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“Sunday Scriblings” Prompt – Strawberries

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Each week Sunday Scribblings issues a prompt looking to inspire submissions, it has been awhile since inspiration last hit me. Today the prompt is strawberries and I have a TON of strong memories for these little balls of deliciousness.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Earliest memories have me in a large field picking for a farmer who needed help getting his crop in. The plants grow close to the ground and it’s not the easiest job n the world but it was good experience for a young kid. My first official job, other than in the field picking, was on the belt in a processing plant picking the unacceptable berries off the line before they were washed and frozen. At least there we were standing, much better in so many ways.

Over the years I’d still visit farmer’s field but to pick for myself this time. We’d freeze them for winter. Some whole, some sliced ready for strawberry shortcake or ice cream with strawberries. So good. They didn’t all make it to the freezer though, they were wonderful fresh and we couldn’t resist eating our fill. The best of the berries went in the freezer but the rest went into jam jars. There is nothing like homemade jam.

I did a lot of canning and freezing over the years but life moves on. Now it’s easier to pick them up at the grocery store with seasonal availability no longer an issue.

Raspberries were a big part of my life too, for all the same reasons, but I liked strawberries so much better. Still do. Probably because raspberries were so much easier to grow and the abundance was a burden sometimes. And they aren’t as sweet.

So many good memories. I could go for some right about now. All this talk is making me hungry for sweet strawberries.

This and that February 19, 2022

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Another snow storm has moved in and my neighbor bailed me out with her offer of a grocery run. Her husband is my snow removal guy and he had to dig his way to my front door after the last snowfall. The wind is crazy and it drifted up against my door. First time since I’ve been here.

Peaceful protest. Today is the day, as one live streamer observed, that Trudeau has declared war on his own people. Armored vehicles, riot gear, armies of police armed with tear gas and rubber bullets. Horses to push people. Drones to gather intel. This is Jan 6 all over again. Fences erected around the city core. The protest truly has been peaceful, there are hours of footage to bear witness to that fact. Peace and love confuses them. Their attempts to provoke a violent reaction from the citizens has failed.

They have won the skirmish but it’s not over. Trudeau declared in a public forum, awhile back, that he admires China. In his estimation a dictator can get things done. His end game is the same future for Canada. If this is not what we want…

This mornings goings on are here.

One of the reasons it has been relatively easy for them to win at push back today was the quiet and beginning of a gradual pull-out to regroup. This is not over, can’t be over, not if we want to keep our democracy.

In lighter news..

My Amaryllis (first time ever for me) is starting to bloom. It’s amazing how quickly it grew once it got started.

It looks like watching this unfold will take the better part of my day. It is a good thing to be aware of truth and then do what we can to protect what is important.

Other live streams – Ottawalks and Travel Fun 69, and Koke

I’ll share in another post.

Real news today February 13, 2022

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Live streaming is as real as it gets, no editing or rearranging happening. What you see is what you get.

One of the best, most encouraging things to see coming out of the truckers Freedom Convoy 2022 has been unity.

Up until now Canada has been as fractured as every other modern day country. Discord and harsh words over differing opinions has become rampant everywhere.

It’s been amazing to see unity arising out of a common cause.

Many hours of my weekend were spent watching live stream videos. The beauty of this format has been authenticity. The other treasure out of these walkabouts, comments restricted to simple location information and clarification on sights encountered. There was a deliberate absence of opinions one way or the other.

It was beautiful to see laughter, cooperation, kindness and caring toward everyone crossing paths with each of them. Many nationalities and languages were represented. One of the live streamers spent time in trucks hanging out with the drivers. One driver, who as well as English spoke a language I didn’t recognize, had little time to eat because people kept appearing at his window to say thank you. There were constant references to his hero status and it was unclear to me what that was about, having not heard the story behind the comment. It had to be true, though, seeing the fondness in the eyes of people greeting him expressing appreciation for all he’s done.

This was the last video for me tonight and I’m looking forward to seeing tomorrow’s video from this young man.

There are many guys walking about doing this so there is good coverage day and night.

It has been great to see the way they keep track of each other. It was something, the way the stream I was watching ended at the War Memorial and one minute (or less) later the notification came through for this next one starting. It was a little freaky to see we were starting from the War Memorial. Obviously the new guy checked to see what was happening and where his friend was before starting his own live stream.

Through the evening viewers were along for the ride to see the camaraderie whenever they crossed paths. That’s how I found out who else I should be watching.

Batteries die faster in the cold, people change places often and we go with them.

Anyway, it was inspiring to see goodwill happening all over the place.

There are many out there recording life on the ground, I have taken note of only a few.

Ottawalks

Zot

Kotab 123

MACHINES EVERYWHERE

Zoke

Ottawa is beautiful, at least the part I’ve seen, it has been a treat to spend so much time walking around enjoying the sights.

