Snowy Storm Day

My daughter AKA blog coach has instructed me to write on my blog today. I had given a fleeting thought to writing a post this morning but thought I should write instead.Of course before beginning to put words to screen I checked my e-mail and there was a message from my daughter with a couple of interesting tidbits and the suggestion that I write on my blog. I have lots of thoughts percolating in my cluttered brain , some not fit to share so I will sift through them and share a few. Firstly, I turned on the radio this morning to see if my daughter-in-law got a storm day. I was hoping that she would get a break from the busy teaching schedule she has maintained all fall. I was happy to hear that schools had been cancelled. Oh how I loved that announcement back in my teaching days.I am trying to get everything in order for our trip to Edmonton on Christmas Eve. I can't wait to see Emma and Paige and be a part of their Christmas excitement.For now I am soaking in the comfort and beauty of my home. I debated whether or not to decorate and put up a tree. I am so glad I did as the glow of the candles in the windows and the tree lights fill me with such joy. I seemingly absorb the peace and strong memories they evoke and it fortifies me for the days and months ahead. Again I can not even begin to say how very much we have to be thankful for.I am going to leave it at that and get to work.

Get Me Through December

The first day of December has brought a blanket of snow.I sit and listen to Stephanie Mainville's beautiful rendition of Gordie Sampson's song Get Me Through December mindful of the challenges the month brings. I was in Fredericton yesterday signing at Chapters and was going to stay the night at a friends but decided to come home when Burton mentioned that there was snow in the forecast. So after a delicious meal at the Diplomat I drove home and I am very glad I did. Not only do I not have to drive on snowy roads, I love being here in my warm house this morning with the whole day stretching ahead of me. I am going to start decorating for Christmas. This week will be a more reflective week than usual with Zac's 35th birthday approaching on Thursday . We have now faced fifteen birthdays without him. We love you Zac and treasure the twenty years we had together.My thoughts are with the four families facing the nightmare they have been given in Cap-Pele NB with the tragic deaths of four young men. So for today, I will take comfort in my home and joy from my memories and keep a quiet vigil remembering each of the families of those lost sons, as they face the journey that lies ahead.