| Nibbs Posted on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 05:01 am: |   |
It's 3:30 a.m. and I'm up with a sick cat. He'll be fine, but he needs a little attention. Solomen is lacking enzymes to digest some foods and I think he ate something yesterday that upset his system. When he's sick he needs to know it's okay ...
But I wasn't really sleeping anyway.
I went to my Aunt's funeral. (Now Nibbs has curled up with Solomen and they're both purring. I love that.)
Yes, my aunt. There is an uncomfortable parallel here between my aunt and my Mom. My aunt has been ill like Mom, but for a different reason, and she was able to stay at home and that's where she died, peacefully. The service was so calm and caring, almost informal, and yet very religious without it feeling like a Sunday service. There was laughter and tears and the minister, a nice fellow named Twiddy, talked about different ways of greiving. It was so comfortable and consoling. My neice piped the procession to the burial plot.
And I had an opportunity to talk to so many family members, and to catch up on news. I saw our cousin's husband who has been dealing with his own loss when our cousin died suddenly. He was looking so good, and he said he was doing this year what he should have done last year, and that was to take the time to grieve.
And another cousin's daughter has cancer that has spread through all her body. She is having a scan today to see if it has now invaded her brain. Even though her death is inevitable this young woman is determined to make the best of every day.
Another cousin has leukemia and she just lost a grandson in a tragic car accident.
There was a lot of good news too, and I spent a lot of time trying to figure out which little ones went with which parents because the children I knew are all grown up with families now.
And the album with photos of my aunt that died, and her husband, my Mom's oldest brother, brought back so many memories. Mom was in the album. I was in the album ... and my Dad, who died in 1978, and my step-dad, who died three years ago.
So many people in the album are gone now. So many changes.
And I had news now that Mom's medications have been changed and she is now on morpheine, which is probably good news, in a way, but also an indication that we are closer to the end of her life.
And the whole time I've been focused on my Aunt Ikie, I've had Mom's imagine right in front of me. It's a fear that she will die but a relief too, (for her).
I talked with another cousin's husband, John. He works with the elderly, and he understands exactly what it's like for us. His mother-in-law is my Mom's youngest sister, and she is now in extended care, but doing well. She's been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and so they have no idea how long she has to live. My Aunt Jean is a hoot! And John's youngest daughter is close to Aunt Jean. At her birthday party, Torie stood beside her grandmother as all the activities were going on, and casually played with her grandmother's hair. So nice.
So many people at this gathering have lost close family members, a wife, a husband, a child, a parent or in the process of losing someone.
I had never felt these losses so strongly. And I was in Coombs, with the scent in the air that is only found in Coombs. I don't know what it is, but I could be blindfolded and taken to Coombs and I'd know where I was. And it was all a sensory overload.
And now I'm home, and we're in the middle of a heat wave. We had the highest temperature in the province yesterday and today's temperature is going up.
Boni and I were hoping to have our new computers on Sunday, but it had to be put off for a few days. Hopefully my new Mac Book Pro will be here this week. And Boni's computer has a 20 inch screen so it will be a huge change for her too. Soon ...
Okay, I'm sleepy now and think I'll head to bed. After a snooze I should feel more normal. Life goes on, and we cope with changes.
If I'm up early enough I'll work in the vegetable garden for a bit, thinning out some carrots and lettuce, and tie up the tomatoes that Wayne staked.
Wayne's Mom and step-Dad were here last weekend so our two daughters and Soleil came for a visit. Soleil played in the yard, inspected the chickens and the lawn tractor and had a look at my vegetable garden. I'll end this post with one of those photos.
G'Night
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| Nibbs Posted on Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 12:14 am: | |
This is my first entry with the new computer. I still have some figuring out to do, and a couple of programs to add, but I'm really happy with it so far.
We've had such a heat wave and then thunder and lightning. Today we had almost everything in the way of weather. We saw the water bomber heading out, so there was a fire started somewhere.
Well, I'm ready to call it a day and will hope that tomorrow remains as cool as today ... without the rain, hail, wind or lightning! |
| Nibbs Posted on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 - 12:03 am: | |
I was a slug today, doing not much of anything. Yesterday we had company, and that was so nice! I love it when friends pop in!
Today we started off with a mouse in the wall. Wayne managed to get it out, went off to his meetings, and tonight I thought a cat was scratching at the door, but it was another mouse in the wall. Tomorrow ... we find out where they're coming in. Somehow they are finding a way into the attic ... they certainly wouldn't last long down here. Not with four cats roaming around. Make that five ... we have a stray that comes to visit Purrt.
