A Sneak Peak

It was a wonderful day,
and a wonderful way to
remember our 40th!

Vignettes from the Week Past

An elderly man walking along our pathway. So smartly dressed, relying on his cane to get around. Him telling us that his day just got better by talking to us.



The tiny, wild rabbits that scatter as we get close.
They run and hide in the smallest little spaces into the thickets of brambles.

Watching our second youngest grandaughter walk.
Those first tentative steps that will soon turn into a run.


Carly taking such tender care of Catie outside
ensuring that she keep her hat on in the sunshine.
So endearing and caring.

A robin on a fencepost enjoying the rare sunshine.

The scent of honeysuckle on our walk.
I look forward to passing the garden each time.


The scent of the raspberries growing at Fred's house.
Last year on our anniversary Dick picked me a huge bucket full.


Sharing the red lentil soup that Pappa made, with 3 of our grandaughters.
Two of them had seconds, one, wasn't too impressed!

The 86th Birthday Party for my beautiful Mom at Maddie's,
surrounded by almost all of her family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was a beautiful time together.

38 and a half cents added to the jar on top of the fridge plus the additional find of 17 cents all in one go, obviously someone didn't think they were worth keeping so they tossed them.

I was wondering if I'd find another half penny, and I did! Who'da thought it?

Driving into Oakridge to pick out a 40th Anniversary present for me! So glad that Amy could join us on her day off to help with the choosing. Followed by lunch together, she treated. Thanks Amy!

Sophie, the calico kitten being carried down the street by
three young neighbour girls. One day our grandaughters will
be like that too.

Watching a short snipet of our wedding. Dick's Opa took this footage on his super 8 camera. Surprised that it was a little longer than we had remembered. The best part was watching Dick's Opa give him a big hug after we were married. Ah yes, memories!

Walking out of a movie, crying.
I haven't done that since the time we first saw Elvira Madigan
on the North Shore.
The movie has stayed with both of us for days as we stop
and reflect on our years together.

Plan B for family picture day today.
We all met at Cathy and Cliff's instead of the park.
Too rainy, that is of course until we were half way through!
What a great day! Can't wait to see how they will turn out.

We are truly blessed.
How did we get so lucky?

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my Beloved!

Through thick and thin and back again, the constant in my life these almost 40 years is my beloved Dick.

Having children was his gift to me. Way back when, he could take children or leave them, probably the latter. But knowing what it would mean to me to live without them, he gave both of us the hugest gift ever, our three daughters. Three darlings in three years.

He was a man on the cutting edge of daddy's in the delivery room. We attended childbirth classes, and as time progressed we were invited to speak to a group of prospective parents, and he spoke so beautifully and eloquently on what it is like to be a daddy in the delivery room.

I remember him painting and wallpapering the third bedroom in anticipation of our third daughter's birth. This room was on temporary loan to April and at some point during the day we stood her in the crib while we stuggled with this heavy paper. The next morning the first words out of April's mouth was the word "Daddy" as she pointed to the newly papered wall.

When the girls were toddlers and mommy was getting hysterical about something or other, we attended positive parenting classes which helped immensely. But I also know, it was the love and support of my beloved Dick that helped the most.

When our youngest was just 6 weeks old, I needed major surgery which meant 6 days in the hospital. He would place Amy in the snuggli and drive from Richmond to V.G.H. so that I could resume nursing her. And during that same hospital stay, on a stormy thunder and lighting night while I lay sleepless and in a bad state of mind (crying all night long), at the same time Dick was at home sitting on the edge of the bed with the power out and three crying daughters.

I remember him getting out of bed at night to attend to one child or another whether it be for a bad dream or a sick, throwing up child. His favourite story is of a time he heard Amy crying out in the night. He jumped up out of bed, hoping against hope to prevent her from throwing up all over the bedding which had happened so often. Hauling this little child's body over the edge of the bed, face down, in an effort to save the bedding, she cried out, "no daddy, I'm having a bad dream!" I lay in bed laughing my head off.

Or the time Cathy woke up the morning after she had taken a huge fall. We won't go into details right Daddy? The first person she called out for was her Daddy. She said, "I can't see out of my eye". She had the hugest shiner, we've ever seen. Her eye was completely swollen shut. It was scary, but the staff at Richmond Hospital assured us she was fine and she was, but that may account for her fear of heights. (Only kidding!)

