I Found It!



Autumn in the River Valley



As you can see, I found it.  I made one more attempt at trying to figure out where the picture function was for this blog. Somehow I removed it, but it is now back. Hopefully, I will not delete it again by mistake.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this beautiful Alberta blue sky with the golden poplars against it. It really doesn't get any better than this.

I took my friend Isla out for a walk in the river valley and we spent about 2+ hours walking through the falling leaves. It was absolutely gorgeous. She was having such a great time, she was skipping! Remember that? As a girl, I got lots of exercise skipping by myself, or doing 'double-dutch' which was my favorite thing to do. You always needed at least one other person though.  Anyway, we definitely were reminiscing about our childhood today!  Although she has Alzheimer's, she was doing wonderful. We had lots of stories, and lots of laughter.

I am sure the farmers will be happy today with the breeze and the sunshine...100% Alberta blue! It was beautiful!

Here's another picture of the North Saskatchewan River which cuts the city of Edmonton more or less in half but makes for a wonderful green belt for all to enjoy!



North Saskatchewan River; Edmonton, Alberta















Standing Tall

It was beautiful yesterday so I thought I would go out and do some yardwork. I love looking at the flowers and greenery in the yard during the summer but I am not one to actually 'putz' in the dirt. Perhaps my flowers would look better if I did so but that is 'not my thing'. So many other yards and gardens look so much better. However, I still like the few flowers that do actually survive (in spite of me) in my little corner of the world.

Having said that, it was sad to have to pull out and cut down the flowers that have died or are in the process of dying due to the frost and the change in temperatures overnight. The other thing too is that I don't want to be doing this when it is minus 5 or with snow on the ground. Best to do it when the sun has some warmth to it and I can enjoy the yardwork.

I guess it is because of all the moisture we have had this past summer that we continually get all these mushrooms in our front lawn. Not the back, just the front. No explanation for it. I wish I had taken a picture of it now, but I did not. The mushrooms range in size from just about the grass line to about 4 inches in height. They were actually in a straight line across the yard looking like sentinals standing watch. In a strange way, they were cute! Yesterday, however, they were cut down! pulled up! dug out! Removed. I guess now it is ME who has to stand WATCH!

1 Cor 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (women) of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. (parenthesis mine).

A Life Well Lived

It's a beautiful day out today. Of course, the sun is rising later in the morning and there is now frost on the ground. The one thing I don't like is our bedroom window now 'fogs up' in the morning. That is definitely not a good sign! It's not just that the windows are old but more that it is cooler overnight!

Harvest is slow this year but hopefully the next week or 10 days will allow some real work to be accomplished and the crops can be removed for another year. Farmers definitely have to rely on the weather and the hand of God. Not that HE looks down and says 'yes' to Joe Blow and 'no' to John Brown' but I know HE works his wonder around people and their personal situations somehow.

I was at the funeral of an older gentleman friend yesterday. Edwin was 76 when he passed away in his sleep. What a way to go. He had been fighting throat cancer and had gone through all the chemo and radiation. He was on a feeding tube and had lost lots of weight and all that white hair (and he had lots) but still remained positive and thankful for his life and felt he had been blessed. How do you maintain an attitute like that, if not for faith, a belief in something bigger than yourself. He had been in the hospital for the last few months and was able to obtain a pass for a few days to go home. He died the same night in his own bed, with his wife by his side. He was happy to be home in his favourite chair and enjoy his familiar surroundings and then 'gave himself up' to the Lord. Pretty amazing.

Our pastor's final words at the funeral were I think spontaneous and not scripted. I know he likely had something he was going to say but changed it. To begin the service, the brother of Edwin spoke first. His first words were in a manner and voice so familiar to Edwin's own... "It is absolutely true that Edwin came from a Christian family". This echoed in our pastor's heart and he began..."It is difficult to sum up a man's life in the display of photos that have been shown'. In a span of 75 years you get to see a 10-12 minute slideshow displaying a classroom picture of a young boy, family portraits with a young man standing tall & straight. Family pictures of Christmas, birthdays, boating or fishing. A special girl then the wedding photos; the first child, the first birthdays, the next child and so on. Fun and laughter. The different family cars, the new home, the first grandchild and so on. All summed up in a few photos.

As each of Edwin's siblings (three brothers) and then groupings of his grandchildren got up to sing a special song or read a special scripture verse or tell of a special time together with their grandfather...a story was shared of a man's life. I was immediately drawn back in time to my own father's funeral service whereby we placed his baseball cap with his name stitched on the front reading 'E.R. Field' on the memorial table. We all remembered that hat which brought an immediate image of dad to our minds. We are that imagine of something specific to our family - a hat, an action, or special saying, perhaps a special food, a dessert, maybe even 'red pepper relish'. We are and will be conjured up in our loved ones' mind by certain events, images or expressions. Out intent should be for it to be one of love.

