Sadness, Frustration and Luxury

Dear Friends,

As I sit today by my warm fire watching the Olympics I feel so contented and happy, then a wash of guilt falls over me as I remember the earthquake in Chile last night and those who are trying to prepare for the tsunami. The weather has been so weird this winter, and the consequences has been devastating to so many. My prayers go out to all those affected by this latest tragedy.

I was frustrated after reading this morning's paper. The press has been brutal to our athletes and Vancouver as they host the Olympics Games. They were brutal on the Canadian Women's Hockey Team for the way they celebrated their Gold Medal Win. These reporters just don't get it. It has been a tradition for several years for all hockey teams who win a Gold Medal.......not just this team. Each winning team goes back out on the ice to toast the Games and their team mates....why? Simple.... many of these players will retire and this is the last time they will be together on ice after training/competing four years together. They wait until after they receive their medals and the arena has emptied before they toast each other, the games and their victory. Now I am not saying they are right or wrong, I am just saying this is what they do. Why some reporter who obviously knew about this tradition, had to sneak back in and photograph this team moment is beyond me, I wonder if he feels his 15 minutes of fame was worth it.

These have been an excellent Olympics. With all the diversity and the mild weather the Canadian Olympic Committee has done a fabulous job keeping it all together and getting it done. The death of the Georgian Luger was devastating but they soldiered on so that all those who worked so hard these past four years would have the opportunity to compete. Not only our Canadian athletes but all of the athletes representing their Countries have given us their best performances, I loved all of their beautiful personalities and strong discipline. Now Canadians are not a boastful people and I admire this trait but when I see a spontaneous game of street hockey begin after a hockey win or people breaking into song, automatically singing the Canadian National Anthem.....makes me proud. We don't have the great numbers to choose our athlete's from, yet those who are chosen work so hard, play harder and dream bigger. So as the last couple of days wind down let us all celebrate each other, not only the ways we are alike but even our differences. All of these young athletes deserve our respect and I for one am so happy they shared their excellent skills with us.....they have brought so many of us much entertainment, excitement and joy these past two weeks and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for sharing their shinning personalities and wonderful professionalism with the world. All of you were great, and Canadians are as proud of you as your own Countries. To me all of you deserve a Gold Medal for your efforts.

I want to share with you my new purchases, they are heavenly to a me as I suffer with peripheral neuropathy......so anyone with this same problem I highly recommend these, they are great!




Sheep Lined Slippers.......almost as comfortable as my UGGS!




Sheep Lined Foot Warmer, okay so it is a bit of a luxury and not a necessity oh but it is wonderful......should of bought one of these years ago.

Wishing you all a wonderful Sunday, God Bless..........and many, many hugs:-)

To My Blogger Friends

Hello my friends,

It has been just over a year since I began blogging. I backed into it really. One day when opening up Google I saw the word blog and clicked on it just to see what it was about and that was how I began my relationship with all of you. I have grown to love blogging, you all have expanded my world by making me part of your blogging lives.

During this past year we have shared good times and sad times, weddings, death of loved ones, the birth of new babies, purchase of new vehicles, all things that happen in our every day lives. Some of my friends have been very ill and now are feeling better some are still very ill. I prayed and continue to pray for all of you as you have for me.

In the beginning there was a small group of us ladies who came together, supported each other and taught each other how to post pictures, add a link or a signature to our post. We all were new at this and we had fun watching each other grow into our own. We became known as the Village, I do believe it was Terri who named us. Well now I am missing my village friends.......they still have their blogs but don't post as often. They are very loyal though and always comment and support those of us who are still here on a regular basis. I know we all have busy lives, other commitments and are involved in other activities but it doesn't keep me from missing those days of old as we struggled to master the art of blogging.....in fact I'm still not sure I have mastered it but I know I am still enjoying it very much. We all have made new friends and enjoy many other blogs as we found our niche into this arena. Some are drawn to nature, decorating, politics, religion and other interest.......and this is fine as I know the golden thread that has weaved us together is strong and will always keep us bonded in a special way. Somehow I feel we will always be friends and continue to keep in touch. I know I will as all of my blogger friends have become so very important to me. Some I feel very close too and I care for them as I do my family. I am happy to say we keep in touch through Facebook and e-mails, letters, cards even telephone calls.

