GeoCaching - "Sunflowers are always in bloom" one for Patty

What is Geocaching? Please refer back to my blog "What is GeoCaching" or visit http://www.geocaching.com/  to further help you appreciate this 'sport'.  My family (brother and dad) as well as myself, Black Rose, her boyfriend and friend all geocache.  We have experienced many things, many places and many containers.  Geocaching has taken us to locations (such as in Newfoundland) that maybe we wouldn't have known about or gotten to see. Because one can't disclose the location of these geocaching sites, I can't tell you exactly where they are, but I will tell you about this one as a point of interest GeoCache location.   Arrow Air Flight 1285-On Thursday, December 12, 1985, the chartered DC-8 plane carrying 248 members of the 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell, Kentucky and 8 crew members returning home for Christmas from peace keeping duties in the Middle East, crashed during takeoff in Gander, Newfoundland. There is a beautiful memorial site and one which we visited while in Newfoundland in July.  Very humbling this location is.

Many of you have been reading my blog for a long time now and have known of our experience with Wilsons Disease.   We recently placed a GEO'cache' in honor of Patty - below is the description as well as the hint on where to find this 35mm film cannister that GeoCachers use to log their 'find'.   We have recently placed a puzzle cache (or first) using her stone and the information from within to get the cordinates for another cache location.

"Sunflowers are always in bloom"
A cache by NB   Hidden : 10/04/2011 Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: Size: (Micro)
Description:
Remember when you used to run barefoot through the grass? Or jumped into a pile of leaves in the fall? Or enjoyed Sunflowers as the birds came by for seeds? Sunflowers are always in bloom is placed in memory of Patty. Patty loved Sunflowers! Patty, like this area, was a yet to be discovered 'gem'. She was attending University to become a Teacher when she became unable to continue with her education as a result of Wilson’s Disease. She would have loved this area – children can run and play, adults can sit and watch or walk the various short paths while still being able to see them. Or maybe head down by the river and look for minnows as we did when we were kids. Bring a picnic and stay a spell. Please bring a writing stick.

Additional Hints (Encrypt)
needles are no fun

Early Morning Rain

I was awakened around 5 this morning by the sounds of dancing rain and thunder clapping in the distance.  I stepped out onto the deck to appreciate the sounds of the light rain on the tin covered roof.  The water coming off of the eave trough.   The dog, who is afraid of thunder, at my heels.  I stood for awhile just appreciating the warmth and sounds of the rain. 

Black Rose and I were saying yesterday, as we were coming back from our visit to the Kingston Peninsula with 'Huck', that it was going to rain.  The leaves had begun to turn upside down.  Have you ever noticed that?  The leaves turn over as if to drink as they flutter in the wind.    Even though it was gorgeous and sunny they had begun their 'show' for us as we traveled back towards St. Martins. 

I also love to watch a lightening storm.  I remember a time, years ago sitting here in the 'cottage' watching the lightening dance over the ocean.  We sat on the floor in front of the patio doors,  a very young Black Rose and I.  In recent years,  I had the pleasure of a nice 'storm watch' with My Seaside Friend, Gwen.  As the lightening danced across the skies, us safely tucked under the eave of her porch, we sat discussing our children and other common interests. 

I remember when we were young and going outside to play in the rain!  Wow, kids now don't even go outside let alone to play in the rain.  Imagine if they knew we used to use rain water to wash our hair!  Those were the days.........ahhh.....summer rain, thunderstorms and memories what a wonderful combination.

One of Black Rose's BD Gifts - It's perfect :)

We had 28 Guests for the Surprise Party.   The look on her face was too precious when she saw the cake (see below).  She is a Tim Burton fan and it was perfect!  Thank you everyone for coming, thank you to each of you who have sent her BD wishes on-line as well.  

This gift is created by a local artist using only recycled material. And in honor of 'Black Rose' is painted entirely black.  It even has 'thorns'!! When they requested that he make a black rose, he asked if they wanted green leaves, and of course the answer was 'no, completely black please'.   

Black Rose - it's your Birthday!!!

July 1995 (1 year):

Dearest you mean so much to us.  We waited years to be parents not knowing if we ever would be.  The Doctors said we may never become parents and after years of trying - you arrived on a humid, hot July evening.  You are such a happy-go-lucky baby. You are a real gem. You're a joy to have for company and you learn very quickly.  As we reach your 1st Birthday, so much has changed and we've learned so much together.

Written May 2001

Dearest, you have grown so much! You are still a happy child who is very polite and uses her manners (sometimes a bit testy).  You are a real joy to have around.  Today Grandpa was teaching you to skip.  Do you remember?  He had to 'scrunch' to fit in the rope.  Love you Kitten xoxo Mama.

 

At 16 you have become a beautiful young lady of whom we are extremely proud. You truly live up to the meaning of your name 'Lovable Child'.  May you achieve in life that which you set your heart on accomplishing.  We know you will continue to do well as you travel on this journey called life.

Love Mama and Dad

Where I am- right here, right now, today.

I am young enough to appreciate the youth, but old enough to think that 58 is too young to die.  I like where I am in my life. I am young enough to appreciate life and those around me and yet old enough 'to know better'.  May I not be viewed as 'immature' but as 'playful' and be respected for who I am.  I think if you lose that 'playfulness' you do get old.  I think too many people get caught up in age and how others act within their age group.  Heavens, how many times have you heard "act your age".  Maybe I just don't want to today.   That's the Rebel coming out in me. 
The youth think 25 is old (I am sure I must have too) and the aged think that's a child.  Yet as we age, somehow the age difference seems to lesson and the views become more alike. I remember when my date came to pick me up.  My brother wanted to know what that 'old guy is doing here'.  You should have heard him go on and on (the 'old guy' was 29), funny how when he himself got to be 29 it wasn't "old" any more.  I like this place that I am at....I maybe old and fat, but I've got personality! 

