Christmas in Carlow

The following document was typed on a vintage Underwood typewriter which was set up on the Jon MacDonald family table on Christmas Day. Several times throughout the day you could find someone click-clacking away on it, giving their opinion on the myriad of activities in the home. It is a short piece of family history, typed by several family members who came to visit at Jon & Alicia's house in Carlow, New Brunswick. (I have tried to remain as close to the original as possible, e.g., 'creative spelling').

Afton and Gram Deb decided this journalistic masterpiece should be entitled:

"CHRISTMAS IN CARLOW: The Melissa & Doug Christmas"*

(typed on a vintage Underwood typewriter which was set up on the table all Christmas day).

Afton: One Christmas, mostley ever-thing was Melissa & Doug.

Gram Deb: There were way too many presents to deal with that Christmas in Carlow. With papa sleeping in the chair, his kerchief covering his eyes, and Mommy making samosas on the stove, the air was filled with snores and samosa aromas.

Afton: Jack got bilding things, I got craft things, Ivy got learning things.

Gram Deb: Everyone was busy as a beaver, creating beautiful creations. Papa was building an electric dragster out of nuts, bolts and CDs. The snow lay like a blanket outside, covering Carlow with a winter wonderland. Natalie and Alicia were sautéing, cutting, creating samosas. Will they ever get done before Nat has to go to another party?

Afton: Oliver was in the high chair, and Croy just wock up.

Gram Deb: Jack finished his racer, and was driving it everywhere, making sure he kept it away from Baby Croy. Croy opened his Tonka fire trucks, complete with neon detour signs.

Gram Deb cried when she received her son’s gift to her: a handcrafted paddle made with care out in Santa’s Workshop. She was so blessed to receive this gift from her only son.

Afton: It was a $ for too strangers to come. [Editor’s note: Afton explained that this means that if people came to the house, they had to pay a dollar to come in. Although this never happened. LOL]

Jon: The gifts are plenty and the food is grand. Monkey bread, taco salad, samosas, candy, chocolate, pop, juice, cheese, slamon [‘salmon’], and much, much more!! A grand time to be had by all. Bodies of children strewn across the room in absolute uphoria [‘euphoria’] from all the gift giving. Parents llying [lying] around the room utterly unconscious from the strenuous effort of it all. Why? Why not? Oh how far down the tube of Christmas tradition we have come.

Gram Deb: I must go stuff samosas now.

Afton: Papa and Jack are playing with yo-yos.

Grammie Nancy: It all began early Christmas morning when we arrived, first being entertained by Mr. Bean. Then we started opening so many gifts that it was over whelming. It is in the year of our Lord 2011. The inlaws and outlaws are here as witnesses to all this fuss when actually we are here to celebrate the ultimate gift of our Lord Jesus. What a beautiful day with a little snow in the air which relieves one and all from the frigid temperatures. They had samosas without telling us so we get leftovers. Actually we shouldn’t eat anything because soon we will be all competing for the Santa job at Macy’s.

Alicia: It has been a day of fun and food. For instance, Ivy is here still asking for more sweets, especially the PC brand chocolates in their shiny luring packages. We have eaten a lot of strange things this season. In fact by far the weirdest food yet for a blistery Christmas day. Samosas, pie and shrimp and Dad’s fried potatoes. I love seeing the kiddies play with their new toys, and hop up and down over the promise of what their stockings hold from St. Nick. After all this fun… I believe that we ought to give the kids a nice Christmas soaking to wash off the day’s grime. Love and peace to all and to all a wonderful night of games around the fire.

[Christmas in Carlow participants: Jon, Alicia, Afton (6), Jack (5), Ivy (3), Croy (1), Grammie Nancy, Grampie Greg, Gram Deb, Papa, Natalie, Shawn, Oliver (1)]

(Editor’s Notes: We also went to Florenceville Baptist Church on Christmas morning, went sliding outside on the Carlow hill, and played Quelf Jr. as a family. After the kids went to bed, we settled down on our couches and listened to the fire crackle and “The Shepherd” on CBC radio. A very interesting and heartwarming day with family. We wish Josh, Natalie, Aiden and Sarah could have been here with us, too. Granny and Jed, too. Boo hoo. Oh well, there's always next year, right?)

