Travelling Through

Here it is - just past noon at Pearson International Airport. We've been here since, oh ten o'clock.  Our flight from Fort Lauderdale was ahead of schedule a teeny bit, so that means we have even more time in the airport.  Frankly, I'm getting tired of airports, mainly because of the long waits between flights. I'm ready to be home. I'm tired of the 'travelling through' the temporary places on my way home. I just want to be home, safe and comfortable in my own bed, surrounded by my own stuff, surrounded by the people I love. Where I'm sitting now, at GateC26, I'm sitting by myself, flanked by a stranger to my right, and the walkway to the left. My family are scattered a little ways from me.
So, that got me thinking - the Bible tells me that THIS is my temporary home. And someday I'll be in my forever home. I am just travelling through.

Winnings

If you read my last post, you are more than likely wondering about the raffle.  Throughout the week on the ship there were seminars that could be attended, shops that could be browsed in, people to talk to, AND the neat thing was- we were given raffle tickets often.  They were handed out just for showing up to something - jewellery talks, art auctions, even just by making a small purchase on the ship. So, this particular ship had a few thousand passengers on it - many raffle tickets went into the draw bucket for the big raffle on Saturday at 6:00 pm.  And guess who won, out of thousands of tickets, the strand of cultured pearls and pearl earrings?



Saturday and Sunshine

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

At Stirrup Cay

The ship anchored this morning at Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced ‘key’). After a lovely breakfast of eggs Benedict, fresh fruit, fresh coffee, we hurried down to deck 6 where the tender tickets were being passed out at Bar City.  Our tender number was 13 – when we sat down in one of the lounges they were loading up passengers with tender # 4. I didn’t mind the wait, unlike at least 1 of the Arnelien Adventurers. The wait gave me time to “people watch” – 1 of the pastimes that I quite enjoy. It’s funny, to me at least, how we can see the same people from the ship in so many places.

When we finally were loaded up on the tender ship, we set off for the Cay. We had no idea what to expect when we got there, other than palm trees and sand. This particular Cay is owned by our cruise ship company. Well, other than palm trees and sand, there were many people there. All from the cruise ship. And there was lots of room for everyone too. Dear Son developed another headache shortly after we stepped foot on the island. Darling Daughter developed  one shortly after her brother.  They went and sat in the shaded building near the food station. My sweetheart and I headed for a walk along the beach. We dipped our toes into the water – lovely! And what a beautiful shade of blue the water was.

We enjoyed a bbq lunch – there was hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza, fresh fruit – something for everyone.  I’m not sure how long we stayed on the Cay, but it wasn’t too long – DS and DD were wanting to get back on the ship away from the heat.  It was very hot on the beach.  Very, very hot!

So now we’re in our stateroom – DD and DS have had showers, and my Sweetheart is enjoying a siesta! Myself- I just finished gathering up the receipts for everything. We will be out of here first thing in the morning, hopefully without any glitches.

For the rest of today we are going to enjoy the entertainment tonight in the theatre and in the Spinnaker Lounge. The comedian the “o What a Night”tribute will be performing in the Theatre. The Second City comedy troupe will be performing a family friendly improv show tonight! Before all that and before supper I am planning on winning the jewellery raffle.

We’ve enjoyed a fantastic vacation this week. It’s been great hanging out with the family!



Friday on the ship

I just got back to the stateroom. Darling Daughter, My sweetheart and I went to an art auction. We went to an art auction yesterday.  I didn’t buy anything at the art auction. I went only for the experience.  And the raffles.  There are many raffles on the ship. There was a raffle for a free 1 week cruise, raffles for jewellery, raffles for art work. We didn’t win anything – yet... Anyway, there wasn’t too much going on onboard at the time.

We slept fairly late, but that was good because I didn’t get much sleep last night. I was extremely nauseous. I’m not sure what triggered the nausea. Was it something I ate? Or was it the motion of the ship. I’m guessing that last night would have been the worst for motion sickness. Anyway, it doesn’t matter what triggered it, I’m just glad it only lasted for a few hours.

We are all in our stateroom right now. Dear Son has been sleeping most of the afternoon. I think his headache from yesterday played him out.  That happens to me when I have bad headaches. Someone on the ship, and I’m thinking it was someone we bumped into at breakfast time, asked Dear Son this morning how he was feeling after suffering a headache yesterday.  I thought it was remarkable that a complete stranger would have even known he had a headache.  He must have seen us talking to Dear Son at some point yesterday.

It’s hard to believe that we only have 1 full day on the cruise. The time has went very quickly. All that we have planned for the rest of today includes dinner and a show. And then, if we’re all awake, we’ll go to the chocolate extravaganza at 11:00 pm.  I’m just not sure that I will be awake then.

Tortola

Tortola, British Virgin Islands



Good thing I’ve been keeping track of our vacation on this blog.  Otherwise I would not have a clue what day it is.. I’m also putting my pictures on my laptop and labelling them in order to keep track of where we’ve been, what we’ve done, and what we’ve seen.

It’s 2:15 pm right now.  My family is sleeping. Dear Son developed a headache and had to go back  to the ship after about 15 minutes on land in Tortola. He’s been sleeping since, with the exception of rousing to put some Good thing I’ve been keeping track of our vacation on this blog. Otherwise I would not have a clue what food in his belly and take some advil.

