This morning started early again: 5:45 AM. To the Ramada for the mayor's prayer breakfast. I sang at 7:15 AM. Never sang that early before, but I was able to pull it off (with a little help from my Friend). Sat at the mayor's table as well, and we joined together in praying for the mayor of this great city of Fredericton. It was an honor and privilege for me to sing today. What a long day, though. A walk by the river between 9 and 10, another breakfast at 10:30 (since I didn't have time to eat this morning at the prayer breakfast, since I was singing....LOL) and teaching from 11:30 til 6:00. I think I am tired again. Tomorrow is another full day. I think they are all full days -- our strength will equal our days, the Bible says. That is so true.

I went to bed early last night, so it was an early start to the day -- 6:30 a.m. Well, by the time 0800 rolled around, I was at the gym working out on the bike and treadmill. Home at 0900 and on with the second part of the morning. I wasn't sure what to do with myself with that extra time in the morning. And two breakfasts! By the time my teaching workday started, I was ready for a nap. I'm singing at the Ramada Inn tomorrow morning for a Mayor's Prayer Breakfast -- praying for the mayor and the city. I've been practicing whenever I can throughout the day and for the past while, and my brain is inundated with this song right now ("God of this City"). I have a new appreciation for American Idol contestants. Just picked out my clothes. Never did this before. Just got over my cold -- now, God it's up to you -- take me where my voice has never been before? And sell Granny's house -- perhaps tomorrow? Two showings of the extreme makeover house. Never realized there was so much to do. Where did the simple life go to?

Hey Granny -- are you tired? You should be -- you are a workhorse!

Extreme Makeover

Well, we did it. The 'Extreme Makeover' of Granny & Jed's home. Started on Tuesday, finished on Saturday about 3 o'clock. Had a 5 o'clock showing. The house is 'spic and span.' We all contributed (except Jed, who was a bit confused and slept on the couch). It was fun, but very tiring. Had some help from our friend, Doris, too. Thanks, D. The basement looks like it's never been lived in -- a brand new paint job on the floor, no furniture (Stephen came and rescued the couch. It will live on at GreenHill Lake Camp). The hall newly painted, bookshelves painted white, I cleaned out Jed's workshop and raked a few leaves to boot. Bins and bins of stuff are now stored at our house, awaiting their move to their new pad this coming August. Now, house at 106 Bird Avenue -- SELL!

Prov 31: 17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

This was a verse I read this morning, and it worked in my life today. Actually this week... At Mom's working on getting their house ready for sale. Painting woodwork, walls, washing walls, moving bins and stuff up and out of the basement, rearranging furniture. Taking deer heads and antlers down (actually, Doug did that)... Stay tuned for a picture of Jed's deer in Cousin C's swingset.

D. helped me this afternoon, peeling wallpaper like a wallpaper warrior. Mom made a fantastic supper for the work crew. Tomorrow after morning Bible study group we will hit the house again and get it in top ship shape (or something like that; I'm rather tired at this point, after having a bunch of random people in the house all evening throwing all sorts of ideas around).

We have fun, anyway. Night Mallory (who is still in the other room talking cell phones with Karen). You guys need to go to bed!

Random Monday

What do these things have in common?

Esther
Income taxes
Excavation contractors
Raking the lawn
Real estate agents
House showings
Granny & Jed hanging out at the house
Music students
Fighting with huge ants
Chicken Alfredo
Real estate agent
Walking the block
Sitting on the verandah late at night trying to get thoughts together

These things all happened this random Monday (or should I say 'Manic Monday?')

Praise Report

I received this praise report from Heather McNeill, daughter of Laurel & Anne McNeill -- wanted to pass on to you....

Dad update: Dec 2011-liver biopsy results indicated malignant melanoma. Jan 2012-PET scan showed issue isolated to the liver. Feb 2012-major liver surgery in Halifax. Today-pathology report results: the tumour is not cancerous! (What?!) Dad is cancer free! (For us praying folks--healing miracle...thank you, God!) The value of family and friends is so evident at times like these. To all of you who have been so kind and generous with your love, prayers, and best wishes--my family sends a million+ thank yous! XO!
Feel free to forward the good news! (In case I missed people!)
:)
Heather

I have my fifth cold of the season today. Someone told me this morning it's because I am building my immune system. Has anyone heard of such a thing? That every few years, if you get a bunch of colds, it's because your immune system is rebuilding itself. Weird. Made me feel better somewhat.

