We did have a wonderful concert last night for the youth group who are going to Dominican Republic in July. Raised $1,000! The Pirate wanted to come but he wasn't able to. Next time, Pirate. I hope to host another concert in the fall.

Well, we're packed and ready to leave on a jet plane. I found out today that the main speakers for the conference are me and another woman from the States. Yikes!! Pray for me. I open the conference on Wednesday night.

We fly out at 6:10 tomorrow morning and arrive at 1:30 pm Bahamas time (2:30 Atlantic). I will post if I have access to a computer. If not, just know we're having a great time! You have a wonderful week!

!Bahama Mama

Is this the same day?

Did my radio show and showed my excitement, I'm sure, about going to Bahamas in a few days. Had Bible study in the living room. I'm teaching the Book of Romans -- 3 weeks now on Romans 1. There are 16 chapters. Wonder what year we'll get done? It's great to discuss the Word and learn from one another as we 'deliberate.' Then I taught piano to the BEADY Bunch in the music room. A quick sandwich, and a trip over town to Blue Cross, then to the bank for more American money. Isn't it great that it's at par? Picked up small travel items for the carry-on bag, a hair cut at the Mop Top Hair Shop, and headed towards Avalon for a pedicure. However, nature had its way, and I had to turn around and go home, cancelling the pedicure. I had stood in front of the Imodium counter at the Superstore deliberating whether I needed to buy any for my trip and thought, "I won't need that," and left without it. And then a few minutes later.... you can guess. Time was running out and I needed to go to Lawton's Drug to see if I could get caught in a mastectomy bathing suit again like last week. But I had to have a considerable rest in the chair to see if I was 'safe' to go. After having a sleep and time passing, I decided I was OK to 'travel' and risked a trip to the drugstore. I made it in, threw on the blue suit, and $120. later (hope it's covered on my taxes!) sped up the road. Home base. SAFE. Thank you, God!

The First Love girls came over for practice and we sang our little hearts out. I had to wear Doug's glasses to see the piano, because I thought Els had taken them home. She wore them this morning. They're getting to be community glasses here at the Soul Cafe -- Max wore them last night. Erin found them later, Els...not to worry. I really don't like wearing Doug's glasses and he's always making me put them on (because I can never find them).

First Love is singing tomorrow night at Morning Gate Church for a fundraiser. If you're reading this -- please come... 7:00 pm at Morning Gate Church, Morning Gate Drive. Twila Estey, Rollie Waddingham, Dawn Marie Allaby, Carolyn Williams, Julie McLean, First Love, and others.... You'll love it!

Tomorrow is a packing day -- my spare bedroom has exploded. If I can wade through it to put everything in a suitcase, it will be a miracle. And find my notes and get organized. Getting ready for a vacation is tiring!

On a serious note -- Jalene is in hospital in Portland awaiting the birth of HOPE. She is amazed at the care she's being given and how much everyone LOVES this baby already. She has the BEST of care. Now we will all pray that God works a miracle and that HOPE is a miracle child. That her heart will be normal and that she will live a normal life. And we will glorify and praise God for His healing of this precious child. Continue to hold them up in prayer -- Jalene & Stefan & Hope Ruth Matthews (our dear friends from Campobello).

Pray also for Kelly Sutherland, a friend who is having a bit of a problem with her heart today...

She's back

Well, Doris (a.k.a. OT Director, D., Jessica) came back from her round-the-world trip to New Zealand, Fuji, and Hawaii. Lucky woman. Well, I shouldn't say lucky; I guess I should say she is 'blessed.' We spent a couple of hours together this morning catching up on our lives over the past five weeks. Good to have her home.

Her mother died a few weeks ago; the first week she was away. Actually, the same night as Doug's dad passed. Strange that we would both have loved ones pass on within a few hours of each other. Her mom had Alzheimer's and had been in York Manor for the past few years. Today, she went to a memorial sister at the Manor with her sisters. So, pray for her as she deals with closure on the passing of her dear mother.

Good to have you back in town, girl.

