Pour yourself a fresh hot cup of tea, that delicious brew from the old Brown Betty teapot, and join me for a relaxing chat.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Travel Blog
Just a note to let you know that we arrived safe and sound in Vancouver, and AC has opened a new site for our Travel Blog. Check it out for notes and pics while we are gone.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Flying on a jet plane...
Yes, tomorrow we are flying on a jet plane, but we DO know when we will be back again. Whew! Before we go we are trying to stock up on Smudge-time because we are going to miss the wee lass when we are gone. Sigh! Babies change so much every day don't they? Butterfly promises to send us pictures everyday, so that should help - a bit! As sad as we are about leaving Smudge, we are really looking forward to seeing Lady Bug and Power Puff and exploring Beautiful BC with them. Total fun!
We went over to Butterfly's yesterday and caught her and Smudge enjoying some dance time. This song was so appropriate I just had to video a sample of it for you.
She was all smiles and chuckles when she modeled her new hat for us. What a charmer.
So, we are off for a month. Talk to you all when we get back.
We went over to Butterfly's yesterday and caught her and Smudge enjoying some dance time. This song was so appropriate I just had to video a sample of it for you.
She was all smiles and chuckles when she modeled her new hat for us. What a charmer.
So, we are off for a month. Talk to you all when we get back.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Dale William Petersen - In Memory
For Laurie over at Don't MAKE Me Get My Flying Monkeys.
Just got the news that Dale passed, and my heart aches for you my dear blog friend.
We know there are no words to take away your pain, but we wanted you to know that we care and are thinking of you.
Love AC and Cuppa
“...What is it to cease breathing,
but to free the breath from its restless tides,
that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence
shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top,
then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs,
then shall you truly dance.”
Kahlil Gibran
Just got the news that Dale passed, and my heart aches for you my dear blog friend.
We know there are no words to take away your pain, but we wanted you to know that we care and are thinking of you.
Love AC and Cuppa
“...What is it to cease breathing,
but to free the breath from its restless tides,
that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence
shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top,
then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs,
then shall you truly dance.”
Kahlil Gibran
At Blackwater Pond
As enthralled as I am with the new baby, and want to post pictures of her every day, I must stop for a minute and tell you how enthralled I am with my Mother's Day gift. "At Blackwater Pond" - a CD of Mary Oliver reading her own poems. What a treat. I feast on it almost every day. MMMM, delicious. No calories, but loaded with nourishment for my heart and soul.
I loaded it onto my ipod and listen to it in bed at night, when I am relaxing out on the front porch with my afternoon cup of tea, sitting in my writing nook with my morning coffee, and in the car whilst sitting at the water's edge with a café mocha from Tim's.
Hearing Mary read her poems puts a whole new light on some of my old favourites.
Let me share a "sweet smackeral" with you just to give you a "taste" of what I have been feasting on. First some excepts from Performance Notes – an essay by Mary Oliver on the liner notes of the CD.
"Poetry is Prayer, it is passion and story and music, it is beauty, comfort, it is agitation, declaration, it is thanksgiving. Some poems are radiant and oracular, some are quiet and full of tenderness, like a letter written to a friend. Often poetry is the gate to a new life. Or, sometimes, the restoration of an old world gone. It brings new thoughts or the welcome remembrance of old ones. It offers simple pleasure, complicated joy, and even, at times, healing. Poetry does not work for everyone, but works for the many who open themselves to it. As the world changes from the long winter into spring, and everything takes on a freshness, and a spiritual meaning, just so poetry can quicken, enliven the interior world of the listener.
Much of the work of the poet is a mystery, but the last labor is clear; it is the deliverance of the poem. Often this happens through a manuscript or a book, but it can occur in a vocal way also. Has everyone at some time looked up the original meaning of performance? It means, says Webster, "to finish, to complete." The poem is meant to be given away, best of all by the spoken presentation of it; then the work is complete. Which makes performance sound, does it not, like part o the life-work of the poem, which I think it is. As if the poem itself had an independent life, or the endless possibility of its own life, in minds other than the poet's, which I think it has.
…Poetry is neither purely music nor purely speech, but contains parts of each…:
You will have to buy the CD to get the full impact of the "music" of these poems, but let me share a couple of "notes" with you.
At Blackwater Pond
At Blackwater Pond the tossed waters have settled
after a night of rain.
I dip my cupped hand. I drink
a long time. It tastes
like stone, leaves, fire. It falls cold
into my body, waking the bones. I hear them
deep inside me, whispering
oh what is that beautiful thing
that just happened?
This next poem is an old favourite but when I listened to it for the first time the other day I thought of all my blogging buddies who are birders, and listen for those "fragile bells" every day.