Things were very quiet tonight, nothing like the huge crowds of last night, but it was still nice.

These guys and their videos are getting attention from all over the world. Amazing.

I love the sights on this video. I’m a sucker for city lights. So pretty.

Enjoy!

One more thing Feb 11, 2022

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Most of the world has heard about the Freedom Convoy of trucks here in Canada. Yesterday I discovered there is a team of You Tubers on site in Ottawa streaming what is happening on the ground. I watched a few hours of it last night and this morning another four hours has been posted by Zot.

The routine has them walking to cover most of the area just to see what is happening. They stop often to chat with people along the way.

I was watching live streaming yesterday with several different guys, this morning one of them has posted a four hour video from the middle of the night.

Check these guys out. We get to see for ourselves what is happening over there.

Polka dot windows February 11, 2022

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Another snow storm raged overnight and this morning we were met with polka dot windows. The sun is shining brightly after yesterday’s gray day. The cheerful rays filtering through the pretty windows make me smile. An excellent start to the day.

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My current read is coming to a close and I’m anxious to see how it ends. Will the vile man with an evil plot win? This is my first time with this author and it has been a good experience. I look forward to seeing her again.

A Vessel of Mercy

An impossible marriage. An unforgivable act. A story of redemption testing the bounds of forgiveness and the depths of God’s grace.

1842, New York. Abigail Wyndham, daughter of English nobleman turned investor, Sir Rathburn, has crossed the ocean to be reunited with her father. As she comes of age, however, she discovers she is only a pawn in her father’s schemes, fated to secure a business deal and preserve the family reputation.

Charles Henderson appears to have it all: a thriving shipping company and the hand of the prized Lady Abigail Wyndham. But he is a broken man who commits the unspeakable—an act that threatens to ruin all he has built and puts Abby’s very life—and faith—at risk. In a prison of his own making, Charles grapples between guilt and God’s grace. Can a sinful, self-seeking man ever believe in the hope Abby so desperately wants him to receive? Or will scandal send him to the gallows?

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I haven’t checked for book suggestions yet this morning, if anything shows up I will be getting back to you later.

Happy reading!

More this and that January 05, 2022

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They have arrived. Yesterday I mentioned one of my sons and his family had lifted off from Asia on their way home after too long (restrictions and all that.) They have landed! We are excited, I’m sure you can’t tell! Since I’m in the middle of Canada and they landed on the west coast, we need picture proof once they are finished with customs. They will be exhausted after weeks of preparation and then the long flight, but joy at being home safely with family will overrule all that, at least until they see their beds. Those of us here in middle Canada are content with having them back in the country even if it will be a number of weeks before we get to hug them in person.

Meanwhile, back here in my reality, I will have to fetch one of my local grandsons from his friend’s birthday party soon. He wants to spend the night at my house and I couldn’t be happier. The promised snow storm is underway and I need to grocery shop for today and tomorrow. It’s cold and snowy but at least I will have help packing and carrying. He doesn’t know the plan just yet. He may groan a little but he’ll help. Especially if I promise pie and ice cream.

He doesn’t know I’m hoping to take him out for supper, weather permitting. I have a Christmas gift of dinner for two and this is my first chance to find an available “someone”. He is good company and we will have a good time.

Tomorrow his brothers and parents will be here to install my new kitchen tap. The old one developed a leak and I am excited to have a working tap and hot water in that sink once again.

Today has turned out to be a good day, even if it is grey. No brilliant sunshine in sight.

The snow is so dry and fine, it’s difficult to see it falling but trust me, it is.

I haven’t noticed much of interest in book suggestions this morning but I will double check again later just to be sure.

The beauty of dry, fine snow is the small accumulation. No deep drifts to drive through when I’m out and about. What a blessing.

Enjoy your day.

This and that January 04, 2022

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We had lift off. I’m excited and relieved all at the same time. We can never be sure things will go well until the door closes and the plane starts to move. It was comforting to have a text saying we are on board.

My son and the rest of his family are on their way back home to Canada. So looking forward to seeing them. It’s been way too long, mostly because of all the restrictions of the last two years. Mind you it will be awhile until we actually get to see them. Canada is big and they are not landing anywhere near me.

In the meantime one of my daughter’s sons will be at a birthday party near me and he asked his mom if he could stay overnight with me. How cool is that for a young teen? The rest of his family will be here Sunday to install my new kitchen tap, replacing the leaky one. It will be a treat to have hot water in that sink again.

My current read is very different, that’s for sure. Different centuries involved. I’m still trying to figure out where she’s going with this.

Maybe I’ll have time for more tomorrow. Maybe not though with a grandson to enjoy.

Happy Reading y’all.

No new books February 02, 2022

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Another day with no new books. I did search a little but … it was a decidedly unfruitful experience. We won’t lose heart though because the drought will not last forever. It never does, and I’m grateful. I begin to experience withdrawal symptoms if it lasts too long.

