Our parents were homesteaders, and engaged in mixed farming. Even when crops hailed or dried out, hand watered root crops such as potatoes, turnips, and farm animals kept the family fed.
My father visited us early in the 1960s during the time we worked in California. Reviewing events of the great depression, he said he had always thought I would do something special, perhaps even be a medical doctor. I felt sad about his disappointment but it was said without criticism. “I have always hoped that someone from our family would be a doctor and see from his report card that your son makes really good grades - perhaps he will be a doctor one day. Now wouldn’t that be nice to see an MD after his name,” he added hopefully. A scarlet fever epidemic in the mid l930s took the life of their four year old son, Harold, such a beautiful little brother who always had a smile handy. An unwilling tear would still roll down as he recounted the devastating event and the lack of doctors. I told him our son’s interest was in science and math and perhaps might work in that field and be of help to doctors. I found myself leaping into action to help when I heard of any of our descendants registering in pre-med courses. When my son called me on Christmas Day he mentioned he had bought a new computer and found its extra features very helpful in his daily research in the medical field. “We’ve both been so busy we forgot to sign our Christmas letter,” he laughed. I recall telling you and Dad that I enjoyed research so much I’d like to do it for the rest of my life. Now I am. After getting my University degree, I returned other scholarships offered me and married the girl I had met that year and seven years later our son Luke, was born. As Valedictorian of his class at graduation he is doing well and has his own dream of home and family to follow. We are very proud of him and his wife, the mother of our three wonderful grandchildren. Follow your own dream, Mom, you need not try to follow your father’s dream as well, he can still follow it now from his Heavenly home.”
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
GRANDKID'S GAZETTE, CHRISTMAS, 2009 - By Tianna
We always spend Christmas Day with just us five at home and were invited to Grandma Stewart’s house for Boxing Day with uncles and aunties and Gi-Gi was there too. There were lots of presents piled up under the tree and Milaya stumbled over one of them but forgot about the bump when Daddy held her in his arms to comfort her and pointed to all the little wind-up animals racing across the coffee table. Everyone received a gift and then my sisters and I had great fun when Uncle Roger took us for shoulder rides. We reached up as high as we could to see how many ceiling stars we could touch. Uncle Keith couldn’t be with us because he had a sore throat and thought he should stay home.
Uncle Roger and Auntie Cheryl often come to Vernon for holiday celebrations and sometimes for long weekends also. Grandma Stewart’s close friend, Leslie, formerly lived here and flew in from Ontario with some of her family to celebrate Christmas with us. We were served a big turkey dinner with cheesecake for dessert. Some of us only had space for a tiny piece. Grandparents Davis stayed in St. George for Christmas but will come here for the Easter season like they did last year.
Grandma recently completed renovations at her home here that included a pull-out solid drawer in the main bathroom so now we can step up on it to reach the taps and wash our hands more carefully. Today’s Morning Star featured an article by Dr. David Butler-Jones, MD, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, urging care during the flu season to Shake, Share, and Wash. “Shake hands and share a hug with family and friends being mindful of how flu germs spread fast. Wash hands often and avoid touching your face,” he added.
Uncle Roger and Auntie Cheryl often come to Vernon for holiday celebrations and sometimes for long weekends also. Grandma Stewart’s close friend, Leslie, formerly lived here and flew in from Ontario with some of her family to celebrate Christmas with us. We were served a big turkey dinner with cheesecake for dessert. Some of us only had space for a tiny piece. Grandparents Davis stayed in St. George for Christmas but will come here for the Easter season like they did last year.
Grandma recently completed renovations at her home here that included a pull-out solid drawer in the main bathroom so now we can step up on it to reach the taps and wash our hands more carefully. Today’s Morning Star featured an article by Dr. David Butler-Jones, MD, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, urging care during the flu season to Shake, Share, and Wash. “Shake hands and share a hug with family and friends being mindful of how flu germs spread fast. Wash hands often and avoid touching your face,” he added.
Monday, December 28, 2009
CHRISTMAS DINNER AT SCHUBERT CENTER
It was my first time to have Christmas dinner at Schubert Center. Tables were set with matching dinnerware and settings with red and green serviettes and wide candles that floated in glass bowels filled with water for safety. Efficient volunteers served shrimp cocktails followed by continual servings of coffee, tea, and juice. Plates arrived with turkey dinners included mashed potatoes and gravy and three different vegetables and all other trimmings. All this was available for only $15.00 per plate.
At the time of purchase tickets are cut in two and during the program the master of ceremonies called out half a dozen ticket numbers to receive a prize. A guitar player was accompanied by cheerful background music from an electronic player. A pleasant lady seated beside me asked that no one touch her left shoulder. She had been mugged on her way to work two years ago. Doctors were able to restore her shoulder into position. It is held in place with a stainless steel unit. She has to wear a warm patch when going outside because of the metal brace that cools the area, even during a short winter walk. Two witnesses from nearby balconies testified on her behalf and the thief served jail time. Only a single sandwich was in the bag he had snatched from her. “He may have served only a short jail term but you are left with a lifetime of pain, unless special extra warmth is applied,” one guest commented.
Schubert Center is a great place to network among retirees, to share experiences, have a regular lunch or just a sandwich with soup. Most attendees are over age 55 but sometimes a daughter comes for lunch with a grandchild and the three share a lunch together with Grandma. Computer classes as well as other studies are available at Schubert Center and Halina Senior’s Center in Vernon as well as in many other towns and cities in your area.
At the time of purchase tickets are cut in two and during the program the master of ceremonies called out half a dozen ticket numbers to receive a prize. A guitar player was accompanied by cheerful background music from an electronic player. A pleasant lady seated beside me asked that no one touch her left shoulder. She had been mugged on her way to work two years ago. Doctors were able to restore her shoulder into position. It is held in place with a stainless steel unit. She has to wear a warm patch when going outside because of the metal brace that cools the area, even during a short winter walk. Two witnesses from nearby balconies testified on her behalf and the thief served jail time. Only a single sandwich was in the bag he had snatched from her. “He may have served only a short jail term but you are left with a lifetime of pain, unless special extra warmth is applied,” one guest commented.
Schubert Center is a great place to network among retirees, to share experiences, have a regular lunch or just a sandwich with soup. Most attendees are over age 55 but sometimes a daughter comes for lunch with a grandchild and the three share a lunch together with Grandma. Computer classes as well as other studies are available at Schubert Center and Halina Senior’s Center in Vernon as well as in many other towns and cities in your area.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
HANDLE ELECTRICAL CURRENT WITH CARE
A friend in Phoenix sent a forward to me with a movie that showed an electrical worker restoring the current to fix a power outage. He was wearing a full bodied safe suit that covered his gloved hands as the helicopter raised him to the height required to reconnect the current with safety. It was nerve racking even to watch him from the safety of my desk chair as the wires sent sparks flying high.
That movie brought to mind an event that had happened to Luke’s great grandfather in the mid 1930s. He was installing an outlet in his parent’s kitchen that had the 32 volt system which was the only one available on the farms. He was about 15 years old and his mother and older brother were in the kitchen chatting and watching him complete the installation. His working hands paused in silence and his brother said, “Mom, Bob looks kind of strange, do you think he is okay?” His mother replied with complete confidence in his ability to handle the situation, “Oh, he can fix anything but enjoys giving us a scare once in awhile.” She continued with her ironing and carried the cooled flat iron to click its handle to its mate heating on top of the wood stove. During those moments Grandpa Bob heard what was being said by his mother and brother as a strange sensation moved from his hands in a seeming downward motion. He could not speak or move but with what strength he could muster managed to kick the electric cord with one foot and remove it from the plug in.
Later he told me that it would have been “curtains” for his life if he had been working with 110 volt system now currently being used. He also confided that for several weeks he could not handle looking at himself in a mirror. Apparently his nervous system required time to heal completely.
That movie brought to mind an event that had happened to Luke’s great grandfather in the mid 1930s. He was installing an outlet in his parent’s kitchen that had the 32 volt system which was the only one available on the farms. He was about 15 years old and his mother and older brother were in the kitchen chatting and watching him complete the installation. His working hands paused in silence and his brother said, “Mom, Bob looks kind of strange, do you think he is okay?” His mother replied with complete confidence in his ability to handle the situation, “Oh, he can fix anything but enjoys giving us a scare once in awhile.” She continued with her ironing and carried the cooled flat iron to click its handle to its mate heating on top of the wood stove. During those moments Grandpa Bob heard what was being said by his mother and brother as a strange sensation moved from his hands in a seeming downward motion. He could not speak or move but with what strength he could muster managed to kick the electric cord with one foot and remove it from the plug in.
Later he told me that it would have been “curtains” for his life if he had been working with 110 volt system now currently being used. He also confided that for several weeks he could not handle looking at himself in a mirror. Apparently his nervous system required time to heal completely.
Monday, December 21, 2009
A VIRTUAL VISIT TO BETHLEHEM
Several of the churches in Vernon invited anyone interested in experiencing a typical day at a Bethlehem market place during the Christmas season were invited to join in for a typical business day that resembled our own Farmers Market. We attended the nearest one held in the parking lot of Emmanuel Tabernacle. Two stern Roman soldiers in costume guarded the gates with pointed spears directed us through a gateway to sign in.
A straw path took us through this outdoor market where goats, sheep and donkeys offered friendly faces with opportunities for us to reach over a stave fence to pet them. The baby goats and lambs were a delight to the children. Continuing through the displays of crafts; gowns, hats, jewelry and other fashions of the day were offered. Flat breads baked on site in an open fireplace were there for purchase. Shekels, the only currency for payment a sellers spurned our master cards and looked questionably at us. One of the wooden stands showed small loaves of bread made with ancient grains. They looked so interesting but we had no shekels for payment. Later I met one of the youth pastors and suggested that next year they should have a money changer at the gate. He nodded with a smile. After our journey through the outdoor market we were invited into the tabernacle itself to enjoy a play about the Star of Bethlehem that featured duets by the Davison sisters. The excellent director of the play was assisted by members of the Youth Group. At the close attendees were guided through a path where cookies and hot cocoa were freely offered. We strolled past a tree faller who held his upright axe in silent stance of splitting logs, two children sat on a log, toasting marshmallows to pretend fireplace flames. Other silent figures affirmed their methods of shaping metals before a flaming forge and many other ways of earning and conducting their businesses each day.
A straw path took us through this outdoor market where goats, sheep and donkeys offered friendly faces with opportunities for us to reach over a stave fence to pet them. The baby goats and lambs were a delight to the children. Continuing through the displays of crafts; gowns, hats, jewelry and other fashions of the day were offered. Flat breads baked on site in an open fireplace were there for purchase. Shekels, the only currency for payment a sellers spurned our master cards and looked questionably at us. One of the wooden stands showed small loaves of bread made with ancient grains. They looked so interesting but we had no shekels for payment. Later I met one of the youth pastors and suggested that next year they should have a money changer at the gate. He nodded with a smile. After our journey through the outdoor market we were invited into the tabernacle itself to enjoy a play about the Star of Bethlehem that featured duets by the Davison sisters. The excellent director of the play was assisted by members of the Youth Group. At the close attendees were guided through a path where cookies and hot cocoa were freely offered. We strolled past a tree faller who held his upright axe in silent stance of splitting logs, two children sat on a log, toasting marshmallows to pretend fireplace flames. Other silent figures affirmed their methods of shaping metals before a flaming forge and many other ways of earning and conducting their businesses each day.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
HOW TO AVOID THE AFTER CHRISTMAS COLD
Yesterday we took a virtual trip to southern Alberta and learned how a farm family who became almost self sufficient by growing a large garden and keeping a few farm animals. With very few sweets in the diet, dental work was not required by any of the eight children until after they left home. Although fresh greens were not available during the winter months the root crops must have stored enough of the alkaline foods to get us through until fresh greens sprouted in the spring. When their seventh child, Harold John, passed away during a scarlet fever epidemic the mid 1930 the first five children had already left home to attend high school. They still had their little girl at home but Mother’s arms felt so empty, she decided they should have another baby and perhaps this new one somehow might contain the soul of the one lost. John told us last summer when he and his wife visited us that he always knew he was the replacement for Harold. After retiring from teaching he required heart bypass surgery and began to think about changing to the simple habits he learned on the Farm. He and his wife are spending their retirement volunteering in Kenya where all the vegetables and fruits as well as the farm animals are part of the enterprise. Each family encouraged to accept four needy children who do not have parents and are paid extra from the farm profits.
When 80 per cent alkaline foods (the fresh vegetables and fruits are consumed) and 20 per cent acid foods (meat, fish, beans and cereals are the other part of the diet) the ideal alkaline-acid balance is maintained at 7.5 per cent and optimum health is the result. The local library is very helpful on assisting with books on this subject.
For more details check the web site: simonegabbay.com. A book I recently purchased carries the title “Alkalize or Die” by Dr. Theodore A. Baroody.
When 80 per cent alkaline foods (the fresh vegetables and fruits are consumed) and 20 per cent acid foods (meat, fish, beans and cereals are the other part of the diet) the ideal alkaline-acid balance is maintained at 7.5 per cent and optimum health is the result. The local library is very helpful on assisting with books on this subject.
For more details check the web site: simonegabbay.com. A book I recently purchased carries the title “Alkalize or Die” by Dr. Theodore A. Baroody.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
FEELING FINE AFTER CHRISTMAS
The special joys of Christmas bring to memory the times spent with family and friends that continue to resonate in our hearts and minds for many years to come and bring their joys from where they dwell safely in our brain’s hard drive or memory box for review in the future. Travel to family events became difficult with the passage of time as health could present challenges for some. But we still have our mind’s hard drive, safe in our memory box to recall those great times together.
In the depression of the l930s our horse drawn sleigh took us to the home of Les and Alice Bennett, only a couple of miles distant. On New Years day we returned the favour and if weather permitted we spent time with Frank and Ida Weeks who also lived near. Our local school offered no more than Grade eight and more education required a 65 mile, three day drive to the city. Our older brothers always seemed to find a way to get us through all seven of those scary coulees to be with family for the two week Christmas holiday. At any time a blizzard could block the way.
Paul, the eldest, age 20 (of whom his wife later told me her mother referred to as him as “the Saint),” took charge of us when our parents were away. Second son, Fred was known as “Mr. Mischief” usually had a trick handy. Al kept busy figuring out ways of improving our country’s “Banking System.” Helen had her ear to the radio at all times to learn how she might improve the lives of people in Africa. Esther, four years younger than me, says Helen and I were always asking her to “run downstairs” for a jar of meat or other canned food items. I stayed in the kitchen, hoping to impress the family with my baking skills. Electric power was not available until much later in the mid l940s. Two more sons were born during the 1930s, Harold John and John Harold. There will be more on the subject of how to avoid the “after Christmas cold and other health problems” on tomorrow’s Blog.
In the depression of the l930s our horse drawn sleigh took us to the home of Les and Alice Bennett, only a couple of miles distant. On New Years day we returned the favour and if weather permitted we spent time with Frank and Ida Weeks who also lived near. Our local school offered no more than Grade eight and more education required a 65 mile, three day drive to the city. Our older brothers always seemed to find a way to get us through all seven of those scary coulees to be with family for the two week Christmas holiday. At any time a blizzard could block the way.
Paul, the eldest, age 20 (of whom his wife later told me her mother referred to as him as “the Saint),” took charge of us when our parents were away. Second son, Fred was known as “Mr. Mischief” usually had a trick handy. Al kept busy figuring out ways of improving our country’s “Banking System.” Helen had her ear to the radio at all times to learn how she might improve the lives of people in Africa. Esther, four years younger than me, says Helen and I were always asking her to “run downstairs” for a jar of meat or other canned food items. I stayed in the kitchen, hoping to impress the family with my baking skills. Electric power was not available until much later in the mid l940s. Two more sons were born during the 1930s, Harold John and John Harold. There will be more on the subject of how to avoid the “after Christmas cold and other health problems” on tomorrow’s Blog.
Friday, December 18, 2009
GREETING CARD WARNING
A CBC radio news item this morning aired a warning from a medical doctor concerning the damage that can occur when children are permitted to handle greeting cards that contain a battery that plays musical greetings. This medical doctor, who works in a children’s hospital, reported that he has treated children who have placed these batteries in various apertures of their body and has seen their health compromised that has at times resulted in loss of life.
