In memory of Nellie    2004 -2010


You Learn

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security.

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises,

And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,

And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After a while you learn...
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So you plant your garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong

And you really do have worth...
And you learn and learn...
With every good-bye you learn.


by Jorge Luis Borges
Translation by Veronica A. Shoffstall

It has been almost a year...what a year.  There have been very good times and very, very sad times.  Several friends and neighbours passed away last year ...cancer...how very sad.  We lost our dear, dear little dog Nellie in August after a rare blood disorder that did not respond to anything we tried. It just broke my heart.
My health seems to be on an upswing......it is so hard having an invisible illness (M.E). Work is going well....I have a great bunch of kids this year and a fantastic assistant-we make such a good team!!!
Lots of construction done or about to get underway around the old house and the cottage...will it ever end!!!
We couldn't imagine life without pets so we have adopted not one but two Lakeland Terriers...they are a challenge!!!
....but enough for now....the sun has risen and the day is about to unfold...more later...happy to be back!!!!