STORMY

 

A very windy stormy night.

A chair was blown off out front porch.

There will be people without power

I am thankful for our power.

I do like my morning coffee.

We had a wonderful day yesterday celebrating our anniversary.

A friend rang the door bell and left flowers on the door step.

We are slow getting to the door and she is taking off in her car.

Lorna our new lady arrives as I am putting on Spenser's leash.

She  is happy to take him out.

Another card arrives in the mail.

It is much nicer to get a card than the bills we usually get.

A group of girls are meeting at the church and have invited me too

but dad has already planned to take me out for lunch.

Spenser has the runs and runs out the door as soon as it is opened.

Lorna runs after him and they go for another walk.

First he goes to the neighbor's and poops on their front lawn.

Das is caught in the act of cleaning it up.

While we were out they leave flowers and a card on our door step.

It has been signed by them all.

 

I feel very blessed to have such dear friends in my life.

They have touched and enriched my life

Dad puts a loving message on facebook.

Thus ends a perfect day!

I fel very loved.

ROADS

We have travelled many roads together

Since we got married and faced the unknown together.

Our first trip was to leave Regina and travel by plane out here.

We were assigned different seats but nice people offered to give us theirs so we could sit together.

We were married in sunshine but greeted by the rain when we arrived here.  I found it hard to get used to the fog and rain here at the coast.

Carol came over yesterday to dead head the flowers which looked so sad and unhappy.  She said : 

Come on get in my car and I will take you home with me.  We enjoyed a meal together with her and Panteli.  Haiti was so happy to greet us.  We enjoyed a short visit until Panteli it was time for us to return home.  

Dad still likes to do some driving but we our grateful to have rides too.

In our marriage we have learned the transforming power of love.  We have learned to forgive and to be compassionate.  We have laughed and cried together.  /we have driven many miles back to see our parents.  Once in a blizzard where we could not even see the road.  We were happy to see the road block at the end of our journey.  The police were stopping cars from entering.  They were amazed to see us drive out of the blowing snow.  

We now face the challenges of failing health that requires courage as well as love.

Our lives were enriched by the birth of our four children.

They are a part of our meaningful memories.

We have learned the transforming power of love.

New roads lie ahead for us.

Lorna has arrived at 9 this morning and has taken Spenser for is walk.  We will go out to eat later.

It is raining here too.

Thanks for the comments.

We were looking at old blog books and enjoyed all the comments.

 

CERTAINTY

Life can seem to be full of uncertainty.

Unpredictable and fast moving.

I am hearing more and more sirens going by.

Listening to the news can make one worried.

I like to hang on to the things that help me find meaning and reassurance in each. day.

Faith in the knowledge that God is with us and will give us strength even in times of doubt and uncertainty.

This morning I opened the door to a smiling face and I felt certain that she was going to be the one who would be our home maker.  She looks young and full of energy just the right person at this time in our lives.  She also has a six year old grandson who lives with her.

I was amazed at how quickly she worked and seemed to be enjoying what she was doing,

Sandra dropped by at lunch and got to know her too.

Sometimes you meet a person and you feel like you can trust them.

We have a new friend.

 

FINALLY

 We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Queen Elizabeth Park even though it was raining.

Spenser does not want to go for his walk.

Choosing from the menu at Queen Elizabeth Park

What a surprise to have Ben join us!

Finally was able to download pictures.

Beautiful even in the rain.

New help comes in the morning.

                                                 We are are thankful for family support.

"So we do not lose heart

though our outer nature is wasting away.

Our inner nature is being renewed every day."

2   Corinthians 4.

AMAZING

Another amazing day.

Yes we may be old and tired but we can still enjoy an amazing day.

The fresh air helps me wake up and know I am still alive.  Spenser and I are off to the park.

We meet two old friends.  Who are so glad to see me walking Spenser.

The park was empty when we first entered it.

The grass is alive with color.  A amazing bright green.

Huge trees stand guard with leaves gently moving.

Spenser is happy smelling all the smells.

I stop to have a look in the book nook.

I find a Christian book for my Sunday reading.

"Kingdom Culture."

"We live with a corporate restlessness with the way 

The things are going".

{We are fed up with the worry Coved is affecting our lives.}

We long for the Kingdom that Jesus proclaimed.

It lives in open hearts and  minds.

Jesus blessed the disciples with His Spirit when he left this world.  

They spread his life giving words where ever they went.

Love chased away the fear of his death.

He would always be with them/

We long for a fresh new vision of an amazing future.

