QUESTIONS

Happy Birthday Carol!

We enjoyed our visit with Sandra and Randy.

Birthday cake and blueberry crisp.

We all missed grandpa

who did not feel well enough to come.

I was extremely worried about him.

Ken that was good you phoned to ask him some questions about the sale of your house.

He perked up talking to you.

He is better today.

He enjoyed talking to Mary today.

I had many questions to ask the doctor.

Too bad dad could not get his blood work done today.

He needs to make an appointment.

I am being very strict with his diet.

It does make a different.

I have many questions about life and suffering

I know it is important to keep asking and seeking answers.

 

HURTING

It is extremely hard to see the people suffering from war.

There will always be evil in this world

and evil leaders.

To bomb the life out of a country is unforgiveable.

There is too much suffering in this world.

Natural disasters.

Brisbane is suffering from flooding.

Illness can destroy energy and the quality of our daily life.

We suffer when we know others in our family are suffering.

We blame the Russians for killing innocent people.

Some will blame God

the God who suffered when His son died.

He3 suffers with us.

Suffering causes both mind and body to hurt.

We come into this world from a safe and warm place.

Birth can be painful

You feel a painful slap to start you breathing.

God has been with us at the very beginning of our journey in the womb

and continues to be with us in our pain.

I now have to use a walker as my walking is getting worse and kind people ask me if I need help. 

My walking looks painful to others.

I believe that one day either on this earth or in Heaven there will be no suffering and no pain.

Until that day we battle daily with our limitations.

Knowing others care is a blessing.

TODAY

                                             Today,  Diane Jolda came for lunch that Laura prepared.

                                          

The snow is melting.

Yesterday the Canucks had their best exciting game

winning against Calgary

We missed it.

 Russia invaded the Ukraine 

Kenny and Melina sold their house.

Rick went to the doctor.

Dad went to the dentist.

I had two walks.

The last one around the park.

I met a dear friend from Colebrook, Janet Jack.

Scripture reminds us to live for the day.

This is the day the Lord has created.  Rejoice and be glad in it,

I do not have the wisdom today for to-morrow.

I enjoyed today!

MOODS

                                               A little snow a little sunshine changes our moods

Yesterday had been cold and windy.  I get ready for the party in a calm mood.  Nick and Derena are the first to arrive.  Smiling and carrying flowers and a plate of fruit.  We were happy to see them and we knew they were happy they had come.

Pat and John arrived complaining about the cold and looking unhappy.  

They brought dad his favorite cake, which is Black Forest Cake.

They did warm up a bit and I was glad to see their mood change.  We have shared many good times in the past. Our experiences at church have created a common bond.  The years have changed us and that is to be expected.  We will always be close friends and make any effort to share birthdays with coffee and tea and cake.

Ken phoned.  A stressful time to be letting people come in to look through your house, especially when this happened so fast.  There have been two offers.  We will wait to hear.

A quiet day with only a trip to the library planned.

Reading is so important in my life.  It opens my mind to other worlds and knowledge also is good to deepen my spiritual life too.

"Ignorance enslaves us."  _Joan Chittister

Truth sets us free.

YOUTH

                                     Youth is wonderful.  We enjoy having a visit wit Ben at Carol and Panteli's.

                                            He has a great future ahead with scholarships for his future education.

            He was driving back and forth to Chilliwack to look after the family dog while they are in Hawaii   Yes we have our natural ability but to succeed it takes hard work and determination and practice and discipline. .  Ben has all that. So do others in our family.

Dad was delighted to get a phone call from Lucas on his birthday.  He is also doing well.

We arrived home to find Sandra waiting for us in our driveway.  A quick visit.  I did not get a chance to ask her about her eyes.  She should not be out in bright sunshine.

Good news Kenny and Melina are selling their home.  Time for a change.

Each one of us has a plan for our lives that is unfolding day by day.

Today dad is having another birthday party with Pat and John and also Nick and Dorena.

