When I left my place of employment 35 years ago, I was given an hibiscus tree in a pot. We moved it with us, and it grew into a beautiful tree that was about four feet tall and three feet wide. In the summer, we would put it outside, and … Read more

The day dawned with a bright blue sky and warm temperature. We decided to take the boat and anchor in a secluded bay to read and swim. The lake remained unusually calm, but the significance of this was not to be understood until that … Read more

A friend of mine shared the following with me, and it really resonated with me. When I got home from Europe, I noticed that the barn swallows had built a nest. The fledglings were gone, but they left such a mess. So, when they started to … Read more

For a project to work on, my husband and son bought a boat. Some of the seating was worn and needed replacing. Knowing that I do quilting and sewing, they wondered if this were something that I could do. After doing a bit of research, I … Read more

My mom passed away two years ago this July. We had seen her rally in the day prior to her passing. In my heart, I knew that this was a gift to be cherished. As we chatted with the nurse and my mom shared stories about my growing up, we … Read more

Twenty-four years ago, the area on which our home was built was a farmer's field. Once the subdivision was established, trees were planted along the boulevard in front of or to the side of the homes. As I looked out the kitchen window this … Read more

As I begin each day, I try to keep this passage at the forefront of my mind. I admit that on some days, I am better at this than on others. On this particular day, I had made the last payment on my car, and all the paperwork was done. I … Read more

When I was two years old, we emigrated from England to Canada. Over the years, I have made numerous trips back to England both as a child and as an adult. My most recent trip was in May 2024, in which I took the ashes of both my parents … Read more

During this past January, we spent time in Florida, USA, with our two sons. They had brought their boat down from Canada in November. We decided that the weather looked good enough to take the boat to the Atlantic side of Florida near … Read more

After all the excitement, anticipation, and research, we set out to see the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. We put the location of Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada, into the GPS, and arrived at this picturesque little town at lunchtime. … Read more

I recently embarked on some steps toward a healthier lifestyle, adding walks and watching my dietary intake by recording what I eat daily. The first three weeks went very well. Then today, no sooner had I logged my weight loss than I … Read more

This summer, we bought new garden furniture for our backyard. We unpacked it from the boxes, removed all the plastic, and set in groups all the pieces to be put together. Then, as it was a very hot day, we went inside for a break before … Read more

One morning in late August found me deadheading geraniums and collecting tomatoes from my garden. As we were approaching a change in season, I looked at a few plants that needed cutting back so that they will return next year. I couldn't … Read more

Many people tend to divide their lives up into compartments, even if they may not realize that they are doing it that way. Right now, I have a few compartments in my life. I am dealing with the passing of my mom, working full time, being … Read more

My husband and I recently visited Williamstown, Kentucky, USA, to see the Ark Encounter. Upon arriving, far in the distance on a hill, we could see a full-size replica of the ark that God told Noah to build, and we were taken there by bus. … Read more

I watched as if it were rolling in slow motion — or it could have been me moving in slow motion. I stretched my hand forward as it rolled to the floor — shattering. My heart skipped a beat. My favourite coffee mug lay in pieces on the … Read more

The year 2020 and COVID-19 have surely given me a new perspective on many things. Let's step back a bit to 2019. We had a family vacation, and I was able to visit family in California and in England. Those three events gave me memories … Read more

As we prepared for our long trip, my husband purchased a product to put on the windshield so that rain will bead up on it. He got the car ready as I packed. When we travel, we always take turns driving. As we left, with my husband driving, … Read more

In mid-April, we in Ontario, Canada, experienced an ice storm that lasted three days and covered the previously showing grass with snow and then freezing rain. Over that same period, our mountain ash tree was inundated with robins that had … Read more

Seasons in life are just as real as seasons in nature. Yes, some seasons are quick, while some are much longer, and at times, we wish that they would just move on. For me, the season was fall, with winter looming in the not-too-distant … Read more

I can remember as if it were just yesterday the anticipation of the arrival of the Sears Wish Book. Growing up, we lived in the country, so trips into the larger city were few, especially in the winter. This, I believe, added to the … Read more

The area where I work is dotted with large lots and homes. There aren't many fences, but there are a lot of dogs that all remain on their property as we walk by. Recently, I was on a walk with a lady that I support, and three dogs were … Read more

The tree was a gift from my parents when we bought our first house 17 years ago. It was a mountain-ash that fit into their vehicle to be brought to us. The tree has grown substantially over the years to a present height of about 25 feet. … Read more

For the past few weeks, I have been using my road bike more than my trail bike. Both bikes have a side mirror attached to the left handlebar that allows me to see traffic as it approaches from my left. Due to hand and arm placement on my … Read more

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is presently hosting the Pan Am/Parapan games. Many of the activities are taking place in Toronto, but some are also taking place in the surrounding cities. I have been noticing signs along the highways for the … Read more

Within one week, three members of our family went through various tests and major health concerns. The past few months since then have gone by in a flurry and a blur. I became so preoccupied with life events and family health issues that … Read more

The driveway at the place where I work is flanked by two deep ditches, one on each side. We have stakes marking the edge of the ditches for people coming and going from the driveway to navigate. A few days ago, though, as I backed into my … Read more

Jesus taught that obedience and answered prayer are related: Obedience is a word that is known to everyone, whether they are Christian or not. It is a word that we learn from an early age. Parents teach obedience to their small children; … Read more

At this time of the year, churches all over the world are placing red and green cardboard boxes in their foyers. These are not ordinary boxes, but very special ones. Most people refer to them as the shoeboxes, but these boxes will never … Read more

As the fall draws along, road construction is also in high gear to get roads completed before the winter season. For the past few weeks, on the road that I travel twice a day when I'm working, the paving company has been busy putting down … Read more

Life runs along mostly predictably for many of us. Yes, we have things tucked into the far corners of our minds about health and retirement and so on. But when a family has a medical crisis, these thoughts instantly find their way back … Read more

Recently, a co-worker and I took a person we support to the Goodwill store to purchase a music CD. As we got into the van, he inserted his CD into the player. As we travelled along to our next destination, what we were treated to was music … Read more

I grew up in a home that had a china cabinet with a row of china cups behind the glass. They were brought out once a year to be dusted or washed, and maybe one other time to serve tea in. Recently, I was talking to a friend about going … Read more