I find myself checking to see what kind of weather you are having and if one has a doctor's appointment I say a prayer that the roads are good and you will be safe, as I wait to hear the results of your appointments. You have made me laugh so hard at times the tears have rolled down my cheeks and I have spilled my coffee as I read some of your expressions, when you were hurting or worried I found myself holding back tears and not always successful as I prayed all would work out for you. Oh yes you all have become very special to me.....

I want to thank each of you for making my blogging experience a positive one, I thank each of you for your comments, I love them and I love knowing you remember me in your prayers.....believe me I need them.

Blogging has opened a whole new world for me and it has been a wonderful experience. It is because of you that I have grown to love blogging, and I thank all of you for your kindness, honesty and friendship. I feel so blessed to have all of you in my life, my life has been so enriched because each of you has added to it.

God Bless each of you..........and many, many hugs :-)

I'M RIGHT HERE.......

Hello my friends.......I received an e-mail today asking where have I been. I have been home watching the Olympics and loving every moment of it.

I love watching these young people compete. You all know I am Canadian and yes I am cheering for Canadians but I am also cheering for everyone of these competitors. They are all inspirational......to think they have practiced thousands of hours to perfect their skills. Their parents and siblings have sacrificed their time, money and themselves so their talented child could find their true potential. Their discipline and hard work can be wiped out in sixty seconds yet they will risk everything to be the best they can be. I am in awe as I watch them, their hair blowing in the wind and cheeks flushed with excitement. I love them and cheer for them all. Nationality doesn't matter to me, nor does the language they speak. I do not need to know their language to understand everything they are thinking and saying as they perform. It is all on their faces, their actions and re-actions says it all.

I guess you can tell I love the Olympics, always have. I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to watch these games in a warm home with good food and treats as close as my kitchen. For a few hours a day I get to live vicariously through these athletes and live their stories. I so believe in them and wish them their best performances ever. This is their time to excel and my time to enjoy.

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

Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

Tomorrow is Valentine's day and also your birthday. I remember how dad would always tease you about being his birthday valentine. I miss you mom.

We had our differences when I was a child, but from the time I was 13 years old I don't think we had a cross word between us, even if I did something wrong you would always help me and oh the things we never told Dad. You always were there for me, and I always knew it. With you I felt safe and loved always. What a blessing you were to me mom. I still have the tape from my answering machine that you left your last message to me on and when I long to hear your voice I play it over and over again. It makes me smile, cry, happy and sad. I am so thankful I have it as your voice is a little piece of heaven to me.

I like to think that you are with Dad, Woody and Scotty. Thinking of you all together lightens the ache in my heart when I miss all of you so very much.

We had so many good times, times when we laughed so hard that you had to sit down to catch your breath. Just silly little things that only a mother and daughter would laugh over. We cried together over our hurts and we held on to each other when we were worried or disappointed. How lucky I was to have had you. We shared the last five years of your life together almost as one.....everyone else had someone, you and I had each other and I thank God every day that he gave me this special time with you.

Mom it still bothers me that on the day I drove you to the hospital I wouldn't let you smoke in my car. If I had known you would never be coming out of the hospital I would of let you smoke the whole package. I honestly didn't realize how sick you were. When you ask me to call Father McKee to anoint you with the last rites and there were just the 3 of us there, I still didn't think I was going to loose you. I guess I was in deep denial as I wanted to think we had many more years together. It was only when your doctor showed me your chart indicating you had heart disease as well as cancer that I knew we were in trouble. You went so fast mom, I thought it was good that you didn't have to suffer but as the years have passed I wish we would of had more time than we did.

You accepted your situation with such courage and grace. You had no fear, you were ready to go home. You had such faith and you were tired. You wanted to see Dad again and I understood.

