Visits from our daughters
I just have to share. Rose (Amy's mom) and I pick berries in the summer and fall. We were out picking saskatoons on Thursday down by the river. It has been a crap year so the berries were not very plump but we are so glad we went. First, we saw a beautiful yellow crested bird. Then Amy and Lisa came to visit. Chickadees came and sat on our hands and ate berries. Then, as we were leaving a genleman pointed out a blue heron. What a beautiful bird. I felt so at peace slogging through the bush on a drizzly morning!
Life is pretty routine. I think I am getting the hang of this retirement thing and it is okay. For so long, I felt guilty not going to work so got involved volunteering. We have passed on our Neighbour to Neighbour group to the Community Association. We advocated for safety in the neighbourhood and promoted inclusiveness. We were thrilled to see families enjoying the beautiful day. We gave out free hot dogs, popcorn, lemonade and cake. We were adamant that everyone was welcome to attend and money was not to be a deterrent. We are hoping the Community Association will carry on the tradition we started.
I am not done volunteering, just taking a break. I am in touch with the Women's Centre and plan to do some stuff there. I have volunteered with them off and on and am so glad women have a safe place to go and just be.
We are so thrilled with our twins. They are adorable - I just wish we could see them more often but airfare is horrendous. We will go again in November for their 3rd birthday - time flies! We are hoping that Cevyn, Brendan, and the girls will come here at Christmas. Now that Cevyn has the weekend job she wanted - an aesthetician at a spa, it may be doable. She gets awesome tips. The best part is that she is thoroughly enjoying going to work and Brendan is doing well with the girls. So all is good.
I think of my SOTH every day but am not great at keeping in touch. I do Facebook but that is about it.
Lisa: I am glad that you and Amy came to see us. You made our day. I miss you always and love you forever, Mummy
Replies
Sounds like a wonderful day with Lisa and Amy. Did you make pie with the berries? I used to do that in another lifetime maybe again who knows. Well enjoy the rest of the weekend. Peace, Kathy xoxo
How perfectly wonderful to get visits from Amy and Lisa!!! WooHoo!!! And such beautiful messengers of their LOVE!
You have always done such amazing work with your community! You are truly an inspiration! I hope to figure out retirement one day soon myself, but I bet I won't feel half as guilty as you about not working, LOL! I'm SO ready for a break from the pressures of keeping our customer happy!! Although I do know hanging around the house 24/7 would get old quickly enough, so I will consider what types of activities I could be involved with in my own little community.
Gosh, it's so hard to believe your littles will be turning 3 already! Even though you've been awesome at sharing their photos, and I'm seeing them "grow up", it still amazes me! And what little doll babies they are!!! Just SO darn cute!! Please tell Cevyn hello from me. I'll always remember meeting her and feeling her wonderful energy! I'm glad to hear she and Brendan are doing well and that she now has the job she wanted and YAY for the big tips!!
I'll see you on FB my sweet, opinionated (LOL) friend!! Love you BIG!
Hugs,
Teri
Isn't it the BEST how our children show up?! Lisa makes herself known often here on the island and I do always try to share as our kids won't let me "rest" until I have. LOL!
I typed a long reply and guess it wasn't meant to BE or it will show up at some point.
Loved hearing from you, Marlene, and sending the tightest of heart hugs to Lisa's mummy from Douglas and me. Thank you for sharing what is going on in your world and wherever you are planted others benefit, I know.
I love your day and the signs you received from the girls...so wonderful.
I love seeing the twins and your grand-daughter...such a blessing and legacy from Lisa.
As far as volunteering...I have always volunteered throughout my life...it just seemed so right.
In my youth I worked for Toys for Tots, volunteered at assisted living and convalescent homes--and yes, political campaigns.
I helped run social groups at work for company picnics, team bonding, fun times.
Later, in my raising children days, I always cared for my friends kids so that they could get away together as couples...I was involved with PTO, a Girl Scout leader and committee member, same for Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting as leaders, merit badge counselors and committee and continued volunteering after my boys were out of Scouting. I helped with sports leagues. School and sports fundraisers, senior all nighters. I looked in on elderly neighbors and ran errands for them throughout my life...it feels good to give. Of course, after Daren's loss I worked on legislative changes in my state for personal reasons...and with FMO for my heart-mending.
I am busy with my grandkids right now and Desiree is roping me in to Tball with her... but when they get a little older I plan on looking for a volunteer position where I feel I fit...not sure what that is yet...but I feel my best when I do this.--so I get it.
You always make a difference where ever you tread, dear Marlene...you are a bright light--Lisa is proud.
Love,
AnnM
Marlene, I love that you had visits from Lisa and Amy! Such a wonderful gift.
Your grandchildren are so precious, I enjoy the pics on FB. And your dear Cevyn is such a great mum to her girls. She had a great role model!
I’m enjoying my retirement too. I volunteer at the school I used to work at & I babysit my grandson’s children 3 times a week but I do enjoy being able to turn something down if I’m not up to it.
Sending you and dearest Lisa lots of love, Linda