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!

Our First Snowfall of the Season

The date: Thursday, October 12th, 2006

Today many people were shocked with a drastic change in weather. It’s only the middle of October, and today we received snow. Just a few short days ago, we were basking in sunny, warm temperatures in the 70’s, as we celebrated our Canadian Thanksgiving. We were enjoying the peak of our autumn season, and the many wonderful colors of bright gold, crimson red, deep orange, brown and greens, that we often see at this time of year when the leaves change color and fall to the ground. The ground is basically covered with snow, along with the many tree tops around that are still laden with leaves. The colorful beauty of autumn was turned into a wicked, and dangerous situation as heavy snow fell all around us. High winds also played havoc, causing blowing and white out conditions.

Some areas of the USA such as Buffalo, New York, along with many areas all around the great lakes have become dangerous places, because of the heavy snow, and fallen branches. I heard on the news that some areas have so much show that they have already cancelled school for tomorrow.Heavy wet snow, created havoc in the streets, and weighed down the branches of many trees that were still full of bright, colorful leaves. The weight of this snow in combination with the weight of the leaves, has caused the branches of trees to snap off. As this happens, broken branches are laying all over and cluttering many streets, pulling down hydro lines and causing great danger as they fall to the ground. This is a highly unusual situation for this time of year. Cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and high winds have caused hazardous conditions in many cities around the great lakes, but especially around the Buffalo and western New York area, along with some parts of Ontario, Canada.

I can hardly believe that we had snow at this time of year. I’m sure we must be setting some records for this much snow so early in the season!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thankfully the snow didn't last for more than a few days here, but it certainly sounds like there are many places in New York and in the midwest part of Canada that still have snow, or received even more. I'm sure winter is going to come soon enough but mid October is way too early. This week we've had a few days of warmer temps. sunshine, and rain. As I look around though, I notice how many of the trees around here are almost bare. The leaves have fallen off and all of the beautiful colours that were there last week are now gone. Another part of our autumn season here in Canada!

Summer Memories

Outside my window, I can see the leaves on the trees blowing softly in the breeze. The sun is shining, and it looks like a beautiful summer day out there. Off in the background, behind the trees, float some fluffy, white powderpuff clouds, with a brilliant blue sky off in the horizon.

All around me I can hear the sound of laughter as children play outside with their friends. A dog is barking in the distance, and it seems to start up a chain of different barks and sounds as another dog barks back.

There are birds singing and chirping, and flying in and out amongst the trees. A squirrel scampers across the ground, and another one leaps from the tree branches, and onto a nearby fence. It runs across the top of the fence, then scampers down to the ground in search of food. I hear a very light tapping, and look up in time to catch view of a black and white woodpecker as it creeps about the tree trunk in search of insects. I keep watching and listening till I catch sight of a chipmunk running across the grass and in and out of the little places where it hides, and searches for food. It has some food in it's mouth, so must be heading for it's little burrow in the ground to hide it with it's store of winter provisions.

I walk slowly along the pathway, and under the trees as I head for the lake. The path is still covered with the various leaves that fell during the winter, along with a bed of pine needles which is scattered around the base of each tree.

As I draw closer to the lake, I can hear the waves gently lapping against the shoreline. On the beach there are a few people still sitting in the sand, and enjoying the last of the summer days. A few people have even ventured into the water, and are splashing merrily in the waves. The younger crowd doesn't seem to be at all concerned about the temperature of the water. They run, splashing amongst the waves, playing ball, and building sand castles.

Now that the evenings are starting to get cooler, I'm sure it must be cooling the temperature of the water down as well. I kick my sandles off and venture into the shallows for a little while, and walk up and down the beach, enjoying the warm rays of the afternoon sun.

A few seagulls fly overhead, sqaulking and carrying on in hopes that someone will throw them some food. Then I hear the sound that I really love. The cry of the loons as they call out to one another. I find them fascinating to watch as they paddle across the lake, then dive down under the water and disappear. I watch in anticipation, waiting for them to come back up to the surface. You just never know where they are going to pop back up, or how far down the lake they might travel in their search for food.

