What Color Was Today?

I had planned to not go to church this morning when I found out I was to be having a houseful of company over night, and I rarely get to see this friend and I wanted to spend time with her, and our kids wanted to spend time together, and so, we skipped church this morning. I don't think we would have made it anyway, because we ALL slept in... All except Andrew of course. He only sleeps in when he does not want to get up for school... But that is all about being a teenager I guess...

The kids had loads of fun today. They went and played at the gym. Went swimming. Played at the gym some more. They had so much fun that Queenie fell asleep in the middle of the afternoon. She NEVER does that!

Deborah and I had a good time spending the afternoon together, just the two of us. No "Mom can I...", "Mom she...", "Mama I want...". It was really nice. We haven't had a chance to do this since...since...well, I don't know because we always had Cassia when we both lived in NB because she hadn't started school yet. I guess we had a little bit of time when she was off work last year when she injured her eye and all the kids were in school. Regardless, it was a nice change for us.

After I made supper and the kids were all settled in front of their TV's, I went over to visit our friend Malcolm for an hour or so. Found out he is headed to Afghanistan for 7 weeks. He will be gone for training before I get back from Newfoundland and will leave for Afghanistan right from there. I hate that. I hate the thoughts of our friends going off to WAR! What is this? The Middle Ages or something. I feel like I am living in a time warp. People don't go to WAR in this day and age. ESPECIALLY our FRIENDS! It is just a little too close to home for me. Mattie just got back, Malcolm is leaving... And it is only going to get worse. It scares me.

I mentioned to him about being scared of Al getting sent to the Gulf. He said "I would be more worried about you while he's gone than him on a ship", I thought that was kinda sweet. He tries to be a big, tough guy, but sometimes he slips up. He figures that the ships would be safe in the water. I hope so. We have lots of friends on lots of ships, and they go longer than a few weeks. It takes almost a few weeks to get there. Not like those Army guys who fly over and land smack dab in the middle of the "action".

Enough of that! Today was a positive day. I had fun today. I am not going to let the "What if's..." get me down tonight. It is the "What If's...", the "Should have's...", the "Ought to's..." that kill us! Worrying about things that have not happened yet, may never happen. Ryllonna used to tell us not to "Should yourselves to death". Good advise!

So, what color was today? Perhaps it was a kaleidoscope...

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

Does The Term "Bored ****less" Mean Anything To You???

Well it sure does to me the last couple of days!!!!!

This just in...

Evidently "boredom" and having no one to talk to, no where to go are not the same things... Yes I could sew, I could clean, I could go out in the cold... But I will still be by myself, and hence, still be, according to my definition, "bored"...

I am a social creature and have not had much social interation for about 2 days now... {I really am not needy...}

3:35PM

Deborah and the girls are coming to spend the night. She did not answer the phone when I called her before because it was stuck in the sofa and did not hear it... Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever had to have someone call you so you could follow the ring to, say, the deep freezer???

Anyway, I am happy now. I am going to have company.

AND a Blue Jay was at my bird feeder...first time! I hope he tells his friends!

9:01PM

Deborah and the girls are here for the night. Marie is coming over for a while. Now if we could just get the kids to go to bed AND go to sleep relatively early, we could actually have some ADULT TIME... Imagine how much fun THAT would be...

Night Everyone.

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

Beige

This was a "beige" day. Not bad, not necessarily good, just beige...

I practiced my piano for an hour. Practiced my guitar for an hour.

Walked over to Geraldine's, but she was taking the baby up for a nap, so I walked back home (it was actually nice enough outside today to GO for a walk!)

Looked around my yard today. Have what looks like Tulips popping up. That is encouraging. After all, Spring was the other day.

Came back home and played my piano for another few hours... Good thing I bought it or I'd be stir crazy by now!

The kids found our lost cat. Lost him again bringing him home... Oh well, he is the one that sprayed. Which reminds me, we have to get "Elvis" (I DID NOT NAME THIS CAT!!!!) fixed before he starts spraying. That is why I like female cats. They don't spray.

I kinda wanted to go to my brother's, but this is a long month, and the time between pays is longer, so... Guess I won't be doing that. And besides, I need to keep my money for Newfoundland. Only 19 more days! YAY!

My Fibro is acting up quite badly and I am in a lot of pain today, so I think I am going to take something for the pain and go to bed on my heating pad to read.

Let's all hope for a Bright Yellow or Orange Day tomorrow...

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

How Beautiful

How Beautiful...were the deer in my yard today.

How Beautiful...were the words of encouragement from my nieces today.

How Beautiful...was the time spent over tea with Kelly and Callyn today.

How Beautiful...was the house after Queenie helped tidy today.

How Beautiful...it was to get positive feedback from the school today.

How Beautiful...was the weather...in Virginia today.

How Beautiful...were the cookies Queenie made today.

How Beautiful...was the time spent with Christine and Brenda today.

How Beautiful...was the sound of my guitar and my voice as I played and sang "How Beautiful" today.

How Beautiful...was today.



And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

Our Visitors Have Returned - A Picture Post

I took lots more, but this is enough for now. Aren't they beautiful!!! They were just in my back yard. They did not mind getting their pictures taken either. Awesome!

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

I Am Better Than I Thought I Was...Than I Gave Myself Credit For

Today, being "Donna Day", otherwise known as Wednesday, I had Bible Study this morning. As always, it was fun. However, AFTER Bible Study, I had my first (in MANY MANY MANY years) PIANO LESSON!!!!! I am very excited. To save some typing, I am going to copy a comment I made on Pastor Brother Brian's Blog today...

You said "every once in a while, we do something that brings, into our lives, our own happiness and joy." I needed to hear that Brian. I know that there are certain people in my life who are, and will continue to be very angry with me for spending money on a guitar and a piano for myself. I have sacrificed a lot for my little family over the years. As I mentioned in my Blog the other day, I feel I have wasted over $200,000.00 of Mom and Dad's hard earned money because I have not been able to use the abilities that that money provided for (that being my piano playing). You heard for yourself when I played for your church that I am no where near where I was when you used to come to my piano recitals! However, I had only had my piano for about a week at that point, and every day I am getting better and better. I had my first piano lesson today. Juliet said that I have not forgotten as much as I thought I had. AND she said I have a lovely touch, and whoever it was that taught me, taught me well. I told her, "She did, and I miss her very much."

