"Go East", they said...

Autumn family photo attempts....

2013-10-30T12:12:00.002-04:00

I've missed this place...

My family has missed me regularly posting in this place.

Though it wasn't the original plan, it really "has" been a long while again since posting, so thank you for stopping by and visiting here. Please drop me a note and let's catch up.

I've been thinking this blog has become so full, and for the past year Google has been wanting monthly fees from me to support the extra space I'm taking up on the web. I've also been asked to contribute more money to my photo storage space, from the photo hog that I've become the past few years.

It's been a while as I've mentioned above. It's been a-long-while in fact!

I don't think there's ever been a time where such a span has happened from one blog post to another, but it is what it is.

It's been quite a few months around here... some very tough times amidst the sweeter ones, with so-many-adjustments to become accustomed to.

We're still trying to shake many unexpected things off. Are we ever trying to just focus, absorb, and roll with everything.

Canadian Thanksgiving has come and gone. For the second year in a row, we were able to capture a family photo, with our beautiful (autumn) forest canvas behind us.

I love these photo sessions!

But, snapping the ones below just made me laugh, and giggle, and then don the stern mother look followed by my curt request;

"Stop that and let me get one good one"... smiling....

Here are a few sneak peaks of our now five living here in the east with us, five of our eight. Now, you'll see why I had to offer that stern request. Come on now, I hear you giggling too.

And.....FINALLY I got this one;

It's been great stopping by and revisiting this space. I've missed you most of all, and hope to visit with you all again soon.

Blessings;
Renee

Hello August!

2013-08-02T15:37:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's now officially August!

Where, oh where has time disappeared?

I've been meaning to return much earlier, though multitudes of challenges have hit, and we are in the process of recovering, regrouping, and reformatting priorities.

We have much to share, oh yes we do, however the summer months are very precious, the beach sands call our name, and seasonal memories await. If it takes a wee bit more time to return here, then my friend, you will definitely know I'm definitely eager to do just that.

It's just a matter of time before I can find my way back, and upload more awaiting, wonderful, personal photos. I am so silly really. I admit that I do definitely take way too many photos, for sure I do.

Believe it or not, my laptop is constantly reminding me that it's storage is way too full, my iphone indicates it is also way too full, and I have hours of sorting to do, so I'm refraining from posting just yet until this organizational task is finally complete.

Thanks for your patience.

Hugs;

Renee

June... you're supposed to offer more than this.

2013-06-07T15:18:00.001-04:00

It's already June.

June is supposed to be a great month for closing the books, soaking up more sunshine, tending to seasonal yard clean up and gardening, basically just getting outdoors more often, especially to the water's edge to breathe in the sea air and recover from life's busyness.

The weather lately though, doesn't seem to understand it's June. Some days have already been way too hot and horribly humid, resulting in sudden debilitating breathing issues. On other days, I'm running for my winter coat again. Crazy!

June is supposed to be the month for slipping happily toward a summer mode for the months ahead. That's just not happening either. On top of weather issues, we've entered a timing for mental gymnastics with tug of war challenges, a push/shove overwhelming effort at times with health, and the uncomfortable feeling of being sucked dry in the process. I'm not enjoying the entire idea of spending this summer burned out, bummed out, and dusting myself off from being hammered to the ground.

I know for sure, it's tremendously difficult to even admit it, but I just can't seem to get the desire to wrap my head around those small calendar squares ahead, at least not yet.

Instead, I've been mentally turning the monthly calendar pages over, remembering the little stuff to do, like make those dental and optometrist appointments for everyone, check the well water all three weeks in a row, freshen up a few rooms with a coat of paint, enjoy hobby and down time galore, and eagerly prepare to welcome out of town guests for the wedding ahead. The whole idea of having all eight of our children staying under our roof all together again is very exciting!

I'm convinced the year though is flying by way too quickly. We're battling mosquitoes later than usual, the ones that do damage while sucking on my husband's face in the night. I'm still hoping and praying this long standing sinus dryness and pain finally disappears for good, and wondering where my hubby's health issues are heading with two very poor overall stat drops. I'm wanting to close the school books for an overdue brain dump soon, just finding myself simply counting down our days, realizing too that in a mere few weeks, fall will already appear once again, and this upcoming summer will vanish forever. Now, that's just an awful thought.

June. Please come to stay. Please offer us steady weather, a fitting month filled with refreshment to come. Please?

Yesterday, I was able to get out for my usual hike with my ladies. I haven't been for a while, usually due to the poor weather and subsequent necessary hike cancellations. Those times like the past three weeks due to thunder, lightning, tornado threats and monsoon rains.

When hustling to get out the door to meet the start timing this week, I almost returned inside and slammed it shut behind me. The skies opened up, and suddenly without warning, the rain came down, swiftly pelting the ground with its heaviness.

Quickly, I grabbed my rain jacket while muttering frustrations to myself under my breath. The immense urge to get out and move was (for me) far greater than the inconvenience of getting wet, so in a split second, I was back out the door and driving out toward my destination.

I'm so glad I did. Ten minutes later, the rain ceased as I entered our hiking area to join everyone else gathering there. We weren't canceled!

Halfway around our 7.7 km. hike, the sun briefly appeared. Walking at a fast clip, very soon we all tore our jackets off, and my body began thanking me for keeping pace in my usual spot at the head of the pack.

Every footstep enabled me to pound my heavy heart of late into my forward action steps, and our group's conversations allowed for a lovely and spontaneous bunch of laughter, its lighter content welcomed into my already full head.

As usual, our hike leader's choice of this day's natural environment offered an instant peaceful tranquility for our often fast paced cardio movements, even when that one steep gully grunt climb left me almost breathless along with the others for a few seconds. Cheering one another onward, no one allowed to stop, it all quickly ended up feeling so, so, so good! Yes, it did!

It's been a season for me of; "Oh sure, I can do that", or "Okay, I'll help", or "Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and more yesses".... so much giving, many times without so much as a thank you. Energy depleted, stupid me (!) as I tend to just keep on giving so much of myself. It comes disguised as something sacrificial at times. It does. I've even joked with my children on chaotic days to remember to write on my tombstone, something so simple as "She tried...".

Seriously though, I've just so often found myself hoping that I can extend my hand, to help alleviate and respond to other's pressures, befriend and soothe a hurting soul, automatically trying to assist family, friends, and neighbors, realizing it's often been to the point of what Elizabeth wrote about yesterday, a lack of "self care". Yes, that's me, my hand is currently raised way up high, pointed to the dark rainy skies above... I truly have spent the past few months placing everyone's needs way ahead of my own.

I've had to actually sit back and take a moment to figure out; "Wait a second, what is it that I really need myself right now?"

Eventually while out hiking, I realized a glorious adrenaline energy had sneaked in and washed over me. Thankful and happy tears welled up in my eyes for believing strongly enough that - rain or shine, this hike just HAD to be mine. I had to own it, determined to begin and then to absolutely complete it, to get through the rain and storms in my mind let alone outdoors, then to find the joy dancing inside my heart after congratulating myself, and wiping the sweat off my tomato red, overheated face at the end of it all.

Encouraging, I loved finding my husband's text come in a bit later; "You went for your hike after all! Good for you!"

A few of us decided upon a hot beverage location, and while unwinding with my pleasant camaraderie over a cup of hot of tea, everything again felt more focused and right with my soul.

June. Hard to believe you are actually already here.... It's been such a rough winter, and spring.

June... I pledge to you now, as well as to the upcoming months of July and August, that I will take way more time for "self care", to deflect all the life sucking issues being thrust forward towards me these days, to offer them all upward, and "I will" begin to find the courage and strength to use that two letter word - "No"

No, not today. No, sorry I can't. No, outside of my own vocational duties, I'm trying to take these months ahead while knee deep in wedding plans, to begin taking better care of myself, and until such a time as I feel rested, recovered, and at peace in my heart, I'm just not able to tack on many additional items at this time that could possibly take me away from this very necessary personal goal.

I must get out for my daily walk, to my exercise class, for my weekly hike, keep checking in with my chiropractor for those headaches which have returned, have leisurely dates with my husband and family times in between. There is much to pray for, a roaring to-do list yet unchecked, plenty of activities in full swing, and portfolios to complete.

Nope, not today, but for today, I will think of my own (and that of my family's) health and mental welfare, being extra careful not to volunteer to change my plans as I am usually caught doing, those which tend to affect me in keeping that promise to myself this summer.

Oh, and dear June, July and August.... I will never miss another hike again!

You.Are.Mine....

I promise.

P.S. I am having a plethora of trouble with my blog, so many errors upon posting, not tracking properly in readers anymore, and I'm too annoyed to try to figure it out anymore at this point in time. There's the reason for my absence, and when I'm able, I plan to get to the bottom of all of that. Eventually. When it fits life here. Meanwhile, I have a "Ten Things I'm Thankful For" post coming up shortly...

Scenes from our Easter weekend

2013-05-10T16:04:00.001-04:00

When a major feasting time occurs, it's double the blessing when additional family are present to celebrate with us, specially since our move to Ontario almost seven years ago now.

Welcome!

It sounds corny I know, but for me, mother to many and nana to almost a dozen, the quiet and smaller population in our home these days just seems way too quiet for me. I need festive, outright noisy, loads of laughter filtering through the air, plenty of warm loving hugs, and making memorable family times.

I know, it's just me and my camera most often, at the very least, trying to snap what I can to remember and seize the days when able. For the first time since our move, yes, we indeed had company at Easter time.

"Children of the same family, the same blood, with the same first associations and habits, have some means of enjoyment in their power, which no subsequent connections can supply..."

~Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814

Here's a photo journal of sorts, a small glimpse into our Easter weekend this year...

Our younger boys posing with our company.

A highlight for him, a definite highlight he said was to play pool again after so many years later, of having owned his own pool hall in the "good old days" of his youthful years.

Meanwhile, there was still daily prayer readings and reflections throughout Holy Week, and a fabulous new favorite "egg tree" to place these wooden images on with simple threaded string hangers.

On Easter Sunday morning, we were able to flip the cross around to feature the the purple liturgical color with the symbolic and uplifting lilies so nicely adorned on it.

Did I mention that I LOVE this new to us set? Oops, oh yes I already did in a past post. grinning...

Our little grandbaby missy loved having company over, and she engaged in their attentions and affections quite well.

So sweet, and so kind, this lovely gentleman has watched our children grow up the past half dozen years. He has offered such hospitality to our family over the years when offering his own home for us to stay in Plymouth, MA, right over the ocean.

Time to pay it forward.

These two have really hit it off over the years.

It was so good to see them together again.

Easter morning after mass our breakfast was scrumptious; fresh pacific salmon quiches, fruit, bacon and fresh orange juice, not to mention coffee aplenty.

Oh! Did I mention an abundance of chocolate too? Oh, I didn't?

Forgive me... grinning again.

Afternoon snowy forest trail walking, a bit of sightseeing, more liturgical celebrating, and then Easter Sunday dinner; my foodie husband had this one with his yummy (grass fed) turkey, special homemade cranberry sauce, homemade secret family recipe (wink) stuffing, sweet potatoes, my signature salad (wink), and gravy.

Yum! Just look at this baby!
Leftovers all week long!

Teasing everyone, I just couldn't resist these chocolate bars and subsequent introduction to our friend of our youngest daughter's bunny. There was an uncanny resemblance with her bunny to the one on the package, so cute!

More yummy meals together; wild pacific salmon (we all love seafood!), quinoa salad, coleslaw, green salad, green beans with garlic, and more.

Hail, Hail, finally there are enough around our family table this day!

And, another lovely reminder for the "reason for this season", one of our blessed palms, folded up into a cross and gently laying under our Alleluia letters on the dining room buffet.

We were so happy you two to have you drive all the way up here for a short weekend visit.

Come again!

Ten Things I'm Thankful For ~ a spring rose edition

2013-04-29T22:33:00.001-04:00

Yep...I'm definitely awaiting the spring's roses yet to come... Aren't you?

Here are my "Ten Things I'm Thankful For"....

When the night has been too lonely, and the road has been too long,

and you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong,

just remember, in the winter,

far beneath the bitter snow,

lies the seed that with the sun's love

in the spring becomes the rose.

(The Rose, sung by Bette Midler)

Well, in the last blog post I did warn all about our strange weather patterns looming before us, and indeed the snow did visit to cover the earth once more, with its (once again) wintry white snowy blanket.

The air grew very damp, and a tornado bounced off a farm an hour away from us. The odd weather offered us more bitter cold for a 48 hour period, and then all began to thaw and warm up again.

I'm happy to report we have only a little rain today, and the weather forecast to come for the rest of the week, is sun, sun, and more sun! The temperatures will rise, and with a steady increase of 20C+ of thermometer reading blissness, we will - at last, feel the effects of spring in our midst.