It has been a remarkable summer filled with many wonderful memories. Times around the campfire, or curled up in a warm blanket as someone shares a story; great moments together frolicking in the lake, swimming , canoeing, and even some fishing. Special moments with nature and viewing the wildlife of this area; but most of all, moments to treasure and most special of all are those spent with loved ones.

Another summer has passed us by, and we've been blessed to enjoy this amazing and beautiful place full of God's creations.

It is a place where I've been able to enjoy great serenity, and peace, and the love of my family. I've watched on as my children have stepped out and met the challenges of new and wonderful things around the lake.

Another season has passed us by, and it is time to move on. School will be starting soon, and with it will come the arrival of autumn's charm, and changing colours.

Memories are built around these special places and moments in our lives, and they are times I truly want to remember with my family all around me.

Another time and season has passed, and I will look forward to returning again another time, once I have enjoyed a few more changing seasons and events. For now I will treasure the moments that I have left, and look forward to new ones.

by Dawn M.

What Does Your Life Hold?

Is your life full of laughter, or does it hold a few tears? Is your life perfect, and without problems or are there little things that come up every now and then, in which you place worries, doubts and fears before you? There will always be storms come into our lives, but hopefully, there will always be rainbows, sunshine & laughter as well.



No matter what our lives may hold or how difficult they might seem, all we need to do is to look around us and listen to the stories of others to learn what trials and tribulations others must face. Listening to the stories of others will quickly make you realize that your trials are perhaps not so bad.



Have you ever looked at someone, and judged them by the size of their home, the type of car they have, the size or color of their body, the things they seem to have or not have, the cleanliness and organization of their home, or perhaps the way they dress? Have you ever stopped to really think about what the other person might be dealing with on the inside and within their lives? Are things really the way they appear on the outside, or is there more?



Have you ever stopped to think about the storms that could possibly come into a person's life? Have you ever really stopped to take a look around you and allow your eyes to see beyond the outer extremities of a person's life and situation and place in life, and truly looked inside?



I like to always remember back to that old phrase that I heard often when I was growing up….and that was that "you can't ever judge a book by its cover". You can't judge a person by the clothes they wear or the way they look or the house that they have or don't have. You can't judge a person's life by those outward things either.



We all have different stories and lives to view. We all go thro' different emotions and trials and storms in our lives, and often those things are kept hidden within our lives just like the pages of a book that someone has never opened.



Have you ever stopped to ask how a person is, or how they feel, or if everything is truly ok in their life? Don't always assume that a person has money because they live in a big house, or that they are lazy because they don't seem to accomplish the same things as you. Don't always assume that a person feels fine because by all outward appearances they look great, or that because they look happy their life must be great. We all deal with things differently and we all have different things in our lives that others are really not aware of. We all have things in our lives that others cannot even comprehend or understand because they have not walked a day in our life.



I can't help thinking about this each time another storm arises within my life and the turmoil and stress of that situation feel like more than I can deal with or endure. I'm not trying to make it sound like I'm able to bear up through every storm, or that my life is anymore difficult or easier than anyone else, because I know it's not. We each have our cross to bear, our wheelbarrow full of manure to get rid of, our financial burden's to cope with, our own struggles and pain to endure. We all have good days and bad days, but that doesn't make our lives any less or more important that anyone else's.





What is important is how we deal with all of these things, and how we react to others. Do we open our hearts and souls to others or reach out to them when we see them struggling or are we just too caught up in all the things we are dealing with ourselves?



Are we willing to reach out to others and to listen to what they have to say or share, or do we close our eyes and think only of ourselves, unable to even consider anyone else?



I sure know what it feels like to struggle with things and to go thro' difficulties, but I also don't feel that my problems are any greater or less than others. They are just very difficult for me to go thro' and my problems. They are my own struggles and storms that I personally face.