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM CARLOW! (wherever that is)


*Melissa & Doug is a top quality childrens' toy-making company

THE DIGITAL STORY OF THE NATIVITY

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The weekend

We went to Bristol on Friday night to babysit our grandchildren. Stories and plays and apples dipped in caramel and toffee bits. They are so cute and I had a grand time. Home at 1 in the morning. Doug and I love driving late at night. How many of you love doing that? The moon was half there, the night was clear, my husband was dear. I feel like writing a song or two.

Saturday was quiet -- I'm not really getting much done, but hey, I'm in a period of rest. I did manage to shop a bit in the morning and lay all the treasures out in the living room. It's Monday morning and they are still in the same place. Perhaps I'll wrap a few presents today. Christmas is a-comin.'

Had a long conversation with Natalie this morning. I so miss her and the little ones here at the house. She's preparing for a big party on Christmas Eve at her house. Wish we could be there, too. Last week I had this vision of us arriving by surprise at their house on Christmas Eve. If only we had the money to do this; I'd fly out in a minute.

Sunday was filled with people and places. Such a wonderful day of church cafe, lunch, Fredericton Ladies' Choir at St. Paul's Cathedral (sang along with the choir at the end when the whole place stood as The Hallelujah Chorus was played). Granny so wanted to be in the choir, but alas, she had a roaring cold, so we watched from the balcony. In the evening, Doug and I went to Ann's house where she made us prime rib with all the fixin's, and we had conversation around the table about our purpose in life.

What is the purpose of life, anyway? This morning I was listening to R.C. Sproul's teaching "Dust to Glory," on this topic. Fantastic teaching series. You can listen on line at ligonier.org.

Gen. 1:26 says, "Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life -- the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the livestock, wild animals, and small animals."

Who am I?
Why am I?

Why a world?
Why people?
Why history?

We are the pinnacle of God's work of creation.

"If there is no God, there is no purpose. If there is no purpose, there is no God."

Thoughts today....should I now wrap presents?

Rest?

You know what I have found? It is rather difficult to rest. I'm trying. Put the fire on in the office in the morning, sit there, get out my journal, Bible, etc. Then the phone rings. You know how it is. Or I need to deal with something. Like go buy a present for someone. It is the season to be jolly and buy presents, and am I running out of time? Yes. Bit by bit I'll eat the gift-buying elephant.

I have discovered this, though -- that we can rest doing all sorts of activities -- it's really our state of mind, isn't it?

Doug and I have been enjoying the time together the past couple of evenings. We watch a video and talk about it. Take a walk, a ride, watch a Christmas movie. And he has been sending me a daily email of a powerpoint presentation he has been making for me, called "The Twelve Days Before Christmas,", a love letter of sorts - one slide per day. Very unique and very touching to me. My beloved husband.

I just came home to make the supper meal and there he was at the stove, making the meal. Where did my husband go? Is this the new and improved model? I like it, whatever is going on...


Tis the season to have a new husband....

A Season of Rest

I'm in a season of rest. Yes, believe it or not. I have deemed December a season of rest. Seasons greetings to me -- take a rest, Deb. You might be a bit weary. Yes, thank you, I believe I am a bit weary. Going like the wind since Labour Day and now I need to rest from all that labour.

I don't like to admit that I'm tired, but I guess it's OK every once in awhile. That way, one can accept it and get 'involved' in that rest, step into it so to speak and enjoy it. I give myself permission to rest.

After Natalie and the kids left, I realized this to be true. After you slow down a bit, you understand you might be tired. Know what I mean? Enjoying life, however -- just doing whatever....and seeking God in the midst of it -- reading, praying, meditating, enjoying the SEASON of Advent. Enjoying this beautiful city we live in. Enjoying my tree that has been up for two weeks, thanks to Natalie. Enjoying the fact that my shopping is almost done. Enjoying the fact that I can just BE. What a place to BE.

