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

Soon It Will Be Playtime!

I  can hardly wait to get out in my yard again this Spring.

There is nothing that gives me greater peace.

Flowers blooming, birds singing, the pets laying in the sun,

fresh cut grass, the fresh air intoxicating, always a new project,

fresh turned soil to play in, full of nutrition for the flowers

and vegetables, my Venus statue that I love, to me I go on

a holiday every time I step outside. It is where I usually am

from dawn to late evening.

Soon I will be loving every minute of it.

Hope you are having a great week.

Until next time,

Cinner

It Feels Wonderful!

Today is Family Day

in Alberta.

Hubby has the day off, 

I feel very content today to be just as I am,

to know in my heart that 

I am Enough.

I am very fortunate to have Family,

to be able to love and be loved.

Family is not just the immediate family,

but all the individuals that you surround yourself with.

So to my friends here in blog land,

to my little extended family,

I thank you  for your visits,

for your friendship.

Blessings come to us in all different ways.

Life is good.

Have a great week ahead!

Until next time,

Cinner

We Choose What We See!

I see cotton candy,

an opening for the sun to sneak through

and brighten a day,

I see fluffy soft feathers

floating above the ground,

but elevating higher and higher

floating in the breeze,

waving goodbye,

I can almost taste the texture

of cool whip as I look up,

mmmmm,

and sometimes I just see dark clouds,

but not today.

Today I smile.

Things on My Mind!

So our cold snap is supposed to break today.

I did have to venture out and spent about

two and a half hours shoveling snow,

not fast mind you and I do have some weight

behind me so Cinner as a snowdozer

works not so shabby when you are in dire need.

Hubby was on cal.l and was called out a couple of times

so Cinner was left alone quite a bit, I finally did

catch up on a few things as pertains to the household errands,

not interesting enough to talk about.

I worked on a toilet paper roll project for all my paints,

brushes, and pens. It is turning out quite nicely and what a space saver

it is. So I guess I am doing my part on recycling toilet paper rolls.

I cooked a pot roast on the weekend, minus the yorkshire

pudding and gravy. I lost 9 pounds at my Weight Wise meeting

last week. So I was thrilled with that.

Things that I read this week, there is a form of treatment

where you get frozen to help eliminate cellulite, refresh your skin,

recharges your system. It is at some crazy temp and you are in a controlled

environment. The lasting effects are apparently temporary. It is supposed to help

with the brain too.....my theory is if I find minus 35 cold, I am not going any cooler than that,

I have to honestly admit than when I have come inside from being outside and cold,

I certainly don't check the cellulite on my legs or behind because you can't bend anyways,

and frankly at that point of the day if anyone else wants to tell me about the cellulite

well they better step away from the person resembling a walrus where the snow

and sweat have melded into two tusks of ice. As for my skin yes it is refreshed

and glowing bright cheery rosy red which could also resemble a tomotao with the 

skinned peeled but I am going with refreshed. As to benefits to my brain,

absolutely because when I went by the mirror and saw myself scarf, toque, black

mascara running down my face, ice covering my scarf, hair in disaray what was sticking 

from under the hat, big warm fuzzy socks, baggy sweat pants,

......it was like running into a brick wall and realizing,

Cinner your not all that and a bag of chips in this gear.

No wonder I never had any children, just saying..

One of my neighbors was outside shoveling too,

His glasses were frozen and all fogged up

so he could hardly see me I am sure,

I did think to myself I bet yah he can hardly see the snow,

he was not shoveling all the sidewalk either.

I thought to myself maybe he has froze his brain already.

We wished each other a Great Day,

proof we had both spent too much time outside.

Thanks for showing up at my window. I was so thrilled

by all the comments and those of you who visited.

Truth be told I am a winter lover.

Do you believe it or not?

Until next time,

Blow, Blow Them Away!

This used to be a huge money making opportunity for the

young folks on our street.

This time of year there would be knocks on the door every

evening after school, of hopeful children

wanting to make some money.

I think this year they have all won lotteries

because not one has knocked,

either that or they are all on their play stations, etc,

or texting me Hey Lady, quit complaining,

Ha, I can still do my own.

I too have the technology,

My own two hands,

I'll show them,

I just won't be as fast as them.

Today should be the last of it as most are off the trees now.

This is the third time and I have more now than I have had.

I try to stay caught up with them,

but somehow every year they seem to get ahead of me.

They do make for beautiful carpets on  the streets and sidewalks.

So today could you pray that a kid stops in

and wants to make some money.

well my adventure awaits,

Have a great weekend everybody!