What I value most through these struggles and trials is the value of friends and someone who I can turn to when I need to. Friends are the most precious gifts in life that I have learned to value and treasure. Through both good times and bad times my friends are there for me to encourage, listen, help, cry and laugh with. They are true friends who will listen to my needs, my joys, my accomplishments, and my failures. They will be there for me when I need someone, and in turn I will do the same.



No matter how many storms come my way, I know I will do ok in my life, because God has blessed me with the gift of some very special friends who truly care about me.



One day I realized all of that as I found myself faced with some problems that seemed overwhelming. I was upset and hurt by somethings that had happened, but a special friend was there for me. Through talking and sharing, I also learned of some things she was dealing with. We spent the afternoon together, and by the time we left and went our separate ways we were both feeling a lot better and glad that we had been able to spend time with one another.



I am blessed in my life because I do have some very special friends!

Days Ending

The darkness has settled

As the evening draws nigh,

My eyes now grow heavy

As I sit with a sigh.



Off to bed I must wonder

And then I lay down

Pull up the covers

To sleep I am bound.



My body is weary

My pains they are great

I take time to settle

As the time now is late.



I toss and I turn

As my thoughts start to wonder

Just how can I settle

Is something I ponder.



Then I fall to my knees

To the Lord I will pray

It's the perfect ending

To a beautiful day.



I ask Him to help me

And all those I love,

For He is my Father

Who lives up above.



I ask God for comfort

I pray for my friends

My thoughts finally settle,

As the day finally ends.

The Golden Years

Have you ever thought ahead about those Golden Years people talk about? I believe most people consider the years once you hit age 60 to be the start of those Golden Years. I ways figured that when I reached the age to retire I would be able to enjoy those years, not having to work, or worry about finances, and doing some things that are fun and enjoyable.



One thing that I heard continually repeated while I was at the hospital with my father recently, and also in the surgeon's office was the remark about those "Golden Years". Too often the question was asked, "What happened to those golden years?" Most people said it jokingly, but I could tell from the many comments, and the sadness in some of their eyes, that many were also questioning it and wondering why they had so many health issues to contend with, now that they are older. They really were wondering why someone referred to this time in their lives as the golden years.



For people struggling with numerous health issues, it seems that these years are not so golden for them. Worry about their health, losing their vision, dealing with the loss of a spouse, and wondering how they will be able to manage on their own were just a few of the concerns people had. Many people were not financially carefree as they had hoped, and not able to enjoy this time in their lives for so many reasons. Some were still living on their own, and trying to remain independent, while others were dependent upon their children and families.





I can certainly understand their concerns when I see so many of the things they are struggling with. When your health is failing, when things seem to constantly be going wrong, when you can no longer do the things you used to be able to do. People do start to question what is happening in their lives. Is it any wonder? They are facing disabilities they never even thought they would have to worry about.



I am still in my 50's, and I wonder myself what sort of life I have to look forward to in my 'golden years' as I struggle already with the pain of fibromyalgia, and arthritis, and degeneration of disks in my back & neck, and the loss of cartilage in my knees and other areas, along with many other problems. My health is already a problem. While I am so far able to still do most things, I am struggling with the ability to do certain things. My pain and ability to do things seems to get worse instead of better.



I think about my family background as well. My mom was pretty crippled up with arthritis for many years. She had her back fused, her hips replaced, suffered with diabetic, heart problems and cancer. It was her heart that turned out to be the hardest on her.



My father has a family history of strokes, glaucoma, and cancer. He has actually done pretty well until the past few years when his kidneys failed and he had to go for dialysis, and now most recently the eye surgery.



I wonder who decided to call those retirement years golden years? I'm sure there must be some people out there who are actually enjoying those years, and getting out and traveling with no financial concerns or other concerns. I think that's amazing and wonderful for them. For the rest of the senior population, I am still wondering and questioning what I have heard many of them saying.