Tortola, from the ship, looks much like St. Thomas.  Buildings  built on the sides of hills, colourful and beautiful. We, those of us without headaches at the time, ventured to Main Street and saw much the same as we saw yesterday. With 1 exception -  high prices.  Very high prices of merchandise that I saw anyway. I had planned on grabbing a few souvenirs at Tortola, but I quickly put stuff back on the shelves after looking at the price tag.  I’m sure I could have probably bartered, but I didn’t feel like it.

My sweetheart, Darling Daughter and myself came back to the ship after about an hour on land. We explored some more of the ship, then ate lunch. The soup on this fine vessel is delicious! I’m trying to eat healthy –it is very possible to do that too on this ship.

So now I’m plugging away on the keyboard while the rest of my family is sleeping.  I tried to sleep but I developed a headache too, so I went and grabbed some caffeine to take with my advil. In all honesty I am looking forward to a day cruising tomorrow; that means we can sleep in.

And truth be told, I am looking forward to being home. I’m not looking forward to the day spent in airports on Monday though. And I’m really not looking forward to being home with limited power to our house and trying to deal with the clothes dryer and no stove. But I am looking forward to being home, in the familiar.

Darling Daughter getting ready for the rock climbing wall

The fun and crowded deck on the ship

Wow on Wednesday

Arriving in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

A View of the Main Street



It’s bedtime now- I can’t believe that this is our 4^th night in our stateroom. The time is going very quickly, it seems.  So today, after our hearty breakfast – eggs Benedict and fruit for me -  we made our way down to the gangway and off the ship for a day of shopping in St. Thomas.  What a quaint spot in the Caribbean. If all a person wanted to shop for was jewellery then this was the place to be.  We hopped on our ‘taxi’ – kind of a truck with an open back and enough wooden bench seats to hold close to 30 passengers- and made our way to the downtown area. The ride itself was probably the most adventurous part of the vacation so far. We made it downtown in 1 piece – a great feat if you ask me.

There were many many jewellery stores downtown. I would have had a hard time believing that 1 downtown area could have so many jewellery stores if I hadn’t seen them for myself. And every jewellery store was packed full of  tourists from the cruise ships. When our boat docked this morning, it docked alongside 2 other big cruise ships. There have been times, according to someone we talked to, when 6 cruise ships have been docked there.

I found a ring I liked, Darling Daughter found a ring she liked in the same shop. My sweetheart  bought me the ring – it’s an anniversary, Valentine and Birthday ring. I think it can also be Mother’s Day and Christmas too. I worked in a jewellery store close to 30 years ago, and in the 4 years I worked there, 1 blue diamond ring was sold. Since then I thought that someday I would like to have a blue diamond. Today my Sweetheart bought me a blue diamond ring.  I am pretty confident in saying that a better deal will not be found anywhere else where jewellery is sold.

We arrived back to the ship in good time.  After supper at the Indigo Restaurant we went to the Theatre for the Frankie Vallie tribute. And it was excellent. We didn’t do too much else today, and now we’re back in the stateroom getting ready for bed.

Teppanyaki and the Terrific Time

I’ll start here with supper. We paid an extra cover charge for the ‘Teppanyaki’ experience. It was definitely worth it. We were entertained from the moment we set our feet into the restaurant. I wasn’t so sure what Dear Son would think of the meal; him not being a fan of Asian-style food and all. This meal was Darling Daughter’s idea. We are glad we went along with it.

I forget our entertainer/chef’s name, but I do remember that he was from the Phillipines – a Filipino Japanese cook. Our half of the open grill table consisted of the 4 Arneliens and 2 retired couples from Arizona. Yet again, some very friendly Americans. I’m slowly getting over my annoyance with Othane, the ‘night auditor’ from our hotel on our first night in Florida. The friendliness of all the Americans we have met, including the retirees tonight, has helped in that regard.

Our entertaining chef was also  very funny. He cooked eggs in an amusing way, then after the eggs were kind of scrambled he rolled them up and made the rolly eggy mixture look like it had become a dancing dragon. Then he chopped the omelette looking dragon egg mixture into bite size pieces and proceeded to flip them, with his big sharp spatula, into the mouths of all of us at the table. He started with my sweetheart.

Our dining experience lasted an hour and a half, but it only seemed like it lasted 20 minutes or so. After our bellies were extremely full we went and did our own thing.  The boys went to some entertainment, Darling Daughter and I spent some time in the boutiques. When we were all done with doing our things, we met back in our tiny room. DD stayed in the room and got ready for bed. My sweetheart and DS and myself went down a few levels to the art gallery, then went and grabbed a bite to eat.  Now we are back in our tiny room, getting ready for bed and anticipating a fun day in St. Thomas tomorrow.

Ready for the Show to Begin!

Our Dear and Very Entertaining, Very funny Chef

Food for the 8 of us in this particular cooking station

Dear Son trying his hands with chopsticks! 

Darling Daughter and My Sweetheart with the appetizer

We got up a little later than expected. But we weren’t rushed so that was okay! After showering and getting ready we went up to the ‘Great Outdoors’ for breakfast. There really is too much food on these cruises. I was happy to have my eggs Benedict and watermelon! When we were finished our meal we headed down to ‘bar city’  in order to obtain our tenders for shuttle to Samana in the Dominican Republic.

