Sunday, December 30, 2007

Our cat Scooter

Scooter is around 7 months old. No one really knows for sure as she was found shivering and huddled behind a local restaurant one spring day with her one ear shredded and bleeding. She was only a little kitten when she was found, and she had to be taken to a shelter, then rushed to a vet. They tried to save it, but it was damaged too much, and the vet had to ambutate the ear. After that she was placed in a foster home until she got better, and could be put up for adoption. That's when we found her. She was so cute & cuddly and loving, that we just couldn't resist her. Some people might not think her so cute because of the missing ear, but I've learned that you can never judge anyone by their outward appearance. She now has her forever home, and some other companions, and we love her lots.

Review of 2007

Friday, December 14, 2007
Another year is almost over. We are already almost half way through December. People are counting down the days till Christmas. I haven't even put up my Christmas tree or decorations or done many of the things that I usually so. It just seems that the hustle and bustle of the holiday season gets busier every year with so many things to be done. I used to try and get all of my holiday preparations done early...sending out Christmas cards, writing letters, going shopping, baking, putting up the Christmas tree, and cleaning and decorating around the house. Hmmm, I don't have very many of those jobs done this year.Things are becoming far too commercialized, and expensive. There are just too many demands put upon my time and those of my family. On top of that I am having a lot of problems with my health, and my ability to do the things that I once did.

This year there will be some gifts, but not a whole lot. This year I will be lucky to get any real cleaning and decorating done either. I've come to realize that there are limits to what I am capable of doing and of what I will do at this point. I hate the fact that I can't do the things that I once used to. There is only a week till Christmas. It is physically impossible for me to do it all. Hopefully the girls will be able to pitch in and help out, however I have my doubts on that. Both of them seem to have a lot of demands on their time as well, mostly with jobs or babysitting, school work and their own social life, so we shall see.Recently we added another cat 7 months old to our already busy household of two dogs and a cat. Despite the added financial cost, they provide a lot of extra love, and companionship, and I would be lost without them. I love animals, and if I had a bigger place I would have a houseful of them. For now I will enjoy the ones we have.My dad continues to go for dialysis three times a week, and although his vision is much worse, he is still able to manage on his own at this point in time, along with my help.

I continue to help out with administrative work in our church, and at the moment have had a lot of extra work to do there as we have recently joined up with another church, so it should be interesting as we get into the new year. Thankfully I still have my special friends, and hopefully will make some new ones there as well.I still live with constant 24/7 pain from my arthritis and the fibromyalgia, along with the chronic fatigue and various other health issues that I seem to routinely deal with. Some days it is a real struggle just to get about and do the things that I must do. Often there are things that don't get done, and jobs that I used to get done that are suffering. Perhaps one day I will be blessed to see a miracle happen. Life goes on, and so must I.

Times are changing, and if I want to go with the flow, I need to make changes as well. Somehow I need to learn to manage my time and my schedule a little better, and do certain things when my health permits.
For now I just try to do what I can, and to just take things "One Day at a Time

...............................................................................

Christmas is over for another year. At the last moment, well a few days before Christmas, Becca decided to dig the Christmas tree out of the crawl space and put it up after I had spent some time cleaning a spot in the dining room area. We don't use it as a dining room. That's where the dogs beds are, and my one desk, and a few other things, so why not a tree. Our house is crowded, and small. There is no extra space to even put the things that we already have, but hey, the tree is up, and it was nice to see it there, as well as to have a place to put the parcels under.

Everyone was tired this year and stressed out. I wasn't feeling good with either a flu bug or something and Becca was down sick with a cold and sinus infection, fever , ear aches etc. All the things that made us both want to say bah humbug....let me just crawl in bed and sleep. Instead, I felt that I had to keep going, had to make sure there was a proper meal, had to make sure that everything was done for the sake of my family and my father. There was a lot of fuss & fighting as we all stressed out and tried to clean up and pick up things to make sure my father wouldn't fall over anything as he can't see much. As well, I was worried about the mess and afraid with it being Christmas someone might happen to drop by as well. I certainly wasn't after perfection, but I just wanted to see some things picked up and out of the way so there was a little more space for getting through.

