Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Creating

Mel had a list of things that she wanted to do when I came to visit and we are getting checkmarks up beside many of them!

One was going to the u-pick farm (we've actually gone twice) and then freezing berries and making jam.  We've got 5 containers of strawberries and 2 big bags of raspberries in the freezer and we've made 3 jars of strawberry jam plus 5 jars of raspberry jam.



Mel wanted to make the jam with honey 
so we found this new Pomona Pectin and mixed it with honey.
We had 8 cups of mashed berries and 1 cup of honey 
(which is much less sugar to fruit than most recipes use).


They got nice and thick and are ready for winter eating.


Another item was making their apartment more homey with a few decorative touches.  Today's project was taking this lamp that we bought at the thrift store for $20 and recovering the shade.  It was the first time either of us had done anything like this and it was very easy.  It looks great!


Before


After


That's Tyler's medical textbook in which he has to read a chapter for tomorrow's lecture.  

Tomorrow we are going on a hunt for pillowforms so we can make some throw cushions for the living room, using coordinating prints to the lampshade fabric.  It's going to look like a magazine home around here very soon with us two Martha Stewart wanna-bes!!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Gratitude Gifts Today


“The brave who focus on all things good and all things beautiful and all things true, even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy even in the here and now, they are the change agents who bring fullest light to the world.”
~God in the Moment Calendar via (in)Courage
There is no question in my mind about why I do this counting.  It's because He gives me so much and sometimes I am so bogged down with the world and its expectations that I don't see and feel and hear the goodness all around me.  I listen to Satan comparing me to others, leading me into doubts and worries, herding me away from the Father.  But when I stop and look and really see and count and write, then my soul is lifted up and my eyes rest on Him and I see all that He has given and done for me.  As the sermon at church yesterday said I must be converted like Saul was on the road.  I must turn away from all that is leading me away from Him and truly follow and live in Him.  And my counting keeps me fixed on and in Him, the source of all joy!


So I continue the count on a Monday in New Brunswick -
#2740 - #2780
- supper with dear friends, Edward and Linda
- conversation around the table and across the living room
- walking to see the lighthouse
- learning a little more history in this new place
- watching Samuel play - and playing with him



- cool breeze blowing through the shutters
- a parade with fire trucks, bagpipes, drums and comrades marching to the church on a Sunday evening to honour a fellow fire-fighter
- strawberries and raspberries
- a good and patient helper
- a new "guitar" raquet
- Samuel playing drums after church
- flea market finds
- summer meals
- Melinda's vegetable box
- sending postcards
- working together in the kitchen
- conversation with our daughter and son-in-law
- beautiful old houses
- blooming flowers everywhere
- a swimming pool on hot summer days



- watching a little boy and his parents 
- studying God's word
- reading the Bible with this family after every meal 
- "Please, may I be 'scused?"  from a little boy when he's done eating
- a mommy and daddy who are smitten with their little one


- a new haircut for a little man
- jars of summer all lined up
- Samuel playing soccer in the rows between the raspberries
- giggles and much laughter, something usually reserved for Grampa play
- daddies who play with little ones as soon as they get home from work



- good food, like salmon and honey,  from the Farmer's Market 
- fresh batch of jam
- trying new recipes together
- beautiful weather
- a trip to the Farmer's Market



- u-pick farm and 6 more quarts of raspberries
- the hospital where Tyler is learning and working
- playing games in the quiet of the evening
- an overhead fan
- hearing again how much God desires a relationship with me (and you!)


Thank you for the richness of the life you give me, Father.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Right Now

right now, I am ...
:: marveling at how quickly the summer days are flying by, filled up with so many good activities and people we love
:: revisiting friends that I haven’t seen since Samuel was only a few weeks old - and picking up right where we left off!
:: plotting what to cook for supper tomorrow night
:: finishing another great day
:: stopping to head to bed since New Brunswick time is 3 hours ahead of Alberta and it’s getting late here!
:: wondering how Bob is doing at home all alone this week
:: casting around for ideas of what to look for at the flea market tomorrow afternoon - things like a wool blanket, fabric, a canner and jars, and a coffee table
:: listening to the fridge hum as it cools down the good food we bought today
:: queing a list of things still to do, make and enjoy
:: feeling like I am definitely on summer vacation
:: loving the Farmer’s Market experience we had today
:: hoping that Tyler doesn’t get called in to the hospital tonight - he’s on a 24 hour weekend call and spent 7 hours working today.
:: wanting to make as many memories with Samuel as possible since it will be a while until I see him again 
:: thinking about worship tomorrow
:: reminding myself that I am blessed beyond measure!
:: making a space in the living room for my bed
:: planning to go for a walk across the walking bridge on Monday


