Happy New Year

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves.
The book is called "Opportunity" and its first chapter is New Year's Day.
~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Christmas laughter

To hear 17 teenagers talking, laughing, and generally sounding like a busload of, well teenagers makes me smile. Most parents would be cringing...not me. Well maybe when I heard something crash to the floor...then it's only an object.

The political views, the personal views on a number of subjects, and the overall antics of teens. Wow, I don't think I could do that again. One especially reminds me of one that I 'grew up' with. Yep sounds just like him! Loud, opinionated and overall......a teen. Then there is another young fellow - more shy than the others it would seem. But I am sure he will soon begin to feel more comfortable among the others and us.

I have used this time wisely by wrapping gifts and catching up with friends on-line. As I sit here typing away I hear male voices approaching from downstairs. Wait it's two of them carrying a third! "My arms are falling asleep" D. reports to the others.

J. approaches me to inquire if I have any wrapping paper. Not my good stuff he says and only if I have extra. I tell him to help himself to the 'penquin' roll and off he goes. Wait, my scissers and tape have gone too...what are they up to?

Here they all come....noisily up the stairs. They are having a gift swap (yankee swap). One of the gifts is wrapped in my penquin paper. Yep, the poor fellow that they carried upstairs is lying on my kitchen floor. He will be a 'gift' for a period of 24 hours wherein he has to do what his recipient asks...such imaginations they have!! *Smiles*

Post update: 5 hours later and I am still sane. Yeah me! And considering that there were that many of them, the mess isnt' bad either. I hope they come back another day.

'Bud' held it close to his chest,
the project he had completed for me.

A request from well over a year ago.
He held the folder so she couldn't see.

I asked if it was what I thought...

His height making it hard to meet eye to eye.
His reply - so much an expression of him.

As he passed me the folder,
'I don't know' he said with a knowing grin.

The sketch - a juxtaposition of nuances and memories.

Count down is on

Well, the tree is finally decorated! (This is Ollie our pet Rat, he's not a decoration). We have used Black Rose's decorations and as you might have guessed, they are silver and black. The pictures of course don't do it justice.

Black Rose is sitting with me wrapping her friend's gifts while she unknowingly sings ..the boys and girls in toyland....he knows when you are sleeping, he knows when you've been good bad or good...... Okay, she knows now - she's just realized it.

We are extremely busy the next few days so we wanted to be sure to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Things to ponder for a bit

Be more kind than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle.
A sharp tongue can cut your own throat.
If you want your dreams to come true, you mustn't oversleep.
Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.
The best vitamin for making friends.....B1.
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.
The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge.

One thing you can give and still keep....is your word.
You lie the loudest when you lie to yourself.

If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished.
One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

Ideas won't work unless ' You' do.
Your mind is like a parachute...it functions only when open.
The 10 commandments are not multiple choice.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.. So love
the people who treat you right.. forget about the
ones who don't.
Believe everything happens for a reason.If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it.
Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

2009 Snow Ball Semi Formal

Well tomorrow is the big night for our High School students that are attending the winter Snow Ball Semi Formal. Wahoo...the ladies and gents have been shopping. Permission slips have been returned and all is sounding 'not too bad' for weather condition although it's snowing now.
Being teens, there's a bunch going as 'friends' to make up couples and singles. So they will still have a great time!
You might say that they are all 'pumped' reading through the FaceBook entries (LOL). Yep, I keep up with that 'vice' too. One has to these days you know.
Well gang be safe and have a GREAT TIME! Take loads of pictures...I want to see.

Canadian hip hop artist's song -FIFA World Cup tour

A remixed version of Wavin' Flag, a song by Somalia-born Canadian hip hop artist K'Naan, is the official song of a World Cup trophy tour currently traversing through Africa.

Wavin' Flag lyrics (not complete)

When I get older, I will be stronger,
They'll call me freedom, just like a Waving Flag,
And then it goes back, and then it goes back,
And then it goes back.....

Born to a throne, stronger than Rome
but Violent prone, poor people zone,
But it's my home, all I have known,
Where I got grown, streets we would roam.
But out of the darkness, I came the farthest,
Among the hardest survival.
Learn from these streets, it can be bleak,
Except no defeat, surrender retreat,

So we struggling, fighting to eat and
We wondering when we'll be free,
So we patiently wait, for that fateful day,
It's not far away, so for now we say........

