For our American DG friends:
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcardm.asp?code=1617979163461&ob=1
What's Happening in YOUR neighborhood today, part 10
My heart goes out to anyone who is caring for, or remembering someone who passed during the holidays..........
My father passed away on Dec 12 in the morning, in 1982 - months after his 80th, and I still remember how hard Christmas was that year. I went through the time in a fog. Apparently I worked for 3 weeks straight, and didn't know it until I got my paycheque & said "that can't be right!!"
I know it's not an easy time for you, Marilynne, or Betty - hugs to both of you!!
ps - I'd send you a better picture, but I'm @ work, and this is all I can find that's beautiful :-)
-Susan-
What an excellent card Betty.. I got a Xmas puzzle today with CHUDLEY in it (a black lab and Jaquie Lawson favourite).
I can't even imagine your mixed emotions at this time of year Betty and Susan .. but .. it is all part of life, and, were it not for folks like you, there would be no one out there to truly understand others who are in the place you were.
My clients family is in for a rough couple of weeks. I only hope my client is kept comfortable .. that, in and of itself, is a double edged sword however, the morphine used to control her pain also makes her extremely drowsy.
It's snowing here today .. well .. the last 3 hours .. very fine stuff .. don't imagine it'll amount to much (fingers crossed) .. nice to hear your LAST day of travel into the 'BIG SMOKE' has arrived Betty :-) Enjoy Barrie ^_^
~M~
Great card, Betty. I like to look on every day as a day of thanksgiving whether officially designated as such or not.
And I give thanks for people with the skills that Marilynne has to help ease the last hours in another's life.
Music slows down. The two orchestras are finished until after Christmas. Well, not quite. The one still has Sunday evening rehearsals until close to Christmas and a concert in January. The other one rehearses marathon style and doesn't get together again until February. There's "Come Sing Messiah" next week in which I play in the orchestra. That will be about 800 singers and about 200 audience in a large church filled to the rafters. Might not be the most polished Messiah in Ottawa during the Christmas season, but you can't beat it for enthusiasm.
My handbells play on Dec. 7 and then we have a couple of rehearsals on January music.
So yes, it gets quieter.
Speaking of handbells, I have to be at a friend's house picking her up for rehearsal in 15 minutes. Still haven't quite mastered how long it takes to lace on the most comfortable boots.
Ann
Marilynne
You are an angel! And so is anyone who takes the time to share and comfort in the last part of anyones life! This is a tough time of year for loss.
Betty and Susan
I can only imagine how you feel and I hope you can think of some things that bring you peace and comfort.
As allways Ann is running a million miles a minute.
By the way Marilynne there is nothing wrong with pasta! It is a fun food in our house.
We have a lovely day here again and I am enjoying the sun. My daughter has some friends over and I'm listening to them giggle and get their homework done. Funny thing about their laughter, it seems to catch everything in its path and bring a smile with it.
Cheers to all.
Ann Edmonton one
Thank you much - 16 years has somewhat dulled the pain, but I still miss him @ Christmastime. He was a great family man, and as I don't have any family this Christmas other than my DH, I am missing him more.
I'll have days @ Christmas to be @ home, but we won't be doing much.
I should adjust that - we have several church events (Christmas Eve, Blue Christmas/Longest day) that we'll go to, and of course our Bowling team has a Christmas night - unfortunately same night as one of the Church events lol
I'm arranging a Christmas Lunch @ work for people that I work with, on Dec 5th.
I know you'll say they're my new Calgary family, but it's not the same as being able to be with anyone on Christmas Day.......ah well, I'm getting maudlin and over-emotional... ewwwwwwwwwww There, I just gave myself a good 'talking-to' LOL
Our little garden club got together & had a painting workshop. 1st time I've ever painted anything.
It was amazing to see all the different paintings
another group
another
4th group
Final group
That looks like fun. I also noticed it all seems to be right handed people. Any lefties in the group?
The lady beside me used the same example.. hilarious, her's is way more like the photo
Yes there were 2 lefties, in group 4
This message was edited Nov 27, 2008 9:47 PM
Tallulah, I had a smile when I saw you mention a Blue Christmas. We are having one at our church as well. It's hard to have such painful anniversaries around the holidays.
You are all so busy. Marilynne, ViolaAnn, Ann in Edmonton, Susan and Betty with those horrendous commutes, you all face so many challenges and yet have time to support the rest of us here. What a good bunch to be around with.
Linda
wow, 9 posts while I was doing mine, I"m such a slow typer at the moment. LOL
Thank you all for your kind words..difficult yes, but one has to move on...
Joannabanana, omg your painting is beautiful..bet it's something you continue to do..now I'm sure you'll have a place to display it already picked out..
Snowing here again, but my last day in the city was yesterday, oh happy days...today I work from home as well as all next week, then Barrie office it will be...
