Star Sapphire

I've been keeping tabs on Liz's new pup George and and seeing Welshcakes' dog Simi in her photos. Lately, it's made me nostalgic for my beloved boxer Star. She was born in September, 1985, and I brought her home in November. I named her "Star" when I noticed a white spot amidst the black on the top of her head and my Dad added the "Sapphire" the first time he saw her. She was the best puppy right from the day I brought her home. Not once in her whole lifetime did she ever growl at, bark at, or nip anyone. Naturally, she'd bark if someone came to the house, but as soon as we told her it was okay, she'd be quiet and, wagging her stubby little tail, wait to see if it was someone she could play with. A lot of people at that time were not familiar with boxers and would often think she was a pitt bull, a very vicious dog. But we used that to our advantage and she was a great guard dog (pussy cat in reality, though).

When I brought her home that year, Jaclyn was in kindergarten and I would walk her to school every morning. I found an old baby carrier thing made out of brown corduroy and I'd strap Star into it and carried her like a baby - it was too far for her to walk that far since she was only 8 weeks old. The first time I arrived at the school, all the Moms came running to me saying things like, "Oh I didn't know you'd been expecting!" or "You have a new baby!" It was quite amusing when they took their first peek and saw a furry brown and white face! I took Star to school that spring when the children were studying a unit on babies and it was quite a success. I did have to keep running outside to make sure Star would do her widdle there, because she was so excited being around all those little kids. When Jamie was around 6 or 7 years old, her school had a special event for Sports Day. There would be the traditional bike parade but you could enter the parade as long as you were on wheels. So Jamie dressed up in shorts and a t-shirt, held a skipping rope, and put on her roller skates. She had a towel around Star's neck and had the dog pull her as she held onto the leash. She won a prize that year! (Get it? The boxer and its trainer?)

My Dad took a particular liking to Star as we'd had a boxer when we were growing up. He'd come over to visit and all he wanted to do was play with the dog. Star loved him, too, and would never hesitate to use him as a bed. Close friends of ours had adopted Star's litter sister (Kaycee) and we'd take turns visiting back and forth even more often so the pups could play together. It was wonderful that they were able to get so much exercise that way, even though I walked Star faithfully every day and my husband would rough house with her in the evenings.

Grampa with Star as a puppy




Daddy rough-housing with Star

Star was so gentle that she didn't mind when the girls would dress her up in their pyjamas, complete with sunglasses and hat. She'd just sit there with a disdained look on her face as though she were thinking, "Oh my goodness, not again!" Even though Star loved her dinner and would gobble it down lickety-split, you could take the bowl away before she finished and she would not growl.

Jamie with Star on top of Kaycee




Jaclyn hugging Star

When we went away one summer and had to resort to putting her in a kennel (that was when we moved to Ottawa temporarily and our friends were still in Vancouver), we came back two weeks later to a very skinny Star. She had pined so much for us that she had refused to eat. We quickly fattened her up again, although she never got fat. After that, we never left her for more than a week at a time if we went away. That wasn't often because usually we spent our summers at Shuswap Lake at the family cabin and she just came with us.

We tried to get Star to swim in the lake. She was not too interested in the water, though, so hubby would lift her up and take her out a little ways, gently put her in the water and help her dog paddle to shore. It was so funny to see her run out of the water and shake herself. Next time hubby would try to get her, she'd run away and it seemed to us that she was laughing and saying, "No way!" However, she did love the lake area and would go exploring on her own.

After hubby died and I moved to the wilderness to teach, Star got a lot more freedom. No fenced in yards there! At first I was a bit concerned about her wandering in case she ran into a bear, but she quickly adapted and didn't go too far. I was horrified for a while because Star insisted on using the front "lawn" (and I use that term loosely) as her toilet. She refused to go into the back area and I soon found out why. Apparently, my property was the route bears would frequently use. Eventually, though, it got to the point that I'd open the door and call for Star to come home for dinner - just as though I were shouting for the kids. And there she'd come, bounding through the thicket at the back of the property, stinking for all the world like God knows what! I actually think she had a boyfriend that year!

Star had a great life with us and we loved every moment we spent with her. She started having some age problems in 1995 but we looked after her well. Poor thing would be lying asleep on the carpet while we'd be watching TV, and suddenly she'd get up realizing that she'd peed in her sleep. We never got cross with her when that happened but we did visit the Vet more often.

Then one evening in the summer of 1997, she must have had a stroke or a heart attack because she went into a seizure. I rushed her to my Vet, someone I'd known since the mid-70s. He told me that as my friend he could say, "Take her home and keep an eye on her," but as my Vet he recommended that she be put down. Her heart was failing and she'd just get worse. I took Star with me into another room and sat on the floor with her trying to make up my mind what to do. She kept kissing me and snuggling up to me but suddenly, her legs went out from under her. I remember starting to cry and hugging Star to me and telling her how much I loved her. I went outside, nodded to my friend the Vet, and left. I cried myself to sleep that night.

I'll never forget Star. I have nothing but wonderful memories of her. She was loving, gentle, protective, and obedient. After hubby died, she was one of the main reasons I got up in the mornings. When I didn't want my girls to know I was down or needed a cry, Star was there for me, snuggling up and gently giving me kisses. She was also my fitness trainer, my confidante, my child and my friend. I can't believe it's been almost 11 years since she died but I now think of her "up there" with hubby running and playing and keeping him company. Some day I'll see her again.

Rest in peace, Star
1985 - 1997

Thoughts on a rainy Monday

Gustav Caillebotte's Paris: A Rainy Day, 1877

Rain is an inevitability in the Greater Vancouver area. However, you can usually tell if a person is a tourist because you see them strolling in downtown Vancouver resplendent in rain gear. It isn't actually raining, but these people have on hooded water-repellent jackets, boots, gloves, and are carrying their umbrellas open. They don't seem to realise that the umbrella won't keep them dry because they're basically walking in a cloud of mist.

Locals walk briskly and keep under the stores' awnings and do a quick jog across the streets, even women in stiletto heels. They aren't even carrying an umbrella! And as a suburbanite, I seldom need to use an umbrella. I go to my car (where my umbrella is usually stored) and drive to wherever I'm going. I jog into the store or the doctor's office, do what needs doing, and walk quickly back to the car. I don't particularly like going for my exercise walks in the rain so I wait until I see the sky lightening up (I get a great view of the weather from my upstairs office window) and when the rain lets up, out I go. I can usually do 30 - 45 minutes of brisk walking before the rain starts up again.

However, if and when it does actually rain hard enough to open your umbrella, there are a few rules of etiquette that one should follow.

1. Stay away from the awnings. You already have something to keep you dry.

2. When passing other carriers, the taller person lifts, the shorter one scrunches down.

3. Before boarding the bus, shake your umbrella off. Never put your wet umbrella on a seat.

4. Always carry your closed umbrella in a vertical position. No one likes an umbrella tip in the butt or any other part of the body.