We got off our tender and started walking to the downtown area. I was very uncomfortable in Samana – I didn’t feel safe at all; turns out that none of us felt very safe.  So after walking about 15 minutes we headed back to our tender for the quick trip back to the ship. Then we ate some more!  After lunch, Darling Daughter and I headed to the boutiques on the ship while my Sweetheart and Dear Son headed back to our tiny room for a siesta. The boutiques were closed.  We are all in our room now.  I couldn’t talk anyone into going on the Scavenger Hunt with me, or to the Line Dance session. I do think however, that I will be taking Darling Daughter and Dear Son to the napkin folding class at 3:30. After that I’m hoping that Darling Daughter will come and play Bingo with me before supper.

We have supper reservations at Teppanyaki today. The chefs will be cooking our meals right in front of us. That should be entertaining! And delicious.

lowering the tenders to take us to Samana - Dominican Republic

Walking into Samana

Ready to head back to the ship



Early Tuesday morning -Feb. 22

Last night we went to the Theatre for the exceptionally well-done Broadway style entertainment.  Really, the performers were terrific as they sang and danced to some of the more recent Broadway Shows.  We went to the theatre shortly after we had had supper. Supper was also terrific – we ate in 1 of the main dining rooms – the Indigo.  Food was great!  I had chicken curry! Delicious! Servers were great too! The lady sitting at the table beside us came over to our table and complimented Darling Daughter on her very cute hairstyle! Funny she didn’t mention my hairstyle.  I’m convinced that  the Caribbean humidity spoils my hair. I had used the straightening iron on my hair just before we headed downstairs to the dining room.  By the time we were seated, maybe even before we were seated, my hair was a mass of waves. What’s the point in spending any amount of time on my hair while on vacation?

After ‘Encore’, the title of the entertainment last night, we went for a quick bite at the Blue Lagoon. I’m  not sure why we went.  None of us were hungry. We had just had a magnificent supper a few hours beforehand. But, hey, we paid for food and it’s always available.

So, after our little snack we came back to our tiny room. The people or person who turned down our room had left a cute little towel-bunny on our bed. After admiring our little bunny we crawled into bed! I had a great sleep until nature called in the middle of the night. It was really too bad that I had to be awakened in the midst of a great sleep. I wouldn’t have known how much the boat was moving otherwise.  So when I  crawled back into bed I couldn’t fall asleep because of the motion.  Eventually I must have fallen asleep, but it was a long time in coming. I woke up somewhat refreshed and eager for another day on the Arnelien Family Adventure!

Monday Feb. 21

Miami skyline from the ship

Enjoying a quick bite before departure

Spectacular view from the ship

View from our stateroom

As soon as we climbed onboard we set off on our adventure. I must say, after just 1 day on the ship, I am extremely happy. The crew is very friendly, and the entertainment last night was exceptional. I was a little concerned after our last cruise with the same cruise line because the entertainment was not good on that ship.

Last night there was broadway style music, introduction to the main crew, The Jersey boys from Vegas, and a funny comedian. You’d think I wouldn’t have to clarify that the comedian was funny, but we have seen some not so funny comedians.

After the show my darling daughter and I went back to our tiny room and crawled into our beds!  Yes, beds!  The boys went to the theatre  for the late movie – Dinner for Schmuks. 

We had a great first day on our family vacation!



The Situation - Feb. 20

“We have a situation,” said Othane, the  Night Auditor as we checked into our hotel  late last night, or early this morning, depending on which way one looks at it.  I booked our hotel room in Fort Lauderdale the end of October, 2011. I had the reservation slip with me, proving that we had confirmation for 2 beds.  I was reluctant to find our what the situation was. It probably didn’t help matters that I had been up since 3:45 am. When I’m tired I tend to be grumpy, or giddy. Never in between. And I never know until I’m  smack dab in the middle of my fatigue which way my  emotions will swing. When I was informed of the “situation” I swung to grump mode. Full force. The hotel had overbooked. They had only 1 room left, with 1 bed. No couch. No cots. Just 1 bed.  Well, there was a fine  “welcome to the U S of A” moment. 

And what really sparked off the sizzle in me was the fact that we had to show our photo ID at check in. The Americans didn’t have to.  I watched “Dave” check in the American tourists – no photo ID for them. 

When we were getting ready for the bed last night, all 4 of us, my sweetheart said, “pretty soon we’ll be laughing about this.”  And my darling daughter said, “you know, we really have lots to be thankful for, don’t we?”  Yeah, pretty much, we’re thankful we get along as good as we do. After all, this is a family bonding vacation. Can ‘t get much more bonded than sleeping, snuggled up, like 4 peas in a pod, in 1 bed

So, after a restless sleep for most of the Arnelien clan, and no sleep for me, we jumped out of bed, like 4 little monkeys, and headed down for the continental breakfast.  That was the 1 redeeming quality of the hotel, a free breakfast. After breakfast we grabbed our luggage and headed out to the driveway and waited for out shuttle to the port. The Americans on board were very friendly. They were from Wyoming. Then we picked up some fellow Canadians – they were so much fun – we wished they were coming on our cruise. The shuttle ride really was fun. There were only 2 difficult moments for me; we saw a man on the highway holding up a sign ‘needs work’, and then I looked under a bridge and saw a homeless person with all their wordly possessions, hunkered down for the long haul.

After our shuttle ride, right to our cruise ship, we embarked . Hopefully with no more ‘situations.’

Grade A



You know, before you go through customs at an airport, and you're handed a "customs declaration" card to fill out - you know that thing? Well, as usual, my sweetheart handed it to me to fill out accurately and honestly. And I did, of course. So, when the friendly customs officer checked it over he put his stamp of approval on it - a great big letter A in red ink!  I was ecstatic!  I was overjoyed!  I received the passing grade for filling it out correctly. I didn't see any other great big red letter A's on the other customs cards.

