'Parental Guidance' LOL!

Good Afternoon, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

It is a beautiful sunny and warm Saturday; and I really appreciated my morning elixir of coffee outside in our bittidz garden. Our flowers and veggies are reviving mightily in the sunshine and the grass is starting to grow!

Last night, we watched the funny and yet heartfelt movie,'Parental Guidance' wtih Billy Crystal and Bette Midler. The movie touched a tidbitz chord, inasmuch as we are grandparents; and we were brought up with good quality values.

As grandparents, we would like to be more involved in our grandchildrens' lives. However, we have been excluded and 'disenfranchised'; certainly by one of my children. I am welcome apparently; but not Alan. This is sad for me as a wife, mother, and a grandmother. The tidbit thing is, that some family members have not wished to take the time to get to know Alan. We love each other and he makes me happy. Truly, that is what should matter. We are glad for my children, if they are happy with their choices. Basically, if they love each other, treat each other well, that is all that counts.

The grandchildren are fortunate to have 3 sets of grandparents. Their Dad and myself are biological grandparents, and our spouses from our second marriages are the 'step grandparents', if you will. Then there is the other set of biological grandparents.

My other child and his wife are expecting their first baby and perhaps there may be more grandchild interaction there; albeit they have moved and hence are not close by, like the other family. Alan and I would be great grandparents, if given the chance. We were brought up with the 'old school' values and we related to the movie, which was well done. Billy Crystal and Bette Midler were perfect in their roles!

We have tried to work things out with them; however, it would appear that they have attempted to force me to make a choice between them or my husband. Well, if the shoe was on the other foot, I would not ever dream of making them make such divisive choices.

We have been maligned; me to a lesser extent. ie. Last year, at a joyful event of a wonderful celebration, things were distorted, to make Alan look bad. Sadly, it was false witness.

There was another scenario app five months later in our home, and the actions and words made me as a mother, agog and aghast. Believe it or not, I have forgiven and let things go; but I am not prepared to be mistreated any further in the future. This includes not making Alan a continual scapegoat etc.

We are more than 'ready, willing, and able' to move forward to enjoy a relationship with them all. We are not asking for apologies; only to have a genuine understanding to be treated kindly.

Life is too tid short and sadly unbeknownst to them, they are damaging and hurting themselves an awful lot more than they are us. We are in the Book of Life and are in our Christian walk. They are not. THEY KNOW NOT, WHAT THEY DO! We hope and Pray that there will be a greater level of understanding and appreciation moving forward. At present, we have stepped back; and have made the choice to leave it all in God's Hands. May He work His miracles for reconciliation.

Tidbit - It is a fact that God LOVES you. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."

Bittid - Christ says in John 3:3 - "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

To recap a bittid, Alan and I met in June, 2002, and the 12 years have zoomed by. We have noticed that as we become 'younger', the days go by even more quickly. Alan treats me like a 'queen'', and I would hope that single bit factor alone, would be enough to generate a genuine appreciation and a respect for my choice of a spouse.

Due to us; or should I say Alan, not being welcome at this point, we have resorted to mailing our Birthday and Christmas cards, enclosing a bit of money in the greetings to the other set of biological grandparents. They have very kindly passed them on to our grandchildren.

Had to laugh at the 'before and after' family photos on the mantle piece! Those of you, who have seen the movie and 'have been there', can appreciate what I am saying. Am sharing this, in the event there are some of you who may have experienced a similar sadness of this nature. Again, the movie really spoke to me.

If I did not care about my family (which also includes Alan and he feels the same), I would not share this; but because we love them, we beseech them, if nothing else, to 'invite Christ into their hearts.' The Pastors in their ministries, exhort us all, in this regard; so that we have everlasting life in His Kingdom! Plus as you grow in your daily walk in Christ and you Seek Wisdom and Understanding from Him, your life is totally changed for evermore!

