Cottage Up North

 August Journaling

1.     We were supposed to go up north today for seven nights but we couldn’t find someone to stay with my mom overnight. So we won’t go until Monday.

2.     Packing up for the week.

3.     Driving to Thessalon. Picking up corn on the cob and northern blueberries. We rented a boat for the week, too. My husband has a boating license. Our daughter had dinner ready for us.

4.     They are going tent camping in the provincial park where I had my grade seven camping trip. Only one night, but lots of packing.

5.     Heading into town to have lunch with my cousin and her husband, and then buying the famous Pino sausage. Then going to my other cousin’s lakefront home for dinner and a swim, where the campers are meeting us on their way back to our cottage.

6.     This place keeps improving year after year. Our grandkids are getting more prolific on the kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, and our grandson was 'driving' the motor boat.

7.     Our cabin is small but cosy. Spending a lot of time crocheting and working on my next book. So many ideas.

8.     Heading back home. My husband is driving. I’m a passenger princess. I get to crochet. Bought more northern blueberries.

9.     Stayed home from church today. Sorted through my t-shirts and purged a dozen of them.

10. Home day. Showered my mom for her appointment tomorrow.

11.My mom had an appointment with a haematologist. They are planning an iron infusion. Then I went to my pain clinic appointment.

12. Cleaning up for hosting home group tomorrow.

13. A small group only at home group. We made way too much food.

14. Drove my daughter to an appointment to do some retinal repair.

15. My husband and five men from church went on a fishing trip with a charter boat. They each caught at least one 8-20 pound chinook salmon.

16. Church. Doing edits to re-release my novel Benaiah, Mighty Man of God.

17. Ran a few errands. Tacos for dinner. Still no a.c.

18. Getting our a.c. repaired. No a.c. all weekend. Got a pedicure.

19. Taking my mom to the dentist.

20. Taking my mom to her family doctor. She suggested my mom’s sweating and cold feeling that started since her stroke may be that the stroke affected the area of temperature regulation in her brain.

21. Home day, writing. “Of the making of many books there is no end.” Young Adults’ meeting. We had pizza and just ended up talking about and singing hymns because one of them asked about old English. It was really nice.

22. Another home day. Busy week coming up with four or five appointments between my mom and me.

23. Church, then out to a restaurant to celebrate my brother-in-law’s 60^th birthday.

24. Home day. Writing and crocheting.

25. Two appointments for me, and an online meeting.

26. Our youngest daughter turns 34 today. Her husband is coming for a visit tomorrow. This long distance wait for a green card is hard on them. I also have a chiropractor appointment and then an in-person meeting.

27. My mom has an appointment with her kidney doctor.

28. My mom has an appointment with the Stroke Prevention Clinic as a six month follow-up.

29. I’m working on re-releasing my first novel with a new cover and improved discussion questions.

30. Church. My husband is preaching.

31. My dad died 59 years ago today at the age of 28.

VBS Emerald Crossing

July Journaling

1.     Canada Day, our church had an outreach event at a local community center but I didn’t go.

2.     Our son-in-law came for a visit from the U.S. Received a copy of my first notebook/journal. It is lined but blank. It’s called Midnight Musings to record those late night ideas before they are gone in the morning light.

3.     I baked my first strawberry-rhubarb pies to bring to the Young Adults’ meeting tonight to go with the pizza. Someone is teaching on Biblical Reliability and then we are playing Password.

4.     Bringing supplies to church for the start of VBS. It came so quickly after taking so long. Pouring rain all week but also very hot.

5.     Church. Nice to hear some preaching again after almost two months downstairs with the kids. Grandkids arriving.

6.     VBS Emerald Crossing begins. On Day One the lesson focused on crossing from being lost to found, with God as our Shepherd. As the snack manager, we tried to reinforce the lesson through food. Accordingly, our snack was a sheep constructed of a mini powdered donut, pretzels and a mini oreo.

7.     On Day Two the lesson focused on crossing from the wrong path to the right path, with God as our Leader. Our snack was paw print mini pizzas as a nod to our animal pal of the day, Guide the Border collie. And blue and green fruit to remind them that God leads us to green grass and still waters.

