Old Friend

The daughter of a very important friend of mine recently sent some photo's to me while she was preparing a birthday video for her dad. These photo's were taken more then 30 years ago and provoked a flood of memories. I should put this story into context, the friend of whom I speak is sadly now gone from this earth and even more sadly I was not around when it happened. I spent many years involved with this family and have hundreds of beloved memories with and because of them. The reason that we went our separate ways isn't important anymore (sadly I'm not sure I really remember), what is important is that the girls found me through facebook and reached out and I am very glad that they did. I have known these girls since they were 3 and 5 and they are now young women with families of their own. It was heartbreaking to learn that they lost their mom ( she was an outstanding person in their life) and I was filled with a sense of great loss and sorrow that so much time had passed away from them but particularly the loss of the relationship with their Mom. We were great friends, one of those people who never judged and tried to look for the good in people. A very thoughtful person, on cold winter days she used to warm up the kids clothes in the dryer when they were getting ready for school. I have reflected a great deal since learning of the loss of this person and go forward everyday trying to be a better person in honor of my friendship of this woman. I am including a photo taken 30 years ago (check out the fashion), this was her wedding day and I was pregnant with my first child. Great memory...thank you Jane

Dinner with friends

We all know the experience of the "January deep freeze blues" well I have a suggestion for a temporary reprieve. My husband and I spent last evening with some great friends for a birthday dinner of one of my closest long time friends and her man. The food was great, the company real and genuine, and the creation of many funny moments evolved. I have known this fabulous woman for more then two decades and she never fails to warm me up and light up the room where ever we are. It is very easy to hunker down in the winter and avoid socializing (short days, cold nights, etc.), but take my advice and call up some special friends and get out for dinner and conversation. Last night warmed me up and has me looking forward to the spring.Thank you Mare and Joe and see you in Quebec!!

Pink,blue,pink,blue......doesn't matter we'll love you!!!!!

There is no denying that we live in an age of amazing technological advantage, but when it comes to the development of human life I say very loudly, let it be a surprise. Honestly I am sure we are few and far between that would truly care whether or not our offspring were male or female...

My daughter as I have said is expecting her first child, in fact I posted a note regarding the sex of this tiny bundle and started to refer to the bump as "bean". Well today after ultrasound #2 we have learned that the little button is actually a boy and those two parents without missing a beat welcomed the news and carried on with there day( pretty good indication of what great parents they will be). So I say when it comes to pregnancy and ultrasounds lets use them for collecting information about the health of mon and baby and leave the gender question unanswered until the babe comes into the world.

I am thrilled boy or girl and can't wait to hold this little marvel....so welcome little mister see you soon and by the way Mac is the gaelic word for son.

So.... have I told you how much I hate the cold!!!!!

Ok let's get the obvious comments out of the way, yes it's Canada, it's January and frigid air is normal for this part of the world but I am a warm temperature, sun lover. Winter always finds me buried in books, knitting, cooking and the bedcovers until the first tease of spring begins to arrive. The short days leave me sluggish and bored, however our expected grandchild gives me lots to plan for and look forward to taking my mind off some of the doldrums. We try to plan some short family weekends for outdoor sports and long dinners with friends and family which also helps. Take my advice, read that book that you keep promising to yourself or see a great movie. Get out in the snow (if I can do it you can to). Share some great food with the ones you love and before you know it sping will be here. In my next post I will share some photos of our outdoor fun.


Keep warm and stay busy.......
Bean

The baby bean

For those of you who don't know "bean"is Gaelic for woman and given that my unborn grandchild is female, like her mother and aunt I have taken to calling her the "tiny bean". What a fortunate experience to watch my daughter and her partner embrace pregnancy and parenthood. I am moved by their thoughtfulness and unselfish commitment to their growing child, and can barely contain my excitement (read sometimes out of control) when contemplating this addition to our family.

While it is difficult to be so far away from my daughter, I feel very indulged by these two, who tolerate all my squeals and natter about the tiny bean. We skype and google chat as much as possible and they keep us posted with every visit to the midwife and thoughtfully scan ultrasounds for us to share their magic.

As grandparents, aunts, and uncles we are truly blessed and I am so proud of the parents of this little one. I will keep you posted.


Nanny in waiting........

2009 year of the littlest vegan!!!!!

You just never know where life is going to take you, we can plan to a point but fate and others can often alter the course in ways we never expect. It again has been some time since I sat to put it out there and wow alot has happened. My oldest is still living in Brussels and guess what!!! she is pregnant ( read I am out of control with grandparent excitement). What a feeling to get a telephone call at work from across the ocean to hear these words, "Mom are you sitting down, I'm going to have a baby" Well the screams, tears, and love ensued. Is it hard to have my daughter so far away expecting her first baby? you bet, but at the same time I could not be happier. First and foremost it has been a great adventure for her to move to Europe and learn about herself and secondly we are quite confident that she has met someone that shares her enthusiasm for life and love. So I will go forward in this latest adventure in my new role as Nanny and try not to overstep or fragilize my beautiful daughter. We are all very excited for the newest addition to our family.

Meanwhile back on this side of the ocean the youngest opted to go to school closer to home and has stayed in the nest and is doing very well. Look out for this one world!!! I must admit it is a comfort to have my little home body around and to watch her turn into a independent thinker, she wows me daily. As for my son he is living in Ottawa and also doing well. What lucky parents we are to have such great people for children.

Sadly we lost our 6 yr. old retriever in the fall, completely out of the blue, he became ill and within a week was gone (leukemia). It has been difficult to put this behind us, and my heart is broken particularly for my husband, that dog and he were truly pals. Perhaps with time there will be a new dog in the family but for now we morn the loss of our buddy.

So here I am on Jan. 1 2009, lots has changed and will continue to change. I will try and be more committed to my blog and keep you posted.

Happy New Year!!!!!