Thursday thoughts . . .

 

 

(source)

Sorry if I have made anyone worry by being largely absent over these past days.  I just have not had the energy to do much of anything at all. My energy has largely been focused on getting better. I did do food posts on my FB page, etc. but just reposts of old things, but that was because I need to keep my income flowing in. Sad but true and an unfortunate necessity at this stage in my life.

For the last few weeks I have spent most of my time laying in my chair, coughing, dozing, recuperating much needed strength. Not a lot of cooking or anything else has been going on. I have not felt this poorly in years, not even when I had Covid in the spring.

I am started to feel a lot better now. I actually was able to sleep almost the whole night through last night with very minimal coughing. I didn't wake up until 7:15 this morning which is super late for me!  Unheard of.  I really needed it. I really have been ill.

 

(source)

I am so grateful for my sister who has been a rock throughout all of it. Bringing me the things that I need, loving me, supporting me. I do not know where I would be without her. I know she says that I also do a lot for her, but I can't think what.   I really can't.

She didn't get as ill as I did. Hers was very minimal in comparison.  Dan did not get it at all. We were talking yesterday about if we needed to re-mask again and we decided probably not, so long as we remain cautious and avoid large crowds, sanitize, etc.

To be honest both times we have been ill over these past months its because we have caught it from the person we were trying to protect.  Ironic.

Yesterday was the first day I have felt like going out, and I had to be cajoled into doing it. I did feel much better for having done so. Cindy picked me up and I did some much needed banking. We went to a couple of farm markets and the local shops and that was pretty much it, but it was so nice being out and about and getting some fresh air into my lungs.  It was nice just being together and chatting and laughing and just spending time with each other.  I am so grateful that God gave me a sister like the one I have.  She is a great blessing to me and to all who know and love her.

 

(source)

I had a couple of facetimes this week. One with my oldest son Anthony and his family and one with my middle son Doug and his family. Both really gave me a boost. I love my family so much.  The boys are all getting ready for back to school.  Outwardly not looking forward to it I suppose, but I think secretly they are perhaps?  I always looked so forward to going back to school in September.  Maybe I was an odd duck!

I see change around me. Plants and wildflowers are going to seed and looking very tired. I see some leaves changing.  The air seems to hold a difference that I can't put my finger on.  The hummingbirds bring an urgency with them to the feeder.

I find it hard to believe that here we are at the end of August, and yet . . .  here we are. Summer has seemed to pass far too quickly. 

 

(source)

I really hope that things can get more back to normal around here now I am feeling better.  I am still coughing, but not as much and I have finally had a good night's sleep. I need to vacuum, and I need to wash my floors. I need to get dressed, lol.  I've been lolling about in my pajamas far too much and been far too comfortable in them! I think I need to get some house mumu's.  Or maybe not. Maybe that is too much like living in your pajamas.

I missed the blue moon.  Wah!  I had wanted to see that, but it was cloudy here yesterday and last night. We've had ever so much rain this month.  But we needed it.

This will be known as the summer of rain I think.

 

(source)

I am not sure what I will get up to today. I will just try to catch up a bit on all the things I have let slide over the past few weeks, without overdoing it.  I think its important that I don't do too much too soon, or I will just slide backwards perhaps.  I need to think about ways to boost my immune system.  I seem to get sicker than those around me when I do get sick. My sister has a theory about this. She thinks that perhaps because I was in the UK for so long my body is not used to the different bugs/virus's etc. that exist here in Canada. I need to build up an immunity towards them. I think she is right perhaps.  Sounds plausible at any rate!

And I know you are probably getting sick about hearing about me being sick so I will stop that now and leave you with a thought for today.  Tomorrow's a new day and I am wiping the slate clean. Onwards and upwards  . . . 

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

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

 *.˛.You can often 

change your circumstances

by changing your attitude.

~Eleanor Roosevelt•。★★ 。* 。

In the kitchen today I am sharing a bit about what I purchased at the various farm shops we went to yesterday. I got some really interesting stuff!

And look who was on the counter of one of the shops we visited!  That's our Eileen's Tim!  He is raising money to go to the National Winter Special Olympics, representing Nova Scotia in February I think  it is. So proud of him!

I hope that you have a lovely day whatever you get up to. Be happy, be well, be safe and don't forget!

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⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
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And I do too!    

   

Monday . . .