- 1 - I'm thankful for the gifts of spring. My husband gifted me with these lovely tulips yesterday. He too, felt the sun rounding the bend ahead.

I'm happy to report our trees are filling up with tiny buds, a sure sign that we still require patience for spring to finally begin blasting in with full force.

I am filled with great anticipation for a visible change of season to remain for more than a day, and having experienced one very beautiful day already as a teaser this past weekend, enabling doors open wide, and being able to sit for a bit and soak up the sun's rays while quietly listening to the multitudes of returning birdies, well now, that was so very wonderful.

- 2 - I'm thankful for the many blessings intentionally sought after day to day. Our world and personal circumstances still prove that there is so much to pray for, and still so much to be ever-thankful for. Always.

There are important family dates filling up our calendar, ones we will highlight in bright yellowy hues, glowing radiant like the sun to provide some blessed excitement ahead.

On May 19th, our future son-in-law will be baptized and receive his First Holy Communion. We will celebrate his and our daughter's wedding this August, and in both September and November, two more grandbabies (Yes now 2!) will make their welcomed entrances into our family. Other extended family events are dotted in between these ones, milestones for some and delights for others. So blessed!

- 3 - I'm thankful for the heart of our home - our kitchen! With Lent now behind us, and the Easter season in our midst, sporadic and impulsive baking moments are present in our kitchen.

The goodies are becoming a habit, and I hate to spill the beans to one daughter that our traditional "Lenten Pie Sundays" are now over. Two pies this weekend, and happy faces resulting from serving those were quite funny.

- 4 - I'm thankful that our schooling is rounding the bend, and the light at the end of the tunnel ahead is now (finally) beginning to brightly glow.

At this time of year, there is a tattling with our teens showing definite preferrences for some subjects over others. The dawdling becomes quite remarkable when a least favorite subject is presented for the week's "catch-up" scheduling mode. Oh, but we all know, those essays, and assignments that they really aren't a fan of will still be there come Monday. Right?

Seize the day children, for this part of schooling too shall pass...and then there will be many more challenges and learning opportunities ahead throughout your entire life. Real life-schooling never ends! Know that. :)

- 5 - I'm thankful for this old solid oak "Wilson" piano, the one that is daily adorned with sheet music, or a favorite piano book. It's the one that fingers pass across the ebony keys, offering joyful song and rhythmic tunes enough to fill our home with the sounds of music.

Thank you to our children who still love to play, we love to listen to your efforts, and thank you mom and dad for having it surprisingly dropped off that one day, now so long ago. This is the piano all of my siblings played tunes upon, the one we had in our home growing up.

All eight of our children have been privy to piano lessons, in the hope that they would learn to especially, and simply love fine music down the road. It is my fondest hope that they all still appreciate having had the opportunity of being introduced to, and playing on this timeless musical instrument. Maybe they won't continue to play in the future, but it will remain here whenever they wish to sit and run the keys again in the future.

- 6 - I'm thankful for the opportunity and pleasure of having guests in our home at Easter, for the very first time since our move to Ontario almost seven years ago now.

My sister and our friend spent many hours driving here from Cape Cod, arriving late on Good Friday, and not leaving until Easter Monday morning. It was very special to have them here with us, one of those really thankful things in life to have additional family around on a special weekend. Love to you sister!

A highlight was the men's pool table games, so neat to see them enjoy circling around it and having a great time. Our friend used to own his own billiard hall many, many years ago and really enjoyed revisiting that special former hobby of his.

- 7 - I'm thankful for the formal change of winter to spring sports. Our son is playing ball hockey again this year. He's made a move to a new venue, with the biggest change being that this particular new-to-him league is outdoors, snow or shine.

He was over the moon crazy-happy to be able to grab his favorite number 10 again, one that he's had for most of his ice/ball hockey seasons thus far.

Though these photos have the sun shining, it was freezing cold out there, hovering around a mere 3C degrees! So cold, the sun didn't even warm a body up, so these boys were wearing layers to keep warm, and working it out there to keep pumping up their circulation.

Team win of 6-1 was a hearty bonus for all the kids on his team, but all were happy to run for warmth as soon as they exited their arenas.

I'd like to mention the incredible professional flooring they are able to play on, a formal floor used in roller hockey games, so there is a cushioning for joints moving about throughout the season, as opposed to playing in an indoor arena's concrete flooring. Bonus!

- 8 - I'm thankful for attempts at resolving issues with short cuts to cleaning hardwood floors. This "shark steamer" allowed me to make an unexpected happy dance when locating it locally and finding it on sale for almost half the price. Ohhhh, was I ever thankful when the cashier surprised me with that good news, as it was the night before the actual mark down event and she offered it to me early. Yay!

With the recent purchase of this steam cleaner, I worked and worked at cleaning for some additional super shine on our abundance of flooring in this house. My verdict? Perhaps the sales pitch is hailed by many to be fantastic, yes it did clean well, and I'm still thankful for having it, but honestly, I think I'm needing a commercial unit instead to perform for us here.

Though the manufacturer claims it will disinfect at the same time as cleaning, even at its lowest steam setting, I found it left a rather dull streaked flooring as a result of all that abundance of cleaning. I still really like it though, specially on my tile flooring in the hallways, doorways and bathrooms, but one thing was sure - performing the task with such a large amount of flooring required several breaks when the motor obviously became too hot to continue. (Your thoughts, if you own one are most welcomed.)

- 9 - I'm thankful for this white frothy cuppa sweetness! I gave up these and other things for lent, and boy oh boy was I ever thankful for this special and unexpected serving placed before me! Yum! Yum!

It's a ceremonial thing for me, not to be indulged in too often, but slowly savored when present. Bliss!

- 10 - I'm thankful for daily cell phone reminders when viewing my newest photo placed on my cell phone's home screen. This was a photo I snapped a while back through my window, one that I love to check out daily that is graced with this window decal, which has become so special to me.

It makes me smile, when every single day my cell phone offers a little reminder not only to see the sunshine in my days, but to also fill my heart with gratitude for the many, many blessings given unto me.

As this week's Sunday epistle bible reading details;

" Dearly beloved, Every best gift, and every perfect gift is from above: coming down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration...."

~ 1 James 1:17

And once again, ten - only ten out of hundreds of thankful things are offered for just a minor glimpse at some of my simple things in life ~ from me to you.

Grab a pen, grab something to jot down your favorite and thankful things today. Count your blessings and know they really do come down from the Father of lights.

Have a great week everyone!
Blessings;
Renee

"People from a planet without flowers would think

we must be mad with joy the whole time

to have such things about us."

~Iris Murdoch

The winter that would never end!

2013-04-18T13:37:00.000-04:00

“It was such a spring day as breathes into a man an ineffable yearning, a painful sweetness, a longing that makes him stand motionless, looking at the leaves or grass, and fling out his arms to embrace he knows not what.”

~ John Forsythe

Today as I type this post, I am once again quietly plagued, with yet another slowly developing sinus infection. Only on one side of course, the side I sleep on. Drats!

This winter may never end, at least that's what most folks around these parts are thinking.

Currently, there is a thunder storm brewing outside, complete with visiting monsoon rains and rather large balls of hail.

Just two days ago, all of the accumulated winter snowfall on the ground finally thawed. Well almost.

As today's weather forecast heads into the 25C range, the report for Saturday isn't wrong, but feels like it should be, with snow arriving again and temperatures spiraling back down to 1C.

This has been the longest winter I've ever experienced in my whole life, not a bad thing, just l-o-n-g!

Though, I am a snow-loving woman, I'm not totally sorry to see the snow disappear to expose the dead looking bush and bramble on our back property, for I have been enjoying observations of returning robins attempting to dig through the snow to the solid core beneath in search of nourishment.

Oddly enough, even in extreme weather conditions, life in nature rotates with the seasons.

While local coyotes howl on the warmer spring nights, the horses must be fetched from recently thawed outdoor paddocks, with their softened (temporary) mud caked hooves. Much to everyone's dismay at the barn, this creamy muck adds great effort to their tacking up details, specifically having to ensure a proper cleaning, brushing and scrubbing of horse's feet, legs and tails, before any riding pleasures can commence.

It's definitely been an odd year to say the least.

This week, while the snow was "still" thawed, I threw in the towel and had my husband and daughter remove the spigets and sap-filled buckets hanging from our trees.

I'm done with the boiling and stove top monitoring duties. It's time to roll up our sleeves and get outdoors, in a much different way.

We have but a month on our open window timeline, at best, until the thick of bug season begins anew again, so enough of winter, let us begin clearing up our forest floor, and pathways out back before we turn into half eaten insect-pricked-pin-cushions.

The broken branches now exposed since winter's frozen thaw, and those additional ones from last week's severe ice storm dearly require our attention. Many hands do make work light..

The incredible amounts of road salt and sand brought home this year from our vehicle's winter tires, has our garage and driveway begging for a good pressure washing.

Our work efforts on our doorways' indoor carpets will have a slight reprieve, from the daily, sometimes twice daily vacuum sessions necessary these past weeks, from sand also entering on the bottom of our footwear. I've never seen so much of the stuff! Honestly!

All is well though with the changing of yet another season. After enjoying the winter sun's daily teasing, the freezing nights and continued snowy days seems to offer another story. Some want to ask about the obvious; "Are you really sure spring has sprung?"

Another sudden round of colds and flus has hit the entire area it seems, a concern as they always tend to be in our home.

For me, cold or warm, I have a growing and grand desire to continue focusing on obtaining more fresh air, even if just having doors open wide (brrrrr) for a time. I'm wanting to begin placing outdoor furniture back on the decks (now that the snow left this week), and hoping to very soon take my daily cup of tea out on the back steps (think COLD butt!).

I'm dreaming of the simplest of pleasures to begin again, just the ability to enjoy witnessing springtime buds aplenty, hearing the singsong of birds while nesting, and hoping to spot returning familiar little critters in our forest and meadow out yonder.

Since spring has sprung, or is arriving so late here, there are yet so many things to look forward to observing, and enjoying ahead. And with spring, all things new and beautiful await our wintery weathered souls. Everything will begin feeling clean and fresh again, time will slow down just a little with the longer days allowing for respites before bed because the sun still shines, and everyone will once more begin migrating out of doors just because...

In light of all the good and evil happening in our world this past month, there is a pressing need to keep up the faith, for there is so much lately to ponder, much to continue offering prayer for, and still - so much to be thankful for.

There is comfort and joy, and then very quickly, there is indescribable sadness that often lacks understanding.

Life is indeed very fragile... Everyday is an absolute gift... please remember to live it well my friends.

“Life is fragile and temporary.

The faces of today quickly become the faces of the past.

Sorrow, pain, and anger... it all fades- except love.

Love is forever and there after, even when we've fallen to our graves.”

~ Lee Argus

Our maple syrup efforts...

2013-04-10T19:54:00.000-04:00

Maple sugaring is;

It's a hobby with a mandatory time and effort commitment attached, a whole specific and precise process tagged to it to be sure...

Daily checks to empty all the sap buckets continue.

On any given day, as soon as one bucket is emptied and returned to the spiget's hook, one can hear the dripping chorus repeating itself again.

Drip, drip, drip...

Just as soon as we have boiled and evaporated up all of our collected reserves, it seems it's once again time to repeat all over again.

Observing the clear sap over several hours, finds everyone getting excited once we (finally) begin to notice a color change. An amber brown color quickly becomes a favorite around here. Now for it to begin to darken even more, and thicken up.

When it's all ready to strain, I've been placing the remaining boiled down maple syrup contents into this glass pitcher.

With my syrup jars all hot and ready for the big pour, lids are sealed and another batch is complete. And then, after upwards of six to eight hours of boiling and adding, boiling and adding, a few (no names here of course) begin muttering the question of; "Why are we doing this again?"....so much work for so little syrup. No wonder it's nicknamed "black gold". Now, I know why.

Will we do it again next year? Ask me later, but likely the answer would be "yes"...

Meanwhile, we have a winter storm warning over a period of the next two days, just when all the snow has finally been disappearing. Collecting sap, it would seem, will continue instead of cease.

No matter, it'll melt, but for now, more syrup to come for us.

A little bit of foodie fun...

2013-04-10T18:48:00.002-04:00

Serving crunchy, green salads has become a custom around here, and one often finds some sort of addition of chopped fruit, assorted nuts (this one has chopped up dry roasted almonds), asiago or some sort of shredded cheese, and lots of goodness for every body.

I am not a dressing person, never really have been. But, with company coming to join us for Easter, well that was a cause for more celebration by complimenting all of our various salads with "Renee's" salad dressings.

Favorites are;

Pear and blue cheese, Asian, and Italian herb.

Many years ago I could not for the life of me find one thing bearing my own unique name. Now, it's everywhere, even in my grocery aisle.

Loving it!

OUR new horse!

2013-04-06T22:41:00.000-04:00

All of the boarders and their horses have now gone. They've left for other pastures, and the fields are beginning to be tilled and tended to by the new owners.

