Tuesday, August 18, 2009

I Meant To Do My Work Today


by Richard Le Gallienne

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I meant to do my work today,
But a brown bird sang in the apple tree

And a butterfly flitted across the field,
And all the leaves were calling me.

And the wind went sighing over the land,
Tossing the grasses to and fro,

And a rainbow held out its shining hand--
So what could I do but laugh and go?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I found a similar poem recited by Elton John

Listen here http://www.amazon.com/Meant-Work-Today-Day-Country/dp/B000WU0TLI


To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Canada Line

Hey folks, I am so excited. Many of you know that the Winter 2010 Olympics are being held in Vancouver/Whistler. As part of the preparations, a new subway link has FINALLY been built which links the city core to the Airport.

You may find it hard to believe but the discussions about whether to build this line or something like it has been hotly debated for decades and several different routes proposed over that time. There was always the NIMBY (not in my back yard) argument.

Politicians being what they are and successful Olympic bids being what they are, the 2010 Olympics finally presented the government with the impetus and much needed rationale for pushing through with the long awaited subway expansion.

I am over the moon about this expansion. Not simply because it is needed for the Olympics. I supported the expansion well before that. I think it is good for the environment. It cuts down substantially on car traffic on this much travelled route. It will also help tourists and residents alike with getting to and from the airport without the hassles & expense of finding a taxi or a car park. Now you will pay a few dollars for a one way trip on the Canada Line, compared to a $30. or more taxi ride to the city centre.

I live relatively close to the Broadway-City Hall station and am excited about taking my first ride to the airport, lol. The new line will open ahead of schedule on August 17, 2009. Read more here

In thinking about this story I was reminded of how man's plans can get so caught up in endless debates and fruitless discussions that lead to nothing. It is difficult to get men/women to agree on any one course of action unless there is some kind of rallying point. Even with the Olympics coming, there are many who are unhappy with the decisions to host the Olympics and with all the building that has had to be done to accommodate them. Man's plans can be made and often go awry, perhaps even more than they go forward, but God's plans and His Word, never fails.

The Lord of hosts has sworn:
“As I have planned,
so shall it be,
and as I have purposed,
so shall it stand,

Isaiah 14:24


Saturday, August 15, 2009

Scarlet Things

I love the colour red and all deep shades of it. I found these things tonight in tones of red I especially like.

A cookbook


A box of cheese plates. Too pretty to use so I hang them as kitchen art.


"Baby" Babushka. She has a quartet of sisters.


The new wall colour in the kitchen. It's called "brick". You can see the camera's flash (light) reflecting off the wall.

A kitchen magnet.


Another thing that is scarlet is the shed blood of Jesus. This meaningful scripture came to mind as I was thinking how beautiful are the shades of scarlet.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 1:18

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Unpacking

Front entry area

Dining area

Well I`ve been back into my condo since July 31st, 2009 and promptly went out of town for a 5 day visit with mom. Now I`ve been back trying to rest and get up the motivation to unpack. It just simply wasn`t happening!

Living room


Finally, yesterday morning I asked for prayer from MC family for the energy. Then I promptly took a very long nap, lol. But later in the evening I did indeed start the unpacking. Today I was up early and I haven`t taken more than a brief rest since this morning. To see my place right now you wouldn`t think I have done much of anything but trust me, I have conquered more than half of the boxes! Yesterday, I laundered a lot of bedding and linens and sanitized the china & crystal from my small cabinet.

Today I grouped boxes with ``like contents into different corners of the apartment, reorganized the coat closet, re-organized 3 out of 5 dresser drawers, completely re-stocked my bedroom closets, filled 3 give-away boxes of clothes and sundry items, did some dusting and started an inventory of things improperly packed and damaged by the movers. At last I feel like I am making progress.


Entry to the galley kitchen

Finally, yesterday morning I asked for prayer for the energy and then I promptly took a very long nap, lol. But later in the evening I did indeed start the unpacking. Today I was up early and I haven`t taken more than a brief rest since this morning. To see my place right now you wouldn`t think I have done much of anything. Trust me. Yesterday, I conquered more than half of the boxes, laundered a lot of bedding and linen and sanitized the china & crystal from my small cabinet. Today I`ve grouped boxes with like contents`` into different corners of the apartment, reorganized the coat closet, re-organized 3 out of 5 dresser drawers, completely re-stocked my bedroom closets, filled 3 give-away boxes of clothes and sundry items, did some dusting and started an inventory of things improperly packed and damaged by the movers. At last I feel like I am making progress.

One of the bedrooms

Prayer really works!
I hope to make more progress tomorrow and over the weekend as next week I have a number of appointments. I have a LOT of WORK left to do. Not just unpacking but a major overhaul to one of the bathrooms and some small changes to the kitchen area. Once the work is finished I will post some after pictures as I know the (late) before pictures are a bit frightening *smile.