Oh, maybe it wasn't a good thing.

We were soon to find out as we were pointed to the interrogation room.  The room with 3 or 4 other people out of the hundreds in customs.

The only thing I hadn't checked "yes" for was - have you been on a farm?  Apparently, maybe the A was for Agriculture. I guess they had to check and make sure we weren't bringing in any farm diseases to the U S of A!

Well, now you know!



Air Bound



We're here - at airport #1.  We arrived about an hour ago, checked in, went through security with no problems, grabbed a snack at Tim Horton's, and found a spot to plug my laptop in. So while I'm sitting here blogging about the events of last night and this morning, I'm watching my sweetheart, with his feet up, listening to tunes on his i-pod. Our son is sitting right beside me, with some sort of technical gadget occupying his time. Our daughter has joined her Dad and is sitting with her feet up, with an i-pod in her ear too.Well, the i-pod isn't in her ear- just the earphones. And I'm wondering if that's what it's called. And as usual, I am people watching. That's the perk of being a woman - not only can my fingers fly over the keyboard, I can observe all the people in my vicinity as I'm typing, or keyboarding as may be the correct term. I don't know, I'm just pretty sure that what I'm doing right now is not typing.

My night was uneventful. Except for the fact that I slept-soundly. I didn't hear my sweetheart snoring, nor did I hear our daughter tell him so, after she had gotten out of her bed and came over to ours and tapped him on the shoulder. So I guess, maybe my night was not uneventful. It will be forever remembered by me as the first time I have ever slept the night before a flight. I was at peace, and I was also tired. I was very tired. All that packing played me out. I guess I was the only 1 in our family that had a good sleep. And to be honest, I had a great sleep. I was awakened by Keith Urban singing on my son's cell phone.  That grabbed my attention.  I have the same phone as my son and I did not know Keith Urban could wake me up. He explained to his Dad and I how he had made that happen.  It was way beyond what we could comprehend. Anyway,  I'm well rested for our long and tiring day that will be spent in airports.

So, now I guess it's time to put away my laptop. The clock on the wall is telling me that it will soon be time to board. I was kind of hoping that maybe Keith Urban would come and sing to us that it's time to get going.

Waiting for Pizza



We are beginning our vacation adventure. Our animals are content and being well taken care of. Our home is safe and secure thanks to our great neighbors. The highway to the city was in great winter travelling condition. We are staying in a brand new hotel with free shuttle service to the airport. I have my laptop with me. The car is plugged in. The pizza delivery person will be here soon.  And we are getting excited. Very excited!

I think that maybe the anticipation is the funnest part of the holiday.  We've never been to this destination. We are wondering what it will be like where we're going. Right now, the tv in our hotel room is on, and the program setting is where we'll be tomorrow night. I'm looking at the scenery and trying to imagine us being there! I am really looking forward to spending an entire week with my dear family.  I wonder what we'll be doing 48 hours from now. I can imagine what we might be doing, but that doesn't mean we will be doing that. We might be doing something completely different!

We might be at our destination then, waiting for pizza!  I doubt it though! Lobster will be more like it!

Nightmare or Adventure?



We are going on a family vacation. Guess where? The destination will be marvellous, but the journey to get there is already tiring me out, and we haven't left yet. I'm not overly thrilled about the airport part of the holiday. Security.  Long lines. Impatient travellers. Grumpy Customs people. But we have to go through all that to get to where we're going. The airport leg of the vacation is only a means to an end. So I'm trying to figure out what I can do, and what we, as a family can do to survive the airport nightmare.

We will be leaving 1 airport at 7 am. We have to be there a couple hours before our departure.  Then when we get to the next airport we will have 8 hours, considering we're not delayed. 8 hours to retrieve our luggage, send it off again, go through security, and customs I think, and wait. At least it will be in the middle of the day.  Shops will be open. Restaurants will be open. My son is planning on taking a deck of cards.  That will help to waste some time. I enjoy "people watching".  I'm pretty sure my family thinks I'm an odd duck for that hobby. But I like to observe people. I wonder what they're doing at the airport. Some look excited. Small kids are so fun to watch. I imagine that for some of them this is their first airplane trip.   Some are sad.  The last time I flew there was 1 young woman waiting at the gate in tears. She cried all the time. I felt bad for her.  I imagine that someone she loved had died and she was going somewhere where she needed to be. Some are rude. Some go above and beyond what they need to do to help other travellers. I noticed this that last time I flew too. It was heart-warming.

Maybe we won't experience a nightmare at the airport after all. Maybe that's the problem.  Perspective.  I need to change my perspective.  Instead of dreading a nightmare I should anticipate an adventure. The Arnelien Airport Adventure. I'm already excited!  Where will the luggage go? Can I coax a smile out of the Customs Officer? Will I be 1 of the brave ones signalled out for the scan at securtiy? Will we discover a nook in the airport where we can use our time to challenge each other in a game of cards?

Maybe the means to the end will be part of the excitement of the vacation. I'll know soon enough. And so will you!

