An Amazing Couple

Hello my friends,

I know most of you are enjoying wonderful Spring weather with everything green, many blossoms on your fruit trees and playing in your gardens. We can't do that here yet as we still have lots of snow and it was only +3 on my deck today. We are suppose to warm up this weekend and be really warm by mid week. We do live in a winter province and those of us who live here know we can have snow any month of the year and we have.

I went and picked out my new glasses this afternoon then stopped in at a friends for coffee. Pat (she is the lady I bought my condo from) called me this morning, she is full of cold and has a bit of flu. When she invited me over I didn't have the heart to tell her my immune system is low as I knew she didn't want to be alone. I was so glad I did go. Pat and her husband Dave had taken their 2 daughters, their sons in law and six grandchildren to Hawaii on a 10 day vacation. It was their Christmas gift to them, and they only got back last week. She may have not been feeling well but she was so tanned and looked great. She was telling me about their wonderful trip and showing me pictures but there is one story I want to share with all of you.

Before going to bed one night, Dave, her husband reminded everyone they were having family pictures taken on the beach the following morning so they shouldn't show up in their bathing suits type of thing. Well the next morning they all arrived on the beach, the photographer was arranging everyone and had the adults standing side by side when Dave turned to his sons in law and said, "alright guys you ready" then the 3 men got down on their knees and asked their wives to marry them again.....the photographer was a minister and his helper was his wife. They renewed their vows as they wore the special marital lays their husbands had arranged for them, pictures were taken, and they were given marriage certificates, this is recognized as a completely legal marriage so now Pat shares a wedding anniversary with her daughters and this was done with all their grandchildren present. Dave had arranged all of this before they even left Canada. They had a wonderful champagne breakfast with a beautiful 3 layered wedding cake. I had tears streaming down my face as she told me all about it and seeing the pictures, well it was all so beautiful.

Dave came home while I was there, he came in carrying a bag of citrus fruit, bottles of ginger ale and Tylenol for colds. When he kissed her hello and she smiled at him they were both glowing. Pat and Dave have been married 40 years and are one of the nicest couples I know. They welcomed me to Morinville and we have continued to be friends for all these years, they are an amazing couple with an amazing family. I am so happy for them, their story is a true love story and what an example they have set for their daughters and their families.

I only wish I had a picture to show you, they only look 40 years old.....guess that is what true love does for you.

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

Alberta in May

Hello my friends,

Just a few photos to show you what I woke up to this morning. It is still snowing lightly but what is really bad is the wind which is gusting sometimes to 80 kms an hour causing blowing snow, white outs and making the highways very treacherous. There are many accidents happening and unfortunately a family riding in their truck has slid into a train and all have been killed.

It seems we have about 8 months of winter here in Alberta then Spring, Summer and Fall fight over the other 4 months.

I have a lovely fire in the fireplace, a cup of French Vanilla Coffee and am waiting for my movie to come on soon. It is warm and cozy inside.

Stay safe and warm my friends and if you are living in a stormy area please stay home and off the roads unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.

God Bless.........many, many hugs.......:-)

I Am Feeling Well

Hi Everyone,

Just a few lines tonight to say I am feeling so much better. It has been a rough few weeks. I will continue taking the B12 shots for a while longer and have my blood work done on a regular basis for a few months. We are hoping to boost my immune system and the good Lord willing we will. I want to feel 100% soon as my sister and her husband are interested in going on a cruise to Alaska with me, now that is something to really look forward to. It won't be until this Fall or next Spring but I know we can make it happen. It is something I have always wanted to do.

Our weather has been brutal. My niece lives in Calgary and they received 22 cms. of snow over night and today. In fact the highway was closed for the better part of the day due to heavy snowfall and many accidents. Here in Morinville it was cold, snow flurries this morning and rain off and on throughout the day. We may get snow tomorrow. When I look at all your pictures and see your flowers blooming and those beautiful lilac trees I am amazed as we are not near that stage yet. I am optimistic the growing season will arrive soon.

I am waiting for the handy man to replace 2 boards on my deck, it then needs to be painted and then I will put out my wicker furniture. I won't hang my baskets or plant any flowers until the first week in June at the earliest.....I am so looking forward to it.