Until next time,

Cinner

Oldest I have Ever Been, Yet the Youngest I'll Ever Be!

TODAY  IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE, SO ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.

The above quote was sent to me in an email.

It made me really think

of what I want in a day and this is what I have come up with.

I want time for myself to have my coffee, moments to start my day with my pets and their unconditional love. A kiss from my hubby just before he leaves for work.  Time for Thai Chi outside

on the patio with the sun shining on me and a bit of wind

sending a slight breeze over my body.

Phone calls or visits where we can enjoy laughs together,

Love me a McDonalds soft ice cream later in the day.

A hot shower, fixing myself to babe delicious(okay  its my story)

Off to explore new places, appreciate nature, converse with strangers, small acts of kindness, walking in the park with the dogs. smiling children visiting the pets, holding hands with Hubby, sitting and listening to the elderly talk about their past,

I find that so very interesting, visit with friends, talk to my family, All in all it does not take much to make my day.

Knowing that every day anything is possible and that 

every day is a gift. Time  is so precious,

make memories that will last forever!

Looks like I might have a busy day ahead of me.

Have your very best of days.

I am Living My Dream!

the rain has poured all weekend except for a few brief

intervals during the evening.

I lay in bed last night listening to the pouring rain,

feeling the dampness in the air. My cat sat at the 

window screen peering outdoors, maybe just maybe

she might be able to catch a glimpse of the robin

that  can be heard still singing. The cats tail was

going back and forth I guess in happiness enjoying the moment too.

As I lay there sleep escaped me, my mind working in overload.

Where do all these thoughts come from and why do they come to me

in the middle of the night.....I was remembering different things I have

seen over the years. I really am a nature lover and have been overjoyed by,

Only seeing once fireflies flitting about lighting up as they flew.

I was amazed to see them, what a lucky vacation evening that was.

I have seen the Northern Lights  and you can not describe adequately

the feeling that surrounded me as the colors changed and swirled in the sky.

I have been in a canoe where the whole lake was filled with lily pads

while the loons have echoed in the background. I have seen a field of 

snow geese, I pulled my car over and listened and could have stayed all day.

They were beautiful, the sound was intense. It was a great sighting.

I have seen seventeen moose all in one evening, they are

large monsters appearing  out of the darkness, so close

you can almost touch them. I have seen a swarm of bees

that covered a large barn amazed by the buzzing and amazed

at how fast my little feet could fly as I ran into the house,

also amazed at how guickly they were gone.

I was amazed by the honey they made in the walls of an

old granary. I have experienced an owl perched on my shoulder with a 

broken wing, I saw it take flight and repeatedly come and tour

what had been his residence. I have seen bald eagles fly with

their beautiful wings spread in their full glory.

I remember feeling breathless, I have seen seals swimming in the ocean

while my nephew swam right along with them, bobbing around as if

somehow they have all belonged together, I have sailed in a boat

amazed at the speed the wind was moving us along in the wavy water,

I have ate fish caught from that very excursion. I have seen racoons

move into a building on the farm, little thieves with masks on,

I have seen fields with deer maybe fifty at once,

I have seen about 300 blue Jays perched out on one of the Elm trees

out front of my house, I have seen canyons and falls that made my

mouth drop open. I have climbed trails I never thought I could conquer,

but so grateful for the gift of the falls when I had made it to the top.

I have toured forests with such enticing tree trunks, mosses,

life breaking forth from the earth and the smell of the rich soil..

I have seen bears slumbering along. I have seen mountain goats

high on a mountain ledge just across from where we had been driving.

I have watched gorillas through panes of glass at the zoo.

I can't get enough of them or the movie Gorillas in the Mist.

I have seen Whitehorn Sheep in Jasper and I have watched

a Falcon perched on my back shed for about two hours one

afternoon. I have watched tiny humming birds divebomb each

other at my Dads bird feeder, I have listened to the rain,danced in the rain, 

and ran out of the rain, hail, snow, glorious sunsets and sunrises,

watched lightening storms, listened to the thunderous loud

boisterous booms of a thunder storm, and the list could go on and on.

I have never seen the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty,

or driven fancy cars, lived in mansions,  travelled far,

but I am lucky, I have been given all these gifts,

and I am living 

My Dream!

.......

If the sun comes out 

I may get to see another rainbow.

It would make for a glorious day.

