Through these Eyes.

As I have visited your blogs,

Many times I have been amazed at what I see or read.

I am amazed by the many talented individuals,

creating, crafting,dedicated to their choice of art.

I have seen the most beautiful photography

capturing moments making cherished memories.

I am able to recognize certain photographers

instantly by a jumping shot, or softness in their work,

or minimalist design.

Through my eyes I have been able to read poetry

that has made me gasp with an unsuspected ending,

surprised at the stories one can tell in 55 words.

Through these eyes I have read stories of

individual struggles with cancer and I am in awe

at how they fight their battles with such grace and dignity.

At times I have sometimes felt as if any words I could

say were insufficient. Through these eyes I have learned

that somehow most of us are very similar,

kind, caring, and loving individuals,

Most of us know the real meaning of life,

and that it is the little things in life that are most important,

family, friends, loving, kindness, understanding and gratitude.

Through these eyes I have been blessed

to learn from every one of you.

I have seen and read of places I have never been,

of people I may never meet but yet I feel I know them.

Through these eyes, through your blogs

I am reminded every day of the goodness in the world,

and all the opportunities we have,

I have learned that no two of us are the same,

and that even in our differences there is knowledge

and compassion and above all else regardless

of religion, cultures, different countries,

friendship knows no boundaries.

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

I started blogging at a time in my life

when I was very very isolated

due to an illness,

and whether you know

it or not

I believe we all have a little angel in us,

and some of us unknowingly

don't realize how we can affect others around us.

Trust me you do,

most of us want to really make a difference in the world,

and some of us think when will that happen.

There is a very good chance

you already have!

Sometimes what does not seem like a big thing to us

may be the biggest thing to  someone else!

life is amazing.

Through these eyes

nothing is impossible,

not now, not ever!

So here's looking at you.

Until next time,

Cinner

He Turns 59 today!

He is a kid in grown up clothes,

his hair turned to white at fourty,

He plays in a senior league,

he drives over an hour each way to work,

he loves to barbecue,

and loves our yard as much as me.

He has the best sense of humor,

he would rather not tell you something

if he thinks you will worry,

which makes me worry even more.

We visit his Mom once a week,

because he wants to,

one of the reasons I married him was

because of how he treated his parents.,

His strong working hands

that I love to hold.

He has a very soft heart

loves animals,many of which find

there way to my door.,

let's say he keeps me on my toes,

his deep deep voice,

swoon,

oh I am a sucker for a voice.

He is my best friend.

Happy Birthday hon,

I love you.

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.

Off the Top of My Head....a little bit of Random.

Good Morning Everybody!

Here is another picture that makes me cheery.

Flowers, butterflies and crystal.

Three of my favorite things.

I love the colors the sun makes as it hits some of my crystal

causing prisms to dance upon my walls.

You see pinks, purples, blue, green

dancing on my walls,

my cat jumping trying to catch the colors,

occasionally there will be claw marks down my walls,

and I know she has been at it again.

If I had my way I would have thousands of crystals hanging in my windows,

of course there would be hundreds of wind chimes outside too.

I do have a few of each and they make my day when I listen to the sounds,

all different and all beautiful.

Speaking of sounds what talented girls and guys they have on

American Idol, such talent. I think a lot of them will have great careers ahead of them.

Life just has that funny way of working out.

Keep dreaming, keep loving, keep believing.

I hope you have the very best of Days!

be well.

Weekend Wishes

I was playing with textures on picknic.com

I love that site

May you have a joyous heart over the weekend.

May any worries or doubts fall off your shoulders,

May you want to sing and dance,

and share your love of life,

wherever you are.

Have a great weekend.

Until next time,

Country Roads Take Me Home....To The Place.....

This was the morning of our trip to the farm,

what a beautiful sunrise. It was a little foggy

but we were just thrilled there was no snow.

I love starting the day with a sunrise.

Really our world is full of so many spectacular things.

Here we are just a little ways further out of the city,

I can never pick one sunrise over the next, I just find them all simply stunning,

especially when the snow sparkles like diamond as the rays

illuminate the whole area. True Bliss for me.

Daylight almost here.

There was very little traffic on the highway,

I somehow felt I was being guided home.

That God was doing this all for us.

What a gift.

I sure am a Prairie Girl,

I just love the snow, and the snow drifts,

the fresh air, there was some frost on the trees

hard to see here though.