Enjoying every minute with this little guy
who had to have a rest and put his feet up because
"he was too tired from cooking (play) pancakes"!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Berry Picking

After Tyler got home from the hospital this afternoon, we headed out to the Sunset Berry Farm to get some fresh berries.  It was only a 15 minute drive away and in an hour we picked 2 pails of strawberries and 5 quarts of raspberries.


Tyler and I had our pails full of berries in about 15 minutes - the plants were just hanging with huge berries!  There was heavy rain here at the beginning of the week and as a result, there are so many spoiled berries now.  I felt so bad for the farm as so much of the crop is not usable.   There were lots of people picking which was nice to see.  


 While we picked strawberries, beside us Melinda picked raspberries!  They are her favourite and she was quick to head over and fill these baskets right up.


Samuel loves these just as much as Mel does and he helped himself to lots!


I'm sure his little tummy was stretched to the max between the 2 berry patches!


Smart Mommy knew that little boy would need a diversion so a bottle of bubbles was tucked in with the pails.  The ever-present golf club made a great bubble bat!


But the best part of all was the field tractor sitting beside the fruit stand!  Sitting up on the seat and moving that steering wheel "really fast", made one little boy very, very happy.  In his words, "I driving like Grampa Bob.  Go fast!"

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Five on Friday

1.  Samuel got new golf clubs last week from Auntie Abby and Uncle Patrick - and he is definitely putting them to good use!  He loves to give out the 3 clubs and always keeps the blue 'iron' for himself.  He goes out on the lawn and "whacks" the ball around and around, with great success at hitting and getting it up in the air.  It's really quite amazing!


2.  This is the beautiful historic home in which Melinda and Tyler have an apartment, on the right hand side, in what used to be the servants' quarters.  Their apartment is on 2 floors and looks like a little add-on to the main house. 



The house has 3 other apartments., including the rest of the main floor which is where the owner lives.  


This is their view from the back deck and you can see the lawn to the left where Samuel loves to play.


Over the next 2 years all of the exterior wood on the house will be replaced - a huge project!

3.  Here is the view from the dining room table with the house right across the street and about 3 blocks away, the New Brunswick Provincial Legislature.   This whole area of the city is a designated historic properties zone and all the homes are wonderfully restored and beautifully painted.  


4.  I am enjoying this little man so much!  Here he's trying out the special chair at the greenhouse where Mommy was buying some pots for her plants.  (On a side note, most of the plants at the greenhouse were $1 a pot, including the begonias!)



5.  This summer Melinda signed up for a weekly Community Shared Agriculture fresh vegetable box from The Jolly Farmer organic farm.  She picked her order up at a local shop and I was amazed at what was inside this week!  


So many fresh, delicious vegetables to use and the added fruit box had 3 quarts of fresh strawberries!


And next Thursday another one comes :)  

Have you guessed that I'm in Fredericton, New Brunswick this week?!!  I'm enjoying every minute of this visit and these people!!