5. Make sure the metal tips of your open umbrella don't poke anyone, especially in the eyes.

6. If you're in Vancouver, be prepared to get wet.

Do any of you have a pet peeve relating to the use of umbrellas? Feel free to share.

What Your Birthdate Says About You

I've seen this on a couple of other blogs so thought I'd give it a try. It's quite accurate about me, I think.

My Birthdate: October 6

You tend to be a the rock in relationships - people depend on you.

Thoughtful and caring, you often put others needs first.

You aren't content to help those you know... you want to give to the world.

An idealist, you strive for positive change and dream about how much better things could be.

Your strength: Your intuition

Your weakness: You put yourself last

Your power color: Rose

Your power symbol: Cloud

Your power month: June

Australia's Word of the Year

Australia's biggest online dictionary is asking people to vote for one of the following (amongst other words) for its latest annual update.

Arse Antlers: a tattoo in that fashionable area above the buttocks


Butt Bra: raises the profile of the buttocks to go with your arse antlers


Tanorexia: an obsession with having a suntan


Salad dodger: an obese person


Manscaping: removal of body hair for men

Which is your favourite?

Have a cigarette - please!

I found the following story on page C2 of today's Vancouver Sun. It reads as follows:

The owner of a small German computer company fired three non-smoking workers because they were threatening to disturb the peace after they requested a smoke-free environment.

The manager of the 10-person IT company in Buesum, named Thomas J., told the Hamburger Morgenpost newspaper he had fired the trio because their non-smoking was causing disruptions.

Germany introduced non-smoking rules in pubs and restaurants on Jan. 1, but Germans working in small offices are still allowed to smoke.

"I can't be bothered with troublemakers," Thomas was quoted as saying. "We're on the phone all the time and it's just easier to work while smoking. Everyone picks on smokers these days. It's time for revenge. I'm only going to hire smokers from now on."

I actually laughed out loud!

Riding Horses

Jaclyn, age 4, at Scotch Creek Ranch

The big day has come when Jaclyn feels well enough to go home to her own place. Yesterday, she had the staples removed and then we went grocery shopping. But by then, she realized that she was exhausted and really should stay one more night. I think she was surprised at how tired she was from her first day out.


I have mixed feelings today. I remember bringing her home after she was born. I remember so many of her "firsts." The first time she stood up by herself in her crib when she was about 7 months old, the first time she was brave enough to take her first steps at 11 months. I remember the first time I took her ice skating, the first time she took swimming lessons, her first ice show, her first Halloween, her first Christmas...so many firsts. I remember the first time she rode a horse (well, a pony) at age 2. However, riding ended at age 9 when she was bucked off a charging horse. She ended up in Children's Hospital for 2 months with a broken shoulder, just centimetres away from either being killed or a quadraplegic. She never rode again.


She had a rough 2007. But I'm so proud of her for fighting and coming back stronger than ever. She now has her own apartment full of her own things. She has lots of friends who care for her and a family that will do anything and everything to help her succeed in life. She's smart as a whip, funny, creative, and the friendliest and most generous person I've ever known. (yes, I admit she does have a few negatives, but she'll work those out) And she has a good job close enough that she can walk to work.


My feelings don't matter today. I enjoyed being "Mommy" again for a while, but I'm also so grateful that she's mending well and ready to be on her own again. I'll help her settle back in and then I will leave with her knowing I'm only a phone call away. And I will get on with my life, too.


So get back on that horse, Jaclyn, and be the boss. Ride with all your heart and make yourself a good life. God bless you for being so brave as you rode out those storms last year. This is the start of a new life, a life that I pray will bring you health and happiness.

We interrupt this program....

NEWS FLASH!

The word of the day is.....BENIGN

Last night around 7 pm we received a call from the specialist with good news. Jaclyn's tumour was not cancerous. "What a relief" is an understatement to the nth degree. The tumour was called an ovarian mucinous cystadenoma, stage III which means it had spread into her abdominal cavity. It was the size of a newborn baby weighing in at 3.1 kg or almost 7 lbs. Jaclyn needs to follow up with the surgeon in a month and have annual (or more often) checkups with a specialist. We sure don't want this to happen again!

You should have seen her face light up when she got off the phone with the doctor. She was beaming and you could see her relief. She hadn't shown any concern before, but she admitted she'd been scared to death of the pathology report. But now she can relax and continue to heal physically and move on to live a full life. She gets her stitches out tomorrow (Thursday) and on Saturday we're going to drive into Richmond to "Rockabout," a gem store where I bought her a gift certificate for Christmas. She can cash it in and get lots of beads and gems to wile away the time making more jewelry. It will take her until the end of February (according to the doctors) to be ready to return to work.

I love the picture (above) of her at age 13. Jaclyn is a free spirit, creative, intelligent, and full of fun and wit. Her sister Jamie took the photo at Diefenbaker Park near where we lived then. Jamie was taking photography in high school and was doing black and whites, so asked Jaclyn to be her model. The photo captures Jaclyn perfectly. I pray that she will have a long life that will give her much happiness. Again, I thank you all for your prayers and good vibes. Let's go shopping!

The Bucket List

“Could you please tell me where the phrase kick the bucket originated?”
[A] There are two main theories about this one. One suggests that the word doesn’t refer to our modern bucket at all, but to a sixteenth century word that comes from the French buque, meaning a yoke or similar piece of wood. It is said that the word was applied in particular to the beam from which a pig was hung in order to be slaughtered. Inevitably, the pig would struggle during the process, and would kick the buque.

The expression is attested to in particular by a citation in the Oxford English Dictionary: “The beam on which a pig is suspended after he has been slaughtered is called in Norfolk, even in the present day, a ‘bucket’. Since he is suspended by his heels, the phrase to ‘kick the bucket’ came to signify to die” (I can’t give you a date, as the editors just say it comes from a “modern newspaper”, a rather sniffy annotation they used a century ago for sources not considered quite kosher. But it was probably in the 1890s).

The other explanation, much less credible, is that the bucket is the one on which a suicide stands when hanging himself — kick away the bucket and the job is done. I’ve even seen the story attached specifically to the sad end of an ostler working at an inn on the Great North Road out of London. Don’t believe a word of it. I got this from

here.

There's a movie coming out soon called "The Bucket List" starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. The "bucket list" is a list of all the things their characters would like to accomplish in their remaining months (before they kick the bucket) and with one's wealth, the two end up touring the world, skydiving and racecar driving. As their list of goals begins to come to an end, they realize how much they've truly lived just in the last few months alone, and how much their short friendship has impacted their lives. Read more about the movie here. Sounds like it'll be a fun and crazy movie but most of all, it has prompted me to think about what I'd put on my list. I had to really think hard and wanted to share my top 10:

Tour the coast of Wales in the summertime.
Finish the renovations in my house.
See my book published successfully.
Go on a safari in Africa.
Go by ship to Australia and New Zealand.
Reach 10 lbs below my goal weight and stay there.
Go sailing and canoeing.
Ride in a helicopter.
Drive Route 66 in the USA.
Live long enough to have and know my great grandchildren.

