Out with the Old, In With the New

Dec. 31, 2010. This is it, folks. Soon it will be January 1, 2011. Where has the time gone? Where has the year gone?

On this last day of the year, a unique thing happened here at the MacDonald house. My Christmas tree, having been up for three weeks, was a bit weary and worn. However, I still wanted a tree up for a party I'm having here next Wednesday night. So, my crafty friend, Doris, came up with a brilliant idea. I dismantled and undecorated the old tree, and she went to the tree recycling place at the middle school, where everyone brings their used Christmas trees to be chipped. She found the best one she could, tied it on her van and brought it to my house. I had the other tree ready for recycle, and she carted that outside. I rearranged the living room and she plunked that tree in the stand and put the lights on for me, and I got the pleasure of decorating my second tree of the season. If you recall, the last tree erected was the day that Croy was born -- Dec. 8th and Doris put it up and decorated it for me because I was busy with the new baby and teaching.

Thanks, D. It was nice to decorate my own tree this year, and I am doubly blessed to have two Christmas trees grace my home this year!

Out with the old, in with the new. This tree should do me another two weeks. I like to keep the season going. Happy New Year, everyone!

Our condolences go out to Cousin Els (Elsbeth Kelly) and her family because of the death of her dear father, Charles Kelly of Fredericton. Many of you may remember Mr. Kelly as a math teacher at FHS. His funeral is today at York Funeral Home. We mourn with you, Cousin Els... a precious father...

The DuBois Family

Josh, Aiden, Natalie and ?Baby DuBois

Visiting with Pippin and Uncle Earl

Here at Mom's, visiting with Aunt Pippin and Uncle Earl, from Cloverdale. Cuppa coffee and sweets. Pippin is Dad's younger sister. Good to see them again. Miss them -- they used to live across the street from us years ago. They were like our second parents. They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, so thought I'd put on an old pic of them. Happy belated Anniversary, Aunt Viv & Uncle Earl!

Sleeping In

I'm on holidays. Staying up late. Sleeping in. No schedule. Strange. Things out of order. Messy house. Kids everywhere. I love the confusion -- for now. But after next week, I'll probably be looking forward to getting back to work. It IS nice, however, to have a rest, and that's what I'm doing. Resting. How about you?

Merry Christmas!

Today I'm missing our daughter Natalie, and son-in-law Josh and grandson Aiden at this time of year, and wishing them all the best. We'll be there soon, love! February 17 to March 13th in Manitoba! And you'll have a another little baby to grace your family. Can't wait to see her/him!

Just made a raisin pie for my husband for Christmas. He gave me a Christmas love letter this morning that he's been working on for days that made me cry. So I decided to make him a raisin pie -- his favorite. Cousin C came over and helped me put the pie in and out of the oven. Another elf that graciously appears to help me with my one-handed holiday preparations. I need another elf now to help put my bandage on correctly, with something other than duct tape, which I found in the wee hours of the morning to secure the bandage until a proper dressing can be found.

Merry Christmas, everyone! Hope you have a blessed holiday time as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ!

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:8-14)

Top Ten Christmas Albums

Christmas is known for its music. During the holiday season people who seldom attend flock to the churches for a performance of sacred music or to sing a few carols with friends. Why not bring the glory of the season into your own home? These CD's are sure to uplift and inspire, filling your home with joy!

1) Handel's Messiah

This is the grand-daddy of them all. G.F. Handel put not only the Christmas story, but the entire narrative of Christ's life, death and resurrection to music. This work will keep you listening from Christmas, right on through until Easter. There are numerous versions out there. The one I like best features Kiri te Kanawa, soprano, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It's on the London label.



2) Noel: Christmas at Kings

When many people think of a Christmas Eve Service, what they probably have in mind is the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols as sung by the King's College Choir, Cambridge, England. This album contains all the classic carols in that service and many, many more. Nobody does this better as this double album powerfully illustrates. A wonderful gift of pure inspiration!


3) A Very Special Christmas, Vol 5

For more than ten years this series of albums has benefited the Special Olympics and thousands of people with mental retardation. Not only does buying this album support a great cause, it brings you some winning Christmas music performed by contemporary artists. This year's album features Cheryl Crow, B.B. King, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty and more.



4) Time Life Music: Treasury of Christmas

If you are just starting out collecting some of the more popular Christmas music, this two disc album is a good place to begin. From Bing Cosby to Nat King Cole, from Eva Cassidy to Charles Brown and the Chipmucks. For more information and a complete listing of the tracks on both albums.



