I Just Can't Stay Away, I was going to wait for fall, but winter Knocked again

pictures  from last year, looked the same.

...........

Hello Everyone,

I just can not stay away from here,

oh how I have missed you,

I have been reading your blogs

but I can only comment on the new versions of blogger.

Does anyone have any ideas for me.

If you know what I could do I would appreciate

any information you can provide me.

Thanking you in advance.

.............

Last Thursday morning I woke up,

no power, no cable, internet, or phone.

But that was nothing when I looked outside

I had a huge branch off of our big old oak tree

that had come down in the storm.

The storm was heavy wet snow, so not only did

the branch off the tree come down, but so did

two of the other lines....so when I went to let the dog out.

I was about to open the back door 

and one of the lines had ripped some of the vinyl siding

and had slid about half way down the house,

part of it was touching the patio table,

it was still snowing and I was thinking,

I don't know if these lines are live or what.

So I had to put the dog in the front yard,

I kid you not, I go to the front door and I push on the door,

It did not budge, so I pushed harder, still nothing, 

I thought to myself WTH,

pushed again and the door opened

there was wet heavy snow blocking the door.

In all my years I have never had that happen.

So the dog goes out, I get dressed to go borrow

the neighbors phone to call my husband..

(This is the line that came down

and you can see the big old tree at the back)

As I am walking I am hearing splat, splat, splat,

heavy wet snow falling off the trees,

falling on vehicles. The neighbors let me in,

had a nice visit and I called my husband,

not that he could do anything, but I just felt better having talked 

to him. As I leave the neighbors house it was now raining,

I was soaked by the time I got across the street.

I grabbed the shovel to move some of the snow

from in front of the house.

And I shoveled and shoveled and shoveled,

When I was close to the back of the house,

I could see the huge part of the tree that had landed

on top of my  pink car....my precious.

I could not get out to see if any damage had been done

because of the wires being down.

I just said a prayer,

made my way back into the house.

Thank goodness the power was on again.

Late the next day I  had the phone, tv, and internet

up and running.

Still have one line down,

will call tomorrow,

It apparently is an old telus phone line.

And as fast as the heavy wet snow came, it was gone.

I had tulips that had just come up through the ground,

ahh the first sign of spring,

they may have froze.

And silly me I did not have my camera

charged, it was really beautiful.

Oh and my car, absolutely no damage.

I think because there was so much heavy

wet snow on it that when the branch broke

and came down that it just landed on the snow.

What a way to wake up, all turned out well,

Easter was very quiet here, wishing all of you

a Happy Blated Easter.

Until next time,

I hope you are having

Your Very Best Days,

Cinner

Mountain Getaway, Breakin Update, and hello

Hi Everyone,

first of all thank you to so many of you whom left loving comments

about my intruder, the comments were really appreciated. I felt very uneasy the next morning,

so hubby did put the storm windows on. After talking to our neighbor he realized he had

been broken in and they had managed to get both of their mountain bikes.

Also looking around in our yard there were a bunch of items sitting on a bench that

looked like the crooks had set there ready to take their loot once they got things 

out of the house...even if you can believe it a basketball.

We had planned to get away for a few days 

and now I did not want to go,

but we did and oh the peace and relaxation

were just what I needed.

My hubby too,

he works so hard taking care of us both.

So here we are on our way to my favorite place,

Canmore, Alberta

Most of our three days away were

spent walking the trails, sitting on benches,

drawing, feeding the ducks, shopping,

and even found time for my much needed naps,

although it is very hard to force yourself to rest

when your in a place like this.

The mountains in the background are known as 

The Three Sisters,

always makes me think of my two sisters and I,

speaking of sisters we had a lovely 

Thanksgiving Supper at my younger sisters house on Monday evening

and had a lovely visit with both sisters before we headed to our destination.

One of my joys was feeding the ducks,

at one point I was sitting on the ground

and there were 16 ducks not more than a foot away.

some of them were getting a little aggressive with one another

as they were fighting over food,

The one above is a male, easy to tell because of the beautiful bright colors,

When all the food ran out, He looked at me in disgust

as if to say what, thats all you brought with you laaaady.

I actually got up off the ground, after all they are wild,

and I did not want to be writing a story about some ducks

having my butt for lunch,

there is only so much of my stories you would believe.

LOL.

It was get up or Qwack up!

Groaner.

Now at about 430 the second day we were standing on the balcony taking pictures

and check this out,

this streak of light took a couple of minutes to go behind the mountains,

we are still not sure what it was, it was beautiful and we were thrilled to get it on camera.