One thing I thought would be awfully nice would be to meet and marry a wonderful man who would give me the freedom to live as I dream, who would be with me when I wanted him to be and to leave me alone when I wanted him to. I didn't put it on the list, though, because I think it's more of a pipe dream. ;D Have you ever thought about what you'd like to accomplish before you "kick the bucket?" Feel free to share right here. Maybe you'll give me some more ideas and I can add to my list.

Earrings

"Ear piercing is one of the oldest known forms of body modification, with artistic and written references from cultures around the world dating back to early history. One of the early signs of earrings worn by males are from the walls of Perspolis in ancient Persia, the carved images of the soldiers from various parts of the Persian Empire which are displayed on some of the surviving walls of the palace showing the soldiers wearing an ear ring." from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earring

There are many different types of pierced earrings: studs, hoops, dangles, slaves, huggys, threads, and needles. I didn't get my ears pierced until I was 30 years old. Why? I wasn't really "into" earrings because I wore my hair very long and you couldn't see my ears anyway. So, why bother? But I decided to treat myself on my 30th birthday so away I went to the mall and got some little gold studs put in. I was hooked (pardon the pun) immediately! I chose to have regular removable earrings, but my daughter has had permanent ones put in her ears (4 on each earlobe). Over the years I've had quite the collection. Remember seeing your grandmother or mother wear cameos? Or those oversize button things from the 80's?

Because I just had my hair done today, I was conscious of what earrings I could wear with this length. It's not too much shorter than before but I wanted to make sure I could wear all kinds from my little cubic zirconia studs to the longest dangly ones in my collection. When I got home, I went through my earrings and took a few photos of some of my favourites.

These are the oldest ones I own. I bought them at an

old local Robinson's store when my older daughter was

16 and working there. They cost $2.00 and I wear them

around the house with a t-shirt. (oh, pants too)

A couple of years ago, my sister and I went to a craft fair in my little

village. I didn't see anything I wanted to buy,but just as we were leaving,

we noticed a sort of business convention going on next door

and it was open to the public. We popped in and, voila! These were

handmade and for sale - $8.00! Good deal!

I've worn them a lot and always have people comment on them.

I bought these crystal hearts at a home-based Fifth Avenue party

about 6 or 7 years ago. They're perfect for a bit of sparkle with jeans

and a nice top. Cost: $40.00

I bought these green crystal earrings to wear on one of the

dressy evenings on an Alaska cruise. Cost: $45.00 Cdn.

While in Italy during the fall of '06, I found a lovely brown wrap sweater

in a tiny shop in Positano. When I went to pay for it, I spotted

these earrings which I knew would be perfect with it.

They're brown Swarovzki crystals and pearls.

Cost: 45 Euros = about $75.00 Cdn

Finally, this pair called to me from the window of a jewellry shop

in Taormina, Sicily. I went over to take a look and they said, "Buy us!"

So in I went and looked at them more closely.

They're mother-of-pearl and sterling silver - gorgeous!

Cost: If I remember correctly, around 90 Euros = around $150.00 Cdn

In Amalfi, I purchased a beaded necklace and earrings set - one of a kind by a local artisan - that I love to wear with basic black. The various colours really show up against the black. It was probably the equivalent of around $250.00 Cdn but I felt the set was well worth it. When I was in Wales, I bought a pair of faux gold hoops and faux silver embossed hoops.

I have to say that right now my favourite earrings of all are these.My daughter Jaclyn gave them to me for Christmas this year and because I'm aware of her financial situation, I know just what a sacrifice it was for her to buy these for me. They're opals set in sterling silver and she told me that she'd gone looking for opal earrings to go with the opal and diamond ring her Dad had given me years ago. These earrings are precious to me, not so much for their monetary value, but for the thought and sentiment that went into the giving.

It just goes to show that you don't need to spend a fortune on earrings to look good. Mine range in price from absolutely cheap to medium expensive a pair but no matter which ones I choose to wear, they make me feel feminine and pretty. Each pair has a history, a story of how they came to be in my possession. They finish off an outfit be it shorts and top to weed the garden or formal gown for a dressy affair. I don't feel dressed without them.

My bed and how I miss it

How many of you have ever given up your bed to a guest or (like me right now) to a sick relative? Now I'm not complaining - well, maybe I should admit I am...a bit...but my bed is my sanctuary. It took many years to find just the right bed with just the right firmness and just the right amount of cushioniness (is that a word?). I don't have to share it with anyone and I've managed to find the perfect spot that keeps me comfy and cosy all night long. This winter I bought myself some lovely peachy-pink flannel sheets and pillow cases and I keep them fresh and clean, simply washing them and putting them right back on. Once I slip in, I pull up my warm woolly blanket that I bought about 20 years ago when we lived in frigid Ottawa. I arrange the pillows just so, lay back, do a bit of daydreaming, and let myself drift off.

I hadn't had time to redo Jaclyn's bedroom and make it a proper guest room before she fell ill so that room is empty. However, I do have a sofabed in the family room so thought there'd be no problem - I'd sleep there and she could have my room with the TV, ensuite, and office down the hall so she wouldn't have to worry about stairs or my feeling like she was constantly under my feet.

The first night that I slept on the sofabed, all I could think was "Poor Josie! She slept (or tried to) on this thing last New Year's Eve and never complained!" Well...that mattress does not have much cushion on top of the springs! All night I tossed and turned trying desperately to find a soft spot, but with no luck. My bad back is very sensitive and I think those wires were giddy with joy at the idea that I was not a happy camper. (*Let's see how miserable we can make this sleeper!*)

Next night, I thought I'd just sleep on top of the sofa. No problem there - nice and soft yet firm. I settled myself down and as I turned over on my side, one leg fell off the sofa. Thump! A bit too narrow for that position. Hmm...let's try something else. I lay on my back - okay, I fit fine. Then my left leg started to go numb - that's the bad side and too much constant pressure there causes the bone spurs to jab into the nerves. Okay, turn on my stomache. The pillow was jammed into my face and I couldn't breathe. One minute I was too hot with the comforter on top of me and the next minute it had slipped off and I was too cold. I finally managed a few winks that night and was none the worse for wear in the morning.

Last night I figured I'd do the same. However, nothing worked - I was up and down, flipping front to back, side to side, and finally dragged the comforter into the living room to try that sofa. While it had a bit more width to it, one of my legs started to cramp up! Ai-yi-yi! that hurt! I could hear the fridge going on and off, the kitchen clock going tic tic tic (*shut UP*), ambulances and fire engines screaming down the highway (the wind must have been in just the right direction, naturally), and finally I heard the morning paper plop through the mail slot.