This morning I should have slept in as a celebration but nope, not me, up early and at it..why? in this snow? well Canadian Tire has a 3 day super sale ..one being a little snowblower which I truly need for walkway or do I? pot/pan set at 70 percent off ..then I can pick up one or two more items as Christmas gifts and drop into Walmart for a few more I've seen on their flyer and back home to start my workday at 9:00...this is fun..
Talking of groups getting together....
I hosted the 2nd. Annual DG Workshop this year which was a Victorian Santa..I sent the kits other than the material and embellishments and we got together a few Sunday's ago and I'm amazed at what they've accomplished...still about 9 more doing theirs..
Want to peek?
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/923035/
WHOA !!!!! Such crafty folks ,, Joanne .. I think your pic is OUTSTANDING!! I wouldn't even attempt something like that. At a gathering such as the one you attended, I would volunteer to make the tea or coffee, bring the baking, or be 'the runner' LoL
Oh my Betty your class did a fine job with their Santas. I popped into that forum off and on to have a 'peek' nice to see the finished products and see everyone so happy with the 'fruits of their labours' .
I want to thanks everyone for their kind remarks with regards to my Hospice work. I have a passion for 'End of Life Care' .. and .. families dealing with the HUGE emotional toll NEED support .. even if it's a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to listen to them who is totally impartial. As well, the person at the end of their journey needs to feel completed.
Am on with VCARS today .. just heard the snowplow go by .. hope everyone drives safely
~M~
What a great idea. You are lucky to be in such a lovely garden club, Joanne. Congrats on your beautiful painting.
Enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner yesterday with the American side of our family. All the yummys such as turkey, ham, glazed sweet potaoes, cornbread stuffing, pies...oh the pies! The bonus was...no heartburn. Didn't overdo it...which was difficult. ^_^
A busy day today by my standards - have to do a shopping expedition to a mall I dont normally go to to pick up some items on back order then bank, groceries etc. etc.
And this afternoon the dogs to the vet for their annuals.
Wed night we did a small agility trial - last runs for both dogs, they still have some energy left but I dont! We didnt do anything wonderful but they had fun, especially Fancy who has a tendancy to run her own course instead of the judge's and we got a big hand as each dog came off the course for the last time.
This weekend is Homes For The Holidays - a fundraiser for Kids Help Phone. Lougheed House and 5 other private homes are decorated for Xmas by professional designers and people buy a pass to access all the homes. I am working at the house both Sat and Sun but not all day. We dont do tours just 'hang around' to answer questions. Some of the decorations were up last weekend - it is going to look fabulous.
And then a surprise 60th birthday party for a gardening/sheltie agility friend on Sat evening.
Don .. glad to hear you have maintained your WILL POWER .. the menu sure sounds like it was DEELISH !!
Carol .. the fund raiser for Kids Helpline sounds wonderful .. hope you get lots of people out . Enjoy the 60th BDay party too ..
We got about 2inches of the white stuff .. just enough to shovel .. trees look so beautiful ..
NO calls with VCARS .. so I got to spend time with Lilly and Smokey ... I was fortunate enough to get just the cutest pic of Lilly in her 'Princess Bed' .. of course, I'm gonna share it ^_^
Lorna picked up Chinese Food for supper .. a real treat .. smells awesome ..
Off to find the chop sticks (AS IF) LOL
~M~
Adorable "M"...
OMG they are calling for extreme weather conditions for the next week..thank goodness it's a week I'm working from home...
Well I worked outside this morning putting up lights but can see from a photo I took I missed a few spots..lol..
Forgot to plug in the lights on one section of the christmas tree on the deck, then the pine tree, could so with another set...oh well, I'll get at it in the morning...
Waiting for neighbors to come over and ask me to shut that sound system that all the lights are plugged into, love watching them all flicker to the music sounds...it is Christmas after all, they should enjoy the spirit of Christmas..oh well, no one has come over as yet, perhaps they are enjoying..
Been working on a santa suit..got the pants done, hat, coat tacked - need a man to try it on before finishing edges...nowhere is there a man to be found..isn't that something...got the furry cuffs for boots done so all and all I've had a productive day..
Never got out of my jammies..cooolllll....
lol - need a man, and none to be found - isn't that JUST like a man?! lol
You sure have had a productive day - and it is nice that you didn't need to get out of your jammies for it LOL
Did you make the santa suit for a little, roly-poly elf of a man?
-Susan-
This message was edited Nov 29, 2008 6:47 PM
Making a suit for my brother in law and Mrs. Claus for SIL..when hubby was alive he and I would get everything done early Christmas Eve and leave about 10pm when young children were in bed and go dressed up with polaroid camera in hand taking photo's near the child's bedside...a gentle hand on their forehead and memories made that Santa did indeed come..those were the days...
miss them, so BIL & SIL decided they'd continue the tradition..my boys have their father's suit and it is used but doubt on Christmas eve....
Just stopping in for a sec. Agnes, my Hospice client, passed away last night. For her, I am happy .. for her family I empathize.
