In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe,
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields

Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae

I have been browsing the multitude of store flyers that have been filling up our newspapers. I saw something that I thought Steve could use. A nose hair trimmer. Now the man hasn't always had wayward hairs poking out his nostrils. It is something that has snuck up on him. I don't know if he even realizes it. I have noticed. Now my dilemma. My first thought was I'd get him one for Christmas. Since thinking it over, I've wondered if maybe it isn't the type of gift best given in private. Where I can discretely say something to the effect of "Honey, I was thinking that maybe it is time to get those hairy buggars the hell outta there!".  Then I wonder. Would it be more fun to have him open it expectantly Christmas morning. Wondering what treasure I've picked out for him. In front of assorted family and guests?? Hmmm, can you understand my indecision?

Deb's funeral was this afternoon. It was beautiful. There were many more people who came then were expected. Her family knew she was loved and respected by a lot of people, but they were overwhelmed at how many came to pay their respects. They had told the funeral director to expect approx. 300. I have no idea how many came, but the chapel was full, the overflow room was full, and there were many many more outside.

The service went on for an hour and a half. Person after person wanted to come up and share their memories of Deb. She was involved in coaching girls fastball, volleyball and basketball. She started and ran an elementary schools hot lunch program. She used to do day care, was an area manager for Avon, managed a Subway shop, was a Brownie and Guide leader, there were so many things that Deb was involved with. So many people she touched with her joy of life, her leadership, her enthusiasm and her love for people.

I don't think Deb ever met anyone that she didn't consider a friend. Definately the same is true for those of us lucky enough to have met her.

She has two beautiful daughters, the oldest has just graduated this year with Annie. She also has a son, born when she was 17. She had placed him for adoption, and was only just reunited with him in May. The timing strikes me as something of a miracle, as she had talked of wanting to search for him for years. She registered with a provincal search registry in April. He had as well. I'm so happy for both of them that they had the chance to get to know one another. The bonding was instant. His adoptive family is wonderful, both families have become close.

Many of the girls Deb coached over the years were there today. While we were all catching up, one of the girls mentioned she would like to put together a fastball team for next season, in Deb's memory. They all responded eagerly to the idea, and have already chosen a name. Deb's Angels. She would LOVE that!

Tonight is the wake. There will be a band there, and lots of laughter and memories will be flowing with the tears I'm sure. It is a beautiful day, blue skies and bright sunshine. Very fitting. A beautiful goodbye to a beautiful soul.

A man was walking home alone late one night when he hears a... BUMP...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Happy 4th Birthday Davino!!!

You have brought much joy to our lives. We love you Divy!

I found out today a very dear woman died last night. She was the wife of Annie's baseball coach. We've known her for 10 years. She was one of those people who was involved in everything, a natural organizer. She did anything for anybody. She made all the travel we did for ball so fun, she was always the life of the party. They hosted many team parties at their home, and she always made all of us feel so welcome.

She had a son when she was a young teen that she'd placed for adoption. They had recently been reunited. Her girls are 18 and 14. Her hubby is a darling. My heart breaks for the family.

You will be missed Deb.

Happy 18th Birthday Leanne!!!

    I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always.  

 As long as I'm living my baby you'll be. 

With thanks to Robert Munsch

I've been i a funk the past while. I guess that could explain the lack of action here.  A big part of it is worrying that Mr. Bush will get his war. That in turn makes it very likely Kevin will be sent to fight. He was to have gone to Bosnia last month, so his battalion has had up to the minute training. They are the first in line to be sent anywhere, if the need should arise.

Happy 20th Birthday Kevin!!!

We love you so much, and are so very proud of you.

I'm going out to lunch with my mom today. That can be a good thing, or it can be a stressful event.  I was going to say it depends on what kind of mood she's in, but thinking about it the truth is likely more that it depends on my mood.  I can just let the things she says flow off my back, or I can let them bother me.  Pass the Valium!