If placed in an ear, and not immediately noticed and removed by a doctor, it can cause deafness. It can get stuck in the esophagus when attempting to swallow it and cause death. The breathing tube can also be compromised and the result can be the same.
The nose is another common area that can affect breathing and removing such and item requires immediate medical attention. If a parent or other family member attempts to remove any of these obstructions it can be pushed in further.
When any of these musical cards arrive place it out of reach of children, and at the end of the day toss it in the garbage after gluing it with tape to another larger item so it won’t roll out of sight and be found later by a child.
If placed in an ear, and not immediately noticed and removed by a doctor, it can cause deafness. It can get stuck in the esophagus when attempting to swallow it and cause death. The breathing tube can also be compromised and the result can be the same.
The nose is another common area that can affect breathing and removing such and item requires immediate medical attention. If a parent or other family member attempts to remove any of these obstructions it can be pushed in further.
When any of these musical cards arrive place it out of reach of children, and at the end of the day toss it in the garbage after gluing it with tape to another larger item so it won’t roll out of sight and be found later by a child.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
MY DREAM CHRISTMAS PARTY
Virtual Christmas parties are wonderful as friends and relatives join to celebrate together with their partners to bring past memories to view once again. You may say, “But I do not see my name on the list you posted yesterday.” Here is how you can be sure you are there. Choose all the letters from my list together with the rest of the letters in our alphabet as required, and put them to work. Your name will then be magically included. The details of how this happens is not known to me any more than how cyber magic happens when I screen up Blogs I posted several years ago.
Thoughts are indeed very powerful as they float from one mind to another presenting their gifts as they create new ones to include in your memory box for future viewing. A symphony of love imprints upon both hearts and joins all the other singers there to create more happy hearts. If past negative misunderstandings try to enter, remember they have disappeared into the sea of forgiveness and need no review.
The ephemeral beauty of these unseen gifts, although hidden from view reside in each heart to screen up as needed and bring cheer to each new day. If you need a little jump start on a cloudy day, recall one the greatest memories residing in your memory box. The one that always comes first to mind for me is the day our son and his buddy, Skeeter, were hiking in Hawaii during the l960s. They had descended stairs that led to a cement-encased water channel that gradually sloped downward. A powerful surge of water rushed from behind them. Skeeter was smaller and agile and managed to scramble up the vertical cement channel and shouted for help. A tree trimmer dropped his shears and threw his ladder in to rescue him. I thank him virtually every day and feel assured that his spirit feels my gratitude.
Thoughts are indeed very powerful as they float from one mind to another presenting their gifts as they create new ones to include in your memory box for future viewing. A symphony of love imprints upon both hearts and joins all the other singers there to create more happy hearts. If past negative misunderstandings try to enter, remember they have disappeared into the sea of forgiveness and need no review.
The ephemeral beauty of these unseen gifts, although hidden from view reside in each heart to screen up as needed and bring cheer to each new day. If you need a little jump start on a cloudy day, recall one the greatest memories residing in your memory box. The one that always comes first to mind for me is the day our son and his buddy, Skeeter, were hiking in Hawaii during the l960s. They had descended stairs that led to a cement-encased water channel that gradually sloped downward. A powerful surge of water rushed from behind them. Skeeter was smaller and agile and managed to scramble up the vertical cement channel and shouted for help. A tree trimmer dropped his shears and threw his ladder in to rescue him. I thank him virtually every day and feel assured that his spirit feels my gratitude.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
GREETING FRIENDS AT CHRISTMAS
What a great time of the year to take the opportunity to send Christmas greetings to friends, adding some family news and best of all including that part of the greetings that can include what a blessing it has been to have had them as friends or relatives. You may not have seen them for many years but when the music of Christmas bells ring, the memory box you hold in your heart also rings in joyful silence. Receiving them by postal mail, e-mail, texting or telephone, memories of their caring and love flood every part of your being. Sometimes pictures are included and that is always a bonus.
Messages of life’s special events ripple past in your river of life leaving in their wake the memories of the words of encouragement you received at that moment in your life. Knowing how it helped lead you on and how in turn you were then able to pass to others the hope they needed that would open new horizons for them.
Helen K in Phoenix, Arizona, Barbara M in Palm Springs, Anna E in Kamloops, Cindy W in Olds Alberta, Lin D in St. George, and Stephanie D in Vernon have popped from my memory box today bringing special memories. I think I’ll take you with me to dreamland tonight and we’ll have a Dreamland Christmas Party.
Messages of life’s special events ripple past in your river of life leaving in their wake the memories of the words of encouragement you received at that moment in your life. Knowing how it helped lead you on and how in turn you were then able to pass to others the hope they needed that would open new horizons for them.
Helen K in Phoenix, Arizona, Barbara M in Palm Springs, Anna E in Kamloops, Cindy W in Olds Alberta, Lin D in St. George, and Stephanie D in Vernon have popped from my memory box today bringing special memories. I think I’ll take you with me to dreamland tonight and we’ll have a Dreamland Christmas Party.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
MEMORIES - THE WHEELS ARE ROLLING NORTH
The year is 1969 and Ken has just graduated from Roosevelt High School in Portland, Oregon. He had chosen the University of Victoria to complete a degree in Math and Science. We were moving to Vernon where we had purchased a small property for our retirement home. He was able to take his first year of studies in Science & Math at the Okanagan Regional College. Continuing with your request Mr. Super Grandchild for more information about your father, it does get especially interesting for you when you arrive on Planet Earth in 1979.
He met your mother during his final year at the University of Victoria. They met at a church event held during the Christmas season. He graduated in 1973 on the same day as their wedding. The day before graduation I received a phone call from one of the university officials saying your Dad was slated to receive the Gold Medal in Science and Arts as the top student but had not registered himself on the list as being able to attend the graduation. I called your Dad and he said they could mail it to him. “We can’t proceed with our event without the star of our show, tell him he has to be there,” the university official replied. They were able to postpone the wedding ceremony for a few hours. He had already been negotiating for a position with a large firm in Calgary and was soon moved there. Meanwhile, packages of cookies and other sweets that had been coming to him from a high school friend in Portland had to be cancelled.
He told us later there were other graduates that he felt were equally qualified to receive the Gold Medal and our brother-in-law, George, replied, “But you were the one who received it.”
He met your mother during his final year at the University of Victoria. They met at a church event held during the Christmas season. He graduated in 1973 on the same day as their wedding. The day before graduation I received a phone call from one of the university officials saying your Dad was slated to receive the Gold Medal in Science and Arts as the top student but had not registered himself on the list as being able to attend the graduation. I called your Dad and he said they could mail it to him. “We can’t proceed with our event without the star of our show, tell him he has to be there,” the university official replied. They were able to postpone the wedding ceremony for a few hours. He had already been negotiating for a position with a large firm in Calgary and was soon moved there. Meanwhile, packages of cookies and other sweets that had been coming to him from a high school friend in Portland had to be cancelled.
He told us later there were other graduates that he felt were equally qualified to receive the Gold Medal and our brother-in-law, George, replied, “But you were the one who received it.”
Monday, December 14, 2009
HELPING THE HOMELESS CONTACT FAMILY
A lovely story came on an early CBC radio program this morning telling how some of the students at Okanagan Regional College are helping the homeless get in touch with their families. It started when a homeless man asked for a Christmas card to send home to his family to wish them a Merry Christmas. His wish was granted and since then a regular program invites more of the students to participate in creating these kinds of cards at home. Beautiful artwork together with Christmas greetings and messages of hope and love are mailed to the last known address of family and cheered the hearts of all parties concerned. If the addressee has moved they assist the person through phone calls and other ways to make the contact.
This also expresses the beauty and kindnesses of these students who are also very busy during the Christmas season with exams and other college activities. May this gift of your time and and hope bring many blessings to you as well this Christmas season and in all their future activities. A Merry Christmas to each one of you all throughout the New Year 2010 and all future years.
This also expresses the beauty and kindnesses of these students who are also very busy during the Christmas season with exams and other college activities. May this gift of your time and and hope bring many blessings to you as well this Christmas season and in all their future activities. A Merry Christmas to each one of you all throughout the New Year 2010 and all future years.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
THE ORCHESTRA AND THE GOLDEN RULE
Whenever we made a move to another place we usually found a nearby church whose members sought to follow the basic tenets of “The Golden Rule, Do unto Others as you would have them do unto you.” This embraces making the basic decision of acceptance of this Biblical scripture and daily learning to put into practice through each decision made in real life, that of “growing in grace and in the knowledge of God.” It might be compared to registering at Earth University and living out these words with each daily decision, having both fun and joy as we do it. As we are pleasantly connecting with others life takes on new meaning.
The pastor of our church in Portland had been raised in our own Alberta neighbourhood near Orion. It wasn’t long before the young people gathered one day each week to form a band. They tuned up their instruments at various church functions and sometimes at a restaurant especially during the Christmas season. One of the band members did not own an instrument but was great with the maracas as she bounced in perfect time with the other instruments and set feet tapping in the audience.
There was usually a collection plate passed around to be used for a future need. One evening the man with the offering plate mounted the stage and presented the plate to the band’s leader. Ken pretended he thought the offerings were being taken up to give to his excellent orchestra to be divided among them. He nodded and said, “Oh that’s okay, we won’t be charging for our music, it’s for a good cause.” The audience clapped their hands with delight especially since it came from the mouth of one who has often been called “a man of few words.” During the mid 1960s he learned to play the guitar by tuning to lessons being given on the TV. When he had another engagement we recorded it for him so he didn’t have to miss any of the lessons. Perhaps the learning channel in your area may still carry it.
The pastor of our church in Portland had been raised in our own Alberta neighbourhood near Orion. It wasn’t long before the young people gathered one day each week to form a band. They tuned up their instruments at various church functions and sometimes at a restaurant especially during the Christmas season. One of the band members did not own an instrument but was great with the maracas as she bounced in perfect time with the other instruments and set feet tapping in the audience.
There was usually a collection plate passed around to be used for a future need. One evening the man with the offering plate mounted the stage and presented the plate to the band’s leader. Ken pretended he thought the offerings were being taken up to give to his excellent orchestra to be divided among them. He nodded and said, “Oh that’s okay, we won’t be charging for our music, it’s for a good cause.” The audience clapped their hands with delight especially since it came from the mouth of one who has often been called “a man of few words.” During the mid 1960s he learned to play the guitar by tuning to lessons being given on the TV. When he had another engagement we recorded it for him so he didn’t have to miss any of the lessons. Perhaps the learning channel in your area may still carry it.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
VACATION VISITORS AVOID A NEAR TRAGEDY
One good thing about having family visitors with us on their vacation is that the cousins get to know each other better. Living many thousands of miles apart can make it difficult to agree on vacation times together. After we moved to a warmer area in the winter it was easier for those living on farms to come south for a little respite in the winter months. Our parents were always welcome and one winter Bob decided it would be good to take a short vacation to Hawaii to check out a possible move there for a transfer as a technical representative. We gave Ken the choice of coming with us or staying with his grandparents and keep the price of his ticket. Grandpa was teaching him to play chess and he opted to stay with them. Years later in High School, he was voted school president of the Chess Club. Bob had been having headaches and doctors could not help him. He thought a different climate might be of help. Later it was found to be the chemicals supplied at work as a technical representative and he brought his problem with him.
Another winter my brother with his wife and family came to California for a few winter months. This time their new son was with them. Since the guest room required making a left turn for a few steps Bob decided it would be a good idea to wire up a warning bell in case the baby had a problem and his call for help could not be heard above the regular family noise. He enjoyed making such items and only two days later we were all sitting at the dinner table when a struggle was heard from the baby’s room. With very fast footsteps Anne rushed in to find he had a plastic bag over his face. One of his very contrite siblings had been playing with him and been careless with a plastic bag. Handy, but also very dangerous and we now notice that all plastic wrapping bags with purchases have a printed warning that says “This plastic bag is not a toy – keep it away from children.” We were all very thankful for the warning bell Bob had installed.
Another winter my brother with his wife and family came to California for a few winter months. This time their new son was with them. Since the guest room required making a left turn for a few steps Bob decided it would be a good idea to wire up a warning bell in case the baby had a problem and his call for help could not be heard above the regular family noise. He enjoyed making such items and only two days later we were all sitting at the dinner table when a struggle was heard from the baby’s room. With very fast footsteps Anne rushed in to find he had a plastic bag over his face. One of his very contrite siblings had been playing with him and been careless with a plastic bag. Handy, but also very dangerous and we now notice that all plastic wrapping bags with purchases have a printed warning that says “This plastic bag is not a toy – keep it away from children.” We were all very thankful for the warning bell Bob had installed.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
EDUCATION BEGINS WITH KINDERGARTEN IN CALIFORNIA
We moved to San Clemente, California in 1955. Kindergarten was only a few blocks away and we soon registered our son for his first day of formal education. The couple next door, Bruce and Barbara Mueller had a baby son, and the father was stationed at the nearby Marine base. Barbara walked to school with our four-year-old “helping” with ‘one arm on the baby’s stroller’ as she worded it. Muellers have remained our close friends for over 50 years as we have exchanged visits with Christmas updates. A nice walk in the California sun was a pleasant way to start the day. Bob was familiar with all the General Motors parts and became the parts manager at a local dealership. I worked as a secretary at a local tool firm.
My brother and his wife Anne farmed in northern B.C. and sometimes drove south for a few months to escape the chilly northern Canadian winters. A note from the school said the kindergarten students were invited to bring a younger sibling or a cousin to school to be introduced to their classmates to get the feeling of what school was like. It was the usual workday for Bob and me but Barbara guided them safely to kindergarten. Ken was hesitant about bringing his Canadian cousin to school and the night before worried about what that word “introduced” meant. Alana was already the delightful person she grew up to be and charmed everyone. A brief introduction wasn’t so hard after all and when they returned Anne tells me he was so proud of his cousin and glad to have her with him. They have remained good friends ever since.
My brother and his wife Anne farmed in northern B.C. and sometimes drove south for a few months to escape the chilly northern Canadian winters. A note from the school said the kindergarten students were invited to bring a younger sibling or a cousin to school to be introduced to their classmates to get the feeling of what school was like. It was the usual workday for Bob and me but Barbara guided them safely to kindergarten. Ken was hesitant about bringing his Canadian cousin to school and the night before worried about what that word “introduced” meant. Alana was already the delightful person she grew up to be and charmed everyone. A brief introduction wasn’t so hard after all and when they returned Anne tells me he was so proud of his cousin and glad to have her with him. They have remained good friends ever since.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
MORE FAMILY STORIES
On November 28th and 29th I posted a Blog that told the story of how our son had come within seconds of drowning during the years we lived in Hawaii. It didn’t take long for my Grandson to phone me, “Why haven’t I heard about that close call my Dad experienced during that hike he had with a friend when you lived in Hawaii. I want to know all about my Dad’s early experiences.”
I tried to explain that after being transferred from his work with a Calgary firm to Louisiana and then to Texas we didn’t get much time together with you except during Christmas celebrations. Your Dad accepted the transfer when you were about two years old. Your Mom found out at the age of 37 that she was an adopted child and later you three did get to meet her biological Mom. Your Mom always felt it was important to have family near for Christmas and wrote great letters telling us all about the exciting places they would take us to. The first year we drove our van - it was over a thousand miles just to cross the state of Texas. Once there, your family took us to places like the Johnson Space Center - I believe the name of the space center has since been changed. We were given the opportunity with other visitors to a meeting room to hear about the wonders they were working with. After the lecture we were all invited to ask any questions we might have. Guess whose hand shot up within seconds. Your Dad tried to nudge you, hinting that you should let an adult speak first. The speaker pointed at your raised hand. It must have been a fairly intelligent question because you were given an answer. You will have to ask your Dad what your question was as well as the speaker’s answer since he is the one with the degree in Science and Math. You were in about the third grade. The next time we came for Christmas we bought plane tickets and had more time to visit with you. Another time I’ll tell about your Dad in kindergarten. We were living in San Clemente, California at that time.
