O is for ONEROUS

adjective: onerous

1.  

involving a great deal of effort, trouble, or difficulty.

example:  "He found his duties increasingly onerous"

Yes, life has been onerous for me lately.  Actually, it's been onerous for both of us.  As my regular readers will recall, I broke my ankle a month ago.  Then, two weeks later, Lorne started chemo again.  So, as I was learning how to maneuver myself around the house with a bulky inflatable boot and crutches, Lorne was feeling the effects of all those drugs that had been pumped into him.

Because I broke my right ankle, I can't even drive, so I've had to rely on Lorne for transportation to the doctor and (finally) to the hairdresser.  He has continued to do the grocery shopping, but only a few things at a time because he tires so easily.  He also tried to keep on taking the dog for her daily walks, but when they started to get shorter and shorter due to his fatigue, I called upon my daughter to see if she could pitch in.  So that is one thing off my mind.  She absolutely adores all animals, especially dogs, and enjoys taking Tegan out.  

I still have three more weeks in this dratted "cast," and I can hardly wait to be able to take it off forever.  However, I have noticed that my achilles heel and the tendons on either side of my ankle are aching badly.  So, I might need some physiotherapy for some time before I'm walking normally again.  As well, I haven't been able to have my regular massage therapy for my back because I can't climb the 26 steps to her office, so I'm aching pretty badly everywhere.   

Once I'm up and about more, I'll be trading roles with Lorne and helping him get through the ordeal he is facing.  Actually, we are holding each other up now - emotionally.  Yes, life is onerous at times, but as they say "this, too, shall pass."

In the meantime, I've been so tired that I haven't been able to get over to read all your posts every week.  I try my best, but it's amazing how much energy it take to heal one's body, no matter how minor.  Do forgive me.  I hope you're all still enjoying ABC Wednesday and remember to think of the original Mrs. Nesbitt, the creator of ABCW, and the very organized Roger, our administrator.

Also, I hope you're enjoying the glorious month of October - my favourite month because it's my birth month and because of the magnificent colours as the trees transform for winter.  Here are three of my favourite photos that have been featured and/or won challenges on the Red Bubble site and, in my opinion, are perfect for this week.

N is for NEIGHBOURHOOD

Hi!  Glad you took the time to drop by.  As I mentioned in the ABC Wednesday introduction, I'm presenting a slideshow of my own neighbourhood.  I live in the municipality of Delta and the village of Ladner, which is about 20-30 minutes south of the city of Vancouver.  I'm very close to the United States border and often go across to Point Roberts for gas or a photo shoot or to take the dog swimming in the pristine waters of Lighthouse Point.  While looking at my photos, you might think I live in a rural area way out in the boondocks, but actually, we're a little oasis in the middle of urban and suburban living.  When I go for walks with Tegan, I feel like I'm in a forest in the wilderness, yet know that I'm next door to all the necessities of life in a suburb.

So turn up your sound, settle down for about 5 minutes, and enjoy the show.  Oh! Before you do that, be sure to give an air toast to the naughty but nice Denise Nesbitt, the creator of ABCW, and to the nutty but noble Roger, our administrator!

M is for MOORAGE at the MARINA

I couldn't figure out what to do for the letter M today, and after mulling it over, decided to go with a series of shots I've taken at various marinas around aarea.  As you may know, I live in the delta of the Fraser River which leads out to the Strait of Georgia and then to the Pacific Ocean. Photo by Evan Leeson via Flicker.

Muchas gracias to the macho Roger, our administrator, who keep ABC Wednesday a popular spot for people from many parts of the world.  He stepped into this role after our multi-talented Mrs. Nesbitt created ABCW and requested some much needed assistance.

So, there are many marinas around here where I go for walks and photo ops.  Hope you like my photos.

L is for LUCKY

As a follow-up to last week's post about my being a klutz, I must let you know that I am one lucky lady!  I saw the orthopedic surgeon last Friday and was told I don't need my ankle to be pinned.  Whew!  Dodged a bullet there, didn't I?  If I had needed pins, I'd have had to start at the beginning all over again.  The doctor said I could gradually put weight on my foot as long as I still wear the boot, and I can wean myself off the crutches.  What a relief that is because my hands are sore from hanging on to them.  In fact, I even popped some blood vessels on my left hand from the pressure.  I can also take the boot off to sleep or if I know I'm going to be sitting down for a while. I'll be limping for some time, though.

How do you like them bruises?  And the yellow is bruising, not an old tan! You can actually see the blackish bruising around where my ankle twisted all around from the heel to the middle of the inner and outer foot.

He showed me the x-ray of my ankle and it's amazing how badly it hurt at the time considering how small a break it is!  I have a lot more respect for people who go through terribly traumatic accidents and have to be pinned back together!  My ankle is going to be sore for a long time and I will need some physiotherapy on it, too.  But I will walk normally again while others end up in wheelchairs for the rest of their lives.

Also, for those of you who remember that Lorne had liver cancer surgery mid-August, I'll update you on him, too.  His surgery was succesful and they only had to take 1/3 of his liver instead of the planned 2/3.  The two spots were localized and the chemo he'd had prior to surgery had killed 75% of one spot and 50% of the other.  However,  (don't you just hate that word?) the oncologist recommends he have 8 more chemo treatments to kill any more tiny little "buggers" that might be hiding in his body.  *Sigh*  That means 4 more months of chemo.  But his doctor will just go one treatment at a time because Lorne got so sick from the chemo before.  This is pro-active treatment after all.

Although we both consider ourselves very lucky, we have a bit of a bumpy road still ahead of us.  We had planned to get married mid-January, but we have decided to put it off until springtime when he's finished his treatments and recovered well from them - and has a good head of hair back again.  lol

Life goes on and we all make the best of the hand we're dealt.  I have to spend most of my time now off my feet lounging around with my booted foot up.  In the meantime, be sure to think of the lovely Mrs. Nesbitt, the creator of ABC Wednesday, of the loyal Roger, our administrator, and of the likeable team of assistants who come around to visit and lavish you with their learned comments.

Note:  The lower extremities below the shins really aren't the most lovely features of the human anatomy, are they?

K is for KLUTZ

Yeppers! I am a klutz - 100% certified now!

You know how bad things seems to happen in three's?  Well, my third "bad thing" is a doozie!  Shall we start at the beginning, though?

Okay, my daughter got married August 18th and I had a bad fall.  Well, I didn't think it was "that" bad - more embarrassing than anything else.  What happened was that my left high heel got stuck in the grass while my right heel slipped on a metal cover plate (plumbing I assume) and off I went - landed on my right hip and shoulder and my right ankle turned a bit.  Pulling my dress down to hide everything, I jumped up assuring everyone I was fine and carried on.

About 2 weeks later, I'm at the dog park with Tegan.  She was playing with another dog when they suddenly started to get a bit too rough.  So, as I was trying to get the leash on her, both dogs got under my feet and I started to go over.  Fearing another fall, I put my right leg out to catch myself (successfully) but felt my lower back on the right side go "riiiiiiiiiiiiip" - Sh*t!!!  I could hardly make it back to the car and ended up lying flat on the floor for two days until I could limp around a bit.

So the third thing???  It's a doozie alright!  I'm walking through the front door (actually it was open!) when my left foot caught the sill and over I went again!  I landed on my left knee while my right leg flew through the air and my right ankle caught the edge of the cement part. I actually heard it snap!  And off we went to emergency.

After two separate x-rays, I was informed that I had two fractures, but one appeared to be about a month old.  What?  That was probably the fall at the wedding - but I felt no pain then!  This time, I did!  On came the lovely big black inflatable boot and out came the crutches.  I also may have to see an orthopedic surgeon to check if I need pins!  Oh, lucky me!

The only positive I can think of is that it happened just in time for K week, so I could use the word "klutz" and really mean it!   Also, Lorne is well enough now to look after ME for a change and he has been so kind.  He has also broken an ankle in the past so knows what it's like.  He brings me my meals, the newspaper, drinks, pain pills, and whatever book I'm reading at the time.  Two weeks without putting weight on my foot seems such a long time....but perhaps the time will fly by.

In the meantime, be sure to give kudos to the kittenish Mrs. Nesbitt for creating ABC Wednesday and to the keen Roger, our administrator.  Also, don't forget about the knowledgeable team of assistants who give kicking reviews to your posts.

Isn't this just a killer fashion look? lol  I deserve a pedicure after this is all over and done with!

PS:  Just heard today (Tuesday) I have to see the orthopedic surgeon on Friday!

J is for JELLYFISH

 

One day in early August this year, Lorne and I took Tegan to Deas Island Park near our home in Ladner, BC.  There was a spot where I had seen dogs swimming in one of the Fraser River's tributaries, so we thought we'd check it out.  The tide was a bit out so the beach part was quite muddy.  That didn't deter Tegan one little bit and off she bounced right into the water.  

Between throwing sticks and stones for her to capture, I took some photos of the area.  I kept looking down in order not to sink and noticed something peculiar lying in the wet, muddy beach.

Several of them, donut-shaped, were in various stages of decay and covered in thin, slimy mud. Upon closer inspection, I thought they seemed jelly-like but without any extremities.  They were actually quite creepy looking, but I took some photos so I could check on the internet later.

It turns out they were dead jellyfish.  I've seen pictures of jellyfish in the ocean or in an aquarium and they are always very fascinating to watch as they float and glide through the water.  However, upon researching them, I found out that there are several varieties and they don't live very long.  At first, I thought these might be "moon jellyfish" but apparently they can be 40 cm in diameter and all the ones I saw were smaller than that.  So I pushed on and found another variety called "compass jellyfish" which are about 30 cm in diameter.  That seemed more likely to be the variety.  I also checked to see if they are found in my area and they are.  But beware - even when dead, they can pack a mighty sting!

I think I prefer to watch jellyfish in the aquarium as they float beautifully in the clear water.  They're far more appealing than the ones I found decaying on the river's edge.

Thanks to Roger, our administrator, for his jolly good work in keeping ABC Wednesday a very popular place to visit each week.  Also, thanks to the joyful Denise Nesbitt who created ABC Wednesday many years ago and the jocular group of helpers who jaunt over to the contributors to see what they have journaled for us all.

I is for ISLANDS

Off the west coast of British Columbia and the east coast of Vancouver Island are what are known as the "Gulf Islands."  Many people have summer homes on these islands and others spend many an incomparable summer vacation on them.  Some of the more popular islands are Quadra, Cortez, Bowen, Gambier, Keats, Hornby, Denman, Galiano, Mayne, Saltspring, Saturna, and Texada.  Many of the southern islands are home to artists and are known for their wineries, fromageries, and farms.  They're also known for their incredible beauty.

One of my favourite spots to see these islands from a distance is at Lighthouse Park in Point Roberts, Washington.  It's only about a 10-15 minutes drive from my home south of Vancouver, British Columbia. If you look at the above map, find "Tsawwassen" and below that is a dotted line. That's the border to the USA, and the park is just south the there. It's never crowded, but it is clean with full facilities, a rocky beach, and inspiring views of both the Gulf Islands and the mountains north of the city of Vancouver.  It's fun to take the dog swimming here because the water is impeccably clean and calm; it's restful to sit on a log and watch the boats - ferries taking people to the islands, speed boats, fishing boats, and sailboats.  You can take a stroll along the gravel trail or a drive around the point for varying perspectives of the view.

I have put together just a few photos I've taken over the past few years of some of the views from this idyllic location.  But before you take a look, don't forget to give thanks to the indomitable Denise Nesbitt, the creator of ABC Wednesday, to Roger, our illustrious administrator, and to each member of the team who visits everyone that contributes in order to give illuminating comments.

H is for HE'S HOME!

“Man wanted a home, a place for warmth, or comfort, first of physical warmth, then the warmth of the affections.”
  Henry David Thoreau, Walden 

When Lorne and I reconnected in 2008, it was like a homecoming.  We were both a bit lost and lonely, and we needed each other desperately.  So we made a home together.  However, we both expected perfection and didn't understand our roles.  Even though we were in love again after several decades, it didn't work.  So we parted ways for a while.

“Now they return home, their bones bruised and their spirit slightly broken, but they’re still alive, and they will be well sometime soon.”

Hannah Nikka Bryan, Soldier's Descent

Separately and together, we worked on ourselves.  We learned humility while accepting our faults and worked on changing them.  We also learned what our individual strengths and weaknesses are and learned to accept them in both ourselves and each other.  We learned that life does not have to be particularly exciting each and every day; we learned to revel in the quiet moments when a simple look or touch can make the other feel the love.  We learned that we didn't "need" each other, but we "loved" each other warts and all.

“I wonder if it will be—can be—any more beautiful than this,’ murmured Anne, looking around her with the loving, enraptured eyes of those to whom ‘home’ must always be the loveliest spot in the world, no matter what fairer lands may lie under alien stars.”
  L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island 

I love to travel the world (not that I've been everywhere) and Lorne had not been off the North America continent.  But we did end up in England last summer - he to work for the Olympics and I to travel and visit friends.  He accepted my ability to help him in his new experience while I was thrilled to introduce him to good friends and show him some sights.

 “After all," Anne had said to Marilla once, "I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.”

 L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

When we came home, we knew for sure we wanted to be together forever, and we never forget to tell each other how much we love each other.  I don't know how much time we have but we are making a home together and making every day count.

“What I love most about my home is who I share it with.”
  Tad Carpenter 

When I thought I might lose him to a second cancer, I starting snapping photos of him any chance I had.  Sometimes, he knew I was taking his picture, but most of the time he didn't.  I remember thinking "I have to keep this memory alive just in case..."  We've been through hell a few times and we might need to go through it again, but for now we are happy to be home together. So this week, I am sharing that he is home from the hospital and what home means to me - my hero.

G is for GARDENS, GATES, & GAZEBOS

The last few weeks have been ghastly in some ways and great in other ways! I had been gnawing not only on my fingernails, but also on my actual fingers! I was extremely anxious about Lorne having surgery to remove not only the two cancerous spots on his liver, but also 2/3 of the liver.  I'd heard it was a very painful surgery to recover from and everyone knows that men are not the best patients.  

At the same time, my younger daughter was getting married!  After being engaged for over a year, everything had been planned - the venue paid for; the dress was made, altered, paid for and hanging in one of my spare closets; the crafts were completed; the guests had all RSVPed; and I had the flowers growing in my garden!

One very grave situation and one very sentimental situation - both not boding well for calm, cool, collected me.  Hah! Tranquilizer, anyone?  One night as I was trying to get to sleep, I finally resorted to an Atavan because I couldn't decide if I should laugh or cry.  Much as I was thrilled for my daughter, I was equally worried about Lorne and disappointed that he couldn't share the big day with us all.

Anyway, thought I'd type this up early just in case any emergencies arise this coming week.  In brief, Lorne is home, but not a happy camper and daughter is in Whistler on her honeymoon.  So I'm still a bit concerned about Lorne's health and getting my car back in one piece on Friday.  I put together a slideshow showing the gazebo and gardens at Kirkland House where daughter got married and then added some more shots of various gardens, gates and gazebos I've photographed in the past.  Music is "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" from The Lion King. Hope you enjoy it.

Hopefully, I'll have some actual wedding photos to show you soon but in the meantime, we must remember to thanks the gorgeous Denise Nesbitt, the creator of ABC Wednesday, and the gallant Roger, our administrator.  Also, great thanks to the team who assist by gallivanting over to contributors' posts to give generous commentaries. PS:  Good thing I did this last week, as there was an emergency!  Lorne ended up back in the hospital very very sick with jaundice!  He is still there today (Sunday) and waiting for an ultrasound after having had a CT scan.  Blood tests are not good so we are both waiting to find out what's going on.  Prayers gratefully accepted.

F is for FOUNTAIN

I don't have much energy today, so am just putting up a brief post and a few photos of the fountain and surroundings at our Municipal Hall.  There's a beautiful but small park area with a pond full of lily pads, turtles, water fowl, and, of course, the feature is the fountain.

Update on life currently is that Lorne made it through his liver surgery and we await the pathology report on tenterhooks.  Hopefully, he won't need more chemo.  Also, younger daughter got married on Sunday and is away on her honeymoon right now.  They're spending a few days at the world famous Whistler.  You can just imagine why I'm so faint from all the activities lately and sometimes not sure whether to laugh or cry.

If you click on the first photo, they'll come up on another page so you can view them better.  Your choice, of course.

Flowery thanks go as usual to the fantastic Mrs. Nesbitt, the creator of ABC Wednesday, and to the fabulous Roger, our administrator.  Also, thanks to the fearless team of contributors who faithfully visit every participant every week in order to give them feedback.  Have a fun fun fun week, everyone!

E is for ECHINACEA

     

      Welcome to lucky Round 13 of ABC Wednesday, the brainchild of the elegant and exquisite Denise who has appointed the earnest and educated Roger as her administrator. Thanks also to their eager and edifying team of assistants who visit everyone each week to give eternal and edifying praise to all the contributors. And now, on with my show:
     
     Echinacea is a very popular herb, especially for the treatment of flu and colds. It is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family - Asteraceae. It is also known as the American coneflower.  It was commonly used by Native Americans for hundreds of years before the arrival of European explorers, settlers and colonizers. It is common to eastern and central North America and thrives in moist to dry prairies and open woodlands.  By the early 1800s echinacea became a popular herbal remedy among those who had settled in the USA, and soon became commonly used in Europe as well. It became much more popular after research was carried out on it in Germany in the 1920s. (paraphrased from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/252684.php)

     I have tried using echinacea when I get the first sign of a cold and I think it might help to relieve some of the symptoms.  However, I must admit I'm very cautious about combining herbal meds with the meds that my doctor has prescribed for me.  There can be dangerous side effects.  I also used another herbal remedy when I started going through menopause and was overpowered by hot flashes.  For example, when my friend and I ended up in Nice (France) one hot summer day, we had to stay in the hotel until about 6 pm because we were both overwhelmed by the heat.  When I returned home, the doctor put me on hormone replacement therapy but all it did was make me feel pregnant!  So I started on Evening Primrose, gradually increasing the dose until I took 3 tablets 3 times a day.  What a relief!!!

     The point is that some herbs can be very beneficial, but you must be careful with them and use them under a doctor's guidance.  When I discovered some echinacea flowers blooming in other people's gardens, I decided to get some for myself and now I love watching them develop.  There are so many different varieties and colours.  Some of my potted ones will be at my daughter's wedding next weekend - at her request!

     Echinacea may be helpful in some illnesses or diseases, but it certainly won't do anything for my dear Lorne right now.  He enters Vancouver General Hospital tomorrow, August 14th, for his liver operation.  Spots were found, some chemo has been administered, and now he gets about 2/3 of his liver removed.  (It does regenerate within 4-6 weeks, though.)  So rather than send him echinacea, please remember him in your thoughts and/or prayers.   Thanks and I hope you enjoy this very short slideshow of the echinacea in my garden.    

D is for DESCENDANTS

My sister is our family geneologist.  She's had an interest in the history of our family for many years and has been quite successful in tracking it back for centuries.  She's focused mostly on our mother's side because one of our cousins is tracking our father's side.   

Sister discovered that Generation #3's Edmund Gross was born in Cornwall, England in May of 1613 but died in 1660 in Boston, Massachusetts.  His first child, Isaac, was born in Boston in 1642.  Therefore, there have been descendants in the USA and Canada for at least 370 years!  

With documentation to verify her findings, she has found that we are descended from as far back as July 6, 1555, where our (I'm not sure how many "greats") grandfather was born in Kelsale, Suffolk, England.  My grandchildren are Generation #15 from William Gross and his wife Mary.

Recently, she has discovered that Generation #15 is descended from a Frenchman by the name of Oliver LeGros, who was born in 1364, and is described as a knight of Crostwick, Norfolk.  DNA has proven that he is the ancestor of our Gross family in England, a family of ship owners in Cornwall and Great Yarmouth.

Because of the timing, sister tried to discover if any of the family came over to North America on the famous Mayflower whose maiden voyage was September 6 to November 9, 1620. Sister checked all the available manifestos, but was unsuccessful in finding any names that would prove this.

Then, just a couple of months ago, she phoned me all agog with excitement.  She had made a fantastic discovery.  The reason why there were no names relating to us as passengers on the Mayflower was because - are you ready for this? - we are descendants of the family that owned the ship!!!  This is a photograph of the replica I took when visiting Plymouth, MA, in the summer of 1988.  Little did I know at the time!

Trying to locate a family's history can be very complicated as there are so many branches on the tree.  It isn't quite clear as yet where these names all tie together, but sister did discover that the Gross family of Great Yarmouth were major trading partners as well as relatives of the Gross families in Kelsale and Little Bentley in Essex.