Mrs. Hwiggins

Well, she was here again today -- Mrs. Hwiggins, my new secretary. I'm Murphy Brown. Don't know how long she will last. Will she be able to understand the odd tasks I give her? Will she get frustrated and give up? Only time will last. She sat here and entered phone numbers, addresses and emails while I taught child after child in the same room. I'm sure she thinks I'm crazy as I use 'unique' teaching techniques with each young student (ages 5-9). One little girl, Ella, decided to shout LOUDLY when I was teaching her the difference between forte and piano. Scared me, too, so I can imagine it really frightened Mrs. Hwiggins.

Amy, a reader of the blog, emailed me an interesting thought about my new secretary. I'll let her tell you in her own words (she gave me permission):

"I was reading your blog, and the first thought that came to mind was, don't ya feel like a grown-up?

You know when you are little, and you play "house" or "school" or some such "grown-up" game? Everytime I do something "grown-up" for the first time, that was a childhood game I always say, I feel like a grown-up. Like when we got our first car, or the first time we got a babysitter. Or when you get a secretary :) Don't ya feel like a grown-up? We never looked at the "bad" side of being a grown-up when we were kids, like bills and relationship junk etc etc. etc. But once you get through those, you can go back to being the kid that's in all of us and "play" the grown-up game :) So enjoy the game."

Yes, Amy, I definitely feel like a grown-up now that I have Mrs. Hwiggins.

!Murphy Mac

Alligators & Vacuum Cleaners

Today on my radio show I announced that "on this day in 1990, an 8 ft. alligator walked in to a department store in Florida and attacked a vacuum cleaner. So, if you're spring cleaning today, watch out for alligators."

I decided not to spring clean today, just in case.

Full day -- physiotherapy on my back/neck; radio; a brisk walk around my favorite place -- Killarney Lake; groceries; visit with Jed & Granny. Then I became Murphy Brown, and my new secretary, Beth, arrived. She worked on entering emails and addresses into my contact list and started a task list for me, with alarms. I'm sure I'll have alarms going off everywhere, considering the number of things I need to get done. It's good to have her here, and I'm still pondering that I have a secretary.

Tonight was teaching guitar and piano, with a little drum solo from yours truly thrown in for good measure, along with playing with an exercise ball as I attempt to heal my carpal tunnel. Since I can't seem to get an OT assessment or plastic surgery appointment (it's been two months and nothing is happening), I will become my own physician. Any suggestions out there for carpal tunnel?

Remind me sometime to tell you about when I got stuck in a mastectomy-type bathing suit in the Lawton's Drug Store dressing room. Well, it was just last Friday. I almost had to call in a rescue team to get me out of it. Well, I guess I just told you, didn't I? Fun and games with this new reality.

Watch out for alligators.

Prayer request

Sonya Somers is the mother of Desiree, my guitar student. Sonya is undergoing chemo for breast cancer. She told me tonight that her white blood count is too low and they want to start chemo tomorrow. I told her my friends would pray, as that's how I got through and had my chemo every time, on time. So, please pray that Sonya's white blood cell comes up enough by tomorrow morning and that she can start!

Thanks everyone

!Deb

Coldstream, Wherever That Is

After a busy Saturday cleaning up the basement, having lunch at the Sunshine Diner (yes, Sandra, we really did), visiting my parents and Doug's mom, it was only 6:30 pm and we sat in our driveway and looked at each other. Where to? Not in the house, that's for sure, because we have a deep desire to travel the countryside and see where we end up. Why not go to Coldstream and see the Pirate, we asked each other? So within 15 minutes, I was all packed with overnight bag in hand and we went over hill and dale to the Pirate's house. Haven't seen the Pirate and Marie since Thanksgiving, but within five minutes of entering their abode, Doug had an amp hooked up and we both had guitars in hand, singing and picking away. Stayed the evening with them and went down over the hill to Wayne & Bev's for more conversation til way after midnight. Doug and I tried to sleep in one bed, but after I had no success falling asleep, even though I played air hockey and math brain exercises on my IPod (it's still working, Penny), I headed for the couch for the night. I love their house as it brings back memories of when I was young. It used to be Uncle Glen & Aunt Marie's house. I feel comfortable and at home there. Waking up this morning with the sun streaming in and the glistening water of the duck pond, surrounded by the hedges we played Capture the Flag around brought back fond memories of Thanksgiving and my mind went WAY back to my childhood and memories playing on the hill. I looked 'way up, Rusty' to my grandparents' house on the hill, with the stained glass windows in the third floor attic. My goodness, I'm waxing poetic tonight, am I not?