Just took this bittid photo of our 'pet' crow, on our flourishing patch of 'green!' Alan is not only a dog, cat, fish whisperer, he is also a 'bird' whisperer. This crow is becoming very tame and I was fortunate to have taken a closeup tidbit picture.

Alan took this photo of our front entrance way, with the wonderfully colourful flowers!

Peace, Love, and God Bless.

Flourishing Blessings!

Good Afternoon, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

Friday / the weekend again. The days are flying by! Glad too, that is the weekend! Sunshine is in the forecast for the next few days, so this will be good for our bittidz garden!

Took 2 tid photos. One of a yellow flower (looks to be an Iris?) that has 'appeared.' We did not know what type of plant or flower this was, as there had been no bit blooms from the rather 'tall' green leaves for the past year or two. The other photo is of the beautiful Peony flower, and it gives off such a wonderful fragrance! With the recent heavy rains, one of the 2 Peony flowers needed to be 'rescued.' Alan picked it for me and put it in our lovely Fenton vase. It is the first time that we have enjoyed the flower, as well as the antique vase.

To recap a bittid, two 'old' good friends took me out for lunch on Wednesday and it was great to see them again. It was as if no time had passed at all between us. Gave them each a tidbitz Braveheart plant, that Alan had grown from germinating seeds. They were thrilled and interestingly enough, they both separately had been looking for a plant that is not only hardy, but beautiful and would spread colourfully throughout their gardens.

We have also been re-establishing tidbit connections from the past; so it has been a good and fruitful week! One of our newer friends, whom we saw yesterday, knows and works with another good friend; so it is, indeed, a small world, methinks!

Tidbit - Appreciate the 'special' moments and Blessings! Be it as in a new sprouting garden growth, or enjoying an old vase, visits with 'old' good friends, rebuilding positive connections, etc!

Bittid - Just know that He Provides, as per His Promise! Psalm 37 in its entireity is empowering. Verse 5 says it in a powerful nutshell! - "Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it!"

The photo image of the purple flower, is a Braveheart; and its flowers are magnificent!

Peace and God Bless.

Have Faith IN Him!

Good Afternoon, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

Received this bittidz from a good and insightful friend and I thought I would share this tidbitz; as it has beautiful thoughts.

1. Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.
2. So why is a car's windshield so large and the rear view mirror so small? Because our past is not as important as our future. So, look ahead and move on.
3. Friendship is like a book. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.
4. All things in life are temporary. If it's going well, enjoy it, that won't last long. If it's going badly, don't worry, that won't last long either.
5. Old friends are gold! New friends are diamond! If you get a diamond, don't forget the gold! Because to hold a diamond, you always need a base of gold!
6. Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, God smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!"
7. When God solves your problems, you have faith in His abilities; when God doesn't solve your problems, He has faith in your abilities.
8. A blind person asked St. Anthony, "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied, "Yes, losing your vision!"
9. When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them; sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.
10. Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace.

Some further bittids of thought.

We are taught to Rely upon Him! We MUST have the enduring Faith IN Him! To be tidbit steadfast IN our Trust that He always Provides a Solution / Resolution. When it appears that He doesn't Answer our Prayers right away or perhaps never, do not ever give up or lose hope. Have all the more FAITH IN Him to Prevail, as per His Promise to us. 'Our Father Knows Best!' Therefore, have the Wisdom and the Understanding, to KNOW that He has not only a better plan for you, but the best plan!

Upon tid reflection, 'the best laid plans of mice and men' can be a Blessing in disguise, when things do not turn out the way you had wished previously. Rather, gratefully look back on what tidbits He HAS Provided you (because of your Faith IN Him) and have the expectant and confident conviction of Faith IN Him to supply the 'unseen.' Be all the ever more resilient and vigilant IN Faith and 'Praise Him in ALL Things!'