Spenser and I walk over  to the side of the park  to wait for dad.  It is a long wait.  The amazing thing was  a group of doggie friends came and joined us.  Seven make a circle around us asking me how I am doing.  They are so pleased to see me walk again.

Even the dogs are happy

I just have time for a bite of lunch and a small nap before Sandra 

 arrives  with my favorite muffins.

I am enjoying one right now! 

Hopefully that miserable cold gets better soon.

I was feeling so happy and loved when there is a knock on the door.

What an amazing surprise when I open it and look into Sara's beautiful eyes.

Her son and daughter are with her.  

Lots of hugs and laughter.

She wants to know if we have good help.

After Dolly left so early on Friday we do not know what is happening.

It wan amazing day and we look forward to another amazing day with Carol and Panteli at 

"We hold with grateful hearts for all that has been done."

 

WHO

Who will come on Monday?

Who thought getting a house keeper could be so hard?

What a surprise when Dooly informed us she was only staying until 10:30 yesterday.

She said the owner Fatma had given her these orders.

We were okay with it

She had done the cleaning and put away laundry.

We had planned to go to the library for some D.V.D.'s.

It was our one outing for the day.

I came home and had a big rest.

Where has my energy gone?

We had a very late lunch and watched a D.V.D. we had already seen on Net Flicks.

We had forgotten who was doing what so we watched it anway.

Three lovely cards came in the mail for our Anniversary.

Gwen Wick our old neighbor from 53rd street sent one.

I still love getting things in the mail.

Sandra is coming over and she may know who will come on Monday.

Carol gets the invoice and Sandra talks to Fatama.

"There is a whole new life ahead

full of experiences waiting to happen."

Betty Sullivan

Yes there will always be questions

but we find the answers and strength we need for each day within our own hearts,

 

GOALS

I think it is a good idea to set goals so you have something to aim for.

It is good to put some thought into your goals for the day.

This morning we had several goals we wanted to achieve.

But sadly both dad and I were low on energy.

The day before dad had been busy pruning some of our big bushes,

He takes a lot off and it looks sad.

O well I say I might as well grin and bear it

I know it will grow back.

Today was garbage day and dad started to take the blue box out the garbage man even though he was on the other side of the road came and took it out for him.

So many kind people in this world.

We are learning to accept change and take help when it is offered.

I like what Rumi says, "the day you were born a ladder was set up to help you escape from worldly sorrow and despair."

For me prayer is like that ladder that inspires me to do better.

Growing older is a challenge but a time to seek out inner mysteries that give us wisdom and grace,

 

OLD

Yes our cherry tree is old but it still blooms.

"To be old is a glorious thing when one has not unlearned what it means to begin."

The desire to experience something new and unexplored rather than regress into what is comfortable or familiar.  There is much we can still discover and much that can inspire us.  Like a flowing river we want to travel to different places with our imagination and curiosity.

MiYelc, takes Spenser for his evening walks.  She carried Spenser home from the park.  She is a very caring person and she really cares for Spenser.  I am walking in the morning and dad picks us up half way.  I want to do more but it takes time.

I like to believe that growing old is   a time to express our love more openly, to give hugs and support to others, to be honest and open.  A time to explore the deeper meaning of the mysteries of life and the spirit.

Yesterday was warm and sunny and we enjoyed a visit from an old neighbor, Lily who has been missing me walking by.  She has a great sense of humor and has been a good friend for years.

Soon after she left Carol and Haiti came to sit in the chairs still warm from her visit.  At about the same time in Melbourne Ken an Melina were sitting at their kitchen table when they heard a loud sound like a strong wind and then their house began to shake.  It was an earthquake.  Very scary.

We now can turn from our need to achieve  greatness  or wealth or power.  We can now find fulfillment in the true and worthy challenges of daily living.

Yes I draw strength from my prayer life and the love of God and the love of my family and friends.
 

MOVEMENT

Any movement we can do is important.

The nature around us changes.

The leaves are now falling.

It is time for rest. Rest is important for healing and restoration.

A restful sleep is so important.

I had a poor walk yesterday because I was too tired to move. 

As I age I become more aware of my aches and pains and my limitations.

My aging body cannot move as it used to do.

 Spenseer came home limping last night, actually his walk was carrying him.

I am happy to have Dolly come and help clean and cook.

She is a happy person and willing to help.

She will walk with me but I like walking alone with just Spenser and me.

Today she does not come and I am happy with this.

Spenser was carried home from his walk the other night because he was limping.]A very sharp needle was buried in the fur of his foot.  Thankfully removing it  cured the limp.

Good help and good doctors are so important to help us keep well.