Since I have been ill I have been trying to keep up with most of your blogs, one of my blogging friends has passed away, 2 babies have been born and so many are going through treatment. I think of each and every one of you every day and not a day goes by that I don't say a special prayer for all of you.

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

Ordinary People with Manners

Dear Friends,

Hope you all had a good week and will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the weekend.

We had lovely weather for a few days but yesterday and today were windy, cold and wet. It almost feels like it may snow. This type of weather is very hard on the arthritis.......In my next life I am going to be a weather women as I am just as accurate predicting the weather as the man we have here on TV.

Yesterday I was guest speaker at a Capital Health Luncheon, I spoke on "living with terminal illness and chronic pain." There were about 80 people there, some patients with family members or friends and others were care givers. Sometimes when I speak at these events I don't feel any one is paying a lot of attention but yesterday was a good day, people were interested and listened. Many stayed around after lunch and speeches asking questions and we were happy to spend time with them answering their questions as best we could and what we didn't know we were able to refer them or give them telephone numbers where they could call for help. Later in the afternoon I had to drive a friend downtown Edmonton as his truck had been recalled so he had to pick it up. He was asking about my volunteer work and what kind of people I dealt with. I looked at him and said "just ordinary people with manners" and I cannot think of a better way to describe them. They live and always will live every day of their lives knowing they will not get any better yet they were so thankful that we cared about them and wanted to help them, they were pleased to receive the information and the references we gave and they were a pleasure to help out. What really made an impression on me was how they spoke softly and use words like please, appreciate and thank you, they didn't act like they were entitled to anything but they did act very grateful. Sometimes I have found manners today have become a lost art. Working with these kind of people make volunteer work so worthwhile and encourages me and my co-workers to want to learn more, to help more and make these people's lives just a bit easier. I love to hear them laugh and see them smile.

Today I had another B12 shot and will continue having one every week for the next 3 weeks. I am feeling better but still quite tired so hopefully these shots will give me a bit more energy. All in all it has been a productive week. I have been invited to join friends tomorrow, they are going to the lake to open up their cottage for the season and I would really love to go especially if we have nice weather, if it is cold and wet I think I will sit home by the fire and read my new novel.....what are your plans?

God Bless.............and many, many Hugs.....:-)

Happy Birthday Terri

Today we have another lady in our village celebrating her birthday. Terri of "Just for the Health of It". Terri and I live in the same part of Canada, at one time we even worked for the same company and we both began blogging within a couple days of each other.

Terri is actually quite shy, I love to play Miss Meet and Greet so when I would run into her in the halls or lunch room I wouldn't give her much choice but to acknowledge me with an hello and she always did with a big smile. We don't get to see each other very often any more since I am no longer in the work force but it always is nice when we manage to meet for lunch or run into each other at Chapters Book Store.

Terri has a lovely family and is blessed to be able to spend time especially with her daughter and granddaughter.....I always feel happy after reading one of her post which includes fun times with her family or walking her sweet little dog Molly.

Happy Birthday my friend and I wish you a wonderful day filled with family, friends and fun. Have lots of cake and ice cream Just For The Health Of It.

I hope you all will take a moment and pop over to Terri's and make her day just a little bit more special by sending her your good wishes.

God Bless...............as always many, many hugs :-)

Hey I'm Getting There.....I Think

Oh my dear friends,

Your comments and e-mails have filled my heart with such love and gratitude. Thank you for your prayers, good wishes and many blessings.

Just a short post to let you all know I am doing okay. I saw my doctor today and it appears my immune system is turning on itself and this is what is making me ill. He has ordered more test......(a sarcastic grin here) and he also gave me a vitamin B12 shot today, with more to come....yay!

Honestly I really did have a nice day. I met 2 of my sweetest friends at Boston Pizza for lunch and we sat and talked for over an hour after we finished eating. It was great, we chatted and shared and laughed a lot. I so needed this as it feels as though it has been weeks since I have felt like going out socially. I also brought home my left overs and ate them along with a chunky salmon skewer I BBQ'd for my supper. It was delicious.

Our weather has been absolutely beautiful, +27 on my deck today. We desperately need rain, our farmers are really praying for more moisture and it looks like their prayers will be answered on Thursday.