Okay, my plan for tonight is to pull out this single-width mattress that we bought years ago so the kids could have friends sleep over on the floor with it. I'll put it on the sofa bed and see if it works. I think my knees can find a spot between the springs if they happen to slide off the mattress in the night and perhaps my back with be cushioned enough. Wish me luck - God help me if I don't get any sleep tonight!

Crankiness = a good sign

I think we're finally on the road to healing. No pain meds at all yet today for Jaclyn and she even had the gall to ask me to go out and buy her some chocolate! (Well, who doesn't want chocolate, but we don't need it.) Then when I asked her if she'd like to have a tasty golden delicious apple, I was snubbed because I had interrupted her TV show. Hah! So...I'm taking it all as a good sign that she's healing well and starting to get bored. But when I inquired as to whether she felt ready to go to her own home, she did hesitate. ;D We're doing okay living together so far but I think next week when she gets her stitches out, I'll take her home to her own place. Maybe we'll go to the bead store to cash in the gift certificate I gave her for Christmas so she'll have something constructive to do while she continues to heal. Hopefully, she'll get creative and get a lot done with her beadwork. She really does make awfully pretty designs and is getting better all the time. (see photos of the latest work done in amethyst) I'll make sure she has lots of groceries in and check on her daily until she tells me to leave her alone.

Canada's Health Care

Update: I seem to have pushed some of Mary Anne's buttons over at http://latitude49.blogspot.com/ so go over there for the rest of the story about Canada's health care system. Mary Anne is a nurse in a small town on Vancouver Island so she has lots to share.

I mentioned earlier that I’d do a post on Canada’s health care system. If you’re interested in reading a very informative yet concise piece on it, go to http://www.canadian-healthcare.org/index.html There are 10 pages but it’s a quick read.

What I’d like to comment on now is how grateful I am to live in Canada with its excellent health care system. Our latest brush with it reinforced my feelings. From the moment my daughter was diagnosed with a possible cancerous tumour to the day she returned home from the hospital was 10 days! Every doctor and nurse we came in contact with was caring, compassionate, calm, and extremely professional. The emergency physicians at our local hospital moved quickly to expedite getting her to Vancouver General Hospital where specialists were able to diagnose her need for immediate surgery. There are 3 categories for emergency surgery – within 24 hours, within 8 hours, and within 24 hours. My daughter was categorised at needing surgery within 8 hours and from the moment the operating room was booked to the moment the surgeon came out to tell us it was all over was 7 ½ hours.

During that time, the following was totally free for her:

2 ambulance rides
1 ultrasound
1 CT scan
2 X-rays

lab and blood tests (cross-matched in case she needed a transfusion)
electrocardiogram
all drugs, including her bipolar meds while in hospital
IV’s for fluids and pain relief medication
anaesthesia
3 days care in local emergency hospital
4 days care in Vancouver General hospital
diagnosis and care from a total of 9 physicians and surgeons
surgery by a well-known gynaecologic oncologist, assisted by a "Fellow" (Thank you Dr. Ehlen and Dr. Correa)
all bandages, stitches, staples, and sanitary supplies post-op
nursing care
food and beverages

Virtually everyone who lives in Canada has basic health coverage. If you can’t afford to pay the premium, it is free. I pay $54 a month for basic health coverage and through my teachers pension I pay another $120 for dental and extended coverage. Extended coverage pays for drugs (mine are totally free so the premium is definitely worth that alone), physiotherapists, psychologists, optometrists, massage therapists, and things like crutches or wheelchairs if I were to need them plus many more things. Not everyone gets extended or dental coverage, but most do through their employers.

There is a waiting period for coverage to immigrants, never more than 3 months. Everyone is taken care of on a need basis. Emergencies first and non-emergencies are done on a first come first served basis. Yes, sometimes things get screwed up to the point where someone will go to Alberta (Edmonton in particular) or Washington state for treatment if they don’t want or can’t wait for some reason or other. And yes, sometimes there are delays for treatment. And sometimes you have to wait for an operation...but let's face it, I'd rather wait knowing that those ahead of me are in greater need. From the poorest homeless person to the wealthiest, each individual receives top quality care according to his/her need.

I’ve never had to fork over money to any doctor, except in the case of optional flu shots or for my daughter if she had a severe migraine that needed a shot of something to kill the pain. I think $10 or $15 to relieve someone’s excruciating pain is well worth the money.

From what I know, there are more individuals in the United States who do not have any health coverage at all than the entire population of Canada. I’ve heard of people in dire need being turned away from American hospitals because they have no insurance or enough money to pay up front. That NEVER happens in Canada – it is absolutely unheard of!

So I feel fortunate that I’m a Canadian who can count on the health care system here for my everyday needs, for my emergency needs, and for my out-of-country needs. I urge all Americans who might be reading this to think carefully before you put an X beside the name of someone who wants to be your President. Of course you have other issues to consider as well, but health care for every individual should be a right for all, not just for those who are lucky enough to be covered by their employer or for those who can afford to pay private premiums.

Think of the children. My child could have died from this even if it turns out to be benign. But she’s alive because of the excellent and expeditious care she received.

Happy New Year

Update: Jan. 1/08 - just got Jaclyn home and in bed, medicated. She's still in a lot of pain (naturally) but I think she'll be able to rest and heal much better in a home environment. Stitches to come out in 10 days at our family doctor's office and an appointment made with the oncologist in about a month. I think she might already be out cold so I have to go and get a prescription for Tylenol 3s for her and go get her mail. I'll be home the rest of the day keeping an eye on her.

An update: Just got a call from Jaclyn and the doctor says she can come home tomorrow! She'll be staying with me for a while so wish me good luck with the crankies she's going to go through.


I was going to do a post about Canada's health care system, but that will wait for a bit. I just wanted to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2008! Never in my life have I been so glad to see the end of a year - it's been a doozy! But I plan on celebrating with friends tonight and saying "Good riddance 2007!" and "A very warm welcome 2008!"

Last January, I started out working on my book but on Jan. 13th, I had to put it away and focus on my Dad who had two very serious strokes. By the time we got him moved out of the hospital and settled in a care home, his apartment cleaned out, and his possessions dispersed I had about 10 days to breathe. Then suddenly, my younger daughter ended up in the hospital. That was the first of two serious bouts with bipolar 2 and six months of hell until she was well enough to move into her own place in the middle of September. Then on Sept. 21, I got a call from the care home - Dad was on his way...he passed away an hour and half after I got there. After that was the funeral and then all the end-of-life business that goes along with a death. The family thought it was finally finished with all the...well, you know what...when suddenly in mid-October the same daughter started getting sick. And, you know the result of that!

So good-bye 2007 and come on in 2008! I can hardly wait to see what the year has ahead for me. Can't be any worse than last year! I'll get back to working on the book, continue going to step aerobics and the gym to get the last 10 lbs off and firm up, and try to have a holiday.

I hope all of you have a good evening, whether you're home alone watching the "ball" drop or out partying with friends. Let's all look ahead to the future with hope for world peace, too.

!!!HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL!!!

Ding Dong the Witch is Dead!

Praise the Lord! Jaclyn’s surgery is over and the surgeons have reassured us that everything looks good.

However, the tumour has to be sliced, diced, and gone over with a fine toothcomb before the final results are in. (This will happen in the basement of the building where our good friend Josie works.)

They are looking for cancer cells or any cells that appear abnormal, and won’t have the results until probably the week of the 7th of January.

In the meantime, after several days at VGH, Jaclyn will come home with me for about a week until she’s fully able to care for herself, but she won’t be able to return to work for 6 to 8 weeks.

We joke (now) about Jaclyn having given birth to a 10+ pound turkey for Christmas, but in all seriousness, that tumour ended up being a lot bigger than previously expected. It must have turned around on itself because the length was 40 centimetres (for all you who do not use metric, that is around 16 inches long!) and it was around 20 cm wide and 18 cm in thickness. Think about it as being a full-term baby – but an alien one! ;D

Naturally, Jaclyn is in a lot of pain still, but today I reassured her that this pain is good because it’s a healing pain. She still has one ovary and her uterus so there is still a chance she could have a baby some day, which is something she wants, even though she was willing to lose everything in order to live.

I’d like to thank everyone for your prayers and notes of kindness with regard to this terrible ordeal we’ve gone through. Although it’s not over quite yet, we are so relieved that Jaclyn’s pain from the tumour is gone and that she has survived this nightmare.

I am so proud of my daughter for bearing all this with dignity. She stayed focused so she wouldn't break down and was/is willing to face anything that might come. We nicknamed the tumour "Hilda" after her witch of a late grandmother (not my Mom and that's another story I might tell another time) and we are all so grateful that the thing is dead! So sing with me everyone!

Ding-dong the witch is dead

Which old witch? The wicked witch

Ding-dong the wicked witch is dead

Wake up you sleepyhead

Rub your eyes, get out of bed

Wake up the wicked witch is dead

She's gone where the goblins go

Below - below - below

Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out

Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low

Let them know the Wicked Witch is dead!

Update on Jaclyn's Condition

Update as of Thurs Dec.27: Jaclyn will be transferred by ambulance tomorrow morning from our local hospital to VGH for emergency surgery as soon as they get her in and prepped. I'll be there at the hospital as long as is necessary and will report news as soon as I can here.

I am overwhelmed by the love, care, and prayers being sent our way by all of you out there in cyberland! So I felt I should update you on Jaclyn's condition as of this morning.

She's now on oxygen because the tumor is pressing so high up in her abdominal area that she can't breathe deeply. She's on IV fluids, continuing pain control, and clear liquids until the local hospital can get her into VGH to prepare her for surgery. They'll be contacting them tomorrow when their schedules are up and running again. If Jaclyn were near death, of course, she'd be over there in a flash for emergency surgery, but she's stable for now so they'll wait.

I sat with her for about an hour this morning, but she'd just had a dose of morphine and was a bit delirious. When I went to leave so she could sleep, she asked me to stay a bit longer so I did. I just held her hand and let her talk when she had something to say. I reassured her that when the surgery was over, she'll feel so much better.

Our pastor was going to go and visit to pray for her, but he has a cold so felt it better that he not go. But he prayed with me on the phone this morning and will be sending out the latest news to the congregation so they will continue to pray for her, too.

I cannot thank you all enough for your support right now. This is the worst thing to happen since my husband died. You all understand my terror about what they might find and if it's all benign I will be so relieved! (What an understatement!) Last night as I was trying to get to sleep, I started thinking the unimaginable and had to get up and take a tranquilizer. My body hurts all over from the stress and worry but I will manage with all your love and support. Just pray for my daughter, that's all I ask. Thanks.

Jesus, Take The Wheel

All I can do now is to ask Jesus to take the wheel and look after Jaclyn.

Fear on Christmas Day

Christmas started with a sudden rap on my bedroom door at 3:30 a.m. Jaclyn had come over to spend the night and was in dire pain. I took her to emergency, and they put her on morphine, took blood and xrays. The doctor felt she should stay so I left her there at 6:00 a.m. to go back to bed for a bit more sleep. She phoned around 11:00 a.m. to tell me they were taking her by ambulance to Peach Arch Hospital in White Rock (a neighbouring community) for a CT scan. I got up then and had a shower so I'd be ready to go and be with her at a moment's notice. She phoned around 2:00 p.m. to tell me she was back at our local hospital and was waiting for the results. In the meantime, my other daughter Jamie, her husband and their little boy Noah arrived and we decided I wouldn't cook the turkey but we'd open our presents. Then around 3:30 p.m. Jaclyn phoned to tell us she was allowed to come home for a couple of hours but she would have to go back so they could monitor her until Thursday when things are up and running again.

Jason went and got her and she curled up on the sofa long enough to open her gifts and to watch Noah, whom she adores, open his gifts too. She was white as a sheet and hadn't eaten all day but finally agreed to some toast and a bit of water. She could only manage to get 1/2 piece of toast down. Jamie took her back to the hospital and when she came back we played Hungry Hungry Hippos with Noah for a while.
Since I didn't really have anything else in the house to eat other than my diet food, I was going to take Jamie, Jason and Noah out for dinner. But...*sigh*...nothing was open (even McDonald's) except for a local hotel that was charging $39.95 per person for a Christmas banquet. My whole turkey didn't cost that much, so we opted to cook my turkey another day. So they all went home to have spaghetti at their place and I ate my diet food and a bowl of M&Ms.

Then I headed over to the hospital to check that Jaclyn was settled and took her some toothpaste, toothbrush, clean undies and sox. I saw the doctor and she told me they're going to monitor her until Thursday and then they'll contact the BC Cancer Agency to let them know what's been happening and to try to get her admitted immediately for the surgery. The doctor said she cannot be home in her condition. She's on IVs to keep fluids in her because she started vomiting when she got back to the hospital.
I don't really care whether we get to have the turkey or whether it has to be thrown out. I'm so worried about my daughter than I can hardly think straight. She looked so helpless in that hospital emergency bed. And I can't get over the size of the tumor inside of her. Apparently, it's 25 cm by 18 cm by 15 cm! For you who aren't on metric, that's the equivalent of 10" by 7" by 6" so imagine that inside of you! God, please don't let it be cancer!!!

So Christmas came and went and it wasn't really a happy day, to say the least. I hope the next time I write about this predicament we're in (that's an understatement, don't you think?) I'll be able to report good news. It doesn't matter how old our children are because when they're sick and need us we still think of them as our babies.

