Marching On

March roared in like a Lion! 

Thankfully it is "marching on" and Spring is in the air!

I can't even tell you how much of a relief that is to me ...

February felt like a year.

The world seemed and seems to be spinning in the wrong direction

and out of control.

My dear ones said good-bye to their beloved Macie Merlot,

a faithful and gentle companion for 13 years.

It's time to think happy thoughts, get my motivation back,

and get out of the Winter "slump" I've been in.

And, perhaps, stop watching the news?

New wheels and bare roads - what more could a gal ask for?

Porch sunrises and watching the snow disappear - gratefulness and hope!

A second blooming of the Christmas cactus?

It's happy too ...

St. Patrick's day. A delightful time spent with friends at a cute little spot with live music.

Spring came one day early - too soon for the porch cushions perhaps

but so enjoyed non-the-less!

Sorry if I am to blame for the cold rain and SNOW that came the next day!

By the way, the snow melted and all is as it should be -

unpredictable Spring weather.

Thinking ahead for an upcoming two week adventure in May.

Laying out and trying on some summery clothes that hopefully still fit - eek!

Do you practice packing by spreading things out on the bed?

Much editing will be needed here in order to travel as lite as possible.

These two make Spring even brighter.

Thank you God for these blessings, for longer days, and sunshine!

The hockey season is coming to a sudden close.

A very good season for both grandchildren.

Much credit to their doting dad who creates a huge backyard rink each year!

It doesn't get more Canadian than this.

As March sputters out somewhat like a wet lamb,

it's time to look up and ahead

and maybe get some Spring cleaning and unfinished projects

completed too. 

Blessings to you as we reflect and prepare for these very Holy days before Easter.

God is so Good!

Till next time ... hug each other just a little tighter

Snow Daze Mood

It's been snowing for weeks!!

Storm after storm has hit.

So many missed events, bus cancellations, road closures,

and challenging days ...

need I say more?

Sure, it's pretty, but ... Spring will come - right?

The snow cake just kept growing and growing! 17" at latest measure.

 One would consider that maybe being "stuck" staying home

would be opportunity for finishing some projects, cleaning the house, etc.

A bad cold and cough kept me on the couch for days and my ambition

went out with the cold wind and storms - eek!

Somehow this is all too reminiscent of those Covid days of 5 years ago.

Thankfully, there were some silver linings and occasionally the sun did peek through

the dense grey clouds making me feel much better and giving me the mojo I needed.

Stormy Day Valentine's bake.

Missing my sisters!

A baby rag quilt for a special little February baby.

School cancelled day gave us a chance to get his hot wheels

quilt knotted. He is a good "knotter"!

She practiced her selfie skills ...

We had a fun "play date"!

The orchid bloomed! So beautiful.

Today's walk ... I have to admit that it actually does look very pretty indeed!

Perhaps the sun's shining helps with the mood.

Spring is officially 4 Mondays plus 4 days away - yippee!

Will March come in like a Lion or a Lamb?

These will be "remember when" stories we tell our grandchildren?

Till next time ... stay cozy!

A Fresh New Year

 2025 has begun ...

A picture story for this very cold and dreary month.

A few wonderful bright spots were found along the way.

Another trip around the sun for me and beautiful flowers

from a dear sister-in-law!

It snowed and snowed with still no end in sight!

What is a girl to do

but some yeast baking!

The delicious Fruit and Nut Wreath

by Anneliese,

Mennonite Girls Can Cook

Celebrations - Page 258

**a favourite**

Or a new cinnamon bun recipe

baked with an appreciative

granddaughter!

Snow men and women were built!

A quick cold and rainy get-away to Florida with dear friends

was a welcomed break from the snow!

Disney dinner reservations and lots and lots of shopping were the order of the days!

February has arrived and wondering what it will hold ...

wishing lots of love and happiness to all my dear readers.

Almost getting it!

Till next time ... stay well and cozy! Spring will come!

I'm OK!

Oh so glad we've passed the solstice!

These dark and dreary days have me in a state.

I know how thankful I should be for all that I have

and I know that a little sunshine and longer days will lift my spirits

as the long Winter hours finally turn into brighter ones.

It's just that ...

An unforeseen, and in the blink of an eye, event

before Christmas 2024 happened.

Front end - passenger side

Rear end driver's side (where my grandson sat)!

There really are no words to express how thankful we all are to have 

survived this crash with minor injuries!

Not so minor emotional injuries perhaps.

My first and hopefully last car crash ever ...

All the airbags went off.

The other two vehicle's passengers also escaped with minor injuries!