Teaching the girls to drive. Teaching 2 of the 3 Art when they were in High School. Being so very proud of the young women they have become, you couldn't ask for a prouder Dad. I can't count the number of times he has told me what wonderful children we have and how awful life would be without them.

Our life is richer than we ever imagined possible, all because of love.

Thank you Honey I love you. Happy Father's Day.

Father's Remembered

Remembering with love two wonderful Fathers. Mine, Ralph "G." and Dick's, Artur "A."


We'd give anything to sit and hold your hand today Dad. To thank you for all of your love. To thank you for the countless things you did just for us. Your years of service to your countries. Your years and years of work to make a home for us. We can never repay you, but we thank you, we miss you. We miss you terribly. You are in in our hearts and minds today and always.



The picture taken below was of me and my dad when I was little, picinic-ing at Stanley Park!



This picture is of my beloved when he was about 4, I know it was his sister L's 2nd Birthday.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my beautiful mother's birthday. She is 86 years young, and when I say young, I mean it. Young at heart, young in spirit, wise beyond measure.

As a little girl growing up my mom was one of the few that worked outside the home. I remember once when I went to Churchill High School mom received a telephone call from a mother who was in a different "tax bracket" than we were, and she called mom about attending the P.T.A. meetings which were held during the daytime. I recall being slightly embarassed that this mom, who also happened to be the mother of one of the girls that I perceived to be the most popular in our class, now knew that my mom worked inside and outside the home! Boy did I have that all wrong! My mom, who could talk to the Premier of the Province, the butcher or office manager with equal grace, ease and intelligence, was a force to be reckoned with and greatly respected. But most of all loved by me, my sister, my brother and my Dad.

My mom, trying to get out the door of the childcare centre where she left my sister and I when she went off to work, and I wanted nothing to do with it. We always needed to put on in-door shoes or slippers I guess and my dear mommy desperate for a way to placate this crying child by negotiating with me and the school to allow me to wear my black patent shoes with buckles. I can still feel, sense, and hear the sound of my foot being strapped into the shoes.

I remember with such pride as my beautiful mom drove our yellow convertible carrying who knows who in the Annual Kelowna Regatta Parade. We didn't care who she was driving around, just that she looked so beautiful!

Another time, my mom driving this same yellow convertible and being pulled over by the police because a yellow convertible, probably with another gorgeous blond driving it, had just been involved in a hold-up or some-such thing only hours before. Did our family ever get a laugh out of that one!

My mom, also known as "Brown Owl" when my sister and I were in Brownies. Virtually knitting the 6 inch squares for us for one of our badges. We were both hopeless, as we twisted and knitted and pearled and sweated and held the wool so tightly around our fingers! Needless to say, neither my sister or I are knitters to this day! Thanks Mom!

Waking up on the morning of my 7th Birthday, to the most beautiful red dress lying at the bottom of my bed. My hard working mother sewed this for me, when? In the middle of the night most likely, just so "her baby" would be surprised and delighted on her birthday. I still am, when I think of this gift today!

My mom, not crying at our wedding because she thought I wasn't. I was. She was brave.

My mom, for the countless times she took our 3 little girls so that her tired out daughter and son-in-law could have a little break.

The countless times we've cried on her shoulder and by the end of the discussion, finding something to laugh about!

Learning what unconditional love means, only the way my mom could for us, and us alone. We are blessed.

Happy Birthday Mom.

Vignettes from the Week Past

Two trips into Richmond this week,

can't seem to get the island city out of our blood!

Visiting the dentist for our annual clean and check up.

I just love the ridges rediscovered as you run your tongue against your teeth

and of course the white teeth,

but I don't like the fruity flavour of the flouride treatment!

Adding a Codicil to our Last Will and Testament.

Don't hold your breaths girls, Motor and Diesel

are going to spend, spend, spend!

A lovely lunch with my beloved's Mother.

2 for one coupons and free socks, love and laughter and a few tears too.

Family.

Thirty-seven cents added to the jar on our fridge.

It's funny how you count that up, but discount

all the money spent elsewhere!

Several yellow blossoms on our tomato plants,

less rain, more sunshine please.

An afternoon visit with Abby and April.

Our little copper top talking and smiling.