I know! I will just "BE...in this place." LOL


deb

Natalie called me at 6 pm New Brunswick time. RCMP husband Josh met her at the Winnipeg airport with two dozen roses. She said that Aiden and Sarah did great on the air flights. They had another seven hours north by car, to The Pas. She has a couple of stories to tell me but that will have to wait til tomorrow. Or should I say today, since I can't sleep?

You know, the airport is one of a few places where a grown woman can stand at a plate glass window and cry, and no one comes to her aid or asks her what is wrong.

Thanks for praying. It really does work.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Once again, Natalie, Aiden and Sarah are leaving on a jet plane -- back to Manitoba. Where did the time go? They've been here since November 5th, and time does fly when you're having fun.

Would appreciate your prayers as she travels to Toronto, changes planes and then on to Winnipeg, where RCMP husband Josh will meet his dear family and take them home another seven hours to The Pas, Manitoba. Thank you, Josh, for lending us your wife and children. We've so totally enjoyed having them here.

I'm sad. It's a normal thing when they leave -- Nat and I are both sad -- we hate to leave each other. And the babies...Oh, what could I say? I feel like I've been raising them, too...Baby Sarah stood today -- I told her when she came that she had to stand before she went home. She is 10 months old. Good job, Baby Giant (that's what we call her). She is so cute. Aiden, too....He has absolutely loved interacting with all my music students this month and has even learned half of "Jingle Bells" from Gram Deb.

I wish Canada was the size of Luxembourg sometimes -- or a small European country. Would make it so much easier to see your family, wouldn't it? Oh well, God has granted us this time together, and He will grant us another time. He always does.

Thanks for praying for our beautiful daughter and children tomorrow....

Spectacular Starling Flock

Watch this and be blessed by the beauty of God's creation

Charge it we did, Angie. Thanks for the advice. Friday we hit the stores again whilst Granny babysat. Time sure does fly when you''re shopping. More charge it going on. I need to get another job, or less grandchildren. Hey, but i'm not complaining. Just mortgage the house. Thanks granny, you did a good job -- do you have experience or something?

Saturday found us undecorating the house and redecorating with a myriad of lights and various snowman apparatuses. Or should I say apparati? After having arisen at 6:30 am, due to two young children not wanting to stay in the ol woman in the shoe's comfortable beds, we began what we thought would be a fruitful Christmas prep day. By 11:30 AM, We were ready to pull out our hair, so we piled the kids into the CRV, drove up the road and convinced Mr. Grasse to let us continue our yearly tradition of cutting down one of his trees, although he is no longer in business. Guess he likes us.

Doug cut it with his one good hand, while Aiden ran through the forest and Sarah flailed about
In her snowsuit.

To make a long story short, it is now Sunday night and all that adorns the tree is a cornucopia of colored lights. We'll work on it this week between feedings, bum changes, games, radio shows, meal prep, teaching and so on.

The Proverbs 31 women with good intentions

Shopping and GPS

Natalie and I ventured out of the house this morning around 11 am. Very difficult to get going ANYWHERE with two children. Before we left the driveway, we prayed for the day and that we would have a good day of shopping. Where did we go? To Chapters for a couple of hours, where we were able to buy many gifts. I spent quite a bit of time in their toy department and a very helpful manager helped me find quality educational toys for five of our six grandchildren. It was so unusual in this day and age of help-yourself consumerism, to actually have someone take an interest in my 'ol' woman in a shoe' life. I could have pulled out my hair trying to find gifts for six kids under six. Kudos to the staff at Chapters Toys in Fredericton!

Natalie and I left Chapters much poorer, but richer for the shopping experience. So we headed down the hill to my beloved downtown, and ate lunch at the new Cedar Lunch on Queen Street, where we 'fared' on lentil soup, salad and falafels, and green tea in a beautiful glass carafe type container. Then home to relieve Aunt Becky of her duties. Thanks, B., for being a grandmother aunt today.

