REMEMBERING MOM ON MOTHER'S DAY

Mom's favourite flowers were beautiful yellow roses.

Mom's children- L-R Michael, John (now deceased), Roxanne, Linda

We were all brought up to be very proud of our Irish heritage, and loved to hear stories of Ireland.

Mom was born near Banbridge, Ireland in 1920. Mom was the oldest of 10 children. Not all are shown here. From L - R. My Grandfather John Lindsay, my Grandmother Rachel Lindsay, my mother Gladys, Alf, Jack, Jim, Jean, Colleen, missing, is Fred, Sam, Irene, and deceased baby Maureen

I'm remembering and honoring my GRANDMOTHER shown here with my MOTHER as well on this Mothers day...and always everyday, with much love.

Mom with John

I remember my Mom as being as beautful both on the outside as the inside. Mom was always a gentle person and loving towards everyone she met. Her sense of humor was just the best! I remember so many great fun times, with her, as we, her children, John, Mike, Myself and Roxanne, grew to be the good, honest adult people she wanted us to be. I think she would of been proud of us, but then again, she is still with us....only a breath away! Sometimes, I even feel her near me!!

Shortly after Mom and Dad we're married

"Nanny" as our Grandmother was called, was the perfect, cute little round loving person with an Irish lilte to her voice, that I loved, but that I didn't always understand. Whenever she would see us, she would always say "ohhhh, where'd ye come from now?" I loved and adored her so much. She was wonderful! She had such a hard life, that I admire her so much. My grandfather died in 1946. So with 10 kids, she had a handful!

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My other Grandmother is not forgotten, although I have no picture of her here in Vancouver with me.

I remember her with love also. Grandma was a tall, proud, well dressed, white haired lady. I don't remember her as well as my Nanny. We didn't see her much as we grew up as she lived many miles from us. She passed away when we were all children.


Look at that laughing face!!

Mom on Christmas morning laughing at something. She had the most wonderful sense of humor and delighted in such small things. She made our chores fun, always putting us first and content to be last. Mom was a wonderful homemaker and a fantastic cook. I can't ever remember Mom raising her voice at us. When the grandchildren came along, she was so happy to take part in their growing up, and made each and every one "her special one".

Mom and Dad we're always so in love and devoted to one another. Dad would go off to work and part way down the street, he would always turn around and give Mom, who would be watching and waiting, for Dad to turn around and give Mom the two hand, clenched together, wave, that ment he loved her.
Mom and her son Michael dancing

Mom and Dad not long before she passed away.

So, on behalf my Brother Mike and Sister Roxanne, Aunts and Uncles, all the Grandchildren, we want to tell you Mom, Nanny and Grandma, we always think of you and love you very much, and miss you even more.

Mom passed away, on June 6/1980. I was 36. How I missed her!! Her biggest wish in life was to see her grandchildren married. She never made it that long. I look in the mirror and everyday, I see my mom looking back at me. She lives on in so many ways, in all her children. We talk of her often and laugh about what mom would think if she knew this or that. She was loved so much by all of us.

This is a poem my mother loved and said if she died, she wanted us to remember her like the words in the poem. I alway's do Mom, and when I see those morning birds in flight, the sun glistening on the snow, and those winds that blow, the grain in the fields, the stars at night, wondering which one is you. I always think of you. But, I can't help it....I still weep at your grave

I Did Not Die

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sun on ripened grain,I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there;

I did not die.





To ALL Mother's, have a wonderful day!!

ANOTHER FRIDAY

STILL LAUGHING ABOUT SURVIVOR

Hi there to everyone on a lovely day in Vancouver. I just got back from getting a few groceries to do some baking. I promised I'd make Tom, my special biscotti's, but we got looking at a cd, with 400 picture on it, of the burning of our cottage, that we had sold. It was pretty sad to look at.
It took most of the baking day up, and now, I don't feel like baking at all. So, I put it all way until tomorrow.
Gosh, I have window yet to do, the outdoor patio to steam clean as well as in here! Just not enough time, or else I just tucker out too easily these days. Maybe a bit of both!!

The ground outside is just covered with pink blossoms from the trees. It's like a party was held outdoors and pink confetti was thrown everywhere. The aroma from the trees and all the blooming flowers is beautiful. Makes one glad to be alive!



Did anyone watch Survivor last night? What a show!!! That dummy and sooo gullible Eric couldn't see what those women were doing do him and handed over his necklace to keep him safe, to one of those evil, but very smart and crafty women, who couldn't keep her face straight long enough by even saying "Thank YOU!" I couldn't believe what guilt they layed on him and Eric lapped the guilt up and gave into them! Ugggggh, I could hardly believe it!!! I had a laugh when James said, at least now, he's not the dumbest player, ever to be on Survivor! Another laugh when Eric turns to the women with a grin and says "You women drive me NUTS".....hahahahhahahahha!

Roxanne, you must be ready to kick him where the sun don't shine!! You might have won the pot!!! Soooo close kiddo!! I can't wait until Sunday night, and the finale. Gosh, I hope they never take that show off the TV, it's so much fun to watch each week. Especially when there is some gambling going on between us, with the Survivor pot thanks to Bill and Dianne.