Flower cauldrons all along the downtown streets

Lists of 2011 - #27 and #28

Listography #27 - What I Would Do With A Million Dollars

1.  Donate a big chunk to Compassion International to use for schools and hospitals

2.  Take our whole family on a big trip to a sunny destination like Hawaii

3.  Travel to Antartica, Australia and New Zealand - and other places!

4.  Help our kids pay for their homes

5.  Do a major bathroom renovation and finish the basement

6.  Re-landscape the yard - and have it maintained every spring

7.  Wipe out our debts

8.  Put money away for our grandchildren's education

9.  Donate to Canadian Lutheran World Relief to build wells in villages in developing countries

10.  Support Aboriginal women's projects in Canada and abroad





Listography #28 - Scary Things

1.  Mice, rats and other rodents

2.  Snakes - any and all of them!

3.  Big spiders

4.  Icy roads

5.  Extreme weather like hurricanes and tornadoes

6.  Losing my senses

7.  Something seriously bad happening to our children and grandchildren

8.  Traffic accidents

9.  Deep water - like above my chin deep

10.  Roller coasters and other crazy rides

Monday, July 11, 2011

Gratitude Gifts Today

Summertime fun has been in full swing around here!  We went away on a little quadding trip with family and celebrated some special birthdays with the other side of the family last week.  The weather was hot and sunny and then turned stormy and very rainy.  The mosquitoes are growing bigger and hungrier by the minute - it's ridiculous!  But so many good times have been had and so many great memories have been made that we aren't letting little things interfere.

God's goodness is filling every day and so I count on with the little moment-by-moment wonders that He puts everywhere for me.  How very blessed I am!



#2710 - #2740

- safety while travelling
- time spent with loved ones
- laughter around the campfire
- smoke that sends the mosquitoes away
- a snug camper




- wildflowers blooming everywhere
- tall, tall trees
- rivers, clear and running fast
- firewood
- beautiful vistas



- watching others with their grandchildren
- a visit with our grandchildren who are safely home from a vacation
- a kind and beautiful daughter-in-law
- working together
- abundant, delicious food



- baby smiles
- cooing and sounds from Maëlle
- shy smiles from Blake
- great big hugs from Meadow
- pictures of vacation fun

- pancakes cooked on an outside grill
- breakfast stacks
- grilled salmon and new potatoes
- delicious birthday cakes
- birthday celebrations




- travel opportunities
- safety while driving through windy rainstorms
- the mail moving again
- intense discussions on convention resolutions
- childhood memories shared with great laughter

Thank you God for these wonderful days of summer and the times we share.

Sunday, July 03, 2011

Change

A neighboring farm family had a farm auction sale last week and sold their equipment and cattle.  It must be such a difficult decision to make and then to carry it out must be very emotional.  There have been alot of farm auctions in our area this spring.  The nature of farming is definitely changing and I don't think it's for the better.  

Friday, July 01, 2011

Five on Friday

1.  Happy Canada Day!



2.  Last weekend we attended "A Young Adult Photo Exhibit of Our community" that is part of a PhD. research project the pastor at my parents' church is doing on the topic of conversations in rural communities.  My talented nephew had several pieces displayed.  The whole research project is quite fascinating.



3.  I subscribe to National Geographic's photo of the day and this week one of the photos reminded me of a similar one that I took when we were on safari in Kenya.

This one was submitted to the NG Traveler Photo Contest by Eric Langlay and taken at Kruger National Park in South Africa.


Here is mine taken in the Samburu Game Reserve in Kenya.


Big differences in our photography and post-processing (I assume) but being up close and personal with elephants is the same!  My picture and the memories of that morning are still so very vivid - and so wonderful.


4.  I love hearing the birds singing when the windows are open first thing in the morning.  A little wren has taken up residence in the birdhouse we have on the patio and she sits in the saskatoon bush and sings away.  The magpies at 5 a.m. are not so sweet though!

5.  Remember last week I showed you the picture of a painting that my friend received as a retirement gift?  And I mused that perhaps the artist would do one for her mom who was also retiring?  Well - she did!  Here's the second painting and my friend, Marlene.



  



Thursday, June 30, 2011

Lists of 2011 - #26

Listography #26 - Times When I've Had An Audience

1.  Our wedding

2.  4-H public speaking competitions

3.  High school valedictorian

4.  As a teacher at school

5.  As president of kindergarten, elementary parents association and band parents

6.  Reading lessons at church

7.  Providing professional development sessions on math to teachers in Belize

8.  Sharing the Belize experiences with Rotary club

9.  Working as summer staff for 4-H and attending camps, seminars and special events

10.  As an emcee for weddings, anniversaries and birthdays

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Creating

Late last summer Meadow picked out some material and asked me to sew her pyjamas.  I cut them out - and there they sat until I found them about a month ago!  So I stitched them together for her birthday and I think she'll still be able to wear them this summer.  They are cute!


