Monday 31 January 2011

Tuna at 10

Making my supper at 10:32 p.m. A grilled tuna sandwich and a bunch of raw baby carrots. I think tomorrow I need to plan better.

I need a chef -- anyone interested?

Sunday 30 January 2011

Around the world in 13 hours

Left the house this morning at 8:30. 50 minutes to Southampton Church, just past Nackawic. Flew in, played the guitar, sang, preached to the wonderful people there. Doug and I hopped in our trusty buggy and traversed over hill and dale to Temperance Vale Church. Flew in, got out the guitar again, sang in the choir with them (Max was there, too), gave a message again to the good people at that church. Had a few laughs (well, many laughs) and used some props I had with me.

Handshakes and hugs and we were out the door at 12:15, over to Nackawic once more, and down the highway again to the Acorn Restaurant to gas up and get some snacks to eat on our trip south. I had a nap as we traveled past Fredericton and down to Sussex, then to Penobsquis where Doug checked out a bobcat machine for another Doug in Grand Manan. Up the road again to Sussex, across country to the little village of Norton, where Doug called Morton and asked Doug to call him (Doug). A little play on words there.

Arrived at Wayne and Angie's where their posse of children were waiting, along with Jamie and Kelly and their children. I was greeted at eye level by a dachshund who decided to fly at me from the couch. Quite a surprise, I must say. What is it with me and animals of late? Two Thursday nights ago, we had Bible study here at the Soul Cafe, and a shaved tabby cat with hip dysplasia showed up in the middle of the meeting and explored our house. That was a bit of a strange meeting, to say the least.

We debated and discussed various things, midst the playfulness of 8 children and a dachshund. Good thing we are grandparents and used to noise. I decided to call our gathering "The Great Debate/Change Me on the Inside" meeting (just because I like to name everything). We had great discussion as well as eating a meal of brined turkey and fixin's. I must say, I've never had brined turkey before, but it sure was yummy. Thanks, Kelly. And Angie, for preparing the meal.

About 7:30 we said good-bye and took off for home. I had another sleep. At home after 9, tried to watch the Pro Bowl on TV but went to sleep. So I guess I'll go to bed now and hope I can sleep.

Quite a full day, don't you think? I'm glad I had yesterday to rest.

Saturday 29 January 2011

Doug is on his way home from building. I spent a considerable amount of time preparing this morning. Cousin W came over with some gluten-free cookies that he bought at the market. Yum! Thanks for your thoughtfulness, W. People are so good to me.

Needed a break, so I went to my favorite store (Z) and bought a pair of dress shoes and a pair of sneakers under $60. total. Imagine! What would we do without Zellers? I hope Target doesn't change anything. I found another kindred spirit who also loves Zellers as much as I do -- Louise. We went on and on about the store a couple of weeks ago. She's coming over tonight and I'm sure we'll rant some more after I tell her of my buys.

To Granny & Jed's to play Scrabble. Jed decided to join us and guess what??? He won! With a little help from Granny, but at least he played. He's so cute. Kept drawing at least 9 tiles every turn it seemed. Final score: Jed 192; Granny 183; Deb 170. Imagine, my two older parents beating me! Oh, the humility of it all. I hang my head in shame. No, I don't. Move on, Deb, move on. You'll try harder next time. Ann & Don in Saskatchewan, can you believe it?

Went to the Superstore and talked up a storm with Sally and then Leah. I really should open a booth at the Superstore. Doug has always thought that.

Home to cook up a bunch of stuff: Pizza, hamburger for Doug, applesauce, cookies, and something to take to Angie's tomorrow.

Doug the builder just got home. You should see him - he is black with grease. I can hardly see his face. Soap works well, Doug. Go to the shower and I'll then come to the feeding trough.

Utility and Agility

It's Saturday morning and I'm in my office, trying to work on my sermon for tomorrow. I speak at Southampton Church and then over to Temperance Vale church. I found this piece I wrote back in 2005 about a husband (particularly my husband). Thought I'd share it with you.

