CHRISTmas is coming!

To me it is important  not to say such things as 'Happy Holidays'  if we are Judea-christian.  I have no problem in wishing others; who aren't of my faith, things like Happy Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, or  Hanukkah. But as a Christian; I feel that most things during this very commercialized season are not germane at all.  The two things that are important to me are the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child and the sweet innocence of the season, seen through the eyes of children when Santa is mentioned.  Saint Nicholas is another way of expressing the spirit of Christmas and it all goes back full circle to the gift of the Christ Child.

The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog 

I hope that you enjoy your special day in December and I wish you the very best of that day.  I want a grooming before Christmas.    I hope all my fellow canines get exactly what they want as well.

Oh Oh ! The big 65!

I have no problem with being 65 on December the 9th.    I figure I have earned every minute of every day of both wisdom and foolishness!  I wish to thank all of you that has wished me 'Many Happy Returns'.



The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog

My human Mom is telling the truth when she says she hasn't any problem turning 65.  That does not mean she is particularly enjoying it.  Every time a new birthday comes she has to figure out just what goals she can still pursue.  But its alright, with any luck she will follow in the footsteps of her Mom, have plenty of time to attain her goals  and reach her 100th plus. 

 

Lest We Forget

Every Remembrance Day that comes each November makes me realize something.  Just how sad I feel for the loss of all soldiers of all the wars.

Below are quotes from Canadian soldiers who have been to war:


"We go on and on about our differences. But, you know, our differences are less important than our similarities. People have a lot in common with one another, whether they see that or not."
William Hall

"All of us who are convinced that our military needs all the support the government and public will provide are pleased that he will have his chance to do just that."
Alex Morrison

"However, I think, first of all, that what's happening in Sierra Leone is going to have the great influence on those governments who will be asked to provide forces to the Congo. Second, of course, the Security Council has no professional military advice organized in any way."
Alex Morrison

"The Halifax area has long played a major role in Canada's military operations, being the port of departure for convoys, naval task forces and army units over the past 100 years or so."
Alex Morrison


"This is the wonderful thing about espionage, nothing exists any more."
William Stephenson

"We were trained to live by our wits, in any circumstance."
William Stephenson


*Find out more about these men at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/william_hall.html 

 

*'The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog' will return next post.* 




  

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Halloween; also known as  All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly celebration observed in a number of different countries on Oct 31st. This is the date of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows or All Saints eve.  According to many experts, it was originally influenced by western European harvest festivals and the festivals of the dead with possible pagan roots , particularly the Celtic Samhain.  Others say that is started independently of Celtic Samhain and has Christian roots.   

<sup>Whichever it is Halloween is the chance for children to go from house to house to collect treats.  Unfortunately there are those who have given rotten treats in the past and now most adults prefer to have their children to go to a party where they know they will be safe.  I used to love having little kids particularly come by all dressed up as a gypsy or a bum or a fairy and give them a nice treat.  It is a shame because of some  persons perverted sense of what they think is humour today's children can not prove to be an entertainment of sorts to the older generation.


The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog 

Why don't our masters or mistresses take us out for Halloween.  I ask you....if we could just get a few pieces of chicken or a bit of pepperoni, wouldn't that be lovely?  Some us who are talented could do a curtsey or bow and get extras!  Oh well!  Nobody listens to a wee doggie so I guess I will be staying in on Halloween again this year.</sup>

                             ^{I could wear this outfit Mom!}

Learning Even Now

For me; it is amazing how ones learning curve always kicks in when the teacher is available!  Sometimes, someone is your teacher even when they don't realize it.  Such has been the case with my Bank of America lately.  Suffice to say they charged me with some unfair and ridiculously high overdraft fees.  I phoned their business number in the states and had overdraft fees of $35 out of $70 on 46 cents refunded in last month.  Well I still felt that they did not have a right to be charging me the remainder on the first fee so I phoned again this past week.  After about an hour on the phone they refunded the other $35 and I am at last satisfied with that aspect of things.  The other thing that bothers me about all banks are the huge fees put on government checks that originate in the states.  Once they are through with a check of say, $400 you are lucky to have $350 left.  The only efficient  way to get your money out is the ATM and they are unforgiving on your end as well as the bank's end.  It is my opinion that the banks should go after those who are rich and leave the fixed incomes alone!