WHERE ARE THOSE GOLDEN YEARS?? ARE THEY REALLY SOMETHING ANYONE CAN ENJOY?

Free as a Butterfly

I wish I was a butterfly,

So I could go off in flight.

Then I could fly all over,

Through endless days and nights.



I'd fly across the cities,

The fields, and then the lakes,

I'd fly to warmer climates,

And see all that God has made.



I'd make the most of all I have,

And all I'm meant to be,

Make the most of the life I've been given,

And forever I'd be free.


copyright "Dawn"

Eternity

God's love is so amazing

So kind and good and true.

He loves us all so very much,

He loves both me and you.



His Son was born of Mary,

His earthly parents found,

God chose the very best He could,

So His love would abound.



Jesus came to teach us,

About real love and joy,

He walked amongst the people,

Even as a little boy.



Then as He grew into a man,

He reached out to all mankind,

He told them of His Father's love,

And left no one behind.



Then came that day of horror,

When people turned on Him,

They tortured Him so terribly,

And life for Christ turned dim.



A crown of thorns was placed on Him,

As angry throngs of people came,

A heavy cross they made Him take,

Threw rocks and called out names.



Upon that cross they nailed Him,

Through both his hand and feet,

They raised the cross to face the crowds,

Cruel names they did repeat.



At both His sides they also placed,

Two theives each on a cross,

Both also nailed through hands and feet,

That day their lives a loss.



Christ suffered much upon that day,

Defeated and forsaken,

He died in pain upon that cross,

And then His sould was taken.



His body then was laid to rest,

A stone placed o'er the tomb,

The ones who loved Him sat and cried,

For them there was great gloom.



Then later on when He had passed,

They returned one day to pray,

The stone was gone, no body found,

They knew not what to say.



God raised His son from death,

Christ walked and talked with others,

And then before He left this place,

He saw His heavently mother.



Christ was given life again,

He died for you and me,

He rose to join His father in heaven,

Through Him, we too can be free.



Eternity can now be yours,

If you will just believe,

He died in love for all mankind,

You too can be set free.



copyright "Dawn"

Weather Button

H E L P Can Anyone Help Me??

My post is a HELP. I have tried to change my blog. No matter what template I use, it doesn't come out looking like what I choose. All of my personal information that is supposed to be on the right, goes to the right and then to the very bottom instead of beside where it's supposed to be. Does anyone know how I can fix that?

A Trip To Ecuador

My husband is thinking about going on a short term mission trip to Ecuador this year. Our church supports the idea of people making this trip to go and share their lives and testimonies, and to take bibles & things for the children when they go. They have also help found a church over there and come to know a number of the people in the same area. Some of the people who are on the mission team have been over there a number of times and have really enjoyed the opportunity to go and be part of this trip and time of helping and sharing with these people.

Even though it's a short term trip of only 10 days, it means making a big committment, and coming up with the funding of $2200. along with some spending money. Along with that it means making arrangements with work, getting the proper time off, and committing to one night a week of meeting with the group and learning more about this trip, forming bonds, praying for one another, and working out all of the details of things. They all have to pay extra money on top of this cost to get the proper vaccinations and medicals that they need. Airline tickets need to be purchased, and a variety of other things arranged.

There are a few personal things that he needs to check into and to see about. A few of these things could mean the difference of whether he's allowed to go or not. It would not be nice to get to the airport, with luggage packed and to be turned away, so I hope anyone reading this will keep him in your prayers.

The cost is something that may seem minor to many, but when I look at those figures I look and think it might as well be a thousand, as it's going to be very difficult to come up with.It's not something that is easy for us to do, especially when you live from paycheck to paycheck. It's going to mean giving up some things in order to try and come up with any of the money, and trusting that God will provide. It means having Faith that everything will work out the way it's supposed to, and the way that he is trusting for.

