Good for the Soul

I can remember back to a time in my life when this time of year meant seasonal work for me, getting up at 5 in the morning, packing a lunch, dressing my children in warm clothes, and heading to the potato fields (first dropping off the kids with Grandma) to put in as many as 15 hours bent over a harvester table, picking out rocks and rotten potatoes. It makes my back ache to even think about doing such things today. Has it been that long? Yes, nearly 20 years since I've even set my feet on a potato harvester. My last year of service was around 1987 or 88, and I told my boss I was working for my PHd that year--aka: Potato Harvester Diploma--my one and only degree.

In 2007, I've managed a complete *about-face* and Hubby and I got away for a few days, travelling to the Saguenay Region of Quebec, escaping the everyday chores and ho-hum, to just savour each other and God's creation all around us. Of course our area here offers the similar landscapes, autumn spendor, rolling farms, but seeing different people and experiencing the French culture was a treat for us. And, leaving your comfort zone can be rejuvinating.

Our travel plan took us to Riviere-du-Loup to cross the ferry, from there on up the Saguenay Valley (or the Fiord Route) to Chicoutimi, stopping the first and second nights in B&B's in Petit-Saguenay and St. Felicien. Since last fall, we've been raving about the B&b experience and this trip did not dissapoint.

All three B&B locations offered garden settings on the property--right outside our door in Old Quebec in fact. The hospitality and "geting-to-know-your-table mates" conversation at breakfast was definitely high on the list of *good things* for me. I will mention here the names of the places where we stayed in case you, my readers, are interested: Auberge Les 2 Pignons (Petit-Saguenay), A La Pepiniere Ticouape (ST. Feliciene) and A l'Augustine (Old Quebec). You will find all of these on:


The first 2 mornings we were pretty much on our own at the table. But that was certainly not the case in Old Quebec. Actually, the first morning there we had to wait for a place setting, while the first *group* enjoyed their meal. When our turn came, we were absolutely delighted with the folks who not only engaged in jovial conversation but shared tidbits of their *home* countries: Belgium, France, Australia and Germany. Arend even got to speak a little Dutch to a couple of the guests. To say that we thoroughly appreciated the light-heartedness of our companions would be an understatement. I'm sure you could hear our laughter all the way to the St.Lawrence River ( I saw a few twinkles in the eye of our hostess as well:))I even sang a Patsy Cline tune to the circle around the antique table, much to their surpise (I'm not sure if they were delighted or not--grin:0))

As per usual, I'm going to *show* you the truth of what I've been writing about this morning, to share in the best way I can our own way of *de-stressing*. If you're planning a get-away any time soon, don't rule out B&B's as possible lodging. You may very well be pleasantly and unexpectedly delighted as we were.

On this day, Tuesday, September 25, 2007, I wish you and "Yours" many blessings--Until the next time, right here on Bits & Pieces, Barb

Side note: "Hello" to our friends at the breakfast table in old Quebec--we still think about you fondly and hope you all had safe travels back to your homes!

Last days of summer

My only explanation for not having posted regularly is that I'm soaking up all the time I can outdoors, enjoying the late bloomers in the garden and picking the harvest from my (3x6) box veggie plot. We know the (ultimate) ending to this lazy, hazy season, and I'm not wanting to miss one single second of Mother Nature's panoramic vista spread out right here in our neighbourhood!

Plus, we have houseguests for a few weeks. Our daughter, her husband and 2-year-old daughter (our grand-baby) are spending their nights with us while their new home is being built. This morning Eden and I were out exploring, playing hide-and-seek, picking morning glories and cucumbers and looking for squirrels and blue-jays. How can you possible top that for morning entertainment?

There is a sad note though, as life changes and loved ones are taken from us. Arend's childrens' maternal grandmother passed away early Monday morning, after her courageous struggle with a post-op infection. She was 86 and there are those who will say (and have already) that she lived a good, long life. That said, it doesn't make it any easier to bid farewell to someone who's been in your life longer than you can remember.

So, as the season changes, so do our life circumstances. It's expected that "there's a time to live and a time to die", but facing that truth is never simple and painless. We all have to reach out to our "own" and comfort in the best ways we know how.

Today I can spend time with our grand-daughter and give her parents those moments with their relatives in their sadness.