Anyway, it made me nostalgic. The pastor was right when he said that you can't sum up a man's life in a 10 minute slide show. However, we can acknowledge that life is short. It is an instant in the span of eternity. We are like a vapor. James 4:14 "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." Edwin's life was based on his faith and he chose a wife who had the same regard. Their life together displayed that faith and it enriched all those they came to know. Their family is richer 'beyond measure' through their faith in God.

At least five hundred or more people came to pay their respects. A life well lived..."I am so blessed" he had said. "Yes, Edwin....but you also blessed us."

Good Morning Sunshine!

“Christianity preaches the infinite worth of that which is seemingly worthless and the infinite worthlessness of that which is seemingly so valued.” Dietrich Bononhoeffer.

This was posted on another blog but I really like it. I thought it would be ok if I used it on mine too and gave credit for it. It is very thought provoking - at least to me.

Here's a thought - I went out at 7 am this morning to move my car onto a side street as they are supposed to be back today to finish off the pavement sealing process and definitely it will be in front of my house and blocked off for the rest of the day (if they in fact do what they intend to do). So, off I went for an early morning walk. It was beautiful. There was frost on the roofs but the sky was totally clear and the sun was rising. Wow! I so often miss this as I can't get a good view of the sunrise with the houses and trees in front of our window. Anyway, it was crisp but delightful. The sky was pinky/purple. My favourite colours. It couldn't get any more beautiful! So, I took a walk around a few blocks and came back home to enjoy my coffee and the open picture window with the fantabulous view!

Of course, this early in the morning, I don't have anything really earth shaking to say. Maybe that will come later! I'll wait until my mind perks up after a cup or two of coffee. Just wanted to share the sunrise experience!

Same as Usual

Okay, back to the haircut. I know you MUST BE waiting to hear what I decided! ha! Well, just a trim was the end story. A little here, a bit there, a little texturing on the top. I said I took a 'before' pic and now an 'after'. To me they look pretty much the same. I feel better but it looks much the same! The only difference? $100 plus on Visa! Maybe that's the 'feel better' part? Actually, that should be the depressed part!

In the end, I decided to wait another 6 weeks to see if I really disliked the hair in my face or not. Yes, you are right...I just started the whole cycle all over again. Nice of you to notice. Isn't life predictable?

They are doing some work on our cul de sac called 'street slurry seal'. Last week they told us to remove all vehicles from the roadway for Sept 15, as this process was scheduled to be done. Of course, it rained and that delayed everything. Now it is sunny and the 'no parking' signs which were on the street and then were turned around for the rainy days, have now been returned to say 'no parking'. The sweeper has swept this cul de sac at least 8 times in the last week. Today was no different. However, another truck with trailer has made two turns around the circle but nothing is happening yet. Just to be sure that I was not caught in the garage for the day (they say barricades will be set up and no one goes in or out for the day) I parked my car out on the main street at 9 am anticipating the work to be done today.

It is now 1 pm and I have seen no activity. Guess that means it will be one more day waiting and watching for trucks and pilons to be set out. Meanwhile the 'no parking' signs stand as a reminder that work will be done ... just no one knows WHEN!

A Sad Loss

An elderly Christian gentleman and friend passed away this morning. Edwin was just that - a solid Christian, a gentleman in all respects - warm and soft spoken, polite and distinguished - and a dear friend. It is very sad. He developed a sore in his mouth around June and before you know it he was in the hospital unable to swallow. Chemo and radiation followed and we were blessed with him coming to share his testimony of God's faithfulness as he seemed to recoup and came home. It was not to be. He returned to the hospital and has now succumbed to this disease of cancer. He was a God-send to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. He is now safe and secure in the arms of his beloved Savior.

HAIR!

I'm off to get my hair cut this morning. Not sure what I am going to do with it. Monday, I was SO sure but not so this morning. Monday, I was cutting it off short and starting over. Not so sure this morning! Monday, I couldn't stand it anymore. This morning, well....not so bad! Why is it that when you are going to the hairdresser that your hair seems to work out better than usual? Not that it looks great this morning but that it looks ok. I feel ok. It looks ok. I took a picture of myself last night (very vain) and I thought..."that doesn't look too bad; what am I complaining about?" As I said, isn't that always the way? You get ready for the BIG change and what happens? You 'change' your mind!

