There are weeks when nothing seems to work out regardless of how hard I try. 🥺 Then the are weeks that work out fairly well, but there are just enough snafus to be rather annoying. 🤨 And then, there are weeks like this week! 😁
Yesterday, I sent a quick message to my niece Teenie (Jeanne Christine) I had not spoken to her for few months. She messaged back and we had a nice chat. This morning, my sister Lorraine sent a message, and we chatted for a bit. My family is scattered across western Canada and the US. We don’t connect often, so when we do it is always special. 💞
After my chat with Lorraine, I went outside to feed the squirrels and birds. I stopped to check the garden and found a few more cucumbers ready for picking. We already have more cucumbers than we can use so I decided to make relish. Since I haven’t done any canning or pickling for a couple of decades, I needed to make a run to Walmart to pick up some canning jars and a few other things.
That is when I really started to roll! I don’t care to drive at the best of times but today things went better than usual. The drive itself was fine. 🙂
The parking went better!I love that backup camera. 👏I got everything I needed – and it fit into the top basket of the cart, where I could reach it at the checkout. 👍I got home and again the parking went darn near perfect. 🤩And… The canning rack I bought fit into my canning pot – perfectly. 🥳
Finally, my surgeon’s office called to book my hernia surgery! It turned out we couldn’t book it yet because the lab hasn’t set up my catscan and bloodwork but the woman I talked to is going to call them to get me in there ASAP!! So, it is progress. 😊
There are special days when great things happen. Those days are amazing. But the regular days when special things happen, or regular things just work great – those days are just GOLD! 🤗
I hope your day is going well. Take care and see you tomorrow! 💞
It seems like we were just cleaning the patios and planting the garden and here we are with autumn bearing down on us! The seasons seem to pass faster every year. 😳
Dan emptied the pool this morning 😥Grandpa’s Bleeding Heart is done for the year. 😟The wildflowers around the birdbath are looking rough.
I have never been a fan of autumn but there is still much to be grateful for. I am grateful for the fresh garden produce that we are enjoying every day, grateful that I have Dan to manage much of the heavy fall cleaning, grateful that I am not facing a winter of dark and icy drives to work (YAY), grateful for the end of mosquitoes and other bugs, and of course I am grateful that I am still here to enjoy each and every day!
Kat’s new food chock full of goodness and fresh garden vegetables and herbs.At least the petunias are still blooming!
Wishing everyone a great day. Take care and see you tomorrow!
Lately I have come across a number of articles regarding ‘The Dark Side Of Gratitude”. The rationale behind these articles seems to be that focussing on gratitude can lead one to feelings of guilt (for having an abundance of what others lack), depression (for not being able to appreciate all that one has), or feelings of unworthiness (for all that one possesses). I see the point these articles are trying too make, but in my mind it is not gratitude that is the problem.
The best definition I have seen for gratitude is ‘Pausing to notice and appreciate the things (people, experiences, and opportunities) in life that we often take for granted.’ it is that simple. Gratitude opens our hearts and our minds to all that is beautiful, comforting and caring in life.
I have struggled to feel grateful in my life and I now know what it is like to have a true attitude of gratitude. Struggle is no doubt part of the path to gratitude but it is definitely not the result of it. 🤦
My path to gratitude was an uphill, rock strewn, dirt road which came to several dead ends and led me over the occasional cliff. I, like most people, made it harder than it had to be. Ultimately, I found it necessary to make peace and contentment a priority in my life, and gratitude came naturally.
Along the way, I shared or crossed paths with others who were enjoying a life of gratitude and many others who were struggling to find their own way.
I have known people who had virtually nothing and yet were so grateful for anything and everything. Most of these people were young children. Regardless of their personal circumstances, tots will positively beam with joy over anything from a new pair of socks, to a simple treat, to the discovery of a ladybug, to the greatest Disneyland adventure. Tots are born with an amazing attitude of gratitude. That, in my mind, is why childhood is such a precious and magical time. 🤗
At the opposite end of the spectrum, I met people who had far more than they would ever need, but we’re totally miserable and lacking in gratitude for all they had or anything that they received or experienced. They constantly wanted more, or something different, or were too busy grasping what they had, to comprehend the joys of gratitude, much less attempt to develop an attitude of gratitude for any of it.