Another bone of contention is the problem I have getting a real live person on the line when I want to clear up a problem with that business.  I also have an issue with people who have scripts that they use on every customer on their phone line.  For instance, I don't think telling someone who is livid about a mistake on their companies part, to 'have a good day', when passing the person to a supposed superior.  Also what is the matter with people in the 'business world'?  Why on earth should I have to repeat everything as I go up the senority ladder?  Why can't they give me the right person from the beginning???  Well those are all my complaints for today.  :) 

We have had a lovely time  preparing our postage stamp garden in the front  for the winter; but I think we have done what is required now.  The fruits of our labour gave us many nice salads and sandwiches.  We have also been able to store some lovely herbs to put a hint of summer in our cooking this winter.  So my friends I will leave the last words to my doggie, Dylan.

The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog  - this is an updated portion of this posting.

I sure think it is important to try to get along with all my canine  neighbors and although some of them are larger than me I do respect and appreciate them.  One noble fellow in our little neighbourhood was fighting for his life.  He was in Ruth's prayers constantly.  He did not get well; so I know that the Lord took him over the Rainbow Bridge as it was his time.  He passed away on Saturday the 20th of October.  My human friend says the important thing is; that an animal never suffer needlessly.  I might add that this particular dog's humans, the people that own this stout fellow; are very kind and cared a great deal for him.  Tete you are in our thoughts today.

Yours with paws,
Dylan the dog.

Summers Winding Down

  

I  see the Summer gradually winding down and it makes we wish the seasons did not pass so quickly.  But my favourite time of year will soon be with us.

Autumn will be here before we know it.  This is the season of  bounty, here in Ontario where Autumn falls between September and November.  Crops are harvested during Autumn. All the leaves are at their best as they change colours.  The flowers that bloom in Ontario are many and bountiful.  My favourite  is the Chrysanthemum which comes in lovely fall colours that match the changing colours of the trees.  They seem to last past any other bloom at this time of the year.  There are fall asters as well that dot our landscape with purple blooms.  The Sumacs are changing from green to crimson and the maples are changing their colours to a variety of hues.

This is also the time of year to do the little jobs that prepare our homes for the winter.  We can make sure the caulking around the windows and doors and the insulation on your electrical switch plates are up to snuff.  These little investments will produce savings and a cozy home during the winter months.

It is the season of pumpkins, turnips,Brussels sprouts, beets, bok choy, nappa cabbage, Chinese spinach, Chinese broccoli, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, celery root, celery, chard, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, green beans, greens, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, parsley, parsnips, pears, potatoes, shelling beans, spinach, summer Squash, winter Squash, and zucchini.   Enjoy the celebration of Harvest Home on the 30th of September fellow Canadians!

The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog

I sure like Spring, Summer, and Autumn; but the idea of the snow and ice of the winter dragging the coat on my tummy depresses me.   It would nice if we only had a couple of days of winter here; like I used to experience in my home state of Oklahoma.  Mom would get me all groomed and clipped most of the year; so I wouldn't be too hot.  I never had any trouble with the groomer and she always succeeded in doing a beautiful job.  She would give a 'teddy bear' cut all over except around my face where I would have a modified 'lion's mane' around my face.  Everyone thought I looked cute and it didn't cost a lot either.   Here in Canada they want you pay and arm and a leg.  Right now I look like a bear that has been hibernating all winter.  I just hope I can get clipped and looking handsome soon!

Shake a paw twice,
Dylan the Dog.

Note:  The photos of the cats are both found on common sights.  Dylan and his Mom were photographed by Ruth Shultz.
 

Day Trippers!

Last Sunday I took a fall in a friend's back yard after church. I was in the emergency of our local hospital from 12:30 pm  to around 9 PM on Sunday.  It was thought I might have a mild concussion.  I went backwards off an upper patio dinging my body all the way down 5 flagstone steps and landing on my back on the lower patio of flagstones.  They took me to hospital in an ambulance on a flat board and wearing a neck brace; so my back and neck would not be jostled. 

They had to take 15 different x-rays.  Thank God I did not break anything but did severely strain a few vertebrae in my back and got a very large egg bump on the back of my head.  A friend checked on me quite often so I could to get through the night in one piece.  They woke me up every 2 hours to make sure I didn't fall ill with a head injury in the next 24 hours.

www.whisperandguapo.com

 

So this past Wednesday, a friend of mind was driving to Lindsay.  They asked if I would keep them company on their travels. The trip, which is about 100.4 km or 1hour and 48 minutes driving time, turned out to be very pleasant and warm..  The air was wonderful, the scenery throughout all the towns; Scugog, Little Britain. and right up to the start of the Kiwartha Lake District where Lindsay sits, was as beautiful as always.  I suspect we took about 2 hours getting there and a bit longer on the way home, as we stopped for lunch.

