It surprises me that it has been over two years since the thread was started, and in recognition of the time it can take to manage large threads, the community felt it best to start a new thread.    The original can be found here:  http://www.wondercafe.ca/discussion/relationships/room-all

May we remember what BusyMom taught us about being both host and guest in the room, caring for the stranger and old freinds alike, making room for all.

*****

The fire is cozy, the stars are shining bright.  Some have gone snowshoeing, others are putting together a puzzle on the plank table.  There are comfy blankets on the couch and a wing chair by the fire.

Settle in.

There is room enough for all

I am grateful there is room for all here. There are times when one feels the need to "get away from it all" and retreat from the world. This is a nice place to come to - to quietly sit by the fire and ponder. Or join in conversation and allow the words of others to minister to ones spirit.

I will work on the puzzle for a bit. I can get lost in my thoughts and allow my mind to wonder where it will.

Happy New Year all. May it hold an abundance of Hope Peace Joy and Love for all of us.

WOW!  I really AM in a fog.  Failed to notice that busymom's thread was over 2 years old.  I'm still a "newbie" to this site so glad I was able to read it and the comments (well, didn't read ALL) that followed.  But the thoughts are so good that I'm glad you're keeping them alive and well Pinga.  Cheers for 2013.

Hello all and welcome everinjeans! Thank you Pinga for starting this thread - and thank you BusyMom for starting the original. 

Happy new year and happy new room everyone! I think I'll go join Beloved, working on that puzzle.

I did a post here hours ago and apparently it is lost in cyber space.

Anyway,  about 7:00 am EST, the door creeked open and Seeeler came in with her arms full of wood - nicely split birch and a knot of applewood.  Since someone had banked the fire and brought in cedar kindling it was a simple job to get the fire flaming.  Then she looked around - the room looks different.  Oh, its still warm, inviting, welcoming - but, it seems newer, brighter, like the New Year. 

Seeler flipped the switch on the coffee maker (the last ones leaving last night left everything prepared for morning.  Then she put out clementines and eggnog.  And discovered a crock pot full of 'wife-saver' breakfast. 

Everything ready, she went over to the puzzle.

Wow, where is everybody?  It's after 11:00 - almost lunch time.  It will have to be brunch.  And I"ve been working away at this puzzle.  See, I"ve finished the team of horses.  Percheons, aren't they?   And the kids skating on the pond.  The house in the distance with smoke coming out the chimney looks cheerful and warm.  Now does anybody want to help me with the sky?

I'm due for a visit at my cousin's place in a couple of hours, and Seelergirl and family are coming for dinner at 5:00.

I will work on the sky with you, Seeler. It is the brilliant blue of the real-life sky in S. Ontario this morning. It is cold because of that clearness, but I will take the sun anyday over the grey of cloudy winter days.

****

I was up late watching movies with youngest son, fell asleep on the couch and slept in.   Today, we will start to dismantle Christmas and I will visit my Dad delivering some stew and a bunch more cookies.

Good luck with your move, somegal.  

Seeler , you're going out for the afternoon and having people for dinner? what is wife-saver breakfast?

*****

Wife-saver breakfast - Granddaughter found the recipe a few years ago and makes it every Christmas eve for the next morning.  I decided to try a virtual one for New Years.  It is layered.  Bacon or sausage (or both), hashbrown potatoes, spinach or broccoli, with beaten eggs and milk poured over.  Seasoned to taste - and yummy.  (if doing it other than virtual, try to find the real recipe - I'm going from memory)

Going out and having people in - the ham, baked potatoes and yams are in the oven.  I'll turn them down when we leave the house and up again when we get back.  The lettuce is washed, the other vegies cut up.  The carrot for Grandson (he won't eat salad) is scraped and ready.  A can on corn nibblets for those who don't like yams or on the side.   Lots of baked goods for dessert - I'm thinking mincemeat tarts and a platee of cookies. 