Ok, I know when I get there that my hairdresser will say "why don't we just trim the sides a bit as you haven't been wearing this style very long?" or the one that really confuses me is "whatever you want". That's just it! I don't think I really KNOW what I want!!

Have you ever had those kinds of days? Normally people would say, "have you ever had that kind of day" but I am referring to the plural ... DAYSSSS. Hair seems to be my nemisis (sp?)!! I do spend a lot of my thinking time, thinking about my hair and what I should do with it. Not that I can't do two things at once - I can. I work AND think. However, when it is two weeks past the original cut, I start thinking about what I should do with this hair. Should I cut it or let it grow? Should I colour it or let it grow ... OUT. Should I change the colour? change the style? change my overall look? Oh dear, it does appear as if I need a full time job? If not to keep my mind under control, but to pay for all these hair appointments!!!

Ok, I have talked that one out! Thank you for listening. I think I will just do what my hairdresser tells me when I get there. She really knows me. Your hairdresser knows best! I have been with this girl for over 25 years so she knows my personality. I think I am paving the way for her through menopause! She asks lots of questions. She is 15 years younger! Oh, it hurts to say that. 15 years younger!! I have always thought of her as around my age but in reality, I am a few years older!!!

Ok, enough of this dribble. I am going to have my oatmeal and be off. In my next note I will be saying "I love my hair" or "I should have ...!!"

Quick Change Artist

It is amazing what you can do with colour. I want to share all the different colours but have to go one template at a time. I like the stripes but I still like the one I had a few days ago. I may go back to it, simply because I like it so much.

The one this morning reminded me of the circus and that was good but...I decided to change it just a bit. I think I like this better. Who knows, by tonite I will be in a different mood.

No sunshine yet but they say later today and the remaining part of the week is supposed to be warm and sunny. Yippppppppeeeeee!

Changes

Well, here I am making changes again. The first change came yesterday morning when I decided to start walking on the treadmill (again). Hopefully this will become normal and not just 'another change'.

The second thing that changed was my hubby took off to the farm again to lend a hand with hopefully harvest. It was raining yesterday when he left but they said they had some machinery repairs to do (inside) so he would still be busy. Hopefully they will get sunshine and a breeze to help dry out things and they can get started on "bringing in the sheaves" (I had to throw in that little ditty which came to mind)!

Since I was 'home alone' I could do what I wished for the evening so sat down with my salad and macaroni to watch a movie that was just starting 'Gran Torino'. My brother said I might like it and he was right. Aside from all the swearing and ethnic insults (which were many) Clint Eastwood did a wonderful job of portraying a man who was caught up in prejudices as well as a lot of hurtful and agonizing memories. The end is what you expect but 'getting there' is quite the process. Isn't that just like life! I cried a lot! So, this morning, the eyes are bulging and the lines are definitely showing! Right after that show was another movie called something like "Sometime in April" about the ethnic slaughter in Ruwanda. It had already started when I came upon it but the gist of it was the story of a few people and how they survived during this ugly time. Very, very sad that something like that did go on while the world watched and discussed it. It really demonstrates the scary side of our humanity. Anyway, the face this morning is full and puffy!

On a lighter side, the sun is supposed to come out so I am looking forward to that. There are lots of plants that have died due to the frost and I need to get them pulled out and cleaned up. I guess tomorrow is the first day of fall and that is the sign I need to get out there.

However, I do finally have my hair appointment so that needs to take priority over everythingelse! I think for women, HAIR must monopolize our thoughts. At least for me. "I like it, I don't like it, it's too short, it's too long, it's too flat, it's too curly, it's too straight, etc. etc. etc." I am sure it will not end when I get it done tomorrow either. I just hope I like it from the 'get go' (if you know what I mean). I can start 'disliking' it again in a few weeks!!

Enjoy the sunshine while you can. It is raining heavily in Newfoundland!!

Impressed easy?

I am not sure if I do get impressed easy or not but this afternoon I had to make a trip across town to pick up our new tv at the Brick Warehouse. We had bought it at South Edmonton Common and they said they would have it shipped but likely not for a week and a half. That was ah.....yesterday! Here I am thinking they would call me about pickup around Sept 28 or so. Imagine my surprise when she told me it was IN! I could pick it up at the warehouse in the west end if I wished.

Initially I said no, deliver it to south common which would mean this coming Tuesday. It would just be a few days wait. On second thought, I decided I should go and pick it up for my hubby and so I did. I called back and she said 'no problem, I will make the alternate arrangements'. So, I proceeded across town - never knowing what kind of road construction was going to bar my way!! Oh yes...there was lots of it. However, I made it there in record time and went into the customer service dept expecting they would tell me there was 'some mistake'.