On Thursday the weather was 22 degrees Celcius,

a gorgeous day! Everyone was in shorts.

Friday am when we woke up to leave,

we woke up to this, beautiful yes but a little early 

and such an extreme from the day before.

All the ducks were no where to be found.

and this is what we ended up driving into

just for the first hour of the day,

By the time we made it home,

none of the white stuff had made its way here.

So we are going to do some yard work this weekend,

as I know anything is possible at this time of the year.

When we arrived home I had that uneasy feeling walking into the house

just for a moment as I remembered the attempted break in.

After a deep breath I felt safe and sound

and glad to be home.

..............

Take care for now,

hope you are all well,

Will get by to read your blogs over the weekend.

I hope you have your greatest of days!

Life Has Been One Big Bllur Lately!

Hello everyone, I have returned safe and sound. I have to admit the last few weeks have been somewhat of a blur to me. Last night when I returned home about ten in the evening, my husband, home, and my pets , it was the best feeling in the world to get back to my home. I had great visits with both of my sisters, both of them making sure that I did not overdo it and  they both made me take my afternoon naps,   They also made sure that I was careful when out walking. They both thought that I was tired and truthfully I found it very tiring, My younger sister is getting married next fall and she is busy planning, so it was fun and really quite exciting to see her fall in love at fourty. She was married once before, long before she even knew who she was, so for her to find that true love now , she is especially grateful. ! As for  doing a lot, I have to say I did not but was jusst glad to spend some time with the people I love. There were some major disappointments upon returning to the farm where we grew up. It was the first time we had returned since our father had passed away. Unfortunately  we all seem to have different standards of what is right and wrong. We have been very patient and have always dealt witth some hardships, that are not important now, but nothing had changed, we seem to have become further apart than ever. My sisters and I value honesty more than anything else! That is all I can say on this issue as it is all quite tender now and close to the surface. This is what I have learned. I have no control over other peoples lies and deciepts,  But I do have the choice of how I choose to react to such! So even though some days were not as pleasant as I would have liked I still made a choice to try and have my very best days. My great joy was being out of the city for awhile, playing with my Dads dog, seeing the cattle and the calves and a wonderful visit with my Aunt and Uncle, my Uncle was my deads best friend and we were treated with extreme kindness, caring and affection. He grew pumpkins and must have picked a hundred, He was creating scenes for all his grandchildren coming home. I could not but think how delighted they will be when they all arrive to see them. Some were huge, may be 50 lbs. It was his very first year at trying to grow different varieties. Put all together it was actually quite beautiful. We came back early and like I said  I  am so glad to be home, so glad to be able to get back into my routine, so glad to be  in a place that is not toxic for me at all...I  hope you are all well and  I will be by to visit and see what you have all been up to! I think after a few more hours of sleep, I should wake and be ready to have My best day yet. I hope you all get to spend time with those you love and hold dearest to you. life is too short to focus on anything  that does not bring you joy...at least that is my moto at 549 am. I could not sleep as I was overtired. My sister is snoring up a storm and my husband is having a very peaceful sleep. He told me he had never missed me as much as he did this time. I just gave him a big hug and I knew ALL was OK again! .....Sorry for such a long post, but I guess I had some things to say. All will be very well again, one good sleep is all I need. ! Have a great day!

Have A Great Sunday.

I thought this was different how this picture turned out, looking like just the edges of the rose had any color, when in actuality it was almost a dark orange.As far as I was concerned they were both beautiful. Beauty is definately in the eye of the beholder. Here are some things that show beauty to me. An early morning sunrise, getting closer, brighter, by the moment, and in evening the sunset.There is beauty in the smell of fesh bacon and eggs being brought from the kitchen with a cup of coffee with the fancy creamy. There is happiness and a thankyou is not suffice. There is that understanding that he will be right back with his in hand. In his other hand will be the morning paper. There is beauty in watching him read silently as he slowly wakes up. The breeze rolls over our bodies and slowly cools the skin. It is beautiful. The birds are chirping as they are readying for their day. Some fly down to the pond for a sip of water, Two stumble around playfully in out of the trickle of the water down the bamboo fountain. And I watch and I see beauty all around me. It is quiet and simple and my world that I have made of peace and quiet. It is a much slower pace and no rushing is done. and we absorb our surroundings and wrap an invisible blanket of love around one another. All is well, we have no place to be, no desire to go for now. Have a great and glorious Sunday. Take a moment to aprreciate your life...not for what we don't have but for the many blessings we do. Open your heart to all the possibilities of the day and may you find beauty in something new.....

Laughter is great Medicine.