K'Naan, currently on tour in Africa with the World Cup trophy, was born Keinan Abdi Warsame in Somalia in 1978 before moving to the U.S. and relocating to Toronto. His name, K'naan, means "traveller" in the Somali language.

This is not the first time a Canadian musician's song has been associated with soccer.
1.Forca, off Grammy Award winner Nelly Furtado's 2003 album Folklore, was selected the official song of Euro 2004, the European soccer championship.
2.Furtado, a Portuguese-Canadian raised in Victoria, B.C., performed the song prior to the tournament final in Lisbon.

Check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikX2tk3D1Xg

Cashew Cutie "CC"

I had made the comment that people don't like rats because of their tail and how it would be interesting to have one that has no tail. Rats regulate their tempature through their tails as well as use them to help with balance.
We rescued this little girl from being fed to snakes. She had no tail and we sometimes wondered if she was blind in one eye. She was more like a kangaroo in that she seemed to hop instead of run. But hop she did and quickly!! She (unlike our other rat) loved the water.
We named her Cashew Cutie, "CC" for short, because of her color and because she's a cutie. RIP 'little one' 11/29/09

Sometimes

Sometimes...
when you cry...
no one sees your tears.

Sometimes...
when you are in pain,
no one sees your hurt.

Sometimes…
when you are worried,
no one sees your stress.

Sometimes...
when you are happy,
no one sees your smile.

But FART just ONE time...
And everybody knows!!

Gotcha!! You thought this was going to be one of those heart-touching stories!

The 'Game'

Okay, so I am hooked!! I have always enjoyed watching hockey games, but I have truly enjoyed the ones that I have had the opportunity to attend lately. What is it about a bunch of guys and gals chasing around after a puck while wearing hockey skates with a stick in hand? Hmmm? Can you tell me?

The first challenge of course is to find the person(s) for whom you are seeking under all that equipment -shoulder pads, and all. Because of course, they are not built that like normally. Nor are they usually that tall. Let's face it, some of these guys are 6 feet tall with their skates on! Even short people like me look taller.

However, I must say that some of the players that we have seen have impressed me with their 'sportsmanship'. To see one young man's whole team follow as he turns to shake hands with the opponent and the referees after a football game. I have also watched as a player skated to the referees after a hockey game to 'shake hands'and thank them for their time. Congratulations! I hope this speaks volumes of your character.

Off to Hampton and into 'town'

Whew what a day was yesterday~our friend was headed to Hampton to watch her son play hockey and then needed to go into 'town' (Saint John) to pick up a few things. 'course none of us remembered it the was the Santa Clause Parade.
She invited Black Rose and I along, so we met at her place and then proceeded to the game. Great job Tyler! Their team won again! Nice to sit on heated bleachers :).
All of this and I still managed to make 10 dozen choc chip cookies, choc macaroons, and rice krispie squares.
Today may just be a 'sit back and relax day'.............but most likely not!
Maybe we will take in the games this week - like to get to as many as we can before the snow flys being that we travel a far distance and they are usually at night.

'Tis the Season

Ahhh I had you thinking it's only a little while until Christmas didn't I? Well, in this case, I wasn't speaking of Christmas and all the hub-bub. I am thinking hockey,ringette, figure skating and for those of us who are not so adventurous - just skating.
Oh to be young again and not fear the breaking of these old bones when one connects not so delicately with the stone cold hard ice...ha ha. When I start to put on my skates, do me a favor and call the Ambulance so as they are on their way okay? Maybe just call the fire department, they have ropes and can just pull me across the ice.
I read on Facebook of friends taking their kids to ringette to spend 2 hours in the early morning or another that's headed to the rink for a 10:00 p.m. Hockey practice.
I enjoy watching a good game - Black Rose and I have attended various Football and Hockey Games this Fall.
One thing about Hockey and Ringette though,we only sit in the chill and not the rain and chill as with Football. Hey Black Rose - there's a BBall game Tuesday.......oh never mind, we are headed to another Hockey game that night...maybe the one next week.
Until next time..........Play Safe.

