This is a public answer to 'Uneek Musings' it is just too long to put in her response lines! A few years ago, after a long day at work, I picked Paul up at Maggie's house, I forget why the usual staff was off that day. On the way home I decided we should have MacDonald's for supper because I was tired. After discussion of our order, I pulled into the drive-thru and ordered two Big Mac meals with Coke.
After a long silence the young man said: "We don't have Big Mac's" Astonished at this response, I said, "We'll have Mc Chickens", after another long silence he said: "Please drive up." I drove up.
When I got to the window, he pointed to the sign and said: "This is Tim Horton's!" Sure enough, I looked up and that's where I was! I had driven past MacDonald's and slid into the Timmies drive-thru! Now, for the Americans reading this, I don't know if you are familiar with this Canadian chain, but Tim Horton's are like belly buttons here, they are everywhere! They have great coffee, donuts, baked goods; wonderful sub sandwiches and soup. NO hamburgers, and NO french fries! I quickly ordered two chicken salad sandwiches.
I looked over at Paul, he was staring straight ahead with a stone face. I said: "I drove past MacDonald's." he said "Yep." I said "You didn't tell me." he said : "Nope." Autism is wonderful. I could be assured that he would not volunteer this information to any living soul. Our chicken salad sandwiches came quickly, and I thanked the young man, and immediately left the lot.
When I got home, the phone was ringing, and I assumed it would be Maggie checking up on us. Not so!!!! It was my friend Judy, who immediately said: "What were you doing asking Matthew for Big Mac's at Timmies???"
The very polite young man who I had been too embarrassed to look in the face was Judy's grandson, who immediately before I was even out of the parking lot called to report to his grandmother!!! Judy has a large family, and they were already having entirely too much fun with this explosive information! No secret here!
I won't get into all the times Judy and I were on the road, and my sick lack of direction got us into trouble. She has too much information on my major follies!
Hope all had a good laugh!
Bye for now,
Phoebe
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Closer!
What a funny time of year this is! I received an e-mail from my daughter-in-law the other day, it was pictures of that branch of my family; minus J. R., my daughter-in-law, (guess who took all the pictures) decorating for Christmas! The two of them are suited very well, I usually don't decorate until December, but when Bob was young, he was always trying to talk me into decorating early! Paul, on the other hand, has never welcomed change (one of the joys of Autism). He loves our Lord Jesus Christ, and freely celebrates His birth, but does not care for the changes in decor; wait! He loves to 'be in charge' of the nativity scene, and place the baby Jesus, on Christmas Eve. That's about the extent of the change he welcomes.
I am also in full swing with my present making/buying/preparing. The most exciting, change at this time: my painting is finally starting to come together! After looking at the blogs of other artists, I feel very inadequate slaving over my single painting, when others seem to do much more than me! When it is finally done, I will have to take a picture and post it!
Meanwhile, back at the homestead; when I returned home from work on Friday, I found my kitchen table had mysteriously broken! When asked, Paul told me: "It broke." The worker who was in charge seemed to miss what happened. It is easy enough to miss things, he will have bruises, cuts, and I'll never know what actually happened. He only reports blood, not pain or mishaps. Sometimes you just have to realize you can't protect them from everything, and as much as you try, you will never really know everything either.
Well, needless to say, that planned my Saturday! The new-to-me kitchen table and chairs was delivered on Monday afternoon. Do you ever think when you finally make two steps forward, life slips you back three?
On to happier things, as I've mentioned before, I correspond with friends from Kenya. One of my friends got a new job and has invited me to go there to visit with him and his family. All I need now is the money! One of my longest-standing dreams is to go to Kenya and participate in a painting/camera safari! He said his new job has him living on the Indian ocean. Well, if I get that far, I should be able to take in the safari too!
His cousin, whom I also correspond with, is thinking of coming here for a visit also! I've been praying I would get to meet this, my newest Sister-In-Christ! Praise God from whom ALL Blessings Flow!
Have a GREAT DAY!!!
Phoebe
I am also in full swing with my present making/buying/preparing. The most exciting, change at this time: my painting is finally starting to come together! After looking at the blogs of other artists, I feel very inadequate slaving over my single painting, when others seem to do much more than me! When it is finally done, I will have to take a picture and post it!
