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!

Huh? -- Pleasantville, NS

Doug spotted this unique garage on our way to Shelburne -- a place called Pleasantville. This man was a cross between a Canadian 'Picker' and a folk artist. Take a look...

St. Margaret's Bay with Randy & Sandra

Indian Point, NS

Currently, we are sitting in the beautiful home of Randy & Sandra Piercey in Indian Point, Nova Scotia, on St. Margaret's Bay. Randy is cooking his famous omelette and Sandra is setting the table out on the deck. What a view -- how blessed they are to live here. And how blessed we are to stay with them. Overnight pilgrims on our way to Shelburne. Planning on going along the seashore as we travel to the Southshore Sister's home.

But before that, a delectable breakfast and perhaps a trip in Randy's boat to see just how deep and wide is St. Margaret's Bay (well, just how 'wide' the bay is, I just wanted to say 'deep and wide.' Reminds one of a song from one's childhood, doesn't it? I'm OK with 'wide,' not wanting to experience the 'deep' of the water, and yes, Mom, we'll definitely have our life jackets on!). I'm just ramblin' now and soon we'll be ramblin' on like the littlest hobo. I feel another song comin' on.

Randy, breakfast smells wonderful, and Sandra, the table setting is Martha Stewart. We love you guys. Thanks for the visit!