Our plan was to go to Bristol to spend the day with Jon & Alicia, but we made a couple of pitstops before we got there at 2:30 in the afternoon -- back to the Pirates to ask ONE question about steel beams that Doug saw (he is building a trailer for next summer's trip across Canada; think BIG). That question turned into many, and he and the Pirate were into deep conversation, because the Pirate and Doug are deep men. Men of the deep perhaps I should say. Finally around noon, I took off across the yard towards my grandparents' house to see Uncle F and Aunt H. Doug joined me and we ate lunch there (even though we had a snack at the Pirate's). We like to make our way around the hill buffet.

We finally made it to Bristol (Carlow, if you want specificity). We spent the afternoon by the fire (Jon built it for me), had a short nap, watched the antics of the kids, conversation, and later I got on the floor and taught Afton how to add and subtract. I was the teacher and she was the student, and she got all A's. We used plastic Easter Eggs and an assortment of toys for her to add to and subtract from and she solved all the equations I threw at her (e.g., 6+3-2 = ___). I was totally floored that she could do this. She starts kindergarten in the fall. Her Mom is going to home school her. She is very smart, and I'm her grandmother.

Now it's 10:30 and I wonder if anyone is up to talk to me. Must call Natalie and a mystery person. Good night Pirate. Thanks for everything. Keep shooting from the hip.

Two Days

My excuse for not writing since Sunday is this: I've been in bed, sick with the flu! I hate being sick. I don't think I've really been sick since last year during chemo. I had to keep reminding myself that 'this too shall pass.' In more ways than one! But I did get to work on my talk for Bahamas -- Oh, did I mention that we're going to Bahamas on April 19th -- I am one of the guest speakers at a conference. Apparently I'm the open speaker...Yikes! Tonight, I also finished our income tax information and sent it on to Paul, my brother-in-law accountant. Thanks, Paul...talked to the Southshore Sister -- she is hosting Susan from Perth-Andover at her house. Glad that they can get together. I miss my sis. I'll go see her in May I hope, when I get back.
Back to Gatorade now and Activia to fix my 'system.'

EASTER

Happy Easter everyone! I preached in Southhampton Church this morning on The REAL THING -- and drank Coca Cola from the pulpit -- never did that before...but I got my point across -- that Coke is not the real thing -- but Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection is the REAL THING...

After church we gathered for awhile to talk and bask in the sunshine outside the church, laughing all the way, and I finished my Coke. I had an extra one that I had given away to a guy in the service. Hope he enjoyed it...

Doug and I trekked some land on the river just south of the church as a possible place for our RV to moor once in awhile, and we made some inquiries on that from the neighbours (who happened to be at the service). Then we took off on an adventure -- through Southhampton, Northhampton and finally into Grafton, then Woodstock, my home town. To the Log Cabin Restaurant for lunch where we ordered breakfast. First time we ever did this -- go have breakfast for Easter dinner and to another town to boot. Started a conversation with an older woman at another booth and found out about her life. Mrs. Allain -- Aunt Marie -- you know her -- she said you were frequenting the same restaurant awhile back. We would have visited you, too, but ran out of time and couldn't remember where you live, so if you could tell me....next time...

Back down the other side of the river -- beautiful and into Meductic, past Sabian Cymbal Factory and into Temple, where my father and Pippin grew up. Tried to find the old homestead. I think we did, but it's grown up with bramble. I felt a sleep coming on, so succumbed to that and enjoyed it, too. Home to the couch for about 15 minutes when Doris called from Hawaii to talk. They have another 10 days or so to go before arriving in NB. They have gone to New Zealand, Fiji Islands and perhaps somewhere else that I can't remember, and now in Hawaii. They are truly enjoying their trip.

