THOUGHTFUL

I enjoy the early morning calm as I read positive words and write in my journal.

'LIFE     is this simple.  We are living in a world that is absolute transparent and the divine is shining through it all the time.  It is true."

Thomas Merton.

"The real voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." -Proust

Cold and clear this morning as Spenser and I start out our walk.  The sunshine on the colorful leaves and the crunch of my footsteps on the path bring beauty and awe and awareness to my day.

I take time to pray for the family one by one.

We enjoyed the drive into Carol and Penteli's with Sandra and Randy's  yesterday.

Carol was working late so Penteli made roasted vegetables , chicken and rice,  A very healthy meal. One of our favorites.

I am thankful we are not afraid to meet and enjoy tis time together.

Hopefully we will one day not even have to wear masks when we enter buildings.  I am finally learning to carry one in my pocket and in my purse. 

 We want to be free to say a wholehearted Yes to life and enjoy days of sunshine and laughter.

PLEASANT

A pleasant day.

Early morning short walk.

Lorna comes and fixes our T.V. remote so batteries can be put in.

In the afternoon I am picked up by Joan and we drive over to Ken's house.

Our group is meeting for Bible study.

Our study was about Elizabeth and Mary.

Both chosen to carry special babies in their womb.

I feel blessed to have a relationship with all these dear women.

We have studied and share our experiences together for over 30 years.

We are a jolly group who laugh as we share our dreams of future hopes.

We read and bring light from ancient scripture into our daily lives.

Ken has a huge room full of windows that look out onto the back yard full of trees.  There are posters and articles from the fifties.  It is a pleasant room.

We plan to meet once a month.

We gather around a very long table with lots of space between.

I am very tired by the time I return home.

t takes energy to be with a group of people.

Dad had a restful time at home and then drove over to the library.

Today we go to Shopper's Drug Store.

It is Thursday Senior's discount day.

We look forward to supper with Carol and Panteli at their home.

                                      "When one of us shines we all shine and are blessed.   -Moira Rose

JOLLY

                                                Dad says I am not that "jolly" in my writings.

                                 That may be true.  But I enjoy a good laugh especially with friends and with dad.

                                  Thelma Inskter phoned yesterday and my friend Mary phoned to day.  We all have a lot in common so we laugh about the silly things we do or forget to do.  I do worry about dad and want the doctor to do the right things for him

 I phone my brother and he reminds me how important it is to have faith.  Something we all need at this time with so many worries about the virus.  We even laugh and enjoy our phone visit.

 I ask at the pharmacy and we have to book an appointment for the flu shot.  Plan to do that to-morrow.

Our T.V. turner is not working so we will be up-stairs watching some thing.  Dad can sit on his computer chair and I am on the bed.  I know we will both fall asleep just watching.

I do enjoy my morning walk even though my hip complains after.

I am looking forward to a jolly get together with the girls from church to-morrow. 

My friend Joan is picking me up at 12:20.  We take our own lunch and have coffee and tea.

I hope my red bloody eyes look better.

"You cannot plan joy.  Happiness comes from a deep place within us."  It can be exhilarating and freeing.  We can learn to laugh at our mistakes and find joy in simple moments.

                                             

    

                                                 

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REALISM

It was no surprise to see many of the leaves blown off.

The wind was not as bad as expected.

It may get worse.

We have candles ready.

I was sure the power would be off in the morning but was pleasantly surprised it was on.

Sandra and Randy came by yesterday.  Randy put new numbers on the house.  Sandra brought us a big bowl of stew.  Dad's favorite.  I appreciate  all the kindness and concern the family show to us.

I am back doing a short walk.  I took my phone and my camera as well as Spenser.  All the dog walkers seemed to know I have had a fall.  Pat's husband saw me being helped into Hilary's house.  They are surprised to see me this morning.

Dad goes to get his stiches out this afternoon.

He is anxious to get them out.

He then will be able to shave properly.

I on the other hand look like I am all ready for Halloween.  I have one black and blue eye and a yellow forehead with a bandage on it.  There are a few houses decorating for Halloween but not as many as usual.  It is not my favorite time of the year.  I have no idea how many children will knock on our door.

I ask my self if I am facing life with a realism that the future will test our faith and force us to accept changes.  Beneath the surface of our daily life we know that problems will test us and force us to face life with realism.  We have learned many lessons but their will be more challenges.  I accept the fact that if I am extra tired, a lack of sleep and worries on my mind. I should take just a very short walk.

"The gospel of health and wealth appeals to many but like for most of us can be a bit messy.  I am thankful for many things especially for a caring husband and caring children and helpful friends,

There still moments when  feel sad and worried.