Doug is out at Floyd's in Charters Settlement building on a trailer to haul behind the RV. A utility trailer of sorts. And I'm sure he's being agile, too, as he crawls under and over pieces of steel. While I'm here at home slaving over a hot computer.


UTILITY AND AGILITY

A husband should have utility and agility. Utility so that he can be counted on to change a lightbulb, a diaper, build a bookcase, or install radiant heat in the floor. Perhaps to hang out the clothes, refinish a hardwood floor, or install a dishwasher. Utility is a quality a wife desires in a husband.

Now, agility, that’s another matter. Agility to catch a flying cup, slipside over the water on the bathroom floor after his wife is finished primping at the bathroom vanity, or an amazing ballerina recovery as he trips over the obstacles his wife places on the staircase.

Nimbleness of hand is an added bonus in the agility department–the ability to shove two or three fingers of his big into a delicate drinking glass as he endearingly does the dishes, or gently latching a necklace of fine design around his woman’s neck. Agility and nimbleness–a perfect pair.

So, utility and agility are essential characteristics for a husband to possess. Add these to your Modern Bride husband characteristics. You won’t be sorry.


Deborah MacDonald
(October 2005)

Friday 28 January 2011

Fabulous Friday

Doug brought me coffee in bed early this morning. Coffee hot, cup warmed -- to my bedside. He's such a sweetie.

Went to Dr. Plastic this morning for him to check out my hand. Healing nicely, but scar tissue feels like lump in hand. Massage it out, he told me. I'll get Julie to do that, my new massage therapist, Sandra's daughter. Home by 9:30 to turn on the coffee for the girls who come to study. Romans 6 -- finished it this morning. Amazing. Word of the day: EMANCIPATION -- 'to free.'

Taught Els and Ann and Granny their piano lessons. Mrs. Hwiggins worked upstairs in my office, trying to alphabetize my library. She doesn't think my working conditions are up to par. Too cold in the office, so I turned the fireplace on and closed her in. I hope she doesn't call the labour board on me. Verna was downstairs cleaning up the coffee break from the morning. I fixed some thing on her computer, and we had lunch. I rushed off to the gym, where Dennis put me through the mill, even running and up and down the stairs two steps at a time -- "have good form, keep elbows close, you're climbing the stairs like you're a wild woman!" I am a wild woman, I replied. "Do you feel that?" he asked, as I panted. Do I feel that? Are you crazy? I playfully slapped him across the face, lightly of course. I feel like I'm getting my strength back.

Then I took off down to Laureen's mop top hair shop (Shear Magic), way down yonder in White's Cove (down past Jemseg). I know, I know, a long way to travel to get my hair done. A 50 minute drive, through Maugerville, Sheffield, towards Cambridge Narrows, the Reardon Road, and Voila! I was lookin' at Grand Lake...the old road before they built the new superhighway. She overlooks the lake. She has a beautiful little shop. So if you want to get your hair cut, coloured, curled, pouffed (is that a word?), eyebrows waxed, buy lovely hair products, or mustache tinted (for those men out there), and many other things (this is just what I noticed on the sign).... Anyway, she tried to make me beautiful, and now I have a new do. 50 minutes home to show my new head to Doug, make a pizza omelette and talk on the phone. It's almost 9 and I haven't eaten my dinner yet.

Doris just called from Florida. She is sleeping, reading, knitting and going for walks on the beach. How nice is that?

Aiden left his first message on the phone: "Papa?" etc and a bunch of other words. How cute is that?

Now, I really must eat. Eating is good.. Thanks, Laureen, for the new hair.

Thursday 27 January 2011

Working, working -- at home, at the gym (really worked out today). Exercise is hard but beneficial, right? I can't wait to get in shape again. I'm in rehab, for sure, training my body to get back to where it used to be. Never knew it would be so hard to get back in shape after cancer. It really does take a toll on your body. And the Arimidex does, too.