In a bittid nutshell, He does NOT want us to Rely upon ourselves; He wants us to always Depend and daily Lean Upon Him IN Trust and IN Faith! When we follow through with those bittids (ie patiently 'wating upon the Lord' - and we have and are always learning from experiences), this is when the tidbits of 'breakthroughs' occur; and He Favours us with awesome Blessings in Abundance! Glory be to Him!

Here are a couple of photos of our beautiful pink Peony Plant. Eventhough it has only 2 bit blooms, we are thankful, as it is the first time it has had flowers! There will be more next year! Another one of His wonderful Creations and Blessings!

Peace and God Bless.

Sow the seeds of 'Grace' to others!

Good Afternoon, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

Yesterday a wonderful friend came over for lunch. She surprised us with a delicious tidbitz picnic of fried chicken, coleslaw, and potato fries. She also brought over some 'bubbly' champagne as an 'aperitif' for she and I; as well as a bottle of white wine to serve with lunch, and some beer for Alan. It had been awhile since we had last seen each other, and we could not believe that five hours flew by so quickly! We barely scratched the bittid surface! I set the table with joy; and one of our many pink Rhodo blooms, was our beautiful centrepiece!

When she left, Alan gave her one of our thriving lettuces (the best one!) and a Braveheart (germinated from seeds) and a cutting of a climbing Clematis. We will also be giving this special friend a cutting of the beautiful yellow Hotei Rhodo and some of the purple Iris' next spring.

We have also enjoyed giving quite a few Bravehearts and bittids of Clematis cuttings away to our neighbours as well. One of our neighbours, 'Uncle Mark' found a small ball on the street, and gave it to Timmie (the agile Jack Russell), who was just thrilled with his new found toy! We have a few plants lined up for that neighbour as well.

Also, yesterday morning, a young couple, who we have become friends with, came by for coffee; and they left with a Braveheart and a Clematis cutting that will help serve as a bittidz background for their patio fence.

The rain has been good for the grass; as well as vividly perking up the colours of all the flowering plants. We have so many Blessings to be thankful for!

This morning I watched 'In Touch Ministries' and listened to the awesome message given by Dr. Charles Stanley - "In the School of Faith, Part 2: Advancing in Faith" and again, he provides such a tremendous teaching. An appreciative and heartfelt Thank you' Dr. Stanley! He has become one of my mentors, that I enjoy listening to; as he is solid.

Also, there are NO bit coincidences. Going back a few years ago, I happened to be checking out various channels on the TV and I came across Dr.Stanley's ministry.
www.intouchministries.org

That was my first introduction to his ministry! His message at the time, was 'When God is Silent.' His message was extremely helpful to me then; and when, he briefly referred to that same sermon today, I leaned yet another tidbit about an 'Answer to Prayer'. ie. 'When God is silent,' that can also mean that He is 'waiting' upon you, to Provide you, with whatever it is, that will Glorify Him. Hence, bringing His Blessings upon you. To understand and absorb these tidbits of wisdom, best if you tune into the empowering message he shares.

Just took these two photos of Timmie and, of our spectactular pink Rhodo!

Pink Rhodo blooms!

In tid closing, sow the seeds of 'Grace' to others! Again, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Peace and God Bless.

Thoughtful Reflections

Good Afternoon, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

It is pouring with rain and here is hoping that the downpour will help and not hinder our attempts with the recently sowed grass seed.

Bella went home last night; so it is just Hamish and Timmie. Both are good dogs.

That being said, I have also been in thoughtful reflection.

It is interesting to observe that some people choose to use a variety of host names / handles to link into computers. In my own simple tid way, I am thinking would it not be simpler to just use one handle. But then, perhaps there are privacy issues and so forth.

In today's world, it is a different era, where technologies are taking over etc. Eventhough technology is wonderful (and good on those, who are gifted with being competent with technology) we still prefer the 'old fashioned' tidbitz way of genuine communication; as in eyeball to eyeball. We do not text; and we would rather meet and speak directly, face to face.

