Saturday, June 30, 2018

June's Grand Finale



This was a picture just waiting to be taken!
And since I was there, of course it was.
Had such fun with my sis Marcia drinking chai and hunting for bargains at some second hand stores.


And as if June hadn't already been fabulous enough, Patrice showed up.


Which of course called for yet another family dinner.


My motto - make hay while the sun shines.
If I've got energy there must be another gathering. 
Preferably around food.


Grabbing moments to reflect together...


Even got a sweet visit in with my forever friend Barb and her hubby.


Barb, who possibly takes as many, if not more pictures than I do.
We are a dangerous duo in that regard.


Thursday, June 28, 2018

Blessed Birthday



Thank goodness for Birthdays!!
These regular, built in party days that bring us together to remember and celebrate the preciousness of life on earth and the gift of every year.
My beautiful sister is so precious and I am grateful to God for who she is.
Unique, sensitive, loving, creative, kind and in the foreground or background every single day of my life thus far. 
I couldn't have asked for a more devoted or loving sister.


My dear little auntie put on a lovely luncheon for Elsie, and so the party day began.
Candles & Cake & Pupcake!
The best moments of our lives...
simple, humble and profoundly beautiful.
It's the people who make up the moments.
Indescribably valuable and precious.


We went home to digest that delicious meal and proceeded to our next party location by the lake.
Victor treated each of us to a scrumptious meal and we enjoyed the gift of togetherness with a marvellous view.


YUMMMMMMM! 


So great to have such loving siblings.


And of course,
CAKE! 
Tiny morsel that it was.


How cute are we?
Such a unique bunch.


From the lake we proceeded to Mom and Dad's for MORE cake and birthday fun.


A wonderful time was had by all.


Happy Birthday dearest sister...

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

June Menagerie



We had a small group party in our backyard.



Food
Fun
Fellowship
Family


I love getting groups together up here where people can connect, eat, play and hopefully feel loved in the process.
This group was a real mix-up of people from different spheres but it was lovely.


So good to be able to spend some time in worship.
Always grateful for Jan who is so gifted in leading us.


We also had some of our younger boys set off an elaborate rocket in memory of a member of our group who recently passed on to glory.
I'm sure Alan looked down with a big smile on his face as the rocket shot up.


So great to have this space to share with others.
It feels like that is a big part of who I am.
I value hospitality and sharing...
Though it's sometimes awkward from the vantage point of a wheelchair, God provides so many willing bodies to lend help.


The evening ended with the most spectacular sunset.
Everyone had to run out with their cameras to catch God's latest painting!


**************
June is also birthday month and we had fun celebrating Esther with authentic Indian food! 


Cousin love...

This was the only picture I happened to get of that occasion!  
I know I took some others but perhaps I used someone else's camera?
Ahh well - at least there is evidence that it really did happen.

*****************

Our little church has a growing group that is ministering in Iqaluit!
Anita has been joined by some members of the Allen family who are doing amazing work up there.



Here we are at church praying over them and spending some time hearing their hearts as they share their plans to minister specifically to the kids who are very traumatized and needy in that area.


We also spent time praying for them when they were at our Wednesday night gathering.


Looks like God was in the house - lots of smiles and joy!

****************

Here's just a hodgepodge of random June pictures!


Supper at Spaghetti Factory with Henry & Ollie


An afternoon with Asher - listening to the most amazing music because he just knows EVERYTHING about great music.


A backyard visit with Vic & Marcia and the family.
We hardly ever sit back there but I think it was a cool evening and everyone wanted to take advantage of the sunshine!
My patio is now surrounded by such big trees that it is finally shady in the evening.

*****************


 Dawn looked on while Amber colored my hair now that she's working in an upscale salon with beautiful products!


Amber doing her stuff - all professional like!!
She did a great job.


Dawn & headed to the lake to enjoy some nachos and catch up on news. 


HUGE and very delicious plate of nachos.
My new discovery.
This will have to happen again.

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Under His Canopy




Somehow I have managed to find friends who live on the lake!
This place isn't particularly easy to navigate, but my girlfriend made sure her husband put in a long cement ramp for me in place of a set of stairs making it  somewhat easier to access.
However, once you get to the patio there are still little steps in the house to get down so my friend's husband joined in our ladies night to make sure that there were a strong set of arms to get me to where I needed to be. 
What service!


We also were able to sample some of the new apple ciders that their company has started brewing.  
Quite tasty, but I was more excited about the kombucha and
 the various delicious dishes that every one contributed.
I even went all out and brought homemade chocolate dipped strawberries since it was close to Donara's birthday.


The evening was superb and the view breathtaking.


I find it amazing that I get to do these kinds of things on this side of eternity.
Seriously!!!! 


The fine company, the warm summer air, the setting sun and music...


The air was sweetened with melodies and accompanied by guitar and mandolins.


Even their newly adopted little grandson joined in the fun and showed us his skills.

Such a sweet kid.


So much energy! 


It was our night to feel like royalty.


Watching the setting sun,



Kissed by our Creator


Tucked under His Colorful Canopy of Love.