I tried to explain that after being transferred from his work with a Calgary firm to Louisiana and then to Texas we didn’t get much time together with you except during Christmas celebrations. Your Dad accepted the transfer when you were about two years old. Your Mom found out at the age of 37 that she was an adopted child and later you three did get to meet her biological Mom. Your Mom always felt it was important to have family near for Christmas and wrote great letters telling us all about the exciting places they would take us to. The first year we drove our van - it was over a thousand miles just to cross the state of Texas. Once there, your family took us to places like the Johnson Space Center - I believe the name of the space center has since been changed. We were given the opportunity with other visitors to a meeting room to hear about the wonders they were working with. After the lecture we were all invited to ask any questions we might have. Guess whose hand shot up within seconds. Your Dad tried to nudge you, hinting that you should let an adult speak first. The speaker pointed at your raised hand. It must have been a fairly intelligent question because you were given an answer. You will have to ask your Dad what your question was as well as the speaker’s answer since he is the one with the degree in Science and Math. You were in about the third grade. The next time we came for Christmas we bought plane tickets and had more time to visit with you. Another time I’ll tell about your Dad in kindergarten. We were living in San Clemente, California at that time.
Monday, December 7, 2009
BOOK REVIEW REGARDING HEART ATTACKS
Every Sunday afternoon CBC Radio broadcasts a program called Tapestry. It is repeated again at 10:00 pm on the following Thursday. The host, Mary Hynes, interviewed the author of “My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal journey,” by Jill Bolter Taylor. Tuning into http://www.cbc.ca, the author spoke of her experience with what was later diagnosed as a stroke.
She tells of her collapse when she fell from her chair and realized a possible stroke might be happening. Slowly she managed to reach her telephone and the card that contained a phone number to call an ambulance. Her mind interpreted the telephone number on the card as “pixels” and it was with great patience that she was able to interpret each number and complete the call.
This is especially relevant for anyone who is living alone so they will be more able to handle such an event in case it happens to them in the future. Her whole body felt so weak, she felt a strong urge to go to sleep at that moment. She explained further: “A voice in my head said “If you let yourself go to sleep now you will never wake up.”
The way this Harvard lecturer explained the events that followed is better understood if you are able to hear her explain it herself on the repeat program next Thursday and could possibly save your life in the future. Mary Hynes, the host of the program mentioned that it also can be heard as a podcast. I plan to listen to it again myself next Thursday, December l0th at l0:00 pm. The way our brains work is so fascinating.
She tells of her collapse when she fell from her chair and realized a possible stroke might be happening. Slowly she managed to reach her telephone and the card that contained a phone number to call an ambulance. Her mind interpreted the telephone number on the card as “pixels” and it was with great patience that she was able to interpret each number and complete the call.
This is especially relevant for anyone who is living alone so they will be more able to handle such an event in case it happens to them in the future. Her whole body felt so weak, she felt a strong urge to go to sleep at that moment. She explained further: “A voice in my head said “If you let yourself go to sleep now you will never wake up.”
The way this Harvard lecturer explained the events that followed is better understood if you are able to hear her explain it herself on the repeat program next Thursday and could possibly save your life in the future. Mary Hynes, the host of the program mentioned that it also can be heard as a podcast. I plan to listen to it again myself next Thursday, December l0th at l0:00 pm. The way our brains work is so fascinating.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
WINTER WEATHER PATTERNS CHANGE QUICKLY
While I was enjoying a December sleigh ride with our family more than half a century ago, Robert, the person who would become my husband 20 years later was also having a sleigh ride home with his family. They lived near Calgary, Alberta, several hundred miles north of our town of Orion. Christmas celebrations included the concert that was held at Mount Olive School near Three Hills. The family had stayed for the dance that was held after the concert. Music was furnished by members of the community, including Robert’s elder brother, George. After midnight it became clear that the indoor revelry had masked the sounds of a rising blizzard. The wooden frame building began to tremble and the windows rattled a warning. It became clear that this was more than just the fast tapping feet on the plank floor. One of the men stoked the fire in the pot-bellied wood-burning stove as others lined up their horse drawn sleighs to load up their families.
This was not one of those Alberta Chinook that could change overnight to above zero temperatures. George had not worn his winter coat over his orchestra outfit. The weather had turned into a full-fledged blizzard. It was not more than two miles home. The horses tossed their heads and snorted. They too were anxious for their home stalls. Sleigh tracks on the road were not clear and the horses balked at the reins. Robert’s mother had wisely tossed a blanket in the sleigh before they left home and the parents with their four children huddled together for warmth. Finally the father realized they were lost and decided to trust the horses find the way. Within what only seemed a few minutes the tall clothes line posts appeared and the horses stopped at the welcome sight of home. With the horses safe in the barn the home fires were stoked for the night and a very grateful family appreciated the ancient wisdom of their faithful horses, proving to be smarter than any of our fancy cars. A similar blizzard has been going on during the last few days in the entire area around the Calgary area with police warnings to stay off the roads until the blizzard passes on. Friends in Olds, Alberta tell me that their blizzard will soon be passing east toward Saskatchewan. The wind chill there is now minus 27. Very cold weather will continue in their area for at least another week.
This was not one of those Alberta Chinook that could change overnight to above zero temperatures. George had not worn his winter coat over his orchestra outfit. The weather had turned into a full-fledged blizzard. It was not more than two miles home. The horses tossed their heads and snorted. They too were anxious for their home stalls. Sleigh tracks on the road were not clear and the horses balked at the reins. Robert’s mother had wisely tossed a blanket in the sleigh before they left home and the parents with their four children huddled together for warmth. Finally the father realized they were lost and decided to trust the horses find the way. Within what only seemed a few minutes the tall clothes line posts appeared and the horses stopped at the welcome sight of home. With the horses safe in the barn the home fires were stoked for the night and a very grateful family appreciated the ancient wisdom of their faithful horses, proving to be smarter than any of our fancy cars. A similar blizzard has been going on during the last few days in the entire area around the Calgary area with police warnings to stay off the roads until the blizzard passes on. Friends in Olds, Alberta tell me that their blizzard will soon be passing east toward Saskatchewan. The wind chill there is now minus 27. Very cold weather will continue in their area for at least another week.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
THE SEWING BEE AND CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The year is 1929 and I am six years old. Our nearest town is Orion, Alberta which is ten miles from home. It is early December and the ladies of the neighbourhood gather to sew the small red and green net bags that held nuts, candy and that once-a-year treat – a bright yellow orange at the top.
Each Friday the Canadian Pacific Railway train stopped at Orion to drop off the mail and other supplies for the two general stores in town. The post office was the general meeting place to exchange the local news including the date of the sewing bee and other general news. At the sewing bee the women exchanged family news that confirmed the date of the Christmas concert that was held at the local school. A treadle sewing machine turned out the bags to be filled with Christmas treats that would be placed under the tree at the concert. The grade school teacher had prepared a program for the evening entertainment. The children marched around in formation and I recall feeling honoured to lead the parade on the plank stage that had been erected that day after school by fathers. We each had memorized a recitation that made our parents proud as we delivered them flawlessly.
Gas lanterns hung from the ceiling as the mysteries of the evening unfolded. Sleigh bells jingled as teams of horse-drawn sleighs rattled their harness over snow clad trails and turned into the school yard. If it was one of those 40 degrees below zero evenings the horses were unhitched and tied up in the barn. A pot-bellied stove warmed our hands and threw enough heat to cozy up our small one-room school. After the program Santa arrived and called out the names of each child as they came forward to receive their gift. The men removed the make-shift stage and some families stayed for the dance after the concert. Those with small children climbed aboard their sleighs and the bells jingled us over the new-fallen snow to stoke up the home fires.
Each Friday the Canadian Pacific Railway train stopped at Orion to drop off the mail and other supplies for the two general stores in town. The post office was the general meeting place to exchange the local news including the date of the sewing bee and other general news. At the sewing bee the women exchanged family news that confirmed the date of the Christmas concert that was held at the local school. A treadle sewing machine turned out the bags to be filled with Christmas treats that would be placed under the tree at the concert. The grade school teacher had prepared a program for the evening entertainment. The children marched around in formation and I recall feeling honoured to lead the parade on the plank stage that had been erected that day after school by fathers. We each had memorized a recitation that made our parents proud as we delivered them flawlessly.
Gas lanterns hung from the ceiling as the mysteries of the evening unfolded. Sleigh bells jingled as teams of horse-drawn sleighs rattled their harness over snow clad trails and turned into the school yard. If it was one of those 40 degrees below zero evenings the horses were unhitched and tied up in the barn. A pot-bellied stove warmed our hands and threw enough heat to cozy up our small one-room school. After the program Santa arrived and called out the names of each child as they came forward to receive their gift. The men removed the make-shift stage and some families stayed for the dance after the concert. Those with small children climbed aboard their sleighs and the bells jingled us over the new-fallen snow to stoke up the home fires.
Friday, December 4, 2009
CUT BACK ON CHRISTMAS STRESS
A set of gentle bending and rolling exercises are highly effective in relieving muscle tension and increasing circulation to the head, brain, ears, and eyes: Sit erect and relax. Very gently, bend the head forward three times, to the back three times, to the right side three times, to the left three times; then circle the head each way three times. Don’t hurry through it, take the time to do it.
Long car or plane rides; speaking on the phone; poor posture; mental or emotional stress: hours spent sitting in front of a computer or TV screen; as well as any type of sedentary or repetitive activity that causes us to keep our head in the same position for extended periods of time – all put stress on the neck vertebrae and the muscles that support them.
In his book “Heal Arthritis: Physically-Mentally-Spiritually,” Dr. William A.Garey writes: “A head-and-neck exercise can be used to bring about greater flexibility in the cervical spine. If used regularly over a long period of time, it will correct the rigidity which sometimes comes about in certain types of arthritis. The hearing and visual acuity of the eyes are both sharpened by using this exercise.”
“It is important to do these exercises on a regular basis if results are to be achieved. Doing these exercises relaxes the body before going to sleep at night. It will keep the throat and jaw line firm, and prevent the formation of double or multiple chins.” It is also one of exercises in Tai-Chi, an ancient Chinese method of exercising. A number of studies have identified Tai Chi as an ideal type of exercises that can help older people stay active and free of pain. See Simone Gabbay’s website: www.simonegabbay.com.
Long car or plane rides; speaking on the phone; poor posture; mental or emotional stress: hours spent sitting in front of a computer or TV screen; as well as any type of sedentary or repetitive activity that causes us to keep our head in the same position for extended periods of time – all put stress on the neck vertebrae and the muscles that support them.
In his book “Heal Arthritis: Physically-Mentally-Spiritually,” Dr. William A.Garey writes: “A head-and-neck exercise can be used to bring about greater flexibility in the cervical spine. If used regularly over a long period of time, it will correct the rigidity which sometimes comes about in certain types of arthritis. The hearing and visual acuity of the eyes are both sharpened by using this exercise.”
“It is important to do these exercises on a regular basis if results are to be achieved. Doing these exercises relaxes the body before going to sleep at night. It will keep the throat and jaw line firm, and prevent the formation of double or multiple chins.” It is also one of exercises in Tai-Chi, an ancient Chinese method of exercising. A number of studies have identified Tai Chi as an ideal type of exercises that can help older people stay active and free of pain. See Simone Gabbay’s website: www.simonegabbay.com.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
HOLISTIC PET CARE
Your question regarding a natural remedy for your dog’s ear infection is very appropriate at this time of the year. A healthy lifestyle is the key to health. The basis for that way of life is diet. The makeup of a healthy diet for pets is different from that of people but the concepts are the same. Dogs and cats have evolved over millions of years eating raw game, plus some fruits and vegetables. Scroll down to my Blog of November 27th about toxins that can overwhelm pets. Conversing with friends at social events or while shopping at your pet store can yield pertinent information regarding the location of a holistic veterinarian. A friend at www.cicerosings.blogspot.com has recently acquired a puppy and done research along that line. “Total Pet” in Vernon will be of help in this aspect of pet care. If you have purchased a package of dried pet food and already opened it they will exchange it for one that will be more suited for your pet’s needs.
Herbs such as turmeric, Echinacea, garlic and Oregon grape can improve an animal’s immune function as can the mushrooms Reishi and Shiitake. Any of these supplements can be given orally, along with antibiotics, if necessary, to help a pet fight an infection. When a dog is fully healthy, an ear infection will no longer plague him. There is extensive information in this regard at www.ahvma.org.
Herbs such as turmeric, Echinacea, garlic and Oregon grape can improve an animal’s immune function as can the mushrooms Reishi and Shiitake. Any of these supplements can be given orally, along with antibiotics, if necessary, to help a pet fight an infection. When a dog is fully healthy, an ear infection will no longer plague him. There is extensive information in this regard at www.ahvma.org.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
QUANTUM SHIFT IN THE GLOBAL BRAIN
Twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, Ervin Laszlo, Hungarian scientist and author of 83 books says science now recognizes what it once considered delusional, “It is the confirmation of something people have always felt but could not give a rational explanation for, our connection to each other and to the cosmos.” Oneness.
“Admitting the intuition of connections to our everyday consciousness can inspire the solidarity we so urgently need to live on this planet – to live in harmony with each other and with nature.”
Six billion people interact with one another, a quantum shift that is a fundamental transformation to the nature of reality. He thinks we have reached a tipping point. Laszlo writes, “The Earth is literally transforming under our feet.” He notes that Russians celebrated NewYear’s Eve in 2008 without a trace of snow in Red Square and New Yorkers enjoyed Central Park in January in shirtsleeves. This world-class thinker cannot easily be dismissed when he warns that business as usual will lead inevitably to the extinction the human race.
The reviewer of Ervin Laszlo’s book, “Quantum Shift in The Global Brain: How New Scientific Reality Can Change Us and Our World,” is a contributing editor for the magazine “Venture Inward.” He is the author of “No Soul Left Behind.” A companion book, “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” by Eckhart Tolle $14 became a best seller thanks to Oprah’s book club, and a 10-week on-line class hosted by the TV hostess and the author.
“Admitting the intuition of connections to our everyday consciousness can inspire the solidarity we so urgently need to live on this planet – to live in harmony with each other and with nature.”
Six billion people interact with one another, a quantum shift that is a fundamental transformation to the nature of reality. He thinks we have reached a tipping point. Laszlo writes, “The Earth is literally transforming under our feet.” He notes that Russians celebrated NewYear’s Eve in 2008 without a trace of snow in Red Square and New Yorkers enjoyed Central Park in January in shirtsleeves. This world-class thinker cannot easily be dismissed when he warns that business as usual will lead inevitably to the extinction the human race.
The reviewer of Ervin Laszlo’s book, “Quantum Shift in The Global Brain: How New Scientific Reality Can Change Us and Our World,” is a contributing editor for the magazine “Venture Inward.” He is the author of “No Soul Left Behind.” A companion book, “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” by Eckhart Tolle $14 became a best seller thanks to Oprah’s book club, and a 10-week on-line class hosted by the TV hostess and the author.
Monday, November 30, 2009
MISTY SENDS A POEM
The mystery of each thought in mind, Checked each inviting room,
Each nuance sent a message clear, Translated came to me,
One room for this, that one for that, each fragrance tells so much,
Quietly I check each space, I softly move along,
On padded feet I find a bowl, Good food is there for me.
New Vernon friend embraces me, like family at home,
Call me Mum-mum her thoughts say, Does other preference come?
She seems just like Ranch family – Earth families are one.
I race around and check out more, Green spider plant I find,
Delicious fragrances and food, All makes me feel at home.
An exit door leads to a deck, Says come and check me out,
Fresh air just like out at the Ranch, It makes me feel like home.
Farm family have disappeared, My sisters and their Mom?
Ranch Dad who holds a kindly heart, Have vanished in thin air,
A slender crack of light I see and check the entrance door.
A fragrance like my family, They will come back later on,
Mum-mum holds me to her heart and pats my soft white fur,
She will love and care for me, I purr a quiet song.
Silent messages I send, We help each other on,
I purr my love out to them all, And with Ranch Sisters four,
Including our sweet Grandma T, Earth’s families are one.
Now I’m back out at the Ranch, My Step-Mom calls for me,
Now engorged with too much milk, I fill her need you see,
Ranch Mum comes to get me, Mum-mum and her have tea,
We send each other happy thoughts, joy for both families.
Through sunny days and moonlit nights, Help to others is the key.
Each nuance sent a message clear, Translated came to me,
One room for this, that one for that, each fragrance tells so much,
Quietly I check each space, I softly move along,
On padded feet I find a bowl, Good food is there for me.
New Vernon friend embraces me, like family at home,
Call me Mum-mum her thoughts say, Does other preference come?