I also met with my accountant concerning my income taxes yesterday and he has advised me that a mistake has been made with my income taxes over the past several years. Apparently a disability form had not been filled out and included with my tax forms, it means (so he tells me) that once an amendment form has been filled out and filed on my behalf I will be able to take a cruise around Alaska.....not really but this is something I want to do and I just may be able too now.....so all is not so bad, just have to get this immune system straighted out and all will be well with the world.

Okay my neighbour just stopped in and we are going to bike to Tim's for a coffee, will talk to you all real soon.

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

We Can Only Do Our Best.....Then Let It Go

Dear Friends,

It is so good to be back with you, I am not feeling 100% yet but I am better for which I am very thankful. I had to deal with a bit more than what I thought was flu but what is important here is that I am on the feel good road now. I need one more IV and hopefully my thyroid and potassium levels will be normal and I will be able to get moving again. I am so looking forward to being outside, although our weather hasn't been great lately it is suppose to be absolutely gorgeous this weekend.

You know while I was sick I would manage to visit a few blogs and sometimes add comments. I saved my energy mostly (not always) to comment on those post where I thought perhaps I could help. There was this one blog I followed which I found very sad. A blogger (from the UK) mother is dying, the daughter along with outside health care workers are helping her mother go through the dying process. The daughter's anger showed in every post. I felt her anger through my screen, she resented any decision her mother made on her own behalf, she resented having to take time out of her day to care for her mother be it a bit of shopping, making a cup of tea or piece of toast or do a load of laundry.....she seemed to resent everything about her mother and her mother's illness, I especially noticed her resentment for what she perceived was a lack of help from her brother. My heart ached for the mother, the daughter well for the whole situation really. I had been commenting for awhile when I received an e-mail expressing that I did not know her, her situation and that she didn't appreciate my comments. This came after I had advised her that things could turn around quickly and perhaps she should put off her vacation for a while. Her mother had not been eating or drinking for several days and the nurses were trying to arrange a bed for her in hospice care. In my heart I didn't want her mother to pass when she was away on vacation, I thought she may feel guilty by not being there......well I very wrong. I learned a lesson from this experience, that even though some people blog and put their feelings and what they are dealing with out there in blogsville it doesn't mean they want any feedback especially feedback that may not agree with their line of thinking. If you agree with them.....that's okay......but if you disagree well don't tell them or you are going to get an earful. Did it bother me?....Honestly no it didn't. I know I tried and I also know my heart's intention was to support this lady. Would I do it again, of course I would, it is what I do. Will I return to her blog to do it, no.......my motto is and has always been "do no harm", I learned a long time ago that you cannot help anyone who doesn't want to be helped. Some people just enjoy complaining, thinking they deserve praise and sympathy for doing what they should be doing anyway. Also, I am not perfect, I make mistakes and I may be wrong in making any kind of suggestion ....just because I think she should be there in case her mother needed/wanted her there when she passed away.... well the daughter is right, I do not know anything about their situation really. I only know what she blogged about, in fact I only commented on what she had blogged about. I did e-mail her and apologized for her being upset with what I had suggested and assured her that I would continue praying and would not offer any more advice on her situation, I will respect and be more sensitive of her feelings. I am giving a speech next week on dealing with chronic pain and terminal illness, this experience has given me many power points too use and hopefully it will help someone else in how to share their feelings during similar crisis. In the meantime I will continue to pray for this family as I know from experience this situation will get much worse before it gets better. A heart without love and empathy but filled with anger and resentment is a heart that needs many prayers and much healing,.....what is even sadder after several months of blogging I was one of only 3 who followed her and I was the only one who ever commented. I use to wonder why the other two never commented, perhaps together we could of supported this poor lady.

I know I have enjoyed and learned from every comment I have ever received, I always appreciated someone making the effort to show me they cared, and that included even those who didn't agree with me but helped me see another point of view. Those who follow me know I respond to others with my heart, I am not always right but I always have love in my heart with my truth of how I see a situation. I believe in honesty, loyalty and respect and sometime say some things that may not be pleasant to hear but needs to be said.