"An aching soul is evidence not of neurosis or spiritual immaturity  but of realism."

 

LIGHT

I wake up early as usual but the morning is dark and cold.

Yes I am tempted to go back to bad.

I write in my journal instead.

This week was another painful lesson.

If I am feeling exhausted I try to go for a long walk.  

I need to accept my human limitations

and learn to wait for light and for energy,

Sunday is a good day to renew and refresh my faith.

To strive not for perfection but to be kind and caring.

Religion should not be about a set of rules

but an awareness of my inner poverty

the darkness of doubt and worry. 

No matter who you are or what you believe we all struggle with a sense of unworthiness at times.

Where does our inspiration to face the day come from?

I do miss going to church.

I miss connecting to others.

I think the most important part of my dream was the stream of people coming to help.

Yesterday was a good day.

Had a good talk to Rick.

A walk with Spenser And Sandra.

Enjoying the fresh baked cookies Carol brought.

Being aware of the spiritual which brings light into the heart and soul of life.

I need to fall in love with life again!

 

WORRIED

                                          The side walk is very slippery with the rain fallen petals. and leaves

.I had not had a good ight's sleep but I aways find the early morning walk helps me to wake up.  I was feeling better when my foot as I step onto the side walk from the road.  I always tell dad there will be always be people aroung to help me.  Sure enough Hilary's (the jam lady) husband drove by and saw me fall.  I really need help to get up.  They are both the kindest people you could ever meet.  He drove me over to their house.

She talked to me while Spenser explored the house.  The dog and cat came out to watch. She brought me some orange juice and phoned dad but the phone was busy, busy, busy.  She is worried about dad so she runs from her house to my house to knock on the door and bring him back.

I did not want to go to the emergency room but when to please dad.  I had a cut a big goose egg on my head.  I have a hard head.    I did sit around for about 5 hours.  Dad did well taking care of me.  He knew I was waiting for a Cat scan so finally drove home.  Fortunately it was not supper busy and I got in soon after he left.  I went because I did not want to worry him.

My head hurt and they gave me some pills.  They do not often bother to do that.  My head hurt and I felt sick to my stomach.  My little finger also hurt.  But it was not broken.  Sitting in the chair made  my back ache.  The nurses and the doctor were very kind and caring.

We arrived home and the children phoned.  Carol, Sandra and Ken.  I worry about Rick who did not phone.  It is time we had a nice phone visit with him.

Hilary came over to see how I was and yes she brought some jam.

I had a very strange dream last night. t was about fire and water.  The whole world was on fire.  There were angry voices full of hate which seemed to fuel the fire.  

A huge cloud came and rain started to fall.  Raindrops hit the earth and flowers grew.  People were singing and bringing buckets of water.  Even little children were helping.  It all seemed very real.

Sandra is coming to walk Spenser this morning.  I have a fuzzy head and my wrist hurts but I am fortunate it was not worse. 

"Try to keep upor small worried self close to you. . .Let it teach you it's  wisdom, let it tell you you can live not just survive.  Gradually you will become one (with with the Spirit called the helper) and you will find Jesus drawing closer to you.  -Henri Nouven

 

IMPROVEMENT

Can you see the Gnome?

We have several of them hidden in our grass.

I need to improve my posture.

I need to focus on what is good in my life

and in my relationships/

We all struggle with the negative voice 

which can shut the positive.

Dad was surprised to get a call from a mental health unit.

He let them know his memory is good.

This call set off unhealthy conversation.

We need to be free from our past mistakes.

We all have said things we regret.

Human brokenness is a part of life.

We cannot avoid pain and worry.

We are so fortunate to make our own choices and to overcome our mistakes.

We have the word of scripture that promises a new heart and a new spirit.  Ezekiel.. 36.

We drove over to see Panteli and Carol and Haiti.

We left with happy hearts and full tummies.

WE were happy the pills arrived at the drugstore. 

Hopefully if we takes then regularly he will improve.

He also needs to eat healthy meals and get enough rest.

Emotions can be soul be crippling or soul restoring

God's love redeems and forgives and heals. 

 

VISITERS

The sun did visit us for a few hours.

Our friend Cathy also dropped in.

Wonderful to see her.

Spenser followed me into the room and went right over to see Cathy.

He sat right beside her.

He was sad to see her go.

He is a little character.

He was not happy to go on our early morning walk in the rain.

I opened the door and he looks at me like wondering if I am crazy.

We let him come with us to Staples.

We are getting our Coved passports laminated.

with the drivers license on one side and it on the other.

So much easier than trying to find it on our cell phone.