Goldfinches
Some goldfinches were having a melodious argument at the edge of a puddle. The birds wanted to bathe, or perhaps just dip their heads and look at themselves, and they were having trouble with who should be first, and so on. So they discussed it while I stood in the distance, listening. Perhaps in Tibet, in the old holy places, they also have such fragile bells. Or are these birds really just that, bells come to us – come to this road in America – let us bow our heads and remember how we used to do it, say a prayer.
Meanwhile the birds bathe and splash and have a good time. Then they fly off, their dark wings opening from their bright yellow bodies; their tiny feet, all washed, clasping the air.
OK, just one more, and then I must stop and step into the rest of my day.
Wild Geese
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
Well, maybe one more, and then that is it! I think.
The Kookaburras
In every heart there is a coward and a procrastinator.
In every heart there is a god of flowers, just waiting
to come out of its cloud and lift its wings.
The kookaburras, kingfishers, pressed against the edge of
their cage, they asked me to open the door.
Years later I wake in the night and remember how I said to them,
no, and walked away.
They had the brown eyes of soft-hearted dogs.
They didn't want to do anything so extraordinary, only to fly
home to their river.
By now I suppose the great darkness has covered them.
As for myself, I am not yet a god of even the palest flowers.
Nothing else has changed either.
Someone tosses their white bones to the dung-heap.
The sun shines on the latch of their cage.
I lie in the dark, my heart pounding.
I really must stop now. Hope you enjoyed this taste of my new CD. If you are a Mary Oliver fan this CD is a must have.
I loaded it onto my ipod and listen to it in bed at night, when I am relaxing out on the front porch with my afternoon cup of tea, sitting in my writing nook with my morning coffee, and in the car whilst sitting at the water's edge with a café mocha from Tim's.
Hearing Mary read her poems puts a whole new light on some of my old favourites.
Let me share a "sweet smackeral" with you just to give you a "taste" of what I have been feasting on. First some excepts from Performance Notes – an essay by Mary Oliver on the liner notes of the CD.
"Poetry is Prayer, it is passion and story and music, it is beauty, comfort, it is agitation, declaration, it is thanksgiving. Some poems are radiant and oracular, some are quiet and full of tenderness, like a letter written to a friend. Often poetry is the gate to a new life. Or, sometimes, the restoration of an old world gone. It brings new thoughts or the welcome remembrance of old ones. It offers simple pleasure, complicated joy, and even, at times, healing. Poetry does not work for everyone, but works for the many who open themselves to it. As the world changes from the long winter into spring, and everything takes on a freshness, and a spiritual meaning, just so poetry can quicken, enliven the interior world of the listener.
Much of the work of the poet is a mystery, but the last labor is clear; it is the deliverance of the poem. Often this happens through a manuscript or a book, but it can occur in a vocal way also. Has everyone at some time looked up the original meaning of performance? It means, says Webster, "to finish, to complete." The poem is meant to be given away, best of all by the spoken presentation of it; then the work is complete. Which makes performance sound, does it not, like part o the life-work of the poem, which I think it is. As if the poem itself had an independent life, or the endless possibility of its own life, in minds other than the poet's, which I think it has.
…Poetry is neither purely music nor purely speech, but contains parts of each…:
You will have to buy the CD to get the full impact of the "music" of these poems, but let me share a couple of "notes" with you.
At Blackwater Pond
At Blackwater Pond the tossed waters have settled
after a night of rain.
I dip my cupped hand. I drink
a long time. It tastes
like stone, leaves, fire. It falls cold
into my body, waking the bones. I hear them
deep inside me, whispering
oh what is that beautiful thing
that just happened?
This next poem is an old favourite but when I listened to it for the first time the other day I thought of all my blogging buddies who are birders, and listen for those "fragile bells" every day.
Goldfinches
Some goldfinches were having a melodious argument at the edge of a puddle. The birds wanted to bathe, or perhaps just dip their heads and look at themselves, and they were having trouble with who should be first, and so on. So they discussed it while I stood in the distance, listening. Perhaps in Tibet, in the old holy places, they also have such fragile bells. Or are these birds really just that, bells come to us – come to this road in America – let us bow our heads and remember how we used to do it, say a prayer.
Meanwhile the birds bathe and splash and have a good time. Then they fly off, their dark wings opening from their bright yellow bodies; their tiny feet, all washed, clasping the air.
OK, just one more, and then I must stop and step into the rest of my day.
Wild Geese
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
Well, maybe one more, and then that is it! I think.
The Kookaburras
In every heart there is a coward and a procrastinator.
In every heart there is a god of flowers, just waiting
to come out of its cloud and lift its wings.
The kookaburras, kingfishers, pressed against the edge of
their cage, they asked me to open the door.
Years later I wake in the night and remember how I said to them,
no, and walked away.