We ate at a little 'trailer restaurant' on one of the minor roads in the area.  There seems to be a great many of this type of restaurant that sell french fries or 'chips' in all guises; with fish, burgers, poutine style, with gravy etc.  They always make their food from scratch and for some reason they are either housed in a stationary trailer or a truck.  

We also decided to play tourist and follow our noses along the back lines.  Well at one point we were kind of confused so we turned on the GPS and low and behold we came out at Hwy 7 going towards Richmond Hill once more.  All in all it was a lovely day for both of us.  I got to relax and enjoy a  some time out of the house.  It did a fairly good job of taking my mind off the pain.  My friend had someone to talk to while they drove.  Thank you my friend for taking me along.

The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog

I wonder why it is that people and dogs don't have the ability to land on their feet more like cats.  I think that I see a great many more dogs, horses, and people injuring themselves than cats.  There is a big black and white cat upstairs named Bubba and nothing seems to happen to him.  He gets through the days intact but passes out the odd bite or scratch along the way.  It is most infuriating to be scratched with hind legs because Bubba is annoyed with another animal; who also doesn't deserve to be treated badly.  Luckily for me, Sandy, the part husky upstairs and I get on like a doghouse on fire.  Ruth hasn't been able to walk me at all since her fall but it will be okay soon and we will be able to get back to our routine.  Well that is about it from me.  

Shake a paw - Dylan the Dog

 

Note:  The photo of the injured cat and  the resting cat  can be found at common sights, and the cat in the car can be found  here .  Dylan  was photographed by Alec Bruyns.

Summer Time!

More Just Funny Comments 

We are well into the summer season.  I don't know about anyone else but I miss the days of the old swimming hole.  Something for nothing or very inexpensive, with no chlorine.  I wonder where the pebbled beaches of the Canada's lakes are and why on earth one person should own it more than another.  

Used to be, back in the 50's before all the developers got their greedy hands into things a person could go about 20 to 30 miles north of the College and Young Street in Toronto and be in cottage country.  There were also lots of well tended public 'beaches' around Musselmans Lake.  Or a family could travel a bit further to stay the weekend at some lake side hotel or cabin row and enjoy the 'Haliburtons'.  

One can't do that these days much.  The water front property is  either expensively all over-developed, been declared off limits for swimming, or you must pay through the nose for an hour on the beach.  The water is no longer clear, the fauna has been tampered with as well as the flora, and there are far too many expensive fun parks, made for thrill seekers, beside super highways. 

What has happened to going to the Island for fun?  It seems to be a lost concept.  Cities like Toronto have neglected things like 'Ontario Place' for what?  Why I remember when we used to go to Sunnyside Amusement Park.  Those were quieter, gentler times when people could get far more fun for far less money!  Now I don't expect people to go backwards in time but surely it isn't too much for us to expect the City of Toronto or any other city with some of same situations, to not waste what we have developed.  Give Ontario Place a face lift and use your noodles down at the planning commission.  It is important for it not to cost the public too much.  It should be something that gives us more bang for the buck and still pay for itself. 

Stop wasting your time at town hall being self defeating and use your collective noodles a bit more.  Use the places that are built first, don't fall back on bigger and better of the same old rides.  Invent something that is both thrilling, educational, and not too expensive to build.  Toronto can be a city of good old fashioned fun again if we all try to make it happen.  How about a concept contest, open to all in the GTA from 8 on up?  Whoever wins gets a season's pass to the place.  Used to be a time when the people on boards here in Toronto would often get together and use their collective imaginations.  Wish we could see that happen again.

    

         

         The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog   

We Canines want to have a great summer too.  But that will only be possible if our owners purchase biodegradable poop bags and make sure they have them wherever they take us!  There are some none dog owners who look at some dogs with dread when they visit the park.  That is most likely because they have seen the owners let their dog's do their business and walked away.  People smile when they see Mom and I in the park because she scoops my poop.  Such a small thing to ask.  You say you love your dog?  Well then prove it by making sure their reputations remain unsullied.