We have been blessed with a wonderful family and good friends.

                                           

                                                 

SOUNDS

I did not realize how many sounds I   was missing until I put my hearing aids in.

I love the sounds of nature

the wind in the trees, the birds chirping

water flowing

the laughter of children. 

Quiet music.

The little dog at the park with his little bark trying to scare the ducks.

1t was cold when we walked around the pond with a wind chill factor of -5.

It was cold.

I miss the voices of friends coming to visit.

Looking forward to have Pat and John and Nick and Dorena come over on Wed.

I was thinking of my friends and then about church.

I realized I was missing hearing the scripture read.

I am reading it out loud to myself now.

"God is our refuge and strength 

a very present help in trouble

there we will not fear."

 The Lord of Hosts is with us.

We are not alone.

 

READERS

Took time to walk around the pond.

The wind had turned very cold.

We had spent the day reading.  Dad has a new book.

"The Year That Made Canada"

I am reading 

"The Monastery Of The Heart."

To become aware of our spirituality

is the work of humility and thankfulness.

Dad was very happy to have a phone call from Lucas.

We appreciate his keeping in touch.

Dad wanted to ask Rick his opinion on the use of the Emergency Act.

Kenny feels strongly that there was no choice in the Mandate.

It is a strange and weird time.

It was not a peaceful protest.

I pray for peace for those who feel the anger of  injustice.

I think what is needed at times is to walk in the shoes of others

and try to understand their ways.

Mathew 5 quotes Jesus as saying there are blessings in all we experience.

Happy

 

Yes a happy man surrounded by loving daughters.

He has a silly grin on his face.

I took four pictures and dad never had his eyes open.

Laura started pff the happy day with balloons and cards.

 Then came many phone calls.

Starting with Oliver, then 

Cameron and Shandel

Kim

Pat and John

Ken

ending with Ron Ateah'

Soon it was time to leave for Carol and Panteli.s.

Sandra was behind the wheel for a smooth ride to the party.

Haiti was so happy to see with his tail waging and whole body shaking.

More and more good food was put on the table.

Salmon,  rice lots of vegetables and salad'.

We were almost too full to eat the apple crisp that Sandra made.

We left happy with full tummies.

We have been happy watching the amazing young people at the Olimpics.

A birthday well celebrated.

I felt sad and pain as we watched the police surround the protesters.

They are being moved and so are their trucks.

I feel something has gone terribly wrong with our humanity.

Life and be unfair and cause us to feel angry.

T hey have caused  a lot of people to suffer from their actions.

We treasure the small moments of happiness being with family and friends.

This gives me great happiness and a grateful heart and mind.

 

PROGRESS

This is last year.

Progress for dad as he celebrates another birthday.

 

NOW

Now is the time for a plan.

Have your past port ready if you want fish and chips in Ladner.

There is now a plan to remove the big trucks from blocking streets. in Ottawa.

There is a time to protest and a time to go home.

Now is the time to leave.

Now it is the time to plan for dad's birthday. 

It is at our house on Friday.

Dad was pleased to receive his birthday card in the mail.

Thanks Rick.

Now is a good time to plan for our future.

Where will new strength come from?

From prayer.

Thanks Brian for your prayers for me.

Yes we are getting weary but thankful for the help we are receiving.

We know what our  strengths are,

strengths that have carried us through difficult times in the past.

 We  are all on a adventure into the unknown.

 

RESILENCY

I am back on the old computer.

Had a good morning talking to Rick and to my brother, Brian.

Cold in Invermere.  He asks about my family.

Drove to Boundary Park to walk Spenser.  Dad sat in the car.  Friends from Colebrook walked by stopped to have a chat.  So nice to meet old friends from our church.

Spenser and I hopped in the car but it would not start as the battery had gone dead.  Thankfully dad could recharge it.  We drove home but decided to not go shopping or eat out.  Charged up the battery instead.

"Saw that you were perfect so I loved you

Then I saw you were not perfect

and I loved you even more."