On Monday we went to visit my son & his family and to exchange gifts and make sure the grandchildren had their parecels as they were going away for Christmas to their other grandparents. We had pizza, but as the evening progressed I began feeling sicker and sicker and by the time we got home, all I could do was crawl in bed. Good thing I woke up in the middle of the night to make sure that 'santa' was able to take care of things.

I did manage to get dinner taken care of the following day and make sure everyone was ok before I crashed and had to lay down. I never did partake of the Christmas dinner, but by the time they had all finished eating, I was able to get some gravol down and spend a little time with everyone, as well as my visiting nephews before I had to go back to bed. That was at least good, and thankfully my hubby was able to take dad down home. Good thing as it wasn't long before we were all in bed.

The days are passing swiftly and we are almost at the end of another year. Just one more day....
I wonder how many people look back at the past year and can highlight special events, projects and things they've done or people that they've spent time with? I always feel at a loss for words when it comes to sharing the events of the past year with others. My life doesn't really hold any special highlights or at least not many that I care to mention.

During this past year daughter #1 turned 15 years old and started working at her first real job at McDonalds. She also spent a day going to work with a friend, and ended up working at Coles Book store part time for 3 months as well. So her life has consisted of school, working and friends.

Daughter #2 started doing a lot more babysitting as her sister gradually gave her jobs up. She turned 13 years old, and started her last year of grade school with plans to enjoy her last year together with friends, and seeing what all she could accomplish in her various sports events and running, and doing quite well too.

Hubby spent much of his time either working or puttering around with his guns and going to the gun range with his brother. He also spent time fighting in arbitration with his work and after two years of this nonesense, and being given a demotion, he finally managed to win and get back a job he had applied for as a mechanic in the cold end which meant more pay thankfully as it has been a difficult time. His mood continues to swing, and a good deal of the time things have been very unpleasant around here.

Me, well I seem to spend all of my time either running my father back and forth to dialysis, or running errands such as banking and shopping for him. As well, I seem to be constantly running #1 back and forth to work, or #2 to sports or babysitting, or trying to accomplish a few things around the house while dealing with constant sickness and continueing pain.
We did manage to get away to a cottage for three weeks this year and it was the first time ever that we had that much time together. Unfortunately it is a vacation that wasn't much of a holiday and one I'd sooner forget.

I started spending some of my time volunteering at the SPCA once a week when I was able to go in, and working with the cats giving them some freedom and play time. We also picked out a cat that was there, and decided to go all the way in actually getting another cat...something we have thought about for quite some time. So now we have two dogs, and two cats. This is something I really enjoy, however my health has also interferred in my getting out to do this as much as I'd like. I really do love spending time with the animals.

We seem to see more of my son & family over this past year and things are a lot better between us all. On the off -side to that, I rarely see any of my side of the family as they choose to stick to themselves and go their own way.

That's my year... no fabulous vacations, so special events, no special projects around the house, and nothing memorable to share.

I certainly hope that the coming new year of 2008 proves to be a much better year for everyone amongst family & friends, in relationships, and financially, so as I look ahead to this year drawing to a close, I just want to say this......

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY, AND MAY YOU EXPERIENCE GOD'S LOVE AND BLESSINGS IN YOUR LIFE THROUGHOUT THIS COMING YEAR OF 2008.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Just checking in

It's been awhile since I last came on here, or sat down to do any of my writing of poetry or short stories on another site. I can't believe how quickly time seems to move on by. It's hard to keep up with all the various things going on in my life, and often feeling sick or dealing with the constant, never ending pain that I seem to suffer with.