5) Songs 4 Worship: Christmas

If you find collections such as A Christmas Treasury too secular, you might prefer this one. This album contains two discs of the most favorite Christmas music as performed in what has come to be know as the "praise song" style popular in many worship settings. All the selections here are specifically Christian.


6) If Every Day Was Like Christmas

By Elvis Presley. Believe it or not, Elvis Presley recorded more Christmas music than almost anyone, and he performed it better than most. This album contains some of his best.



7) A Christmas Album (Light of the Stable)

By Emmylou Harris. This collection has become a classic since being put out first in 1980. In addition to her rendition of familiar music such as "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "The First Noel," Harris also includes less familiar pieces such as "Angel Eyes (Angel Eyes)" written specifically for this project. Harris teams up here the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Neil Young.


8) Noel

Another classic album is Joan Baez's "Noel," originally published by Vanguard in 1966 and remastered for digital CD and cassette. As Christmas carols are, in essence, folk music, who better to bring these alive in a contemporary folk idiom that the queen of folk, Joan Baez?



9) John Rutter: Christmas Album

Rutter is one of the best contemporary composers of classical music. He is also a choral conductor, arranger, publisher and editor! In 1981 he founded his own choir, the Cambridge Singers, which he conducts and with which he has made many recordings of sacred choral music (including his own works), much of this on his own label, Collegium Records. He lives near Cambridge, England, but frequently conducts other choirs and orchestras around the world. If you are not familiar with Rutter, and want to get to know his music better, this is a good place to begin.



10) Dream A Dream

This is Charlotte Church's third album. The young soprano seemed to gain instant stardom when she recorded "Voice of an Angel" at age 13. Here she applies her remarkable talent to some of the most familiar Christmas music. Maybe Charlotte's is not literally the voice of an angel, but it is well worth a listen.

Spa Treatment

Well, I had yet another spa treatment today-- surgery on my left hand. Walked myself down the hall to the spa OR (the docs laughed at me talking about it being a 'spa.'), hot blankets, pillows, needles pierced into both hands and VOILA, the fun began at 9:20 this morning. Done about 10 a.m., then recovery for quite awile, banana popsicle, grape popsicle, tea with milk and a glass of gingerale. What could be a bettter activity on a Dec. 22? I told the doctor that I didn't have any more hands, so no opportunity for surgery again. Max called and said, "that's all, no more!" I agree. I'm home now resting comfortably, and nursing a very sore, throbbing, wrapped up hand. Keep it on for two weeks, then stitches out on Jan 4.

Watching movies and shows all afternoon so far and soon to take my penicillin.

Thanks for all your prayers!

My nurse Doug just walked in and will feed me penicillin now. What a man.

Flash Mob, Anyone?

Today was a day of flurried activity: radio program, wrapping, picking up Sam and we took a hurried trip to Keswick Valley Pharmacy to buy some last minute Christmas gifts, up the ridge and over to Scotch Settlement to see Janet White #1. Her house looks like Green Village -- trees everywhere, decorations galore. Beautiful!!! Had a cuppa tea and conversation, then a frantic trip back into town to drop off Sam, and get home in time to teach four students. Even made a recording of two 11-year-old boy guitar students for their parents for Christmas. After teaching, zipped up the hill to the Regent Mall to join the Fredericton Ladies Choir, where we sat patiently amongst all the people, and at 6:30, stood up all over the food court, singing "GO, TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN" in four part harmony. It was awesome. It is now on YouTube, so you can watch it.

Here are two links
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76aPTlXapnk

and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7FpkD-1bo4

Just copy the links (one at a time) and paste in your web browser and you should be able to see what we did. It was wonderful and we want to do it again.

Home again to prepare for surgery -- cleaning up and trying to do things while I still have the use of two hands. And eat my supper, a tomato sandwich and cottage cheese. I missed lunch and supper, but had a nice helping of Laura Secord French Crisp ice cream at the mall. Why not? It's Christmas, and I'm having surgery YET again, so why not treat myself to my fav ice cream?

Cleaned up my office, Doug finished the students' recordings, and finished a knitting project for Christmas. Do you think I have enough time before tomorrow morning's surgery to complete another? I'll take it with me to the hospital just in case.