 

 

(source)

This is really just another update rather than a full on post.  I am feeling quite exhausted to be honest. This is probably due to lack of sleep.  Its hard to sleep when you are full on coughing every couple of minutes.  I just wanted to let you know I went to the drop in clinic and now have some antibiotics and hopefully within a few days will be feeling a bit more normal again.  I have infections in several areas (ears, chest, eyes) and so they have put me on some pretty strong antibiotics, which are not without side effects themselves, but I will put up with them so that I can hopefully be back to fit and fighting soon. Dad seems to be pretty much back to snuff. Cindy is coping well. So far its just a head cold. Lets pray it stays that way.  And now I am going back to my chair to put my head down for a little bit.  I just wanted to keep you all up to date.  I  thank you for all the happy thoughts and prayers. They mean the world to me.

Stay well and happy and don't forget!

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⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
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And I do too!    

   

Another catch up . . .

 

(source)

For this is life . . . this blessed throbbing Now,

This golden-tinted morning . . . this today

Whose rich abundance speaks from every bough

If we just listen to the things they say.

For I shall never hear a clearer song

Than younger skylark's singing from the blue,

Or know a sweeter ecstasy . . . or see

A richer purple than this pansy's hue.

For I shall never taste a lovelier breath

Than of roses blooming on the vine,

Or sense a heaven nearer to the earth,

Or grasp a clearer sight of the Divine.

For Heaven lies about us everywhere,

And God is close, for every blade of grass

Signs on the wind like ancient lines of prayer,

And all the world is hushed to watch Him pass.

Edna Jacques, Life

My Kitchen Window, 1942

I thought I would do a little post this morning. A catch up with all the goings on in my life.  Not a lot has been happening actually. I have been just resting, trying to heal and get better.  Its not happening.  There is a free clinic at the hospital in town tomorrow. I called the Chemist yesterday trying to find out if there is anything I can take to help my symptoms, etc.  And he said that I needed to be on anti-biotics and suggested I drive to Kentville to the ER there or go to the free clinic here in town on Sunday.  I have opted for the latter as I just cannot face the long drive to Kentville. Here's hoping that I can finally get onto some antibiotics and maybe make a positive start towards getting better. 

Yesterday morning when I woke up, after a very sporadic sleep, my eyes were glued shut.  I slept a tiny bit better last night. I still have the raging cough, although it is looser and I am bringing up stuff. My nose is not congested, but I have infected eyes, and one ear is blocked.  I know, too much information. In the old days I would have simply been able to make a Doctors appointment and been seen to.  In fact, I probably wouldn't have even had to see him. He would have just given me a prescription for an antibiotic and made an appointment for a follow up. Those days are long gone.

(source)

I spent all of yesterday laid back in my easy boy with a cat on my lap, dozing off and on. I've watched more television than I ever cared to watch. I've drunk a lot of cup a soup.  There has been no cooking going on. Zip. Nada. None.  I know I should be creating new content for the food blog, but I have no energy or will to do so.  This too shall pass.  At least I hope that it will!  

I can see where things like this really knock the stuffing out of a person as they get older, and I am still in  my 60's, admittedly closer to 70 than I ever cared to be, but whatever.  Time marches on.  Hopefully next week at this time I will be feeling hale and hearty again!

Cindy has some congestion in her head/sinuses. God willing it doesn't move down to her chest. Dad is almost feeling back to scratch, and Dan is thinking he might be getting a cold.  And I am now thinking I want to go back to bed, or at least to my chair.

We will all get better. This will soon just be an unhappy ending to the summer of 2023. Thank you for all your happy thoughts and prayers.

Don't forget!

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⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
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And I do too!    

   

 

Quick Update . . .

 

(source)

 

This is THE worst cold I have had since before Covid. I actually think its turned into a Chest Infection now and one of my ears is blocked, but without a family Doctor there is not a lot I can do about it. I feel I would probably benefit from taking some antibiotics.  I've done three tests and it is not Covid.  I feel very poorly. I am sorry for not responding to your comments.  I have read them. I just haven't the energy to respond.  God willing this will soon pass.  I feel like I am rallying, and then WHAM it hits me again and with more force than before. I am feeling quite sorry for myself. LOL not really, but I sure could have done without this.  Thank you for any prayers and or positive thoughts. 

Don't forget!

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⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
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And I do too!    

   

 

A Quick Heads Up . . .

