A Long Absence!

Today, 8:14 AM

It's hard to believe that I retired two years ago. I don't recall what my plans for my retirement were, but it matters not, for "The best laid plans o Mice and Men gang aft agley!"

Today, I make no plans. I focus on the job at hand, and capture fleeting moments of unclaimed time to paint or tidy or finish projects started a long time ago.

As I age, so does my beloved dad. Thirty years separate us. I just turned 67 and he will be 97 this summer. His health has begun to fail, necessitating more frequent visits and help with every day chores. Yes...he still lives on his own, and is a remarkable fellow.

Dad has expressed his wish to stay in his own home. Both my brother and I will do all we can to help him realize his goal. We are just starting the process of bringing in help. It is similar to walking through a maze and feels a little overwhelming.

This fellow is worth it. He is really loved. It is a privilege to care for him.

New Beginnings

I have had so much difficulty using Blogger lately.  It has discouraged me from writing.  Hubby has helped me set up a new blogging page through Squarespace.  My domain is wensjourney.com.  The name of my blog is "A New Journey."

I hope you'll visit me there!

I visited this badly neglected blog, to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.  I am still plugging along and slowly getting used to retirement.  It hasn't been easy for sure, but with doctor's appointments and Christmas preparation, time passes rather quickly.

Best wishes for a merry Christmas, and for a heathy and Peaceful New Year!

From our family to yours!

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. George Eliot

"The fall colours are always so brilliant against a dark sky.

This afternoon, we had storm warnings, so I went outside to capture the glory of the moment!

I  wasn't disappointed!  

This may be my favorite...maybe...

Or this.... taken by my hubby....

Happy Thanksgiving

How I love fall!  Summer clothes are sorted and packed and winter clothes are brought from their hiding place.  Hello warm and cozy sweaters, and favorite jeans!

My garden is preparing for its long sleep, although, there are still tomatoes to harvest.

There are still beans to pick for winter soups and stews.

Our grape vines produced enough fruit for only 5 jars of jelly, but those five jars will be savoured.

We try to produce some food to fill our pantry.  I think it is important to do this.  So much of our food is denatured now, and the threat of the recent merger of Bayer and Monsanto inspires fear.  Will these companies one day control most of the food production in the world?  What can we expect then, I wonder.

Soon we will have to fire up our pellet stove, as the nights are gettetting cooler, but this weekend promises to be sunny and warm!

Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to all!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

He didn't want to celebrate his Birthday.  "I don't celebrate birthdays anymore" he said.  That did not stop the phone calls, visits, tokens of love, and birthday wishes from near and far!  

His family is so fortunate to still have him...after all, he is 95 today!  Lucky us!

Happy birthday, dad!  We love you!

Autumn approaches!

Summer has gone by so fast!  In less than two weeks the kids will be back in school, noses buried in their books.  

I always look forward to Autumn with its brilliant colours, and cooler nights.  Fall must be approaching, as I am losing patience with my garden, and wanting to spend more time indoors.  I am digging out projects started last winter, and picking up books half read.  

I will miss the warm days of summer, and my pool!  I will miss dips in the lake.  I'll miss visits from friends and family, and sleepovers!  I've seen more of my grandchildren then I have in the past and it has been WONDERFUL!

But I'm feeling as if I want to cozy in now.  I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving.  I'm looking forward to baking again.  I'm looking forward to the familiarity of routine...rug hooking meetings....knitting and crochet gathering...and paddles along our river adorned with fallen leaves of every colour.

What is your favorite season?