The Stanley Cup Play-offs started tonight, in fact I am going back and forth between 2 channels trying to keep up with both games.....and what about that Phil Michelson winning the Masters on the weekend....were you like me.....I had tears in my eyes as he hugged his wife Amy after his win. Good things happen to good people and I loved it. I still am a fan of Tiger's golf game and I do hope his game and his life will become balanced and happy......to me he is one of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. I am so thankful I get to watch these talented people.

Hope you are all doing well and enjoying beautiful Spring weather.....I plan on it this weekend in fact I can't wait.

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

Happy Birthday Diana

Dear Friends,

I am still down with a touch of flu but I just couldn't let this special day go by with out telling you about a wonderful friend of mine. Today we are having another birthday in the village. Diana, of Welcome to My World has been a good neighbour in our village from the very beginning. She is not only a wonderful person, she is a marvelous wife, mother and grandmother. She has a wicked sense of humor and makes us all laugh and sees the humor in almost every situation. We all love and appreciate her friendship and I for one am so thankful to call her my friend.

I hope you will take a moment and stop by to wish her a Happy Birthday on this her special day.....let's make it just a little bit more special for her.

Happy Birthday my dear friend, our village is so much better for having you in it, I have loved having you in my life this past year. I hope you will find it to be your best birthday ever.

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

Wonderful Gifts From Wonderful Bloggers

Friends, just wanted to add a note to this post:

I am sorry I haven't been commenting but I have been sick the last couple of days with the flu. I hope to be back blogging on a regular basis really soon. Thank you all for understanding.......:-) Hugs

I had set a post for last night but somehow blogger not only didn't print it but now I cannot find it.......when I went to publish it manually it went into cyber space. Sometimes I feel I wasn't meant to use a computer.

Over the past several months I have received gifts from all of over the world. I have e-mailed or sent thank you cards to these lovely bloggers who were so very thoughtful. Last nights post included links to each blog but I fell asleep worried that I may have left someone out.....perhaps this is the way it is suppose to be. They know how thankful I am for the their

I have received doilies, sachets, refrigerator magnets, several book marks, soaps and a journal. I have also read two published books written by two of my favorite bloggers, one was called Visions, written by Victor Semoubarak a favorite author of mine. Everyday on his bog, Time for Reflections he writes about a priest, Father Ignatius and his parish. After reading Victor's book I passed it on to my niece and great niece. My great niece who is 14 loved it and I loved how she learn so many life lessons in such a kind and gentle way. She asked many questions and gave me the opportunity to help her with certain life problems which she is experiencing right now. I would absolutely recommend this book for all those who are teaching Catechism classes. It is a wonderful tool to have on hand to teach young people about our world today.

Another favorite author and blogger is Rose Marie Raccioppi. Her blog is called Apogee Poet and her published book is filled with the most wonderful poems. I encourage all of you to visit Rose Marie and Victor. I am sure you will be pleased with their blogs and talents.

I sincerely hope I have not left a much appreciated gift off my list, if I have it certainly was not intentional. I do not blog to received gifts, if I say something that can help or encourage someone through a difficult time then I am happy. I share my heart and realize that I do not have a monopoly on human feelings, I am not the only one who cares for others.......I feel that each one of us would and do reach out and help others whenever we can. Bloggers have a special bond, a certain connection to each other that cannot be found in any other genre....we are all blessed.

Aren't They Beautiful

Dear Friends,

I do hope you had a wonderful Easter - oh I had such a wonderful weekend. The doorbell rang Saturday afternoon and to my complete surprise I received these beautiful roses from a very special friend. I don't think I have every received white roses before and they are so lovely. I should take another picture today as they have bloomed so full and are ever so pretty.

Saturday was spent with friends, shopping, having a BBQ and fun around an outside fire pit during the evening. Sunday began with going to Mass, out for breakfast with a close friend and then later that afternoon I went with a dear friend to her daughters for Easter dinner. She served my favorite meal, Turkey with all the trimmings and of course I had to push it and have dessert. It was just a perfect day.

Our weather has been so beautiful, not as nice as where some of you live but for Alberta it was absolutely gorgeous. +20C one day and I was able to clean my tiny back yard and prepare my flower pots for planting. I need to replace a couple of 2 x 4's on my deck and then it needs to be painted, well I'm sure I can do the painting but I will have to hire someone to replace the boards.