The "whoever it was that taught me" was Mrs Mather. And she was very special to me. My heart shattered when she moved away and thus ended my piano lessons. I loved her very much. She was a wonderful woman, a wonderful teacher, a wonderful mentor, a wonderful Christian... I learned more than just music from her. And for Juliet to give her the compliment that she did brings tears to my eyes (I know, it doesn't take much!)

I remember the last time I saw her, about 1998 I think, and I played for her, very roughly, sight-reading, the words she said to me. Very similar to what Juliet said, "Even after all this time without an instrument, she still has that lovely touch." Then she proceeded to tell Al he needed to get me an instrument soon. Well, this isn't "soon", but I finally got one, and I promise to not only make my mother proud, but to do justice to the amazing teacher that I had.

Juliet told me to bring books 1&2, so we should start at the beginning, as I told her I had lost so much. I took 1-4, just because I am stubborn that way! So, I hauled out my grade 4 book and played something. Juliet took it away. She pulled out a grade 5 book from her shelf and we started there. She said next time, bring book 6, and probably book 7! She figures I won't need her long, as if I get much past that I will have to go to the conservatory... She actually asked me what it was that I wanted/needed from her because I really could get back there on my own... I think I just need someone to keep me on track, to remind me of the technical things, to FORCE me to play my scales... All those things that Mrs Mather did. To let me know what I am doing wrong, what I am doing right, for moral support, etc, etc, etc... All in all, I was very happy at the outcome of my lesson today, and can't wait for my next one in 2 weeks to go in knowing the entire grade 5 book. That is what I need a teacher for. Someone to preform for, to keep me focused when I have so many things in my life to distract me.

So that was my Piano Lesson... I came home, made a few phone calls, sent a few emails that needed to be attended to, then headed to my heated back massager with my Bible Study book for tonight. I hope this weather breaks soon, because the pain in my body is becoming unbearable!

***Just got this email from Juliet, have to share it, it, too, brought tears to my eyes***

Just thought I'd tell you that I was impressed with your playing today. I'm really glad you have a piano because you seem to have a natural aptitude for the instrument as well as a real love for the music you play. I think it will be great for you on emotionally rough days especially to be able to sit down and play and lose yourself in the music even if it's only for a half hour. I find it does recharge my batteries and help me relax. Would you be interested in playing some piano duets? I have lots of one piano duets and some 2 piano.

I love the piano. I love music. It has always been my solace.

My Man~Child made supper... He made meatloaf. It wasn't bad either! Though, leave it to a teen aged boy to cook only meat...no veggies, no nothing else! Haha He is so funny. Queenie and I got "de-scented" to go to my Bible Study tonight, then dropped the boys off at Youth and headed to Julie's.

Group there was nice. I did not make her sick today! I was very happy about that. The other folks who are going to join the group could not make it, for one reason or another (travel, baby-sitter trouble, etc), so it was just Julie and Tim and me. I really enjoyed it though. It is going to be nice to go with Al when he gets home. I miss this time we always had together going to Bill and Lois's before THEY moved away.

So, now I am home. I will be heading to bed shortly. Hope everyone had a "splendiferous" day! (Bet the spell checker will catch that one! ;) ) {It did...haha}

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

Another Red Letter Day...

For someone who doesn't do anything, I sure am busy!!! Here it is almost tomorrow, and I was "supposed" to have a "scent free" shower and go to bed early. Tomorrow is "Donna Day", and will be busy, and I was kinda hoping to go to sleep before 1 or 2 in the morning... Oh well...



So, my day started with my DH getting after me for posting about the unfortunate piano incident... I would copy his exact words, but that would only make him madder, I think... Although, he says he is not mad. Anyway, Sorry Dear. I love you. I will try to recover from the trauma now that I have a piano.



Speaking of piano, today was a much better day. I played pieces that I used to play and could get through most of them, with the exception of Theme from Paganini by Rachmaninov. That is just plain HARD!



Something happened to my keyboard and all my keys were sticking. I tried to clean it by prying off the buttons and trying to get the dust and gunk out, but they still stuck when I put the buttons back on. So, I had to get a new keyboard, because, Heaven forbid, I not be able to use my computer!!! Fortunately Elizabeth had an extra one, so I did not have to buy one. So I went over to get her, and the keyboard, and her laundry. We went to Superstore for margerine, sweet potato, carrots, and a notebook. Spent about $40... Needless to say, I got more than those 4 things. In fact I did not even get the notebook because she said the one I wanted cost too much. SO I went to the dollar store for a notebook. They did not have one I liked, but I managed to spend another $11 there. From there we went to Blessings because they had a really nice notebook there that I wanted (for another purpose), so I went and grabbed that. AND ONLY THAT, if you can believe it! We then came home



We made supper, then kinda fought over who was going to be on MSN when. She watched TV, I played Send In The Clowns, then it started to snow. Not very much, mind you, but she decided she wanted to go home tonight and not in the morning. I told her Fine, just so long as I we can go to Walmart on the way for fabric for the back of my quilt.


I did not get the fabric for the back of my quilt because the fleece that they carry is really stretchy and would not work. However... I did spend $40 there - on alphaghetti, panties, pens {they were on clearance! So were the panties, come to think of it}... I also got the notebook I WANTED to get at the Superstore. I don't know what else. I know I picked up a few things that she needed and picked up something for someone else...



Anyway, I am home now. I remembered to send out all the emails that I was supposed to send out. I called my brother, Rockey, back because he called when I was out. He called to tell me he got himself a brand spanking new motorcycle. A 2007, 900 Kawasaki, Special Edition. I assume that is good... I am just glad that he is doing something for himself, instead of that Gold Digger... No, I am not bitter... Here is a picture of me on the back of his old bike, and Rockey.