Dinner At Mom's

During the past few years it has been on the rare occasion that Mom has invited us in for supper. Mom lives in a teeny tiny senior unit, barely big enough for her, let alone 4 extras for supper. So when she phoned last night to invite us in for supper tonight, I wasn't surprised at all. She had been in the library on Monday, and I had casually commented that I thought I might update my facebook status to say, 'This would be a great week for anyone to invite us for supper since our stove isn't working...'  I said it very tongue in cheek, with no intention of putting it on my facebook status. In fact Mom and I laughed about it. So when she phoned, I of course, said we'd be there. Then I wouldn't have to worry about cooking supper on the stove that I can't use.

And since I can't use my clothes dryer, I jumped at the opportunity to wash a few loads of towels, knowing that they could be dried at mom's and at my father's- in -law. Or is it father -in law's? When I look out Mom's dining room window at the back of her unit, I can see my father- in -law's unit - just over there.  Close enough to throw a rock at his window. My sweetheart took 1 basket of wet towels to his Dad's, and I hefted the other basket and went to Mom's. So while we were dining on beef on a bun and baked beans in Mom's living room, on the tv trays, the clothes dryers were drying the towels. After the home made apple pie was eaten and the tea was finished, the towels were dried, and  our visit was over, we came home.  Content. Happy that my Mom is happy in her senior unit.  Happy that she was able to 'mother' me. Happy that she is healthy. Happy that I have my Mom still. Happy to live so close to her.

Thanks Mom!

It Could Have Been Worse

When things go wrong on the farm, or anywhere for that matter, as things are prone to do, I would imagine that there is always a silver lining somewhere behind the clouds. Like yesterday for example.

Our silver lining yesterday was the fact that we were home. We could have been in the Caribbean on our upcoming family vacation.  But we were home. My sweetheart and I were discussing last night how fortunate we were that it happened when we were home.  We could have come home to a mess of epic proportions. But we were home.  Ahhh.  That's a sigh.

At 7:00 am I got up to let the dogs out, and when I looked at the microwave to check the time, even though I knew it was 7:00 am, there was no digital read- out on the clock. Or on the stove. But the power wasn't out - our clock radio in the bedroom was working, I had the lights on. So I went back to the bedroom and told my darling that the breaker must have went, because, in my opinion, that is why the clocks on the ovens weren't working.

He went downstairs to explore. Well, maybe not explore, but if you saw our storage room where the circuit boxie thing is, you would think that he was on an exploration quest. The storage room really needs to be cleaned out. He couldn't figure out what was wrong.  You see, we had power to some of the house. Not all of it. Some of the plug ins worked, half of them worked, the others didn't. All of the lights worked. The pressure system wasn't working. But the freezers and the fridge were. 'Twas a mystery. The local electrician came and went downstairs and was checking things out. I find it amazing how anyone can look at wires, or cables, or stuff like that that I can't wrap my brain around, and figure out what to do. Imagine my look of shock when, after going out to the power pole, he came back in and had to phone someone else. Someone else who would be able to come and figure out where the problem was. They (the electrician and my sweetheart) think that maybe a cable might have got nicked sometime and was the cause of the problem. The person who would be able to come and locate exactly where the problem is, is on vacation in Florida. AAAAH - that is not a sigh.  So, I prayed.  I said, "Lord, none of this is a surprise to you. Help me cope."

The local electrician was able to work his magic and do something, and we are able to use almost everything. Not the clothes dryer or the stove. I'm not up against a brick wall with either.  I can use my microwave, and my toaster oven. I can wash clothes, and my neighbor has offered me access to her clothes dryer. I have quite a few loads of laundry piled up right now. Some are in the wash. Now I have to hurry up and jump in the shower - I'm not going over to the neighbor's with a towel on my head.

My Valentine from Dad



I frantically searched in the basement office and storage room trying to find my Valentine Card from my Dad. I'm pretty sure I have it anyway.  I'm pretty sure I glued it into a scrapbook I made while in high school, at LCBI back in the very early '80's. What is so significant about that Valentine Card is that it was the only Valentine Card I ever received from him. And it was just from him.  He signed it 'love, Dad';  not 'love, Mom and Dad'.  It was just from him.  A beautiful card for a daughter from her Dad.  Mom didn't even know he had sent it to me. I'm trying to picture him going to the store, reading cards and picking a card out for me. It was so rare and unexpected and so unlike dad, and therefore so....treasured.

Dad was not the type of person to gush about his loving feelings. It was very rare to hear him say, "I love you".  He was of the generation that was like that. But he showed his love in different ways. He was always available. He was always complimentary - he always said, "mmmmm" in a good way when he would sample my baking. He would get teary eyed whenever he heard me sing. He taught me how to play cribbage and would play cribbage with me anytime I wanted. He would always make sure my car was in good running order and full of gas. He came to every school concert, piano recital, every choir concert. It didn't matter if it was seeding time, or harvest time.  If I needed my Dad for anything, he was available. Dad was a gentle, tender, loving soul.  I never ever doubted his love for me.  So, on that Valentine's Day, 30 years ago when I received a Valentine from my Dad I was overjoyed.  Likely dumbfounded. And I had the tangible proof of my Dad's love in ink, his handwritten 'I love  you'. A treasure I have stored in my heart all these years.

I have another handwritten "I love you" from my Heavenly Father.  Another treasure. My Bible. My love letter from God. In it He tells me He loves me so much that He sent Jesus to be my Saviour.  And that by trusting Him I am assured of being in Heaven when I die. I am looking forward to seeing my Savior face to face.  And I am looking forward to being reunited with my Father and hearing him say, "I love you, my daughter."