They had the brown eyes of soft-hearted dogs.
They didn't want to do anything so extraordinary, only to fly
home to their river.
By now I suppose the great darkness has covered them.
As for myself, I am not yet a god of even the palest flowers.
Nothing else has changed either.
Someone tosses their white bones to the dung-heap.
The sun shines on the latch of their cage.
I lie in the dark, my heart pounding.
I really must stop now. Hope you enjoyed this taste of my new CD. If you are a Mary Oliver fan this CD is a must have.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Little Big Foot
We went over to visit the kids the other day and this sight greeted me. It made me laugh, but also shook my time clock. Blink, blink, blink - thirty five years buzzed and whirred forward and back and round and round.
My youngest sister bought these moccasins for Butterfly when she was just a baby and now they grace Smudge's feet. Where has the time gone? Buzz, whir, spin, spin, spin!
Smudge's little feet look lost in them don't they? Her toes come just past the opening, and the shoes that always looked so tiny to me, now look huge.
The moccasins were so big they fell off when Grandpa picked her up to rock her, and I just had to take another picture of her cute little feet. Tiny little fingers and toes are awesome aren't they? Oh what a wonder babies are.
When will she take her first step? Where will those little feet take her? What adventures will she go on? How do we give her the guidance she needs to keep steppin' in the right direction and find her own North Star, so she can follow her dreams.
Those little feet have already walked right into my heart and made a lasting imprint. Oh joy!
My youngest sister bought these moccasins for Butterfly when she was just a baby and now they grace Smudge's feet. Where has the time gone? Buzz, whir, spin, spin, spin!
Smudge's little feet look lost in them don't they? Her toes come just past the opening, and the shoes that always looked so tiny to me, now look huge.
The moccasins were so big they fell off when Grandpa picked her up to rock her, and I just had to take another picture of her cute little feet. Tiny little fingers and toes are awesome aren't they? Oh what a wonder babies are.
When will she take her first step? Where will those little feet take her? What adventures will she go on? How do we give her the guidance she needs to keep steppin' in the right direction and find her own North Star, so she can follow her dreams.
Those little feet have already walked right into my heart and made a lasting imprint. Oh joy!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Rockin' Rollin' and Strollin'
Poor little Smudge had a very fussy weekend and AC and I did some major Rockin'...
Rollin'...
And Rockin' some more!!!
They say that babies sometimes go through a growth spurt at four weeks and need to eat constantly and fuss when they aren't eating. Well, Smudge seemed to follow that path this weekend. She was not a happy camper and just about wore poor mom to a frazzle. Grandma and Grandpa were glad to come to the rescue.
The sun was shining for most of the long weekend, so we took advantage of the nice weather and sat on the porch for some of our rock 'n roll duty. We even took the wee fussy bundle for a "roll" in her stroller, but the strollin' didn't last long. She just couldn't settle lying down. So it was back to the front porch and the rocking chair there. I quite enjoyed it actually.
I am glad to be off my rocker now though and will soon be heading to bed. Talk to you all later. Nite nite!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Oh My!
Isn't it amazing what AC can do with Photoshop?
Smudge and parents came over for dinner yesterday, and the baby was a tad fussy when they arrive, so I had a chance to rock her for a bit. She was down for the count after a few minutes of snuggling with Grandma. Oh the joy of that feeling when they cuddle down into you and totally relax against you.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Thanks Sare
Friday, May 18, 2007
Young Whippersnappers
AC and I celebrated our 38th Wedding Anniversary yesterday and Smudge celebrated her four weekiversary. AC posted a picture of us taken with Smudge here, and filled you in on the details of our day yesterday, but I thought it would be fun to post a couple of old pictures of us when we were just young whippersnappers on our wedding day.
Makes me smile just to look at them again. Hope they make you smile too.
Enjoy your day and walk in the sunshine every chance you get.
Makes me smile just to look at them again. Hope they make you smile too.
Enjoy your day and walk in the sunshine every chance you get.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Bunnies and Babies
This little bunny arrived in the mail yesterday for Smudge and in the blink of an eye, he hopped to it and got right to work when she needed some support in her baby chair. She snuggled up to him like an old friend and seemed quite willing to share her space with him.
Babies and Bunnies, what a cute combination.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Smudge and Friends
Babies, you just gotta love 'em. We sure are wrapped up in ours these days. To all you Grandmas out there - does it get better or are we hopelessly lost to endless bragging and picture showing? You must be getting tired of all these pictures by now, but I just can't help myself. She is just so darned cute!
Butterfly brought the wee bundle over for a visit the other day and we introduced Smudge to all the friends on the wonderful Grandma quilt my friend made for me. It stays at my house for the exclusive use of Smudge when she visits.
