EAT MORE SO YOU CAN EAT LESS

Eat more salad, at the start of the meal that is, and you will eat less of the main meal.

In a study reported in the American Dietetic Association, people who received three cups of salad (100 calories) at the start of a meal ate 12 percent fewer calories during the main meal than people who received no pre-dinner salad.

The result occurred only with low-calorie salad. People who received a 400-calorie high-fat salad actually consumed 17 percent more calories during the main meal than people who received no salad at all.

GRANDKID'S GAZETTE, DECEMBER 2008

The 2008 fall weather had been quite mild, mostly without frost at night and only a few skiffs of snow. A week before Christmas a heavy snowstorm zoomed in with a bang. Even Vancouver weather changed and almost forgot how to rain as heavy snow blocked many streets.

"We're going to Grandma Stewart's today," the grandchildren announced, "and our two uncles will be there too." The "two" was emphasized since one of the uncles had been living overseas and had now moved back to Vernon. It was always a delight when the uncles offered them a "donkey back ride," but that would happen after dinner. One of the uncles volunteered to be a kitchen helper as the biscuits were freshly baked and the feast spread. Daddy carved the turkey and Grandma had already set the table. A blessing was offered and the children picked up their plates and selected from the feast at the buffet table. When grandchild number 2 returned with her plate her older sister had usurped her place. "Now which one had selected that place first?" Daddy asked. That was the rule to quietly and gently bring differences to an end. Both wanted to sit between Mommie and one of the uncles. "But wait," Daddy said, "you can sit across the table between your other uncle and GiGi. The baby is sitting in her booster seat between grandma and Mommy". That all made sense, and the usual rule was honored. I've never heard any voices raised, having the rules in place seems to bring each difference to a close.

After dinner gifts were passed out, the most popular ones being the puppets who are soon talking to each other as well as with the girls. Grandma had even brought home a Tasmania devil puppet when she returned from her vacation in Australia. Being a puppet, it was mild and gentle without the sharp bite they are noted for. She tells us their teeth are so sharp they can gnaw the hoof off an animal. When the animal is sleeping they do not feel it. In the case of a horse the owner can have a smith install a horse shoe so they can walk without stumbling. GiGi always requests no gifts because she needs nothing new, but never refuses garden vegetables like beets when people have extra. Then one of the girls brought a gift over for me but that was okay because it was a calendar their grandmother purchases to help raise money for Grannies a Gogo who care for African children whose parents have died from Aids. It was a lovely Christmas celebration.

PREVENT A COLD THE EASY WAY

This is from a Victorian Order of Nurses

1. Drink plenty of water. (eight glasses a day) Keep the 'plumbing'
clean and flowing.

2. Eat raw fruits and vegetables every day. Keeps the bowels clean and
rolling on. Eat raw carrots, raw celery and lettuce daily, and support
the immune system, and it will support you. It's your best friend.
3. Avoid sugars and starches.

4. Get outside in fresh air (hopefully with sunshine). Skin and retina need
it to do their preventive jobs.
5. Laugh and smile often. A l0 minute belly laugh elevates T-cell (immune
system's fighter cells) for 72 hours.
6. Avoid cold drafts and stay dry.
7. Lovingly and sincerely pray for others.

GETTING RID OF A COLD:

l. No sugar.
2. Drink plenty of water (ten glasses a day).
3. No starches, None! (always consult your doctor to confirm).
4. No juices. Drink water instead.
5. Have a nice soak in a steamy tub with epsom salts and sea salt.
6. Sip a cup of red clover tea.
7. Put on a funny movie or read the comics and have lots of laughs!
(If you start this regime at the beginning of a cold, and have a day
of fresh fruits and vegetables with plenty of water (organic black
coffee is okay) the cold will not be supported and be gone in a day.

COMMUNING WITH A FRIEND

Sometimes all one needs to help another is a listening ear or an understanding heart even if it be in silence, a word, sentence or poem. We're so busy these days with distractions like i-pods or television entertainment that it is hard to find time to help unburden a needy soul who just needs someone to talk to. If you have an experience to share, a thought, or a question, enter a comment. We do not need real names or dates since names will be substituted.

