We are at -17 this morning here - and the sky is bright and sunny.  We have had a great fall and I can't complain either.  Now that we have snow, and it is cooler, I would just as soon winter stay, and not warm up and melt again.  Then things just get icy.  It is unlikely here that we will have a melt anyway.

We have had a few Remembrance Day's with no snow, but I mostly remember snow on the ground, and the day cool, sometimes sunny, sometimes stormy.

We take poppies out to the cemetery to place on family graves and we've gotten smarter - we go out late October before the snowfall if we can time it,  This year there was no snow when we went, but it was cool.  There was a year or two we didn't time it and went in a foot of snow . . . with a broom and hoping for a good memory so we could them.

Off to church - it will be our Remembrance Sunday service - nothing special, and usually revolves around peace instead of war.

Flurries in the air, melting on the windshield and the sidewalks.  Damp, cold feel to the air.  It's coming.   Excellent worship service - observing remembrance day without glorifying war - great hymns full of hope, the laying of a wreath by a veteran, and a bugle playing the last post. Well chosen scripture (not following the lectionary today) and prayers I could relate to.

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Good snacks with our coffee at fellowship time.

i'm flying out today.  Though I like flying out in the afternoon for my health, I miss my sunday evening time at home.

I went out today with damp hair.  I figured it would be ok, just driving and running inside the store.   We parked at the back of a busy parking lot and my hair froze.  I think I might take a nap, I got a bit of a chill.

I guess I shouldn't mention that it's plus 8 here. Oops... I just did! Sorry folks!   

I'm good, I just came back from sitting in front of the fire for a while.

I'm grateful for my gas fireplaces, especially when I read about those MINUS temps and SNOW!  Still above freezing here, but heading downward tonight & tomorrow - I may need my long johns on to finish my garden clean-up!  

We had a good worship service yesterday too; there was extra space in the bulletin, so prayers for peace from other religions were posted there, which I appreciated - great similarities to explore. 

I haven't seen any fund listed by the United Church yet, re aid for the Phillipines - anybody notice anything anywhere?   Usually they're pretty quick on organizing & there's often been a banner at the top of the WC page to click to make donations. 

yes, there is a fund for the phillipines, saw a post on richard bott's church site.

Here's the link:

http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/response/131108.

Yes - I found it later - and I'm told there will be a link/banner posted to wondercafe today, which is good.

Had an interesting outing this morning - went to a warehouse downtown that is a community of small artist studios.  We went to meet with a guy who does canvas printing - to have a photo done for our living room.  Interesting place, with lots of interesting artists sharing space.  I'm glad that such places still exisit & haven't sold out for condos.  

Bright sunny day here. Warm enough up the mountiain that it melted some snow and will delay the x-country ski opening. No snow down here in the valley.

My energy is only slowly coming back. Was reminded by a co-worker today to continue to take it easy until my body is back to normal.

Patience isn't my strong suit.

Ah yes Tabitha - patience - it's an art isn't it?  We're such a hurry up society these days.  Be gentle with yourself ... perhaps the melting of snow is the universe working in your favour this week!

LIstening to talk of snow is unnerving!  We've had only the rarest of flurries here in the southern part of the GTA, so you can all keep it for awhile :)

Seeler - thanks for the story about the Rainbow lunch.  We're plodding through the Affirm process, but we have nothing like that at all here yet, and it really got me thinking.  I hope you don't mind that I shared your experience with our Affirm group to get them thinking too.

I'm wading into uncharted waters - friends here at the church requested my help with their dad/grandad's memorial service (not immediate but all too soon).  I'm grateful for help & encouragement from some capable ministers and I'm discovering a new corner of my gifts.  Usually, I'm very teary at funerals, though I have a sense that in a different role, I'll find my 'calm.'  

Carolla - what a neat idea for your Remembrance day bulletin.  Things like that make me proud to be UCC. 

I'm glad to land here with you folks today.  Feeling cozy!

Snow keeps threatening but so far no build up.  Cold today.  We opened the doors of our church early to welcome those who come on Wednesdays asking for help with groceries.  We noticed a little girl among those standing out in the cold when we arrived.  Doors opened - coffee and juice; hard boiled eggs, bisquits hot from the oven; and other breads and sweets.  Unfortunately no one had donated fruit for us today.  I read a story to the little girl.  By then we had two more children - active ones.  I found some big balls for them to toss around. 

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One never knows who they might encounter. One man told us this was the first time in his life he had ever asked for help and he was made to feel so welcome. Balancing that was a young man hardly past his teens who, when asked if he would mind, helping me stack a few chairs, replied that 'yes, he would mind.' When I said 'ok' and walked away he quickly grabbed the chairs, banged them together and stacked them against the wall. As he left with his food voucher, one of the women asked what she could do to help, and tidied around the coffee table. All kinds. Some grateful; some resentful. Of course I have no idea what was going on in that young man's life.