I was in England last summer and now I discover that I was less than a 2-hour trip to the village of Kelsale where I might have been able to see the graves of my great X ? many grandfather and grandmother!  This is the St. Mary and St. Peter Church there and I found it online here where it tells all about it.  I definitely have a desire to return soon to the land of my ancestors!

Thanks to the darling Denise Nesbitt, the creator of ABC Wednesday, and to the dashing and dapper Roger, our administrator.  Also, thanks to the diligent team of assistants who drop in on all the contributors to leave delightful and dynamic documentation to let you know how much they appreciate all the contributions to ABCW.

C is for COURAGE

Life requires courage. 

I'm not talking about facing such disasters as earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, epidemics, and floods.  I'm not talking about the courage to board an airplane or a train or the courage to drive a car.  I'm not talking about the courage to fight off a stranger who is trying to abduct your child or rob you of your precious possessions.

I'm talking about the courage to face everyday life.  And in everyday life, one might need to face an abusive childhood or marriage, the death of a loved one, loss of job, or a serious illness.  I'm talking about the courage to tactically back away from a confrontation rather than to mindlessly attack. 

Courage is not the absence of fear; rather, it is the ability to move forward despite the fear.  Courage is the empowering experience of a decision to stand up and withstand the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune." (from Shakespeare's Hamlet)

I've been told by a few people that I'm a courageous person.  Huh?  Upon contemplation, I realize that I have, indeed, confronted a great deal of hardship in my life, yet I persevere.  I have also been asked from where I get the courage to continue in my life with such an optimistic attitude.  Well, I guess I was just born that way.

What have I had to endure so far?  Hmmm...an abusive childhood, the loss of a child, the mental illness and subsequent suicide of my husband, a few serious medical situations that weren't life-threatening but pretty painful all the same, the diagnosis of my second daughter with Bipolar 2, and then just when things were looking really super, (reconnecting with my first love) he was diagnosed with cancer.  The first go-round almost destroyed us, but this time we're aware of the dangers of losing each other, so are working hard to get through this together.

Then again, I've been told I showed great courage in traveling on my own or with people I hadn't met before to foreign countries.  That surprised me - I mean I know I'm pretty smart as well as savy and would never take any chances.   And I've had so much fun doing it.  Here's me with a new friend in London. I went right up to him and said, "You're gorgeous!" And we went for a short walk.  (click to enlarge)

So, I'm not afraid of storms, flying, or criminals.  I've seen and experienced the worst and have survived!  No matter what life throws at me, I will stand up and move forward despite my fear.

I am woman!  Hear me roar!  "Oh yes, I am wise/But it's wisdom born of pain/Yes, I've paid the price/ But look how much I gained/If I have to, I can do anything/I am strong/I am invincible/I am woman" (Helen Reddy, 1975)

Here are a few quotes I found while researching the topic of courage:

You can gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.  You are able to say to yourself, "I lived through this horror.  I can take the next thing that comes along."  (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.  (John Wayne)

Courage is grace under pressure.  (Ernest Hemingway)

I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.  The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.  (Nelson Mandela)

Be assured I'm not looking for sympathy or pats on the back.  I just say it like it is.  If you are so inclined, perhaps you'd like to share an experience where you needed to be courageous in everyday or even in not so everyday life. 

Thanks to the captivating Denise Nesbitt, the creator of ABC Wednesday, and to Roger who currently and very capably administers the weekly workings of the site. 

B is for Blooming Beauties

Welcome to the second week of the 13th round of ABC Wednesday, created by Denise, administered by Roger, and assisted by a team of ABCW'ers.  This week is brought to you by the letter B, a letter with a barrage of brilliant nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.  Remember last week when I brought you the word "alliteration" for the letter A?  Well, here are some examples using the letter B:

Barney & Barbie went broke as Barney & Barbie bought Billy's basement for billions of bucks.

The big brown bear bothered the busy beehive.

Beth & Bella bought brown bags of bananas before buying black boots for Becky.

Basil the bubbly basset bounced on the bright blue ball and barked.