This is my story and poem to a friend who needed an understanding heart.

Who thought before a new day dawned, My friendly shadow would be gone.
A decade she had been with me, A joy to all the family.
A spotted nose checked each new tot, From bassinet, to crib, to cot,
A prop when each one tried to stand, Small hands tugged before they'd land.

When tired from teaching school all day, A wagging tail said, "All's okay."
On weekend hikes through trails and bog, A treasure true, our faithful dog.
Her nose checked at my bed each night, Meant we were safe 'til morning light.
Next day, if I forgot my key, Her nose the doorlatch opened free.

Unsteady steps in her last years, Betrayed the aching joint we feared,
But still she felt she must keep on, "Who'd care for them if I were gone."
The night before she passed a way, She raised her paw as if to say,
"Good bye please let my spirit free," Her spotted nose pressed close to me.

Her eyes beseeched, we understood, Those treasured memories, all so good,
A faithful servant through each day, I gave her leave to slip away.
Why were our hearts so touched with pain? Perhaps because no selfish gain,
Mars this comradship that binds, A fellowship so pure and kind.

VEGETABLES, ARE WE REMEMBERING

By 20l0 U.S. health officials want 75 percent of Americans to eat two fruits a day and 50 percent to eat three vegetables a day. Since 1994 the percentage of Americans meeting this goal has held steady at about 27 percent. Caucasians, college graduates, older adults and people with higher incomes were more likely to meet the goals for fruit and vegetable consumption, according to an analysis of survey data that was published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

Given the increasing amount of publicity devoted to the importance of diet to health, it seems surprising that this information has had such little effect upon behaviour. Researchers at the Center for Disease Control speculate that we are bombarded with information, much of it conflicting. They also believe that our desire for convenience in food preparation is a contributing factor to our ignoring our veggies.

TEEN TALK

"Don't be a wimp, come have a drink," A friendly co-ed said,
One, two, then three - Could this take me, Down with the daring dead?
A silent whisper from within, Warned of a rocky road,
Where fearful gnomes in darkened tones, Demanded heavier loads.

"No thanks," I said, "I'll pass this one." Their words become a taunt.
"Be one of our crew, we've picked you, And naught for friends you'll want."
My frightened ego cried in pain, Can these my true friends be?
My own small war I fought within, To set my conscience free.

I chose a group of other friends, And noted later on,
Former friends slipped into drugs. Their power in life had gone.
Death's chilly hands continued on, As darker darker channels led,
Some struggled through its murky depths, Some were the living dead.

THE HELPER

Charming with her lovely smile, Letters ask to add a word,
Fragrant flowers share their scent, Dews sparkle to emerge.
I asked the dictionary, For words that speak of hearts,
"I'm here to help you anytime, I'd love to do my part."

Heart feelings, where its meaning found? Appreciation for
This kindly one with helpful deeds, Not understood before.
Hearts told about their arteries, and veins important part,
That helps all body systems work, Employed to feed each part.

But that's not what I really meant, It's words that inspire "change."
Its inner feelings - something else, "Your job is rearrange."
So I searched for words throughout the world, Looking for a tool,
Explaining who and what made change, Was it that Golden Rule?

"Where does it dwell, Within the heart, Its hidden desire found?"
What tool could open up its door, Where hidden hopes abound.
I opened up my Bible, Folks gave me long ago.
"To dwell in Unity," it said, "Works for both friend and foe."

"How sweet and pleasant it can be", Psalms sang forth with a smile,
It's called "The oil of gladness, It's been here all this while."
Two thousand years ago it told, That actions could bring change,
To live this joy and gladness, When acts are rearranged.

This wondrous thing required "Change" - Words with actions too.
Joy and gladness be for all, Change is the needed tool.
"Unity" that pleasant word, With it to bring this change,
It works so well, each does a part, It means, just rearrange.
Now I can better understand, How I might be like you.
With tiny steps to move ahead, This change brings life anew.

