Nesting Update #3 on The Swans and Canada Geese

 

An Intimate Moment

No signs of Baby Swans yet and these photos were taken last Friday Night . This is the first time I saw her get off the nest. She got up and went to the edge to be near her mate. She then went for a short swim while he stood by the nest to watch over it.

 

 

Mean while Mother Goose just got up and is checking something in the nest. She seems preoccupied  with something.

 

 

Could it be possible that her chicks have hatched or in the process. Maybe it is my imagination but I think I see a couple of chicks heads in the camouflage of grass , sticks and feathers. What do you think? I never noticed that until tonight when I cropped this photo.

 

 

There is definitely something different as the Father Goose is not backing down and not leaving his mate or nest.

 

 

The fight is on and this Male Goose is not backing down like before. Talk about facing your giants.  The swan may be bigger but this goose has something worth fighting for. He is putting his family first with all his might. His family comes first and he will do whatever it takes to protect them.

 

 

The mother goose has left the nest to come to help her mate. The father goose stands in between her and the male swan.

 

 

The are now wing to wing and I think the male goose is trying to get the swan to follow him away from his mate and their nest. Look at the difference in size.

 

 

The female goose actually came out to help her mate and all three were in the air for a short time. I missed getting the shot of all three of them. Everything happened so fast. Here she is heading back towards the nest to stand guard.

 

 

 

This was something to watch. I couldn’t  believe what I was witnessing. I have never seen anything like this before.

 

 

The end of the fight and no one appears to be hurt. That is totally remarkable. I look at this photo and I think it is as if she is saying , “You are my Hero.” Mates for life. I think we can learn a lot from nature.

We all have giants to fight from time to time. Who is your hero? Who or what do you have that is worth fighting for?

 

It is really late and I have to get up for work in the morning. I am sorry I haven’t been around to visit some of you and will when I can.  I have another update but it will have to wait. I have been going down to the Bay almost every evening after my workday to follow what is happening with the Nesting Swans and Geese. This is to be continued another day.

I hope you enjoy following along. I there is anyone who reads this but has not read the updates before this one, please go back so you will be able to get the whole story. Upgrade 4 coming soon.

Have a wonderful day and God Bless You all.

Dianne :)  dsphotocats

Nesting Update #2

 

Male Canada Goose (Father to be)

 

Time For A Drink In Between Activities

 

Female Canada Goose (Nesting)

 

I discovered that this pair of Canada Geese have a nest on the same rock island as the pair of Mute Swans.

This makes for a very interesting situation. Both the Geese and the Swans are very territorial and protective of their families.

The Swans nest is in the middle of the rock island and the goose nest is on the left side near the edge of the island.

 

 

Here are the Mute Swans

 

 

Here are the expectant fathers too be, hanging out so to speak. This is a daily occurrence. I try to go down every second night or so after work to check up on these guys and see what’s new. I am really hoping to see some little baby geese and swans in the near future and hope they all survive.

 

 

 

It appears they like to jog on water. The responsibilities of fatherhood can be very stressful at times.

Maybe this helps them burn off some of that stress. :)

Boys will be boys. Ha!

 

 

I couldn’t believe my eyes, what I was seeing. Wow! I was in '”Awe”. I have never seen anything like this before and I was in the right place at the right time with my 170-500 lens.  The swan is chasing the goose out of his territory, and is very protective of his family. So is the Canada Goose but he is no match for this big bird. I wouldn’t want to tangle with either of them. My advice is to stay away from their nests. I was not a threat to them, nor they to me, as I stood on shore witnessing this wonderful Nature Scene.

 

 

I cropped this photo to make it a little bigger.

 

 

No one was hurt in this encounter. This is not the first nor the last encounter these two will have. I took these photos yesterday , and I took more today which I will add in my next update. This picture is near the end of the chase.

 

 

 

The Stare Down

 

I took this photo at the end of the chase and these two beautiful birds are about 30ft away from where I was standing on shore. They are use to people because some people feed them. I don’t. They will not bother you if you respect them and their territory. Nature is to be respected, at least it should be.

I called this last photo, “ The Stare Down”, because that is exactly what they are doing.  After the chase they both decided to have a rest and just ignored each other. It sort of reminded me of a Looney Tunes Cartoon. I did laugh many times as I watched these two.

It usually takes Canada Geese about 28 days before they hatch their eggs and they can have between 3 –8 baby chicks.