Well today just got too hot for me to do much of anything...now I know how my friend Toni in Phoenix feels...I love to be outside but when it gets too hot, well I am inside with the air conditioner...So because the enegy was zapped from just being out in the heat I knew it was going to be a pretty low key day. Anyway I started to read which I very seldom do other than in the winter. Did you know that the average child laughs about 400 times a day. And the average adult laughs about 17 times a day.. First of all where do they get these statistics? Secondly, what are the requirements for average? So this is my conclusion from reading, laughter is the best medicine for almost anything to do with well being and state of mind. So now we know why children are so happy, As adults we all take things way too seriously. Have you ever heard someone laughing and it was just contagious, no matter what kind of day you were having you could not help yourself from laughing. I worked with a fellow named Leon and I wish I could have bottled him up as medicine for the world. When Leon laughed you could feel it right from the tip of his toes and it was so heartfelt. His laugh remains one of my fondest memories, I just close my eyes and I can hear him. When I got Cataplexy I started to stay away from him as he would make me fall, It was a little difficult trying to explain to somebody, oh I am fine, you just made me laugh. All I can say is thank god for medication as my days have definately become better. When I am tired I have to be careful if I am standing up...You know you just never know when something will strike you as funny...I do know that I can not watch Just for Laughs...Gags on T.V. or I will have one episode after another...even sitting down...To me laughing is worth it. I would not give up being able to laugh for nothing. I can not imagine a life without it...I do have to say some of the medications I was on made it real hard to...luckily I got off those because I just knew something was wrong. It makes me wonder when children are on medications that it would be very hard for them to know if the medicines were too strong. That is my opinion, I knew there was something wrong when I started having trouble remembering names etc. I thought, okay enough is enough. Luckily I was smart enough to do that, because I can live a pretty normal life with some limitations, but I am as bright as I ever was. All the bulbs are connecting if you know what I mean. My advice is to not sweat the small stuff, get as much stress out of your lives as possible, smile more, frown less, and laugh like it is the funniest day of your life. Come on, you can, try harder, okay there you go. see it does feel good, lmao. What makes you laugh? I would love to know.

True Colors

After my post from yesterday I got thinking about people that have come into my life, stayed awhile and are no longer in my life. For the longest of times I would think, gee Cinner what is wrong with you, why do people come and go. This is what I believe, Friendships just like relationships...you may be fine but suddenly one seems to change and has gone in another direction. I find myself missing some of the friendships but I also have a better understanding of why. The first time I really noticed this was after my divorce. Our friends seemed to take sides so to speak, and though you could understand their uncomfortableness(is that a word)I found it easier to start my life over with my own friends. I felt I had to do that to get on with my life. I also found this happened to me when I suddenly became ill. Suddenly I was different, could not go out, had to stick to a schedule and in a way have become somewhat of a hermit...so again your friends change. Gone are the ones you used to go out and party with, gone are some of the ones you used to work with..So I am not sure if it is lifes changes or if you grow apart, and if things can change so quickly how good of friends were they to begin with. I believe I am a good friend, trustworthy and loyal, always there when needed, so why do people come and go! I am truly blessed to have a few very close friends whom take me as I am, love me unconditionally. I think if you have a few really good friends in your life you are very lucky...Friends are hard to find, acquaintances are many...so among all the people in my life, there just like the flowers are ones that stands out and are different. What are your views on this. I would love to hear from you! I hope you all have a great weekend, Enjoy your friends, but most of all enjoy yourself!