At 5 pm, we made our way back across the river to Rick and Carolyn's and had a wonderful dinner and conversation with Karl & Elaine, Matt & Chrissy, Rick & Carolyn. Did not solve all the problems of the world, however. That will come later (smile).

That's my update about today. It was great to tour the countryside and be with so many great people. Did I ever tell you I love people? Too bad we couldn't all live together...

Tomorrow morning I hope to finish my taxes and then we will go to Greenhill Lake Camp to have a family dinner with Jon & Alicia & kids. They are working there, building a bouldering cave for the camp. We were there on Good Friday afternoon as well. Had a great time playing Dora the Explorer with the kids. I guess I was Dora today on our exploration of the river valley. Now who would Doug be?

!Dora

Team Dancing Queen and Run for the Cure

Team Dancing Queen is at it again! Here's your chance to raise money for breast cancer research, be part of an "award winning" team, and get your exercise too. Want to be a member? Send an email to me, Angie Murphy and I'll tell you how - murf1@nb.sympatico.ca The run takes place Sunday, October 3rd. Join our team!

Captain Angie -- Wonder Woman! (Deb put this in)

Kermit the Frog, Roving Reporter

Well, I will have yet another experience tomorrow morning. York Manor opens their new care centre, and I am going to interview a few people LIVE on The Soul Cafe radio show. This is definitely something I have never done before, so I told Ross (my boss) that I feel like Kermit the Frog, Roving Reporter on location. Stay tuned.

Tonight, Doug and I are sitting at the kitchen table going through his father's affairs and trying to get organized. Quite a chore, I must say.

My secretary may come tomorrow, after the BIG SHEW (Ed Sullivan show a.k.a. Deb MacDonald on location)

Secretary

I now have an official secretary! God works in mysterious ways. Beth B is going to be my secretary and will try and get me organized! Isn't that something? I'm still reeling about it. I am always going on about needing a secretary and she said that she feels 'called' to do it. I can't pay her much, but she's still willing. I told her today she has to try to figure out how my brain works. We'll see how she does on that! I told her I would call her Murphy Brown (although it should be the other way around -- I should be Murphy Brown, but I like to reverse things).

So stay tuned for the adventures with Murphy Brown. Perhaps she'll come in and see a 'new me' every week (you have to watch the show in order to understand what I mean, and the show is no longer in, so just pretend you know what I mean).

Back to teaching...

Sunday Adventures

Morning Gate Church this morning..played piano at end of service, but enjoyed being a spectator this morning (although that`s difficult for me sometimes). Home for a stir fry and a sandwich, thinking we were home for the afternoon. But... A phone call and we were off on a trip to Hoyt to see a recording studio and play a guitar and an amazing piano. Jam a bit with Conrad, the owner. Back into town to `Come as You Are`-- play some more music for `Seekers of His Heart`group, sing, listen to a couple of women share their hearts with the crowd. Sing `Find Me in the River`...to DQ for a sundae, then home to edit my show for morning, do some emails. Quite a day. Many connections made with people, just like yesterday. Have I ever mentioned that I enjoy people

Pray for Jalene & Stefan

Jalene & Stefan (Campobello) go to meet with pediatric cardiologist early Monday morning, then off to OBGYN and then to NICU == Baby Hope == continue to pray for HOPE`s heart development and birth next month -- and that all will be WELL! There is NOTHING impossible with GOD!

I still feel like I'm in a fog. Although I've been very busy this week, it seems to be hard to concentrate. Grief does that, I guess. I keep thinking about Doug's Dad (John) and see his picture on the funeral bulletin posted by the flowers. Our house is full of flowers -- beautiful flowers, a memory of his life -- a dedicated father and grandfather. Doug had a dream about his dad last night -- a good dream -- that his father couldn't get home, but he was nearby. Doug has never dreamt about his dad before, so that was comforting to him.