As for the barn happenings, there are only nine horses out of thirty remaining, two of whom are still for sale.

A surprise happened last month. Yes, a HUGE surprise. I'm sure you know what I'm about to announce, the title of this post an obvious leak to the news.

WE, my husband and I, are now owners of a horse of our own! Long story short, with all of the barn horses now mostly sold, and if our daughter wants to remain as a rider over summer there, or show at all this upcoming show season, the horse she had bonded to for it all to happen (Aussie), became available for sale.

Actually, he belonged to the coach's daughter. While expecting her first baby and birthing her last December, our daughter was offered to train and bond with this horse for the show season. What a HUGE surprise to us when she decided to sell!

As each of the owner's other horses at the barn were sold, many of them meant for a more beginner rider anyway, once the news this particular horse's upcoming sale was announced, there was only one rider to offer it to who would/could be a perfect match, before placing an actual advertisement in the online horse sale section.

Guess who that was?

With a whole lot of discussion, promises aplenty, and a great big wince, we decided to bite the bullet and purchase the horse.

Yes, our girls are like cowboys.

They have spurs on their winter riding boots.

Buyers remorse has rolled through my mind at least a dozen times ever since we committed to the sale, but now here we are still pinching ourselves, the new owners of a horse!

Let's hope for many ribbons this summer, to increase the value of this horse. (winking)

The white marking on Aussie's forelock resembles

the outline map of Australia, thus the name "Aussie".

Since our older daughter also owns her own horse, one she purchased recently this past December, it's quite handy for both of our girls to buddy up when making their daily visits down the road to the barn, to tend to, and ride their horses freely as they choose.

For the most part, yes, I'm babysitting while they are present at the barn, but their dedication and camaraderie so far is working out quite well.

So far, so good. And what an opportunity!

A few warmer days have allowed me to attend and observe where they are advancing in their abilities, grandbaby along with me.

At least the horses are friendly and seem to love having a baby squealing with glee and watching their every movement.

And, Aussie is such a great sport too! He was all dressed up for a costume show last fall. I'm afraid this photo below was the only one I was able to snap from such a distance that turned out. I'm sure you get the picture though. His tolerance level is very high for things like this. :)

Here's to Aussie, the thoroughbred horse we now own! And here's hoping for a fantastic upcoming show season for both of our girls. Oh, and a wedding too for one of them... Whew!

Ten Things I'm Thankful For ~ (early) Holy Week edition

2013-04-05T15:48:00.001-04:00

Holy Week - 2013

There just aren't enough hours in a day, and of that, I am very sure. Purposely reflecting on life's moments though, always happily becomes time well spent.

Remaining ever-hopeful, and not always trying to lean blindly on our own understanding, well, that's often so much more difficult, isn't it?

May you become filled with hope and grace during holy week ahead, spending time searching, praying, and acknowledging all those blessed "thankful things" pouring forth within your quiet, everyday moments.

Somehow, we giggled over being handed entire branches this year,
21 fronds on my husband's alone.

My fridge, with a few favorite things; a countdown on the road to Calvary, a lenten idea calendar, hot cross bun recipe, and a perfect bible verse.

I'm so glad you're here, thank you for your visit today. May you be blessed during this Holy Week, and throughout the Easter season ahead.

With gratitude;
~ Renee

Here are my ten thankful things for this edition, in no particular order, always random, and just a very few from a whole boatload of thankful things I attempt to gather each and every day.

My photos just tend to pop out at me (pick me, pick me) when I review them, thus the lack of exact common sense direction each time I post these "ten things". Choosing items at random, even though it might make no sense at all to anyone else for the reasons why I've chosen them, please be assured they always make perfect sense to me to include them here.

"Life is full of pains and hardships, but we are lucky we have a great God behind us all the time. Be thankful and count even the simplest blessings..."

~Panwar

- 1 - I'm thankful for the support system our daughter continues to be blessed with, so many kind, caring, and wonderful people have embraced and loved her so much over the past year since having her baby girl. Thankful!

Now, isn't this dress appropriate for this horse loving/owning/riding little mama? The coach/owner of the girls' barn came back from Kentucky thrilled with this bitty dress for our little granddaughter. How appropriate is right!

- 2 - I'm thankful for an Irish bottle of Carolans around St. Patrick's Day, a little coffee additive used for special occasions, like on Sundays during Lent.

I'm not a fan of the usual types of additives in my coffee, things like cream,milk, or sugar sweeteners, but give me a shot every once in a while of bailey like creams, and yes, I'm thankful. And, so is my husband.

- 3 - I'm thankful for so many things actually, and with having my blog posting efforts running a little slower these days, my memory banks are overflowing, and as always, I'm jotting down all thankful things to savor, oodles of moments which provide me with a happy heart when revisiting them later on. There's always so much to be thankful for. Always!

When (mysteriously, we won't point fingers, right? :)) finding this VW collector car in our grandbaby's hands this week, my mind began rolling back to our days of early marital bliss, with thoughts of a neon, bright, yellow Volkswagen beetle car definitely coming to mind, making me break out in a big wide grin. Those were the days my friend....because that was our first car.

- 4 - I'm thankful for impulsive neighborhood pickuup drivebys, when a late afternoon or evening ski date becomes a very fun and serendipitous mini event. Always lots of smiles, and thank yous afterward over a steamy hot chocolate, and a rip roaring fire in the chalet.

- 5 - I'm thankful for teenagers who aren't afraid to bring themselves down to a baby's level, who will crawl under tables and chairs to fetch, or play with our grandbaby, help keep her entertained, and away from the stairways, while dinner is being prepared in the kitchen.

- 6 - I'm thankful for our maple sugaring weeks, where our rookie attempts are actually turning out to be alright. Yes, entire days have been spent boiling sap on our kitchen stove.

After researching about sugaring, we thought our first year using the indoor kitchen, would be just fine for producing this sweet bottled ending to the sap gatherings, and it has been. It's been extremely handy to have all the action nearby, allowing us to multitask and to pursue other endeavors, and yet still being close enough to keep an eye on things as the bubbling and boiling progresses.

A general rule of thumb is the 40:1 rule, where it takes 40 cups of sap to boil down to equal 1 cup of syrup - amazing, but true! At first we were so excited to have SO MUCH sap, but then to see how little comes from hours of effort, well, I for one will never, ever, again complain about the cost of purchasing maple syrup from the store. Yikes!

Next year if we attempt our sugaring again, we already know changes will be in order. We will build ourselves a wood fire sugaring station outdoors, and have a larger production boiling away out yonder in the snowy depths of our back property. We'll be able to save ourselves lots of time and effort from usage of much larger pans, while creating a much more cost effective method to the madness. Meanwhile, I can assure you that pancakes never tasted so good! Yum!

- 7 - I'm thankful for fantastic pots and pans, and even for having an often crowded stove. When that's the case, that obviously means I'm cooking something up for my family, be it syrup or dinner.

Actually, the back two pieces of cookware were purchased before we were married, over 36 years ago, and they truly don't owe us a dime! They have sustained years and years of usage, assisting us in providing and hosting big family celebrations, with plenty of food preparations included for their successes.

Thank you to our frying pan, about ten years old, for you too happen to be my dear, and lovely companion these days! I'm always doubling up the cooking, and enjoy two meals from one foodie making effort.

- 8 - I'm thankful for Angie and Jane, owners of the Etsy store called; "Jesse Tree Treasures" . These ladies sure do offer visually meaningful, and gorgeous handmade items, for families to use round the liturgical year.

I love this "Holy Week" set, complete with wooden tree, and scripture study for use with the meanings of each symbol dedicated and represented for use over the week.

How rich our faith to be able to include these items in our homes, and how wonderful these sames items would be to tuck away into a bride-to-be's hopechest, or for any other type of vocation, for use in their own homes someday. There is something to say about providing the next generation with these types of rich liturgical offerings, especially for use with our future progeny, that makes the investment well worth its weight in gold.

Thank you ladies!

- 9 - I'm thankful for another great year with lots of time well spent taking our younger two skiing and snowboarding. Last July we purchased winter passes for a great preseason deal, for this new to us mountain instead of the last one, which obviously became the sole venue for this year's activities.

Similar to the one we frequented last year, both are not far, just in different directions. The location was sure handy for taking in extracurricular moments, kids fast becoming completely rejuvenated, and better able to handle the assigned algebra for the day. (kidding)

Everything in due season comes to an ending, and with spring's thaw rightly attempting to claim its grand return, these photos were all snapped on the mountain's very last day, before the "closed" sign was placed the following day, on the slope's chalet doors.

With weather always permitting for slope actions, the hours spent in the great wintry outdoors, were greatly appreciated by all. This winter felt extra long compared to previous years, and perfect for all the shushing, jumping, and tricks one could muster on any given mom-designated "slope day". Plus, knowing so many others with yearly passes there like us, or meeting homeschooling or our church groups there for a day of camaraderie and fun, all only added to this year's enjoyable season. Goodbye winter 2013!

- 10 - I'm thankful for other people in our lives who have an obvious knack for getting to the point, and who mentor our children well in our absence.

If this isn't stating a great fact at the barn, and if this great coach/owner didn't place announcements up like this on the communication board, guess who might instead be having to get after all the girls about important things like this over there?

I love the mentoring, support, and guidance our two girls have been getting at this barn. I still feel it will be a sad day once September comes, and the barn as we know it, will experience forever changes.

Are you still with me? Thanks so much for reading, and for allowing me to share with you.

To me, only including ten things is so tough. There are hundreds of things I'm thankful for.

What about you?

{this moment} - wedding preparations

2013-04-05T12:38:00.001-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Preparing for our daughter's August wedding...

Behind the scenes, without giving anything away...

( If inspired, go visit others' {this moment} posts over at SouleMama)

Ten Things I'm Thankful For ~ Pre-Lenten edition

2013-03-18T16:17:00.001-04:00

I know. It's late...but please read on.

"Time and reflection change the sight little by little

'till we come to understand."

~ Paul Cézanne

Yes, this is the "pre-lenten edition", very obviously later than expected. It's sat patiently in my drafts' folder, awaiting editing, a few more uploaded photos, and the last of the text. And then, just as Lent tends to do, it intensified with its own rerouted agenda to disallow publication when due.

Forgive me?

Usually in our home, pre-lenten anything begins with winter in our midst, not such a good time health wise for my hubby, especially during February!

This time of year is often dreadful for many, and seems to end up being the worst "winter month" for respiratory issues, freezing cold temperatures to create "freezing-cold-lung-pounding-pain" for him, and the rest of us working on building up our immune systems aplenty!

Here's to a beautiful effort, a tangible, fruitful and prayerful lent ahead, a time for reflection, for delving even deeper, for the ability to carry our own crosses, and even in the toughest of moments, to be able to offer back everything - I MEAN everything (!!!) offered up to the greater glory of God, and towards others, who are in incredible need of our prayers during this fast approaching six week lenten season.

The way to reflect while on our journey ahead on the road to Calvary this Easter, was never meant to be misconstrued as something easy peasy, no sir, not for anyone. If it feels easy folks, you either took a wrong turn, a short cut, or might possibly not be in tune with all there is to personally pray for.

Honestly, maybe it's because I've grown older. Maybe not. But, there is SO MUCH to pray for! There are also so many opportunities to embrace those pay it forward moments in life. Like the one I was in awe of last week when the man at the Tim Horton's window handed our hot drinks out to us, and then announced "no charge because the woman ahead of you already paid for yours".

Thankful. Humbled. I'm usually the one doing that, but have to admit this is the first I've had thrown my own way.

"How far that little candle throws his beams!

So shines a good deed in a naughty world."

~ William Shakespeare

How to pay it forward? In action, word or deed?

You'll know what to do when these times present themselves to you...

Here's my "ten things" for today, no rhyme nor reason, just thoughts and memories to share with you this day.

- 1 - I'm thankful for weekend visits with my hubby when he's allowed a two day pass out of the hospital's respiratory rehabilitation program, to come home and recover with family surrounding him.

Mostly, he sleeps during that recovery, and it's in tender moments like this one above that we find ourselves smiling. It's definitely in the little things. That's for sure! Blessed.

- 2 - I'm thankful for the love of all things family! My family! My big beautiful family!

There is always someone pressing on my mind, held dear to my heart, someone I'm prompted to pray for, or memories revisited in a very surprising way.

It's a beautiful day to remember they all used to live right here with us, well, not right HERE exactly in Ontario, but you know what I mean. Missing the big bunches, loving and dodging about to get me my share of hugs from the younger ones these days. They are handling their father being in hospital quite well, asking about him often, and knowing this is all good at this time.

- 3 - I'm thankful for ceremonies like the one above when our son is able to advance as an altar server to the duties of both senior acolyte on future schedules.