CHRISTMAS EVE

Every Christmas Eve, about 7:30 pm a CBC radio has a program featuring a reading by Allan Maitland called "The Shepherd." I invite everyone to listen to it with me, whether virtually or otherwise. It's about a World War pilot coming in for a landing - you've likely heard it before but it always deserves another listen.

Today's news has been full of experiences about people in airports waiting for their flights. There have been many delays because of extra time required to de-ice the plane's wings during this year's unusually frigid temperatures. I feel so grateful to not have to travel and still be with family nearby requiring no more than a mile of travel. On Christmas day I'm happy to be invited to dinner at the home of a fellow volunteer, a foursome with my friend, her daughter and son-in-law. The day following is boxing day of course and another celebration dinner with my grandson and his lovely wife at the home of her mother who has included me in the invitation. Watching their three small children playing together is always a delight. They've been telling me about the nifty computer Grandma Stewart gave them last year. It gives them a safe introduction to computers. Children have so many toys these days so it is always best for me to think of creative ways that will provide a container for loonies and toonies. Little draw-string bags, a snap-shut change purse that can be used at any age, or a decorative box that can rattle change or just be handy for their "wish money." One can always fall back on cash or a gift card - as long as we do not misplace the card before it is spent.

During the fifteen years we lived in the United States we always found other Canadians to invite for Christmas who were too far from home to make the trip. They gave us many happy memories. May you all have a safe and wonderful Christmas season and happinesss throughout 2009.

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

Family memories decorate, The day at Christmas time,
Memories of Christmas past, All families, yours and mine.
Some members do live far away, But there are other ways,
To cheer and share our happiness, Near that special day.

Our Mother Earth with gentle speech, In her own quiet tones,
Said, "I'm a mother to you all, We do not walk alone."
Then Father Time came rushing in, "I've checked with Earth's time clock,
It's ticking to the midnight hour, Soon on your door must knock.

I'm listening to the scientists, They're checking on Earth's dome,
They tell us carbons are too high, Earth's in a danger zone.
Unless we take the way of change, That cyber greetings bring,
With e-mails and our telephones, Both commoners and kings".

Expressing thanks, lives have been saved, It fills our hearts with cheer.
We still can play "Remember when", Memories we hold dear,
A thank you to our cousin Paul, When through his strength of arms,
Snatched our boat from ocean's depths, And saved us all from harm.

The time black ice caused the car, To take off like a plane,
Hit a ditch and spun around, Then took the opposite lane,
It tried to climb a steep side ditch, Avoid oncoming trucks,
We survived, the car did not, An angel? Some said its just luck.

Thank you auntie when you snatched, Our child from speeding wheels,
Split second timing, life was spared, To grow and live ideals.
Dialing up the speaker phone, We still can talk together,
Avoiding airports, unsafe roads, And worries 'bout the weather.
At home, a meeting place or church, We'll cheer with gifts of song,
Still in touch with family, As safe ways move us on.

MUSCLE ACTIVITY LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE

Physical activity or exercise, research has long established, lowers blood pressure both by strengthening the heart and by dilating blood vessels. Regular activity can prevent the development of hypertension, or keep it under control if it does develop. New research has shown that muscle mass is associated with low blood pressure, while body fat is associated with higher blood pressure.

When there is too much body fat, stress creates an excess of sodium in the system, according to research conducted at the Georgia Prevention Institute at the Medical College of Georgia. The increase in sodium raises blood pressure. According to their research, recently published in the "American Journal of Hypertension," a person who has a lower body fat index is less susceptible to this effect. In their study, they stressed young adults by having them play an exciting video game. Afterwards, the stress showed itself in elevated blood pressure. However, those participants who had higher muscle-to-fat ratio evidenced a significantly faster return to normal blood pressure levels than those participants with a greater proportion of body fat.

This result received added confirmation by examining the sodium content in the urine of the participants. Under conditions of increased blood pressure, the body excretes sodium into the urine. Participants with more muscle evidenced more sodium in their urine than did the participants with more fat, showing that the leaner bodies were more efficient in lowering blood pressure.

