Enjoy, Breathe, Smile

We have had a busy week with volunteering, meetings and appointments but today was totally free.  It was a beautiful warm day….warm enough for a motorcycle ride.  I packed a few snacks and even made tea to carry and we were off.  We arrived at Sharbot Lake beach and set up for lunch/tea time.  We were entertained by two people with their two dogs swimming.  We were not tempted to even feel the water but they didn’t seem to mind the temperature too much.

After our little picnic, we headed north to Bon Echo.  For some reason this is the place where I can breathe deeper, smile more and enjoy the moments that I am there.  We went for a walk along the water and of course to the narrows.

Strolling through the campgrounds, we checked out the yurts.  It is a pretty nice way to camp.  There were still some campers around but much quieter than the last time we were at the park.  We had another snack and finished the tea at the main beach before heading home.

I love these September days….enjoying the moments, breathing deeper and smiling more.

A Suspension Bridge!

After what seemed like a busy week for two retired grandparents, we had a day with nothing on the calendar.  Sarah strolled off to the bus and I cut Ron’s hair.  Once that was done, it was time to decide how we would fill the day.  The morning was cool so we decided the motorcycle would stay in the garage.  

It was looking like a windy day which meant canoeing was scratched off the list.  We decided to pack a lunch and go for a drive.  We first ended up in Havelock.  Ron’s aunt and uncle use to live there and we drove by their old house.  We then went to the grave yard to clean their stone.  Ron is very good to try and keep family monuments looking cared for.  From there, we drove to Campbelford to do a little walk.

The start of the trail was the hardest for me…I had to walk across a suspension bridge.  For those that know me well, bridges are not my thing.  

We started across and Ron held my hand and tried to walk the right speed (not too fast and definitely not too slow).  I didn’t look left or right and definitely not down.  Three quarters of the way, the wind seemed stronger.  There was a little sway and I felt a panic attack coming.  I couldn’t breathe and looked to the end of the bridge.  A few more steps and tears came.  Why do I get like this?  With only a couple of steps left to go, I thought I was going to be sick.  I finally felt like I could breathe when I stepped off the bridge.  

After a few good breaths, I was ready for our exploring through the trails.  We walked through a campground and came to the river and walked along the shaded path.  

It was a beautiful walk with lots of places to enjoy the views of the river, the lock and the gorge but every step I took I thought about having to cross over the bridge when the hike led us back to where we started.  

When our loop was completed the bridge was the last obstacle for me to do.  

Ron held my hand and we walked steadily across.  I was even able to glance down the River once and see what a beautiful place we were in.  I didn’t stop to take any pictures because I didn’t want the panic feeling to return.  When I made it to the other side I felt much better.  I stepped back to snap one picture.  

From there, we drove to the World’s Finest Chocolate Warehouse only to find a sign on the door to find their goods at a grocery store down town.  Since I had made it alive over the bridge I decided I deserved a treat so we went off to hunt down chocolate. It was disappointing that the warehouse had closed but we were not skunked.

After securing our chocolate stash, we drove down the highway and stopped at Empire Cheese.  For a girl that loves cheese almost as much as she dislikes bridges, I was a happy camper.  

The fridges were neatly lines with so many flavours of cheese.  I chose a couple bricks and Ron grabbed a bag of curd.  The curd did not disappoint.  The ‘squeakiness’ of each bite proved that we got the fresh stuff….so good!

We drove on to Deseronto to have a little visit with one of Ron’s relatives.  Ron had been into the Napanee graveyard where his family history is displayed across the stones.  His great grandparents’ stone had been laying on the ground.  Due to the ground settling over the years it left the monument in need of repair.  

Ron sent messages out to family members and a couple wanted to help with the maintenance and so while we were visiting in Deseronto, this family member gave Ron some money to help get the job done.

We got home after Sarah arrived and she was happy that we hadn’t forgotten about her in our travels.

So what does a retired couple do on a day when there is nothing scheduled….whatever they want (and sometimes things that they don’t want)!