There were those who were totally vested in their own pity party or victim identity. They threw away one opportunity after another, ignored all kindness and generosity shown them, and tossed away every blessing they received in life. Sadly, I have known people to plod through their entire life with this mindset. They appreciated nothing in life. They were incapable of an attitude of gratitude until they changed their opinion of themselves and life in general and many just never did.
Lastly, there were those who never recognized their blessings because they were totally wrapped up in needing others to be grateful for every little thing they did for them. Gratitude was a weakness in their mind, subservient behaviour that was to be expected from those beneath them. They could not develop an attitude of gratitude because they simply did not understand the concept.
Developing an ‘attitude of gratitude’ is not the easiest thing to do these days. Life is typically lived at a frantic pace, technology drives us beyond our limits, drama and greed and negativity are celebrated. But, living a life of gratitude is so worth every effort that one can make. There is no dark side. Gratitude helps through the worst times of our lives, helps us make the best of the good times, and just makes every day worth living.
Wishing you a great day with every opportunity to feel grateful. 😊 Take it easy, take care and see you tomorrow. 💞
While we were celebrating at son Dan’s this weekend, we arranged to stay at a Microtel by Wyndham hotel in the small city near their acreage.
I usually do fairly good at arranging for accomodations on our travels, and as usual I did not disappoint. 👍
The hotel I chose has been recently renovated. Everything was new and fresh. With parking and a typical buffet breakfast included, our room was quite economical. This hotel allowed pets, so we were able to bring Kat along to enjoy our time away. They do charge an extra twenty dollars a night for dogs, but obviously so worth it.
There was only one downside to this hotel that had Dan and I a little concerned. It is situated on the eastern edge of the city. Son Dan lives a few miles west of the city. 🙄 However, we soon discovered that even that worked perfectly for us, as the entire west end of the city was tied up with road construction andthere was a perfect and paved shortcut that ran from our hotel straight to son Dan’s acreage. It could not have been more convenient!
Large enough television and desk/counterarea. Comfortable sitting area with a convenient kitchenette.Relaxing color scheme and decor.The queen size bed was comfortable.Kat even had her own built in bed. (She chose to sleep with us 😒)
The washroom was small, but adequate. I prefer to have a bathtub, but the shower was roomy and had a rain showerhead that even I found comfortable.
The room included all the extra touches like a blow-drier in the washroom and an ironing board and iron. It had wifi of course. The hotel amenities included a pool, hot tub, and exercise room that seemed quite well appointed. There was also the breakfast buffet area and a small bar that served appetizer type foods, plus barbecues and a patio area behind the hotel.
I would definitely recommend this chain to anyone looking to stay at a decent hotel. We enjoyed our stay. We were easily grateful for comfort and cleanliness of the place and the gracious and accommodating staff. 🤗
It is time to get a few things done around here now. We have more than a few tomatoes in our fridge to deal with and no doubt plenty more out in the garden to pick. Kat is also getting pretty low in cooked food so should get a batch whipped up for her.
Wishing all a nice day! Take care and I hope to see you tomorrow. 💞
We just returned home from Dan & Amanda’s wedding reception weekend. I am so grateful that everything went amazingly well! A good time was enjoyed by all!
We were too busy having fun to take many photos, but I am sure we will get plenty via the official photographer who was there on Saturday afternoon.
Son Dan made sure there was enough room for guests by building a massive extension to their deck. (He still has the top of the gazebo to go and Amanda is enlisting help for next spring in filling all of the built in flower planters.) Dan’s friend Greg, (on the middle deck with me) was Dan’s co-builder, as well as Amanda of course! Gabby and her friend were on the lower deck, where all of the tables were set up for supper.The many younger guests had a bouncy castle, pool, hot tub, trampoline, playhouse, six dogs, and at least twenty pounds of candy to keep them amused.Cason chose to entertain himself with a blue marker, grape soda, and by something on his foot. Possibly lingeringmarker ink. 🙂Dan made a replica of their original ‘pandemic’ wedding cake. Omg delicious!Amanda and Dan
The highlight of the day was a video presentation by granddaughter Gabby. She recorded moments of their courtship, proposal, wedding preparations, and their official wedding ceremony. We laughed, we cried, it was truly fantastic! She has a gift. 📽️
All in all, it was another great day to celebrate their love, and their love for their yours, mine, and ours family – Gabby, Lucas, and Cason💞
Wedding Day – December 2020
I hope everyone had a good weekend! Take care, keep dry, & I will see you tomorrow! 💞
I am finishing up a dozen loose ends this week. As much as I would like to say it is all fun and smooth sailing, that of course is not the way life goes. There are always a few hiccups along the way.