 

(source)

Just a quick post this morning.  I have been battling a cold all weekend.  It hasn't been very much fun to say the least. It actually started on Saturday.  I got my bedroom closet all organized on Saturday afternoon but was starting to feel quite unwell come the evening. By the time I went to bed I was definitely not feeling very good and I woke up around 5 a.m. yesterday morning and was having a difficult time getting enough breath into my lungs.  Since then, things have loosened up a great deal, but I am still feeling very poorly so I will be taking a few days off from cooking and writing, etc. I just don't have it in me.  I have tested myself for Covid several times, all negative, so that's good.  I just need some time to rest up and recover. I know people worry if I don't post, and so I just wanted to give you a heads up about what was going on.  Hopefully I will be feeling a lot better in a few days time.  In the meantime, don't forget!

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And I do too!    

   

 

P.S. - Dad is still all full of cold. As far as I know as of last evening Cindy had still not picked it up.  Fingers crossed she doesn't!

All Things Nice . . .

 

(source)

I know God's near, because I heard

The full-voiced rapture of a bird,

Drawing its beauty from on high,

Its small face lifted to the sky

For all the world to pause and hear,

And so I know that God is near.

I know God's near, because I felt

His presence with me as I knelt

And asked for strength my cross to bear,

And love flowed in from everywhere,

A hundred avenues of light

Reflected from His garments white.

I know God's near, because His feet

Made little noises in the street,

And someone heard, and stopped and smiled,

And bought some flowers from a child,

A star flamed out against the sky,

And so I knew that God went by.

I saw His mark on tree and flower,

I felt the drawing of His power

In every wind that moved and stirred

It was His breathing that I heard,

And then a yellow daffodil

Set Him upon a sunlit hill.

~Edna Jaques, I Know God's Near

My Kitchen Window, 1935

 

The presence of God is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been discussed by theologians and philosophers for centuries. According to Christianity.com, God’s presence is everywhere and is sometimes called God’s omnipresence. Inversely, the Lord repeatedly equates His judgment as removal from His presence and blessing. 

The most common Hebrew term for ‘presence’ is panim, which is also translated ‘face,’ implying a close and personal encounter with the Lord. An example of the Hebrew panim is in Genesis 3:8. 

"And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden."

God’s presence can feel like something greater than yourself is at work in the situation. When you begin to sense God’s presence, you may sense Him in different ways. However, God’s presence is always peace, love, and joy—never anxiety, fear, confusion, manipulation, or hate.

I cannot prove the existence of God, any more than anyone can prove that He does not exist. It is a matter of faith and belief. I can only tell you that I feel His presence in my life daily and have always done so.  In times of good, He rejoices with me and I know in my heart that all good flows from Him. 

In times of bad, He sorrows with me and buoys me up, and I feel His strength, and I feel that I am not alone. Not in the good, not in the bad.  He is just there.  He reaches out to me, and I to Him.   When I knock at the door, He always answers.

At least that has been my experience.

 

(source)

I used to have a china cabinet. It was an old cupboard that we had found with a bottom and a top, all one piece.  We refinished it with a maple glaze and inside the glass doored top we painted the wood with a peach color of paint.  I had the shelves lined with hand crocheted lace that I had crocheted myself. I had replaced the original knobs on it with milk glass knobs.  I loved that cabinet. It held all my treasures. My tea cups and saucers, etc. 

There were two glass fronted doors on top, and then two drawers and on the bottom, two wooden doors. It travelled many places with us.  From Greenwood, to Camp Borden, to Gagetown, to Meaford, Georgetown, and back to Nova Scotia. 

It is nice to have a place to store your treasures.  These days I store most of  mine in my heart, for I have learned that is the one place in which they can never be destroyed or taken away. My treasures are no longer tangible things like cups and saucers, but things of eternal import . . .

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

~Matthew 6:19-21

 

(source)

Dad is feeling quite a bit better this morning, although he does still have a cough. He said he didn't sleep well last night. It took him a long time to fall asleep. Not surprisingly really, as he has spent pretty much the last few days in bed.  He had plans to go out for breakfast this morning, so that is good that he is feeling like getting out and about. Its a start, and his plans to do so show a vast improvement.

I have a bit of a cough now myself, also not surprisingly.  It feels a bit like something is caught there in my lungs. Hopefully it won't develop into anything else.  I am supposed to pick up someone for church tomorrow morning and I don't want to have to let them down.

 

(source)

"Happy families are all alike; 

Every unhappy family is unhappy in it's own way.

