Mid Summer

Mid-Summer 2026

 Where did June and July go?

Where did my chutzpah go?

Seems impossible that the time has passed so very quickly these last 2 months.

Only a few sprinklings of pictures help to tell the story ...

One cygnet was hatched ...

But not the other one!

A backyard Paella Party

to celebrate some 

milestones!

So much fun and so delicious.

And then a jamming party ...

Ontario Strawberries were exceptional this year.

Hilda's Asian Chicken Salad and asparagus salad!

I could eat this on repeat.

Our quilt club took on a huge project.

One of the members passed away recently and left boxes and boxes of

fabric and all things quilting.

Some members decided to create a quilting "garage sale" with

all the proceeds to be donated to the hospice in

her honour.

The sale raised over $7,000.

In the midst of this material, a beautiful unfinished wall hanging was

discovered - pieced entirely from colourful silk fabric.

I couldn't resist to purchase and finish it.

It now hangs in it's perfect intentional spot!

Meanwhile Summer 2026 has begun and is in fact in

full swing ...

Fun times with my grandchildren.

Including breakfast on the roof top ...

FIFA watch party in the barn with relatives from Argentina.

Guess who we cheered for?

Orange smoky skies from the Northern fires ...

She turned 11 and only one measly picture of her ice-cream cake!!

My sweet Noa ... you are a blessing to me in every way.

I love you and pray that you will continue growing into a kind and beautiful

young lady (just don't grow so fast)!!!

Our attempt at making sun prints with very little to no sun.

Have you ever tried this?

It was fun ...

Quality time with Ruth and Ruby!!!

(and with Ruby's whole gang from Argentina).

Such a privilege and rare opportunity.

In the meantime ...

With a new Air Conditioner installed,

door lock pads repaired,

outside water tap repaired, 

we welcome August.

Please slow down dear summer of 2026.

Bring back some energy and chutzpah ...

Till next time ... enjoy the remaining summer "daze". These are the times to make memories.

Seasons

 It's been a very long while since my last post!

The seasons have already changed from hot summer

to sciffs of snow and freezing temperatures.

I must make a few "quick notes" before the fast approaching Winter season is here.

First and foremost, today is my daughter's 42nd birthday!!

She is the one and only that has made me a mom and also gifted

our family with a wonderful son-in-law and 2 beautiful grandchildren.

Love you to the moon and back Becky!

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

And God is the one who has made it so.

He has made everything beautiful in its time."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

These verses have been very poignant to me of late ...

Since mid-August my "seasons" have changed a few times

and with much thankfulness I actually look forward to the 

seasons to come. 

Fall pickling, relishing and preserving happened ...

Sleepovers and fun with the grandchildren ...

Swimming, exploring, crafting and homemade ice-cream ... just to mention a few

fun summer things we did!

Those hot summer months flew by and before we knew it,

school was back in session.

Then a marvelous thing happened, just a few months after experiencing 

a wonderfilled tour with former colleagues to Europe, celebrating 500 years of Anabaptism,

I found myself going back across "the pond" to France and Germany

with a dear, new found, old friend.

I couldn't find a reason to refuse this invitation.

This was a perfect chance for us to get to know each other and to 

experience where he had studied in his early youth

as a professional bass-baritone singer!!

We visited some of his old friends and places he had lived 

but also discovered some new, to both of us, quaint and unforgettable

towns and regions.

The cathedral in Koln brought new wonder-meant as we attended a Sunday

morning mass and discovered the surrounding streets!

Most impressive cathedral I've ever seen!

We discovered ancient amphitheaters in Lyon,

ate traditional escargot in Dijon, and

frog legs (delicious) in the Beaujolaise region,

where we visited dear friends in Pommier and even played

crokinole with them one evening!

From France we did extensive travel in Germany ...

So many castles, colourful vineyards, delicious foods, markets, fountains, wines, German beers,

 friends, and speeding along the autobahns and many secondary roads

 to incredible places, sites,

 and discoveries!

It is impossible to capture all the emotions and beauty

we found and also the friendship we felt and are 

cherishing still!

He speaks fluent French and German which also was a huge bonus!

My "season to mourn" has new meaning and much hope.

Quilts were finished in the nick of time to present to

two wonderful young actresses who were cast in

this season's production of Annie at 

the Stratford Festival.

Congratulations to Olivia and Hazel (and their amazing moms)

for doing such a tremendous job this season.

It has been my pleasure getting to know you all and hosting you

sometimes in my home when the travelling was just too hectic for you!

I had so much fun making these quilts with swatches of fabric used 

for your costumes.

I will never forget this amazing troupe!

The days have shortened and the joyful season of Christmas is just around

the corner.

The house is "almost" decorated and the baking has "almost" begun!

Let us not forget,

the precious gift of Christ being born is the reason for this Season!

Till next time, slow down and enjoy this Season you find yourself in! 

Thank you Daniel!

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!

Fall-ing

 Is it "fall-ing" where you are?

I always forget how much I love this time of year!

Near perfect warm days

Evening Golden hours

Long shadows

Cool, open the windows, nights

"Sweater Weather"

No need for air conditioning nor for heating - perfection!

There were some end of Summer shanigans ...

Times spent in the park...

Some new decor - mirror finally...

Some sour dough baking and gifting ...

And suddenly it was "back to school" for these two cuties ...

My September calendar has exploded with meetings, some theatre,

coffee times with friends, sleep overs, a quick bus trip North, and summer

guests from Kentucky.

More details to follow on all these upcoming events as they unfold.

One cannot say I am not keeping busy - perhaps too much so?

Stay well my dear readers ...

Till next time ...  stop to enjoy these wonderfilled last days of our summer.