An update on my brother, who, as many of you know, is being treated for advanced bowel cancer.

Next Monday he is being operated on again - this time for spots on his lungs.

To date he has survived a major operation on his bowel, two different courses of chemotherapy, and now this operation.

(He also has a heart murmur -which is causing problems.)

He is, and always has been, very determined and steadfast at meeting life's obstacles - which began when he was three years old and nearly died from polio.

Naturally, I've been thinking a lot about him this week -and have a recurring image in my mind.

We were just kids, living in the bush, and he challenged me to a race to the bottom of this hill -through thick scrub with no path.

He literally slithered the entire way on his butt, and when he reached the bottom of the hill before me, he turned and gave me a cheeky grin......

Please pray for him.....

Pilgrims Progress . . . thinking of you as you go through this difficult time of such a serious illness for your brother.  Saying a little prayer for him right now, and of course, a little prayer for you .

I am always in awe of the wonderful work and ministry that is done in your church, seeler.  As I think about this program you have in helping people with groceries I cannot imagine what it must be like for those who partake.  I would think most would be appreciative, but I cannot imagine what it would be like to depend on the generosity of others for a meal.

Pilgrim. I am sorry to hear that your brother is facing more surgery. I am thinking of you too, your mom and your sisters. Blessings

Pilgrim - so sorry about your brother.  This is a difficult time for him, and for you.  You are in my thoughts and prayers. 

Praying for you and your brother.Glad you can have the happy memory of your race.

Take care Pilgrim!

Thanks folks, I truly appreciate your concern and your prayers....

Pilgrim's Progress , I think of you as you walk on the journey, and how I would feel if I heard the same about any of my siblings and had to walk the journey with them.Each would be different, our relationships are different, and they are different. I think of you .  I hope you keep coming here to check in, and let those who are able to help through their wisdom and support be present.

I am tired tonight.

We had a social which should have been a good night, but I was appalled at the behaviour of some of the folks.  Just so inappropriate. 

Pilgrim, sorry to hear that it's spread.  Have you shared the story with your brother?  I'll be praying for you, him and your family.

Pilgrims... I am thinking about you, your brother and the rest of your family and praying for peace and healing for each of you.

Seeler... Your congregation is providing such a wonderful ministry for the people in your city who need a hand up. It puts a smile on my face when I think of you playing with and reading to those little ones.

I spent the evening at a meeting of our church's children, youth and families team. The minister who regularly meets with us is on sabbatical for 3 months, so our other minister joined us tonight. His comment at the end of the meeting: "You folks spend so much more time laughing than any other church committee I'm on." I think that, by the time our other minister returns, he'll be looking for ways to join in on the fun! 

Thinking of those who are trying to assist sick family members and friends in ways that they find supportive.  Sometimes, when doing that myself,, it felt a bit like walking along a tightrope.  Remember to be kind to yourselves and seek a kind shoulder as needed.

Yes Kay, the caregivers and supporters need to take care of themselves too!  If it is emotional support and not hands-on caregiving, it is good to receive strength, encouragement, and a soft place to share, and even sometimes vent.  That's kinda like what this room is for .

It is evidence of the value of this virtual congregation.  I feel honored to have been allowed into other people's lives in this way.  Just think - without access to WC none of us would have learned the ongoing story of Carter and his family!

I was just telling people about the awesome congregation that is WC the other day, hours before finding out about it closing in June.  :(  

Pilgrims, prayers from me for your brother.  I hope his flash of a smile is not gone and sustains you all, at least occasionally through this.

Seeler -I talked with a church-connection who is facing the food bank for her first time. I feel like I can see some of the troubles that led to this, and some of the ways out, but she hasn't seen them yet.  That has been hard to live with while I made my family supper last night.  All of our journeys are different, and we can't walk a journey for anyone else.  I think I'll send a prayer for your angry young man.  So much possibliity if only some light would shine for them.

Of late, there has been so much serious illness and death around me that, at times, I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of despair.

I understand that it's an age thingie - I was the first of my friends to be widowed -and now there's a growing number of us.

Then there is the siblings -which has it's own special kind of pain. You shared your childhood and it's joys and tribulations. And, let's be honest here, with siblings there is often that recurring acute pain that comes from unresolved childhood tensions and jealousies.....

Thus, I'm grateful to this room and those that sit here and offer a kind word when it's needed.

I take some time each day to restore myself online -and think about the possibility of a next overseas holiday.

There have been many, many times in recent years where the thought, "I wonder what's happening in Canada?" has got me out of bed and up and at it....