These hiccups, and potential hiccups, are the reason that I am so grateful for You Tube and for those who take the time to share their beautiful, calming videos. The two that I have posted here are ones that I have been working with this week. They help me to dig deeper, to a place where I can deal with the ups and downs of daily life in a semblance of peace, dignity and appreciation.
It is funny how so many of us tend to focus on our physical and mental well-being, while ignoring that part of us that actually controls the quality of our lives – the love, peace, happiness, contentment, abundance, freedom, and joy – all of those things that matter the most to us. All of those things that we strive to have and to share with others.
Anyway, if you are looking to invest a few minutes of your day in an exercise of spiritual healing, I recommend the following meditations. The Tibetan Monks one is fairly lengthy but I listen to it for a few minutes at a time and it saves my place for more listening at a later time. 👍
Wishing everyone a great day! Take care and I will see you tomorrow. 💞
I was so grateful to wake up this morning to a nice rainy day. We needed the moisture. Dan and I fertilized the front lawn yesterday so this is perfect. (Ok. Dan fertilized and I watched Dan fertilize. Either way, the job got done. 😂).
It is also much cooler today. It is cool enough that I have our back door closed. In the spring, I cannot wait to leave the back door open so we can enjoy the fresh air and Kat can go in and out on her own. After a few months of constant sirens, vehicle traffic, neighbourhood noises, barking dogs, and the like, I am so happy to have a day of peace and quiet! Dan is at work so there is no tv. Erin called in sick today so I will not have Dom. I have nothing but peace and quiet to fill my day!
Peace and quiet are such precious commodities. There are so many people who need to have SOUND – all of the time! Even out in nature, amongst the babbling brooks and baby birds, there are people who need to bring or create noise . 🤷 Of course, that means no peace and quiet for people like me. 😟
So this is my kind of day and I plan to cherish every moment of it. 🤗
As will Kat, as soon as she finishes her nap.
Rain or shine, I hope you have a beautiful day! Take care and I will see you tomorrow. 💞
One of my favourite peaceful places – nature hike at Souris, Manitoba💞
It is much cooler here today and the smoke has finally cleared. Our plants are looking so much happier. I. am definitely feeling so much better. I am so grateful for the reprieve. 😉
Mini Bell PeppersSageThe petunias have aphid damage but the blossoms keep comingKat’s carrot patch
Our forecasted rain this week would really be appreciated. Now that things have cooled down a bit, it would be nice to see things get a refreshing shower. City water is just not the same.
I have grandson Dom with me again today. He is more mature and easier to entertain this year but he still needs to eat so I should work on getting his lunch ready. 🍝
Wishing all a day of natural contentment and beauty. Take care and see you tomorrow. 💞
It is days away from my son’s wedding and I am getting ready for the drive and the big day. There is not that much I had to do – hotel reservations, haircut, outfit to wear, gift, that sort of thing. Husband Dan will get the Jeep ready. Son Dan and Amanda have their arrangements all made so there is little to be done for them.
Now, my biggest challenge is getting myself ready. Son Dan is a good man and we are delighted that we are able to go to celebrate his marriage to Amanda. Amanda is an amazing partner for him. She is funny and intelligent and caring and bursting with the energy necessary to keep up with Dan and their three children plus run her own small business! Most of all she is always saying that she is grateful for Dan, as we know he is for her. That is so huge for both of them and their relationship. Many couples focus on the faults of their partners. It is heartwarming to see a couple who constantly focus on each other’s strengths.
So, we are happy for them and we look forward to seeing them and celebrating with them. But, all is not roses. There are a couple of challenges going into this weekend.