Tomorrow afternoon, Granny comes to be great-grandmother to Sarah and Aiden, so we can hit the Black Friday sales again. Look out Freddybeach -- Wilma and Betty are loose again!

Lifeline Haiti: Pastor Wilbert Placid our Director of operations

Lifeline Haiti: Pastor Wilbert Placid our Director of operations

Monday Morning Thot

"...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1:6)

"What a sobering thought, Lord--the primary reason for me to remain on this earth is to aid in the spiritual progress of others. You created me for 'good works,' and You desire that I bear much fruit while I am yet on earth. So work through me, Lord!"

Page Views

I was fiddling around on my blog and decided to check out the stats page -- you know, how many people are looking at what you have to say, etc. I was surprised to find out that since I started this blog in November 2008, I have had 23,295 page views. Thank you -- I am very encouraged that anyone would want to hear what I have to say. Thank you again -- I guess I'll keep writing.

We are called to make a difference. Tonight at the gathering here at our house, we discussed ways we could bless different groups of people around town -- social workers, cashiers, service station attendants, police officers, new mothers, firemen, etc. Brainstorming different things we could do for them. Any ideas?

A Synopsis

Natalie, Aiden and Sarah have been here for a week and a couple of days. It truly has been a whirlwind of events and people. Where would I start to explain all that has gone on here at this wee li'l house? So, I'll just 'synopsize' this past weekend.

Thursday night was a hullabaloo with music lessons, then people gathering for the gathering, and Jon & Alicia and four kids arrived - it seemed all at once. Six children in a three bedroom house (one of which is an office), and 5 adults. What to do? Well, this house became a hostel for the next few days -- mattresses on the floor, couch, playpens...Afton sleeping in my king size bed with me for a couple of nights, a playpen at the end of my bed with baby boy Croy. A couple of nights I crawled across the bed to get to my 'position', because I couldn't get past the playpen. Plus I have all my office stuff stuffed in my bedroom! We have never had so many people sleeping in this house to date. Children everywhere. Reminds me of a nursery rhyme somehow. And the house looks like a toy factory, and I'm thinking of developing a floor wax made of spittle and Cheerios.

We even ventured into the rock wall basement for more play space. All three levels had a child on it at any point in time. I love it! But I can't imagine living this way EVERY day, as some people in the world do, I'm sure...

Friday afternoon was a family meal at Granny & Jed's with the clan and the Southshore Sister and my youngest sister. Saturday was the market (that was an historic event in itself, trying to manuever six kids through that fray. Then McDonald's Playland, and THEN....Costco on a Saturday afternoon. Oh my...

On Saturday night, more friends of our children came over for a meal with yet another baby, making seven. The logistics of serving a meal to that many children is unexplainable. Mass confusion. And my small kitchen exploding with tables, food flying, babies crawling. Well, you can just imagine. You can hardly move around without bumping into someone -- and all the mothers trying to serve food. I finally just slumped down in the corner by the fridge. When all else fails, go into a corner somewhere. After supper and all the kids were bedded down, with visiting baby Ruby in the laundry room (yes, the laundry room), the young adults and the middle-aged folk played Balderdash and 'pictures,' and laughed a lot til midnight. We love having people in our home. I just wonder why we didn't buy a bigger one. (of course, we had NO grandchildren when we bought this house seven years ago. You never know what life may bring -- maybe a bunch of babies!)

Sunday morning was like the Amazing Race, trying to get Jon's family out the door at 0800 so they could make it to their church in Florenceville on time. I was out in the yard with housecoat and slippers on, piling the kids into their van, passing them food and bristol board for their on-board crafts. Good thing I live in the city-country here in The Pines.

Well, that's just a brief synopsis of a people-filled weekend here at the li'l ol' house in The Pines.

There are so many people here I'm having a hard time writing....more later

Life at 83

Life at 83
(Written by an 83-year-old woman to her friend.)

I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working.

Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.

I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event...such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom.

I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries.

I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.

"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary.

