Love Remains

I got my wish!

All the snow disappeared and fall came back. 

The raking of leaves could continue and the glory of fall could be enjoyed once again.

Moose went to the Salon.

He was shaking and nervous, but was restored to us in all his glory with renewed vigour.

He's always got a bounce in his step after he sheds those pounds of extra fur.

What a handsome fellow.

Such a good model and a very dear buddy.

~~~~~~~~~

November ended with a call to gather for Sue's birthday! 

This familiar home filled with familiar friends.

I'm so very grateful for friends and birthdays and the seasons in life that provide a rhythm for us to do life in.

Birthdays have a way of gathering us together even in busy seasons so I am thankful for these perfect excuses to share a meal, celebrate and love on each other.

The sizes of the gatherings fluctuate but there is always joy in the coming together.

And now there are even little people to bring a whole new level of fun and joy.

So we step out of the busyness and look into each other's eyes and lives, share stories and our bond is strengthened and remains.

Around cake, candles and gifts...

And love remains the centre.

Classical Christmas Performance

I bought tickets awhile ago for this production.

Thought I'd get us all in the mood for Christmas with an evening out and it was absolutely wonderful.

It was a ladies night out and even though I think the older ones might have preferred a simple Christmas hymn sing, I broadened their horizons with this classical production.

The children's choir filed in holding candles and singing "Ihr Kinderlein Kommet" - one of our family favourites.

There were some fabulous, well known opera pieces that were incredibly well performed plus a wonderful Chopin piece performed on the piano.

I'm a bit of a secret opera lover and this evening did not disappoint.

Tante Hilda told me on the way home that Elsie and I were at least as good if not better on the piano when we played.

I begged to differ but did not argue.

Wondering if perhaps I overshot by taking her to this somewhat costly classical performance when she is happier listening to Elsie and I play and sing, but whatever.

  

Thankfully the evening ended with some carol singing that we could join in on.

It was simply blissful and I'm so glad I could be engulfed in the color and sounds of Christmas on this rainy November night.

Joy to the world...

Legacy & Miracles

Took another drive with the ladies and Pupcake.

It was a gorgeous day; blue skies, sunshine and super sweet company.

Plus there was the presence of Jesus and a pile of angels surrounding us, so we were in for a good time. 

Thankfully this little crowd is really patient with me pulling over to take pictures of the scenery as we wind along singing, praying and visiting.

We went to Okanagan Centre this time instead of sitting at our regular lake spot and it was an incredibly pretty drive.

After starting November with that huge snowfall it was like we were given a huge gift when it all melted away and we were back to simply enjoying a gorgeous fall day.

We stopped for a snack but since I was still fasting I refrained from ordering anything for myself but I did order a large coffee for mom.

I decided to sneak a few sips and that caffeine sure broke any lethargy I was feeling!

Our prayers took on a more energized tone and the trip home was much livelier than the way out.

Even though the clouds had rolled in creating a dramatic scene, we were feeling like there was an open heavens as we implored God to touch many situations and to bring His help. 

Tante Hilda was so excited by the time of prayer and worship, exclaiming joyfully how much she was loving it.

Before I dropped her off I decided to drive around the apartment several times as we prayed for the tenants, the managers and the building.

I turned to Mom who was looking rather wilted and asked her to pray a prayer over the place and after saying how tired she was, she still faithfully lifted her hands and spoke out a blessing.

Then she said she was ready to go home as she was having a headache.

I felt badly for wearing her out so we hurried home.

Ever since her head was hit by the metal door at their condo a few years ago her head aches at different times and she has been unable to lay on her back because of the the pain.

Elsie and I reached out her hands to speak out healing in Jesus Name and almost immediately Mom said the pain had left her!

We were so happy as we dropped her off for her afternoon rest and recuperation.

I was even more excited when I called her the next day and she said the pain was still gone and she was even able to lay on her back!

We're gonna keep asking, seeking and knocking because He Is Answering!

Full & Happy Home

I was so very happy that Patrice came home for the long weekend.

She brought along a sweet friend who hails from Australia and is presently interning at A Rocha.

It was a happy house - every bedroom filled and extra's invited for supper.

It's always nice to include the grandma's when the kids are home and I also wanted the "house family" to meet my family.

I'm glad to have a table with lots of extensions and even then it's sometimes not long enough.

It's a perfect party house and God's presence infuses this place in a marvellous way.

I try to make a point of inviting HIM every time there is a gathering, even though He is always here.

There's something about opening the door that brings Him in a more powerful and tangible way.

People mention the peace that they feel here and I'm so glad that God faithfully ministers to the different ones who come.

There's lots of food and lots of love to go around.

The pups make sure to make themselves available for any extra loving that might be available. 

Even Martha is beginning to have a soft spot for Moose.

Seriously, who can resist his gentle big head laying expectantly on your lap?

So many blessings abound.

SNOW AWAY!

Many years ago I recall having snow at the beginning of November and way back then I do believe I was excited about it.

Somehow early in my marriage it felt so magical to have my own home and to be thinking about Christmas and decorating and baking cookies...

However, many years later, when this snowfall began, I was hoping that it would just be a short passing weather event.

Quickly in and quickly out.

I haven't had my quota of lovely autumn weather yet.

It did look pretty as it settled gently on the leaves and grass outside my bedroom window though.

The next morning, however, we awoke to a shocking sight.

Fall had been overtaken by winter long before it was finished doing it's business!

Not just a little snowfall but a major dump of about 12 inches.

The neighbours came by to plow the driveway and we needed to be shovelling around the house so the pups could get to the "grass".

Truly gorgeous, but waaaaaay too early.

There are still so many leaves on the trees that need to fall and get raked up.

Felt like we were suddenly transported to the North Pole and I was definitely not in the mood!

Christmas is still a longs ways off...

Of course I am never willing to let a good photo opportunity pass me by so I was out there snapping happily away.

Snow is so transformative and it is fun to live in a country where we get to enjoy the variety and exceptional beauty that the four seasons bring.

Even when they overlap.

Not only was it really snowy, but the temperatures were what we might see in mid January.

Down to around -13

BRRRRR!

We had about a week of this unseasonable cold beauty and then, thankfully, the rain came and made it all go away.

It reminded me of the saying in the Bible where "the plowman overtakes the reaper".

There is something exceptionally pretty about snow during autumn because of the contrast of the white against the colours of the leaves.

Moose of course loved munching away on the snow.

He loves that fresh crunch and refreshment. 

And that is the story of our early November snowfall.