It is Finished!

Well, it is finished. The Easter Musical Production, that is! It is over and it was great. We had a new Jesus (again) this year and he was excellent. He was the first Jesus that I have seen that smiled and actually laughed out loud. It made him, well.....human! Anyway, music, musicians, actors, tech crew, ushers, makeup people...all of them (us) were fabulous and the end result was a team effort that worked. Not thinking about next year yet but I am sure it will happen again!

Had my hair cut and coloured today. Left it long and more or less the same style. Can't really make up my mind what I want to do with it so best to just 'trim' it and leave it until I do know.

I spoke with a friend who has been suffering from celiac and a bunch of side effects to it who was going for another consultation on this past Tuesday. Have not heard what they decided. It is pretty much the last thing they can do for her. How would you 'feel' if you were in that state. I always wonder what a person actually thinks apart from what they tell others. They are talking about doing chemo (not because she has cancer) but rather to kill the parts that are causing problem and 'hopefully' the good parts will regenerate and recover. Does not sound like something I would want to go through but when your options are limited, well...I guess you go for it. Again friend, be thankful for whatever good health you now enjoy.

I was just musing about friends and family. It seems that so many of our friends have family that live in the same city and that they do the 'traditional' Easter meal with ham etc and family. We on the other hand do not have family here. Oh, we have nephews but they usually go to their spouses or their own families on the farm so we don't become part of their celebrations. I said that we needed to develop a new tradition for ourselves which perhaps includes another family or couple who are in much the same boat. I would like to host this for a change - rather than being the invitee (which I also love and have experienced a lot). I need to think about this more...the selfish part is that I do want to 'enjoy' the meal and afternoon as well so it would have to be someone I felt comfortable with and wanted to know better. Does that sound selfish? Maybe a bit but it's my party and I guess I will do what is most comfortable for me!

We are relaxing tonite after being out every night for the past week and so we are having a nice meal and a relaxing evening. Tomorrow we are off to Mayfield Dinner Theatre for Dial M for Murder. Should be a good evening with friends and good food.

One Down, 3 to go

Well, we got through our first performance last night. A busy day at the church. Been there a few times to set up the makeup tables, got all the makeup organized, towels, water, etc, etc. Needed to do that before people got there as I get sidetracked. I did just that as Jesus arrived early, the makeup girls did not, and people came early as it was the first night. Very interesting but we got through it all. Definitely gets your metabolism going and the energy is high. 130 people to do and I am finding now I am short on makeup even after I ordered more and received it. Haven't figured that one out yet.

But day 2 is this afternoon. Everyone to be there for 1 pm which means I have to set up by 12:30 which is a bit rushy with church just getting out at noon. "Hang loose, don't get uptight, relax, chill, settle down, go with the flow" all come to my mind. Wish I could.

It is a beautiful day and we expect lots of people. John did a great job as usual. As did the rest of the cast. I noted a few glitches but I am sure the audience did not. They won't be there this afternoon I am sure! If you think of us, throw up a little prayer.

Happy Anniversary to Ken and Wendy. Where did the years go eh? enjoyed every one of them!

Sentimental or What?

I must be getting sentimental or something (or even more sentimental than I already am - must be my age) as tonight we were out with friends for my birthday supper. Our friend made a simple toast stating that he thought of me like a sister and wanted to say that he was proud of the things I was involved with etc and that he loved me like family. Well, (drum roll, tears please) it meant a lot to hear that.  I don't see my own brothers often as they are not living close by - even though they email often - so it was nice to hear that I was loved like a sister by someone who I do see often. We have been friends for many years but still....it's kinda nice to hear the words spoken and not just assumed.

He said since it was my birthday he proposed that as every new menu item was served, one in the party would toast the birthday girl (me) - doesn't matter what approach they took - it just had to be a toast about me. Well, next was my husband who said some pretty nice things too after the main dish was served.  He said he got married late but was glad he waited. He picked a good one and even his mom said so. He knew I would be a good wife and mom (already was) but even so he was more pleased to see me develop my spiritual side and to see me use my gifts and be involved with people and ministries that have even helped him to become more people-focused (yikes! did I do that?).

Last but not least was my friend (his wife) who said she had put it all into a card (which was lovely and very overflowing with good stuff) so simply stated that she appreciated me as a person and a friend. How much better could it get?

Gifts are great but you know....it's also nice to hear kind words spoken about yourself. Especially when they are spoken from the heart. They are hard to accept without putting yourself down a bit but in the end...I simply said 'thank you'. It was heartfelt. I appreciated their words and they appreciated me and our friendship. Another good end to a wonderful evening.