I'm finding my way around the new computer and continue to be delighted with it. I like not having to be connected to anything either. And I can take it out on the deck if I want!
Mail was fun tonight! This came ...
Liam is 3 months old. Isn't he adorable!!
Am ready for bed. I am determined to go swimming tomorrow, no matter what. I gave in to pain today, but will not tomorrow!
And I need to look for another good book to read. I've read too many 'light' books lately and would prefer one that draws me right into the story.
Am off to bed. G'night |
| Nibbs Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 04:52 am: | |
Summer's gone and it's mostly just a blur. I don't think the weather was typical. Can't remember really hot days. I do know that September was the coldest it's been in the last 37 years, and the cold weather continues. We had our first snowfall on the mountains on Wednesday morning, and last night I brought in the tender plants because we were expecting frost.
Wayne did more gardening than I did, and the deer spent a considerable amount of time helping themselves to the blooms and the vegetables. My neighbour was saying today that she and her husband would watch the doe just sail over the fence, while her two young ones would wiggle through the boards on the fence, and then they'd have a good old munch on the beans, carrots, etc. They are so tame that it's difficult to make them move even if I go right out to them. Yes, unusual .. and not so good for the deer.
We have two bears in the back woods. It a Mama and her son, who is now two years old, and Mama wants him to go off on his own. I have heard a few of their quarrels!
And now there is evidence that there's been a cougar back there, so I'm keeping the cats close. Even old Purrt doesn't go far these days. She's 18 years old and has lost weight and is so much weaker. She eats more than two other cats together, doesn't hear anything, but she still seems to be enjoying life. I just wish we could brush all of her fur, but she will only tolerate the front half of her, so if she has a mat in the back half, we just cut it out (taking our lives in our hands) and so she looks somewhat raggedy and unkept, but she's comfortable.
Mom continues to shrivel up. She's like a shrivelled up bird, taking its last few breaths ... can't think about it. Had no idea this would be so difficult. (I just deleted everything else I wrote.)
I have my new lap top and plan to do a power point presentation on Mom's life, with music, and it will be not only fun, but funny as well. Mom had a good sense of humor (so did Dad, and our step-dad Roy) and I think it's really important to put that in.
But I let myself get bogged down with some issues that were not mine, and with my health. AArgh!
Went to the doctor's today for test results and I'm going back to the surgeon's over the same thing I had the last two surgeries for .... it's all precancerous. It just takes so long to heal.
Never mind. Has to be done.
Wayne and I went swimming on Thursday and met up with Joe and Margaret. Joe is Wayne's fishing partner ... I have his photo .. must put it in. Joe is 94 and Margaret is 89. So Margaret was telling me that they've been busy re-doing their wills, just so they're set up in a way that it will be easier for the surviving spouse. She said they trust each other, but are at an age when then can barely trust themselves. She said, "I'm worried that one day we'll get old and go funny in the head", and so they're taking care of business now, and in a week they fly off to their condo in Mazatland where they'll spend the next six months. They are an absolutely amazing couple, and so much in love. Kind and so respectful to each other, and they so appreciate their friends. They are what makes our lives rich ... just to spend some time with them.
I'm still learning things about my new computer and really, really enjoying it. I get so caught up with the fun stuff I run out of time to do any work. Will have to take myself in hand ..
Tired now.
Big changes next year. Big, huge ... Inside and out. We have the last of the foundation work to do, and that means taking up sidewalks. Then all the concrete work with be redone. Several of my plants have to come out. The big tree peony has to be moved, and I don't think it will survive. But my Multi-Blue clematis should be okay. I think the Trumpet Vine will have to go as well. We're taking out shrubs and trees, having help with the Spring gardening, conditioning the soil, mulching ..
And inside we are renovating all three bedrooms, the bathroom and putting down all new flooring. I'm totally enjoying figuring out colors for the walls and fabrics. We'll finish off the inside just the way we want it, and then we can enjoy it all. New closets in the back bedroom. A place for the sewing, my art work, and whatever else I want.
I'm hoping to be stronger next year so I can enjoy the gardens more, and there are a few places around here I'd like to go and spend some time. I've never been to Salt Spring Island and my favorite artist lives there.