Well, I would appreciate your prayers once again for this surgery. My appointment is at 7:45 a.m. I should be home by noon. Cousin C and W are having a party next door tomorrow night, so am hoping to have a rest in the afternoon and take in that party.

I'm a bit disappointed I didn't get all of my Christmas cooking and wrapping done, but HEY, maybe the elves will show up again.

The Weekend

The weekend in point form (considering it is now 12:13 a.m.!): (a 'sort of' point form)...

1. Friday afternoon -- a drive to Doakadelphia and beyond to sing Christmas carols with my guitar to Lloyd, an 88-year-old uncle of L's. I told him he was as old as the piano is long. He was blessed, and I enjoyed his woodstove in the kitchen. D. enjoyed some of his zucchini muffins.

2. Friday night -- a retirement party for R, who has just retired from the government. Lots of food, conversation and laughter, as we played Catch Phrase, and later did Jib Jab videos.

3. Saturday morning -- up river to Symonds to pick up a propane generator, and later to Jon & Alicia's to keep Afton, Jack and Ivy for the day and evening. Made bags to hang on their doors that D. sent with me. Pretended we had our own kids restaurant. The kids named it the "Chinese Dooga Beach Kids Restaurant." They all helped me prepare a veritable feast, and Ivy designed a new drink at the cupboard: "Water with lemon juice." All three kids were the chefs in the restaurant, and they decided to put their bathing suits on while cooking. You should have heard Jack pray at grace time. It would melt your heart. "Thank you for our family and that we love each other. For Mom and Dad, for Gram Deb & Papa and for our meal," etc. The kids had baths with their bathing suits on, as if they were at the beach. Three books and they went to bed like angels. Oh, they are such good kids. Hope they always stay that way. Croy went with Mom and Dad to Kings Landing Dinner.

4. Spent the night back in Coldstream (wherever that is), and we crept in quietly, up the back stairs to the Green Room. Immediately after getting into a 'double' bed, I fell out onto the floor and slept on the laminate floor all night, with a mat and a quilt under me. Not much sleep that night, for sure. In the morning, Aunt H. and Uncle F. told me that there was a foam mattress under the bed that I could have pulled out and slept on!

5. To church to sing with Amy and Robin -- Mary Did you Know and Breath of Heaven. We love to sing together. Saw Aunt Viv and Uncle Earl at church. Aunt Pippin, that is.

6. A meal at Aunt & Uncle's with Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and her Farmer husband. Dr. Quinn brought me some potion for my wrists. I like it and it seems to help somewhat with this pain I have.

7. Dr. Quinn, Doug, Aunt H and I went over to the Pirate's house for a couple of hours where they were having band practice. Of course, I got to play a couple of numbers with the band, and even played the drums for a couple of their songs. Considering I am only a beginning drummer, it was a miracle that I could play with them.

8. Down to the Undertaker's house to have a visit with them for awhile and show them some Jib Jab movies. Then back up to the Pirate's house to tune a banjo for a fella, have some hamburger soup and play some more guitar and sing with the Pirate.

9. Then it was time to go back to the Undertaker's House and try to heal his headache using a mandarin orange (although I'm not really like Dr. Quinn when it comes to healing), but he just laughed at me and I don't think his headache went away. We picked up Robin, who traveled with us and talked all the way home about kinesiology. Very interesting stuff, but don't expect me to repeat it. She and Amy had a great time talking, watching movies and sleeping this weekend.

10. Drove Robin to Kingsclear and noticed that my cousin Joe was there, Dusty's son (Pippin's grandson), so had to go inside and give him a hug.

11. Then it was time for Papa and I to head 'er home and retire for the night. I really need a rest. So, Wednesday, I will have surgery on my hand. Perhaps I will stay put for a day or two.

Today was busy with shopping and teaching til 9 tonight. Then Charles, Barb and Arend arrived to do some recording for the radio. (Precious Memories of a Christmas Past). I just got that all uploaded for my show tomorrow. Now, I believe it is time for me to go to bed. Tomorrow has lots of opportunities and a storm is supposed to be a'comin'

!Deb

Stay tuned for details of the weekend. In the teaching mode right now

Christmas Recipes from Natalie

My daughter, Natalie, made these Christmas goodies and said they are very good. So, wanted to share them with you....

Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies

2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 6 oz. package Craisins
2/3 cup white chocolate chunks or chips

Preheat oven to 375. Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together
until light and fluffy. Add eggs, mixing well. Combine oats, flour, baking
soda, and salt in separate bowl, and add to butter mixture in several
additions, mixing well after each addition. Stir in cranberries and
chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12
minutes or until golden brown.

Makes approx. 2 1/2 dozen cookies.


Cheese-filled Shortbread Tartlets

1 package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup icing sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Fresh raspberries, kiwi, and mint sprigs (optional)

1. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the
milk, lemon juice, and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate.

2. In another bowl, beat butter, flour, icing sugar, and cornstarch until
smooth. Roll into 1-inch balls. Place in greased miniature muffin cups, and
press onto the bottom and up the sides. Prick with a fork.

3. Bake at 325 for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately run a
knife around each tart to loosen completely. Cool.

4. Pipe or spoon 1 tablespoon cheese filling into each tart shell. Cover and
refrigerate until set. Just before serving, garnish with raspberries, kiwi,
and/or mint if desired (I used cherries).

The Elves Were Here

Two elves showed up here yesterday. One cleaned my oven, stovetop, and refrigerator. She reminded me not to buy groceries for awhile, after cleaning out my fridge! So, I went to the Superstore and bought a few things.

The other elf wrapped presents and I did the gift tags, among other things. What a blessing to have these elves at my disposal. Thank you!

Precious Memories of Christmas

On my radio program for the next couple of weeks, I will be reading people's memories of Christmases in their past.

If any of you out there in Blogland would like to have your precious memory on the radio, on my "Soul Cafe" show, please feel free to type it and send to me at debmac450@rogers.com.

Hey, Ann P. out in SK, how about you and Don write one? People know you here in Freddytown, since you lived here forever.

Anyone can contribute -- should be about 1-3 minutes in length when you read it aloud. I will attach my voice to it once I receive your email, and will attribute it to YOU when I read it. Don't want to plagiarize*, you know.



*(to take and use ideas, passages, etc., from another's work)

Do you feel like you're running in all directions this time of year? I do. From recording precious memories of Christmases past for the radio show, to looking for a lost music book, to shopping at my favorite store again (Zellers, of course), to traveling to Maugerville to look at the Saint John River flooding the land, to delivering the lost music book and some Christmas cooking to a friend, to teaching music, to preparing tomorrow's radio show, to running all over the city trying to retrieve an elementary Christmas music book from one student and delivering it to another for a recital tomorrow, to doing Christmas cards and talking on the phone, and so on. Yes, it's been a busy day.

Tomorrow, I think I have a couple of elves coming to help me in the morning. One is going to help me wrap presents, and the other is going to clean my oven and my refrigerator. Am I Santa?

The Weekend

Wow, what a busy weekend. How could I describe it? It was so jam-packed that this afternoon I had to have a nap on the couch.

Friday night -- Funktional Independence -- the Rehab band I'm in -- we performed our rock songs for the Christmas party, and then Doug and I were DJs for the dance. Got home after 2, and to bed after 3 a.m.

Up early Saturday morning -- traveled to Bristol to spend the day with Jon, Alicia, Afton, Jack, Ivy and Croy. Wow, this family is sure growing. Tried to fold laundry, do dishes, hold baby, play cars on the floor, have a nap on the couch, buy pizza, sing, and come home by 10. Doug got called in to work late Saturday night.

Sunday morning found us in Maugerville Baptist Church, where I played the piano for the service and sang with Dawn Marie. Got to speak a bit as well, about an experience I had the other day at Sears. Sunday afternoon, I picked up Max and Jed and we went to St. Paul's Cathedral to hear the 110 voice ladies choir that I'm supposed to be in (I'm on hiatus right now). The girls did a fantastic job. Granny, Beth, Ann, Judy at 100 other voices. And the Garden Creek boys choir were so cute. There was even some excitement in the crowd, as the paramedics had to come in with a stretcher and care for a woman who had had heat stroke or something. The choir sang on, though -- the show must go on, right? I hope the woman is OK.

Sunday night found us at D & K's house for coffee and conversation, a quick trip to D & L's, a drive-by Mr. Fix-it visit at Ann's house where Doug will fix some stuff there this week, and coffee at Tim Horton's with Bill til 10:30. Then I left my purse there and had to travel back and get it. Oh, where oh where is my brain?