8.     On Day Three the lesson focused on crossing from fearful to peaceful, with God as our Comforter. Our snack was bird’s nests with chocolate eggs as a nod to our animal pal of the day, Shadow the Raven, and veggie sticks to remind them of God’s rod and staff that comfort us.

9.     On Day Four the lesson focused on crossing from grumbling to grateful, with God as our Provider. Our snack was a table made of a cookie and marshmallows, to remind us of how God prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies, and a cup overflowing with popcorn to show how our cup overflows with God’s goodness to us.

10. Finally, on Day Five the lesson focused on crossing from shaky to sure, with God as our Promise Keeper. Our snack was veggies and cheese in the colors of the Irish flag, orange, white, and green, and candy in the shape of a foot to remind them that God’s goodness follows us all the days of our lives. Then I had a table of toys and books to sell, and sold $650 which is $450 US for the orphans in Uganda. So exhausted.

11. Housekeeper to undo the mess from the grandkids and prepare for our four guests from Finland on Monday for a week.

12. Church. Still prepping for guests.

13. Family arrived. Jet lagged but still stayed up late catching up. I made two soups.

14. Went downtown by train to see the Little Canada museum, a bird’s eye view of the country in miniature. Still a work in progress but very well done. Then half of us went home to nap, and the others went to Ripley’s aquarium. Afterwards, I made stuffed mushroom caps, devilled eggs, cheese and crackers, mango salsa and nachos and sour cream, salsa and cheese.

15. To Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake with our guests and J and E. Went on a winery tour where they make ice wine. It was too much walking for me so I went back to the van for a nap while the rest saw the city. Afterwards, I made spring rolls, mozzarella sticks, crackers and a jelly made of peaches and prosecco from the winery, fried shrimp, and some leftovers from last night.

16. A quiet day. The young couple are going to Montreal for a few nights. Dinner at our friends’ place, and a swim in their pool.

17. Shopping with our guests, and dinner out at a Korean restaurant.

18. I crocheted two snakes and three water bottle holders. I gave two to our guests. We went to see the Odyssey. BBQ-ing burgers. They took a walk down to the waterfront and to a bookstore.

19. Driving to H-town to visit our daughter’s family with our guests. The younger ones went on a hike, while the men went to the warplane museum. Some of us stayed behind. We had a late lunch/early dinner. I crocheted a unicorn.

20. They went to the waterfront memorial about the military connection to Ajax. I made salmon, Mexican street corn, salads, and ice cream sandwiches for their last meal before their flight.

21. A quiet day at home, recovering. I didn’t realize how much of an introvert I was; I need a few hours of quiet every day, which I haven’t had for two weeks because of VBS and our guests. Also cooking three meals a day for more than the three of us is exhausting. Chiropractor appointment.

22. Taking my mom to the dentist. She is taking her walker along for the appointment.

23. Had an IV infusion at the specialist’s clinic. Crocheted a large unicorn and a hippo.

24. Getting my hair highlighted; ready to embrace the silver and act my age. Young adults’ meeting this evening. They are sending a certificate for a free haircut.

25. Golf for missions today. Not playing, just showing up for lunch and the silent auction. I donated a word search bundle of five books and a large crocheted monkey. Then going to the new home of a lady at church for a ‘blessing’.

26. Church. Then to the Keg for dinner to celebrate our 40^th wedding anniversary.

27. Massage appointment. Blood work. Got an idea for a kids’ book on codebreaking.

28. Home day; so nice. I’m going to walk over to the drug store to buy a few things. I’ll bring the bundle buggy so I don’t have to carry them. Our daughter has my car today. Had technical difficulties on the computer and nearly lost all of my work that was 99.9% done. Managed to fix it. So frustrating. Doing a Match and Search book for kids.

29. Had our new dishwasher delivered today. My husband will install it before we go. I crocheted an acrylic orange and black snake and two chicks.

30. Headed to H-town to help out since their babysitter got a concussion.

31.I drove out to the west end to celebrate a former coworker’s 80^th birthday. We worked nights together for over ten years before I had to stop working ten years ago. It was nice to see the old gang.

28 years Cancer-free!

 

June Journaling

1.     Going to help out in H-town for a PA day. Two of the three have been very sick from a virus. Hopefully I don’t catch it and bring it home. My mom’s final day with her OT helping with speech therapy. So exhausted from a busy week last week. I hope I’m not crashing. I took them to Dollarama and A&W for lunch. Then I brought one of them to the dentist to remove part of a popsicle stick from her gums. Then we painted in the back yard.