Again, I am surprised. They check it off and say 'thank you', please have a seat for a few moments." They gave me a red carnation and invited me to have a free cappucinno or hot chocolate at the coffee bar right next to the seating area. I am again impressed. I waited a total of 12 minutes (give or take a few) but not enough that I did NOT finish my small coffee! They told me to meet them at Door 11 (no extra prizes though) and a friendly, young gentleman greeted me with a smile and nicely placed the tv in my car. He had me sign the receipt and thanked me, and said 'have a nice day".

What a difference in customer service is that!!! You don't get that often anymore. Usually you can 't even get a smile out of people, let alone any kind of service!! Or am I just being critical.

Whatever...the Brick outdid itself in my books. Great service in the first place, smiling, friendly salesperson, made phone calls to get the product, called us 'personally' for EARLY delivery and I was not disappointed even at the shipping end of things. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Kudoos to the Brick. Hope you sell above and beyond your projections for 2010. Keep up the good work!!

So many to choose from...

Do you realize how many blogs are 'out there'? I mean, there must be thousands in cyberspace! You can spend all day on the web if you wanted to or should I say, if your eyes can take it! Yesterday, I spent most of the day on the computer it seems. Well, the afternoon was ironing but who wants to talk about that! Excepting for the fact that I like ironing but I am sure most people would not be interested in my thoughts on that!

So, back to blogs...everyone has a different writing style. Some of the blogs I looked at, I continued paging through without hesitation! Others, I had to stop and peruse...and others I sat down and read. I love the ones that tell me what they are thinking or doing with their day. I guess I like the ones that read like me (if you get my drift). Talking about their feelings and life in general.

Some of the blogs are done up so nice that I wish I knew how to do that but then again, I "looked" rather than "read" so maybe that is a drawback. I don't know. I definitely liked the looks of many. That is not going to draw me back into my dashboard right now to figure out how to add fancy do dads or links. It was just nice to know that you probably could!

Anyway, today I got a comment from 'anonymous' someone I don't know. It surprised me. It made me wonder if there are other people out there who actually read my blog too! Not that I expect or even want them to but somehow, strangely, it 'opened my eyes' (dah) to the possibility that someone I don't know is interested in my 'little corner of the world'. It is amazing, isn't it? The world is so big BUT cyber space makes it small.

I am now following a blog of a girl in England who has a new baby (about the same age as our newest grandchild, Grace). "He" is a boy though, but who knows, maybe one day ...??

So to anyone out there who MIGHT just stop for a moment to read my blog...thank you.

Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God every time I remember you."

The good ol' days

Remember them? Life was slow and easy. People trusted each other. Yes, I have a point.

My husband brought home a treat for me from one of the stores he was at today. It was a 3-pack of Cracker Jack. Remember them? The one with the little sailor on the front. Anyway, the packages are smaller (even though there are three of them). But, not to complain. However, upon trying to open the box it became an exercise in frustration. In the good ol' days, they used to have the carmel corn right inside the box along with the prize. Now they have them tucked away inside another plastic type kind of wrapping which is glued to the inside of the box. You need scissors to get the glued top open and then scissors to open the plastic inside wrap. Of cours, it is glued almost to the top of the box leaving only a tinsy, weensy, little space to get your scissors into it to cut it open. It leaves an unsighly jagged mess. If I was out in the middle of nowhere, with no scissors or fingernail clipper, or straight razor then it would be an "oh no, no go"!

When did we stop trusting each other? Oh, I know, that is a big complex subject which does not need an answer as WHO could answer it anyway! A few people have definitely made it miserable for the rest of us. Now everything is glued or taped or inserted in plastic wrap so that you need to spend time, effort and patience to get into things! Take the mouse I purchased a few days ago. It is clearly visible from the outside but getting INTO the INSIDE was a different story. My scissors almost didn't do it. You need those ones they advertise on TV for getting into plastic boxes. Someone is definitely going to make a $million on those scissors simply because we now need them!

Anyway, enough complaining. The cracker jacks are in my tummy and sticking to my teeth. The little prize I got was not worth the effort but thankfully the carmel corn was!

Change - Not So Easy

I received a few comments yesterday about my blog so I thought I would try making a few other changes. Has it ever happened to you that once you start you can't stop? I mean, I wanted to go back but wasn't sure how to do it. So often, I want to move ahead but can't find the 'accept' button or 'next page' button. This time, I got into the 'advanced' on my blog page and started to feel a bit intimidated. I stopped before I got carried away with colour and fonts! So, this page is pretty good for a girl who doesn't like tooooooo much change at one time.