Mass was offered for the intentions of this day, beautiful and touching for all the parents and boys being presented with new blessed medals. Good service Son! Congratulations!

- 4 - I'm thankful for maple syrup days ahead! Well we hope so anyway. We've been doing our homework, chatting on the telephone before my husband has to get to bed at the hospital for his next morning's routine, and hoping that this won't be too big of a project for our family this year.

I'll be back to let you know what we decide.

- 5 - I'm thankful for our family's favorite hot cross bun standby recipe, only used during lent around here, so that makes it extra special for all of us!

Praying arms during lent? Always appropriate. :) Here's to many of these pans filled with our Friday hot cross bun offerings our the family and friends to consume.

- 6 - I'm thankful for signs of spring, even if those signs are only ones recently found indoors.

My husband brought me home a large bunch of carnations, enough to fit into three separate vases! So, currently they grace the dining room table, the kitchen table, and the family room side table. Boy, oh boy, do these ever last a long while!

- 7 - I'm thankful for surprise little gifties and/or inspiring cards from my children. They all know mom is alone in the evenings, and this asked me if I was lonely at night because if so, she'll gladly come and join me in my great big bed (she said), so I have someone with me through the night.

Cute. Thoughtful. Sweet daughter.

"There is no possession more valuable than

a good and faithful friend."

~ Socrates

And thankful to a whole bunch of friends, my hiking buddies who were so thoughtful and sent me this card above. That's the kind of support one often realizes during small storms of life, so incredibly grateful to all of them! xox

- 8 - I'm thankful for new pretty pyjamas, a soft cotton set of long sleeved shirt and pant bottoms, a gift from my hubby to keep warm this winter. I forgot about them, and finally pulled them out to wear after a nice warm bath this week.

I'm usually not a pyjama type of fan, preferring nighties, but lately, well, it's winter and so cold. Time to warm up under my flannel sheets! Delighted.

- 9 - I'm thankful for boys, the ones that live here and the ones that visit often!

They bring games to play (Angry Birds above), and they bring homemade pies to share with our family;

They come to watch and cheer our son on at hockey games, especially when his team gets to the privilege of playing in the BIG ARENA where the OHL leagues play.

Here's to one of my sons, who has recently found a fun way to study his Wordly Wise vocabulary for the week's testing, making it a game for his own memory.

He's been really pleased, and encouraged by the great results from challenging himself to remember words and their descriptions in this game format. Anything to make it fun he says...

And here's to the boys who presented me with an entirely different end result than I could ever have expected the day I left a fun winter edible project on the table to complete.

Yes, the following photo shows what were supposed to end up as cute little snowmen, but what ended up as white little robot men. HAHA!

Oh boys! You make me smile. You all make me laugh. You are all so protective of me, a whole unique bunch of your very own caliber who richly bless me. Thank you!

- 10 - I'm thankful for mornings after the winter rushing storms the night before. The sun shines, roads and sidewalks are fairly clear, and everyone just resumes their "normal", whatever that might be for them.

There you have another "Ten Things I'm Thankful For" post. Please grab your own pen and paper, if you haven't already, or go ahead and challenge yourself to become a 365 photo snapper of one thing everyday that makes you thankful. Do something towards that end at the very least to trigger gratitude from within for all the many blessings that fall unto you each and every day.

"The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.

If you...ignore beauty, you will soon find yourself without it.

Your life will be impoverished.

But if you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life."

~ Frank Lloyd Wright

To find the beauty in our days, the days that are already numbered like the stars in the heavens above, well now, let us really search for our intentional items to offer prayer for, and when we recite our morning offerings, let us do so with eyes, wide open! Rejoice if your cup becomes quite full, then you know you're doing something right. Indeed lent has its own plans for all of us, so relax, let go, and accept them.

Are you scared to proceed? Come on. Take my hand, let's jump in the next six weeks together. Shall we?

Sending warm thoughts your way as you too prepare for the Liturgical season changes ahead, when we walk our walk, and attempt to do the very best we can, baring any uncertain circumstances mounting up as near impossible road blocks.

The path awaits, and we hope you will enjoy your journey.

Think the thoughts and see the sights along the way...

and delight in the anticipation of what may lie ahead.

Ten Things I'm Thankful For ~ March 16/2013 edition

2013-03-16T12:24:00.001-04:00

"The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely"

~ Louisa May Alcott

Winter storms continue to visit, bucket loads of snow drifting downward upon us each time. The weather is warming up though, and we can actually smell a wee bit of spring in the air. Well, sort of.

It feels like "forever-ago" that we were able to, very impulsively, snap the photos in this greeting card below. One can see autumn was still in full bloom, and that my friends, was but a mere short time ago.

Are you tired of winter?

Take heart then because it truly is almost at the end.

The brighter blue sunny skies are becoming more common, and the snow is quite tolerable because of all those glittery rays. Those photos of footprints on the snow in the sugaring post were just that, footprints "on the snow" because the ground/snows were frozen solid. Now, we sink, and dip into the depths still laying on the ground, boots are absolutely still required.

It's time to recall all those goals, events, or activities yet to happen in this season of winter. Like our sugaring. Like the younger two using up their ski/snowboard passes as long as they are able. Like our local outdoor ice skating rink, and getting in a whole lot of play before it's surface turns to slush before disappearing for good.

It's still time to enjoy a more hearty kitchen food fare, keep using the crock pot (my best friend these days) to create those wonderful homemade soups and stews filled to the brim with nutritional goodness, before spring's fresh garden varieties become available again. At least we won't have limited fresh food selections of choice from Africa, Chile, and Mexico, rather our more local farm produce will once more be available and in high demand.

On that very long note, here's my "Ten Thankful Things" to share with you today, in no particular order (except for the first one, smiling...), and without mostly no rhyme nor reason for some. They make perfect sense to me though, just favorites for this blog post.

Onward ho! Keep writing and making notes about your own very personal "ten things" everyone! It's so worth it all, being grateful for every little bitty thing, all of the time, every single day, every moment if possible. There is so much to be thankful for, and likewise during this lent, there is so much to pray for.

- 1 - I'm thankful for already out of date photos, those only a couple of weeks old, but yes, already out of date. Like the one above of our grandchildren, already out of date. Check out our new grandbaby below, due in September.

Such a wee little baby growing in a mother's womb, someone to be protected, cherished, and ever precious to many. Welcome wee one to our family. You are already so loved!

- 2 - I'm thankful for father and son music mentoring, and continued music in our home. With several guitar players here, lately there is always someone strumming and plucking strings, bringing happy tunes into our airwaves. It's been great to see them join together, and share new personal twists on the usual scales, or offer one another fun new challenging tunes to learn.

- 3 - I'm thankful for discovering these delightful, and most adorable Saint Softie dollies.

I've ordered quite a few of these original lovelies from Erin's Saintly Silver shop on Etsy, and I have fallen in love with every single one! Sadly, I've given most away, those bundles of sweetness to be sure, so I decided it was high time to have a few around here of our own.

This little Guardian Angel was a must-have item for me to gift away, the prayer on the reverse one that I have fond memories of reciting myself plentifully over my 36 years of parenting.

I was delighted with the quality, the intricate detailing, and the inclusion of a personal additional prayer on the reverse of each one of these. Smitten...two granddaughters now have these same Guardian Angels tucked in with them at night.

Perhaps you noticed my St. Valentine in another post, and here you'll now see we've made a switch to St. Patrick for this weekend's actual feast day for him. Aren't they adorable, and so filled with sweetness?

Up ahead, I'd like to add a few more to our mini collection, personal Saint dollies. Yes, Erin knows where all of ours have been mailed and who the lucky recipients were. She makes everything as a "special order", so each is made with loving, and personal care. (No, I am not an affiliate of hers, just an admirer) Love them!

- 4 - I'm thankful for things happening at the barn, some awfully sad to witness (another post is brewing), and other positive adjustments and changes are rolling along to benefit those show girls remaining until September. And, wow, are these girls EVER working hard towards this summer's horse showings.

Personal riding licenses and insurances are already purchased for 2013, the show schedules are printed, and what a busy season this one will prove to become over the next six months. Both of our daughters will be upping their competitions to "Trillium levels", and our youngest will be thrust out into the Junior "A" circuit, one of the highest levels available for her age. This should be a totally new experience, and a great one at that.

(another mirror shot - new riding level gives preference for a different type of boot)

I pulled off a surprising photo of myself above, one a typical teen would have no problem doing, several times a day if allowed, to snap self mirror type photos. The long mirror on the side of a twirling cabinet caught my eye, a little giggle, and then a quick snap. (Funny) I showed the girls, they thought it was great. Ha!

Notice the heavy coat, scarf, hat to whip on as necessary (I usually also have a zip-up hoodie hat underneath too), and boots. It's freezing butt-cold to be present watching our girls ride, (a real sacrifice to be honest) to accompany them in their love of all things horse in the dead of winter. It can also become dusty in the riding arena, so I tend to return home in my navy jacket, adorned with a lovely shade of a dirty hued dusty coating. And, the horse smell also seems to linger lately, so it's officially become my own "barn jacket".

Never did I think I'd be a "barn mama", a "hockey, ballet, ball, basketball, anything else kind of mama", but never a "barn mama" to this degree. Spring can come now. I'm tired of having to thaw out my toes, and nose for hours afterward, small sacrifices really to witness the girls enjoying their sport. Guess I'm not really complaining, just noticing what comes from the intensity of a more active season at this time, than most other years prior to now.

- 5 - I'm thankful for Tim Horton's "roll up the rim and win time". I've won many free coffees so far (hot chocolates for after barn/ice hockey/ski times), a fun little reward awaiting those freezing cold barn days.

How about you? What's your score to date?

- 5 - I'm thankful for sweet surprises in the mail!

Thank you to my sister Helen for her lovely handmade card, and the Starbucks coupons. What a special treat! You're the best!

- 6 - I'm thankful for yet another year of marital bliss, and golly the numbers are happily rising quite well. This is our 36th wedding anniversary, which seems to be huge between the numbers and the health odds placed against this time being here many years ago now.

Quietly, my husband and I dressed up, and then drove out for an anniversary dinner date to one of our "special places". A private little corner enabled a lovely ambiance, and a lovely waitress surprised us with this dessert from the kitchen chefs. How special was this! VERY...so thankful to them for this photo memory.

- 7 - I'm thankful for relaxed schooling moments around the kitchen table, observing concentrated efforts towards assigned topics for the day.

Observing times like this are great moments for me, mostly as this past year has offered zillions of active distractions, often due to our grandbaby living here with us, so sweet and cute that everyone loses their day when she's around, obviously much preferring to play with her than complete their day's work.

The word "flexibility" has an all new meaning for me, and I think our newly discovered version isn't totally matching the dictionary's version. A little baby always brings incredible joy to a family, and this one is no exception. She's walking now, and wants to play with everyone, right now (or I'll throw my toy on the floor so you'll have to come get it for me...)! That's been fun. Now to keep the big kids on tract though, smiling.

- 8 - I'm thankful for scrumptious lunches of late, those put together with "healthy" in mind, let along "color", "crunch", "fresh", and "YUM".

I've been very much loving a whole foods online class I've been registered for and a part of the past few weeks. Heather over at "Beauty that moves" offers an incredible class, with weekly modules to print off, and videos with her in her own kitchen to watch. She's so knowledgeable, and even though it's been a stretch to spend lent learning recipes without wheat, sugar, gluten free, many likened to those resembling the paleo diet, well, it's been a very interesting to say the least, and an alternative form of food preparation here.

I've had to restock my pantry with "new to me" items such as; hemp and chia seeds, sesame tahini, herbemere, and other assorted items which haven't been there before. But, I'm actually liking all of it, the class especially (wonderful weekly handouts and videos to watch), and dragging others here into the learning curve right along with me!

There are a few hundred women gathered in the class over there, plenty of ongoing discussion, and lots of cooking happening. She's getting her 2014 classes ready, maybe you're interested in taking a peak?

- 9 - I'm thankful for maple sugaring syrup time! It's a newbie experiment for our family, and through trial and error, we're proceeding.

I'm not entirely sure what kind of yield we'll end up with, not much from the look of things. The sap has been flowing mightily. We've had to check and store buckets filled, three times each day. Tons for our first time! The maple syrup yield though, ends up being only a tenth of what we evaporate and boil down, so perhaps just a few glass maple syrup jars will be in our pantry for this year. It's sure been an interesting special project for our family this winter.

- 10 - I'm thankful for family celebrations, wee one's birthday parties, and taking in all of the loving hovering round when feasting on these special occasions.

She had the most adorable party dress on for her family birthday party, a sweet little flowering pretty with her petal tulle poofiness. So cute.

Two families gathered to celebrate this little one in our lives, marveling over a year filled with this little gal's very unexpected presence and continued blessings. She sure offers unending heaps of overflowing love, tender and protective innocence, and we all shared gratitude for her very entry into our families.