My neighbour Ron brought me over a swing for my deck and when he was coming through the gate he bent down and picked up my long lost keys. I was so happy to get that Harrods key chain back, the keys are not much good as most of the locks have already been replaced. I just couldn't believe how they were just lying there when I had looked in that same spot at least a hundred times. Unbelievable.....

We are having another lovely day today, I have already been outside playing in the dirt.....and I am really looking forward to planting my flowers this year. I also want to get a couple of more bird houses and if I can find the room for it I would love to provide a bird bath for my wonderful visitors. I love my townhouse condo but if it has a drawback it would be I don't have much front lawn or back yard.

Ivy the little girl that comes in and cleans for me every 3 weeks is upstairs cleaning and I am taking a break from washing flower pots......She is coming down for a cold drink in a few minutes. I also have an appointment in a couple of hours so I will need to shower and dress up for that. Ahhhh life is so good especially right now my friends.

I just finished watching Tiger's interview, it is good to see him coming back to golf. It is even better hearing him taking responsibility for his actions. I believe him. He loves his wife, children and mother.....he knows he has made mistakes and he refuses to blame anyone other than himself. I have to say for me that makes me hope for him even more.....I want him to be successful and I want him and his family to be happy and healthy. Personally I think it is so much more important to have peace of mind and heart, knowing contentment and being loved and respected by your family and friends than winning any kind of tournament or being famous. I think Tiger will find it is much easier taking a step up the ladder than taking a step down that same ladder. Good Luck Tiger and may you always follow the path you are following now and your journey be one of peace and love.

Springtime is such a wonderful time, this week the baseball season has started, one of my favorite golf tournaments, The Master's is happening but the best part is my friend Terry will be home soon from wintering down south.......we have so much to catch up on, can't wait.

Have a great week everyone, God Bless......many, many hugs....:-)

A Walk To Remember

Dear Friends

Today as I was at Mass I began to think of my life and all the things I have lived through...the good.the bad.the ugly. Realizing that I will 63 in a couple of months I thought to myself "am I where I wanted to be" by this time in my life?

It was a beautiful Spring day here in Morinville, very windy but sunny and I found myself wishing I had walked to church instead of driving. I suddenly had the urge to walk and to think......so I drove home and headed out for a walk.

I don't think I had ever given much thought to who I wanted to be when I grew up, I just assumed I would be a wife, mother and part of a community who had the same likes and dislikes as I did. No I didn't set the bar very high for myself did I, but the sad part is I didn't even meet this bar.

If I had made a list many years ago I am sure it would of been much different than the list I mentally made today. Mentally my list became crystal clear as I walked among the beautiful budding trees and fresh smell of Spring. I would of wanted to be the best wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend I could be. On my list I would have been kind, caring and most important non-judgemental. Sounds good doesn't it......I also realized that it is much easier to talk the talk then to walk the walk. I have become so impatient with people who speak differently than I do or believe differently or who I feel have just got it wrong. Who am I to say I am right and they are wrong....note to self: do.not.judge.others. No I do not want to lower my standards, morals or beliefs but I want to strengthen my resolve to love and understand others while standing up for those less fortunate.

Perhaps it is the Easter Season and Lent coming to an end for another year or it being Holy Week that had me deep in thought today, it doesn't matter. I only know I have so much to improve about myself so here is my list:

a) Do not judge others
b) Recognize I have much to learn....I do not know everything
c) Love always, as in turn the other cheek
d) Never laugh at others expense....remember they have feelings too
e) Appreciate everything and everyone that I have in my life
f) Never gossip/respect others always......treat others as I want to be treated
g) Always help those less fortunate - be happy that I am able too

I realized today that I have people in my life that love me no matter what I say or do. They are called family and friends. I am so thankful for so many things in my life but I am most thankful for my Faith. With Faith comes hope, hope for peace for my family, my friends and my country. Peace comes with a price, that price is called Forgiveness, without Forgiveness there can be no peace ever.......so I give thanks tonight for my beautiful day of prayer, meditation and my heart which right now is filled with love, understanding and forgiveness.......now to live this way every day will be my challenge.