We could see a lot of deer tracks in the snow, That was a close as we got to any deer.

We were blessed with this amazing moon, I have never seen anything like it,

The bright orange started looking like a square on top of a silo.

It was very strange. because it was square it did not even look like the moon.

The eclipse had been two days before so I was surprised to see this.

Can you see the face....the Man on the Moon?

It was bright orange for about one hour 

and then it turned into a normal colored moon.

I wish you could have all seen it for yourself

because this picture from my little point and shoot

just does not do any justice to it.

Just about home.

After what seemed like a short night sleep due to Mom and I sitting up 

until almost one in the morning, hubby had long gone to rest.

This was the few from the living room outside.

Do you see all the snow hanging overhead on top of the roof.

What a beautiful winter wonderland outside.

The evergreen grove was planted years ago when

my father was about ten. He had planted them with my Grandparents.

Looking at those trees made me think of my Dad,

I could smile and remember our stories, the times we sat in the room,

This year I could smile, my heart was not as heavy as last year.

The view from the lane,

just white everywhere.

This is Buster, my brother and I are following

him in the truck. luckily my brother has a bulldozer

that he can clear the roads. they really have a lot of snow.

Nothing makes The Siberian Husky happier than being in the snow.

Here I tripped over a snowbank having a Cataplexy spell.

I could show you pictures of the dog licking my face.

my brother kept laughing at me, then I would have another Cataplexy spell.

Finally we were able to settle down and get me up.

my right wrist and knee were sore for two days.

My glass was frozen and a change of clothes were necessary.

And I forgot to make a snow angel in the snow.

Buster has to be tied up as there are a bunch of coyotes in the area.

That and he chases the cats!

This is one of my favorite pictures, 

by the side of the trees over by the granaries,

some winters there could be 10 feet high snow banks

and we would go and build forts and tunnels in there.

We would get home to the house with the reddest little cheeks,

telling them what a fantastic time we had,

As soon as we were warm and our boots and clothes

dried by the old wood stove we would wander back out

to our forts and to our in imaginations.

Here it was almost the end of  the day.

As beautiful as the sunrises, so are the sunsets.

As beautiful are the days, so too are the nights

The first day flew by so fast, and when we left 2 days later,

both Hubby and I  looking at another sunrise

said, What happened to the days.

They just flew by.

He reached out and held my hand,

We were quiet both reflecting on our visit,

both ready to get back home,

and the wheels and the sound of the motor continued.

It was going to be a Great Day.

I hope you have your Very Best Day Ever.

Take care

Happy Birthday Neener,

Everyone needs a best friend.

I have three my husband, my sister, and my girlfriend

Neener

And today is Neeners birthday!

So I am hoping I get a hold of her before she goes to work.

and I will sing to her off key of course on purpose,

Happy Birthday,

she will laugh and then tell me I am too noisy in the morning.

How old is she it does not matter, 

she will always be younger than me!

She painted me the above pair,

which I think is awesome, 

she loves color,

and she loves me,

just like I love her,

she knows everything there is to know about me,

and I her.

We are quite a pair,

she is one of the best cooks I have ever come across,

makes a wonderful espresso,

the best homemade pumpkin pie I have ever tasted,

the voice of an angel.

I thank you Janine for being there for me,

even if you were annoyed at me,

or wanted to kick me for having my own pity party,

or for singing your songs at Karaoke,

I figured I would mention it before you do.

Thank you for being my oldest and best baby sitter I ever had.

That was quite the new years for you but I appreciate it more than I can put into words.

Thanks for all the times you tell me to go to bed, and not in those words.

how about this phrase....NOW!

and you tell me not to use capitals when I am posting.

how was I to know it meant yelling.

I hope you have a fabulous day,

I hope you got my email about us postphoning coming to see you.

I will find out when I talk to you.

but just as we used to,

I could just show up like we used to,

that is what I miss the most with you living so far away.

our phone calls in the middle of the night,

saying are you up, and then me coming for popcorn or coffee,

okay so most of the time I made you come to my place,

Ya ya, Lord you won't ever let me live that down.

Remember our walk in the freezing cold,

I knew that would make you laugh.

I hope you have your Very Best Day Ever!

I love you.

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

I have many acquaintances and people that I know,

and unfortunately some have come and gone,

and Neener and I will always be best friends,

There is no doubt in my mind.

I consider myself very blessed.