Reach out to your loved ones today. Sometimes even a phone call means the world to someone you haven't talked to in a while. And if you can, share a story or maybe a photo with that special person.

Blessings on this August 28th, 2007.
Till the next time, Barb

PS: I've included a few of those *August bloomers* from the lily gardens, as well as a delightful "pixie" tucked in among the pine-tree branches.

Haven't forgotten

Last Friday afternoon, Arend and I (after picking 17 quarts of blueberries) loaded our grandson's *things* in the back of our van (along with our grandson) and made our way back home to spend time with a precious (almost) 4-month-old sweetie. Waving good-bye to my son and his girlfriend and her 3-year-old son brought smiles, and butterflies too. Would little Riley miss his Mommy & Daddy too much and maybe we'd have to bring him back earlier than planned.

No, I told myself, we're not going to fret about that right now. Let's get him settled in at our place and take care of him as best we can; that is, if I haven't forgotten how!

The (hour and 15 minute) drive home went smooth as silk, with Riley cooing in the back seat, in his car seat of course, watching the miles roll by while Arend and I gabbed about how the next few days would play out.

I knew (without saying) that I would be taking care of the grandbaby--that was a given, but maybe I could (possibly) get Arend to watch over him if I had to leave the room or something--that was okay with Hubby.

What I didn't realize, however, was the special connection this precious bundle would have with my heart, as he and I talked and cooed, as grandparents and their *babes* do. Rocking him to sleep in the minutes just before sunset, feeling his soft breath against my neck, brought sigh upon sigh of contentment from my lips, and his too. I sang a few lullubys to him, all the while smiling, with a tear or two tucked in the corners of my eyes, ready to spill at any moment.

And those 5:30 feedings, after Riley had slept for almost 9 hours straight (much better that Nanna did)--well, the morning "coming alive" had never looked or felt so sweet. Riley is a true *snuggler* and Nanna was happy with that. He even looked right up at me after one burp and grinned, as if to say, "What do you think of that Nanna"?

But all the words in the world could never articulate the depth of feeling in my heart and soul, to hold and spend quality "Nanna" time with that child--child of "my child"!

I guess you get the impression by now that I'm oh so captivated by a certain little babe and I hope and pray he can visit with Nanna as often as his parents allow.

Pictures capture his looks and smiles and "kodak" moments, but having him in my arms is the only *real* way to bond and experience that special relationship between us. Having said that, if you're reading this post, you certainly can see how he stole my heart. Of course, no one with a camera in hand (grin) was around in the wee hours of the morning but you get the picture anyway if you're a Nanna or Grandpa.
Until the next time, Blessings to you and "yours",
Barb

Memories in the making

Being the oldest in a family of 6, I guess I could say that I (may) have the most memories tucked away in my family "bank", to think on at my leisure.

This past long holiday weekend, one of those priceless mementos was played out at my parent's house last Saturday when we stopped by to see my brother and his 2 children. My Mom had a quilt on, as she quite often does, and when I walked into the living room, I couldn't believe what I saw.

My nephew (8 years old) and niece (6) were working intently on Mom's latest project, just as if they'd been quilting for years--seriously. For something fun, my mom had taught them how to stitch and they took to that like a duck to water. Their little hands were working the needle, slowly and carefully, following the pattern, while telling us that "Gram now has 2 new helpers".

I've tried the quilting thing and it was not for me. After a couple of stitches, a prick to my finger and tangled thread, I immediately put down my needle for good--needless to say, I'm severly "handy-work* challenged.

But those 2 little troopers stuck with it and they were getting quite good. Of course Arend got out the Canon and snapped a few shots of our newest recruits for future projects. My niece (with the most serious of looks on her sweet face) looked at Mom and said, "Nanna, if you need help with this next week, you call me and I'll come out"--Too, too cute.

It's an amazing thing to watch grandchildren learning from a grandparent, the old "ways" that today's generation have all but forgotten, or, have never even seen done.

Now, as a new grandma, I'm wondering what things I can teach my "little one" when he visits this weekend. One thing is for certain, little Riley will never learn the art of quilting from me. I guess that only means he will have to visit his Great-Grandma for a few lessons. But not for a few years.

I know I keep writing about my experinces with all the youngsters in my family, but I can't say it enough--"Spend time with these people, who all too soon grow up--they have so much to offer and so much love to give--you'll not be sorry you gave of your time to enrich their lives as well as your own."