It's at times like this that we also think and love our other grandchildren from afar, well pleased with all the efforts of our adult children to keep us in their celebrations and family happenings over there. How sweet it is to see photos in real time, to have videos sent over iphones, and to hear voices of loving thoughts towards us. What did people do in years past, without the technology of today? My mother herself experienced this, and says snail mail was her only lifeline to her family after moving so far away after marrying my father. I can only imagine how difficult that must have been for everyone.

There are another "Ten things I'm thankful for", another blog post filled with words and photos, perhaps without rhyme nor reason, and no doubt way too long this time around. One can only continue to offer posts when one gets the opportunity to do so with our slower than ever (hair pulling out) internet connection.

What are your ten things?

Come on, write them down! There's so much to be thankful for, to become grateful in every possible way, even if it's only for our very breath. And speaking of "breath", yes, my husband has been discharged from his respiratory rehabilitation, with only a few complications and further investigation remaining. Thankful? You bet!

~ On another serious note, my lenten sacrifices and prayers are being thrust heavenward these days for my dear friend Letha after a sudden diagnosis of acute leukemia (APL). I'm finding myself terribly heartbroken for her after hearing this news last weekend, but oh, so grateful for her friendship, her possession, and example of someone beholding a most beautiful and unconditional love and demeanor towards everyone. She's a women in need of our prayers. She's been on chemotherapy for 24/7 this week, hoping all will be complete after the weekend. Join me in prayer for her?

On the eve of St. Patrick's Day, I will leave you with this...

God our Father
You sent Saint Patrick
to preach your glory to the people of Ireland.
By the help of his prayers,
may all Christians proclaim your love to all men.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

10 in TEN weeks!

2013-03-06T20:23:00.002-05:00

In our big beautiful family,
we are always celebrating life and love with our precious and growing bunch.

We've been thrilled with the improvement of technology, always managing to keep up with our older adult children, and nine of our grandchildren, all living on the west coast.

Birthdays are something we miss being present for, so in today's blog post, please allow me to share the last 10 from our lovely bunch, all ten of them celebrating birthdays in a ten week span.

Here are our;

10 in 10

December 6th - Granddaughter J. turns 5!

December 9th - Daughter in law J. still in her thirty somethings :)

December 16th - Granddaughter F. turns 3!

December 16th, celebrating the same birth date with sister F. above;

Granddaughter G. turns 12!

December 25; Well, I guess I count in this ten weeks, still in my fifty something years,

so yes, this is me with granddaughter not loving the cell phone photo moment.

January 3, our oldest daughter A. is still thirty something too :)

January 26, our grandson M. turns 1!

January 29th, our daughter A. is still twenty something!

(great photo steal; snowboarding on Grouse Mountain,

overlooking our former Vancouver, B.C.)

February 1, Granddaughter P. turns two!

February 10th, our youngest daughter turns 14!

And there's TEN in TEN weeks.

Next up?

Our youngest granddaughter turns 1 on March 1!

(Okay, since this blog post is LATE, here she is...)

Another whole year of more birthdays for the rest of the bunch are yet to come.

Maple syrup sugaring on our property

2013-03-06T20:11:00.000-05:00

~ We've lived on this three acre property for four years now, and not once had we thought of tapping our maple sugar trees.

Well, not really.

(this week)

Shortly after we moved in, my parents came for a visit.

Out of the blue one afternoon, I remember my father looking out the back windows, just relaxing in our family room, and suddenly mentioning how it would be interesting some day to "try" and tap a couple of trees, just to see what happened.

That whole notion since, had admittedly never left me, though to be fair, I really didn't think it would ever be something we'd even attempt. Nope, neither myself, nor my husband, even after attending all those maple syrup festivals in our little town, did we ever think we'd ever "really" do it.

(last week)

But, it was sugaring time now, a mere six weeks is the open window, at best to tap and await when the days grow warmer, and nightfall nightfall temperatures continue to plummet to freezing levels on the thermometer. Of that entire six weeks calendar opening, only three of those weeks will offer a truly productive sappy syrup yield.

I wanted some of that, syrup yield that is.

My husband and I began to talk before Christmastime, to dream, to wonder if we could, if we dared, and if we even wanted to pursue the adventure in the first place. Maybe the whole project was too big for us, maybe not.

He went into respiratory rehabilitation in hospital, and the topic kept creeping in to our conversations.

The trick was to remember how much snow continued to fall; where could we tap trees so we could trek out to them in deep snow, how far apart the tapping couldn't be for crisscrossing, collecting and tromping around to deposit the yield into containers for temporary storage, and so forth.

After exploring our options by reading, watching and learning all about maple sugaring, at first we thought there would be no way.

On the down side, everything we'd seen looked too much like a huge commercial affair; sugar shacks, 25 gallon sap barrels on tractors, boiling the sap in huge bins over an open fire, and dozens of helpers moving about assisting in the process.

Right. Uh-huh. Right.

No, no, that wasn't what we thought we could do, certainly we required something more ma and pa on a much smaller scale than that.

And then, I found some information for rookie sugaring folks like us, and I'm still smiling over that.

Confidence grew, WE COULD DO THIS, and soon my husband assigned me the task of finding local suppliers, and sugar shack folks near to us. It seemed in so many blogs I read two weeks ago, someone was featuring their sugaring attempts. And so, the idea was not only born, but it was time, yes it was TIME! So, with rolled-sleeves-way-up, the adventure was about to be enthusiastically executed.

We found a famous Canadian supplier located about half an hour from our home, very handy. And, what a GREAT store it was! They were fantastic for an information highway, ideas were gobbled up for when we get bigger, ha!

We left with our purchased humble load of supplies; a few 2 gallon buckets, spigets and hangers, lids with steel rods, and our maple sugaring drill bit, (sized to accommodate our spigets).

Without a word of a lie, oh my, after our very first drilling attempt rendered immediate dripping of maple tree sugar sap, everyone was peaked, and all bolted to dip fingers into the dripping sweetness. Wow, that was quick!

Already our little project became enhanced from - the "do-we-have-to" attitude bit from kids" into "standing upright and suddenly energetic kind of kids", right into almost "taking over the project kind of kids".... truthfully. In fact, they did! I have photos to prove it! :)

Surprise, surprise, we already have some sugaring going on here. Woohooooooooo!

As this blog is uploading, our eager children have been checking the buckets three times a day, and our first gathered batch of sugar sap is boiling away, and tonight we will have our very first home grown, homemade, Canadian maple syrup. Now, that's very, very exciting!

Maybe the breakfast menu will change for tomorrow. Pancakes sound just perfect to me.

...definitely to be continued...

(PS Is anyone else having issues with how Blogger is changing font sizes when posting a draft? Sheesh!)

(Many) grandchildren photo opportunity attempts...

2013-02-26T17:18:00.000-05:00

They gathered for a play date at a local park.

The weather was spring-like, unlike here, so the first thing I noticed were the brightly colored rain jackets and rubber boots. No, we can't wear those yet, or surely frost bite will happen in a jiffy.

My how they've all grown!

These are our grandchildren, all were visiting in one place, at the same time.

Wow, all ten!

These sweeties are ages almost one year to thirteen years.

Ever try to get ten children to smile all at once? No easy feat, that's for sure!

Our three year old granddaughter wasn't going to take her hands from her eyes, not once. It's okay though, it's happened before with another so it's just a phase. One day...

Aren't they just a lovely bunch?

Love them ALL so VERY dearly...

An everlasting LOVE...

2013-02-14T18:18:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we (like it or not) ushered in Ash Wednesday, the official beginning of Lent.

...For I have loved you with an everlasting love...

~ Jeremiah 31:3

Along with its entry, one couldn't help notably sighting both adults and children, darkly crossed on their foreheads, with visible reminders of "ashes to ashes, and dust to dust".

With Ash Wednesday falling where it has this year on our calendars, being able to have "St. Valentine's Day" love feasting in our midst the very day next day, make no mistake that (sacrificial) love reminders are warmly embracing us, both spiritually and emotionally, and have never occurred back to back this way, simply by coincidence.

"Teach us...

that we may feel the importance of every day,

of every hour, as it passes."

~ Jane Austen

Week 3 is steadily moving forward for my husband's respiratory rehabilitation. Once again, we have been offered an uncanny and timely reminder, on how this often crushing cross lung disease affects our family. With the timing too comes the occasional reminder to take a momentary step back, to grasp how fleeting our daily moments really are, and to begin taking the next necessary steps ahead - concentrating on keeping one foot pacing along in front of the other...go,go,go.

Perhaps, rather than thinking this cross as an unfathomable burden, I've been really pondering, why not make the attempt to slightly turn it around, and be grateful for this gift of timing instead.

It is a love offering option to try, no one said it would be easy, and of course it's lent for a double reminder of sacrifices being made, but think of it... if only we would choose instead to pray for eyes wide open, and for the courage to surrender to all of the wonderful possibilities life can offer us throughout the lenten season ahead.

Certainly every individual has their own personal crosses to carry, so may this early entry into Lent once again remind us to mindfully reflect on how we are honestly doing with that important task.

The decision to re-enter into resp. rehab, wasn't something my hubby wanted to submit to when doctors insisted it to be so, especially the part about having to be away from his family as an inpatient in the confines of a hospital ward, along with some 28 others in his respiratory hospital wing, all of them also making the grueling attempt at working hard to continue battling various types of lung diseases like him.

But, for the love (and begging pleas) of his wife and family, his affirming decision has consequently offered us all, an example of a very real and sacrificial kind of love.

As St. Paul declared in Corinthians 28:19;

"...real love always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Love never fails."

There are times when the weight of one's cross quickly becomes much lighter with the love and cheering of family and friends.

Our children have all offered their father (sometimes daily) love within their cheery texting/emailing sentiments;

"Go, Dad, Go!"
"You're my hero"
"Keep up the great work!"
"You can do it!"
"We love you!"

"You've got this!"

He has never been far from my own heart, and my spontaneous prayer offerings throughout the day, thoughts frequently visiting me over what he might be doing at that present timing, hoping he's breathing okay, praying yet another new round of medical tests don't produce further complications (like two did last week), and attempting all the while to keep up everyone's spirits around here.

"You can't make up time;
you can only use what's left, better."

~ Oscar G. Darlington

Today, and every day, I continue to cherish and celebrate the love I have for this man, still strong so many years later since that very first "Knights of Columbus" dance where we vividly noticed how cupid's arrows began darting at our hearts.

I eagerly await and trust in the journey ahead, submitting totally to God's will for our lives...because "he loves us with an everlasting love".

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

"Keep a good heart. That's the most important thing in life.

It's not how much money you make or what you can acquire.

The art of it is to keep a good heart."

~ Joni Mitchell

All a flutter, quite literally... Lent is here

2013-02-12T12:45:00.003-05:00

Week 3 - Respiratory Rehabilitation

all began yesterday..

While my husband was home attempting his weekend recovery from being an inpatient at the respiratory rehabilitation hospital, almost as suddenly as he arrived after his brutal drive through the highly cautioned winter storm of the year, the following day he was knocked under with some sort of a awful flu bug.

Interesting to later learn upon his return to be an inpatient again for the third week in a row, two of his fellow roommates had also fallen with a similar bug, both placed into isolation for the weekend. I guess so! But who "irresponsibly" brought it in there in the first place?

What to do with roommates who have come from a far distance away and cannot return home for recovery time on the weekend? You got it, they are sent into isolation, like jail time. sigh...

While my husband's head and body gently weeped through his time of trial that threw him temporarily against the wall, I monitored and placed my own husband into a type of isolation.

Although he felt so much better before noon on Sunday, he was instructed by everyone to lay low, and to hydrate and nibble back to better health. There were family plans for the weekend, and with or without him now, the show had to go on. But, happy to report by 5am. Monday, he felt just fine, and was given the go ahead to return to the hospital.

His weekend schedule for using his varied breathing apparatus was not attended to per his daily appointed timings, a slight bit distracted by life as it were, but how interesting to get to know a new (life saving) breathing device so simple, and yet so powerful that it can take the place of a percussion vest for lung disease mucus extraction and lung lining/gasping to breathe control.

It was the best hundred dollars ever spent, and so much more convenient than having to wear, and perform instead within the confines of a percussion vest!

I've been alerted and will be summoned to visit the hospital several times over the next few weeks to learn proper percussionist cupping, to be performed several times each day for at home care on my husband, one lung at a time as a gentle daily measure. To supplement his routine, this little helpful flutter device has also now become a part of my husband's required daily mucus clearing regime.

What a wonderful and instant-relief type of invention! He's very impressed with it! It works by taking a deep breath, then blowing through the pipe to move around the steel ball inside. Then sound waves begin rolling up and down from the pipe through the depths of the lungs, to loosen up mucus on their linings. It works instantaneously to offer huge relieve and some normalcy.