And getting older. Spoke to the Seniors the other day at Morning Gate Church (a beautiful bunch of people). Told them that I want to grow old. If I'm as beautiful in spirit and physicality like they are, that's a good thing to look forward to.

Just finished Bible study tonight -- a house full of random people, sharing their lives with one another.

Seeing Dr. Menesi in the morning. He'll look at my hand and see if it is healing OK. I believe it is.

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Tuesday

My day today:

1. Devotions
1.a Radio show
2. Teach piano
3. Massage therapy at Body Renewal (Julie Piercey -- she's wonderful!)
4. Good Life gym -- session with Denis, my personal trainer
5. Pita Pit -- Greek salad take-out
6. Teach guitar & piano til 7 pm
7. Deliver guitar across the street
8. Record "The Flower" on the piano and mp3 it to Cousin W so he can use it as an accompaniment to his violin (I expect you to play it for me, W.)
9. Receive Rand & Tammy G. into our 'recording studio' and I played the piano to his new song, "Sing the Blues Away." Doug recorded it on the computer. Mp3'ed it to their email address so they can use it in an upcoming concert.
10. Talked to Nat on the phone. Baby Sarah is doing fine, but sleeping much in the daytime and little in the night. Not yet a week old, the sweet l'il child.
11. Blog
12. Go veg out now and watch "Harry's Law," one of my new favorite shows, along with Blue Bloods and Parenthood.

Tomorrow -- speak at a Seniors' luncheon at Morning Gate church about my battle with cancer, then teach til 7:15 pm. After that, the girls of Sisters Act land at my door for a music practice for the upcoming retreat at Greenhill Lake Camp. And it's usually a LOUD practice, with us all talking at once. Mass confusion, but we seem to understand each other. Lots of laughter.

So if I don't blog tomorrow, at least you know what I'm doing.

Lots of activity here at The Soul Cafe.

Monday 24 January 2011


It's certainly been an exciting weekend. The most exciting event, of course, being the birth of grandchild #6 - Baby Sarah Kathyrn on early Friday morning. I still can't believe it.

Friday night we had dinner at R & S's house with D & L, a farewell dinner for D & L, as they headed to Florida for a couple of months. Saturday morning at Smythe Street women's breakfast. I reunited with a co-worker from my days in the psychiatry unit in the 80's. Home to practice for a music night at the Keswick Ridge Historical Society, where I played in a 'band' again, singing all sorts of songs, and then one by myself -- "Find Me in the River," which was a surprise to many I think, leaving some with tears in their eyes. I was blessed to have the opportunity to share my faith with them in this way. Made more connections for future events.

Sunday morning found us at Morning Gate Church leading the music. Sunday afternoon preparing for speaking in the evening, watching football and having a nap. Sunday night at Nashwaaksis Baptist Church singing with Sisters Act, and then I gave my "LIVE LAUGH LOVE" seminar, the first part on LIVE...Home again to watch pre-taped football. To bed at 11. Imagine. To bed early. I wonder why?

Now it's Monday and time to start all over again. Bless God -- it's going to be a GOOD day! and a good week of being ALIVE!

Sunday 23 January 2011

It's a Girl! It's Sarah Kathryn DuBois!






The pictures finally came through from the DuBois family of their newest addition. A sister to Aiden....Proud grandparents are Doug & Deb MacDonald and Dave & Wendy DuBois. Great grandparents on our side: Donalda & Alton Fox and Dorothy & John MacDonald.

Friday 21 January 2011

List

I want to make a list:

1. Afton Natalie MacDonald -- age 5
2. Jack Gregory MacDonald -- age 4
3. Ivy Isabel MacDonald -- age 2
4. Croy Douglas MacDonald -- age 1 1/2 months
5. Aiden Joshua DuBois -- age 2
6. Sarah Kathryn DuBois -- age 5 hours!

Birthweight

Sarah Kathryn's weight is 8 lbs 2 ounces. Josh called awhile ago, very tired and going to bed. Aiden is with their friend, Darlene. Thanks, Darlene! And to all the friends out in The Pas who help Nat & Josh with so much. Wish I was there right now, but we have to wait for another thee weeks before we can hold that precious new life in our arms!

