DARK

It seemed to  me to get very dark very early today.  Spenser and I managed to get a good walk in before it started raining.

We just got home and Rick arrived to help separate the garbage into the blue box and two yellow bags.

It is a thankless task.  We appreciate Ricks's help. He also did our Thursday shopping at Shoppers.  

He left before lunch but we had lots of left overs so he did not need to worry about us.

I am spending a lot of time going through old letters and my papers.

I came across a letter from my brother telling about my phone call stopping them from leaving the house and getting in a serious accident.  They could have been caught in a big car pile up.  I had not remembered  this but I wonder if he has.

I met a friend at the park who told me he had set off the fire alarm by mistake.  To make matters worse he could not find the phone to tell them it was a false alarm.  He was very embarrassed when the fire men arrived.  

It makes me feel a little better to know others can do stupid things too.

Dad's nose is giving him pain now.  It looks awful. but it was good to get it done.

It is no use stressing over things we cannot control or change.

 

DONE

              I like the look on Astrid's face.  Ophelia is giving her dad a hug,

All went well for dad at the doctor"s office but it was a long visit.  A long wait for Rick.  It was an hour and a half.  Both he and dad were very tired.  Rick was anxious to get home and dad was very hungry.  Laura made him toast and then made lunch.

We remebered that dasd was to take some pills for pain right away.

I turned on the T.V. to watch Canada play Germany but dad fell asleep.  He woke up for the last period.

I am happy that this is now done as we have been waiting for an appointment for awhile.

Yes we are all weary travellers on our daily journey.  We often do not understand why things happen as they do.I did not do much today but I will do better tomorrow.

I let Spenser out and then dad went to look for him.  The I went to look for dad.  We returned home to find Spenser at home looking at us wondering what we were doing.

I agree with Rick that prayer changes us but does not change the mind of God.  If we look around we will see God at work all around us,  It is good to have a heart of compassion and caring

Even Jesus took time to pray before He faced his day  Matthew 26:36

PRAYER

 Dad is having surgery at 9:30 for cancer growth on his nose.  Rick is driving him.

 

Happy to have visiters.

CHRISTMAS

                                                         Nothing is ever perfect.

This year Christmas day was very close to perfect.  Maybe the best yet.  /what made it so special was having Oliver come over on the ferry to join us, 

After a delicious breakfast and a short nap we went over to Sandra and Rendy's.

We were joined by Theresa amd Mikie and Ben and Morgan and Justice and his girfriend and Tasha and Trevor and Craig and Leah and Olivia and Astrid,

Good food and good conversations.  It is well organized with different people having different jobs.

I did not take any pictures.  I regret this.  My camera went missing, 

I find it an effort to do my blog.  very tired today.

Had a good walk with Spenser today.  Most of the snow is gone.

  

STORMS

 The storm passed by us.  We did have a bit more snow but I was amazed there was a path already shovel in our driveway.  Thanks Rick.  Spenser and I were able to get out for a short walk.

I am a bit tired today.  Maybe no caffine and no good morning walks.  The good thing is no heart burn.

Looking forward to being with family in the morning at /carol and Panteli's.

Later in the afternoon we will be at Sandra and Randy's.

Talked to some of my good friends from Colebrook.  I do miss our church friends.

I loved going to church Christmas Eve/  It was a highlight for me.  All preparations were done, gifts wrapped and waiting to be opened.  This year we did not buy much.  Storming weather kept us home.

Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!

HOUSE BOUND

 Will it ever quit snowing?

The snow has  a hard crust on top which even Spenser finds it hard to walk.

The weather man was prodicting a big storm,

Rick was busy getting us all prepared.

Dog food from the special store.

Groceries for dad and I.

Lots of salt and sand for the driveway.

Hopefully he has cleaned it off for the last time.

Suppose  to be warmer to-morrow.

One of the hardest lessons for us to learn

is to pace ourselves.  Rick was very worn out when he left.

