A PICTURE SPEAKS ONE THOUSAND WORDS - MY WINTER IN A NUTSHELL

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. (Eccl.3:1) A very long time ago King Solomon penned these various famous words - words that are quoted at birth and at death - at planting and at harvest - at war and at peace - when weeping or laughing - when staying in one place or moving on to the next - when keeping silent or speaking - when loving or hating!

We all experience seasons in our lives! The regular seasons come to mind - winter, spring, summer and fall. We all experience seasons of joy and newness and growth as well as sadness and loss.

I think of the seasons of my life thus far - a little girl in a big family - a teenager in the ever-changing 70’s - finding out who I was - college life - marriage - motherhood with 3 babies - who became toddlers - then adolescents - then teenagers themselves - becoming a mother-in-law (3 times) - Grammie life - the death of my first husband - remarriage - retirement living.

Whatever season we find ourselves in - it has a beginning and an end. A new season is always around the corner! Most bring hope and relief and a deeper sense of faith and peace.

My (literal) winter season (2025)!

Snow and more snow! Twenty-seven bus cancellations in Bruce County. It seemed to go on and on!

Christmas in Kitchener with the O.J’s and K J’s. It’s a blessing for this Grammie when the kids and grandkids gather together. Laugher and chatting and games and a few arguments always make times together memorable. Our family day weekend in Toronto was cancelled……because of snow and more snow! Until the summer then……..

Birthday in Antigua. I turned 67 this past January. Always grateful for another trip around the sun.

My book arrived on a snowy day in January. I wrote this book last year - all about my memories - for my grandchildren to know and read - long after I’m gone!

Oh Canada! We beat the USA in the 4 Nations Cup in overtime! I’m a proud Canadian - always will be - and I cheer loud and proud for my country.

Thankful for Sunday mornings and my church. Each week - the singing and message - revitalizes my faith - encourages my heart and blesses my soul.

Reno”s happening at 56 Boiler Beach. More windows - stripping the brown off the hardwood to blond - kitchen cabinets and such. We’ve been hobbits for the last few weeks - living in the basement.

Didn’t get to watch any volleyball tournaments (they were all out of town) - but thankful that Caleb found his “tribe” in Kincardine with the OVA U14’s! He loves the game!

Upon returning from Antigua in January - 100 little duckies found a home in our home! Hmmm - the Kincardine J’s had fun planting them all over the house - 8 are still to be found but you know - come summertime - they may find their way back to Lynden Drive.

We landed in beautiful Curacao a few days ago and will spend a few weeks here - a wonderful respite from winter! When we go home - perhaps spring?

My friend - Julie - is always up for an adventure.

Thankful to share life together with Harv.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”