I too have an older and younger sister-and no brothers.

My sis is older . . . by two years.  We have always been close.  She lives on her own (widow) and so is staying here with us until she recovers from anasthetic and adjusts to cast, etc.  She will have to have some help of course when she goes home to her house.

(I'm the baby - turning 60 this year).

Beloved, that sucks!  At this time of year we shouldn't have to worry about slippery ice unless it's an indoor skating rink :(

Hopefully the two of you will at least be able to get a good visit in once the meds wear off a bit.

Yeah, and it's not even me that has the break LOL!  It just has been an emotionally draining day . . . a good sleep will get me back to normal.  She is actually very lucky - that it was her wrist and not a hip.  She is a good patient .

Hey, beloved, you are close to my age!

Pinga, did you look at my littlest  grandchildren.

Sorry about your sister Beloved. If I were there I would try and help. You might have two patients. One with a broken wrist and one that can't breathe. lol

Crazyheart, I had missed that link.  Saw it earlier, but forgot when I got home. 

Great photo.  I am a sucker for big-cheeked little boys!  they are quite cute.

Crazyheart, I would take very good care of you too !  We could have tea and chat and discuss and ponder and learn and grow.

Sorry about your Bad Horrible No Good Day Beloved. Hopefully your sis will recover without pain and problems.  I made your favorite homemade soup and some buns to go with it.  Sit by the fire and enjpy.

CH -what cute little grandudes you have!

Nothing like homemade soup Kay.

Tabitha:  you are a middle child, of girls!

I have 4 siblings, but we are spread out a lot. 

made me smile

I think we can always find good in each day . . . There were good nurses, good doctors, a friend filled in to make my church commitment this morning, my hubby was super, etc.

How about everyone else? What good things filled your day?

hmmm, I got kinda caught up on one area of my work day.

Cute little grandkids CH!  I think the littler one looks like you. 

Oh ... tough day Beloved - hugs to you and to your sis.  

I had a busy work day; then went downtown with friends for supper & to listen to Glenn Close & her sister Jessie speak - excellent.  Jessie has bipolar disorder, but undiagnosed for the first half of her life & masked by all manner of substance abuses.  Her son has schizoaffective disorder.  Both are now well and Glenn has, with them, established a foundation to destigmatize mental illness - http://www.bringchange2mind.org/    I also found out Queens University in Kingston, ON, has an Anti-Stigma in Mental Health Research Chair - funded by Bell Canada.  It's the ONLY such position in the WORLD! 

When we came out it was pouring rain - and so, on the walk to the train station, I learned my new raincoat is fantastic!!   Then we had to run to try to catch the GO train - it was just about to leave as we burst out of the stairwell onto the platform, but the engineer stuck his head out and asked if we'd like to get on - opened up the doors for us.  Same guy we had last time when we had to run!!  So - yes Beloved - good things!  

Other things that went well today:  Mendella was able to post some information, which is pretty darn awesome.  

Had some positive feedback from some folks that I seriously respect in the United Church regarding the drection we are going with wondercafe2

Had some great laughs with friends at work.

A fellow took the initiative to work on a meeting room and start to spruce up our building, it had been suffering neglect.  The meeting room is really spiff, and his hope is that everyone will start to feel more care for property.  I had similairly looked at parking and made suggestions for chronic shortages..and it was accepted!  He is also really far down the path to a more active social committee, and wants to help the United Way Committee (which I am a part of).  All in all, great synergy .

Came home to a pot roast and vegies bubbling away in the crockpot, though my husband was out.  spoiled.

carolla, I agree . . . that little gal looks a bit like a mini-Crazyheart :).  Glad you had a friend in the engineer :).

Pinga . . . you sound so positive, that is encouraging.

Couldn't sleep . . . mind won't shut off.  So . . .

Stoking fire, putting on tea and coffee for the early risers, and baking some banana bread - can you smell the aroma?  Taking in some peace and quiet and checking out the cafe . . .

You must be proud.

Good morning Beloved. 

I came early to start the fire, but here you are with everything ready.  I've brought along my nutritious cookies - good enough for a cereal substitute for breakfast - just have with a banana and a glass of milk -  and coffee of course.

Bummer about your sister's wrist.  (By the way I am 73 and the middle one of three sisters.  We had a brother 1 1/2 years older than me, but he drowned over twenty years ago.)    This winter has been a hard one - and we still have high snow banks and face the real possibility of floods.  Lots of people in my church are on crutches from falls.  I've started regularly parking in the handicapped spots when Seelerman isn't with me.  I navigate by hanging onto the door until I can reach the garbage dolly, then the car - hanging onto the car until I get around to my door.  At my destination, park close and walk carefully to the nearest door.  Not much opportunity for fresh air and exercise - but that will come when the snow and ice are gone. 