Tonight I was checking out one of my favorite authors and discovered she has a new book out that I haven't read. What delightful news! Her name is Rosamund Pilcher and she has a way of introducing storyline characters that you just wish you could meet in person. Safe books ... I can relax with them (although upsetting things do happen) but they are a nice escape from my reality.
We're off to Victoria to look after Soleil on Monday. He's so much fun.
And I've purchased one of the calendars our firefighting son is in! very nice. Will post a photo of that as well.
Must head off to bed. Friday was a big day for me and for Wayne, for totally different reasons. He's able to sleep. I was just tossing and turning, afraid I was disturbing him.
Will head back now and see if sleep will come.
G'night |
| Nibbs Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 05:15 am: | |
Not much gardening here ... but a lot of blustery days. We've had our first storm, with power outages, and lots and lots of rain. So far we haven't had the fog, but that's usually the dreary November weather.
I don't seem to have made much progress with the reno plans, but that's so much fun at the moment, so I don't mind. And what we knew 'definitely' seems to change as times goes on. I'm enjoying having the time to think things through, and talk with others. Some of the suggestions we had from friends and family have been just great! (I've already ordered my new hutch and buffet for the new dining room.)
We have a three seater glider and one seater glider that haven't been out of the barn for .. two years. No need to keep them, I'm thinking, and they're like new. We have a picnic table out there too.
I'll be looking for homes for a few things!
Family is fine, relatively speaking. It's that time of year with viruses going around. Barry came up Saturday with his two youngest. They were planning to head home after supper, but he suddenly became quite ill. He took something for nausea (didn't help) and went to bed. Wayne and I had a wonderful time with the girls. In true grandparent fashion, after they had their baths, washed their hair, brushed their teeth and cleaned up for bed, jammies on ... we fed them toast and jam and hot chocolate. And we sent them to bed quite late. Barry slept for 14 hours straight and felt much better when he got up. He is going to 'baby' his tummy, but seemed to be well on the road to recovery.
Here's a few recent photos of the two youngest. One weekend they went to a wilderness play center and challenged themselves to all kind of physical situations, and had a ball!
Sierra
And Rebekah (showing off a wood kit product .. proud of it, in true adolescent style!)
And a couple of photos from their day in the obstacle course ..
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| Nibbs Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 05:27 am: | |
Our Soleil is two years old already! Oh my! And what a sweetheart he is. Soleil recently had his first trip to the dentist. It didn't last long, and the dentist said his Mommy and Poppa are looking after his teeth very well, but Soleil touched all the tools and made friends with the man looking in his mouth!
This month we had an opportunity to spend a couple of days in Victoria, and Lolo Wayne introduced Soleil to his shaver. Soleil loves the vibration and so Lolo let him pretend to shave (the plastic head protector was on). He carried on with it and ran it over his ear and his hair, sat in his chair and had a good ol' shave!
Tonight I was talking on the phone with his mom and I heard him come home with his poppa. The two 'men' had gone to town for Bubble tea, and that is something that pleases Soleil so much. He can say it clearly, and downs it in no time flat! (We're heading back down in a couple of weeks and I think Nanay and Lolo will be looking for a Bubble tea treat as well.) |
| Nibbs Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 05:32 am: | |
Our great grandson, Liam, is six months old already, and what a happy, happy baby! He's growing so fast so we really enjoy all the photos his mommy takes. This is so great. Digital cameras and the internet! Helps us stay in touch so much better!
Here's the cutie patootie!
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| Nibbs Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 05:37 am: | |
And our son, Barry, had the wonderful opportunity of having his fire house in a calendar put out by 'The Fire Within' outfit. It is absolutely amazing how much this organization helps with fund raising for fire halls, and the prizes are fantastic. So this is our son, a Lieutenant ..
And part of the photo op ... not very clear, but it's been edited ..
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| Nibbs Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 02:30 am: | |
I'm just heading off to bed, late again, but wanted to say that we have such wonderful friends for neighbours. Not only did they sign our petition to keep our swim sessions at the local pool (gentle exercises) but they came to the city council meeting tonight. We filled the seats and our swim buddies stood in front of the mike and spoke our case. We are so pleased that we now have a healthy compromise and we hope to keep it working this way. Our city is dealing with a lower tax base and, in this case, the cut was just a little too deep in our wee corner of parks and recreation. |
| Nibbs Posted on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 01:51 am: | |
We're back from Victoria. Spent a couple of days there. Looked after Soleil (he was having the sniffles ... but is feeling better now) and visited family on the way down and back.