Oh one more thing.  Anyone know where I can go for a stress free grooming in Richmond Hill.  One of the groomers who did not seem to know how to handle me awhile back; told Mom I should be done at the vets under local anesthetic.  Well Mom won't do that to a 6 lb Pomeranian like myself.  What baffles Ruth is that I had groomers that always had a happy puppy throughout my experiences in Oklahoma.  Surely there are groomers here that can do the same.  Please leave any information about a good inexpensive groomer on the comment area.  I know Mom  would also like to get some feed back on the blog.  Be careful out there and enjoy your summer everyone!

    

Note: The graphic of the water skating kitty was gotten here.  The  picture of Dylan was taken by my friend Alec Bruyns.

Why don't people tell the truth anymore?

REMEMBER - YOU ARE A KITTY!

We're big advocates for speaking honestly in and about close relationships. In counseling thousands of couples, we've seen an incredible amount of destruction wrought by hiding significant truths. Why do so many of us find it so hard to speak honestly in our intimate relationships? In our Couples Course, we put a big piece of paper on the wall, and invited participants to list all the reasons they had used to avoid telling some significant truth in a close relationship. Here's the Top 15:

1. I don't want to hurt your feelings.

2. It wasn't important (*referring to a 'one-night stand' infidelity.)

3. You won't be able to handle it.

4. This is not the right time.

5. I'll tell you when I figure it out.

6. I feel dumb (foolish) (embarrassed) telling you.

7. I should be able to handle this myself.

8. You must be tired of hearing the same thing.

9. You don't share so I won't.

10. I'm afraid you will get mad (sad) (afraid).

11. You're in a good mood and I don't want to bring you down.

12. I'm figuring out how to word it so I don't push your buttons
(*referring to confessing a sexual affair.)

13. You won't like me when you hear it.

14. Everything will unravel if I tell you about this.

15. You'll reject me or leave me if I tell you.

Here's hoping this list inspires us all to be more impeccable about speaking honestly!

Have you been on the receiving end or the speaking end of any other excuses for not speaking the truth? If so, please let us know so we can add to the list.

Kathlyn and Gay Hendricks

Founders, The Hendricks Institute; Authors, 'Conscious Loving,' 'Attracting Genuine Love,' 'Five Wishes,' 'The Corporate Mystic

Note:  Wonderful short video for those that enjoy a good animated film.

The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog 

I am just a dog but I even know what being a liar means.  Like the day the border collie down the road was talking to me in the park.  He told me his human feeds him real steak every day.  I told him I didn't think that what he said was the truth.  So then he says, "Well every time he has steak he gives me half."  I said, "That isn't even true!"   Then he says, "Truth is he gave me one piece of gristle last winter."  I shook his paw and congratulated him for telling the truth.  I understood  why he had such a hard time telling the truth from an article I read here.   Just cause I don't have opposable thumbs doesn't mean I can't read!

Note:  The bunny and kitty picture as well as the one of Pinocchio  and Jimmy Cricket can be taken from common download sites.  The one of my dog, Dylan, was taken by myself in my old Long Island Apartment.

The Social Stalker

Who are you under the table?

 

Sometimes there are people who are too interested in being a part of someone elses life.  They don't hurt anyone physically; but can injure them in other ways.  They think that overt ingratiating behaviour will some how make them the stalked person's best friend or become someone they admire.  They seem to want to hang out with their 'hero'.  It works for a time but then the object of their attention can become annoyed and irritated.  

I think that probably the best way of handling something like this is to not let it creep you out.  If you are the recipient, it is important to just be yourself and use commonsense.  It would probably be a good thing to just ask the person to leave you alone.  Make it abundantly clear that they are embarrassing to the object of their admiration.  That, although it is flattering, you would appreciate it if they did not continually ask for your attention and company.  Make it clear that you, wish to make your own mind up as to who you want to be in company with on week days and your weekends in particular. 

Do a little research and find a place for the person to go in their spare time to make new friends.  People who would enjoy their attention.  Whether you are a Christian or not, society does not behoove  you to be a person that is there to take care of everyone on the planet.  If you can't take on a project there is probably a very good reason for that.  God gives us talents.  Each of us has their own God given things to pursue.  It is between the Lord and myself, for instance, just what my purpose or mission in life is and each of us must come to it in thoughtful prayer.  I must be able to set boundaries.  But I must be careful the other person does not feel like an 'untouchable'.

Sometimes life is like a social mine field folks....so be careful out there!