In this picture she looks like she is doing the "Walks like an Egyptian" dance. She's definitely got attitude and pizazz, and wants to strut her stuff!
After she did her little dance she was ready to go for a walk with the lion and the elephants. What an adventurous girl.
Thank you SAM for this most wonderful gift. I am sure Smudge could feel the love oozing out of every tiny stitch as she snuggled down on the quilt's softness. I sure could as I watched her wriggle and squiggle on it. I think of you and your priceless gift of friendship every time I see it and send a heart hug to you when I do.
Butterfly brought the wee bundle over for a visit the other day and we introduced Smudge to all the friends on the wonderful Grandma quilt my friend made for me. It stays at my house for the exclusive use of Smudge when she visits.
In this picture she looks like she is doing the "Walks like an Egyptian" dance. She's definitely got attitude and pizazz, and wants to strut her stuff!
After she did her little dance she was ready to go for a walk with the lion and the elephants. What an adventurous girl.
Thank you SAM for this most wonderful gift. I am sure Smudge could feel the love oozing out of every tiny stitch as she snuggled down on the quilt's softness. I sure could as I watched her wriggle and squiggle on it. I think of you and your priceless gift of friendship every time I see it and send a heart hug to you when I do.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Weekend Celebrations
Warning! This post might be a boring read for most of you, so fast forward past this one if you want to. It is mainly for the A TEAM but you are all welcome to read it too.
Last week I started wondering out loud what to do for Butterfly this mother's day and dad stopped me in my tracks and told me I didn't need to plan anything, Mother's Day was all taken care of. I spluttered on about not wanting Butterfly to have to plan anything or do any work and he again assured me that that was not my responsibility this year. He and The Boy had things well in hand. OK, I would let them take care of it and just enjoy the day with Butterfly and the Baby.
I got up Saturday morning and discovered this gift on the dining room table for me. I was a bit puzzled when I saw it that day, seeing as Mother's Day was the next. Dad told me that Saturday was my Mother's Day and Sunday would be my Grandmother's Day. What fun! He had the whole day planned and after I opened my gift I was told to go get ready because we were going out for breakfast and then off on an adventure. As you well know, I love surprises like that and mystery adventures.
Can you see what the CD is? It is Mary Oliver reading forty of her poems. Oh joy! My favourite poet and to hear her reading her own poetry will be amazing. What a gift! The quote on the back cover reads "The poem is meant to be given away, best of all by the spoken presentation of it; then the work is complete." I will let you know more about it in another post, but for now let me continue on about my most wonderful weekend.
After breakfast on Saturday we took coffee and Timbits (sustenance for the journey) out to the car and continued on our adventure. I soon found out that we were going on the Red Trillium Studio and Garden Tour. We drove along country roads vibrant with the fresh colours of spring, and visited Artist's studios and Master Gardens all along the route. As you might have already guessed, I picked up a beautiful piece of original jewelry at one of the studios. It will look fabulous on the Pashmina shawl Sare sent me from South Korea.
The sculpture in the picture above was one of many at the most unique studio of the day. The house was built into the side of a hill and had windmills and energy panels all over the property. They were not off the grid completely, but they were moving in that direction. The Studio was in an old building out back where the artist made beautiful sculptures using wood, clay and stone. Her work was amazing.
We stopped at a quaint pub for a late lunch/early dinner, at the end of the tour and then finished off the day with a stop at S&E's place to get a hug and hello from them and the Smudge before heading home.
Sunday dawned sunny and cool and I slept in, then lazed around in my pj's, and lingered over coffee in grand style. What a totally relaxing, luxurious way to spend a Mother's Day morning.
Mid-morning I received this beautiful mixed plant basket from you guys. What a nice surprise. Thanks gals. I sure miss you.
Love this little bunny hiding in the leaves.
Dad and I took a picnic to the park for lunch and then headed over to Butterfly and The Boy's to stay with Smudge while they went out to enjoy a walk in the park and maybe get an ice cream. We all gathered at dinner time for a BBQ – the guys cooked and the girls snuggled the baby. It was a great Mother's/Grandmother's Day.
I received this unique Grandma mug and cute magnets from Smudge, and this whimsical figurine from Butterfly and The Boy. Just in case you can't read it, the mug says "Not your average Grandmother". I am drinking my coffee out of it right now. Yum! The figurine is called "Happiness" and it makes me smile and feel happy just to look at it.
What a fabulous weekend. Wish you could have been here, but did feel you here in spirit. See you soon. Hugs Mom
Last week I started wondering out loud what to do for Butterfly this mother's day and dad stopped me in my tracks and told me I didn't need to plan anything, Mother's Day was all taken care of. I spluttered on about not wanting Butterfly to have to plan anything or do any work and he again assured me that that was not my responsibility this year. He and The Boy had things well in hand. OK, I would let them take care of it and just enjoy the day with Butterfly and the Baby.