Today we went on a Fredericton adventure and encountered many people to chat with -- the market for smoothie, Mexican cheese, Buffalo sausage, roasted cinnamon pecans; to Second Cup for caramello coffee; to Rogers store to check out techie stuff; to Thrift King for a VGA cable (whatever that is); to Reads Newstand to talk to Rick Green (another radio host friend/mentor) and drink Red Tea; and Superstore for a few groceries. Home for a sleep on the couch and then picked up Doug's mom to take her to Salvation Army church for a concert to honor Ross & Paul (owners of CJRI). Many gospel artists sang. I helped present a plaque to them, and sat for most of the evening with my eyes closed enjoying the music. Then to cousin C & W's after we got home for 7up and cake.

This morning I prayed for divine appointments and we had many today...I like making connections with people -- who knows how we can touch a life? And isn't this what it is all about? Loving God and loving others? I keep reminding myself about that when I get a bit confused about the purpose of life. You remind me, too, K?

Tired?

Are you as tired as I am? or should I say WE are? Didn't realize the whole grieving process took so much out of a person! Doug and I went to the funeral home this morning to tidy up the details of CPP and taking his father out of the system, so to speak. It seems weird to take him out of this world (but we know he's in the next world). I taught all afternoon and struggled through the day. Donnie, Beth, Max and Judy came this evening to practice singing. Felt good to play the piano for them. Doug and I sat on the couch afterwards and played with my new cell phone. Yes, I succumbed to purchasing one -- never thought I would, but we felt that Doug's mom and my mom should be able to get me wherever, whenever. Because you never know where I will be. Radio station, driving around, the gym, shopping, walking, church...whatever..

time for bed again. hope to feel more awake tomorrow.

Air Flights Again

Hi everyone -- thank you for praying for us as we have gone through this time of death and grief. Natalie, Joy and Nick all fly out tomorrow morning, so would appreciate your prayers for their safe travel tomorrow as they reach their destinations (The Pas & California).

Our life has changed, but God is good. Adjustments to be made as we look out for Doug's mother now. Pray for wisdom for us. Talk soon.

What a Week

What a week -- we got through it. Every day felt like Saturday. Now I know what grief does to you. We lost our dear Dad, Grandpa & Great Grandpa, John A. MacDonald.

Wednesday we shook hands with over 500 people at York Funeral Home (haven't got the final count, but think it was close!). Thursday was the celebration of his life, and later we had a long family party at the homestead, and today we laid him to rest at Douglas Rural Cemetery, and spent the rest of the day at Uncle George's sharing together until late evening. Tomorrow we continue being together with a trip to Jon & Stephen's sugar bush. We hope to take Grandma, Joy, Nicholas and Natalie with us, to celebrate Ivy's 2nd birthday (her birthday was on the day of visitation).

Many thanks to all who brought food, cards, love, hugs. A special thanks to Nurse Cherry (Cheryl) and Brenda who cared for Afton, Jack & Ivy while we attended various events. It feels like one of the longest weeks of my life. We are doing fine, but miss our beloved Dad and Grandpa.

What a day!

Never knew there was so much to do when someone passes away. Detective work, for sure. Head is full, for sure. Just picked up Natalie from the airport. Thanks for praying...

Tomorrow is visitation -- and a whole lot of tears, I'm sure, for a man we loved dearly.

Update

Thank you all for praying -- we can feel the prayers. Very difficult. Please pray for family members traveling home for the funeral: Natalie (coming from Manitoba); Joy & Nicholas (California); and an aunt from BC.

Natalie and Jonathan are having a very difficult time dealing with this sudden death of a beloved grandfather. Doug and I are grieving as well, but all is well. Pray for wisdom for us this week and as Doug, Joy and I discuss what to do next with their mother and her care. She is taking it hard, of course. And we need to stay with her at night and don't believe she will be able to live alone. Our life has changed once again, and we still hardly believe that our beloved father and grandfather is gone to be with the Lord. Thank you for praying...

Also -- just found out tonight from Doris, who is in New Zealand with her husband, that Doris' mother passed away in the night last night as well. She has had Alzheimers for 2-3 years and went to be with the Lord. So, please pray for Doris and family.

I am exhausted.