The young girl was so helpful

she made it easy.

"But life is not always easy 

We would become weak and inefficient

if we did not face some challenges."

It was so good to have a visit with Cathy.

Friends give our lives meaning and happiness.

 

HOPEFUL

Hopeful that today turns out bright and sunny like yesterday.

The trees are even more beautiful when the sun shines on there leaves.

The morning does not look to promising.

Dad and I were hopeful that his pills would be ready for him when we went to the pharmacy.

What they have not even been ordered yet?

We look at each other annoyed and frustrated.

This has happened before but we were hopeful tis time would be different.

We leave in the hands of the girl working there.

We got a phone call they would be ready today at 6.

We enjoyed some Chinese food with Carol and Panteli.

Thanks Panteli.

It was the best way to end our day.

Being hopeful brightens our days.

We will enjoy the beauty that blesses us and renews us.

We are hopeful that the pills we take will do us good.

i

 

REWARDS

I make an effort to write a blog every day or so.

I am rewarded when some one takes the time to comment.

Dad and I have been looking at some of my old blogs from years ago.

The comments make it so much more interesting.

Today dad talked to his Dr. Today and got several things done.  Dad needs an appointment for a Cat Scan follow up for the specialist doctor to see what is happening in his pancreas.  Good thing Sandra noticed the need for this.  We are also going to get his pills all sorted out.  Two pills were not refilled and it seems as they are for his blood pressure they are very important.  He has been using he has a nasty cough so needs a new puffer.  He also needs to take the Gabapentin twice a day.  He does feel it is helping his feet at all.  He is worried about increasing it and having a bad re action, 

He took Spenser in for a grooming.  He really needed it.  Now he looks even cuter.

Sandra was at the doctor's office when the Dr. was suppose to call.  Evidently a lady came in confused about the phone call appointment and that is why he was late phoning us.  Sandra is getting Dr. Nolte to sign a paper for my expensive calcium shots.  So a lot got done with help from Sandra.

We try to get out a least once a day and our thankful that things are opening up here.

We like our new helper very much and she knows what to do without having to be told.  She is busy all the four hours she is here.  Our days seem to go by quickly maybe it is because we

 always have a nap or two!

"Courage does not mean you do not get afraid.

Courage means you do not let fear stop you."

-Bethany Hamilton.

This can mean having the courage to take your life in a new direction.

 

MEDITATION

                              Sunday morning a good time to meditate and re-examine our spirituality.

A time for silence and prayer and reflection.  We can be reshaped and renewed by our experiences and our deepest thoughts.  Life is a great mystery and we try our best to understand ourselves and our world.  Perfection is impossible and errors are a part of the learning process.  I am still learning to let go of the past and welcome the future.  We need to encourage one another knowing that we are loved and we are unique individuals.  Knowing that God who is loving and kind  will go with us.

"Great is His faithfulness His mercies begin afresh each morning".

God never gives up on us.  I can trust His unfailing love and support.  I can learn to be more patient.

So many are without water or power or a home in the world of destruction and shortage.  I feel so secure and bless to have a home and food and water and a husband and a family.

I pray for Hamlet and Kimberly and Alba to have a safe journey  home.  Our love will go with them.

I am thankful it is not raining this morning as Spenser start out our walk.  It is a shorter walk but I AM able to walk straighter right to the last step.  I enjoy the beauty of the fall colors and the freshness of the air. 

I like walking alone as I can think about others and pray that the problems in their lives will find the answers that they are waiting for.  We are all just human beings trying to find meaning and courage in our daily lives.

"When we put one foot on front of the other in life we will get where we want to be.  The beauty is that I start new each day right where I need to be."  - Taylor

RACING

Yes the day started with me racing after dad who was driving out of the driveway going to look for me.  I saw him as I was coming towards the drive way from the opposite direction.

I yelled and raced after him knowing he would drive around and around looking for me.

Sandra came along as I stood at the corner waiting for him to drive by.  Spenser and I were very wet and tired.  She drove after dad honking her horn and then phoned him on his cell phone.  We had a laugh about it later.

Sandra came to help dad with a computer problem.  

I had a rest.

We went out to Rickie's for lunch and yes he had fish and chips.

There was some kind of big accident on Scott Road.  There were two fire trucks and an ambulance.

I was reminded of some of the stories Hamlet had told about exciting things happing in their neighbor hood.  They went to get tested for Coved today to prepare for their  flight home on Sunday.

They are going to go home and look for a better neighborhood.

The rest of the day was hockey, football and soccer.

Looking forward to Heartbeat.

"May your life be like a wild flower

growing freely in the beauty of each day."