And most of all, Sully is OK!

His little voice "I'm OK" while I struggled to breath from the airbag punch - will never leave me. 

So thankful for the efficient first responders and for

all the concerned folks who witnessed the event!

We are trying our best to deal with this set-back and with the crush of Christmas

that is upon us.

I pray for patience as we deal with all the aftermath.

The Good Lord has protected us and I must carry on with hope and faith

that all will be OK.

I humbly write this, not for your sympathy, just to recognize another event

and gratefulness on this life journey.

Till next time ... I will be holding my family just a bit tighter this year! 

Update:

Christmas was spent with those I love and

arrangements are being made for a replacement vehicle.

Happy New Year to all my dear readers!

Rosella

Hope for the Season

 

First Snow!

November 14-16 held some "bench visits" with the Leis family,

to commemorate that day/week 3 years ago!

We miss him so deeply!

and a tombstone decoration was put in place...

... with me still trying hard to gracefully accept this sorrowful day!

Today is Sunday, December 1. The advent candle has been lit, 

giving much hope for the coming season and the joy of Christmas.

So thankful for "unto us a child is born"

The best kind of hope.

The decorating has begun, bit by bit and our first family gathering with my siblings

and much loved inlaws, gives me a warm kind of hope.

Love this bunch!

We don't gather often but when we have the chance it is so very meaningful.

All were able to come in spite of the weather being frightful!

We missed one sister and BIL who live too far away in the great white North to be able to come.

We managed to do a facetime with them, however, and sang Happy Birthday to the one

turning 75 today!

It also helped give me the "push" I needed to set up the wee tree

(on wheels, as my brother noted) for a time together at my house, apres dinner.

Has your decorating begun or been completed?

How are your Christmas plans and hopes for the season shaping up?

I have been practicing each morning to make a design

on my morning latte coffee.

It's not going well.

So far I have a tree, sort of a heart,

and an angel I think (that was supposed to be a tree).

I admire the baristas that can create their beautiful designs and make it look so easy!

Endless online tutorials just don't seem to help me.

But, I do love my morning coffee non-the-less.

Till next time ... stop to smell the coffee and may you feel hopeful and joy with the anticipation for this most holy season.

Full and Wonderfull!!

 Almost two months has gone by since posting

and also since reading other posts!

September and October have been full and wonderfull indeed!

The back yard has gone from this:

To this: 

 

So very many things have transpired.

I write this, dear readers, as a journal for myself as well.

I don't want to forget what a whirlwind it's been.

The pictures on my iPhone help me to remember.

Do you take lots and lots of pictures but don't print any?

I am becoming so aware of this and need to do better.

Two full moons and many, many glorious sunrises have been 

admired these last couple of months...

The annual visit from dear Kentucky friends Debi and Larry started off the month of September properly.

We had a nice "reunion" and time together along with our friends Jan and Dave.

Always a special time ...

We hiked to "Jim's" bench on the G2G trail

Sporting our newly crafted necklaces. Friends forever!

A quick dash to Northern Ontario (8-9 hours North from home)

with close to 50 folks was an informative and historical moment for many!

We travelled to Montreal River, which is about 1 hour North of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario,

to install a historical plaque commemorating the

Conscientious Objectors from our area during WWII, 1941-43

So many family stories and memories shared during this interesting project.

You can read more about it on this link:

https://mhso.org/content/montreal-river-historic-plaque

The quilt for our church's 75th anniversary was completed

and quilted just in time - whew!

The actual Anniversary weekend was full and so meaningfull

with displays in the church's foyer, a Saturday night Hymn Sing followed by cheesecake dessert,

a special Sunday morning service followed by a potluck FEAST!

It was humbling to be part of this very special event.

Wish you could hear the harmony!!

A bus tour to Lancaster, PA with some friends, came on the heels of the anniversary.

Off we went, me with a good case of laryngitis after all that singing and celebrating,

The weather was picture perfect.

We visited Lancaster's colourful downtown farmer's market,

the replica of a Tabernacle,

Hershey's Chocolate World,

Longwood gardens, and last but not least,

the famous Sight and Sound Theatre to see the spectacular production of Daniel!

My first time to Sight and Sound. Have you been there?

My favourite cookbooks (MGCC) at the tabernacle bookstore!

I soon got my voice back followed by a rough cough.

I guess it's all going around again these days?

Am feeling much better and as I write this am preparing a "better late, than never"

Thanksgiving dinner for my wee family.

SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!!

Till next time ... enjoy these last full days of October. Stop and savour the aromas of Fall.

My heart is FULL