If I had you back again for only a few minutes there is nothing I could say that I hadn't already told you, except how much I miss you. You knew I loved you and you knew I would make it on my own. You always told me I had the strength to handle whatever came my way and I guess you were right. I have survived and live a life filled with love and happiness. You taught me that whatever happened in my life that God's grace would protect me and see me through and he has. Each night I pray the Rosary you gave me, I love it so much and feel so close to you as I touch each bead. You would love the CD I have with the Rosary and mysteries on it and I know you are smiling as I use to say to you can't we just go to sleep, do we have to say the Rosary......we always said it. When Sylvia would visit we would still say it and we both knew how happy you were that we were together to do so.

Everything has changed since you have gone home mom and although I don't like change very much we know it is inevitable.....again you taught me it is not about what happens but how we react to it. Your favorite saying was you can achieve more with honey than vinegar has always stayed with me. You also told me a smile cost me nothing but could mean so much to someone else. As I grow older I realize how wise you were.....I only had to listen.

I know you are at peace now mom and this brings me great comfort. Kiss my boys for me and I wish you a Happy Birthday in heaven........so love and miss you.

Hope Everyone Is Okay

Hello my friends, I know many of you have been snowed in the past couple of days both in Canada and across the border. My friend called me from Newfoundland yesterday and they were having a blizzard and much of the province was without power and I have seen on the news where many of my American friends live the snow was really coming down. I hope all of you are warm, safe and snuggled up by a warm fire with your love ones close by. Here in Alberta, the sun came out yesterday and oh it was so nice outside. Just to hear the birds chirping and feel the sun on my face was pure bliss. We have had very little sunshine this winter. Today we are back to dark clouds and cold temperatures but I am thankful for yesterday.

It has been a good week. I have started back at Curves and so love the feeling that only exercise can give me. My feet have been a bit of a problem especially at night but have been okay during the day.

I had a Spa day......Facial, manicure and pedicure......delicious. A treat for the body as well as the soul.




I am happy to say if Jackie keeps improving she may be home from the hospital next week. She will be on oxygen from now on but I know she will be much happier being at home with her family. Thank you for all your prayers.

Tomorrow will be another great day, church, a curling final and the Super Bowl. Go Colts......

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

I've Been Busy

Hello my friends, I know its Ground hog day but he won't see his shadow here in Alberta for sure.....we haven't seen the sun in weeks. I have been very busy with.... well just with life really.

My friend Jackie is still in hospital, it has been almost a month now and she is growing so weary.....she has been moved from ICU to step down ICU so that is progress in a way. I think I am as anxious for her to come home as she is, I really miss my friend and neighbour.

I received this poem by e-mail and just had to share it with you all.

Cleaning Poem

I asked the Lord to tell me
Why my house is such a mess
He asked if I've been "putering"
I had to answer yes
He told me to get off my butt
And tidy up the house
So I started cleaning up
The smudges off my mouse
I wiped and shined the topside
That really did the trick...
I was admiring my good work
I didn't mean to click
But click I did, and oops - I found
A real absorbing site
That I got so into it
I was into it all night

So nothing's changed except my mouse
It's as shiny as the sun
I guess my house will stay a mess
While I sit here on my bum!

"I love my computer because my friends live in it"

Have a great week everyone and thank you all for your prayers for Lisa. My eyes filled with tears when I visited your sites and saw her button, my village is the best.

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

Hope I Haven't Missed Your Post

Hello my friends, I have been having trouble with blogger lately and my reader is not showing me that you have posted. If I have missed any of you I apologize as it certainly was not intentional. I also have been having trouble opening some of my favorite blogs as well there are times I am unable to comment. Now I have had a new Virus protector put on my computer and I kind of think it may be the problem, so please hang in there with me until I figure it out.

You will notice on my side bar I have added a Pray for Lisa Smith button. Lisa is one of my young blogger friends who I have grown to love very much. Her and her husband live in Texas and have 4 beautiful children ages 10 and under. This week Lisa received the results of her biopsy and unfortunately it was not good news. She has sarcoma of the breast, this is not Breast Cancer but cancer of soft tissue found in her breast.
You can read about her at her post Glad Chatter. Once visiting her I am sure you will come too know and love her as I do. Please join me in prayer for Lisa by placing this button on your home page and encourage others to remember to prayer for this wonderful woman and her family.