About those Minutes now. Well, I did not get to them. I am half way done and I see them sitting on the dining room table. They have been moved from priorty to 'later'. I do intend to finish them this morning but thought I would be adventurous with my design instead. Much more fun.

However, my brother sent me a cute story about a similar situation (using other examples) of what my mental/emotional state has been lately. He attributes it to A.A.A.D.D. otherwise known as "Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder". It sounds very official (and accurate)!

So, another saga of what I now understand to be A.A.A.D.A. follows. I was on my way to visit my friend in the hospital but decided I would first stop at the church to drop off some keys that my husband needed to return there. While I was there I knew I could also drop off the letters he wanted mailed so I was really feeling 'ahead of the game'. I was in time for the mail so one thing got completed! Next, I required some print offs for our Life Team listing and was even able to get the receptionist to do that with a few minor inconveniences to her day. I dropped off the keys where required and chatted with a few office staff. Yes! the day was going smoothly.

Now, off to the hospital for the visit I had marked as number one on my list. First, though, I decided I should stop at the $1 store and pick up a card for another lady who was in a care centre and who I intended to visit later. I would not get flowers, just a card. Successfully doing that, I decided to drive over to the hospital instead of walking there as I had done before as it had started to rain. However, I could not believe how many cars were in the parking lot. It was packed. What is it about Wednesdays? Must be a training day or else people get the day off or something like that as it was PACKED. The only place available was in the far corner of the parking lot which was just about as far away as the mall shopping centre lot where I had just been. No, I thought, I will come back later and perhaps it will be less busy. So, off I go to the care center instead. It is now raining and 'so much for my clean car' but I guess that is a minor thing. I digress for a moment as I share the thought that so often we think "Why does it always rain after you wash the car?"

Ok, on to the care center. I am headed north on 119 Street and need to turn left to the opposite side of the road. I turn into three different left turn lanes thinking I must be able to get across the road to the care center. No, I have to go all the way down to the next main intersection, do a U-turn (more or less) and come all the way back. No short cuts today! So, I do that. In the parking lot I find ONE spot available and park there to fill in my 'get well' card. It is raining. I see a sign posted just slightly out of my 'progressive lens' sight lines so I open the window to ask the lady who is leaving beside me if it is ok to park here for visitors. She says it is. I get out of the car and decide to check out that sign anyway and of course it says "Staff Parking ONLY". Wouldn't you know it! I see a nurse running for cover to a trailer parked behind me and ask her "where is the entrance?" (thinking to myself: "If this visitor parked here illegal, maybe I can too!") She looks around and says she believes it is on the 'other side' of the building and the entrance closest to me is staff only.

Ok, there is something about parking illegal and there is something about running a long distance marathon in the pouring rain too. So, I get back into my car and drive around the building looking for Visitor Parking and a spot close to the entrance. Thankfully, I found one.

Next is to find the right room. I have never been in this center before so I find the Info Desk which is not immediately visible. Interesting that it would be behind doors with no sign but that is where it was. I felt like I was interrupting a staff member once I found her in her cubicle. I asked if this was the Reception and she said yes so I asked for directions.

Ok, lots of halls, doors and people in wheelchairs etc so I had to ask a few people on the way there. Goodness, I was only going to the 2nd floor! Anyway, I finally got to the room and found her bed empty. Wouldn't you know it....she's in physio. Who knows where that is and if I can go there! Well, one of the 'friendly' nurses told me how I could get there and say 'a quick hello' (emphasis on 'quick' I believe) but I could still go and say hi. This is what I did. I followed the directions given to me and was able to see her. I did not want to interrupt her physio but said a quick hello and told her I left a card sitting on her bed. I intend to go back before she gets out of the center. At least those are my best intentions.

Anyway, on my way home I had to stop off and pick up some broccolli for my salad for my next meeting which is tonite. I only hope that I have all the ingredients I need now so I don't have to leave the house again today. It isn't raining yet, but then I haven't left the house yet either!

A Funny Thing Happened

A funny thing happened to me the other day. Well, not so funny really. Perhaps this is a sign of growing old. Last Saturday I was supposed to have a meeting with the other new leaders in our Stephen Ministry care group. I had invited everyone the week earlier for 10 am at my place. Well, too much on the go and on the mind and it showed!

We had company one day earlier than expected and that totally changed my thinking. People in your house tend to shuffle your priorities. Don't get me wrong...it was great to have him but in doing so, I totally forgot about my meeting the next day. My husband and visitor left early Sat morning to go for a Tim's coffee and breakfast. I slept in. After cuddling with my coffee and watching my fav show 'The Dog Whisperer' I had to answer the phone which was our newphew enquiring about our visitor and if he could come over. I told him to call my husband's cell to check it out. In the meantime, and just in case, I decided to have a shower and clean up things a bit and was just going to have my breakfast when the doorbell rang.