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

Happy Birthday Wanda

Happy Birthday my dear sweet friend. Because of your encouragement I have found a whole new world existed...."blogging," because of you I realized there truly are no strangers in my life only friends I have yet to meet, and because of you I have learned that the words Silent and Listen have the same letters in them and they are your favorite words, which by the way describe you perfectly.

You have shared your wonderful family, your home and the beautiful land where you live with all of us. With each of your post and comments I see the love you feel for your family, nature and friends. It could be a heart shaped rock, a delicious recipe or a visit from one of God's amazing creatures, your photo's show how you appreciate them all. The pictures of your grandchildren are so heartwarming and I love knowing how close you are to each of them.

In your quiet way you have shown all of us what can be accomplished with a smile and a heart full of love. Thank you for being my friend. Love you bunches and know that I am wishing you a very Happy Birthday....may it be your best day ever. Big Hugs to Alivia.......:-)

Dear friends if you get a moment please pop over to Moments of Mine and wish a lovely lady Happy Birthday.

Time To Breathe

Dear Friends,

Today there are so many people filled with anger, tension and hostility. It is time for the harsh words to stop and for everyone to breathe. Inciting people to hurt one another is wrong, using language like liar, hate, killer is wrong. Violence solves nothing. It is a shame that those who have the power of a microphone can do so much damage with their words. Words can and do hurt.

I am not qualified to say who is right or wrong but I am qualified as a human being to encourage others to leave hate out of any equation, it is time to think of others as well as yourself and it is time for forgiveness not revenge. This is the season of Lent, with all that was done to Our Father did he speak evil of others, incite others to hurt or maim.......no..... he asked his Father to forgive them. He sat an example for all of us...... now it is time for us to follow.

When I received this e-mail this morning I thought the timing was perfect and I wanted to share with all of you.

A story by a girl.

"When I was a little girl, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner
every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made
Breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my
Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned toast in front of
my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was
reach for his toast, smile at my mom, and ask me how my day was at school. I
don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him
smear butter and jelly on that toast and eat every bite!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom
apologize to my dad for burning the toast, and I'll never forget what he
said: 'Baby, I love burned toast.'

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he
really liked his toast burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, 'Debbie,
your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And
besides-a little burnt toast never hurt anyone!' You know, life is full of
imperfect things.....and imperfect people. I'm not the best housekeeper or
cook.

What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's
faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's differences - is one of
the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting
relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good,
the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of GOD.
because in the end, he's the only one who will be able to give you a
relationship where burnt toast isn't a deal-breaker! We could extend this to
any relationship in fact - as understanding is the base of any
relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship"


I know you all carry love and kindness in your hearts, please share it with others at this time when it is so badly needed. I love and respect you all.

God Bless........many, many hugs :-)

Serenity

Dear Friends,

I have had a day of pure bliss. It was filled with love and all things beautiful. My spirit has been renewed and I am ready to face the coming week with energy and hope.

I wish you all good health, joy and happiness in the days ahead. May you all be blessed with calm, relaxation and much love. I pray that your days will be constructive and that we all make a point of doing something, even one thing to make someones week just a little bit brighter. It doesn't have to cost money, heck a kind word of encouragement is priceless. Open a door for someone, pick up an item that fell accidentally from someones arms, then enjoy the smile and thank you receive from that grateful person, let someone into your line of traffic. You could offer to drive a senior to a medical appointment, visit a sick friend or call someone who you haven't heard from in a while......there are many ways we can help one another.......let's just do it.

One of my dear blog friends said this week that I had a way of making everyone I talked to feel that they were very special to me, the truth is they are......when I meet someone for the first time right away I see that common thread between us, this is what I focus on, nurture and develop. I choose to respect any differences we may have, trying to never judge or be critical. After all, I wouldn't want them to judge or criticize me. I learned a long time ago no one is ever 100% right or ever 100% wrong. I have learned more by making mistakes or by being wrong than I ever have in being right or thinking I am right. Have a wonderful week my friends.

I am not sure what is happening in blogville but many of our friends are having serious health issues and I ask that you remember them in your prayers....Shauna, Denise, Lisa, Ron, Alle, Maggie, Harry, Maria, Nora and Lily are just a few of my blog friends whose burdens are heavy......love and prayers to them all.