I have had a very good and fulfilling week. I have been watching so many sports lately that the only part of me that was getting any exercise was my thumb as it pushed buttons on the remote control......so I am back at Curves every second day, it feels good to stretch out again.

Yesterday was filled with grocery shopping, hair cut, drug store, banking, and filling the car with gas and windshield fluid. Really don't need the windshield fluid now as it has turned cold again in Alberta and we are expecting more snow this weekend.......January has always been the month I have least liked, just find it so very cold and much too long, but we are almost through it....yahoo!

Have a great weekend everyone, God Bless and .......many, many hugs.

Rainbow After The Storm

Hello my friends, it seems like forever since I have talked with you and I am so happy to be back. Thank you all for your kind comments and concern, you are the best and the reason I enjoy blogging so very much. It will take me a while to catch up with all of your post but I will.

Rather than go into the details of my "away time" I would like to share with you some very important lessons learned.

I learned no matter how much you love and care for someone you cannot take their pain or their problems away from them. Love, though very important is not enough. Each of us must travel our journey using the tools the good Lord provided, so I suggest one better be their own best friend and really like and respect who they are. Oh we can and must always support each other and that does make the road less bumpy but each of us must take responsibility for our health, actions and words. Sometimes words said or deeds done can do more damage than a terminal illness.

I was blessed to share these days with someone I love very much, and would of loved to been able to take all of her pain away but in spite of my love, her pain was so very real and even more so very sad......she had trusted people who she thought loved her, perhaps they did in their fashion but their way of love had added to her burdens making her more ill, she was feeling used and alone. No one should ever feel this way.

I learned that one cannot base their happiness on someone else's unhappiness, life just doesn't work that way. I learned no one can take advantage or manipulate anyone unless that person allows it. I learned that everyone has boundaries which should be respected and not crossed. I learned to say no when I couldn't and yes when I could and both answers felt right in my heart. I learned that ones word is so very important and honesty is the best way.....always.

I have known these lessons a very long time, I just don't think about them very often. I want to encourage everyone to take care of their health, love yourself enough to share your truth and stand up for what you believe. Don't let anyone decide what kind of life you are going to have, take your power back and live a full, productive, happy life......always help and support others when you can but know the difference between helping and enabling.


I am so thankful for so many things today...a cup of hot coffee relaxing by the fireplace as a snow storm and the bitter cold rage outside my window. I am thankful for the quiet in my home and the peace within my heart. I am thankful for the rainbow after the storm.

Enjoy your weekend and God Bless......and to each of you many, many hugs.

Taking a Short Break

Hello my friends, due to personal reasons and other responsibilities I will be away for a short time. Will be back with you all very soon. Miss you already.

Good Night, God Bless and many, many Hugs:-)

Pollyanna......Who Me?

Hello my friends, we had another beautiful day in Alberta, plus 5 and the sun was shinning......I love it.

Yesterday I ventured into St. Albert to watch the Olympic flame being carried through the city on it's way to Vancouver and the upcoming Olympic games. I am so glad I did. We were only about 2000 people watching as the flame made it's way towards Edmonton who had something like 15,000 to 20,000 people turn out but then St. Albert is a much smaller city. There was a young mother with 3 children under the age of 5 and I took great joy in helping her with the children as we patiently waited for the torch bearer......they were a joy and so cute with their pink cheeks waving their red and white banners saying "Go Canada go", what fun. Anyway when it was over and people were heading toward a warmer place the lady thanked me and said I should of been named Pollyanna. I just smiled as I said my good byes to this family....thinking about a book I had read several months ago and the author had mentioned Pollyanna in one of his chapters.