Of couse, you know it was one of the leaders for the meeting! She had come earlier than expected she said and hoped that was ok. She could tell I didn't know why she was there by the expression on my face! I wondered if someone was sick, or if she had a problem, or if she just occasionally showed up on people's door steps on Sat mornings (was she a Jehovah's Witness in her real life??!). No to all of the above. She was just a few minutes early for our planned meeting.

Anyway, I was in a flap from that moment on. Fortunately I was dressed and had just finished doing my hair! That's important. However, I was still in a tizzy as I had not done up the Agenda for our meeting as I so officially always do and had no clue as to what the order of the day was going to be! I like to be in control but this was NOT going to happen. I had to learn how to 'go with the flow' which is not part of my personality. The other two leaders showed up shortly after that. Everyone was early! Good for them - I hope it will be the same in the future. This morning, though, it would have been nice if they were LATE!!

We made it through - without cookies, or goodies, and had to wait for the coffee to be made - but somehow things were discussed and we got stuff done! I am looking at my notes from that meeting now and I definitely see caos in the first half of the notes I took and much more order and discipline in the latter half. Guess it took me that long to settle down!! A good lesson for me.

So, you would think I would be ready for today's meeting, right? WRONG! I did not forget about it this morning but there was a lot of discussion between me, myself and I last night as to what I was going to serve. I was tired after working all day so in my head I was deciding I would make a quick Bisquick hot biscuit with coffee for the morning meeting at 9:30 as there would be just the two of us. I was up at 7 am and trying to get the minutes done from our last meeting on Saturday which I would normally do RIGHT AFTER the meeting but of course, not this time! I got half way through and realized that biscuits would not be ready because I did not have the time to make them. So....I took off to the store at 8:15 to pick up something. By the time I got home, there were 4 messages on my phone. Four! count them, 1, 2, 3, 4 !!! at 8:30 in the morning!! People!! Anyway, by the time I got through the messages, one of them was from the Leader who was going to be at my place for 9:30 am She had a migrane in the night and would be unable to attend. I sighed a heavy sigh. "No problem" I said. "I still have lots of other things to do as well". We talked a little about what the agenda would have been and said we would try to talk more later int the week.

So, now I am relaxing a bit but definitely will be finishing my Minutes and organizing my thoughts so that does NOT happen again. But first things first...I think I will have a piece of that Banana Loaf I bought for my meeting. I just hope I do not get distracted by anything else before I get my Minutes done!

Oh, last minute thought. The other leader chuckled when I told her I had slipped out to pick up some Banana Loaf for our meeting. She said she had made some of the same for her meeting last night and forgot to take it with her so she was going to bring it this morning! What a joke that would have been when we both would be 'serving up' Banana Loaf. Well, I think it would have been funny.

Driving Solo

It was a beautiful morning for my walk. It felt like Vancouver as it was overcast and had rained during the night but it was fresh and clean and calm. My hair was damp and straight on my return but it did not dampen my spirits at all.

I admire the big old poplar tree that I pass when I go for my walk. It was one of the fortunate ones that was 'left standing' as I look at all the other trees and bushes that are on the main avenue. It appears that someone has done mischief with them by slashing branches, cutting trunks and just general mayhem at different times over the last many years. But this big poplar stands tall and its trunk is thick so it has survived! In the spring, I can see the whole process of new life each day as I pass by. Now, in the fall, you can see the leaves beginning to change color, and the branches and seedlings drying up and some are falling off. The look is changing.

I can't say that I look forward to the winter but I definitely love the Fall. But I digress. I was intending to comment on the poplar standing tall on its own along the avenue. It started out with other poplars but ended up alone. It has thrived but not without problems. The book I am currently reading (Intimate Conversations, Devotions to Nurture a Woman's Soul by Alicia Britt Chole) has a chapter on 'driving solo'. She talks about carpooling (and all its benefits) vs driving on your own. Later, she makes reference to our spiritual life and it clicked for me when I read it after my walk this morning so thought I would share my thoughts too. Anyway, she says "the parallels to a life of faith are obvious. Sharing your space with others in a community of faith can be costly. But frankly, going it alone can be deadly." She says "Jesus does not offer faith for independent study. Christianity is lived in the plural, not the singular."