If there is something that is worth seeing, or hearing, or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.

I'm not sure what others would've done had they known that they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, or for whatever their favorite food was. I'm guessing; I'll never know.

It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them.

I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath...truly is a gift from God.

Kisses from Katie.mp4

Watch this and be blessed and stretched....

Natalie, Aiden and Sarah are now in the air, arriving in a few hours! I am busy preparing their rooms, and a nice meal when they arrive.

Southshore Sister is due to come in to Fredericton, either tomorrow or Sunday. A family reunion!

Thank you for your prayers for safe travel!

Natalie et al on the way home!

I request special prayer for TODAY (Thursday) and Tomorrow (Friday) for Natalie. She is currently in Winnipeg with Aiden and Baby Sarah. Aiden has a doctor's appointment, so would appreciate prayer for that, and then...

Tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 4), Natalie will be taking two flights home to Fredericton with these two kids (by herself) -- a 3 year old and a 10 month old baby. You know how airports are. Pray that she can do this with supernatural strength, peace, calm, and that all will be calm during the flights and getting to the gates, etc. That she will be AMAZED at how easy it is to fly with two children, getting them through all the hoops at the airports.

She arrives tomorrow night in Fredericton at 5:45. Appreciate it! We are so excited...

I'm Not Shrinking!

Another good report -- I'm not shrinking!

Went to Dr. T yesterday to get my flu shot. He gave me the results of the bone densitometry test, which I have to have every year, now that I'm in 'menopause,' AND on the drug Arimidex. He said that not only is my bone density NORMAL, but that it has INCREASED!

Rejoice with me once again. Now we are in November, the month three years ago that I was diagnosed and had surgery, the beginning of my cancer journey. But I declare that NOW November is a healing month, a month of beauty!

Good Report

YAY!!!!!

Had a mammogram two weeks ago. Went to Dr. Bryden (surgeon) this afternoon and ...ALL is WELL! My mammo report was all clear. She checked me out and doesn't want to see me for another year, after my 4 year mammo next October.

Dr. B took my face in her hands and squeezed my cheeks -- "You're good," she smiled... She's great -- thank you, thank you for all you've done, too, I said...

I will see my oncologist in March of 2012 and Dr. B next fall. The appointments are dwindling down. Dr. B said, "you've got your life back." What a good thing to hear from a doctor! Hallelujah is what I say. Say it with me, will you?

So, I thanked her and went directly to DQ to buy a hot fudge sundae to celebrate. Nothing like ice cream on a cold day to celebrate a warm heart, overflowing with thanks to God.

And thanks to you for all your prayers, and continued prayers. Cancer CAN be beaten!

Wednesday I started feeling under the weather. Like a cement block on my chest, a cough, achiness. "If I could just get through this day, I will sit in the chair all evening," I promised myself. I did just that, plus cancelled today's activities, AND Friday's. Sitting in the lazy boy right now, working on my computer and preparing for this weekend's events in Grand Manan. Yes, we are going to Grand Manan -- Doug and I, and a group of women...Harvest House on Friday night, and Central Wesleyan Church on Saturday night and Sunday morning. To bring encouragement to the churches, through singing and speaking.

So, I rest in the chair, drinking lots of green tea, Vitamin C, D, echinacea, Cold Fx, honey, lemon and oil of oregano (which was recommended to me three times in the past 24 hours). Yes, Granny, I'm taking care of myself.

All will be well. Have a great weekend.

Weekend

What a full day it 'twas today. This morning: singing at Morning Gate Church. This afternoon: baby shower for Alicia Munn, new baby girl. This evening: Sisters Act singing at Nasis Baptist Church's 'Come as You Are' event. Am I tired? You bet.

Yesterday -- working at home decluttering (which is a chore that I do not relish!). Shopping for baby gifts, slippers, etc. In the afternoon, an anniversary party for Ann & Richard, celebrating 40 years of wedded bliss (actually his name is not Richard, but I like to call him that). A music practice at our house after that. Then, Bill & Louise popped in for a couple of hours and we caught up.