She seems just like Ranch family – Earth families are one.
I race around and check out more, Green spider plant I find,
Delicious fragrances and food, All makes me feel at home.
An exit door leads to a deck, Says come and check me out,
Fresh air just like out at the Ranch, It makes me feel like home.
Farm family have disappeared, My sisters and their Mom?
Ranch Dad who holds a kindly heart, Have vanished in thin air,
A slender crack of light I see and check the entrance door.
A fragrance like my family, They will come back later on,
Mum-mum holds me to her heart and pats my soft white fur,
She will love and care for me, I purr a quiet song.
Silent messages I send, We help each other on,
I purr my love out to them all, And with Ranch Sisters four,
Including our sweet Grandma T, Earth’s families are one.
Now I’m back out at the Ranch, My Step-Mom calls for me,
Now engorged with too much milk, I fill her need you see,
Ranch Mum comes to get me, Mum-mum and her have tea,
We send each other happy thoughts, joy for both families.
Through sunny days and moonlit nights, Help to others is the key.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
HIKING IN HAWAII - PAGE 2
Skeeter’s Mom was a busy lady who returned from work a little later than me. I often saw her pass our window as we waved a greeting to each other. If I had news I added a nod to the wave indicating we would see each other later. She always carried a Deli Food package containing their dinner. Later I tapped on her door and commented about the short hiking trip our children had that day. “Oh yes,” she said, as she recounted the story of their adventure. She had finished reading her mail, placed it in a box and took the last bite from the container that was marked Chicken Livers. “I eat a container of chicken livers every day,” she said. “It gives extra energy for my work in the evening. Your boy told Skeeter he didn’t want to worry his parents so wouldn’t bother giving them the scary details about their hiking adventure.”
My grandson once asked me if I knew more about a future family event being planned. “You know how your Dad is, a man of few words.” I commented. He laughed and replied, “You can say that again.” Maybe that’s why our son found a pleasant chatty wife to fill in other necessary details.
A wise proverb tells us that everything that happens has a lesson to teach us. Today’s lesson tells me to follow up each experience with action. This brings to mind the old adage, “Actions speak louder than words.” On Friday this week a CBC radio program interviewed someone on that subject. I’m sending a prayer of thanks and blessings to that wonderful man, and to Skeeter who both worked together to save our son’s life on that warm sunny day in Hawaii. The birth of each invention begins with a thought that requires work to bring it into action. One of those hikers is known to be an excellent organizer. Perhaps both of them learned this lesson well. It is possible that Skeeter and his Mom may still be living there in Hawaii, they are about our age.
My grandson once asked me if I knew more about a future family event being planned. “You know how your Dad is, a man of few words.” I commented. He laughed and replied, “You can say that again.” Maybe that’s why our son found a pleasant chatty wife to fill in other necessary details.
A wise proverb tells us that everything that happens has a lesson to teach us. Today’s lesson tells me to follow up each experience with action. This brings to mind the old adage, “Actions speak louder than words.” On Friday this week a CBC radio program interviewed someone on that subject. I’m sending a prayer of thanks and blessings to that wonderful man, and to Skeeter who both worked together to save our son’s life on that warm sunny day in Hawaii. The birth of each invention begins with a thought that requires work to bring it into action. One of those hikers is known to be an excellent organizer. Perhaps both of them learned this lesson well. It is possible that Skeeter and his Mom may still be living there in Hawaii, they are about our age.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
MEMORY BOX - HIKING IN HAWAII
“Skeeter and I are planning an extra long hike today,” our son announced at Saturday’s breakfast table. “That’s why I was late doing my homework and getting to bed last night,” he added. My husband always kept the volume low on our newly acquired television when our son was in his room doing his Grade 8 homework. All the room dividers had the top two feet open for movement of air that seemed to keep our home cool with the Hawaiian breezes.
Skeeter was a pleasant teenager who lived with his mother in an apartment a few doors down from ours. The boys shared the same Grade 8 classroom in school. His father was with the military and stationed elsewhere. The boys, with cap and lunch in hand set off early as planned. Skeeter was familiar with all the water channels in the city. This one he heard was a long one and so the return time was uncertain. The steps at the entrance of this particular draw curved around to lead to a main draw with high cement walls that gradually increased in width and height. It was easy to enjoy the blue Hawaiian skies that featured tropical trees laden with citrus, bananas and all manner of delectable foods. Palm trees waved to us as their fronds conveyed a welcome. One of the boys noted the tops of the trees looked shorter. The steep high cement walls began to feel foreboding. Then a powerful surge of water suddenly rushed at them from the rear. Skeeter was smaller and agile and able to claw himself up to dry land. Using a ladder, a nearby man was trimming his fruit tree. “My buddy is drowning,” he shouted over and over again. The Oriental man dropped his pruning shears and hurried over with the ladder and saved the day. Wet bedraggled boys hurried home for a warm shower. “I’ll check with Skeeter’s Mom tonight,” I said. The rest of this story will appear on tomorrow’s blog.
Skeeter was a pleasant teenager who lived with his mother in an apartment a few doors down from ours. The boys shared the same Grade 8 classroom in school. His father was with the military and stationed elsewhere. The boys, with cap and lunch in hand set off early as planned. Skeeter was familiar with all the water channels in the city. This one he heard was a long one and so the return time was uncertain. The steps at the entrance of this particular draw curved around to lead to a main draw with high cement walls that gradually increased in width and height. It was easy to enjoy the blue Hawaiian skies that featured tropical trees laden with citrus, bananas and all manner of delectable foods. Palm trees waved to us as their fronds conveyed a welcome. One of the boys noted the tops of the trees looked shorter. The steep high cement walls began to feel foreboding. Then a powerful surge of water suddenly rushed at them from the rear. Skeeter was smaller and agile and able to claw himself up to dry land. Using a ladder, a nearby man was trimming his fruit tree. “My buddy is drowning,” he shouted over and over again. The Oriental man dropped his pruning shears and hurried over with the ladder and saved the day. Wet bedraggled boys hurried home for a warm shower. “I’ll check with Skeeter’s Mom tonight,” I said. The rest of this story will appear on tomorrow’s blog.
Friday, November 27, 2009
TOXINS CAN OVERWHELM YOUR PETS
A reader had just lost her dog to cancer and asks Doug Knueven, DVM, who writes a magazine column, Why are we are seeing so much cancer in dogs and cats.
In his reply he says, “Veterinary oncologists in the USA estimate that almost 50 percent of aged cats will die of cancer. Cancer occurs when a mutation of the DNA happens during normal cellular reproduction. The body has billions of cells continuously reproducing cancer cells every day. A healthy immune system destroys the deranged cells before they can cause harm.
The most important thing we can do to prevent cancer in our pets is to limit their exposure to toxins. An individual can handle a certain level of chemicals in their system, but at some point the threshold is reached, past which the body is adversely affected. The fewer our pets have to deal with, the better.
A study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found high levels of industrial toxins in the systems of pets. Blood and urine samples from dogs were contaminated with 35 chemicals, and 11 of them were carcinogens. Cats were polluted with 46 chemicals, including 9 carcinogens. Some toxins were five times higher in pets than in humans. ‘Stain resistant’ treatments for furniture and carpets were one source of contamination. Find green alternatives to household cleaning supplies. www.ewg.org/reports/pets.
Do your pets a favour and use organic yard-care products. Flea and tick sprays, collars, shampoos and topical medications can all add to our pets’ toxic burdens. Vaccines can reduce infectious diseases but stress the immune system. A recent study showed that adding some shredded vegetables to a dog’s diet three times a week could reduce the risk of cancer by 70-90 percent. Diet is important. More at www.BeaverAnimalClinic.com
In his reply he says, “Veterinary oncologists in the USA estimate that almost 50 percent of aged cats will die of cancer. Cancer occurs when a mutation of the DNA happens during normal cellular reproduction. The body has billions of cells continuously reproducing cancer cells every day. A healthy immune system destroys the deranged cells before they can cause harm.
The most important thing we can do to prevent cancer in our pets is to limit their exposure to toxins. An individual can handle a certain level of chemicals in their system, but at some point the threshold is reached, past which the body is adversely affected. The fewer our pets have to deal with, the better.
A study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found high levels of industrial toxins in the systems of pets. Blood and urine samples from dogs were contaminated with 35 chemicals, and 11 of them were carcinogens. Cats were polluted with 46 chemicals, including 9 carcinogens. Some toxins were five times higher in pets than in humans. ‘Stain resistant’ treatments for furniture and carpets were one source of contamination. Find green alternatives to household cleaning supplies. www.ewg.org/reports/pets.
Do your pets a favour and use organic yard-care products. Flea and tick sprays, collars, shampoos and topical medications can all add to our pets’ toxic burdens. Vaccines can reduce infectious diseases but stress the immune system. A recent study showed that adding some shredded vegetables to a dog’s diet three times a week could reduce the risk of cancer by 70-90 percent. Diet is important. More at www.BeaverAnimalClinic.com
Thursday, November 26, 2009
THE MEMORY BOX
The Condo development I live in has 65 units and owners are expected to be over the age of 50 years. Except for taxes paid to the city on July first and strata fees at $250.00 per month that can be paid electronically, there is nothing to keep us from flying south and spending several months in the sunshine. One of us who stay here is glad to take the take the mail in for the happy wanderers. My husband and I lived in the U.S. for 15 years, mainly in California and Hawaii. Since he passed away with Parkinsons in 2003 the thought of traveling alone is not appealing to me and I prefer to remain home, volunteer and do research in food science. We visited places like the Smithsonian Science Center in Washington, D.C., the space center and other areas of interest when we lived the U.S.
While living in California we often had parents and other relatives drive south and spend some of the winter months with us. We would take them to the tourist spots on weekends and while we were at work during the day they explored areas close by. One weekend when one of my brothers and his family were staying with us we all went to an area where many movie films were shot. The place was full of tourists, curvy roads and fast cars. My sister-in-law was ahead of the rest of us with their small daughter and their son was walking with Dad. He saw his mother further along and suddenly bolted toward her, no doubt thinking one is always safer with Mom. I was still on the other side of the walk and heard her yell. From her point of view she could see what was about to happen. A speeding car had come swinging on two wheels and in a split second I was able to snatch my young nephew by the arm and pull him to safety. All grown up now, he is now serving as a cabinet minister. Memories like this are indelible in memory. We do keep our guardian angels very busy at times.
While living in California we often had parents and other relatives drive south and spend some of the winter months with us. We would take them to the tourist spots on weekends and while we were at work during the day they explored areas close by. One weekend when one of my brothers and his family were staying with us we all went to an area where many movie films were shot. The place was full of tourists, curvy roads and fast cars. My sister-in-law was ahead of the rest of us with their small daughter and their son was walking with Dad. He saw his mother further along and suddenly bolted toward her, no doubt thinking one is always safer with Mom. I was still on the other side of the walk and heard her yell. From her point of view she could see what was about to happen. A speeding car had come swinging on two wheels and in a split second I was able to snatch my young nephew by the arm and pull him to safety. All grown up now, he is now serving as a cabinet minister. Memories like this are indelible in memory. We do keep our guardian angels very busy at times.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
RESEARCH PET'S NEEDS BEFORE PURCHASE
If you have asthma challenges, your own health needs come first. Plans should be in place for delivery of pet to a veterinarian or animal hospital when the need arises.
An indoor cat may be de-clawed by a veterinarian. Later their claws can be clipped when needed, just like we clip our fingernails. Outdoor cats need claws for protection. Open outside doors with caution so pet will not escape and be harmed when if de-clawed.
Neutering should be done at five months when male hormones have developed. Seven months is best for spaying a female.
A single cat needs a playmate for games and exercise during the first five years. Buy a playmate or become the playmate.
When owner plans vacation trips or other absence, check airlines travel requirements and all other needs for the animal. A newly acquired pet should not be left alone. Another family member should stay with your pet.
If your cat begins to scratch at the furniture, cradle him in your arms and say a firm No. It may be frightened and hide under the furniture’s skirt. My daughter-in-law says they bought a little squirt gun and gave him a quick spray of water and said No!
When caring for another’s pet when owner is on vacation, find out what you should do if the owner’s return is delayed or if they are involved in an accident.
Cats are very fussy and may require a glass container or bowl for drinking water, rather than the usual plastic bowl. When they back up back up (showing disgust) and sometimes give a quick shake of their head so, replace the plastic water bowl with a glass container.
Check safety of electric circuits and telephone cords.
An indoor cat may be de-clawed by a veterinarian. Later their claws can be clipped when needed, just like we clip our fingernails. Outdoor cats need claws for protection. Open outside doors with caution so pet will not escape and be harmed when if de-clawed.
Neutering should be done at five months when male hormones have developed. Seven months is best for spaying a female.
A single cat needs a playmate for games and exercise during the first five years. Buy a playmate or become the playmate.
When owner plans vacation trips or other absence, check airlines travel requirements and all other needs for the animal. A newly acquired pet should not be left alone. Another family member should stay with your pet.
If your cat begins to scratch at the furniture, cradle him in your arms and say a firm No. It may be frightened and hide under the furniture’s skirt. My daughter-in-law says they bought a little squirt gun and gave him a quick spray of water and said No!
When caring for another’s pet when owner is on vacation, find out what you should do if the owner’s return is delayed or if they are involved in an accident.
Cats are very fussy and may require a glass container or bowl for drinking water, rather than the usual plastic bowl. When they back up back up (showing disgust) and sometimes give a quick shake of their head so, replace the plastic water bowl with a glass container.
Check safety of electric circuits and telephone cords.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
SEARCHING FOR THE MISSING PLANT
I must have put the missing plant in another room. This potted plant contains several bulbs that rest over winter with minimum moisture, ready to spring to life when the days get longer in early spring so growth won’t start too soon. I clear everything off the sewing table which includes Misty’s new filing system and begin to pull out the encyclopedia books that are kept under the table for quick reference. The tops of the books opposite the spine are now covered with dry black soil that leads to the window sill, scattering it on the way. The heavy pot had apparently balanced briefly on the sill as Misty used it as a support for his forward leap. The pot got off balance during this leap and crashed to the metal register with a loud bang. The pot itself is hung up behind the wide support ledge. I was nearby and rushed to the entrance hall. Misty was there calmly looking up at me. His large blue innocent eyes said, ‘Not me, I’m just sitting here waiting for Ranch Mom to arrive.’
The genes of Siamese cats must be programmed to check each forward leap by getting the back feet well secured in this leap. The 3-way lamp may have been knocked over during this leap, being less secure than those rocks of ancient Siam. Dry top layers of soil from the ceramic pot were scattered in all directions. Misty must feel happy to be back in the wide open spaces at the Ranch. “He traveled well in the carrier,” Ranch Mum reported later on the phone. I had taken him out to the hall a few days before. My next door neghbour came down the hall with her shopping cart and seeing this little ball of white fluff with navy blue ears commented, “Oh isn’t she cute but she looks so frightened,” she said with deep sympathy and understanding heart. He looks so handsome everyone thinks he is a she kitty. “Gimmie those wide open spaces,” he is doubtless purring at this moment back at his Ranch home. Thank you Ranch Mom, Dad and all the family. I would not have wanted to miss my week with Misty. Thanks again. Sue
The genes of Siamese cats must be programmed to check each forward leap by getting the back feet well secured in this leap. The 3-way lamp may have been knocked over during this leap, being less secure than those rocks of ancient Siam. Dry top layers of soil from the ceramic pot were scattered in all directions. Misty must feel happy to be back in the wide open spaces at the Ranch. “He traveled well in the carrier,” Ranch Mum reported later on the phone. I had taken him out to the hall a few days before. My next door neghbour came down the hall with her shopping cart and seeing this little ball of white fluff with navy blue ears commented, “Oh isn’t she cute but she looks so frightened,” she said with deep sympathy and understanding heart. He looks so handsome everyone thinks he is a she kitty. “Gimmie those wide open spaces,” he is doubtless purring at this moment back at his Ranch home. Thank you Ranch Mom, Dad and all the family. I would not have wanted to miss my week with Misty. Thanks again. Sue
Monday, November 23, 2009
THE SPIDER PLANT WILL SOON RETURN TO THE SUNNY WINDOW
It’s time to put everything back in order. I’ll soon find out what that loud crash was that I heard the same time as Ranch Mum arrived to take Misty back home. I have Misty in my arms so he won’t escape and run down the hall. I hand him to Ranch Mum and they are happy to see each other. I ask Ranch Mum if she has time for a cup of tea and can stay a little longer. She agrees and Misty goes back to play, testing which piece of furniture would be nice to scratch at to sharpen his claws. We’ll just stay at the kitchen table because I haven’t had time to vacuum the carpet where the spider plant sits at the short end of my L-shaped sewing table. “Tell me about your birthplace in Holland and your impressions when coming to Canada when you were only 18 years old. Your English is flawless without any accent,” I say.