~M~
What a lovely tradition to continue, Betty. I wish we had done something like that when we were able.
So sorry about Agnes, Marilynne. May she rest in peace and her family find joy in her memory.
Thanks Don .. she was every bit a lady .. she'll be missed by many, but, her suffering is over now.
Feel as you do re Betty's family tradition. My older brother (deceased) did the Santa visiting in our family. Sadly, it died with him.
~M~
Marilynne - I'm sorry to hear about Agnes. But I'm sure her passing was blessed by your presence and I'm sure your being there made it much easier for her family.
Well I've been working on adding captions to my trip pics from last May and June. They are in two galleries on SmugMug. Just first one is public at the moment though it contains links to the second one. On the ToDo list for this afternoon is to finish off the second one too. If anyone wants to look at them they are at http://www.violaann.smugmug.com/gallery/5233356_nMgQe
Contains pics of Grand Canyon, Zion Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and several other state and national parks in Utah (primarily), Colorado and Arizona. The main reason for finally getting the captions done is so that I can clear out all the paper I brought back from the trip.
Also want to get out Christmas decs and get at least some of them up and ready. Finally got some candles for my Advent wreath and I need to get those set in as well.
And first orchestra rehearsal tonight for the concert which takes place in January.
Ann
Your picture tour was spectacular, Ann. We have visited the Grand Canyon, but someday would like to go up to Bryce Canyon as well. Thank you for sharing. ^_^
Thanks, Don. I've been working on the second gallery this afternoon, but need to take a break now. Still have a couple of pages of pics to add captions to. I think we really liked Arches National park too.
sorry to hear about Agnes, Marilynne....... She's at peace now. It was blessed that you were there with her when she needed you.
-Susan-
Thanks Susan .. I feel priveledged to have shared the last days of her life .. she was such a lady ..
Ann .. LOVE the pics ^_^ I remember getting out of my friends vehicle when we got to a lookout at the Canyon, and feeling as it it was totally surreal .. like someone, somewhere, was PROJECTING a picture on a screen LoL .. the vista literally took my breath away !!
~M~
"M" sorry to hear about Agnes....how sad for her family...
It's early morning, couldn't sleep worrying about the weather as I'll have a full house today for a Christmas Craft (santa of course) and Christman Luncheon..they were calling for blizzard conditions..it's coming..although it's snowing it's not to that point yet...sure hope it holds off..
New Super Walmart opening 24-7 this morning so I best get dressed and off I go to pick up the few things I need for today...
Talk later...
Just had a peek at the weather channel Betty .. looks foreboding fer sure down east ..hope you make out OK with your Craft class and the luncheon. As usual .. no snow here .. BUT .. Environment Canada always has to throw in the 'possibility' of same !!!
WalMart in TBay is one of the 24-7 stores as well ^_^ I did take advantage one early morning last years, I went at 4am .. it was awesome !!
Having StarChoice installed in the master bedroom today. Bought a new TV the whole 9 yards .. I get sorta uncomfortable when anything requiring instalation happens here .. that's when I find out that Good Old 'MURPHY and his LAW' have been secretly hiding under one of the beds, poised to spring into action as soon as the Satellite guy opens the backdoor !!!!
Hope everyone has a super day .. HEY .. first day of December .. so .. "RABBIT,RABBIT" to everyone .. or .. translation from Chinese custom .. "Good health and good luck for the entire month" ^_^
Ciao
~M~
Good morning,
Weather looks better than I had anticipated. Will be gone all day as there are major demonstrations at city hall in regard to major cuts of funding for the arts. And the Ottawa Symphony AGM is at 6 pm; so I think I'll just stay downtown all day.
Happy December.
Hope you all have a good day.
Ann
Dec 1 * Calgary *+16C and I seen a fly mid-air in my back yard. Weird!
Yeah but Joanne it is already down to 0 C and snow should start soon!
Morning, out and got all the snow cleared..probably around 6 to 8"..snowing this morning but the nice light and fluffy kind of snow..haven't listened to the weather forcast..omg it's nice just to be sitting around in my jammies not worrying about driving to the city..next week, back on schedule but only 1/2 the drive...
Working on Santa's jacket and Mrs. Claus's dress..go from one to the other..lol..scatter brain I am..
Yes, everyone came, we had so much fun...
Cool one here in Thunder Bay .. just 9F right now .. and, as always, a 'chance of flurries'.
Lilly has her Xmas grooming today .. it'll be nice to have her looking trimmed and less mussy .. but OH I do so like the stage before grooming as the longer fur makes her look so sweet .. sigh ..
Joanne .. that fly must have been a 'KAMAKAZEE' variety .. LoL .. isn't it so odd to see a fly or a moth cruise by ya on a wintery day ?
We seem to have a 'mini explosion' of Red Squirrels here .. enjoyable to watch them joust for territory .. BUT .. no doubt our out buildings will be a tad trashed by spring :-(
Enjoy your Tuesday everyone
~M~