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...