Snow on the roofs today, snow on the ground! This is the year of the never ending winter, though better than rain due to floods as well

On a plus side, I have put a countdown to my retirement date on my computer. 

Now, that isn't to a life of leisure, but, more of a countdown to launching what I hope to be a consulting business.

I want to be well on the way into planning it, by the time that I hit the 1 year mark.  

I have started my transition planning, driving hard to have as much implemented and a good base for the guys to use prior to my departure, as well as skilled staff.  If it happens, great. If it doesn't, no one can say that I didn't try.

Some would say that I have been planning my "next job" all my life, as i truly believe unless you are looking forward you aren't doing your job.  This has served me well as though I have been 36 years in the same company, I have had no end of great opportunities and teams to work with...been a great carreer overall.

36 years, Pinga, that is an admirable achievement in a world today where people don't stay long term in a position or with a company.

Glad to hear you are taken the best safety precautions you can, seeler when you are out and about.   Sorry you had to experience the loss of your brother in such a tragic way - must have been difficult for all your family.  Along with my older by 2 years sister I had an older brother also.  He passed away many years ago from a massive coronary at the age of 42.

For Crazyheart and PP (and any others who vie for the affection of the Wondercafe hottie) - "roofer" was the word to start my Scrabble against the computer this morning.  9 points . . . is he a "9" or do you consider him a "10".

Seeler, have you considered the walking poles?  It might be a bit better than hanging onto a car and they are probably on clearance right now.

No ice worries here, it is gorgeous out, the warmest it has been in a while.  I want to enjoy it, but I woke up with shooting pain in my ear due to a swollen lympth node and a sore throat.  I ate breakfast and slept for a few hours.

Any ideas for getting out and enjoying the weather when you have no energy?  If someone doesn't post anything soon, I think I'm going to try to head to the park at the bend on my street with a book.  I'm wondering if it's going to be a bit chilly for me right now though sitting.

Alas, that would be my suggestion for getting outside with no energy. Read on a park bench or lie on the grass or something. Still too chilly for that here but you're out West so I have no idea. I'm now watching for the temps to hit "warm enough to bike" levels. Getting tired of my stationary bike, though it's about the only time I get to watch TV right now.

Mendalla

It's supposed to hit 17 later, and it's been around 15 now.  The bench was wood, not metal like I thought, so it wasn't too chilly.  The sun went behind the clouds, the breeze picked up, total exhaustion along with that out of it feeling hit so now I'm back.  Now I'm debating between tea or more napping.

Maybe a non-caffeine tea so that it can be easily followed by a nap.  I'm glad you could get outside today.  We have similar temps here in the south, but it's far too windy to read outside.  This city has a love/hate relationship with chinooks for sure!

**** pinga walks quietly into the room and lights candles...

I'm going to leave a few candles out for others in case you wish ot light a candle for those who are sad tonight or for someone you miss or maybe something

In particular, I light a candle for those, like CrazyHeart who face the loss of something held dear

the teapot is warm, there are cozie prayer shawls and pillows...

the fire is nicely stoked

fruit is on the table...some fresh grapes, blueberries and strawberries.

settle down, relax...listen to carolyn mcdade 

Beautiful music to listen to over breakfast!

Seelerman and I enjoyed it!

Missed the candle lighting last night . . .

But I do want to light candles for a few . . . so I will do that now.

(((((((((((( to many on my heart today ))))))))))

And I will enjoy a cup of tea!

Arrgggg!  I'm wishing spring would get here.  It was warm enough to rain a bit this morning . . . but there is still ice everywhere!!!  So, very treacherous.  I'm sure my sis won't be the only one with falls and injuries this week.

I really like the words . . .

Hope, Peace, Joy, Love

but in my meditation this morning the words were . . .

Peace, Harmony, Laughter, Love . . .  (Maybe I will have to switch on the new Wondercafe2 )

Its raining ,dark and gray. Good Morning.

Ah - those candles were lovely - thanks. 

Today I went to the Mary Pratt exhibit at the McMichael Gallery north of Toronto - absolutely fantastic.  I love her work - it is high realism and her ability to capture light is legendary.   I love that her subjects are all the minutae of daily life - reminding us to pause (as Beloved often does) to observe and relish the detail in our routines.  Things like cut apples in a glass bowl, the Xmas turkey covered in foil, scales on a freshly caught fish ...

I wanted to post a pic, but can't find one small enough & my efforts at resizing have been unsuccessful.   Lots of her images in google images if you want to see more, and I overheard one of the gallery staff saying there's a great interview with her on their website - I bet some of my cafe friends would enjoy a cup of tea with Mary.  She'd love this room & said she's often socially isolated - so perhaps we need to invite her in. 

trying this image ...

wow, it looks like a photograph.

wow, no idea why it won't save my image size.

I know - that's what happened to me - resized, seemed workable, but didn't go through!

Indeed - her paintings are amazing - so mistakable for photos.  It is intriguing to look at them up close to see the detail & technique she has used. 