I received a perpetual calendar from a special friend for my birthday. It was called "Favourite Quotes for Friends". Today's seems very appropriate.
'When friends meet, hearts warm....a Proverb. 
I received and felt that warmth tonite. Thank you God for great friends.

It is the end of a beautiful day. I had lots of calls, emails, telephone messages, embraces, gifts and personal best wishes. It was an amazing day. If I ever have a 'down' day I just need to remember how many friends I have and how much my husband and all my family love me. It is truly a blessing.

To end the evening, I share with you my lovely 60 yellow roses I received from my husband. How blessed I am!

Beyond Special

I have been blessed this morning with more than my share of friends. Today is my birthday and I received a call from my friend Gayle who is recovering from surgery. What a gift she gave in simply phoning me to say happy birthday. That took effort on her part and obviously she was thinking of me as well. Caring for others is important and she demonstrated how well received that care can be. Later, as I met a friend for a late breakfast, it turned out to be a 'group' of friends who blessed me with not only their presence but with presents as well. It was a total surprise and a gift in itself. Thank you. The gift is made up of more than just their presence (presents) but the thoughtfulness ahead of time to even orchestrate the attendance. In a world where we are all so busy, to make 'time' a priority for your friend is a special gift. Thank you again.

I just received a special phone call from my mother-in-law who is 101 years old. Now that is a gift! She said she tried calling three diferent times! She is persistent. I am blessed that she would even think to phone me and to have set my birthdate on her calendar is amazing. I will cherish that call as something very special.

New friends we have recently made also mailed me a homemade card which was beautiful but the actual action of making and sending the card is even more dear to me. In this busy world, it would be easier to email a sentiment but taking 'time' out has made it even more special.

My husband too wants to bless me. A card I got this morning with the 'news' of more to come later.  Oh, such anticipation. That too is a gift!

I just answered the doorbell - something so seldom heard these days - and it turned out to be the husband of my friend who phoned first thing this morning.  How many more blessings can one person bestow on another!! He was the delivery person for the 'gift' being a perpetual calendar of 'favourite quotes for friends'. Her card & letter made me tear with the joy of friendship. May you heal in body and spirit so that we can be even closer to each other with activities as we grow old together as friends!

It is only noon and I am 'full to the brim' with birthday blessings! Thank you.

Long Range Planning

I spent a good part of this evening, replanning a training event for this coming Fall. It may seem early and yet I needed to book the rooms for the event. Now we are thinking about going to Phoenix with friends and that means I have to re-arrange the schedule to acommodate my absence to make it easier on the other leaders. That, my friends, is a challenge. However, to make a long story short, I have succeeded. I think I can get away with this new schedule as long as the bookings will be accepted.

Isn't that always the way? Is it Murphy's Law? If you get yourself organized and too far ahead of yourself, you will most surely find yourself DISorganized! Perhaps that is what happened. It has taken my whole evening, inbetween some very enjoyable phone calls from my brothers, to re-organize this event. My eyes are bulging and red and my fingers are sore. But, the good news is....I think I have modified, reorganized, revamped, reformatted, reinvented and I am now...relieved.

I feel I have lived up to the scripture verse from Proverbs 13:4  The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisifed.

I knew I had to do it and I did. I know my husband will be happy as I know he wants to go to Phoenix. Well, honey, pack your bags as I think things are now in good working order (once again)!

Gone but not forgotten

We woke up to a blanket of white this morning. First time we have had snow in awhile but it is still only March. I also got the sad news that my friend Arlene passed away at 8:30 a.m.  We had just gone to her mom's funeral last week and suddenly she has an infection they can't get under control. How fast was that? Her kidneys shut down and this morning she is gone. 68 years old. there are no words...

Bathed in white, the ground now rests.
It lies in wait for you...
A resting place close to your mom.
Who knew last week, you'd lie there too.

Your life was hard but you were a survivor. We can all take a lesson from your positive attitude and your faith in God. Gone but not forgotten...Arlene Lind.

Sunday, Sunday

It has been a busy week and today will be the same. Today is our church's annual meeting at 3 pm. We should not be busy on the Lord's Day but I think He might excuse us as we go about doing His business. We had a great service this morning and now with an hour or so to relax, we are home but soon to be heading back to the church. Hubby has a practise for the Easter Musical at 1:30 to 2:45. I am on the computer for sign-up for Members for the vote for today's meeting and have to be there at 2 pm so might as well go with hubby at 1 pm (as he ALWAYS goes early for everything).