Must share. I love the shadows on the snow when the sun shines so brilliantly, What a change over stormy yesterday. The snow still clings to the house, around the windows.

A good portion of the big mound on the deck is from the snow sliding off the roof. In my early years here I would shovel it off the deck onto the lawn, that idea didn’t last too long. It’s been years.

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Yesterday, I mentioned I was currently reading book one of a four book collection. Well, I finished that and have moved on to book two. I think I’m past the halfway point by now. I’m liking it, although there are parts of it that remind me of book 1. Same lady, different name and circumstances, sort of. It is still worth reading.

Dakota Brides Boxed Set: Books 1-4

ABANDONED BRIDE Elin Hanson has traveled across the ocean as a mail-order bride. When she arrives in the Dakota Territory, she finds the man she has planned to marry has abandoned her–and left her to care for his young son.

Sam Andrews has his hands full running his ranch. The last thing he needs is a woman and little boy getting in his way. When Elin’s groom-to-be comes home, she must make the choice: settle for a loveless marriage? Or hold out for love? 

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Maybe tomorrow will be the day with a boatload of new books.

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Happy reading…

with the neglected windfall I know most of you have already. Most likely sitting on your night stand.

Just like me. Although mine are not sitting on a night stand.

That’s the beauty of an e-reader. There is no towering stack to make me feel guilty.

There is just a cute slim book, making me feel good.

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Tomorrow I will tell you about book three in this book collection.

A snow day February 01, 2022

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The weather outside was frightful. Just ask the morning commuters and the day’s delivery drivers trying to get around, they will tell you. Closed highways, gridlock with stuck vehicles. The radio talk shows had audience participation in spades.

Looking at this I’m overjoyed to be home.

It has been a quiet day when it comes to books and blog post ideas. No books and not many ideas, at least nothing I’m allowed to talk about. Today was a busy work day and that’s where my mind was. Tomorrow will be busy too and I couldn’t be happier.

I have been fascinated by the snow, though, and tried to capture a few interesting pictures. I’m not so sure about the interesting part, but there is definitely snow.

I’m sure no one remembers but my Christmas tree was in front of the left window. I took it down on the weekend. I figured November 2020 to January 2022 was long enough. I’m going to miss it and it’s privacy function but, on the plus side everything is so much brighter with it gone. I’m thinking maybe a multi level plant stand would be good in it’s place. I seem to be accumulating plants after years of having none.

Well, that’s it for now.

The dishes are done, the blog post is written, I can read for a while before lights out.

I’ve just started a collection that has been on my list since September 2020. It was lost in the shuffle, crowded out with new books coming in so fast. I’m enjoying this read like I have with other books from this author in the past.

Dakota Brides Boxed Set: Books 1-4

Four brides long for love and find it in unconventional ways. Read this collection of heartwarming historical romances from an award-winning author with more than one million books sold. 

TEMPORARY BRIDE Lena Stevens has lost everything. Everything except her son. When her neighbor Anker proposes a marriage of convenience, she has no choice but to accept, but makes him vow to annul it come spring. Anker has longed for a wife–but not like this. A forced marriage with an end date. Can what started as a pretense turn into something more?

Happy Reading, y’all

PTSD Conversation January 29, 2022

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“Do you wanna be well, really wanna be well?” The Gaither Vocal Band has a song asking this question.

I’m just now realizing it’s a question I have to ask myself, again.

I’ve loved this song since it first came out and I honestly thought my answer to this question was a resounding YES!

I’m having to rethink this position, based on my actions, or rather, lack of them.

My conversation with the dermatologist on Tuesday is the catalyst.

His question “how long have you had this rash on your legs?” started this train of thought. Looking at my answer “12 years,” from his perspective was upsetting. Added to that, my comment regarding much scratching “pain is addictive,” tipped me over the edge. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.

I’ve never sought help in regard to this current, and worst, version of the rash. Why is that?

I can get into the weeds pretty quickly if I follow this train of thought too intensely so I won’t go there.

It is true that for many years I have been working on healing from my childhood trauma and the damage it caused. Honestly though, it’s not as simple as I thought.

I think it’s more like a mirrored disco ball. There are many facets and I’ve been honest about some but not others. My behavior shows the truth. No doctor visits in a decade. Never (rarely) leaving my house. Avoiding any gatherings with certain types of people in attendance. (it’s probably more honest to say avoiding gatherings with people in attendance, never mind types.)

Where do I go from here?

I don’t know. For now I think my acknowledgement of the truth is enough. My behavior often changes when my perspective changes.

Baby steps.

The song is based on a bible story found in the New Testament, the book of John, chapter 5, verses 1 – 15

I do want to be well, I’m just not so sure about making changes in some areas.

I like interacting with people in this arena. Maybe, along with honesty, interaction here is all that’s needed. I could live with that.