Don't feel like it's rebuilding at the present moment, but maybe tomorrow will be a better-feelin' day.!

Had a great Easter weekend -- The sugar bush on Good Friday, lots of time with the four grandkids (wish the two western babies had been there, too), and Jon & Alicia. I so miss Natalie and Josh -- they'll be home this summer for a time. Becky is getting married!

It takes me a whole week to recover from a long weekend, and then we're usually off on a weekend adventure again! Love it, but perhaps I need to stay home this weekend. We'll see what is in store.

Facebook

I'm not sure if I like Facebook. Especially when things get posted on your page that you have nothing to do with. Like today -- a picture posted on my page. I finally figured out how to take it off. And all those weird little apps that appear. Took them off, too (I think).

Also got a weird email from somewhere in Singapore, pretending it was PayPal, and that I ordered an Android! Found out it is a scam.

And earlier today, I had several discussions with Rogers cell phone service...some problems that they hopefully will iron out. Why Is everything so complicated? Did Alexander Graham Bell foresee that people would be so frustrated with phone companies?

What happened to the simple life of communication? Old fashioned telephones, letters and envelopes, face to face? Is it possible to rebel against all this communication? I'm communicating right now.

A dear friend visited us tonight -- haven't seen her for 12 years. It felt like we just spoke yesterday. Caught up on 12 years' worth of living in two hours. This 'freind' (sic) of ours has been a friend since the 70's. Shared a lot of history together. Makes me want to keep in touch with her more. It's interesting how that works - you realize how much you do miss them after reconnecting with them. Old friends never 'die' -- they just move away. However, that's no excuse for not being in touch -- we have so much technology to keep us connected -- why don't we do it more?

Thinking of old friends -- I haven't spoken with my maid of honor for almost eight years -- where are you, Kim? Remember the days when? I must go look her up on facebook and see if she's there.

Speaking of friends -- my new friend that is a bit older than me is making her way from her winter hiatus in Florida. Where are you now? I should put an APB out on her.

Friends are everywhere

I've been recovering from the weekend all week. And now I'm not recovered from the week of activity! I need a rest -- is it the weekend? Good!

Yesterday was certainly a full day. Went to my family doctor in oncology, Dr. Broad, for a six month check-up. She is very thorough in her check-up, and then sent me for a chest x-ray, since I've had four colds this season. Just to make sure.

To Costco to buy a few things. Haven't been there since January. Still not decided whether I'll continue my membership or not. Is it really worth it? For coffee and pecans and laundry detergent?

Then to Prestige Homes to join up with Granny (my mother) and Doug -- to buy a house -- well, to order a house -- a garden house that we think we are going to plant beside our garden house here on Claremont Drive. Two garden houses, side by side -- to help Mom with the care of Dad. Will be good to have them close by.

Since I love the Heartland show on CBC, and my desire to have my own Heartland, for now, I have deemed 105 Claremont as a Heartland. A bunch of people join together on Thursday at suppertime to eat together, and more show up later and we share our stories with one another, read some Bible, discuss and pray for one another. Some go home very late, and some decide to stay overnight at this Heartland 'ranch.' Why, last night, we had three house visitors -- two in the beds and one on the couch. Me and Papa shared our own bed. LOL

This morning we had a hearty Heartland breakfast and I tried to do my radio show, but having technical difficulties. Women began to stream in to the ranch again and we had more food, then discussion for the remainder of the morning. Cousin Els receives a piano lesson at the end of the morning, while they others eat more food and prepare for lunch. Mrs. Hviggins (Beth) (remember her?) went upstairs to work in the office and Mallory (Verna) prepared lunch for us. Then a walk with Cheryl down the walking trail, before she took off for Sussex, on yet another adventure.