And I will always Love You,

yes I am thinking about how beautifully you sing that song.

Miss you much.

...........

I hope you all enjoy this day,

September 2,

and may you have your 

Best Day Ever.

Its My Anniversary! our Anniversary!

This photo I took last fall,

I have been having some trouble with my camera,

so I thought you might not mind me using this again,

and well some of you have not seen it before.

Last night my hubby and I donned our jackets

and sat outside on the bench at the back of the yard.

It was cooler than normal, 

so we snuggled and reminisced.

Today is our eleventh anniversary.,

he is working and on call this week

so it will be a quiet night at home.

We sat and laughed tonight about

things that happened at our wedding,

The fact that we were the last ones there.

how exhausted we were the next day,

Hubbys father was his best man,

he was so proud, both father and son.

We talked about what we have accomplished together in eleven years,

we also talked about how we drive each other crazy,

but how our laughter and sense of humor has gotten us through

and has brought us to the place we are in life.

I would say he is my soul mate and I his,

I take milk and sugar in my coffee,

he takes his black,

I am a lets get this done kind of gal,

he is oh it can wait,

I don't like to cook,

he loves to cook and be creative in the kitchen,

...........

We have so many differences,

and yet so many similarities,

He tells me when he thinks I am wrong,

just as I do him,

He is my best friend,

and we say anything and everything to each other,

The best thing we say is how much we love one another.

I felt like a princess when I married him,

he has treated me like a queen,

and there is no other that I would want to be my king.

Happy Anniversary honey.

I love you.

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

Just an idea for a post,

I should write this when I am upset with him.

I can imagine what it would say.

We never go to bed angry,

and sometimes I wake up grumpy,

and other times I just let him sleep.

He will laugh.

...........

have a wonderful weekend everyone.

hot sunny days, stormy nights, what amazing gifts.

It starts with the vanishing of the birds as in harmony they swoop from the boughs

It is with respect they depart from the wind, knowing its strength and damage

that can be done.

For a moment the whispering wind stretches over every branch,

lingering not even to touch,

and suddenly the sky has continued to darken,

the deafening boom of a thunderclap that  can be as wonderful as it is alarming,

More, more, again and again,

the rain pelts to the ground, harder and harder it comes,

forcing some of my plants to the ground,

they fight to stand, swaying back and forth,

They lay down as if to rest and lie in some semblance of safety,

The howl of the wind rather eerie,

The lights in the sky a reminder to be inside,

and wait out the storm,

As suddenly as it arrived, that was as sudden as it departed.

the sun returned for a short while, the freshness as I opened the back door

was as beautiful as walking into a perfume area in a mall,

You could smell the rain, the flowers, the air,

As I walked onto the patio,

a couple of birds flew past me,

up into the trees,

It was like they came home.

I sat in a chair after wiping it dry,

I leaned back, a breeze blew past me

and the remnants of the rain

fell from the raindrops that were still a blanket in the trees.

The coolness hit my face, landed on my hair,

soon my clothes were damp,

I laughed,

It was the most beautiful storm from the beginning to the end,

Because I was present, I was thankful, I appreciated this gift.

and I am so excited for life just keeps bringing them

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

For every difficulty in life we are gifted with an opportunity,

and with every opportunity we learn to handle life differently.

I will delve into this one day,

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

For right now I hope you all choose to love yourself and others.

and in everything you do try to have your very Best Day Ever,

My Dad

 

John Charles

My Dad

A year ago I had recently started blogging, our family were suddenly called home as my Dad was waiting to have hip surgery. He went in on a Wednesday and passed away on a Saturday. It was sudden and unexpected. It took six months for us to even find out what had gone wrong, but basically his body just shut down. The last year has had some major ups and downs, not only were we dealing with the loss of our father, but all those feelings that go along with grief. one day I was sad, crying, angry, laughing, but most of all I experienced a feeling of just being lost, and kept questioning how could have this happened. Anyway somehow we get through it, what a growing process it has been. One thing that helped this process were my friends in Blog land. I came home after staying with my Mom for about 3 weeks and was surprised by the kindness of basically strangers at that point, I had been sent cards and letters, pictures, all with such loving sentiments. I even had correspondence with a gentleman that helped me work through some of my feelings and make sense of the whole process I was going through. He told me things about my Dad and I that was not possible for anyone to know, Forever he will remain a wonderful soul that helped a stranger out of the kindness of his heart. One thing I do know is that what seems impossible to get through. somehow we do and life goes on, but their spirit is with you every day. They are a part of you and the bond you had is constant in life and in death. I am not writing any of this for anyone to be sad for me, My Dad lived a simple life, he was a farmer, He taught us good values, hard work ethics, to love nature, to respect others. to enjoy a laugh, love of family. Two days before he died he was still farming at 75 years old. My husband and I had a visit with my parents 3 weeks before he passed away and we had a great visit with them. I had told my Dad then, that I thought he should slow down a bit, sit back watch the birds that he enjoyed so much. He said, How old do you think I am.? I don't have time to sit and watch birds all day long....I wish he would have relaxed more at his age, but he was happy doing what he did everyday. He would take us for drives to see the crops and he would say do you see those weeds over there, truth be known I never did figure it out. What I did figure out