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

Have Your Best Days Ever,

Extraordinary...Our Friend Char

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary

is a little something extra.

by Jimmy Johnson

I sat here for what seems like hours yesterday

thinking of my friend Char from Ramblins,

Today I can only tell you that she was

an Extraordinary woman, photographer,aunt,

cook, as I learned in every post she shared with us.

She encouraged and inspired

She evoked feelings of peace in my heart 

every day.

She was loved and is loved by many.

I will miss you Char.

You will always be remembered!

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

Can you imagine the photography

she will do in heaven.

A quote she had on her blog.

It's not what you look at that matters,

it's what you see.

(By Thoreau)

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

She reminds me that life is short,

and she would want us all

to live and have

Our Very Best Days.

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

The music I listened to today

was Goodbye My Friend

by Aaron Neville and Linda Rondstad.

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

I know you are in a peaceful place

and that gives me some peace.

Until we one day meet.

if I could be so blessed..

A Part of My Paradise!

Outside my back door,

the pleasant smell of lilacs lingers in the air,

pleasant, soothing, present.

A gift only for a few short days

The colors different hues of purple, lilac, soft whites

whispering touch me, smell me,

breathe in my esscence

One of the ladies in the garden with the alabaster skin

stands on guard,

the protector of the flowers is my Venus

her beauty as daunting,

marble chiseled into such form.

Treasure!

She seems to smile

on the sunny days when color surrounds her.

Days when sun and shadows fight for glory,

A much too noticeable dance they play.

The bright yellow in strong contrast of the purples

standing high amongst the branches

that reign supreme over head

The stains upon the flowers left behind

from the last windy rainy day,

still beautiful., are these like laugh lines

on someones face,

more beautiful because they are there...

Once again the clouds roll in sending me a wild mustang in the right corner,

How wild and free, she must float in the clouds,

and in the other corner someone is watching,

do you see the face,

and by the mustangs neck do you see the heart shape?

no need for editing, enjoy take it all in.

As the clouds darken the skies,

the lady of the garden prepares for night,

stoic and on guard.

The aromas of the lilacs lingering as friendly reminders of the day.

The flowers slowly wrap their petals into protective mode,

In the morning once again they will unfold,

and open to greet the day,

They will reach for the sun baking in the warmth,

waiting proudly for someone to acknowledge

the gift and joy they give to the world.

...........

.Have a beautiful weekend.

It Started Out OK.

So Mothers Day started with the sun beaming in my kitchen window.

This is a new piece I bought after my sisters wedding.

So my day starts off beautifully every morning.

Even the cat knows the best place to be in the morning,

She was having an attitude because I ran out of temptations.

A friend came over

with a small beautiful pink miniature rose plant.

So my day was going perfect.

I love roses, I always feel bad for my Mom because she is so allergic.

My favorite color  are pink roses.

Anyway hubby calls as he worked during the day,

he says, Meet me at the front door.

As I was walking to the door I was thinking he probably

had roses, so imagine my surprise when down

by his feet was this little one.

I am still in shock. She is only six weeks old.

Hubby said, he thought she would be better than roses.

He even named her Rosey, just not fair I say.

He went for groceries and there was a van with puppies for sale.

We have always got our pets from the SPCA.

so I have been going back and forth from

I did not want another dog, to holding her in my arms,

to going outside in the middle of the night in my pjs with her,

and already losing my heart to her.

And I have lost hours of sleep too.

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

So how was your weekend?

Have your Best Day,

Cinner

Happy Mothers Day...and a Laugh.

I guess no matter what one is always a mothers baby,

even at 47, I still need my Mommy.

I never called her Mommy, it was always Mom.

Since my Dad died May 30 of  2009,

my Mom and I have become very close.

I call her everyday, usually in the evening to say good night.

Last night she was exhausted, the basement had flooded back home

and she was busy dealing with that.

Ass soon as I heard her voice, I knew she was tired from her day.

somehow her mood turned around and we laughed and laughed.

I told her I knew where I got my strange sense of humor.

Odd that it took so many years to see this part of my Mom.

She was always taking care of my Dad, on a schedule,

busy with the farm, raising four children.

But now she has time for herself.

When we lost my Dad,

I told myself that nothing would ever be left unsaid between my Mother and I.

When my Dad passed away, it was so sudden, it was just poof and he was gone.

I am lucky that I consider my Mom a friend, I respect her, I admire her strength,

I laugh with her, cry with her, hold her hand,  help her and love her.

Only once I realized that she never had to be perfect,

as I guess somehow as children we assume they should just know everything.

So not necessary and so unfair,

life lessons have taught me to cherish her.