There....then I thought today I would get organized, but checked my calendar, and realized I had a pre-op appointment for my surgery next week, so off to the hospital I went for an ECG and blood work. Saw Clark in CIU == Hi Pat! A trip upstairs to 3SE to visit Jake, who broke his leg in two places (Phen's son), a trip to see Doug who was falling asleep, a stop at Sobey's for a chicken where I talked to Carolyn, and finally home to make supper and have a nap.

Just finished teaching. Now will talk to Nat and relax. The rain is pouring outside. Just heard thunder and saw lightning. Isn't this weather strange?

That's what I did on the weekend. I have to get a lot done this week -- shopping, wrapping, cooking. Need to get everything done before next Wednesday as I will be a bit incapacitated with my hand wrapped up. But it will at least make me relax, right?

Thursday

This morning I spoke and sang at a womens' Bible study -- on Joy, and cried tears of joy == over a newborn baby, a new life, precious memories of Christmases past, and the hope that we are awaiting in the future -- a life without pain, disease, injustice, etc. Then we had a nice lunch.

Went shopping at Sears. Talked to a former student's parent and found out she had an irregular mammogram and was awaiting a core biopsy. I hugged her and said, "I know what that's like." She began to cry, and I told her I would pray for her for the next couple of weeks while she waits to have the test, and if the test is not good that I would talk with her. I told her to look at me and see that I was standing in front of her -- that I had gone through all that and more, and was still living and well. She said that gave her hope. She said "I guess I was meant to meet you today." I love to encourage people, and feel SO blessed to be able to help in any way I can.

I went to the Northside to my fav store -- Zellers. And went to pick up my father to help him shop for Granny. Can't say any more about that, since Granny reads my blog. We had fun, though. "Snail male" (that's what I call him because he walks so slow everywhere) had a nice time in the mall. And at Lawton's he picked up a couple of things to eat that he specifically told me not to tell Granny about (Brenda and Nat, I'll tell you on the phone). He certainly is cute!

Went to Doris' to have tea and stare at the Christmas tea for an hour. Her tree is lovely at her house, and the tree that she decorated at my house is lovely, too. Anyone need a tree decorator? She didn't charge my anything. Perhaps she's for hire.

To Maugerville to practice music for Sunday with my friend Dawn-Marie for an hour. Then home to have a 20 minute nap before we went out again to meet new friends. Also met two very active cats, three geckos and a cricket. But it was fun and we enjoyed it. Now I'm home with lots of energy again, and it's almost 11 pm. Doug is watching "Ice Road Truckers" and I'm going to watch a New Day episode that D & C told me to watch -- about resting.

Well, here goes -- I am resting, watching a video about resting. Is that a 'freedundancy," as Croy's father calls it?

Oh, now Doug is going to watch the resting video with me. I have a feeling he's going to rest his eyes while watching it -- he usually does this time of night.

Quite the day. Tomorrow will be an interesting day.

It's a Boy!

We took a flying trip to Waterville Hospital, between Woodstock and Hartland to arrive in the room and Afton shouted, "It's a Boy!" We couldn't believe it. He is beautiful - 9 lb 2 oz. Not sure of what his name is yet, but before we left at noon, they are pretty sure it is CROY DOUGLAS MACDONALD. The name "Croy" comes from Jonathan's love of the St. Croix River (which he has kayaked many times). They had a baby book in their room of 100,000 baby names and the name "Croy" is not in it, therefore, he is very unique. A Scottish boy has been born this day. Rejoice!

And to top it all off, Doris and Laurie went and got me a Christmas tree, delivered it and she is now decorating said tree in the music room while I teach. What could be better? A beautiful bouncing baby boy Croy and a Christmas tree, snow on the ground and presents under the tree. And people coming tonight. Rejoice! We are blessed. We now have three grandsons and two granddaughters -- and one more mystery baby to come January 22ndish.

Croy Douglas MacDonald



Jonathan calling Natalie to tell her "It's a Boy!"

Grandparents and Siblings

New Baby!

New baby has just arrived. Got the phone call from Jonathan, and I couldn't find the phone beside my bed before it went to the answering machine. Just went to sleep not even half an hour ago! Errrr! Jon quipped: "I hate to leave this kind of message on an answering machine (why didn't he call back???), but there's a new baby in town, and you know the protocol: can't tell you what it is until you come. So I'll call you in the morning!"

Now, Son, why do you tease us so? A trip up river in the morning is in order, as if we wouldn't come to see this new arrival! You turkey, keep us in suspense a little longer, why don't you?

