Morning glory

It's been strange up and down weather, very hot and humid a few days ago, then dramatic storms and dipping to almost freezing a couple of nights later. Throughout the summer, our Morning Glory vines have been gorgeous! No matter what the weather, they bloom with enthusiasm every morning along the front verandah...

 ...and the back deck too!

Difficult to believe, but we didn't plant any of them this year. They are all "volunteers" from last summer's bounty!

All the best,

Judy Ann

Adorable

As you likely know, I really enjoy knitting little hats, stitching baby quilts, and, recently, making little dresses. It's one thing to plan, sew, fuss over and finish making a dress, then enjoy looking at it, but entirely another thing to see it on an adorable baby!

And speaking of adorable, after a busy two months of London Public Library's Summer Reading Club, we are back to Saturday morning crafts at the Glanworth branch. I love seeing little kids absorbed in creativity! 

All the best,

Judy Ann

Dad

Just over five weeks ago my father passed away.

F.A.W. Bertens
 September 20th, 1929 - July 26th, 2013

Dad was a good man, well-loved and respected by everyone who knew him. He had lots of joy in his life, but he endured a great deal of sadness too. He mostly lived his life with quiet grace. We miss him.

It's been a difficult time for our family, but also a time of great love and kindness from extended family, friends and neighbours. We have felt their love, care and concern, much of which they made visible with home baking and cooking, flowers, notes, cards, calls and kind words. We feel so blessed. It's a strange time too, when you lose someone this close, the days of grief, and trying to gather together your thoughts and memories for the eulogy, making all the visitation and funeral arrangements, hugging and being hugged, going through all the intensity of the rituals of death. Then, a week, maybe ten days later, ready or not, life starts up again. You try to move forward, jump right in, still feeling enveloped with love and sympathy, until another small kindness undoes you, and the reality of the loss washes over you again. And again. I guess that is to be expected. Really, how could it be otherwise? Love, loss, joy and grief are all part of life. And so is gratitude, which we feel deeply for Dad's life and Mom's strength and so many wonderful people around us. 

Enjoy this day,

Judy Ann