My life seems to have taken on an endless schedule of running back and forth with my dad as I take him back and forth to dialysis three mornings a week, as well as take him out shopping, and to various appointmets. To add to that, my eldest daughter has taken on a job working for McDonalds. The hours are really crazy. I never know what time of day or night I'm going to be driving her there, or picking her up. So far her earliest shifts have been to start at 7:00am, while the latest shift was 11:15 pm. Then recently she did two overnight shifts, on a Friday and Saturday evening, working from 11pm to 7am. Not too bad if you managed to get some sleep prior to the first shift, but when you've attended school, and then been out with friends before you go into work. This coming weekend she's going to start an early shift and be there before 6am. Yuk....I really hate these varied hours. Then to add to this, my youngest was delivering newspapers twice a week, as well as doing a variety of babysitting. Spring came and went, and so did the summer. I never did get to go to our friends place to go swimming in their pool. We did finally get to go away on vacation time. This year we were blessed to have three weeks away at our favorite holiday place in Bancroft, Ontario. I really love it up there, and love being in the cottage looking out over the lake. When I'm there, I look forward to a swim in the lake, watching the sunsets, going fishing, listening to the call of the loons, and watching them swimming and diving down into the water. This year, J was allowed to have a friend come up and join her for the first week, and the second week my son and his family came up to stay in the cottage right next to us, so we were able to spend time with them and spend time with the grandchildren. During that week, we spend some time travelling to a few different places such as Algonquin Park. The kids seemed to enjoy stopping by at the various museums, and lakes etc.

Unfortunately the whole vacation was ruined by someone being most unpleasant with everyone there, and basically making it a very stressful time for us all. By the time I got home, I wished I had never gone away. I could have enjoyed myself better at home all by myself, or gone to spend time with some friends. Anyway, that never happened!! I'm really not sure I ever want to take another family vacation again. I came home feeling very low, and along with not feling very well, found myself fighting a number of emotions, and regretting some past decisions. Anyway, life moves on!

With Sept. came some changes, and the girls started back to school, and I returned to my busy, schedule of running both them and my father around.

Now we are officially into autumn, although it's pretty much over now and we are entering the winter season. This past weekend was our local Santa Clause Parade, and also the big one in Toronto. I missed them both unfortunately, and I have always loved watching the various parades. Oh well, there are always things on TV and often these events are much the same anyway. Just another year.....

What Lurks in the Shadows

Deep in the shadows, along the line of trees,
I catch a glimpse of shining eyes, that seem to follow me.
I pause to take a closer look, but nothing can I see
It's just that eerie feeling, that runs deep down in me.

I feel my body tremble, from the ever growing cold
As I go further down the path, not sure of what I'll see.
Afraid to stop I look around, and see those piercing eyes.
I know there's something lurking, in the shadow of the trees.

Then suddenly it comes to me, with fear and clarity
The danger that is out there, in the shadow of the trees.
I try to walk on faster, and hope I show no fear
As each step takes me closer, to the safety of my car.

I see a sudden movement, out of the corner of my eye
But I force myself to move on, with an ever growing speed.
Then suddenly I look up, as I go around the bend
And there not far ahead of me, I finally see my car.

Again I glance around me, as I quicken up my pace
And that is when I realize, I now can see the face.
No longer is it hiding, in the shadow of the trees
It is the biggest wolf I've seen, since I first came to be.

I rifle in my pocket, till my keys are in my hand
Then with not much time to spare, I take off on the run.
I dare not look around me, as every moment counts
I reach the car and jump inside, and finally slam the door.

Those piercing eyes are out there, beside my driver's door,
I tremble as I see them, not two, but I count four.
The time just seems to slip by, I sit and shake in fear
Then finally start the motor, as I stare outside the car.

No longer will I come here,
Especially when its dark
I do not wish to risk my life,
As the prey to this great wolf.

copyrights by "Dawn"

My Father's Love

My Father's Love

Lord I really need you so
I need you in my life
I ask dear heavenly one,
That you will ease my strife.

Come into my heart today
Bless my family and my friends,
And let them know your sweetest love
Through all that you can send.

Please dear Lord, I ask of thee
Please bless my life as well.
Show me of your love this day
And keep me out of hell.