Last night after we had gone to bed  Ava and Geff dropped off a Christmas card expressing how thankful they are having us in their lives.  We are looking forward to a visit next week end,

Our driveway is now sheer ice,  I let Spenser out and he slide down it on his four paws.  He did wnat he had to do and had a hard time getting up the slope.  We knew we could not help him.

Another hard lesson wanting to help when it is not the wise thing to do.

I read over Rick's thoughts.  I am amazed how God uses different poeople  Even the four gospel writers are very didderent in the way they express the GOOD NEWS,

I am still learning to seek the truth that at times seems hidden,

Ken phoned it is Christmas Eve there.  He will be with the family to night and to-morrow,

I am learning that I cannot pick up dad when he falls,  I want to help but a voice withib says that I cannot help and will only fall to,  

Having faith in God does not prevent us from sufferings but his words inspire us to keep on going on!

 

Candel holders from Leah, Matches and candels.

LETTERS

                                                                        

Yes the ducks are back.

Yes there is still a lot of snow.

Rick came over yesterday to discover that three of our neighbors had cleaned off our snow.  We have a big area because we are on the corner.  There was a path cleared down the driveway, but the rest has to be cleaned off,  Rick got right to waok to do this major task,  Dad and I worry it is too much for him but we also appreciate all he is doing.

Laura took Spenser out for his walks today.  I took him out this evenning but I cannot walk far with my walker as the paths are very narrow in places.  I want to clear an area in the front of all snow so he can go on grass.  He is not happy.  We thought of going to Boundary Park but I doubt if it is any better.

I came across some letters as I was going through my writings and I was thinking how important letters are.  It helps us to remember what was going on at that time of their writing.

I am reminded of the importance of Paul's letters to understand the Jewish faith tradition.

"  When we we take seriously Paul.s religious experience . the historical contexts of his message and the central metaphors that shape his message we find an apostle whose teachings and pasions stand in considerable continuity with Jesus,"  _ Marus J, Borg

His letters are controversal and not easy to understand.

SAFE

 

                                                           Still snowing.

Our neighbor has come and shoveled off a liitle path for us to walk on safely.  Very kind of her,  Of course we are staying home and keeping safe,

My brother has fallen and broke his wrist and has been diagnosed with skin cancer.  He see the speciakist in Jan.  His washing machine has also stopped working,  His son will help him get a new one.

I asked him if this was causing him to doubt God.  He feels God is close by him and he knows God loves him.  His presence is a comfort and gives us strength.  We feel safe in his love.

We share the same faith in God.  

CONTENT

 

                                                  Yes we realize that at our age life changes

                                  

                 We arew content just to sit inside warm and safe and watch the snow fall.  I am going through old writings of mine and I am even impressed by some of what I wrote.  

Our characcter is being formed even when we are not out trying to change the world. There is a story about the wings that are being formed on our back.  One day we will be able to fly to heaven because we have learned to be content.  It is much easier to be busy busy and keep going.  

Strength is not found in our achievments  but strength can be found in solitude and contentment,.  We have time to pray and meditate on what is important in   My friend meekco is coming to walk Spenser.

                                                 

Yes we are content to just sit inside and watch the snow making the world so beautiful.  We know we do not want to fall and end up in hospital.  My friend Myecko is walking her dog and Spenser.  Laura is also willing to do this.

We were surprised yestersday to hear Rick shovling our driveway.  He continued to do a lot of clearing off our sidewalk and make sure other sidewalks are clear.  He has done an amazing job.  We are so thankful and appreciate his extreme hard work.  

We have told him we do not want him to over do things.

The snow will only be here for the next few days and we have promised Sandra to stay home and stay safe.

Shovling snow is a risk business for anyone at any age,  Rick take it easy.  Please take care of yourself too.

I have started a major project going through old papers.  I have discovered things I did not know I had

writen and I am impressed.

I am making a big mess but it is keeping me busy.  

I love reading so I am happy to do this too.

Dad is happy just to rest a lot.  We have enjoyed tge soccer and now the  hockey.