BirthDay Update

UPDATE: Natalie called me herself at 6:15 AM and Josh just called me:

At 6:40 Manitoba time (8:40 our time), our daughter had a beautiful baby GIRL !!!!!!!!!!!!! Just what was ordered! Thank you Lord!

Josh didn't know the weight yet and will let me know later.

I am overjoyed and of course, cried that God has granted our prayers for everything Natalie hoped for -- short labour, easier than last time, no tearing, and a GIRL!

Her name is Sarah Kathryn DuBois

Wow, to see that name in print is amazing and I am overwhelmed with joy at this moment.

Thank you for your prayers, everyone — prayer works!

Deb
x0

PS: Check the blog at some point for pictures

Birth Day

Natalie just called:

"I'm in labour! I'm going to the hospital."

"OK, I'll put the word out for prayer," I replied.

So, if you're the prayin' kind, would appreciate your prayers for our precious daughter, our 'baby,' as she delivers her precious baby. Wisdom and skill for her midwife, Michele, as well.

I didn't get to sleep til 3 AM -- now I'm in 'labour', too for my daughter (prayer labour)...

I'll update you when I know. You can be sure of that! Hard to believe -- grandchild No. 6 is making its entrance into the world!

Wednesday 19 January 2011

A snow day today -- school cancelled in the capital region, yet most of my students showed up today. Wednesday is a long day of teaching. I have so many students now that I feel like the old woman in the shoe -- I don't know what to do with them all! Well, actually, I do find a way to teach piano, switch to guitar, switch to piano, then perhaps voice, maybe a little drums thrown in. Sometimes I get up from one student and yell out, "Next!" as if I was a doctor calling out to the patients in the waiting room. The kids laugh and I love to tease them. I love using whatever is at hand to make them laugh, too -- stuffed animals, tiny ornaments, pink flamingoes and the like. Gotta keep it fresh for these precious children.

I'm fighting a cold, so have loaded up on the green tea and lemon and honey today. Tonight made a concoction of hot water, lemon juice, honey, cinnamon and pepper -- drank two mugs full. Seemed to help.

Just finished watching the new season of American Idol. Wow. Lot of talent in the world. The show is interesting to watch, but you see many young people having their dreams squashed to be a singer. I wonder if they still sing after being rejected by the judges. Just a thought. I don't know if I would. I made Doug sing for me tonight just to see if he would make it on American Idol. He's so cute and appeased me and sang "I did it my way." What a man. I wouldn't make it on American Idol, either.

Must go eat something or drink more hot liquid and put ice on my wrist. Oh, to be young again!

Monday 17 January 2011

Get Fit

I took a trip in the country this morning -- out to Durham, to my physiotherapist. What a beautiful ride. She fixed me up. My back goes out about three times a year. I have many therapists, it seems. Thank God for people who can fix us, right? Had some lunch at D's and off to the gym with Dennis for my new round of physical training. Feels good but hurts and I'm out of shape. I know this is going to help. I felt stronger when I left the gym and this was my first day. I'm in a rehabilitation program of my own making and I'm determined to get fit. You know, when I turned 49, my motto for age 50 was "Fit at 50," and then I found out I had breast cancer. I can't even believe it to this day -- that I went through what I went through. It seems like a dream to me, a very unpleasant nightmare, even though many wonderful things happened.

Now I'm 51 and my motto is still "Fit at 50" -- this decade of the 50's. Agree with me, will you? Perhaps I'll inspire some of you to be fit at whatever decade you're going through.

Must go teach students to be fit at music now.

Wednesday 12 January 2011

Condolences go out to my uncle and aunt, Earl and Vivian Wallace, on the sudden death of Earl's mother, Reta Wallace of Carlisle (outside Cloverdale). Reta was born in 1914 and was the wife of Ted Wallace. She had a long and vibrant life, and her family and friends will miss her very much. I remember when Reta was a teacher when I was in Grade 3, and she analyzed one of my scrapbooks or workbooks for one of the courses I was taking. I remember Reta and Ted and their camp in Cloverdale, and how we loved to go there when we were kids. Uncle Earl and Aunt Viv live on that land now.