It usually takes the swans about 35 days and they too can have from 4-8 young ones. I do hope they will all get along when they do have their young one. I will do my best to keep you updated .

I hope you have enjoyed these photos as much as I have enjoyed taking them.

God Bless each and every one of you and have a wonderful weekend . May is a wonderful time of the year so enjoy.

Hugs and Smiles

Dianne ( dsphotocats) :)

Nesting Time Is Here :)#1

 

Nesting Morning Dove

 

 

About a week ago I went for a long walk along the waterfront trail. I spotted a Red Winged Black Bird and decided to follow it into some bushes. It was then I came across something very special. I noticed this Beautiful Morning Dove sitting on her nest. I was very quiet and took a couple of pics , talked to her very softly , and left. I also said a prayer that no one would discover her and that she would remain safe.

A week later, which was yesterday afternoon , I went back to check on her and took this photo. Her mate had just left, so I know she is being taken care of and he must also be feeding her. I have never come across a nesting bird like this before. I have seen nests from a far distance but never so close as this.

I am hoping to be able to get back and check on her sometime this week after work. I am hoping to get a chance to see her chicks . I am assuming she is sitting on a few eggs and would love to see them. I will not put her in any danger and am extremely cautious so no one sees me near her nest. I wouldn’t want kids to discover her as she is only about 4 ft. off the ground. I will take a picture only if it is safe to do so. What a Blessing this has been for me to see .

 

 

Swan Nesting On A Little Rock Island Just Off The Bay Shore

 

There has also been a pair of swans nesting out on this little rock island and you can see it from the waterfront path. I took this photo a week ago while on my walk. I was standing on the edge of the shore when I took this picture at 28mm. I had a 28-300 lens on my camera. The water is really low this spring as you can see. Where I was standing usually has water. Again I just hope and pray no one disturbs the nest and boats stay clear. The male swan keeps a close eye and patrols the area and chases all the other birds out of their territory. I wouldn’t want to tangle with him. I saw him flying just above the service of the water chasing something out of his path a few weeks ago, but I didn’t have my camera with me. It was fun and amazing to watch him fly so low. I still have that image in my memory. :)

 

 

This photo was taken at 300mm. I was using a 28-300mm lens. I took this photo yesterday. I had biked down to the Bay with a back pact with my camera on my back.

 

 

I cropped the above photo so you could get a better look at this Beautiful Nesting Swan. I am really hoping to get a chance to get photos of the baby swans when they are born. I just hope that people don’t chase them away with their boats as their is a boat launch not very far away.

Well that is about it for now. I am working everyday, with no morning free this week, so I am hoping to have enough gas in my tank so to speak to get down there in the evening to check on my nesting birds. I am really excited to see some baby swans and doves real soon. If and when I do , you will be the first to know.

Hope you all have a great week whatever you do or don’t do.

Thinking of you and many of you are in my prayers.

Hugs and Smiles

Dianne :)

Whoooo Gives A Hoot? Who Cooks For You?

 

Barred Owl

 

If you were walking in the woods could you see me in my camouflage?

I think you would have to look very, very carefully .

It might even take a prayer.

These photos were taken with a 170-500 zoom lens.

My dear friend Lisa told me that she prayed I would find some owls.

And I did. Thank you Lisa for praying and thank you God for answering that prayer, and mine too. :)

 

 

Why Hello There..........

You got me on a good day so feel free to snap away.

This Barred Owl didn't seem to mind my being there as long as I was quiet and respectful.

That I was, and I was in "Awe" of this Beautiful Owl and I think it was a little curious of me as well.

At times it seemed like it was posing for me.  Just maybe , God whispered in his ear that he was to be a Blessing

and an answer to someone's prayer that day.

 

 

I was so thrilled to have found this owl.

After taking a few shots the sun started to come around and I had to contend with the shadows

from the branches , so I said thank you very much Mr. Owl and decided to move on and leave him in peace.

We drove to another part of the park and walked around a bit and took a few other photos.

We then decided to head for home and as we drove out of the park , I decided to go back and drive around

the park one more time, and I am so glad I did. As we drove very slowly something caught my eye.

Yes! It was another Barred Owl. He was out in the open and the afternoon sun was shining on  him.

So out I go again , and here are a few pictures of owl # two.

 

Oh , hello there and whooo might you be?