Give my family peace and joy
And teach me to survive,
Grant me faith and hope today
Show me all, while I'm alive!

Show me how to walk in love
And also with great pride
Let me be your heavenly child
So you can be my guide.

Father how I worship you
And seek to know your will
You died upon that lowly cross
And yet you love me still.

You gave your life for everyone
For all mankind you died
And then you rose again that day
To always be my guide.

Because of all that you went thro'
I now have been set free,
So I can place my trust in you,
For all eternity.
copyrights "Dawn"

Monday, April 16, 2007

Do you appreciate God's many blessings and all that you have?

Today is Monday, April 16th, 2007

Officially according to the calendar, we are already into the spring of our season. Does the weather indicate that it's spring? Well I suppose you could say that most of the snow has disappeared, but this morning it was trying to snow. Yes, it's the middle of April and it's trying to snow. It's bitter cold out there, with a really strong wind. I need to go out and do a little grocery shopping, but I really don't feel like going out in the cold today. Hopefully it will start to warm up this week and we will get some nice spring like temperatures. It would be nice to get out there and not have to wear a big heavy coat. Even the dogs are thinking the same thing. When the sun comes out they ask to go out, but once they get out there, they realize just how cold it actually is.

Even with the grey overcast skies, there is still some light up there and at times it looks like the sun might come out. The birds are still flying around, and looking for food. The red breasted robins are getting a full looking belly as they build their nests and prepare to lay eggs and wait for their young to arrive. At times I hear the shrill pitch of the blue jay up in one of the trees, and it trys to scare off some other bird, or a squirrel that is trying to take over someone's nest. The squirrels are out running all over the place gathering up food, and checking around for their mates. As the trees sway gentle in the wind, they continue to draw moisture from the ground and from the air, as they slowly form little buds underneath their bark. Many gardens are already full of brightly colored flowers such as crocus, and daffodils, and other spring beauties.
No matter how miserable the weather seems to be, there is always something of great beauty out there, and one of God's many wonderful creations.

In the meantime, I am able to sit here in the warmth of my own home, and to enjoy looking outside at the beauty of God's many creations around me. I know I am blessed to be able to make the choice of staying inside or going out into this weather.

There are a lot of homeless people out there...whether by choice or not, but they are stuck out in this weather, and all types of weather conditions. I wonder just how many of them are able to appreciate God's blessings, and the many beautiful things around them? Then again, I wonder how many people who are blessed are able to recognize those things and to appreciate what they have? What do you think?

Sunday, April 08, 2007

IS ANYONE EVEN OUT THERE READING HERE ANYMORE?

Hello Everyone! Hope you all had a great Easter weekend. I'm wondering just how many of you even use your blogs anymore, or post to them. For so long no one seemed to be posting anything, or reading, so I just seemed to stop coming here. I've decided I want to start coming back and posting once in awhile. I actually belong to another site called Gather.com where I go to write, read others writing, and just basically share my stories, poems and life with others who do the same thing. I've really enjoyed spending time there writing. I don't proclaim to be that great at it, but it's something I enjoy, so I've decided that is what's most important, thus the reason I I've decided to share the odd thing that I've written on here.

How is everyone, or perhaps should I say is anyone even out there reading the blogs and writing on them anymore?? I sure hope so. I feel like I've been losing contact with people, and either sick all of the time or dealing with the constant pain that I have. You see this winter the pain got so bad in my one leg that it was all I could do to even stand up or walk. My knee gave out one day and the pain that shot down my leg and all through it almost made me pass out. Nothing seemed to touch the pain. I couldn't move my leg or do anything for quite some time. For quite some time after that I was having to use crutches to try and get about. I went to the ER but they said there wasn't anything they could do for me. They took some X-rays but determined that there was no cartiladge left between the knee and as it shifted it was bone on bone causing pain. I need a knee replacement...or actually two of them, but I need the left one done first when and if they get me an appointment with the dr/surgeon. Still waiting to here something, although it's been over a month since the dr. said she would arrange an appointment for me. No wonder those who can afford it are going to the states to get things done down there.