Amazing Women,,,Holly and Toni and many nore

So before I came to blogland I was not too sure on what to expect or why I even wanted to have a blog....but I thought it could be something for me to do when I was having a bad day and could not physically do anything else.Blogland has been much more for me than I had expected. ,The biggest surprise for me is the wonderful caring, kind, giving, understanding people that I have encountered. For some it has been an instant connection...When I went home when my Dad became ill, I missed my morning visits with everyone. I was so busy I had to put blogland on hold for a little while. When I came back home after the funeral, I was overwhelmed by the kindness that has been shown to me...on the comments, a beautiful letter from Toni and today I came home and I had the most beautiful card made from Holly. The card was so Holly, it was homemade, beautiful and stamped with a rory and fiona stamp look alike, her name was signed, the words were beautiful.I guess I have been so touched that these lovely ladies whom I have never had the pleasure of meeting have touched my heart in a way that I can not describe. They were both so thoughtful, the people in their lives are truly blessed. they and others have been my pillars of strength. I Have been holding back my feelings about my Dad, but find I cry about the weirdest things. Example my husband came home with a chocolate homemade pie. In ten years he has never come home with a chocolate pie, I looked at it burst into tears and said This is Dads favorite pie....now why that would set me off I just don't know....Today when I opened Hollys card I had myself a cry, a good cry...I did not feel quite alone as i did earlier in the day...I find I laugh with you, care for you, want health issues to be okay, want you to get jobs, i learn new words like conker, watch your artistic talents be it writing, drawing, painting, photograpy and I can relate to you my friends!I have lots of friends here but they sometimes seem so busy, I tend to put up wall that oh no I am just fine! not tonight, I miss him horribly, we all do, we are all grieving in different ways. Almost a month has gone by and I can't seem to shake that he was right here just a while ago...I have not had many people in my life die. I sure hope I get a grip on these emotions soon or someone is gonna think .....well cinner finally lost it!!!And then I think big fn deal, I can if I need to right....My dad would want us all to be so strong.... Most days I am, but sometimes at night all I see is them doing cpr on him and he was just purple and there was nothing we could do, and it just hit me now...for a control freak I guess I did not do such a good job controlling the situation did I???? Everyone says it gets easier....does anyone know when....Isn't pleasant reading my posts....really makes you want to come back for more....Sorry, better get some sleep...Thankyou all for your kindness. Big Hug to Toni and Holly and Beth cause I was so happy for her today. Goodnight all.

It's Like Riding A Bicycle!!!!!

So the other day when I was talking about starting an exercise regime...I know I joked about it. My husband read my post, laughed and that was the end of it. Not so!
I had explained that I had never had my own bicycle...I had learned how to ride a bike on the farm growing up, but it has to be 25 years since I was on a bicycle! So last night my husband went to play ball in the over 50s senior league, he came home we were outside having a nice talk before bed. I came into the house and there in my livingroom was, are you ready for this?....a hot pink mountain bike! I was so excited that I screamed, started to laugh and fell over due to my cataplexy....Once I settled down well I was like a little kid, outside I went, on my bike riding around my yard, just about running over my dogs and then I must have shifted gears and got going to fast, started laughing and down I went again right into the edge of my flowerbed. That was another Cataplexy spell, but I did not care! I felt alive, my husband and I were laughing....it was so great to think of nothing else, and to think I joined the sisterhood of the purple bicycle yesterday too...please click on the pic on my sidebar for details.....So that was yesterday. I awoke this am to pains down the front of my legs and the back of my legs....Great no paain, no gain they say. Who came up with that I wonder....After lunch I took my bike Precious out for a short ride...no falls today as I had a good rest first! Tonight I am off to get a helmut so I can protect myself....just in case I fall again! I gotta go shine her up just like they do with their Harleys, okay so now I am in a fantasy...note to self...buy a harley sticker for precious, and a helmut!

I usually use my own pics, this was taken off a clipart site of different bikes, it did not say whom had taken the pic.

I am back

Hi everyone, I am back at home now. My yard is in bloom, the grass needs cutting, the weeds pulled and it's a reminder to me that life and time wait for no one. Some of you are aware that my father has recently passed away, what was supposed to be a simple hip surgery escalated into our worst nightmare. I now know how it feels to lose a parent,,,I don't think you have any idea until it happens to you, there is such a feeling of loss...maybe because it was so unexpected...we are not certain why he was taken from this world, but we do have peace in the fact that the intensive care unit nurses treated him with such wonderful care. We also are blessed in the knowledge that he is now in a better place. I don't think he will think the food is as good in heaven as my mothers! lol. My Dad was a farmer and he was 74. He worked on the land until the very end...how many people really get to do what they love to do. Our community was so supportive and we had a chance to reminisce about his life with alot of family and friends. We heard lots of stories we had not known before. I will treasure them, as I will treasure every moment I had with my Dad. I stayed with my mom for about 14 days and she has now gone to my other sisters. She is stronger than she knows! I guess we all are as each day we carry on, forward as we are meant to. My Dads dog was heartbroken, I took him daily for his runs...he was my connection to my dad. His spirit seems to have perked up some but I know he misses my Dad too. Hopefully our family can stay strong and remember the bonds that tie us all together. So I am okay, somewhat troubled and overwhelmed by the events since may 30. I hope we can all find peace and faith when we need it.

On to happier thoughts, I have missed you all and will be in touch with all very soon. Take Care for now! cinner!

Rise and Shine

This morning I awoke to the chirp of the birds outside.

All in the house are asleep but me. I have always been an early riser. I love the mornings, especially after a good night sleep. It puts things in perspective for me. I realize how truly blessed I am. I can carry on today strong again.

