My trip

Tomorrow I'll be going on a trip to North Carolina to see the kids Paul, Jennifer and their little ones. I'll be back next Tuesday since I don't like to leave my sweetheart alone for too long.

They are looking forward to it especially the girls. We see them regularly on the web cam. Sammie who is eight has her own computer and dials in almost every day (when she notices that I am on line). I always tell her how pretty she looks, then she'll throw her hair backwards, that means:...Yes I know!!!!!!

Eliana who is three, feels the need to tell Opa how much she misses him, that is so endearing!

I have been taking it really easy to nurse my back to normal, no exercises and I stopped the walking. It has been almost four weeks since my fall. I am not really looking forward to the sitting in the plane and during my three hour lay over.

Ted and I both got our H1N1 flu shot yesterday. We went to a church, which held a clinic, there was no line up but it still took us about an hour. They keep you for 15 min for observation as well.

I will post a couple of lines when I am away and afterwards some pictures, taking our camera along of course.

Get a haircut

There we were, in the middle of a statewide meeting for ministry leaders when the pastor of a large church leaned over and said to me, “You know, Joe, your hair is too long for you to be able to sing in my choir!”

Can you say with me, what!

Read on....http://www.rbc.org/bible-study/strength-for-the-journey/daily-strength.aspx

Something to think about!!

Math Is Not Hard: A Simple Method That Is Changing The World

"Math is the easiest subject for kids to learn."

Say what?

Yup, that's what John Mighton believes. And he's got everything he needs to back up this counter-intuitive assertion.

Let's start with the commonly-held view..........

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julia-moulden/math-is-not-hard-a-simple_b_331878.html

Take a look!

With Ted being very unstable on his legs and me after my fall, we both had a very difficult time getting up and down the steps without a rail. The one I fell off/on/from! (Whatever!)

So we mentioned this to Ron, (our handy man). He happened to have a white steel railing in his garage. He painted it brown came over with a drill, screws etc, and voila, a very happy Mom and Dad

Thank you Ron for doing that for us. Thank you Lynne for allowing your husband to leave you on your Saturday family day.

It is perfect!

Hekkie is a Dutch name!

Swimming Lessons

Yesterday Ted and I went to the pool to watch the boys taking swimming lessons.

(the boys both wear goggles)

Above Hudson can hardly wait for his turn!

Evan has this perpetual smile

If only I could swim to the other side!

Finally Alyssa.....I wish!!!!!

Can you sing?

Is there anybody who can sing "Oh Canada!"

But only using the words: "Back, bum and hurts?"

Then you are singing about me, so thanks!

Comforting song after loosing a loved one!

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

My family in 1948

Glasses

Today Ted and I shopped around for glasses. He finally got his prescription.

Sorry to say that some places do not give service. You are basically on your own, or you are being rushed as soon as they find out you want a Cadillac for the price of a VW.

We went back to the place where I had my eyes examined. With Ted also needing computer glasses, we had too many questions, so the sales lady asked the manager/owner to look after us. It was actually very busy in that place.

I still had my heart set on a Sarah Palin style frame. (Hoping her looks will somehow be imparted to me). So I asked him about them. He showed me a couple of his Sarah Palin look-a-like's. Mmmm, I said very carefully: "I think her temples are different though. Off we went to the computer to find Sarah Palin. Actually it was kinda hilarious. I know she wears different styles. But the one she wore during the Presidential campaign sells like hotcakes.

Here I was with my retirement income, looking at frames $450.00. and up. If these were look-a-likes, how much are the originals?

I thought who am I kidding, I said to him for that price aren't they, a humm... a bit flimsy? I was able to say that because he was just that kinda guy. He answered: "We are not in the tractor business!" (Thinking , for that price, I might be able to get a second hand tractor) I just started laughing and said: "You are funny aren't you!" He replied: "I like you because you laugh about my jokes!" Ted said: "May be now we get a good discount!"

He, Marc, helped me to compromise and I am very happy with my choice!

He was just such a great guy, explaining all the latest in lenses, the pros and cons. Yet he was not influencing us to buy top of the line. All the while we were teasing him and vise versa.

After Ted told him we have been married for almost 50 years, Marc, told us he and his wife have known each other since they were 12, got married when they were 20. That was 30 years ago, that is amazing. Now his wife has breast cancer. Of course we told him that both of us are cancer free. There is hope with God and he believes that too he was very positive. Than the conversation drifted towards church etc. (All the while he was measuring our eyes and doing his stuff). So we had a lot in common. We promised to pray for his wife (Clare).

I have to say, that was the best sales person we have ever dealt with. We were there for almost three hours. He discovered that my present lenses were not made right (WalMart), no wonder I was having problems. I actually blamed it on the optometrist.I went back to him, he told me after re-examining me that the prescription was correct.

I would just highly recommend that place "Special Eyes Vision Centre", 620 Leila Ave. Everybody is ever so friendly!

Manager: Marc Sylvestre

Ouch! cont...

Yep, I am still experience the effect of that nasty fall two+ weeks ago.

I have always boasted to the fact that I never have back problems. I can rake our whole lawn, no sweat! I can do exercises, bent over, clean the floor, you name it.