Too bad the doctor who did Ken's surgery made a poor job of it.

Too bad they are in shut down mode again.

So many restrictions.

Thankful the family keeps in touch.

I know I need to be more aware of the spiritual. 

"The soul, the spiritual being does not rest nor does it die, nor is it born but it is eternal and formless as a beam of light." -William Blake/

The spiritual being is aware of the presence of the amazing love that flows from the heart of God into our hearts.  If we abide in love God abides in us.

 

POSSIBLE

I am up early trying to find this picture.

It is not at an end but in the middle of my pictures.

I prayed and asked for God's help.

I knew it was possible because Panteli had done it.

I will now take time to read from my devotional and pray for the family.

STORMY

We  had a very stormy night too Ken.  

The moaning was sunny so I was able to walk to the park.

Lots of branches covered the walkway and grass.

Spenser and I took the long way home.

Like you Rick I got over tired.

One of my walker friends yelled at me and told me I should not be walking.

She took Spenser and walked them both to the park.

I am finding I am having less pain but no energy.

I will walk to the park in the morning and dad will pick us up.

So it it is two steps forward and one back.

Panteli and Carol came over for a visit and Panteli worked on my computer and got pictures out of my camera on to the computer.  Later in the after noon I tried but couldn't make it work.  We now know it is me not the computer.  I just wonder why it changed because it use to be one click and I was on photo's .

Maybe I was just too tired.  

Dad tried to help but he failed too.

Sorry your visit was a bit disappointing Sandra and Randy.

I hope it goes better.

My goal is to laugh at myself and not to take life to seriously.

Dad and I even laughed as we worked on the computer.

Many good days ahead even as the wind starts blowing and the rain is hitting the windows again.

Good to be safe and warm in our own little home.

 
 

WET

Lovely weather for ducks.

Dad took Spenser out in his raincoat.

He looked like a big green bug.

I took a picture but I cannot find it on my computer

It rained extremely hard.  A real down pour.

Dolly arrived on time and we had a chat about her tasks.

We are getting to know her better.

She says on sunny days she will come at 8:30 so we can walk with Spenser.

On rainy days she will come at 9.

I found one of my old favorite books in the book nook a day ago.

It is called "My Utmost For His Highest". 

It is just what I need to give me a little spiritual boas

To be the bet person I can be it helps me to be aware of my spiritual needs.

Quiet times of prayer and listening for a word to speak to my heart for that moment in time. 

.

 

 

Brrrrrr

Very cold in the morning.

Time for stew!

Dad's favorite.

Carol brought the warmth of a visit with stew and apple crisp.

A buy time for her getting ready for Hamlet, Alba and Kim coming early in October.

Cribs and playpens and new outfits too.

We enjoyed the visit and before we knew it it ws time to go for dad's cancer check up.  

We knew all was okay because we had the results from the blood clinic.  He does another one in 6 months.  Good news he does not have to have one of his nasty shots.

Stopped at Shoppers on the way home.  We got our usual items and were glad to head home.

Dad went to bed with a headache.  He slept for an hour.  Now he is listening to the radio.

I always worry when he has a headache.

Rain is expected for all day to-morrow,

Randy and Sandra will be happy to leave for Alberta.  A visit to see kids and grand kids.

 

LAUGHTER

Laughter has always been important for me.

Dad could always make me laugh when we were dating.

That is what I remember the most.

Yes the new girl Polly arrived today.

She loves to laugh as well as cook and clean.

We are completely happy.

Carol and dad are going to practice golf in the morning.

I am sure there will be some laughter.

Carol is bring us lunch over.

Then we go to see dads doctor at the Cancer Clinic.

I hope we have the time right,

I know their phone number by heart I phoned so many times with questions.

The girls on the phone were very patient and kind.

Laughter is the best medicine for sure.

 

BETTER

LIFE IS COMPLICATED.

We liked Sweta.  I enjoyed walking with her.  We do need help cleaning the house and she would have to be given very specific tasks.  I am not up to doing that.  The new girl comes to-morrow and I have tasks for her to do.     I feel bad because she wanted to be helpful.

To-day we had a brighter day even though it was wet and rainy.  I met two of my best friends in the park and had a great time talking to them.

I got my shot at the doctor's office and dad got his blood work done.  

We will have the results to-morrow,

Spenser had his shot at the vets and went for a little walk in the evening.  It did start to rain again and he sure does not like the rain.

 Carol was not well so dinner was cancelled.  I hope she feels better to-morrow.

WE are trying to adjust to having help.

My back is extra sore to night so I am ready to go to bed and rest.