Others in our family also have to change what they were used to doing.  I may get old and fat but I am still loveable!

God allows us to fail and to suffer because there are lessons we only learn through suffering.   We learn compassion and humility.  

We have many lessons to learn.

The birth of a child is painful but the joy lasts forever.

Laura is learning some important lessons as she she how we re- act.

.

 

SNOW

                                                 Yes it is snowing!

I may have other pictures,

Were up watching the soccer,  Excellent game! 

I an writing  a  Christmas letter.       Dad  wants to eat out.  Not today  

THE FUTURE

 I am thankful for the good things happening in our lives especially when some problems can make me feel anxious.

I am thankful for words of scripture that encourage me.  The lord promises to be with me and to calm my anxious thoughts and worries. That is the message in the story of Mary whosae life changed when she became pregnant,  Joseph was also able to work through his anger and his resentment when in a dream he could believe the truth,  Love would help them face their future tigether,

Dad  is stopping his Gaba Penton. He thinkks it is making him fall.  Yes he had another one.  I am thankful his doctor did phone back and told him he had to do it slowly.

Yesterday we went out and bought a air fryer and maybe we will feel like cooking.

I know what it is like to face difficult news like when I was told I had lung cancer.  I was so thinkful that my faith carried me through some anxious days and nights,

Rick has some dificult times still from his stroke but I am thankful he lives close to us now and is a good help. 

Ken phoned to say Melina has some bad news about her health,  She will have to take medication.

Ken will be a good support for her.  

None of us know our future but when  we face life with courage and the support of loved ones we will become overcomers,

FUNNY

 

It is very cold and icy,  Spenser and I had a very short walk.

It was funny to have the meeting at our house and told to sit still.  T

Thy did not need any tea.  I had cups and things out all ready to go.

At least there were goodies  Drena had brought a plateful.  I shared my popcorn.

We always enjoy visiting with old friends from Colebrook.

I  like when we have discusions and  hear what others think,

"Faith consists of believing when it is beyond the  power of reson to believe."  VOLTAIRE

FAMILY

                                                The tree  at Carol and Pantyeli's.

                                                           It is good to be with family.

We were all ready to head home and I wanted to take a picture but all I heard was "No",  

This the tree that Carol decorated the day before..  

We smelled the roast of beef cooking as we entered the door..  Rick was the cheff while Carol and Panteli provided vegtables  and salad.  There was pie from a gourmae store in town.  Ruburb and berries.

We enjoyed a fun time around the dinner table.  There were even red candles.

All to soon it was time to leave.  We are walking to the car when dad fell down on his knees and his back.  Not too badly hurt but very shakened up.  He is falling more and more.  He needs a walker like me.

It was good to be home.

Today dad goes to the cancer doctor.  Rick is driving him.

In the after noon Pat and John and Nick and Drena are dropping by with Cristmas goodies.

It is always good to see old friends.

FUNNY

                                                      Cold and sunny

Our friends decided to come to our house for our get to gether.

It was very funny,  I was told not to do anything.\Drena and Nick arrived first with a plate of Christmas goodies. No G.F.  

I had cups and scaucers put out for tea..  When Pat and John arrived I went to make tea and was told no I was not to do anything and they did not really need any.  It felt funny.  We did enjoy a fun visit just the same.

THE BIRTH

                                                     I love receivingc cards or letters in the mail.

I have finished all the cards to the grandchildren.  Now I have to write a letter to send to my cousin Pat.  I felt sad to receie her letter telling me her sister Laura had passed away.  There seems to have been a lot of sad news this year,  

It is good to read abouit the birth of Jesus.  I think Mary would be like any new mom thrilled to hold this tiny little one in her arms.  I think a man wrote this story because a woman would have included things a woman would ask.  Was she in labour long?   Did a midwife come?  Who was here to catch the crying baby and wash her off?

One feels so inadequate when you realize this little one depends completely on you now,  My mom came to visit and I was happy to see her but when the baby cried I was the one who had to comfort him,

We love our children and do our best to care for their needs and to teach them about God's  love and send them to Sunday School.