Pinga,

It seems to be you have a very busy occupation - I hope all the effort you're putting into keeping Wondercafe continuing in some form doesn't result in burn-out....

Hi PP. You named all the things that those of us of a certain age face.You are not alone. Blessings.

Greetings All!

Pilgrims Progress . . . caring thoughts continue to be with you.  Don't drown  . . . swim with all your strength and might . . .

Crazyheart . . . yes, as the years ahead come and go and as friends and family get older and older, the inevitable is inevitable.  Both my hubby and I find ourselves as the older generation in our family with all parents and their siblings now gone.

Tonight is a night of R&R for me and my family.  Daughter home for the night, had a little bump removed from her mouth and has a few stitches . . . and I didn't want her being on her own.  She knows this is my Grey's Anatomy night and it isn't her favorite show LOL!.  I will take her home in the morning if she is okay.  Soft foods for a few days for her.

Doing dishes at the church supper tomorrow night and have a luncheon to make for 9 for Sunday, and a retreat on Sunday.  Going to be a busy weekend.

It seems like the next weeks are going to fly by.  I'd better start making a list of all the things I feel I need to do.

Good morning all.  It's a bit milder today so I won't build up as big a fire - just enough to keep it cheerful in the room.  I hope nobody minds - I've brought Chloe.  I'm dog-sitting for a few days.  She's friendly - just give her a pat.  Or, if you don't like dogs, or don't like dog-hairs, tell her firmly to "Go away". 

I'm enjoying her company. I haven't seen her for quite some time and I've missed her. One of the casualties of broken relationships. When my daughter moved out almost a year ago, she left behind part of her life, and part of it was the family dog. Chloe stayed at the house with my sil - and the children during their half-time with him. I'm sure it was the right choice. My daughter took the cat. The decision was mutually agreed upon.

But I've missed Chloe. I've missed going out to the house and visiting - having her run across the yard to greet me, pushing up beside me looking for a pat, knocking over whatever is on the coffee table while joyously wagging her tail.

I've missed the times when the grandchildren would come for an afternoon and bring alone Chloe - just because they wanted to.

I've missed dog-sitting - having her come for a day or too. Sometimes when Seelerman would be away for a few days I would ask if she could come and keep me company.

But she is no longer my daughter's dog. I don't feel free to ask my x-sil to bring her over (he never comes himself).

I miss a lot of things since the breakup. I miss seeing my sil. I miss occasionally seeing his mother and family - getting together for Thanksgiving or Christmas - being invited out to their cottage by the lake. Having her in for wine 'n cheese. Discussing our mutual interest in the grandchildren. (She's polite but distant when we do meet - she blames my daughter for the break-up.)

But today I am happy that Chloe is here - keeping the squirrels at bay and shedding blond hair all over my house.

There's no way that I'm allergic to virtual dogs so I will  pat Chloe, let her lick my hand, and then maybe chase her around the yard a little.  Losing a dog with the loss of a relationship is not something I had ever thought about.  I was thinking recently about a couple from my church who split up and now only one of them attends.  It's sad to think that the wife sort of "lost her church" in the divorce.

When two people separate, two whole families (and friends) deal with the break-up and losses.  Life changes . . . for so many people.  Unfortunately, sometimes it just needs to happen.

I'm fine with Chloe visiting here in the room - I like animals, and she sounds delightful.  I wonder if you mentioned to the children how much you miss Chloe if they might let their dad know - who knows, there may be times he would like Chloe to come and be with you still.

Daughter still here, probably for tonight also.  She is doing okay but feeling a bit weak . . . and I want to pamper her .

I agree with Hilary, playing with a virtual dog sounds wonderful!

Well, if I had to have a dog where I am at in my life a virtual one would be just great!  A real dog is a lot of work to take care of! 

nice to have a virtual dog visit. A co-worker has just asked if I will dog sit over the Xmas holidays. I'm thinking about it and wondering how my 2 cats would feel. The fluffy cat really liked Mr. Seeler.

Hugs and prayers for all who are journeying a tough road this week.  My thoughts go with you, wherever you may be. 

It seemed very busy for me at work - lots of demands coming from different directions.  Yesterday, I spent all day with people who have suffered varying degrees of brain damage - two are younger men who had heart attacks.  I was glad to leave at the end of the day & go get my hair cut - ahhh .... "me time".  Once at the salon, my hairdresser looked a bit perplexed - "Um ... I don't think I have you in the book for today."  She looked - and sure enough - "Your appointment's not til NEXT Thursday!"  I checked my own calendar - and sure enough ... next week!  We both had a good laugh - it seemed a fitting end to my day. Better a week early than a week late, right?  But she squeezed me in anyway, and all was well.   And tonight I went for a massage - ahhhh ... and on the right date & time! 