~Leo  Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

These words strike a response in the heart.  It makes me think of families I have known, even my own, and of places and dwellings, houses and homes.  A home is much more than a collection of furniture and fabrics, of paintings and Knick Knacks, of rooms and walls  . . . 

It is a thing in itself, with a personality of its own, and an aura that represents and reflects its inhabitants, and very much influences all who come its way.

I like to think that I have a happy home. A place of harmony and of welcome. A safe place.  A harbor and a haven. A place of peace . . .  Holy ground.  At least that is what I have tried to create for myself.  A place where . . .  no matter how far I might wander from its safety . . .  my heart longs to return to the "little curtained world" left behind.  

Happy families live in happy homes.  Welcoming homes. Places of peace. Shelters from the world and worldly things.

 

(source)

That's always a feeling I have tried to portray on my blogs as well, be it here  on this one, or in my English Kitchen.   I hope that I do a good job of making people feel welcome at any rate. That is and has always been my goal.  I want people to feel at home, and welcome. Included. Seen.  Cared about.

I am trying to decide if I want or need to go out today.  A part of me wants to go to the shops to pick up a few bits of necessities. Another part of me wants to go back to bed to wallow beneath the sheets and snuggle in with my kit kats or with a good book. Which part will win?

I don't know yet. It remains to be seen  . . . 

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

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

 *.˛.Friends,

they are kind to each other's hopes.

They cherish each other's dreams.

~Thoreau•。★★ 。* 。•。★★ 。

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Easy "Any Fruit" Dumplings.  You can use any fruit you like in this simple, yet delicious dessert.

I hope you have a beautiful weekend.  I hope it is filled with sunshine, hope, peace and love. Whatever you get up to, don't forget!

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And I do too!    

   

Not my usual Friday Finds . . .

 

(source)

 Dad seems to be feeling a bit better. He stayed in bed pretty much all of yesterday.  I went over after I took Eileen and Tim out for lunch yesterday. I had been going to bring him some soup, but he said not to as he wasn't hungry.  I bought him a piece of Coconut Cream Pie at the restaurant and took that to him as he is always up for dessert, no matter what.  

He was in bed when I got there. He had been supposed to go to his friend Maryann's birthday BBQ yesterday, but of course was not going. He had a card and some scratch tickets for her, so he got up long enough to sign the card etc. He wanted me to take it to Maryann's daughter's house, which I said I would do.

He was going back to bed so I helped him get back in bed and made sure he had everything he needed.  Cindy was going back at supper time so I knew he would be okay for a while.  I took his cards, etc. to Maryanne's daughters and then stopped off at Cindy's for a visit before heading home.

Last night he was up and watching TV when I called and seemed better.  I called him this morning, but he was still in bed.  (I woke him up.  Sorry dad!)  I told him to go back to sleep and just call me when he was feeling like it.

To be honest, I think he is a bit depressed about this thing with the ladies.  There is nothing worse than being ostracized and not knowing what it is you have done, so maybe Cindy and I will have to make a trip some morning and ask them what's up with that?  I don't know.

Nobody wants to go and sit alone, feeling left out, especially when you have been sitting with a group for all these many months. Its not that he could really hear what anyone was saying, but at least he felt like he had some company, and it gave him a purpose and a place to go each morning. For someone who has always been quite sociable, this is a sad thing.

 

(source)

It is raining quite heavily out there this morning. Its not really a day that I want to go out anywhere in. I am happy that Cindy and I did our running around earlier in the week. That was a bonus.  

Eileen, Tim and I had a nice lunch yesterday. It was lovely to spend the time together.  I got all caught up on Tim's trip to Ontario with his mom.  He seemed to have really enjoyed himself. They are both pleased with the work her dad did on their apartment during that time.  A cleaner has been hired now to come in once a week and clean for them.  

I don't think they were doing a good job of things. Eileen is very stubborn and she gets it into her head that she has certain jobs and he has certain jobs and there is no way she will do his jobs for him!  So I think nothing was getting done.  She has anxiety and I think it got overwhelming and when that happens, people with anxiety just shut down.  Hopefully having this cleaner come in every week will help. I know how hard it can be when life becomes overwhelming.

