My door

 

Yes I am thankful 

Sandra put pictures on my door.  The middle picture is on the door of the blind lady.  

she is amazing.  She is lots of fun.

Friends

I am very thankful for all the new friends I have here.  Yesterday we gathered to hear music and do some dancing,  Lots of fun and laughter,

I also had a visit from my old friends from Colebrook 

church.  I was very involved there and made many friends.

I am happy here and am making friends but there is nothing like the friends you share memories with

I was so very happy.

I lost my picture I am unhappy.

EASY

It was not easy for dad and I to move in here.  The truth was we did not have the energy to look after ourselves.  We did not know how we would fit in with  playing Bingo and keep moving with morning activities.  Dad was soon meeting people and doing what he likes best to do which was talking and laughing with others.  He was well liked here and we all miss him.

I am making new friends and enjoying my life here. I do enjoy visits with Rick and Spenser.  It was fun to visit Carol and Panteli at their home.  I miss her but I thankful she is keeping well,  I will see her again in March. Sandra and Randy have now left for EDMONTON.  Randy has a costume so he can go trick or treating with the children.  Sandra way go with them or stay home and visit with Stephen.

A group of old friends from Colebrook are coming to visit me tomorrow.  I am really looking forward to them all.  It is always easy to be with old friends.

It is getting cold here in the mornings and is feeling like fall.  Hopefully the sun will come out.

ENJOY

 I enjoy going to the church service here,  There are about 10 of us,  I am getting to know a few more people.

I enjoyed going over to Sandra and Randy's house for a delicious supper and good conversation.

Good to hear from Ken and Carol.   Busy and happy,  Carol is busy drinking juice and resting and Panteli is doing it too,

Rick is coming over today and we will plan our day,  I may get my hair cut, I enjoy his visit and also enjoy Spenser.

ACTIVE FAITH

Can you see the cat.  I am at Sandra and Randy's?

I am trying to keep active.  I enjoy a long morning walk in the fresh air and the beauty of the trees to look at.  Yesterday I was very active and even went to play Bingo.  In the evening there was  a good movie.  "Anne of  Green Gables"  It went on too long for me.  I tend to get over tired and then I cannot sleep.

Melatonin helps.

Today I am looking forward to going to Sandra's for supper. I am happy here but it is great to get out into the real world.  I had a good talk to 

carol and she is coping well with fasting.

Sunshine helps.

Church service at 10.

Prayed for Carol

Time spent in prayer keeps my faith and hope alive,

memories

 

We may not remember what we had for lunch or where we put our glasses but everyone here has special memories some happy and some unhappy  They have all had adventures they can recall.  Ken remembers being in the army and going to Catholic school and having to remember scripture,  I tease him that he probably cannot remember them.  I sure do he replies one I will never forget and that was Jesus wept.

Dad was a great one for remembering his adventures

I remember the summer, a very hot summer in Saskatoon when I couldn't go swimming because I had a huge cast on my leg,  Our neighbor had been cutting down a tree when the axe flew out of his hand right over to where I was and cut my leg.  I felt no pain but was hopping up and down on one leg. They tied a bandage around to stop the bleeding, They rushed me to the hospital and after bought me an ice cream cone.  That I remember.

GOOD

 I had a very good day yesterday.  Going for meals and seeing old friends was life renewing,  I also had my nails painted by the teen agers from the school near by.  Young people are an inspiration and it is amazing how they like to be with us, 

I am looking forward to a good day with Rick as we go to the library.  I just have to find one book tat has gone missing,  That is not good and I am annoyed,

I am reading A Duty to the Dead by Charles Todd a good author I like.

NOW

I do not look into the future nor dwell in the past.  I am thankful for a safe place to live where my meals are provided,  I am thankful restrictions are now being lifted and we will be able to sit with friends and eat in the dining room once again.  Social interactions are very important.  WE play silly game that make us laugh and have fun,

It has taken a while to get used to things here, especially when everything was shut down. I keep busy and enjoy what I have, The most important things in life are family and friends,

I am thankful the weather is good and I can go walking.  

sometimes a long walk but sometimes a short one.

NOW  more than ever it is important to live in the moment.

Thankful I enjoy reading and there are lots of good books in the library  here as well as the big library a few blocks away,

Thankful for Sandra and Rick driving me around.

Thankful for your comments.  Keep up the good work.

