Equine therapy, for me. Wrapping up Christmas, and the big move!

So busy times this last while! Dad took possession of his new house on the 18 Dec, and we hit the ground running , I had great friends come and help clean the driveway, we picked up a few new items for the house and set to unpacking the little stuff before the 22 when the movers came  with the big load of stuff. Then dad , my honorary nephew Cal and I set to work unpacking, sorting and doing what we could on the 23 . After that I took a break to finish getting ready for Christmas.But first I took a little "me time" 

Went to see the girls and had a little photo shoot

As you can see I had a blast! 

Then all of a sudden it was Christmas! we all gathered at my sisters house for Christmas eve. Dad ,Martin and I and Heather Marc, Tara, and Russ,Deanna and Adam, and Brendan. A house full of love! We laughed, had a few tears but mostly celebrated the way we knew mom would love!

Christmas morning Martin and I had a little time here then back to Heather and Marc's for brunch. Home for a little nap and out to Adam and Deanna's for supper! It was wonderful! Deee outdid herself with the meal, and while I felt a little at odds not having to cook anything, I got comfortable with it pretty damn quick, and simply enjoyed the day! 

Stopped to see Martin's sister and family on the way home, then to his other sister on Boxing day. My heart and belly are full! 

Today I had guest in the form of the Oakleys, Deb and Brian,  Robert and Rhiannon.I was so pleased I haven't had a visit with Rob in a very long time, the first of my honorary nephews,he holds a pretty special place in my heart.

Angela and Cara were unable to come but they sent some lovely cards, words and treasures. One in particular, moved me to tears, not in a bad way but while every gift I receive is wonderful and perfect, there are some that just ...well I will let you see it 

This is a watercolour that Cara did from a photo I took in the spring shortly after Henry arrived in my life. Winston took mentoring the little one seriously and we joked that this pic was him telling henry how to make a snow angel

"ya gotta get yer back into it"

the original pic

Then after the company left I headed back to dads (it is so cool that he is only 10 min away now!) 

to unpack some more, he has kept moms curios and china some for the grandkids and some just because, plus his own treasures .Luckily my Uncle was there with his fiance, so I had help too Sharon helped unpack and clean then flattened the boxes, you know the story , many hands  make light work! 

So now that he is in and it is official here are a few pics of the new digs! 

 the shed

 front 

 side

rear

and inside before the move

 Now with the goodies put away 

Its a two bedroom, so room for an office and very comfortable, the infloor heat is amazing! I think dad will be happy here, and I am thrilled to have him close! 

Back to work for a couple days this week then New years will be upon us! Hope everyone is safe and happy, with loved ones around during this blessed season! 

Another round of "messin with the music! " some pics, and the poem I couldn't write. in not exactly that order

Thank you to all who posted, emailed and send condolences. Your support means so much .I know mom will rest easy with my big yellow dog, knowing I have such wonderful friends.
The service for mom was lovely, with remembrances form her grandchildren and my sister Heather read the eulogy. Thank you to all of the many who joined in celebrating the life of this great lady.

Together we wrote the eulogy, I had hoped I would find the words to write a poem for mom, but maybe it was too soon, or too close. I felt badly that I couldn't write one for her service, then finally (with support and caring from family ) realised it would happen when it was meant to , or maybe not at all. And that is fine too . Mom knew I loved her and still do, and I did in my way write poems for and about her in the past, just just have to know us to see where they are.
This did come to me the other day,not quite what I had thought I would write, but what I was in that moment compelled to write. Is it the Poem I couldn't write? I don't know , it is the one I did write  for now

I took your picture off the wall

 as though you were never here,

 at all.

Yet I close my eyes and see your face

Ever present in this place

I took the picture down you see

Because it made me cry

In the next moment 

My heart begged me to know why

I wanted for a time

 to hide from my tears

I thought if I couldn't see you

 I could forget all those years

The lessons laughter love and 

time

the memories that are just mine

 I thought if I could forget

 I could let go of the pain

But then only emptiness would remain

I hung your picture on the wall today

There it will always stay 

I remember the love,

I let the tears fall.

And I hung your picture on the wall

But , as mom would say, "moving right along, here are a few photos of the last while here.

Henry has taken up the torch and joined in on the Fern Valley Duelling/Dancing  doggie show

As you can see , after a long mild fall, Winter has arrived.Still not terribly cold but definitely winter now 

 Frosty and cold enough for hats

Speaking of hats, 

I had kept on of granddad Blain's harris Tweed hats, it was a bit big, but it reminded me of him and smelled like his pipe tobacco of all things so I kept it and wore it from time to time.

Well before brendan left to go back to school after moms service, we were talking and he had tried on my dad's cap, it looked great on him but was too small.

Well much as i wanted to keep it, I figured Brendan might like it and it really didn't fit me so...

He wears it well don't you think? 

Well Christmas is fast approaching , and some other exciting news, that I want to keep under my hat for just a few more days, so I will leave you with this for now;

another run at messing with the music, not a funny twist on an old favorite this time, but a twist all the same 

Have yourself a special little Christmas

But let your love shine bright

someday too our trials will be made more light

Have yourself a  special little Christmas

Take the time that day

To show that prayer and faith are

 What will truly light your way

Celebrate like the olden days

Cherish special ways once more

Bless those who are not near to us

Yet dear to us ever more

Take the time no matter what the weather

Spend some time together

In the here and now.

And have yourself that very special little Christmas now

Stay safe and warm my friends