Mallory is reading 'Sisters of the Confederacy" by Lauraine Snelling on the couch, all wrapped up in Granny's quilt. She's waiting to go for coffee with her daughter. I'm waiting for my prince to come home (Master Doug, as Mallory calls him). We'll be off on another adventure -- perhaps to record an e-book over town. Yes, believe it or not.

Then tomorrow, a trip to the sugar bush, and on Sunday to Hope Cafe where we are part of a panel. Haven't a clue what it's about. Should be fun. Then a trip to Circle Square Ranch perhaps. Another horse ride on Bucky, I hope?

That's enough for now. Prince, come home!

In the Saddle Again

Just got back from an amazing weekend at Camp Tulakadik with a bunch of amazing women. The ministry team was with me. Cheryl spoke on her journey on Saturday morning and how God is leading her to Guatemala. Angie shared a page from her life and inspired us all. I spoke on "The Pages of Your Life' all weekend. We laughed, we cried, we sang, we shared the chapters of our lives and our dreams. One question I asked was, "If I had a magic wand, I would...." A lot of writing and sharing going on.

Yesterday morning while waxing eloquent and sharing my heart, I said this statement, "I think I was born to ride a horse." Everyone laughed of course, because I'm always going on about the Heartland show on CBC (we watched every episode this winter in all six seasons). And how I want my own Heartland ranch.

Well, after the retreat was finished and the traveling van was packed, we headed first to St. Martins to meet with someone, and then backtracked through hill and dale until we reached Snider Mountain -- to Circle Square Ranch -- where Marc and Manon live now (friends of ours from Fredericton). We had a meal with them, and then Manon gave me her Bogs boots and out we went in the dusk, with the snow gently falling. A tour of the ranch. I've been there a few times before, and had spoken and sang there 2003 I think, but I had forgotten what it looked like. As I walked through the property, I thought I was on the Heartland TV show and had to pinch myself a couple of times. It was so ethereal.

To the barn we walked, and looked out into the outdoor paddock -- 17 beautiful horses standing there waiting for us. Bucky was summoned and a white horse followed as well into the barn. We selected Bucky to brush down. Cousin Els, you would be proud of me -- my dream of being a horsewoman was coming true. And to think I said it that very morning!

Manon taught me how to brush Bucky with three different brushes, saddle him up, and we walked him outside and then to a gigantic indoor arena, where Deborah Susan MacDonald got to ride Bucky around the arena. Me and Bucky -- guiding him with the reins, left and right, a beautiful symphony. I couldn't believe it. This is how God works. We have a desire and He loves to give us these little gifts, treasures to cherish. I hope that the girls from Camp T can read this and rejoice with me....Dreams do come true!

What is with the weather, anyway? I was actually praying for rain this afternoon as I vacuumed the house and mopped the floors. Nice to feel the cold front coming in.

I realized while cleaning how fortunate I am to clean my house. Such a privilege. Really. Honestly. I'm telling the truth. To have the energy and wherewithal to clean. A privilege, a gift of God -- cleaning as a gift. Sure changes perspective, doesn't it?

I would much rather clean than be on a bed of illness, wouldn't you?

On our way tomorrow again for the weekend -- Cassidy Lake and Camp Tulakadik, here we come! "The Pages of Your Life" is my theme. I've got a lot of pages I'm taking with me -- two bins of journals. Now if I can lift the bins and carry them to the car. What a privilege it is to carry a bin, too. Waxing eloquent during this cold front, I remain....

Sadie the Cleaning Lady (at least for today)

All of a sudden I love goats

Cheryl is Going to Guatemala!

I want to tell you about the exciting opportunity I have for a week this summer. I will be going to Guatemala from June 17-24, ministering with Students International (SI). SI is a Christian mission organization whose missionaries are ministering to the poor of Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. Their missionaries are professionals who are ministering in their area of expertise. They have several different areas of ministry such as: education, social work, health care, occupational therapy, and agriculture. I will partner with one of their missionaries in an area that relates to my interests in care giving. I hope to work in the long term care hospital, Hermano Pedro, in Antigua which 300 people call home because their families no longer want them, or are unable to care for them. They range in age from infants to the elderly. I hope to have some hands on care with the infants and children.
To learn more about SI you can visit their website at www.stint.com.
Also, check out this video set to "Follow You" by Leeland, of someone's mission trip to Guatemala
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me_TATaK6gM&feature=related
I would appreciate any prayer/financial support that you can offer.
Cheryl Pazia

If you can support Cheryl in her trip, please let me know by email at debmac450@rogers.com and I will tell you how....