However, emails are good; and perform many useful functions. As helpful links / informative tools, facilitating communication, long distance correspondence etc. Also, a casual way of touching bases and at the same time, brief 'snippets.'

I enjoy writing posts / journals. As a youngster, or when I travelled, I always would write a bittidz journal or a 'Dear Diary.' I write posts to uplift others and to also encourage those who have been / are in the midst of life's battles / spiritual challenges.

SIMPLY TURN TO HIM and have the Faith and Trust in Him to always Provide, as per His Promise to us. It may not always be in your desired timing etc; but just know that He always Provides HIS best plan for you. The best thing, therefore, is to just keep on trekking each and every day, with the steadfast focus upon Him; as He IS the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE.

Am remembering too, that when I was a little one, the world was a whole lot safer and in those days, a completely different world; where you did not have to lock your door, neighbours were neighbourly etc. There were no cell phones, no video games, etc to entertain us. An old and successful entrepreneur friend, who was one of my mentors, told me that 'getting down to basics' and 'keeping it simple, stupid' (the K.I.S.S. principle) was / is a helpful piece of tidbit advice.

Alan and I are young 'baby boomers' and we are thankful for the special Blessings that each day brings. We appreciate, and enjoy our neighbours, which also includes ex neighbours, old loyal good friends, and the special new people / friends we have made and continue to meet. There is a thoughtfulness, a caring, a genuine 'down to earth' two way exchange / rapport. We are grateful for our friends and neighbours. "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you" is so very true.

To refer again to the bit dog example, when you treat a dog well; the dog treats you well. As I mentioned, dogs teach us much. We are glad we had dogs as family pets when we were growing up. My parents, as did Alan's parents, gave us an 'old fashioned' upbringing. That showed a bittid of courtesy, politeness, respect, to treat others well, to have ethics, honour, and integrity. Also, to have an appreciative regard for others; and to have an elegant, yet simple way of doing things.

I love this beautiful photo image; very calming, restful and peaceful. May you enjoy a nice weekend.

Peace and God Bless.

Tender Loving Care

Good Morning, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

It would appear Bella is going home today. Hamish is back for a bittidz; and will be returning to his home on Saturday or Sunday. We have Timmie, as of last night and he is here til the 26th or 27th May. He is a wonderfully dispositioned Jack Russell, with 'pinto' dots and spots all over him. Methinks, he would be a great T.V. ad dog; as he has oodles of personality and the tidbitz smarts. They all get along well with each other! It will also be nice to enjoy Timmie for a bit on his own for a day or two.

For whatever tid reason, I thought of the 2 dogs that my parents had, when I was still living at home. One of them was a Black Lab (Painter) and he lived til 22 years of age! Incredible, because he had so many unhealthy habits (over eating, raiding garbage cans etc; yet, he was much loved). My Dad used to enjoy shooting and hunting and he added another dog (Darren, a Wired Haired Pointing Griffon) to the mix. Painter was outstanding; but he was getting on. My Dad's thought being, that young Darren would fill the bittid gap. Well, apparently, that dog scared away more ducks, more pheasants, than you could shake a stick at!

In fact, both dogs had their own dog houses that my Dad built in a little compound for them; as they were at constant consternation with each other. It got to the point where we had to surrrender Darren to a farm, because he was so carefree and almost wild. I think it was the best idea; albeit it took a few years before my Dad made that 'doggone' decision. My Mum was happy to see him go! LOL!

Am sharing this, as I am looking back at the amusing antics of those 2 dogs. They were continually trying to 'one up' each other! I am surprised they ever slept! LOL! Talk about being 'the odd couple.'

Dogs can teach us humans many tidbit things. Patience, some wisdom, understanding, compassion, empathy, joy, humour, etc. Again, if dogs have good owners and are treated well by them, they are good dogs! We are thankful and feel Blessed with having dogs around us. I believe dogs go to Heaven too.