Blessings on this 8th day of August, Barb

Long Weekend

What a gorgeous holiday Monday morning it is! In our fair province, we celebrate the first Monday in August as our provincial *pride* day if you will. It's another long weekend in summer for families and friends to visit, travel and just simply enjoy the lazy, hazy days of what I call the "second half" of the warm season.

And keeping with that theme, Arend and I ventured *up the river* on Saturday, taking quart boxes to pick blueberries on my son's (newly acquired) property. He knew he had these high-bush berries when he bought the land last November, but I know he was very pleasanty surprised to realize the bountiful crop of not only fruit but "hospitality" they would render.

Now let me explain the hospitality part. Because of time constrictions with family and my son's job, he decided to open the berry patch for a U-pick, welcoming in family, neighbours and friends to pick and enjoy a *morning out* at the same time.

Ryan strolled up after we'd been there for a while, smiling at the scene playing out before his eyes. People with all sorts of containers, were chatting and sharing stories as the delightful blue fruit literally spilled into pitchers and whatever else one could find to fill. Ryan's reaction was of pure delight, as he remembered picking strawberries with me when he was 8 or 9 years old. Okay, he wasn't delighted with the *work* part, but he was quite happy to have all this activity going on in *his* berry patch.

Afterwards, "Nanna" spent precious time with Riley, whos' now almost 4 months old and getting cuter every day, if that's possible. And, the best part of the visit for me, his parents agreed to let Riley come to Nanna's (very soon) for an extended sleep-over--possibly 3 or 4 days. Now we didn't bring him yet, but we are planning to go up in a day or two, so Riley and his "things" can be packed and ready when we arrive.

I've dreamed about this ever since he was born you know--having time for one-on-one with my grandson--pure heaven for me. I will share with you pictures and special moments after his visit so stay tuned for that.

In the meantime, blessings to you and your family,
Barb

Full Circle

On this beautiful 3rd day of August, I wanted to share with you a charming visit we were blessed to experience this week. Not only did we entertain my Mom's sister, but, I had the opportunity to treat her to our own brand of Maritime (and family) hospitality. You see, I used to, as a young girl, spend time with her and her family on their farm, gathering eggs and whatever else I could help do, all the while savouring my time away from home on summer vacation.

Growing up in a small house with 4 sisters, I always dreamed of having my own room someday. And, for a night or two, my Aunt Marilyn made that dream come true for me.

So, when we invited her over to our "B&B", I wanted to return that kindness she had extended to a very appreciative neice, all those years ago. The master suite was hers for a night, complete with her own *spa* bathroom (she enjoyed her very first whirlpool bath), a balcony outside the garden door in the bedroom with a view of the gardens below, and, early morning coffee to take in that view (she had requested me to set the coffee pot to perk at 6 AM).

Arend and I had planned to camp out in the Miami Room, so we convinced her that she was not "putting us out" of our room. It was hers to enjoy, on this, her very first "over-night" in our home.

And enjoy she did! After an evening swim, followed by a relaxing *tubbie*, we sat by canlelight on the back deck, talking and laughing, pausing once in a while to listen to the *night* sounds in our wild and someitmes busy backyard (an interesing and humourous story I'll have to tell another time--grin).

As the clock neared the midnight mark, my aunt stretched and said, "Good-night, don't let the bedbugs bite" and made her way up to her sanctuary for a few hours, before waking with the dawn and a cup of java.

I'm still smiling when I think of her in that king-size bed, giggling like the young girl who was treated to her own room long, long ago. Just another memory for the scrapbooks; no, not just another memory, but indeed a very special and unforgetable memory, to think about and smile over when the nights once again get long and cold. Please, though, Barbara, don't start even to think about that yet!!! Blessings on this wonderful summer day, enjoy your time with "yours" and until the next time, Barb

Keeping busy

I'm flabbergasted that we're over the halfway mark in July--where is the time going? As usual, summers march on before we even get over our long winters.

However, I didn't plan to get on one of my *weather tangents* today. I did want to count a few blessings in our lives here at our "hotel" (of sorts). We've not only enjoyed having guests in, we can honestly say that staying busy entertaining has helped us to forget about the (unseasonable) weather patterns (careful Barbara or you'll slip into that tangent mode--grin).