That's a painting? Wow! Nice way to spend the day :). I had a good day on Tuesday as well- a good, astute friend took me to a water therapy spa. That means we spent 2 hours in a lovely indoor pool complex with hot pools and cold pools and dry and wet saunas, quietly drifting around from one space to another. Of course the cold pool is cold! And fast - dip in and then jump into the hot pool! But I really relaxed after a long stretch of intense church life.

Jealous?? Sorry X( it was a wonderful surprise, and water is one of my favourite relaxation things.

Found out that one couple at our church has sent letters to people saying they will leave because of our affirm vote. The woman ( outspoken) says they will leave quietly (with a mass mailing?) because she doesn't think lgbt people should get 'special treatment.' Hmmm. I hope she misses her friends and groups more than she feels her church is messed up by this. Time will tell.

In other news we've had 2 marriage requests already from s/s couples! Holy moly!

Mary Pratt is from this community and, as a child, attended the same church I now attend.

Her paintings are remarkably lifelike.

Impressive painting!

Good morning everyone!

Even good changes and decisions (which I believe the one by your congregationis Birthstone) cause ripples in the water.  Whether wrong or right, this woman/couple is experiencing inner turmoil in this change within their community and hopefully will be able to find peace and then be able to extend peace instead of discord.  But for those who stay and rejoice in your decision - two new weddings - super!!!

Double digits in April - this month is speeding by too quickly!  Hope everyone gets off to the start of a good day, and the goodness of the early morning carries you through the blessings and challenges in the hours ahead.

Hope, peace, joy, love . . .

ah Birstone-yes the passive agressive quietlyleaving while telling everyone about it.

I have been in 2 churches while they became officially affirming. The first one did lose a few people, the second one didn't lose anyone.

In both cases the opportunities came of being affirming.

It will sttle in time.

Birthstone, I think in every congregation there are people who think that if their leaving will be a terrible thing for their church.  It seldom is, unless they are powerful enough to take a multitude with them.  Of course they will be missed.  But the church will carry on.  I dare say that they will miss the church as much as, or more than,  it misses them.

We are very early in our Affirming process.  I am praying that it happens.  We seem to have a very welcoming and hospitable congregation but I have heard murmurs are about.  (I've also heard that there are those opposed to our Wednesday morning hospitality program for the disadvantaged - but most people support it.)

I think your morning hospitality program is super, seeler .

Afternoon, folks. Weather here is nice though they keep threatening us with April showers.

Wife is taking off for home (China) on the weekend, meaning I get to ride herd on the teenager for two weeks. Ugh. He's fun to talk to and we do have some shared interests but trying to get him to take some responsibility, even for doing school work, is a nightmare.

Mendalla

The joys of parenting, Mendalla - hang in there!

Mendalla, I'm working through life with 2 teenagers, great kids, but wow.  :S  It seems like more work than 10 years ago!  Coaxing, encouraging, reining in, boundary-setting, healthy feeding, etc etc etc.... constant work.  And here I thought I'd be missing them while they bombed around living life!  If my kids ask me again "what'r we doing this Friday night?" I'll cry

Thanks Tabitha, it is good to hear good stories of "life after Affirming".  We've decided to acknowledge the letter nicely, without apology, and let the circle of friends do the work over time. 

Wait til they are adults, Birthstone . . . in some ways being a parent gets even harder .

Birthstone, I have been pondering what to write here.

After our Affirm vote, we attracted folks who wanted to be married, who came because we were affirming, who showed up with their partners and so on.

To be honest, we also had folks who showed up who did not support Affirm.  In fact, quite the opposite.  We also had the passive aggressive behaviour that have been named here..I could never understand why those folks chose our church when they were clearly not affirming.  

It is a challenge.  To be inclusive of those who refuse to be inclusive in a loving way that says...you don't have to be affirming.  What are your boundaries of acceptable behaviour?

now, folks who came said, they recognized that not everyone would be affirming.  I think it was harder on the leaders and advocates than it was on the folks coming in the door. I say that a congregation that is intentional and 90% inclusive is better than one that hasn't even taken the pulse.

Good morning everyone!

Kettle boiling, coffee perking, someone is in the kitchen (Dinah and a friend ) getting breakfast started.

Woke up early this Friday morning and couldn't get back to sleep, finally got up to start the day.  When you are retired everyday is a day off, so to speak, but even yet Friday holds a special excitement for some reason.  Marks the end of a weekful of weekdays.  I have had a very challenging week for a lot of reasons, but I'm still here LOL!  Several sayings come to my . . . "things can only go up from here", "silver lining in every cloud", "this too shall pass". 

Wishing everyone an abundance of Hope, Peace, Joy, Love this weekend.

Now you have me humming, beloved

LOL - if anyone knows the tune we know the approximate generation(s) they are .  Have a good day, Pinga.