A full weekend. I was talking to a friend tonight about how busy life has been lately. She, too, wonders how to slow down. Especially when you have so many commitments. Oh well, at least life is not boring! And I am truly glad to be alive!

Having said that, must go find something to eat. Perhaps an egg and a piece of toast. That always works well for a late night meal...

Three weeks to go before Natalie arrives with the two grandbabies....

Croy Boy

 

A Tribute to Uncle Dalton, Royal Canadian Airforce

 

Uncle Dalton

 

Uncle Dalton Page (Mom's brother) died while training for World War II...Airforce

The Queen of Coldstream

 

 

Hot Mamas

 

Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and Deb decided to try on Aunt Helen's housecoats while playing a game of billiards. Strange, but true.

Stained Glass Beauty in the Attic

 

Jack and his Truck

 

Jon & Alicia & Family

 

Family Thanksgiving Weekend

A brief synopsis of the weekend from my cousin Wayne, the Funeral Director:

What a weekend with our family and my dad's sisters family and so much to be thankful for. Friday night music at my brothers, Saturday morning hike on the Meduxnekeag Trail, picnic in Connell Park, afternoon crokinole tournament (Stephen and I won) outside in the shade, yard games for the kids, 28 for Saturday Thanksgiving supper at Mom and Dad's, 45 minute game of speed monopoly (the brain child of Jonathan - I won) followed by 4 games of capture the flag after dark settled in (ended in a tie with two games each), Sunday morning at Jacksonville Baptist Church to hear our son, Stephen, speak, big BBQ after church, more games and relaxing outside enjoying in the 78 degree weather. Wow! So thankful to God for all He has blessed us with.

Well said, Cuz....It TRULY was an amazing weekend in Coldstream (wherever that is). However, not quite complete without the Southshore Sister and her family, and Natalie and family. Perhaps next year, girls? And missing the Angie Murphy family as well...LOL

And a trip to our favorite place in the farm house -- the attic, where Helen decided to vacuum flies, and Dr. Quinn Medicine Wonman took several pictures of the beautiful stained glass window (thus my silhouette), and looking at Wayne's plasticine creations [which is why I say he became a funeral director; he was good at playing with clay while young]...And later on last evening, a few games of billiards, a campfire at the Pirate's, and playing guitar with the Pirate til late in the night. Boo hoo, had to come home today!

Aunt Helen and I had some tears last evening, as I thanked her for allowing us to come and descend upon the house for the weekend. It means so much to me personally to come to the place of childhood memories, and I cherish the time with our extended family. You know, when your life has been threatened with a life-threatening disease, you really do value everything in your life. God bless!

PS: If you are on facebook, check out my home page for more pics and a video of us playing crokinole outside.

A quote for the day

We ought to hear at least one little song every day, read a good poem, see a first-rate painting, and if possible speak a few sensible words.

Goethe (German poet)

...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Phil. 4:8

Enough said...Good advice....I'll try to do that...

What a great weekend we had at Camp Tulakadik on beautiful Cassidy Lake. Sheltered in the arms of a big ol' building in the woods for a rainy weekend. What could be nicer? No sleep, but lots of love flowing.

Tonight, do I feel a bit of a sore throat? Oh dear, Cold Fx here I down. And to sleep I must go, once again, after a long day of teaching and talking. There is definitely never a dull moment here at the Soul Cafe.

Great birthday party, Dusty. You look great for 50 I must say. But what IS in an age, anyway? Perhaps you could give us a quote about that??? Hmm?

More later...

Happy Birthday Brother

Greg Wallace is my cousin. However, I consider him my brother. He and his two brothers, the 'Wallace boys,' lived across the street from us on li'l ol' Bird Avenue while we grew up. Our grandmother lived with us but trotted back and forth across the street every day to visit her daughter and grandboys. My dad and Greg's mom (Aunt Viv) are bro/sis. And Greg, Brent and Steven were like brothers to me, Brenda and Janet. We also fought like brothers and sisters, so we love each other. LOL

Well, unfortunately, on Sunday, October 2nd, Gregory Earl Wallace turns 50. I'm sorry, Greg, for this event. It had to happen sometime. Welcome to the 50's club.