Tomorrow, I need to remember to put some clothes through the wash to make sure that Queenie and I have unscented clothes to wear to Julie's tomorrow night, right from the underwear to the outerwear. Someone, please remind me! I also have my first piano lesson tomorrow. I am really excited. I will get to find out how far behind I actually am. But, that is tomorrow's tale. Tonight, I am off to do a bit more on my lesson for my There Is No I In Church group tomorrow night, then off to dreamland (I hope)





And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

Use It Or Lose It!!!

So, I am not surprised that my guitar playing REALLY sucks, because I am just learning, and for the most part, am teaching myself. There is very good reason that I can't just sit down and play a song, even if it does only have 2 or 3 chords.

HOWEVER...There are 227,136 reason why I should be able to sit at my piano and play, at the very least, songs I USED to know. So, why is it that my old friend Mozart is eluding me??? I had, at least 8112 piano lessons. I was playing at a grade 8 level, in the Royal Conservatory Series. Now, I don't know if my brain can't remember how to read the music, or if my fingers can't remember what to do with the keys. Either way, it is very disheartening... I feel like I let my mother down, because those previously mentioned 227,136 reasons were hers! I feel like I let Mrs Mather down, because those 8112 hours were hers. And all that hard work was mine.

Juliet has her work cut out for her when I start my lessons this week... I wonder if I will ever get back to the level I was at when my wonderful husband dropped my piano down the stairs? I wonder if I will ever figure out that guitar? They say that talents and gifts are inherent. If this is so, then there is no reason that with lots of practice, I shouldn't be playing (and teaching) again.

Yes, I am disgusted, discouraged, and depressed. I think it is time to put the instruments away for the day and try something else to pass the time...


******

I went over to Julie's to pick up the "extra" book for Wednesday night, as I had to send ours with Al this morning and I was not finished with it, and besides, I do not like to share... I had a nice, albeit short, visit with Julie. Even though I tried VERY hard to be scent-free, something still set her off. I am thinking that it is because I forgot to keep my clothes washed in unscented detergent separate from the ones I have not had the chance to rewash yet, and the scent transferred. Or, it could be left over in my truck from whatever Saturn cleans with, or maybe from the scented products we wear on normal days and that smell got stuck in the fabric of the seats. I think I will air it out on Wednesday to make sure that there are not residual odors in the truck to get on me on the way to Bible Study.

When I got home, my genius boys were spraying each other with TAG. I quickly confiscated that and threw it away. It was even giving ME a headache!!!!

I spent most of the day practicing my piano and my guitar. Hopefully tomorrow I will spend some time doing something else! I want to get a quilt made before I go to Newfoundland with all the fleece scraps from Christmas so I will have something warm to snuggle with while I am seasick on the boat! Perhaps I will start that. Whatever I end up doing tomorrow will have to be decided tomorrow, because right now I am heading to bed with my book.

Night Everyone!

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

Surely The Presence Of The Lord Was In That Place

Today is the Lord's Day. May you be blessed by Him today and always... Shalom.

Church today, I found, very moving. I can't really explain it, but it was nice to see that the presence of the Lord still moves me to tears. And the presence of the Lord filled our tabernacle this morning.

After church, I was in a lot of pain from my Fibromyalgia, so after getting some of things ready for our turkey dinner tonight with Al's sister and her family, I went up to my bed with my heated massage mat that my wondefully thoughful husband bought me for Christmas, and began to read the first chapter of our new Bible Study book, The Is No I In Church by Keith Drury (http://www.drurywriting.com/keith/ ; http://www2.blogger.com/profile/05058949281404407630 )

I read until Dana and the gang arrived, then got up and finished making supper. We had a nice visit. It is much better when we are not rushed! However, I did not actually get to say good-bye, because just before they were getting ready to leave my friend Brenda called, so I kinda waved Bye to them as they went out. Brenda and I chatted on the phone for about an hour (well, actually, until my phone died!), then on MSN briefly, before I went to spend some time with Al, as he leaves in the morning for 10 days.

He is gone on up to bed, and I am joining him here momentarily. Eleven days til he gets home... And he hasn't even left yet...

Check out my brother's new Blog, From The Pulpit Of New Tusket (the link is in my list), and read his sermon from this morning, and read about our Dad's friend who walked 5000 miles to safety and freedom during the war. It is a fascinating story!

Night All...

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

How I Spent My Saturday

Sitting in the hospital...

Al's cousin, Scooby, fell on the ice last night and broke his leg. We spent the day at the hospital waiting for him to get out of surgery, then keeping him company. He is OK, nasty break, though, I guess. He got a couple screws in it!

After we got back, I played around on here for a bit to relax, and now I am off to bed.

Sorry Kathleen, that we did not get to the St. Patty's Day celebration that Mike planned. We fully intended to go, but after being at the hospital all day, we were pretty tired. I hope you had lots of fun!

Well, off to bed. Church tomorrow, then I have no idea if anyone will be coming for supper or not. No one got back to us...

Toodles All...


And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

Ok, So I Totally Missed Thursday...

That is because it was payday, which meant bills and groceries, etc. We had our nephew with us for a few days and so on Thursday we took the four kids to the movies (they were having twoonie matinees). I took Queenie to see Charlotte's Web. You know they actually wanted you to feel sorry for a SPIDER!!!!! Al took the 3 boys to see Eragon. After that we went to A&W (the only fast food joint left in Penhorn), then the boys went to see Night At The Museum while we went down the mall to Sobey's for groceries. After we went and paid some bills, then came home. Found something quick for the kidlettes to eat for supper, then Al and I went to Kara's to get Al's tattoo touched up (Jesus had no nose...) THEN... We went to Blessings so I could find a Bible Cover for my new Bible, as I did not want it to get all banged up. I think I sat on the floor of the store at the Bible Cover shelves for at least an hour trying to find just the right one. It needed to be pretty, and girly, have a handle, and be big enough for my Bible, it needed compartments for a notebook, my study book, my In Touch magazine, pens/pencils/highlighters, and, of course, Post-It Notes! The one I really wanted was a very pretty turquoise, and it was big and had lots of compartments and a strap...but it was $45... So I did not get it. I found one that was a good size, it had good sized compartments (even one that is good for lipstick and a mirror!), but it was plain black... I got it anyway. It had everything I required except that it was not pretty and girly. Perhaps I can rectify that with some creativity and my sewing machine...

