Challenge Accepted

Nothing in life was created to deter, it is all here
to merely challenge.

WTF?

I do not recognize this dashboard…where all the buttons?

I finally decide to do a post and this happens?

What did you do WordPress?

Spring’s New Arrival

Officially, it was Spring a week ago. Except there is no green grass, sprouting daffodils or budding tulips ’cause we’re still calf deep in frozen snow. The weather (*ahem) “professionals” have been telling us double digits for two weeks. The snow we got yesterday proves that the “science” of weather prediction has a long way to go.

However, what the season did bring us is this…

Dean Mooncrow

It’s been more than two years since we lost Darth and over four since Herc passed. Both of them were rescue cats, well into their third years when they came to us. While both lived well into their teens, they left behind their sisters Rosie and Sarah Jane, sixteen and seven respectfully. While I was okay with this new “all girl, half the fur and vet bills” arrangement, Hubby has wanted a male kitten for the better part of a year.

For the record, I had nothing to do with naming him. That’s totally on Daughter and Hubby. Dean is for the Supernatural t.v. show character and Mooncrow for a beloved (and looks “eerily similar” to) cat that Hubby had years ago.

Me, I just call him Lil’ Poop.

 

Traditionally Speaking

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It’s been difficult to get excited about the holidays this year. Having had so many life changing events since February, baking cookies and stuffing stockings has hardly been on the radar. Nevertheless, things happen to everyone everyday and if life doesn’t end, then surely it must go on.

What I am finding though, is that there is comfort in traditions. Doing little things, like putting up and decorating a holiday tree can even be reassuring when the normal seems to have gone out of life. Writing and posting my seasonal greeting cards was a welcome distraction this year and less of the chore I usually find it. And of course, nothing beats retail therapy even if you are not buying anything for yourself.

So, while everything is still too raw to feel appreciation about the year, I am grateful for the traditions that help me focus on the good stuff and the promise of the brand new year to come.

 

Unconditional

I can’t believe how long it’s been since I’ve posted. 2018 has been one hell of a roller coaster ride. So much has happened that I get overwhelmed when I sit down to write about it and I end up just walking away from my keyboard and pouring myself a glass of wine. Believe me, there’s been a lot of wine…

In February Hubby’s stepfather had a stroke while he was on a sailboat in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. His distance from medical attention did not bode well for his recovery as it took days to get him to a hospital. Since their arrival back in Canada, it has been a whirlwind of hospitals, doctors and rehab appointments in between caring for Hubby’s mother who is significantly older than her husband. Essentially, he was taking care of her and now Hubby being an only child, is taking care of both of them.

Then, on September 13 of this year, just when things seemed to be settling into a manageable routine, our neighbourhood was devastated by the onslaught of six…yes, not one, not two, not even three…but six tornadoes. We personally had damage to our roof, our pool, a fence, a couple of windows and we lost a 150 year old maple tree that blessed our front lawn. We were VERY lucky. People on our street lost their entire roofs, sides of houses blown completely off and in a tiny hamlet not far from us, an entire neighbourhood was decimated. Most of the city was without power for days. It was so surreal and if not for the completely altered landscape and patchwork roofs, you wouldn’t have even known it happened.

Those are just two of the major events that have happened this year. On a brighter note, the other significant event is that Son, 30, is engaged. No date yet but with three boys to raise, it’s not surprising. Yep, along with a daughter, I’m gaining three beautiful grandsons. The boys are 12, 8 and 6 so though it has been an adjustment, it’s been a joyful one…

 

The unconditional love I get from and have for these kids gives me strength and perspective. Bad times come and go, blessings are forever. Wishing everyone a very happy holiday season. And for Hubby, MERRY CHRISTMAS!! (He hates the pc bullshit that sucks the joy out of being festive.)

Oh, and Shady…you better still be at the same address, your holiday greeting card is in the mail.  😀

Rainbows

My Backyard – About an Hour Ago

 

New Year Blog Upgrade

Hard to believe January is already coming to an end. Not sure I would have even noticed if it weren’t for the Valentine’s crap clogging up the store aisles the other day. There really is no end to it is there?  Before one holiday is barely over we are inundated with endless of displays candy, cards and trinkets for the next.

Anyway, that’s not the point of this post…well, maybe it is in a way. I have in mind to change the way I blog. I figure since I’m obviously still (sort of) doing it, I should get off the fence and decide to either put my heart into it or not do it at all. So, I’ll give it a real go and if I lose interest then meh, no biggie.

I’m thinking a weekly update covering various topics. No clue yet what those topics will be of course. Still working on that. For now I put up a new header and byline.

I’m interested to see what I come up with. For now the blog appearance and format will remain as is, I won’t remove what is already here.

😀

 

R.I.P. Again

Darth (aka Mr. Fuzzy Pants)
(1998/99? – Jan. 11, 2017)

Yep, at almost 20 years old, Darth finally headed to the Rainbow Bridge.  We’re not exactly sure, like most of our rescued friends, how old Darth was when he came to us in August 2001 needing a home. He was however, the longest surviving pet we’ve ever had at 15 1/2 years.

He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

How Was Your Day?

 

An Ode to Joy Anne

Joy Anne Tomkinson
(1952 – 2016)

This is my step-mother Joy and her service dog Joel. They were companions and best friends for four years. Joy had lost her legs to complications from Diabetes yet was determined to live her life as independently as possible. Joel was able to help Joy meet that goal.

Joy had a heart attack two weeks ago and never regained consciousness. Surrounded by her loved ones, she passed away peacefully on November 15, 2016.  She will be truly and deeply missed, no doubt by Joel as much as her family and friends.