Her voice is so deep and wonderful.

Two new teeshirts for me

and a great brown striped shirt, on sale, for my beloved.

He looks so handsome wearing it.

The wonderful smell of freshly cut grass.

The wonderful discovery in our garden of finding

a "dormant" Yucca Plant getting reading to flower.

Playing a CD and tidying up the house.

A great combo,

you sing, you dance, you dust a little and the house looks great.

Watching a modern version of a barn raising while out walking.

Only this was a new garage wall being erected.

Why didn't I have my camera?

The scent of the wild roses along the path.

Stopping for a hug from by beloved and a promise of coffee

and smelling the wonderful scent at the same time.

It doesn't get any better than that believe me!

A break and breakfast with Cathy.

We are blessed that her beloved gives her the break.

We owe you one Cliffie dear.

Shopping for the "Easter" coloured t-shirts

for all the Grandchildren

in anticipation of our soon to be taken

40th Anniversary photos.

The children are going to look so wonderful.

I can visualize it all now.

Walking to Collossus to see a mid-week movie.

It was so much fun.

Especially when you use your Airmile Coupons,

which includes popcorn and pop!

Finding out that friends at "Our Saviour Lutheran"

read my blog.

Hello Everyone, I miss you all so.

Friday June 8th was my Baptismal Birthday.

Also, the day I first started and then departed 12 years later

as Church Secretary at Our Saviour.

Being so proud of my beloved today as he led the Congregation at

Trinity Lutheran in worship.

He did it so well.

The "wallpaper" on my computer

a close up picture of a pink peony,

taken by Cathy, but lovingly tended by my

Father before he planted it for her.

A crumpet with honey

and a hot cup of tea

that's what I am going to have right now.

I invite everyone who reads this blog to share a memory in my comments.

Yours to enjoy as wallpaper too!

Who Cut the Whiskers Off the Cat or, Catie Has a Mullet

Catie has a mullet! Check out my daughter's website. http://murrayvillemom.blogspot.com/


Here's the thing, would a child just under three really hide the evidence in the closet or could it have been a sibling?

This is why I ask this question. When I was about 5 or 6 I was accused of cutting the whiskers off our family cat. It might have been Tippy or it might have been Joey. But of one thing I am certain, I didn't do it. This issue has followed me all my life, and if I mentioned it to my 62 year old sister today, she would still accuse me of it. Of course as a child, after a thing like this comes up time after time, after time, you begin to protest too much, why I even smiled about it. So I looked guilty, but honestly I didn't do it. And since it was my sister, not my brother who kept insisting it was me, I think it was her. Why you ask? Well you see, my sister is an electrologist and I think she was working on her craft way back when. Sorry Maddie, I still say it was you! Would an ex-Church lady lie?

Was it Sataaaan?

I think not!

Happy Birthday Richie

Today is my one and only brother's birthday and what a day it is! The sun is shining and quite possibly as I am writing this, he is surrounded by those he loves. His darling Lilli, daughters Erika and Andrea, his hockey partner and son-in-law, Kirby and the really important one, his adorable grandson, Mattie-Bug.

As I was looking for a picture or two to capture the day, I was reminded of how when we lived in Kelowna across from Kelowna General in the big, 3 storey house, when I'd have a bad dream and would begin to cry, my mom would always get up to comfort me. It didn't matter that I was already sharing a bed with my sister or that my teddy bear Timmy were there with me, a bad dream is a bad dream. Possibly out of sleep deprivation or good mothering instincts, mom would ask me "do you want to go in and sleep with Richard?" The answer was always yes. In we'd troop, Timmy, mom and I. She'd settle me in and in no time at all it was back off to dreamland. Safe in the knowledge that my big brother was there to protect me. You know, he never once complained and said what are you doing here?, like many a big brother would. That was just how he was. So here and now Rich, if I never did thank you I am doing so now. Thanks for loving and protecting me. I love you very much.

"Cherish the moment", Rich. Here's to many, many more.

-Bippy

xxxooo

My Brother with the only dog the Geske family ever had. Taken at our home on Alexandra Avenue in Winnipeg.

The resemblance to my nephew Oliver is uncanny.

Look at this smiley little guy in the

little sailor suit (just like his daddy's). My mom sewed it.

Sitting with our Granny.

