Thank you, Ms Adventuress!

A friend recommended a book...several actually.  I had mentioned my concerns about my husband's diet which was based on a high protein/ high fat intake.  He had been on and of this diet for months, and at one point in time, I decided to support him by trying it too.  As before, it makes me deathly ill.  In spite of including salads, I was tremendously constipated and my breath was foul!

The book that MsA recommended was "The China Study."  I actually had this book on a shelf.  I had picked it up when my dad and I attended a vegetarian cooking seminar which was offered by the Seventh Day Adventists in our area.  I did open it but it seemed that it might become a dull read, as it was based on facts....

I have difficulty getting into a book unless it "grabs" me at the start.  Part of this is due to the time I choose to read...which is usually before bed.  This time, I opened the book, and it grabbed me!  The author, T Campbell, presents years of study on diet and nutrition, and the relationship between protein and cancer, in an informative, knowledgeable manner.  The reader is not boggled down by the facts.  His research and  documentation is certainly eye-opening.

I am only 1/3 of the way through this book, and cannot wait to pick it up again.

So, thank you, MsA for recommending this book.  I will recommend it it to my friends and loved ones, too.

Big hugs!

It Must be The Day

I was born in the 50's, but I believe I was present long before that.  Somewhere, somehow I have cell memories of a time before.   These feelings come to realization when I listen to music that was birthed during the war years....and I like to think...when they touch my innermost being....that I travelled with my father, and my mother, and grandparents as they journeyed through those troublesome times.

This morning I entertained my pup with music from "Stardust" as sung by Rod Stewart.   Tinker is deathly afraid of the rain, and storms, and music calms her when nothing else will.  This morning Rod sang "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square."  This is a song that was made famous by Vera Lynn, and  when I play it, I am transported back to visions of departures....but there is more.  This girl who, unfortunately, did not inherit her mom's abilities on dance floor, can suddenly "feel" the music as Mom must have.

It must be the day...or the approaching day of Remembrance.

If you have never heard of Vera Lynn, check out the link below.  She was...and is...quite the lady

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vera_Lynn

Thank you, Vera, for all you did to support the Troops...and thanks for the memories.

Just One of Those Days....

...for hanging inside...and warming your dogs!

Wordless Wednesday....

A Gender Reveal Party

When my daughter went for her last Ultrasound, she asked the technician NOT to tell her the sex of the baby, but to write it down and seal it in an envelope.  That sealed envelope traveled to their local bakery, was opened without revealing the contents to the parents, and a cake was made which was frosted with the colour appropriate icing.  On Sunday, we all arrived at Jamie and Mandi's home to celebrate the outcome of the gender reveal.  Most couples were divided in their guess... but the girl guesses outnumbered the boy guesses.  

The cake was cut.....  We will have another little girl joining the family shortly after her cousin's birth in the new year!  Owen and daddy did not agree on boy or girl, but Owen clapped his hands when it was announced that a little girl would join his family.

Congratulations Mandi and Jamie!  What a wonderful way to celebrate this second birth! 

Thanksgiving Thoughts.

We have had some sad family events in the past few days.  While they do not effect this house directly, we grieve with my son and his wife. for a life ended tragically, and prematurely.

Julia...rest in piece, and know that your children are in good hands.  Their grandparents, auntie and dad will look after them.

This recent event has made me realize that there are no certainties in life.  Your whole world can be turned upside down in the blink of an eye.  I have often heard the expressions..."We are blessed...We are fortunate...You deserve such and such."  I can't agree....  I really believe that a good day is just a lucky day.   After all..why should it be assumed that I am more deserving...more fortunate...more blessed..than the next guy.  It is only luck...a hand that you are dealt at that small moment in time.

I know for a certainty that I will hold my loved ones a little longer...forgive their little imperfections...and spread as much kindness as I can this weekend...and tomorrow,..and all the tomorrows that I have.

 Happy Thanksgiving everyone...  Have a good day....








ly.

What's It All about, Alfie?

What is it all about..this journey of ours?  Is it all about relationships...or is it all about things?  Is it a purposeful journey we are on...or did we just happen here?

What's it all about, Alfie?

I know I don't have any answers.  I seem to bluff my way through life feeling most of the time that I am heading nowhere....paddling a vessel upstream, against a strong current.

At times, I get a glimpse of what seems to be the "right " path.  It feels good.  It does good.  Then there are times when I feel like a ship without a captain....guided by the demands and actions of others that seem to have no better idea of where they are going than I.

What I am sure of, is that my possessions do not make me happy.  (Right now they are making me very unhappy.)  My relationships with others can make me happy...or profoundly sad as...sometimes the ones that should be the closest, end up being the ones that cause the most grief.

So...  I guess there are no "one size fits all" answers.  Each of us will find our own way...our own path.  Along the way we will be touched by many who will play a part in our lives in some way, shape or form.  We will endure the changes and surprises that life has to offer because...we have no other choice.

I guess that the only one thing I can feel pretty sure of is...  just when I think I have IT figured out, I will be proven wrong.