Meanwhile, back at the homestead; when I returned home from work on Friday, I found my kitchen table had mysteriously broken! When asked, Paul told me: "It broke." The worker who was in charge seemed to miss what happened. It is easy enough to miss things, he will have bruises, cuts, and I'll never know what actually happened. He only reports blood, not pain or mishaps. Sometimes you just have to realize you can't protect them from everything, and as much as you try, you will never really know everything either.
Well, needless to say, that planned my Saturday! The new-to-me kitchen table and chairs was delivered on Monday afternoon. Do you ever think when you finally make two steps forward, life slips you back three?
On to happier things, as I've mentioned before, I correspond with friends from Kenya. One of my friends got a new job and has invited me to go there to visit with him and his family. All I need now is the money! One of my longest-standing dreams is to go to Kenya and participate in a painting/camera safari! He said his new job has him living on the Indian ocean. Well, if I get that far, I should be able to take in the safari too!
His cousin, whom I also correspond with, is thinking of coming here for a visit also! I've been praying I would get to meet this, my newest Sister-In-Christ! Praise God from whom ALL Blessings Flow!
Have a GREAT DAY!!!
Phoebe
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Remembering.....
Remembrance Day is always a thoughtful day for me. My maternal grandfather was a veteran from the First World War; and also, both my mother and my father were vets from the Second World War. My father was one of eight brothers, all of whom joined the armed forces, and my mother and her brother, the only ones in her family who were old enough, volunteered; her in the Air Force, and him in the Navy. All came home safe! What a blessing.
I was brought up in a neighbourhood where new houses were built for vets from the Second World War. As a result, most of we kids were similar ages, and all the parents had at least one thing in common! We were taught respect for the sacrifices made by our parents, and especially those who did not return. Unspoken, but present, we were also taught respect for authority, our parents, teachers, police, lawmakers, and the government. Our parents showed us that it was our responsibility to be involved, that our involvement would make a difference in this world.
That leaves to think about some sad news I heard yesterday. One of the many current events discussed when I was young was apartheid in South Africa. All the parents and young people had opinions. Back in the early sixties, when I started becoming aware of the bigger world out there, many of those opinions were coloured by personal prejudices, but there were also more open-minded thinkers. In South Africa at that time many of those who opposed the the laws of the day were banned, or if they left the country and spoke up against apartheid they were refused re-entry to South Africa.
Two of those people are musicians, and they are the ones I am most familiar with: Hugh Masekela, a jazz trumpeter, and Miriam Makeba, a singer, who was lovingly referred to as "Mama Africa". Both left South Africa in the late fifties, and after speaking out during their tours, were refused re-admittance into their own country. They spent over 27 years in exile. During that time they were both active in speaking out against the regime, and participated in the global concerts which cried out against apartheid. They also participated in Paul Simon's African Concert in Zimbabwe. When Nelson Mandella was released from prison in 1990, and it was safe, they both went home to live.
Yesterday, I heard the sad news that Miriam Makeba died after collapsing during a concert in Italy. At 76 years old, she died of a heart attack. It is my opinion that the world lost a bright star, she was not just a singer, but as one of those very special people who non violently resist against oppressive regimes, she is just as much a veteran as the brave soldiers we are honouring today.
God bless all those bright and shining stars who fight and in many cases give their lives so others may live in peace.
Good night,
Phoebe
I was brought up in a neighbourhood where new houses were built for vets from the Second World War. As a result, most of we kids were similar ages, and all the parents had at least one thing in common! We were taught respect for the sacrifices made by our parents, and especially those who did not return. Unspoken, but present, we were also taught respect for authority, our parents, teachers, police, lawmakers, and the government. Our parents showed us that it was our responsibility to be involved, that our involvement would make a difference in this world.
That leaves to think about some sad news I heard yesterday. One of the many current events discussed when I was young was apartheid in South Africa. All the parents and young people had opinions. Back in the early sixties, when I started becoming aware of the bigger world out there, many of those opinions were coloured by personal prejudices, but there were also more open-minded thinkers. In South Africa at that time many of those who opposed the the laws of the day were banned, or if they left the country and spoke up against apartheid they were refused re-entry to South Africa.