Much going on, but not any gardening. I see what needs to be done, but it will all have to wait now until next year. So much has to come out so we can do renovations. Kinda good!
Anyway, I wanted to post this before I go to bed.
Soleil came to us in his living room, wearing a new t-shirt. Exciting news!
And we have more family coming on the weekend.
Time for Mr. Bubble.
I'm so pleased that Soleil is feeling better.
Lots of changes in the family coming up. I'm looking forward to planning changes in my little corner of the world.
So tired. 'Night all .. |
| Nibbs Posted on Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 02:35 am: | |
I see snow on the Beaufort Range and can feel that chill in the air! I just hope the snow level stays up there.
Wayne is in the frozen north. He flew up to northern B.C. today. His Mom is not well ... is asking for him. We are both dealing with Mom's in hospital with rather bleak outlooks. Gosh ...
Yes, Baby Liam is coming tomorrow! What fun! I'm so glad I still have a high chair here, for a little while. It will be nice to have company for dinner, and especially family!! Danielle and Nigel are surfing out at Long Beach. I can't remember ever being young enough to enjoy that, but they are having a blast. (I saw the sanders heading up to Sutton Pass. It's a mountain pass on the way out to Pacific Rim Park that is usually hit fairly hard with snow. Am hoping the highway will be okay for the everyone.)
So, I'm on my own.
I spent some time today with the computer program trying to figure out walls, ceiling, cabinet and flooring combinations. I have a little time, but there are so many possibilities. Trying to figure out what is calm, clean and not so 'out there' that I will get bored is a problem. It's fun though.
I could hear Soleil when his mom phoned tonight. He's learning his colors. Gosh ...he's only two. Are children really smarter now? I don't remember my children being this academic when they were little. Somehow, I'm finding every time I spent time when any of our grandchildren, I'm in awe. Is it just me?
We purchased a new cat tower for the living room. 'Kuna has destroyed the old one and I was concerned about how he would receive this one. He hugs it. All is well. (He's the cat with 'issues')
Am off to bed. Big bed .. all to myself!!
G'night |
| Nibbs Posted on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 09:46 am: | |
More snow on the Beaufort Range and it's cold down here. The sun was shining, but I have a cold and stayed indoors. The cats wanted out, and then immediately back in.
I need to trim my hydrangeas back some, and bring in more wood. My dashboard widget says the weather should be nice all week, although cold (don't laugh .. -2ºC is cold here).
Wayne's Mom was scheduled for surgery Tuesday, and I hope they went ahead. She was excited about having it, getting relief from the pain, and recovering so she can go home. Her doctor is using a VAC system on her leg. She's amazing, and such a trooper!
I'm dealing with my third cold this year and it bothers me more how I tend to lose time than that I feel miserable. Well, I don't feel that miserable. I have some things I want to do that are on hold, and I have books I want to read. That can proceed now that the calendar is done.
Am feeling a little isolated ... and that's not a bad thing either.
Solomen is not well. I need to keep him strictly on his special food and see if he improves. Could be that is how he will have to live out his life.
And Purrt is now having problems seeing. She's been deaf for a couple of years, but the sight problems are new. We know that she's over 18 years old and has been a working cat for most of her life. She is still comfortable and enjoys attention. She is very LOUD! Oh my!
I had planned to work on the new hutch and buffet. That may have to wait until Wayne comes back.
Bushed ... will try going back to bed. See if sleep will come ... Doesn't take much these days to prevent a good night's sleep.
Later .. |
| Nibbs Posted on Saturday, December 08, 2007 - 12:07 pm: | |
I'm finally beginning to surface from this latest bout of whatever. And I seem to have missed another three weeks. Not quite ready for a car ride yet, but I'm down 18 pounds! That was a surprise. I've had a some contact with my girl friend who is spending the winter in Arizona ... in the sun and the warmth. I'm so pleased she was able to go this year. And, of course, Joe and Margaret, poor souls, having to cope with temperatures just a bit lower than they expected as they swim outdoors, stroll around their winter residence in Mazatland, eating fresh local fruit ... I wish I could join them for a bit!!
We had Val and Soleil come to visit for a few days. Soleil calls Wayne, "Yolly Yolly Yole." as he is having difficulty with the word Lolo. He was calling him Wayne, but his Mommy didn't like that. He tried, "Yum Yum', but on the phone last night he was once again talking about Yolly Yolly Yole, and was all excited about his new purple balloon.