MIRACLES

 LIFE  is a miracle and I am still living it

I can think and feel and know  especial the love of my family, 

I can talk and type and share my faith and all my blessings;

I can look out my window and even sitting I can see brightly colored leaves and tall evergreens.

I can make choices about what I do each day;  I can walk among the leaves and feel rain  drops on my head,  I can go for walks and get taken to appointments by Sandra and to the library with Rick and Spenser,

I am looking forward to a phone calls from family.

I love my family with all my heart.

I feel the love of God through their love and caring,

Thanks for your comments.

RAIN OR SHINE

 I am up early and very thankful it is not raining.  Not that the rain ever stops us;  it does not even dampen our spirits.  Yesterday Sandra took me to have my bone density test,  It was easy just lying on a table on a camera.  I see my doctor on Wed. for results.

The good news here is that we will be going back to normal any day soon.  We will be eating together in the dining room and catching up on the news of friends.  It has been a lot of work for the staff delivering meals to our rooms.  Meals are always better when shared.

We all want worry free days but sometimes we can feel anxious about a small things.  My solution is to pray and let God help and strengthen me.

Rain or shine God is with us.

Thankful for Sandra's help yesterday and for Rick's help today.

I am so thankful for each one in my family.

LET'S TALK

 I do not have much to talk about but I love to hear from all of you.

LET'S keep talking.

I open my door and look and see all the halls are empty,  NO one is siting around talking.

I find it feels a little lonely; I miss chatting with ns and family,

I am looking forward to going out with 

 Sandra even if it is just to have an ultra sound,

I start out to walk but remember to come back for my mask.

I remember how sad it was for me when my mom had a stroke and couldn't talk. 

I talked and told her all about the family.  I also read to her.  She did not respond to much of anythin

Your dad could talk right to the end,

CREATIVE

 We may be old but we are a very creative group,  We have writers and painters and artists of all kind,  I am meeting a lot of very interesting people and we have good times sharing and caring,  There is a lot of life here. I am looking forward to the time when we can be social like we used to be.

There seemed to be no new cases of COVD today so that is encouraging. For now we are having meals delivered to our rooms and no activities at all,  It is a lot more work for them and every member of the staff is helping.  And everyone has to wear a mask.

It is not a warm friendly place that it was but even as I  say that people are still friendly,

Sandra is taking me to have a test on my bones. I cannot spell density.  I know they are fine but do it anyway,

Had a good day with Sandra today and talked to Mary and Ken on the phone.  One of the children's friend was held up by knife and their wallet and phone taken. Terrible.

Rick and Spenser will come on Tuesday.

CALM

It is very calm this morning.  What a relief after the heavy rain and strong wind,  I was amazed that 

Sandra came though the storm to visit me. 

after she left I went downstairs to see who was sitting and talking in the lobby.  A family consisting of a mom and dad and and a daughter and a grandson were sitting around a table,  I said hello but did not want to but in.  At least I knew there were other people around, 

 Today is quiet as there will be no service,  I miss the music and hearing about the faith of other believers.  I always found a sense of peace and joy in being with other believers.

I phoned mt brother Brian.  It is his birthday today he is 89,  He was very sick with COVD Went to the hospital by ambulance. His sons have been up to visit.  He does not ask how I am but says a prayer me and my family.

THE PLOT

 THE PLOT of the story of Jesus has been lost. Jesus came to offer the world a new hope that springs forth out of a new reality.  He had a definite message that God was a loving and caring and compassionate being,  His presence is with us in many ways,

This morning as I am said that Carol and Penteli are leaving for California  I was happy to have supper with them all,  Yes even Rick and Spenser were there.  We are not all perfect but as we accept our own faults we can accept the faults of others,  Good people with good hearts and souls,

The rain is  pouring down and the wind blowing,  Umbrellas would lift our feet off the ground,  The colorful leaves are clinging with all their might to their branches,

HANG ON!  Hang on! I cry,

Picture taken and put on by Sandra.

WONDERING

     this  is what is outside the door of those who are ill. I cannot help wondering if I control my heat,  I turn it up but there is no response, Eventually it comes on,. I feel like I am getting weaker but all I can do is keep moving,  I take my garbage out but see no one around,

Flowers and candles help brighten up my room.

The girl brings my coffee in.  I am glad to have them pop in and out any time.

I am looking forward to going to Carol and Panteli's for lunch.  They will be leaving for a long holiday on Sat.  I will miss them but I am happy for them.