And my cousin just lives down the hill - five minutes.  I used to walk it in good weather - but always appreciated a ride back.  A couple of glasses of wine and a steep hill becomes daunting. 

somegal - new home, new year - and a new room to visit here on the Wondercafe!!!

Happy New Year, one and all!!!

Thanks Pinga

Happy 2013 everyone.

Red Baron posted a wish on FB wondercafe-that this be a wonderyear for everyone.

I'd like to pass that wish on!

Happy New Year all! Welcome everinjeans (I like your username).

Thanks Pinga for continuing this space, this room for all - with a new thread.

It's a beautiful sunny day in Vancouver, the snow covered mountains are calling out. Alas, I won't be going up to play in the snow today - but will enjoy the view from 'down here'.

Good morning er afternoon everyone. This has been a lazy day. I have started a knitting project. Well, it started as a crochet project that was a little ambitious for someone who hasn't crocheted in about 100 years, so now I have the knitting needles going. I am working on a shawl, and thinking of prayer shawls as a ministry of some sort. This yarn is a soft blue that is knitting up well. It is nice to do this simple pattern and meditate. I'll just sit here by the fire and knit with a cup of cider and my feet up.

Welcome everinjeans. It is nice to meet you.

thanks pinga for opening this new room for us - and thanks too for all who are contributing - it is always such a great place to land for a while.  That sky's almost done I see pinga!  

Northwind, I think we shall have to ask Mike Patterson to get some beautiful New Zealand fleece for us - then we'll set up a spinning wheel here by the fire, and create our yarn with which to knit some gorgeous prayer shawls ... mmmm so comforting.

I was out dancing last night - to a fabulous live blues band.  What fun - it's been a while since I've done that.  I'm always amazed by these folks who play music - last night they had come from far & wide - they don't regularly play together - but it was fantastic!  It seems music is the language they share, and the conversation surely was flowing.

I love that thought, thanks Carolla

Happy New Year all!

Nice to meet you everinjeans.

Hello everyone! I trust you are all in bed asleep - and I shall be soon too. Today has been such a full day - but finally I am settled in to my new home. I started the morning with my friend - we have a tradition where we always go to the New Years Levee at Government House. They have free food, free entertainment (the Navy band always performs) and an interesting turn out from the community. I always seem to run into someone I know - this year we met several people from church. I find the Levee to be fun, but physically a little tiring (my body doesn't do well with standing relatively still for long periods of time - especially on a hard floor), so we decided to go to a local pub for lunch afterwards. After lunch, it was time to return to my place and finish packing, cleaning and moving (which my friend graciously offered to help me with). Fortunately I was only moving around the corner - literally 2 blocks! Getting the bed up this apartment was a real chore, but other than that everything went smoothly. The bed wouldn't fit into the elevator, so we went to the one staircase I knew of - and it also wouldn't fit there. We puzzled and puzzled about how people got their furniture upstairs - surely we weren't the first to move a mattress of this size in! Finally I decided to scout around to see if there was another staircase - and found one with a higher ceiling and wider turns. Finally we were able to get the bed up the stairs! After moving everything in, I decided that I didn't want to buy groceries or cook, so the two of us decided to go for dinner at another local pub, where her partner joined us. It was a good day, but I am now exhausted!

Somegal - A few year's ago Seelergirl and I attended our Lieutenant Govenor's levee.  Lots of fun, people dressed nicely, the LG shaking people's hands, welcoming them, and chatting for a few minutes with some (including Seelergirl).  Good finger foods - local - shrimp, mussels and other seafood, Gagnon's chocolates and chickenbones, traditional fruitcake, apple cider, wine.  Five differently decorated NB fir Christmas trees (ranging from very formal to one decorated by children of a local school with their handmade ornaments).  Music by local artists.  First nations contributions (our LG was Maliceet).  Great!  I ran into people I knew.  I walked the halls and reception rooms. 