Her voice is clear and almost musical. She quietly admonishes Misty for scratching at the carpet by the door in that pleasant voice and shows him the scratching post that Ms S had given him. He goes off to his food bowl and enjoys the dry kitty food that is always there for him whenever a hunger pang comes on. Ranch Mom says stray kittens are sometimes left near homes sympathetic to pets when their owners move elsewhere. She advertises kittens and helps finds good homes for them. Ms S, who brought all the gifts for Misty does the same thing for strays. She told me yesterday she will pick the gifts up later and add them to the Gift Box she prepares each Christmas for the SPCA. Ranch Mom has all the things Misty needs back at the Ranch. Too soon it’s time for them to leave. She assures me that I am very welcome to visit Misty any time I have an opportunity. They leave with pleasant goodbyes. I am puzzled when I bring my vacuum to over to the sewing table to clear up the floor by the sewing table. One of the three plants near the table is missing. The search is on. More tomorrow.
Her voice is clear and almost musical. She quietly admonishes Misty for scratching at the carpet by the door in that pleasant voice and shows him the scratching post that Ms S had given him. He goes off to his food bowl and enjoys the dry kitty food that is always there for him whenever a hunger pang comes on. Ranch Mom says stray kittens are sometimes left near homes sympathetic to pets when their owners move elsewhere. She advertises kittens and helps finds good homes for them. Ms S, who brought all the gifts for Misty does the same thing for strays. She told me yesterday she will pick the gifts up later and add them to the Gift Box she prepares each Christmas for the SPCA. Ranch Mom has all the things Misty needs back at the Ranch. Too soon it’s time for them to leave. She assures me that I am very welcome to visit Misty any time I have an opportunity. They leave with pleasant goodbyes. I am puzzled when I bring my vacuum to over to the sewing table to clear up the floor by the sewing table. One of the three plants near the table is missing. The search is on. More tomorrow.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
TROUBLE AT THE RANCH - MISTY TO THE RESCUE
From Misty – Dateline November 22, 2009. “A few chapters earlier I told you how my mother had gone out in the evening to hunt mice for us. Our systems are built to eat raw meat to keep our bones strong and healthy and nourish each cell of our bodies. One night she did not return. The coyotes have been howling these fall days and the hunter must have become the hunted.
Another mother cat at the Ranch had two kittens of her own younger than me. She took me in, kept me warm and fed me. Someone in Kamloops wanted these two kittens now at a good age to leave home. Ranch Mum thought my sisters would almost be through nursing and wanted them to have this nice home for the coming winter. My Foster Mom still had milk for me and would be more comfortable if I could come back to nurse her for a little while. Ranch Mum called Mum-mum and they talked about it. If Mum-mum found me almost too fast and frisky to handle, would she like Ranch Mum to come and get me and take me back to the Ranch and it would help solve this challenge. Mum-mum thought that it was a good idea. I think Mum-mum did not like the new filing system I had set up for her and was already restoring her old system back. It had worried her when she found me eating the leaves of her spider plant so she had called the poison control center about it. They looked it up their book and said that spider plant leaves were safe for cats.
So now I am back at the Ranch. After a week away we knew each other right away and licked each other as cat mothers do together with their kittens. She will likely soon find a mouse around here and we’ll have a treat together. I licked my paws and body as I do after eating and paused to reflect on the wonderful vacation I had in Vernon with Mum-mum but was glad to be home at the Ranch.”
Another mother cat at the Ranch had two kittens of her own younger than me. She took me in, kept me warm and fed me. Someone in Kamloops wanted these two kittens now at a good age to leave home. Ranch Mum thought my sisters would almost be through nursing and wanted them to have this nice home for the coming winter. My Foster Mom still had milk for me and would be more comfortable if I could come back to nurse her for a little while. Ranch Mum called Mum-mum and they talked about it. If Mum-mum found me almost too fast and frisky to handle, would she like Ranch Mum to come and get me and take me back to the Ranch and it would help solve this challenge. Mum-mum thought that it was a good idea. I think Mum-mum did not like the new filing system I had set up for her and was already restoring her old system back. It had worried her when she found me eating the leaves of her spider plant so she had called the poison control center about it. They looked it up their book and said that spider plant leaves were safe for cats.
So now I am back at the Ranch. After a week away we knew each other right away and licked each other as cat mothers do together with their kittens. She will likely soon find a mouse around here and we’ll have a treat together. I licked my paws and body as I do after eating and paused to reflect on the wonderful vacation I had in Vernon with Mum-mum but was glad to be home at the Ranch.”
Saturday, November 21, 2009
KITTEN CAPERS
Misty has been with me since November l4th and shown how well a kitty of three months and a lady of 86 years can do well together. He seemed to be so special we wanted to find a home to match. Animals are so loved by so many they can sometimes get through to us and teach us how to get along together, even better than the plans of our government’s official members. We are all trying to make our global village a more peaceful and loving place to live.
We can all point to recent examples of those who have left a legacy of peace that has blended with the laws of our country to make a difference.
Misty has just awakened from her afternoon nap (remember her night is my day.) She will be able to better explain what I was trying to say in the above message. “Mum-mum was trying to say the right kind of “No” when teaching me not to scratch the carpet or chairs but instead use the scratching pole, one of the gifts from Ms S. The firm “No” Ms Marge told her about did not have to be preceded with an unpleasant almost sharp “uh” to get my attention. We both pretend we can read each others minds but what we are really doing is reading each other’s eyes and voice timber and heart. I felt shock and hurt. I raced off but soon returned, and both of us said ‘I’m sorry’ using both eyes and quiet voices. Both hearts learned a lesson. Mum-mum thinks I will live longer than her and says I should take any good opportunity to accept a nice place to move before too long. She and Ranch Mum spoke on the telephone this morning and if the little ranch nearby doesn’t work out (where Mum-mum may be able to visit me once in awhile) our Ranch Mum will come over and take me back with her to her place where I was born. I will be able to be with my Ranch sisters and enjoy them, the outside protective dogs and Mum-mum might be able to visit me there also."
We can all point to recent examples of those who have left a legacy of peace that has blended with the laws of our country to make a difference.
Misty has just awakened from her afternoon nap (remember her night is my day.) She will be able to better explain what I was trying to say in the above message. “Mum-mum was trying to say the right kind of “No” when teaching me not to scratch the carpet or chairs but instead use the scratching pole, one of the gifts from Ms S. The firm “No” Ms Marge told her about did not have to be preceded with an unpleasant almost sharp “uh” to get my attention. We both pretend we can read each others minds but what we are really doing is reading each other’s eyes and voice timber and heart. I felt shock and hurt. I raced off but soon returned, and both of us said ‘I’m sorry’ using both eyes and quiet voices. Both hearts learned a lesson. Mum-mum thinks I will live longer than her and says I should take any good opportunity to accept a nice place to move before too long. She and Ranch Mum spoke on the telephone this morning and if the little ranch nearby doesn’t work out (where Mum-mum may be able to visit me once in awhile) our Ranch Mum will come over and take me back with her to her place where I was born. I will be able to be with my Ranch sisters and enjoy them, the outside protective dogs and Mum-mum might be able to visit me there also."
Friday, November 20, 2009
NEW DEVELOPMENTS - NOVEMBER 20, 2009
Both Mum-mum and I have had a lot of fun this week. Time brings its own wisdom and we both learned something new. Mum-mum aunt died at age 52 after an asthma attack before I was born. Her older sister has reminded her of it. During the forest fires this summer getting a complete breath was difficult for her and many others. The doctor said she would set up a test at the hospital and she would hear from them when an appointment was available. She was given a prescription for a puffer that said to stop immediately if it caused certain increased problems. One puff was enough to make her stop immediately. A friend told her about a product called RespirActin at Nature’s Fare, composed of various herbs that had helped them. Also she bought a bottle of Aerobic Oxygen used by runners esecially when walking up our steep hill while carrying groceries. This week a call from our local hospital saying they could work her in for my appointment this week. She told the nurse she was gradually doing better since the forest fires were contained and now felt she should save this cost to the health system. The nurse replied it would be left in her hands to take the next step.
Mum-mum had also learned to think about it when takineach breath. A friend said that learned to take a deep breath to the count of three, and then breathe out with a count of seven – pushing out that last bit of stale air that may be lingering at the bottom of the lungs. Years ago when gtheir young son asked if he could have a dog my husband was delighted because dogs had always been part of his life as a youth. From that point, they enjoyed having a dog and other small pets including turtles that hatched out in our back yard. She now has had the opportunity to see what it is like to share my home with a kitten. That call from the hospital this week about the breathing appointment caused me to consider the possibility of cat dander being harmful in the future. "How quickly I had forgotten the feeling of desperation one gets when it is hard to get a full breath of air and now am so grateful for friends as we share thoughts, advice and the challenge of and being responsible for taking care of ourselves in simple ways and being careful regarding our own health. It is good that I never took up smoking when so many others were saying it was so 'cool' to do it." Mum-mum said.
Mum-mum had also learned to think about it when takineach breath. A friend said that learned to take a deep breath to the count of three, and then breathe out with a count of seven – pushing out that last bit of stale air that may be lingering at the bottom of the lungs. Years ago when gtheir young son asked if he could have a dog my husband was delighted because dogs had always been part of his life as a youth. From that point, they enjoyed having a dog and other small pets including turtles that hatched out in our back yard. She now has had the opportunity to see what it is like to share my home with a kitten. That call from the hospital this week about the breathing appointment caused me to consider the possibility of cat dander being harmful in the future. "How quickly I had forgotten the feeling of desperation one gets when it is hard to get a full breath of air and now am so grateful for friends as we share thoughts, advice and the challenge of and being responsible for taking care of ourselves in simple ways and being careful regarding our own health. It is good that I never took up smoking when so many others were saying it was so 'cool' to do it." Mum-mum said.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A HELPING HAND AND FOOT
November 19, 2009 – Hello again, it’s Misty. I am very busy doing everything possible to make life easy for Mum-mum and have come to you for ideas because I heard her tell someone on the phone that she now has to use her cane more often “chasing after me” were her very words. I am asking you for help. Many people don’t know it but cats get the message through cyberspace. If she goes in another room I stay there to help. If she closes the door I stay close and gently tap with my paw. I have now decided to do more. I run behind or beside her and if she seems to hesitate or be confused I “step right up to the plate” with all four of my feet, and place them between hers. That should help since she is now operating with the help of six feet. Please let me know what else I can do to help. http://stayingintouchblog.blogspot.com. She is also asking her niece and I’ll tune to her Blog for help also at http://cicerosings.blogspot.com. Her posts tell a lot about dogs too.
I help Mum-mum with her Blog to save time and sit on her lap to encourage her. A nice lady in this building who is always being helpful says she knows a little farm nearby that might want a cat. She tells Mum-mum that I am “so beautiful.”
The first morning I was right beside Mum-mum’s right ear and purring. That shows everyone I am happy. The next night she closed door and asked me to sleep on a soft cushion in my restroom. She found me chewing on her spider plant and had to move it into another room that has no sunshine. I dug out some of its fallen leaves under a huge chair that she can’t move because it is about a thousand pounds. Later she saw me scratching at the carpet even though Ms S had given me a scratching post. At night I now sleep in my restroom on my soft cushion from our family in St. George. Thank you so much for your helpful ideas.
I help Mum-mum with her Blog to save time and sit on her lap to encourage her. A nice lady in this building who is always being helpful says she knows a little farm nearby that might want a cat. She tells Mum-mum that I am “so beautiful.”
The first morning I was right beside Mum-mum’s right ear and purring. That shows everyone I am happy. The next night she closed door and asked me to sleep on a soft cushion in my restroom. She found me chewing on her spider plant and had to move it into another room that has no sunshine. I dug out some of its fallen leaves under a huge chair that she can’t move because it is about a thousand pounds. Later she saw me scratching at the carpet even though Ms S had given me a scratching post. At night I now sleep in my restroom on my soft cushion from our family in St. George. Thank you so much for your helpful ideas.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
NOVEMBER 18, 2009
November 18, 2009 – Misty here again. On August 18th, 2009 a special day came along because it’s the date I was born. It was getting pretty crowded in there and good to see the light of day.
Yesterday I spent a whole morning trying to teach Mum-mum the shuffle polka. She is getting better but I don’t think she will ever get on stage, but she just wants to learn so she won’t step on me.
I still miss my family at the Ranch but it is fun here also. I think my Ranch sisters should make a sign with a special name for the Ranch. Ms S being the artist can draw a picture and print the name and Ms M could create the words that fit in with what we do here. Misses E and D must be very busy in college so only have to give advice when we ask for it. Ranch Mum helps us all get organized and Ranch Dad works in his shop and is always kind and helps us whenever we ask him. When all this is finished then Mum-Mum will be able to find my old place and visit the Ranch. I am looking forward to hearing Mum’s nice musical voice that sounds just like a symphony to me.
I should tell you that after Mum-mum was finished learning the dance I taught her, it was my turn to learn something new. It is called the “No-No” that is found in Marge’s text book and includes playing with toys and learning which ones not to scratch or chew on. I wriggled away and tried to run away and ignore her “No-No” talk. She made a quick turn from her typing chair and the keyboard stand caught the arm of the chair and the whole thing fell on the floor. I thought I’d be safe snuggling in the big chair and pretend it was the right thing for all kittens to do. But she did just what Marge told her to do when she was over here in the morning and I think I now understand. Marge also brought me some cat food that her two kittens were too fussy to eat. I really like it better than the food Mum-Mum bought at the store. Thanks everyone for giving me a nice birthday.
Yesterday I spent a whole morning trying to teach Mum-mum the shuffle polka. She is getting better but I don’t think she will ever get on stage, but she just wants to learn so she won’t step on me.
I still miss my family at the Ranch but it is fun here also. I think my Ranch sisters should make a sign with a special name for the Ranch. Ms S being the artist can draw a picture and print the name and Ms M could create the words that fit in with what we do here. Misses E and D must be very busy in college so only have to give advice when we ask for it. Ranch Mum helps us all get organized and Ranch Dad works in his shop and is always kind and helps us whenever we ask him. When all this is finished then Mum-Mum will be able to find my old place and visit the Ranch. I am looking forward to hearing Mum’s nice musical voice that sounds just like a symphony to me.
I should tell you that after Mum-mum was finished learning the dance I taught her, it was my turn to learn something new. It is called the “No-No” that is found in Marge’s text book and includes playing with toys and learning which ones not to scratch or chew on. I wriggled away and tried to run away and ignore her “No-No” talk. She made a quick turn from her typing chair and the keyboard stand caught the arm of the chair and the whole thing fell on the floor. I thought I’d be safe snuggling in the big chair and pretend it was the right thing for all kittens to do. But she did just what Marge told her to do when she was over here in the morning and I think I now understand. Marge also brought me some cat food that her two kittens were too fussy to eat. I really like it better than the food Mum-Mum bought at the store. Thanks everyone for giving me a nice birthday.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
EVERY DAY AT MY NEW HOME GETS BETTER
Dateline 11/17/09 – Misty here in Vernon. Fall is here and the days are getting shorter and cooler so it is best for me to be here in town helping Mum-mum. My Ranch house sisters will be in school, Mum may go to Kamloops and work with her mother-in law on a project and Ranch Dad is busy in his shop doing taxidermy. So it is good for me to be in town by the fireplace.
I have a brain wave that might keep all of us happier here and other newly arrived people and their pets from other places across the seas. Years ago any student who wanted to be in touch with an unknown person in another country could address a letter to a school in France or England, naming any town of their choice in either of these places. Now we can invite them to blog together on the worldwide internet and promote peace, fun and happiness in more languages while improving the way of life for others. Reaching out to other people, their relationships and way of life will promote goodwill with others all over our global village. Young and older folks working and communicating together could blog together and change the world for good.