A little lace added to the pocket and sleeves make it perfectly girly!

Gratitude Gifts Today

More reasons to celebrate this weekend!  BBQ's with friends, Sunday worship, summer birthdays, achievements to applaud and beautiful weather to enjoy - life is full indeed!

Today I read a post at Getting Down with Jesus where Jennifer tells about her nephew in hospital and the message she got from God while keeping vigil at his bedside.  Can we really thank and praise Him when it seems all is bleak and He is quiet?  Can we praise Him when we lose our job, a child is lying ill in hospital or we are put in an awkward situation because of our faith?  "This is the day that the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

#2681 - #2710

- fresh flowers blooming profusely
- slideshows and reminisces
- technology that helps in amazing ways
- blossoms on pepper plants

- homemade pita chips
- nectarines
- tea with honey and lemon
- laundry folded and put away

- clean sheets on the bed
- incredible sermon message
- chatting with friends
- catching up on news
- morning sun reflected in from a new angle



- knowing just how to help
- vibrant rural communities
- pastors that inspire and act
- watching my Dad with small children

- birthday parties
- singing Happy Birthday and watching them glow
- presents piled high
- little ones watching with excitement



- birthday cakes
- little boys opening gifts
- big boys taking photos
- smooth as glass lake in the evening

- weekly instructions from the pulpiit
- being Christian means having to sacrifice sometimes
- reminders that God walks every step of this journey with me
- seeing Him all around me in the beauty of creation

Friday, June 24, 2011

Five on Friday

1. Today I had the great pleasure of representing our Health Advisory Council at the official opening of the CIMS (Courage In Motion) Centre at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton.



From the invitation:  "This virtual reality / robotic medical rehabilitation facility will provide enhanced physical rehabilitation and mental health therapy to both military and civilian patients using the CAREN (Computer Assisted Rehabilitation ENvironment) system.  A remarkable rehabilitation system that is the second unit in Canada (the other one is in Ottawa) for clinical use, it is the only one in western Canada and the eighth unit in the world."

"The simulator is officially known as a rehabilitation  virtual reality lab.

It combines a moveable, changeable patient platform with a wraparound, floor-to-ceiling video screen. A computer system allows physiotherapists to measure and analyse a patient’s response to different challenges.

“You have total control, not only of the environment you’re seeing, but of the terrain,” said Dr. Ed Lemaire, a clinical researcher at the rehab centre. “You can bounce it, put it on a slope, or on an angle. The platform is computer-controlled and can move in any direction.”  (credit to David Pugliese, in the Ottawa Citizen, April. 2010)

It was amazing to see a Canadian Forces prosthetic patient demonstrate a maze activity and do another drill simulating walking on uneven terrain while shooting at targets.  A civilian patient also demonstrated a virtual motorboat slalom drill.   One of the speakers described  the turntable style apparatus as "a Wii on steroids"!  

Funding for this $2.3 million system came from the Canadian Armed Forces and Alberta's Ministry of  Advanced Education and Technology.

And I didn't get an opportunity to take a picture :(


2.  Rain  - it's raining again!  We've had a week of rain and showers and only a little bit of sunshine.  Plants are definitely thriving!!

3.  I had to buy some birthday, retirement and congratulations cards today and when all was said and done, I filled up the punch card and got a free one.

4.  Mediterranean Dip is on the menu for a little barbecue that we are going to be attending tomorrow.  I'm making pita chips to go with it after seeing that a small bag of chips at the store was rather expensive!

5.  Two of my good friends are retiring from teaching this year and this beautiful picture was commissioned by the school staff as a gift for one of them.   It's so perfect, including so many little touches that are a reflection of her personality and her teaching.



 The wonderful artist is local and went to school with our kids.  (Her mom is the other retiree - do you think she'll paint a picture for her too?!)