This is one of my favourites taken when we lived in Kelowna.

The Summer of Love

It's official, the Summer of Love has now begun. Exactly 40 years ago today, June 1, 1967, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was released.


I remember this "record" so well. My beloved and I were just about 6 weeks away from tying the knot and we purchased the record. The night before our wedding, Tom and Yvonne, Dick and I were decorating the car and after we were finished, we put the record on Mr. & Mrs. Robinson's record player and sang the songs from start to finish from the album cover. It was such fun. After all these years when I listen to the album, I can still anticipate what song comes next. The buck buck bucking of the chicken from Good Morning Good Morning. It is just amazing how a set of songs can bring you right back 40 years.

To those of you reading this who still have the vinyl, put it on and enjoy the ride.

To those of you reading this who have it on CD, put it on and enjoy the ride.

If you are one of the unfortunate few who hasn't heard it from start to finish-go out and buy it tomorrow.

And if you are an i-poder, download now!

"It's getting better all the time!"

Vignettes from the Week Past

Planting my sweetpea plants in the garden.

Hanging the confounded netting, why does it roll like that?

Week's total of found money, 82 cents.

The jar is filling up fast this week.

Sitting on our deck in the very early morning drinking tea, reading a short story

listening to the 5 Canadian Geese honking overhead.

Watching the little swallows exalt in the seedpods on our lilac bush.

No, this place is the best, no, this is!

My tomato plants are filling the pot.

When I snapped off a leaf - oh that aroma.

Making Abby giggle as I wiggled my flipflops.

What a wonderful laugh.

Catie saying "play with me"

Of course little darling.

Pappa taking Carly on a field trip to an equestrian centre,

riding a horsey named River.

Turning the corner and spying Cathy and Cameron and Claire

as they walked to school.

Rolling down the window and having these two delightful children

run to the car and to give and receive their kisses--

their little cheeks still had the early morning coolness on them.

That spells heaven to me.

The baby apples growing on our trees.

Dreaming of the Apple Betty and pink Apple Sauce that awaits us.

Caroline walking on her knees.

So very close to standing up, but not quite ready for primetime.

Having coffee with my dear Friend Yvonne.

Having tea with Cathy.

Having tea with April.

Missing Amy

and looking forward to seeing her tomorrow.

Tyler turned 37!

Wishing you every happiness TDM!

My CPP has kicked in-yippee hear me shout.

My first of many I hope.

Lunch with my mother

and being surprised that my dear sister Maddie could come too.

So delightful to catch up-just the 3 of us.

Planning the 40th Anniversary Pictures.

Finally a plan, khaki and yellow.

Just like the yellow roses in my wedding bouquet.

Walking hand in hand with my beloved in the

warm evening sun after a delightful dinner out.

A blue moon on Thursday.

It was so beautiful peeking out behind the cedar trees.

Admiring the beautiful orange poppy plant that my dad planted.

The exuberance of those delicate petals contrasted by

the blackness inside, what a vision.

Vignettes from the Week Past

An evening drive with my beloved

out near Fort Langley.

Seeing the vast fields of green, perfect sod.

Sleeping in until 10:00 a.m. after a restless night's sleep.

Viewing April's blog with those laughter filled wedding pictures.

Viewing Cathy's baby blog, reading about the thumpety thump thump

heartbeat of our expected Grandchild.

A surprise 60th Birthday Dinner for my friend Yvonne.

Watching the peonys that my dad dug out of his garden for me

come into the most incredible blooms.

The pictures of Abby in her new PJ's.

All of her beautiful red/auburn hair.

Planning the pictures that will be taken to celebrate

our 40th Wedding Anniversary.

An unexpected but delightful evening driving to and from

Richmond with Cathy.

Just having the time for us to chat uninterrupted.

Sitting beside her at the birthday meal and being

so proud of her.

Changing Caroline's diaper, and blowing raspberries

on her bare tummy.

Her falling swifty asleep in my arms.

Reminders of my days as a very young mom.

Just missing seeing April, Nick and Abby at Cathy and Cliff's!

Making plans with Amy to go see Bette Midler.

Purchasing a People Magazine because I know a certain someone is already

planning for Halloween.

Watching Carly, Claire and Cameron as they

sat beside us at Church.

Angels in Church, that's what they were.