Something to think about

There are souls in this world which have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go. -Frederick Faber

I am fortunate to know some such folks....some still with us and others who have gone before.

Memories and friendships past

I recall that Friday as if it were yesterday. He had walked up to our lockers - ours were side-by-side and yet for an extended time, we hadn't spoken. He told me to have a great weekend and to study hard for the test on Monday. I remember telling him to do the same. He finished with 'see ya Monday' and called me a nickname that I hadn't heard in a very long time. I remember thinking perhaps we could try to mend the bridge that had been burned. It would take a long time, but perhaps........

The following day a mutual friend called to tell me that he had been killed in a single motor vehicle accident. I recall not comprehending what she was telling me, not understanding that she meant him. As I sat there lost in confusion and thought, my younger brother came into the room and then went to get my folks because of his concern for me.

I regret that we didn't 'patch things up' to a point where we could have again been speaking. I regret that I didn't get to tell him I am sorry for my part in our disagreement. I am sorry that I didn't get a chance to tell him I forgive him for what he had done. That, I think is what I regret the most even after all these years.

To this day I have questions regarding his accident. Questions that will never be answered because no one bothered to ask. Stories fly when a young person is killed in such a way. He didn't drink and no alcohol was in the vehicle. He was buckled in.....I truly believe someone is living with a terrible secret.

RIP - It's hard to belive that it's been 26 years.

An hour or so along the Shore

Black Rose and I again visited an old graveyard on Orange Hill. We have explored most of the old graves of St. Martins (Big Salmon River Road, Orange Hill, West Quaco (2), the one in the campground - I can't recall their names though), the one on Main Street next to the Baptist Churh and yet, there are so many others. We like to see the history. It's sad to see the number of young that died so many years ago - both at sea and due to disease. After that, of course, we headed to 'our' beach for a bit prior to returning home.

Yesterday we took a 'jaunt' to the sea,
Just a quick trip - Black Rose and Me.
A walk on the beach both alone and with others,
Is just what my tired soul must have required.
As I walked and continued to explore,
I thought of those who'd gone before.
Watching the ship that was out at sea,
As I walked along in Solidarity.

Friendship....

I got thinking about a note I received from my 'Seaside' friend and decided to comment on friendships as we age.

She had written, "Too bad you guys have to pack and travel away at all.. I'll miss you!! You may think I don't have contact with you very much but...." Of course I assured her we would continue to be in touch and would be back over the winter months to visit. ((Afterall, it's only 100+ km each way! Heavens, that's just a little jaunt on a nice day)).

As children we tend to have 1 'best friend' who means the world to us. Whom we HAVE to see everyday or we'll DIE. But then who often breaks our hearts as they move onto an other 'best friend'.

As teens we move into the numerous friends stage but continue to have 1 or 2 with whom we share all...or most. Often times, they too break our hearts -sometimes numerous times. A teen's first heartbreak is not something a parent goes through un-scarred. Any of you with teenage girls - past or present- know that.

As adults we treasure that we are able to sit and visit, or send a quick note via snailmail, email, and now by text. Friendship is no longer measured by the amount of time (or number) one speaks with their friends as it is that we make the time to just 'reach out and touch' that person.

May each of us take more time out for tea (or coffee) with a friend and just enjoy their company without the interruptions of life marching to invade.

Gwen, I shall miss you too. You are truly a gem!! I shall continue be in touch over the winter season and will travel down to 'my seaside home' to enjoy your company when I can. I also look forward to keeping up with the news as you return to your blogging.

FALL

Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower. Albert Camus

To Black Rose

You are loved for the little girl you were,
The special woman you are now,
And the precious Daughter you will always be.

Farewell to dollies, blankies and bows.
Welcome to makeup, texting and beaus!

It's truly a gift to have a daughter like you
Who grows more precious with each day.

How to Plant Your Garden

First, you Come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses....

FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING,

PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another

NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another

TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:
1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends

WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE.
THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.
NOT BAD, HUH?!

HIGH TIDE in St. Martins - September 19th

It's not been many times that I have seen the tides this high here in St. Martins.

Writing

Black Rose says...
Hey Y'all, If you've followed this blog you'll see a few comments and posts from "Black Rose" I now have my own blog "Seeing through the eyes of a teenager" if you'd like to check it out.