RELATIONSHIPS

All relationships are different and special.

Not a good picture of me and dad.

We look dumb.

No matter how long you have been married your relationship needs to be worked on.

At times we misunderstand each other.

We need to take time to work things out,

In the end we both had to say we were sorry.  

Yesterday the new girl came.  We are not sure of her name so we need to write it down.

She is a young girl from India.  We will have a different relationship with her than we had with Sandra.

She arrived very early at 7.  Spenser had run down for our bedroom and was waiting at the front door.  I was going back upstairs to get dressed and take him.  Before I could there was a knock at the 

door and the girl was here.  I opened the door and away ran Spenser. 

The chase was on.  She ran one way and I the other.  She was able to run faster and pick him up and carry him home.

We started out with his leash on and he did his business and we carried on to the park.  I met three of my old friends and had a fun time talking with them.

  I am very happy our new girl will walk with me.  She made sure dad took his pills.  She made us a nice simple lunch of salmon and rice and carrots.  It was very  good.

We where Sandra came to help show and tell her what we needed done.  We need to be more specific about the work for each day.

Nice to see Carol.  We sat out in the back patio but it soon started to get a little chilly,  She offered to bring supper over to-day and that was wonderful news, 

I am thankful my relationship with God has changed over the years.  Life can be unfair at times and I say the wrong thing at times but God's love remains always with me.  

Love is at the center of my relationship with dad and that is the most important thing.

Later it would take several phones calls to the Cancer Clinic to get the date and time correct and when the blood work had to be done.  Before or after.

To-day I get my big shot from Dr. Nolte.  Then we stop at the blood clinic to get his P.S.A. brought up to date,  His appointment is on the 16th.

Then problem is that we are all too human far from perfect but trying to do our best.

 

 

BREATH

 Good for you Rick.  Thanks Ken and Sandra.  Hope the golfing went well for you all.

Sunday is a day for me to take a big breath and fill my heart with love and peace and joy.

I believe that God exist and lives within hearts.

The beauty of nature is awesome and at times can take your breath away.

A flower, the sunrise, the moon the refreshing rain.

Prayer can put into words my beliefs and hopes and dreams.

It gives my life meaning. 

My life has been touched by Love.

Little acts of kindness give life meaning.

I believe in the healing power of faith.

I walked to the park with Spenser and felt extra pain afterwards.

A reminder to take thing slowly.

Today is a gift, a time to rest and to believe and to love.

 

A BLUR.

Another day past in a blur.

Dad got up early to go to his dentist appointment.

He had a good report and will see the dentist again in December.

If I get more ulcers in my mouth the dentist wants me to come right in.

As I was coming in from the garage I heard Dr. Nolte talking on my answering machine.  I did not get there in time to answer.  I phoned back and did not get him but he phoned back.  He said it was okay to go for short, very shot walks, and see if it causes me more pain.  I told him I did not want to make anything worse,  He also order some calcium shots to build up my bones. 

Next week dad has to do a blood test before going to the cancer doctor on the 16th.  

His two appointment in October are written on the calendar.  One is for his skin cancer.

Yes I find it hard to keep everything straight.

Today Sara came for her last day to make us lunch and say good-bye.  We really like her and we will miss her visits.  Dad does not want to have a replacement but we do not have a choice.  I am still having some pain and will take time to get my energy back.  Dad has lots of problems that may get worse.  We know we must be positive but also prepared.

We dropped off some clothes and books at the Salvation Army Store.  It was good to clean out our closest. 

I am looking forward to walking Spenser in the morning.

It is hard to believe Cameron and Shandel are leaving to-morrow.

We were happy we had a visit with them.

Days seem to go by in a blur.. 

The world seems to be in a mess.

I am thankful that my faith helps me to keep strong.

APPREICIATION

We really do appreciate  all the loving and kind things are family do to support us.

Kind words and loving hugs are thee best.

Carol came over to go to the computer store with dad.  Yah! it is fixed.

I hope she got home in time for her first appointment.

We were excited watching for Cameron and Shandel to come for a visit.

It is so important to have some thing to look forward to.

They have been having a great visit, to the sea shore, to the giant forest and now to the mountains to go on the gondola.  Whose idea was that.?  Not everyone likes scary ri des especially going up high up the mountain.

Thanks for the visit we so enjoy being with you.

Too bad Ken is having car troubles.  Very annoying.

Nice to have a mechanic around.

Rick seems to be have one problem after another similar to dad.

We hope and pray for better health for them both.

I am still having pain in my back but the worst part is I am tired with not getting out and about.

