Uniquely Canadian

Thankfully we had a Moose sighting for all of our British friends and pictures were taken before he wandered off!  

I fell in love with these dear kids and am so grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know them even though I missed so many years.

Each one has such a unique and delightful personality and my friends are parenting their kids very, very well.

We had to do some "mall time" which was energized  by a trip to Timmy's where coffee was happily ingested. Teya got to wear the Canada crown.

She's obviously not quite ready to own this half of her ancestry.

And of course, POUTINE were thoroughly enjoyed!

A final night together followed by a fire under the starlit sky was a fitting end to a most glorious holiday. 

I am incredibly grateful that this actually happened.

On the Boardwalk

We spent an evening enjoying the boardwalk which hadn't been completed when Lorna last lived in Kelowna.

Amazing the lengths we will go to to obtain that "perfect shot"!

I find this one above highly entertaining.

Such special friendships that span so many years and so very many miles.

It was a dream come true to be able to spend this kind of time together.

Even Patrice returned home from her internship to spend a couple of days with us while she prepared for a camping trip with some friends she had brought home with her. 

The house was very full but happy.

More memories made to tuck away for future perusing and comfort.

Lakeside Living

I have a very lovely friend who lives on the lake and she very kindly invited all of us over to enjoy her space and to do some paddle boarding.

Once again I was overwhelmed with God's goodness to me and mine through His body here on earth.

Just look at this beauty and the fun time that was enjoyed by all! 

I had my own personal Olympic diving show going on right before my very eyes.

This dive (below) didn't end particularly well but the object was getting the biggest splash, so perhaps he won after all!

There is a sailing club nearby so we were treated to the lovely spectacle of boats drifting by.

Absolutely dreamy...

Something Amazing in August

Something extraordinary and super amazing happened this month.

My very dear British friends arrived for a visit and I got to do all sorts of fun stuff with them. 

But best of all we just got to HANG OUT!

I didn't get myself in the picture, but amazingly enough I was right here ON THE BEACH with these people because Mark so kindly dragged me and the pizza a very long way to make this happen.

Amazing what people will do when they are hungry =)

So many years of catching up to do with this crowd.

Lorna was last here about 18 years ago and Sue was here a very long time ago as well so it was high time for a visit on Canadian soil.

My house was completely empty so there was lots of room for everyone to find a spot to bed down and of course, everyone fell in love with Mr. Moose.

Lovely Teya was reading P & P so we had to have a marathon viewing of the British version of the film which just seemed so very right.

All these accents around the house made me feel like I was living my own version of some British comedy!

There were lots and lots of dinners on the patio.

Some with guests, but mostly just our little crowd.

The weather was absolutely perfect so the Brits got to have the real HOT Okanagan summer experience.

We even had a campfire with singing, guitars and a violin plus a bit of rap music thrown in.  

Boom Chicka Boom Boom...

And Knox mountain was climbed in some extreme heat leaving everyone rather exhausted.

Always Family

Summer drives with mom have often brought us to this exact spot.

After parking we open our windows wide to let the breezes and gentle sounds of summer into the car so we almost feel like we're on the beach.

Mom LOVES it here and thankfully there is a drive-thru on the way where we pick up a little coffee and hamburger for the picnic experience.

Sometimes our drives take us further up the lake where we can park overlooking the valley and the city.

This particular evening was spectacular.  You can see Elsie walking into the sunset with little Pupcake.

After six "quieter weeks" of summer, everyone decided to come and visit at the same time in August so thing suddenly got way more exciting.

I just knew that I had to prioritize some time so that my precious family didn't get lost in the kafuffle.

Marcia and I shared a beautiful quiet lunch at our favourite cafe where we got caught up on each other's lives. We all continue to be so very grateful that God brought her not only into Vic's life but into all of our lives.  She is such a treasure and has made all of us feel loved and special.  She is incredibly kind to Mom and Dad which really touches my heart.

One day Mom and I took the dogs for a little outing. Somehow I managed to get out of the car and got Mom situated at the water's edge in a wobbly lawn chair. There were a few nervous moments as Mom is not very steady anymore and I had my own problems navigating through the gravel and getting the dogs and the lawn chair in and our of the car. 

But we made it and Mom loved sitting outside watching the dogs running in and out of the water while the waves danced along the shoreline before us.

It's the little things...

Moose was over the moon with joy.

Until his ball sank and we had to go home...

We also had a fun little bbq with the family and were thrilled to have Dad join us.  He only makes it to a few select gatherings so it's always extra special when he's in our midst.

And dear little Tante Hilda was finally well enough to join us after having to stay home while healing her leg after a serious burn.

Such overcomers we are!! 

There was lots of laughter as we watched some comical clips on the laptop together.

Kayaking like a BOSS!

Ok, I tell you, God is so extravagant and exceptional in how He loves us and pours out His kindness into our lives.

My sweet friend Liz arranged for me to go out kayaking with her on the most beautiful August evening imaginable.

It was with an organization that gives the disabled community opportunities to experience the outdoors with no barriers; so there was a back rest installed for me and two strong ladies that just popped me into the seat.

Liz has worked for this group so she knew the ropes.

This is how my God arranges my life.

He goes before me and puts amazing people into place to love on me.

Liz looked after EVERYTHING!   

I just had to show up and enjoy the exquisite joy of floating effortlessly on the water.

Such a beautiful feeling.

So much love.

So much of Jesus.

We even had the opportunity to go hunting for baby Moses amongst the reeds and we nearly got stuck.

I say "we" but it was actually Liz doing ALL THE WORK!

So much fun.

Can't you just smell the gorgeous summer air and hear the happy sounds of laughter bouncing off the water?

My cup is full to overflowing.

Again.

August Ambiance

I've been spending some amazing time with this lovely woman.  

The Lord miraculously gave us a little "staycation" together here at my house and I've been loving hanging out in the yard, garden and house with my dear Celia. 

She is truly as beautiful inside as she is outside, and that says a lot.

A woman dedicated to the Lord and seeking Him with all of her heart.

She is one of those natural "helpers" that sees what needs doing and just steps in and makes the world around her orderly and lovely.

She has been such a gift, helping me with my planters, loving on the puppies (and enjoying them almost as much as I do) and cleaning wherever she goes.

She rejoices with me in the tiny crop of peas and tomatoes that my gardening endeavours have produced this year.

Thankfully she pointed out that the tomatoes were ripe or I may have missed the event!  I munched on some of the sweet little guys tonight and the dogs love the snap peas just as much as I do!  

Celia found one teensy carrot that somehow seeded itself from last year's crop.  

Most of all we love to pray together.

It's what brought us together in the first place, about 20 some years ago and it keeps us together, kneeling at the foot of the cross and believing for all sorts of miracles.

We've had some lovely times out on the back patio seeking God in the beautiful August sun.

And tonight she caught this funny little happening.

Birdie saw me looking into the fridge and he flew over onto my head to have a peek as well.  

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