We also have a somewhat tamed crow; and he knows no fear of coming right up to us. Not quite eating out of our hands, but close enough. He tries to mimic us whenever we say 'hello' to him. Very interesting. Plus he 'talks.'

Our garden is thriving and the grass seed is starting to take effect; as in green tids of lawn! Our herbs, spices, and veggies are growing as well and we have enjoyed a bittid of them in our salads, soups, and meals. Very healthy methinks!

Our very good friend is coming over this Saturday with a picnic lunch; and it will be fun to see her. Next week, two other 'old' friends are taking me out for lunch. More special Blessings abound!

The days go by quickly; and we are making the best of each and every day! We recently were in touch with some of our ex neighbours, and they are planning to come out here in a group, for a visit. We may do a fun 'potluck' gathering! It will be, as if there have been no bits of time gone by, since we last all saw each other.

Tidbit - Wake up with a joyful and postive attitude; it is amazing how one's outlook / disposition shapes one's day! Wake up with 'an attitude of gratitude' and 'Praise Him in All Things.'

Bittid - Take or 'MAKE time' to Thank Him and to always have HOPE for all things. As in, Mark 11:24 "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you."

Speaking of encouragement, I love this tidbit photo image of a TLC uplift.

Peace and God Bless.

Embrace your life joyfully!

Good Morning or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

It has been eleven days since I last wrote a tidbitz post. It does not feel like that! We have had a lot on the go and I will recap as best as I can.

We have Bella still, and she will be going home at the latter end of next week. She is the Pomeranian. This morning I gave her a bath and she did not seem to mind it a bit. Then I used my blow dryer and she appeared to love that as well. Methinks she is used to the routine. When she came to us, she smelled like a lovely fragrant rose; so she must have been freshly washed and 'coiffed.' She has lots of hair and we have had to clip a bittidz of it away as it is not the best when she has to do her 'business' (or 'oblutions' a tid made up word! Sounds good though. LOL!), shall we diplomatically say. Apart from me, I can tell she feels much better! LOL! She is now happily stretched out on the sofa!

Hamish the wee Scottish laddie, (the Shitzu) is coming here this am to spend the Victoria Day Long Weekend with us. He and Bella get along really well. Quite cute to see them run, play, and scamper about together.

We have had mixed tids of weather; however no complaints. This morning it is overcast and cool. Black clouds threatening to drop rain any bittid second. The forecast is for rain this weekend; and it will help our newly planted grass seed and peat moss grow, as well as a refreshing and cooling relief to all the plants. Our garden is thriving and we are appreciatively enjoying all the blooms and the continual budding of new life all around us.

One of our neighbours is expecting and after four years, they are on their way to becoming parents early next year. My son and his wife are also expecting their first (which means I am a 'Grandma' of yet another precious little soul) and their birthdays, and mine, and the little one to be, all have our birthdays in the same month, as it happens. So cheers with my coffee cup to rebirth, new life. Again each and every day is a precious tidbit gift!

The same neighbour who is expecting, recently gave us a beautiful lavender plant and it is awesome, with such a wonderful smell. The whole garden is buzzing alive with proactive life!

Today, May 17th, is the Norwegian National celebration; like our Canada Day, that we celebrate on July 1st. I remember my Dad (Norwegian) telling me interesting stories about how they partook in their National parade / event. He also used to love to garden and very often, combined with his Faith, the puttering in the garden was a 'Godsend' that kept him focused with a calm and steadfast purpose. He fought the good fight daily.

Have been in touch with a number of friends and family this past week and it has been great to get caught up on various bits of their lives. We have had a lot going on. Again, appreciative for what He teaches me and what my Dad taught me.

The other day an older lady was walking by and all of a sudden, she grabbed her heart and was waving frantically to me. I have seen her before but she looked to be in a real panic. She could not speak English and the long and tid short of it is, she needed a paper bag to help her breathe. Fortunately, we had one handy, and Thank God! Also, Alan gave her a bit of Vicks to help her breathe a little more comfortably. We are now saving all our paper bags, should that emergency arise again.