2.     Our daughter was sworn into the BAR in Colorado, so she can now technically practice law in the U.S. once she gets her green card. Slow process.

3.     My husband is 28 years cancer free today! We never tire of celebrating this milestone, since I know it doesn’t always end up like this. I had a doppler ultrasound of my arteries, then a chiropractor appointment.

4.     Bible study. Making tacos and cupcakes for dinner tomorrow for the young adults.

5.     Plan to Protect class at church in preparation for VBS. Baking a lemon poppyseed cake for tomorrow.

6.     Teaching Sunday School this month.

7.     Doing my homework.

8.     Home day; bought flowers, vegetables and herbs to plant around the house. I had a lot of energy surprisingly.

9.     Doctor’s appointment; my blood work, doppler ultrasound of my veins and colon cancer test all normal. Good to know. Going to start slowly weaning off the weight loss medication. I lost 30 pounds and 20 inches since July (10 months), and I’m okay with that. I’d like to lose more, but unfortunately, this drug doesn’t burn fat, it’s still there. It makes you lose muscle and bone. I have no butt, and moderate osteoporosis.

10. To the kids’ school for the final time, since they will likely be switching schools in the fall. I’m bringing the story book I wrote for my granddaughter, Bunny’s Excellent Jamaican Adventure, to give to her teacher and to the library. The teacher read it to the class while I was there.

11. Bible study. Only two more to go, then the summer off. Then to my naturopath for an infusion of vitamins and minerals. Prepping for my Sunday School class this weekend. It’s on the Prodigal Son; my favourite parable. 

12. My mom is having bloodwork at home this morning. Then we have a dental appointment. Young Adults’ meeting. Studying Apologetics at their request.

13. Men’s breakfast. Grandkids and family coming overnight. They have a Jays’ game tomorrow afternoon. The girls are coming to church with us.

14. Teaching Sunday School. One of my granddaughters was in my class. The others went to a Blue Jays game and our grandson got to run the bases before the game. He also got onto the Jumbotron.

15. Home day. Prepping for VBS. Had some energy today so I cooked a Tex-Mex casserole.

16. Home day, catching up on some work and tidying up. Made a pink owl, now working on a Max, the Grinch’s dog for my husband’s coworker’s son. Meeting online with the Young Adults, planning their summer events.

17. My husband’s 63^rd birthday today. Prepping for Sunday School and Young Adults’ to play Password. I’m making a spaghetti and meatballs dinner with Caesar salad. Final prayer meeting of the summer. This cooking for them is unsustainable. 

18. Bible study. 2 Thessalonians. Errands, nap, world cup soccer, Canada 6, Qatar 0. A hat trick by Jonathan David.

19. Young Adults meeting. The spaghetti and meatballs dinner was a hit, as was the Password game. Long day, though.

20. Women’s ministry breakfast, study on Deborah. Going out for dinner at Makimono with my husband to celebrate his birthday. Enjoying World cup soccer.

21. Church, teaching again. Father’s Day. Gave my mom a shower for her appointment.

22. Seeing my mom’s cardiologist with her today. While there I got an echocardiogram done.

23. Two medical appointments, housekeeper here, and an online meeting planning the VBS. I will have a table of toys and books on the last day when the parents join the kids.

24. Going to H-town to spend the day with the grandkids. My mom is coming along. I’m making Atlantic salmon, smashed potatoes, kale salad, and Belgian waffles with berry compote and whipped cream for dessert.

25. Final Bible study till September, then an appointment.

26. Got a 48 hour holter monitor put on to check about palpitations. Went bowling with the young adults; I just watched. Too unsteady on my feet.

27. Prepped my last Sunday School lesson till September.

28. Church. Taught on the Parable of the Wedding Feast.

29. Home day.

30. Pain clinic for back injections.

Still Cruising

May Journaling

1.     Day seven. Sea Day, now on the Pacific ocean. A light breakfast on the observation deck. Behind the Scenes tour of the Norwegian Joy. Lunch at the Local. Nap, shower, dinner in buffet Indian. Game show. Abba dance party. Cards on observation deck.

2.     Day eight. In Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica. Did the Crocodile Man Tour, saw monkeys and birds, and a crazy man feed chicken to a crocodile, and then kiss it. Saw a comedy show with a horrible comedian who didn’t even have any jokes to tell, he just interviewed the audience. My husband walked out. Dinner at the Savor dining room. Beatles show at the Cavern. Cards on observation deck.

3.     Day nine. Sea Day on Pacific Ocean. I love sea days. Breakfast in buffet. Out on pool deck in shade. I finished a teddy bear, now crocheting a pink hippo. Women stop to comment on how cute they are. Spa, shower, nap. Dinner at the Local; fish and chips. 80’s Broadway hits show, then 80’s dance party. Cards on observation deck. Tried a chocolate martini, yum.

4.     Day ten. Breakfast at the Local. In Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. Stayed right in port. They are known for jade, bought jade earrings and a ring, chocolate, a bag, coffee, a painting, and a few other things. Back on board, lounging in shade by the pool. Shower and nap. Dinner in buffet; jerk chicken. Met with Linda and Tom. Cards on observation deck.

5.     Day eleven. Sea Day. Breakfast in buffet. Spa. Cagney’s steak house for dinner.

6.     Day twelve. Sea Day. Breakfast in buffet. Murder mystery. Spa, shower, nap. Dinner at Food Republic. 90’s musical; the best one so far. I wish they would have done the same for the 80’s instead of Broadway show tunes.

7.     Day thirteen. In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Breakfast in buffet. Walmart for a few things; Mexico is not cheap; we should have bought more in Colon, Panama. Shower and nap. Did a private cab tour. Dinner at the Manhattan Dining Room.

8.     Day fourteen. In Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Met with a local pastor that J and E knew. Took him out for brunch, also to celebrate Mother’s day. Then he took us to a glass blowing factory, I bought two sets of earrings.

9.     Day fifteen. Sea Day. Last day of cruise. Breakfast in buffet. Gave away my Benaiah book to a Christian staff member, Rey. Also gave away the teddy bear and hippo to Linda for her niece and nephew. Comedy show. Dinner at Q, the Texas Smokehouse bbq for dinner. Very loud country music band played during dinner, so you couldn’t have a conversation. Packed up to go home. Luggage out.

10. Disembarked at 9:30. In Los Angeles overnight. Seeing the sights. Our hotel, Dream Hollywood is nice, although Hollywood itself is rundown. We walked along Hollywood Blvd to see the walk of fame stars, and had lunch at a Trattoria; gyros. Then did a bus tour, the tour was interesting, seeing the difference between Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Belair. But the bus was a dirty, run down vehicle. No seat belts and stuffing coming out of the seats. Dinner at the Outback Steakhouse in Burbank, California, which is very nice.

11. Breakfast on roof top of Dream Hollywood. Flight was in the afternoon so we left early because we heard the traffic could be bad. Bought food in the airport. Good flight. John had arranged the same guy who picked us up to go, now to bring us home.

12. Home in the early morning. Need to readjust to the three hour time difference. Laundry and unpacking. Exhausting day, but happy to be back. It was a great trip.

13. Homework for tomorrow. Errands. Prayer meeting.

14. Bible study. Received pictures of the parcel arriving in Uganda. Walked 25 minutes, trying to get my butt back. It was lost due to Wegovy; it makes you lose muscle, not fat. My mother in law is 81 today.

15. Pain clinic. We bought a new car. Young adults’ meeting. We had a former Muslim come and give his testimony and answer questions.

16. Baking for church tomorrow.

17. Busy day. Helping to teach Sunday School, then on coffee, plus prayer room. Also communion today and then a VBS meeting afterwards.

18. Purging closets and drawers. Victoria Day, grilling burgers. Made a small mauve hippo.

19. Made a large pink hippo.

20. Finished my homework for Thursday.

21. Our youngest granddaughter is six today. She was born at home during the pandemic.

22. Birthday party for our granddaughter. We got them a trip to the Toronto Zoo.

23. Prepping for Sunday School. Made an x-ray fish and a pink alien.

24. I made my first zebra.

25.Our daughter is heading to Wisconsin for a week to see her husband and receive recognition for passing her bar exam in Colorado. My mom’s second last appointment with her occupational therapist. Attended a missions’ committee meeting.