I've been enjoying videos on YouTube this week on a channel run by Cecelia Blomdahl.  She lives on the Svalbarg which is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic. At first I was just interested in why anyone would want to live in such a place and then I just kind of found it quite interesting.  The way of life, etc.  There are only two months of the year where they have normal daylight and nighttime.  The rest of the year it is essentially dark all the time or light all the time.  Apparently the Polar Bears outnumber the people, which to me sounds a bit scary.  But . . .  look at that photograph . . .  I imagine there is plenty of stunning scenery to enjoy and if you are an outdoors, winter kind of person, it might be ideal.

Not for me however. I prefer to enjoy travel spots like that from the comfort of my armchair in a nice warm house without any polar bears for neighbors.

 

(source)

Another channel I enjoy on YouTube is The Early American Channel with Justine and Ron. I enjoy the cooking videos and lifestyle videos.  If I was a much younger woman this is something which would really appeal to me. I have always felt a bit like I was born at the wrong time, but then again, at the same time, I really enjoy my modern comforts!

Realistically speaking I am far too comfortable in the 21st century to be able to live like that happily, but it is  nice to play with the dream in my head.  There is a part of me that would love to live like Tasha Tudor, but I am afraid that I could not physically or even mentally really truly cope with that lifestyle.

Something else I am really enjoying at the moment is this shampoo my sister gave me for my birthday. It smells heavenly.  Absolutely heavenly, and my hair feels really nice after using it.  I love it.

Right now I have one of these burning. It smells lovely. All apple-like and fresh. It reminds me of how the farmer's market smells once the apple crop starts to come in. I love apple season.  I am not really that fond of eating apples.  I can't eat a whole one raw.  I have never been able to tolerate the skin on my teeth, but I do love the taste of them, and of course, the smell.

Slices of apple with peanut butter are a lovely snack and a treat. A honey crisp apple will last me almost a week.  They are so huge.

I recently purchased this cookbook for myself.  I love old cookery books. I had seen Diane Schiffer using it on Instagram and I was instantly intrigued.  I have my mother's original Money Saving cookbook from the 1950's and a copy of her Martha Logan Meat Cookbook that I was able to find and purchase last year.  

My copy is not quite as old as hers, but it is still very good and in very good shape.  It has a few colored photos, but is mostly just recipes.  There are also some interesting menu plans for every month of the year.  My old money saving cookbook has that as well.  I used to love making up menus, but I seldom found myself following them.  lol  I am the kind of person who really decides on the day what I want to cook and eat.  

These old menu plans are really fascinating however.  I do find myself wondering how anyone could possibly eat  as much as is in them for a day.

Here is an example of one menu for  one day in August. (There are two week's worth for every month.) Recipes are included for those items in italics.

Breakfast

Grapefruit juice

Soft cooked eggs

Cinnamon toast

Coffee for adults, milk for children

Lunch

Beet Borsht

Crisp crackers

Sliced Bananas with Lemon sauce

Hot or Iced Tea, milk for children

Dinner

Roast Boston Style Pork Butt

Roast Potatoes

Buttered Peas

Whole Wheat Bread and Butter

French Bowl Salad

Cantaloupe Wedges

Coffee for Adults, milk for children

And it is like that for every day, sometimes even more food than that.  I wonder to myself, could I eat all that?  Perhaps. Looking at it now and having typed it out, it isn't really all that much I guess.

I would like to try the menus from the book as an experiment for one week to see how it went, the cost, etc.  It would probably be a very interesting exercise/experiment.  I will think about it.

Oh my, between this book and the smell of the candle I am getting quite hungry!  I best sign off now.

A thought to carry with you  . . .

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

 *.˛.I put on my list all the busy, useful 

independent spinsters I know,

for liberty is a better husband

than love to many of us.

~Louisa May Alcott•。★★ 。* 。

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Sweet & Easy Buttermilk Pie for two. Delicious!

I hope that you have a wonderful Friday. Be happy, safe, and blessed. Don't forget!

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⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
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And I do too!    

   

An update . . .

 

 

(source)

Jean Pierre Alaux - The Harvest

I had sort of an eventful evening last night. I went out to supper with Dad and Hazel and Dad didn't seem quite himself at dinner. I could tell something was not quite right, but he said he was just tired and not that hungry. We ate dinner and then went our separate ways.

I was feeling sad because I don't like my father to be unhappy and he seemed unhappy. He had people that he used to sit with at the mall every morning for breakfast, but these days he has been sitting by himself as, for some unknown reason, the ladies he used to sit with no longer want to sit with him. He can't really participate in conversations for the most part as his hearing is not good, even with his hearing aids, but at least he had company.  Now he is sitting by himself, unless we join him on occasion. That makes me sad.  I think if people have a bone to pick with you, they should let you know, not just ignoring you and stopping talking to you. If there has been a misunderstanding at least let the person know what they have done wrong.