 

 

This owl had his back to me and turned his head  right around.

There are times I wish I had that kind of flexibility in my neck.

Just totally "Amazing"

 

 

Well its time to go. No warning and I just wasn't quick enough but this is what I got.

 

 

Wow! Isn't he Beautiful.

Hope you enjoyed these photos. That is how I spent my day last Sunday afternoon.

It was a dream come true as owls are on my wish list of things to capture through my lens.

Hope you all are having a good week whatever you do or don't do.

I have added a video from You Tube as well showing these "Magnificent Birds"

Also some information of interest on Barred Owls.

Enjoy!

Until next time.

Dianne (dsphotocats) :)

 

YouTube - BARRED OWL AMAZING VOCALS!
     

 

 Whoooo is this owl with such a strange name? Let's find out. Look closely at the feathers, you'll see horizontal bars around the neck and vertical streaking on the body. This owl also has large horizontal bars or bands on the tail which you may see in flight against its gray feathered background. This is how the owl got it's name, "bar--ed" owl. It stands about 21 inches tall, has a bulky head and neck with dark eyes and no ear tufts. Barred owls live in most of North America in wet woodlands, wooded swamps, and floodplains in the cavities of snags (old dead trees). These owls are usually long-time residents of the same snag, with an address 80 feet in the air and a 20 inch doorway.

Barred owls have an easy call to identify. Listen for a hoot that sounds like someone saying, "Who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all?" You may hear the whole phrase or only a part. If you hear a cat-like scream or a barking sound, check it out, it may be a barred owl nearby. In February and March keep especially alert for these owls, they're courting and going wild, making all kinds of noises to impress a potential mate. These owls may also be spotted in the daytime being mobbed and teased by a flock of scolding birds.

From dusk to the predawn hours, owls hunt for prey, waiting from their tree snag to hear or spot an unsuspecting mouse, snake, frog, or bird. Their eyes are their best secret weapon, large and able to bring in lots of light to see in the darkness. Barred owl ears, like other owls, are long slits on the side of the face. The owl's keen senses allow it to quickly navigate through low branches and forest treetops and zero in on its prey. It swoops down with four-foot long stealth wings, captures, and squeezes its prey with sharp talons. Then it flies back to its lair for dinner. The owl's sharp beak makes a great knife and fork to rip the meat apart. If the prey is small enough, it gets eaten in one single gulp, bones and all. About every 6 hours the owl will spit up a "pellet," a 1-2 inch hairball with bones and skulls in it, things the bird's stomach can't digest. Sometimes you'll find the mate the base of the nesting tree along with a few gray feathers.

 

I Said Goodbye To An Old Friend Of Mine Today!

January 12/2009

I Said Goodbye To An Old Friend Of Mine Today!

I said goodbye today

to an old friend of mine.

My very last film camera

has gone to a new home.

It was tired of being cooped up

Just sitting on a self...

feeling unwanted and neglected it was.

It was more than a pretty face

Just sitting on a self.

Don't get me wrong

She was well taken care of.

I treated her like gold

And she was like new.

There was a time when it was

Love at first sight !

I took her almost everywhere with me.

We were partners you see.

So wild and free

Filled with images so beautiful indeed.

We captured sunrises

We captured sunsets...

We stayed up and captured the moon

And landscapes far and wide.

Nature shots too.

We snapped our time away with family and friends...

But along came Digital Cammy

A new romance begun !

The rest of the story you can guess

But bare with me as I confess.

Today I set my old Canon Film Cammy free.

She was taken out of the box

A new battery she was given

And some film too.

I gently picked her up and gave her to her new owner.

I heard her shutter

and you could tell it was love at first sight !

Film Cammy has once again come to life.

She has a new home

And a job to do.

She once more feels useful

And ready for action.

Her new partner is happy as well.

It was love at first sight!

She left and there were no hard feelings.

As I watched her go

I had mixed feelings

I new I had done the right thing.

I was happy for her but a little sad to see her go.

It is the end of an era.

Now just memories

Of the good old days.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Poem written by Dianne dsphotocats this very day,

and yes this is a true story.

It happened today!

Best Wishes for 2009

December 31

Best Wishes For 2009

I want to thank you all for your friendship and all that you have added to my life through your wonderful and unique Blogs, this past year.