Now I am sure all of you have been called Pollyanna at some time in your life or even called some one Pollyanna. This wasn't the first time I have been referred to as Pollyanna..... I remember the first time and how I felt. I was hurt and felt this person thought I was naive even ignorant because I tried to see the good in any situation. I like to think I am realistic and try to deal with each situation in a respectful but yes, positive way. Now when I think back how upset I was and how hurt my feelings were I realize what a waste of energy that was. Pollyanna is known for turning what was a unhappy town into a happy place, brought joy to those who were so joyless and taught people how to love and care for each other. So I guess if I am going to be compared to someone then I'll wear this nickname proudly.....although humbly. There is so much negativity in the world, people who are only concerned with themselves and people who look to blame others for their problems. I look at what is happening now in Haiti and my heart is heavy with concern and sadness. A small donation didn't make me feel any better either. I wanted to board a plane and in some small way bring some comfort to these people by holding a frightened child or hugging a grieving parent. I am not qualified to go to Haiti nor are my needles up to date. I called The Red Cross and checked. I only wish I were. In this time of unrest in our world I think it is time that we reach out and lend a hand to those less fortunate. We all love and take care of our families, friends and neighbours and if we don't we should. Let's remember these poor people who have endured so much, let's remember the fallen soldiers and the soldiers who even now are putting their lives on the line for our freedom, and their families who are waiting patiently for their loved ones return. Let's all become Pollyanna, share a smile, give a lonely person a hug and give of our ourselves even it's only to open a door for someone, make some cookies or give some of our personal time to those in need to make this world just a little bit better place.

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

Happy Birthday Eileen

I'm so excited, I just can't hide it.......someone in the village is having a birthday......Happy Birthday Eileen, and many, many more!

When I began blogging just over a year ago I met this wonderful lady, something I am thankful for everyday. She is a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her honesty is above reproach and she has always been there with a kind word for all of us who dwell in our wonderful village.....and for those that dwell elsewhere. She opens her heart to all. I love you sweetie and hope today will be your best birthday ever......I know you will be sharing this day with Jayden and Mia and I am sending them big hugs just to give to you.

January Thaw

Hello my friends......well we have had a real change in weather here in Alberta. It has warmed up and I love it. Now it is cloudy but it also is plus 6 right now, yesterday it was plus 5. I'll take a cloudy warm day anytime over the brutal cold we have been having. I was driving on the highway yesterday and ran out of windshield washer and what a horrid time I had to see, I finally made it back to Morinville and the first thing I did was stop and have my washer container filled up.

I spent some time cleaning up around my condo. I was able to shovel the deck, and pick up old bottles, bags and such that must of been blown in during our blizzard a while back. I also filled my bird feeders, they were completely empty. It has been so cold and the snow was so high and frozen that I had no way to reach them before the thaw came. I am going to have to think where I can put them so they are easy for me to fill before next winter, perhaps outside a window. I do like hanging them from my trees though. The trouble with living in a condo, you really don't own any land and I am one of the few who even have trees in my yard let alone a large deck.

I think you burn over 400 calories for every hour of snow shovelling, in that case I have an extra 1200 calories I can save up for whenever I feel like a treat. I am thinking about the bag of truffles I purchased from Costco before Christmas....if I open them I'll eat them all, I have no self discipline at all when it comes to chocolate.

One of my best friends and such a good neighbour is in hospital right now. She suffers from COPD and has taken a turn for the worse....please pray for Jackie that she may be well and return home to her family who loves her ever so much.

The days of 2010 are really going by quickly, have you noticed? The older I get I find the times just zooms by. I don't want to waste a second of it and that is why I enjoyed being outside a couple of hours yesterday and another hour today. Today I walked a few blocks to a friends house for coffee than walked home. Being so warm outside I found the children happier, the soften snow has made it easier for them to make snowmen, dogs were grabbing mittens and running from their owners and even met a usually grumpy old man that seemed frisky, it was so nice to have a warm conversation with him on the sidewalk, perhaps he is not really grumpy, he was probably just cold the other times I ran into him. I also managed to pick up a few groceries and pick up a few things I was low on. I will be glad when I am able to pick up my camera, it will be ready on Friday. Oh I do love a good January thaw, I know there is more winter to come but this break has been wonderful.

I hope you all are enjoying better weather as I know how cold it has been here and across the pond. I worry about my blogging friends being able to go out grocery shopping and keeping appointments. Stay warm my friends......