 

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So anyways, I fed the cats their dinner, had my shower, did my scripture study and then I was sitting there mulling it all over in my mind when my phone rang and it was my dad. He said he wasn't feeling well and he didn't sound well at all. He said he was shivering and had a cough and a runny noise. He had taken himself to bed. So I told him Cindy and I would be over as soon as.  I called Cindy and then I got dressed (as I was in my nightclothes) and picked Cindy up and  we went over.

We brought a Covid test with us just to be sure.  He wasn't very well at all. He tested negative on the Covid test, but was coughing and just not himself.  He had a bit of a temperature, but not overly high. Cindy went to pick up some cough medicine and cough drops for him. I sat and said some prayers with him while she went. Then we got him dosed up and comfortable. We made sure his walker was close by and that he had something to drink. We didn't really like to leave him, but there is  really no place for one of us to sleep if we needed to stay.  We made sure he had his phone close by, etc.

He called me this morning and he really isn't feeling much better. Cindy was stopping by after she drops Dan off at work and she will make him some toast, help him get dressed, etc. He wants to sit in his easy boy and just watch TV.  I told him I would bring him some soup over later on.  He wants Chicken Noodle.   

I had promised Eileen and Tim I would take them out for lunch today so I must do that and then I will go over to his place right after that.  I am waiting to hear from Cindy after she goes to see him this morning, and we will assess the situation then. I really hope that he doesn't have pneumonia. He has had his pneumonia shot and his flu shot. In the meantime, if you could spare some happy thoughts for him and prayers, please do.  Thank you.

I hope you all have a great day and whatever you get up to, don't forget!

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And I do too!    

   

 

PS - I wanted to show you a photograph of all my Birthday Cards.

 

I am so blessed.  Most of them arrived yesterday.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

💗

Wednesday Witterings . . .

 

 

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Ah Sun-flower! 

weary of time, 

Who countest the steps of the Sun: 

Seeking after that sweet golden clime 

Where the travellers journey is done. 

 Where the Youth pined away with desire, 

And the pale Virgin shrouded in snow: 

 Arise from their graves and aspire, 

 Where my Sun-flower wishes to go.

~William Blake

I love sunflowers.  There was a time when I wanted sunflower wallpaper and accessories in my kitchen. You know, back when people had themed kitchens. Cows, roosters, sunflowers.  I wanted all the sunflower accessories. 

They are just such a cheerful flower and always bring a smile to my face.  There is a farmers market not too far from me where they grow a whole field of sunflowers each year that you can go out and cut for yourself.  I once took a photo of my girls and their friends in a field of sunflowers.  We had a farm across the road  from us that grew sunflowers for the seed. This was back in the mid 1990's. I wonder what ever happened to that photo.

I have always loved birds, and blue birds in particular, even though I have never seen one in real life.  I have enjoyed watching them for years.  My sister has as well. It was something we used to do together and we often compared notes.  I have lived in several locations where I was able to see a great many different birds and I would spend quite a while each day just sitting and watching while I wrote or sewed.  The most magical thing I saw one year was a flock of snow buntings.  I was down in the laundry room of our home in New Brunswick folding laundry and a whole flock descended just outside the window, eating the fallen seed from my feeders.  I was completely mesmerized by them.  A sight I had never seen before, nor since  . . . 

 

Birds are important to our Heavenly Father. The are often referenced in the scriptures.  I love that.  This is one of my favorite scriptures actually.  Each night when I pray my prayers I always ask God to keep my family in the shelter of his wings  . . . 

I love this mug, it was part of a gift sent from my good friend Elaine . . . 

I received a birthday package from her yesterday.  I was so pleased to get it.  She is such a beautiful wrapper and her gifts always delight from the outside in.  Even the wrapping paper she uses. This had butterflies and bleeding hearts on it. So beautiful and the ribbons. I always save the ribbons in my ribbon collection.  My boss at the manor used to have a whole drawer filled with ribbons for wrapping gifts, and another of wrapping papers. She always got me to wrap her gifts for her, which was a surprise to me because, to be completely and utterly honest, I am total crap at wrapping things. Its my adhd. I have a really difficult time concentrating on the task.  I am far too impatient. 