I was so happy to have a phone call from Ron. We had a special friendship,

I am very sad that my two best friends here have the COVD,  I do not understand why people who seem so healthy are coming down with it.  We are all staying in our rooms,  My brother is doing better.

CLOSED DOORS

I am up early and it is a dull and gray morning,  My breakfast was brought in last night bread and yogurt and orange juice,  I am thankful I have milk and cereal here.

Everyone is hiding behind closed doors.  I miss talking to people.  

Did I mention the dentist wants to put me in the hospital for a day to have my teeth pulled?

Rick and Spenser are on the way here.

TRAVELERS

 Leah has now left to travel to Egypt ,  Hope she has a wonderful time.  Craig is looking after the kids and he does it very well.

Carol and Panteli are traveling to the States to attend a healing course,

Sandra and I are traveling to a dental clinic.  I am nervous as usual.

I  do my morning walk and discover three of my best friends are now sick

Meals will be brought to my room.  No one is walking about

I do my traveling by reading.  I am reading .  

"The Talented Mr. Varc."

My brother is now sick with the virus and is in hospital.  He hopes to be out in a few days,  He sounds pretty good.

OPEN

OPEN for Sandra to put pictures on but .I guess she put them on another place.  I really enjoyed the time with family at her home. Yesterday Leah came over early to give me my B12 

She is  excited about going to Egypt and seeing the sights. She came into money and can now do something she always wanted to do; 

Also had a long talk with Ken,  Happy he and Melina are both doing well.  His animals keep him busy,

The girl brought me a bagged lunch last night for my breakfast'  A piece of bread and some yogurt and fruit.  She came just now an brought me coffee.  So I will be getting 3 meals a day,  

she

FAMILY

 We had great fun gathering as a family at Sandra and Randy's home,  Leah and Craig's children were the youngest.  Three tables were put together to make one long table.  Morgan came from school on the Island to join us.  Hamlet also joined us from the States.  Theresa and   Corrine from Chillwack.

Lots of good food.  A turkey for sure and lots of pumpkin and apple pies. Everything was delicious, 

This morning breakfast was supposed to be delivered,  At 10 to 9 a cool cup of tea was delivered,  I guess they have to iron out some bugs,

I hope Rick and Leah are allowed to visit,

REMEMBER

 I have decided to make more of an effort to remember my experiences.  I have found myself saying I do not remember. When I think about dad I do not want to remember the sad times.  It was hard to say good bye for the last time but I new he was ready to leave.

It was the first thanksgiving without him. Lots of great memories,

I am making good memories here at the Villa.  I enjoy going to meals and chatting with Jeane and Ken.  I know I am having a positive affect on them both. I know it is not easy to have to start to live your life on your own.

We have to wear masks now as there is COVD in the staff and residences.  Meals will be delivered.

All meals,

I am looking forward to being with my amazing happy family.

FALL COLOURS.

 

Sandra took this picture of just one of the colourful trees I see from my window.  We had a grand time going shopping.  New clothes and some new books.  I am looking forward to seeing family to morrow.

On arrival back home everyone has to wear masks because several cases of COVID have been identified.  Lunch and dinner will be brought to our rooms and this started with supper tonight.  They will continue to test people,

Visitors will be required to wear personal protective clothing.

I think I will be able to go out but we will wait and see in the morning.

Several cases have been found in the staff and residences.

Thankful I have T.V,   I had a wonderful day,

EARLY

I am up very early watching the sun come up. It is going to be another beautiful fall day. The leaves are clinging to their branches, soon the wind and the rain will forse them to fall to the ground. My hair is a mess. The hairdresser wanted to cut it and I said no. she did not do a good job styling it. The new lady at our table is very depressed. she has been separated from her husband, I share with her that I know how she feels. Sandra and I are going shopping for somethimng new for me to wear. I do not have a lot of energy but am hopeful we will succesd. I am lazy this morning but will make myself go for a short journey and enjoy the fresh air. I voted.

HAPPY

Looking forward to this weekend and especially seeing family. Happy to read the commwnts on my blog. NOT happy to see my neighbor being taken to the hospital this morning. Maybe I will hear some news at lunch. Looking forward to getting my hair done this afternoon. The way to staying healthy is to make good choices. Eating well and exercising well and sleeping well.

SURPRISING

LIFE often leads us down surprising paths. Here I am in this far away place. I live in a complex with lots of older people. I AM AMAZED at how cheerful every one is. even Ken can put a smile on his face. He was away yesterday and has not met our new table mate. She and I get along very well and I like to be with some one who likes to talk. Today is Friday and that means lots of good music. Anne is on at the movie here tonight

Persistance

WE all makes mistakes and we all need to be more persistant AND patient You could say it is a virtue. RICK IS VERY PATIENT in helping me get started. Every time after I write I look for comments. persistently.It is a good choice to make when we choose to believe. Believing is to discover the mystery of faith hidden in the truth of the gospel/ Rick was here helping me this morning to get started. He also drove me to the library. They were given free books away so I took a couple. He did the laundry while I went to lunch. We had roast beef and I brought a piece home for Spenser. We have a new lady at our table. She is very shy. Ken was away, and he does not like des not like anybody but me. He may complain. Sometimes we do not always get choices. Warm sunny day so I am off for a walk. Yes I will try to be more persistant.

COLOURS

I love the fall with all the brillant colours on displsy. There is a big maple tree just outside mt window which is alive and bursting with orange and red leaves. All too soon they will start to fall when the weather gets colder. Right now it is mild and calm today. I had several walks and fiund them very enjoyable. Downstairs there was a fashion show of colthes forsale. I do not need anything that I know of. You can be as casual or fahionable as you choose to be. I am sure I will enjoy a good meal again tonigh.

FEAR

Overcoming your fears can be a huge challebge. I remember how afraid I was of flying I did want to go with dad especially when hw flew up to see the children.so I climbed aborad sitting very still afraid to move. Over time I conquered some of this fear. Now I hAVE to conquer my fear of going to the dentist. Again I have to go and get it over with. I am not making a decision to move until this has been taken care oF. I AM HAPPY HERE FOR NOW Going back to a place you find it is never the same. A tough decision. over

OLDER

Getting older is not a choice but happens to all of us. We start losing our strength and then our balance and our memory. I am thankful for the good years that brought me happiness.I have to accept that everything is changing, I like my apartment but I do not like living alone. I enjoy making new friends, I enjoy spending time with my old buddies. On the 30th a small group of us are meeting down stairs here. These friends are so very thoughtful. They all have worries and concerns. We still find lots to laugh about. This after noon Sandra is taking me to the dentist and I dread going. I understand I have no choice. Life is a challenge and I will try to make an effort.

FAITH

Thankful for the gift of faith that has supported me through difficult times. Thankful for all my children and grandchildren. Thankful for the many times Ken has phoned me. Thankful for the visits Carol has made and the times having meals at her house. Thankful for all the times Sandra drives me to appointments, Thankful for Rick and Spenser and the many times Rick does ahopping for me. Thankful for the walks enjoy with Spenser. Thankful for friends who keep in touch, Thankful for my Bible study friens from Colebrook who are visiting me om the 30th. Thankful for my home where I feel safe even in times of lonliness. Thanks Kim for your e mails.

Awake, As Usual

A cool and cloudy morning I am watching the news and it is all about politics, I do not have any interest but maybe should start. Dad was always more interested than I was. The world encourages us to be proud of who we are and what we have done. and I would add to be thankfu.l. Just talked to Kim on the phone and enjoyed it. Also talked to Ken, Hard to keep up with these busy young people. I love my home here and all my new friends, Looking forward to Thanksgiving at Sandra's with all our family.

I May Need Help

I may need help. Rick came this morning and \hlped me. Yesterday I went to Bible study. we had an interesting discussion about Job. My friend who I sit with when Ken is not here has just had an older very talkative German man added to sit with her and her husband, I hear his loud voice and I take on look at Wanda and see she is very unhappy. Maybe he is just nervous. All he is talking about is war stories. I would not like to have him at our table. No worries Ken would ask for him to be moved. Today is Thrusday and I am not going to lunch. My stomach is upset. Happy Spenser and Rick are here.

COOL

I PUT MY SHORTS ON FIRST THING THIS MORNING THINKING IT WOULD WARM UP. NO IT IS GOING TO BE COOL. Had my piece of toast for breakfast and went for a walk. I met one friend who always goes early too. THE SUNRISE HAD BEEN PROMISING but the clouds shut out the warmth. I came home to find a package onmy door step, I was delighted to find a scale wrapped up in the paper. Now I would be able to know my real weight. Yes i had gained weight, Not as much as I had thought but I needed to lose a few pounds. As usual I go to bed early and then I am up early too. i FEEL A LITTLE BORED AT TIMES but I am happy with my life. Many good friends and activities I can attend, Visits from family are joyful times. I will always miss dad but thankful for our life together.