That was Thursday... You are getting a 2 for 1 deal today, because now we are on to Friday... Even though it is Saturday... Technically.

We got up this morning to a Winter Weather Advisory, so we thought we'd better take our nephew back to the Valley a little earlier than planned, just in case the storm decided to come. We left here around 11 or so and went right to Dana's. We had a nice little visit there, and invited her and Dave and their 5 kids to supper on Sunday. I hope they come.

We left Dana's and went to Noggins for apples (1/2 a bushel for $9.00!), then we headed back home.

After we got home, Al and Scooby and I went to the Superstore for the Man~Child's prescriptions, and for potatoes, turnip, and sweet potato for Sunday's supper. We came home and I started supper.

I called my Father-In-Law and invited them to come to dinner on Sunday as well. It does not appear that that is going to happen. They were away for March Break, just got in Thursday evening... I really hope they come. It is difficult to love someone so much when it is...difficult...*sigh*

Al finished supper while I had a bath and got ready to go to Mattie's Welcome Home Party. He arrived, safe and sound, from Afghanastan Wednesday, and we were all so very happy to see him and know he was OK. He brought Ashley back a beautiful gold and diamond puzzle ring from Dubai (sp?). It really is lovely.

The storm started while we were there, so we waited til the rain started, then we came home. We made it home ok. My new truck drives quite well in Winter Conditions.

Al is gone to bed, and it is 2:30AM, and I think I just might join him. Sweet Dreams...



And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

"Donna Day"

Today was Wednesday, and being so it was "Donna Day". "Donna Day" was instituted many, many years ago, and originated as "Donna & Sheri Day", which meant that anybody with the names Donna or Sheri did not have to go to class that day. Back then it was normally on a Tuesday or a Thursday, as those were the days I had a 3 hour Psych class at Acadia (which I hated!). Sheri and I would go to the Coffee Merchant and have some delectable, flavored coffee and a HUGE cinnamon bun, then wander around town for a while, and ultimately end up back at her dorm room for a nap. Ah, those were the days...

"Donna Day" took a long hiatus during my child bearing and pre-school years, well, actually, until about 4 years ago. Four years ago, when we moved here I started to go to a Ladies' Bible Study on Wednesday mornings, and so began, once again, the institution of "Donna & Sheri Day", but since I do not know what happened to Sheri after we moved to New Brunswick for several years, it, out of necessity, had to be shortened to "Donna Day", and modified a bit.

"Donna Day" now means that I do not do anything, really, for anyone buy Donna. I go to Bible Study in the morning. Usually spend the afternoon visiting with a friend, shopping, or doing something equally fun, and not "work" related...not that I actually "work", but I do have a family and a house to look after. The one thing I do on "Donna Day" is cook supper, but even today I did not do that. Al did, bless him! Then after supper was our mixed Bible Study which Al and I went to together when the boys were at Youth Group. This ended, sadly, when Bill moved his family (and my Lois) to pastor a church in Doaktown. Since then, after dropping the boys at Youth Al and I would end up at the mall or Tim's or something (with Queenie, every other week, when she wasn't at Girl's Group).

So, now you have the history of "Donna Day", we shall get to today's "Donna Day". It started out the same, I went to meet with the Ladies' Bible Study (only we did not do a lesson today, we had Tea and looked at all of Juliet's beautiful photos of New Zealand, and the Fiji Islands, and California, and Nevada, and Arizona, and The Grand Canyon, and The Hoover Dam. And we did not feel the least bit bad when she told how returning to the "ice and snow" was such a shock!)

After our Tea Time at Kelly's, I came home and helped Cody practice his guitar a bit, and practiced myself. Of course, this SEEMS like a non-"Donna Day" thing to do, but I enjoyed it, so it counted.

Then I decided that I needed to finish Girls In Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood. I am ready now for Forever In Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood, however, it is still in hardcover so I will have to be patient... So, very much, not like me, I know!

Then, in keeping with the original institution of "Donna & Sheri Day", I had a glorious nap! Slept right through supper (had a banana when I woke up. Note to self: EAT BETTER!)

Al had taken the boys and their cousin to Youth, so I thought I would go along with him to pick them up and take Kelly the little pressie I forgot to take her this morning. We stopped at Tim's on the way home, well, the drive-thru anyway, and got a tea.

After we came home, I practiced my piano for a little bit, then did some work on my Blogs. Which brings us up to right now. Right now I am getting Wednesday's Post in on Wednesday as it is still only 11:22pm! Then I am going to go bed and hope that my Sailor is still awake so we can have a cuddle before I start my lesson for next week's Bible Study.

Do you have a "Donna-type Day"? If not, you really should. Taking time for YOU is so important. And to steal L'Oreal's slogan...You are worth it!



And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

Technically It Is Tomorrow

But since I have not gone to bed yet, it is still kinda today...

I am really REALLY beginning to think I should have had stitches in my stupid finger. It is kinda gaping! It is still swollen and still sore, but it has been 3 days so they can't put a stitch in it now anyway, so it is going to heal with a very wide scar.

I got up this morning in a Fibro Flare. Could barely move. Had an epsom salts bath and that helped to at least loosen me up enough to move. Then I thought it would be nice to clean the bath tub. So I ended up cleaning the 2 bathrooms this morning. They needed it, and it actually felt good that I accomplished something, even as minute as cleaning the bathrooms!

Al and I went out to the store for some "bread and milk", then came home and made supper.

I had heard ENOUGH of Star Trek, so I IM~ed my friend Kathleen and asked if she was free tonight because I needed some "girl time" desperately! She called and we planned to go to the boardwalk and go for a walk. After our walk (MAN SHE IS FAST!), we went to Sea Gulps. We each had a "London Fog". I had never had one before, but she has and so I trusted her when she said they were good. She was right! It was very good.

