And so this is Christmas...

Good times spent with little ones...with bigger ones...with some a little under the weather ones...with aunties and uncles...and nanas and papas...with with cherished elders...and with the unseen presence of departed loved ones....

Innocence Lost.

Dear Newtown,

We mourn your loss. We share your sorrow.

Our hearts are heavy. Our lives are forever changed. We too, have lost our innocence.

May God hold you in his loving embrace. Please know that you are not alone in your sorrow and that loving thoughts are sent your way.

November 11

Thank you, dad, for your sacrifice.

Feeling heavy hearted today. My ex-husband has passed away leaving the ones who loved him wanting more. His children had just a taste of what a relationship with their dad could be. Their grief is deep and raw and consuming. So hard to watch...

I, the "ex" share their pain, and like them, mourn for what could have, should have been.

There is no story that can be told anymore. It just doesn't matter.

God bless you Ray. I know we will see you again, and I know you won't be too far from your children now.

For Leontien!

"Someone remembers, someone cares; your name is whispered in someone's prayers..."

Vegan? Not quite!

Hi Dad

Yesterday you asked me if I am a vegan. The simple answer is no. I am working on it...striving to be better. If one wanted to label me, I guess they might label me lacto-ovo vegetarian, because at times I still have a little cheese (feta on my veggie burger last night) and occasionally an egg. Ice cream is still on my menu in much smaller amounts and far less frequently.

I want to be able to think one day that I have become vegan. I say "think" because I don't find it necessary or wise to declare I am either "this or that.". It is not up for discussion...because the minute one makes a declaration there will always be someone who wants to challenge or criticize... Like the Amish who are criticized (and often without reason) my way of living is no one else's concern...EXCEPT...if they choose to learn something about how I live...and how I eat.

Why do I want to become vegan? For health reasons, of course...to do my part in lessening my impact on the environment by the choices I make...and because I am appalled by the reports of animal cruelty that are surfacing. Lastly, I want to live the last chapter of my life in a gentler manner.

It has taken me a year to get as far as I am in this journey...thanks to you. You taught me one lesson that I have not forgotten, and won't..."moderation in all things!".

PS- I have a bowl of crockpot VEGAN soup for your supper! Wayne will have a bowl of ham soup. I'll let you decide!

Love always,

Muff
Xox

Thanksgiving at "the cottage."

This year we entertained 21 people at Thanksgiving. As usual, it was chaotic....but given the fact that 10 of the 21 were children below the age of 9, and given the fact that it was cold and rainy, and that all of the children and one parent were inside most of the time... I would say that chaos was expected.

The meal was delicious, thanks in part to the fact that there were many donations as we asked everyone to contribute some sort of dish. It was interesting and fun!

Of course, no celebration would be complete without the infamous tractor ride!

We hope that your Thanksgiving was enjoyable! Ours never disappoints me as all the reasons I have to be thankful were present...

The Lesson in This

After a long and difficult summer at work, I am trying hard to catch up. Working far more than I wanted to was not a choice. Two nurses had left in spring to pursue their retirement. One nurse was pulled from the floor to assist the manager in her role. One of our nurses died suddenly and in expectantly.

I, like the remaining nurses, was left to "man the lifeboat.".

I declined a full-time position. I have neither the energy or ambition anymore. Having grandchildren changed my world. What spare time I have, I want to spend with them...and when they are not available, I want to paint again.

My summer passed and all garden and preserving plans fell by the wayside and as things returned to "normal" at work, I played "catch up" at home.

Yesterday I struggled to make jelly in the few hours before my shift. All was going well...four burners sending steam upward...when my grandson arrived. I was worried by his business...darting too close to the busy stove. Papa came to our rescue, and I was able to finish the job, but without the usual satisfaction, and I experienced the same dissatisfaction I felt all too often at the end of a shift this summer.

Why do we nurses expect so much of ourselves? Would it not have been better to put down my ladle and pick up my grandson?

Time passes too quickly. Every soul that I have had the privilege to care for has lamented this fact.

So this post is dedicated to my grandbabies. Nana will try to do better!

A Visitor

This fellow stopped by this morning. He was bold. A few yards away my neighbor's dog ran and barked, oblivious to his arrival. Not one feather was ruffled!

It is amazing that these fellows can lift their weight and fly so gracefully!

Every day I am thankful for our home by the river!

Tiny Travels!

We have just returned from a week long camping adventure.  We shared this adventure with my dad who has just turned 91!  Together, we rented two teardrop trailers, and headed north to my SIL's home in Sault St Marie where we spent three nights.

You must google "Little Guy Trailers" or "Teardrop Trailers.". They are marvelous little campers...built for just sleeping in...a "portabed" of sorts.

Dad had his own camper, and says he slept very well.  He is a remarkable guy.  He drove part of the way, and his driving skills are still very good.

We were quite comfortable, too. Hubby is a big guy, and I can attest to the fact that he slept!

While in the Sault, we took advantage of the proximity of the border and took a day excursion to Macinaw Island.  For those who aren't aware, Macinaw is an Island where there are no motorized vehicles.  Horses and bicycles are the sole means of travel.  The air was clean and fresh!

These tiny trailers come with many options.  The ones we rented came with a two burner stove and a small sink.  These were not necessary as we had use of our host's bathroom, shower and kitchen.  A small television and DVD player can be added if desired.

We are seriously considering the purchase of one of these units next summer.  They are reasonably priced, easy to pull, and comfortable!

I have missed you!

Well.. the summer is almost over and I have not blogged once!  "Overhaul" was labelled as a site that might harm your computer.  Although it is "clean" there is nothing I can do to remove that label.  So...We move on.

This summer has been tremendously demanding at work.  Fellow RN's have retired or moved to management positions to ease the management role.  We have been chronically short of front line workers as a result.

On the home front?  We are still loving our little home!  

I tried the lasagna method of gardening with great success.  Next year promises a larger garden!

I have found a little time to preserve dills...and peaches soon.  My plans were downsized, however, I am happy that i have been able to do something.

I am happy to see the arrival of fall.  It is my favorite time of year!  Quieter that its forerunner, it is a time to collect.  Family have already planned thanksgiving here, and will collect around our table again.  My garden bounty will be collected and stored.  Christmas projects will be organized, and started as soon as time permits.

Pictures of my garden to come!  Have a great day!!!