God Bless...........:-) Hugs

Chance Made Us Sisters - Hearts Made Us Friends

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHEILA



Oh today is a special day.....my sister Sheila's 65th birthday. Sheila lives in Evanton, Scotland and has for over 35 years now. This picture was taken in her kitchen which is her favorite room in her home. She has always been a wonderful sister, her passion is her family and she is one of the best cooks I know. She has the biggest heart in the world and would do anything to make the lives of her family and friends a little bit better and brighter.

Sheila is very special to me. When I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer she flew from Scotland to Alberta to spend 3 months with me. She was with me through my surgery and all the preparations for chemo and radiation. She went with me to see doctors and kept track of medications, appointments and helped me organize everything that this horrible illness required. She cleaned my home, made meals and did laundry. I so appreciate all the sacrifices she made to leave her home and family to be with me at one of the worse times of my life. Of all the many things my sister did the one I remember the most - which brought so much comfort to me - was she slept beside me every night, we laughed together and we cried together....as only sisters can do.




This is my sister with her husband, Murdoch. A wonderful man who loves to hike the hills of Scotland and cycles many miles through narrow trails many times a year with his son Murdo and friend Jimmy. He is so good to my sister and I love him for being such a wonderful husband to her.




This is a picture of Sheila and I when I visited her in 2008. We took a vacation to Ireland together after touring Edinburgh with her son Murdo and daughter in law Katy. We also toured the area around Evanton. Scotland is a beautiful country. I'm sorry this picture is so small, I had reduced it to fit my side bar and am unable to enlarge it to normal size....something about me and pictures that just doesn't click.
Sheila is not a blogger but reads my blog every day and always comments to me in our daily e-mails, she doesn't hesitate to correct any spelling errors, I call her my editor.

Happy Birthday Sis, I love you very much and miss you even more. May you have many more wonderful birthdays with your family and friends. I am so proud you are my sister.

Thank you my friends for allowing me to share one of the most important people in my life and I know you join me in wishing her a very Happy Birthday.

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

I Don't Do Windows Just Blinds

After sleeping almost 24 hours a day for the past 4 days I was awake early this morning feeling well rested and pretty good. I was up showered, laundry done and biscuits in the oven by 10 am......may not seem like much to you all but normally I am just coming downstairs, still in my housecoat, groping for my coffee as I try and focus on my daily newspaper at this time. I really don't get moving until lunch time oh but not today.

I had a "Diana" day, I cleaned my refrigerator, stove... well I shouldn't brag about that as it's a self cleaning oven, vacuumed, dusted and even cleaned my blinds. Oh the house is sparkling. I then cooked liver and onions for supper.....and it tasted great. Not something I could eat all the time but once or twice a year is fine.

This afternoon I was blessed with a visit from a good friend bearing Christmas gifts, we shared a glass of wine and had a wonderful visit.

Tonight my sister from New Brunswick called and we chatted for over an hour, she is doing really well and is going to Florida for vacation in March. If I get my passport renewed in time I just may join her. It was so good to talk with her, we last spoke at Christmas but there were so many of us she had to speak too we didn't chat very long but made up for it tonight. How blessed are those who have sisters.....so easy today to appreciate all the goodness in my life.

This was my day, productive and filled with love, family and friends. Most will probably find my day a bit boring but after a rough week I loved it. Tomorrow, if my cold is even better I am hoping to visit with my friend Tiffany, her mother, Miss Molli and Jayke her new baby boy, I don't want to give them any germs........ahhhh life is good.

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

Feeling Better

Hello my friends, I am so happy to be able to say I am feeling better. My temperature broke early this evening and I had a lovely bubble bath and managed to have a bowl of soup. It will take a couple of more days before I have all my energy back but compared to the last couple of days I am not complaining. I have to take the antibiotics for another 5 days but so far I have had no side effects. All is good.

It is still cold here in Alberta but it is suppose to really warm up by Friday. That will be so nice and quite a change. Most of us are used to the cold weather that Alberta has each winter but this year the cold and snow hit early, fast and furious. It does make for a long winter and interferes with plans especially if one needs to drive on the highways.

Thank you all for your good wishes, I so appreciate them. Now if I had waited just one more day you wouldn't of had to hear me complain at all. Let's hope this will be the last of colds and flu's for me this winter. I definitely need a break.

