Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

 

 

 

 

Wishing you all the Very Best from my home to yours.

May you and your homes be filled with Love, Joy, and Peace this Christmas and throughout the New Year.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

Thank you all who are remembering my mom in your prayers.

I hope to get around to visit you when I can. D.S :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Son

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection from Picassos to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Viet Nam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door.

A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, “sir, you don’t know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.” The young man held out his package. “I know this isn’t much. I’m not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.”

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man.

He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears.

He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture.

“Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It’s a gift.”

The father hung the portrait over his mantel. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings.

Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.

On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. “We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?” There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, “we want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.”

But the auctioneer persisted. “Will someone bid for this painting.”

“We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids.”

But still the auctioneer continued. “The son! The son! Who’ll take the son?”

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the long time gardener of the man and his son. “I’ll give $10 for the painting.” Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

“We have $10, who will bid $20?”

“Give it to him for $10. Let’s see the masters.”

“Ten dollars is the bid, won’t someone bid $20?”

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn’t want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel. “I’m sorry, the auction is over.”

“What about the paintings?”

“I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!”

God gave his son 2000 years ago to die on a cruel cross. Much like the auctioneer, his message today is, “the son, the son, who will take the son?” Because, you see, whoever takes the son gets everything.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mathew Chapter 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger,

No crib for His bed

The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head
The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay
The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
'Til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray
Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

Away in a manager is always the first carol that children are taught. Away in a Manger was originally published in 1885. The publication of Away in a Manger was in a Lutheran Sunday school book and this created the misconception that the lyrics of Away in a Manger were actually written by Martin Luther himself. The author is unknown. The music to Away in a Manger was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895.

…………………………………………………

I can still remember as a little child, singing this Christmas Carol, at my grandparents house, many years ago, and my grandparents all have gone to Heaven to be with Jesus , who is no longer that little baby in a manger. He grew up, and died on a cross, for the sins of us all. He rose from the dead, and after being seen by his disciples , and over 500 people, returned to Heaven, and said He would one day come back, (Acts Chapter One), for those remaining on the earth who believed in Him, and had Faith in Him, and became His Followers, making them Children of The Living God.

I am one of those who believe , and Jesus is the reason for the season. He is the True Meaning Of Christmas. He is The Messiah. He is Emmanuel which means , God Is With Us. Can you imagine, God stepping out of Heaven, and taking the form of a human baby. Jesus was fully human, and fully God. Some will scoff, and say, “How can you believe such a thing”? I believe God’s Word, the Bible. It is called , Faith. You can read it for yourselves this Christmas , and come to your own conclusions, and pray God shows you who He really is and why He came to earth as a baby lying in a manger. If you truly seek Him you will find Him, and He will change your life forever.

 

 

 

Good News

Hi, this is just a quick update to let you all know my mom will be coming home from the hospital tomorrow. She is doing much better, and will have Homecare when she gets home. Please keep her in your prayers. Mom is now on Kidney Dialysis which she will have done daily in her own home with medical assistance. She is still on antibiotics but the Drs. think she is well enough to be home with medical assistance , and that of her family. I Appreciate all your thoughts and prayers for my mom , and me and our family. The Lord has answered our prayers, and I thank Him for that.

It is my husbands birthday today and we are enjoying a quiet, relaxing day. There hasn’t been too many of them  lately.

It may be awhile before I get back to Blogging. Hope to find you all well. Love and Care, Dianne :)

Prayer Request

 

I am going to keep this short and to the point. I am asking you to pray for my mom. She has Chronic Kidney Disease and is in the final stages of the disease. She went into the hospital last Fri. with Pneumonia, and a Blood Infection, and is now on Kidney Dialysis. We are hoping with treatment she will be able to overcome these complications. Please keep my mom in your prayers, and us her family. This is a very difficult time for all of us. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and most importantly, your prayers.

Dianne

The Birdhouse Café Series

 

Male Cardinal Enjoying The Berries

 

There aren’t many leaves left on the trees, but there are berries, and birds. That is one thing I like about this time of year. You can see and spot a bird even in the distance. One thing for sure, you can’t miss the beautiful red Cardinals. They are one of my most favorite song birds. I love listening to them whistling. This time of the year has so much beauty to see, and hear. All one has to do is look beyond the bare trees, and see God’s little treasures no matter the Season.

It always takes me awhile to adjust to this time of year. It is like I have to learn to refocus and look beyond the grey skies, and dark clouds that hover above, and the colder weather.

The time really does fly by and even if the weather is cold, and sometimes damp, I am reminded of a few things about this time of year that I love.

I love sitting by my small fireplace curled up with a good book, and a nice hot beverage and  my little dog lying by the fire enjoying the warmth, keeping me company.

I love waking up in the morning feeling all warm and cozy and the feel of  flannelette sheets.

I love the seasonal foods such as homemade soups and stews.

There are others things I like about this time of year also.

So I will try not to dwell on the things I don’t like , and make the best of the things I do love. I do have my moments like everyone else but I am reminded of so many things I am thankful for.

Hope to find you all well. Hope this week is kind to you all.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

And when you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the LORD, offer it of your own free will ... Lev 2:29.

Times Are Changing

 

 

Like An Old Photograph

 

 

 

Times are changing

As leaves are falling to the ground.

A Tapestry in the making

Red and yellow,

orange and bronze

A blanket covers the grass

Summer is gone

Fall will soon pass

There is a chill in the air

As the wind blows

Times are changing

We can fight it

We can grin and bare it

We can accept it

We can embrace it

or some may even run from it

No matter what we do

We can't control it

Times are changing

What will be will be

Nature will take its course

For in everything

There is a Season.

Poem written by Dianne © (dsphotocats)

 

 

 

 

 

Every Season Is Beautiful in it’s own way.

I hope to find you all well, and enjoying life.

I know life has it’s problems, difficulties  and  challenges galore. Take heart. Your not alone. We need each other, and together we can make a difference. We were never met to go it alone.

Sorrow looks back.

Worry looks around.

“But”

Faith looks up.

True Faith and Courage

are like a kite -

an opposing wind

raises it higher.

……

 

But they that wait upon the Lord

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles,

they shall run and not be weary;

and they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

 

If you are going through a hard time, may this encourage you.

and …

If not, may you encourage someone who is.

I thank the Lord for family, and friends, and I thank the Lord that He is their at the mention of His Name.

Take care and God Bless you.

ox Dianne :)

 

 

A Walk In The Park

 

 

I wasn’t the only one out for a walk on this Beautiful Day

 

 

 

 

I love when the leaves are on the trees and on the ground. A beautiful canopy above and a carpet of many colors to walk upon below. I love the sound of leaves crunching underneath my feet as I walk. Autumn is such a Beautiful time of the year.

 

 

 

 

This tree looked as if it was reaching for the sky, basking in the warmth of the sunlight shining down upon it from above.

 

 

 

 

I found this little girl who had climbed up into the tree, her family down below, taking a few pictures as well.

 

 

 

 

I just loved this tree. It had so much character no matter how you looked at it. These branches looked like some kind of prehistoric creature. At least that is what I saw and imagined it to be, and tried to captured it with my camera.

 

 

 

 

I took many more pictures in the park that day but will end with this one. To some it may be simple, but I do love the simple things of life. I just loved how the trees seemed to be looking upward. I loved the contrast, and the little white cloud floating by just like the afternoon just seemed to float by. It was a good day, and I forgot about everything accept living in the moment as I walked, and stopped to enjoy the beauty that surrounded me. It was a week ago today that I went for a walk in the park.

 

 

Hope to find you all well.

Have a wonderful week and remember there is a God who loves you. Seek Him and He may be found. He is as near as the mention of His Name.

 

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

Birds Of A Feather Stick Together

 

 

 

Geese Flying Over The Bay At Sunrise

 

 

 

In Autumn, geese instinctively fly in a V-shaped formation when they travel South for the winter. The flock all work together in unison. As each bird flaps its wings , it reduces the wind resistance of the  bird behind it. Thus , each goose cuts an easier path for the one following it. This allows the geese to cover a greater distance than if each bird flew on its own. Some fly as far north as the Arctic Circle in the spring time and some fly as far south as Mexico for the winter. It is said, that they can soar as high as twenty- nine thousand feet. Wow! That is amazing!

When the lead goose gets weary , it drops back in the formation and allows another goose to fly point. The geese at the back of the formation honk to encourage those in front of them to keep going. The geese stay in perfect V- shaped formation , and not one goose is left behind.

Just as God has prepared geese for their migration , He also takes care of us as we journey through life here on earth. He did not create us to go it alone. He planned for each of us to be in relationship with Him and each other. Through His Grace we find comfort and strength, and He uses other people to love and encourage us along lives journey. We as believers are His arms to give hugs to others. We are His hands and feet and I believe we can make a difference in this world. We can pray but we can also put love and compassion into action. Faith without works is dead but works alone will never get us to where God intended us to be.( James : Chapter 2, Verses 14-25 ).

God shines His Light through His Creation which includes us as we are made in His Image. We can come along side and honk, so to speak , to encourage someone who is feeling the force of turbulence in their life. And when you are feeling the harsh wind on your face and feeling weary, drop back in the formation for a while to receive encouragement from God and others you can rely on , so you can gain the strength  to keep going.

In Summary: God never intended for us to “go it alone” on our journey through life. He designed us to be carriers of His Grace to encourage one another.

