A Few Things To Blog About.

I have a few things to blog about today.

#1.  I have been resting and reading a lot lately as I have spurts of really bad pain.  But I have realized something really neat.  As it did when I was younger, pain seems decreased when one is busy.  I am trying to write some articles but can't sit for much longer periods of time than one hour.  So I do my work in increments and fill in with lie down thinking time.  Sometimes I even end up literally dreaming up ideas and themes.  I really enjoy writing so I do it as much as I can but am careful not to overdue as pain does not make it creatively easy.

#2.  I really would like to be better at paper work but know that I shall never surpass most first year college students.  I really would like to have a better understanding of how taxes work but no matter what I read the subject evades me.  I would like to do my own income taxes but just don't understand how to do it.  But what I can do is write from my heart so I shall do what the good Lord gave me the talent to do.

#3  "I see the Creator of all things is not at our beck and call nor is he 'the magic man' there for our singular satisfaction.   We in this life have free will and in order to get blessings we have to first believe in a higher power and then to do what he guides us to do in our lives.  Our belief or faith that He exists,  not our good works all of which we must do in any event, is what gives him the urge to give us blessings.  He bestows these on both the just and the unjust because he is a merciful creator. 

Having said that, I want to go on to say that we as human beings are exactly where we are for the right reasons even though it may not seem right at the time.  The Creator I believe in does not give me anything more today than I can handle; even though it doesn't always seem 'fair' in that instance.  So  in light of that how can we meditate?  Put in simple terms, I try to be the very best me I can be today and try to stay in the moment."  *Author Unknown or it may be something I wrote.  I cannot tell you as this was taken out of my text folder and has always been something I have believed for over 30 years.  

#4  No matter what life hands me it is my choice to try to behave as helpfully, compassionately, and rationally as possible; while not allowing anyone to use me as a door mat.



The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog 

I went to the Lady's garden with the Lady, Ruth, and her daughter this morning.  I was so glad to be outside I barked with joy.  Everyone was talking and wanted me to stop barking.  I don't understand.  Why do I have to quit when they don't?  Just saying -.

Nostalgic Afternoon

I have been thinking of my late husband Tom a great deal of late.  I had occasion to see things written about him around on the net quite a bit today.  He was a very good computer tech and a better than average pool player.  The following is an excerpt that I wrote to give more information about his last few years.

 

"I did not know Tom before he started playing pool in the early 90's. I was his 4th wife before I became his widow. Tom and I used to go to the old pool hall on south May Ave in the strip mall. He would often win hands down even in his early fifties. I used to listen to them regale all the stories of his Pool Hall escapades. I enjoyed every minute I was with him right to the end.

 
He passed away from Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 59 years on May 12th, 2001.  He had 23 years of Sobriety at the time of his death. He was cremated May 16th, 2001. A friend of his had built a scale model pool table of different kinds of hard wood to house the ashes. We had a memorial service for him on our lawn at our home. As long as I stayed in Oklahoma City I knew I would not get over his death so I moved back home to Canada.  I thank God for every minute I spent with this wonderful gentleman."

Tucker making a shot.

Our sister-in-law Evelyn, Tommy, and Ruth (me).

The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog 

I went to the postage stamp garden in front of the house with Mom this morning.  She cleaned up the four beds she has and hopefully she will plant the rest of the veggies.  Then we went to the Lady's garden in the backyard and I was very excited.   But Ruth would not let me dig the dirt under the trellis seat.  I am so sad!

Pondering Consequences

I often wonder why we aren't all brought up successfully to understand fully the idea of consequences.  Not just to know the difference between right and wrong but to understand that with every action comes a reaction.  

For instance; when we are little some of our parents left us to explore things around us while others filled our lives with dancing, singing, aerobatic, or piano lessons.  I tried my best to bring up my three children; whom I love very dearly, with as many advantages as possible.  I did not always make the right decisions nor was the world we lived in always kind to them.  For reasons only the good Lord knows for sure, their life lessons were mostly left up to me.

I suppose, that as young adults my generation had to relearn a lot of the values our parents had given us.  This was mainly as young people a lot of us had our own agendas; as a lot of us were part of the hippie subculture for awhile.  We were fortunate enough, to be able to remember a lot  of those things we had learned from our parents too.

However, whatever the reason, many of us from the last two generations, have not carried  on with the idea of consequences very well.  So like deer caught in the headlights, we are surprised when things that are not so pleasant happen to us or do not turn out the way we have dreamed they would turn out.  So with the passage of time we had to realize just what we needed to do in the world around us.  I think, taking stock, that my peers and their children are not doing too bad a job of it either.

Most of my generation that I know and our children are very aware of environmental, political, and social issues and seem personally involved in setting things right.  So in the end most of my friends and family have, in the end become aware of the whole action-reaction theory.  My fervent hope is that it isn't too late.


The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog 

I don't worry too much about  the world at large.  I am just here to tell you what a wonderful feeling it gives a dog like me to dig the earth under the trellis in the garden.  The earthy smell quite fires me up for a new day.  The lovely lady that tends the garden doesn't mind if I dig there.  