I am not sure where this new year will take us or the world. We live in a fast moving world where things can change very quickly for the good or the not so good. I am an Optimist at heart and I do look for God's Beauty in His Creation that surrounds me each and every day. I see the good and I see the bad in this world but I try to live my life by Faith, Hope and Love, and that is what I pray for each one of you, as we continue this journey of life. May we all embrase it, for life is precious and each one of you are Precious!

I have not had much time to sit and reflect and think about what I wanted to say. I need to get ready for work but want you all to know that you  are in my thoughts and I am looking forward to visiting you all in the New Year.

Have a wonderful and safe time as you celebrate the birth of the New Year. In closing I leave you with this little story called, "The Optimist". Love and Hugs! Dianne:)

The Optimist

The optimist sees the doughnut, the pessimists, the hole.

                                           Quote by: McLandburgh Wilson

'

Their is a story of identical twins. One was a hope-filled optimist." Everything is coming up roses!" he would say. The other twin was a sad and hopeless pessimist. He thought that Murphy, as in Murphy's Law, was an optimist. The worried parents of the boys brought them to the local psychologist.

He suggested to the parents a plan to balance the twins' personalities. "On their next birthday, put them in separate rooms to open their gifts. Give the pessimist the best toys you can afford, and give the optimist a box of manure." The parents followed these instructions and carefully observed the results.

When they peeked in on the pessimist, they heard him audibly complaining, " I don't like the color of this computer... I'll bet this calculator will break... I don't like the game... I know someone who's got a bigger toy car than this..."

Tiptoeing across the corridor, the parents peeked in and saw their little optimist gleefully throwing the manure up in ther air. He was giggling, "You can't fool me! Where there is this much manure, there's got to be a pony!"

Source Unknown

Hope this year is kind to you all!  Blessings! Dianne :)

A Gift Of Love

Christmas is a gift of Love

that can't be bought or sold -

It's ours just for the asking,

and it's worth far more than gold ...

And this priceless gift of Christmas

is within the reach of all -

The rich, the poor, the young, the old,

the greatest and the small ...

So take God's Christmas gift of Love -

reach out and you receive -

And the only payment that God asks

is just that you believe.

Written by Helen Steiner Rice

I hope you are all warm and comfy and safe on this cold and stormy Night as a major storms hits many areas across Canada and United States of America.

I also hope to find you all well and free from all the colds and flu that has been going round.

I myself have just recouperated from a nasty cold and flu that knocked me down for a little over a week.

I am back to work and preparing for The Christmas Season as I am sure you all are as well.

As busy as we all get this time of year, my deepest hope and desire is that I stay focused on The Reason for the Season and what Christmas is all about.

Christmas is as much about receiving as it is about giving. Some may think that is selfish and backwards to the True Meaning Of Christmas. But when you really think about it, God Gave us His Son and He wants each one of us to Receive , His Gift Of Love . That's what it is all about.

Yes! Lets celebrate Jesus Birthday and Give and Receive from God and from those we Love and Cherish. Lets also go beyond and Love our Neigbors and those we meet by chance.

I share from my heart this night and I wish each and every one who reads this and those who don't a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

I hope to be back between now and Christmas but if something happens that I don't, just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers .

I also want to thank all of you who visit my space and leave your comments and input and all those wonderful photos and graphics you decorate my guestbook with. You all brighten my space and my life.

Your Friend Dianne :)

Dec.19th/09

I am back and doing much better. Thankyou for your thoughtfulness and well wishes. This blog was never ment to be about me . It is ment to be about Jesus, " The Savior of the world",  to all who believe and receive Him. There was no room for Him in the inn but we can make room for Jesus in our hearts.

Hope you all are doing well as we prepare to celebrate "The Christmas Season" ( Jesus' Birthday), and soon to bring in the New Year.

All the Best to you and your families.

xx's Dianne :)

A New Year In The Journey Of Life

 

The Pond By The Bay

This photo was taken a year ago at the pond by The Bay, which is right across from My Special Place. Those who know me well know what I am talking about. Some of my fondest moments in 2009 were along the waterfront trail which I so often shared through my photos and writing in my blogs.

This past year has been good in so many ways. Yes there were many times when I didn’t no what was around the corner on my path. The road on my journey in the past year was sometimes smooth and other times it was pretty rough. There were disappointments and there were times of rejoicing. There were times of sadness and joy. There were times of stress and times of relaxation. And I could go on and on.

