Five on Friday

1.  Jumping, or should I say ambling, back into blogging has me excited about writing and posting again.  Sometimes month away to contemplate is the thing to do.  And now blogging again seems about right.

2.  Summer is here  - green grass, garden growing, chickens clucking, tomatoes (many, many!) in pots - signs of the season.  It's very hard to believe that the longest day of the year is just one week away - and then the days start getting shorter again.  Not going there, not thinking about that - just enjoying the long, long evenings now.

3.  The kale is doing wonderfully in the garden and I think we can use it this week!  Close behind are lettuce and spinach.  I am very tempted to empty a bag of Bob's potatoes that he started in April.  Pretty sure they are ready to use - maybe a Father's Day treat?!

4.  My school bag is full of a stack of marking for English 10 - part of my assignment for the next 3 weeks.  This is a change of pace and a professional challenge to analyze writing and assign grades.

5.  Does anybody still read blogs - or is everyone busy on Instagram and Twitter?  I love IG but there's something about the written word and people's thoughts that draws me to blogs.

Happy Weekending!

Five on Friday

1.

Laughter is the fireworks of the soul. ~Josh Billings

2.  You. must. read. this!  Kelle Hampton writes about her beautiful daughter, Nella.  So, so precious - make sure you watch the video too.

3.  The weather for most of July and the first 10 days of August was cool, with highs in the mid-20s.  We had periodic showers and things grew slowly and steadily.  This week the temperatures have gone up - and everything is growing like crazy again!  The chickweed is taking over my garden.  So now I have weeding to do, right when everything is ready to pick and preserve.  My days do not have enough hours in them!

4.  I shredded the first big zucchini of the year and made muffins and chocolate cake today.  It. was. delicious!!

5.  Photo of the week:

Fun with Grampa

At the Playgroundgrand

Five on Friday

1.

Never squander an opportunity to tell someone you love or appreciate them.

~Kelly Ann Rothaus 2.  I spent this week working at a high school and noticed quite a change from the elementary scene.  Secondary students come, write an exam or two every day and by Wednesday noon most of them were finished.  That means teachers have lots of time for marking, organizing, cleaning and other tasks.  At elementary schools, kids attend to the very last day and teachers are so, so busy with student centred activities - which means that there are lots and lots of jobs to do at the very end of the year (often on their own time!).  [Thought captured from the end of June!} 3.  Doing lots of berry picking and freezing these days!  And there are so many good things ready in our garden.  This morning I gathered up beets, carrots, onions, a big head of lettuce and potatoes.  I need to pick the peas again and I'm sure the beans have more on too.  And there's one little red tomato on one of my plants - can not wait to try it!  Good stuff! 4.  For your weekend reading - and pondering - The 1 Mantra That Everybody, Every Family and Every Kid Needs - recommended by Ann at A Holy Experience. 5.  Photo of the week: 44 Years Ago  they were all in high school together

Five on Friday

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2.  Because It's Time and You Can Change the World on Ann Voskamp's blog, A Holy Experience,  are amazing and you really need to reach them both!  We can make a difference in the lives of others, not just by giving things but by giving love and hope.

3.  Today's Capture Your 365 photo prompt is "photograph purple".  My morning meander around the yard made me happy!  And then I ate breakfast outside before tackling more weeding.

4.  Do you ever agree to do something and then wonder "What in the world was I thinking?!!"  Yeah - that's me with a project I'm working on right now!

5.  Photo of the week:  Glimpse from the past - a very old - and blurry! - photo of our kids taken at Expo 86.  There are so many memories attached to this - I am flooded with emotions!

Five on Friday

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2.  We had quite the weather week here with 2 funnel clouds touching down just miles away from our farm.  One was on the lake and the other was over farmland.  Luckily there was no damage from either.  And the showers just keep coming, which is good for the cabbage transplants :)

3.   Here's something cool to watch!  

4.  I've decided to move the 3 spaghetti squash I have growing in bags back in to the greenhouse.  The wind and cold weather have beat them up rather badly and they look quite forlorn.  They will love the heat in the greenhouse and come fall they will be protected for longer too.  

5.  

"Contentment"

Five on Friday

1.

“There is no such thing as a 'self-made' man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success.”

George Burton Adams (1851-1925); educator, historian

2.  This poor little blog has been majorly neglected lately!  I need more hours in my day and more days in my week.  There's so much to do at this time of the year and it looks like November might finally be quieter!

3.  Have you seen the movie Girl Rising?  Watch it on CNN on June 16 and 23.  Now I need to find a friend that has cable :)  I love this quote from the website!

4.  My idea of doing a Friday photo share from my iPhone pictures is going by the wayside - at least for now.  I'm taking about 100 pictures a week and the choosing and editing process takes a long time.  Right now there are so many things needing my attention that this project is way, way down on the list. I did like the reflecting and reviewing process so maybe I'll do it once in a while.  (I thought of a month in review but then that means I'm looking through 400 pictures - and the project got even more overwhelming!)  Kudos to those who can maintain this Friday Photo Dump!