Watching Catie and her Pappa walk up the street.

She so tiny and sweet, with her little skirt swaying

as she walked so perkily.

I couldn't take my eyes off her.

The smell and look of our newly cut lawn.

Walking up 204 Avenue to have dinner with my Mom.

Admiring my tomato plants already filling out in the pot.

Meeting an elderly couple on our walk the other night.

Betty and Ray.

She said we were the first nice people she had met since they moved

here 10 years ago! That can't really be true, but it was so nice of

her to say so.

A 101 year old man at McDonalds today.

How is face lit up when a tiny little girl said hello to him.

Loving my husband.

April and Nick's Wedding Day

Just one more picture-isn't it a beaut? This one includes Cathy and "Catie". Can you tell I think my girls are just beautiful. I love how Nick is peeking out under Cathy's umbrella. A lovely memory of a glorious day.

A Five Penny Walk or The Streets Are Paved With Gold!

$.05

My beloved and I have been walking together since our three girls were old enough to be left alone for a half an hour. Cathy was left in charge, as she was probably 12 and of an age where it was legal to leave them. We took off to walk the dykes in West Richmond which were only about 5 minutes away by foot. It was wonderful to be on our own, just the two of us. And let's face it, no matter what, our girls would have assured us that they were fine to be left on their own. I don't even want to know what they got up to when we walked away!

The point of this being that as we walked, it wouldn't be uncommon to find a coin or two dropped that had dropped out of someone's pocket. For many a year, we just stooped down and picked it up, and pocketed our "bounty". Finding coins became almost as regular as our walks. Noticing a trend, we decided it would be fun to collect it all up in a glass juice jar, the little individual ones that were popular years ago, just to see how much we collected. Thus began the habit of a lifetime. I cannot walk by a penny without stooping down and scooping it up.

In addition to a lot of foreign coinage, we have found loonies and twoonies, pennys, nickles, dimes, quarters and $2.bills when they were in vogue. The biggest finds were $5, $10, and $20 bills-believe me those were exciting days! One time walking down a totally deserted pathway with not a soul in sight, I found $40.00. I felt bad about that, because I knew someone was going to be upset at a loss like this.

I must put in here also, that my darling Dad still holds the record. He found a one hundred dollar bill all rolled up really, really tightly. Probably used for snorting coke. He noticed it but didn't realize it was money when he got out of his car at Willowbrook Mall, he kicked it with his foot. On the way out of the store it was still there so he stooped down to investigate and sure enough $100 dollars. (It's long gone people, so don't come after me for reimbursement!)

I can't tell you just how many juice jars were filled and refilled, each time tossing the bounty into a plastic baggie waiting to be counted. Before we moved to The Grove, we decided the time was right to total it all up and "cash in". The result was astounding. The grand total was $192.32! Not too shoddy for roadkill money.

When we moved to The Grove, we thought, should we bother with "collecting", aw, why not we decided. Yesterday is was a dime, today a 5 penny walk. Not all at once mind you--two in one spot, three at another. The most we've ever found was a wet $5.00 bill after a very early morning walk. That was a treat. We've graduated to a much larger plastic jar that formerly contained canned peaches. It will be a while before the treat of counting our bounty but in the meantime it's adding up and it sure is fun tossing in the coins.

I guess the moral of the story is this, a penny saved, or in this case found, adds up faster than you think. So the next time you spy a lonely penny laying there all alone and forelorn, scoop it up and put it in a juice jar on the top of your fridge-it adds up. But if you live in The Grove, leave them for us! You won't get rich, but you can have some fun while you are trying. Now, if I could only find the other half of that roadkill penny . . .

Habits first are like cobwebs, then they become cables!

Happy 3rd Anniversary April and Nick

Today is your third anniversary April and Nick. As we look back at that wonderful day in May, we smile and think such happy thoughts. It was such a beautiful day after the heavy morning rains subsided and the sunshine came out, just for you. Through tears of joy, we watched you take your wedding vows. So full of hopes and dreams, and just look they are still coming true! Blessings on your day today. We toast you and your happy life together.

Reach for the Stars!

This, That and the Other

Now that I've retired, there are no gossipy stories from work, trials and tribulations about commuting to and from, no heartfelt anicdotes of sights seen as I drove through a sad and worndown area of Surrey. Without being smug, I am glad.