Today Mum-mum and I are sharing ideas on how to help the disabled or folks residing in care homes do helpful things to assist others in recovery. She has a left finger working the keyboard while her hand is whirling a golf sized ball on a string so any new pet can get exercise and not think about chewing on the furniture. The deep blue inquiring eyes belonging to a Siamese kitten peek from a credenza near the keyboard to relax at times. Both find it fun and feel helpful. Disabled veterans from this war (or any war) will feel they are still helping their country. Mind-killing Medications may not be needed.
I have a brain wave that might keep all of us happier here and other newly arrived people and their pets from other places across the seas. Years ago any student who wanted to be in touch with an unknown person in another country could address a letter to a school in France or England, naming any town of their choice in either of these places. Now we can invite them to blog together on the worldwide internet and promote peace, fun and happiness in more languages while improving the way of life for others. Reaching out to other people, their relationships and way of life will promote goodwill with others all over our global village. Young and older folks working and communicating together could blog together and change the world for good.
Today Mum-mum and I are sharing ideas on how to help the disabled or folks residing in care homes do helpful things to assist others in recovery. She has a left finger working the keyboard while her hand is whirling a golf sized ball on a string so any new pet can get exercise and not think about chewing on the furniture. The deep blue inquiring eyes belonging to a Siamese kitten peek from a credenza near the keyboard to relax at times. Both find it fun and feel helpful. Disabled veterans from this war (or any war) will feel they are still helping their country. Mind-killing Medications may not be needed.
Monday, November 16, 2009
A CLOUDY SUNDAY
Day 2 at my new home and I don’t miss the Farm/Ranch quite so much as I did yesterday. It must be a ranch also because there are so many animals around there. Mum-mum had a nice bed ready for me last night with a picture of bears climbing Australian trees. It had been a gift from her son and his wife when they came to Vernon for a visit last summer. It has a zippered cushion filled with puffed grains. At the time they thought it would be soft for Mum-mum’s knees while writing. But I thought it was more fun skipping around under her bed skirt. When she awoke in the morning I had tucked myself under the quilt by her right ear and started purring.
After working on the computer and posting her Blog we went to the kitchen where Mum-mum started fixing breakfast while I munched on some dried food in one of my new food dishes. But I wanted meat and watched her take too much time rushing from frig to stove to sink and washing her hands every few minutes. I just want some raw or cooked meat. She rolls around with her draftsman chair to avoid stepping on me. She tries to make herself look fat so I won’t take chances, attempt to jump beside her and fall on the floor. But it’s not working. I consider every jump carefully. My ancestors in Siam jumped over rocky areas for centuries and it’s in my genes. I sure miss my Ranch family sometimes and all that jostling around on the porch with my mother and family and all of us reaching for the best piece of a mouse she had hunted down for us. I haven’t seen a mouse around here anywhere. Mum-mum doesn’t know how to catch mice anyway. Her son in St. George says she should hire a housekeeper to save time to do more fun things and not want to work a job again because she worked hard all day at Carnation Research while we lived California and sometimes typed papers for college students in the evenings. He adds, “I know about the stock market falling and the expired GICs that drop down to .06 per cent or less, but “I will stand behind you with help when you need it.”
After working on the computer and posting her Blog we went to the kitchen where Mum-mum started fixing breakfast while I munched on some dried food in one of my new food dishes. But I wanted meat and watched her take too much time rushing from frig to stove to sink and washing her hands every few minutes. I just want some raw or cooked meat. She rolls around with her draftsman chair to avoid stepping on me. She tries to make herself look fat so I won’t take chances, attempt to jump beside her and fall on the floor. But it’s not working. I consider every jump carefully. My ancestors in Siam jumped over rocky areas for centuries and it’s in my genes. I sure miss my Ranch family sometimes and all that jostling around on the porch with my mother and family and all of us reaching for the best piece of a mouse she had hunted down for us. I haven’t seen a mouse around here anywhere. Mum-mum doesn’t know how to catch mice anyway. Her son in St. George says she should hire a housekeeper to save time to do more fun things and not want to work a job again because she worked hard all day at Carnation Research while we lived California and sometimes typed papers for college students in the evenings. He adds, “I know about the stock market falling and the expired GICs that drop down to .06 per cent or less, but “I will stand behind you with help when you need it.”
Sunday, November 15, 2009
SAY HELLO TO MISTY
First of all let me say that Misty was a very lucky kitty to be born on a family farm with people who loved him from the very start.
Just a moment, I am getting a “meow” - perhaps I can translate it.
This is Misty: “My caregivers on the farm were wonderful, but my mother disappeared one night - perhaps she went hunting because she knows how important raw meat is for us to grow big and strong. A coyote may have grabbed her. The other mother cat on the farm kept me warm on cold nights along with her kittens. I was delivered to my new home in the arms of Misses Eli, Dan, Mar and Ser, while their parents drove the car. They had all taken such good care of me. I felt bad after they left and kept my nose at the crack under the door for a few minutes until I remembered they had said they would visit me in a month or so if the roads are open and then I felt happy in my new home.
I played with my new toys all morning and had a great time until after lunch and then fell asleep in the crook of Mum-mum’s left arm while she was using her writing stick with her right hand. While falling asleep she told me a friend, Ms S had brought my new toys yesterday with lots of other things that included a sparkling litter box with a dome lid with 50 pounds of litter. Ms S wouldn’t take any money from Gi-Gi for it all. She turned to her daughter (who had carried in the 50 pounds of litter) and said, “Tam, you were very small but you might remember how we picked all those delicious plums at Gi-Gi’s place about 25 years ago. And please dear, dash out to the car and carry in those dozen packages of apricots we prepared for her when they were in season. Gi-Gi had been inquiring about food for me where Ms S works at Nature’s Fare. Waving away Gi-Gi’s thanks they rushed home to get dinner for their husbands and families.” “Cast thy bread upon the waters and it shall return after many days.” Thanks Misty,I couldn't have said it better myself.
Just a moment, I am getting a “meow” - perhaps I can translate it.
This is Misty: “My caregivers on the farm were wonderful, but my mother disappeared one night - perhaps she went hunting because she knows how important raw meat is for us to grow big and strong. A coyote may have grabbed her. The other mother cat on the farm kept me warm on cold nights along with her kittens. I was delivered to my new home in the arms of Misses Eli, Dan, Mar and Ser, while their parents drove the car. They had all taken such good care of me. I felt bad after they left and kept my nose at the crack under the door for a few minutes until I remembered they had said they would visit me in a month or so if the roads are open and then I felt happy in my new home.
I played with my new toys all morning and had a great time until after lunch and then fell asleep in the crook of Mum-mum’s left arm while she was using her writing stick with her right hand. While falling asleep she told me a friend, Ms S had brought my new toys yesterday with lots of other things that included a sparkling litter box with a dome lid with 50 pounds of litter. Ms S wouldn’t take any money from Gi-Gi for it all. She turned to her daughter (who had carried in the 50 pounds of litter) and said, “Tam, you were very small but you might remember how we picked all those delicious plums at Gi-Gi’s place about 25 years ago. And please dear, dash out to the car and carry in those dozen packages of apricots we prepared for her when they were in season. Gi-Gi had been inquiring about food for me where Ms S works at Nature’s Fare. Waving away Gi-Gi’s thanks they rushed home to get dinner for their husbands and families.” “Cast thy bread upon the waters and it shall return after many days.” Thanks Misty,I couldn't have said it better myself.
Friday, November 13, 2009
CAST THY BREAD UPON THE WATERS
“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for it shall return to thee after many days.” This is one of the Biblical translations from Ecclestiastes 11:1. Sometimes when it is least expected this can happen, days or even years later.
Six years ago my husband passed away with Parkinsons after a 10 year health challenge. His work had required the use of harmful substances which are no longer permitted to be in use. I keep very busy posting a blog most days, mainly about recent science and health-building discoveries. The first year I posted every day. The research sometimes takes a great deal of time. The day slips by - with no one to watch TV or be with me. I complete folding the laundry and vacuuming and decide to call my younger sister in Kamloops. She and her husband catch me up on their news. My older sister has been moved from Rehab to a care home and as her advocate my brother-in-law completes his part of the duty. What’s new with you, they ask. “I am getting a room mate,” I say. There is silence. I can almost hear their thoughts, ‘She must have got blown away in the stock market like some of the rest of us.’ My sister asks, “Male or female? I explain that part presented a problem. I hadn’t thought to ask that question at the time. I am ready to say, “Oh well I can always have him neutered,” My brother-in-law with his usual wit asks, “Does he have four legs?” Yes, I am getting a kitty. Sometimes when people move they may not be able to take their cat along and drop it off at what they know is a friendly place. They feed her and she sleeps on their porch. A new litter of kittens may be born. Good homes must be found for them soon. After reaching 8 weeks, the kittens can be chased by other animals and refuse to be caught even by people trying to help them. Mother cat goes hunting to feed them. Every Thomas Cat in the area denies responsibility. The hunter becomes the hunted and is not seen again. Read the sequel about my new room mate arriving on Saturday.
Six years ago my husband passed away with Parkinsons after a 10 year health challenge. His work had required the use of harmful substances which are no longer permitted to be in use. I keep very busy posting a blog most days, mainly about recent science and health-building discoveries. The first year I posted every day. The research sometimes takes a great deal of time. The day slips by - with no one to watch TV or be with me. I complete folding the laundry and vacuuming and decide to call my younger sister in Kamloops. She and her husband catch me up on their news. My older sister has been moved from Rehab to a care home and as her advocate my brother-in-law completes his part of the duty. What’s new with you, they ask. “I am getting a room mate,” I say. There is silence. I can almost hear their thoughts, ‘She must have got blown away in the stock market like some of the rest of us.’ My sister asks, “Male or female? I explain that part presented a problem. I hadn’t thought to ask that question at the time. I am ready to say, “Oh well I can always have him neutered,” My brother-in-law with his usual wit asks, “Does he have four legs?” Yes, I am getting a kitty. Sometimes when people move they may not be able to take their cat along and drop it off at what they know is a friendly place. They feed her and she sleeps on their porch. A new litter of kittens may be born. Good homes must be found for them soon. After reaching 8 weeks, the kittens can be chased by other animals and refuse to be caught even by people trying to help them. Mother cat goes hunting to feed them. Every Thomas Cat in the area denies responsibility. The hunter becomes the hunted and is not seen again. Read the sequel about my new room mate arriving on Saturday.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
SHORING UP THE BULWARKS
A solid wall-like structure saved many an ancient castle from being taken. The Great Wall of China speaks volumes about protective measures used throughout the centuries to save their country from invaders. Presently we are searching for what measures may be needed to keep the pandemic flu at bay and the millions of dollars required for massive vaccinations each year. Dr. Brian Goldman suggests changes may have to be made. Does one flu shot protect us for the rest of our lives?
Perhaps the voices of nutritionists who speak about shoring up the defenses of the body itself with foods needed to build the ramparts of the body itself are not heard from enough. Perhaps the need for the vitamins from fresh vegetables and fruits should be given out by doctors as a prescription. Simone Gabbay, RNCP, writes a bi-month column in Venture Inward. Her columns appear in many other health magazines and in her books as well, and brings a new challenge on the subject. Nourishing the body with 70 percent live foods - the fruits, vegetables and salads - the alkaline reacting foods, always set a pleasant buffet table for the body so each cell within can have a good selection to build up the immunity needed. Fish, chicken, lamb,are good proteins, the whole grains, along with those in the bean family offer the needed protein required for a healthy body so each cell can build the immunity required to handle all germ invaders. That, with the hand washing we heard about on various news programs, and the needed exercise for each day should keep us safe. For further information: www.holistic-nutrition.com.
Perhaps the voices of nutritionists who speak about shoring up the defenses of the body itself with foods needed to build the ramparts of the body itself are not heard from enough. Perhaps the need for the vitamins from fresh vegetables and fruits should be given out by doctors as a prescription. Simone Gabbay, RNCP, writes a bi-month column in Venture Inward. Her columns appear in many other health magazines and in her books as well, and brings a new challenge on the subject. Nourishing the body with 70 percent live foods - the fruits, vegetables and salads - the alkaline reacting foods, always set a pleasant buffet table for the body so each cell within can have a good selection to build up the immunity needed. Fish, chicken, lamb,are good proteins, the whole grains, along with those in the bean family offer the needed protein required for a healthy body so each cell can build the immunity required to handle all germ invaders. That, with the hand washing we heard about on various news programs, and the needed exercise for each day should keep us safe. For further information: www.holistic-nutrition.com.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
REMEMBRANCE DAY CELEBRATION
It is Remembrance Day with a time of silence at eleven o’clock a.m. to remember those who served in the armed forces to keep our country free. The red poppies displayed on our chest or hat and the living poppies in Flanders Field in France, and other lands facing bondage, tell the stories and wave or salute their thanks to those who died to retain freedom or others who were maimed.
Thank you very much! This includes all those whom we have elected for Ottawa’s powerhouse and those needed to carry out our laws. It is nice to hear from those who express their thanks in words. Words can soon be forgotten in the following days. But we have another gift to give to those seeking to restore whatever measure of health that might be possible for the recovering ones. This gift is to send thoughts of appreciation whenever possible. Although thoughts are not visible to the naked eye or audibly heard, they can still be very powerful. Our son had been transferred from his Canadian employment to the U.S. The parents with their small son settled nicely into their new home and registered him in grade school. On Remembrance Day students are given the opportunity to join other classmates for a visit with soldiers recovering from war injuries. The children were told they could speak to one of them if they wished so they could better understand the reality and consequences of wars. My daughter-in-law tells me that one of their son’s classmates laughed at the strange metal bandages worn by one of the injured men. Fearing that the soldier might feel offended, he reproved his fellow classmate. At the dinner table that evening he asked his parents if he had done the right thing. “If you said it kindly and in a gentle voice, you need not worry that you won’t fit in with your new classmates,” was their answer. Later, they returned to Canada, where their son was selected as one of the Valedictorians of the Graduating Class from high school and voted President of the Student Council by classmates at Okanagan Regional College.
Thank you very much! This includes all those whom we have elected for Ottawa’s powerhouse and those needed to carry out our laws. It is nice to hear from those who express their thanks in words. Words can soon be forgotten in the following days. But we have another gift to give to those seeking to restore whatever measure of health that might be possible for the recovering ones. This gift is to send thoughts of appreciation whenever possible. Although thoughts are not visible to the naked eye or audibly heard, they can still be very powerful. Our son had been transferred from his Canadian employment to the U.S. The parents with their small son settled nicely into their new home and registered him in grade school. On Remembrance Day students are given the opportunity to join other classmates for a visit with soldiers recovering from war injuries. The children were told they could speak to one of them if they wished so they could better understand the reality and consequences of wars. My daughter-in-law tells me that one of their son’s classmates laughed at the strange metal bandages worn by one of the injured men. Fearing that the soldier might feel offended, he reproved his fellow classmate. At the dinner table that evening he asked his parents if he had done the right thing. “If you said it kindly and in a gentle voice, you need not worry that you won’t fit in with your new classmates,” was their answer. Later, they returned to Canada, where their son was selected as one of the Valedictorians of the Graduating Class from high school and voted President of the Student Council by classmates at Okanagan Regional College.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
ANOTHER WAY TO CONVEY WARM GREETINGS
During what is now called a Flu Pandemic, it has been suggested that unless really necessary it is best for those with a compromised immune system to stay away from malls and other crowded areas. A few years ago I was inadvertently drawn into a crowded area while walking home carrying a large bag of groceries in my right hand. It was REMEMBRANCE DAY. The poppy pinned to my coat was tilting and ready to fall.
A passing War veteran snatched the falling poppy in flight and placed it back on my coat securing it with a firm clip. Apparently he carries extra clips in his pocket. To keep another person from stumbling on my bag I placed my left hand on my brow, bowed slightly and saluted the veteran with a smile. I have placed this poppy (with its more secure fastener) in one of the ceramic shoes on my dresser and each time I see it blossoming forth from one of these 5 inch shoes I am reminded of the many pairs of boots these men wore as they served our country. My brother was one of them who returned to Canada in 1945 after five years of army service in Europe. More than eleven thousand others did not return and remain in Flanders Field where poppies wave and bloom anew each year and remind us of their sacrifice. The person who gifted us with the pair of ceramic shoes in 1949 was operating Dorking Bed and Breakfast in Banff, Alberta where we spent our wedding night. Thanks to those soldiers and flyers Canada has been able to preserve our freedom for the rest of that century. Dorking is a large domestic bird common in England. Perhaps there is a subtle message from this bird that exemplifies the joys of domestic life in our own domain without having to conquer other countries or the need to fight wars to help others obtain their freedom.