The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog

It really amazes a little doggie like me the things that Ruth comes up with to write about.  Her head must be a very treacherous place to go.  She has  been around a great many different types of other people.  She wants to see a happy world out their for everyone including doggies.  I guess a being can only do the best they can.

          

Note:  The kitty on glass photo is from Cats on Glass and Dylan of course, was taken by Alec Bruyns.

Trolls or Consequences

 It saddens me a great deal the way that people today don't seem to care what happens in their society. I wonder where the teachings of my parents and grandparents have gone. Even when someone was not respected as someone that people revered; others showed common decency towards them. There is a video being shown on 'you tube' these days and you might find it interesting so go here I do not understand the way people think at all. I hope those young people get prosecuted to the full extent of the law. My generation were pretty off the wall but we still respected our elders. 'The world is big, and cat bullies might be cute, but people bullies are the ugliest monsters I can imagine.' Posted by Angelica Sidious

 What really gets me about this situation is that she is probably monitoring these vindictive little trolls for nothing.

There is another problem people have with their lack of manners these days as well.. The big thing is that everyone should keep a real date book so you know what is on during that month. First, to keep yourself abreast of business, social, and medical commitments. Second, to make sure you don't commit to more than you can handle. Third, it also helps to keep probabilities penciled in so that you can tell people in good time, that; if such and such happens you won't be able to attend whatever event. It makes life go along at a nicer pace. It also helps keep your relationships with people on a positive upswing.

 The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog 

 Ruth is talking about a very important problem today. I watched a bit of the video with her. And people call us 'animals'! It is horrific what these human children did. In regard to the other thing - if I had a real social life I would keep a date book. But I don't write and I can't see the sense in having a book full of paw prints. :) 

 The bullying cat picture comes from Angelica's site 'Millions of Cats'. The picture of Dylan was taken by Alec Bruyns. 

God's Living Room

There is a darling little park near my home where my dog, Dylan and I go to walk at least once a day.  However there is a problem these days with Skopit Park.   A number of people with both big and little dogs and pigs are not bringing their own biodegradable bags with them so they can scoop their animals poop.  Furthermore people with coffee cups, soda bottles water bottles, and various and sundry disposable food containers, are just dropping them on the ground.  The parks people that cut the grass and empty those round boxes spend their time cleaning up after the debris.  Wouldn't it be easier on our tax dollars if we would just take a minute to put our own garbage in the trash bin?

These thoughtless actions are not appreciated by a lot of people who use the park for their children, their animals and themselves.  To me it is like littering on a small portion of God's living room!  We need to be better housekeepers of this world and it starts in each of our own neighbourhoods. 

It is important to keep Mother Earth pristine one step at a time. Yes; this includes baby steps.  One might think, "Well one little cigarette butt or piece of paper or 'Tim's' cup won't make a difference; but people it does!  Let us all be Ladies and Gentleman and keep our streets, our homes and our parks clean and tidy!  

                            
 The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog

Ruth and I went to the park this morning and dirty things were littered all over the ground!  My nose was not giving me the lovely green smells I have come to expect when I am there.  Three nights ago I put my paw into some Setter's yucky poop because their owner didn't scoop their doggies' stuff.  If I had opposable thumbs instead of paws, I would have picked up the litter and gotten my 'Mommy' to put it in one of two containers for stinky things.  But I don't!  Ruth and I were both very disappointed in the other humans about us that misuse our little park.

All the pictures are stock photos except the one of Dylan the Dog which my friend Alec Bruyns took for me and the map which I got from the Town of Richmond Hill site.

Online Dating

 

This is one phenomena that the world could probably do without or at the very least change, in a great many respects.  I think that it is important to know the pitfalls that come with online dating.  There are the obvious pitfalls; such as the man or woman can lie about their age or send another persons picture, they can create a whole false identity online, and stranger still; this can be happening on both sides.

Even if you are the one that is being perfectly honest that 'military person' or 'comfortable bachelor' could be a twelve year old, a pretend soldier,  or worse still a guy or gal that is living on welfare checks or is married with children.  If your new found love asks for money then drop him like a hot poker especially if he lives or works in Africa or China. Believe me you are not going to get any monies paid back.  There are a lot of scams afoot on the net and you don't want to be conned believe me. You can find an article on the pros and cons of online dating here.  So there are obvious flaws in the system. 