But this year its been cold since that last storm - and Government house is on the beautiful, wide Saint John river where the wind sweeps down.  And there is a walk from the parking area, and a line-up to get in, and despite the fact that there is outdoor music and entertainment while you wait, I wasn't sure I was up to it. 

I've got some good memories. 

somegal and seeler - your levee attendances sound like a very good time :)

somegal - Happy New Home . . . may it be filled with a welcoming and warm atmosphere and may many happy memories be made there.

somegal and seeler, I used to go to levees, and quite enjoyed them. When I was in the army reserve, we would go to our local base (which is no longer a base) and enjoy moose milk and socializing. When I was in St John's NF I was able to go to the levee at the government house. The levee tradition is a great way to bring in the new year.

I spent all day yesterday in my PJs and started knitting a shawl. It was a lovely day. No pressure. I watched a couple of movies as well. I needed that.

I spent yesterday in my PJs too :). No knitting though. I was very lazy watching tv and doing a jigsaw puzzle and chatting with my family.

Back to exercising and healthy eating today.

I've made a bowl of popcorn, and put on  the British series, Sherlock Holmes via NetFlicks.  Quite good.  The kind of writing where you want to catch each word and twist & turn (and some good looking characters as well)

Pull up a chair, pour yourself a beverage, and enjoy

Thanks for our new digs, Pinga!  Happy New Year to everyone and let's toast somegal's new place while we toast ours.....**clink**

I took down decorations today and we booked a winter getaway...mmmm, snorkelling!  I finished our real life puzzle and it's very quiet in the house after farmson's mops went home after their 2 day stay at gramma's house.  Welcome to the room, everinjeans!

Undecorating is as big a job as decorating - way to go on getting it done ab penny.  I was going to start today, but I just couldn't get in the mood - perhaps I will start tomorrow.

I completed our Christmas puzzle late last night.  It is already dismantled and in the box.  There was one piece missing.  I'm not sure if it got lost at my house or if it was just missing from the box.  I've searched high and low at my house and it hasn't shown up anywhere - a mystery I guess.

Popcorn sounds good, pinga.  I'll have water . . . no diet coke for me.  I did have a few over Christmas but I'm back to none :(  Part of my new healthy living plan.

A toast to my new place indeed - thanks folks! It's a lovely split-level apartment, only a five minute walk to work. It's also within walking distance of a mall (which includes a supermarket), a corner store and it's across the street from a delicious cupcake cafe! The cupcake cafe could be dangerous - lol! I'm starting to settle in now and am unpacking a little at a time. I also went grocery shopping after work today and am well stocked for the next little while.

Seeler, our previous LG was also a member of the First Nations - a member of the Stó:lo Nation - and he added a lot of artistic flair to the decorations (both Christmas and regular) in and around the house. Our new LG was only installed a couple of months ago, so a lot of that influence is still there. Unfortunately there are always to many people there to have a real conversation with the LG - but my friend and I actually, unknowingly, had one with the previous one once. It was well known that he was working on a personal project while he was the LG - he was carving a traditional canoe. One day in June, my friend and I decided to go and walk through the gardens at Government House (it's open, year round, to the public - free of charge). We came across a garden shed and could hear some work going on it. We heard something drop and went over to see if the person needed any help. Inside was a man, wearing work clothes (overalls, I think - with a baseball cap), who had just dropped a canoe that he appeared to be building on the ground. He expressed his disappointment about having broken a part of the canoe, but chuckled as he did it. He assured us that he was okay, and didn't need any help. It wasn't until we walked away that I put two and two together and realized who we had just spoken too! 

Penny - where are you going to on that trip?

Just wanted to say thanks to so many who gave me a warm welcome, and positive comments about my user name.  Pretty much true.  Debated using the name "interloper" though as I tend more to be a reader and listener than a chirper. 

