Love, Laughter and Life- They Said I Do!

Just twelve days ago we were overcome with joy at the wedding of our daughter to the man of her dreams. I am not a big fairy tale fan; however, the day was fairytale-like.
The day was Thursday, August 3, 2017.

The setting was Boals Farm near Mount Pleasant (which is near Charleston), South Carolina.
The main characters included Sara and the love of her life, Kristian, as well as his daughter, Kodi.

The Bride

The Groom

The Groom's Daughter (with the Bride's brother and family)

The supporting characters were the well wishers, several very close friends, and two extremely happy and proud families, who had all travelled great distances to join in the celebration.

As well,  numerous local vendors were present  to create one magical afternoon and evening.

My husband and I traveled by car (approximately 16 hours) to arrive on the Saturday before the wedding. Kristian's family, including his mom, daughter, brother and his wife drove from Oklahoma City, which was an even longer trip, and arrived early on Monday morning.

The next few days were a whirlwind of wedding preparations, balanced with some tourist activities (including the beach, the aquarium, local restaurants, and swimming in the hotel pool).

As the guests arrived, including our son and two grandchildren, we combined efforts to check to-do items off Sara's many lists. It was delightful helping out and getting to know friends and family from across the USA and Canada.

I could go on and on because too much happened during the days prior to the big event. Highlights included a wonderful rehearsal dinner, hosted by Kristian's mom, where almost all of the guests gathered in anticipation of this lovely destination wedding.

You have to understand that Sara and Kristian live in North Dakota where they are working and studying. The entire event was planned on-line so that part of our activities included checking out the venue (Boals Farm), tasting the food from the restaurant of the caterer (Sticky Fingers), and listening to the bluegrass band (Dallas Baker and Friends) at a local pub. More than once it was said, "we're three for three" with big happy smiles.

The "Day Of" Coordinator, Christy, put it all together for the wedding (she was also the officiant), and reception. Together with the hosts at Boals Farm, she worked her magic on the day of the wedding, and we barely had to lift a finger. It was pure FUN for us.

So fast forward to the wedding. I will let the pictures by the photographer, Red Shutter Studio, tell the rest of the story.

The Fruit Cake (homemade in Canada by
the Bride's Dad, my husband

The Groom and his beautiful Mom

The Tables 

The Bride and her Parents

The Guest Sign-in 

The Guest Favours- Canadian Maple Syrup

The Newlyweds and Their Guests

Enjoying the Moment

The Rope Swing

The Family 

The Dessert Caterer- Mini Pearl

The Sioux Girls- Sara's Swimming Friends from UND

The Wedding Dinner and Dance

The Band

The Venue- the end to a perfectly lovely wedding day, forever in our memories!

Wishing Sara and Kristian a Happy Life Together!
Love,
Mom

Until next time, 

Bee Rich 

Time to Catch a Breath!

True!

If only for a day, I chose to spend most of yesterday in a quiet way. It was a very busy week with teaching for 3.5 days and 1.5 days of Professional Development (PD), as well as the attempt to complete term marking and interim report cards, which go home in November.

After putting in several long days of reading and thinking, writing and editing, listening and processing, I hastened home to a quiet Thursday night. On the way, however, I tripped over an overturned man hole cover, which I notice during the day, but not so much at night. Consequently, I fell down, one foot, two hands on the sidewalk, and ended up facing the opposite direction, on my bottom.

Not a pretty sight. Usually in this situation I would bounce back up, look around to make sure no one was looking, and continue my journey. However the angle of the fall, or the sudden rising of the sidewalk, or the embarrassing final position, left me breathless and in a little pain.

As I took in several breaths to control the emotions and check the seriousness of the situation, a truck stopped and two strangers hopped out to help me up. I was grateful for this show of human kindness. Concerned, they hailed a taxi and I was driven home. In the car I texted my friend Kathy to let her know of the incident.

Thursday Night Trip- This is what caused a fall!  Gotta look down...

By the time I reached the flat, I was in a lot of pain and realized that I had hurt my chest. I did a quick lifeguard check and surmised that while no ribs were out of alignment, they were probably just bruised, I went on the Internet to see what was the best course of action.

Ice- rest- NSAIDs. Check-check-check. So yesterday was a day to "take care" and so I did.

So folks, the above was written almost a week ago and lots has transpired since. I did spend much of last weekend resting and icing and taking pain medication. On Sunday, I went back to work, exhausted, because despite resting, I did not sleep well, and it was very painful even trying to get out of bed.