The first being that we will be spending a weekend with my ex and his wife. To be honest, I do not have an issue with my ex being there. He is the father of my son (and his siblings). We have been divorced longer than we were married. Quite frankly the last few years of our marriage were so bad that I never wanted either of us to hold any lingering animosity or the such once it ended. I do have issues with his wife. For the past twenty years she has been on some mission to rewrite our history, discredit me, victimize my ex, and basically (with the help of my ex’s family) brainwash my sons into believing her version of our past.
The second challenge is that our Prime Minister called a federal election yesterday. This should hardly be a cause for alarm at a wedding party for a loving couple and their beautiful blended family. Except, this party is being held at a Saskatchewan/Alberta border city. Chances are, this will get ugly. I do not care that I do not agree with the politics of most of the people who will be there. I seldom, if ever bother to argue politics with others. But, there is a time a place and I would easily get upset if anyone decided that this would be a good time or place to start a political rant.
So…. I have my work cut out for me this week! I am digging way deep to fill my heart and soul with enough peace and love and happiness to get through this weekend with a positive mindset. I want to add to the joy of this weekend for Dan, Amanda and their family. I want to have a good weekend away with my husband Dan. I want to enjoy this very special weekend! 💞
I just finished a nice meditation, which I enjoyed in my little space under our big tree. I am feeling good and feeling surrounded by an energy of peace and contentment. Now I just have to build on these feelings and I will be the ‘Mother of the Groom‘ that I truly wish to be. 👍
Please wish me luck, and keep me in your thoughts and prayers. All will be truly appreciated! I don’t know how many can relate. This is one of those situations that may sound rediculous but that can be totally challenging to find oneself in. 🙄
I have little Dom here this week to help me attain the right mindset.He definitely has the ‘peace’ vibe going right now. 🥱
Take care, have a great day and see you tomorrow! 💞
I grew up before the internet, social media, or the like were invented. Even in those days, people often quoted popular ‘words of wisdom’. One such quote that I never cared for was “Anything worth doing is worth doing right”. I am not sure who first coined this phrase but I have seen sources attributing it to Aristotle.
I don’t know why I did not like this phrase back then. Chances are, it was because it typically came from someone who was nitpicking and judging me for what I was doing or how I was doing it. It just annoyed me. 🤨
Nowaday, I know why I have issues with this quote. To me it suggests that, in all of our endeavours, perfection should be our ultimate focus. That does not resonate with me. I am not, nor have I ever been, a perfectionist. 🙂
My mother was an amazing cook/baker. Her food looked great and tasted better. If asked what her secret was, she always replied that her secret was love. She was so right. My mother put her heart into every meal she cooked and the result was seldom, if ever, less than perfection.
During my career days I worked in the construction industry. I dealt with many homebuilders. Some built houses to make money, some built houses that were stunning – straight out of the glossiest magazine. Then there were a few who built beautiful, high-end, custom houses, perfect down to the finest detail. These were houses that had practical, convenient floorplans and quality, durable finishes. These were houses that invited you into a kitchen to prepare a meal or into a family room to relax with loved ones. These were houses where you wanted to live your life and raise your children. These were homes. As I met and became familiar with the homemakers, I learned that the ones who built the ‘homes‘ put their heart into every house they built and who worked with employees and subcontractors who were like-minded. Their results were consistently perfection.
Since I have been on WordPress, and following evermore sites, this philosophy of mine seems to ring true more and more often. I follow sites that are authored by gardeners, writers, nature hikers, animal lovers, photographers, poets – a diverse number of sites. I am always amazed by the love that people put into their homes, their yards, their creative, physical, or mental endeavours. One would never get the results shown by dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s. These results come from the heart. 💝
Today, I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for all who share such sites. It is so special to be allowed to share in the beauty and passions of your lives. There are too many to mention and I would feel terrible for inadvertently missing anyone, but I do appreciate your posts! And they are perfect! Thank you, so much! 💞
Photo by Dan. Golfing at sunrise.Also by Dan. Up close and personal with our favourite squirrel.
Wishing all a perfect Sunday! Take care and I will see you tomorrow. 💞
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 