Another grandbaby! Hallelujah!

Rejoice with us -- today in the city (town) of Hartland, a baby is born which will bring great joy...

Cookies are out of the oven, still no phone call regarding a baby. I guess I'll go to bed.

Alicia and Jon have gone to the hospital about 8 pm tonight. Contractions are 5 minutes apart. Waiting to hear when and what it is!

Pray for easy delivery!

I guess I'll make shortbread cookies. Certainly cannot go to sleep. A December baby is a-comin'!

The Mystery and Health Benefits of Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha

In my seminar, "Live, Laugh, Love," I tell of the new trend that laughter therapists are using: Saying, "Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha" with the audience until they all get laughing, thus increasing endorphins in the brain, feel-good hormones. Recently, I was speaking of this at an up-river ladies' night out, and a couple of days later I got a call on my answering machine left by a woman who must have been there. She chanted, "Ho, Ho, Ha Ha Ha" to me and hung up. Never left a name, nothing.

The mystery was solved this past Sunday night over at St. Margaret's Anglican Church. I was preparing to do the music and an older woman looked at me and chanted, "Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha!" I looked and retorted, "IT WAS YOU!" A Cheryl, from Nackawic, who happened to be at the meeting, and found my number in the phone book.

Then she told me that her heart races in the night and wakes her up, so you know what she does? She chants, HO HO HA HA HA aloud and her heart rate calms down, and she goes back to sleep.

Go figure. Will wonders never cease. God uses the funniest things I say and do to affect people's lives.

Must go teach for awhile.

Whew, what a weekend!

A jam-packed weekend of music: Saturday night benefit gospel concert, where my group, "First Love" sang "Mary Did You Know" and "Carol of the Bells." Unfortunately, I got carried away on the piano and played it hyper-speed, much to the chagrin of the sopranos carrying the melody, "Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas." A laughable moment, for sure.

Sunday morning at Morning Gate, then a three hour practice at Musicplex for the Rehab Rock Band (this coming Friday night is our performance), and a three hour stint at St. Margaret's Anglican Church in the evening, where I played piano and sang for 2 hours with the friends who were with me.

This morning I got up at 9:30 -- slept in. Wonder why?

No baby yet for Alicia and Jonathan, although she is now 3 cm. She is now one week overdue. Hope she has it tomorrow. If not, the doctor is going to induce her on Thursday.

Soon, another baby to grace our family! Grandbaby #5 is almost here!

Letters to God

We went to Capital Community Church tonight and watched "Letters to God"
-- you must see this, but be prepared to cry. It affected me deeply - very
close to my heart -- about a boy with cancer. I cried and grieved...another
part of healing for me, yet so close to home for anyone who has gone through
cancer or is going through it... BUT, it made me realize that God is in the business of doing miracles.... I don't want to
give any part of the movie away, so you'll have to see it yourself. VERY
well done.

Rainbows

I love rainbows. God gave me the promise of a rainbow the day my radiation ended last June (09), on the last day of radiation, at the Millidgeville Superstore, in the bathroom, a photograph of a beautiful rainbow on the wall in that bathroom. It was His promise to me that I'm going to be OK.

Ever since then, I see rainbows all the time, and I smile, because I know He is pointing that out to me. Today, already -- two rainbow things I have encountered. First, a picture on a magazine, and then an email from Phenny, my friend:

"The rainbows of life follow the storms." Unknown


That is so true -- the rainbows DO follow storms! Just wanted to write about rainbows today on this rainy day. Wouldn't it be neat to see a rainbow in December in the sky? Now that would be a 'wonder,' but isn't this the 'wonder' month?

Miracle on 34th Street

Do you remember that old black & white movie that we watch every December? Well, a miracle happened today -- in Saint John, not on 34th street, but at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

Our friend Almira, who was diagnosed earlier this year with lymphoma, and has been in hospital since May, was declared cancer free today, even though LAST week, they were sure she had more tumours in her body. A bunch of us have been praying fervently to the God that we trust in, and TODAY, doctors, nurses and many others were astonished to find that NO cancer resides in her body.

We're all rejoicing and saying, "Thank you, thank you, God, for hearing our prayers!" Thank you for your prayers, as well for our dear friend. Cancer CAN be beaten -- prayer works!

This is so encouraging to us all. Like the Bible says, "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD."