Saturday, August 7, 2010

Catching Up

Hello my Friends,

I do hope you all have had a good week. Most of us have been basking in sunshine and high humidity....only to be cooled off with rain soaked evenings. I have to admit I love the sun and our fabulous summers. My only complaint is they are far too short........

Many of you have been and are back from vacation....I hope it was all that you expected and more. My own summer has been quite quiet this year. I have chosen to stay close to home  and see the sights in my own neighbourhood so to speak. After visiting Fort Edmonton and attending Heritage Days (another real treat for tourist) that is held every summer over 3 days - featuring many cultures. There were over 80 huge tents this year. Each tent represents a different country and the people are dressed in the appropriate clothing, the food was delicious and unique to each culture.  The entertainment was wonderful, and really can only be appreciated by attending this event.  Edmonton does offer something for everyone, it is a huge city and I enjoy all the things only a big city can offer, but I so look forward to arriving home. Morinville is small, very quiet with only one set of street lights. Oh yes my kind of town.

 My friend, Helen and I have also just returned from spending two days in Jasper. I love the mountains, two days was only long enough to make me realize how much I miss spending more time there. We have made plans to return in November for a retreat that is being held there. It is put on by Native Canadians. I so hope she doesn't change her mind as I am looking forward to it already.  November is not a good month to travel through the mountains in Alberta, so I won't go on my own. Now later this month I may drive myself to Banff to meet up with friends from Calgary.  Will share this with you all when my plans are confirmed.

I wish I could show you some of my recent pictures, especially my hanging baskets. They must weigh nearly 50 pounds. I wanted to sit on the door step and dead head them but they are far too heavy for me to lift. I stood on a stool and cleaned them up, they are lovely. Unfortunately I cannot say the same about many of my other flowers or plants. Oh some are not too bad, some are even quite nice but some have root rot. I think the hanging baskets did so well because they drain automatically.  Every year I learn a little bit more about gardening, next year I will see that my pots have more rocks and a far better drainage system.  Also,  I think I will cover them with plastic bags when expecting rain. One of my blogging friends suggested I do this.  I am still enjoying their scents and colors and I love all the insects and creatures they attract. I have had more birds visit me this year than ever before, my favorite are the humming birds just outside my garden door. It seems they feed every time I sit down for a coffee.....I love it.

My friend Terry is arriving Monday for a couple of days. She is to have a procedure as an outpatient Tuesday morning. It is not serious but I always worry a bit when my family or friends need to go through testing or procedures. She is driving in Monday morning and we are going to Costco during the afternoon, I have already started my "list" of things to do. Great friend aren't I,  but in my defence it was her idea. She is also going to try and help me upload pictures again to my blog. I am so close to achieving this, fresh eyes just may do the trick.

It is so good to have most of you back, it seemed so many were away in July. Wishing you all a great week.

Good Night, God Bless and many, many hugs......:-)



58 comments:

Karin said...

So great that you are enjoying your summer - it truly is always too short! Love the fall though - my fav season. God bless and have a lovely week-end!

RNSANE said...

A nice,newsy update, Bernie. It sounds like you are staying busy.

My one and only vist to Alberta was about 18 years ago, all expenses paid, as a guest of the Canadian government ( I think I may have told you about it ) when I was working part time in tourism in addition to nursing. I was invited up to attend a conference that was held at the Fantasyland Hotel. They put all of us up there and we each had a theme room. At the end of the conference, we went all over the province on a fabulous trip - lunch at Jasper Park Lodge, an overnight at Chateau Lake Louise, breakfast at Sulfur Mountain, a trip to Olympic Park, a day at Waterton Lakes, Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, Lethbridge, Fort Edmonton, and a few more places. It was the trip of a life time.

Lauren said...

You are seriously such a beautiful spirit. I feel so much loving energy from you Bernie. I want you to know how much I appreciate it. You are such a blessing sister. Thank you for all you do, you are loved.

Arlee Bird said...

Oh my, Costco can be a very hazardous place to go. But I must say that Jasper, Banff, and the Canadian Rockies are wonderful.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Turtle Guy said...

Thanks for a lovely read - I popped over from Anvillcloud's blog.

Indeed, Alberta sports some great times to travel and others to... not. Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Calgary ;)

Victor S E Moubarak said...

Thank you for your lovely stories Bernie.

God bless.

Victor S E Moubarak said...

One suggestion Bernie - I hope you don't mind.

The large picture of you and your sister overlaps the left margin and covers the "Word Verification" box thus making it difficult for people to register their comments.

God bless.

Cindy said...

Bernie, I am so glad you have been enjoying yourself, glad your friend is coming in to see you. i think your blog looks good. hopefully you and she can get it all sorted out. Have fun at Costco. I very very seldom go as I get so so tired.Wains Mom is in the hospital with phnemonia so will be going to see her. have fun with Terry,
Hugs

Alli said...

Bernie sounds like you had a very good time!! I also am loving this weather. I'm not complaining about the humidity, the heat nothing. Summer is far too short and I plan to enjoy every warm day.

Many thanks for your lovely comments in my blog. You are always welcome.

Alli......XoXo

CorvusCorax12 said...

the retreat sounds wonderful...i never been to that part of Canada...maybe someday get to see it. I would love to see the mountains, it is such a gorgeous part of the country.

Brian Miller said...

nice. sounds like you have been having a bit of fun...i love the mountains as well and go there as often as i can...we are ringed by them so i can get there pretty quick...

My Aimless Infatuation said...

Oh I do wish we lived closer,we seem to enjoy the same things and we could have such fun. I do hope you enjoy your week with Terry,she sounds like a true friend because true friends always want a "to do list" to help you out. Can't wait to see your photo's,add some of you and Terry too.

Gail said...

HI BERNIE-

your travels. albeit close to home sound wonderful. The Heritage festival must have been fascinating. I so love reading of your comings and goings and friends that visit and those you "see through" a health or emotional issue. Wonderful.
My daughter is taking me to see my Mom today. I cannot navigate on my own. Mom starts her outpatient dialysis Tuesday. She had 4 treatments in the hospital and did well. I am managing as best I can given my mobility challenges. One step at a time.

Love to you my friend
Gail
peace and hope.....

Gail said...

HI again-
the picture of yu and your sister I believe to the left a bit and below partially blocks the "authorization word" - I had to guess at the first letter - took me a bunch of tried. just thought u should know.

Wander to the Wayside said...

Wow, this burst of purple really woke me up this morning!

You've had the busiest summer, even if you did choose to stay close to home, and I've enjoyed sharing it vicariously thru your posts! We haven't done a thing, not even locally, as it is too hot to even leave the house or car. Heat index of 108degrees last week, and it seems it'll be the same this next week. Maybe in the fall we'll get out and about...meanwhile, I have your little jaunts to enjoy!

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

Thanks for stopping by and leaving me a comment. I always appreciate when a fellow blogger takes the time to say hello!

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Sounds as if you have been having a wonderful summer. Sounds like me and my trips to CO and the Rockies there!! Never long enough!!! My best to you, dear friend! Cathy

laurie said...

our hanging baskets got so heavy one year they bent the shepherds' hooks in half!

Cherrie said...

I am looking forward to your pictures! Have a great visit with your friend!

Andrea said...

My July has been crazy...thanks for the update!
Blessings,
andrea

PS: I have an update on amden on arise 2 write.

glnroz said...

always a refreshing visit.. Here? I have been basking in the 100+ Texas sun, 100+ (seemingly) humidity. I think I will take a vacation...lol

Tranquility Speaks said...

Hi Bernie :-) Loved reading an account of what's happening at your end. I would love to see your hanging baskets too! I wish blogger fixes the bug in blogger draft soon! When you do go on a break in November do click lots of pictures so we can have a look too :) How are you doing healthwise Bernie? Loads of love to you :)

Bernie said...

Karin, my favorite time of year is the Fall as well, I love it but I am still not ready to let go of summer.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Carmen, oh what a trip you did have. I live here and have not stayed in many of those beautiful places although I have heard of them all...Hugs

Bernie said...

VisionWise, thank you for your kind words, they are lovely to read. Hope your Sunday is going well ...... :-) Hugs

Bernie said...

arlee bird, I don't think there is a prettier place in the world than the Rocky Mountains. I absolutely love them. I only go to Costco 3 times a year at most, I stalk up on paper goods etc.......:-)Hugs

Wanda..... said...

Bernie, I think I have a problem, I know I didn't overlook your post again, I think it's not showing up on my reader on the dashboard page. I just happened to see it on my favorites list on my main blog page.
Now Katie and her boyfriend just came, so I have to leave...talk to you later. Love...Wanda

Anvilcloud said...

Both Jasper and Banff are great. I think I might choose Jasper if I really had to pick.

Bernie said...

Turtle Guy, welcome, I am glad you enjoyed your visit......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Victor, I love sharing my days with my friends. I am behind but will be over to visit soon...Hugs

Bernie said...

Victor, thank you so many of my blogging friends have told me. I feel so bad that they couldn't comment after all the time it takes to type it up....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Cinner, I only go to Costco 2 or 3 times a year and stock up on things. Hope Wayne's mom gets well soon and I will keep my eyes open just in case we are at the same hospital.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Alli, I hope you are feeling well my friend and love it when I see you have been over for a visit.
......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Twain12 anytime you want a hostess to show you Jasper and Banff just say the word.....my favorite places in the world......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Brian, you must live in such a pretty place to be ringed by mountains. No wonder your post are so good with all that inspiration.
........:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Aimless, my friend Terry will only be here a couple of days, I only wish it were for a week. Life is very good right now, hope you are having a great Sunday....:-) Hugs

The Retired One said...

I never heard of putting bags over plants when it rains alot, so they don't get too wet..what a great idea!
Sounds like you are having such a fantastic "staycation"...sometimes they are the BEST vacations, aren't they!?

Bernie said...

Gail, you have so many challenges and yet never complain. You are such an inspiration my friend. I wish I were closer to be able to help in some way.
So glad your mom is adjusting and happy that you are on the mend. Keeping you and all your family in my heart and prayers....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Gail, thanks. I am trying to fix this problem now.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Linda I have been watching on the news and see how hot it has been. I love the sun but not sure I would adopt as well as you have. I hope you have A/C. Drop by anytime my friend, love hearing from you.
......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Kathy, your welcome. I enjoy visiting you very much....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Cathy, I am so enjoying my summer. It has been pretty amazing really considering I have not gone to far from home. Have a great week my friend......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

laurie, I can see that happening to me this summer....the flowers are so full and beautiful and I have never seen them grow this huge before......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Cherrie, hopefully one day soon I will post pictures. I hope you have a great week....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Andrea, it is nice to be able to be busy enjoying the summer months. Have a great week....Hugs

Bernie said...

glnoz, oh my but it is hot where you are. I hope you have gentle breezes this week ...... Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Stillness, I hope you are enjoying your summer as much as I have. I am happy to say I am doing well, it is good to feel good. Have a great week my young friend. I think of you often....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Joan, I have sent you an e-mail. Blogger has been playing tricks with me.....yuk!
Hope you are well and enjoying summer.....how is that beautiful new baby?.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Wanda, it is not you having a problem sweetie, it is blogger. It has not listed when my friend Joan post and last night it showed me Eileen had posted 2 weeks ago. Not to worry, somehow I know we would always know to check on each other if too much time went by. Have a great week my friend. Big Hugs to Miss Alivia......:-)

Bernie said...

AC, I prefer Jasper to Banff as well as it doesn't seem to be commercialized......from the air you can see the shape of the city in the letter "J". I thought it was cool to see it this way.
Have a great week....:-) Hugs

Mollye said...

Hi Bernie, We refer to those stay close to home vacations as Staycations and they can be more fun than traveling long distances. Sure hope you and Terry have a good visit and she comes out well with her procedure. You've been such a sweet friend to me. Luv ya, Mollye

Donna said...

You have been busy! I would love to see your baskets of flowers. My flowers are in need of a good soaking rain. The heat here is terrible this summer.
I have never been to Canada but would love to one day.
You have a good week.
Hugs,
Donna

Darlene said...

Bernie, I love the mountains also. Sounds like a wonderful 2 days. I could easily do something like that. You are so sweet and I am so glad that you have been visiting my blog.
Means a lot to me. Thank you and you know with my memory, I forgot what else you said in your post, so for now, have a great week.

chasity said...

canada seems like such a lovely place filled with friendly folks.
maybe i can get up there some day!

i'm so glad your hanging baskets are "hanging" in there :)
my containers are cooked. literally.
it's been sooooo hot here.

fall is coming!

blessings~
chas

Denise said...

Thanks for the update, love you.

A Woman that Fears the Lord said...

Sometimes the nicest summers are those spent at home. I think the new name for it is 'staycations' (not sure if I spelled it right!). :-) How kind of you to support your friend during her procedure. I hope everything goes well...

I'm now following you.... Thanks for visiting my blog.

Debbie said...

enjoy your time and I hope your friends procedure goes well.!!! (I also LOVE the mountains...more then anywhere else actually!)

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

http://itistimetothinkformyself.blogspot.com/2010/08/55-flash-friday-55-is-written-by.html
an award for you,
Happy Weekend,
Cheers!
:)