The weekend was jam packed. Saturday morning found us in Centreville at the community school, watching Afton, seven years of age, in a chess tournament. Yes, you read correctly -- Grades 1-5 tournament. She is in grade one and WON the grade one level! I will post a pic when I figure out my new camera. Congratulations, Afton!

Saturday afternoon was spent at the sugar bush around the boiling vat, collecting sap, eating and celebrating Ivy's 4th birthday. Hard to imagine that Ivy and Aiden are four years old! Aiden's birthday is next week.

Saturday evening I was so tired I could hardly put one foot in front of the other, and fell into bed about 11 pm. LOL

Sunday morning we went to church with J & A and I practiced dancing during Junior Church. Alicia is teaching kids (and whoever else) to dance to "Dance Your Shoes Off." It is a song used last Easter in a Houston flash mob. Very exciting to be dancing with elementary kids. If we go to Florenceville-Bristol for Easter, I'll be dancing with them.

Sunday afternoon it was out to Camp Shiktehawk for family fun day. I spent the afternoon on a park bench talking with a friend in the sun. D., you will be surprised how tanned I am when you get back from Florida -- I've had so much outdoor activity this month...

Before we headed home, we decided to go to the sugar bush again to collect sap. I tramped through the woods -- what a workout! My jeans were sopping wet, but I didn't care -- to collect that precious sap... and it was so hot in the forest, due to the extreme heat wave we are under. So it really was an aerobic workout. Jack and Afton, Jon and Alicia and I collected near a hundred cans of sap and emptied them in Jon's traveling sled barrel apparatus.

Today it was 11 degrees, and tomorrow we expect a high of 23, and same for Wednesday. Spring has truly sprung! Hallelujah!

Ivy League

Sugar Bush, Sugar Bush -- your trees are calling me...I'm off to see the Sugar Bush, the wonderful Sugar Bush of McKeoghan Road!

Ivy Isabel MacDonald officially turns 4 years old tomorrow, March 17th -- a Scottish baby girl born on an Irish holiday. (although her ancestors are part Irish as well).

We will celebrate Ivy's birthday out at the sugar bush, while boiling up sap for that pure maple syrup New Brunswick is so proud of. Ivy said last week that she should have a 'syrup cake.' Cute.

Now, off to Toys R Us to buy a Barbie for Ivy and some Barbie furniture. Hope I can find a Barbie camper. Remember the Barbie camper, S.S. Sister? Do you still have it in your attic?

Working Again

Back at work again. Wasn't too bad. Great students to start my week with yesterday. I teach from 3 pm to 8 pm -- straight, without a break -- lots of personalities to deal with, but they are great personalities. I love seeing them learn and experience music.

Now I am preparing for another ladies' retreat at Camp Tulakadik, just outside Norton (outside Saint John) -- two weekends from now. It will consume me for the next two weeks, as I study, prepare, think of analogies, props, music and so on.

Went out for a pre-storm walk just now to give my head a break. Now back to study before having lunch and then teach til 6:30 tonight.

Posting a picture of Sisters' Act from the Ladies' Retreat at Greenhill Lake Camp in February.

On vacation

We are still on vacation and loving it! sounds like a McDonald's commercial. Considering our last name I guess it is appropriate.
Cross country skiing for fhree days and sugar bush for the past two days. What could be finer? More later.

I'm feeling better today and my eating is under control. Actually, right now I'm famished. We are officially on vacation for the next week. Getting ready now to get packed tomorrow for our adventure to Bethel Inn in Maine. A family vacation with Jon & Alicia & those adorable children -- a cross country ski vacation. And perhaps some downhill thrown in. Will I downhill? I think I'll stick to downhilling on cross country skiis. Safer I think -- considering I haven't downhilled since the 90's at Sugarloaf, and I value my back!