PRECOGNITIONS CAN AFFECT PERCEPTIONS

Knowing the future, even though we don't know we know, can affect how we respond now. Or is the future affecting the present?

In several experiments conducted by Dean Radin, senior scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, persons show a precognitive emotional reaction detectable by the electrodes. A person watches a computer. Electrodes attached to the person's hand measure infinitesimal changes in sweating, like a lie detector does. When the person indicates "ready" by pressing a button, the computer randomly chooses a picture to display for three seconds. Unknown to the person, the picture is either emotionally upsetting or rather neutral in content. They sweat slightly more just before the computer shows an upsetting picture than when they show a neutral picture.

Reporting in "Shift: At the Frontiers of Consciousness," Radin describes similar experiments by others who have obtained similar results. In one study, disturbing sounds were the stimuli precognitively reacted to by the participants. In another study Radin described, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researcher monitored not only skin sweat, but also brain waves and heart activity. All three dimensions showed precognitive ability to predict the person's viewing the upsetting photo. In this experiment the heart responded first, followed by the brain.

GARLIC, ONIONS, NUTS CUT HEALTH RISKS

In a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health and involving tens of thousands of women followed for 16 years, it was found that eating the equivalent of a handful of nuts, or a tablespoon of peanut butter, at least five days a week, cut the incidence of adult-onset diabetes by 20 percent. In an earlier study by the same institution it was found that nuts contain fats that are heart-healthy and, when nuts are eaten in moderation, their caloric content is more than compensated for by their positive contribution to heart health.

Eating almonds, in moderation, can reduce levels of "LDL (the bad cholesterol). According to a recent Canadian study it was reported in the journal "Circulation" participants received either almonds or muffins as snack food and had their blood tested periodically. Those who ate almonds as snacks showed a reduction in cholesterol greater than shown by those who ate muffins.

The more garlic, shallots, and onions a man eats, the less chance he has of getting prostate cancer, according to a report published in the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute." This study was based upon interviews with several hundred Chinese men. Scallions proved most helpful, with the researchers estimating that eating one-tenth of an ounce of scallions daily reduced the chance of prostate cancer by 70 percent.

HORSE SENSE - A TRUE STORY

One of those crisp cool days promised good weather for the yearly Christmas concert. Volunteers had the tree decorated, and a Santa suit borrowed for this event at the local country school. Evening chores were completed early as our mothers packed food for refreshments after the program and dance.

All bedded in for the night, the horses may have been surprised to find themselves being harnessed for the trip to deliver the four children and their parents to this much anticipated event. The teacher had her pupils ready to present a well practiced program. Parents responded enthusiastically as each of the children delighted them with a Charles Dickens play. Outside sleigh bells jingled as Santa's Ho Ho Ho! rang out as he entered the one room school. Everyone clapped as he called the names on the brightly wrapped gifts under the tree. Each child was presented with a small see-through net red or green sack of candy and nuts with an orange tied in at the top. The mothers had sewn them the week before. That orange would be savoured with the candy and nuts to be treasured and eaten at home during the two week Christmas break.

But this evening would be different than any other. After the program dancing began to the music of local volunteers with banjo and trumpet. The eldest Davis teenager had stretched to six feet of handsome elegance as he led the small band to the tunes of country music. It seemed the school house virtually shook as they danced the night away. Small children slept on the benches that lined the walls as the midnight hour approached. Someone had made coffee on the pot bellied stove and food boxes were opened. The orchestra and dancers seated themselves on the benches as some of the older students prepared to pass the food-laden plates around. But the turbulent shaking of the room continued intermittently. Gusts of wind? Some of the men went outside as the building shuttered again. Not quite winter on the calendar but it had swept in early with a frigid blast. Horses sheltered in the shaky school's barn were snorting with alarm. The men hitched them to their sleighs as all celebrations ceased. The Davis family of six huddled together in their sleigh. Mother had wisely brought a blanket that helped as a real arctic blizzard knifed through us and every family group. George, the orchestra leader dressed in flimsy fall wear had not even worn his coat. Worst of all it seemed a white-out enveloped the sky itself. Not even the top of a post could be seen to show where the road had been for the two miles home as Dad tried to guide them. The horses were jumpy, resistant and reared up. Finally my Dad gave them free reign as the family must crowd closer for warmth. The next thing we felt was a sudden thump as we jerked to a stop. We peered out and there saw the tall poles of our clothes line. The horses were petted with accolades all the way to the barn. We stoked the home fires and hugged each other in gratitude. An ancient inner message "horse sense" had guided all the families home.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICI NE USAGE INCREASING