The traditional mom/dad and birthday child happened...

Did I mention we celebrated the traditional birthday breakfast here, just in time, before my hubby fell ill. We also hosted a birthday party on Sunday evening for a newly turned fourteen year old daughter with a few friends, plus, we brought a son's friend home overnight from church who lives quite a distance away, and all the rest who live here were on deck to help ensure the birthday party flew well. Concern for their father had kept their minds and hearts full all day, the party was a great distraction. Believe me!

Yesterday, we all spent the day decompressing. For real.

I'm sure I won the "crazy neighbor award" again this past weekend, for being a weirdo who had all our doors open wide, fans on, freezing out rooms to kill germs and freshen all up again.

I actually stood in the front doorway, just absorbing the fresh air for sport. It felt great just to stand there, frozen in my deepest thoughts.

Yesterday it began to warm up and rain. Then, it snowed. It squalled too. And we all could hardly care less. There was a little math, english, and animal care performed, then a few found themselves napping, and there was the survival fallout to fend off, from one more stressful wellness moment that could have been life changing and disastrous in every sense of the word.

Sleeping on a couch for two nights has no perks, unless all my aching bones, and foggy brain from hourly waking to check on my hubby possibly count.

Forget the official Ash Wednesday start to Lent tomorrow folks, for it's already been here for some time now in my mind, already so much to offer up toward the many prayer requests promised out there. There are so many we know with difficult health circumstances at this present time, that makes me feel wimpy even daring to complain about my weary body and escalating brain fuzz.

For these, and all we can offer wholeheartedly at this time ~ we pray to the Lord.

...never was it known, that anyone that fled to thy protection was left unaided... Amen.

And then, mail call! This arrived at a timing like no other, from my extremely thoughtful, dear sister in law who worked with her loving hands to needle craft and create this special gift just for us.

Believe it or not, she apologized for having purchased the kits some six years ago, and hadn't had the time to actually complete it until recently.

As we all know, often our timing is not dictated in our own schedules, and the actual timing of completing and sending this gift via parcel post became the PERFECT timing for us, humbled recipients of this lovely and unexpected personalized gift.

It's so perfect, and the timing is too! It really is! Thank you! Thank you!

Those are our chairs folks, the water's edge always our preferred place to be, at least for a breathing reprieve on tough humid fallout days, the sand weaving in our toes, the wind gently tossing about our hair, and the cherished (way out there) horizon before us, always manages to represent our deepest desire to just calmly trust and pray for all that is to come.

Onward to Lent then, and keeping our hearts all a flutter for St. Valentine's Day and beyond.

May you be blessed this week folks, with the love of family, hearts filled with good and wonderful lenten intentions, and the grace to carry it all through.

Hugs!

Sometimes all you need is a little...

2013-02-06T12:01:00.001-05:00

... cheerleading, and some prayerful support.

(photo courtesy of West Park)

I mentioned in yesterday's post, that my husband is currently in progress with week 2 of his respiratory rehabilitation this week, with another 3-4 (more or less) weeks until he steps over the finish line.

Do you recall me mentioning quite a while back that my husband was a type of poster boy for the hospital's upcoming fundraising, where they will build a new addition onto the rehabilitation hospital for more respiratory and other types of rehabilitation?

"I Can Breathe"

... isn't that a great slogan, and for him - ain't that the truth.

These weeks ahead will continue to become more intense. They consist of 12 hour scheduled days, plus all the other health monitoring that usually goes along with being in a rehabilitation hospital. No one there can be ill, or appear to be getting unwell in any stage of their stay. Therefore, the monitoring exists because people depend on their neighbor to keep them well while there.

Last week included an entire shopping list of grueling and often times ultra tough medical testing to update the staff and get recorded on his file at the hospital.

Being an inpatient has its perks, sometimes not. Day one included a sleep test overnight, and really, does anyone sleep while having that? So, day two began with utter exhaustion, and the continuation of pulmonary testing to wear out any ordinary person who isn't plagued with lung issues at all.

Lots and lots of test results will be rolling in over the course of the next few days, and weeks. The specialized sputum testing went to Winnipeg, Manitoba and can take up to three months! Patience helps when these types of tests are necessary, for the duration of the rehab. and beyond.

If you can spare a prayer and some cheerleading, we would be very grateful.

Ten Things I'm Thankful For ~ Feb.4/2013

2013-02-05T21:08:00.001-05:00

Gratitude always manages to work its way through various stages in our lives. We can't ignore it, it's just there for us to savor, embrace, and feel blessed to have hovering within us.

This week, I am so very, very grateful for healthier people living here, at least all are in so much better shape than last week.

No one completely understands what life is like for a family when a loved one has a compromised immune system, and life always seems to feel as though it's tenderly hanging in the balance. Life is fragile. We constantly live with this loved one, for what seems like "borrowed time", blessed for every new sunrise morning when we are able to place our feet upon the floor. It's a gift this thing we call life, a gift to be treasured, cherished, and thankful for.

We've become used to people shrugging to show their childlike ignorance at first, until the understood reality smacks them on the back of their heads, kind of likened to a thunder bolt flying through the air determined to have a bullseye mission.

We as a family attempt to bow out of all winter time activities where anyone may appear, or sound unwell, but we can't always live life walking on eggshells either. So we make huge attempts at balancing our lives with the here and now, well, as best we can anyway.

Today, while pondering my newest "ten things" to share with you, as usual, I am thankful for an entire shopping list of things, always very random and plucked out of no where after perusing my beloved myriad of photos providing the memory jolt for noting here.

Got your list of ten written up yet? If not, come on, get going...

How about a crisp new journal to begin your own daily ten things? Warning though, it's highly contagious, so once you pick up the pen, you'll always be picking it up!

May I present a few of my "TEN THINGS" to you today? Here they are below...

- 1 - I'm thankful for a freshly scrubbed and mopped flooring.

In the still of the night, while all of of our unwell family members were tucked away in their beds recovering from a recent illness, this momma hoisted chairs up onto table and countertops, working row by row to completely scour all the flooring below.

Yes, this was part of the disinfecting, and home refreshing campaign I was swift to implement last week. The timing from this satisfying job completion was the best thing though, as I found myself smiling, almost chuckling over the fact the floor would truly remain clear and clean until morning. All seemed calm, and so incredibly peaceful. No one would have guessed the action found here the night before, when I was up washing carpets from missed barf bowl deposits, and running washing machine loads, one after the other.

Ever find that the fruits of your labor feel mundane and completely wasted? I mean, check out the clean floors, and then engage your mind to realize how many people living here will quickly stroll across it again, perhaps forgetful with dirty shoes on, or with sweaty socks mucking it up, or worse - the strolling snacker attacking late evening cravings, dropping food bits as they pass towards another room.

Nah, that never happens in your home, right? Here either, thus the reason to take a photo. Clean floors do exist, in photos. Grab your camera and shoot yours after your next floor wash session. You'll be glad you did. :)

- 2 - I'm thankful for lessons learned, hard lessons learned that is.

Here lay Dad's ipod touch, the one his son borrowed to listen to music with while outdoors playing basketball. Of all the crazy things, when he removed the buds from his ears, he decided to place the ipod on top of my vehicle for the time being. And then, he forgot it there...

Later on, mom gets into vehicle to drive away for daughter's pick up at the barn. Mom doesn't realize what's going on, not at all. Once home again, son appears and announces that he had to rush outdoors because he forgot to bring in his father's ipod. Panic ensued for him once he realized his error, so with flashlight in hand, he sets off in the dark of the night to search for possible ipod along our long driveway, and then he began heading up the street. Whoa!

Mom decides to drive up and pick up son, and together we drive in silence as sickened boy becomes incredibly humble in his search ahead in the vehicle's lighting on the road. One mile away, we spot the ipod in the middle of the road. Mom stops the vehicle. Son jumps out, picks up ipod, smiles very briefly, then jumps up and down doing a painful foot stomping dance. Quietly and somberly, he begins to walk toward the vehicle, he opens the door, and tearfully apologizes for the ipod having been run over and ruined.

Hard lesson? You bet. Lesson learned as he is now required to make restitution and supply his father with a new one.

- 3 - I'm thankful for former years old projects that are finally completed.

Take this photo frame above, purchased about six years ago now, the one where the photos didn't quite fit and all it required was a black matting behind each to complete the framing properly.

Perusing these four photos has done much for this mama's heart this week. Wow, all of these younger four children of ours are no longer so young. Instead of being ages; 8,10,14 and 15, they are now 14,15 (almost 16),20,21(almost 22).

This photo frame was a one of a kind purchase for me, found at "Home Sense" in their photo's frame aisle, and one with the perfect quote which really spoke to me at that time. It still speaks to me. It's such a profound reality to remember...

"HOME..is where your story begins."

- 4 - I'm thankful for a wonderful rainbow of colors as I continue to pursue having this blog published into keepsake books.

This past Christmas, my husband was gifted with blog book numbers 10 and 11, and every person here has spent many hours since, perusing the pages within them over and over again.

How time flies when a family attempts to make memories along the way!

How time flies when the family peruses these same memories, and passes their hands across the pages of photos and the written word, while in remembrance of them years later.

Thinking of having your blog printed into a hardcover book? Just do it! You'll never regret it!

- 5 - I'm thankful for the last standing corner in our home, now completely finished. Yay!

This was the scene early last month when the cabinets and countertop were delivered and we awaited the arrival of the installation crew. We ordered everything last October which had to be custom made, such a long, LONG wait!

Yes, this is the perfect area for a wet bar in the future for our large rec room family entertainment events. We have a small sink already picked out, and in the near future my husband will complete the rest of the task at hand to install it. Voila! Perfect! Now all we need is a huge popcorn maker machine to rest there. Yum!

- 6 - I'm thankful for a husband who has revisited and reunited with his musical passions from years gone by, the ones he fairly much gave up to concentrate on providing a living for his family, the one he previously sold all of his guitar collections so we could use the funds to help purchase our first home.

Yes, he's a guitar player, but not only that. He enjoys the sounds of various types of guitars, noting their pickups, tones and unique characteristics. It's easy to accompany him to guitar shops because he's quite fussy about the kind he would enjoy playing on, so it's a fast window shop at the best of times.

- 7 - I'm thankful for the world's BEST respiratory rehabilitation inpatient hospital program in Canada, for those who suffer from debilitating lung diseases with lousy future prognosis. The entire staff provides a personalized wellness program for each patient individually, so as you can see in the photo above, all of those professionals work with every patient loving there for their designated timing. My husband's Week 2 of 5 (give or take), is here now!

So, back to the talk of guitar shopping...last month my hubby found a second electric one he pined over, and eventually hoped to add to his newly growing collection. I laughed, as I figured he couldn't possibly be serious! He was. I wasn't. But he was. And was he ever!

Even though we've been married for 36 years, I never knew how long he had been bridling his desire and passion to become reacquainted with owning a similar type of guitar collection he once owned, played, and used in a popular (now famous) band before we married? I guess that potential thought has been there, growing, lingering long and hard as other physical energy things aren't working out any longer, and the list of "I can" does include playing guitar. I realized there was just no denying his humble desire of being able to pursue his retirement years of guitar playing to come over the crest of the horizon nearby.

We didn't mean to, but we did walk out of the store with another guitar, rather I walked from the store with one. I bought it, not him. You see, there was a promise attached to it, that he would listen to his doctors and freely attend an upcoming respiratory rehabilitation refresher for the length of time they wanted him there for his personalized term. Always the gentleman, he has stepped aside to allow others before him the past two years, but this year, he very much requires this refresher, big time himself.

The deal was, no playing the new guitar until home after his first week of resp. rehab. That was last weekend. He was especially thrilled to have his new instrument in hand, to become familiar with, especially after returning for his weekend home recovery, only to find himself confined to our bedroom for the entire weekend, due to the importance of not being exposed to a (throwing up kind of) flu (recently visiting) our home.

Yes, that guitar has been well used already, and once more, our home is definitely alive with the sound of music these days.

- 8 - I'm thankful for night tables slowly ridden of telltale signs of folks unwell within our home. Those were two doozies back to back, and the "throwing up kind of flu" had not been in our home for ten years. It was not fun to revisit those times, although I never did get that one myself, nor did my husband, thank you God.

I think forcefully jumping into mother servant mode, washing bedroom carpets from people who missed their barf bowls, changing sheets and towels, insisting on daily washing and airing out bedrooms, well, maybe I became immuned to it somehow. Having to wear a surgical mask around the sickies, and then change it to wear a separate more sterile mask around my hubby to protect him from what I'd been up to, well, I found it extremely trying this past weekend to say the least. I needed all of yesterday to decompress.

Between an unwell baby, and my hubby on leave to recover in between resp. rehab weeks who had to remain well, that was so not fun. Here's hoping this week improves and this mama can relax a bit more and roll with the times ahead.

Is it Lent yet? It sure feels like we've been in it already.