I got up Saturday morning and discovered this gift on the dining room table for me. I was a bit puzzled when I saw it that day, seeing as Mother's Day was the next. Dad told me that Saturday was my Mother's Day and Sunday would be my Grandmother's Day. What fun! He had the whole day planned and after I opened my gift I was told to go get ready because we were going out for breakfast and then off on an adventure. As you well know, I love surprises like that and mystery adventures.
Can you see what the CD is? It is Mary Oliver reading forty of her poems. Oh joy! My favourite poet and to hear her reading her own poetry will be amazing. What a gift! The quote on the back cover reads "The poem is meant to be given away, best of all by the spoken presentation of it; then the work is complete." I will let you know more about it in another post, but for now let me continue on about my most wonderful weekend.
After breakfast on Saturday we took coffee and Timbits (sustenance for the journey) out to the car and continued on our adventure. I soon found out that we were going on the Red Trillium Studio and Garden Tour. We drove along country roads vibrant with the fresh colours of spring, and visited Artist's studios and Master Gardens all along the route. As you might have already guessed, I picked up a beautiful piece of original jewelry at one of the studios. It will look fabulous on the Pashmina shawl Sare sent me from South Korea.
The sculpture in the picture above was one of many at the most unique studio of the day. The house was built into the side of a hill and had windmills and energy panels all over the property. They were not off the grid completely, but they were moving in that direction. The Studio was in an old building out back where the artist made beautiful sculptures using wood, clay and stone. Her work was amazing.
We stopped at a quaint pub for a late lunch/early dinner, at the end of the tour and then finished off the day with a stop at S&E's place to get a hug and hello from them and the Smudge before heading home.
Sunday dawned sunny and cool and I slept in, then lazed around in my pj's, and lingered over coffee in grand style. What a totally relaxing, luxurious way to spend a Mother's Day morning.
Mid-morning I received this beautiful mixed plant basket from you guys. What a nice surprise. Thanks gals. I sure miss you.
Love this little bunny hiding in the leaves.
Dad and I took a picnic to the park for lunch and then headed over to Butterfly and The Boy's to stay with Smudge while they went out to enjoy a walk in the park and maybe get an ice cream. We all gathered at dinner time for a BBQ – the guys cooked and the girls snuggled the baby. It was a great Mother's/Grandmother's Day.
I received this unique Grandma mug and cute magnets from Smudge, and this whimsical figurine from Butterfly and The Boy. Just in case you can't read it, the mug says "Not your average Grandmother". I am drinking my coffee out of it right now. Yum! The figurine is called "Happiness" and it makes me smile and feel happy just to look at it.
What a fabulous weekend. Wish you could have been here, but did feel you here in spirit. See you soon. Hugs Mom
Mother's Day Pictures
Queen for a day! Butterfly and I polished off our tiaras and were all set for the day.
The Little Princess joined us for a snuggle.
The Princess is giving orders to her court. We all listen intently.
I think she just told mommy a joke.
Now it's time for a snuggle
OK, enough of that, now it is time to kick up her heels and have some fun with the bears she gave mommy for Mother's Day.
We had a wonderful day yesterday. Hope you did too.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
First Happy Grandmother's Day to Me
AC took this picture yesterday and processed it to look like a pen and ink drawing and then a watercolour painting. He had the colour picture waiting for me on the dining room table this morning. What a nice Happy Grandmother's Day present.
I am absolutely loving being a Grandma. I send warmest wishes to all you moms and grandmas out there. Have a wonderful heart-warming day.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Friday, May 11, 2007
Smiles and Chuckles
Oh, I just can't help myself. I just have to post one more video. I am sure Smudge was smiling at me! What do you think?
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Too Cute
Today is Smudge's Third Birthday! Yep, she is three weeks old today. What a cutie huh? She is Little Miss Bright Eyes these days.
She can really pull funny faces too. What talent, and only three weeks old.
Butterfly had a rough day yesterday, so I spent a lot of time over there today to give mom a bit of a break. Lots of rockin' and walkin' was done, and I loved every minute of it. Sure am tired now though so I am heading off to bed RIGHT NOW. Just had to post a picture first though. Enjoy.
Ottawa River Parkway Bike Path
Time to put my birthday gift to good use. The Boy put the bike carrier on the car for us this past weekend, so today was the day to figure out how to get the bikes on it and go in search of some new bike trails.
It took us awhile to figure out the best fit for the bikes, but once we did, all I had to do was make one small adjustment and we were ready to go. Yahoo!
We packed a picnic lunch so enjoyed munching delicious whole grain pitas stuffed with lettuce and cheese at this beautiful park at the start of the trail.