Tidbit - Be a daily Blessing to others. When you encourage and uplift others with a smile, a kind word, and / or a random act of kindness, it is amazing what transpires!

Bittid - Any sadness, disappointments etc, turn them around; and throw your shoulders back and be of a joyful countenance; being genuinely grateful for your Blessings. This also 'infects' others!

Here are 2 photos I took a day or so ago. One of our flourishing garden and the other of Bella.

Peace and God Bless.

EACH DAY is a GIFT!

Good Afternoon, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

Mixed tid bag of weather here. Sunshine, warm temperatures like Summer; and then a boomerang to pouring rain, along with cooler temperatures, that do not feel like Spring. However, no complaints compared to so many other parts of the world. Right now, it is sunny; but with black clouds hovering in the nearby distance.

Last night, our neighbour brought us over a wonderful dessert he made and when we return the container, Alan will give him a jar of his homemade soup. The soup just gets better and better! Lots of veggies and healthy ingredients! Alan's soup is a delicious and nutritious meal!

Three of the dogs have returned home and we just have one little one left in our care. Each dog was appreciated; however, it will be nice to spend a bit of time with this wee one, 'Bella', the Pomeranian, that you see in the photo.

Mother's Day is coming up; and I can not believe that our 'Mums' have been gone from us for so long. In my May 3rd post: It is the INSIDE character, that matters most to God! to quote myself: "Mother's Day is coming up and we say 'Happy Mother's Day' to my childrens' grandmother, as well as to my Mum, and to Alan's Mum. Sadly, they are no longer with us; but we remember them with love, in spirit. They were all lovely women".

To clarify 'lovely women', I am referring to my childrens' two Grandmothers, as well as Alan's Mum. The 2 Grandmothers passed away in 2005 and Alan's Mum in 2008. They were all Blessed with unique and special gifts as 'mothers' and 'grandmothers.'

When it is Father's Day, I will make reference also, to the two Grandfathers, who passed away in the years 1998 and 2012. Alan's Dad is joyfully still living (he has dementia; but he is in his second childhood; and good on him!); and it is nice we can get together with him and Alan's brother every so bittidz often.

This past Sunday, I was watching some of the ministerial programs; and I am heartily appreciative for Joel Osteen's inspirational insights, which can be seen on the following video. 'Redeem the Time' from Joel Osteen www.joelosteen.com is right on! Much to be learned from his impactful teaching. Thank you, Joel, for these empowering tidbits that offer wonderful encouragement to us all!

Tidbit - I urge you to watch and enjoy Joel's enlightening video of May 4th. http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/joel-osteen-ministries/video-player/redeem-the-time-405683.html

Bittid - Again, Joel's message is very clear. It is extremely worthy of taking a tidbitz of time to hear; as you will receive multitudinous 'pearls of wisdom!' Your life will be changed for the better!

I love the picture also of our beautiful Rhodo that is displaying different bittids of colours! An awesome Creation of Our Heavenly Father! Another majestic Blessing! THANK YOU!

Peace and God Bless.

It is the INSIDE character, that matters most to God!

Good Evening, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

Today it has been raining and quite a bit cooler. It does not feel like Spring even; however, the rain is good for sustaining a green, healthy, thriving, and lush garden. Also, with Alan's fertilizing yesterday, the rain will be most beneficial. I have always loved the special smell of fresh rainfall upon the earth! Am sure you can relate.

It has been a quiet day and I may have mentioned, that I am largely 'self taught' on the computer. I am NOT 'techy'; but I am enthused that I finally have been able to connect my recent garden and doggie pictures to our computer so that I can post them on my blog. It has taken some bittidz 'cartwheels' but I was determined to have the photos added to our computer. 'Come heck, or high water!' as the tid expression goes. Plus, the chip that is in our digital camera, I can delete older pictures, to make space for the new ones! That was a most helpful and prudent tip that I just learned from a camera sales representative. The 'chip' we have, is rather dated; and therefore, is not as readily available in the stores.

