they will not be broken."

Albert Cameus.

I have drawn strength from the love that others have gifted me with.

Within our souls we have hidden a sacred place that inspires us.

The best time for me to do this is in the quiet of the morning.

It is time for me to cut some grass.

Dad has cleaned up the kitchen.

We have no plans for today.