Well, I planted my amaryllis and am looking forward to some beautiful red blooms at some point. I picked up the basket with the plaid ribbon and had a look at the flower on the package when I was shopping one day last month, and just couldn't put it back down. So it came home with me.
Am off to get a little more sleep ... so glad I'm getting better. |
| Nibbs Posted on Monday, December 17, 2007 - 03:27 pm: | |
Well, the sun was shining this morning and I took one look at my windows and knew what I was doing today!! Got started, then stopped to sell some eggs, and by the time I got back to my chore, the sun was gone. Okay, then I'll sit down for a minute and check out GB's. I see it's raining now too. Well, that's more like it!! I was right out of sorts with the sunshine!
And I'm on my own now that Wayne has his new job. I won't say it out loud because I don't want it to come up if someone googles. He's trying to keep the budget under control, but not violate any rules on the water board. We live in an area with high rainfall, and that doesn't mix well with logging and a river water source, especially when it goes through farm land as well. And then there's the politics .. chaos at times. I get so frustrated. My job was so much easier than this, and I worked with criminals.
I'm reading, 'Tuesday With Morrie', and thoroughly enjoying it. Will get back to this when I finish it. I'll be reading it again a few times. It's that kind of book.
And I've enjoyed reading through a couple of seed catalogues. There are some 'new' blooms I'd like to try here next year. One has some of Marlene's 'Blue Angel' salvias. I think I should get those and start my own. They're so vibrant!
No swimming for me today, but tomorrow I'll be back there. It's been a month! |
| Nibbs Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 02:13 am: | |
Well, we've had some excitement. We learned on December 20 that Val and Conrado are having twins. Oh my! And Soleil was so much fun! Sandy met up with us all at Duncan and we had supper together. Then Soleil escorted Tita Sandy and Nanay out of the restaurant, chatting away to us.
And Barry is pleased for his sister. He also has his own addition. They have a new dog, a young blue heeler/border collie, named Jack. Jack's face looks just like our old border collie, Jeanne (we didn't name her .. but what a wonderful dog!!) And I expect they will find Jack to be the same. I'm a little jealous...
Wayne's new job is going well. He seems to have settled in quite quickly. I had some trouble getting my head around it. Long story ... and it's not done yet. I was looking forward to our lives going a different direction than this. However, it's not to be, and I will actually end up with a lot more time on my own. May be a good thing for me.
I'm still weak and having trouble with my appetite but hope that getting back to a routine will help. I enjoyed my sessions at the swimming pool last week. It feels so good. I wish I could swim before going to bed at night. It would make the world of difference, I'm sure.
For now, I'm ready for bed. Will read for a bit.
My last book was 'Tuesdays With Morrie'. I have to read it through again. I think I was meant to read this book right now.
'Night all. |
| Nibbs Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 06:01 pm: | |
Well, it's a snowy day today, a slow day too. Wayne had to go in to work late today so he did the running around town by himself. And he took my vehicle because it's much better in the snow. I don't mind.
I've been feeling a little down with the loss of Oscar Peterson. Silly ... his music lives on, and death is inevitable to all of us. I seem to be very sensitive about death, and am trying to develop a better attitude. It all has to do with Mom, and I don't doubt that others who have had the same experience will completely understand.
I read 'Tuesdays With Morrie' by Mitch Albom. It is a new book, and so dog-eared now you wouldn't know it. I kept thinking that I must come back to this part of the book, and this part. And then I took notes .. and realized I was studying. And learning about my life and what's important to me.
And still, it was about death.
And Oscar died .. not unexpected, really, although he was 83 and had declining health. But his music is so soothing .. and his music is still here. So, in the words of Morrie, "Death ends a life, not a relationship."
And I've been cranky (sort of) over silly things. Our VCR packed it in and so Wayne made an 'executive decision' and bought a new vcr/dvd - I've never used a dvd writer in my life - machine. And he hooked it up. And there it sat, for over a month. We always discuss the purchase of big items, so this was out of character. I know I've been ill, but that doesn't count me out as a voice in this relationship .. okay, Diane. Settle down .. old argument, done, over. But I needed to tape something. It was inevitable that I was going to have to get over myself and learn how to use it. Turns out it wasn't set up properly. Wayne had it set on i and it needed to be p .. and I went through the instruction book so many times I could write it out now myself. Okay, so we have that set up.