It's a trip that I would love to be able to go on. An experience of a lifetime. One that I can only imagine just like any other form of travel and going places, because it's something I've never in my life been able to do. Just a dream, and an impossibility unless God saw fit to heal me and to change a lot of circumstances. But if I can't go on this trip, then perhaps I will be able to experience thro' others, which is what I've been doing these past few years. Keeping in touch with those who are going, praying for them, helping out when I might possibly be able to, listening to their stories, and viewing their pictures, picking people up at the airport.... There are certainly ways to experience things without actually doing it physically so I'm hoping that's what I'm able to do. For now I will have to be content to help my husband reach his goals and actually be able to go on this trip.

Another experience in his life, and his memories. Hopefully one that will be a rewarding experience both for him and all the others who are going on this trip.

May 30th...Just another ordinary day...?

It's May 30, 2006
Just another ordinary day...?
Well, it was my dog Priscilla's 1st birthday, and no I didn't do anything to celebrate. I was babysitting my two youngest grandchildren today. I was also very thankful that J. was at home and available to help out with them. It was also the hottest day of the year so far. The temperature on the thermometer got up to 34oCelcius today. It was HOT. I don't know how people in some of those warmer climates manage to stand the extreme temperatures that they get. I suppose their bodies grow accustomed to the heat when they live with it for so long. Trouble is, here in Canada, we have basically four season's to our climate. Winter, spring, summer & autumn(fall). Right now we are still supposed to be in spring. Only a week ago it was so cold here we were getting snow and having to wear out winter coats once again. Now it's so hot you can hardly stand it. Our bodies don't even have a chance to adapt to the changes properly. Our blood doesn't know if it should welcome the cold or the heat. Seems summer is coming earlier each year, and our season's are all mixed up.
This week seems to be a rather busy one, with so many things scheduled and going on. J is home all week as she chose not to go on her year end class trip. Last night I had a meeting, tonight I had a meeting, and tomorrow I have a meeting...not to mention the various things going on during the days.
This evening E. came home and went off hunting for wild turkey right away and came home some time during the evening while I was still out. He plans to do the same tomorrow evening, and when he comes home, he's off to bed. So seems we are ending this month off with a busy schedule, much like how many other days & weeks end up.
I don't like to be out so much, especially in the evenings when the girls are home, but they too seem to be developing their own schedules as well. It is surprising how many others live their lives this way, but somehow seem to find or make time together for family events.

Today is almost over....in 37 minutes from this moment. Twenty five years ago today, E & I were married. Yes, it is, or was our 25th wedding anniversary. I suppose a big event for some.... but even our wedding day didn't go as we had planned twenty five years ago. We had planned on going off on a honeymoon in Niagara Falls. We had been told it was the honeymoon capital. We never did make that trip.