I was sure I'd hear from SOMEBODY about our trip to Alaska in August, but nobody, except Bill has mentioned it. Everyone around here is so cavalier about going on a trip, like it's nothing, but I get so excited and will be until we are home again! My tummy feels like popcorn popping, when I think of it! Like....Alaska....WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Well, I hope everyone has a terrific weekend and it's full of sunshine and you have something fun to do! (I'll be baking!!)

TEA TIME

WOULD ANYONE LIKE TO COME FOR TEA?

Actually, I'm having a diet orange Crush, and some Belleville's Hawkin's Cheezies instead of tea.

I don't know why I have the munchies, when we just came back, awhile ago, from having lunch with Tom's daughter, Meredith at a place called Earls, which is restaurant chain here. I left there, full to the brim, but I just need that something sweet taste!

They have Purdy's Chocolate out here, which is like Ontario's Laura Secord. Purdy's make this delicious ginger chocolates, and sometimes, I get spoiled and Tom will surprise me with a box of them. They never last long though! I can never eat one and put the box away, I have to eat them until they are either gone, or I'm sick! Sick usually comes when I finish the whole box, as well as guilt and shame, knocking on my shoulder!!

Nothing else to really tell you about. It's cool here today, nothing else new! I'm just looking forward to Survivor tonight and of course the grand finale on Sunday, where I'll be glued to the television. It's the only program on TV, I look forward to. I'll be happy when the Amazing Race begins again. Love that show too!!

This is a short blog. I have nothing to say!! I'm also being a tad lazy!

So with that, I'll say bye for now, and see you tomorrow, and have a GREAT day!!

GREEN EYES

Green Eyes

Looking Mighty Regal eh?

Batman is now about 15 -16 years old. He was born a barn cat, at my daughters place and one day, I went out for a visit and came home with a kitten. I had no idea I'd have this pet all this time! Batman and his siblings were named by my Grandson's when they were just learning to talk and they named the kittens, "Peter Pan, Batman and Purple." I think there was a Spiderman in there too.

He's a cat with an attitude! Social but not affectionate unless he decide's he wants a little loving. He doesn't seem to miss our dog, TJ at all. In fact he seems more relaxed, without the dog jumping out at him, like Cato on the Pink Panther would.

He's quite talkative and always bawling me out for something, very bossy, and when it's time for my usual evening bathtime, he loves to lay beside the tub and wait for me. Sometimes he will put his face up to let me wash it. He greets us at the door when we come home with a little "meow". He still chases his tail and loves to play. He's also cost me a fortune through the years!! He may be heading off for some surgery, as I think his teeth are bothering him AGAIN! He's drooling and not eating and getting thinner! Prying open his mouth to look inside, is something he just won't allow me to do.

Today, it's very cool out, and very windy. Yesterday was lovely and warm and we were in shirt sleeves and had dinner out on the deck. Too windy for that today! Especially on the 7th floor.

later....
We just got back from booking this exciting news!!

Hear Yea, Hear Yea...We just booked at 14 day trip to ALASKA!!!! We go August 17 and return on the 31st. Again, it's the Zaandam/Holland America ship, that we went to Hawaii on and our good friend Lucky who is working on the ship will be there also. We don't know where on the ship we will be yet. So, a big thanks to Helen at BCAA for booking the trip for us, she is a wonder!!

Great news eh? I'm all excited and now going to go read the Alaska brochure and see what wonders behold us!!

Picture of the day:
4 Generations!

Thought of the day: I think that travel comes from some deep urge to see the world, like the urge that brings up a worm in an Irish bog to see the moon when it is full. ~Lord Dunsany

NIGHT BY FLASHLIGHT

NIGHT WITH A FLASHLIGHT

Do you remember when you were a kid and discovering what a great thing a flashlight was! Not only could you find things lost under the bed or the couch, but it also kept those scary monsters at bay. I can remember on hot, humid, summer nights, my sister Roxanne and I would sleep on the pull out couch/bed on the enclosed porch that ran along the front of our house. We'd giggle and laugh and I'd tell her spooky stories, until the little sucky that she was, couldn't sleep without the flashlight by her side. Sometimes, we'd sneak outside, in our pajamas and barefoot, to catch fireflies in a jar, both of us leaping and jumping in the front yard, whispering to each other that we caught another one, while being quiet, while everyone else slept. When we got tired, we'd let them go and trundle quietly back to bed and fall asleep with a cool breeze blowing through the porch window's, as the night cooled, lulling us to a happy sleep.


Those same jars would be used the next day for catching bees! Do kids do that anymore? It was a fearful thing we did, knowing we could easily get stung, but the adrenalin was pouring through our bodies I suppose and the thrill of seeing how many we could get in one jar was just too much fun.

Happy Birthday Ed (Tom's Grandson) I hope the year ahead is wonderful for you and you have a wonderful birthday!

With a Great Big Cake!! Make a wish and blow out the candles and may your wishes come true!