While we munched our lunch, Mr and Mrs. Duck enjoyed a delicious snack too. I couldn't resist taking a picture of them shaking a tail feather.
Once we had been fortified we started our adventure, and enjoyed a most delightful ride on this fabulous path all along the edge of the Ottawa River. You can see Quebec on the other side of the water.
We pedalled along the water's edge all the way to the Parliament Buildings in downtown Ottawa.
A thoroughly enjoyable and beautiful ride.
This was our turn-a-round point for today. A park bench in a shady spot by one of the locks on the Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa. You can be sure that we will be riding this trail again real soon. What a treat it was for the body and soul today.
It took us awhile to figure out the best fit for the bikes, but once we did, all I had to do was make one small adjustment and we were ready to go. Yahoo!
We packed a picnic lunch so enjoyed munching delicious whole grain pitas stuffed with lettuce and cheese at this beautiful park at the start of the trail.
While we munched our lunch, Mr and Mrs. Duck enjoyed a delicious snack too. I couldn't resist taking a picture of them shaking a tail feather.
Once we had been fortified we started our adventure, and enjoyed a most delightful ride on this fabulous path all along the edge of the Ottawa River. You can see Quebec on the other side of the water.
We pedalled along the water's edge all the way to the Parliament Buildings in downtown Ottawa.
A thoroughly enjoyable and beautiful ride.
This was our turn-a-round point for today. A park bench in a shady spot by one of the locks on the Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa. You can be sure that we will be riding this trail again real soon. What a treat it was for the body and soul today.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Summer Kitchen Ceili
What fun we had at the Summer Kitchen Ceili yesterday. The fiddlers were fabulous, and the step dancers delightful. The old Town Hall was packed with hand clappin' toe tappin' Celtic music enthusiasts and we all had a grand time.
The laundry was hung out to air, the doors thrown open, the rugs rolled up, and music was played loud and long to shoo all the dusty winter air out of the house to make room for the fresh spring breezes.
The step dancers were dressed in their finest and sparkled and shone as they stepped and twirled on the stage.
The show was supposed to end at 4pm, but the encore took us all the way to 5:45. The music kept flowing, the dancers tapped and the audience clapped. Yes, a good time was had by all.
AC has a couple of videos and more stills he will post later so be sure to check out his blog if you want to see more pics.
During the last two weeks since Smudge's arrival, a Gibran quote has floated to surface of my mind more than once.
"When either your joy or your sorrow becomes great, the world becomes small."
I have found this to ring true the past little while. Our world has shrunk down to the size of baby Smudge and our little family circle. In time it will open up again to include other things, but for now, not much else is allowed in. Isn't it amazing how such a little being that wasn't even here three weeks ago, can take up so much time energy and "space" in our lives.
It felt good to step outside that tiny circle yesterday and go to the Ceili, take a picnic supper to the park afterwards, and then of course stop in for a hug from Smudge before going home.
Today we are off to town to take the car in for repairs and then do some shopping. Yes, another step will be taken outside this small circle, but a hug for Smudge will be indulged in before the day is over. Pure joy!
Hope you find something to bring pure joy into your life today too.
The laundry was hung out to air, the doors thrown open, the rugs rolled up, and music was played loud and long to shoo all the dusty winter air out of the house to make room for the fresh spring breezes.
The step dancers were dressed in their finest and sparkled and shone as they stepped and twirled on the stage.
The show was supposed to end at 4pm, but the encore took us all the way to 5:45. The music kept flowing, the dancers tapped and the audience clapped. Yes, a good time was had by all.
AC has a couple of videos and more stills he will post later so be sure to check out his blog if you want to see more pics.
During the last two weeks since Smudge's arrival, a Gibran quote has floated to surface of my mind more than once.
"When either your joy or your sorrow becomes great, the world becomes small."
I have found this to ring true the past little while. Our world has shrunk down to the size of baby Smudge and our little family circle. In time it will open up again to include other things, but for now, not much else is allowed in. Isn't it amazing how such a little being that wasn't even here three weeks ago, can take up so much time energy and "space" in our lives.
It felt good to step outside that tiny circle yesterday and go to the Ceili, take a picnic supper to the park afterwards, and then of course stop in for a hug from Smudge before going home.
Today we are off to town to take the car in for repairs and then do some shopping. Yes, another step will be taken outside this small circle, but a hug for Smudge will be indulged in before the day is over. Pure joy!
Hope you find something to bring pure joy into your life today too.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Pre Dinner Stretch
We arrived at Butterfly's house just before Smudge's dinner time yesterday, and Grandma was privileged to hold the wee one while she wriggled and squirmed in her pre-dinner warm up routine.
Thought you might enjoy a peek too.
AC and I are off to a Summer Kitchen Ceili this afternoon at the Town Hall. Lots of Celtic music, step dancers, fiddlers, singers, and drummers will be there to entertain us. We are really looking forward to it. Must run now and get ready so will end this short post here and talk to you all later. Enjoy the video.
Friday, May 04, 2007
This That and a Hat
Pictures are slowing down aren't they? That is because I never seem to be home these days, and when I am, I am usually heading to bed for a nap!!! Oh the joys and trials of Grandmahood! I am loving every minute of it though, trials and all. Even though my pictures are slowing down, Butterfly's are picking up and she has posted some great ones on her blog. Be sure to check them out here if you want a Smudge fix.
AC posted a very heart-warming blog this morning, with some cute pics of Smudge's first stroller outing here.
Mom and baby have had a few rough nights this week, so I have put in major rocking time and managed to work some Grandma magic on a couple of occasions. How neat! Here it is Friday and we have all survived. Yahoo. Weekend is here, so dad will be home to help for the next couple of days, and Grandpa and I will step back a bit and just be on call.
I had the privilege of accompanying mom and baby on their first outing in the car without dad this week. Mom wanted to deliver thank you gifts to the nurses at the hospital, so it was my honoured task to sit in the back seat with baby while mom drove. By the time we got baby secured in the car seat and loaded into car, she was howling big time, but cars work like magic to lull babies to sleep and after about two minutes on the road Smudge was in dreamland. I couldn't resist taking this pic of her sleeping in her car seat whilst sporting her cute little chapeau!
I think I will follow Smudge's lead right now and toddle off to dreamland too. Nite, nite. Talk to you all later.
AC posted a very heart-warming blog this morning, with some cute pics of Smudge's first stroller outing here.
Mom and baby have had a few rough nights this week, so I have put in major rocking time and managed to work some Grandma magic on a couple of occasions. How neat! Here it is Friday and we have all survived. Yahoo. Weekend is here, so dad will be home to help for the next couple of days, and Grandpa and I will step back a bit and just be on call.
I had the privilege of accompanying mom and baby on their first outing in the car without dad this week. Mom wanted to deliver thank you gifts to the nurses at the hospital, so it was my honoured task to sit in the back seat with baby while mom drove. By the time we got baby secured in the car seat and loaded into car, she was howling big time, but cars work like magic to lull babies to sleep and after about two minutes on the road Smudge was in dreamland. I couldn't resist taking this pic of her sleeping in her car seat whilst sporting her cute little chapeau!
I think I will follow Smudge's lead right now and toddle off to dreamland too. Nite, nite. Talk to you all later.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
First Visit to G&G's
Momentous day! Smudge went to the doctor's today, and mom discovered that baby was apparently well fed because she was back up to her birth-weight. Yahoo, time to celebrate, so a visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house was in order. It was a treat for mom to get out and Smudge seemed quite happy about the outing too.
Well for a little while anyway. Once out of the car Smudge started to get uncomfortable in her seat and wanted out thank you very much.
Grandma came to the rescue and soon had Smudge happy as a clam. We snuggled like this for about an hour while mom and I chatted and dad helped grandpa network his new printer.
We are all feeling a little more human today. I went to Tai Chi this morning and had a good workout. Tonight we are off to line dancing which is always fun. Yes, normal routines are picking up again and it feels good. One big difference in normal these days though - Smudge makes everything better.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Bath Time
We were invited over to observe the first bath at home yesterday. It was a
heart breaker for Grandma. Smudge didn't like it AT ALL!
Here she is in the middle of it
All over and time to dry off now.
Ah, that's better. All clean and comfy now. Time to stretch out in the crib
and look at the window
Hey mom, is it time for lunch now?
heart breaker for Grandma. Smudge didn't like it AT ALL!
Here she is in the middle of it
All over and time to dry off now.
Ah, that's better. All clean and comfy now. Time to stretch out in the crib
and look at the window
Hey mom, is it time for lunch now?
Quilted with Love
I went to the mailbox the other day and found a card there informing me that a parcel was awaiting pick-up at the post office. Email is great, but I do love snail mail and little surprises found there. This one was especially heartwarming I must say.
Tucked inside the brown paper package, tied up with string, I found this beauty wrapped in layers of tissue paper. Yes, my very own Grandma Quilt made for me by a dear friend. It is a quilt for me to keep at my house to wrap wee Smudge in when she comes for a visit.
What you can't see clearly in this picture are the thousands of tiny hand-made stitches around every animal, person,tree, flower, letter,and leaf in this scene. The pattern is just as clear on the back of the quilt outlined in white stitches. Truly a work of art and quilted with love.
Thank you dear friend. I treasure this priceless gift.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
For Bug & Puff
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Littlest Hockey Fan
We went over to watch the hockey game with the kids tonight and just had to get an outfit for Smudge to wear for luck. She did her best to cheer her team on to victory, but only managed to keep her eyes open for a couple of minutes and then shuffled off to dreamland. Cute huh? Grandpa will post a great picture of "Little Miss Bright Eyes" on his blog on Friday. Be sure to check it out.
That's it for tonight. I am finally "off my rocker" and am about to shuffle off to dreamland now too. I am one weary Grandma I must say.
Nite-nite!
Smudge in action
This "rockin'" granny is one tired trooper! It is past time for a nap but I wanted to post this first. Enjoy Auntie Bug. Wish you were here.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Angel
Do you hear that?
It is the sound of a great big thank you ringing out across blogdom to you, my dear blogging buddies, for all of your warm wishes and notes of congratulation. They say that "Joy shared is doubled", well mine has been expanded beyond measure by sharing it with all of you and getting so much response.
Each day since the 19th I thought I would find time to visit your blogs and post a comment or two here and there, but days and nights have all run together and drifted into the history books in a bit of a blur. Once pictures were posted for the Aunties I ran out of time and steam to write a blog, read yours or make comments. Sigh! One busy but exciting day has followed the next and I have had to move my feet as fast as I can just to keep up. Total, total, total fun though! Little Smudge is the most amazing baby – really! She is THE BEST! How awesome that such a little bundle can change our whole world and make it tilt on its axis.
I can't even begin to put my thoughts and feelings into words. Birth is such a miracle. An absolute miracle! In the blink of an eye the baby emerges from the birth canal, takes her first breath, and a new life begins. I stand in awe!
Oh goodness, we are just about to head out the door to see the new little family this morning and offer to do some expert rocking while mom and dad get a couple more hours sleep. I am lovin' this!
I will try to post a couple of pictures for you Aunties soon. Stay tuned.
Each day since the 19th I thought I would find time to visit your blogs and post a comment or two here and there, but days and nights have all run together and drifted into the history books in a bit of a blur. Once pictures were posted for the Aunties I ran out of time and steam to write a blog, read yours or make comments. Sigh! One busy but exciting day has followed the next and I have had to move my feet as fast as I can just to keep up. Total, total, total fun though! Little Smudge is the most amazing baby – really! She is THE BEST! How awesome that such a little bundle can change our whole world and make it tilt on its axis.
I can't even begin to put my thoughts and feelings into words. Birth is such a miracle. An absolute miracle! In the blink of an eye the baby emerges from the birth canal, takes her first breath, and a new life begins. I stand in awe!
Oh goodness, we are just about to head out the door to see the new little family this morning and offer to do some expert rocking while mom and dad get a couple more hours sleep. I am lovin' this!
I will try to post a couple of pictures for you Aunties soon. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Auntie's Visit
I know I said that Butterfly would be posting most of the pictures from now on, but things are kind of upside down at her house for some reason. Don't know why!!!!
So, I thought I would post pictures of Auntie Puff's visit so Auntie Bug out in Vancouver could share in the joy too.
Auntie Puff had a total melt down when she first saw Smudge and we were all shedding tears of joy right along with her.
Smudge slept through all the goings on, but grabbed Auntie's finger and held on tight. She was sending her little hug back to Auntie Bug the best way she knew how.
Auntie cooed and Smudge slept...
Mom and dad joined Auntie for a picture and Smudge slept...
Auntie cooed some more, Smudge continued to sleep
Smudge did open her eyes and have quite a chat with Auntie during her diaper change though. I think she really liked Auntie's pink glasses.
We got Auntie back to her hotel around midnight so she would be there for an early morning business meeting the next day and then fly off to Winnipeg the next evening for another meeting and then home to Vancouver. It was quite a whirlwind visit, but we are so glad we found a window of time to squeeze in a little hug and hello so we could send real hugs back to Vancouver with her for Auntie Bug.
So, I thought I would post pictures of Auntie Puff's visit so Auntie Bug out in Vancouver could share in the joy too.
Auntie Puff had a total melt down when she first saw Smudge and we were all shedding tears of joy right along with her.
Smudge slept through all the goings on, but grabbed Auntie's finger and held on tight. She was sending her little hug back to Auntie Bug the best way she knew how.
Auntie cooed and Smudge slept...
Mom and dad joined Auntie for a picture and Smudge slept...
Auntie cooed some more, Smudge continued to sleep
Smudge did open her eyes and have quite a chat with Auntie during her diaper change though. I think she really liked Auntie's pink glasses.
We got Auntie back to her hotel around midnight so she would be there for an early morning business meeting the next day and then fly off to Winnipeg the next evening for another meeting and then home to Vancouver. It was quite a whirlwind visit, but we are so glad we found a window of time to squeeze in a little hug and hello so we could send real hugs back to Vancouver with her for Auntie Bug.
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