My mom suffered her first major heart attack that day, and ended up in the hospital. I couldn't leave town not knowing what was happening. Apparently it was quite severe and she had damaged her heart extensively, because she had been experiencing the chest pain since the night before and didn't say anything as she didn't want to spoil my wedding. That was the beginning of many hospital stays for my mom. That same year she also went through a triple by-pass with open heart surgery. After her surgery she seemed to be better for awhile, although she ended up in and out of hospital with various other problems with her arthritis, her back, her hips...etc. My folks went thro' a period where they felt they wanted to follow their hearts dream and move to Manitoulin Island. They lived up there for several years, but there were also a few scares with mom's heart and they were lonely and too far away to visit very often. They missed their children, and their grandchildren, so another move was made back to live with my brother. It was nice to have them back living closer, and being able to visit with them. I know they were a lot happier being nearby their family. My son was much older by this time and out on his own, so we began making plans for a honeymoon/trip. We were going to take the motorcycle and go out to the east coast. A few months before we were actually thinking of going, I found out I was pregnant. If I could manage to carry this child to full term it would be a real miracle after all my previous disappointments. For this reason, we also cancelled our motorcycle trip, and announced to our family that I was actually pregnant, and the doctor's were using some higher doseages of progesterone to help me maintain my pregnancy. It was a miracle and we were blessed with a beautiful, healthy daughter. My parents offered to help me out when I eventually would return to work and said they wanted to babysit. That helped me out a lot for the first little while, but it was not to be. My mom suffered a really bad bout of congestive heart failure. Her health was failing ,and she just wouldn't be up to looking after her grandaughter any longer, and it would be too much for my father to manage. Thankfully I was able to find a lovely Christian lady who was willing to look after our daughter, so I could continue working. I also ended up spending a little more time running back and forth from the hospital as the congestive heart failure worstened. Sometimes there were longer periods between the bouts, but it was often a great concern and worry for me. When I found out I was pregnant again, we were both so happy. Unfortunately I suffered yet another miscarriage, so life continued on. Then I discovered once again that I was pregnant. I started back on the special treatments, and once again we were blessed with another pregnancy, and a beautiful little girl. This time the delivery was very difficult , and I hemhorraged so badly they almost lost me. I couldn't even get out of bed or sit up because of the horrible pain I was experiencing. I grew very weak and couldn't even get out of bed to change my newborn's diaper. I was stuck in the hospital unable to look after my two year old, and my newborn. After several proceedures, and a number of blood transfusions, they managed to save me, and after 8 days in bed, I was finally able to get up and move around. It was a very slow process, but I continued to get better. While my parents loved spending time with their two grandaughters, my mom's health was getting worse. Her back was bad, her hips not too good, and her heart was failing. Thankfully she was able to witness her newest grandaughter take her first few steps and then eventually begin walking all over. The trips to the hospital were becoming more urgent and more frequent, and her recovery taking longer and longer.
Only a short time before my parents anniversary, my mom was once again rushed into the hospital with congestive heart failure. This time it really took it's tole on her. Her hospital stay was not a pleasant one, and something I won't get into now. Once night she fell, and from then on, she was in a lot of pain, and gradually going downhill. That Sunday morning I decided not to attend church, but felt compelled to go and visit her. I'm glad I did, as I found her all alone, sitting shivering with no one helping her. Anyway, after I got her cleaned up and dressed and into bed. While I was sitting there talking to her she died. The whole situation was not a good one, but I was thankful that I had at least been there with her.
A lot has happened in my life since that day that she died, both with my children, my marriage, job situations, etc. My dad's health eventually got bad and he ended up having to be put on dialysis. Now his vision is failing. He had to quit driving last summer after he had celebrated his 80th birthday. It really is sad to think about what many senior's experience in their supposed 'golden' years. That's another story for later. Life goes on.
So we didn't end up doing anything special for our anniversary, nor did anyone really even remember it was our anniversary much less our 25th. That's ok...we will survive, and once again, life does go on.

Priscilla approx. 5 weeks old

Happy Birthday Priscilla.
You are 1 year old on May 30, 2006.

Love in the Little Things

Love in the Little Things.
(Just a little poem I tried to write)



We don't have a great big mansion

our house needs a lot of repairs,



We don't drive a fancy limo

Just some old ones in need of some care



We rarely go out to the restaurants,

But we do get enough to eat



We don't get to go on the airplanes

Or off to some fancy resort.



We're lucky to find time for vacation

Or a place we can go to relax.



We don't wear expensive clothing

Or worry about things being in style.



We go off to the stores & the outlets

And look for cheap prices & sales



Our TV has the minimal channels,

But at least we can turn it on.



We still have some basic conveniences

Like a microwave, washer & dryer.



We still have a toaster & kettle, & also a coffee machine.

And we still have a fridge and a stove.



We don't have a house that is spotless,

But at least we have a place to live.



Our bills aren't always caught up,

But we do the best that we can.



We don't have a great deal to offer,

But we will learn to survive.



Our Father in Heaven is watching o'er us

And He will be there to provide.



For it's all in the little things around us,

And His love that we can always find.

Blogging, writing, reading....

