Wednesday 28 February 2018

Wednesday this and that . . .


I can't believe we are on Wednesday already, not to mention the last day in February.  How will March come in?  Lion or Lamb.  I know it is predicted to come in like a Lion here and if the disruptive weather we had yesterday is anything to go by with more of the same in the offing, I would say its a fair prediction! 


The camelia by our front door has started to burst into bloom.  Someone forgot to tell it that Winter is not quite finished . . . 

  

I snapped these with my phone yesterday when we got back from my blood test appointment. The roads were a bit dicey, so it was a good thing we only had to go around the corner.  By afternoon most of it had melted off the pavement, but it is freezing cold again this morning, so I expect it will be a very icy start for some.  Our Sybil and Mary are off on their travels again, so I do hope that they don't experience much disruption to their plans with flights, etc. I always say the most annoying/stressful part of any holiday is getting to the airport and getting booked in for your flight, etc.  It shouldn't be, but it is.


I had a wonderful start to my day this morning with a fabulous conversation on FB with my cousin Hal. Hal is my Aunt Freda's middle son.  He owns a very popular and successful Pizza Place back in my home town called The Pizza Factory.  We don't talk near often enough, so this was really nice. I think he is planning on popping over to see mum sometime soon, which will really please her, and give her something special to think and talk about.  He is a good, good man, but I am a bit biased.  I think all my family are good, good people.  If you are ever in Middleton, Nova Scotia and looking for a good pizza, check out The Pizza Factory. It is the best in the valley, and they sell it by the slice.  He was telling me this morning that they are supplying the lunch program for all the Schools now, which is great!  Good pizza speaks for itself!  So proud of him! 


I know what you are thinking  . . .  why are we looking at a picture of your dishwasher again.  Well, I will tell you why . . . *grumble*grumble*   We finally got it back from the shop late last week. I have used it for exactly four times.  ONE TWO THREE FOUR  After having them keep it in their shop for over a week for repairs, and having had three call out repairs prior to that, it is now doing the same thing again!  UGH!  I turned it on last night before bed and came down this morning to see that it was making that same noise and had not turned itself off.  I reckon its about time they replaced the damn thing.  Enough of whacking on a dead horse.  They have dragged it to the water, but its just not drinking folks!  How much you want to bet that they send a repair man out again and the problem repeats itself.  Nevermind that the cost of the repairs thus far have probably surpassed the cost of a new one! I truly think its time to call it a day and cough up on their promise to repair or replace.  That is the reason we pay them the big bucks. 

  

We watched a fascinating show on Netflix last night called "The Push."  The premise of the show is "Can we be manipulated through Social Pressure to commit murder?"  Its about how readily we hand over ownership of our lives every day. The programme saw Brown setting up a social experiment looking at the powers of compliance and obedience.  I found it a bit disturbing, but also extremely fascinating.  I won't tell you how it ended, but I can tell you that you will be surprised and maybe not so surprised.  We found ourselves asking ourselves . . .  would we?  I highly recommend a watch!  I know I am a very compliant person. I will do almost anything for anyone, but do I create more problems for myself than need be by doing so . . . hmmm . . . food for thought there. 

Great show.  There are supposed to be a further two or so
episodes planned for this year and I look
forward to them!

I should have been a psychologist! 


My sister is going for her first cataract surgery today.  Please keep her in your prayers for a safe journey, successful operation and complete recovery! She has another one to look forward to in a few weeks time.  Todd has a cataract, but they are waiting until it gets to a certain point before they operate and I was told that I have the start of one in one eye, I forget which one. It sounds like they are a very common thing as you get older.  I think the wonders of modern medicine are miraculous . . .  the things that they can do are amazing.  Years and years ago, people just went blind.  I am carrying you Sis. Hope all goes well. ♥♥♥ 


I had the mother of all headaches yesterday. I could not shake it.  It lasted the whole day through right on up until I went to bed last night.  Thankfully it seems to have gone off this morning.  I am not sure what the cause of it was, but nothing would budge it.  Stress maybe?  I don't know.  I ended up having to use my spray last evening, and boy did it sting, but it worked.  I never had any more twinges the rest of the night and slept like a baby once I fell asleep, right through until this morning. Disturbing dreams however, and you know how very vivid my dreams are.  I dreamt I was under the control of a very abusive partner who was very evil.  I was trying to figure out a way to get away from him, but he kept thwarting me at every turn.  I was happy to wake up and shake it off.  I hate dreams like that! 