More people are turning to alternative medicines, according to the largest government survey ever on this subject. As of 2002, of more than 30,000 citizens surveyed, over one-third of the population was using either prayer (43 percent), herbs and natural products (19 percent), meditation (8 percent), or diets such as Atkins or Ornish (4 percent), according to news releases. A frequent use of these alternatives is for pain and other chronic conditions for which conventional medicine seems to provide no relief.

In a recent television story, for example, Tom Cruise was shown helping World Trade Towers rescue workers remove toxins from their bodies by using sweat baths, an approach advocated within Scientology, but something conventional medicine overlooks.

MAPS WILL BE CHANGED

World maps will have to be changed as global warming accelerates with the melting of the ice caps. According to reports shared and published in the British paper, "The Independent". Some members at an European gathering felt it may soon reach an irreversible point.

If the ice cap were to melt entirely sea levels would rise about 20 feet, which would inundate cities such as New York, London, Tokyo, Bombay, Calcutta, and other large cities located near oceans.

DOGS ARE ABLE TO SMELL CANCER

In times gone by, doctors could diagnose some diseases by smell. Modern technology helped make such skills unnecessary. However, dogs have about l00,000 times more sensitive a nose than humans. Researchers in Britain now have trained dogs to detect the presence of bladder cancer by smelling human urine. In one case, the dog correctly detected cancer in one patient that medical tests had shown was cancer-free, thus saving that person's life. According to an article published in the British Medical Journal, other researchers are extending this finding to other types of cancer.

Canine accuracy on these tests is not yet up to a level necessary for applied work in the clinic, but the results are encouraging. If the method can be improved, it will mean less expensive and less intrusive tests for cancer detection. A dog can apparently differentiate between a benign and a malignant tumor, something that no medical test, with the exception of a biopsy, can duplicate.

SPIRITUALITY HELPS STUDENTS COPE

Students who are involved in some spiritual activity are more likely to demonstrate better mental health than those who do not, according to research conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Their study indicated that as students progress through college, their stress level increases and so does the frequency of depression. Those students who do not participate in any spiritual activities are more than twice as likely to report depression than students who do participate in spiritual activities or religious services. Spiritual acivity also diminishes the probability of a student drinking alcoholic beverages.

The study found a high proportion of the students involved in some form of spiritual activity. They found that 77 percent report saying prayers regularly. 78 percent report discussing religion with friends, and 76 percent report being involved in a search for meaning and purpose in life.

FEELING SAD AND HOW OFTEN

During the past 30 days, for about how many days have you felt sad, blue or depressed? Three days is the average answer among Americans, according to a survey of 166,000 persons conducted by Rosemarie Robau and her colleagues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and reported in Health and Quality of Life outcomes. Women reported one more sad day a month than men.

Young adults aged 18-24 years reported the highest number of sad days. People who exercised reported less than two sad days a month. Those who smoked reported more than five sad days a month.

The researchers interpreted their results to suggest that when people are sad or depressed, they tend to engage in unhealthy behaviour such as inactivity and cigarette smoking.

HELPING OTHERS AT CHRISTMAS

Winter has slipped in a few days early with a heavy blanket of snow reminding us of special greetings to our friends with just a dozen days left.
until Christmas. Fortunately there are many ways to do so with e-mails, postal letters as well as voice mail.

Here are some reminders from famous people that are always relevant in helping others this season and works for all seasons as well..