Have you ever wondered why people blog? Do they blog for the fun of it, for the chance to put their thoughts down in writing, for the audience...or for other reasons? When I first started blogging, I did it for my own benefit. For the chance to put some of my thoughts down in writing, and after awhile, I started doing it as much for myself as I was perhaps doing it with the realization that others might be reading it. Do the comments of others really matter? I used to think no, but there are times I looked to see if there were any comments and found myself a little disappointed. I'm not really sure why either, because as I say, my original plan when I started this was for my own benefit.

Blogging is a way of making contact with others...that is if they happen to read your blog. It is a way of keeping in touch with friends, and family to let them know what's happening in your life. It is a way to write down your feelings and express your self. It is a way to find release in writing down your innermost feelings. I wonder how many strangers and people read the blogs who don't know us; who don't know anything about our lives until they read the things we write.

It's been awhile since I checked my blog, or wrote anything here. I'm not really sure why. I haven't particularly felt up to blogging recently, nor have I felt up to doing a whole lot of things as my pain as increased, and my allergies and sinus have acted up. I've also been feeling really stressed out financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually..... I'm not really sure why. It seems to often happen at this time of year. For many it's the winter months that bring on the emotional stress; the darkness, and short days of sun, not getting out amongst people in the same way, and often a difficult time financially after the crunch of Christmas.
I used to enjoy mother's day, but since my mother is no longer alive, and I have no mother in law, or grandmothers, and I've allowed myself to grow apart from soem certain people, there is no one for me to really concern myself about. It was also on mother's day last year when we lost our precious Sheltie of 10 years. I still miss him, although we now have another Sheltie to take his place.

Finances are really tight...and that's a big issue and problem around here. I am not able to work, and yet have been unable to qualify for any sort of pension, and disability plan. I live in constant pain. I hurt all over some days and can't hardly move. My legs are painful most of the time, and the worst is in my knees with bone rubbing against bone because the cartiledge is all worn away. I'm not really sure where it goes to but apparently it's all gone. My energy levels are minimal at the best of times, and I am finding my life pretty stressful at the moment. There are a lot of things I just cannot talk about or share on here because it's not the thing to do.

I've also been spending time on a site called "Gather". I go to gather to write stories, poems, interesting things about me, and I'm able to read what others have written about themself, or the various stories that they have written. It seems to be a rather friendly group of people who share some common ground in the interest of reading and writing. I think it's a great site, and I just wish I had more stamina and ability for writing and for doing the work that is needed to become a writer. It is something I do enjoy doing. Better yet, it would also be a perfect answer to my prayers, as it is something I would actually be able to do here at home, without worrying if I'm able to get out and work at a regular job.


Gather= http://www.gather.com/my.jsp?memberId=23518


If anyone enjoys writing, be it short stories, poetry, real life stories. etc. then Gather is an interesting place to be. I know I enjoy it. As for blogging here, I do the best I am able to, which lately hasn't been much writing on here.

Perhaps another day ....