Angelita Lim.

Yes so true.  We can get on each others nerves and then we need to laugh .

 

THE VOICE

                                                            Nature has a voice.

Years ago when I was very sick and probably dying I was all alone and lying on the chesterfield.  The sun was shining and the room was quiet.  I was feeling worn out and useless.  I prayed and asked God for help.

I had prayed for others but I did not often pray for myself.  I felt a peace.  I heard a voice.  It was not in my head but seemed to be from deep within my soul.  Maybe it was the first time I had been quiet and listened.  The name of the Dr. I had seen many many years before.  Dr. Horan.  I had not thought of him for years.  I did not want to go to see any more doctors.  No  No  NO.

I am thankful that when God speaks he repeats and repeats until you are forced to listen.  I remember walking slowly over to my family doctor feeling foolish to ask for a referral.  He was glad to give it to me.

Yes he was able to put me in the hospital and gave me every test known.  I was a celiac.  It took a long time to recover but I did.

Now old age has slowed me down.  I keep going a little ways slowly.  Everyone passes me.  The give me an encouraging smile.  I know where I am going!

Yes I know that I have been given the gift of being able to listen.  Walking is a time when I listen.

Our strengths change as we get older

SLEEPLESNESS

After a beautiful day Sunday Dad had a very bad night.

I do not remember giving him his digestion pills before breakfast

This was probably why he felt so sick.

We both had very little sleep.

I was happy Laura came this morning.

Dad is having a long rest right now.

Our dog walker cannot come this week to do the later walk.

The good news is that going to Boundary Park is great.

I walk around and dad sits on sits on a bench.

He can see us so does not worry..

Dad talks to people and enjoys this.

I am on the big computer and enjoying it.

"A creed

I asked for strength that I might achieve

I was made weak that I might obey with humility.

I asked for health

I asked for riches

I asked for power

I asked for all these things so I could enjoy life.

I was given life that I may enjoy all things"

I believe that their is meaning and purpose in my life.

Life can be tough but we can become stronger

Life can be good even if we are not  healthy or wealthy or wise!

.

 

 

ENJOYMENT

A sunny Sunday.

Went to the White Spot for breakfast.

It was very enjoyable,

Now we are off to the Boundary Park.

Sad news Mayekco is at the Delta Hospital being tested for Singles.

She has been under a lot of stress looking for work.

She is in a room all by herself.

Wishing she had something to read.

I do miss going to church.

I miss the music and I miss my friends.

Jesus taught us to care about each other, to share our pains and our joys.

 

LIGHT

                                             We enjoy walking with Spenser enjoying the light on the water and the calm and quietness sitting on a bench together.  Seeing all the other families with children and dogs for some reason  reminds me of growing up in Saskatoon. Wed to walk along the River Bank. Today dad sat on the bench and Spenser and I walked around and talked to other dog people. It takes an effort for me.

I needed to feel calm as I was having trouble with my computer.  I stayed up late and then got up early to try again.  I am now on my old one and now that the mouse is working I am happy with it for now.  I am sure Sandra will help me when she is allowed to be out and about.

It was good to see Carol and Panteli.  She needed to relax and enjoy her visit with Kim and the family and she did.  /she is fasting for a few days as this has helped some with this disease. I will be glad when she finds out the result of her cat scan she is having this week. A miracle would be nice!

Randy seems to be not terribly sick but I hope Sandra does not get it.  There are too many people in this family struggling with health problems.

It is a worry.  We all need to be tough as we try to do our best.  We live a day at a time and keep hoping for better days ahead.  Sometimes this takes all the courage I can gather up but I believe in our family and our future together. 

Time for our inner strength to kick in. Time to pray for each other.

Love is the light that shines in our darkness,

 

CARING

                                                My life has been blessed with caring friends.

                                                 Yesterday Cathy G dropped by to visit.  Later Pat and John came.
                                                  We had a lot of catching up to do.

                                                   Two of her children and their families are moving away.