was that I loved my Dad and he loved all of us. He would have done everything for his family and today as I write this I don't feel saddness, I feel at peace knowing he is in a better place, with a lot of friends and his family that have passed before him. My Mom devoted her whole life taking care of him and I have seen her grow  so much in the last year. I am so proud of her for this. I have 2 sisters and a brother, and we have all been on our own journey over the last year, all dealing with our grief in ways that work for each of us.It is true that when someone dies, you see the best of your family, and I think in grief  you sometimes see the worst as well.....but somehow we all work through it and grow as individuals. We realize the importance of every moment and what a truly wonderful gift life is. We all have choices on how we live our lifes and what is important for each person. Every day that passes my love for him increases as I remember more and more things that did not seem important at the time. his voice, his hands, his eyes, his math skills, his humor, and the list goes on and on .........All that is important was that I loved him and he loved me and the rest of us.

Sometimes it was not easy for him to show it, and none of that matters now, because we all know it.

I love you Dad and miss you!

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

I had wanted to post this at the end of the month, but my older sister and I are off to the farm to be there for my Mom, on this the first year. We are going to help Mom with some yard work and simplifying her flower beds. She knows I can't do much but she said if I have to sit on an chair and supervise I could, that is hardly likely to happen....I will try not to overdo it. I will just be glad as this will be the last first. We found it hard, first Fathers Day, first Birthday, first Christmas, first year that he was not here....when there is love we can get through so much more than we realize in life. I have always lived by the motto, that I have never asked for an easy life, but for strength to get through any problems!  So there is no computer at the farm, so I will be out of touch for about one week. I will be thinking of you, probably having blog withdrawal, but I will visit all of you as soon as I get back.

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

love and cherish those close too you.

May we live our lives to the fullest!

Skipping Stones!

 

This picture was taken last year,

I love it.

.......

We were on a rocky slope,

I  knew that I could not get down,

So I sent him on his way,

I was sitting at a bench, I told him that I was okay,

So  off he went down the rocks, 

and went out by the water,

He picked up a rock and threw it,

the joy of skipping stones.

He spent quite a time down there,

finding the right stones, 

throwing them and looking back at me,

his chest inflated, wanting to show off,

I put my thumb in the air,

and he knew that I was watching.

what I loved most of all,

was that he was carefree,

and so relaxed.

For a few moments of the day,

he did not have to think of me,

or wonder if I would be okay,

Down there on that shore,

he was worry free.

Just skipping stones

in the early morning breeze,

The next day we went back again,

and I made it all the way down.

He tried to teach me,he stood behind me

and tried to show me how to hold my arm

and when I would throw my rock,

it would just drop under the water,

slinking slowly further and further down.

We tried for quite a time, we had a lot of laughs,

Soon I was tired and had to sit down,

I sat on a big boulder,

and watched him still at play,

and wondered how many guys

have tried to impress a girl this way.

It meant more to me than diamonds

as I watched my husband enjoying

the art of skipping stones.

a while later. hand in hand we walked  back up to the top,

We sat on a bench listening to the running water,

saw an eagle flying overhead.

After a little while we saw a wedding party,

making their way down the rocks,

they were waiting for some other people

to get there, and what did the groom proceed to do.

He picked up a rock and soon was skipping stones.

My husband leaned over and kissed me.

We soon were watching a wedding,

the bride was gorgeous,

their dogs were there running around,

and it really was beautiful.

Just before we left,

my husband reached into his pocket,

and placed in my hand.

a perfect flat rock.

just right

for skipping stones.

To me it was 

special that 

he found

a rock

representing that we would come again,

and one day  not too far off,

we would both be

skipping stones.

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

The above is a true story,

and I have never learned how to skip a rock.

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

I hope you enjoy your Monday,

and that you make some memories

that you will cherish.

I am embracing my day,

as soon as I wake up.

Have your best day Ever!

Someone Stole My Heart

 

they seem to be saying,

Hang on tight,

soon they will be done

taking pictures.

We know were cute,

but we want to play.

...................
 

Now they want me to kick the ball,

I am just a kid.
 

Cousin Cinner is not letting go for nothing,

even though there is some squirming going on.
 

Someone stole someones heart.

Cousin Cinner is very tired but very happy!

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

There is nothing like hanging around with children

to experience everything new again.

There is so much ahead,

so much hope, and opportunities,

so much promise,

and most of all there is such unconditional love.

Life is really wonderful.

I was so glad I got to spend some time with my little cousins

when I was in B.C.

that really was one of my best days.

Have a Terrific Tuesday.

A Bit Of Heaven.

 

Walking through the trees,

smelling the moist ground being disturbed by my feet,

I could not help but look up high above me

for the openings  above me,

that cast the suns rays,

bouncing off the earth beneath me.

Slowly feeling the warmth comfort me,

like a long lost blanket.

I was lost here in this quiet,

comfortable with my own thoughts,

grateful for the beauty surrounding me,

Something was beckoning me 

further and deeper into the forest,

Was I being adventurist or perhaps foolish,

I was living and breathing and feeling,

I was alive all my senses stimulated by my surroundings.

I could touch the branches as they swayed as I walked past,

I could feel the sweat dripping down my forhead

I could feel a slight breeze tenderly touching my arm,

I could taste a droplet of sweat as it graced my lip,

I could hear birds calling, perhaps in warning

of a stranger fast approaching.

I could see beauty all around me,

some hiding in the shadows.

I could smell the fresh air.

I leaned against a tree,

resting, watching, listening,

just being.

I was snapped to alertness

by the breaking of branches

not but ten feet away.

A deer stood gallantly facing me,

studying, challenging me or was it fear.

With one lunge she was gone,

both of us safe,

I waited a few moments

hoping she would come back,

It was not to be,

I turned and started back,

still enamored,

still grateful,

and I whispered 

softly to myself.

Thank you God

for this beautiful day!

Hockey Night In Canada

 

 I have explained in the last few posts  that I love old photos. This was one I found while visiting my Mom. It is just a picture of the picture...Note to self...I need to purchase a scanner, Note to self...when I have money. ...Note to self...LMAO.  Sorry I got sidetracked there for a moment.  

When I was home last time for a visit, I actually met an Old timer who played hockey with my Dad. I believe it was just in a farm league. I got introduced to him and he told me oh yes he remembered my father well and that one night when he was playing against him that my Dad lost a couple teeth, spit them in his hand and kept on playing hockey....I thought to myself yes that sounds like my Dad. I had never known why he had lost his two front teeth, the things you do not think of when your growing up. Anyway my husband was very impressed with meeting this gentleman as one of his sons played in the National Hockey League. My husband is an avid sports fan. Tonight he is at a Hockey Pool that he has been going to for over 30 years, Both teams in our province are out of any playoffs so we will have to see which players he picks. Growing up on Saturday nights there was always hockey on, my Dad would lay on the couch watching....back then it was Bobby Orr, and all the old names....We even had the little hockey game as kids...boy we thought we had something, pulling that little lever and being able to make those men move...wow. Nowadays my husband and I are always disagreeing about the amount of testosterone floating around in any sports. I believe there is no place in hockey for a fight, that I do not see how that makes it a better game...I think I say this just to get my hubby going. My favorite part of hockey is seeing Don Cherry. I find him hilarious, a sharp dresser. I especially love his high collared shirts, his flashy suits well you either like them or not., and I have to admit I usually do! Not that I would want my husband to wear something like them....anyway I saw Mr. Cherry one night talk about his wife after she had passed away. Obviously he loved her very very much, and since then I have been a huge fan.  My older sister met her husband at a local hockey game. He accidentally knocked her over with his hockey bag. It caught her right behind the knees and they have been married about 27 years. It is unfortunate that hockey has become such an expensive sport as a lot of children have been unable to experience the thrill of being on the ice. There was a mother/son game once when my brother was playing. I think he was about ten. I went and played as his Mom....my Mom did not know how to skate....I do remember the little munchkins beat us badly....It was lots of fun. My first real professional hockey game I ever saw I went with my Uncle and was amazed at how different the rinks were compared to a small town. It has been a couple of years since I have been to a hockey game. we just do not have extra money for that, but watching on T.V. is the next best thing. Note to self...I am amazed I actually have written a whole post on hockey. I will have to show my husband as he will never believe this. LOL.

I want to share a poem my husband wrote for me on our first Valentines after we got married,

and you will see what an avid sports fan he is...

To my wife,

You are my super bowl of love,

You are the Stanley Cup of my life,

I am happier than I have ever been,

And the reason is you-my loving wife.

You are the home run that makes me cheer,

And the hat trick on a Saturday night.

This is the first Valentines since we wed.

Love is a Sport and We got it right!

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

Note to self, I still love him as much as when he wrote this.

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

I hope you all have a great day,

and remember Life is a game we only get to play once.

May you embrace your day, and Have your very Best Day Ever.

 

Looking Back, Thinking Ahead.

  

When I was home this last time I found some old photos,

I wanted to show this one today as my Grandmother

would have been 98 today, She died at the age of 91.

My grandfather passed away almost 25 years ago. He died from Cancer,

The good looking oldest son, well that was my Dad, He died at 74 and it

will be a year on May 30th. I love looking at old pictures. It makes me remember

many memories, though I miss them I know longer weep for them.

My Grandpa he was a farmer, he always pulled our ears, and he always had gum or candy for us,

And in his later years he always had cheezies in great big bags as treats. After he quit farming and they moved to town, he grew one of the best gardens, There was never ever a weed to be found.

My grandmother had been a teacher and taught grades one to nine in a one room school house. 

She often spoke of that time. I have many fond memories of Grandma teaching me how to knit, crochet,

needle point, sew, etc.  My Dad was the oldest son, and he took over the family farm.I think he kind of looks a little like Elvis Presley here....He would have been about twenty here.

 

This picture was my Grandmothers side of the family, grandma lived until 91

and her sister until 93. They were very very close.

The fellow in the center was a Royal Canadian Mounted Police. I don't know too much

about him or my Great Grandma at all. I do love to look at the pictures.

My great Uncle on the left, very uncanny but he looks a lot like my husband.

 

The fellow on the far right is my Dad,

This was a game played in the area called Belgium Bowling,

It used to be a great thing to get together on a Sunday afternoon

and play with the neighbors, There were about ten families

and they all had there own bowl. I would have come into the

picture much later, The game is still played in the area.

I believe the gentleman sitting down was my Grandfather.

The other fellow is unknown.

 

I had to show this bottom picture, This was a very common thing as we were growing up,

My older sister and I have already moved away. The other fellow is  my Uncle who was my Dads best friend. Many a happy time we all had either playing or working all together.

We would all scrape the ice in the winter and have hockey games, and usually a weiner roast after.

It is funny how all the things you can remember in one way  make me whom I am today.

I will cherish all my memories forever..

Families are wonderful, none  are perfect, but their yours and you love them!

The family farm is now a fourth generation and in two years will be one hundred years old.

Most of the old buildings are all gone, I was lucky to find one of the first family farm photos.

and compare how it looks today.

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Last night on my husbands side his Uncle turned 90.

My husbands father passed on about 8 years ago.

The two brothers to me were like night and day,.

one very outgoing, the other quite reserved.

Uncle W still drives at 90,

and he like my Grandpa grows the most amazing garden.

I was not able to make it to the party last night,

My husband was there and about a hundred people in total,

My love was sent and we will get together once all their company has left.

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

What blows my mind is all the changes that they have seen in their live span.

From cars, televisions, trains, electricity, telephones, and so much more.

I  have so much respect for the elderly, love to talk to them and learn.

Life was different then compared to now, 

Life was not as rushed. I think so many changes in their lifetimes,

Makes me wonder what more changes we will see ahead of us.

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If you have family find out all you can know about them,

Once they are no longer here you may wish you took the time to ask and learn as much as you could.

I grew up on a farm, and my husband is a city boy,

Living was different, but yet it is amazing how much our values and love of family is the same

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

I wish you all well, and hopefully a day spent with your loved ones.

Have a great day. 

Love to you all.