Mom I love you !

even when we have our crazy conversations.

...........

Last night.

My Mom has been having car trouble with her new Dodge Journey,

something to do with the power steering and having it repaired

4 times over the winter, once it was - 38 below.

When she bought the new car we all felt good about her safety when she was driving,

Needless to say she is starting to feel like she has been sold a lemon,

and we are working on getting the situation rectified...

Last night she says to me, after her warranty is up that they will have

to just keep fixing it for her....I said no Mom once your warranty is done

I am worried you will have to pay for it if it keeps happening.

No, No she says I heard today.

I said From Whom Mom,

are you ready for this

from my hairdresser,

I say Mom you just complained about her making your hair fuzzy last time she permed your hair,

I said I don't think she knows about your car warranty.

So now she was laughing.

She says okay I guess your right.

I say if the car is still giving you problems we will get things in writing etc,

I said we are not going in to say well my hairdresser said.......

I thought she was going to die laughing.

Then she says she has to go in to work and have her blood taken,

I said Mom if you show up to work to have your blood taken,

I need to remind you you don't have a job,

still laughing she says I meant the hospital.

keep in mind she is exhausted from pumping water off the floor from the basement.

I said well if you tell them your there for work, they might just

put you in a room for a while, and you will get plenty of rest.

So the silly conversation continues,

I finally said Mom your exhausted and you need to go to bed immediately,

She was so overtired, a ten hour drive away from me,

and all I could do was to tell her to go to bed.

After I hung up the phone I continued laughing 

because she really was funny,

one of those things where you just have to be there.

So I hope she makes it to the hospital to have her blood test,

stays away from the car dealership, and does not take

any advice from her hairdresser.

She told me she would call me once she got back home.

If I don't hear from her, maybe I will assume she is at work.

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

my wish is that you enjoy your Mom as much as I do mine,

I also am sending prayers to anyone whom has lost their Mom.

No matter how much time passes it is always painful.

Cherish your memories,

I know since my Dad has died,

I remember the strangest things,

I feel his spirit all around,

and love just continually keeps growing.

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

I hope you have a great day

and a Very Happy Weekend.

Beauty is in the Eye and Heart of the Beholder.

This old barn building

has stories to tell, you can see from the expression still visible

at the front of the barn. Almost an eerie, 

"Oh no, don't go yet!"

I sat staring attentively at the face.

The wind was echoing through the wholes apparent in the walls and the collapsed

back portion of the barn. I could hear the horses that gave birth in the barn,

the fouls struggling to stand on their feet, nestled at the sides of their mother.

I could hear the cows as they stood patiently waiting to be milked,

the warm milk being forced with each hand into the pail that soon

would be put through the creamer, there would be the making of butter.

there would be the odd kicked pail and the swirl of the tail to remind 

you that patience was sure to run out.

There was the jumping back to get out of the way of the leg that was trying to kick you.

There were chickens in and out, cats hidden in the bales, sneaking nearer to get

a taste of the warm milk.

Feed was fed to the cattle and horses,

corrals were cleaned, fresh water ran,

Many games of hide and seek were played in the barn,

many words spoken, many plans made

many lives have walked through the doors,

the bones of the farm.

As I sat there I could smell the smells from long ago,

I picked up a piece of wood and felt is smooth in my hands.

the elements of many many years causing creaking, and groaning.

I could smell wild flowers, and what had just been a fresh rain.

The sun shining and gleaming and protecting,

and showing warmth to an old friend.

I smile and know that every time

I pass this old barn,

I will be reminded of the one we had on the farm.

The one that my father built with his father and grandfather.

It is not just an old crumbling building, it is history,

it is family, it made me whom I am,

so I will stay awhile and rest while I listen to the wind.

If we listen really closely, and look really hard,

we can find gold in all we touch.

I will always remember where and 

from whom I have come from.

with love.

...........

I hope you have a great day.

I See the Moon, The Moon Sees Me....

Hi Everyone, I hope you had a great weekend.

This picture I took on Sunday night.

It was beautiful, I stood outside thinking of all the times

when I was younger that I would make a wish on the moon 

and the stars. Of course I always tried to see the face of the man in the moon.

I  stood outside in a light jacket, and I had to shiver, it was cooler than I thought.

Yet I stood there in awe of this beautiful moon , grateful that I had stuck

my head outside and took a slight walk in the cool brisk evening air.

Funny as I am typing this I remember my Dad showing me 

where the Big Dipper and the little dipper in the sky,

and sitting outside watching the stars.

Lucky to see a falling star and to make a wish on them.

I also remember him out in the field happy for the extra light

that he would have when there was a full moon.

Funny I don't remember doing any of this with my Mom.

She was always too busy, but somehow Dad managed

.I wish I would, I wish I might,

get to see a falling star tonight.

and then if we were out there and did see one we would 

be all giddy and silly. It was always as if somehow he was responsible

for the falling star, as if he would just reach up and pull one down

especially for us.

I am such a nature girl, so grateful for where I grew up,

grateful for every moment and every learning experience I have had.

Just remembered that I would sit and howl at the moon,

occassionally hearing a wolf or coyote in the background.

I really love my life,

simple, peaceful, slow, cherished.

I had a lovely day on Monday. We are supposed to have beautiful

weather for the Easter weekend coming up.

So I am hoping I will be able to get out and enjoy

some yard work.

I have appreciated all the comments I have had,

I am sorry that I have not responded back,

I do think of you all and just wish there were more hours in a day.

When you have Cataplexy/Narcolepsy sometimes your days just get away on you.

Just know life is good, and I appreciate every time you come and visit.

This is my 500th post, so I will be planning a giveaway soon.

This will be my second one.

More details to follow.

Have a wonderful day tomorrow.

Until next time,

Be well,

Cinner

Maybe a Hollywood Star, and an old barn. random thoughts.

I Love Mondays,

I wanted to share my favorite picture of my younger sister

I had given her a beautiful broach to wear so she would not have to hold her stole.

Sears did her main pictures. They did a really good job.

I don't know if I am biased but she just looks so radiant to me.

I am so very very happy for her.

love you penquin..

I walked through the field, dirt filling in my shoes,

The grass and some burs sticking to my clothes.

Memories filling my mind, The smells wafted up to my nose.

Familiar scents that I have known all my life.

Through the field I continued my adventure.

I got to the barn, I stood outside in silence for a moment.

I opened the door of the barn, it's age was showing,

sunlit was shining through every hole.

I touched the first wooden beam.

It was smooth from the cattle rubbing and scratching themselves on the wood.

I could see their bring brown eyes, and picture them swaying their tiles back and forth

swishing flies off their bodies. I would make way over to the ladder that

took me to my secret world. Up in the loft amongst the bales were great hiding spots,

not to mention the heavenly smell of the bales, the birds flying on the rafters above.

I laying on the bale watching the clouds pass by the loft door that was open.

I would sometimes get lucky and search for cats that would play around the hayloft.

Usually I would sit and squint my eyes at the rays of sunshining pouring in

through the old wood. The barn that my Great Grandfather built with my Grandfather.

Many boards were reetached over the years, after a windstorm and the like.

It is a peaceful memory from long ago. I find it strange today that I can smell it as if 

I were still laying in the barn right now.

The barn is long gone. The above picture is not of our barn,

It is one I took along the road.

One that reminded me of the simply beauty in my life.

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

Do you have certain things that trigger some of your memories.?

..........

Today we had a visit from one of our neighbors.

he brought his Dad with him. He is 83 and had a stroke a while back.

He does not talk alot but as I was talking today he was laughing away

and smiling. Both my husband and my neighbor said I was really good with his Dad.

I have not seen this neighbor all winter, he is a very nice man from what I know of him.

He brings his Dad out of the home as much as he can.

I am so grateful for children that do take care of their families as they age,

They show respect and you can tell they were raised right.

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

today I hope no one is without a friend,

or estranged from your family.

May the sun shine for you

and bring you many happy moments.

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

3 sunnyside Eggs, Hold the toast.

We are having the most fabulous day, 

as I sit here typing the snow and icicles are melting

from the hot warmth of the sun.

The sun is beaming in every window of the house.

I swear that sunshine is the best medicine in the whole wide world,

that with a smile, a kind word, and a cup of coffee,

birds outside singing their joyous welcome to what I hope is Spring,

fresh air coming through the screen doors,

and did I say the warm sun on these weary bones.

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

Cooking a beef stir fry for supper,

lots of fresh vegetables,

American Idol

and getting ready for my sisters wedding.

I hope you are having one of your very best days Ever!

Dear Winter!

Dear Winter,

We welcomed you with open arms,

and laughing hearts,

as the flakes began to fall,

You gave us more snow this year,

than in many years since 1974.

I ask you Dear Winter,

is it not time to go?

Is it now not Springs turn,

to melt the snow,

and underneath the grass shall turn to green,

flowers will bloom,

birds will return,

and in time we will once again long for you!