I know it takes time to heal,

We plan to take my computer in today but plans are often changed.

So far having a terrible time with my computer.

Dad has helped.

Woke up to find the garage door open and the light on.

I think I will ask Payton to close it if he sees it.
      

 

 

RISKY

Yes we looked younger.

I cannot find new pictures.

It is getting worse and worse.

The thing was I never saw myself as a person who took risks.

Looking back I can see I did some risking things.

Like dating.

Like getting married very young.

To a husband who did not know if he would have a job or not.

Moving away from mom and dad and my friends.

No Honey moon.

 Long  dreary hours in a dull basement suite.  

Dad was having stress at work.

Our car broke down so he has long bus rides to work.

Times of adjustment and compromise.

Becoming pregnant before I had even given it a thought.

Some how our love was strong enough to carry us through the troubled waters.

My faith and belief in the power of prayer strengthened me. 

I missed going to church. 

We did not have much money but buying a little black dog was the best thing we did.

.  He was some one to talk to and to walk with.

Our love for our family as each new child was born was the greatest blessing of all.

Now we find old age can be a risky business.

We had a good day yesterday when Tavia came for a visit.'

Also Jan came riding into the driveway on her scooter.  Two delightful visiters .

Jan had entered a cooking competition and flew back east and was video tapped cooking in a new kitchen with only certain ingredients.  It will be on T.V. next year.  I hope she won the prize.  She was having health problems at the time with serious infections in her feet.  She is now waiting for surgery.

We take many risks in life with out  even knowing it

I am glad I did!

PHOTO'S

No new photo's.

A beautiful day to be at Sandy and Randy's home.

Every year the flowers look more beautiful.

It was wonderful to see Cameron and Shandel looking so happy and healthy.

Daisy dog too!

Good to have visits with Theresa and Ben and Morgan.

Also Leah and Ophelia and Astrid.

I really appreciated the special chair that Sandra put out for me.

I was able to lean back and take the pressure off my spine,

After a wonderful meal it was time to open presents.

Blowing out birthday candles was a real challenge for Ophelia.

Lots of fun 

Lots of love.

Carol drove us home for a rest.

Thanks all.

I now have a birthday book.

Had granola for breakfast.

LABOUR DAY

Looking forward yo another party at Sandra and Randy's.

Labor day is suppose to be a day of no labor  but for many it is a busy day.

The sun is making a weak attempt at shinning.
I hope it will improve.

I wish our whole family could be with us.

Wonderful to have Cameron and Shandel here.\
I hope the kitty is better.
 A busy day for all ,

Everyone will feel loved and welcomed there.
I get to wear my new dress!

TRAVELLERS

Are they here yet?

How was the weather?

It poured buckets here and also in Melbourne.s the cheese from Costco.

Dad

Spenser had his rain coat which matched the other dogs but he only went a block.

He hates rains.

Carol and Pentali went to church last night.

It was a night of music and candle light.

We were glad to stay home and rest

Sunday I try to think of the way Jesus did life.  He did not start a church but travelled around to meet the people who needed to know they were not forgotten but God's love can find us where ever we are

ROMANCE

The grass is still green

but not for long.

I had a bad day on Friday and it wasn't even Friday the 13th.

I sat waiting by the phone for for phone appointment with Dr. Nolte..

This upsets me.

Sandra is going to make one.

The rest of the day was crappy.

I had bad stomack aches.

Dad went to the store to get salads and cold meat for supper.

He also surprised me with some lovely flowers.

Sara did not come as her daughter is still not well.

I am happy today is Saturday.

It is my favorite day.

I pick a mystery with some romance in it.

Romance is important at any age.

PRECIOUS

How precious is the moment when your new little one is placed in your arms and your husband smiles into your eyes and you know your love has produced this 

 new gift of love!

Happy Birthday Sandra.

It was an exciting time when you were born and we moved from the shack into a brand new home.

Each child adds to the special family we have become.

Life was full of promise!

We look forward to celebrating your birthday along 

 with Tasha, Leah and Ophelia s's birthdays on the 6th

Your home is a warm and welcoming place for this.

I will be resting lots so I can enjoy this special day. 

Yesterday we were very worried about Sara's daughter being tested for the virus but thankful she is okay.

We hd plans to go shopping, or for dad to go shopping, for presents.

Dad was not having a good day.

We are finding plans have to change and we have to adapt to getting older and weaker.

"Those you deeply love become a part of you"

Especially children and grand children and great grandchildren.

We learn to values the gifts each one brings into our family!.

We all benefit from being loved!