In the last year or so I thought I was going to loose both my mom and my dad. My mom and dad both recovered and are doing okay at the moment even though they both have major health issues. God seen us through this past year and also Blessed us in so many ways.

I am so thankful that I never walk alone on my journey of life. The one who gave me life, never left me. My Lord and Creator walks with me daily. Some would say He is a crutch and that I am strong enough to do it on my own. Maybe I am or maybe I’m not, but I am not about to try. I have done both, but the journey is much more pleasant and easy with The Lord in my heart and by my side. I know that if the time comes when I am too weary along life’s Journey, He will carry me.

So I will reflect on this past year and then say goodbye. I will not wish it away as life is too short and the years tend to fly by. I am thankful for God’s provision and all His Blessings He bestowed upon me and my family and friends this past year. I will continue to walk in His Grace for the remainder of this year and the one to come and as many years as He gives me on this earth.

So bring on the New Year. I have no great expectations , nor New Year’s Resolutions. Come what may, I will continue to walk with Jesus and put my trust in Him alone. He is my Rock and Salvation.

I fully expect the road to be smooth in places and very rough in places as well. I am happy and looking forward as I continue along life’s Journey as I welcome another year of my life. Thank you for being a part of my life and being my friend. That is one of the great joys in my life. To have friends and family. I am truly Blessed.

Best Wishes to All of you my Friends for A Happy and Healthy New Year, filled with Faith, Hope, Love, Peace and so much more. May God pour His Grace upon each and every one of you.

I will finish this blog with this Poem.

Love and Hugs

Dianne :)

A New Year With The Lord

A new year is about to unfold
With new opportunities to explore
Doors will open for new experiences
New adventures with the Lord
Remember not the former things
The things of this past year
The Lord will do new things in us
Much more than we are aware
For He will make a way for us
As we put our trust in Him
And He will guide our every step
By His presence we have within
What God has placed within our hearts
We find we’ll be able to do
If we look for the opportunities
We’ll see the door to go through
We mustn’t let anything hold us back
But rise up and take our place
And be all that God wants us to be
With a fresh touch of His grace
© By M.S.Lowndes

Coffee Jokes

 

November 24

Coffee Jokes For The Coffee Lovers Out There :)

 

 