And then the remote for our digital cable acted up. The volume button has become increasingly difficult to press .. well, I would press it and nothing would happen. And the commercials are so much louder than programs, I seem to be using that button more than any other button anywhere else in my life! I know, I've been sick ... watching way too much television, especially if these things are so important in my life.
So ... while Wayne was out, he picked up a replacement at our local cable store. Guess what .. all new, had to be programmed. Out came the new instruction book. Aaargh. I could get everything to work but the volume .. which was the original problem in the first place.
And Wayne had to go to work .. and my show .. Paula Deen, cooking things I dare not eat, or even smell!!, was on in 10 minutes!!
I asked if Wayne, who had now taken over the job of programming (as if he could do a better job than I could), if he had programmed the tv. So he did. And the volume button worked.
Okay, that was good.
Off he went. I turned on the news briefly. I had a couple of minutes, after all that. And there was the news that Benazir Bhutto had been assassinated. Oh no ... and 20 more who were around her vehicle. I don't know how bad this will get, but imagine there are already riots in Pakistan, and I wonder what this will mean to the U.S. She attended Harvard, and was such a determined and brave woman.
And it put things back in perspective for me.
My life is so good, and I know I don't have the challenges that women in Pakistan have and for that I am so grateful. Other women fought for what I now take for granted.
And from a country that deals with so much death (Pakistan) I come back to trying to deal with losses in my life.
Morrie said (about the world), "The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love and to let it come in."
I will always hear Oscar's music in my head and it will live on with me as long as I live. And so will Mom's (although I often remember her saying the things that annoyed me the most .. like, 'Rise and shine!, or, when I was throwing my temper around and stomping up the stairs, and she called me back to try it all over again, she would say, 'Now, walk like a lady!', and I usually had to do this a few times before I was too tired to go up the stairs in any other fashion than .. like a lady. I really was a good kid, though, and mostly, when I think of Mom's voice, I hear her sing. She had a voice like the female singers in the 1940's. I remember her singing, "My Diane.' It's a song about a solder who comes home from war blind. 'I'm in Heaven when I see you smile. Smile for me, my Diane. And though everything's dark all the while, I can see you.' It was a gift to me when she sang that.
We're having fish and chips for supper, but healthy ones. Lovely cod, pan fried, and fries with no trans fats. And Killer coleslaw. Yum ... yes, I'm making it!
Barry and Anna Lee have a new puppy (yes, I mentioned that). I am envious and so looking forward to meeting Jack! Here's a photo ..
Well, the dryer stopped and so must carry on with house chores. I'm hoping to start working on the new hutch and buffet today. I was annoyed (yes, again) that the top of the buffet was damaged but not in a place where it's obvious. We waited so long before checking it out .. well, I waited so long .. and was concerned that the damage would not be covered by any 'insurance'. I was wrong. All is well. (Why do I think the worst?? Old trust issues ... ) And I'm so pleased with the purchase and it will look so much better in the dining room.
Cats are well. Wayne and I have been working on Purrt. She has a couple of matts in an area of her body that her poor old arthritic hips won't let her groom. And then I decided to tackle her tail. She spends so much time indoors now, so I don't feel bad about how much hair I'm cutting off. Yes, scissors take the matts out. No pulling. I care for my life too much to try and work a matt out of that cat!! We have only a couple of minutes to work on her. That's all she'll allow and then she warns us. We both have a very healthy respect for the sharpness of her teeth and claws to push it. And we can see that she's feeling better for the work we're doing on her.
The east coast of the Island is expecting high winds. We seem to be spared once again. The weather is coming from the southeast, and that usually means winds. But we have a mountain range that protects us. All our children live on the east coast, so I'm hoping this system passes over quickly.
Okay .. mini novel time is over. Must move and do a few things before it's dark again!
Am hoping all my gardenbuddies are well! |
| Nibbs Posted on Friday, January 04, 2008 - 05:51 am: | |
That's right .. I remember writing here for the beginning of 2008 .. and couldn't post.
Didn't really have much to say.
We have wet, foggy weather. Back on boil water advisory.
Wayne's working from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. pretty much every day .. and I'm beginning to think it's a good thing. It's inventory time so there's lots to do.
The family is fine. Val's babies are active. Everyone has plans to be busy this year.
Wayne's Mom is still in hospital but doing well. My Mom ... can't even think about it ..
