Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Thanks to Dropbox


Today Bob and I cleaned out the office closet. we got 3 bags of stuff that was valuable in it's time but is now obsolete...cd's, books, folders etc. What King David would have paid to have this stuff to make his office work easier. Being poor or ancient doesn't seem so bad.

I think we were inspired somewhat by the Hoarders shows on TV.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Christmas Day beauty

Amaryllis

full house


Roll Call: Come Nutmeggie, come Cinnamindy, Come Latte, Come Ginger Snap and Claus. Come at the same time. Hmmm not even remotely possible.

Friday, December 24, 2010

lily blooms for Christmas



My amarylis opened in time for Christmas Eve. How thoughtful.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Welcoming Limits

Many of my ideas about significance during the beginner years of my faith were at least one part grandiosity, cloaked in the guise of serving God.

But in the pursuit of humility in the later years, I find myself increasingly yearning to immerse myself, in the words of Merton, in the 'RIVERS OF TRANQUILITY THAT FLOW FROM GOD INTO THE WHOLE UNIVERSE AND DRAW ALL THINGS BACK TO GOD."

Peace on earth


Peace on earth is a tremendous commodity. The peace of Christ is where it is found.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

a quiet moment




a Christmas MOMENT: 6A.M. Moon is full and bright on the white snow TREE LIGHTS ARE ON, music is playing and each puppy is getting a few moments of TLC. Gotta love that.

Monday, December 20, 2010

A Mountain Christmas




What a privilege to see the work that Kris is doing in Linden. They put on a marvelous Christmas production.

dog house

Bob's standard fare for his Sunday trip to Cardston
Feel blessed that so far my dogs don't bark very much. We have a house full with 5 dogs.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

puppies are coming



I'm ready for my Christmas Santa gifts.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Money money money

Went to the new west-side Crossings library. Nothing like a structure that costs millions of dollars to go to and read the Reader's Digest...just 2 old retirees.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Thanks Costco


So happy to see Steel cut oats back on the shelf at Costco.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Merry Turkey everyone

I cooked a turkey. Looks like there is enough "dinners for 2" for the rest of the year including 2011.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

O Christmas Tree



I think we have come to the understanding that he puts it up and I take it down.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Papa's hands

"Oh Papa when I get old I will have crooked fingers like you." She (Emmeline) loves and values Papa's hands.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Elderly woes

It's really true that the elderly get sicker with the germ that's going around. I must be elderly cuz boy was I sick for the last 5 days.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Security in possessions

IT STRUCK ME AGAIN THAT i AM SO VULNERABLE TO VIRUSES AND NEED A DOCTORS HELP (ANTIBIOTIC TO HELP OUT. _

morning star

A middle of the night sight. The bright and morning star.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Boy am I sick

Just when you think it can't get any worse, it does.

Monday, December 6, 2010

cough along

If it means I can live near to my GKids, I'll catch their germs and be sick.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

What was I doing at a seniors event?

My first experience at a Christmas party for seniors. Some of them drank a bit too much but they were having fun too. The thought did occur to me that i want to do my best to walk straight, and look my best for as long as I can. There was an amazing 90 year old lady across from me. Hmmm, how do i keep up my mental alertness??

Friday, December 3, 2010

Treat instead of a treatment

A treat can be so nice especially when I am having to be careful with spices and sugar. Tonight we went to Tony Roma's for ribs and apple crisp. Yummy

4 ENT kids

All my time goes in to 4 little GKids that are very sick. Wish I could be sick for them. I just may do that.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Pray for Emme

Back to worrying about Emmeline who is sick again. The ambulances ae busy coping with the accidents on our icy blowing highway out of Coalhurst.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Riders play Montreal

Grey cup game today. Funny how loyalties arise when a team from my childhood province comes to play in the finals. GO RIDERS GO.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

McDonalds.

had a blast taking 2 little girls to McDonalds for lunch. They have never been there before so they were excited to go to Old McDonalds farm.

Monday, November 22, 2010

And Another tower

Emmeline wanted a tower like Korey and Emmauelle made yesterday.

The Bird Story




THE BIRD STORY


Disclaimer: This story is written for all mothers-in-law and is purely an allegory.



Once there was a little nest situated high up in a tree in a quiet little neighborhood. The nest was safely built and well cared for by Father and Mother bird. Father found significance in working hard to feed his little birds and to protect and nourish their mother. They were happy and content. Daily, he flew out of the nest to look for food. There was great joy on the part of little birds and Mama when Daddy Bird came home from work to romp and play in the field or jump on the phone wires up above.


Each day, Mama bird cleaned and smoothed feathers and crooned to her little ones in the nest. If they were sick or hurt, she cuddled them under her wings where they were safe. Soon Daddy Bird would be home and they would be family. This made Mama bird feel so secure.


She dreaded the day when she would have to teach them to leave the nest and to fly. How could she ever push them out and get down in time to catch them? Instinct told her she must do this if her little ones were to have families of their own and to teach their little ones to be good birds and not bother the neighbors. She would have to eventually let them go completely as they fly away. But, hey, she could fly over to their nests for a brief visit.


Mama birds know that there is this common understanding between ALL mothers of ALL species. In the creative/evolutionary process, mothers protect their nests at all costs. Nobody ever messes with their nest or their babies. It rattles the security of the nest to feel unloved or not respected. The nest has to be fixed. Daddy bird is puzzled.


So, Grandma Bird flies over to check on things. She is wants to be a good Grandma Bird. She is a veteran bird and has raised her own flock to be good birds and take good care of their families. She lands on the edge of the nest with her head full of advice and knowledge. She jumps in and begins tossing around and instructing the little birds whilst, unknowingly, she is disturbing and ruffling Mama bird's feathers...just one feather at a time. Surely that can't hurt, right? After all, she is more knowledgeable and has turned out good birds. So, it's “peck, peck”. Grandma bird, unwittingly, leaves a mess. Mama Bird is confused. Isn't she the caregiver of these precious little birds.? What can she do but protect her babies and peck back? Her nest has become disturbed.


What if Grandma Bird became more of a songbird? She would come to visit the nest with her generous heart full of love and satisfaction because the little birds are so dear and are well cared for by Mama and Daddy Bird. Maybe she could quietly reaffirm Mama bird and cuddle the little ones and help out if asked. She could share her wisdom if asked. She would feel so proud to be asked to share her wisdom. She could sit on a branch, instead of the edge of the nest. Here she could fluff out her chest and burst into song. She would be so proud of her grown up bird that she taught to fly. And, now, she could bless these birds and be welcomed by the nest.



Sunday, November 21, 2010

advice

Advice to all mothers-in-law out there. Quoting my brother in law, Larry: "Shut up and wear beige."

Saturday, November 20, 2010

long winter Saturday



It's a long day without GKids.

Friday, November 19, 2010

complaining again



I really don't like winter. It gets harder every year to not slip on the icy roads. Takes longer to get used to walking the snow.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Forever

"Nana it is a snowy day...forever"

"Nana I am going to stay at your house forever."

Nana: "Okay but where will you sleep?"
C. "I will sleep in my bunk bed at home."

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Need a warmer winter

I've decided that this is my last winter on the prairies.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

first storm turned in to a storm day

A winter storm BLEW in overnight. Worried about K&J in their west facing house.
Glad they are still around. How can a flock of geese overhead navigate so perfectly?

Monday, November 15, 2010

The LIGHT

Christmas candle on the dinner table is the first decoration to go up. Always has been that way

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Claire won't be left out.



Nana loves it when a little girl hears that she missed out on Timbits so had to go over to see Nana about the ones left over for her. Too bad Papa ate them.

Friday, November 12, 2010

God's beautiful world today


On the left is an amaryllis Lilly. On the right is my baking failure. Have lost my ability to make muffins.
Don't know if I can do it but I want to try and take one creation picture every day for a week.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

What a flip

I never thought I would see the day when my husband was watching a cooking show.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

We are seniors

Twas fun to go to M&M meat-shop today and buy single serving meals. Plus we got a 10% discount and a free apple pie.. Plus I don't enjoy cooking anymore. :{

Monday, November 8, 2010

Thankful hearts

In the middle of the meal. Emmanuelle wanted everyone to hold hands and say grace, consisting of "Thank you Jesus". Of course after we say grace we clap out hands. That is thanksgiving.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Gone in a second

Michelle and Colin's neighbors...a family of 4...were killed on the Blood reserve highway north of Standoff.

no snow on Nov. 5th 2010

I've been remembering California where November was mild and Christmas seemed a lot further away than it really was.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Sun rise surpirise

Saw the sun rise as I took my morning walk. No, it's not because I'm that early but the daylight hours are getting fewer.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

I'm not the only cooking hater

A good potluck is when half of the food is from Costco.

Dog holes in the heart

Took a long walk this morning and thought of how much I miss my puppies. They were a big part of my life. In 3 weeks there will be new ones. I am excited.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Time is up

Sad to see my puppies go back to their original home. Their time with me is up. Sagey Pooh produced a fine male heir that will eventually take over his dad's job as stud.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Hears my voice

Little Basil is on the move. His tail wags faster than he can walk. He follows my voice. What a heart breaker.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Trick or Treat

Halloween excitement. What can match the excitement of 3 little girls going out for treats. These girls hardly know what sugar is.


Friday, October 29, 2010

pointed at Paprika


This is our standard table center...the squirt bottle

Thursday, October 28, 2010

The dread deed

So, today he found out what it was like to wash the oatmeal pot. That goes with learning to cook oatmeal right?

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

morning cleanup job

Bob was in charge of making the hot oatmeal this morning. Somewhere in his early life, he was told to cook on the highest heat and to put the lid on to make it boil faster.
Did it boil over??? Did it boil way over? YES.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Claire and Basil


Basil is getting to be a lot of fun.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Nostalgia

Saturdays are always a bit nostalgic. When I was a kid and we had a few furniture items in our small cabin, I had to dust the furniture. I remember fondly dusting our phonograph as I listened to Saturday at the opera from CBC. I am not particularly fond of opera but i still listen on Saturday because of the memory.

Twas a Birthday kind of day


Emmanuelle turns 2. Simon is almost 5 months

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Kettle corn

Maple syrup and butter over freshly popped corn is not bad.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

old dog learns a new trick

MY FIRST ATTEMPT AT DOG GROOMING. I ACTUALLY ENJOYED IT. My next investment may be a grooming kit for dogs...$000

Monday, October 18, 2010

Monday beginnings

One of those days where the granddaughter rings the doorbell and comes in, the dogs bark cuz they are so happy to see her. The phone is ringing and I am in the shower.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

I am a part of all that I have met

I just found out somebody was actually reading my blog and that was scary. Here I thought I was talking to the wind...that is wind, not air, in Lethbridge.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

MY life is going to the dogs

Trying to take a nap goes like this:
Dog #1 barks-she is on the outside of the patio door and wants in.
Dog#1 barks again. She is lonely and wants her buddy dog #2.
Dog#2 is jealous and barks. I lift her out of her kennel and put her in the pen.
Dog #1 is chewing #2's ear and there is a ruckus. #2 goes back in the kennel.
Dog#1 is lifted to the great run of the house.
Dog#2 is jealous and wants out too. She is taken out of the kennel and put onto the floor.
Dog #1 and #2 run back and forth and wrestle under the bed. The bed shakes and I am not napping. Dog #2 takes a dump on the carpet. I am mad.
Both dogs get thrown back into the pen and I get up. We go down to the backyard grass where dog#1 eats grasshoppers and #1 eats grass. Both are happy.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Emmelins comes home

Severe asthma and on orange alert

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Acute Asthma

First time I have ever gone to the hospital to visit a sick grandchild

Monday, October 11, 2010

Nana prays for Emmeline

Another 2 trips to ER today for Emmeline. At times all we can do is pray and that is the best.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

inheritance first for me

Thanksgiving for the unexpected inheritance cheque from Aunt Emma. Thinking Bose sound system.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Thanksgiving

Family dinner is over. Thanksgiving was early with Kris, Carla and kids here. Lots of fun.

Friday, October 8, 2010

comedy view

Another comedy view for the neighbors. Paprika pulling on my bathrobe as I cleaned up the poop off the deck.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

The virtues of bleach

Was I ever happy to have Bob's help tonight with cleaning the downstairs. The shower had so much mold in it. Austin moved out today.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Sweet peas

I keep picking the "last" sweet pea bouquet of the season. Today i got one more. Thanks October for a fine month.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

same old cough drop

My little visitor, Claire, silently goes into my dresser drawers and comes out with the most interesting things that I forgot I even had. She is always bringing Bob the cough drop that he leaves on the top of the dresser.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Don't swallow your toothpaste

More medical facts from Emmeline: "If you brush with toothpaste that has fluoride in it , you can't swallow any of it."

one week old Basil


Dear little Basil is a week old now. A little porker and so lovingly cared for.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Saturday it is

Bob and I attended the Saturday service at St Auggies. That was different for us Sunday service only worshipers.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Hiway 22

Took a day trip to Cochrane and enjoyed some of the most incredible Fall scenery I have ever seen.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

peace in shock times

We are still feeling at peace about our decision to move to Cochrane. Quite excited to take a day trip there tomorrow. I'm still in shock. We sure need godly direction. Selling our home will be the major concern.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Mixed emotions

Going to see Dr Herbert to ask if weather affects FMS. Little excited about her answer and how that will affect us. Feel too old to move but neither do I like pain and depression.
Boy did I get a direct hit. Dr. Herbert said the wind in Lethbridge is the worst anywhere and to have any kind of inflammation is only made worse there. She strongly suggested moving from L. This is a major blow to us. What to do?

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

complaint day

3 days of wind. It's unrelenting, depressing and unbearable. Paprika had fun chasing the leaves.

Monday, September 27, 2010

PInk tutu doesn't necessarily get you in


Dear little Claire had on her pink tutu but could only peak thru the crack of the door to watch Emmeline dance. I call that "eating your heart out."

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Pain levels


Never thought the day would come when I journal about my pain levels.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

A new spice dog


Basil arrived last night at 8 p.m. Labor before giving birth is never forgotten but I'm thankful that I got to experience it in real life.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Sunshine is good for the soul

Hey the sun is shining. The first time in about a month. Fun to watch Sagey Pooh lay down in the sun belly up.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

intuitions

Today I had a feeling about something and it actually happened.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

A teacher's concerns for the future


I'm still thinking about the Oprah show yesterday on the state of education in the public schools. Thankful I could discuss this with Michelle today and that they are going to make sure their kids get a great education.

We called Thomas on his 5th birthday today and told him we loved him. As we were hanging up , we heard him tell his parents, "They love me"