Madame De Stael, "Sow good services; and sweet remembrances will grow from them."

George Eliot, "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult for each other."

Davy, "Life is made up not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things, in which smiles and kindnesses and small obligations, given habitually, are what win and preserve the heart and secure comfort.

MEDITATION RESEARCH

Meditation has entered the mainstream, and studies of the benefits of daily meditation continue to be published. Here are some samples.

Researchers at the University of Oregon found that after five days of meditation practice, students scored better on a computerized attention task that required them to ignore distracting information. Students who received only relaxation instructions did not show this improvement.

Meditation makes attention more efficient. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin had students looking at a computer screen which would flash two numbers in quick succession. Because of the brain's limited powers, most students were able to see only the first two numbers. After three months of meditation training, the students were able to see both numbers reliably, whereas a control group showed no such improvements.

Meditation can ameliorate the effects of congestive heart disease. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania gave meditation training to adults who had been admitted to the hospital for heart failure. Compared to how they functioned at the start of training, three months later these patients performed significantly better on the six-minute walk test, and showed alleviation of depression, fewer readmissions to the hospital and an improved quality of life.

HOSPITALS PROVIDE MUSIC THERAPY

A survey of U.S. health facilities by the Society for the Arts in Healthcare, along with the Joint Commission and Americans for the Arts, found that of the l,923 facilities, 35% offered some type of music to patients.

Among recent findings:

Patients on respirators in an intensive care unit who were exposed to Mozart's piano sonatas evidenced decreased stress hormones and increased growth hormones needed for healing, according to a study conducted at Harvard University Medical School and published in the journal "Critical Care Medicine."

Patients suffering from a severe stroke who were admited to a Finnish hospital and who listened to one hour of music daily recovered their verbal memory and experienced less depression, according to a study published in the journal "Brain."

EXERCISE IS A HEALTH PILL

Writing in "Harvard Magazine" Frank Hu, epidemiologist at Harvard School of Public Health, noted, "The single thing that comes close to a magic bullet, in terms of its strong and universal benefits, is exercise."

Marilyn Moffat, a professor of physical therapy at New York University and co-author with Carole B. Lewis of "Age Defying Fitness" (Peachtree, 2006) concurs, noting "The data show that regular moderate exercise increases your ability to battle the effects of disease. It has a positive effet on both physical and mental well-being. The goal is to do as much physical activity as your body lets you do, and rest when you need to rest."

CHRISTMAS AT THE CONDO

December brings us Christmas cheer, We celebrate together,
Our building has a banquet room, For cozy indoor weather.
Connie heads our social group, She makes the banquet plans,
We are glad to volunteer, Together willing hands.

It's fun to work together, Like family days of yore,
Special foods the season brings, Are part of Christmas lore.
Speaking of the foods we make, some wave or make a speech.
Some brag about their benefits, Lets hear a word from each.

The salad waves a willing wing, And modestly implies,
I'm digestion's expert here, Would I ever lie?
And while I do all that for you, A line-up starts within,
Every body cell speaks up, Enzymes are coming in!

Cranberries proudly paint the scene, On tables and on plates,
With small amounts of sweetness mixed, To make a perfect date.
We all make a dandy team, And work so well together,
Like the folks preparing us, We're here in any weather.

Sir Tryptophan rings the bell, And prancing, joins the group,
At Christmas, turkey is the best, That day and next day's soup.
We turkeys are a great protein, (He bows to all the crew,)
Who roast us, slice us, share with all, In everything they do.

We join up with the gravies, vegetables and greens,
Connie's drained all fat away, It even won't be seen.
Desserts with guilty smiles wave, Some small amounts won't hurt,
Keep healthy all the season through, With you we always flirt.

Some carbs sharpen up the brain, Food science adds their word,
Through study and a balance act, With exercise we've heard.
Mix it all with music notes, Harps, violins, guitars,
Any kind to tap your feet, The great folks that you are.