After giving some thought to her comments I had to agree. Before I came to faith, I did a lot on my own or with people who were there for me but only for the moment, perhaps when it was workable for them and their circumstances. That was a long time ago now. I did notice then too that people in trouble or needing someone to talk to would not share their real concerns because they needed 'time' to develop the trust and relationship. Who had time in those younger years? I was a single mom and working full time. However, this doesn't always happen in a church setting either. But, it is more likely to take place. Regular meeting, like views, participation and common interests bring people together. Even though we can still have differences of opinion and on occasion hurt one another with words or actions, it is our shared experiences that help unite us. Alicia says "The very imperfection of life-together grounds us and actually can protect us from floating off into spiritual strangeness and straying into spiritual danger." "Simply put: we are safer together than alone."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down, his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

I was talking to a friend yesterday who I had not talked to in awhile. She said she just felt she had nothing to say. Of couse, that is alright too. We all need times of solitude and down time. But, a friend is someone who is there in the 'down' times who can share the time - even if it is without words. We need each other. As Alicia has pointed out 'two are better than one'.

Take time today to share yourself with someone.

A New Look

Yes, it's me! It's really me. I just changed the look of it. A change is as good as a rest. I am not sure I like it yet but I want to try it out for a day or two. I like pink as you can tell. Who doesn't? I even saw a guy in Costco with a hot pink scarf around his neck while he worked. See! Everyone likes pink.

I picked up a cordless mouse for my laptop as my right wrist is starting to give me trouble. Too much pointing with my finger is causing pain. However, as type, I feel I am neglecting the little fella as he sits beside my laptop just waiting for a touch! I also think of the power being used up by him when I am not using him. Why do I call him a him? Maybe it's a her? No, I think it's him. Her would not sit quietly beside me as she would want to be moving & shaking!!

My husband sent me to Costco to get some Beet Soup. He told me where it was to be found but...could I find it? Of course not. I went up and down the aisles, two or three times past where he told me it was and I could not see it. That does not mean it is not there...I just could not see it! Or, on the other hand, it could be his directions...maybe they were just a 'little off' like maybe a few aisles! anyway, I went up and down and all around and never found it. Guess I will have to find something else for supper.

I realize this is two blogs in one day but I wanted to try out my new mouse and while I was at it, I checked the template and found I could make some changes, so, I did. He who hesitates...well, I mean...she who hesitates does not make changes (I guess).

Not sure if this is easier to read so will wait and see if I get any replies. Not that it matters in the long run but I am just wondering.

Just Do It!

Our neice from the Island was just here and has now left to return home. She is 10 years younger than I am and in great shape. She should be as she is an instructor at a gym. She was sharing some stories this morning about some of her older clients for whom she has developed some personal training programs. One gentleman was 84 years old. She did not know that at the time she spoke initially with him but knew he was 'older'. She said that many of her older clients come on the advice of a doctor. They need to be more mobile or need specific exercise in one area (or all areas)! At his age, she said he is incredibly dedicated and he has said to her many times that he wished he had done this earlier in his life. Don't we all say that? I am looking at her petite frame and 'wishing' that I had it. I guess there is nothing wrong with doing that except it WON'T get me it without a lot of hard work. Am I prepared to do the work? Well....obviously NOT as I am still wishing!!

I can't remember her exact words about loss of muscle and bone mass but it impressed on me that even without doing anything really different in my daily life (i.e. not really eating more or even being less active than I had been) I still have felt the gradual loss of strength in my arms and legs. I did and still do all the things I normally did and I still do, but I still lost strength and find it harder to do them! It was a wakeup call (again)!! In other words, it doesn't get any easier - in fact - it gets harder to maintain strength and mobility. It takes work!

So, here I am sitting and writing this instead of going out and DOING something about it! Actually, I plan on doing that right now. Perhaps I need a little positive incentive. Not sure what that might be. Ok. Get the ol' running shoes on and get out there! Go on girl....get going....get out there...you can do it....just sign off...hit the button...move the buttocks..get going....you will feel a lot better, you might even look better, you can do it... you just have to GO!!! ok...ok... I'm going...going...GONE!

Thinking of Others

I had a couple of things I wanted to say yesterday but this morning they seem to have disappeared from my mind. I would normally say they likely weren't that important but I am thinking they have just moved down a slot in my process thinking! How is that for an excuse for a poor memory?