  

I had a lovely catch-up on the phone yesterday with an old friend that I had not spoken to in probably a year.  I was telling her about that person who did me wrong re my book and the review, etc.  I wanted to talk to someone who knows both of us and who has spent time with both of us in person, and see if my hurt over this was real, or was I imagining something that wasn't there. I told her I felt it was the worst mistake I had ever made in my career in trusting this other person, and I wanted to know if I should confront them, or was it all in my mind.  She revealed to me just how vitriolic this person had been about me in past years when we were all hosts over on the RecipeZaar platform, and how vindictive and mean spirited her conversations about me had been, (which I did not know about).  I wish I had known because I would not have trusted her in the least with something which was so precious to me.   I still can't get my head around the mean-spiritedness of some people, and there is a part of me that wants to shout out to the world, don't read this person's blog.  She is bad karma.  But I am too  nice to do that.  But my friend and I agreed that letting her know she had adversely affected me in this way would only give this nasty person more to hurt me with, and that I should let karma take care of itself.  I do believe that what goes around comes around, and I felt better for having discussed this with someone who knows us both and that I totally trust.  I don't think I will ever be able to understand the vindictiveness of others, and maybe that's a good thing.

But we are supposed to be talking about happy things! 


I don't know how she puts up with me and my pestering her when 
she is sleeping.  I just have to go and cuddle her when 
she is being so cute.

Its okay though.
I usually reward her with cheese.
So she doesn't mind too, too much.

 

March Hares  . . . 

Have you ever wondered where the term "Mad as a March Hare" comes from?   Its an expression that has been in use for over 600 years.  One of the most delightful sights of spring has to be their mating rituals, which sees the hares seemingly boxing each other, dancing in the air, to win the approval of their prospective mates. It is usually the female landing the blows, fending off over amorous males. It is also thought this behaviour is aimed at testing the male's strength before deciding whether to proceed on the next step of courtship. Either way, in the still bare March fields this is the best opportunity to view these otherwise mainly nocturnal animals.  


Whatever  . . . 

  

Hares do fascinate me . . . they really do. Kind of like miniature kangaroos . . .
without the pouches.


 And with that I will leave you with a thought for the day  . . . 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~\。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ | 田田 |門 ★

 *.˛
If you sleep with rabbits,
you'll wake up with hairs.
~Anthony T Hinks    •。★★ 。* 。 


 

BOOK OF MORMON CORNER

Today's Reading - Mosiah 11:16-29   
Question - What have you learnt from the reading today? How does the Lord's message apply to us today? 

Thoughts - This is what stood out to me today. 'Except "Marie" repents and turns unto the Lord her God, she shall be brought into bondage; and none shall deliver her, except it be the Lord the Almighty God'. This is pure truth found in verse 23. Deliverance comes from the Lord, I cannot deliver myself. I have to incline my heart to His, and allow His will to be done in my life, or I will be brought into bondage, which to me is cycles of compulsive behaviour. But the truth is He is almighty, He is the deliverer, He is my Saviour.

 Last year when I read this scripture, I was taught this, and I needed to write it out and read it again at this time. This year is hammer time, time when what I have learned in the past is put to the test!! Also it shows me that the Book of Mormon is an inspired book, a living book. "This is what I felt/heard as I read the scriptures. Put ME (meaning God) first and everything will be ok. Love ME first and you will have more than enough love for everyone else. Think of ME first and you will find your answers. Trust ME first and you will feel secure in my arms. Seek ME first and you will be filled. In ME you will find rest to your soul. In ME you will find light, a perfect brightness of hope to dispel the darkness of fear and doubt. He asks us to put HIM first because of what it does for US".