                                                   Deserae and Ava.  They will be missed.

We need special people like these in our lives who really care about us and keep in touch.  I had been feeling grouchy and they gave my spirits a lift.  They encourage us by loving and caring.

Sad to hear Randy has Covid but so far not to bad.  They both will have to stay away for awhile.

I hope my blog gives my life meaning as I share my ups and downs and faith.  Dad and I are both getting weaker but caring for each other continues.

God's grace on our lives is a blessing.

                                                  

                                                    

DOUBT

                                                  Doubts can deepen our faith

                                                 when we continue to want to believe,

                                                     Reaching our goals on our spiritual path is not always easy.

We took Spenser to the Vets. to have a check-up.  All is very well for a dog his age.  We had no doubts

but it was good to be sure.

We all have ups and downs in this life especially on our spiritual journey.  We can even feel lost at times physically and spiritually. We know where we want to be.  Life is an adventure.

The path is still there but we cannot find it but we will.  

Talked to Ken.  He had just finished cutting the lawn when the basket ball hoop fell against his car and smashed the window.  

Unbelievable.

ENDINGS

                                                       The Ending of a life is very sad.

                                                                The service was beautiful.

Kathy was very tearful as she told the story of her mom's live.  I had met her a few times when Kathy lived across the street.  She seemed a warm and very kind person.  

She was a woman prayer who prayed  daily for Kathy and her brother.  

Kath's aunt  has been with Kathy during this time.  The niece  spoke and ended her short message with a funny little dance.  

She had promised her aunt to dance at her funeral and she did.

There were just a few old people there with a few family members.

We had coffee with Kathy and as we gave her a final hug we could tell it was a relief that it was over.

We got home in time to rest for a few moments and then off to White Rock for dad to see his cancer doctor. He had a sore spot  off the top of his ear.  It had freezing so he was not in pain.

I decided to go into the huge Save on Foods store instead of waiting in the waiting room..They do not like two many people waiting together.

I had a very long walk to find my bread.  I grabbed a few other things while I was there.  My legs felt weak as I headed out the door.  The trouble was I went out a different door.  I walked around and around the parking lot and no car.

People asked if they could help but I said I would eventually find it.

I eventually did went I found the right parking lot. 

I felt very shaky by this time.  I had dad's phone. If I went to look for him we would miss each other for sure.

I have never felt so panicky and couldn't wait to get home.

Glad this story has a happy ending

                                                                        

                                                                                

SUNSHIHE

What a difference a sunny day makes.

We are fooled into thinking spring is here.

We need the rain too.

We have a fun drive into 

White Rock to get some bird food.

Lots of memories as we drive through our old neighborhood.

Our house is still there but it looks very modern now.

We all loved that old house, the view and the feeling we were on top of the world.

We arrived home and just as we did Sandra arrived.

We were very happy to have the stew she brought with her.

Dad's favorite.

He couldn't wait to have some.  

Sooo good.

Today we are going to a funeral for Cathy's mom.

She is extremely sad.  They have grown closer over the years.

I will have to take Spenser for an early walk before we go.

In the afternoon dad goes to see his cancer doctor in White Rock.

He has some nasty looking spots.

It was wonderful to talk to Carol yesterday. 

She has asked us over but I think it will be too much for one day.

 will phone her at noon.

I also need to phone dad's doctor for results of the Cat Scan he needs on his pancreous.

Also Spenser needs a good check up.

Cathy has been a good friend and we want to support her in anyway we can.

So life has sunny days and gloomy ones too.

we

w

we

 

STRUGGLE

A beautiful sunny day.

New growth is struggling.

I woke up feeling low.

I did not feel like praying, or reading, or working in the yard.

I realize that I am dependent on God's spirit to save me from my self.

A good time to read from the Psalms.

We all have times of feel up or down.

I learn more about myself when life is a struggle.

"We begin to see life as a struggle  when we realize we are at the bottom of a ladder.  