Even if you get past all that and they are a good, hardworking, attractive person and you decide to meet each other at a neutral cafe....what then?  You meet and you just don't click or you sense something not quite right you couldn't recognize virtually.  What do you do then?  Do you go on and screen another?  Or do you hope that this one will work?  It seems to be a rather large gamble.

 There are many advantages to all the technological progress we have had in the last thirty years and I enjoy it all.  But when I really think about it, in the end online dating is precarious at best and dangerous at worse.  The girl or guy who is showering you with beautiful romantic phrases more than likely got them off of a sight like this  or this one


The old fashioned dating ideals just don't work anymore because everyone thinks they are too sophisticated for them.  But if we just utilize that whole 'June, spoon, moon thing' of days gone by; well our marriages might last till the 'death do us part' mark.  Perhaps we should start realizing  that a relationship is not an 'instant' thing but takes work and desire on both sides.  

It is most important to really understand just how vulnerable both parties are in the scheme of things and to tread lightly with each other.   Maybe, you could meet someone online and then proceed to date in a more traditional manner.  It would probably work out better if it was months of dating rather than weeks.  Here is a great article to read.    I would like to say that it is the norm for people to find their dream partner online but that would not be true.  More often than not people who date online 'settle' on someone rather than being alone for the rest of their lives.  I think that it all comes down to wanting to invest the time and stress it entails to find that special someone that will help make life more pleasant.  It would  truly be lovely to see more scenarios of young couples ending up as older married folks.

Here in Canada the best place overall to find a date is here, the second best is here,
this is the place you can find more mature company, and to find a Christian partner go to this site.  I believe for anyone living in the states you have the same alternatives although the addresses may be altered. 

Well, other than to say good luck and good dating that is all for today.







The Wee Few Thoughts Of Dylan the Dog 

Ruth took me out this afternoon.  Mom's friend, Ruth and her husband Alec, brought two big heavy things that looked like sidewalk pieces and put them in one of the places where all the green and smelly stuff grows.  I think people are very strange.   I wonder if the 'sidewalk' will grow?  

All the pictures and cartoons are stock photos except the one of Dylan the Dog which I took myself.

Ruminating Over Some Ideas

I would like to use this posting to ruminate over some ideas I had while in the garden at the back of my house after church this morning.  My girl friend Ruth owns the house and tends her lovely garden.  I watched Ruth digging, planting and watering while I sat in the garden.  I thought how peaceful she looked and in balance with nature she seemed; while tending her garden.   Then my thoughts went to the sermon I heard this morning. It was the first time in my life I understood the story of Ananias and Sapphira.   I now understand the meaning of  'Imitation Spirituality' (Acts 4:36&37 and Acts 5:1 to 4}.  There is a comprehensive explanation of the historical and biblical ideas in these verses here . 

When Ruth sat down for a rest in between tasks she gave me a little music box that she found at one of the stores here in town.  She said that when she saw it she thought 'now that is something Ruth (myself) would like.  Alec, Ruth's husband, kindly installed a right handed railing by the steps to my room downstairs. He also drilled holes and installed plugs so I could hang some more pictures.  

Now neither of these people worship the way I do; but they have a great part in helping me form the thoughts and ideas I have by being with them, conversing with me, and just being Ruth and Alec.  So I think you may be asking what has that got to do with the sermon she mentioned?  Well I can tell you this: every time they give of themselves, their thoughts, or their hearts, I feel as though they have given me a taste of positive spirituality. 

There are a lot of folk in my church community that do the same for me in other ways.  They make me see things from a different slant and it helps me see my faith in a positive perspective.  And now as a result of this sermon this morning I am thinking about just being saved myself as opposed to being saved and telling others the good news.  Thanks to pastors Beth and Dave, I often find myself waking up in the middle of the night going over some provocative idea or thought they may have put in my head.

Back in the garden I think of what a miracle all the flowers and plants are and how wonderful our creator must be to have 'invented' all the lovely things; in our garden let alone the world.  When people tell me that there are no miracles these days, I feel like showing them the garden here in my back yard. 


The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog  

Ruth took me to the back garden today.  She lost hold of the my leash.  I sat for awhile thinking I might go for a run.  I looked up at Mom and noticed that she had picked up the leash.  She said 'Oh I am so glad you didn't run on the beds Dylan!'  I guess I am smarter than I thought.

    

The photos of the Columbine, the Lily- of-the-Valley, and the  butterflies were taken by my friend Alec Bruyns.  The photo of Dylan was taken by myself.  The one of the kitty is a stock photo.