Would appreciate your prayers for our family as we deal with Dad having Alzheimer's. For wisdom, and for coping, especially for Mom (Granny), as she lives with Dad and tries to care for him. She is having a few health challenges this week, so would appreciate your prayers for her.

Just back from a jam-packed weekend at the Southshore Sister's in Shelburne, NS. The whole clan went -- Granny and Jed, Deb & Doug, Jon, Alicia, Afton, Jack, Ivy, Croy. We joined the Richardson family -- Brenda, Paul, Aaron, and Luke at their wonderful three story house in the cove in Shelburne. What a beautiful, beautiful place they have. So peaceful and as good as any resort. Lots of cooking together, eating, games, outside activities, tenting (for the Jon clan), walking, laughing, living, loving. Hope to put on some pictures of the weekend. Long drive, but well worth it. Now back to reality once again. This is our third weekend away. You would think we would stay put, wouldn't you? Adventurers at heart we are.

Had a great weekend in Halifax. Yes, Halifax. I led worship at the Atlantic Conference of Congregational Churches on Friday night and Saturday. A great time was had by all. Stayed at John & Laurie Hopkins' home out in Porters Lake. What a sweet l'il place they have. Great food, great conversation, great music. Even had a 'soul cafe live' on Saturday night, when John started with the tunes on the guitar and I tried the mandolin and the egg shaker. Then we switched. He can play the mandolin much better than I can!

Sunday morning found us at their church in Bedford, where I met a woman who listens to my show on channel 879 Aliant. Hard to believe I would find someone way down their listening to me way up here. She, too, is a breast cancer survivor, so we had a little chat. After church, we went to Cora's and were treated to a nice lunch by John and Laurie. We're already looking forward to our next trip to their home, to help put a new roof on their place.

Today, after a fitful sleep, I decided to get up early, do a few back exercises, breakfast, devotional, radio show, and then off I went in search of a new mattress. I've been planning on doing this for two years, and was actually going to buy a new mattress the morning that Doug came home and told me I had cancer. Today was the day, and I bought one of those sheep mattresses. You know, the Serta ones with the sheep spokesperson. And since I like sheep, and Natalie likes sheep, why not. Except it won't be here for three weeks. Perhaps they have to shear the sheep to make it, I don't know. If it doesn't fix my back problem and sleep problem, I'll give it to Doug and try another one.

Went to the gym today and Dennis really put me through a lower body workout, I'll tell you. Is it still there? Do I still have legs? Oh, yes, I see them. Tomorrow at 0800 I'm back at it again. It feels SO good to work out, let me tell you.

Now I must go work out my jaws as I eat supper, then teach for the evening. Good to be back home for a couple of days, and then we're off to Shelburne, passing through Halifax for the second time in two weeks!

What Goes Around Comes Around

I was thinking today of November 2008, when I got the diagnosis that cancer was in my lymph nodes and that I would need chemo and radiation, and how I was out walking in the cold and the wind absorbing the news. And my mother came along in her car and I crawled inside the car and put my head on her lap. And how she stroked my head and said, "we'll get through it." And how we did get through it. And how NOW I'm saying the same thing to her: "We'll get through it," with Dad's recent diagnosis of Alzheimer's. Another chapter of our life. Not one we want to read, but it's part of the book nonetheless. And we WILL get through it, as you help us with your prayers.

So much to pray for nowadays. It seems that EVERY day I receive an email that someone else has cancer. But, you know what? With God nothing is impossible. Even Alzheimer's is not too hard for our God.

Granny's Song

Granny sent this to me:


"Here for you now is a Senior version of Jesus Loves Me":
Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES  ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)
When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song..
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)
When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.
(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
(CHORUS)

Old MacDonald had a farm

These Old MacDonald's want a farm, too! The farmer even looks like Doug.

Had a nice weekend in Grand Manan at Sue & Morton's house. Much conversation, Keurig coffees and walks (and a nap or two). It was good to reconnect with our dear friends.

Today was a busy one, with banking, laundry, phone conversations, talking with Mom about Dad (he's still upset about losing his license), personal training, a wee nap in the chair, and teaching til 9 pm, then more phone conversations. I'm all talked out.