 

The Family

                                               FOUR GENERATIONS

LOVE AND LAUGHTER.

 

LOVE THAT SMILE

"The manner with which we walk through life

IS each person's most important responsibility,

and we should  remember with every new sunrise.

Thomas Yellowtail

COURAGE

 

   "The hallmark of courage in our age of conformity the capacity to stand on one's convictions not because you are what you believe obstinately or defiantly but simple because these are what we believe.  -Rollo May

It is important to have the courage of your convictions, to have a purpose that is worthwhile, that is steadily being accomplished, with courage and determination.  

"There is a real satisfaction to be growing inwardly all the time, living a decent and good life the the best we can.  Becoming more generous and kind and alive.  Trying to believe in your self and thinking the best of others.

"Each person has inside a basic goodness and decency if they stop and listen to it.  It is not complicated but takes courage and inner faith."

It also takes courage when life changes and life is full of aches and pains.

We have simple goals like visiting the library and going for walks at the park. 

We are ready when Sandra and Randy arrive to drive us for one last visit with Alba, Kimberly and Hamlet.  We enjoy a happy visit and a delicious meal.  The time has gone by so quickly.

Now I will try and download my pictures.  A lot of pictures where taken.  Four generations!  Amazing!                                  

 

DAILY

Spenser makes daily trips over to the neighbors house

and waits at the door for them to come out.

They can see him on their security camera.

Everything weth well for dad at the skin cancer doctor.

He had a big cut in his neck

where a red ugly sore was.

He likes the doctor and they have a good chat.

He came away in good spirits and had a T.V. dinner for lunch.

I think he would have gone out for fish and chips.

I am trying to help him to eat better.

He had another bad night last night.

It is trying for both of us. 

I had trouble keeping awake while sitting in the waiting room for over an hour.

Growing old is a challenge but I have decided to make it a spiritual challenge by being in touch with my feelings.  Every day can be a time to make it a quest for my inner soul.  We all have a journey to make from the ego to the authentic self.

I feel that I am where I am meant to be right now.

 

HARMONY

 

The way to find beauty in life is to find beauty in all things.

First be in harmony within  yourself.

A lot happens in each of our lives some good and some bad.

Harmony comes with acceptance.

On Monday we had a good visit with Ken on the phone.

We are always happy when he gives us a call.

Tuesday we had a day of worry with Spenser.

Dad took him to the Vet. and they checked him out.

He was better by the time we got there.

He did not want to go out in the rain which is normal.

Today we had a good walk and he is fine.

It was good timing because it was time for his shot.

I think it always perks him up.

The early morning walk also is good for me.

Happy we went before it started raining.

Always a lot to be thankful for.

"The earth is holy

The feet that walk on it our blessed."

Chief Dan George.

"Take the breath of a new dawn

and make it part of you.

It will give you strength."

Alba's first thanks giving,

 

she is looking serious

A wonderful day.

Good food happy people.

THANKFULNESS.

 

Thankful for the gift of wonder each new day brings.

Thankful for the birth of a new baby Alba, in our family,

Thankful for my parents whose love gave me life.

Who taught me many things,

I am thankful for my good husband  Larry a good friend who loves me a lot.

He loves to tell stories and we all love listening to them.

Growing old can be an adventure that is shared.

Thankful for each new day a new beginning. 

Thankful for the many hands who have shopped and cooked and brought food to make our

 Thanksgiving dinner delicious.

Thankful for food to eat and food to share.

Thankful for the laughter and love and memories that live on forever.

Thankful for all we have experienced in the past

the dreams we still have for our future.

Thankful for the beauty of nature.

The brightness of green grass

the colors of fall each leaf different.

Thankful for my family those I will be with on this day'

and those I carry in my heart and in my prayers

Thankful for the power of prayer that sends love to each one.

Thankful for the faith that produces good deeds of kindness.

Thankful for the times we feel vulnerable

especially when we feel like we have done something wrong

or someone has hurt out feelings.

Thankful for the gift of forgiveness.

Thankful to live in a free country

where we feel secure and grateful.

Be with Kenny and the family safe during this time of lock down.

Thankful for each person who makes up our family and brings us joy.

where there is freedom to express our opinions.

Thankful for this day

and the love we have for one another!

Thankful for my faith in Jesus who taught us to love the unlovable,

in times when we feel we have failed.

Times when I need an extra hug.

What are You thankful for?

 

 

WALKING

It is a very cold walk in the morning for Spenser and I.

Dad insists that I need to be picked up.

We were happy to see him arrive just as we crossed the road to start home.