Good Night, God Bless.........many, many hugs

What a Difference a Phone Call Can Make

Dear Friends,

Today began ......... not great! First it was snowing, the wind was brutal and it really was cold. Then someone I love very much misused my trust and of course having my feelings hurt didn't help my mood very much. It has just been one of those weeks. You know one of those times that anything that could possibly go wrong....did....yes that has been my week.... until tonight. Tonight my friend Annie called and we talked and laughed for over an hour. Annie lives in Nova Scotia, like me she is retired and is really enjoying this time of her life. She is so funny, and always can find something good in any situation no matter how bad it may seem. I really needed an "Annie" call tonight.



Meet Annie, this picture was taken when I was home last summer. She always comes to New Brunswick when Terry and I go home......she wants to see how much weight we have gained during the year.....LOL (I know she is reading this) Annie and I became friends in Grade 8, and have been friends ever since, in fact Annie and I are just two of a group of old school friends who I am happy to say are still friends after almost 50 years. You can think it if you want but we don't feel old at all. We have too much fun....her husband will attest to that as he was laughing very hard just hearing us laugh so hard on the phone tonight.

Here are 5 things about my closest friends you just may not know;

1. They love God, Nature and each other
2. They are loyal, loving, caring
3. They love to laugh and do so often especially when sharing a bottle of wine
4. They love Sports especially Golf
5. They are always there for each other, will travel many miles in any circumstance to help and support one another (we have done this many times for one another)


I have to say when Annie and I finished our phone call the world seemed like a brighter and better place, yes my world had been made right again. It is amazing just how much joy a phone call can bring, and turn a bad week into the best week ever.

I wish you all a wonderful friend like our Annie, especially when having a rough week as I had.

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

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day my friends, now don't forget to be wear'in something green unless you want to get pinched......and I am sure there is somebody just waiting to find someone not wearin' the green. There is a name for these people who like to pinch others but it is not a very nice one.

As for me I am wearing a green sweater and serving corn beef and cabbage for dinner. You know my ancestors (father's people) originated from Northern Ireland, Sligo area and I like knowing this. I only wish the Irish were known for more elaborate food than corn beef and cabbage or potatoes. Well I know they like their whiskey and love to dance and sing wonderful story like songs. I happen to love their music as well.







In 2008 my sister Sheila and I visited Ireland and I loved it. We stayed in Dublin and I found the people to be friendly, funny and very kind. We traveled by train to Sligo County to visit where our ancestors left many years ago only to arrive in Canada. I did not get the information I wanted but I plan to go back and really put some effort into learning more of our ancestry. I found myself enjoying the beautiful green fields, their cemeteries...yes I enjoyed reading the names and dates on the headstones. In fact there was nothing about Ireland I didn't like, well except it did rain quite a bit.......one lady on the tour bus was asked if she brought her umbrella and she said "of course I have but instead of everyone carrying an umbrella perhaps a huge umbrella should be put over Ireland itself then we all could enjoy it" She was so cute and we all laughed at her honesty, actually I think she was onto something myself. It was wonderful just knowing my feet were touching the ground that my very own relatives had touched many years ago. There is something to be said about knowing our past, some how the older I get the more I appreciate all those who have come before me and the more I want to learn about them. Yes learning more about my ancestors is a project I want to start very soon.

Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day my friends....God Bless.......:-) Hugs

Time To Move Forward......Again

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassions, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." > Elisabeth Kübler Ross



Dear Friends,

I do hope this post finds you all well and enjoying the Spring like weather we have been experiencing in Alberta. It has been lovely.

It has been a heavy duty week, filled with emotions of every sort. I have survived and have started moving forward.....again.

I had family staying with me a few days this week but they left last night and as much as I love my family and enjoy their visits I have to say I am really enjoying the quiet of my home tonight. It is so peaceful and I am so thankful for my many blessings.

I have missed you all and though I have tried to visit most of your blogs I realize it was a hit and miss for me this past week.......I had way too many distractions.

Jackie's memorial was lovely and I know she would of been very pleased. Her husband is not doing very well at all and we all are concerned for him, her daughters have been wonderful. They seem to have matured into beautiful women through all of this pain. I am so proud of them.

I do hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and I look forward to catching up with all of you over the next few days.