Two Blogs in One Day

I hadn't planned on blogging again today, but as I was sitting beside my laptop, folding laundry, I was reminded of the people for whom I do laundry for, and was thankful.  Then I remembered that this was the weekend and therefore time for my weekly Thankfulness Report!

So, on this weekend, as I reflect on the past week, I am adding to my list of things to be thankful for:

31. a chat on the phone with my good friend, Carla! Carla lives in New York.  She has the most beautiful soprano voice that I have ever heard.  And Carla - if you are reading this - I'm still praying....
32. my conversation with my dear friend Heather. Heather has been my dear dear friend since we met at LCBI, back in September of 1979. She would appreciate your prayers too, I know. Pray for comfort for her ~ her father recently passed away.
33. The opportunities to pray for my friends, knowing that God hears my prayers.
34. 17 blessed years with my Sweetheart.
35. Lawrence Welk and the opportunity to go to the Lawrence Welk show last night.
36. Boston Pizza - I wish they had rewards for frequent guests!
37. I am thankful that my awful cold disappeared so quickly.
38.  I am thankful for the people who have been praying for my health.
39. I am thankful for the warmer temperatures we have been enjoying the past few days.
40. I am thankful for the excellent grips on my winter boots.

My list is small,but my gratefulness is huge!  And in the words of the Lutheran Liturgy - 'Thanks be to God'!

The Waffle Iron

It's 11:30 am and I'm still in my jammies.  Right now I have a towel on my head, waiting for the neighbor's 16 year old son to come and get some eggs. I don't want him to see my bedhead and think I'm lazy.  He might think I'm lazy when he sees me in my bathrobe. The towel on the head is a very quick fix. It really works in a pinch. The neighbor's 16 year old son is getting eggs from us because his mom is making LUNCH and ran out of eggs.  We just finished BREAKFAST.

Last night, when my husband and I  were laying in bed, reminiscing about our wedding day, and talking about the Lawrence Welk Show that we had just had the great opportunity to see on our anniversary, my husband gazed lovingly into my eyes and said, "I'll make you breakfast in the morning." I could hardly wait for morning to come! Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and it's even better when I can lounge in my recliner with my coffee knowing that someone is preparing breakfast for me!

While I was lounging, in my bathrobe and with my coffee, my spectacular spouse was stirring up a feast in the kitchen. The mixer was mixing, the blender was blending, the frypans were frying, and then, finally, the waffle iron was heating up, ready for the homemade batter to be poured.

Soon we were enjoying our waffles with hashbrowns, turkey bacon, smoothies and coffee. Well, I was really enjoying anyway.  There's something special about waffles for me; especially waffles prepared with love and cooked in the waffle iron. My waffle iron has a history. It used to be Mom's.  I believe it was a wedding gift for her and Dad, so that means my waffle iron is soon going to be 54 years old. 

Mom and Dad were married in 1957, and in the years since,I wonder how many waffles have been cooked on that waffle iron. I can picture Mom in the old farmhouse, with the yellow cabinets that Dad had built for her in 1975 when I was 11, pouring waffle batter into that waffle iron. It would have been cooking waffles for 18 years by then. And then, 10 years later when Mom and Dad built their new house in town, I remember coming home on long weekends and watching Mom pour waffle batter into the same waffle iron.

After Dad died, Mom decided to downsize and move from the new house, with the big long driveway that she hated to shovel in the wintertime, into a senior unit. She wouldn't have room in her cozy  new pad for family gatherings so she bestowed on me the treasured waffle iron.  When our new kitchen was finished 3 years ago, we celebrated by having my Mom and Danny's dad out for brunch.  The first meal in my new kitchen was that brunch. And we had waffles. Waffles made in the waffle iron that for so many years had been lovingly prepared by my Mom for her family.  Now the waffle iron is cooking waffles lovingly prepared by me for my family. And this morning I was the recipient of waffles lovingly prepared by my husband.

I wonder how many more waffles will be cooked in the waffle iron before it's passed down to the next generation. I don't know, but I do know that they will be waffles prepared with love.



'Til Death Do Us Part

Seventeen years ago today I married Danny. He married me. In God's eyes we became one. One heart, one purpose, one unit. For better and worse. For richer and poorer.  In sickness and in health. We are sticking together. We took our vows seriously. We covenanted with God.

We entered into marriage eagerly, yet with trepidation. So many marriages around us weren't lasting. Would we become another divorce statistic? No, we decided that we were, with God's help and blessing, going to 'buck the trend' so to speak. We were, and are, making our marriage work.

Yes, we've have our arguments and disagreements. But we worked through them. And they really have strengthened our commitment to each other. Sometimes 1 of us has had to bend to meet the other 1 where needed. Sometimes we've had to give each other space. Not very often.

But never has our marriage been based on the false 50-50 idea. We are in it 100-100. We each give 100% - sometimes Danny gives way more.  He's very giving and very forgiving. I am blessed to have him.

I feel terrible and very sad to hear about marriages ending. Why? Do people just give up? I heard something on TV once that made me look at Danny completely differently. An author and marriage expert was being interviewed on a Christian television program. When a couple was in counselling, ready to throw in the towel, but not wanting to, the question posed to the husband was, " When you get to heaven, how will you answer the Lord when He asks you, 'how have you treasured my daughter?' 'how have you honoured her?' "      The husband looked at his wife in a  whole different  light.  He saw her, not as his - per se, but as the Lord's treasured daughter. Their marriage survived.  I know Danny is a gift for me.  I hope I treasure him and honour  him and love him as the Lord does.  That is my prayer.