This week has been such a nice one beginning with Mother's Day and all of the love my daughters bespoke of me. I really do not feel worthy of all that love and praise. But Thank you!

On Monday, Pappa and I went off to Cathy's to care for the two little ones. The morning reminded each of us what it used to be like when we were young and playing with our little gals. It was wonderful. We got to snuggle, and play and laugh and get cozy. Very sweet. The youngest, Caroline made us laugh so hard. She catches your attention by saying in a most determined little, deep voice - hey, hey - when she spies something she wants, such as a banana, and of course the little pointing finger goes along with it. Now that's communication.

Later on in the week my darling "dotter" Cynthia, sent me the cutest picture of her pride and joy, Ben. He was wearing a shirt which his grandmother sewed for him, made of the same bolt of cloth as Claire's school bag. That was an unexpected surprise. Ben looks so darling it really made me want to just reach out and hug him. Such a sweetheart. I guess we know who he takes after Cynthia!

On Wednesday night my beloved and I met my mom for dinner at a restaurant down the hill from her house. Usually when we've visited there in the past, the service while friendly, was always terribly slow. But not on Wednesday. We think it is under new othership, and our server was such a friendly guy, and we all got to eat off the Senior's menu to boot, which included, pie. Mmmm. It was so nice to get to get together and visit with my mommy and share a story and a laugh or two or three. Thanks Mom :0

On Thursday morning we trouped out to Ladner to see April and Abby, and Aunty Amy met us there too. Amy comes in from Vancouver and we drive to Ladner via the 10 Highway. How about this for synchronization? This time and last time, as we crossed over the main highway that takes you to the ferry, Amy turned right onto the road we were on, and was only about 4 car lengths ahead. Yesterday, we crossed over first and spied her car about 4 back waiting to make the turn onto the same road. We couldn't arrange to do that if we wanted to.

When we arrived, Amy and her Dad talked about the car outside and I went upstairs, and there in the kitchen was our dear little Abby in her highchair eating her pablum as her mommy fed her. Her little face just broke into the most magnificant smile when she saw me. All was so nice and peaceful, never did the little one realize that bedlam was about to ensue, with Pappa and Aunty Amy and Nanny invading their quiet little world. She didn't know where to look or who to smile at, but one thing is for certain, she loves her Aunty Amy. She started talking and smiling at her the moment Amy came near. I think it is partly to do with the fact that her mommy and her aunty are so very much alike. And without really knowing why, Abby recognizes these similarites. Pappa left for the swimming pool and we 4 girls had a wonderful time. The big problem was, that Aunty Cathy misses out on these rare get-to-gethers and for that we feel sad. Sorry Cathy. And Amy and April-thanks for the great shoes, I just love them! April you really didn't have a chance at them did you? That wasn't intentional, honest, but I really, really love them!

This is the long weekend, and my tomato plants are growing and thriving in their pot outside, lovingly covered each night to protect them from the coolish night air. Last year I planted them 3 weeks too late with the end result, that many didn't ripen on the vine and that made us feel so sad. We didn't want to repeat that again this year. So here's hoping. My sweetpea plants are shooting up through the dirt in their temporary pots housed in my office. It looks like I'll be able to plant them next week when the weather warms up just a little more. I can see the bouquets already!

Thinking happy thoughts of Cari and Steve moving this weekend! Little baby Lulu is 1 today! Kayla had her school's Sports Day today, I hope she had fun! Alyson's Baby Peyton has arrived safe and sound; Andrea and Kirby get a long weekend to spend with Matty-Bug-yay; my mom and my sister are hoping to spend the first of many weekends at The Lake; Nick starts a week's "vacation". Oh April, maybe you'll get to sleep in a bit, here's hoping. But more importantly, April and Nick will celebrate their 3rd Wedding Anniversary on Tuesday, and my dear friend Yvonne turns the big 60 Tuesday too, yikes, Yvonne we're getting older! Cathy I hope you receive more bouquets of flowers, your cup overfloweth darling, you are blessed.

Before I end today's blog, I'd like to share a couple of pictures. One was taken in the very early 50s and the other one was taken just a few weeks ago, during a swim party, thanks to Uncle Tyler.