She and I talked about the Small Business Network she is starting up for the Passage. It is very exciting. We talked about getting myself organized (she is a personal organizer). We agreed to a trade for 3 hours of organization for a purse. I am pretty excited to get myself a schedule I can work with, not one that works against me.

After I got back, Al was over to Cooper's, so I went over there. He and Cooper and Scooby were have a couple beer, so I called the kids (we live across the road) to bring over the things I needed to get muffins made for Kelly's in the morning. So I made Apple Cinnamon Fat-Free muffins, Banana Fat-Free muffins, and Lemon Poppy-Seed Fat-Free muffins to take to Kelly's, and I made Spice muffins and Chocolate muffins to leave at Geraldine's. Once they were done, we came home.

Al is in bed, and I am going pretty soon. I just need to finish up here, wash my make up off, brush my teeth, etc. I need to slather my poor dry, cracked hands with lotion (I was out in the wind, then had them in the dishpan, then out in the wind again...), and I am off to bed to do my devotionals and maybe read a bit... Who knows what the insomnia will bring tonight...

I hope everyone had a great Tuesday. OH...And Happy Birthday Karen... It is today!




And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

Imagine!

Monday's entry on MONDAY!

What did I do today?

This is the first day of March Break and I slept in a bit, had a bath, and did, more or less, nothing all day. Al is on duty today, and that really bites!


I found a website that has a 12-string tuner on it, and I tuned my guitar. That took a good 2 hours. Then I practiced some on my guitar, and I still rather suck! I have decided that Stan Rogers is WAY too smart for me, so I will just listen to him, and not bother trying to play anything anymore.

I played around on my piano for a bit today too. I guess I had a musical day. I talked to Juliet yesterday and I start my piano lessons next week. I really can't wait, because I suck at that now too! I hate that I went so long without a piano and now I am so far behind.

I checked out some B&B's in Cornerbrook just in case Karen and I get to go for an overnight. I really hope we can, because there is a really cute one there.

http://www.thedoctorshousebandb.ca/default.htm

Only 30 days and I am on my way to Newfoundland! YIPPIE! I called Karen tonight. Her birthday is tomorrow - Happy "22nd" Birthday, Karen! Can't wait to see you!

So, now I guess I am waiting for CSI Miami to come on and then to bed with a book or something.

I hope everyone had an OK Monday...



And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

I Guess I Am Still A Day Behind...

So, what happened Sunday (yesterday)? Oh yes...

Skipped church to go to a Fashion Show and Luncheon where the guest of honor was the Lieutenant of Nova Scotia. The guest speaker was talking about, more or less, achieving your goals, whether they are personal or business goals. It was rather interesting, since I have been trying to get a small business started now for about 2 years. I just don't have the "get up and go".

For those of you who don't know, I will post a picture I want to turn into a flyer.

After that outing with Sandy, we came back here, Sandy got ready to head back to the Valley, and Al helped me make supper. We had yummy chicken and pasta.

Geraldine brought the baby over so Al's mother could see him before she left for the bus to go back to Truro. Al took her to the bus, and I visited with Geraldine for a bit, then ended up going with her when she left to Tim's and then over to her place for a bit. Al was coming in the driveway as we were leaving (he learned to drive my truck over the weekend!), so we told him to head over with Cooper and we would be right there with coffee.

We had a short visit, then came home to go to bed, as Al had duty today (Yuk!).

As soon as I got home Cody wanted me to take him to Sebastian's so he could spend the night. Good thing he got me before I took off my shoes! Anyway, I took him to Sebastian's, came home, fiddled around on the computer for a few minutes then went to bed.

So, that was Sunday. I wonder what this beautiful sunny day will bring?

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

This Is Saturday's Post...

I did not get home last night in time to post anything. My niece Sandy came down and we went to my friend Ashley's for a Girl's Night. We made dinner, watched a few movies, and had a couple girly drinks. It was fun.

Yesterday morning was Al's breakfast date with the kids, and his mother was arriving on the bus, so I dropped Al and the kids off at McD's and went to the bus depot to get his mother. We went back and got them at McD's and headed over to Walmart because his mother was taking the kids to get their pictures done. Of course, they couldn't do it then, and told us to come back at 4.

I spent most of the afternoon trying to tune my guitar. It is very difficult tuning a 12-string guitar and it is still not right. I am going to have to take it over to AJ and see if he can do it, and SHOW me how to do it. The website is not overly helpful. I just ended up frustrated, with a very badly sounding guitar...much worse than when I started.

Al and his mother took the kids back to Walmart for their photos because by that time it was time for Sandy to arrive so we could go over to Ashley's.

While preparing dinner with Sandy and Ashely, I sliced open my finger with a really sharp serrated knife. It bled and bled and bled. It really hurts! It throbbed all night long and kept me awake.

We watched a few movies and got home about midnight. The time went ahead last night, so it was really 1am, which made getting up very difficult!

Well, that was yesterday...

The kids' pictures turned out nicely. I had a good time with Sandy and Ashley. Didn't see much of Al all day, but he has this week off so we will make up for that during the week!

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

I Did It Again

I waited too long and it is now "tomorrow" and I am writing about "today"... Good thing it is short!

Al and I were getting ready to go to Truro to get his Mom, but she called and said she wasn't feeling well, so we did not go. We went and had Tea at Timmies, then over to Halifax and walked around a bit, poked around in a few shops, then headed over to Brewdabakers for lunch. This was our "date" for this trip home.

Brewdabakers was yummy. Best chicken ceasar salad wrap I ever had ( my own notwithstanding, of course!) After lunch we went to the new (sucky) Walmart and picked up the few things we needed there. Came home, had a nap, then he watched Wrestling ( now I remember why I don't watch TV...), and I played around on the computer, my piano and my guitar.

I am off to bed now. So, all in all, not a very exciting day. If you DO want to read a jam-packed post, follow the link over there <---, to Pastor Brother Brian. He's been busy!

Toodles...

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

My Sailor Came Home!!!

I am so happy, my Sailor came home today. He is pretty tired though, but not too tired to go over to Cooper's... We just got back. Cooper had to show Al his new tattoo.