We have 6 candidates for the Board but only 3 openings. All 6 are great so it is a win/win for us. I am glad there is not just 4 as it could be deflating for one person even if they were qualified. I am hoping there will be a good turnout by members and incumbents (people who are not members yet).

Yesterday I went shopping for an outfit for myself and my birthday coming up. I am not a shopper so get frustrated easy. What was I thinking when I went out on a Sat afternoon. It was a zoo. Some days you are in the mood and others not so much. Well, it was a 'not so much' afternoon. In one store I heard a customer say to the salesclerk 'I'm not sure why I am here as I am not in the mood to shop'. I so totally agreed. Why were we there when we had no interest in any of the clothes. We simply moved them from one side of the rack to the other as we absentmindedly went through them. To myself, I said I was looking for something and would know it when I saw it but I don't think I knew what I was talking about!  I did end up buying a colorful tank top with beautiful purple red black and white with a picture of a girl with a glass in her hand. Looks like a champagne glass now that I am at home really looking at it. I wonder if I will have trouble wearing it or can I convince myself that it is a glass of orange juice instead. We'll see.

There are a lot of things I could buy instead of another top.  I really want a new back door - the kind that is all glass with venetian blinds inbetween the glass. It would add to our kitchen I think. What is that $1,000 plus? That would mean I would need a new screen door too as the door has to be white and the screen door is a faded brown and needs to be upated too. Our inside front door is a white door (new) but we did not update the outside screen door yet which needs to be white not faded brown. I would also like to finish off the living room floor in hardwood and then buy an area rug for it. I need to somehow finish the front entrance floor but I don't want to do that in hardwood - too much dirt - maybe a nice wide tile? Perhaps I could do the bathroom floor in the same tile and get a deal of some sort. The bathroom needs to be updated - well the tub as it is still harvest gold. The sink and toilet are new in white. Maybe we can do that surround vinyl over the tub? $$$ comes to mind!

Well, I guess to start, I can vacuum what I have and see where that goes! Since we seem to be always going out, doesn't seem sensible to spend too much money in a time of recession for updating only. I need to talk myself into spending it as an investment in our future.  Yes, that sounds good. Investment in the future (sale)!

Well, off to my meeting. Let the fun begin.

A Walk

I went to visit a friend after a funeral I attended which was closeby where she lives. She was walking the halls. She did not hesitate at all when I asked her if she wanted to go for a walk with me. Once outside the building, she sighed heavily and simply said "Ahhhhhhh" and took a deep breath. We went for a long walk around a very long block and down the street from her lodge. She definitely was happy to be outside. She said she feels like a prisoner. I guess she is as the doors are locked and she cannot go out unless someone is with her. No more impromput walks whenever she feels like it. No more quick breaths of fresh air to test the weather. She has to wait until the door opens as someone comes in or leaves. She has Alzheimer's but she still knows a lot but not enough to make a run for it! She's aware ... but not. She does a good coverup as she can talk about a lot of things - just doesn't remember the things we used to do together. I continue to tell her about them and she nods as if agreeing and remembering but I don't think she really does but it can't hurt.  If you didn't know it (I think I said this before) you wouldn't realize she has a problem. She still seems to recognize me (though I tell her my name) and is still willing to go with me and sit and talk so, I will continue to make the trip to get her outside and into the fresh air. I enjoy our times together and want her to enjoy them too. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a prisoner - both physically and mentally.

Enjoy your walks, smell the roses while you still can! Each day is a gift.
Psalm 142:7 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name.

A Special Day

I'm happy to announce that my friend is home from the hospital. Welcome back! Somehow I have been 'antscy' the last few days while she was in there and I am just starting to relax a bit now that she is home! Finally.

It's amazing how you can get 'caught up in' another's pain or problems. I am trying to 'step back' and just be a friend as there is nothing I can really do besides that!

 I watched a sad show on tv last night (I 'm not sure why I do that but I did find it very interesting). It was called "Personal Effects"  with Michelle Pfeiffer and Ashton Kutcher. Both did an excellent job. Some might be surprised at Ashton's acting ability but I though he was excellent. Anyway, the t.v. movie is taken from the short story called 'The Mansion on the Hill" by Nick Moody.  Anyway, some of the quotes were excellent. The story is being narrated from the perspective of one of the participants in the movie. He tells the story of someone who dies and how the people involved are affected by it. When someone dies, he said, you feel like you are always waiting for them to come back (for an indeterminate amount of time). This story was about what happened and what WAS happening to the people who get involved with each other during this sad period. Very interesting and not the normal ending. A line that stood out for me was "death ends a life, not a relationship'. I am sure you can discuss that one to ad nauseum!

