Mountains, furry neighbours and tiny cabin

Definitively one of the first signs of the upcoming Summer season for us is planning to go check on our cabin in the woods. Each year we go open the cabin and check to be sure all is well after a long, long winter nap. Once the shutters are opened, we sweep the floor, check our supplies an replenish our wood pile.

It is nothing fancy, just a small cabin built on a 20 acres lot on the side of a mountain but it becomes home when we have the chance to runaway!

I am learning to cook on a wood cooking stove and I can tell you there is nothing tasting better than pancakes, eggs and bacon early in the morning!

The nights are cold and the days hot. There is no electricity and our best friend is a 5000 watts generator but we have all the water we want thanks to a 306 ft well.

The night sky especially is a wonder to see. The stars never seems so close to earth than on top of a mountain with no light pollution!

The wildlife are our closest neighbours, a small transistor radio our only contact with civilization and mountain air allows us to breathe without the fear of smog!

You hear the many song birds, the bull Elk snort, the calling of the wolves late at night and a lonesome coyote in the valley... In the mornings you see lots of Marmots... they just want to check out those Humans!
We remember how life should be, less stressful, closer to Nature and the Creator.
It is a good time for relaxation, a few good books, some knitting and a few dreams...

Rainbow bridge, canine friends and family

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Today a good friend wrote to say she lost her faithful Labrador. He was part of her family, he will always be remembered and I know will be never forgotten.

We get so attached to our canine and feline friends (or birds etc...) They become part of us. They loves us, they never judge us, they listen and are sensible to our every mood. They are happy with a bowl of food and a walk to the park, they are ecstatic when we play ball...

It is so hard to loose a pet. I remember well how it feels and I hate to think of the next one...

Always remembered, never forgotten... And dreaming of the Rainbow Bridge...

I Has a Hot Dog by Professor Happycat, book review

I Has a Hotdog: What Your Dog Is Really Thinking by Professor Happycat

Okay, I needed something really funny in my life as things were a just tad too serious lately! So when I recently was given the opportunity to review this book I jumped on the occasion. After all I am a dog person and being a Corgi lover I can tell you everything they think is reflected in their facial expressions and then there is their soulful eyes...

I was not disappointed! I chuckled, I laughed and pretty soon, my husband checked it out over my shoulder! This is good, this is funny and it is a keeper!

Anyone looking for a great gift for any dog lover will deemed it perfect! MacIntosh (our Corgi) says check out "Fun! Fun? Not Fun" and you will understand how he feels at bath time! We gave it a 5 stars! Woof, Woof!


For your information I received a free copy of this book by Hachette Book Group as part of their Blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are entirely my own and I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Pss... Note to all kitties lovers: Check out the other titles in the series! Just in case you thought cats are not expressing their thoughts as well as their canine friends!

Living the Resurrection, another book review

Living the Resurrection : The Risen Christ in Everyday Life by Eugene H. Peterson

In his book, the author utilizes the Apostles reactions to the Resurrection such as fear, surprise, astonishment and wonder as building blocks to help us live a life where every day is resurrection day.

Taking us back to Jesus' time, Eugene Peterson invites us to reflect on three different aspects of Christ's resurrection that is certain to renew your faith.

Recognizing and responding to Resurrection is not a private experience but something you share with others and it is something you practice everyday.

This book inspires anyone looking to improve their spiritual life. It is a work of faith reminding us that only through Jesus can we live again.

I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

New car, good service and blessings

New car (albeit with a few miles on the odometer, but new to us! A 2003 Suzuki XL7 with enough space for MacIntosh's crate! Welcome and please, keep us safe!

And now for good service! My heart broke when the insurance company of the man who rear ended us totaled our little RAV4. I know it had many, many miles on it but we took good care of it and it was hard to say goodbye!

Obviously we were too shaken as we quickly removed our belongings and I forgot something in the glove compartment. I must admit I did not think of it immediately but when it hit me, I just knew I had to try to retrieve it.

I placed a call and left a voice mail message at the auto repair shop. We had left our little car in their parking lot to be collected by the salvage company and so albeit this being a long shot I inquired if anyone had find a little piece of mica holding a picture of our Lady of Scherpenheuvel. So insignificant yet a gift from my Mum, something my Dad had in his cars always.

As for blessings, here is the rest of the story: I was given a phone number to the salvage company and told poor old faithful was going up for auction this coming Friday. The kindly receptionist offered to check the glove compartment and promised to call back.
A few minutes later, she called and yes, she had found the little piece of mica and placed it in the mail to return it to us. How nice of her!

There is a reason for everything in life and I thank God He is always nearby! I am after all just a dreamer...

Mother's Day, Dover cliffs and long walks

Mother's Day is a time Mums everywhere reflects on time past, present and future. I know I do, always, and I try to remember little stubby legs, sticky fingers and sloppy kisses.

It sounds like a long time ago but it is nice to remember just the same and to dream about those good times or even sad ones.

Mother's Day is not about cards, presents or special (and often) expensive outings. Mother's Day to me is about good wishes, a kind word, a bit of extra attention. It is about that feeling you have done something of your life, you have helped groom someone to be so and so. It feels like nothing else. It makes "YOU" feel special! I try to make a point to seek out all Mums and wish them a happy day. After all I am one of them and I just know how good it feels!

Today was indeed one of those nice days: family and friends remembered and it made me feel good and content. I just hope I did not forget any Mum out there myself. No one should be forgotten!

I was introduced today to a poet named Matthew Arnold. His poem entitled Dover Beach was just the right touch to help me dream... I love walking along the top of the cliffs! What better way to celebrate Mum's Day?

Dover Beach

The sea is calm to-night.
The tide is full, the moon lies fair
Upon the straits; on the French coast the light
Gleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand;
Glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay.
Come to the window, sweet is the night-air!
Only, from the long line of spray
Where the sea meets the moon-blanched land,
Listen! you hear the grating roar
Of pebbles which the waves draw back, and fling,
At their return, up the high strand,
Begin, and cease, and then again begin...

Today was a good day... I remember... and I dream ...I feel good!

Vacation, coming home and staycation

Going on vacation is for many the nicest part of the year and I admit I was so looking forward to be back in the UK! We planned to stop in Iceland as we love the chance to see this beautiful island before continuing on the last stretch of our journey. Landing at Keflavick we saw the most unusual sunrise! The sky looked red!

Our journey continued in the UK and I must say we filled every minute of our stay! Few of us can say we only had a couple of drops of rain during our spring holiday and despite some chilly days, we had a very nice sunny weather!

Little did we know the volcano's activity and the ensuing eruption (and the airspace closures) would create such a chaos overseas. We felt we were indeed very lucky to be rerouted on AA with the help of Iceland Air.

We were so glad to come back we would have flown any airlines but AA will see us again! The service was absolutely the best we have seen in a very long time. Once jet lag is over, I really should send a thank you for the crews on both flights merit a big thank you! It is not everyday you see people enjoying their jobs as they seemed to and they treated us as friends!

Dreams are all very well but for the next vacation, we have decided to try "staycation". It might just be better all around!