 

 

 

Geese Taking Flight From A Farmer’s Field

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodbye My Feathered Friends… See You In The Spring Time

 

 

 

It has been awhile since I last posted. I guess you could say I have been resting at the back of the formation. I haven’t been feeling quite up to par, but I am doing much better. I was out with my camera for a walk in the park today, and took a few photos of the Fall Colors. This is the first I have been out with my camera in over 3 weeks. It felt wonderful, and it was a Beautiful day with plenty of Sun, and in the low 50’s.

The photos posted in todays blog are from my archives. Some of you may have seen these photos before, and some of you for the first time.

We still have many geese in and around our area and they don’t seem to be in a big hurry to leave. I think they are still waiting on some of their friends to arrive for the long flight south. Also it hasn’t been all that cold yet. We still have not had a frost in the city I live in. I still have a few Geraniums, and Roses in my back yard also.

Well I hope to find you all well, and have a wonderful week.

Sincerely Dianne :)

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada

 

 

Heading West On Highway 60 Through Algonquin Park

 

 

 

 

Arowhon Road (Side Road Leading To Mizzy Lake Trail)

 

 

 

 

Guess Who!

 

 

 

 

Entrance To Trail That Leads To Mizzy Lake

 

 

 

 

Walking Along The Path Leading To Mizzy Lake

 

 

 

 

A Portion Of Mizzy Lake And The Bogs

 

 

 

 

Another Section Of The Bogs On Mizzy Lake

 

 

 

 

One Of Many Lakes In Algonquin Park

(Not sure of the name of this Lake)

 

 

 

 

Oxtonge Rapids Just Outside The West Gate Of The Park

 

 

 

Steve and I went on a road trip to Algonquin Park last Saturday. It took 3hrs. one way to get there. The Sugar Maple trees were almost at their peek. Not many leaves on the ground yet , as you can see from these photos.

One day is not long enough to spend in such a vast area with so much to see and do. I in no way could ever take photos that would ever do justice to such a Beautiful Wilderness as Algonquin Park. We were only there for the day, and the time went by so quickly, and it was starting to get dark in the park around 6 p.m, so we headed back home through the park , this time heading east. 

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse of Autumn in the park. Here is a link  if anyone is interested in finding out more.

 

http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/       

 

Have a wonderful weekend one and all.

xx’s Dianne :)

Happy Autumn

 

 

Mr. and Mrs. Hays

And

I would like to wish you all a Happy Autumn,

For today ( Sept. 23d ) is the first day of Fall in our part of the world.

 

I came across this lovely Harvest Couple while driving on a Country Road the other day. It made me smile and I hope it will make you smile also.

 

 

 

 I went for a walk along the Bay on the last day of summer, and I noticed that the tree tapestries are at a cross roads, and are beginning to change colors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also the Sumac Bushes are starting to turn red and orange.

 

 

 

Seems I wasn’t the only one out for a walk. This Beautiful Common Bronze colored Grackle must have been waiting on his flight. :)

 

Well that is it for now. Hope you all have a wonderful first day of Autumn.

xo Dianne :)

Migrating Monarch Butterflies

 

 

"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly."   - Richard Buckminster Fuller

 

 

 

Butterflies are self propelled flowers."
- R.H. Heinlein

 

 

 

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."
- Maya Angelou

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cocoon and The Butterfly

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly.
One day a small opening appeared, he sat and
watched the butterfly for several hours as it
struggled to force its body through that little
hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress.
It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it
could and it could go no farther.
Then the man decided to help the butterfly, so
he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the
remaining bit of the cocoon.
The butterfly then emerged easily.
But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled
wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly
because he expected that, at any moment, the
wings would enlarge and expand to be able to
support the body, which would contract in time.
Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent
the rest of its life crawling around with a
swollen body and shriveled wings.
It never was able to fly.
What the man in his kindness and haste did not
understand was that the restricting cocoon and
the struggle required for the butterfly to get
through the tiny opening were God's way of
forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly
into its wings so that it would be ready for
flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need
in our life. If God allowed us to go through
our life without any obstacles, it would cripple
us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been.
And we could never fly.
Author Unknown

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of Aug. and into September, the Monarch Butterflies gather at Presqu’ile Provincial Park, which is on the shores of Northern Lake Ontario, as they get ready for the long journey  of  migration to Central Mexico.

There is an association called, “Friends of the Park”. These Naturalist catch, tag and release these butterflies so they can keep track of them. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was fortunate enough to be able to witness how they capture and tag the butterflies. I did not see them arrive in clusters, but I was able to find a few and photograph them after they had been tagged and then released. These are a few of the photos I took that day. I hope you enjoy them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have heard it said, that if a butterfly lands on you, it will bring you good luck. I had one land on my shoulder a few years ago. I must say, I don’t believe in luck, but I was truly Blessed now and then as I photographed, and admired these Beautiful creatures created by God.