Actually, yesterday I had good intentions of getting into my 'walking cycle' so I put on my running shoes and away I went. First, instead of walking, I drove to the $1 store so I could pick up a word search book for a friend who is in the hospital. I hate to go empty-handed and she has enough flowers! So, I parked in the mall parking lot and walked to the hospital. It was a nice day. I got some exercise. After talking with my friend for awhile I asked her if she wanted to get some fresh air and she 'jumped' at the chance. Well, actually, she nodded as she can't walk on her own right now. Although she IS doing better, I still pushed her in the wheel chair. At the main doors, I noticed her chair did not have feet pedals on it so we did an 'exchange' with another chair. I was practising all my nursing skills! It turned out, however, that this new chair had a problem with it too. Amazingly, the one foot kept rising on its own so that eventually she had to put both her feet on the one foot pedal. I tried moving it down a number of times but it kept riding up. It got to be a point of laughter as it slowly made it's way back up to a 'straight out' position and she could not hold her leg on it! Oh dear, what we can find to be funny eh? We both had a good laugh. Anyway, we went around the hospital block and sat for awhile in their garden area. The sun was shining and there was a nice breeze. It is amazing how much effort or energy I was expending as I pushed this heavy wheelchair with this extra light woman on it!! I eventually developed 'a glow' or was it actual perspiration! Yes, I believe it was! A good workout.

When I returned home, I thought I would try it once more in my own area and and headed out for my walk. I got two doors down when I ran into a neighbor who I know to wave at but don't know personally. I do know that her husband died suddenly last October and although I did put a response comment to the Edmonton Journal obituary listing I did not get around to sending her a card. Too many excuses for that one but there definitely were reasons (not very good ones now that I look at it more closely). Anyway, she was getting ready to leave in her car and I interceded! I apologized for not coming down or saying something to her about her recent loss and we ended up having quite a conversation of her life! Her friend came to go for a walk with her so it ended and so did my walk. I felt 'emotionally spent' yesterday but it felt good, better than using real money!

Ouch, that hurt!

I went to see a friend yesterday who is in the hospital. She has some health issues and now has developed another problem - she can't walk. She can sit comfortably enough but any standing and she is at a pain threshold of 9/10 or 10/10. They have done a bunch of tests and they are now thinking they will give her a cordisone shot into her spine or disk or something and are hopeful she will find relief. She can't stand on her own - no balance - so this might be a painful injection but hopefully, helpful!

How is it that some people go through so much and others don't seem to? I am feeling more and more grateful for my health (nevermind all my little nigglies) and the simple fact that I can walk, and move around without pain (well, not too much except for my foot).

I do have a minor burn to contend with now. I was cooking chicken in the oven yesterday. My hubby was standing close beside me when I tried to look in to see if it was cooked and turned a piece over with my fork. About the same time as he was standing there (I was unable to pull the door down all the way but was holding it half-way open) and he said "Watch you don't burn yourself" when my upper arm leaned against the door! Yikes! It is amazing how quickly you react. At first, it stung, then it really stung but later it stung the most! I put a cold compress on it which did nothing to relieve the pain but eventually, it was fine. This morning I checked it and it is definitely going to be a big brown mark which will stay with me likely f o r e v e r (like most of my cuts & bruises now do). It is about 2x2 in size but ... fortunately ...I can't see it ... only those coming up from behind will notice! So much for sleeveless!

In an instant, a second, before you know it ... things happen. Be careful. I should listen to my own advice!

Almost Discouraged

I was feeling a little sorry for myself on Sunday as I was expecting to have a number of people at my little 'info meeting' for my Stephen Ministry program. One gentleman arrived who was quite old. Very alert and interested but still...he was at least 75 and maybe 80 years old. That does not mean he would not be a good candidate just that it took me by surprise! I continued to do my 'spiel' and he listened intently and interjected occasionally with a question. It was a good meeting. Afterwards we spoke for a bit and it turns out he was a Pastor, retired. No wonder he seemed so knowledgeable about relationships.

Anyway, I still have a few weeks before we officially 'start' training, if in fact there will be training. There is still time for some last minute interest. It's the Fall season and it seems everyone is a little slow at getting 'into it' again. The summer went too fast and school started too soon. Guess everyone is having the 'blues'.

I called a lady I knew who had expressed interest in this ministry and I left a message for her to call me - just so I could 'rule her out' if she had changed her mind. She returned my call in the evening and we spoke about 45 minutes. She has some big problems in her life but you would not have known that from our earlier conversations. Things came to a head so she now realizes she has too much on her plate to do anything else.

It made me realize how much people need other people. Just to listen. Just to share a little of what's going on in their lives or they feel isolated, alone. That conversation got me back on track again. Thankful that I am doing OK and that I have the motivation to try to organize something that will help someone else as they go through a tough spot. So...I am back to my 'to do' list tonite. Hopefully, we will get enough people to get involved or we will have to wait and join with another group in January. That will be alright too. Guess we just have to keep plugging onward. Not to worry, things will work out as they should.

Matthew 6:25,33 Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear...But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.