Special Delivery

This morning Purolator arrived at our door.  They required a signature for a parcel.  We weren’t expecting any thing.  The driver said that it was from the RCMP.  Ron opened the package to find his badge encased.  We placed it on the shelf with other memories.  

Sarah and I walked over to the post office to pick up the mail.  She had received a letter.  She now has a picture ID which also makes her a legal driver.

Exciting and interesting deliveries today.

Just Because

This morning I sat down at my desk to do a little bit of work.  I looked at blogs from across the world from the students that I work with.  I sent a quick email to my boss across the province.  Yesterday, I called my parents, talked to my son, received a picture from my daughter and grandson and of course, checked out facebook and instagram.

 I get emails that my fitbit is low in battery, my screen use and all kind of other updates.

It's really crazy how in an instant we can be in contact with people all over the world.  It's all good.  I have mentioned to the students a number of times how it use to be when the missionaries would have to wait for a letter to come in the mail before they could know what was happening at home.  Now, I get an email, facebook or WhatsApp message and can get an answer to them in minutes rather than weeks or months.

You know, it's all good but I still love those moments when I can sit down with someone and enjoy their company.  Ron has the next week off before he leaves for Edmonton and I am looking forward to his company. 

I'm excited about Cheryl coming on Saturday and that we can decorate the house for Christmas, go for walks and enjoy our tea time.  I get so excited when our son comes with his little fur family and nothing is better than a hug from my boy.  I was supposed to be heading to Ontario next week and oh, I would have loved to have shopped with my daughter,

 played with my grandchildren and have tea with my mom and dad.

Yes, technology is good but there is nothing like face to face and that is why I will get ready this morning and walk to church with 50 km gusts of wind instead of sitting at home and watching it via facebook.  So just because you can sit at home and visit with people all around the world, it doesn't always meet it's the best way.

Ten Years!

Ron and I sat in church yesterday.  He turned to me and said "Ten years ago today was my last day of pastoring." 

I remember that Sunday so well.  Our church family in Frankford expressed their love to us and they will always be in our hearts.

How did this whole strange journey start?  That's too long of a story for a blog but 10 years ago our lives changed.  From that handshake in Kingston to welcome Ron into the brotherhood of the Mounties, it's been interesting..

We had to keep the whole process a secret until Ron was accepted because we didn't really know where it would end up.  As the time was getting closer Ron tried to give little hints on the church sign.

Real Christians Must Pray.....RCMP

God Remains Constant....GRC

He's a tricky guy!  When Ron whispered that to me in church, we didn't really have time to think about it because right at that moment the Pastor asked Ron to serve communion.  God is faithful to continue to let us minister in small ways.  We are not full time pastors but our hearts are still for His people and we are eager to serve in whatever way we can.

So in 10 years....Ron has been posted to 5 different postings, he has been promoted from Constable to Corporal.  We have found a church family in each place ...in a Pentecostal church in Swift Current, an Alliance church in Flin Flon, an Evangelical Free in Three Hills and now back to Pentecostal here in Pincher Creek.

10 years!  It came and went so fast.  In the next 10 years we will be deciding on where to retire and will hopefully be sitting somewhere looking at each other and say....20 years ago today was our last day of pastoring, now let's go to church and worship with our church family.  Hmmm....I wonder where that will be?





And Now....

With our anniversary trip behind us, we only had a weekend to prepare for a whole summer to be away from our home.  With Ron being posted to Waterton, we packed the truck to the max and on Monday morning we set off for Pincher Creek.  Ron was on the motorcycle and me in the truck.

When we got to Pincher Creek we checked into our chalet and were pleasantly surprised with the roominess of our summer home.  We unloaded everything and settled into our home away from home.

Ron started working the next day in Waterton.

He saw the effects of last year's fire first hand and saw how the wildlife are returning to the area.  Many of the roads and trails are closed to protect the wildlife and help with the new growth of the forest. 

While he was at work, I got groceries and found places for everything.  On Wednesday, I got to work.  I set up my portable office and got lots done.

We've been doing lots of walks around Pincher Creek when we aren't working to try and get the feel of the community.  There are lots of trees blooming and deer roaming.