Must have something to eat. Tomorrow morning's 0800 personal training session comes early.

Living like it's 2050: a Transition Farm in North Carolina

A Day of Opposites

This morning I went to the plastic surgeon to have my stitches taken out from the mole excision this morning and all is clear -- healing nicely. Pathology report -- benign. Praise God!

Then, this afternoon to the gerontologist, Dr. Feltmate, with Mom and Dad. Confirmed that Dad has Alzheimer's. Hard to hear this -- please pray for Mom and for Dad. And for wisdom for us as well.

Also, the doctor took away Dad's license today as he didn't pass the tests for logic, deduction, etc. Dad is very upset and not understanding what is going on, etc. Mom and I were surprised that, #1 he had Alzheimers, even though we knew he had memory problems, and #2, that he would have his license taken away so quickly, that his thinking process had declined so much.

Dad was very upset with the doctor when we came out and said he was going to drive anyway. Mom is going to take the keys off his keychain later tonight. Please pray for her as she deals with Dad and his lack of freedom now, and that he will not be angry. He can't understand why 'that' doctor took away his license, and that he did really well at the test, 'that woman said so'. Very sad. The doctor told us that based on the results of the tests he gave Dad, that it showed he would have an accident in the very near future, thus the action he took today. (He also showed us the tests, and Dad's results). Very sad.

Dr. Feltmate is also putting Dad on medication which will start next week, to try and slow down the progress of the disease.

This is certainly a transition day for our family once again.

Would appreciate all of your prayers.

All is well and God is in control. WITH GOD NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE

There Is A God - Lee Ann Womack

Same song title, different song -- amazing

Life's Too Short by Austins Bridge

There Is A God by 33Miles

Home on the Range

Don't you love that song? I would love to have a home on the range -- big fields, animals, horses, gardens, workshops, a tractor. I'm dreaming, I know. But isn't God the God of dreams?

Tomorrow, Mom and Dad and I go to the gerontologist to find out more about Dad. Appreciate your prayers.

Cold, Anyone?

This cold is dragging on way too long for my liking, but I think I'm seeing the end of the tunnel. Granny has the grippe, too.. Today I went to see Sandra and Randy off to Halifax. They are moving there. Boo Hoo. We had a few boo hoos and a coffee. What good friends they are to us and many people here in Fredericton. Thanks, guys -- we'll have a long distance relationship. I'm used to that you know.

Came home to finally empty my suitcases from our trip out west. Seriously. When did I get home? March 13th and it is now April 4th. My spare room looked like a fashion shop gone awry. I needed to tidy it up so people might actually be able to visit me and stay overnight. Nurse Cherry is coming tomorrow, so I didn't want her sleeping on top of clothes.

Just finished teaching. Must go do laundry again. It's Monday, isn't it? The traditional day for doing laundry. Cousin C has been putting her wash on the line, all in order, flowing in the wind. It's nice to see. Me -- the dryer is my friend of late. My house needs a make-over, a spring clean. Anyone interested? Perhaps I need a cleaner. I've got a secretary.

"Blessed are the clean." Is that a verse? Should be.

Doris is coming home from Florida some time this year. She's been gone forever. I forget what she looks like. These retired people, honestly.

Everywhere I Go

Last Days Ministries : Orphanage Today

Last Days Ministries : Orphanage Today

Someday I want an orphanage

Feed a Fever and Starve a Cold

Is that the saying? You know how 'they' say to drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest? I haven't tried that yet. Thought perhaps a long drive in the country might be a better solution. OK, now I have laryngitis, so I guess perhaps I should have rested more today. Oh, Deborah, you are your own worst enemy sometimes! Oh well, just trying to seize every day. To me, a cold is NOTHING compared to when you've been through cancer. So it was just another day. And now it's after midnight. Had to watch who got voted off American Idol before going to bed.

Perhaps I'll stay put tomorrow and recover my voice, although perhaps people are excited that I can't talk right now (smile). I need it to sing on Sunday, however, or I'll have to lip sync.