Check-Up

Tomorrow is another check-up with Dr. Broad, my family practitioner in oncology. She will go over me with a fine-tooth comb. Would appreciate your prayers.

In two weeks, I go for my yearly mammogram - it will be 3 years in November since I was diagnosed. I thank God EVERY day that I am alive and well.

"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself."

Is This Fish Lost??

Happy Tuesday. I am preparing for an upcoming retreat at Camp Tulakadik, 'Camp T,' as we like to call it. While staring at my computer screen, this picture came across my screen. I took it on the Labour Day weekend on a beach just outside of Shelburne. Southshore Sister can help me remember the name of the beach.

I call this picture: "Is this fish lost??"

I went out for a long walk after another good day of teaching. I do love to teach and the students really bless me. I came upon a road hockey game while walking and asked if I could play. They looked at me and said, "Yes, grab a stick," not thinking I would actually do so. Well, I did so, and one little guy said, "Gee, I didn't think she would actually do it." It was awesome -- a little hockey with the boys. Thanks, guys!

Has it really been a week since I posted? My, time flies when you're having fun -- or busy; both are true. Spent the weekend at the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival here in Superior City. I LOVE walking the downtown 'front' streets, talking to people and listening to the free concerts, seeing artists create beautiful pieces of art on the pavement, see children passing, people laughing. Oh, that sounds like a sound. Taking in the coffee shops, connecting with people, etc. etc. A wonderful atmosphere it is. If you get a chance next year, check it out.

Started teaching today for the first time since mid June. 10 students, from 3:30 til 8:30 without a break. Whew. Actually ate my supper at 11 pm. Now, I've certainly got to get THAT under control. I loved teaching today and it was good to be back at it. I hope the students felt the same. They are like my family, for sure.

Must go to bed and catch some shut-eye so I can do it all over again. But isn't that what life is all about? Routine and variations -- sounds like a symphony.

I Love Lucy

I told Doug yesterday that sometimes I feel like Lucille Ball. This past week, I have done things to myself that Lucy would do to herself. For example:

1. Doug gave me a rechargeable whippersnipper/weed whacker for my birthday and I whippersnipped my ankle;

2. A woman remarked on my shoes the other day, as I sat in a chair with head in sink. She said, "Do you realize you have two different shoes on?" "WHAT??" I looked down and I had black Birks on one foot, and baby blue ones on the other;

3. Yesterday, in church, I finished playing guitar and singing with all my might, took off the guitar, and whammed it into my eye so hard that now I have a black eye.

Lucy, you call me? Yes, you would be right. Ow, my eye!

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir - 'Lux Aurumque'

Check this out -- it's amazing -- people from all over the world, singing together on YouTube....

Labour Day Weekend in Shelburne

Shelburne -- another one of my favorite places to visit... Granny, SS Sister and Deb spent numerous hours in the kitchen this weekend. We love it. We pretend its our restaurant and we're all chefs. Even made apple jelly from old apples on Brenda's property. The weather was fabulous, darling. Activities this weekend included lunch out at Charlotte Lane, an upscale gourmet place to eat (which I frequent each time I go), kayaking with Paul & Doug on the Roseway River, then out into the Shelburne harbour, hiking at Pocket Wilderness, picnic at Summerville Beach and long walk on same beach, Scrabble (of course), Queens with Brenda's mother-in-law (Sybil & Deb won all FIVE games against Granny & Brenda), guys building an outdoor fireplace, and food -- lots of it and gourmet, including a PAVLOVA -- thought you'd like to see a picture of it, Natalie. I'll make you a couple when you come home. Brenda & Paul have a three story home so it's one great big happy family when we live together, with enough space for us all.

Thanks, SS Sister, for all your love and hospitality. You made our Labour Day weekend memorable. Miss you already. See you soon for our NEXT family event!