Counters

The Start of March Break

It's March Break! Today I watched my lovely 14 year old daughter go off with a local group on a coach bus. She was so excited to be going on this trip. Her first opportunity, and visit to Florida. So amazing! I am so proud of her too. She saved up for this trip for a long time, and she paid for most of it all on her own. She is very fortunate to have this opportunity to go there, and to have some special friends in which to share it with. I've never been there in my lifetime, and somehow I suspect it's a place that I never will have the chance to see. I'm just glad that she has been able to go, and I pray that it will be a wonderful & happy experience that she will never forget.
It's a long trip down there on the bus. They were going to be travelling for at least 25 hours. They won't even arrive at the camp until sometime tomorrow afternoon. The kids who were going seemed so excited. They have lots of activities planned for them to enjoy this week, and I'm looking forward to hearing all about her trip.
Whatever am I going to do to keep my 11 year old busy? Today we decided to venture out on this bright, spring like day, and went to visit my friend with the Irish Wolfhound pups. She has three litters of pups at the moment, 20 puppies in total. One litter is already 6 1/2 weeks old. One is three weeks, and the other litter is only two weeks old. They are all so adorable. I love the tiniest little one, all the way up to the biggest ones. The older ones are now getting more playful, and starting to show their colours & personalities more. As they grow, they are starting to look more and more like little visions of their parents. We were able to take them outside in the sunshine and let them play and run about. I took turns picking them all up and cuddling them, and getting them to run around the yard. I know my daughter was certainly enjoying the time with them as well. One they were tuckered out, we went in and went for a swim in the warm, indoor pool. Great for easing the pain in my legs. I wouldn't have minded staying in there all day, as it was certainly helping with the pain. Once out, we spent some time with the other pups, and got to hold the youngest ones, and help get them out and settled to be nursed by their mommy, while our friend took care of the other pups & mom. The middle aged ones are also starting to drink from a bowl, and are getting an added milk supplement, and they seemed to be doing really well. We stayed as long as we could, and enjoyed a nice dinner with them then had to head home finally. I thought it was a pretty good start to March Break. They also lent us their newest movie, Harry Potter, and the Goblet of Fire. That took care of our evening and put an end to a pretty good day.

Spiritual Gifts

These are a few different sites you can visit for tests on searching for your spiritual gifts. Have you ever checked them out or discovered what your spiritual gifts happen to be? do you find they actually reveal something that you feel comes close to what you feel is right?
Have fun and check them out!


http://www.kodachrome.org/spiritgift/

http://www.christianet.com/bible/spiritualgiftstest.htm#114182505711082


http://mintools.com/discovergifts.htm

Found this picture that says exactly what my site is about.
Just taking things "One Day at A Time".

Writing

I keep thinking that I want to start writing more on my blog, or on another site I've joined, but I seem to have this block. I don't know what to write about or how to get started on anything these days. When I do get started on something, I tend to lose track of my thoughts, or get interupted. Some people seem to write something regularly, and have such a natural ability and gift with their words. I'm afraid I tend to stick to the much simpler words. I wonder if it's too late to start learning how to do new things? I've often thought how nice it would be to just have the time & the creative mind to start writing a book or even some short stories.

I've been told that it's a good idea to write something everyday, no matter what one writes. It's supposed to be the exercise of writing daily that is important. Learning how to use words that are both creative and descriptive, and that will allow the readers to hear, smell & feel what the writer is talking about; deleting excess words, and adverbs; using verbs and short, concise paragraphs, along with words that communicate. Don't use a lot of cliches, or little words, like also,and, that...; and try to put some order into your thoughts. Sometimes that's a challenge too, along with trying not to put in a lot of words and thoughts that don't support your story line. These are only a few simple suggestions that have been shared with me. I'm sure from the many books & articles out there that it would take years to even begin to read them all and learn the things that need to be learned. I suppose all one can do is to take some courses, or find a good book that gives advise, and do the best you can. For those with a natural, God given ability, I'm sure all they need is some simple instructions on "how to" and they are off. It's obviously not the type of thing that everyone is able to do. I think perhaps I fall into this category. It's just something that I enjoy doing, and think would be nice to be able to do. When I see what others put into writing, I feel so inadequate.

I wonder if I had taken some courses when I was younger if I could have learned and acquired the ability to write! I know I certainly had a much easier time putting things into writing, and keeping my thoughts on track and doing a lot more than I seem to be able to do now. I wonder if this is because of my age, or perhaps the fibro fog and pain that I live with that clouds my thinking? Is it perhaps that I never really seem to have a lot of time to just sit quietly, without interuptions, or perhaps that I just have too many things on my plate to keep my thoughts focused?
Is it perhaps that I've forgotten a lot of things that I once used to know? Perhaps it's just that I really don't have a lot of real knowledge on one certain thing that I can write about!

Having the gift and ability to be able to write and perhaps write something that could actually turn into a form of income would be nice, but I'm certainly not going to hold my breath. Then again, who really knows what the future holds. Miracles do happen!