5.  Photo of the week:

Grampa Gus and Helayna

(my Dad is so good with kids -

and they love the tickle fests!)

Five on Friday

1.

(source: Write. Click. Scrapbook)

2.  It was a very busy week with 4 days of subbing and lots of work in the garden and greenhouse.  My kitchen counter was sadly neglected!

3.  I love bringing branches from our blooming trees into the house.  This week it was from the mayday and next week the lilacs will be ready.  I love how they look and the wonderful smell that permeates the house.

4.  I'm going to a high school graduation tonight.  I had 15 of these graduates in my grade 3 class and it's so cool to see them all grown up now.  This is one of the student events I most enjoy.

5.  Photo of the week:

Seeded field on a spring evening

Five on Friday

1.

“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light.”

Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965); Philosopher, Physician, Nobel Peace Prize Winner

2. "What to do when your shirt label says made in Bangladesh" is definitely a must read.  We are a global world and what we do/eat/wear/use does affect others.  Click through to the survey about slavery - my results were startling!  I like the suggestions offered so I can help change the world.  Thanks to Heather for sharing this link.

3.  Jenae at I Can Teach My Child shares her list of Top 10 Reading Apps for Kids.  I've been wondering about how to find good apps for little ones and I trust her opinion so I will have to explore some of these myself.  

4.  Check out this list of popular novels for book clubs that my friend shared on Pinterest.  I think I've read 14 of them - still lots to go!

5.  Photo of the week:

Body Art

Five on Friday

1.  

(source)

2.  I planted some of my patio pots this week with these lovely "Queen Bee" petunias that Sprouts Greenhouse had this year.  Blake and Maëlle helped me pick lots of pansies which will fill more pots :)

3.  Big news from the Alberta government this week is that there will be a complete re-do of provincial achievement tests.  The tests will happen in September which means so many changes for teachers. More exciting times for educators!

4.  The great tomato adventure continues with more transplanting and 27 plants finding new homes recently :)  I've moved some into the greenhouse now and I hope they survive our low evening temperatures, which continue to persist this spring. 

5.  Photo of the week:

Leaving early in the morning for the airport

Five on Friday

1.

Do you want to be a power in the world? Then be yourself.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson 2.  It's National Scrapbook Day tomorrow and I will be making wonderful memories with our family as we celebrate some birthdays and gather with all of our children and their families.  We are blessed to have both sets of great-grandparents coming as well.   And then I'm looking forward to doing some scrapbooking later with all the pictures we'll take! 3.  It's been a very full week of fun with Melinda, Samuel and Malachi.  I can't believe that they are going home in 4 sleeps!  Every time they come the days fly by faster and faster.  Our house is going to be some quiet when they are gone.  So, so thankful that they came for this visit. 4.  I made a little visit to my favourite greenhouse on the second day they were open this week.  Two little helpers were on a roll when we picked out pansies.  I thought 5 trays would do but we ended up with 10!  They were so helpful and so excited to get pansies.  My Gramma would have loved seeing her great-great-grandchildren excited to choose them - they were her very favourite flowers.   The greenhouse is  a place of happiness for me - I would not have said that 5 years ago.  Amazing how a person changes, even at my age! 5.   Two In A Treehouse

Five on Friday

1.

One of my best moves is to surround myself with friends who, instead of asking, "Why?" are quick to say, "Why not?" That attitude is contagious.

~ Oprah Winfrey

2.  It's getting close to Mother's Day and as we think of the women in our lives that we love, watch this video.  It really made me think!



3.  Our chicks are one week old - and they have more than doubled in size!  I always forget how quickly they grow at the very beginning.  Despite the extra chores and the time they require, they definitely make it seem like spring has arrived on the farm.

4.  The last few mornings have been super early ones since our grandsons from New Brunswick have arrived.  They are still adjusting to mountain daylight time :)  But we are having a marvelous time - cuddling, chasing, working, laughing, enjoying these precious moments.  (And as a result, blogging is taking a back seat to living this week.  Thanks for your patience.)

5.  Which leads right into the photo of the week:

All in a row,

on the way to swimming

Five on Friday

1.

“It was only a sunny smile,  and little it cost in the giving,  but like morning light  it scattered the night  and made the day worth living.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940); American author

2.  Have you seen the new Italy inspired soaps at Bath and Body Works?  They look yummy - oh, wait, they aren't edible, are they?!

3.  Our new chicks arrived yesterday!  All 200 of them are doing well, trying to stay warm and cozy despite the -1 degree C temperatures and 30 km / hr winds.

4.  We spent this evening at a Music and Dessert event that a friend organized to raise funds for her Project Kenya trip in 2 weeks.  Most of the music was provided by their family - Mom, 4 daughters and a couple of friends who together made our evening most enjoyable. 

5.  Photo of the week from the archives:

With Grampa In The Sheep Pen

2011

Five on Friday

1.

“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.”