Congratulations "Black Rose". I look forward to reading more of your writings.

Duck Pond Road and another beautiful day

Check it out - Ducks at Duck Pond Rd!
What a beautiful day it was to 'tramp' the beach of Duck Pond Rd. We had the stretch of beach to ourselves (there was another couple WAAAAAYYY over there), but we considered it our own for a bit.
As Black Rose explored the tide pools, I trundled along at a leisurely pace enjoying the quiet sounds of the ocean.

Another Sunny Summer Day!

Great fun, great company and a few surprises along the way. What a great day! The beach was calling and we answered.

Tropical Storm Daniel -August 29

Tropical Storm Daniel hit the East Coast this past weekend leaving yet further changes along 'our' beach. This was once the Train Station's platform which has been long buried. I have also posted one to the top right of a railway tie that is showing just below this on the beach.

The ever changing ocean edge is further changing with each Hurricane/Tropical Storm we get.

Additionally, we have also lost some ground where the ocean's waters have created a large sink hole.

Solitude on the beach

It's the day after Bill hit the coast on the East.
Black Rose and I are alone on the beach.
Each in our own thoughts - Black Rose and me.
Walking along side by side yet separately.
As the rains start again, we pull up our hoods and saunter along.
Searching for glass and listening to the ocean's song.
The beach glass is few, the colors each with it's own hue.
Just Black Rose and I as we explore,
The Bay of Fundy's floor.
To have this 'alone time' together is a pleasure.
To me, Black Rose, you are truly a treasure!!

The fog Rolls in after some of the hottest days

Part of today's hike consisted of the Big Salmon River Loop as the fog came rolling in. It was a wonderful change from the heat of the last few days. A welcome.

Melvin Beach -Fundy Trail Parkway, St. Martins, NB

Once again we head back to the Fundy Trail Parkway just outside of St. Martins, New Brunswick. The vistas and views along this trail are not matched anywhere in my (and other's) opinion.

There are numerous trails which you can walk, drive, bike and hike depending on your abilitities. A lot are also wheelchair accessible as well.

The pictures along the sidebar come from various points along the way. Enjoy

Further Explorations

The fog starts rolling in from the ocean.

Hearst Lodge

"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here, we should dance".
Okay, so no one is dancing in this picture. Instead it's the waiting and decision game. Should we go that way? Or do we go back around the gate? Hmmmmm, so many choices.
This picture was taken on a hike to Hearst Lodge in the Fundy Parkway Trail. This was our 'rest stop' prior to heading into the driveway itself to hearst lodge. What a LONG hike that was that day. Good time to talk though on these hikes. I have gotten to know Black Rose better and it gives her a chance to (hopefully) appreicate her mama a bit too.
We'll do this one again soon and make that 'last' turn. **We made it short of one or two 'twists' of making it to the lodge that day after hiking approximately 8 km. ** One for the books luv. It's right up there with 'we'll loop right back up to the car Mama'. Hmmmmm, that was NOT the case. What a fun day that was too.

Friendships are cultivated

Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. Unknown (often attributed to Albert Camus)

I thought I would do one a little differently today. One which makes us think of those that we call our friends and why we have given them that priveledge. There are so many quotes, thoughts, and sayings about friends. Of which, I have chosen just a few.

I have a friend whom I have had for many years. I don't get to see much of her and we don't really get to chat either, but she is still my 'best' friend. When we were younger (teen years in particular), we thought the number of people we called our friends needed to be many. As I've aged I have learned that true friends are allowed to be few - old or new.

I don't judge someone by how many friends they have or even by the people they hang out with. I remember as a teen I had this one "acquaintance" who people thought was my friend - NO WAY! I was just 'stuck' with them hanging around because I was a nice person and had yet to learn how to diplomatically remove myself from their company. I was, however, fortunate enough to never be in their 'company' when they got into trouble. But that didn't stop people from saying 'birds of a feather' now did it? Nope. Let me say - I really dislike that saying as an adult. How judgemental is that? Perhaps these 'friends' are of like mind - but what if it's someone like I was?