I guess I was caught up in it because today is the day my own mom passed away 9 years ago. March 16th. I am alway surprised that more people don't recognize the date, or say something, but then again we are the ones affected by her death - her loved ones, her children, her friends. She was special but then I guess most kids say that about their moms.  I mentioned that to my husband and we both remembered a few things about that day and then he reminded me too that his dad had passed away on March 13th but 24 years ago. Where is the time going? Into some deep, dark hole I think!

Well, I want to end this on a positive note so will look forward to talking to my friend again this week. Each day she will be a little stronger and hopefully healtheir too. We are all looking forward to that - I know she is too!

The Fragile Mind

I went to visit a friend yesterday who I have known for over 30 years. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a few years ago but I have only recently been exposed to its 'web-like fingers' in her mind. She and her husband kept this information to themselves for a few years and did so by 'removing their presence' from our lives. We thought they did not want our company but we were wrong. I do wish they had shared this with us earlier but ... 'it is, what it is'. Her husband died a few years ago and her son gave us the 'bad news' last year. We have continued to be in contact with her and recently she was moved to a care facility for her own safety. She is not happy about this move although she does not know how to change the situation. It is sad in 'so many ways' but for me (and this is selfish) because I had always thought we would be friends and 'coffee' more often, especially after her husband died. How disappointing it is to have a one-sided friendship now. Oh, she is more than willing to go with me in the car to have coffee. She just wants to 'get out in the fresh air' she says. She misses that. She misses doing what she wants to do, when she wants to do it. She realizes she is a 'captive' in her situation but can't quite put her finger on how.  I try to keep the conversation on the lighter side and away from 'where she is living' and more about what we used to do and where she grew up and stories about her mom and dad. This seems to be her more common recollections and she loves to share her 'same' stories and laugh. I laugh with her.

We just never know what the next day is going to bring us, do we? She often recites how she turned over in bed to find her husband, cold to the touch. I guess that would cause anyone to become 'fragile'. With all the memories that are 'leaving' her mind, that one stays vivid!

Life is fragile and we are simply walking through it. Are we alone in all of this? I don't believe so. I hope that we all take the time to investigate 'the here and now' AND the 'yet to come' to it's fullest meaning.
Psalm 18:31
For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?

Life, Interrupted

I just got a phone call from a friend who wanted to share some sad news with us. Her father-in-law who was 96 just passed away this morning. It is a blessing in a lot of ways but she said his last year of life was not good, especially when you compared it to the rest of his life. A blessing in disguise. What is that? This past year they have spent a lot of time with him, helping him, encouraging him, caring for him. Even though it was hard for them, and harder for him....it somehow brought them all closer together - the whole family.  I remember the same thing when my mom passed away. 59 days of her being in the hospital and going through one operation, getting better and then another setback. Family was there. Friends were there. People shared their feelings, their time, their emotions with each other. A blessing in disguise.

This same lady who has gone through so much with her own physical health and has remained such a strong believer shared that she had also received some negative news again about her own health. A body scan revealed a 'focal point' on her pancreas. What does that all mean to her now? She is unsure. She does not want to think of what it could be until she actually hears it from her doctor. She is taking one day at a time. Something she has learned to do because of her various health issues. This is just one more thing to deal with now. So, she says her poor health has been 'a blessing in disguise' for her also. She has taken each day and captured it as if there is no tomorrow. She is exciting to be around. She is uplifting and encouraging. She shares with others when the opportunity arises but otherwise she simply LIVES life! I think I want to make her my role model from now on.

Today is overcast, windy and cooler. Perhaps that is simply a reflection of the things that are happening around me as well. However, like the words in the song..."the sun will come out tomorrow" and a new day will dawn. I hope I can 'seize the day' as well as she does.

Psalm 118:23  This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Finally, a Phone Call

I am happy to report that patience has paid off and I have received my long awaited phone call. I had to step out of the house for a few minutes (and wouldn't you know it), yes, I got my call but it ended up being a phone message instead.  Ok, I immediately called the number to see if I could get more info and wouldn't you know it....yes....she was out.  I guess I caught her inbetween errands just like I had been  - "Her" being my friend's daughter.  I left a message saying I would like to talk to her and a few hours later....I got a phone call from my friend's husband instead. YES!!! I was talking 'to the man'.  He updated me as to his wife's state and said that they had been able to get some pain medication for her and she was doing better now. She did have a little trouble with the pain and was  hyperventilating but she is doing better now.