Ndukwe Dike Kalu (born 1975); American football player

2.  Even though it's still snowy and cold outside, we have potatoes growing in the greenhouse :)

3.  I had 3 different birthday cakes this year - how very blessed I am to have so many with whome to celebrate another year of living this wild and precious life!

4.  My tomatoes are growing like crazy!  The tallest one is 6" and I'm going to have to transplant them again very soon.  The sunny area in the big living room is filling up :)  Come on, spring!!

5.  Instagram and my phone camera are my new best friends!  I love having an easy to use device right there for all of life's moments.  

Five on Friday

1.

“Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.”

Walter Cronkite (1916-2009); American broadcast journalist

2.  In a letter to her son, Glennon Melton writes some poignant thoughts as she hopes that he will be compassionate towards his classmates.  It's well worth reading!

3.  Katie Pertiet at Designer Digitals used this lovely photo as inspiration this week.  It's my favourite color of all time :)

4.  I subbed 4 days in a row at the elementary school this week and I have 2 more at the beginning of next week (those will be at the secondary school).  'I'm glad it's the weekend' pretty much sums up how I feel tonight, even though I really enjoyed each day!

5.  Photo of the week:

My favourite Easter treat this year

Five on Friday

1.

A kind word is like a spring day.

~ Russian Proverb

2.  Listen to this cool recording that was made in Halifax, NS.  It will warm your heart!  Thanks to Kathie for sharing the link.

3.  It's been sunny and warm this week - and it actually feels like spring!  The  snow has been melting and it's even getting muddy in some places.

4.  I was adventurous in the kitchen this week!  Lots of good food cooked up and enjoyed :)  Today we are having chocolate cheesecake as a birthday cake for our son-in-law Jonathan and tomorrow I'm serving a carrot cake jelly roll.  I'll have lots of leftovers - if you'd like to drop over!

5.  Photo of the week:

Court Whist Party 

Five on Friday

1.

“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

John Muir (1838-1914); naturalist, author

2.  How can a stormy, snowy day end with this beautiful sunset?  Only a mighty God can paint the sky like this!  News reports from the city yesterday said that this storm was the worst of the winter.

3.  Spring break in our school division starts today - yeah!!!  I only wish that we were going somewhere, preferably warm and sunny.

4.  My tomato seedlings are getting their second leaves already!  I am so pleasantly surprised by how quickly they are growing.  I guess it's time to start basil, peppers and some flowers.  Spring must be coming, right?!

5.  Photo of the week:

Snow shovelling together

Five on Friday

1.  Quote

2.  Here's an interesting list of the best selling books of the last 100 years in North America (according to Publishers Weekly).  How many have you read?  It's definitely interesting, especially by the authors represented.

3.  Winter has descended here again with more snow and very cold temperatures.  The forecast for the next 2 weeks is more of the same.  No point in getting too excited about planting things yet!

4.  Two and a half weeks ago I brought in some apple branches and this week they've burst into bloom.  I love the breath of spring that they bring to our home.

5.  Photo of the week:

Early morning walk with my sister

a rare treat!

Five on Friday

1.  Quote:

2.  It's International Women's Day!  Here's a great photo tapestry that shows women around the world - what amazing pictures and there are links if you'd like to check the photographers.

3.  Do you know about Kiva?  It's a great place to support people around the world with micro-lending loans as they seek to provide for their families and alleviate poverty.  My daughter gave me a gift card to spend there last year for Mother's Day and I've been a big fan ever since.  Since then I've given several as gifts myself and the original loan that I made to a woman in Pakistan so she could buy a sewing machine, has already been partially repaid.  I invite you to check them out - they have received Charity Navigator's highest rating.

4.  So excited to be spending some time this weekend at a women's retreat with my sister!  It's been a long time since we had a full day and then some together, just the two of us.

5.  Photo of the week:

Light on the classroom floor

(using a filter from PicTapGo app)

Five on Friday

1.  Quote

source

2.  What kitchen stories could you write?  This idea fascinates me - I think I need to let it incubate awhile.

3.  I love Nicole Johnson's message in this video - thanks to Ann for the link.



4.  Our faith community has had 3 deaths in the last week and today over 500 people filled our church to overflowing to say good-bye to a dear friend, who died tragically in a traffic accident just half a mile from her home.  Life is precious - hug those you love tonight.

5.  Photo of the week:

Winter Card Party 

(so enjoying these bi-weekly 

gatherings with friends)

Five on Friday

1.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Mark Twain (1835-1910);

[Samuel Clemens] humorist, essayist, novelist

2.  It's been such a busy week - and the one ahead looks to be about the same! Full of good stuff but non-stop from start to finish.  We are definitely not bored - but sometimes my blogging definitely takes a back seat to life.  

3.  I invested in a new phone this week.  Lots of possibilities - lots to learn!

4.  Look at this bright cheery kitchen.  I love the yellow - imagine it in orange!!  

source

5.  Photo of the week:

 Winter Ride