I continue to use that type of salute with a smile to those I pass on my way. It does not offend anyone and keeps the germs at bay.
A passing War veteran snatched the falling poppy in flight and placed it back on my coat securing it with a firm clip. Apparently he carries extra clips in his pocket. To keep another person from stumbling on my bag I placed my left hand on my brow, bowed slightly and saluted the veteran with a smile. I have placed this poppy (with its more secure fastener) in one of the ceramic shoes on my dresser and each time I see it blossoming forth from one of these 5 inch shoes I am reminded of the many pairs of boots these men wore as they served our country. My brother was one of them who returned to Canada in 1945 after five years of army service in Europe. More than eleven thousand others did not return and remain in Flanders Field where poppies wave and bloom anew each year and remind us of their sacrifice. The person who gifted us with the pair of ceramic shoes in 1949 was operating Dorking Bed and Breakfast in Banff, Alberta where we spent our wedding night. Thanks to those soldiers and flyers Canada has been able to preserve our freedom for the rest of that century. Dorking is a large domestic bird common in England. Perhaps there is a subtle message from this bird that exemplifies the joys of domestic life in our own domain without having to conquer other countries or the need to fight wars to help others obtain their freedom.
I continue to use that type of salute with a smile to those I pass on my way. It does not offend anyone and keeps the germs at bay.
Monday, November 9, 2009
ASTHMA IS COMMON IN CATS
Sometimes a cat will hunker down in front, stretch out her neck, and take raspy, wheezing, spasmodic breaths. A reader of “Venture Inward” has asked Veterinarian Dr. Knueven, what might cause this. “As for treatment, it is possible there may be an inflammation in the airways of the lungs which is often related to allergies or other disruptions of the immune system. X-rays can be helpful for clarification. A balanced, raw-food diet has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Adding fish oil to the diet quiets inflammation. Feline specific probiotics added to the food has a balancing effect on the immune system and can be helpful. Dusty kitty litter, cigarette smoke, other airborne particles and chemical fumes can trigger asthma attacks and must be avoided. Using fewer chemical cleaners and air fresheners, and getting an air filter may help. Taking anti-oxidant vitamins (l00-200 milligrams of vitamin C (ester-C is preferred) and 50-100 international units of vitamin E can be of help,” says Dr. Knueven.
It is very important to check on the kind of kitty litter being used. When cleaning the litter box each day, if it looks too clumpy when being cleaned that would indicate it might be dusty and lead to asthma. There are acupressure points on either side of the spine between the shoulder blades that affect the lungs. Massaging these points during an attack can lessen the severity.
Doug Knueven, DVM, is the author of “Stand by Me, A Holistic Handbook for Animals, People and the Lives They Share,” For more information, go to www.BeaverAnimalClinic.com.
It is very important to check on the kind of kitty litter being used. When cleaning the litter box each day, if it looks too clumpy when being cleaned that would indicate it might be dusty and lead to asthma. There are acupressure points on either side of the spine between the shoulder blades that affect the lungs. Massaging these points during an attack can lessen the severity.
Doug Knueven, DVM, is the author of “Stand by Me, A Holistic Handbook for Animals, People and the Lives They Share,” For more information, go to www.BeaverAnimalClinic.com.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
VENTURE INWARD COLUMNIST
As a regular columnist in Venture Inward, June Bro, who received her masters and doctorate in divinity in 1974, guides her pen with brevity using a few selective words that say volumes. Speaking of the “Oneness” of all people she says, “We all need love and support from others. We all have to meet the same spiritual problems no matter what our background. We are one in the history of the world. We know better than ever, that we are all affected by what has happened in the past or is happening today anywhere on the globe. Yet even though every spiritual group is trying to grow its people toward oneness with God, each one concentrates on specific ways to get there and then claims that their way is best. Some day we will look at the shared ideal of oneness held by us all, and help each other get there. In spite of differences in people, my real joy comes when I connect with them at the soul level.”
In light of recent events regarding loss of life among our own and trying to understand how this could come about, we are exhorted to make changes at the core of the problem. Considering the positive aspects of living together, the “fruits of the spirit, love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness and faith” can lead out each day for greater understanding and kindness to others rather than criticism. Using our lives as a tool each day to practice as well as preaching with words we say and then backing them up with deeds can change everything. That is our small sermon for this Sunday and any Sunday we are unable to go out to church. Because of our present flu epidemic caution in shaking hands is being recommended by the medical profession.
Reverend June Bro lives in Virginia Beach, Va., and is associated with Living Waters Sanctuary.
In light of recent events regarding loss of life among our own and trying to understand how this could come about, we are exhorted to make changes at the core of the problem. Considering the positive aspects of living together, the “fruits of the spirit, love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness and faith” can lead out each day for greater understanding and kindness to others rather than criticism. Using our lives as a tool each day to practice as well as preaching with words we say and then backing them up with deeds can change everything. That is our small sermon for this Sunday and any Sunday we are unable to go out to church. Because of our present flu epidemic caution in shaking hands is being recommended by the medical profession.
Reverend June Bro lives in Virginia Beach, Va., and is associated with Living Waters Sanctuary.
Friday, November 6, 2009
THE WAYFINDERS
This week a CBC radio program called the Massey Lectures are featuring the 9:00 pm program called “Ideas” with the speaker presenting parts of his book called “Wayfinders.” with Anthropologist Wade Davis. He has traveled in many areas of South America where no westerners had been before. Last night he told about an area where he saw proof that there had been “giants in that land.” I remembered a verse in Genesis 6, verse 4 that said: “There were giants in the earth in those days.” When I had read those words years ago I thought this must have been the scribes having a problem with translating from the ancient scrolls.
I recall reading an article in “Venture Inward,” (March/April, 2005) telling about a group trip Henry Reed, was leading into the Andes among the Q’ero. An attribute of these people is that although they consider their teachings sacred, they don’t consider them secret. This leads into the Andean prophecy, handed down from the Inca, foreseeing a change of worlds, timed exactly in accordance with the Mayan calendar of December 24, 2012. Not so far away, perhaps that will begin the lead to a more peaceful world. The Q’ero termed this shift “The Age of uniting ourselves again - when people come together to realize their oneness in God.” They see it as an end to boundaries, where people will drop their identification with each individual, and living the intention of realizing harmony, treating all living things as relatives that would bring us into the spiritual practice of the “attitude of gratitude”. That sounds like a better way than centuries of wars throughout present day patterns that our history books tell us about.
Scientist, Henry Reed, Ph.D., group leader of this Andean group gives a Website, but too late now to join this trip of 2004. www.creativespirit.net/peru.
If he is planning a similar trip again, it would be interesting to join them. 1-800-333-4499.
I recall reading an article in “Venture Inward,” (March/April, 2005) telling about a group trip Henry Reed, was leading into the Andes among the Q’ero. An attribute of these people is that although they consider their teachings sacred, they don’t consider them secret. This leads into the Andean prophecy, handed down from the Inca, foreseeing a change of worlds, timed exactly in accordance with the Mayan calendar of December 24, 2012. Not so far away, perhaps that will begin the lead to a more peaceful world. The Q’ero termed this shift “The Age of uniting ourselves again - when people come together to realize their oneness in God.” They see it as an end to boundaries, where people will drop their identification with each individual, and living the intention of realizing harmony, treating all living things as relatives that would bring us into the spiritual practice of the “attitude of gratitude”. That sounds like a better way than centuries of wars throughout present day patterns that our history books tell us about.
Scientist, Henry Reed, Ph.D., group leader of this Andean group gives a Website, but too late now to join this trip of 2004. www.creativespirit.net/peru.
If he is planning a similar trip again, it would be interesting to join them. 1-800-333-4499.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
GRANDKID'S GAZETTE, October 31, 2009
Halloween, the day of the year that brings good luck to many families as they gather to express gratitude to our parents as well as all others who have expressed kindness in many ways during past years. Some people also expect there may be mischievous gremlins hiding in unexpected places that cause problems during that October month. Perhaps that is what happened to the stock market that began a year ago this month.
But for most children and grandchildren Halloween was a fun day. My great-grandchildren arrived at 6:30. Miss Six was dressed as an angel, looking like one of those spiritual angels that love and protect her sisters and family from dangers. Her tall wings got out of place for a moment but Mommy was handy and straightened them out. (Those wonderful Mothers who are always there when needed.) My neighbour opened her door and called out for us to come over to her place next. Just a dozen or so steps saw them racing down the hall and a tap at the door brought Miss Six followed by Miss Four in her delightful fairy costume and Miss Two dressed as a ballet dancer. I’m glad the French invented the tu-tu for many dances because she looked absolutely fabulous. For a brief moment she tripped on one of her tiny feet and the treats scattered around the hall. But she was undaunted, bent down, picked up each wrapped treat, and returned them to her basket. If there had been thousands watching they would certainly have thought it was all part of the dance. The fascinating part was when she bent her knees, the tu-tu opened like a beautiful smiling flower when she rose and presented her basket before Grace, my lovely neighbour and her visitor. Daddy (dressed as a pleasant pirate) and Mommy (dressed as the perfect mother) were offered treats as well and then we hurried back to Gi-Gi’s place. I commented on each costume and one sister said “Grandma Stewart gave her the tu-tu last week for her birthday and we’re going to visit her next.”
But for most children and grandchildren Halloween was a fun day. My great-grandchildren arrived at 6:30. Miss Six was dressed as an angel, looking like one of those spiritual angels that love and protect her sisters and family from dangers. Her tall wings got out of place for a moment but Mommy was handy and straightened them out. (Those wonderful Mothers who are always there when needed.) My neighbour opened her door and called out for us to come over to her place next. Just a dozen or so steps saw them racing down the hall and a tap at the door brought Miss Six followed by Miss Four in her delightful fairy costume and Miss Two dressed as a ballet dancer. I’m glad the French invented the tu-tu for many dances because she looked absolutely fabulous. For a brief moment she tripped on one of her tiny feet and the treats scattered around the hall. But she was undaunted, bent down, picked up each wrapped treat, and returned them to her basket. If there had been thousands watching they would certainly have thought it was all part of the dance. The fascinating part was when she bent her knees, the tu-tu opened like a beautiful smiling flower when she rose and presented her basket before Grace, my lovely neighbour and her visitor. Daddy (dressed as a pleasant pirate) and Mommy (dressed as the perfect mother) were offered treats as well and then we hurried back to Gi-Gi’s place. I commented on each costume and one sister said “Grandma Stewart gave her the tu-tu last week for her birthday and we’re going to visit her next.”
Monday, November 2, 2009
SMILE - ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING
With family responsibilities, work deadlines to meet, it can be tempting to become sidetracked and stressed by a multitude of little problems and lose sight of what really matters in this increasingly complicated world. If your working days are over and your retirement fund that once paid 4 per cent for your living expenses has been reduced to less than one per cent there can be pause for reflection. Or sometimes these funds have disappeared altogether in a black hole in the stock market.
There is one thing we can still do and that is to change our thinking according to Lee L. Jampolsky, Ph.D. in his book “Smile For No Good Reason.” At this point it is time to rewire our thinking patterns and choose peace and happiness through the doors of forgiveness and love. “People can and do begin smiling for no good reason when they find that in order to be happy they need only to change their own thinking and attitudes. Use a few more smiles from the heart that ‘Attitudinal Healing’ can bring.
True and lasting happiness is not tied to income, jobs, partners, material possessions or friends that seem to vanish. When you catch yourself reacting with negativity keep rewiring thinking patterns and choose peace and happiness or your own conflict and pain. Nothing outside of us has more power than our own decision to be happy. One page of his book opens with this advice, “Think of God as a good dry cleaner.” He explains that God can remove stains - painful emotions and past choices – nothing and no one outside of us has more power than our own decision to be happy.
There is always family for emotional support to rely on and new friends will pop up on your journey. And keep your smile handy. More information can be found at l-800-723-1112.
There is one thing we can still do and that is to change our thinking according to Lee L. Jampolsky, Ph.D. in his book “Smile For No Good Reason.” At this point it is time to rewire our thinking patterns and choose peace and happiness through the doors of forgiveness and love. “People can and do begin smiling for no good reason when they find that in order to be happy they need only to change their own thinking and attitudes. Use a few more smiles from the heart that ‘Attitudinal Healing’ can bring.
True and lasting happiness is not tied to income, jobs, partners, material possessions or friends that seem to vanish. When you catch yourself reacting with negativity keep rewiring thinking patterns and choose peace and happiness or your own conflict and pain. Nothing outside of us has more power than our own decision to be happy. One page of his book opens with this advice, “Think of God as a good dry cleaner.” He explains that God can remove stains - painful emotions and past choices – nothing and no one outside of us has more power than our own decision to be happy.
There is always family for emotional support to rely on and new friends will pop up on your journey. And keep your smile handy. More information can be found at l-800-723-1112.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
BE A STANDER
My niece sometimes brings a small gift for me, a little inspirational booklet called “Our Daily Bread.” There is usually a story that that is intended as spiritual food to meet the challenges for that particular day. The one for yesterday was called “Be a Stander,” and tells about a western novelist Stephen Bly who says that in the days of America’s Old West there were two types of friends (and horses): runners and standers. At the first sign of trouble the runner would bolt – abandoning you to whatever peril you were facing. But a stander would stick with you no matter what the circumstances. Unfortunately, you wouldn’t know which kind of friend you had until trouble came and then it was too late – unless your friend was a stander.
Rather than being concerned with what kind of friends we have, however, we ought to consider what kind of friends we are. In the final days of the Biblical Paul’s ministry, as he awaited death, some who had ministered with him turned into runners and abandoned him to face execution alone. In his last letter, Paul told about a former associate, Demas, who had run off, then simply stated in his letter to another friend Timothy, “Only Luke is with me.” Luke was a stander. While undoubtedly disappointed by those who had deserted him, Paul must have been deeply comforted to know he was not alone.
Bill Crowder concludes this incident by reminding the reader of a verse in the book of Proverbs that says “a friend loves at all times.” He exhorts us to consider what kind of a friend we would be in such circumstances – a runner or a stander and observes “A true friend stands with us in times of trial.”
Rather than being concerned with what kind of friends we have, however, we ought to consider what kind of friends we are. In the final days of the Biblical Paul’s ministry, as he awaited death, some who had ministered with him turned into runners and abandoned him to face execution alone. In his last letter, Paul told about a former associate, Demas, who had run off, then simply stated in his letter to another friend Timothy, “Only Luke is with me.” Luke was a stander. While undoubtedly disappointed by those who had deserted him, Paul must have been deeply comforted to know he was not alone.
Bill Crowder concludes this incident by reminding the reader of a verse in the book of Proverbs that says “a friend loves at all times.” He exhorts us to consider what kind of a friend we would be in such circumstances – a runner or a stander and observes “A true friend stands with us in times of trial.”
Friday, October 30, 2009
BOOSTING YOUR HEALING RESPONSE
After graduating from Atlantic University with a master’s degree as well as the Brennan school of Healing, Elaine Hruska is able to clarify many aspects of healings that resulted from the study of the Edgar Cayce material. Her approach to the Cayce-based healing presents powerful techniques that can be applied for recovering from many states of ill health that leads to healing.
Casual investigators of the Cayce material are impressed with its emphasis on the close relationship between body, mind and spirit. All aspects of healing blend together with the solid support of scientific research. Some non-physical conditions can make the body susceptible to illness. It is important to observe what the body tells through symptoms no matter how minor.
The role of the mind in the healing response to restoring the body’s health includes the attitude of the patient that is important in the healing process. Along with a revealing examination of the forces of healing and a variety of treatment modalities include osteopathy, which the Cayce material claims to be “so near in accord with nature’s measures.” The healing process includes diet, exercise, and packs with the mental and spiritual topics that add to the entire process.
For more information phone 1-800-428-1512.