Easter weekend is drawing to a close. It was a cold snowy weekend here. Rather uneventful, and not one of the nicest. We really did not do much to celebrate it and I didn't waste my time buying a turkey or trying to go to all the fuss and bother of cooking one. I have been sick on and off for the past month, and I was not up to doing anything. I also cannot spend a lot of time standing because of the pain in my leg. I had two little chicken's in my freezer so I took them out and cooked them along with a little lamb roast that I had. I was going to have my father over, but he wasn't feeling good, my husband spend the whole day just laying around sleeping and my youngest daughter wasnt' feeling good either. My oldest daughter was babysitting, so I just didn't worry about a whole lot of fussing. Saturday I had to take my father to dialysis, then run some errands and babysit my grandchildren so we ended up having spaghetti dinner with my son & his family. Today was Sunday, so we went to church and came home to just relax. My knee and leg are really hurting probably from the cold and standing so much today. My youngest, is babysitting, and the other one is off at a friends for the afternoon and night. My husbands been playing around with his 'hobby', and watching westerns on tv, so I spend the time trying to get my computer fixed and working....yea I seem to have succeeded.

So what did YOU do for Easter weekend??? I'd love to hear from someone, and hope you're all keeping well.

God Bless!!

He Is Risen

Twas many, many years ago

When Jesus Christ was born,

So very many years ago,

Upon that special morn.



A child who came to teach us

About our Father in Heaven

He came to help His people

To share with us good news.



He was the chosen one of God

To come and help us all

Reaching out to all around Him

As He helped both sick and poor.



He knew what God expected

And He did all that He could

To serve His loving Father

He obeyed and followed Him.



And when the people came for Him

Saying that He'd broke the law,

Accusing Him of falsehoods,

And for that He'd have to die.



They cursed and called him names,

Put a crown of thorns upon His head,

Then made Him carry a huge cross,

And beat Him all the way.



They nailed him to the wooden cross

Put holes within His hands,

Then hammered more into His feet,

And made the cross to stand.



Before the angry throngs of men,

They hung him from that cross,

And there on each side of Him,

They also hung two thieves.



They left Him there to die

A gruesome, painful death,

And when His time was over

God reached out in love to Him.



His mother and disciples

Took His body off that cross,

They wrapped Him up in linens,

Then laid Him within a tomb.



They then observed the Sabbath

And all rested as they should

Then took both spice and fragrant oils

To the place where Jesus laid.



The stone was rolled out from the tomb,

No body did they find,

But two men stood in shining robes

Telling them He was not dead.



They told them He was risen,

No longer in the tomb,

The Son of Man was rescued

Crucified, but now alive.



Jesus appeared unto His disciples

Saying "Peace be unto you"

He gave them understanding

Of the Scriptures we should learn.



He told them it was written

For the Christ to suffer death

And that on the third day after

He would rise up from the dead.



And as He stood there blessing them,

The heaven's opened up,

And God reached down and took Him

To live with Him above.



So on this Easter weekend

Think upon these many things,

Remember that our Father,

Loved each and everyone of us.



Christ died upon the cross that day

For the sins of all mankind,

So all we really need to do

Is repent of all our sins.



If we will do this thing He asks,

Believing all He did,

Then we will have eternal life

And go to be with Him.



Remember Christ this weekend

In everything you do,

And know that He is right there,

Watching over you.



God Bless and keep you throughout this Easter weekend. Remember that He Is Risen, and looking out for you. Remember that He loves you, and for eternity will be with YOU.

Dawn M.

April 5th, 2007

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Just to say hello

I know it's been a long time since I've come here to post, but hey, I'm here!

Spring is officially here, so lets hope that we don't see anymore snow. Today temperatures got up close to 20-degrees Celcius. Wow, that's hard to believe when only a week ago, it was snowing.

Just wanted to stop by to say hello if anyone even comes to read anything here anymore.

Have a great day and an even better tomorrow. God Bless!