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation. George Washington (1732-1799)

Beautiful Days make for hiking weather

We spend a lot of time at the Fundy Trail. We explore new trails, redo trails (rince and repeat).
We often meet people that we know along the way too. Some are old friends, some we have only just met.
The views are awesome! The trail is a multi-use trail, but we just walk and drive. Fundy Trail Parkway link http://fundytrailparkway.com/en/ should you be interested to check details.

Time with family

Time with family is great. We went to the beach by the 'Cottage' that family is renting while visiting New Brunswick.

Hermit crabs and jellyfish - wahoo.

Too bad it's supposed to rain the new few days.

A Rose for 'Black Rose'

Today is a special day at our house - it's 'Black Rose's' Birthday. Although I was unable to find a 'black' one, I picked her up a long stemmed red rose. She loves Roses.

Yesterday we celebrated her Birthday with Chinese, Peanut Butter Pie, family and friend.

Today, we again headed to the Fundy Trail for our hike and took treats for a couple of 'fellas' Black Rose knows. Hope you enjoyed the pie and treats guys....

Exploring...........Duck Pond

We have done much this last week. We have been to Fundy Trail everyday (except one) and explored that area (Sea Captin's Graves, Old foundations, Suspension Bridge and beautiful views and met people we knew) as well as other places throughout the area. Learned of a couple new 'hikes' just yesterday (wahoo-another day). Today, we are headed once again to Duck Pond Road.
We always find things to do and places to go. Or, we enjoy the view from our window/deck, and just read.
Time with family is too important to miss! I have such a treasure in 'Black Rose' and enjoy her company greatly. She's a joy to chat and hang out with. She even waits for this "old girl's" knees to catch up. Bless you girl! I luv ya.

Great friends - great company

Thank you Dianne & Wendy! We love it! It has a new place of honor. Come for lunch and you shall see.

Morning

What a Sunrise this morning! Wow! Everyone, however, shows you the sunrise over the ocean; so I wanted you to see the view from my deck this morning as the sun was rising. The sun hitting the sandstone cliffs of Anvil Rock (West Quaco) were breath-taking. A camera could never truly capture it's beauty. I was awe-struck at another of God's paintings.
Today we are headed back up to the Fundy Trail to walk the Suspension Bridge (and up to the look-off) as well as a few of the smaller hikes. Maybe tomorrow we will again do the Captin's Graves.

Exploring....Big Salmon River (Fundy Trail)

This morning we again headed to Fundy Trail to hike a bit. We did some of the Big Salmon River loop on foot and then traveled to the top of the hill to look down over the Interpretation Centre.
Tomorrow, if it's nice, we will head back that way again and do another short section.
Happy 'Trails' everyone.

Exploring.........Brown's Beach (St. Martins, NB)

We explored Brown's Beach today. It's a beach in the area of St. Martins, NB that few people know of.

We had a great time exploring and finding Beach glass. Yes, we even found blue pieces.

Although we were there for only a couple of hours we truly enjoyed the sun and each other's company.

After which, we took a drive out to Fundy Trail to visit friends and took a few 'snapshots' while we were there.

Exploring...........On the Road Again

We have packed the car with the Dog, Hats, Teen and Rat.
You thought I was going to say cat, didn't you?
And we're looking through the windshield, as we explore more of our great Province.

Clip clop clip clop -who's that stomping across my bridge? Okay so sometimes we think of the silly things, such as this kid's story about the troll, when we cross a bridge. Oh and look, there's a roadside stand, let's stop here. I just love day trips! Until next time, happy travels.

What If? (Written by Black Rose)

We as humans always seem to be playing a "what if?" game.

You can't turn back time, you can't push pause, there are no "redos".

Well what if I hadn't done that?

Or what if I hadn't of said that?

Well we will never know.

Life is what you make of it.

No matter how bad you want to take back something,

You really can't back track time.

You take the situation and go from there.

And though you may say "What if??"

Maybe it was meant to be.

Everything happens for a reason.

We may not like the outcome,

but it's what we've got.

Take it or leave it.

And yes we all wish we could 'rewind'.

We all wish we would have said or done something differently then what we did.

But life is unfair, unpredictable and untame.

But hey that's life.

Answer these if you'd like .

What if: I hadn't said that?

What if: We all were the same?

What if: There was no tomorrow?

What if: We never told the ones we loved we loved them?

What if: I was 10 again?

The list is endless.