ODE TO THE FLOUR SACK

Do you ever wonder as you look back,
'Bout that life-line of hard times, the flour sack?
At the corners we tugged and unravelled the string,
Then wound on a ball to be used in the spring.

Then plunged in cold water overnight to soak,
On the board we would scrub it with Fel's Naptha soap.
To erase printed colour of varying hue,
"Ogilvies Royal Household" in red and in blue.

Then sewn, and embroidered with colourful flowers,
Keeping happy hands busy for many long hours.
An edging we did, crocheting fine lace,
A gift one could treasure, a new pillow case.

With some dye, and some frills with rick-rack braid,
Many of the things our flour sacks made.
Blouses and slips and aprons to wear,
Bloomers to cover a cold derriere.

Tablecloths, curtains and tea towels no end,
And little rag dolls we made for our friends.
Six sewn together made a good sheet,
Tucked in at the bottom to cover cold feet.

Strong backing it made for a log cabin quilt,
We knew not the texture of satin or silk.
And for store-bought goods we never felt lack,
We made them all from a flour sack.

Written by Violet Carswell
Excerpted from "Talk Time Treasures".

SAYINGS OF THE SAGES - WOLFE

Ruth Patterson Wolfe, June 8, 1914 - October 29, 2008

Ruth Wolfe was a teacher, pioneer with her husband Elmo,
and organizer of many volunteer projects. She was awarded
with "Canada's Voluneer of the Year" and was presented with this
honour in Ottawa.
You can expect to read many of her sayings as well as her
poetry in my future blogs. Her credit line will appear each time
as we continue to be challenged with her writings.

As a lifetime member of Schubert Center she gave a reading
on Talent Night that encouraged others to spend more of
their retirement days doing volunteer work. Her presentation
closed with these words:
"SO WELCOME NEW FRIENDS, RECYCLE YOURSELVES,
Join Schubert Centre's happy fairies and elves!"

Excerpted from "Talk Time Treasures", Editor: Nettie Turner

FRIENDSHIP

Good friends shine like stars, Not always in view,
But you know who they are, Mind sees and reviews,
When special days come - Touch buds of recall,
They burst into bloom, Sending fragrance to all.

Hearts flash them to mind - Hearts feel it first,
In just nano seconds, Comes that joyous burst.
Old friends or new friends, We wrap them with love,
Your treasure of friendship, God's gift from above.

With love's power of thought, Mind sends them through space,
Your friend gets the message, Mind screens up your face,
The gift of your kindness, With joyous recall,
With the music of friendship, It's a virtual ball.

THE LIBRARY BOOK

I hope to be helpful - I'm a Library Book,
Teaching Science and Health,
Even learning to cook.
Delighted I was and happy to see,
That from those on his desk,
My mentor picked me.
For library status, which surely would mean,
That for thousands of readers I'd always be seen.
And for someone for whom the shekels aren't handy,
Can borrow and study - now isn't that dandy.

But someone who borrowed forgot where I was,
I was left in a corner with the dust and the fuzz.
I felt like one blind, unable to move.
Know what it's like to be stuck in a groove?
I'm buried alive, even tears could not come.
With no hands to help - like one deaf, blind and dumb.
Then someone bestirred after having a dream,
Of people and books that made a great team.

"Of writing them, reading them - Others helping to find,
As Libraries keep helping, Improving our minds.
So I searched and was found, and the lost one returned.
I'm taking it back - So others can learn.
And believe it or not - while looking around,
An heirloom, a ring, for my family I found".

December 5, 2008. This morning we awoke to a blanket
of white in Vernon, BC, extending to our northern areas. It
looked warm and cozy, but also contained a warning of winter
around the corner. I strolled down to Shubert Center to
attend the farewell Celebration of Life for Ruth Wolfe,
winner of Volunteer of the Year given her in Ottawa.

She left us a legacy of much wisdom. In future Blogs you
will learn more about her pioneer days and her volunteer work.
The Library was one of her favorite interests.

THE MUSCLE MAN

From inner waters sea of life, An eager being arose,
To work out patterns planned before, And walk the path he chose.
And so grew up a fine young man, Such pride and joy he brought.
And who could dream this child might, In evil webs be caught.