Please continue to pray for her health and my ability to stay strong for her. Lord, look upon Jaclyn with eyes of mercy, may your healing hand rest upon her, may your life-giving powers flow into every cell of her body and into the depths of her soul, cleansing, purifying, restoring her. Amen.

Merry Christmas

This will be the first Christmas without my parents, Dad having moved on to his next adventure in September. I am grateful that both Mom and Dad are finally at peace and together again.

My daughter Jaclyn grappled with and overcame a severe bout with bipolar 2 this year, but is now facing a new battle with upcoming surgery. I am so grateful that she survived that summer ordeal, and I am also grateful for all the prayers flowing over us as we await the next battle. I am so proud of her for overcoming the odds and maintaining a sense of humour even as she prepares for the worst yet.

My daughter Jamie and her husband Jason and son Noah are excitedly anticipating the arrival of a new baby in early March. Jamie wasn't lucky to have escaped the gestational diabetes - again - but I am grateful that, other than that, she is healthy and has been able to gain a minimum of weight. I'm also grateful that Jason was able to return to work after a death-defying accident in 2006 and that Noah is growing in leaps and bounds and is such a happy little boy.

This year of blogging has added many more virtual friends to my life. For that I am grateful. I find it exciting to be communicating with people in Australia, Italy, Wales, England, Malaysia, and the Caribbean along with the USA from Oregon to the mid-west, Maryland, and Florida. I'm grateful for all the friends I have in my life, I'm grateful for my church family, I'm grateful for my health (albeit the bad back), and I'm grateful that I have a nice home and enough money to allow me all my needs and some of my wants.

Even with the trials and tribulations that we face in our lives, there is much to be thankful for. So I hope you all have the best Christmas ever and can be as thankful as I am for the blessings that have been given to you. Remember the true reason for the season - the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Merry Christmas everyone!

Facing Cancer

Well, it was a new experience to walk into the BC Cancer Clinic yesterday. Jaclyn and I were both very nervous but we each kept up the front for each other. Everyone there was extremely kind yet not patronizing and treated both of us with the utmost respect.

Since Vancouver General Hospital is a teaching hospital, we first had a 3rd year med student take Jaclyn's medical history and even my gynaecological history. Then the resident (a lovely young woman) came in with more questions and she performed the physical exam on Jaclyn. I was so proud of my daughter because she did so well under the circumstances - it must have been so uncomfortable. The resident said that the mass is around the size of a newborn baby and has moved up into the abdomen area. I guess that's why her abdomen is so extended. We both had noticed her weight gain but put it down to the new drugs she's on for her bipolar. Finally, the "big guy" came in with the other two and we discussed treatment.

First, they will definitely remove the growth but because of its size she will need an incision rather than a laparoscopy. If necessary, they will have to remove her ovary and the fallopian tube, but if they can salvage any of the ovary, they will. Finally, if they can see it's cancerous when they go in they will have to do a complete hysterectomy by removing the uterus, both ovaries, both fallopian tubes and all the lymph nodes in the area. If they have to resort to that, we will face the next steps at that time. Jaclyn has given them written permission to do whatever is necessary when they open her up.

After this week of thinking about it, my daughter has decided to prepare for the worst and anything better than that will be a massive relief. She will let her support group (family, friends, church, and all you guys out there in cyberland) do the praying and hoping for the best. But she feels that if she's not prepared psychologically then the bottom will drop out of her if it's not good. She seems to be trying to have a sense of humour about the whole thing and has named the growth "Hilda" (an inside joke).

I'm coping as well as can be expected. I'm suffering from dizziness, nausea, and lethargy. And I have this shaky feeling throughout my body. I know I have to be strong for my daughter and I will be there for her through the whole horrid experience but I am grateful for my own family and friends who are there for me, too. I'm trying hard to think only of the most positive result because the alternate is just too much for me to handle right now.

The surgery is going to be within 3 weeks. Because of the holidays, I'm thinking the week of Jan. 7-11. The hospital will be calling soon with the date and we have been assured she won't be bumped. So please continue to pray for a positive outcome for Jaclyn. We'd both really appreciate all your prayers or good vibes from whatever belief system you have. Thanks.

Why, God, Why?

The gifts were bought and wrapped and I'd even made shortbread cookies and attended two Christmas concerts. I was beginning to relax and look forward to a lovely Christmas with both my girls, the older one's husband and their little boy.

Then I received a call from younger daughter last Friday just around dinner time.

"Mom, I'm in so much pain I can hardly stand up. I need to go to Emergency."

Long story short, she has been diagnosed with a huge mass on her right ovary and they can't rule out cancer.

We've had quite a week so far. The diagnosis was Monday night and we were both in such shock that she slept over at my place. Tuesday, we sat around all day waiting for the specialist to phone. His office didn't call until Wednesday morning, instructing her to go to the cancer clinic on Friday at 2:00 pm. Be prepared for 2 to 3 hours of further tests and a consultation with an oncologist.

This is the same daughter who had such a difficult summer but had finally been able to move on with her life, get her own apartment, and go back to work. So I can't help but ask, "Why God? Why?"

So tomorrow we go and find out whether we should be prepared for ovarian cancer or a simple but hideously huge and painful benign tumor. And we'll probably find out when the surgery will take place, most likely right after New Year's.

It's hard at any time of year to go through anything like this, but at this time of year when there is so much celebrating going on, I think it's a bit harder.

I have to stay strong for my daughter and try to overcome this constant nausea that has hit me. I have to look on the positive and pray for the least horrible outcome.

After the initial shock, my daughter has decided to prepare for the worst and anything better than that will be a relief. She has even named her "growth" and has been able to put a humorous spin on things. That's pretty brave for a single 27-year-old who wants children some day. Good for her!

Urgent prayers are greatly needed and greatly appreciated.

Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd - Mary, did you know?

This is one of my favourite Christmas songs and I hope you enjoy this rendition by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd. It tells us the true reason for the season.

AND THE WINNER IS....

CONGRATULATIONS TO SYLVIA, THE FIRST AND ONLY PERSON TO GET ALL 15 QUESTIONS CORRECT!!!

Here are the questions with their answers. How many did you know?

1. What do we call round or oval candies filled with fruit preserves or cream and covered with chocolate? Sugar Plums

2. What country is credited with creating eggnog? USA

3. Of the 365 days in a year, what number is Christmas Day? 359

4. What holiday symbol is placed on MacDonald's bags during the Christmas season? Trees

5. What does Alvin want for Christmas? A hula hoop

6. Who first recorded "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer?" Gene Autry

7. In what town did "It's a Wonderful Life" take place? Bedford Falls

8. In "A Charlie Brown Christmas," what does Lucy want for Christmas? Real estate

9. In what decade did flashing Christmas lights debut? 1930's

10. Which carol demands "figgy pudding"? We Wish You a Merry Christmas

11. The citizens of which Florida town maintain a fully decorated tree year round? Christmas

12. What two reindeer are mentioned in the song "Here Comes Santa Claus"? Vixen & Blitzen

13. How big is the voice in "do you hear what I hear?" as big as the sea

14. In the song "Jingle Bells," who was seated by my side? Miss Fanny Bright

15. What is the largest selling Christmas single of all times? White Christmas

Thanks to everyone who gave it a try and "Bah, Humbug" to the rest of you - just kidding! ;-D

Only 10 days until the big day so Merry Christmas to everyone and to all a "good night."