We carry our children in our hearts and pray for them each day,

Birth is a miracle.  Inside each one of us is a life which will touch many other lives in different ways.

 

IMAGINE

 Imagine you see a picture of a door here.  The picture has failed to go on.

Anyway Sandra came to our door expecting the door to be opened so she could pick up her parcel.

It was locked.  This is unusal but a police woman had come to our door to say keep it lock.  They were chasing a man.  

Then Cathy phoned to say she would be early.  I forgot to phone Sandra.  But thankfully she was able to unlock the door.

Imagine going to two restaraunts and bein refused entrance.  Cathy was determined to find a place and we did we went to the Vault in Cloverdale.  Cathy was looking very happy.  Her broken heart had been healed . Yes she has a new man in her life.

Imagine being pregnant and have to sleep in a barn and give birth to your child there.  Mary the mother of Jesus had this happen.

Imagine the place filled with amazing love and light as the angels came and sang over them..

Plans do not always wook out but we can trust in the goodness and faithfulness of 

Imagine a picture of a door here.  Imagine coming to this door expecting it to be open asusaul.  A olice woman had come by to tell us to look our doors.  Then Cathy phones to ell us to be ready she is coming early.  I forgot to phone Sandra but she was able to unlock our door and picked up her parcel.

Imaginme going to two restaraunts and being turned away.  We were laughing as Cathy continue on to try another place.  She is looking very happy and we are pleased she has found some one new and recovered from the loss of her mom.and the end of her marriage.

Imagime you are Mary and Joseph your husband can find no room at an Inn for you.  The only place is the stable in the back they are told.

Yes Jesus was born in a humble stable but it was a place of love and light.  God was with them and the angels sang blessings over them.

It is good to use your imagination to really enter into the story as told in the Scripture.

It is a beautiful love story.

THE POND

 

The path was not cleared off at all.

There is a litttle pool of water and a lot of the ducks are over there.

                               None of them look very happy.

Today Rick cleaned off the walk way so I do not need to go the long way around to the Safeway.  Actually he went to the store for us before making us lunch..

We had a good phone visit with Ron and Dona,  She will be through her treatment the end of Dec.

I will try and do the last few cards to-morrow.  The best thing is to do them first thing.  I soon get tired and so does my brian.

I am reading "The Language of the Soul"  It is very down to earth.

Every problem has a solution.  It calls for a creative imagination.

Awareness of the moment ans a joy for living can also be indications of spirituality.

If we want the blessings of life to continue to come to us we must learn to be grateful for what ever comes.

Look for the true value of life.  Keep growing and take time to be aware of  your thoughts.

Am I the creator of my world??  Am I learning from my mistakes?  Am I accepting the way others feel about things.?

TEMPORARY

                                 Lots of snow.  So happy our driveway and sidewalk are  very clean and very safe..

Rick did a lot of the work.  The snow anges ran out of volunteers.  The work was nearly all done when volunbters from the police came to help.We have an extra area around the side of our house that needs doing.

I seem to be extra busy right now.  I am trying to do Christmas cards and am making a lot of mistakes.  I find it discouraging,  I need to get the Christmas decorations out of the storage area.  I have to crawl in and find it hard to do.

Looking for a new place to move is stressful.  We may go back to the first place. The two we saw today, Sunday, were too big.  I want to be sure.

Walking Spenser is very hard using the walker.  We do a shorter walk.

After Sandra and Randy took me in to see the two   places we stopped at the bank to get some money and some stamps for cards.  To-morrow I will do all the cards I can and then consider it to be done.

Then I will start taking more time to read scripture and enter into the journey Mary and Joseph had to endure.  Jesus took his firsst breath in a humble stable but it was a place full of love.  This is the thing we need to remember when we feel stressed.  

Love shines a light that reveals our path step by step,

Nice to talk to Kim and Carol and Pentli on the phone.  Peviously we had a visit with Ken.