Thank you all for your loving words of support. They uplifted me in many ways especially knowing how much you cared.....love you all.

Good night, God Bless..........many, many Hugs :-)

My Friend Jackie Has Gone Home

My friend Jackie passed away about an hour ago. Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. I will be back blogging after her funeral and ask that you all pray for her family and me. I miss her already.

God Bless..........and many, many hugs......:-) Hugs

Dearest Friend

My dear friend

Today as I watched you sleeping I felt totally numb. It was so surreal to me and my heart was breaking for you or perhaps it was breaking for me.

We have been friends for over ten years. During this time we have worked side by side as co-workers, sharing lunches, helping each other to meet deadlines, shared stories of our families, laughed and cried together and always we encouraged each other through everything. I am the oldest so you looked to me for guidance and understanding and I tried to never let you down.

Later on we became neighbours when you and your family moved a few doors down from me. You cared for me the year after I had battled cancer and for that year each evening brought over a hot meal, you knew I wouldn't bother cooking for myself and you wanted me healthy so I would continue working. Your kindness and friendship was and is one of the best memories I hold in my heart. You kept my spirits high after my sisters had returned home and I had to live again on my own.

Today as I sit in your living room, I am remembering the day we chose the paint color for these walls and picked out the drapes now closed against the Spring sunshine, you were so happy then, full of life..... this was the first house you and your husband had purchased and would now call home.

I find it hard to understand what is going on around me now. The bed you sleep in is foreign to me in this room, the oxygen tank you breathe from, the many bottles of medication beside you and the tubes now a part of you are all so strange to me. I keep thinking of the words you spoke before you drifted off to sleep. I asked you if you were frightened and you said "no, I am to tired to feel anything." You have just come home after spending nearly 2 months in hospital. This is where you begged to come, you hated being in the hospital away from your family.

Your husband and daughters are at work, they seem to think you will be better soon and their lives will be back to normal. They only speak of when your better, but somehow I don't feel you will get any better than you are right now. No one speaks of your illness so it is hard for me to know what to do for you, what to say to you. You are unable to sit aside your bed, unable to even go to the washroom. As we looked at each other we both knew without speaking that this is not a good situation. Oh how I wish you would tell me what you are thinking, how you are truly feeling and more than anything I want to know why you don't talk to your family about what is happening, perhaps you have and this is the way you all want it to be.

Well my friend I want to tell you how much I love you, how much your friendship means to me and how I hold you in my heart and prayers always. Perhaps your family are right, you will get better and this dark sick room will once again become the bright living room it once was. Perhaps we will laugh together and share our days chatting over a cup of coffee......the way it use to be. Until this happens please know that you will be forever my friend and I will always stand beside you just as I sit beside you this afternoon. Welcome home my dearest friend, may God Bless you and the angels protect you as you journey through this horrible illness. I love you.

I began this post last night but was too tired to finish it so waited until this afternoon. As I read it over I realize I still feel the same and don't want to change my message to my dear friend. I ask you all to continue your prayers for her. I will update you all on her situation regularly as I see her almost daily.

I want to thank my dear blogger friend Cindy who helped me give my blog a fresh new look. Cindy your e-mail this morning was wonderful, so clear and easy for me to follow. I love the new look and love you for helping me achieve it. Oh I am so blessed with such wonderful blogger friends.

Have a wonderful day my friends, God Bless and ....... many, many hugs.

Welcome March

Dear March

The anticipation of your arrival has been met with great relief as you came in as meek as a lamb instead of a lion. When I awoke this morning the sun was shinning, the air clean and crisp and the hope you brought with you felt endless. Like an old friend I rushed to open my door to you, opened my windows so each room could feel your wonderful presence. I am so happy to see you again, it seems forever since I wrote my name next to yours.

This afternoon I spent walking on your melting snow, following the tiny rivers of water as it made its way through slopes and crevices of our sidewalks. I rushed home from an appointment so I could spend even more time with you before the sun went down. So welcome back and may you remain meek and mild for the few weeks you are here........you have not always been so pleasant to live with.

Enjoy this wonderful month of March my friends, it is a sign of so many wonderful things to come....St. Patrick's Day, Easter and oh yes......Spring.

God Bless you all.........many, many hugs:-)