This was the  note I had already written in the margins next to this scripture from last year.  It amazes me (but really shouldn't) how the scriptures are always able to speak to me right where I am at, at the most perfect of times.

Tomorrow's Reading (Day 110) - Mosiah 12:1-16 
Question - Why do you think the Lord threatens to smite Noah's people? What do you think is the purpose of it? 


 

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Scalloped Chicken Supreme.  A delicious casserole composed of leftover chicken, cooked rice, a gravy and sauteed mushrooms, peppers and toastetd almonds.  Very delicious!

Have a lovely Wednesday wherever you are and whatever you  get up to.  Don't forget! 

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════

And I do too!



PS - Just had a call from the Doctor's office.  They want me to go in at eleven as something in my blood test was highly elevated.  I have no idea what it is, but your prayers would be very much appreciated. Feeling very anxious at the moment.  😧





12 comments:

  1. I'm glad it's almost March.. wish it was April.. sick of cold weather and snow! Lol.

    I hope Sybil and Mary have a safe and wonderful trip!

    You are prob getting those headaches stressing out from that dishwasher. Tell them you feel like your getting the run around! It's plain as day that it's junk and you want a new one. Take a deep breath and be firm this time.. you can do it Marie.

    I will keep your sister in my prayers..older sister had it done and she can see alot better now.

    An abusive piece of crap, my best friend went through that with her husband.. now she's resting in peace! I helped two other friends get away from their husbands before the same thing happened to them. I got my daughter away from 3 abusive scumbags! The one she's with now isn't abusive but a scumbag stealer! She sure can pick them! Always have to watch out for her! They got in my face but I wouldn't back down bc I despise people like that! (I'm venting..sorry..it's a heated subject for me). Be thankful it's only a dream! You have a nice husband!

    I had a feeling that person was envious of you! Don't worry you have a 2nd cookbook coming. Karma.

    It's great that you got to catch up with a friend.

    Mitzie looks so cuddly there.

    Did you make that little snowman?

    Oh, that movie was "Just Like Heaven". I was listening to a band after the movie..it was a song I was thinking about.

    It's late..going to sleep.xo

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    1. That is a snowman I built when I was living down South Jan! We got lots of snow down there. We are fairly protected where we live now. Scotland is under a RED Warning today. It is considered dangerous to the life! We have had flurries, but nothing too bad. Bitterly cold though. I have put the film on my "to Watch" list. I went to the Docs and my Potassium levels are highly elevated, so he redid the tests and fingers crossed the next ones come back normal. I hope and pray! Love and hugs and hope you slept well! xoxo

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    2. I hope and pray too that your tests come back normal Marie!
      Yay! Your getting a new dishwasher..finally.
      I never liked gossip either. When someone started saying something about someone, I would stop them in their tracks.. tell them I don't like gossip.Then say..how would you like it if someone was talking crap about you? Always left them speechless and I'd walk away. After awhile they knew not to approach me with nonsense. Lol. In 50's today! I woke up with my dog getting sick this morn. Yeck! Hope your day was great!xo

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    3. Great comeback Jan! You are a feisty bird! xoxo

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  2. Yes my first question is one of Jan's:) Did you want to build a snowman? And did you:)(To be sung to the tune of Frozen please;)

    Marie..I overheard discussions..in my office..that would make you cringe..talking about people..so I do know that people can be vitriolic..
    The thing is..someone's always watching..invisible to us or not..so everything I have ever done wrong..that seemed worong..I know..someone saw..maybe just my conscience..but someone saw..

    so when I would hear people talking highly of someone and I had heard what that pesron had said about them..OY I cringed inside..but could not tell them.

    Good episode on The Divorce lol last night..Sarah Jessica Parker does EVERYTHING to pull an artist out of her doldrums..gets her to paint again..gives her a one woman show..gives her a precious gift..gallery sells every painting at the show..SJP takes her protégée out to lunch to celebrate..at the end of the lunch the artist tells her she has signed exclusively w/ an important gallery..
    Never mentione one word to SJP.. don't take it personally she says..
    OMGee..