Tidbit - Embrace new ideas; yet have the wisdom to consider past merit. Combine the two tidbits of thought, and press forward with CONFIDENT EXPECTANCY and in FAITH that He has an awesome plan for each and every one of us. That was another tidbit of advice, that my Dad shared with me. ALWAYS be expectant! It is only after several years later, that I 'caught the message' of his invaluable words to me. I am thankful, that it is 'better late, than never.'

Bittid - Again, it is in the INSIDE or the heart of a person that matters and COUNTS with Our Father. Neighbours are good; that is, if you genuinely follow the 'Golden Rule' - "Do unto others as you would have them, do unto you."

How about the following two Biblical messages, that no doubt, you have heard quoted often over the years! - "Love one another, as I have loved you." and. "Love thy neighbour as thyself". Those messages are loud and clear and pertain to everyone!

Remember one may think they can fool people, if that is their M.O.; but at the end of the day, one will have to answer to God; because God is NEVER fooled! He will met things out accordingly as to how one has treated others. (that includes not bearing false witness). As my Dad repeatedly said to me, 'Never judge a book by its covers.' Well, when I met Alan, he had a rather long tidbitz 'mane' of hair. Not something I would seek persay; but I heard my Dad's words! I discerned through the 'exterior' very quickly; because I knew Alan's 'interior' - the character of his heart. I have spent almost 12 years with Alan; and to me, he 'is the salt of the earth.' Just like my Dad was to my Mum; which is why my Mum was also able to appreciate and see Alan, for who he is. My Mum had dementia; but in her heart, she knew that Alan was good for me and to me; for all the 'right' reasons. She was genuinely happy for us; because we had 'found each other.'

My Dad and Mum went through their tribulations / experiences with human nature also; but they proved everyone who was agin them, wrong! We are doing the same. Yes, we have our 'trials and tribulations' too (who doesn't?) but we are thankful still to this day, that we met and genuinely fell in love! Methinks that our 'Answer to Prayer' was / is a daily awesome Blessing! Pretty incredible and sparkling, comes to our 'young' minds! A Thank you, to Our Heavenly Father and to my 'earth' Dad.

Tonight, we will be enjoying 'Beef Wellington' from M & M's (received the 'Seniors' discount! LOL!) and with a glass of red wine, we will toast my Dad with a Norwegian 'Absent Friends Skal.' Actually, we will raise our glasses to our parents. Thankful that we had spent time with them; albeit Alan and my Dad never met. I know they would have had a good rapport and been 'good friends.' I am grateful I met and enjoyed some time with Alan's Mum; but I wish there had been more time to know her. She was a truly wonderful human being; and she and Alan were fortunate to have enjoyed an extra special bond; between a mother and son.

Mother's Day is coming up and we say 'Happy Mother's Day' to my childrens' grandmother, as well as to my Mum, and to Alan's Mum. Sadly, they are no longer with us; but we remember them with love, in spirit. They were all lovely women. To all 'Mums' - Grandmothers (and Great G's), Mums, or 'Mums to be' , we wish them all a very special 'Happy Mother's Day!' And, we will say 'Happy Father's Day' at a later date (in June), to all the 'Dads' - Grandfathers (and Great G's), Dads, or 'Dads to be.' for their special Father's Day.

Oh, speaking of 'Dads', we had a really fun visit with Alan's Dad and Alan's brother a few weeks ago. Their Dad will be 94 years young, this month; and his wonderful sense of humour is as strong as ever!

Here are two bittid photos of our rhodos; more to follow another day.