I take the minimalist approach to decorating for Christmas... a number of favorite ornaments, a wreath on my door and my home-made chreche scene.  No tree.  So putting those things away today was quick work.  But now I have to do something about the dust they were covering! 

I've adopted a new outlook for the coming year (that has to be better than the last).  Got a t-shirt gift that says - with picture - 1/2 air, 1/2 water... technically, the glass is always full.  Positive thoughts to all for 2013!

Everinjeans - your name could be mine! I am alway wearing jeans! Your decorations sound lovely, by the way! Mine was fairly minimalist too, a small Christmas tree (real) with a few decorations, a couple of much smaller fake trees (one realistic, one not), a European Santa doll and a wreath on the door - oh, and a couple of stockings hung on the all (in lieu of a chimney). You don't need to put a lot up to make a place look really Christmassy.

with younger son I cut out a hoodie to sew for him. He's chosen the fabric in the sumer. He's 17 and size small for width but men's medium for height. He did nick a finger with the rotary cutter-but no harm done-just a bit of blood.

Also cut out a tree skirt but alas can't figure out how to get the lining out of the material I have so I'll pop back into fabricland tomorrow. The clerk thought this would be the right amount..

Also read my first book on my mini kobo. A restful day.

Goodmorning!   'tis a bright and cheerful morning - and probably cold outside.

I'm expecting the grandchildren today.  Seelergirl is back to work and they stayed alone yesterday, but granddaaughter phoned about 10:00 laast evening and asked about coming in.  I guess it was boring with just little brother for the day after the goings-on of the past week. 

I haven't planned anything.  I know that she will want to cook, and he is usually up for a table game orr two.  And he will go out some and play in the snow.  He is actually very good at entertaining himself.

So now for breakfaast.  I bought some Holy Crap cereal that I'm going to try.  I saw it introduced on Dragons Den.  Has anybody tried it? 

Holy Crap!  That's a hoot.  Is it sugar-filled?  Or is it supposed to make you . . . well . . . crap?

Hi Everyone,

Life is getting back onto schedule after a bit of a break.  I've been getting some work done the last few days, but today no more starting sometime after lunch and randomly doing other things.  Another doctor's appointment next week, so life will really be back to normal then lol

Still suffering from a sore throat, but I don't see that specialist again until March.

Everinjeans, it's good to see someone new around!  Welcome!

A belated toast to you somegal in your new place. It sounds great. I hope the settling in goes well.

seeler, I haven't tried 'Holy Crap', but it's from this area - the people who created it are on the Sunshine Coast (just a short ferry ride from West Vancouver). Neat that you can get it in NB. I believe they are doing very well with sales.

Take care chemgal!

Yup - I gave it a try seeler, as I too was intrigued by the name - it's one of those, "it must be good for me because it tastes kinda okay but not really that great" experiences.  I have quite a bit left if anybody wants a sample! 

I have become addicted to memes.  Little inspiring snapshots that make me go hmm or smile or sometimes get a little teary.

I'm thinking this might be a good place to share them ... think of them as pictures on the wall that one can gaze upon between conversations.

What do others think?

Here is an example ....

LB, that is beautiful and art on the wall is nice to have. I haven't seen that one or that style before.

I do find that they can be overused.  At times, there are so many on my wall from so many folks that I just skim by them looking for a "real" update. 

so, i welcome the beauty, like I welcome the story and the snacks, and the dreams, and I thank-you for the gift.

I will try to contain myself Pinga :-)

I confess I love them.  They mix my love of quotes with art - either paintings or photography.  It is like the best of all my worlds!

But I must share this one ... it is so me!

Welcome (back) to the room LB! Have you tried creating your own memes? I'm thinking that's something you'd be really good at.

Seeler - I'll bet the grandkids will get a kick out of the name of the cereal! I have heard of it, but never tried it.

Thanks for the toast Myst! I am starting to settle in. Today I went back to my old place to give them the keys - my roommate wasn't in town when I moved out.