I hope you all are doing well and that no cold bugs are lurking about your homes or work place. Love you all.

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

Pass the Kleenex Please

Hello my friends, I do hope you all enjoyed bringing in the New Year! Well mine started well enough with a movie and Chinese Food but Saturday (I think) I woke up feeling horrible.....nothing serious compared to what some of my village friends are going through right now. Please know I am well enough to remember you all in my prayers.

The common cold has me feeling miserable. I am freezing all the time that is when I am awake. I am back on my favorite medication.....ta da....antibiotics for my swollen glands and cough syrup for my cough. Dr. John says I will be well again in 5 days.......I am holding him to his word.

I am able to read my favorite blogs between naps and I will be around to visit, I will post something more suitable soon I promise.

In the meantime God Bless and many hugs.......:-)

No Resolution To Loose Weight This Year

Happy New Year my friends, I wish you all love, joy, happiness and good health in 2010. I want to take this opportunity to say how much you have enriched my life with your words of wisdom, encouragement, support and prayers. I found myself laughing, crying, happy and sad as we shared our stories and our lives with each other during 2009. All of you have been such a blessing. I am very much looking forward to sharing 2010 together.

Every year I make a resolution to loose weight and exercise more.....Not This Year. It's the same, same, same.......Instead I am going to learn to "Appreciate" (my word for 2010 thanks to Dani) each day and whatever it holds for me. I am going to appreciate all that I can do, and not worry about what I am unable too, I am going to show my appreciation in every way I can. I want to continue to forgive, love and laugh easily. Goals I have made and met before and by doing so has made my life much fuller/brighter so next it's "Appreciation"......my life has been so blessed in so many ways now it's time for me to show my appreciation for all that I am and all I hope to be.

Tonight I am bringing in the New Year with 2 friends....we are going to see the movie Avatar and having dinner at our favorite Chinese restaurant. Tomorrow I am going to Mass then watching football all day as I cook a ham and vegetables for dinner which I am going to serve with a good bottle of Champagne....yummmmmm! Now that will be easy to appreciate, don't ya think?

I am looking forward to getting back to my normal routine. "It was good while it lasted now I'm past it". I want my house back to normal and I am ready for some quiet time. I want to begin a novel I had purchased before Christmas and one that I received for Christmas....it is going to be so nice to enjoy a fresh new start to a wonderful New Year, new decade really and all the challenges and greatness that it holds for all of us.

Happy New Year and God Bless..........:-) Hugs

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Hello my friends, I am home, in my own bed and it feels wonderful.

I had such a wonderful Christmas, we were so busy and every moment was full of fun, family, friends and food......my favorite was the time I spent with the children. I am blessed to have the sweetest great nieces and nephew in the world. Now Fallon and I spent hours sharing stories, jokes and just laughing together. One night at 3 in the morning we both woke up and laughed for an hour, we were tired and silly and everything seemed funny to us. I hold this memory close to my heart. Olivia is so sweet, she is beautiful and quiet....a real little lady. Olivia is very easy to entertain and so contented just being with Auntie Bernie....my heart overflowed with love for this little angel. Dylan is all boy, very busy and loves his mom. He is so cute, he rolls his eyes at me trying to figure out where I fit in with his family, gives me a grin and says in a very deep voice "Mom".....he was so easy to love and cuddle when it was just Auntie Bernie and Dylan time. I gave all 5 of them UGGS boots for Christmas and they were a great hit....

Our weather was cool and crisp, no falling snow and with my nephew doing all the driving I thoroughly enjoyed visiting their family and friends. All made me feel welcomed and this Christmas was one of my best ever.....My life is good, my heart is over flowing with love for my wonderful family.....I do hope you all enjoyed your Christmas as much as I did. I am so thankful tonight.....for all my blessings.

I still have a full week ahead of me and have to admit I am quite tired. My Christmas Tea was lovely....it was suppose to be for a couple of hours, but the first friend arrived at 1 o'clock and the last left at 7 o'clock. We opened stocking stuffers and gifts, ate delicious food and played parlour games. Pictionary was a great hit. These wonderful patients held the true meaning of Christmas in their hearts and I am proud to call them friends. They have taught me how special time is when it is filled with love and laughter. Oh yes, quality over quantity every time.