Cameron and below, his Pappa, both were about the same age, taken decades apart, but the similarities are striking. Both blond, ribsy thin and love water. Cameron in a pool in Murrayville, Pappa in a pool in Bergneustad, Germany.

Happy long weekned everyone!

Mother's Day 2006

Bouquets of wishes go out to all of the wonderful women in my life

Our Moms, Laura and Erika - you both have shown such great strength during the past years. Such devotion and love for our much missed and beloved, Ralph and Artur. Unimaginable loss, yet somehow, you manage to carry on with such dignity, grace and beauty.

My Sister Madeleine - no one would ever know some of the heavy burdens you have carried. You work so hard day in, day out, and are loved by all your clients, your family and your twisted sister!

My Sister Lilli - often left alone because my brother's work takes him away weeks at a time. Hang in there dear sister, he must be ready to retire soon.

My nieces - Andrea and Laura-hard working young women, managing to hold down jobs, keep house, do so much for others, and little for themselves, and are raising the sweetest little boys imaginable.

Silvana - from the first day we met, I knew, we would be friends. I thank my lucky stars that our daughter married into your family. We love you very much.

Some of my "adopted" children, Cynthia (with little Ben) and Cari (about to deliver in July) to name but a few-you two are beautiful, thank you for your love. (MommA)

To my cousins and Aunty Myrtle in The Peg - hold fast out there - I wish we lived closer!

To all the "blogger" moms. I read your entries and continue to be amazed at all the things you conquor as you go about your daily lives. Thank you for sharing your stories with us.

My darling daughters three:

Cathy-who would have ever known, or guessed that you would have such a wonderful little brood of children? You are blessed, as are we. I couldn't possibly do what you do and still remain sane. How do you do it?

April-look at you with Abby! It has been such a delight to watch you blossom into motherhood.

Amy-I am enjoying so much watching you and Kayla together. This is not always the easiest route to take, but you are doing so with flying colours! Not to mention your love and devotion to your nephew and nieces who adore you.

I wish each and every one, a Very Happy Mother's Day.

Love,

Allyson

Happy Mother's Day Andrea

See this beautiful young mother? Her name is Andrea, and she is my niece. Like so many young women today, Andrea works full time, as does her handsome husband Kirby. The only trouble is, Kirby and Andrea probably only see one another on weekends as this resourceful pair work on almost opposite shifts so that their wonderful little Mattie-Bug only needs to go to childcare 3 days a week. Together they have figured out how to get along by going along.

This little mommy needless to say is a very busy one. And what is she doing on Mother's Day? Well for starters her daddy, my brother, Richard is away. Therefore not wanting her mom, my husband's sister and my sister-in-law, Lilli to be all alone, has invited her mom over for Sunday Brunch. But wait, there's more . . . and as some people (ME!!!!!) never got their act in gear, but a very busy working mommy did, took it upon herself to invite my mother, and my husband's mother, who is Grannie and Oma to Andrea over for Mother's Day Brunch as well.

Adding to the dynamics of this wonderful invite, let me say, that my sister-in-law doesn't drive long distances, so my beautiful niece Riki (Andrea's beautiful sister), will be picking her up from Coquitlam. Now my mother-in-law doesn't drive at all, so the handsome Mr. Kirby, will be driving out to Richmond and then back again later, to pick up Oma. Add all of that onto, prepping for Brunch, shopping, cleaning, etc. etc. etc. as the King of Siam used to say, hosting and then the penultimate--cleanup, well, you get the picture. Mother's Day is going to be another very busy day for Andrea!

Andrea darling if you actually find time to read this, you are an incredible young woman. So filled with love. Your laugh is infectious. You are truly one of a kind. Giving and loving. A wonderful mother. God bless you my sweetheart. We love you very much,

Aunty Allyson and Uncle Dick

xxxooo

Pretty In Pink

Peonys for Cathy!

Oh How They Danced

At 3 O'clock on May 9, 1998

At Our Saviour Lutheran Church

Catherine Nicole married her beloved, Clifford Earl

and the rest as they say is history!

Happy 9th Anniversary to you.

How life has changed.

5 beautiful children,

another on the way.

Purging rooms and houses one drawer at a time!

From student to Journeyman Electrician.

A succession of vans and automobiles,

single strollers and doubles.

All with a wonderful sense of humour.

All with love.

We are so very proud of you.

Enjoy your very special day.