26. Housekeeper. Also my mom had her shower.

27. Haircut for me and my mom, then she is having a chest x-ray. Prayer meeting.

28. Mom’s chest xray was ok according to her doctor’s call.

29. I had an appointment with a physiatrist, never heard of them before. He ordered an MRI for me about my weak right leg. Cooking for Young Adults’ meeting tonight. Made chili and corn meal muffins. Starting a series on Apologetics. Also set up a table to sell toys and books.

30. Women’s One Day retreat; very nice. Sold $350 today. Then prepping to help with Sunday School tomorrow.

31. Sunday school helper. Next month I teach.

Panama Canal Cruise

 April Journaling

1.     Crocheted a large mauve hippo, a yellow reversible octo, and more mushy pops for the kids in Uganda. Prayer meeting.

2.     Bible study, massage. I stepped up to become one of the Sunday school teachers for the older kids beginning in June.

3.     Good Friday service. May I never lose the wonder of the cross.

4.     Bill C-9 has passed. Time will tell how much it will restrict/impact the proclamation of the gospel.

5.     Resurrection Sunday! He is Risen. He is Risen indeed. Checking in online for our cruise and choosing our seats on the airplane.

6.     My husband did my mom’s taxes because they are easy, but mine and his are complicated. He started but now we decided to bring them to a professional because we’re not sure what was claimed the last few years when they were done by someone else. Trying to get in to see my doctor to fill out forms.

7.     Planning for this week’s young adults meeting on Friday.

8.     Prayer meeting. Took my mom out for a haircut.

9.     Bible Study.

10.The young adults’ meeting was great. We had 19 tonight, 20 in our first one.

11. Going for a pedicure with my mom since she needs foot care and we are going on the cruise in two weeks.

12. In spite of missing a few doses of my weight loss medication, I’m still losing; down 29 pounds since July. Although I’m not pleased that it makes me lose muscle instead of fat.

13. Our daughter got a job in Toronto so she’ll be living with us again starting in May. Picking up our taxes from H & R Block.

14. My first children’s story book was published! Bunny’s Excellent Jamaican Adventure, based on our family trip to Jamaica when our granddaughter’s favorite stuffie was lost. The book arrived, I’m most proud of this one.

15. Sent a parcel off to Uganda with toys I made and books I wrote.

16. I’ve been one month without Wegovy waiting on my doctor to fill in the forms for approval from the drug company to cover it. Just got it in time to take it with me on vacation. Still down 29 pounds though.

17. Last Young Adults for Christ meeting before our vacation. We will be away for the next three but one of the other elders is covering.

18. The grandkids are here for the weekend, last visit before our cruise. I showed them the personalized book, they loved it.

19. Church.

20. Getting our winter tires off. Packing and doing so many last minute things for our vacation and the care of my mom while we’re gone. Getting U.S. cash.

21. Finally packed! Or should I say, overpacked. Every time I think I won’t, I still do.

22. Finished my homework for Bible study tomorrow. Cleaning and prepping my mom’s meds for the next three weeks. Prayer meeting tonight.

23. Bible study, then picking up my sister from the airport.

24. Headed to the airport early, our flight leaves for Miami at noon. We had a bagel and lox for breakfast along with a mimosa to start the vacation. In Miami we went to Umami, great Asian food for dinner, and got a few more things at Walmart.

25. Day one. Boarding the ship for our 15 day Panama Canal Cruise. The boarding process was not terribly smooth. We have a balcony room on the 11^th deck starboard, aft. Caesar salad for lunch. Checked out the spa. Had a nap. Played mini golf, explored the ship. Dinner at the Manhattan restaurant. Had shrimp scampi and honey crème brule. Played trivia in the atrium and came in third. I may have won if I’d figured out the button sooner and not hesitated on one answer. Went to a comedy show. Late night snack, and then crocheted a bit.I brought my crocheting to make teddy bears for some staff or people we meet.

26. Day two. Sea Day. Breakfast in buffet. Spa, shower, pedicure, nap. Photo shoot for our 40^th wedding anniversary. Dinner at Tepanyaki restaurant. Went to see the Beatles Story by a tribute band. Danced at a Motown party. Played cards in the observation lounge.

27. Day three. Breakfast in main dining room. Lounged by the pool, in the shade. Buffet lunch, nap. Comedy club, dinner in Main Dining Room. Cabaret show. Early to bed.

28. Day four. Room service breakfast. In Cartagena, Colombia. I love cruising. Did a van tour for highlights. Met a couple from Washington state; Linda and Tom who were also on their 40^th wedding anniversary trip. Bought emerald earrings since that is what Colombia is known for.

29. Day five. Room service breakfast. In Colon Panama. Private driver. It was raining. We drove an hour to a local beach, no rain. Fish and fried plantain lunch. Saw a sand dollar. Saw the bridge that begins the canal. Bought two rings for $28. Shower, nap. Bought 6 rings, two for $40, dinner at Ocean Blue; delicious. Listened to Latin music, played cards in the observation lounge.

30. Day six. Sea Day, transiting through the canal. It’s my birthday. I’m 62. Room service for breakfast. Info session on Panama Canal. Lunch at American Diner; the banana milkshake was delicious. Nap. Dinner at Le Bistro, the French restaurant.

First Children's Book

 April Journaling

1.     Crocheted a large mauve hippo, a yellow reversible octo, and more mushy pops for the kids in Uganda. Prayer meeting.

2.     Bible study, massage. I stepped up to become one of the Sunday school teachers for the older kids beginning in June.

3.     Good Friday service. May I never lose the wonder of the cross.

4.     Bill C-9 has passed. Time will tell how much it will restrict/impact the proclamation of the gospel.

5.     Resurrection Sunday! He is Risen. He is Risen indeed. Checking in online for our cruise and choosing our seats on the airplane.

6.     My husband did my mom’s taxes because they are easy, but mine and his are complicated. He started but now we decided to bring them to a professional because we’re not sure what was claimed the last few years when they were done by someone else. Trying to get in to see my doctor to fill out forms.

7.     Planning for this week’s young adults meeting on Friday.

8.     Prayer meeting. Took my mom out for a haircut.

9.     Bible Study.

10.The young adults’ meeting was great. We had 19 tonight, 20 in our first one.

11. Going for a pedicure with my mom since she needs foot care and we are going on the cruise in two weeks.

12. In spite of missing a few doses of my weight loss medication, I’m still losing; down 29 pounds since July. Although I’m not pleased that it makes me lose muscle instead of fat.

13. Our daughter got a job in Toronto so she’ll be living with us again starting in May. Picking up our taxes from H & R Block.

14. My first children’s story book was published! Bunny’s Excellent Jamaican Adventure, based on our family trip to Jamaica when our granddaughter’s favorite stuffie was lost. The book arrived, I’m most proud of this one.

15. Sent a parcel off to Uganda with toys I made and books I wrote.

16. I’ve been one month without Wegovy waiting on my doctor to fill in the forms for approval from the drug company to cover it. Just got it in time to take it with me on vacation. Still down 29 pounds though.

17. Last Young Adults for Christ meeting before our vacation. We will be away for the next three but one of the other elders is covering.

18. The grandkids are here for the weekend, last visit before our cruise. I showed them the personalized book, they loved it.

19. Church.

20. Getting our winter tires off. Packing and doing so many last minute things for our vacation and the care of my mom while we’re gone. Getting U.S. cash.

21. Finally packed! Or should I say, overpacked. Every time I think I won’t, I still do.

22. Finished my homework for Bible study tomorrow. Cleaning and prepping my mom’s meds for the next three weeks. Prayer meeting tonight.

23. Bible study, then picking up my sister from the airport.

24. Headed to the airport early, our flight leaves for Miami at noon. Will go out for Chinese food for dinner, and get a few more things at a drug store.

25. Boarding the ship for our 15 day Panama Canal Cruise. We have a balcony room on the 11^th deck starboard, aft. Dinner at the Tepanyaki restaurant.

26. I brought my crocheting to make teddy bears for some staff or people we meet. Sea Day.

27. We got the spa package so we spend a lot of time in the sauna. Sea Day. Lots of playing cards.

28. In Cartagena, Colombia. Love cruising.

29. In Colon Panama, transiting through the canal.

30. Sea Day. It’s my birthday. Dinner at Le Bistro, the French restaurant.