Christmas Decorating

I finally got the tree decorated tonight and the living room is looking rather festive now. It was actually fun putting out all the decorations, too, because each one has such special meaning for me.

The Santa Claus Bear is an old Avon product, purchased way back in the mid '70s before I had any children. I was selling Avon and thought it was so cute and some day my children would like it. It plays music and the candle lights up, too. The merry-go-round is also an Avon product purchase around the same time for the same reason. I love putting these two decorations out now for my almost 4-year-old grandson - he has been absolutely enthralled with them, especially the merry-go-round that plays several different tunes. We usually have to finally tell him to stop playing with it because it starts to get on our nerves after a while! :D The angel is a wind-up music box and plays Silent Night. It was the last Christmas gift I ever gave to my grandmother in 1985 and when she passed away in '86, my Mom gave it back to me. Noah loves this angel, too.

The huge snowball is a peppermint scented candle surrounded by little snowmen. The Mommy snowman with the snowkids holds a tealite inside and it glows through the pattern. Both of these are Party Lite products that I purchased many years ago when my girls were small.

Finally, the ornament that I call the "gift light" was given to me by my sister last Christmas. She found it at a craft fair and it is all handblown glass to look like a wrapped gift. You stuff a strand of mini-lights inside it and plug it in and it lights up to look exquisite. I kept it out all year round because it's such a conversation piece at any time of year. But now it's always lit up. I just love this newest ornament.

I decided to get tiny white lights for my tree a few years ago because I thought they went with my strands of white, pearlescent beads. This year I've put new (last year) glass balls in gold, bronze, and burgundy on the tree and they look lovely. I used to absolutely overload the tree with all sorts of things that they girls made when they were in school, but now they appreciate a more sophisticated tree, like I do. So I put a few "kiddy style" things at the bottom of the tree so I don't worry about Noah or other little visitors touching them but the "adult style" things are up a ways.

Now that the tree is up, the decorations out, the new wreath on the front door and the old one on the side door, I'm starting to get into the spirit of things. I'm finished my shopping, but still need to wrap the gifts and I enjoy doing that, choosing just the right bag with tissue or wrapping paper and tag. I've been to our church Christmas banquet and seen one Christmas concert so far. There's another concert next Saturday and my former school's concert next week. I'm taking Noah to that one because he's coming to spend the night with me. This week I have to do a little baking, but not too much because I don't want to to be too tempted to indulge.

Are you finished your shopping yet? What Christmas celebrations have you attended so far? What's coming up for you? Do you have any special traditions? Come on and share.

Stanley Park Hollow Tree

From the Vancouver Sun, Dec. 10/07:

Stanley Park's iconic hollow tree - for over a century, a popular photo backdrop for countless visitors, their horses and even their cars - is leaning dangerously and may fall over.

This enormous Western Red Cedar is estimated to date back to the 11th century making it approximately 1,000 years old and currently measures about 45 feet around and over 131 feet tall. It has been a popular spot for tourists and locals alike ever since Stanley Park opened in 1888. When automobiles arrived in Vancouver, many cars like the old Stanley Steamers and Ford Model Ts backed into the tree for the traditional photo op.

Unfortunately, the tree has some rot and the storms that ravaged our fair city last winter has caused it to lean. Even the network of iron rods and metal straps that had been installed to keep the stump together couldn't keep the ground from destabilizing. So, the tree's days may be numbered. Currently, there are barricades around the tree to protect tourists in case the tree falls and the tree is also wrapped with steel cables and tied to a nearby hemlock.

Every time I drive through the park, I notice the tree but have yet to have my photo taken in it. I guess I won't have a chance now that the barricades are there. But it's still worth driving by to take a look, so those of you who plan to visit Vancouver in the near future absolutely MUST go down to the park to see it. It will be a huge heartache for all Vancouverites, especially those of us who were born here, when this mammoth tree dies.

Not long ago, I put up a post entitled "Eight is Enough." You may remember that one of the "8s" was 8 qualities I look for in a best friend. I wrote that a friend should:

1. have a sense of humour

2. be trustworthy

3. be intelligent enough to have a decent conversation and not just gossipy stuff

4. be kind enough to offer to bring chicken soup when I’m all alone and sick with a cold or flu

5. be able to view things from various perspectives but honour my perspective even if he/she doesn’t understand or approve of it

6. be interested in ME and my life

7. be inquisitive and have a desire to learn something new every day

8. be willing to share a room with me on a trip and bring your own earplugs

Well, I've been thinking about all the friends I've been fortunate enough to make over the past half century plus. Not all have remained in my life but as one leaves, another makes an appearance and sticks around for the long haul. Where have they come from?

When I think back to my childhood, I think that my younger sister was my best friend because we were so close in age. We played together, ate together, slept together and told each other secrets. We played with three girls who lived across the street. However, as we became teenagers, each of us spread our wings and found others with whom to share our time. My best friend through high school was a girl named Margaret, who went to a Christian Reformed church. Because of that, my parents never hesitated to allow me to go on outings with her and her church friends. Little did Mom and Dad know that they were a pretty wild and crazy bunch. Once, we piled 9 of us into a huge car and sped down the highway at 120 mph to Cultus Lake and back. On the way back to my house, the passenger door flew open as we made a turn. There were no seatbelts in those days so you can imagine the screaming from Margaret and me as the driver struggled to reach across us to get the door! We ended up going separate paths when she decided to begin her teaching career after 2 years of university and I continued on to get my degree. Years later, I found out that one of the teachers at my last school had taught with her at another small Christian school. I never found out her married name, so haven't been able to contact her.

I only have one friend from high school who has stayed the course with me. Di started at our high school in Grade 12 and we went on to university together, having lots of fun and a few dangerous adventures. I was maid of honour at her wedding in 1972 and we're still friends, albeit living across the continent from each other. We only get to see each other every 3 to 5 years, but it's like picking up from yesterday. Thankfully, these days we're able to keep in touch via email. Lots of other friends have come and gone over the years. Some I made when I was a new mother. Some were from church and others from reading or theatre groups to which I belonged. Some were business colleagues who made it into the "friend" department.

A friend is there for you at a time in your life when you need each other the most. You experience things together and learn from each other. For example, when I had my first child, I could turn to others who were going through the same sorts of things like rashes, screaming, not sleeping at night, etc. When I was married, I had friends with whom we'd go camping, out for dinner, over to each other's house for games nights or Christmas and New Year's Eve. After my husband died, I found out who were the true friends - not many. Suddenly, as a single woman, I found out that I was considered to be a threat to the other wives. I had to start all over to make friends with women who were also single. I knew none at first.