WOW, feels like I am going through this myself. Of course, that is very self-centered of me but nevertheless, I feel exhausted! He said he would give me a call tomorrow and let me know how she's doing as the plan is to get her up on her feet. I have e-mailed all my 'Rest Easy' lady friends and they are all praying for her tonite and for the next week. She will be our priority! I know she will be in His capable Hands!

Ok, I can now take a bit of a break and maybe watch some t.v.  Of course I can almost guarantee that there won't be anything of real interest (or value) to watch since I am ready to veg in front of it tonite! Isn't that always the case?

Hey friend, here's a scripture verse you can meditate on:
Psalm 4: 8  I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Good night all.

Waiting

I am sitting and 'patiently' waiting to hear about my friend's surgery this morning. I am sure her husband is spending quality time with her right now but nevertheless, the rest of her friends (myself included) are anxiously waiting to get an update. Of course, he will get around to telling us as soon as it is convenient for him as I can appreciate that he wants to spend the time with her BUT, in the meantime, we all WAIT.

Why is waiting such a hard thing to do? Guess it is the selfish part of our nature that 'wants it now' eh? Waiting can be a good thing. You can do other things while you are 'waiting'. I was trying to think of something but no...I can't. Waiting is not a good thing.  Example...waiting to merge into traffic...waiting in line to pay a bill....waiting in line to purchase a sweater....waiting in line at the supermarket....waiting for the dentist....waiting for your table at a restaurant...waiting for the doctor's report.....  No, waiting is not fun. Although I have been 'waiting' at home for the phone call, I have been doing other things. I guess I have been accomplishing something as I wait for something else. Patience may be what I am practising which I could use a lot of but I have no patience to learn it. Guess I won't be developing that one any time soon!

So, I wait...patiently.

Repetition

I was talking to a friend this morning who told me she had commented on my blog. So, I went to check it out. I am now trying to see if this blog can somehow notify me when people do reply so I don't have to keep going back into old blogs to see if there are comments. So far, no luck.
However, while I was doing that, I noticed that I had two blogs with the same title. Now, how did that happen? I can't believe that I couldn't somehow make up a new title. Is that a system error or MY system error. Guess my mind was not thinking that morning. Isn't it easy to make a mistake? You don't even realize that you are doing it. You go along with good intentions, yet.....there it is....a mistake...something you have overlooked...not knowingly....but it's there. With MY mind, I would usually go through the sequence of events that led to that mistake.  This morning though...I am only going to say that it WAS a mistake and 'get over it'! That exclamation is more for me than any of you who may read this. I am needing to be more 'relaxed' and not as driven about detail. 

On that note, yesterday I was off to do some 'detail' organization at the church and had my list of  'to do' things and got sidetracked (or more like broadsided) with the news that the funeral for my friend's mother was being held today.  Not just today, but in two hours. My initial reaction was that I could not go as I had things to do. It was being held too far away for me to 'fit it in' and therefore I could not go. However, I was in a state of unrest as I was torn. I wanted to go, felt I should go and was fighting it internally. Well, long story short....I did go. I left my 'to do' list behind (literally). I left it on the desk! I found that one of the people at the church was in fact going and I went with her. It was actually liberating for me.

I always like to do the right thing and in my 'do it by the book' mode of thinking, I thought....the right thing was to do my list.  However, I was torn to do the 'people' thing as well. In so many ways, I realize now that I chose 'the better'.  Sort of like Mary and Martha in the bible. Martha did the 'to do' list by the book. (I am like Martha).  But...Mary chose to listen to Jesus.  As Jesus stated...."Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

I went to the funeral. My friend and her daughter were so pleased to see me. They were surprised but delighted and included me right away, introducing me to their family. Was that not the 'better way'. Yes. I made the right decision. The other 'to do' things will get done. But the need at the moment was the best choice.

I think I will try to practise the spontaneous more often. I obviously must still distinguish between the good and the better but a person needs to be open to at least trying. I tried and was fulfilled with the 'better'. I am sure that was not an 'accident'. Listen to your heart, people, and have a great day!

Psalm 51: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Is it just me?