It's also Ed and Kim's 2nd Anniversary!!

May all the years ahead be as happy together as this past year.

This is what I'm reading now, another of Wayne Johnston's book. Very good writer.

The Navigator of New York, by Wayne Johnston, is a wonderful piece of Canadian literature. This thick volume is a work of fiction but focuses on the actual event of the race to be the first person to reach the North Pole. Johnston’s writing is rich and detailed as he unravels a complex and compelling story for the reader. This is the third book I have read by this author and I have truly enjoyed each one of them. They are substantial books – they have lots of pages – but are well worth the read!

Get Well Percy T (who is in the hospital for some surgery!!) Good Luck Percy!

Picture of the day: Brad, my grandson, on the swinging bridge at Lynn Valley

Quote of the day: I'd give all wealth that years have piled,The slow result of Life's decay,To be once more a little child For one bright summer day.

MEMORY

Mort d' Arthur

But now farewell. I am going a long way

With these thou seest -if indeed I go - (For all my mind is clouded with a doubt)

To the island-valley of Avilion;

Where falls not hail, or rain, or any snow,Nor ever wind blows loudly;

but it liesDeep-meadowed, happy, fair with orchard-lawnsAnd bowery hollows crowned with summer sea,

Where I will heal me of my grievous wound."

Remember High School poetry and memory work? Do you remember learning Mort d'Arthur and having to do the memory work on certain parts?

These are a few lines, I've always remembered through the years, and would often say them when heading to the washroom to whoever was present, when I had a few too many! ( I'm drinking wine, while writing this) We all do these dumb things!! This is mine!

Here's the whole poem if interested. The part I remember is of Arthur's death. Not sure what that has to do with going for a pee, but as I said above...we all do dumb things! It's just a good thing I don't remember ALL the poem, or I could still be locked in a bathroom somewhere!
http://home.clara.net/heureka/art/morte-darthur.htm

This is another one I could recite by heart, but only remember bits of it now. Enough to annoy, when I get reciting!!
Lone Dog
I’m a lean dog, a keen dog, a wild dog and lone,I’m a rough dog, a tough dog, hunting on my own!I’m a bad dog, a mad dog, teasing silly sheep;I love to sit and bay the moon and keep fat souls from sleep.I’ll never be a lap dog, licking dirty feet,A sleek dog, a meek dog, cringing for my meat.Not for me the fireside, the well-filled plate,But shut door and sharp stone and cuff and kick and hate.Not for me the other dogs, running by my side,Some have run a short while, but none of them would bideO mine is still the lone trail, the hard trail the best,Wide wind and wild stars and hunger of the quest.

Ask me what I had for dinner last night, and I couldn't tell you what the heck we had!!!It's something I worry about quite a bit, seeing as I have a cousin and and an aunt who had Alzheimers disease.

Today, I walked over to Park Royal with a friend who lives just across the road and likes to walk. She had to get a few things, and then we had a coffee and walked home.

Then Tom set the GPS for a mystery tour and we ended up at Brentwood mall where we just browsed, ate a Peanut Butter Parfait from Dairy Queen and we've been feeling sick ever since!!

Some of the streets here and there, are lined with cherry blossom trees and are out in bloom and they are absolutely beautiful, but always we we're in traffic and couldn't easily stop for a picture.

I don't think they are cherry, but again my memory has failed me and I can't remember the tree's name....see.....told ya!

But, there is a dogwood tree right out our window and it's in bloom and really pretty.

Okay, bored you enough so, off I go!

Picture of the day: My sister, Roxanne at the Cleveland Dam. Looks like she could get up and sing " The Hills are Alive, With The Sound Of Music!"

Thought of the day: The faintest waft is sometimes enough to induce feelings of hunger or anticipation, or to transport you back through time and space to a long-forgotten moment in your childhood. It can overwhelm you in an instant or simply tease you, creeping into your consciousness slowly and evaporating almost the moment it is detected.

DOING ZIP ON SUNDAY

BEING LAZY ON SUNDAY

This has been a complete washout for getting anything done today! We have been two lazy louts, sitting at our time wasting machine's all day! Namely the computer!!

We had our breakfast at home for once, instead of going out, and from then on, it was do nothing all day long. I did get some long due letters written to friends, wrote out some cards, made some cards on here and between Tom and my computer, we screwed up the printer. He blames me, I blame him! Isn't that the way it goes?

I feel really bad we wasted the day too, because it's been sunshine all day long! Shame on us! I think I'll continue what I'm doing though.....why change now!!

I've got the Country Classics on the music station on TV and love listening to it. All those wailing, moaning, breakup, wine loving, honky tonk angels, type songs. Tom hate's this music and groans and moans himself every time he ventures out of his office for something. He prefer's Pop Classics and that type of stuff! I can only take that stuff for so long before I feel like I could go into a rage, that would have the sirens blaring at our door.

I hope everyone is having the same relaxing Sunday, and with that, I'm going to say, "so long for now. I have more relaxing to do!!"

Picture of the day: My son in law, Peter, in Stanley Park

Thought of the day:Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired.