Christmas Letter:

I have a list of folk's I know, all written in a book, and every year at
Christmas, I go and take a look.
And that is when I realize that these names are a part,not of the book
they're written in, but of my very heart.
For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime, and
in that meeting they've become the 'rhythm and rhyme' .
And while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim, I really feel
that I'm composed of each and every name.
And while you may not be aware , of any special link, just meeting you
has shaped my life , more than you can think.
For once I've met somebody, the years cannot erase, the memory of a
pleasent word or of a friendly face.
So never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine, of names
upon a christmas list, forgotten in between.
For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you, it's
because you're on the list of folk's , that I'm indebted to.
For I am but a total of the many folk's I've met, and you happen to be
one of those I prefer not to forget.
And whether I've known you for many years or few, in some way's you have
had a part of shaping thing's I do.
And every year when Christmas comes, I realize anew, the very best
gift that life can give, is knowing folk's like you.
And may the spirit of Christmas that forever endures, leave it's
richest blessing in the heart of you and yours.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!! From my family to yours!! Cheers!!

Well...we have another driver in the house !! Ashley passed her roadtest and is now officially allowed to drive on her own !!....yeesh...don't think I'm ready for THAT quite yet, LOL !!!

Today is a big day. My daughter is going for her roadtest to get her license!! The weather isn't the greatest. Snow and icy roads...not a favorable time of the year to go and take a roadtest. She's a really good driver. I'm nervous for her. Hopefully she passes....I think she will. Then, I have my own driver, LOL !! Her learners license looks like Nicole Ritchie's mug shot!!! LOLOLOL !!!

Today is my day off. So of course being in Dec. now, I must put up the tree!!! YAY !! All the garland and the Christmas village went up already about 2 weeks ago. Today is tree day. Of course the lights have to checked first, and then look at all the ornaments that have been carefully wrapped and been in a slumber for the past 11 months. The kids are at school so I'll put up the tree and lights, and then when they come home we will decorate. Tonight is the perfect night. We do the tree and always open the season by watching Charlie Brown Christmas. Well, it just so happens that it's on t.v. tonight. Perfect !! There are lots of Christmas specials on. I think Christmas isn't the same until we watch Charlie Brown, the original Home Alone, and of course Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase !! LOLOLOL !! The original Grinch, Frosty, and the animated Rudolf always follow closely behind. My kids love to watch the old Christmas specials. After the tree is decorated we turn on the lights and look and admire how pretty it is. Then we settle on the couch to curl up and watch the Christmas specials that are on.There are so many new ones....they still would rather watch it on t.v. (not video) because you get the commercials and the anticipation of knowing whats next is exciting. A commercial comes on and we all scatter!!! " Make more popcorn!!" " Who wants more hot chocolate?" " Do we need more snacks?"..."hurry up! It's back on!". LOLOL !! Yes, it's very exciting around here today. Especially since it's snowing, the wind is blowing, it's absolutely freezing!! (-17 with a chill of -28)

....but once it's all together, we all sit back in a warm home with the fireplace on, and fond warm memories of each Christmas past. Thats what today is for me. I'm glad my kids share in the same feelings. Have a warm wonderful week everyone.

A Happy Thanksgiving to my American family and friends. May you all be blessed with Peace, Joy, good food,and plenty of laughter as you gather this week with family and friends to celebrate. Cheers!!

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Samuel F. Pugh



"O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.
Amen."

There are a lot of people that like to pay quiet secret little visit's behind the fence at my work. Most of them are living on the street. Drug addicts, girls....young girls...who sell themselves for whatever they need, usually drugs. There are older people who sit on a park bench and drink, some socialize, some like to make trouble, some just like to keep to themselves and go about their business for a quick shootup behind our fence. The fence is a chainlink fence at the back side of the car lot. So, when I go outside and smell that familiar smell of 'weed' in the air, I do take a wander over to the side to check up on who's in the corner. I have a miniature battle ground to walk through when none of them are there. I walk past needles, condoms, bottle's, beer cans, medicine containers, band aids, packaging that I'm not sure about. It is a mess. It is so sad to me when I go look at this back corner where the addicts pay a visit. I have had to ask if some of them are alright...because they sure don't look it. One young girl look's like she is about 35-40 years old. She is an epileptic drug addict....she's only 22. One older gentleman set up a house with a mattress, an old blanket, and a back pack. My boss and I approached him because he was in the corner making groaning noises and talking to himself and did not look good. He was startled to see us and proceeded instantly to gather his things. We told him we were not there asking him to leave. We wanted to make sure he was ok and if he had eaten yet that day....he hadn't eaten for 2-3 days. I told him to go get something to eat from the shelter 2 blocks away. The shelter was about to open for lunch and he didn't want to be a burden.He didn't want to leave behind what meant everything to him...a mattress with urine stains, an old fur coat, a bike, and a back pack. We told him we would watch his possesions and if the city came along they could not have his things. So he lifted as best he could and tossed over the fence to us his bed and the fur coat. We went back inside took up a collection and went to buy him some food for when he came back. He never did. I am so sad. This time of year really makes me appreciate what I have. These people have nothing, but to them something as simple as someone saying good morning or giving them a book to read means the world. I'm the first on the lot on saturday's and I open the gates and always smile and say good morning. My boss went into work early one morning and made a pot of coffee and went outside and poured them all a cup with creams and sugar. They were so appreciative. A smile, a good gesture goes a long way. Someone's day is certainly made better by a simple wave or a hello. We have a gentleman that walks by everyday with a shopping cart full of cans. His name is John. John used to work on electronics in the 70's. The computer age came about, his job was finished and he never did find work again. He stop's in every few days because we told him we have lots of cans at work. He sits and talks with us and then goes about his merry way. He is so intellegent it blows my mind that he lives off of can's and bottles...and does very well!! It's cold up here in the morning's but they are all still out there...somewhere. I see them off to the side by the tracks, sitting, waiting, some start fires to keep warm. They are beside buildings, in the ally's, between vehicles or sitting beside a bush. Now these people are gone. Where did they go? Will they be around again? Are they warm enough? Are they eating? Is someone else smiling and saying good morning to them?...or are they just getting dirty looks by people who pass by them?

WOW !!! I can't believe how fast the time has gone!!! Sorry I havn't updated my blog for awhile now ....bad bad blogger. Right now I am at work watching the snow come down. All the cars on the lot are little fluffy snow mounds with a peak of colour coming out from underneath. It's been snowing for about 2 days now. We were lucky enough on Halloween to have a good night of walking around and then....SNOW!!! It is very pretty.

The snow insulates and makes everything so much quieter. When I'm at home standing outside on the deck you don't hear a sound. The birds are still around....the winter birds of course. So now I'm thinking ...there is only 52 days left until Christmas!!!! Oh my...thats....4 paydays...7 1/2 weeks...1 3/4 's of a month(s) left....roughly. Wow....so I guess when I go home tonight I'll start to think about my Christmas decorations and stuff. Believe it or not I've already bought a few Christmas presents. I started in....are you ready for this....June!!! LOL !! Now don't be groaning...I just happened to come across a few sales through the summer and some items were perfect for Christmas. Anyways I am at work and have had a blast reading all your blogs and have come across a few new ones. Take care all!!! Cheers for a safe and warm weekend!!

It's that time of year when the kids start to talk about Halloween. What costume to wear, what accessories, who they are going to go trick or treating with. How long they will be out for.Where are they going trick or treating. The 'where' part is funny because they know which neighborhoods give out the big chocolate bars,LOL !! Kid's don't care about the whole voo-doo-hoo-doo hollabulloo about Halloween. It's just about getting candy.I mentioned this in a post I did last year about Halloween, this is the one time of year we encourage our kids to 'take' candy from strangers,LOL !! Usually we do all we can as parents to protect our kids from strangers. " Don't talk to strangers".." Don't accept candy from strangers".."Don't walk with strangers"

"Stranger Danger!". Halloween comes around and there are kids galore!! There are also parents galore out walking with them. All the little girls are wearing princess costumes, and all the boys are pirates, or something from a gross scary movie.To the kids, it's their chance to step out and dress up and be something that they imagined in their heads. Up here in the North, it's cold for Halloween. Half the kids are dressed up, and then they have to put on a winter coat over top there creations. All us parents are walking with our coffees and chatting it up with people as we watch our kids race from house to house to get the free offerings of candy. They are probably racing to keep warm ! LOL !!

"Eat healthy, don't rot your teeth." Another phrase we have always told them. This one day out of the year is the exception to the rule about eating candy. The dentist's must be thriving businesswise about a month after the great pumpkin came out. As far as candy goes, it's all in moderation....or so I like to think. Now, I like to 'think' I control my kids when it comes to the sugar high that they get after working their butt's off for 2-3 bags of candy. "Give it to me" I say, " Let's sit down and check it all over and make sure there is nothing bad in these bags." Well, not only are we looking for the typical scare's of Halloween candy, razor blades in the apples, tampered candy packages, questionable homemade stuff etc.....the whole bag, or 'bags' are a threat!!! This is 3 bags of sugar!!! 3 bags of little packaged monsters about to be released. Hyper kids, cranky kids, headaches,sleepless nights from gut aches!!....oh how I 'love' halloween. The moderation part....there isn't one!!! I try and be strict, but they still find it and devour it. I think it's time for a new tactic on monitering the candy eating/intake this year. Not sure what it is , but I'll find one. I'm sure kids have already figured it out and mine are one step ahead of me, LOL !! Blessings to all!! Be safe!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I have about 16 people coming over today. There will be turkey, stuffing, gravy, creamed carrot's, buns, ham, mashed potato's, roast, scalloped potato's, green bean casserole, pasta salad,spaghetti squash,pumpkin pie, ice cream....hmmm, that's a lot of food!! Blessings to all for a thankful long weekend!

Things I am thankful for:my husband, my children, my family, my friends, love, friendship, peace,laughter. I am thankful for the things I have and the things I don't have. Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when your tired and weary, it means you made an effort. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they will become your blessings.

THIS SAYS IT ALL:

Time passes

Life happens.

Distance separates.

Children grow up.

Jobs come and go.

Love waxes and wanes.

Men don't do what they're supposed to do .

Hearts break.

Parents die.

Colleagues forget favors.

Careers end.

BUT......... Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out. Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life! The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other. Every day, we need each other still. Pass this on to all the women who help make your life meaningful. I just did.

Kid's are back in school!!! All is going well for my kid's. How is everyone else's? My daughter is graduating this year and the talk of prom, grad, dresses, shoes, pictures, flowers DATE's was the topic of the household last night. I think Neil's shining up the ol' Smith and Wesson, LOL ! She had an on again off again boyfriend for awhile, but had a hard time because his name is the same as her dad's..Neil. So we called him 'Fabio' instead. Still didn't work for her, so now they are just...'friends'..mmmhhum. I think it's funny, she doesn't quite see it that way, LOL ! Brad is doing well so far. He was so excited to get back to school. I think it was more because he hadn't seen some of his friend's all summer long. Now he's already asking when the first pro-d day is at school. He rides his bike because the school is just down the road. I drove him this morning because of the bear sightings, and now a possible cougar warning. That's kind of scary. The bears run when they hear a group of kid's,...cougar's on the other hand are attracted to the noise of a possible group of 'lunch'!! Ummm, no thanks !!An old friend of mine moved up here and just lives around the corner from me. She had a bear wandering her street the other day, and I think the bugger made his way over to my yard, again !! He didn't make a mess this time, but I could hear something on the side of the house rooting around. I didn't hang around outside to find out. The woodpecker's on the other hand are all over right now. We've got the typical one with the red head, we have Northern Flickers, and smaller ones that are black and white. I got a picture of the red headed one sitting on the fence. He likes to swoop down and pretend to dive bomb your head if outside, LOL ! At least I think he's pretending. I know he gets ornery if the feeder isn't full for him. I tried to get a closer picture of this one, I think it's a woodpecker? Not sure. But he was banging like the other one's.I know it looks like a Robin in the picture, but to see him up close, he's way bigger, and has spot's all over his chest.

Mama squirrel is a character. She chatters and dances on the wood pile and looks at you if she's hungry. Then she scales up the tree and waits for me to go and fill the food bowl. She only had 3 babies this year and has kept them well hidden, mostly from my cat, LOL ! She is so funny though. The other day there was 2 squirrels playing among the wood pile and then disappearing between the logs. I thought,'Awww, how cute. They play so nicely."....they were not 'playing' if you know what I mean, LOL ! I love this time of year. Autumn is my favorite season. I think it's the most beautiful season. The leaves change colour, the sunset's and sunrise's are full of colour. The air is crisp in the morning, and still some what warm through the day. It's beautiful. Anyway, that's my thought for this morning. How are thing's where you are ? Take care, and much love and hugs sent to all of you. Have a terrific weekend!

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Kid's sure come up with the craziest things to say, LOL !! Blessings to all for a great weekend! Enjoy some of these quotes. The kid's are all about 10 years old.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT LIFE THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED

No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.

When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.

If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.

Never ask a 3-year old to hold a tomato.

You can't trust dogs to watch your food.

Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.

Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a tic-tac.

Never hold a dustbuster and a cat at the same time.

School lunches stick to the wall.

You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.

Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.

When your dad is mad and asks you, "Do I look stupid?" don't answer him.

It was Ashley's 17th birthday on the 1st. Today we are doing a birthday dinner. Friends are coming over and we are going to do a couple of roast's on the bbq, some potato's ,corn on the cob, ceaser salad, homemade garlic bread, and birthday cake. We'll probably have a fire in the backyard, burn some of the wood down.

Yesterday we went out to our friends place and helped them stack wood for the winter. I had to work, so Neil and Curtis went out to help fall some tree's, buck them up, and stack wood in the shed. By the time I got there with the kid's there was still lots to be done. So we all worked away and then ended the night sitting around a huge bonfire. Ashley, lol! was helping stack wood with a tiera on because it was her birthday, LOL !!! It was so funny to look at her with wood gloves, movie star sunglasses and a tiera on her head. Anyway,' Happy Birthday' to my girl !!!

The heavens declare the glory of God;the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalm 19:1

It was rather chilly this morning. The leaves are starting to change color. It's not noticeable at all. One or two, here and there. Everything else is still bright green. Fall is a few months away. So today I thought I would echo a post I did about sunset's on my other blog. These were taken from my patio throughout the summer. The colors of the sunset's up here are so different. Then when the Northern lights come out, they just dance so bright in the sky. I am a big fan of sunset's, and sunrises. The best rising photo's are this time of year, so I'll begin collecting those pretty quick. In the meantime, enjoy these one's.

Most of these were taken between 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.The last two (above) were taken around 9:30 - 10:00 p.m. . The sky went a fire color and stayed that way for a long time. We didn't need any lights on because it was so bright.
Take care!!! Blessings to all for a wonderful weekend!!

Much like the Spirit Bear project in Prince George, Vancouvers project was called 'Orcas in the City'.

Orcas in the City - Vancouver PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Local artists, in partnership with sponsoring individuals or organizations, will create a unique design and apply it to the surface of a life size (approx. 8ft with base) custom formed fibreglass Orca calf. The Orca becomes the artist's canvas. Once the work is complete, the Orca will be displayed in prominent public spaces around Vancouver, with the majority being placed in the downtown business core. A 'Walking Guide' will be created and distributed to tour operators, hotels, tourist spots, cruise terminals and popular community distribution points. The Orca was chosen to embody the West Coast and to highlight the fact that British Columbia is one of the best places in the world to view killer whales.

The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities will be turning the streets of Vancouver and targeted Lower Mainland key points into a WHALE of an event.

Just a quick heartfelt thank you to everyone for your kind words on the passing of my friend. Jo-Anne was to young to go, but her body just could not hold on any longer. She fought the fight as best as she could, but her time was up and she had to leave us. I will miss her so much.

I've known Jo for about 7 years and actually met her through another friend. We would talk so much everytime we got together, nobody else could get in a word LOL !! One night we sat and chatted for about 6 hours straight!!!! Jo had a blood condition that had no cure. Slowly over the past 3 years she had to stop working, and eventually was confined to her home. Breathing was hard for her and was finally put on oxygen 24/7 about 7-9 months ago. She carried around her portable tank inside her black leather Harley Davidson purse. I saw her about 3 months ago while we were watching the finals of a Stanley Cup game at the pub near my house and admired her strength and courage while she would walk around as best she could to say hello to everyone that she knew. It was hard for her to get up and walk around because the blood flow was effecting her bones, her lungs, it was hard to breathe even on oxygen. She tired easily and had to sit down a lot. She was in pain to get up and walk, but she did it. Even through all that, I sat with her for about 3 hours and she still had that sparkling laugh and smile, even through the pain. She always had a smile and comforting words and arms for me when I was upset, she had a laugh that would echo when she heard something funny, or told a story. She was a wonderful woman who we will all miss. Love you Jo !!!!

Spirit Bears in the City - Project Overview - Prince George

What is Spirit Bears In The City?

Found only in British Columbia's northern forests, the rare "Spirit Bear" or "Kermode Bear" is widely recognized for its unique white colouring. A First Nation legend states that the Raven, their creator, made these bears white as a reminder of the time when the world was pure and clean and covered with snowdrifts and ice blue glaciers. Raven promised that these bears would live in peace and harmony forever.
This reclusive bear will congregate on city streets in May 2006 in support of the BC Lions Society's Easter Seal Operations. The project has already taken roots throughout BC with the eight communities committed to joining "The Spirit Bear Trail" – Vancouver, Surrey, Vancouver Island, Prince George, Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, and Whistler.Here's how it works...
Local artists, in partnership with sponsoring individuals or organizations, will create a unique design and apply it to the surface of a life size (approx. 7ft) custom formed fiberglass Spirit Bear. The Bear becomes the artist's canvas. Once the work is complete, the Spirit Bear will be displayed in prominent public spaces around the participating cities. A 'Spirit Bear Trail Guide' will be created and distributed throughout participating communities.

The goals of 'Spirit Bears In The City' are very simple:
-To create an event that provides maximum exposure to sponsoring organizations, artists and -recipient charities
-To invite tourists from around the world to visit our province and share in our culture
-To produce an event that encourages the 'Arts', local businesses and individuals to come together in a spirit of community fundraising, benefiting the important work of the BC Lions Society's Easter Seal Operations
-To generate artistic creativity and showcase BC artists
-To celebrate the cultural diversity of our province and promote civic pride
-To capture the imagination of children, adults, and tourists alike

Spirit Bears are all over the city. Allmoney raised goes to the BC Lions Society Easter Seals Operation. They are all spectacular!!!
This one's my favorite !!! Hope you enjoyed a peek at some of them. I've got a few more pictures of them I'll load next blog. Take care and have a terrific week !!!