So while at work, I decided that I had better take a day and get to the doctor. After school I had an x-ray and it was determined that my sixth rib on my right side was indeed fractured. Boo-hoo! Consequently, it meant that I could have taken three to five days off work, However, with pain medication the pain is like a "stitch" in my side, and rather than be in pain at home alone, I would rather be a work with the children....in pain nonetheless.

Sunday afternoon class picture selfie...

Tuesday Afternoon Staff Silly Picture

So I went back to work on Tuesday, determined to do my best, by following up on lessons, assessment, communication, and yard duty, And it wasn't too bad. On Thursday it was Mixed-up Dress Day...

Thursday Mixed up Dress Day...fun times

I can walk, but not run or skip or hop or jump or dance. I can sit but not for long. I can stand all day. Deep breathing exercises are recommended to avoid pneumonia. Shoulder blade pinches are also done to stretch out the muscles that may be damaged.

But I cannot go swimming! Egad!  All this year, until bronchitis hit, I was faithfully swimming lengths and feeling really great. Unfortunately now, I have to take a break from my favourite recreational form of exercise. Woe is me...

No to be discouraged, this weekend I am planning to walk a lot (but don't overdo it, was the advice from the doctor) without tripping or falling. Inshallah! I also have a couple of tutoring jobs lined up, need to tidy the apartment, shop for groceries, and complete a bit of school work.

Yes the weekend is looming ahead. That means, I must get off this computer and get moving. Wishing you all a happy Halloween Weekend!

Until next time,

Bee Rich

PS  October 31, 2016 is a significant day in my married life.  It was 40 years ago Halloween night that I met my future husband for the first time. And the rest is history!

Candlelight - Triumph over darkness
and a symbol of love, hope, peace, courage, 

Overwhelmed by Serendipity

Memories of Charlotte- cute,

content,

cuddling with Coral,

carnivore

Charlotte!

Wow! My last post produced many messages of condolence from thoughtful friends from around the world. I am overwhelmed and grateful for the kind comments both on Blogger and Facebook. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Yesterday was a good day! I had a small funeral for my kitten in the "backyard," cleaned up the toys, litter box, food and water dishes, and other signs of pet ownership. My cleaner even offered to come over and clean the apartment! I was humbled.

Later, Em and I went out to Mahboula to spend the afternoon with Lindsay. To be frank, I am not quite sure what I would do without these ladies in my life. Lindsay's husband was away for a men's weekend in Dubai, so we hung out in the air conditioned apartment, had tea, played with the children and, as my mother used to say, "solved all the problems of the world." It was a special time that I will forever treasure.

I first met these two young women while working in Cairo, Egypt in September, 2008. They were flat mates and my husband and I gradually became their Mama and Papa Cairo, sharing many meals, trips, laughs and moments. Since then we have continued to keep in touch.  In fact, one of the major factors leading me to work in this country was their encouragement last summer.

Em and Kinds

Em

Linds and Em

Linds

Charlotte Lena-my cleaner and caregiver!

I am indeed fortunate to have such caring people in my life. It seems that no matter where I am living, I am surrounded with beautiful people. How serendipitous is that?

Until next time,


Bee Rich

Whew! A Little Bit Busy Week!

Just a thought from Calvin and Hobbes!

          I am taking a course!  The course is Kindergarten Part 1.  The reason I am taking it is because I love teaching primary children and our board may soon be adding new full kindergarten classes at its schools.  I am learning a lot of up-to-date information about what is happening here in Ontario in the education field.  Today I received an email that positively reinforced the effort I have given.  It made my heart sing! 
          Today I also had the privilege of working at a school for the entire day.  My favourite class was the kindergarten/grade one class while I was there to teach them music.  We had plenty of fun and I was a wee bit silly. While working in the library late, this group of children gathered around and said, "Hey look, there she is." When I asked them what they were doing, they replied, "We wanted to say hi."  Again my heart sang. 
          Tomorrow, so far, I don't have work.  On the following day I will be volunteering in the morning and then working in a junior classroom in the afternoon.  On Friday I will be working in the morning and driving for several hours to spend some time with that special grandson.  I am looking forward! 
          There is lots to do between now and then.  I believe I have over 100 comments to read for the course, plus several assignments before heading off for the weekend.  I can do this! I am am going to enjoy every minute!


Until next time,


Bee Rich

Loving my Grandson!

What Will Today Bring?