I'm back to the pool but not doing all the exercises. Am wondering if I'll ever be able to do them all. High pain .. nothing can be done.
But I've researched a trip by rail across the U.S. It doesn't cost as much as travelling across Canada by Via. I'd rather do the trip through the Rockies .. Anyway, it's a thought. But I'd have to feel much better than this. I would love to see the Autumn colors in the East. We missed the very best of the colors when we were with Derek and Marlene, and I loved the country and the people there.
Actually, I was blown away by the photos that Derek posted, and then Denise. Oh, what a dream it is of mine to be there and experience that! (And after reading Morrie's words, I wonder what I'm waiting for)
I'm looking forward to seeing Barry and his girls on Saturday. And Soleil may be coming up for a couple of days. He's so funny now .. well, he's always been entertaining, but his imagination is really working now. (It was like that with Barry's children too. I remember Rebekah using her 'man' voice. This sweet beautiful little girl would surprise us with the voice that came out of her!! Such fun! Good memories.)
Time for bed ... way passed time for bed.
"night all |
| Nibbs Posted on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 05:07 am: | |
I'm sad. And upset. And angry. And frustrated.
I wish I could consume the book, "Tuesdays with Morrie' because he found a place inside himself where there was peace and acceptance, and he could love the people around him, even though they just didn't 'get it'.
Morrie talks about how our culture teaches us to be a way that is not healthy, and that we really need to create our own culture.
I find it so easy to read this and believe it, but it's so difficult when we're dealing with people who are very close to us.
I have fears I do not express ... but they are becoming my reality.
This is all so vague.
I write in a daily journal. Have since 1961, and I was surprised when I read through some of them that I hadn't written down the really sad, or upsetting events. I didn't mention them, I suppose, because then they became more real, and part of my history. If I didn't write them down, then perhaps I wouldn't remember them.
I had a dream the other night. Wayne had removed all my kitchen cupboards, and in a way that is not typical for Wayne. Everything was so clean. Even the sink was gone. Only the fridge and stove were left. (Wayne has talked for years about replacing the cupboards and I've always said no.) And then, running around, there was a young girl, about 6 years old, and she had something wrong with her mouth. I asked her if I could see what was wrong, and she opened her mouth for me. Inside, behind her teeth and under her tongue, she had a paper clip imbedded and it was infected. I asked her if she wanted me to take it out. She shrugged and somehow (?) let me know that she was willing to just learn to live with this. Or she would be okay with me taking it out. I found some little scissors and tweezers and took it out, and she went happily off to play. I turned back to the kitchen. Jon V.o.i.g.h.t (don't want this googled) was at the stove. He leaned over the elements on the stove, just as I reached for the handle of the oven and braced myself. We both realized at the same time how sad it was that this little girl had chosen to live with this pain for the rest of her life ... when the problem could be fixed!!!
I know that little girl (it's not me). And I love that little girl. And she won't let anyone, even herself, take the paper clip out.
It's so sad.
Jon and I cried. (I do not cry ...usually, but I've certainly shed tears this week. And I'm not done.)
I was looking forward to getting Monday behind me. It's a big day.
Now I find myself wishing away days until we have next Friday behind us.
If I could create this new culture for myself, I would not be wishing away days. This is MY life I'm wishing away, trying to run from stress, and only finding more.
I'm wishing, too, in this new culture, that I could be very computer savvy and then Ej wouldn't have to take my hand and walk me through the new calendar program.
I seem to spend so much time apologizing .. and I apologize in my head to people who never hear it. I'm sorry, I'm sorry ...
There's so much I don't understand and I really, really want to understand (not just computer stuff).
Wayne is up again. He's having trouble sleeping too. He's so concerned about me. Keeps holding my hand. It helps ...
Wish I could be more candid .. but then it would make the problems more real, and they would certainly be part of my history.
My amaryllis is about to bloom. I need to support it so it doesn't fall. It's red, I'm sure. Soon. A bloom at my house! |
Very sad, Diane! I have more than my share of bad dreams, and sleep is where I go to get away from everything! So I feel very bad for you that something is bothering you like that. I couldn't sleep this morning, either. Funny how we drift to GB. How exciting to have an Amaryllis ready to bloom! If only it could make all your troubles go away.  |
| Nibbs Posted on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 06:48 am: | |
Thank you, DJ. Tears again ... Kindness does this to me too. I'd love to pull the covers up over my head and surface when all is well with my world!! |