Pilgrims - I was thinking of you this morning as a colleague showed me her pics from a recent 3 week trip to Oz.  So beautiful - the jacaranda trees & gardens all in bloom, the beaches (Manly & Bondi) gleaming white against the azure sea, the Great Barrier Reef seen from a small plane, interesting architecture and wildlife, the Twelve Apostles on the ocean drive ... one day I WILL come visit you! :-) 

On the airways van heading home.

Tomorrow is a day to visit dad. Do laundry and shopping

It was a challenging week as a peer in the design area gave notice. He really partnered with me well and I will miss him.

I also decided to name my challenge with our social event and how we as an organization behaved. It was good to review the oral and professional challenges. I have decided to head back in 3 weeks due to the organizational challenges and incoming project work.

Also looks like I will be headed to San Francisco in feb

I think that when Chloe is picked up and returned home I will contact my x-sil and tell him how much we enjoyed having Chloe and offer to take her any time he is going to be away for a few days.  I don't think I can ask for more time than that.  I think he depends on her companionship - especially when he doesn't have the children.  And when the children are there, they want their dog to be there too. 

I appreciate the WonderCafe where I can come and post what's on my mind without feeling I'm posting to the world - as I am when I'm on Facebook.

To Beloved who is concerned about her daughter, Pilgrim with her brother, Pinga with her father, and all caregivers and others who are worried about sick friends or relatives I offer my support. Seelerman's brother seems to be doing well in hospital now.  The next step is for him to move into a seniors' home where he can get regular meals and the support he will need in this next phase of his life.  He is worried and uncertain.  Scared of what the future might hold for him.  And I think Seelerman is scared too.  He's lost three of his six brothers.  And now this brother unable to live independantly.  Seelerman seems well and strong, and young for his years, but he is getting up there too.  And he has me to worry about as well.

Thank you seeler . . . daughter is snug in her bed at my house :).  I'm surprised that this little cyst removal has taken so much out of her.  I'm sure she will be back to herself tomorrow.  It is kind of nice having her here for a few days.

It must be hard for seelerman as he watches his brother go through these unwanted changes in his life.  It must be so hard for some to adapt to living in a senior's home.  Giving up the personal independence of doing what you want, when you want, how you want.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         \

carolla, with a description like that, you should be able to get a job with the Australian Tourist Bureau, lol.......

Anyways, if any Wondercafinator who visits this room ever does make it to Oz (and I'm not in a nursing home by then!) I'll shout you lunch at the Bondi Icebergs bistro -which has views over Bondi beach.

This is by way of "thank you" for being here when I needed you to be. (Er, partners, etc will have to buy their own meal -there has to be a limit to my financial generosity!)

seeler,

Illness, ours and our siblings and friends, is a sad reality of becoming a senior.

We have to measure our happiness in moments, rather than years, these days.....

Beloved, glad you get to be mom again in that way
Seeler, i hadn't thought about pets, but it makes perfect sense. Sounds like you have a good strategy
Pp better watch or she will have hordes traveling to see her

I'm happy to be home but missing the boys, even youngest son is away

Time for me to quit being lazy and get my day on

Me too, Pinga.  I have a luncheon for 9 to prepare for for tomorrow after church . . . and my own meals to prepare for today and tomorrow.  And soft food to prepare for daughter.  Methinks today is going to be a "kitchen" day.

Pilgrims Progress - If I ever make it to Oz . . . I'm in for the lunch . . .  and I will treat you . . . and if it is years down the road I will come to the seniors home with my walker and put you in a wheel chair and off we will go .

I am going to make my rice today (going to add peppers, onions, and carrots to it) - do you think I can make it all up today and put it in a casserole dish and then just heat it up in the oven at church tomorrow?  Do you think it would be too dry?
 

Going to have chicken and caesar salad and a veggie casserole and buns!

Beloved, we don't use the word "treat" here in Oz -we say "shout".

(This expression resulted from the days when the pubs closed at 6pm. From 5pm onward men in the public bar  - no women could drink in the public bar then - would clamour to be served a beer. In order to be served you had to "shout" to be heard. Men soon realised that if they bought a round of drinks for their mates  (a shout) there would be plenty of drinks on the table when the bar was closed.)

And thank you for your kind offer - you're the only person  who's given me an incentive to enter a nursing home. (I think!)

I'll be eating leftover Moroccan carrot and date salad....

I took it to my sisters to have with a barbecue, but it rained, so we ordered pizza's instead.

My brother managed to come and see us for an hour. He looks quite well considering -and told me he's being admitted early on Monday to "learn about breathing".

I've learnt not to ask him for more details than he's prepared to give - but I'm wondering if it's related to an impaired lung function, particularly after the operation to remove what he calls "spots" on his lungs?