- 9 - I'm thankful for the ambiance and comfort of apres ski moments with our children. Shortly before the second illness arrived in our home, we took to the slopes with our younger ones and two neighbors, all opting for a later evening ski/snowboarding time.

The large picturesque windows allowed us the visibility for the action on the slopes, while we hung back and enjoyed the coziness of a wooden fire nearby, and hot drink in hand.

Once the gang was finished for the night, we surprised them with some delectable hot chocolate hot drinks, topped with fresh whip cream and a cherry on top. They were very grateful, so relaxed, and it was the perfect end to a great night for all.

- 10 - I'm thankful for our little trinkets, those particular Delft blue things from Holland.

In my cleaning moments, since replacing all of our Christmas decorations into storage, I was able to remove each item from my curio treasure area, to wash and buff them up for spring.

There were beloved rushes of memories attached to each and every item resting there, all warming my heart in tender ways which words cannot even eloquently describe.

My mother in law (may she rest in eternal peace) purchased quite a few of these items for me/us each time she returned from a trip to her native Holland. I've had most of them for over 30 some years, so naturally all have been around for some time to physically grace our space. I thought of her then, as I was lovingly buffing them up, before replacing again in some sort of renewed semblance upon my antique buffet shelving.

(Circa 1991)

It's hard to believe she's been gone for quite some time. I can still hear her thick accent in my head, the one I learned about when I first met her, and the one that sometimes got her a bit of a pickle when her attempt at her Dutch to English translation offered unintended strange choice wording insults.

How we laughed at those awkward times over time, and how I came to love that accent. I'll never not giggle in the future when I hear the word hotdog, and not think of her dutch pronunciation of "Haahaatdaaaag".

Ik ben ble - Yes Mom B, I am happy!

Miss you!

memorable blogging rollbacks

2013-02-05T12:15:00.001-05:00

If you suddenly find yourself a bit inundated with memory rollback blog posts in the near future from me, I apologize in advance, but please know it's not meant to become a spam type of reading for you.

Oh, please; I can fully assure that there will never be spam coming from this blog expressly to annoy you. :)

If there's one thing I've realized this past year when reviewing blog posts I come across while editing newly biyearly publishing efforts of this blog's keepsakes books, it's visually becoming aware (and gobsmacked!)over the many important intimate family moments, left off the blog either intentionally at that time, or very unintentionally during a blogging hiatus.

Blurb has a special on right now, 25% off until next week. It's definitely proved to be my most preferred blog book publishing company, one I've used now to publish all eleven of my blogging family keepsake books.

As I've decided this special offer is "carrot enough" to bring on one more wonderful hardcover possibility to the family bookshelf, and after scrolling through most of last year's photos, we've decided there were quite a few omitted which we want included within those next blog book pages, the end result which ends up being a richly recorded family legacy, loaded with heartfelt remembrances.

The timeline of photos I'm reviewing for inclusion into the next blog book will come from June-December 2011, therefore, a little warning that any posts you may suddenly find popping up in your readers though dated as such (2011), may still show up as a 'current post'.

If you incur a sudden flood, instead of scratching your head in wonder, just smile and offer me the grace I require to continue onward with the success of this new blog book project endeavor.

Won't you please walk along side of me, meandering down the road towards those precious important family places and times?

Come take my hand, and waltz or skip with me along the memory paths to come...

Thank you in advance, and blessings to you;Renee

Candlemas

2013-02-02T21:23:00.003-05:00

Candlemas - February 2nd

If Candlemas Day be fair and bright
Winter will have another fight.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,
Winter won't come again.
If Candlemas Day be dry and fair,
The half o the winter's to come and mair;
If Candlemas Day be wet and foul,
The half o the winter's gane at Yule.

A daughter brought home another flu bug, this time the 24 hour throwing up kind.

She was down yesterday, baby was whisked away and tended to, and then three more were down overnight, including our grandbaby. Poor thing!

I love my new washer and dryer!

I'm serving my family, all those sickies quarantined to their bedrooms.

I'm wearing a surgical mask to protect my husband on his weekend pass from being an inpatient at respiratory rehabilitation. He "cannot" get sick! Cannot!

I'm disinfecting as fast and as often as I can.

I'm shoveling snow after several snow squalls, around walkways and decks.

I'm thankful that I'm not down yet, thanks to plenty of garlic, probiotics, homeopathics, and a great glass of red wine!

Hoping your day was great, and all your candle supply has been renewed and blessed...
~ Renee
.............

All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle
...Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”

~ St. Francis of Assisi

Ten Things I'm Thankful For ~ Wintry Cold!

2013-01-29T00:11:00.005-05:00

Country roads...
Yes, take me home, right to the bottom of this street.

Isn't this the most gorgeous photo above?

The sky is the most beautiful shade of blue, snow has freshly fallen, and with this lovely landscape, one is always fooled over just HOW COLD it really is outdoors!

Wow, with temperatures of "feels like" -35C the past two weeks, baby it's been COLD outside!

It's pretty though, isn't it?

And, so pretty to gaze out our windows at the brightness of the wintry cold.

Maybe I'm the only one who really loves this stuff, maybe not. The wintry bitter cold can be awful some days, but the typical eastern saying of; "bundle up" takes on a new meaning for people living here. Get your winter woolens out everyone, and wear them well.

This edition of my "Ten Things I'm Thankful For" features a bit of our "wintry cold" weather, matching up with winter activities and warmer indoor assorted moments.

Here's to another "TEN" things.... right here;

- 1 - I'm thankful for weekly ice skating sessions in our local indoor rink, the noon hour time slot was recently offered to local homeschool families to go ahead and use to their heart's desires.

Yes, there are hockey sticks galore most days, a little bit of figure skating practice, and the bonus of a very shiny, well polished surface to greet us when arriving.

- 2 - I'm thankful for organizing all of our Christmas decorations once more, taking my sweet time in performing this activity, all now neatly placed away and stored until next year.

It's amazing how many seasonal decor items we tend to own, those over time which tend to evoke a certain depths of emotion. How often do we rarely even take a few minutes to observe them, devoting any acknowledgement at all? Like the angel above for instance, a staple traditional item that's been in our family for many, many years now. Always, the "youngest" child would handle with care and place atop of our Christmas tree, with daddy hoisting them upward to complete the task. Certain Christmas tree color themes gathered over the years can do that too, confirming for me, that it's most definitely the "little things" that matter the most.

- 3 - I'm thankful for this daughter choosing to purchase her very own horse, and witnessing just how wonderful it has been for her to secure her daily visits and riding, at the barn where this lovely horse lady is living/boarding.

I'm also thankful for visiting "Old Navy", because they are a horse rider's dream store for winter clothing wear. They just had a huge clearance sale on their winter vests, and both of our girls were lucky enough to sail away with the last of their offerings. At a sale price of only 12.00 each, many riders at our barn were laughing over having purchased four or five apiece, but we were just pleased with one each ourselves.

And, another daughter is tacking up, preparing for her ride with her favorite new horse "Aussie".

Check out her new bright orange tote tray on the floor, the one she asked for at Christmas time, the one also filled to the brim and organized well, with her horse brushes and grooming supplies.

Not to be undone, this little gal has her own horse to ride, just so she doesn't feel left out. Actually, her mommy has been a "Kijiji" browser these days, noting what's new and interesting for baby. She came home last week with a wonderful FREE wooden baby sled, a rocking chair, and this (nominal fee) bouncing horse.

Our house is certainly becoming more and more filled with "baby activity items". This one takes the cake with the sounds of cowboy singsongs, galloping hooves, and neighing horse sounds which are turned on for most of her time spent exercising within it. She's like a bucking bronco in that thing, so fun to watch.

- 4 - I'm so very thankful for the past two years at this barn, where our girls have spent hundreds and hundreds of hours there!

It's been a time to mourn this past few days, specially after learning our beloved barn has been sold. The owners are having health issues, so the stage was set when one surprising day, a total stranger appeared and asked if they might be interested in selling their 100+ acre equestrian farm.

It was a no-brainer for them, and surely all of the girls were taken into consideration in the sale process this past three short weeks since the man appeared on their property! Lots of emotion and floods of tears have spilled over, however, a new chapter filled with adventure is slowly, very slowly falling open before us.

As other barns have already been secured for all the horse boarders to move to over the next two months, the "riding team" has been offered to stay until September. That left our daughter able to breathe well, due to now having a horse boarding there herself, an upcoming wedding and so many other things taking shape in her life ahead. She knows she'll have another barn to move to, complete with all the other riding team members along for the journey forward, plus the coach with her horses she'll be keeping, and a few other close friends with their own horses to board there as well.

With fewer horse rider lessons (all will be gone next month who aren't part of the show team), and less horse boarders over time, all of the remaining show team gals have been asked to come as frequently as they are able, to ride and keep all of the horses exercised, tend to the barn's upkeep, and ensure the chores are done. The barn is located just 2 km. away from us, a bike ride away in good weather, so "can you say our girls are smiling" over that? It's a little bittersweet right now.

They'll be doubling up weekly riding lessons, complete with daily coaching and riding to train the horses for show season ahead. We'll be marching into the "Trillium" show levels this year, a bit higher division for our girls, so all of the preparations seem to be falling into place.

Still, the heart pangs just a bit, for the wonderful community we have been blessed with, the incredible support they all have been to our family in welcoming our girls there, and the horse showing advancement our girls have been privy to with the best coach anyone could ask for. We hope and pray her health improves, and that this is the perfect page turner to something special. It's a blessing to know she is still interested in coaching the girls elsewhere once she moves. Bonus.

- 5 - I'm thankful for more counter top blessings, with cheery notes and creative attempts to bless her family.

She tried to perform "free hand" with a bit of lattice work practice, but the rest were spiral and icing topped. Yum

I noticed a sign up at our local "Bulk Barn", advertising cake decorating classes this spring, so someone may just be taking the four week class with her friend. Won't that be great?

- 6 - I'm thankful for that bloody awful bug having finally left my body! I'm hoping anyway.

I have not been bedridden in years and years, but somehow three of us in recent weeks, contracted the worst cold/flu within our health limits.

Diffusing essential oils day and night, moving it around the

house to keep it disinfected and airborne germs from spreading.

First, the chills and fever, followed by sinus aches, head cold, drainage into the lungs to create a bronchial cough so forceful, and our energy levels flattened to keep us heaving with great fatigue when moving about. Bed was just the best decision, and with sore eye sockets, there wasn't much else taking place outside of laying there.

Surgical masks appeared on everyone, and mom had to sleep in the guest room to avoid my hubby from contact with this "thing".

Garlic! The absolute key to kicking us forward this week.

15 cloves in our Caesar salad dressing recipe!

Thankfully, he never caught the bug, but let me tell you - this one came from the sickest place in the area, our church family! Yes, everyone seemed to be ill one Sunday morning, so we all leaned over and insisted my husband leave before he became exposed to more.

We never thought we'd end up suffering so much with this bug, but wow, it's been years and years since we've had to have daily naps, preferring bed to rising for almost two weeks altogether. Ugh!

So, here's my yearly winter plea to all;

If you are sick, and even though you may still feel it your moral duty to ensure your family gets transported to attend church on Sundays, please consider the option of performing the unusual, and just opt to remain at home instead.

Keeping your hearth and sickness burning in your own home rather than thoughtlessly extending your illness forward, even when attempts are made with the best intentions for a moral good - please try to consider possible outcomes toward innocent victims who cannot medically come into contact with your state of unwell being.

When you have to be sick, why not enjoy the view?

Oftentimes, it's just best to keep our unwell children at home as well, mostly to avoid also making older folks, or that newest parish baby, or even someone with an autoimmune issue suffer afterward.

And when I say "unwell or sick, or ill", please know there is a difference between a few sniffles to popping a few pills for suppressing that fever, pretending all is well with you and yours, or, gulping back spoonfuls of cough syrup to suppress that telltale cough, or sneezing rather grossly and blowing your nose nonstop through mass. We all especially love it when someone obviously has no tissue, and end up wiping their noses on their sleeves, or worse yet, rubbing their fingers over their drippings to dry themselves. Where, oh where do those fingers go afterward?

Sometimes, a family's weekend health welfare is just best left to spending time recovering at home, and observing instead the Sunday privately together there.

Please remember to take the higher road, and seriously decide if your family's wellness matches the efforts to ensure all will be able to sit in a pew next to another unassuming victim, and not infest him/her instead with something that might endanger their very lives.

The stress levels have been HIGHER than HIGH here, in our attempts to protect my husband from contracting this thing, knowing he was on his way into respiratory rehabilitation once more, and he cannot be a tiny bit unwell to enter through the front doors for this wonderful lifesaving bootcamp, that ultimately we hope and pray, will offer him more days with us from his continued lousy medical prognosis.