A bit about my Mom

Although my mom has Fibromyalgia as well as other forms of Arthritis she makes cards (and does a lot more).  She recyles used cards into new cards!  I think she does a great job.  She takes them to one of the Senior Living Complexes locally each year. As well, others get in touch with her for their card needs.  It takes a LOT of time and imagination. It's really a hobby.  She and 'Black Rose' are shown here working on yet another project. 

My mom was a stay at home mom for most of my childhood until dad had to change professions, then she too worked outside of the home.  She later became a Free-Lance Market Researcher which enabled her to be home once again. I rather liked having someone home when I got there.  Although we were fortunate - we never came home to an empty house (latch-key kids we weren't). 

Black Rose has also been fortunate (although she may not always think so) in that there has always been one of us home when she gets here from School.  For years, after working the graveyard shift,  I woulld  get out of bed just prior to the bus's arrival.

So, if you have any cards that people have given you and don't know what to do with. Or, even if you have received a card and you think it's got a "nifty" little jingle.   Let me know- I know mom would appreciate them for her next creation.  Thanks Mom. 

My Bro

Today is my day to tell you about my brother.  He is younger, better looking, doesn't need corrective lenses (yet), has all his own teeth (so far), and is .....my friend.  

My brother is married to a lovely lady and they have a beautiful daughter. Current residence- Kentucky. 

There are so many stories to tell you about my brother, but I would like to tell you my favorite (but there are so many).  This one will tell you a bit about each of our personalities.  First background, my brother is 4 years my junior. 

I recall one time in particular when he was teasing me about being so short and pointed out that he had gotten all of the height.  I got up a a kitchen chair, looked him in the eye and told him that it was okay that he got all of the height because I got the personality. At this point, I promptly jumped off the chair and started at a dead run.  Both of us laughing all the way.

 I miss my brother!  Can't wait until they visit this summer. 

Even though he is younger - he has always looked out for me.  I recall a time in my teens when I was working away from home.  I enjoyed my job - it was some of the people. But I was pretty depressed.  He sneaked into my quarters, sat on my bed and after a quick 'verbal nudge' waited to hear my story.  Thank you again 'C'. 

Allow me to introduce.....My Dad.

"Taken a long time ago"

I want to tell you a bit about my dad.  Dad is retired, which in this case means that he no longer has to report to work at a specific time of day 5 days a week.  Or, in dad's case, night.  You see, my dad made a career change out of necessity (the company moved their location to another city) when I was in my teens.  He was offered a position that required him to the overnight (graveyard) shift.  With 2 kids in the house, I am now sure that he didn't get much sleep.  I, myself have been a graveyard shift worker for years.  Believe me,  if you have someone in your home (or one you are visiting) who works nights and is trying to sleep: 
1) NEVER whisper - this actually wakes the person as they think something is wrong. 
2) MAINTAIN your normal noise level - voice tone, volume etc.
3) PLEASE do not allow your spoon to 'tinkle' the mug while you stir.  This actually is more irritating then you think. 

My dad hunts, traps, is the local Nuisance Control Officer, four-wheels and likes to fish as well as keeping up with the 'honey do list'. So, as you can tell he's a busy man. BUT my dad always has time for me.  Thanks Dad.

"Partners in Crime"-a step back in time

Because we will always remember

I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too,
I think of you in silence I often speak your name
All I have are memories and your picture in a frame
Your memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part
God has you in His keeping I have you in my heart.

In Memory of Mothers.

Time in a Bottle

Each of us has had teachers whether we were home schooled or public schooled. And, let's be honest we all have 'favorites'. I am fortunate in that I have had 2 Teachers that I can say are my 'favorites'. I would like to tell you about one of them today.

In Grade 5 I had a young Teacher who was relatively fresh out of school himself. Math never was my strong subject (not even close) and he would spend so much time trying to help me. I couldn't learn my multiplication tables -with the exception of the 5's and had to go back/ahead from there. I have even tried over the years since and still can’t learn them.(Maybe someday they will give a technical/medical name for it). As you may recall, we had to do 'long hand' 'show your work' math waayyyy back then. He spent hours with me trying to figure out how I was doing my math because it didn't 'look' right, but the answer was. Thank you for the hours you spent, the time you gave. Today I work with numbers daily. But don't worry, I use the calculator and Excel has formulas that I borrow.

Thank you Brian Kenny for being such a special individual both in School and out. Brian & his family live just down the street and are very special to many.

Another Treasure Found

Sadly, at 4'8" I can't reach a lot of things - even in my own kitchen.
I came upon this in a local shop the other day. I have kicked myself over the last few days for not inquirying if it was for sale and it's price.
I was so excited today when it was still there and she told me it was for sale. I quickly brought it home to test. I love that it's old. I recall one along the same concept in a home that I used to visit as a kid. I always had to pull out the 'step'.

**Shop located in Salibury next to The Right Stop (NBLCC) on Horsman Street. It is a flower shop that also carries antiques, jewelry and more. "Flowers & Treasures"**

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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....