A Golden Time

Soaking up, gratefully and with all my heart, the special, magical innocence, harmony and happiness that fills the home when a sweet little child, a newborn baby, devoted parents and lots and lots of love are there. (Lots of work, too, let's face it; and it's all worth it.)
"There is beauty all around, when there's love at home."

Peace River

the Peace River

It was a whirlwind week. News came on Monday that Ray had died that morning. I really wanted to go and be there to honor Ray, and be with the family. John helped me look for tickets, and the next morning I was off, bound for Edmonton to meet up with Michaela and join her for the five hour drive from there northward.
Peace River now holds a special spot in my heart and our hearts; our dear brother Ray's home for the last ten years or more. It's so sad, and we can't believe that Ray is gone. We honor his devoted partner Eva, and Ray's great kids and their families; as well as Martha, the mother of his children and the love of his youth.

At the ferry over the Peace in June 2008, when Ursula and our brother Chris flew to Canada for Ray's daughter's wedding.  The brothers had not seen each other for many, many years.

At the wedding

Ray and Martha and the kids in ca. 1988. Miles was not born yet.


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Eva shared some of her Inuit background and culture with me, and it was heart-warming to be able to learn to love that part of Ray's life, too. His children also are grounded in their culture and family, and are loving and very supportive to one another and their dad.

It was hard to say good-bye.

PS 'Inuit' is plural. The singular is 'Inuk'. The word for 'white person' is Kablunak. Eva's mother's father was a RCMP from Ireland, so the middle name they gave her is Kablunak, since she was light skinned.

A new little prince

A new little prince is here, and we are full of joy and gratitude. Congratulations to his wonderful parents and little/big sister!

Thank You Note

As we are about to experience a changing of the guard, I wrote a note to President Obama.

I wrote to thank him for his wonderful example of integrity, dignity, respect, grace under pressure, and as a faithful husband and father.    - - -     I appreciate Mrs. Obama's emphasis on improving health and fitness, also. So needed today.

Here's a small, random quote:
" All of us, we make mistakes. At times, we are lost. And as we get older, we learn we don't always have control of things - not even a president does. But we do have control over how we respond to the world. We do have control over how we treat one another."              President Obama

"I see you, and you see me"

1 - 1- 1017.  A brand new year. Wishing you Health and Happiness!

Without even looking, I think I may have found my theme for the new year. It's a little song with a really pretty melody and message, for both at home and for in the world. I heard it today for the first time, in Primary music time, and it moved me to tears.       (by Patricia Graham,  Children's Songbook p. 263)

I see you, and you see me. 

We are as diff'rent as the sun and the sea.

I see you, and you see me,

And that is how it is supposed to be.

I help you, and you help me.
We learn from problems, and we're starting to see.
I help you, and you help me,
And that's the way that it's supposed to be.

I love you, and you love me.
We reach together for the best we can be.
I love you, and you love me,
And that's the way it is supposed to be.


                                                                       

December Memories

A happy December at home in Oregon, 1982. All the children except our newborn baby.

Christmas Message

A Christmas card message from someone who has a real gift for heartfelt written expression.  And funny, too. Warms our hearts.