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")

Preparations

I do love to have company in our home, and getting ready for visitors is a labour of love, truly it is. The downside is the extra chores I think I have to do before my guests arrive; you know the routine--iron the good table-cloth for the dining-room table, check for dust in obscure corners, make sure the good silverware is polished and ready. As I always tell the folks I'm visiting, "It's you we've come to see, not your house".

Having said that, I should tell you that my (youngest) son, his wife and that new grandson of ours are treking "down the river", as we say in New Brunswick, to spend the night, and maybe more, with us today. I've got brown beans in the slow cooker (it's slower that usual and needs to be replaced), brown bread is rising on the kitchen island counter, ingredients for salads are at the ready, to be put together later. Have I forgotten anything? Yes, I must make a dessert; carrot cake is an excellent choice (especially since I haven't tasted that treat for months now) and I believe that everyone *must* like it as much as I do!

As mothers do, I want this visit to be perfect and it will be, even if little things like dusting aren't finished. It's pleasant enough today to eat our supper in the "Miami Room" as Arend refers to the back screened-in deck. That's one of the best things about our summers here--being able to enjoy outdoors without the blackflies chewing us up.

I think I'm really starting to wander in this post now, as my mind is far away, listening to a wee lad cooing and watching him grin at his Grandma, while she's filling her heart with as much love as it can possibly hold.

I did say in the last post I would talk about gardening today, but you understand how I got sidetracked. The hours can't go by fast enough until I'm holding Riley, giving him kisses to make up for lost time. Ahhhh, the joys of grand-motherhood. Love it, love it!!! Until the next time (look for pics then too--grin), Barb (who's scooting to the kitchen now)