Last weekend, two of my great-neices spent 4 nights with their Auntie Barb and Uncle Arend and our house came alive with voices and imaginations, mingling to make us laugh and bustle to keep up with 2 youngsters under the age of 10!! Suddenly our nest became a place where little birds were intent on having as much fun as possible and we'd better keep up or else.

As the generation before them (my neices who are now grown), these two love to open my closets and haul out shoes (with my permission of course) and old clothes that I haven't taken to Goodwill yet, and proceed to play dress-up and put on impromptu plays. If Hollywood scouts had been about, I'm sure they would have signed these two cuties on for commercials at the very least. What actors they are.

They even completed their ensembles with make-up (lipstick and a dab of blush) and accessories worthy of a Hollywood wardrobe. We were treated to southern accents and many different character depictions, including changes from southern belle to southern gentleman. Priceless!

We wouldn't have enjoyed ourselves more (or as much) if we had spent $30 on theatre tickets. And it makes me realize what we would be missing if we didn't invest time watching and listening to these delightful little people who all too soon grow up and go on to their own lives.

Of course we were tired at the end of their visit--we're not as young or energetic as we once were, but the memories we've collected (a few I'm sharing with photos) are forever embedded in our minds, to think back on whenever we want.

They say that keeping busy keeps you young and I believe it. Young at heart and young in spirit. Take time with your "little ones". You won't be dissapointed and you may just discover another secret to a longer and sweeter life. Blessings to you on this summer day, Barb

Refreshed

I am supposed to be doing something in the kitchen, but I'm taking just a few moments to post today, before my 2 friends arrive to help me celebrate my birthday with a sleep-over in the Miami Room.

The sky is back to a clear blue, the air smells of fresh mown grass and wild flowers, and our B&B is waiting to hear familiar voices, as we linger over herbal tea and "crumpets" and watch those fireflies flicker in the backyard tonight. I know many women who don't even want to acknowledge the day they entered this world, but I'm a firm believer in celebrating *life*, and the day we were born is indeed special. In fact, one of my (4) sisters wrote to me and said this: "Celebrate every single day this (your birthday) month." And I think she's got the right idea.

That said, my husband has been looking a bit (too) secretive these past few days. I'm not totally positive but I wouldn't be surprised if he has a couple of extra tokens tucked up his t-shirt sleeves this year. (I'm saying that because, as I finish this post 2 more days have passed since my birthday and now I know the suspicious looks on his face were appropriate--grin).

I was attending to (several) last minute details on Friday and Arend kept saying, "Go on up and take your shower Babes", or, "Just leave that for me to do dear, and go freshen up before your "girls" arrive". Around 7 I decided to give in and head upstairs, but before I did I just had to do one more thing in the kitchen. And out of the corner of my eye I noticed a couple of our friends coming through the garage. That puzzled look on my face was a dead give-away that I did not know they were part of the *kitchen* party that was soon to start. Another good friend of mine (the one who "fixed up" Arend and I--long story) also arrived before I could exit to the shower. The laughter that ensued was long and loud let me tell you, and our stomach muscles were stretched way beyond their limits.

Bithday celebrations are always fun but I have to say that this one was extra special and I must thank Hubby for his part in the *invite* department. Of course, I might have thrown a few hints about not having a party for a long, long time--okay, since I was 9 or 10 I think. I can now boast that growing older is so much more *worth it* when you're in the company of good friends.

I've included a couple of pics (notice the birthday girl with a flower pot hanging over her head), and until the next time, Blessings to you every day, Barb

Summer's Bounty

As long as I live I know I will never tire of the changing of the seasons in our beloved Maritime provinces. I may complain about the cold in winter (right after Christmas and up until April or so), the heat in August (when not even a hint of a breeze exits when the darkness falls, making it impossible to sleep), the freezing rain in early spring (and late fall and anytime during winter)--yes, we Maritimers love to hate our weather. But, where else can you look up at the sky and say, 'I think there's a storm coming" and the next few minutes the clouds have disappeared as if they'd never been?

Last night, after shutting out the light (and trying to shut out Hubby's snoring) I noticed right away that *heat* lightning was beginning to turn the night sky into a "festival of lights". Not only was the sky alive with colour, the fire-flies twinkled in the grass and trees that make our front garden area so appealing any time of day or night.