-W. B. Yeats

It was good to have our friend Diane come for a visit.  Lots of memories and lots of laughter.

We have been missing our friends from Colebrook.

Thankfully today I feel better.

 

WEEKEND

DRIVE TO 

TSAWWASSEN

A VISIT BEFORE CAROL LEAVES.

SANDRA HELPED BOTH DAD AND i TODAY.  

SATURDAY FEB. THE 5TH

 I was trying to down load pictures from the wrong camera.

Dad and Sandra tried to do the tags but they did not like the numbers.

We enjoyed her visit and her help.

Sunday we have invited Diane Jolda out to lunch.  Hoping dad is feeling okay.

We take it a day at a time.

FAMILY

 

RObOTS

HOW SAD IF RELIHION TURNS US INTO ROBOTS.

We end up being pious saints.

Dressed in robes of self- righteousness

f we open out eyes to the world God created we see every flower different, every bird or animal different and unique.

Every human being is created to be one of a kind.

Liberated to be creative and to shine with our own beauty.

Every day a new beginning to become who we were meant to be.

Imperfect human beings

 

HUMANITY

EVERYONE I TALK TO SEEMS TO BE FEELING THE SAME.

LIFE is very different.

We miss seeing some family members.

We miss getting together with friends.

We are tried of staying home.

There is a sadness. a feeling of aloneness in their voices.

We are all human beings with our strengths and weaknesses.

We have the choice to grin and bear it or keep complaining.

Can we learn to find new growth like the little buds starting to push their way through the hard soil?

Even Spenser had a bad day and refused to go for a walk.

Thank goodness he is okay today.

He gets his shot which always perks him up.

Dad and I would like to take the same shot.

There has been too much emphasis on the death of  Jesus and whether we can believe in the resurrection.  I believe if we believe in the words he taught us in showing us how to live and love one another our lives can be changed.

We are human beings all created to be different but created to our own person.

We are on a journey to become the best person we can be.

It is a spiritual journey lived by faith and by God's grace.

 

MOTIVATED

Yes I am having trouble being motivated.  I am having trouble with putting pictures on.  I think my brain does not want to think too much.  Both dad and I are having this problem.

Yesterday I was determined to do Feb. birthday cards.  I do usually have some tasks I will do each morning.  Morning is my best time.  I wrote out the cards but no stamps.  I have used a lot of stamps lately.

Spenser and I walked over to the far end of the park.  Tiny little flakes of snow were falling.  It was not too cold.  Dad was waiting for us at the road at the end of the park and I was thankful to get in.  This is about a 25 minute walk. I do enjoy it but I am tired.

We drive over to the 7 Eleven to get stamps.  They do not sell stamps anymore  Off to the Post Office at the Mall.  Dad went in but had to quickly leave as he did not have a mask on.  So off to the store to buy some.  He bought two packs of forty. and went back to line up at the Post Office.  He waited and waited for service. I was waiting in the car and I was getting worried. 

Laura was waiting at home and she was getting worried. She was very happy when we walked in the door.

I am now motivated to get out my brain book.  Walking is good, and eating the right food is good too.  I will add some to the grocery list for Laura to buy on Friday.

Getting old has many challenges.

Dad phoned his good friend Don in Saskatoon.  He was having troubles too.  He is unable to do much and missed his wife.  He lives on a farm and his son lives with him in a big house.

He was very happy we phoned and so were we.  Hearing how lonely he was motivates us to want to phone more.

 

POWERFUL

When do i feel the most powerful?

When we admit our weaknesses

our failures, our doubts our needs..  

"We are the most powerful when we empower others."

Jessica Alba

We do that by loving and forgiving.

  When I have done my best

and made by own decisions.

                                              Little Spenser has a mind of own.  Sometimes he can be annoying.

                                                He was up at 6 this morning and had to go out.

                                                I was awake and had to get up anyway.

                        Life can be difficult at times but we can become stronger as we learn to deal with it.  

                                             .