Now I'm happy to say that I consider many women my friends. Each of them brings something different to our friendship. Cathy and I enjoyed teaching together and we've traveled several times with each other, both to Europe and on small trips locally. She's the one that brings her own earplugs when we've shared a hotel room or cruise cabin. Johanna and I share a love of art, literature, music, lunching, walking and showing each other areas of our neighbourhoods. She's a city girl and I'm a suburban girl. Colleen and I share a history of loss, we both have daughters who've tried our patience and love many times, and over 10 years as she does my hair we've shared many a secret with each other. She's from South Africa. Wendy is a great friend who didn't care that I was single and she was happily married. Because her husband plays drums in a band, we even laughingly "date" each other occasionally - one time she's the "guy" and the next time, I am. We've attended the same church for many years and done the season tickets to theatre thing, too. I met Suzanne a couple of years ago through blogging. She lives in Arizona and when we had an opportunity to meet up in LA over the Labour Day weekend in 2005, we found that we're soul sisters. She had me to her place in February 2006 and took me to the Grand Canyon. Then we had a week together in California in February 2007 and she's planning to come up to Vancouver next summer - to get out of the hot desert. Overseas, I consider Marion in England and Jane in Wales to be my good friends. I met Marion through Cathy in 1997 and we've become great friends separate from Cathy, even though they're also friends. I met Jane through a blogging experience and met her a little over a year ago when I was visiting with Marion and her husband. I took the train to Wales and it was instant friendship. She took me to see the Welsh Living History Museum, an amazing place that I'd like to revisit in the spring or summer.

Every one of these women I consider to be a "best" friend, each in her own unique way and each one has some or all of the attributes that I listed above. Some of us got together to celebrate my birthday in October and some had never met each other before. But we all had things in common. We all love to travel. We all have some creative talent - painting, writing, drama, wood carving, crafts, flower arranging, etc. We're all grandmothers now and love to share photos and stories of our new babies. And did I mention that we all love to travel - both nationally and internationally?

Why did I start thinking about friends and friendship? I think it's because of the Christmas season being upon us and the fact that I'm feeling so grateful for the positive impact they've all had on my life. In some small way, I just wanted to acknowledge them and thank them for being there for me when I need them and for allowing me to be there for them when they need me.

I did this silly little quiz to see what kind of friend I am and I was pleasantly surprised. What kind of friend are you? Do you have a friend that deserves your acknowledgement?

You Are a Good Friend Because You're Loyal

You stick with your friends no matter what, even if you feel like they're doing the wrong thing.You believe in letting people figure out their own path in life. It's not your place to interfere. And part of your loyalty means that you'll do a lot for your friends. You definitely go the extra mile.You'll even do great things for friends without them asking. After all, that's what friendship is all about. You are truly a friend for life. And you have friends you've known since you were a kid.Your friends can count on you to do a favor, remember a birthday, or just be there to listen. Your friends need you most when: They can't turn to anyone else You really can't be friends with: Fickle people who change friends quickly Your friendship quote: "Friendship doubles your joys, and divides your sorrows."

http://www.blogthings.com/whatmakesyouagoodfriendquiz/">What Makes You a Good Friend?

St Nicholas or Santa?

Today being First Advent, I thought I'd share the following letter from City In Focus that I received via my pastor the other day. It's something to consider at this time of year.

"The person we refer to as Saint Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra in the fourth century in modern day Turkey. Nicholas inherited great wealth as a young man when his parents died in an epidemic. He practiced charity his whole life and showed compassion to the poor or unjustly treated by society.

One example of St. Nicholas’ compassion involved a father who had lost all his money. This father had three daughters and now could not afford their dowries. The father’s decision to sell his daughters into slavery or prostitution came to the attention of Nicholas. On three separate nights, Nicholas anonymously threw a bag through the family’s open window containing enough gold for a dowry for one daughter. Thereby, all were saved from disgrace.

What we refer to as Santa Claus is an artist’s depiction of the "fat jolly old elf" from Clement Moore’s 1823 poem "The Night before Christmas". This Santa became the central figure in Coca-Cola advertising for over 30 years in the early 1900’s, thus cementing this figure as a world icon of commercialism.

What a contrast! St. Nicholas saw his resources as a gift from God to be shared with the poor and marginalized; Santa Claus encourages us to generate more gifts for ourselves or our loved ones.

As J. Rosenthal & C. Myers said years ago in their piece called "Santa Claus and St. Nicholas,"

Santa Claus belongs to childhood; St. Nicholas models for all of life.
Santa Claus encourages consumption; St. Nicholas encourages compassion.
Santa Claus flies through the air—from the North Pole; St. Nicholas walked the earth—caring for those in need.
Santa Claus, for some, replaces the Babe of Bethlehem; St. Nicholas, for all, points to the Babe of Bethlehem. (http://www.stnicholascenter.org/)

In scripture, Jesus gives us the two great commandments. The first is to love God and the second is, "You must love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:35-40). St. Nicholas is a perfect example of "loving your neighbour," with a preference for those in need.

Who will be our model for this Christmas season: St. Nicholas or Santa? Do we choose to share our abundance or continue to fill our lives and our families’ lives with material possessions?
I suggest we toss some bags of gold through the open windows of our neighbours.

Merry Christmas,"

Personally, I love the Santa story but never forget the true meaning of Christmas. After all, the word Christmas comes from the old English "Cristes maesse" meaning Christ's Mass. But the truth seems to have become fuzzy for most. Your thoughts?

The First Snow of Winter

We heard on the news yesterday that we were in for a snow-stormy weekend. So it was with no surprise that I looked out this morning to see that it had snowed last night but hadn't stuck to the ground much. However, it is now snowing full force and IS sticking. The winds are also howling and it didn't take me long to take a quick photo of some of the trees in my backyard. The wind was whipping the snowflakes up and drove me inside after only 2 shots. So this is the beginning of our first dump of the season. I hate driving in snow, so may not go to church tomorrow but instead continue to decorate the house for Christmas.



Anyway, in honour of our infrequent snowfalls, here are some thoughts:


1. Free snow. Shovel all you want!


2. Free Snowmen. Some assembly required.


3. Life is like a blanket of snow. Be careful how you step on it. Every step will show!



4. Snowflakes are kisses sent from heaven.



5. A snowman is the perfect man. He's very well rounded and comes with his own broom.



6.Take time to chase the snowflakes.



7. Home is where the snow falls.



8. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. . . somewhere else!



9. The great thing about snow is it makes your lawn look as good as your neighbours.



10. Snow happens.

For those of you who enjoy the snow, have fun making snowmen, having snowball fights, sledding, skiing or whatever else you do in this cold wet mess. Cheers!