Before I began this post I began by trying to download my pictures....only to receive the message "no image found" that's right, having taken several pictures somehow or someone erased them.

Tonight my legs and feet are aching, my body is screaming for a good night's sleep and yet I have never felt happier in my heart. Life is good my friends, and it is only going to get better in the New Year Ahead......I know I plan on making it my best year ever.....what about you?

Merry Christmas

Hello everyone, it has been a few days since I have been able to post. Life has been so very busy.

We actually thawed out here on Wednesday, it never did get as warm as they said it would but anything was an improvement. I have been on the go every day since. Unfortunately I lost my key chain while cleaning off my car. These included my house, mail box and safety deposit box keys as well as a few others. We searched for hours the past few days but I'm afraid they will not show up until the Spring thaws. It cost a small fortune to have them all replaced but I really had no choice, I now have a new set of keys for everything and finally was able to open my mail box....note to self.......be more careful. Honestly I would rather give something away than loose anything.

Monday will be my last day of shopping, Tuesday I have my course and Wednesday I am hosting my Christmas Tree. It will be so much fun. I have wrapped and filled stockings for all my patients and on Monday I am picking up trays of vegetables, fruit and sweets. I have already got in the wine, cheese, crackers and chocolates. I am so looking forward to sharing my home and decorations this year.

Thursday, Christmas Eve I am going to my nephews. We will all go to Mass then over to friends for a full Christmas Dinner. Christmas Day these same friends will come to my nephew's for another full Christmas Dinner. Christmas night, Monique my nephew's wife, family arrives as well as more friends and it is always lots of fun. I am really looking forward to having this time with the children, they are 12, 4 and 2, just the right age to enjoy Santa Claus.

I come home on the 26th as I have a party to go to in Beaumont on the 27th. I have a good friend visiting from Washington DC who will be at her daughters for Christmas. Her daughter is hosting a party for all her mother's old friends. I am so looking forward to this as I haven't seen her in several years but we have always kept in touch. My only problem is the driving as I have never driven there before and I don't know what the weather nor the highways will be like on that day. Oh well, will just take one day at a time and enjoy the moment.

I will not be posting until the Christmas rush has calmed down though I will still read and comment on all your blogs I promise. I want to take this time to tell you all how much you have added to my life this year. I feel as though you are all family and I have so enjoyed being surrounded by loving, kind and caring "village" people. You know I can't think of another Village in Blogland where I would rather dwell.

I wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas....may you only know love, peace and health during this most beautiful time of year.

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

Almost A World Record.....Brrrrrrr

Hello my friends, I wasn't going to post anymore on the cold weather we have been having but since we almost broke a world record yesterday I just had to tell you. Now doesn't everyone talk about the weather when there is nothing else to say.

This morning at the Edmonton International Airport the thermometer read -59 with the wind-chill. I know it is hard to believe eh!. I live in Morinville, north of the airport and my thermometer showed -48 but it doesn't show the wind-chill factor, or at least I don't think it does.

I went outside for approximately 10 minutes to clean my car off and almost froze, I had dressed to go out in a long faux fur coat and hat. I wore mittens and my UGGS and the only part of me that wasn't cold were my feet. I thought my fingertips were going to fall off....now it is suppose to warm up beginning on Wednesday and then on Friday they are calling for plus 1 and rain. Hard to believe the weather will turn around that fast but oh I am so hoping it will. In Edmonton they found a man on his front lawn frozen to death.....so close yet so far away. We still are in the wind-chill warning area and are being told to stay inside.




This is a picture of Highway 2, on December 4th the day of the blizzard. This is the highway I use to go into the city. I don't plan on going into the city until the weekend and I am so looking forward to it as I am getting a bit of cabin fever.

It is still suppose to be cold tomorrow but I am going to teach our course as it is held here in Morinville. I was speaking with Danielle earlier and she is not sure any of our patients will be there as some of them travel the back roads to Morinville and they are not in very good shape.

God Bless my friends and please stay warm.....many, many Hugs.....:-)