I am fighting another cold. Just what is it about this climate that continues to make me sick! Why is it that my husband never gets sick. We eat the same thing, we smell the same air, we live in the same environment, yet only I get sick. He seems to always be healthy. Why I can't remember the last time he had a cold, if ever! So, is it me? or can I blame someone else? I must be a very fragile individual.  Yes...that's it.. I am fragile. I need coddling and loving and care and am not getting it. Oh, I can't really say that because it is not true. I have lots of love and attention. Lots of family and friends and I know they all care for me - in different ways. So, I guess it is me. What can I do to make myself better? Exercise you say? Well, I have tried that but I am not too good at doing that regularly but surely that can't be the only solution. I eat well enough. Maybe a few too many calories now and then but not enough to make me sick. Perhaps I am just fertile ground for bugs. Once they get you....they never let you go. I found I was not sick in Hawaii. Could that be my answer?! Yes, move to Hawaii where the weather is warm. Alas, that is not to be. I have just too much to do here. Oh, perhaps that is the answer. Too much to do. What constitutes 'too much'? My hubby is out all the time doing stuff and he is not sick. I, on the other hand, am out as well....I am thinking this is one of those 'unanswerable questions'. I definitely needed to 'get it off my chest' as I woke again this morning with coughing, sneezing, and flem to spare! As the morning has passed, I find myself feeling a bit better.  Something like the old song about the boy going to summer camp...'wait a minute....it's stopped raining....guys are swimming....guys are sailing...playing baseball....gee that's better....mother, father, kindly disregard this letter!  Ditto!

A New Day

Back from visiting the farm for a few days and seeing family. It feels great to be out in the wilds and in the wide open spaces. We had great weather and it was actually warm so it felt even better. 'Mom' at 101 years of age is doing fabulously and I encouraged her to get her hair permed again as it is white but short and straight. She looks (and feels) so much better when it is curled but she heard from someone that it is hard on your hair! We told her we didn't think a few perms would hurt at her age! She smiled and said ok.

I went to a funeral today for a friend's father-in-law. He was a very good man and a believer. It showed by the number of people who attended. If you have to go to a funeral it is so much better to go to one for a believer in Christ. It is more a celebration, although of course, there are tears and sadness but the view is always of eternity and a time when we will all be reunited. Not so with those who don't believe. Anyway, it was a time of good fellowship with others. I went by myself but met many who I knew and was able to sit with friends. It's a small world in the Christian community!

I am slowly getting back into things again after being away for so much time. Our new granddaughter is doing fine and has even taken her family away to the states for school break. There will be many stories to hear about the accomodations and the fun they all had. I can hardly wait.

We are gearing up for the Easter Musical production again March 27-31. Hubby is growing his beard and getting ready to play one of the Pharisees again. He is hoping there are not as many lines this year to memorize. We'll soon see.

Well, that's it for today. Not much of anything but life still is going on. Looking forward to going back to work again even though it is only for a few days a week. Also, the sun is staying up longer each day so Spring is coming. March came in like a lamb - so we know what it will go out like - but hopefully snow won't stay until the end of May this year.

Take care everyone - its a crazy life out there.

A New Day

Well, the Olympics are over and it is on to a new day. Hard to believe that we won't be watching with anticipation for gold anymore! Hopefully, we can take the enthusiasm and use it constructively for something else. There is always something else out there.

I must admit that I did not feel that we finished the Games on a high note with our final closing ceremonies. I know that we Canadians can joke about ourselves but I think we overdid it. Our humor fell flat if not, a bit self-depricating. I read some comments that said 'get over it, it was humor' but ... I think we could have laughed at ourselves a bit and still come off with a classier finish. I am not sure what happened with all the bands that were used. What was that? Seemed more like a rock concert than the finishing well of a super Olympics! I can't help it, I was disappointed (along with many others I am sure). We had all the names there and could have used them to a much higher and richer level of entertainment. Having said that, Vancouver outdid itself with the Games, in general.  The facilities, the energy and enthusiasm by all its inhabitants were contagious and as a host city, it did a superior job. Well done!

Hopefully, Canada and Canadians will take the 'best' out of the closing and move forward with it. We need to identify with the unity it brought as a nation. We need to take pride in what we did through our athlete's successes and learn from our failures and move forward. Four years will fly by and we will soon see how Russia will stand tall and proud as the Host country. There likely won't be any 'put downs' on themselves; only strength and pride will be demonstrated. Let's all move on with this same attitude and show them what we can do in Sochi, Russia in 2014.