SO stop playing "what if?" and live for today.

You can only hurt for so long...

Explorations and Reflection

Duck Pond Road is found in Gardner's Creek (I told you there would be more from here). This is spot that has changed over the years - as with any ocean properties. This 'division' didn't used to be there.

We explored and contemplated life's "mis-steps" and hoped for forgiveness. Have you ever said something that you wish you could snatch right back?

Reinhold Niebuhr:
Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime.Therefore, we are saved by hope.

Nothing true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history. Therefore, we are saved by faith.

Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone.Therefore, we are saved by love.

No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as from our own. Therefore, we are saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness.

Beach Exploration Finds

As mentioned previously, we roam the beaches seeking beach glass and porcelain. Thought we would share some of our various finds over the last few months.

Happy Canada Day - July 1st

Exploring....Norton, NB

Well on our way to St. Martins today, we decided to take a different route. We took 'the back way' in from Sussex and came upon a graveyard that was established in the 1800's! We LOVE old graveyards and often take the time to explore. However, whereas it appeared that there maybe a funeral today, we just made a quick tour and came out before anyone really arrived (well, one vehicle got there).

Take care until next time.................

Exploring Anvil Rock and surroundings...

Today we took a drive to the access road to the beach that hosts Anvil Rock in St. Martins. It was low tide, but the tide was already starting to switch so we couldn't spend too much time. However, we still had time to walk almost to Anvil Rock. We saw much and learned more. Hope you enjoy the pictures of what once was a part of the cliff but has since formed Anvil "Head" through coastal erosion .

Exploring the Ocean's floor and it's surroundings is great fun and great leaving, but ALWAYS be aware of the tide tables and NEVER go alone.

This evening's walk on the beach

Ahhh...what is it about a quiet walk along the shores of the Bay of Fundy? In my opinion, the peacefulness. All those rocks, beach glass and rolling waves as the tide rolls in and out again. What a wonder to have the ability to walk along the ocean's floor at low tide.

These are just a few scenes from my tonight's walk. Enjoy them with me.

21 years!

My hubby, bless his heart, said to me today "just think 21 years ago we were.............single". Yep, it's been almost 21 years that we have been married. As with many of you, it's been a 'ride' with marriages, births, deaths and illness. During all of this, we were blessed with the birth of our daughter "Black Rose" whom you have virtually 'met' through this blog.
'Black Rose' is a very special individual who brings much happiness to our lives. Nothing makes me smile any faster than hearing her laugh - the one that makes her eyes sparkle. Currently she is out of the Province on a class trip.............I wonder if she will remember her parent's anniversary? She did last year, she bought us a beautiful keychain on which there was a 'sketch' of her that lights. It's very hard to describe but very lovely....so her.
Happy Anniversary on Thursday my dear husband - may we have many more as we travel on to graduation, university and retirement. Thank you for all that you mean to me (to us).

One man's trash is another man's treasure

We went to Value Village's 50% off and 'Black Rose' found this! Wahoo!

Early Morning Stroll

An early morning stroll on the beach was just what was required. Wow, what a B E A U T I F U L day out there already! I really hate to return to the 'real world'. My family slept on as I trudged through the sand, rocks and mudflats (I almost fell down too - good thing they missed that one). One further slide of my foot and I would have been singing HB to me in the mud! YUCK. But wait, they say it's good for the wrinkles! Maybe I should run back down before the tide returns.

I do wish it had been like this yesterday. Maritime hospitality doesn't depend on the weather thank goodness. A great visit was had regardless. Looking forward to the next one!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I hear some movement so the others must be getting up. Toodles for now.

Birds.....and other creatures that fly.

Birds and things- Always carry a camera, in some cases, it took us months to get these shots. GREAT Pictures Black Rose (and me too).

Love, loss and recovery

Heartbreak, for example, is a very strange distress. It is exquisitely painful, and yet we cannot find an injury on our body. It is like one big emotional pain but it also seems to spark off hundreds of other emotions. We hate the feeling of heartbreak, and yet we find ourselves compelled to go over and over memories, ideas or fantasies which make the feeling worse.

Our mind, spirit and body depend on one another. As humans, we sometimes forget this aspect of ourselves and demand immediate answers to the 'why' questions.