Happy Anniversary, my love.



Cherry Dessert & Christmas



My brother texted me today, asking for the recipe for Mom's Cherry Dessert. I haven't made Cherry Dessert for, oh, maybe 30 years. Mom usually always made it, but I'm pretty sure I made it 1 year for Christmas. In my memory, we only had Cherry Dessert at Christmas. So I phoned Mom for the recipe. It's pretty simple -

graham wafer crust - you can find that recipe  on the graham wafer crumb box. Mom always bakes the crust in a 9 x 13 pan. You'll want to reserve a few of the crumbs though, to sprinkle on the top later.

1 tin of cherry pie filling.  When the crust is cooled, spread the cherries on top.

Whipped cream and mini marshmallows - Make as much whipped cream as you like, and fold in as many mini marshmallows as you want.  Spread this on the cherry pie filling.

Reserved graham wafer crumbs - sprinkle on top of the whipped cream.

Refrigerate and enjoy!  Really enjoy if you have room in your tummy after the big meal that you probably just devoured.

We usually had Cherry Dessert, with coffee or tea, after feasting on turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, carrots, turnips, salads (minimum 2 salads - 1 fruit and 1 veggie), homemade buns and lefse. How we had room for all that is beyond me. But we did, and then a few hours later - out came the butter tarts, cookies, slices, leftover turkey and cranberries for the buns, pickles, more coffee and more tea. We obviously had worked up an appetite after supper by playing all those games and card games.

Christmas, back in the day, was the highlight of my year. The anticipation was electrifying. The Christmas tree couldn't be put up fast enough.  And then, when the presents came out -oh, that was so exciting! Back then, Christmas presents were truly treasures. We weren't in the grips of consumerism like we are now. Every gift was appreciated; for we only received new things at Christmas time and maybe for birthdays. In my circumstance, I usually got an article of clothing for my birthday. Christmas was for toys, and games. When I was a teenager I got a camera. That was spectacular. A Kodak. The film would last for a long time - sometimes months, and then it was sent away for developing, and then when it came back, likely in the summer, we'd be looking at pictures taken at Christmas!

There were lots of relatives sharing Christmas dinner with us - Auntie Evelyn and her family, Aunt Shirley and her family, Grandpa and the boys, and us. Twenty some people around the table was very common. We alternated Christmases among the aunts and us.  And alway, there was lots of food, lots of laughter, lots of games, and lots of Cherry Dessert.

I'm wondering why my brother wants that recipe now. Christmas is a ways off. Must be Valentine's!

TO BElieveth OR NOT TO BElieveth

The following dramatization is based on fact. Certain names and places may have been changed to protect the almost innocent.

Setting - in a farm house, on a cold winter afternoon, before supper, after school


Scene 1
Bradenski: ( young man, approximately 16 years old, handsome)  (with a smirk)  Oh Mother, Guess whateth?

Mother:  What, dear Son?

Bradenski:  Steffanski and I were kicketh out of math class today.  (big laugh)

Mother: (with bewildered expression)  Oh, dear Son, Ha! Ha!  I don't believeth you.

Bradenski:  Oh, but Mother, 'tis true.

Mother: Ha! Ha! Nice attempt at trying to foil me!  I knoweth in my heart of hearts that my dear Son would
             never be kicked out of math class.

Bradenski: (looking disappointed at his Mother for not believing him)  But Mother, 'tis true.  Steffanski and I
                  were seriously kicked out of math class.  What must I do to help you see I'm telling the truth?

Mother:  Dear Son, what could you have possibly done to distress poor Miss Coopie and have her dismiss
              you from math class?

Bradenski:  Oh Mother Dear, Steffanski and I were giggling and asked to remove ourselves henceforth from
                 class until such a time that we are able to maintain a decorum of composure.

Mother:  Son, dearest Son, I will talk to Miss Coopie tomorrow at midday to ascertain whether or not thou
              tellest the truth.  (big smile)

Bradenski:  Oh, thank you Mother Dear....

Scene 2 - modern day, school hallway


Teacher: Mother Your son, Bradenski told me you would be wanting to talk to me.

Mother: Yeah, he told me he was kicked out of your class and I don't believe him.

Teacher: (with a gentle smile)  It's true - he was giggling and wouldn't quit, so I asked him and Steffanski to
              leave until they would be able to settle down.

Mother: oh......



THE END

A Cold and Warm Day

I love the beauty of sunrises. It's God's promise of another new day. I took this picture this morning - I was trying to capture a snapshot of the cold. It was very cold this morning. When the school bus pulled into our yard it was -36 with the windchill.  But inside the house this morning, the goodness of home made soup, ready to take the bite out of the cold, was simmering on the stove. Ready to provide inner warmth.

The soup wasn't for my family though. I carried it out to the cold car, drove to the school, warmed it up again with 2 other big pots of soup. Ready to bring warmth and  nutrition for our "once a month hot lunches" prepared lovingly by the moms on our local school community council. What a great day for hot soup! Almost half of the student body had pre-ordered their hot meal.  This month's meal consisted of home made soup, sub sandwiches, and yogurt and fruit. I grabbed the opportunity to wheel the food trolley to the classroom of the youngest kids at the school. It would have been difficult for them to balance all the containers without spilling.

I enjoy the camaraderie between the moms working in the kitchen. It's a time to catch up on the latest news. Laugh. Talk. Talk. Clean up. It's almost a shame that my 2 year term on the school council will be up in June. I enjoy going to the school and seeing all the students and staff.  It's good to be able to serve them by feeding them.