Okay, 'nuff of that.  Because it's summer now, and most people's gardens are in full blooming mode, I thought I'd put together a little slideshow of my own flowers aka "blooming beauties."  All the photos and 99% of the flowers are mine, but if the photo was taken someplace other than my own garden, I have indicated that.  I hope you enjoy it because when I went searching for photos, it made me realize just how lucky I am to have a wonderful man who enjoys gardening simply because it gives me pleasure. This is a favourite shot of a butterfly beside my hanging basket that I luckily captured one day in June.

Be sure to turn up your sound for the background ambience. Have a beautiful and blessed week!

A is for ALLITERATION

Welcome to Round 13 of ABC Wednesday!  I'd like to give accolades to Denise Nesbitt, the creator of ABCW, to Roger Green, our Administrator, and to the entire team of ABCW members who regularly visit contributers to give comments and kudos.  Please encourage friends to give us a try and remind them that they don't have to start at the letter A or even post every week.  I especially applaud those of you have been with us for years; it's great to feel as though you "know" people and look forward each week to seeing what they share with the group.

This week, I am giving you A is for Alliteration.  This is a literary device when a series of words in a row (or close to a row) have the same first consonant sound. For example, “She sells sea-shells by the sea-shore” or “Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers” are both alliterative phrases. In the former, all the words start with the “s” sound, while in the later, the letter “p” takes precedence. Aside from tongue twisters, alliteration is also used in poems, song lyrics, and even store or brand names.

Two weeks ago, I attended the village's first market of the season and as I wandered around, I noted that many signs used alliteration for the name of their business.  As a writing teacher and as an afficionada of grammar, these signs almost attacked me with their originality!  So, I give you Round 13, Post #1 for A.

Z is for ZANY

Since both Canada and the United States of America have just celebrated their birthdays, I thought I'd tell you some zany things about my homeland. When most people think of Canada, they think hockey, bacon, hockey, maple syrup, hockey, beer, and oh, did I mention hockey?  Well, once you get past the stereotypes of beer and hockey, you find out just how diverse Canada is....and weird and zany!

1. In Dawson City, Yukon, there's a "Sourtoe Cocktail Club." For just $10 (Cdn) you can join the club and have a shot of whiskey.  Easy peasy, right?  Not so quick!  There has to be a pickled human toe in the drink!  The club's motto?  "You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow - but the lips have gotta touch the toe!"  Zany, huh?

2. Apparently, we eat more macaroni and cheese than any other nation on earth.  At least we don't usually eat human toes!

3. The only walled city left in the USA or Canada is Quebec City.  The signs can tell unwanted visitors to keep out in French and in English!

4.  Remember when Canada won the Olympic Gold Hockey in 2010 and beat the USA in overtime?  It's not really a zany fact, but I thought I'd mention it anyway!

5.  Canada has more donut shops per capita than the USA...except they're simply called Tim Horton's. And we LOVE to eat donut holes!

6.  IMAX was created in Canada.  That means all those high-priced tickets are because of us.  Sorry.

7.  Canada ranks first in the use of the internet.  We all need something to do during the hockey intermissions, so this shouldn't be too surprising.

8.  Canada is made up of 6 different time zones.  And in each time zone, the Vancouver Canucks have never won it, except way back in 1914/1915 when the team was called the Vancouver Millionaires. By the way, no sour toes, oops - I mean grapes, to the Boston Bruins for winning the cup this year!

9.  Coffee Crisp chocolate bars are a Canadian creation and are rare in the USA.  We love to eat our Coffee Crisps near American tourists really really slowly, pretending like it's the most amazing thing in the world!

10. The "Ogopogo" is BC's favourite mythological creature.  Apparently, it got its name from a British song from 1924 called The Ogo-Pogo: The Funny FoxTrot.  According to the lyrics, the Ogopogo loves to play a banjo that can charm other animals.  Also, its mother was an earwig and its father was a whale.  The mating ritual sounds like it'd be pretty zany!

I know we Canadians have a reputation for being conservative and veddy veddy polite, but all in all, we can be a pretty zany bunch!  Happy 146th Birthday, Canada!

Thanks to the zesty Mrs. Nesbitt, the creator of ABC Wednesday, and to the zealous Roger, our administrator for their zany efforts at keeping the fun going.  A new round starts next week, so please encourage your friends, families, and even total strangers to try us out. Just remind them to read and follow the rules and guidelines on our home page!  By the way, how do I look modelling casual clothes on the cover of the "StylZ" magazine?  How many Zs can you see?