After I picked Al up at the Dockyard we went to get our taxes done. What fun that is! Took 2 hours. Then we had a bit of a nap before we went across the road. Pretty quiet really.

Tomorrow morning we are going to Truro to pick up his mother because she is coming for the weekend. We are NOT taking the dog!

Not much really happened today aside from Al coming home. I am very glad that he is back. I kinda miss him when he is away...

That's all for tonight...

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

Waxing Is Not For Everyone

Today was my "busy day". I love Wednesdays, they are my favorite day of the week. I have my Lawrencetown Ladies Bible Study in the morning, then I usually run errands or do something fun for the rest of the day til the kids get home from school, then it is supper, get the kids to Youth Group, then normally go to my nighttime Bible Study that Al goes to as well.

Today was a little different than usual. I did get to Bible Study this morning (we are studying The Beatitudes, the "blessed are" 's... Today was "blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness"). After Bible study I dropped off Elijah's Pokemon cards to Stephanie, dropped Elizabeth at the Superstore, then went for a wax. This was not enjoyable. In fact, I did not even get it done... WHO does this? Anyone ever heard of a little thing called a RAZOR!

Then I took Elizabeth to her new apartment and went in for tea. She says she does not have as many stairs as she did in her old place, but I think it is pretty darned close! Anyway, I was rather surprised at how neat her apartment is! Good for you Elizabeth!

I then came home, got the guitars and headed out to get Cody at school and take him to his guitar lesson. I stayed too and we both managed to learn something!

Then a quick trip home for supper, and back to the church for Youth Group. I visited with Kelly while they were there, as my nighttime Bible Study has not started yet.

Kelly showed me how to chord on the piano... I think Mrs Mather would be having a bit of a fit as she always said that type of playing was cheating... Hence, my not knowing how to do it! But, I will learn as that is how the Worship Team plays, and, well, frankly, I want to be able to play once in a while. I had a really nice visit with Kelly...thanks :)!

And now I am home. I wanted to practice what I learned on the guitar tonight but it is now nearly tomorrow...HEY!!!!! When it becomes "tomorrow", I can say "Al will be home TODAY!!" Come on tomorrow! Only 5 more minutes!

Well, I should put the clothes into the dryer so my jeans are clean AND dry for tomorrow. To everyone, "Blessed Be..."

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

It's A Very, Very Blustery Day

Holy Cow! Was it ever cold today! How many days til Spring? I know that I really shouldn't complain because we have had quite a mild Winter, with hardly no snow (I think, counting today, it has snowed 5 times all Winter). But, it is not the snow, really, that bothers me. It is the cold wind. My hands are so chapped and sore from the wind today.

I took my niece running some errands today. Do you know what they sell at the dollar store now! Pregnancy tests! I can't imagine, coming from the dollar store, they would be very accurate. I suspect that there is/are going to be MANY disappointed and/or shocked people in the city!!! I was tempted to get one to check for accuracy. Not having a uterus, I know I am not pregnant, so if it said I was then I would know they were very ineffectual... But, I really have no reason to be overly concerned, so I didn't.

That is pretty much it for today. Not much to account for running all day again today. Really, one of these days I am going to stay home all day!



And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

Tea and Tears

Today I went to my friend Kathleen's for Tea. It was nice to visit and catch up. It's been about a month since we've talked. Just busy~ness of life, really, no real reason. It is nice to have friends you can be real with, ones who will listen, and let you listen. Ones who with laugh with you, and ones who will cry with you. Kathleen got the full version of the vague story from last night.

Then we talked about her Grandma being ill in the hospital, and about Motherless Daughters, and cried together over both of us being motherless and learning to deal with it in various (ineffectual) ways.

I told her that I have come to the sad realization that I have been trying to replace my mother with other women in my life and she just can't be replaced. I told her that I have to finally deal with the fact that I have no mother.

She told me I was pushing her away. Pushing her memory away when I need to be embracing her, holding her memory close instead of trying to find a surrogate. She is right.

One thing I learned from my mother is that Tea can heal just about anything, and what it can't heal, it can soothe...especially when shared with a friend. Thanks for sharing your Tea and Tears with me today Kathleen.

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

Blood Red Moon, Broken Bleeding Heart

We made it back from Pastor Brother Brian's, finally, around 9:45pm. Turns out I was unable to get the GRAVOL for the dog, and yes, he threw up in his kennel once again... We had to stop in Windsor at the Ultramar and clean the kennel. The guy at the gas station was very nice though. He gave us a bucket of hot water and lots of paper towel to clean it with. I do not think Tucker will be travelling with us much... But, let's not start the story in the middle...


This morning I finally got to go to one of my brother's services for the first time. I ended up singing Were You There When They Crucified My Lord. I sang it rather well, I think, however, my piano playing left a lot to be desired! I bought the book on the way out of the city yesterday (as that is the song he wanted me to sing so I thought I had better have the music for it!), so this morning was the first time I got to play it. I was able to run through it, I think, 3 times during Sunday School time before folks began showing up. All in all it was a very good service, and I am quite proud of my brother. He has captured the hearts of the good people in New Tusket, and they him and Peggy as well. I am very glad to know that God even loves "that barking dog!".


Last night we talked a bit about Rev. Dr. John Weiler. Now Pastor John will ALWAYS be "my Pastor", even though he hasn't actually been my Pastor since 1998. Brian got to take some courses with him last summer just before he got the call to New Tusket. Brian told me that after spending a few days with Pastor John, who is now Area Pastor for NB and PEI, Pastor John told Brian that he could place him in at least 3 churches in his area! Coming from Rev. Dr. John Weiler, that is an enormous compliment! There is no better preacher than John Weiler, and if HE thinks a 3rd year Div. student has already made it... He's made it. Way to go Pastor Brother!


{By the way, these big gaps between paragraphs are for Chelle, who gets sore eyes and headaches very easily and has had trouble reading so close together.}


After church we went back to Brian's for a wonderful turkey dinner! Thank you so much Peggy. You really did not have to go to all that trouble for us! I can't wait til after graduation and you guys can come down here and I can cook for you.