And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

1 John 5: 14-15

Monday, August 10, 2009

CAT Scan Journey

Back in July I had breast cancer screening which led to breast cancer diagnostics. Read more about it here.

One lump was found to be benign. Two other lumps were not tested due to their depth and I was told to return in January 2010 for further evaluation. I was pleased of course with the outcome but a little concerned about the two lumps not tested.

I was going to ask my family doctor about it but while she was on holiday her locum called to say that the cancer specialist suggested I get a CAT scan (also called CT Scan ) on my breast so that they could better evaluate the two lumps they were not able to view in the mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. The doctor stressed that this was out of an abundance of caution and that they don't really feel there is anything to be concerned about. They simply want to make extra sure.

I am pleased to report that I had the CAT scan was scheduled in record time and completed last Friday at the small hospital shown in the snap shot above. The procedure took a little longer than I anticipated and I was told by the doctor there that their instructions were to examine the lymph node area of the left armpit only. I am thinking there was a miscommunication somewhere, but am glad to at least get one more lump observation out of the way. I should have the results in about a week or so.

As I left the hospital and took these snap shots, I was encouraged to see the cross on the hospital exterior. Somehow it gave me comfort and I felt that God was looking down on me. His Son Jesus died on the cross that I might LIVE and have life more abundant. That is such an awesome love I can never repay.

Update: August 11, 2009 ~I have great news. My test results were back so fast. My family doctor called me and left a message saying that there is nothing to worry about with the lymph node. There is no cancer. I am over the moon!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Is this a Magnolia Tree?

Hi friends, since I read about Mr. Magnolia on a blogger friend's post (click here) I've been wondering if these snap shots I took last Spring are of a Magnolia tree. Can anyone let me know?

If you like these snap shots you might also like my very first blog post, "The Beauty of Nature" (click here).

Saturday, August 8, 2009

You Are So Valuable

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Matthew 10: 29-31


Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12: 6-7

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:32

Eileen Miller sings "His Eye is on the Sparrow"



Friday, August 7, 2009

Mombasa Sunset

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

Genesis 1:14

I stayed right on the beach in Mombasa. Though the weather was very hot there, the hotel air conditioning worked very well and it was cool to sit out on the beach with the gentle breezes.

I love sunsets everywhere and Mombasa was no exception! The sunset views on the beach were fantastic!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

One Corner of Main Street


Main Street in Vancouver is an interesting street.


It is the dividing line between west and east parts of the city proper. It is also home to Chinatown, Punjabi Market, the city's antique row, the train and bus station, a fast track to the international airport and to drive north on the highway, a route into the downtown east side & to one of the country's poorest neighbourhoods.

I love walking down Main Street as it has some of the broadest side walks in the city and the neighbourhoods are gaining more and more foot traffic as the entire area becomes a newly developed part of town for new families and upwardly mobile professionals.

Here is what I found at one corner of Main Street today. The corner of 11th Avenue and Main.

You can see that this Chinese take out restaurant is soon to be redeveloped into retail and residential units.

My guess is that this very popular boutique for trendy women will also be affected by the redevelopment that is to occur at this corner.

The building below is one I often stop and admire. It has some dedicated residents who have put in their own stained glass windows on the top floor. I think they might also be the ones responsible for hanging cds from their roof tops. I thought it made a cool photo as these cds weren't on display the last time I walked this neighbourhood.

I will share more of this vibrant street in the days to come. For now I hope you enjoy these snap shots!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Shades of Red & Pink

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

James 1:17

I took these pictures in my garden last night. My first night in my own home since two days after Mother's Day. It is a great gift to be home and it will be even better when I can get everything out of boxes and onto shelves and into drawers.

It is going to take me awhile so thank God the weather has cooled down a bit as we don't have air conditioning. That is one thing I will miss from my hotel. Air conditioning and the beautiful ocean view. At home, I do have a beautiful mountain view. God is good and gives us good gifts. He never changes. Gotta love Him!

Harvest is Nearing

My beets are still small; about 1 inch or so in diameter.
The corn is doing well. I think the squirrels will like these.
I LOVE celery. They are great for soups and stock.
I will try this kale in my juicer soon! Should be nutritious.
My Hungarian yellow peppers. Not quite sure how to use these but will look on line for some recipes.
My sweet cherry red peppers. These are cute.
My cherry tomatoes are ripening as well though I have more green ones than red ones. They should be ready for salad soon.

A Few Days in March ~ Skywatch Friday

Hello friends and fellow bloggers. I hope Spring is treating you well so far. It's been roller coaster weather where I live with mostly ...