Two of those people are musicians, and they are the ones I am most familiar with: Hugh Masekela, a jazz trumpeter, and Miriam Makeba, a singer, who was lovingly referred to as "Mama Africa". Both left South Africa in the late fifties, and after speaking out during their tours, were refused re-admittance into their own country. They spent over 27 years in exile. During that time they were both active in speaking out against the regime, and participated in the global concerts which cried out against apartheid. They also participated in Paul Simon's African Concert in Zimbabwe. When Nelson Mandella was released from prison in 1990, and it was safe, they both went home to live.
Yesterday, I heard the sad news that Miriam Makeba died after collapsing during a concert in Italy. At 76 years old, she died of a heart attack. It is my opinion that the world lost a bright star, she was not just a singer, but as one of those very special people who non violently resist against oppressive regimes, she is just as much a veteran as the brave soldiers we are honouring today.
God bless all those bright and shining stars who fight and in many cases give their lives so others may live in peace.
Good night,
Phoebe
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Christmas Sale 'Season'
Wow! I can't believe it's been more than a week since I wrote. How 'life' can creep in to the things we plan! I had a birthday this week! Things were quiet, I spent the day baking (bread and rolls, not cake) and answering the phone. There was also a call from my oldest son and his family, they all sang Happy Birthday together for me. More importantly, my granddaughter told me she drew me a picture, well, there's still a spot on my refrigerator!
It's Christmas 'church sale' season again. The local Baptist church is having a 'Poinsettia Tea' with all the crafts, bake sale, etc. as well as a tea room. Also, several blocks away, there is a 'Christmas Walk Through'. Every weekend this month, one of our historical homes has opened for the public to see their decorations, and of course there will be many 'Unique Christmas Ornaments and much more' to buy. The proceeds go to their local church.
Personally, I have started adding Christmas devotionals to my usual daily study time. I feel I have to 'steel myself' for the upcoming onslaught of Christmas sale pitches. My oldest son, "Bob" works in a department store, and said they started to put up the 'Seasonal Decorations' before Halloween was over. It bothers him that all the store music and decorations have to be 'non denominational'. Isn't the whole idea of Christmas about the virgin birth of our Saviour? If you don't believe that, where is the reason for the celebration? I may be showing my age, but, I long for the day when singing praise to The Lord was acceptable in public, on the street, in a store, as well as in church!
Last night Paul was listening to an Oak Ridge Boys, Christmas Carol CD on the computer, he likes watching the colour 'swirls' that move with the music. Later in his room I could hear him singing O Holy Night a Capella. Both my boys have beautiful voices, and I feel God's great blessings whenever I hear them, WOW!! Both boys in one day, as well as my daughter-in-law and my granddaughter!
My painting is coming along, not as fast as I would like. I find there comes a time in each painting when the struggle stops, and the thing just comes together, hopefully that time will come soon!
May all God's blessings come your way, and may the true Spirit of the Season fill your heart from today until the Day itself. Have a great day, until we meet again,
Phoebe
It's Christmas 'church sale' season again. The local Baptist church is having a 'Poinsettia Tea' with all the crafts, bake sale, etc. as well as a tea room. Also, several blocks away, there is a 'Christmas Walk Through'. Every weekend this month, one of our historical homes has opened for the public to see their decorations, and of course there will be many 'Unique Christmas Ornaments and much more' to buy. The proceeds go to their local church.
Personally, I have started adding Christmas devotionals to my usual daily study time. I feel I have to 'steel myself' for the upcoming onslaught of Christmas sale pitches. My oldest son, "Bob" works in a department store, and said they started to put up the 'Seasonal Decorations' before Halloween was over. It bothers him that all the store music and decorations have to be 'non denominational'. Isn't the whole idea of Christmas about the virgin birth of our Saviour? If you don't believe that, where is the reason for the celebration? I may be showing my age, but, I long for the day when singing praise to The Lord was acceptable in public, on the street, in a store, as well as in church!
Last night Paul was listening to an Oak Ridge Boys, Christmas Carol CD on the computer, he likes watching the colour 'swirls' that move with the music. Later in his room I could hear him singing O Holy Night a Capella. Both my boys have beautiful voices, and I feel God's great blessings whenever I hear them, WOW!! Both boys in one day, as well as my daughter-in-law and my granddaughter!
My painting is coming along, not as fast as I would like. I find there comes a time in each painting when the struggle stops, and the thing just comes together, hopefully that time will come soon!
May all God's blessings come your way, and may the true Spirit of the Season fill your heart from today until the Day itself. Have a great day, until we meet again,
Phoebe
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