Last week, 10 days after my fall I thought, what I need is some movement. I am getting way out of shape!!

So I raked the lawn front, side and back of the house. Used my exercise ball and I did all my other daily regiments. I went for my half hour walks (yes I was in constant pain) Until I began to get muscle spasms. With other words all those activities were not helpful at all because on Saturday I was on the couch all day. On top of that the Ibuprofen the doctor prescribed started to give me severe stomach problems. (She had warned me that could happen!)

So now I am nursing myself with Tylenol, heat and taking it easy, you could say I learned my lesson! I guess I have to admit that at my age, healing takes a bit longer.

So like Ted always says: "This is my story and I am sticking to it!"

Do you have a question?

Cha Cha has the answer

http://www.chacha.com/

My first Halloween

I came to Canada April 20 1960 (married May 20).

We moved into a fourplex early fall and lived on the second floor.

On October 31st our doorbell rang so I went downstairs opened the door and saw some kids with masks calling out something about apples (I had no idea what they were saying).

I looked at them and asked: "What you want?" (In broken English) They repeated the apple whatever, but now added candies.

They opened a couple of white pillow cases and tried to explain to me they wanted candies.

I thought what in the world, it can't get any crazier here in Canada: "Candies? You no need candies, you enough, go home!"

I shut the door and marched back up the stairs and said to Ted in Dutch, what I thought of those brats coming to our door begging for candies while that pillowcase was one third full.

"Oh yes it is Halloween to night, kids go from door to door", he said.

Some quotes from Ted's book

Faith is given by God

but doubts are learned!

**********

The measure of your faith is

the measure of the awareness

of the presence of Jesus in you

**********

Praise is the language of faith!

**********

The ones who have all the answers,

do not fully understand the problem.

**********

Allow every decision

an incubation period.

Us

This afternoon we were driving in the car, me wearing my new "Sarah Palin 8001 designer" glasses.

I said: "I am not happy with them, they seem crooked."

Ted said: "at least that is what I thought he said, "Sweetheart call these people up and tell them you can't see your husband." I looked at him, thought for a minute, what? Can't see my husband? (Thinking they are not that bad).

Ted: "No, no, I said they need some adjustment!"

Funny

Ouch!

Yep, that's right.

Last Friday I fell with my behind on the cement steps going down. The trouble with cement it does not give and according to the doctor me not having enough padding well not a good combination!

Yesterday I had X-Rays taken, fortunately nothing is broken, but I do have a lot of pain.

Paul told me: "Mom you need more "junk in your trunk", like some of the women here in the South. Than at least when you fall, you'll bounce right back up!"

I said: "Paul I don't think you want your mother looking like that! Hahaha!

With all this pain I have been taking it easy. Sitting, especially reclining hurts like the dickens.

Anyways, I thought you'd like to know!

Yes I am looking for new glasses. I have ordered a pair but because of the popularity of the style they had to reorder. I bought them in the US. If it takes any longer I will buy them when I go South to North Carolina, which will be the end of this month.

What Do Your Glasses Say About You?

By Jackie Burns, MSN Shopping Contributor

Our eyewear can make just as much of a statement as our clothing and the glasses we choose can often be used strategically in our particular line of work. Jenny Harvey, communications manager atClearly Contacts, offers up her picks for the perfect peepers based on your chosen profession.

Teachers & Professors: Those who guide their flock each day should gravitate towards glasses that are strong, clever and safe. You want to keep the kids in line but also show that you are youthful and hip. Jenny's pick: Strong, confident lines like the ones on these sporty but classic Nike 7004 frames help to make sure the kids know who is boss while still allowing you to keep up with the trends.

Librarian & Literary Types: You live to read and are well educated and as such your glasses style combines sophistication with responsibility. Jenny's pick: These Kate Spade beauties are just the thing for you literary lovers.

Entertainment Industry: Making your living within the arts community means you need to be funky and original and glasses are a key accessory which can set you apart.Jenny's pick: These Diesel 0069 frames will really make a mark; the bright color, funky design and “look at me” detailing all add to the fun, fashionable vibe.

Fashion Circles: You live fashion, breathe it, sleep it and wear it on your face. Since people look to you for the latest trends, you need to take your role model status seriously, especially when it comes to your glasses. Jenny's pick: These frames include a number of the seasons’ hottest features in one frame; they are grey, square-shaped and oversized.

Lots of Letters After Your Name: Whether you have an M.D, Ph.D, or an honorary degree, it's almost always been about function over fashion when it comes to your eyewear. Good news - you can have both! Jenny's pick: Kam Dhillon 3001 with its clean lines, light weight and smart appeal is just what the doctor ordered.

Bay St. Types: When it comes to big money, it's all about looking the part. A designer suit and a knockout watch are givens, but you can't dismiss the importance of a pair of expensive looking glasses. Jenny's pick: Gucci, Prada and Hugo Boss are the staples. Clean lines, no nonsense rectangular shape and strong thick arms exude power. Hugo Boss 44 is money in the bank.

Related links:

• What message are your clothes sending?
• Cat-eye glasses are making a comeback
• Expect wave of Harry Potter inspired glasses

Posted at 01:04 PM in Clothing & Shoes, Jackie Burns | Permalink

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