After we cleaned up from "dinner", Peggy and Victoria and I went back over to the church for a baby shower they were having to celebrate the arrival of the grandson of one of the ladies at the church. It was a very lovely shower, and Angelee got lots of wonderful pressies for Aidan.


Once we got back to the Parsonage (and what a beautiful Parsonage it is!), we realized it was after 5pm, and it is a LONG drive, so we packed up the truck, and Brian and Peggy lead us out so we could find the highway and come home.


What does this all have to do with a "Blood Red Moon", or a "Broken Bleeding Heart"? Well, our home is eastward from Brian's and as we were driving we were watching the moon rise. It was fiery red and oh, so beautiful! It was huge as it sat on the horizon the color of Crimson. Then, as it rose higher into the sky it got a little smaller and a little less red, then it turned Pumpkin Orange. It went through the entire Red, Orange, Yellow palette, and as I drove on eastward I watched it and marvelled at the Glory of God that is around us everyday, that we take for granted.


A "Broken Bleeding Heart"? Listening to my new worship CD in the truck, and watching the splendor of this gorgeous moon, my heart became heavy over a broken relationship in my life. One that is very dear to me. Not knowing what I should/could do to possibly reconcile this relationship I cried out to God. I could very easily stop in on the way home and see how I would be received... Of course, every single possible scenario went through my mind, and my heavy heart broke and began to bleed as I began to cry over this lost relationship.


I asked God what I should do? Should I make the move, be vulnerable to more possible heartache, or should I wait it out and let the other person come to me?


We had Communion this morning, and as with every time I have taken communion since this broken relationship I have felt in my heart that I am not being truthful to myself, or to God. Right in the Call to the Lord's Supper, the Pastor reads from 1 Corinthians 11 the following verses:


27Therefore, whoever eats the breadordrinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty ofsinningagainst the body and blood of the Lord. 28A man ought to examine himselfbeforehe eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.


And my Bible also tells me in Matthew 5:


23Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there rememberthatyour brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there in front ofthealtar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer yourgift.


And in Romans 12:


18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace witheveryone.


So, with these verses weighing heavily on my mind, and with my heart breaking over the breakdown of a very important relationship in my life, I, stupidly, came to decision that if I received direction to go try to make amends with this person by the time I got off the highway ramp for a pee break for the kids, and for gas, I would go. I don't think I have to tell you that I THOUGHT I got this direction. It was Andrew, just as I turned onto the off ramp, "Can we stop into visit XXXX?"


We went. Said person was not at home. The kids went pee, and talked to the other people who live there, whereupon my daughter found it necessary to tell YYYY and ZZZZ something which just happened to be something that will add fuel to the fire. So much for " Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down." (Proverbs 26:20)


I am afraid that my stupidity in thinking that I could HELP the situation will only have made it worse once XXXX gets home and ZZZZ tells her what my daughter said.
Will this conflict ever end? Will there ever be reconcilliation? Will we ever have a right relationship again? I sure hope so! This is one person I cannot seem to live without in my life. This is one person I have given my whole heart to. This is the reason for the quote in my email signature:


"She was bad at loving. She loved too hard."~ AnnBrashares
The Second Summer of the Sisterhood
Well, it is almost tomorrow, and I am still very heavy~hearted, and still tired and achy from the drive, so I will bid you all good night...

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

Car Sick Dog...

Ever notice that the higher the rank, the least considerate the person? We share a driveway with a PO. I got up this morning after last night's storm and his half of the driveway was shovelled. Now, normally, this would not be a big deal, but he knows my husband is at Sea, and most other people I know would help a Navy Wife who is at home alone with the kids, but NO, not a PO! Anyway, joke's on him, because he got up and shovelled his half of the driveway, but by the time it time for me to leave ALL the snow had melted, and the stuck up PO didn't have to shovel at all!!!
So, the kids and I and the stupid dog headed to "Digby" to my brother's (Pastor Brother Brian) for the night to go to his church (and I get to sing...) Turns out, he is not in Digby at all! We met in Digby, then I followed him for another 45 minutes to his house. We went through Weymouth, and various other little settlements that I have never heard of before. We are ALMOST to Yarmouth!!!! This is as far from my house as the Newfoundland ferry! Anyway, dog got car sick. Threw up and crapped in his kennel. I wanted to leave him side the road, but Victoria wouldn't let me, so I told her she had to clean up the mess. She did.
So now we are at Brian's. He is finally done with his computer, so I can email Al and make a short blog entry.
That is it for now. It is nearly bedtime. Actually, it is bedtime because people are going to bed around me.
The dog is getting a hotdog filled with GRAVOL on the way home!

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

A Ship In The Harbour

If I had to choose a color to describe today it would have to be Violet. Today was a Violet day. My initial thought was Orange, but since the weather was grey, then it snowed, now it is freezing rain, Orange just did not seem to fit. It was a really good day, so it had to be a happy color, but happy colors are warm...today was not a warm day! So I contemplated for a while and decided that Violet was a happy color, yet it belongs to the "cool color palette", so it fits this happy, winter day. And oh, has winter arrived! We are having quite the storm. I only hope that tomorrow it gets to 6 degrees like they say and it all melts so no one has to shovel!

I spent today with Kelly and Micah and Isaac. I picked them up and we went mall-hopping. I did go to the Witness. Turns out their sale was not as good as we had hoped, and so I only bought 2 $5.00 CD's. We hunted around a little for a day timer for Kelly, but there is nothing in Penhorn anymore! Poor little Micah cut his finger on the shopping cart. I was very impressed at how much he did NOT cry. Victoria would STILL be crying! He is such a brave boy. Then again, french fries have been known to heal bigger things than a cut finger... They even help one recover from child birth!

As we were getting ready to leave Penhorn my cell rang. I figured it was Victoria telling me she was home... It was not. It was My Handsome Sailor! One of the guns on the ship broke and they needed to come into the dockyard to get it fixed. I was very happy (to say the least!) to hear his voice! I was so excited...until he told me they were not allowed to leave the ship, and No, I was not allowed on it either. It was very difficult knowing he was so close but that I could not see him. I miss him so much when he is away. It is going to be very difficult when he goes away for months at a time!