 

But Elaine excels at it.  Inside that beautifully wrapped outer box was a multitude of smaller, individually wrapped gifts, one of which was the beautiful bird mug.  I do not want to embarrass her, but each was a delight.  

Even Diadamy got a new outfit!  Complete with socks and the cutest little cardigan and boots. Cherries. I love cherries and so does Diadamy and she looks just precious in her new dress and cardigan.  Totally adorable. Thank you so much Elaine.  Everything cheered my heart to no end!

I got a few pretty cards from sweet friends in the post as well.  Thank you Diana and Monique.  It is lovely to be remembered.  I tried to put all my cards out, but the cats kept knocking them over. I really need to develop a better way to display my cards on Birthdays and Christmas. I have my thinking cap on.  I truly appreciate getting cards in the post. I love sending them as well.

 

I see Paula's hand in this!

I spend hours picking out greeting cards for family and friends.  I love to look at cards, and when I go to get a card for someone, I like for it to have just the right message.  It can sometimes be really difficult finding just the right card for the right person.  At least it has been that way for me in the past, especially if it is someone you have a strained relationship with.  For instance, I agonize buying birthday cards for my youngest daughter and son.  We have no relationship at all. I do love them very much, with all my heart as you know.  Most cards for daughters and sons have so much sentiment on them, and reading them trying to pick one out for either of them is a somewhat heartbreaking exercise.  All of the sentiments seem like lies and delusions. I know it, and they would know it . . .  and so I tend to just get them generic cards now.  Its for the best, really. I don't want to make them feel uncomfortable, but I do want them to know that they are loved and remembered.

 

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I had a lovely facetime with Doug yesterday afternoon. He was all on his lonesome. Jon is away at Tim Horton's Camp and the others had gone with their other grandparents up country to some sort of family thing, so it was just Doug and myself.  It was nice.  I told him that I wanted him to come over sometime, just him, so we can spend a couple of days together just the two of us. Not that I don't want to spend time with my grandchildren. I do. It was something I longed for when I was in the UK. I just really want to spend some special one on one time with my own children before I die.  I got to spend that week with Eileen recently and that was lovely, and it got me wanting to spend some like-time with my other children as well.  I will pay for their expenses in getting here. I don't want it to be a hardship for any of them. I just want to have some one on one with each.  I know that the younger two will not be interested and that's okay, but I do want to spend  some alone time with each Anthony and Doug.

I hope that's not deemed as weird.  I have seen so little of them over the past 24 years. We have much to catch up on and it is just hard when there are so many other people around.

 

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Tonight is my supper with Dad at the Big Scoop night.  I always look forward to spending this time with him, even though the food is not the greatest, and its usually so noisy we can't hear each other speak. Its just nice being together.  When I was in the UK, I never thought I would ever have the chance to see or spend time with my father again.  This is one of the silver linings of what happened (one of many).   I cherish these times, I really do. 

It is sad in a way . . .  seeing your parents grow old and the roles reversing. Those who once gave care, now needing care.  I am sure it is even more difficult for them as they slowly lose, bit by bit, their independence. I suppose it is the same for each of us.

These years I get to spend with my father are a gift.

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Oh I do so love a round window. Don't you?  I have always wanted a home with a round window.  That will never be, not unless I win the lottery, and that's never going to happen as I never buy the tickets.   Round windows contain magic.  At least I think they do. 

 

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Now I want to make a pie.  I love pie.  Any kind of pie.  Sweet, savory . . .  if it is pie, I am on it! It would be really hard for me to pick a favorite kind. My favorite kind is whatever is sitting in front of me.  I know!  I just love pie!

 

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Glimpses of the "brr" months are creeping in. It seems too soon, far too soon, but already I can see some of the leaves changing, and the flowers in the gardens are looking tired, the wildflowers starting to go to seed.  The nights drawing in . . .  I want it to stop.  Please let summer linger for a good while longer . . .  

We wait so long for it each year and it always seems to pass by far too quickly.

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

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

 *.˛.I do not ask for any crown

but that which all may win;

Nor try to conquer any world,

except the one within.

Be thou my guide until I find,

led by a tender hand,

the happy kingdom within myself

& dare to take command.

~Louisa May Alcott•。★★ 。* 。

Love this  . . . 

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Sweet & Sour Green Beans. These are absolutely delicious!  Sized for the smaller family.

I hope you have a beautiful Wednesday.  Whatever you get up to, don't forget! 

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⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
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And I do too!