          I am an optimist.  Today I look forward to a one hour drive to a school to spend the day in a grade one classroom.   After a wonderful day I will take a leisurely drive home again where a surprise will be waiting.  I won't write about the surprise now because then it won't be a surprise.  All I can tell you is that our home will be filled with laughter and love. 
          I am taking a course.  It is challenging and will keep my mind focused on the needs of developing children, ages 3-6.  Two great applications- my grandson's development and the many kindergarten classes where I sometimes spend my days. 
         The past two weeks have been slow on the occasional teaching front.  Week one right after the Christmas break gave me two half days; one was cancelled due to road conditions.  This week I have  three half days and two full days.  However, one of the half days was cancelled due to weather conditions. 
          This morning, while lying in bed, I believe I have made a decision.  I will be content with the day-to-day occasional teaching.  There is still so much to learn about the hiring process.  I need to be ready!
          I almost forgot, I have to write about the weather.  It is our first full winter in Canada since 2007-08.  It is freezing outside, but I LOVE it!!!

Until next time, I remain

Busy Bee Rich

So Many People

          I am loving my work.  As an elementary school occasional teacher I am called to come in to a school when another teacher has to be away for the day.  As the assignments are random and I am on the list for seven different schools, every day is different.  Every day I meet new people.  I struggle with names, by I don't usually forget a face. 
          Whenever I read a quotation, like the one above, to myself,  I wonder, does this apply to my situation?  I don't walk in to a school expecting attention or love or affection.  After all, I am only there a day or two, and then it is off to a new school on a new day. 
          Occasionally I do meet someone who is loving, caring and attentive. It comes out of no where, in the most unexpected circumstances.  It happened in Egypt, when one day, out of the blue, we got a phone call from Lindsay, inviting us to tea.  It happened today, when a teacher actually requested that I go into her class for part of the day. And then later when a literacy coach, visiting the school where I was working, invited me to one of her workshops. 
          I don't know exactly why these situations arise, but when they do, I am thankful.  Hopefully I will also be one of those people who demonstrate attention, affection, and love to others.

Until next time,

Bee Rich

In Case You did not Know...I Love Weekends!

          When I taught full time, I often looked forward to weekends.  As I have been "off" for the past four months, I had lost that little spark of joy that often comes on a Friday, knowing that the weekend is at hand. 
          Happily, the spark appeared again this weekend.  Last week, Monday through Friday, I could be found at one of the schools on my list.  So, by Friday afternoon, I was really looking forward to the weekend.
          Friday at 5:15 pm, I drove in to Perth for a masters swimming practice.  For an hour I was able to replace the stresses of the week with laps of the pool.  Upon my arrival home, my brother, who lives in Ottawa, called to confirm that he was coming for a visit on Saturday.  He is a great guy who never ceases to cheer me up with his listening ear, interesting sense of humour, and playful teasing.  I am thankful that he is in my life.  He even helped my husband solve an ATV motor mystery by consulting the Internet during breaks in the Leafs/Senators hockey game. 
          On Sunday I spoke with both my mom and my sister and received updates on their health and family life.  Both were cheer-filled calls that ended, almost too quickly, with three small, but important words, "I love you." 
          At this time of year, the weather is very changeable, something that we missed during our three years away from Canada.  At one point on today (Sunday), my husband and I had a coffee on the back deck, overlooking the lake. Within an hour, the clouds came out and the temperature plummeted.  With the end to Daylight Savings Time, during this late Sunday afternoon, the house is dark and a tiny bit dreary.
          It is time to turn on the lights, radio and oven and think about baking chocolate chip cookies.  Yummy!

Wishing you a fantastic week ahead; until next time,

Bee Rich
         

Let It Be...

          This post is for my sister, Kay, who has again been diagnosed with breast cancer and newly diagnosed with a form of lymphoma.  Her phone call last night was surprisingly cheery.  Her surgery is scheduled for this Thursday and she will be back at home on Friday. 
          This news breaks my heart.  You see, my sister is one of my best friends in the whole world.  She is my inspiration and the wind beneath my wings.  Her courage and determination to "kick cancer's butt" gives me courage and determination to meet any challenge in my life. 
           The miracle, I believe, is her strength in times of trouble; I know that her strength comes from her faith in God.  It reminds me of the Beatle's song from the early 1970's, "Let It Be."  So, I looked up the lyrics at www.azchords.com today and was reacquainted with the wisdom of some of the Beatles' words (with thanks to Glen Macon):

When I find myself in times of trouble,

Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness,

She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom,

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the broken hearted people,

Living in the world agree

There will be an answer, let it be
But though they may be parted,

There is still a chance that they may see
There will be an answer, let it be
And when the night is cloudy, 
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine on till tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music,

Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.  

Stay UP, my sweet sister, you are LOVED!

Bee Rich