After my own illness, when this mama never gets sick like this, I will never, ever, have the same view from my pew, not ever again after that horrible Sunday where everyone knew, but no one cared enough to refrain from spreading their love around that day.

There are many fellow parishioner regrets coming forward in the form of apologetic telephone calls, (they just didn't think they'd say), especially after one of our priests gave a talk from the pulpit about how dangerous it is for some folks trying to blend in their midst each week, to become exposed to such things. A five day old baby also contracted the illness, plus two others suffering from respiratory illness, not to mention entire families who were down the same time as ours. Never again! Oh my!

The health status of an entire parish family seriously matters to us this time of year, so we must refrain from even attending when there is suspicion of illness within the church building. There's something to say about a permanent dispensation for being able to choose this option, that's for sure.

~ Amen.

- 7 - I'm thankful for thoughts of spring ahead, after hearing many birds out and about hiding in the barn nesting while our girls were last riding.

I sure do miss my resident birdies this time of year when few are around to watch and listen to, but from time to time I'm still able to spot a pileated woodpecker, a downy woodpecker, and a few pigeons roosting noisily in the barn.

- 8 - I'm thankful for the tidiest desk I've had in recent days. It's amazing how well it looked for the two weeks were were down with our illness! Nice.

I guess that's the key, huh? No one uses the books when they are ill? Uh, no! I'd rather trade being up and about though, having a messy desk any day, than have a spotless one like this all of the time due to illness in our family.

So, after pondering this whole idea for some time, I did what came naturally, took out my camera when deciding a bit of mess does indeed manage to breathe much life into a family's home, definitely marking a sign and letting everyone know there are other loving people alive and well, diligently working on their vocations from day to day in our home. Yes! Life abounds here, illnesses - just leave and go away.

- 9 - I'm thankful for a house filled with guitar players! This should be most interesting to have three electric and three acoustic guitars for our three men to play together at home. Yes, they are jamming quite regularly, and don't sound that bad considering the volumes used at times with the guitars plugged into the amplifier!

Music is filling the air waves here folks. It's rather fun to watch them all playing their stringed instruments.

My husband has again requested I consider leaving my craft room so he can make a music studio in it instead. I'm still giggling, and scratching my head over that one.

...and more thankfulness for another guitar, Canucks hockey reminders, and Hobbit movie materials left on a young man's bedside. Such a man this one, hardly a spot available on his night table, but it's loaded with interesting (to him) things.

- 10 - I'm thankful for more "little things", for a son who has been well trained, and who knows well how to tape up new hockey sticks by himself now, preparing them well for game day.

Both his special and beloved composite sticks broke at the same time, and thankfully there was a sale on similar composite sticks the next day, so he could quickly prepare and tape new ones up to use at his next hockey game. We are bartering the purchase of these (not so cheap) sticks, for his action filled snow blowing driveway duties. That's actually working out quite well.

I remember many times watching our older boys wrapping up their sticks, twirling the tape around to get their precision lines flowing, and then binding all over top well row by row. And then, there comes the handle, perfectly padded up with tape to get a grip once the hockey gloves are on hands.

It's been like a walk down memory lane for sure, mostly as I never completely knew for a long, long time how creative this process really was for the boys regarding taping their sticks. It really matters...

So, once game day came, a couple new sticks gave this son's confidence levels a big boost, when he became the boy in red in front of the goalie this day.

And, there you go! Ten things that rendered an entire blog post, and loads of words to roll along with the photos uploaded here. Yes, I apologize for becoming rather 'wordy', though there are times when a few things need to be shared, noted, and passed along.

Are you passing your important and thankful things along? Do you have ten things you can count in this week, perhaps every day instead of once a week? Come along, and join me in saluting yet another ten, ten, ten only, special things I'm thankful for, in no particular order whatsoever.

Have a beautiful week everyone!
Renee

Our "Tintin" and his sister holding their nephew...

P.S.
I want to share a fun photo at the end of this post. I fell in love with this image of our son kindly loving his sweet little nephew last summer. With his haircut and whimsical facial expressions, he was nicknamed "Tintin".

Every time I see this photo, it just breaks a smile from me, and my heart warms up all wonderful and lovingly for him. How sweet these years are!

Snowy ATV riding adventures.

2013-01-17T10:52:00.000-05:00

Our roads were tough to maneuver over after a foot and half of snow fell from the skies. Instead of driving over, our daughter's fiancee decided instead, to use his ATV to get here.

These two were outdoors for some winter fun, zooming about in the depths of snow covering the grounds near and far.

While seeking out the trails in our back forest area, all was thrilling, that is until they go stuck, stuck, stuck, and getting out wasn't going to happen unless they drove back the way they came in.

After settling down and deciding to skip more thrilling adventures, out came the GT sled, and a neighborhood of children wanting rides up and down an adjacent road to our home.

Fun was had by all. That's for sure, and all thanks to these two for including everyone else in that great activity for the day. Too bad one child broke the helmet clasp though...boohoo.

Ten Things I'm Thankful For ~ Winter edition

2013-01-16T07:33:00.001-05:00

I thought about posting a seasonal "Ten Things" for some time now, so why not begin with winter?

Yes, when one thinks of winter, immediately thoughts of colder temperatures, winter woolens, shoveling snow, and outdoor (freezing type) of sports comes to mind. However, there are other small blessings along the way, which often are not even pulled to the forefront when thoughts of winter come to visit. Like how beautiful it looks with a fresh canvas of fallen snow covered trees, bluer than blue skies offering plenty of vitamin D to a soul, how beautiful and purposeful those handmade winter woolens really are, and how one really can be a four season outdoor person year round.

It's about being prepared for any type of weather, taking it all in stride, always looking to the bright side, and knowing full well that spring is just around the corner, just when everyone gets fed up with more snow covered roadways.

If you've never read this blog before, then you'll not know just how much I love snow. Yep, bring it on! But, be prepared...that's the key. Trust me. :)

Here's a "Ten Things" post for winter...

- 1 - I'm thankful for the discovery of foot and hand warmers, even though they only last for a few hours, still they keep me "warm". Ahhhhh.... These offer a fabulous reprieve from feeling frozen digits and thinking about how they will surely snap off any time soon.

For me, these are terrific for when I accompany my girls to the barn, and subsequently freeze within minutes after arriving in the arena corners to watch their lessons. Aside from jumping up and down to keep warm, and face spooking horses, these are my best option along with my blanket I remain bundled in on the sidelines. It's just that cold some days, and it used to take me hours to thaw near the fire afterward, but now these babies are my solution to the problem.

- 2 - I'm thankful for crazy things that shake the ground at 2:30am during a ferocious wintry storm, the ones that never hit our home!

Yes, the American Beech tree above was very tall alright, and we were already aware that it appeared to be dying. Perhaps it was hit by lightning? Perhaps not? Either way, the lower trunk was really looking sorry, and we alerted our tree faller to take a look at it last September.

We thought we'd have until the spring to figure out how it could be safely removed without ripping up our yard. Alas, just a few weeks ago, with whipping winds going crazy, we awoke to the ground shaking, branches breaking, and an "oh,oh" for which tree might have fallen. It was dark, vision was poor, so the hours ticked by until dusk when we could peer outside to learn it was this tree that had toppled over.

It was approximately 160feet tall, and it's base about 8 feet wide with roots pulled up from the sheer weight of the fall. It's now sprawled from one woodsy path to touching another out back, but it will just have to wait until spring now to be removed. Looking to the bright side, it didn't cost a thing for us to have it chopped down, it fell for free. Free is good. However, tree loggers we are not, so we'll have to call the big guys in to get it out of here. In spring. I'll think about it then, and not now.

- 3 - I'm thankful for owning a snow blower! Yes, this machine gadget is about as wonderful as it gets when snow begins to build up on the ground. Okay, okay, I'll admit, coming from the west coast, I thought machines like this were complete nonsense and a poor investment, just a big boy's toy, you know? I now willingly stand corrected. Since we've now grown accustomed to having a foot or more of snow fall at one time, this little baby has been very helpful for clearing the driveway and pathways to our home.

It's a little intimidating I know, but I was determined to learn how to use this machine by myself this year. as my big boys are not always around when the earth gets covered by a passing snow storm, and vehicles need to drive in and out of our long driveway.

I'm happy to report that indeed, I can start it, run it and carve artistically patterned rows all by myself now. It's just like mowing a lawn, or vacuuming. Right? Row by row, and inch by inch, within a few hours this duty feels great to be complete. :)

- 4 - I'm thankful for summer-like blue skies in winter, providing (as mentioned above) loads of vitamin D for winter people to keep healthy and happy.

There is something to say about these types of days, when temptations to thrust open windows and doors is the only activity to be mindful of not doing.

It makes me happy to have these lovely winter days upon us, it gives me incredibly energy, and sings merrily to me when waking up to these types of mornings.

- 5 - I'm thankful for the opening of our local outdoor arena again this year. Last year, there weren't enough volunteers, nor was our winter as cold for as long as the year previous, resulting in a closed arena for the season.

Every family around these parts really missed it! Happily there are two other outdoor arenas within a very short drive away for usage, but this one in particular is the best of the best.

It's a bonus to be the size of a standard arena, complete with all the boards intact. Daily ice hockey players are skating here, always so much fun awaits the avid hockey nut for hours and hours at a time should one desire to be active for that long. And for a $20.00 yearly family fee (pays for night lights, heated shack, equipment and gas to keep it cleared), how can anyone go wrong having this a stone's throw away from home.

- 6 - I'm thankful for hot cocoa and homemade egg/ham breakfast sandwiches fresh from the oven. In winter, these become hearty food fare to warm up anyone from the inside out. And they are so easy to make too!

I always make at least one dozen at a time by breaking an egg into a greased muffin pan, and baking for 15 minutes @ 350 degrees in the oven. If greased properly, they just pop out intact.
Because I use a convection oven, I can place all the opened english muffins on a cookie sheet, and toast on another rack, at the same time the eggs are cooking.
Next, I take pieces of ham, enough for each one, and also warm on another rack at the same time. Three trays in the oven at once, talk about time management!
Slice pieces of cheese and put aside, use any type you have on hand. Today, I used cheddar.
When the eggs are cooked, it's assembly time!
If you aren't going to eat all the ones you make at one time, simply pop them in the freezer for a quick breakfast another day. Lately, these have been great accompaniments to bring for snacks to the ski slopes.

- 7 - I'm thankful for good sweeper/scrapers in winter! These photos were snapped at 6:45am. while we were on our way to drive my daughter to her twice weekly, before school babysitting job a short distance away.

What a surprise to find the incredible amounts of falling snow at that time of day, and not usually parking outside in the first place. Over a foot of snow fell in just two hours that day.

Our daughter was on the ball, the first one outdoors, and hopped to it clearing off the windows. Luckily she worked quickly because we hadn't factored in a flurry of activity at this early hour. My husband had left for work just an hour before, and his vehicle tracks were already gone.

- 8 - I'm thankful for beautiful night skies in winter, and bright snowy grounds lighting up our way.

This photo screams winter to me, with a hockey net to one side (used all year long), snowy grounds, and straight ahead two pathways. The one on the left side was from an ATV blasting across the deep snow in the back, the other from the snow blower making the path to the back deck. It sure did look pretty outdoors this night.

- 9 - I'm thankful for a few decent snow shovels! Winters here require the proper tools of the trade for use outdoors, and I feel we have greatly improved our snow removal stash, especially since the ones we used to own weren't really as good, or even necessary while living in the west. Here, we require "sturdy", and "tough".

With all the snow falling, it was due time to get out to our back decks and get them all cleared off. What a job that turned out to be for this mama who insisted to do it for "exercise". It was quite powdery still, as it was freshly fallen, however it was heavy to get that deep stuff all removed.

One wouldn't know from looking at the photo above, noticing the drop down from the doorway, but just to give you an idea of how deep the snow was this day, the snow shovel black area stood 18inches high, plus the drop in height!

So now you can just imagine how deeply this snow fall had accumulated back there. "Done" though, is my kind of word.

- 10 - I'm thankful for living in an area, that despite all winter weather odds, fun seasonal activities are not cancelled, or prevented, for they still exist outdoors.

The usual fun for our gang since living in these parts has included many sporty activities, still we have a few firsts this year already.

A friend pulled out their skidoos for the first time in two years, finally fixed and ready to blast off. This year our daughter and her friend were instructed on how to use one of them once more, and both were zooming about their property and trails while dragging one another on a GTsled.

How so fun it was to watch them together, and to cheer them on!

There you have it folks - Ten Things!

There are many other assorted activities I could feather in this "Ten Things" post, but then it would be only ten now would it? Smiling at that thought ~ only ten? Yes, Renee, only ten for today.

Checking off some of my thankful notes that are uploaded and included here. Do you have a winter list filled with thankful things too? If not, maybe perusing my photos above will spark a few for you today.

Offering snowy thoughts your way;
Renee