For a while I just gazed out the garden door and remembered the summer evenings of my childhood, when we ran and chased those delightful creaturs of light, capturing a few to hold in our hands, with looks of pure wonderment on our faces. "How do they do that?" we'd ask. And Dad would tell us some sort of magical story about how God needed to have extra light for the night creatures, or maybe I imagined that.

I pictured little field mice having their pathways lit up so they could make it back to their nests, where their young were waiting to be tucked in. I thought about the rabbits who just sat for a while, on the edge of the forest, enjoying "the show", mesmerized by thousands of blinkings in the quiet of dark. I remember thinking, "Wouldn't it be fun if we could light up like those bugs, and stay out all night until the sun came up".

Ahh, those innocent ramblings of a child. Today's world seems so far removed from that time and place. Let's not forget that magic. Let's not let *life* take that away. For tis the "stuff" of dreams, and look where dreams have brought us. We are here, able to still see and hear the delights of God's creation. That's something to be so thankful for. Blessings, Barb

Company's Coming!

I'm running around the house today (again!) getting things ready for our visitors this weekend. My parents and one of my sisters are *camping* out here, at our "B&B" Friday night. My Mom and sister are attending a Ladies Retreat at our church, and, if I can talk Dad into helping (grin) the men are supposed to help serve the 125 ladies in attendance.

Dad's reaction on the phone this morning, when I mentioned the "men serving" thing was priceless: "What, you're joking right? We don't have to serve do we?" My answer, "Now who else would serve Dad, when all the ladies will be sitting down at the tables"?. There was silence on the other end of the line for a moment or two, so I still don't know his "final answer" but I'm sure he'll pitch in, along with several good men from our church.

Our pastor's wife and her daughter-in-law have been planning this conference for months now, and I think even they are a bit overwhelmed at the response. It's the first of this kind of event to be held at our (newly constructed) church building and God has answered prayers, big time. My sister commented the other day, "I'm ready for some spiritual food", and what better way to be fed than to get together with a group of Christian women and worship God through singing, sharing and praying. Our speaker is from Nashville, Tennessee and I believe this will be her first time here in our beautiful province, and maybe even in Canada, I'm not sure. So, in Maritime style, we'll give her a warm and enthusiastic welcome.

That said, I must get back to work with my own *welcome* preparations. Rooms are being freshened up, meals are being planned, the *Miami* room is ready for late night "gab" sessions between sisters and mother (if Mother can stay awake--grin) and oh yes, there's lists to make for the men of the house to attend to. I've got my work cut out for me, wouldn't you say? Till the next time, stay tuned for results of our interesting and fun weekend at the Winder household. Blessings, Barb
Oh yes, I will have pictures for the next post as well!

Grandma Time

I'm up this morning, early on a Sunday for me, waiting for little Riley and his parents to wake up. There can be no beating around the bush when it comes to how I feel about my "child's child". I'm in love all over again, with another new life that carries a small part of his Grandma in his heart. And my own heart is overflowing and ready to spill over as soon as I hear Riley's first coo.

I held him last night until he fell asleep, snuggling into my body like he's always been there. As we got to know each other with our own special language, I noticed how long his fingers are and how perfect his little facial features. Hints of more grins to come caused extra beats from my heart, and seeing those eyes looking up at me asking, "Are you my Grandma?" took my breath away.

As I finish this post later in the day, after spending more "Grandma" time with Riley, I have to tell you that this has been one of the best weekends of my life. We took Riley to church with us, where every lady in the congregation got to have a look at him before our pastor began his morning message. My son Ryan and his girlfriend Jackie went out for a couple of hours in the afternoon, while Nanny and Grampie took care of the baby (of course--grin). I got to give him a bath, basking in the smiles and coos, not wanting these precious moments to end--ever!

But, Riley's Momma and Daddy have to go home, only to return again--soon, I hope. In the meantime, I'll be in touch of course. And one of these summer days, when we decide to leave the gardening and the yard work, we'll *mosy* on up the river and visit at their house.

I'll be dreaming about that, thinking about the many changes that will be taking place even as we speak. Riley will be steadily growing, his personality will be developing and those smiles will delight all and whoever is in the vicinity of Riley's *space*. I love you Riley! Till the next time, Barb (AKA "Nanna")