On Friday morning, we went for a motorcycle ride to the park so I could see the area.  The fires left their mark.  Half burned trees are left standing with new growth showing the evidence of the area repairing itself.

The missing visitors' office is gone.  I remember last year being here and seeing the big horned sheep relaxing in the lawn.

The beauty of the area is still very real.  The mountains have less trees but the water is just as blue and the grass is vibrant.

 It is a strange feeling sitting here in our little chalet.  Ron is working his last night this set.  Tomorrow we will start our three days off.  We plan to go to church, go for a motorcycle ride into BC and maybe bike in Waterton.  After that, it will be back to work for us.

Being a way for the whole summer is crazy.  It's like we are on holidays, but not.  I miss our friends in Three Hills but I'm thankful that Ron and I can do this adventure together.  If our house sells, we will be living here permanently....and if not, we will be back to Three Hills.  We are leaving all of that in God's hands because He knows best and we will be content with His plan!

A Lonely Week

I hate these weeks.  Ron is gone for a week of training.  I miss him when he is not here.  The days drag by and then it's evening and that is worse.


I'm not entirely alone though.  I am pet sitting for my boy.

They seem to think that I have taken over as the leader of the pack.  Where I go, they come.  We went for a walk out in the back field and while I walked they did hot laps around me, widening their circle each time.  I was thankful that they came back when it was time to come into the house.  After lunch, we all laid down in the bed and I could not move with one on each side of me pinning me under the blankets.

Every once in awhile they get some energy out by running around the house and then stop for a quick tackle.

We've been invited out for supper, the three of us.  This should help them with getting rid of some of their energy by playing with Ace while I visit with Andrew and Brianne.


Meanwhile at the house, Lilly is content wherever she is.  She is the Queen Bee of the troop.

So while I miss Ron, the fur family and I will hang out and then when they leave I will clean the house and go to work.  The week will go by and then I will be happy when the weekend arrives.

Waiting

Life sometimes seems to be all about waiting.  Sometimes it can be exciting like waiting 25 days until a cruise or 2 more sleeps until we go to our boy's house.

Waiting can also be more of dread or even fear, like waiting for results of a medical exam or for me, a procedure that is scheduled in March.

And waiting can be ....well a feeling of uncertainty.  That is how I am feeling right now.  I went for a job interview last week.  The job sounded like a great fit for my strengths.  On one hand I would love to have the call and say that I got the job.  It would mean:  working again, making money and overcoming that feeling that I quit my last job to stay at home.  The other side of me says that I don't really mind staying at home.  I enjoy having the days off with Ron and not working 40 plus hours and then coming home to try and keep house, make meals and do the laundry.

My office in Swift Current

So either way I guess the news will be okay to me.  I wouldn't mind sitting at a desk again and feeling professional.


Getting a paycheque would definitely be a bonus.  (Ron doesn't pay me too well to cook and clean.)


But, if the position should go to someone else then I will be busy planning motorcycle trips all summer long on Ron's days off.


To be continued....

Seize The Day

This past week we went to two concerts.  The first one was Mercy Me.  They are one of my favourite gospel groups.  They are so sincere and SO good.  It was in Calgary and they had the Philharmonic orchestra accompanying them.  Amazing!  The first half was their familiar songs and then they did a Christmas package.  It was great!

Then on Friday night we went to a Brian Doerksen and Carolyn Arends concert right here in Three Hills.  I had been to Brian Doerksen concert once before in Belleville when Ron was at depot and it was so good.  Brian is the worship director at the bible college here and he writes some of the best Christian worship songs.  

Carolyn Arends sang many new Christmas songs but the one song that stuck out that night was "Seize the Day."  I've decided that that is what I want to do.  I know it won't be easy but I want to enjoy the moments.  I don't want to feel guilty for not doing anything when I don't feel like doing anything and I want to make the best of the times throughout my day.

So after coming from church I sit with my tea and homemade jam jam and seize the moment to just enjoy this Christmas season.

Hoping you seize your day!