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Lists of 2011 - #25

Listography #25 - Ten Words to Describe the Man in My Life

1.  Hard working

2.  Honest

3.  Loyal

4.  Mechanical

5.  Inventive and innovative

6.  Adventurous

7.  Determined

8.  Physically strong

9.  Humourous

10.  Tender hearted

Wordless Wednesday


Sidewalk chalk art by a kindergarten student

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Right Now

On the longest day of the year . . . .

right now, I am ...
:: marveling that this is the longest day of the year - and the days are going to start getting shorter now!!
:: revisiting my opinions about some important discussions.
:: plotting summer vacation plans.
:: finishing repotting the last tomato plants.
:: stopping to enjoy the small bits of sunshine that sneak in between rain showers.
:: wondering how I can get all the sewing projects done that I want to give this weekend.
:: casting about for clothes to wear to some business meetings later this week.
:: listening to the evening news announcing Prince William and Kate's itinerary for their Canadian visit.
:: queing cards, letters and packages to mail - whenever the strike at Canada Post ends. 
:: feeling excited for my friends that are retiring this month.
:: loving the birthday celebrations of this month.  It's Blake's 2nd birthday today :)
:: hoping to squeeze in all the things we have planned for this weekend.
:: wanting desperately to get rid of the laryngitis and summer cold that landed on me today.
:: thinking about my sister and brother-in-law's 26th wedding anniversary today.
:: making lunch for tomorrow using leftovers.
:: planning to phone a friend that I haven't seen for far too long.
:: reminding myself to give God thanks in everything, good and not-so-good.
:: savouring summer flowers in all their glory - bright colors and beautiful shapes.


bouquet from Naomi's garden

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Gratitude Gifts Today

The month of June is full of celebrations for our family.  Birthdays, anniversaries, Father's Day, summer, end of school - so many reasons to gather and share good times.  I am reminded that our Heavenly Father rejoices and celebrates with us too, not only on one day of the year but daily in so many ways.  And I am reminded to pause and give thanks for all that He gives me  every day - His goodness never ends!



#2647 - #2681

- hugs from my Dad
- a house full of little ones
- picnic table set up in the garage
- birthday cakes


Handy Manny toolbox cake, made by our daughter

- perfectly enjoyed birthday gifts
- telephone calls from our children
- birthday decorations (thanks, H!)
- new potatoes with cream and dill

- novel studies online
- little helper washing potatoes
- entertaining in our home
- willing helpers in my kitchen (special thanks, Mom and H!)

- rainbow shining under dark clouds
- lawn chairs
- creating a new recipe
- bouquets of fresh flowers

- growing plants
- wild roses blooming
- golden yellow sunlight shining again!
- God's love for me, never failing, never keeping track - always steady and strong                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Birthday Celebrating

Happy Birthday, Naomi!  We are so thankful that God placed you in our family thirty years ago.  You are amazing and we are blessed by your love and care.  May you enjoy all the adventures the year ahead will bring!

Happy Father's Day to my dad, my husband, and our son-in-laws - amazing men and fathers!


My dad's hands holding Maëlle, his newest great-grandchild

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Lists of 2011 - #24

Listography #24 - Things I Am Good At

1.  Baking and cooking

2.  Reading stories to children

3.  Typing

4.  Sewing

5.  Milking cows

6.  Driving the tractor and forage harvester (but my husband might dispute this one because  he says I'm just an operator of equipment not a true driver / mechanic!  And he's right!)

7.  Understanding nutrition and food science

8.  Giving gifts

9.  Teaching

10.  Seeing both sides of an issue

Wordless Wednesday


On the pump at our local bulk fuel dealer's

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Creating

This week I wanted to sew a little something to go along with a cookbook for a wedding shower gift so I used "The Perfect Apron" book by Rob Merrett  -



and created "Gipsy Spirit", minus the pocket.    Printed fabrics are from the "Eva"line by Basic Grey - yes, the scrapbooking company! - and I think it turned out to be very cute!  I will make this again, for sure.



The book has instructions for 35 different aprons and patterns are included.  Each apron is shown in full color and the step-by-step techniques are very easy to follow.  It's definitely fun to just look at this book!