I remember Reta as a quiet yet witty woman. She always had a smile. I think Reta had 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren. Wow. What a legacy. Her life goes on...

Our prayers for comfort go out to Dusty (my cousin Greg), Brent (my cousin), Aunt Viv (Pippin), and Uncle Earl, the grandchildren, and the extended family.

The world was a better place because you were here, Reta. Enjoy heaven. Say hi to Ted.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints (Psalm 116:15)

The River by brian doerksen

Tuesday 11 January 2011

Well, I hurt my back yesterday putting on my clothes. Today I could hardly walk, so Doug drove me out to Durham where our physiotherapist lives. She really worked on me. It was beautiful, if you could call treatment beautiful and relaxing. My back still hurts, but I'm hoping by the end of the week I'll be able to function.

Taught guitar and piano this afternoon in the rocking chair. Old Grandma in the rockin' chair, teachin.' Kind of neat, eh?

Must go eat the halibut I'm cooking that I bought from a Frenchman from Nova Scotia. Bought it from him at Tim Horton's in Doaktown last month when I was on my way to sing Christmas carols to an 88-year-old man.

Go figure. I have a strange but wonderful life.

Monday 10 January 2011

Monday

Well, it wasn't really a manic Monday. Didn't get up til 9:30! Then lounged around, did some devos, prayed, and took the ornaments off my second tree. A lunch of fruit, yogurt and almonds (although a donut snuck in my morning food somehow). I feel like I'm trying to eat all the bad stuff in the house so it won't tempt me anymore. I'm not usually one to be tempted by this type of food, but what I've discovered is that once you start eating the sugar, you want the sugar. Sugar is as addictive as cocaine, they say. I'm not that bad, really. But I will be watching what I eat more, for sure.

To the gym and biked for 20 minutes or so, then home to have a sandwich and a nap for a couple of hours before teaching for a bit of the evening. Doug took down the tree and rearranged the living room.

Now to go eat a salad and watch Blue Bloods, a TV police drama with Tom Selleck. We really like it. I tape it on the PVR. PVR, DVD, CD, Wii, ATM, so many letters!

BTW, Doug and I played our first Wii games in Grand Manan at Joy & Doug's house. Micah, their six-year-old, taught us. Imagine. We actually had a great time Wii-ing (not wooing, for those of you in Campobello). Bowling, wipe-out, flying, frisbee on the Wii. You should have seen us, Nat. Do you have Wii Resort? We'll want to play that when we fly out to The Pas in a few weeks.

Sunday 9 January 2011

Grand Manan

Just got home from a weekend trip to Grand Manan. Went over on Friday afternoon, on the high seas. Me and Doris took gravols, laid down and slept the trip. Pretty tipsy trip, I must say. A bit of a NorEaster a'brewin.'

Saturday we attended Q's firstborn son's wedding, which was truly a 'show-stopper.' Caleb and Sable Benson are now married and on their way to Australia for a month's honeymoon. Bon Voyage, and another wedding in the Benson family in less than six months (Casey & Winter were married in August).

We stayed at Ron & Joyce Benson's home and traveled around visiting a few friends as well, drinking coffee and eating lots of sweets. Nice to get away and be on the island for awhile. Today's trip home wasn't near as rough, but I still had a beautiful sleep on the boat. Now I'm ready to make dinner or something, and hopefully not stay up all night. Tomorrow I go to work. Has it really been two weeks off? Doesn't seem like it but yet it does. Children start arriving to be taught tomorrow afternoon. Radio show fired up in the morning, and a session with my personal trainer to get started on my resolution to lose 20 lbs. Perhaps I could be accountable to all my buddies here on the blog. Not going to tell you my weight, though, but WILL tell you what I'm doing and eating perhaps. I'm ready and willing -- now will the body cooperate? Yes it will!

