'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