I make the most of days that I awake with energy, not overcome by my joblist jar or jars. lol Living is more important. Every moment is a gift....just like my blogland friends.

I used to always start a job and would have to work until it is finished. Not anymore....I putter, I sit, I ponder, I plan, I do a little, I sit some more and so the cycle continues. I t takes probably 3 times as long to do things now...but that is okay! At least I am able to do. Life is a gift, sometimes you get to see it differently, especially when you slow down, and you find reason and understanding of your situation. I my friends will be outside this weekend enjoying the warm weather....may get a flowerbed or two done, then again maybe not. I will go with the flow and see what happens. Could I be more relaxed? It is great when your worries seem to fade from you....when you realize you will always get through the ups and downs. I know there are way more ups than there are downs....Life is good.

A Special Place

This is a carving I did for my husband a couple of years ago for his birthday. It representing all our little trips to the mountains in our little pink hyundai, or should I say my little pink car...Now I have it parked in the back behind my house as I can no longer drive it because of my Cataplexy. The best part of our trips besides being together is the little white church behind the car. It is hard to see in this picture. I think it is the most romantic little church ever set on main street in the mountains. sunday morning you can hear the church bell ring echo to alert that church is about to begin. Y ou can watch all the tourists from all backgounds on their way, some holding hands, some laughing. The street is abuzz. I t is like a real holiday on Sunday mornings and always puts in a place a hundred years ago....all I really need is a big ole grizzly bear to coming walking down from the mountains. In reality the last time we went there, it was overrun with rabbits...they seemed as if they were everywhere. While I was doing some spring cleaning the carving made me stop and think of our trips to our little place. We don't get there much anymore...but for just a moment today I travelled. Have a great day.

To Know Me

My eyes follow you from side to side

Today they are green and serious.

Sometimes they are blue and wide.

The scarf was added to be mysterious.

I do not think it worked but at least I tried.

If truth be told the scarf was wore to hide an extra chin. I know it is silly of me to worry about being thin. When common sense kicks in, well hell. then I know I am fine. There is no self doubt...I am a most expensive wine.!

My first pic where the eyes seem to follow!

Have an awesome day! I am going to recycle the scarf. I don't need it anymore and my double chin is really quite precious! Believe, believe, believe.....

Sun and Light

My great Aunt left this to my Mother. She had had it hanging in her kitchen for at least 20 years. When I was at the farm, she told me she was going to get a new light and said if I wanted I could have it. I was delighted. Trust me when I say the picture does not do this chandelier justice at all. When the light hits the crystals it sparkles just beautifully. I am so pleased. So one day it will hang in my home....yeah.

well I was busy in my flower beds putzing today and I saw my first Robin. It was an amazing 18 degrees here and supposed to dip below zero tomorrow night....How can this be....

More tomorrow.

Who Are We?

This painting I did is a memory of a painting I had seen when I WAS much younger. i KNOW it is not close enough to the original for any kind of plagerism. It was of horses running, not running from something but just doing it because they are happy. That is how I felt today....happy, i believe because the sun was shining. It was warm enough to sit outside for awhile in my chair. The air was so fresh. Every spring for many years I get the urge to move....where this comes from I do not know/ it really is ridiculous, so would I want to move or want to run, and would it be run to or run from.....theres probably a story in there somewhere....maybe a little therapy, however life is enough therapy for me. Besides I watch Oprah.

She had a really good show on today, it was about how couples are dealing with the recession...pretty much it was keep the communication going and be committed to getting through things together.One woman talked about how she felt when she lost her job, as if she no longer had an identity. I can understand this as when I had to go on a disability due to my illness, I remember the first time someone asked me what I did and I was so ashamed. I have learned alot since then, that i am valuable without me working and its a fulltime workload being at home, especially when you are having a bad day. I also learnt that I don't have a need for material things anymore or the use. Oh I do have my treasures, box of crafts, soapstone, old cards and letters, etc. I realized I was not my job, I was me without it. I did not need a job to identify me.....that was one of the most valuable lessons I could have ever learnt. At any given time I believe we can reinvent ourselves, be whatever we want.....people change, it is their character and their morals that tend to stay the same. What today we see as a hardship may soon be interpreted as a blessing.....See how I can get sidetracked....what does that have to do with the painting....oh yes, I have had people say oh its two horses and a gorilla.....how they can see that is beyond me. no gorillas.....horses 3 of them. I guess art is like life, all a matter of interpretation. I hope you have the luxury to figure out whom you really are....it's a lifetime of lessons. I am ready for my next lesson. More when I am not so tired.