The happy years rolled pleasantly, Upon the waves of time,
And then a special tribute came, A chance to rise and shine
A star that might in time rise high, Into the Hall of Fame,
In sports to fascinate the crowd, And be a famous name.

Temptation shaped its beckoning form, Through drugs to waters deep,
Could he resist his friend's advice, And to his ideals keep?
False beauty of this dreamy pool, Urged on to further chance,
Then swirled him down its murky depths, In death defying dance.

The handsome muscle man was gone, A family's final blow,
A friend's advice had dragged him in, This final undertow.

TRAVEL TIPS

Of travel, there is much advice, That comes in books and papers,
But most of all, draw up a plan, For every little caper.
Some airline tickets, once I bought, To save on the commission,
I skipped the travel agent's fee, And that was an omission.

I laid them on the baggage desk, Claim check took, then waited,
I should have handed her just one, For two bags, not inflated.
Then rushed to get our boarding pass, "Two tickets, where's the other?"
We left it with the baggage girl, "Then you must buy another."

No names were on the tickets, As with an agency,
"You'll have to wait a year, no less, If finders used it, See?"
There's nothing like a ticket lost, To spoil a Christmas trip,
So watch each movement carefully, To keep from getting gypped.

'Twas great to spend the Christmas with, Our Texas family,
We thought our grandson wonderful, Forgot the tickets fee.
They took us to the center where, Astronauts explained,
About their work and further trips, That brought the country fame.

"We'll answer questions if you wish," The speaker told the crowd.
Guess whose hand first shot up? Our grandson's (7), Gramps was proud.
I wrote the airline several times, And asked about our claim.
One Year passed, they sent a cheque, Made out in my name.

FIXING THE EARTH

A lovely planet moved in space, Providing all a family base,
A home and friends to show our love, And blessings from our God above.
Serene in beauty everywhere, Requiring only cautious care.
Dwelling lightly on the land, As season's growth brings food to hand.

Towering mountains, mighty trees, Fragrant air with needed breeze.
In harmony might Earthlings dwell, In wisdom's learning to excel.
Yet some forces through the land, Demanded luxuries to expand.
Searching for excitement's need, Was this care replaced by greed?

As possessions cluttered up the place, Crowded homes asked more space,
From verdant hills we clear-cut trees, As Earth's dwellers too more ease.
Some never seemed to have enough, Planning wars for still more stuff.
For homes and cars and still more things, As the Earth its death knell rings.

She's choking with this trash and smog, That's turning streams to messy bogs.
Polluted air looked for a place, And for relief made holes in space,
That opened Earth's protective dome, Affecting crops and people's homes.
The food chain that supplies all life, As overcrowding led to strife.

Possessions - power, with angry deeds, Some chose instead of basic needs.
Rejecting harmony within, Instead of joy that might have been.
Some still choose to help each other, The Earth our mate - companion -
Mother.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

December rings the Christmas bells,
Time to think of gifts,
What could I find for a surprise
To give someone a lift.
It's said that Santa's helpers are,
The ones who make his toys,
Together making gifts up North,
For all good girls and boys.

But then they found those girls and boys,
Already had so much,
Last year's toys must be sent,
To landfills and turned to smutch.
And as their sleigh flew overhead,
Saw last year's toys just waste,
Prancer said, "Let's make some books,
With empty pages placed,
Their stories - even numbered page,
Odd numbers for our space.

Then we can tell each other what
We had done all year,
Kind words and deeds for others,
And things we had done to cheer.
And as ideas come to mind
Thoughts or pictures say,
Some elves are real people that
We see most every day.
They live in normal houses,
And walk on normal streets,
Look nornal every day - except,
Within a great heart beats.

These gifts will need no wrapping,
Or colored ribbons bright,
Their love moves softly, heart to heart,
With warmth that makes things right.
Kind deeds that only hearts can give,
The ones that are the best,
This lovely essence from the heart,
Brings love to friends and guests.