After I finished talking to Al, Kelly and the boys and I headed for Mic Mac. She was still looking for a day timer (Zellers did not have any left, Hallmark did not have any left...), and I finally got to pick up my ring that was away being sized. It is very pretty! Let's see if I can figure out how to post a picture... I added it, but it is not where I want it and I don't know how to change it. I guess it will have to do.

Anyway, we were going to go to Chapters to look for a daytimer, but it was getting pretty close to the boys' suppertime and we still needed to run to the grocery store to FIND something for supper. We also stopped by Kelly's to get Jack as he had been home all day locked up in his kennel.

Sobey's was a nightmare. I think people were getting ready for the storm because I think everyone in all of HRM was in that little Sobey's! I grabbed chicken nuggets and fries for the kids (Victoria's request), and real chicken for Kelly and I {not to mention half the store! Ever notice that no matter what you go into the grocery store for, you always spend at least $75?}

We got back here to my place and I put the nuggets and fries on for the kids as I prepared the chicken for us. Ever notice that the length of time it takes something to cook is directly UNproportionate (Inproportionate?) to how hungry one is? I think that I could have killed, defeathered, deboned a whole chicken in the time it took two chicken breasts to cook!

Al called again around supper time to say that they were leaving the harbour soon. Not long after he called, Scooby called. His ship is sailing with Al's and the rumour going around his ship was that Al's ship got shore leave and were staying the weekend here. He got tired of the rumour so he called me to get it straightened out. I told him, sadly, no, they were not even allowed to set foot off the ship. Scooby's ship is anchored in Bedford Basin and is staying there the night due to the weather. I imagine Al's will be somewhere close by it.

After supper it was time for the trek back to Kelly's. She put the boys to bed, I prepared a snack and then we settled in to watch The Devil Wears Prada. Very good movie, but then again, I really like Anne Hathaway... After the movie I braved the storm to come home. Went out to the truck only to find that dear Micah had left the back window open about 2 or 3 inches and I had about 2 or 3 inches of snow on the seat of my new truck! So Kelly came out with a couple towels and we cleaned it up and, finally, I was homeward bound.

The roads were a bit tricky. I am not used to driving a standard in the snow...well I wasn't when I left there. I can do it now...obviously, as I am sitting here typing this, listening to the storm. I am some glad that I have a fireplace. If it gets much windier we may lose power. After all, we lost power in the middle of the summer because of FOG! If fog can knock out power in HRM, 80 km/h winds and snow/sleet surely can!

And so now I am home. I am tired and I think it just might be my bed time. I am going to put the computer down for it's nap and head on upstairs now. I hope everyone else had a "violet" day too.

And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It

When Did Mornings Become So Early, and When Did My Feet Get To Be So Far Away??

It is 8:28am, and I am kinda waiting for Queenie to come back and tell me she missed the bus. I managed to sleep through an hour of my alarm clock going off, which made her an hour late getting up and going... I SO don't want to get dressed and drive to school. I actually want to go back to bed for a while. See, I know that there is no way I could reach my feet this morning to put on socks. When did my feet get to be so far away?

{This is will an add-as-the-day-goes-on post...}

9:48am...

So much for going back to bed... And I guess Queenie did not miss the bus because she did not come back...

If I am going to make my 11:00 nail appointment, I had better go have my bath and get dressed. Think I will go into the Witness...they are having a sale...and you KNOW I can't resist a sale...especially on books!

So, CIAO for now...


2:48pm


Back from getting my hands treated. They are still dry and sore, but better.
I did not end up going to the Witness. Figured I would spend too much money so I just steered clear. Realized I have not eaten today and am getting a bit hungry. Must go foraging for something to eat, then go get Cody at school (he stayed after to get some work done on a project), then home to make supper, then take the kidlettes to the movie... I would love to just sit and rest, play my piano, my guitar, chill, SLEEP!

BUT... The manicurist may be opening her own Salon/Spa and she wants me to make purses and things to sell in her shop! AND she just asked me to make HER a purse, so I get to go fabric shopping without feeling guilty. Man God works in funny ways sometimes...

Ok, off to eat something...

10:08pm

Hmm...**:*8...that has been the time all day... Do you suppose that is because I got up at 8 instead of 7 like I was supposed to {see the sleeping through the alarm bit...}

Well, I took my 2 boys and one of their friends to see Ghost Rider. Not bad, for a scary-type movie. Good thing I realized I was sitting with Andrew and not Al because Al usually gets smacked when I get startled at a movie (I don't KNOW why...). I did not smack Andrew, I am happy to report. I told Andrew I would be very disappointed if they did not play "Ghost Riders In The Sky" at least once in the movie. They did...at the credits...all hyped up and techno~ed...not the real thing. So they decided that I needed to download it so they could hear it. I ended up having to go YouTube for an old video of Johnny Cash singing it so they could hear it and GO TO BED. Ares was not being co-operative. Seems everyone and their dog is downloading that song tonight. Cody figures everyone just got home from seeing the movie and want to hear it just like we do. Do you remember when you thought of the world being that small?? It used to be. Used to be you never thought of individuals on the other side of the world. Now, with the world literally at our fingertips, it is dichotomically enormous and miniscule... There... That is my esoteric thought for the day.

It is the end of the day, and as I wrote in my "About Me" section, I really do have a pretty great life. No one's life is perfect, I have come realize, just some are better at hiding their crap than others. Was today perfect? Are you nuts?? Did we make it through? Of course we did. Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes they just come at you so fast you feel as though you are on a Roller Coaster... Sometimes the "Up" is a difficult climb from the previous "Down", and sometimes God blesses us with days that are almost all "Up". However, this day was not one of those... As is normal when Daddy is at Sea, the ups and downs came at Roller Coaster speed... One minute you are wondering why you even bother, and the next you are wondering how you could ever live life any other way. One minute you are waiting for the bottom to completely fall out, and the next you are thinking it never could...

Everyone is in bed now, except me and the dog...well the dog THINKS he is in bed, but he is, in fact, in Victoria's bed, and will soon be moved into his own...




And so, today, this is...
Life As I Know It