My time at the school today seemed to fly by. I made enough soup; we will be having the extra tonight for supper. And if you have a hankering for corn chowder here's my recipe.

Heather's Corn Chowder

3-4 slices bacon - fried brown and crispy, then crumbled
2 - 3 med. potatoes - cut into small chunks
1/4 small onion, chopped fine
1 tin cream of mushroom soup
1 tin creamed corn
1 creamed corn tin filled with milk
salt and pepper to taste

Boil potatoes and onion in pan that bacon was fried in. Remove and strain when done.
In another pot combine soup, corn, milk. bacon, salt and pepper. Warm through completely. Add potatoes and onion when cooked. Cook and stir until chowder starts to bubble. Serve immediately!  Enjoy!



Max to the Rescue



I love the title of this book! Cure for the Common Life!  And the cover picture - perfect!  It intrigued me enough to buy it a few years back. Captivating title. Whimsical picture. And 1 of my favorite authors! Max Lucado. I have a few favorite authors, but Max's books have always challenged me. His books are so authentic.  And funny in places. He can make me laugh out loud. He can make me cry too. His books have always been what I've needed at the time I've read them. He explains passages from the Bible in an excellent way. Applicable to everyday life.  Geared for the average, ordinary person.

A few Sundays ago, on 1 of our "no church today" Sundays, Danny encouraged me to find a devotion book, or something like that, that we could read as a family.  I pulled this book off the shelf. I started reading it to the family. We read 1 chapter.  Then put it away for the next "no church Sunday."  That was yesterday. Not that we didn't have church.  I was invited to sing in Swift Current, and excitedly said I would, then when yesterday morning came around, there was a no travel advisory for our highway.  So we stayed home. Max came to the rescue. Yesterday we read about our gifts and talents and interests. And how unique each one of us is. And how some parents think the profession they have should be 1 their children should maybe have - example a farmer whose dad farmed, and whose grandpa farmed, and how the next generation should maybe farm. Seriously! Danny thought I was making that part up when I was reading it. I showed him the paragraph in the book where I was reading from. We had a good chuckle over that. In the last few months he had been thinking that maybe Braden would like to farm. Then we read that.  How timely!  Whether or not Braden farms, what he choses as his vocation in life, will have to be what interests him. What his unique make up inspires him to do.What God has created him to do. If it's farming - great!  If not - great! We know that the Lord is directing Braden's path, and Emily's path, and our path. He has given each of us our own unique talents and gifts and abilities and areas of interest. So why not do what we were created and meant to do?

Thanks Max!

I'm Thankful For....

This past week flew by.  I can't believe it's Sunday already!  The weekend! As I pause and reflect on the week that was, I am again thankful.  I am thankful for:

21. the opportunity to work at 2 library branches this week
22. knowing that my husband doesn't mind driving for band when I'm filling in at work
23. the excellent report cards both teens brought home
24. the encouragement and knowledge that their teachers impart to them
25. Emily's band that performed "Oh Canada" so well at the Broncos hockey game on Friday night.
26. the date Danny & I had at the hockey game
27. the beautiful bouquet of roses that my sweetheart surprised me with this week - for no reason.
28. the beautiful bouquet of roses that Emily's Dad presented to her this week - just because.
29. the opportunity that Braden had to take his last "drive" with the driver instructor before he tries for his license.
30. I am thankful that we do not need to be out on the treacherous highway today when there is an advisory for no travel.

It's hard to limit my reasons for thankfulness to just 10, but it is so easy to find the reasons for thankfulness each week. I pray that you can find reasons to rejoice too!

Update



This picture made me smile; it was indicative of exactly how I was feeling this morning. I don't think the exhausted-looking woman on the treadmill looks particularly happy, but she is perhaps happily persevering. or, maybe just persevering. Like me.  Persevering. Struggling. But persevering nonetheless.

Today marks the 1 month milestone. Maybe I should call it the kilometerstone. The treadmill in our basement is marking each step, well many steps, by the kilometer. And I've been putting many "kliks" on it. I'm not really enjoying it, but I am enjoying the satisfaction that comes each day after I have done it. And I do enjoy watching 100 Huntley Street while huffing and puffing along.  And I am very happy to report that I am up to 50 minutes a day on the dreaded treadmill. 50 minutes!  Who knew I had it in me? I'm smiling just thinking that I was on the treadmill for 50 minutes!! I'm increasing the duration by 5 minutes per week. I will keep increasing until I reach the 1 hour mark. I will not go longer than 1 hour.  My TV program is only an hour in length after all.

Along with the treadmill I am tackling the weights. I've increased the weights just this week. I can do some of the exercises with the increased weights, but there are a few that I just can't muster up the strength to do.  So I keep at the same weight, but I'm doing it, and that's the main thing.

Also, I ordered a set of exercise DVD's  - Wholy Fit. The woman behind that was on 100 Huntley Street.  What else? So, I was intrigued and gave her a phone call. My set is already in the mail. And you know what?  I'm excited about that! Go figure!

And here's some more news - the jeans that I bought at Costco 2 days after Christmas, that I couldn't get over my hips when I tried them on at home, and that I could get over my hips at my last exercise update, are now zip-upable!  I can zip them up and even breathe in them!  I'm still not wearing them. Maybe by the next exercise update....

My theme through all this is "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." ( Philippians 4:13)  Even exercise daily!