Chemgal - I'm sorry to hear that your throat is still sore! I hope you can get it sorted out sooner rather than later.

I spent today at work with the older kids (ages 7 and up). This morning we had a contest where the kids worked in teams to create popsicle stick houses. They had a blast! In the afternoon we went to a place that, prior to the end of the second world war housed part of the naval base. Now it's a park, and it's home to several abandoned buildings that the kids love to explore. We played a game that we created a few years ago called "Storm the Fort." Basically, the kids have to get to the top of the lookout tower without being tagged by those who are "it." 

I think that the exposure 'Holy Crap' got on Dragon's Den helped in its recognition and distribution.  Despite the name and the bright green packaging, I probably would have passed it by if I hadn't remembered the episode in which it was presented.

Today I had it soaked in warm milk, with yogurt added - not at all bad. 

Tomorrow I think I'll try it as an additive to oatmeal. 

It's good - I'll have no trouble using up the bag.  But I'll have to do a little cost/benefit calculation in my head before I buy another.    Maybe I can make my own concousion by mixing up some dried cranberries, raisins, flax seed, chopped nuts, or whatever and sprinkling it over my oatmeal or yogurt, or whatever.

Today I think I'll start taking Christmas decorations down.   I'll leave the nativity scene until after Epiphany Sunday.

Pinga, I'm addicted to "memes", as LB terms them.....

(A term I originally thought LB had made up herself - I mean, I'd expect anything from someone who wears red boots with moose plastered all over them).

But, you are not alone.

My brother-in-law, who is a Facebook friend (so called!) somewhat belligerently remarked to me, "Why do you suppose anyone is interested in you telling them how to live their lives?"

I was so taken aback, all I could do was mumble something about others not all agreeing with him.....

I do it as a daily exercise - positive reinforcement is helpful for those of us who have a depressive illness.....

BUT - I do admit that I sometimes get carried away and post too many. (a case of "Oh, that's a good one, too!")

Now, keep your eyes peeled Pinga, my Canuck cousin, I promise I'll find exactly the right one to dedicate to you.....

Nice to have you in this space LB and I appreciate the 'memes'. You must have many that you create yourself - brilliant photographer and quote matcher that you are.

Like Pinga, I have friends who post many of those inspirational sayings on FB, I gloss over ones that don't speak to me. That makes sense.

A few weeks back I started playing with writing my own little sayings to go with some of my photos. I wrote this as a reminder for myself living with physical limitations (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) - and hoping it might be helpful for others as well. The photo was taken at Spanish Banks beach (Vancouver) last spring.

Pilgrim-go ahead and post as many as you want. Your fb friends have the choice to read or skip them as they have time or energy.

Dang - I try and try and change the size setting and it always come out huge. Sorry about that.

Pilgrim, I was writing my post when you posted - I agree with Tabitha. What you post on FB holds meaning for you. Others can see what you offer and find what is meaningful for them or move along as they choose.

love that myst!  And large size is good for my eyes :-)  That photo is remarkable.

I do like memes too - enjoy browsing the ones my fb friends supply.  A positive thought or two for the day is never a bad thing, IMO.

Now myst, don't leave me in suspense........

What are the words you selected to go with your photo?

Pilgrim's Progress, scroll to the right, so that you can see the full photo, you should see words on it.

Pilgrim-they are on the far right of her photo-can you see them?

Yes it worked! I made it a bit smaller for you Pilgrim.

Thanks, Pinga.....

Grateful as I am, I'm still on the look-out for a "meme" especially for you.......

Myst,

Excellent point.  I once had an argument with this American guy who told me that you can do anything you want.......

After talking with him for ten minutes, I was thankful he wasn't a brain surgeon.

Oops!

I went to tick "like" Tabby - and then remembered I wasn't on Facebook.......

In the meantime, possums, here's a warning about messing with Aussie dames