Casual investigators of the Cayce material are impressed with its emphasis on the close relationship between body, mind and spirit. All aspects of healing blend together with the solid support of scientific research. Some non-physical conditions can make the body susceptible to illness. It is important to observe what the body tells through symptoms no matter how minor.
The role of the mind in the healing response to restoring the body’s health includes the attitude of the patient that is important in the healing process. Along with a revealing examination of the forces of healing and a variety of treatment modalities include osteopathy, which the Cayce material claims to be “so near in accord with nature’s measures.” The healing process includes diet, exercise, and packs with the mental and spiritual topics that add to the entire process.
For more information phone 1-800-428-1512.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
HELP FOR THE HEART
Breathing exercises and listening to music have been found to have significant effects on bodily functions. Recently the two modalities have been combined to create a healing effect on blood pressure.
In this study, conducted in Italy and presented at the recent convention of the American Society of Hypertension, adults with hypertension were trained in slow rhythmic breathing, with one long count for inhalation and two long counts for exhalation. The participants then practiced this slow breathing method while listening to music. They were able to select the music from classical, Celtic, and Indian genres that all had regular rhythm.
The participants then practiced this approach 30 minutes a day for three months. Afterwards, their ambulatory blood pressure was evaluated and compared to a matched control group. The results indicated that the systolic pressure for the treated group was significantly lower than when they started and significantly lower than the control group. These differences were observable after only one month of practice.
A friend tells me that she and her husband attended a class in what was called “belly breathing,” when he was trying to avoid having to go on oxygen. It seems that the two long counts for exhalation helps to get rid of the old stale air that remains in the lungs.
In this study, conducted in Italy and presented at the recent convention of the American Society of Hypertension, adults with hypertension were trained in slow rhythmic breathing, with one long count for inhalation and two long counts for exhalation. The participants then practiced this slow breathing method while listening to music. They were able to select the music from classical, Celtic, and Indian genres that all had regular rhythm.
The participants then practiced this approach 30 minutes a day for three months. Afterwards, their ambulatory blood pressure was evaluated and compared to a matched control group. The results indicated that the systolic pressure for the treated group was significantly lower than when they started and significantly lower than the control group. These differences were observable after only one month of practice.
A friend tells me that she and her husband attended a class in what was called “belly breathing,” when he was trying to avoid having to go on oxygen. It seems that the two long counts for exhalation helps to get rid of the old stale air that remains in the lungs.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
PURPLE OR GREEN, WHICH IS BEST?
According to research conducted at the Ohio State University and reported in “The Guardian,” research with rats gives us the answer.
We know eating our vegetables is very important to keep the acid-alkaline of the body at the proper level to ward off germ invaders. In general, green is next best to protect us from colds and flu.
Green is good, but purple is better. It is the presence of the cancer-killing antioxidant anthocyanin that marks darkly colored vegetables (e.g., eggplant, red cabbage, elderberries, bilberries, purple corn and chokeberries) as “super-foods.” Research with rats fed anthocyanin showed a 65 percent drop in cancer tumours when compared to rats fed a regular diet.
My parents were married in 1915 and when the last of their eight children arrived in 1938 it could mean we are all protected from the influenza that had arrived in 1918 after World War I. The only fruit grown in our part of the windswept Alberta prairies was the hardy chokecherry. It was a reddish purple berry which must have given us those wonderful anthocyanins for protection. Of course it may have been a major help that we were not served food that contained trans-fats and except for a piece of cake every Sunday very little sweets were part of our menu.
I noticed last week that our local health store had brought in purple kale. It makes a great smoothie, especially when a little pineapple is added along with other greens.
We know eating our vegetables is very important to keep the acid-alkaline of the body at the proper level to ward off germ invaders. In general, green is next best to protect us from colds and flu.
Green is good, but purple is better. It is the presence of the cancer-killing antioxidant anthocyanin that marks darkly colored vegetables (e.g., eggplant, red cabbage, elderberries, bilberries, purple corn and chokeberries) as “super-foods.” Research with rats fed anthocyanin showed a 65 percent drop in cancer tumours when compared to rats fed a regular diet.
My parents were married in 1915 and when the last of their eight children arrived in 1938 it could mean we are all protected from the influenza that had arrived in 1918 after World War I. The only fruit grown in our part of the windswept Alberta prairies was the hardy chokecherry. It was a reddish purple berry which must have given us those wonderful anthocyanins for protection. Of course it may have been a major help that we were not served food that contained trans-fats and except for a piece of cake every Sunday very little sweets were part of our menu.
I noticed last week that our local health store had brought in purple kale. It makes a great smoothie, especially when a little pineapple is added along with other greens.
Monday, October 26, 2009
THE FACTORY
It’s always fascinating when the entire class at school is taken to a factory to observe the assembly line work wonders together rolling the finished product off the line.
But there is one factory that is invisible and no one is able to observe the wonderful things these factories produce. Diagrams of these important life-saving productions can be found in text books. According to a medical study by Duke University the important job done by this small appendage called appendix has saved many lives. These interior Probiotic Factories are kept very busy protecting the healthy bacteria that populates the human digestive system.
A regular lube job is required daily to keep the factory in good working order to keep the wheels rolling smoothly. Olive oil and flax oil are both excellent oils to do this job. Trans-fats are hard for the system to handle and can create problems. This health promoting bacteria is cultivated in the appendix and used as a scavenger to remove toxins and putrefactive materials from the intestinal tract. It promotes proper immune function and efficient assimilation and synthesis of nutrients including the important B-complex vitamins. According to Simone Gabbay, RNCP, a nutritionist in Toronto, “The regular ingestion of cultured and fermented dairy products such as yogurt and buttermilk, help to recolonize health-promoting lactic-acid bacteria in the gut. Many vegetables including cabbage (available as sauerkraut) can be lactic-acid fermented. “If you no longer have your appendix, adding probiotic components to your diet becomes even more important. Appendix in or out – with probiotics, your health will win!” says Simone Gabbay, author of ‘Visionary Medicine: Real Hope for Total Healing.’ Her web site is: holistic-nutrition.com.
But there is one factory that is invisible and no one is able to observe the wonderful things these factories produce. Diagrams of these important life-saving productions can be found in text books. According to a medical study by Duke University the important job done by this small appendage called appendix has saved many lives. These interior Probiotic Factories are kept very busy protecting the healthy bacteria that populates the human digestive system.
A regular lube job is required daily to keep the factory in good working order to keep the wheels rolling smoothly. Olive oil and flax oil are both excellent oils to do this job. Trans-fats are hard for the system to handle and can create problems. This health promoting bacteria is cultivated in the appendix and used as a scavenger to remove toxins and putrefactive materials from the intestinal tract. It promotes proper immune function and efficient assimilation and synthesis of nutrients including the important B-complex vitamins. According to Simone Gabbay, RNCP, a nutritionist in Toronto, “The regular ingestion of cultured and fermented dairy products such as yogurt and buttermilk, help to recolonize health-promoting lactic-acid bacteria in the gut. Many vegetables including cabbage (available as sauerkraut) can be lactic-acid fermented. “If you no longer have your appendix, adding probiotic components to your diet becomes even more important. Appendix in or out – with probiotics, your health will win!” says Simone Gabbay, author of ‘Visionary Medicine: Real Hope for Total Healing.’ Her web site is: holistic-nutrition.com.
Friday, October 23, 2009
THE THIRD OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Yes, Canada has three official languages. The most exciting part of this statement is that we all can study it but often do not find time to learn this third language. “On any question that arises, ask the mental self – get the answer, yes or no. Do not act immediately if you would develop the intuitive influence. Then in meditation or prayer, when looking within your inner self, ask – is the answer yes or no? The answer is intuitive development.” This comment came from the files of Edgar Cayce, who first spoke of the importance of developing intuition when facing life’s complex problems. Every country on Earth has this extra language.
Let me tell you what happened last year. I am the cat you met a few days ago when my family thought I had asthma. As usual I am restless during the night. Everyone in the household was sleeping but I sense that something is not right so I scratched at the bed covers and made a big fuss. The man finally awoke and I raced for the door. When he tried to close it I raced back in. He finally put on his jacket and followed me. I ran over to the gas pipe that led into the house, looked up at him and scratched at the pipe. He got the message, went back into the house, called an ambulance, the gas company and opened all the windows. The oxygen levels were very low in the house.
We were treated at the hospital and everyone survived. I heard them talking about how grateful they were that one of their boys brought me home when I was an abandoned kitty. They called me Catkin and we are all grateful for each other. I usually find a handy lap to land on while the children do their homework and we are very happy together.
Let me tell you what happened last year. I am the cat you met a few days ago when my family thought I had asthma. As usual I am restless during the night. Everyone in the household was sleeping but I sense that something is not right so I scratched at the bed covers and made a big fuss. The man finally awoke and I raced for the door. When he tried to close it I raced back in. He finally put on his jacket and followed me. I ran over to the gas pipe that led into the house, looked up at him and scratched at the pipe. He got the message, went back into the house, called an ambulance, the gas company and opened all the windows. The oxygen levels were very low in the house.
We were treated at the hospital and everyone survived. I heard them talking about how grateful they were that one of their boys brought me home when I was an abandoned kitty. They called me Catkin and we are all grateful for each other. I usually find a handy lap to land on while the children do their homework and we are very happy together.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
WALKING YOU BLUES AWAY
Karen Kell tells of her experience of deciding to start walking as a form of exercise. “On the mornings that I pulled the covers away and jumped into my sneakers, the rhythm of my steps almost automatically began a process of reviewing bits and pieces of the previous day. On my last lap, many of yesterday’s concerns would be resolved. I attributed my morning checklist to the solitude of the early hour and dismissed the phenomena as an added benefit.
Then I read Thom Hartmann’s book, ‘Walking Your blues Away: How to Heal the Mind and Create Emotional Well-Being.’ As a psychotherapist, Hartmann had been using techniques that incorporated bilateral movement such as NeuroLinguistic Programming. This form of therapy simultaneously stimulates activity between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Glancing from his office window and observing the gait of the pedestrians below, he realized that the simple right-left, right-left rhythm could provide the same effect.
In a five step process, one is guided through a state of conscious measured walking, focusing on the emotion or trauma until it dissipates, literally changing the brain’s perception of the event. Dr. Hartmann’s book is filled with fascinating information about brain function, the history and development of bilateral therapies, and the cultural and societal effects of walking. Physical benefits include stimulation of the lymph system, joint maintenance and improvement of digestion are added benefits. Further information about walking with a coach and walking with various intentions such as creativity and problem solving can be found through l-800-333-4499.
Then I read Thom Hartmann’s book, ‘Walking Your blues Away: How to Heal the Mind and Create Emotional Well-Being.’ As a psychotherapist, Hartmann had been using techniques that incorporated bilateral movement such as NeuroLinguistic Programming. This form of therapy simultaneously stimulates activity between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Glancing from his office window and observing the gait of the pedestrians below, he realized that the simple right-left, right-left rhythm could provide the same effect.
In a five step process, one is guided through a state of conscious measured walking, focusing on the emotion or trauma until it dissipates, literally changing the brain’s perception of the event. Dr. Hartmann’s book is filled with fascinating information about brain function, the history and development of bilateral therapies, and the cultural and societal effects of walking. Physical benefits include stimulation of the lymph system, joint maintenance and improvement of digestion are added benefits. Further information about walking with a coach and walking with various intentions such as creativity and problem solving can be found through l-800-333-4499.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
PARDON ME - A MOMENT OF PRIVACY PLEASE
I’m just clearing my throat, it’s all exaggerated, I’m only pitching out a hair ball and he thinks I must have asthma and calls his veterinarian. I like the vet and am accustomed to his routine which is quite thorough. He’ll ask if I have been able to lose a little weight and I have. He’ll explain that asthma is somewhat common in cats, spasmodic breathing signaling inflammation in the airways of the lungs. I’ll have to get an X-ray of the chest to be sure.
Doug Knueven, DVM, has given us the basic remedies before, “Asthma is exacerbated by pro-inflammatory processes in the body. A balanced, raw-food diet has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Adding fish oil to the diet quiets the inflammation. Feline-specific probiotics added to the food has a balancing effect on the immune system and can be helpful. Vaccines promote inflammation, so they should be kept to a minimum. Cigarette smoke, dusty kitty litter and other airborne particles and chemical fumes can trigger asthma attacks and must be avoided. Getting an air filter may help.”
Then he goes on to remind us I should be given 50-100 milligrams of vitamin C (ester-C is preferred) and 50-100 international units of vitamin E. These anti-oxidant vitamins help my body resist environmental toxins that can exacerbate asthma. He says there are acupressure points on either side of the spine between the shoulder blades that affect the lungs and massaging these points during an attack can lessen the severity.
Doug Knueven, DVM, is the author of “Stand by Me, a Holistic Handbook for animals, People, and the lives they Share, and “Holistic Health guide: Natural Care for the whole Dog.” Find more information at: www.BeaverAnimalClinic.com.
Doug Knueven, DVM, has given us the basic remedies before, “Asthma is exacerbated by pro-inflammatory processes in the body. A balanced, raw-food diet has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Adding fish oil to the diet quiets the inflammation. Feline-specific probiotics added to the food has a balancing effect on the immune system and can be helpful. Vaccines promote inflammation, so they should be kept to a minimum. Cigarette smoke, dusty kitty litter and other airborne particles and chemical fumes can trigger asthma attacks and must be avoided. Getting an air filter may help.”
Then he goes on to remind us I should be given 50-100 milligrams of vitamin C (ester-C is preferred) and 50-100 international units of vitamin E. These anti-oxidant vitamins help my body resist environmental toxins that can exacerbate asthma. He says there are acupressure points on either side of the spine between the shoulder blades that affect the lungs and massaging these points during an attack can lessen the severity.
Doug Knueven, DVM, is the author of “Stand by Me, a Holistic Handbook for animals, People, and the lives they Share, and “Holistic Health guide: Natural Care for the whole Dog.” Find more information at: www.BeaverAnimalClinic.com.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
FASTER THAN THE SPEED OF LIGHT
Speeding along its familiar highway transporting cargo faster than the speed of light, they travel in darkness along a well known turnpike until its closest relative takes over. Yes, these drivers are all related and share the same DNA as the driver pauses at each vessel for recognition and exchange. Each small mysterious tank passes along a message and then speeds away until up to 700 intersections have unloaded and reloaded at each node.
These clusters of lymphatic vessels act as filtering stations where their cargos are purified and cleansed. These wonderful little body-housekeepers destroy the harmful substances before returning the purified parts to the bloodstream. The colorless lymph fluid waste products are discarded by individual cells. The oxygen, minerals, proteins and other nutrients seep through thin capillary walls for the body’s nourishment. These valuable substances enter the lymphatic vessels for purification and are returned to the bloodstream.
From the body’s tissues the microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, dead or damaged cells are drained by the lymph and carried to the next node. Meanwhile the nodes produce lymphocytes and antibodies to help the body fight infection. We can only imagine the delight experienced by the cargo drivers at lunchtime when they find the body’s buffet contains fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy proteins to load up for their onward journey to provide nourishment for the body. Too often cells are overworked and must rush around to dispose of trans-fats and too much starch that can get tossed into fat cells that could add to the obesity problems and other sickness that shorten lives. The body’s lymph works hard and does its best with the foods and tools we provide to build healthy tissue to keep energy and happiness each day. For more information and further details call 757-457-7270.
These clusters of lymphatic vessels act as filtering stations where their cargos are purified and cleansed. These wonderful little body-housekeepers destroy the harmful substances before returning the purified parts to the bloodstream. The colorless lymph fluid waste products are discarded by individual cells. The oxygen, minerals, proteins and other nutrients seep through thin capillary walls for the body’s nourishment. These valuable substances enter the lymphatic vessels for purification and are returned to the bloodstream.
From the body’s tissues the microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, dead or damaged cells are drained by the lymph and carried to the next node. Meanwhile the nodes produce lymphocytes and antibodies to help the body fight infection. We can only imagine the delight experienced by the cargo drivers at lunchtime when they find the body’s buffet contains fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy proteins to load up for their onward journey to provide nourishment for the body. Too often cells are overworked and must rush around to dispose of trans-fats and too much starch that can get tossed into fat cells that could add to the obesity problems and other sickness that shorten lives. The body’s lymph works hard and does its best with the foods and tools we provide to build healthy tissue to keep energy and happiness each day. For more information and further details call 757-457-7270.
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