We arrive home just as Laura arrives.  It has taken a while to getting use to some one coming to clean and cook for us.  We try to keep out of her way.  We are getting to know her better each day she comes.

After she left I heard the door bell ring and try to get to the door as quickly as I can.  I open the door to another bunch of lovely flowers and an anniversary card.  We have been blessed by the knowledge that people do appreciate us and we have so many good friends.

Spenser and I walk over to the Safeway to pick up dad's prescription.  

I re-order that and also made a doctor's appointment for dad to see about his upcoming tests.  He has one appointment with the Skin Cancer doctor in October and I would make an appointment for that same day.  I phoned back and a new time has been set.

I put some money in the fire man's boot.  Money to help the community.  I was thanked very kindly.

A small act of kindness on my walk.

                                                 

 

FUN

 We had a second fun visit with Alba.

This is a picture from the day before.

 think I may have left my camera at Carol and Panteli's.

We were a different group with Ron and Donna and Sherry.  Carol was a wok.

Alba was held by everyone and was a happy little girl until I took a turn at hold her. I was concerned because she was heavy and I was awkward.  She was not happy so she went back to mom.

It was fun to be with more of the family and to see the happy faces.

We are the only ones that seem to be aging.

My life is so good I almost feel guilty hearing about lives being affected by Covid.

We are anticipating more gatherings.

Thanksgiving at Sandra and Randy's.

Life is beautiful when we keep in touch.

 

KEEP TRYING

 

 

 

I have tried for three days to find these pictures.  The middle one went on by mistake but if I tried to remove it it will all disappear.

Yes we had a wonderful time meeting Alba.  She is so bright and interested in us all.  Carol is having a wonderful time help look after the baby.

 The living room is transformed with baby playpens and jumper things etc.

When we left Carol and Hamlet had her plashing and kicking in the baby bath tub.

I have a picture but it is lost for now.

Yesterday I was on the computer and then dad and I went out for hamburgers at the "Five Guys."

My was a lettuce wrap.  We found having to wait and stand to order and then it came in a brown bag.  It said for take-out.  We may have asked for the wrong thing.  We would not go again.  It was not a cheerful place and the girls were nice and polite but not chatty.

Recognizing grace that comes with trial and error is a blessing that renews the hope that dreams can come true and life can have transforming moments,

After we went shopping and dad keeps seeing more things to buy while I am not thinking ahead.  

I am trying to plan what Laura should cook.  I ended up with chicken breasts.

REMEMBERING

We had a quiet weekend.

Talking to friends over the phone on Sat.

Dad had a call from his old friend Don Urhich.

Remembering some of the fun times they had together.

Having a visit from Pat and John Sunday afternoon.

Remembering how you first met was interesting.

Yes years ago our life centered around the church.

Fall meant the Harvest  dinner

which was a lot of work

and a lot of fun.

I was sitting in ky chair by the front window reading

Keeping an eye on people coming and going.

All of a sudden I saw movement on the front porch of Todd's house.

I had to look very carefully

to see his two indoor cats creeping along so slowly.

They had never been outside.

I had to laugh as I saw them.

They were soon spotted and put safely back in the house.

Today we are so excited about seeing Alba, Kim and Hamlet.

Sandra will pick us up and drive us over.

We have found the gift of friendship is a gift to remember

and to be thankful.

 

OPEN

I love the colors of fall.

I am reminded that in a;; stages of life there are ways we can bloom.

"Keep your eyes open, your heart open, and your mind open"

We realize that we will always have questions.

Yes I am slowing down but that does not mean there will not be more challenges and more opportunities to be a blessing to others.

Both Spenser and I are thankful it is not raining today.

We will walk to the park and have a ride home with dad.

She is like a breath of fresh air.

She walks the dog if I do not feel up to it.

She makes delicious chicken soup.

She is helping us to adjust to changes.

She is a good listener.

She cleans up inside and outside.

Her name is Lorna.

Dad went shopping yesterday and enjoyed surprising me with things I did not even know we needed.

Meaningful memories that have taught us what is important in life and to be open to the unknown.

Yes we were surprised on our visit to Alberta to be attending a wedding.

 

YES

 

Yes it has stopped raining.

Yes dad as taken 

 his pills.

Yes Laura is coming today.

Yes we have been tested for the virus.

WE choose to do the mouth rinse test.

We had a hard time opening up container wrapped in plastic.

Yes I wore my orange shirt.

Yes another plant was on our doorstep.

Another card in the mail.

Talked  to Kim on the phone.

Yes I am having less pain but still hurts when I do too much.

Yes I know I am old and being tired seems to be a part of aging.