 

 

 

I will end with this photo which I simply call

“The Landing”

 

 

Take care one and all. Have a great day!

Love and Care, Dianne :)

 P.S  For many of us it is the last weekend of the summer , so have a “Good One”. No matter what the Season, have a Blessed Weekend to each and every one of you :)

Portrait Of A Canada Goose

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took this photo back in July of this year. I was out for a walk along the water front trail, and I came across some Canada Geese. This one got my attention and I was close enough that I could have touch him. I would never attempt to do that. I have a great admiration, and respect for these Beautiful Water Fowl.  There are those who don’t share my love for these birds and think they are a nuisance. I understand their reasons but I don’t share their view.  I wonder if sometimes Canada Geese think we are a nuisance and get in their way. :) Just a thought! I really think this planet is big enough for all of us to share, and show each other a little Grace.

 

 

 

 

I love watching and listening to the geese as they fly in formation this time of year, as they prepare to fly south for the winter. They haven’t left yet, but they are practicing and training their young ones for the journey ahead.

Yes, there is a change in the air as we also prepare for a new season that is on our doorstep. We have a few more days of summer so enjoy them, and for all those who are looking forward to the long weekend, Have a good one.

Happy September one and all.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

Flowers

 

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.                                                Luther Burbank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My wish for you are many flowers in this life

to enjoy, and share with those you love and care for.

 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and stay safe.

xoxo  Dianne :)

Jesse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jesse doesn’t know how to say cheese but he sure knows how to smile. There isn’t a day goes by that he doesn’t make me laugh and smile right back at him.

He is now 9 and a half years old. He will always be my puppy, no matter how old he is. He has me wrapped around his little paw. :)

 

I came across this inspiring story and thought I would share it with you. Hope you enjoy this little bit of “Food For Thought.”

 

 

Puppies For Sale

A pet store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read "Puppies for Sale." The signs have a way of attracting children. Soon a little boy appeared at the sign and asked, "How much are you gonna sell those puppies for?" The store owner replied, "Anywhere from $30-$50." The little boy reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37, can I look at them?" The store owner smiled and whistled.
Out of the kennel came his dog named Lady, running down the aisle of his store followed by five little puppies. One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy. He asked "What's wrong with that little dog?"
The man explained that when the puppy was born the vet said that this puppy had a bad hip socket and would limp for the rest of his life. The little boy got really excited and said, "That's the puppy I want to buy!" The man replied "No, you don't want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I'll give him to you."
The little boy got upset. He looked straight into the man's eyes and said "I don't want you to give him to me. He is worth every bit as much as the other dogs and I'll pay the full price. In fact I will give you $2.37 now and 50 cents every month until I have him paid for." The man countered, "You really don't want to buy this puppy son. He is never gonna be able to run, jump and play like other puppies."
The little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a metal brace. And the little boy looked up at the man and said, “Well , I don’t run so well myself. This puppy will need someone who understands."
The man was now biting his bottom lip. Tears welled up in his eyes....He smiled and said, "Son, I hope and pray that each and every one of these puppies will have an owner such as you."

…. Author Unknown

 

The moral of the story is, “Everyone needs someone who understands.”

 

 

 

 

 

Have a wonderful day what ever you do or don’t do! 

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

 

Dianne © dsphotocats

 

Announcing The Safe Arrival Of My Grandson

 

 

 

I am proud to announce the birth of my Grandson.

Michael arrived on August 4th, 2011,

Weighing in at 6 lbs. 1oz.

 

 

 

It seems that all the storks were busy elsewhere, so Michael was delivered in the most unusual way. I have to say it was my son’s idea, and I just had to capture the moment with my camera. :)

 

 

 

 

Special Delivery

 

 

 

This is how I found my grandson when I went to see him for the first time at their home on Sunday, with his mommy and daddy. My son was taking pictures of his new baby boy. :)

 

 

 

 

Can you imagine the fun these two and Samantha will have!

 

 

 

 

All and all , Daddy is sure proud and in “Awe” of his new baby boy and so is mommy. By the way Michael is just a few hours short of being 3 days old in this picture. They don’t keep them in the hospital very long any more. I am very thankful that he is healthy. :)

 

 

 

Here is my other son , holding his daughter Hope in one arm and his new Nephew in his other arm. There isn’t much difference in size. This photo was taken the day Michael was born. By the way, doesn’t  he look like a very proud Daddy and Uncle in this photo.

 

 

 

Congratulations Ed and Samantha. I am so very Happy and Proud of them as well as all of my family. I am grateful and thankful for my family. I am Blessed beyond measure.

 

 

 

 

Well that’s it for now. It is late but I wanted to get this update published and let you all know the good news.

Hope to find you all well and wishing you a wonderful week ahead.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

 

Dianne © dsphotocats 2011