The yellow rhodo is the 'Hotei.' This is the first year (4 or 5 years ago, we bought the 'Hotei' as a small plant) and it is blooming bountifully. The red rhodo was from our previous next door neighbour's; and they gave it to us, because they felt the rhodo was 'on its way out' and perhaps we could 'restore' it. Well, Alan, who has a 'green thumb' (like my Dad) rescued / revived the rhodo; and it is also flourishing in splendid fruition! We refer to that glorious rhodo, as 'Norm's Rhodo' LOL!

Peace, Love, and God Bless.

Always be appreciative for your Blessings!

Good Evening, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

It has been a full tidbitz week! Can not believe that Friday is here (again!). We have been taking care of 4 different groups of dogs and we have developed wonderful friendships with each of the owners! These dogs have been here before; so it is like a special 'home reunion' for them and for us at 'summer camp'

Thanks to exceptionally warm temperatures and sunshine for the last few days, our bittidz garden is looking fantastic! We have 5 rhododendrums and it looks as if each one will give 40 + blooms! Awesome Blessings in abundance! Methinks also, we will have a goodly supply of veggies and herbs / spices for our Spring and Summer produce.

Our neighbour across the street, gave us a freshly home baked round of bread. It was delicious! Also, Alan makes his special, tasty, nutritious soup; and a lot of the neighbours are extremely appreciative of it. We are going to enjoy the tomato / veggie soup tonight for our dinner; along with some of our neighbour's mouth watering bread.

It is an interesting tidbit lesson in caring for dogs. We, as human beings, can learn a lot from dogs; as they can teach us much. They each have their own special unique personality! Even the neighbours' dogs seem to wend their way to our gate, pulling on their leashes to get here. They know Alan gives them each a wee tid treat! LOL! He is a 'dog whisperer'; so he has trained some 'old dogs new tricks' as well as nuturing the younger 'pups' along.

Our car has been detailed by one of our neighbours. It sorely needed it; as it was long overdue. We did a bittid 'contra' with him; and the car looks brand new; both from the interior and the exterior!

We are thankful it is the weekend; and it looks as if there is a bittid change in the weather. Eventhough it is a bit windy, with the possibility of rain, a little rainfall along with cooler temperatures will also add a tidbit of relief to the garden. Glad we have done most of our planting. We are also looking forward to watching a good movie or two on TV tonight. We have been given two free movies from our Service Provider; so we are extra appreciative of that 'treat.'

My Dad passed away several years ago on April 30th; and we spent a quiet time on that day, to remember and honour him. He was a great man and I realize now, that he taught and equipped me with many of life's lessons in human nature. He spoke of many things to me; and although at the time, I heard him; his words have made a major impression on me, particularly in our present stage of life.

My Dad was a man of vision and wisdom; and was very spiritual. He boldly and courageously 'fought the good fight.' I miss him.

My Mum thought that my Dad and Alan were very similar in their thinking and in their optimistic outlooks. My Mum adored Alan; and her first words upon meeting him were: "You have really nice feet and you smell so nice." She often shared with me, that my Dad would have really liked and appreciated Alan. They would have enjoyed many a good conversation and dialogue!

My Mum was happy for Alan and I, that we had met, in 'Answer to Prayer.' Now that I think about it, when I Prayed, I ASKED Our Father, as well as my 'earth Dad' for their guidance in meeting the 'right' person for me to spend the rest of my life with. (I wrote about 'An Answer to Prayer' back in June 2007).

Tidbit - My Dad always used to tell me, 'Never judge a book by its covers.' That is so true.

Bittid - My Dad loved to garden. He felt it was good for the soul; as it provided him with a renewed purpose, a joyful refuge, a peace of mind, a calm, and a time to reflect thankfully upon his Blessings. You might say, it was refreshing and invigorating 'food for thought.'

Well, here is wishing you a nice R & R weekend. We have so much to be grateful for! Praise Him in ALL Things.

I love this photo image! It looks so peaceful; with a lovely, calm seaside setting.

Peace and God Bless.