Here's a Low-cal Sweet Treat

Hi: Here's a sweet picture for y'all to smile at.
I'm not up to much today, but thought I'd let my 'Village' friends know that I'm alive and kicking (not high kicks so much as kick the can type ).
I've been away from home and staying over at my Heartfamily's home while dad was away in Vancouver on business- to do with the Olympics coming next year.  Things are still a little sketchy for mom, but the children are okay.  I'll be back to their home during the day again next week.  This may go on for another couple of weeks, until mom gets more confidence in herself and her abilities to be the mom she wants to be.
My mom is still in hospital in Toronto, awaiting a place in a full care facility.  I haven't been able to visit her this last week due to the above commitment.  I'm planning to visit her this coming weekend.  Sadly, she will be having her 93rd birthday in hospital.  Not ideal, but she is getting the care she needs and we could not provide while she was at home.  My sister, brother and I will make the birthday celebration the we can  for her.  I bought one of those musical birthday cards that can also hold a personal message, so that could give her a smile, I hope.   As for a cake, I will  get some really pretty cupcakes at the bakery which would be easier to take into the hospital and to distribute to the Birthday Merry Makers.  Sis has a birthday two days before Mom, so we'll  sing Happy Birthday to her too.
So, that's all the news that's fit to print from up here in The Great White North. Hope everyone has a great week.  Muuuwaaaaah!  (that's a great big Dinah Shore goodbye kiss!)

Gotta Keep Those Feets Movin'

Yep, I've been moving those pretty little feets alright!  This past week I've been dividing my time between two houses; my daughter's and my heart family.  It's a great feeling to be needed and I was this past week! My daughter was away on a much needed vacation, so I got to spend time with my 13 year old granddaughter.  She is such a sweet girl.  We went to the Mall on Sunday and bought her some new clothes for school.  We laughed, talked and shopped--my idea of good times.  Reminded me of when I would shop with my girls when they were in their teen years.
My heart family's Mom is on the mend and home for the weekend. She will probably come home to stay by next Tuesday.  I will be getting the kiddos off to school on my own on Monday and the rest of the week we'll work together to take care of the children and the house.  So, I guess I'll be busy next week too.  That's fine with me.  I don't like having too much time on my hands.  So long for now.
Oh, words for the day:  Whatever task you think you should do....do it as soon as possible.  Because if you leave it for later (read procrastinate) as sure as the sun rises, you will not have the time to do it later and you will regret it.

I'm Still Here

Hi to all my friends.  I have been away from my computer  and my house for awhile and will return home by Sunday.  I'm using my daughter's  PC right now.

I've been dividing my time between my Mom (who's in hospital--soon to be in a full care facility), my grandaughter (who's Mom is on vacation), my 'other' family ( who's Mom is ill again--but on the mend).  More details when my life gets back to normal--whatever that is!

Hope y'all are enjoying this super great September weather.   Take care and stay healthy. <3

Busy Days

Hi Folks: Wow!  Did the summer holidays go by fast!  I hope everyone that acknowledges Labour Day had a great long weekend.  The weather up here in the Great White North has been perfect for getting outdoors and enjoying all that Nature provides.

I have been busy these last weeks.  My Mom has been in hospital, due to a fall that fractured her osteoporitic hip, the Mom of the family that I help take of has not fully recovered and still needs my help, my house and garden need some looking after and on and on.  I think those of you with children still in school have been busy as well.  It's good to be busy, especially with the people you care about.  I'm trying to keep up with everything, but my posting has suffered.  My posting should pick up now that I've got a few things done. 
Now, off to bed and look forward to another great day.

I'M BAAAAAACK!

Some pictures of my family at the Beach. I had a great time. Lots of sun, sand, good eats and even a little wine. The little gazebo you see beside two of my girls (daughter and daughter-in-law) was my station when I sat on the beach. I'm not one to sit and bake in the sun, although I enjoy the ambience of it all. By the way, those two girls are always making me laugh at their antics. Some of the things they've got up to since they met, you wouldn't believe!

It's taken me a few weeks to get back into the ol' routine. It's been a busy time and although I wanted to start posting, my brain wasn't co-operating. I'm still processing some of the events concerning two of my friends.
My 'adopted' family is still going through some difficult times, but Mom is back home and we all want her to get better. I was there at their home again, helping to take care of the children and the house this past week. My dearest wish is that soon the family will be whole and they won't need me as much. I will still be involved, as a surrogate G'ma, and that will be fine for me.

The friend that got ill while we were in Virginia is now back home and has 9 hours a day of home care set up, courtesy of our mutual friend. Mutual friend has worked very hard and taken time away from her family and other obligations to help her, as have I. I'm in a dilemma with the friend who is ill, because of her attitude and actions regarding her recuperation. It's been almost 4 months and I am, truthfully, drained by the demands she puts on our friendship. I've pulled away a bit so that I can get some perspective on the situation. I'm sure it will get resolved with time, patience and prayer.
Bye for now, keep well. <3

I'm Still Here

Just a short post to let my friends know I'm ok and keeping my head above water. I've been occupied and preoccupied for the last few weeks. I have some catching up to do reading all my friends' posts and I will be back up to speed by the weekend. Hope everyone is well and happy. Watch for an update this weekend, folks! <3 XO

Family

I'm baaaack! But not to stay; I'm off to my daughter and son-in-law's cottage on Georgian Bay tomorrow.
I haven't kept the blog up to date as I have been very busy taking care of my other family.
A bit of history: A little more than 5 years ago I connected with a family with a 3 month old baby girl who's mom was having postpartum difficulties, compounded with a blood disorder that left her unable to cope with her new baby and her 8 year old son. They needed a Nanny/Housekeeper. That was right up my alley, as they say. I was at loose ends, having recently retired and missing my busy life. Well, a proposed six month position became 4 years and we became 'family' to each other. For the last year or so we've visited and I've "babysat" the kids. Last Saturday, mom became ill again and had to be hospitalized. She will likely be there for at least another 6 weeks. Well, Marlene to the rescue and so, I've been putting in 10 hour days taking care of the children, catching up on the household chores, etc. It's actually been quite a lot of fun for me. I'll be going back there in 2 weeks, as in the meantime Dad and the kids have a trip out west to Calgary for 2 weeks that's been planned for a year. Even though Mom can't go she wants them to see their Grandmothers, Aunts, Uncles and cousins while she recovers in hospital.
Tomorrow I will be leaving for the beach, sun and sand and so I will not be posting for a week. So, I wish all my friends a great week, with lots of love and fun along with sunshine and lollipops!
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My thoughts on the past week: Place a great value on your health, physical and mental. Do everything you need to do to keep healthy. Good health is priceless. It's a gift you give to yourself and those who love you. <3 <3 <3