Things Are Not The Way They Should Be!

I have a friend who has an elderly friend and companion on a stay in Mackenzie Health Center.  He is this person's caregiver.  This person has a right arm brace provided by a fore mentioned Health Center.  My friend; who tries to visit their friend patient 4312 in bed 4, says the health care specialists are treating them too roughly and improperly.  My friend has no access to '4312' and the hospital staff has made it impossible for them to visit the patient.  All the caregiver and friend wants is to be able to protect '4312' and get them released to their own doctor.

Patient 4312 originally went to Mackenzie for a seizure on April 6 of 2013.  Up to this past weekend, the "health care specialists" inserted a catheter several times before it worked properly and an IV was not efficiently inserted in the patients arm either.  Their caregiver got barred for being a compassionate person with training and experience.  They just wanted the nurses to not be so rough with '4312' and hear what they had to say.

The caregiver believes the patient needs to be discharged so they can go home.  They don't need hospital care anymore as admitted by their own doctor.  Nurses, the family doctor, social worker, and physiotherapist all will visit the patient regularly as they did in the past and the patient and caregiver live together in a common residence.

SO WAKE UP FOLKS AT MACKENZIE HEALTH!  YOU CAN LET THE PATIENT GO HOME.   STOP GETTING ALL THOSE UNWARRANTED MONIES FROM OHIP! 


The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog  

I just have one thought going around in my brain right now.  I want the bad weather to go away from now till the end of November.  I want to go to the park regularly with my lady, Ruth. I want some lots of walking and fresh air.  Hope it comes soon and that the Creator of everything lets everything grow and flourish.   That is all I got to say.

   

Easter Weekend

This past Easter weekend was lovely!  The Tenebrae Service on Friday was very impressive and it made Easter Sunday all the more joyful!  My faith as been bolstered considerably.  Thank you RHCC Service Team.

I wore the 'Easter Bonnet' that I bought and Ardelle decorated.  It matched my new blouse to a 'T'.  I really appreciate having such a talented friend.  Prior to the Easter Service everyone had a lovely breakfast together which included a lot of eggs; coloured and plain.

I hope that this Spring supplies us all here at the house with renewed energy so we can enjoy living.




The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog    

I don't know much about Easter except I got some nice nibbles of ham on Monday.  But Ruth told me that the Lord made all the creatures here on earth including me so I guess Spring is a good time for this doggie too!  I won't get my grooming done till this coming Friday as Mom cancelled the one for March 29 as it was Good Friday.  I am looking forward to seeing my groomer then.

 

Weather Report

I wonder  what is going on with the weather.  I sure wish the snow would go away.  This year I haven't even seen any snowdrops or crocuses poking out of the snow at all.  I have not written a lot of posts lately.  Unfortunately I have had more than my share of sick days in the last four months.

I have had a wonderful time this past month moving myself into a new room in the house.  The room is larger and a lot more interesting now with some of my Mom's and sister's furniture in it.  I am enjoying hiding my things away and putting my pictures and photographs up on the walls and shelves the way I want them.  Thank God that they survived the locusts on Long Island, New York. 

I have retired but it seems as though I still need to start actually doing my bucket list for sure.  That list is between me and the man upstairs but I will say this:  If my dreams could all come true paradise/retirement would be — in a little bungalow — somewhere by the sea.


   The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog

I can't understand why the grass isn't green and we can't go to the park for long walks.  Ruth says that it is too cold still.  It seems as though this winter will never end.  I am for flowers and Flutterbys showing up! 

 I have one thing to look forward to on Friday the 29th.  My groomer is coming by to give me a haircut and a new neck kerchief. She works with the Aussie mobile and comes to us.  It is less expensive than having to go to a groomer counting the cab and all.   She is so cool and really handles me with care.  I think she really loves the pets she grooms. 

 
 

Snow Day Thoughts

Well dear readers; I am back finally.  I have been very sick with that flu/cold that has been going round.  I am not 100% yet; but I am on the mend.


I am starting a new page in my temporal life.  I will have a larger space in which to use my computer, television, and all.  I figure I can use the some of the space and try my hand at some sketching and painting.  I will be able to write whatever and whenever I wish.  I don't have to worry about my time not being all my own for the most part.  I have decided not to worry about being "Mrs." anyone anymore; as the people that I have meant online for the most part are not the people they profess to be; so the man in my life shall remain a 6 pound Pom named Dylan. 

I have a lot of things to keep me interested.  I enjoy  being on my own and I enjoy being with someone special; but I don't need to be with just anyone; so as I am not alone.
 

 The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog

I was amazed by the amounts of that stuff you call snow that was on the ground this past week.  I almost disappeared when Mom took me out to do my duty after that first big snow fall.  It was so cold I was drenched top to bottom when I came in from my few minutes outside.  She had to dry me with a towel, wrap me in a blanket and cuddle me, I was so chilly.   Mom was really good to me and made sure I did not catch cold any of the times I had to go outside.  Take care fellow canines and keep warm.  Sandy be good to your Mama and take care of the girls upstairs.

 

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.