One of my friends had on their FB the other day "Sometimes God kicks you in the butt and tells you what is important in life". So true! Amen.

So, take too many pictures. Laugh too much. Love like you've never been hurt.

Because, every 60 seconds that you spend upset - is a minute you'll never get back in which to laugh, love and learn. (Notice my favorite quote in the sidebar).

A day of leisure - St. Martins, NB

We took a day or two and just explored the sea's bottom at low tide. There is just something so calming about the sound of the ocean. I envy my peeps who live by the sea. I don't however, envy the salt spray. We spend as much time as we can by the ocean. Our ocean isn't a warm one, but some crazy people still enjoy a quick dip (not mentioning any teenager's names). We like to explore and look for beach glass and porcelain and of course the odd finds like skulls and such. Toodles for now folks.

Added photos

Hi, I have added a few photos. I LOVE my kitchen. See below and sidebar folks for them. Thanks for taking this 'adventure' with me. Next time, it's the bathroom but not until much later! I am done renovating for a while - I can't find stuff now. :)

Almost Done!

Well, we almost there. We need only to clean up the mess! AND to remember where we put that which we have already put in the cupboards. My goodess what a difference. See the sidebar for the before and after shots.

Almost done - Wahoo!

Almost there! This is my 'pretend' kitchen. Do you notice anything? I have a floor!!!!!!!! Yes, I know, sounds simple; however, it's been missing since we started this reno.

Check below to see what it looked like before...I will do 'before' and 'after' once we are done.

LOST beneath this mess ......

LOST beneath this mess.............I am still hopelessly lost in the renovation stages and will be back to blog as soon as I can. We have set a deadline, therefore, I must run. Even the dog stops to rest once he gets tired of searching for his dishes. Take care for now. Chat soon.

UPDATE: 04/24/2009 We are almost there! Wahoo by week's end I am thinking I might be washing dishes in the appropriate sink.

FURTHER UPDATE: 04/25/2009 Well, the kitchen's painted! Wahoo, now to move EVERYTHING else out so the cupboards can come in. We are seeing lots of MESS but we are also seeing progress.

Happy Easter - my drive going to work...Where is that plow??

Busy, busy as a Bee oh what will become of me?

Okay, so I felt like being 'outside the box' today. Well, the cupboards are cleared and my house is lost. Why DO we keep so much 'stuff'? Is it because "Aunt Mary gave me this I should keep it"? Well, I am sorry 'Aunt Mary', but somethings have just got to go.

Thank goodness for 'take anything' days, too bad it's another month away - the garage is full now. Well, to the storage I guess..........basement somewhere..........lost forever.

I am under the weather today, so I am headed back to bed for more rest.
Thank goodness for helpers!

Take care - we'll catch up again soon.

Quirky finds within my cupboards …and more

Well, I have made it through about ¾ of my cupboards only to confirm that I have too much ‘stuff’. I can’t begin to count the number of times I thought (or said) ‘where did that come from’ or ‘I wondered where that went’. Oh, so you aren’t like me and haven’t dug into that back corner in over 20 years? Perhaps it’s that you don’t want to admit such a mystery exists?

One such find was this. What do you think it is? I find it to be a bit quirky but I like it.

It’s a coffee perk. I like that it has a personality and not just ‘silver’ like you would expect. Here are pictures of a teapot (sidebar) that we had given Patty to add to her Teapot Collection (see Wilson’s Disease in the blog archive-February).

This brings me to ask you – have you visited Gwen’s site Desideratum? You really should. She and hubby make jewellery (plus more) and one pair of earrings is a coffee pot and tea cup as in ‘coffee or tea’ (I have a pair and love them!). She just introduced their latest earrings which is a book and a coffee mug. I am picking mine up in a week or so. Check them out – there’s a link to your right.

Well, I must get back to it – I truly think we all should consider convincing ourselves that we are selling the house about every six (6) months. But then, I like a little mystery in my life -as long as it’s not scurrying. (This coming from a person whose teen has a pet rat).

We miss you

April Fools Day always brought Daffidils and more to my Grammie's house. Today would have been her 92nd Birthday. She passed away in July 1999. We miss you Great-Grammie Ione as she was called when my daughter was younger. (She was our 'original' Red Hatter)