    That feeling SJP had..I know it.

    I stopped following your person a long time ago.


    If I get a bad feeling..like Jacques says..:"Why look then?".

    They had better bring you a new dishwasher or I'll call;)

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    1. I don't know why people can't just be kind Monique! I am with you on all of that! I would unfollow also, but I am intimidated by what she might do in retaliation. She is one who watches her followers carefully. I don't pay attention to any of that kind of stuff. Don't pay attention to numbers, etc. I am just happy people read/look at all. I am happy when others are happy. that is all. I have not watched The Divorce. Is it on Netflix? It sounds like I would like it. I like SJP. Good news, a new dishwasher is arriving on Tuesday! Yay! Todd lay the line down with them today, actually they were very accomodating, which makes me wonder if we shouldn't have laid it down sooner! haha That old British reserve. You know what I mean. All seated at a table in a restaurant eating a horrible meal and telling the waitress that everything is just fine, thank you. ;-) xoxo

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    2. I can't believe my first thought was good wishes for your sister and I seem to have omitted that!:( GOOD WISHES! And your Hare!!

      And ya on the dishwasher..
      I know..re you know what.;)I don't care.

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    3. I have not heard re my sister, but she did post something on facebook last night, so all must be well. LOL You are feisty too! I need to be MORE feisty! xoxo

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  3. I will be praying for your sister's surgery and for you too. Take care !

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much Pam, I do so appreciate it! Its been a stressful couple of days for me! God bless! I called my mom not long ago, and she had not heard from my sister yet. I told her just to remember that no news is good news! God bless! xoxo

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  4. Hi Marie~

    I'm so glad the roads were clear for you to go get the blood draw. The snow on the Camelia is just gorgeous.

    Nothing like a great slice of pizza, I will look them up is I ever go to, Nova Scotia! I think it's great that they supply the school with pizza, kids need good food in the lunch programs. It's so nice that you are close to your cousin! I love my cousins, but don't talk to them often enough.

    That dang dishwasher!! I hope they just replace it, you have messed around with it long enough for sure...what an irritation!

    Bob had cataracts removed from both eyes a few years ago. His vision isn't perfect, but it's better than before the surgery. I pray that your sister's surgery went well.

    That sound like kind of a scary movie...no wonder you had a headache... ;0) I'm glad it went away, and that the spray helped the angina, I would have stayed awake worrying about it!

    I will never understand people who like to put other people down. I had an experience recently with a friend, a so called friend, who made a really rude comment to me about my weight. It hurt to the core! I went for a walk with her...21/2 miles...and after the walk she said, "I think it's great that you...heavy gals...can walk that far, but you've always been so classy, I didn't pay much attention to the fact that you were heavy". Why?! I have enough demons telling me I'm fat, I didn't need her to tell me! The way someone looks isn't my first thought, ever! It hurt, and I'm not sure I can really be her friend anymore. This friend of yours, isn't a true friend. She should be rejoicing in your success!! Anyway, I love you, hold your head high!

    Oh my gosh, I'm rambling again!

    I love rabbits, I even started collecting cute little rabbits once. You're so talented, Marie, that little hare, is adorable! Loved the quote ;0)

    Trusting in Heavenly Father in everything we do is so essential, and so hard at the same time. It's so easy to let the natural man take over and fret over everything, when the answer should be easy...trust in the Lord in all we do. This is something I need to work on.

    Hugs and Love,
    Barb

    P.S. Mitzie looked so cute, I'd have to cuddle with her as well.



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    1. Thanks Barb. I know what you mean. I am also of "a size" and don't need reminding. It is blatantly obvious. People just need to keep their mouths shut on that score. Every time I facetime with my dad, he wants to know how much I weigh. I just ignore him, but it makes me bristle. As a result I dread facetiming with him because I spend the whole time wondering when he is going to ask me again and how I will evade the question next time. Some people have no couth! Iam looking forward to getting my NEW dishwasher next Tuesday! yay! I love squeaky clean dishes! Sending you lots of love and hugs. xoxo

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