Grand Manan

Just got home from a weekend trip to Grand Manan. Went over on Friday afternoon, on the high seas. Me and Doris took gravols, laid down and slept the trip. Pretty tipsy trip, I must say. A bit of a NorEaster a'brewin.'

Saturday we attended Q's firstborn son's wedding, which was truly a 'show-stopper.' Caleb and Sable Benson are now married and on their way to Australia for a month's honeymoon. Bon Voyage, and another wedding in the Benson family in less than six months (Casey & Winter were married in August).

We stayed at Ron & Joyce Benson's home and traveled around visiting a few friends as well, drinking coffee and eating lots of sweets. Nice to get away and be on the island for awhile. Today's trip home wasn't near as rough, but I still had a beautiful sleep on the boat. Now I'm ready to make dinner or something, and hopefully not stay up all night. Tomorrow I go to work. Has it really been two weeks off? Doesn't seem like it but yet it does. Children start arriving to be taught tomorrow afternoon. Radio show fired up in the morning, and a session with my personal trainer to get started on my resolution to lose 20 lbs. Perhaps I could be accountable to all my buddies here on the blog. Not going to tell you my weight, though, but WILL tell you what I'm doing and eating perhaps. I'm ready and willing -- now will the body cooperate? Yes it will!

Wednesday 5 January 2011

Slept Like a Baby

I awoke this morning at 9:30, not knowing who I was or where I was. The drug for the 'hives' is quite a sleep agent! I jumped out of bed and wondered what I should do next. I tried to do my radio show, but realized I got up too late. Had an interview for the newspaper instead. Gloria interviewed me at the station, and Ross took my pic in front of the mic. The article will be in the Daily Gleaner in a couple of weeks.

After the interview, I drove my car (somewhat gently, considering my sore hand) to Marks' Work Wearhouse and bought a pair of jeans. Oh, I'll be glad when I lose a few pounds! Menopause, honestly. To the Superstore to try and not buy too many groceries, since my resolution is to get what I need and not what I think I MIGHT need. A party tonight with girls from Sisters' Act, as we practice for the upcoming womens' retreat at Greenhill Lake (Feb. 4th weekend). All women welcome!

Must go change into my cleaning and cooking clothes and spiff up the house. And put a steri-strip on my naked healing hand.

PS: Last night on the news, they reported that it's important that we get sleep -- that it helps with keeping the weight off. Perhaps this 'hive drug' is a blessing in disguise? Although I think Granny used to say, "Don't sleep your life away" when I was a teenager.

Tuesday 4 January 2011

Waiting Room, Anyone?

Spent most of the day in waiting rooms waiting for doctors. This afternoon in Dr. T's office (my family doc). I've had hives for the past week and don't know why. Waited for over an hour to see Dr. T. Gave me a prescription for a stronger than Benadryl drug (hydroxyzine) to help with the incessant itching all over my body. And something for my toenails as well -- apparently a fungus has attached itself to my toes! I'm supposed to 'lacquer' them for the next six months! Ergh....

I took off on foot from Kings Place after those diagnoses, and hoofed it to Sobey's on Regent Street where I bought groceries, then called Doug to come and get me and take me up to the hospital, where I waited for another hour and a half to basically have Dr. Menesi (my Plastic doc) slap a steristrip on my left surgery hand and say, see you in two weeks, don't lift or pull, be careful.

But at least I can start to drive again. I just took my anti-itch med and it causes drowsiness, so I'm hoping for a fantastic sleep without itching. The doc told me that it usually is from shellfish or peanuts or antibiotics. I finished up a course of pencillin last Monday which was prescribed for my carpal tunnel surgery, and I ate one shrimp the same day, which was a first in my life. So, maybe the penicillin, maybe the shrimp. Whatever it is, it is painful and itchy. Pray for me -- that all will be healed in my body.

But at least I got to have a shower tonight without my hand bagged up. All is well.