72 Ways to know if you drink too much coffee...

1. You answer the door before people knock. 

2. The only kitchen appliances you own are made by Mr. Coffee.

3. You ski uphill.

4. You get a tax cut for all the coffee you bought.

5. You get a speeding ticket even when you're parked.

6. You haven't blinked since the last lunar eclipse.

7. You just completed another sweater and you don't know how to knit.

8. You grind your coffee beans in your mouth.

9. The nurse needs a scientific calculator to take your pulse.

10. You sleep with your eyes open.

11. When you open your dish cabinet, and there is only mugs.

12. You have to watch videos in fast-forward.

13. The only time you're standing still is during an earthquake.

14. You can take a picture of yourself from ten feet away without using the timer.

15. You lick your coffeepot clean.

16. You spend every vacation visiting "Maxwell House."

17. You're the employee of the month at the local coffeehouse and you don't even work there.

18. You've worn out your third pair of tennis shoes this week.

19. Your eyes stay open when you sneeze.

20. Your coffee cake, must have coffee in it. 

21. Your T-shirt says, "Decaffeinated coffee is the devil's blend."

22. You're so jittery that people use your hands to blend their margaritas.

23. You can type sixty words per minute... with your feet.

24. The only gift you get for Valentines Day you get chocolate covered beans.

25. You can jump-start your car without cables.

26. All your kids are named "Joe".

27. Your only source of nutrition comes from "Sweet & Low."

28. You don't sweat, you percolate.

29. You buy 1/2 & 1/2 by the barrel.

30. You've worn out the handle on your favourite mug.

31. You go to AA meetings just for the free coffee.

32. You walk twenty miles on your treadmill before you realize it's not plugged in.

33. You forget to unwrap candy bars before eating them.

34. Charles Manson thinks you need to calm down.

35. Every shirt or blouse you own has a coffee stain on it.

36. You've built a miniature city out of little plastic stirrers.

37. People get dizzy just watching you.

38. You've worn the finish off your coffee table.

39. The Taster's Choice couple wants to adopt you.

40. Starbucks owns the mortgage on your house.

41. You're so wired, you pick up AM radio and people test their batteries in your ears.

42. Your life's goal is to amount to a hill of beans.

43. Instant coffee takes too long.

44. When someone says. "How are you?", you say, "Good to the last drop."

45. You want to come back as a coffee mug in your next life.

46. Your birthday is a national holiday in Brazil.

47. Your hand is permanently shaped to hold your mug.

48. You go to sleep just so you can wake up and smell the coffee.

49. You're offended when people use the word "brew" to mean beer.

50. You name your cats "Cream" and "Sugar."

51. You get drunk just so you can sober up.

52. You speak perfect Arabic without ever taking a lesson.

53. Your lips are permanently stuck in the sipping position.

54. You have a picture of your coffee mug on your coffee mug.

55. You can outlast the Energizer bunny.

56. You can jump to the moon.

57. You short out motion detectors.

58. You have a conniption over spilled milk.

59. You don't even wait for the water to boil anymore.

60. Your nervous twitch registers on the Richter scale.

61. You think being called a "drip" is a compliment.

62. You don't tan, you roast.

63. You don't get mad, you get steamed.

64. Your three favourite things in life are...coffee before, coffee during and coffee after.

65. Your lover uses soft lights, romantic music, and a glass of iced coffee to get you in the mood.

66. You can't even remember your second cup.

67. You help your dog chase its tail.

68. You soak your dentures in coffee overnight.

69. Your coffee mug is insured by Lloyds of London.

70. You introduce your spouse as your coffee mate.

71. You think CPR stands for "Coffee Provides Resuscitation."

72. Your first-aid kit contains two pints of coffee with an I.V. hook-up.

Coffee Jokes From The Internet.

Photo by Dianne © dsphotocats

Hope you all have a great weekend

xx's Dianne :)

A Mother

 

A Mother

 

After 17 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to
take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She
said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves
you and would love to spend some time with you.'
* * *
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit
was my MOTHER, who has been alone for 20 years,
but the demands of my work and my two boys had
made it possible to visit her only occasionally.
* * *
That night I called to invite her to go out for
dinner and a movie.
* * *
'What's wrong, aren't you well,' she asked?
* * *
My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a
late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign
of bad news.
* * *
'I thought it would be pleasant to spend some
time with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.'
She thought about it for a moment, and then said,
'I would like that very much.'
* * *
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick
her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her
house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous
about our date. She waited in the door. She had
curled her hair and was wearing the
dress that she had worn to celebrate her last
Birthday on November 19th.
* * *
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an
Angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go
out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said,
as she got into that new white van. 'They can't
wait to hear about our date'.
* * *
We went to a restaurant that, although not
elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my
arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat
down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only
read large print. Half way through the entries, I
lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at
me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I
who used to have to read the menu when you were
small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and
let me return the favour,' I responded.
* * *
During the dinner, we had an agreeable
conversation- -nothing extraordinary but catching up
on recent events of each other's life. We talked so
much that we missed the movie.
* * *
As we arrived at her house later, she said,
'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me
invite you.' I agreed.
* * *
'How was your dinner date ?'
asked my wife when I got home.
'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,'
I  answered.
* * *
A few days later, my mother died of a massive
heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't
have a chance to do anything for her.
* * *
Some time later, I received an envelope with a
copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place
mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I
paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I
could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two
plates - one for you and the other for your wife.
You will never know what that night meant for me.
I love you, son.'
* * *
At that moment, I understood the importance of
saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved
ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is
more important than your family. Give them the time
they deserve, because these things cannot be put off
till 'some other time.'
* * *

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back
to normal after you've had a baby.... somebody
doesn't know that once you're a mother,
'normal' is  history.
* * *
Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by
instinct .. somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.
* * *
Somebody said being a mother is boring .......
somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager
with a driver's permit.
Somebody said if you're a 'good' mother,
your child will 'turn out good'....
somebody thinks a child comes with
directions and a guarantee.
* * *
Somebody said you don't need an education to be a
mother.... somebody never helped a fourth grader
with his math.
* * *
Somebody said you can't love the second child as
much as you love the first .... somebody doesn't
have two children.
* * *
Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother
is labour and delivery....
somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus
for the first day of  kindergarten ...
or on a plane headed for military 'boot camp.'
* * *
Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her
child gets married....somebody doesn't know that
marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a
mother's heartstrings.
* * *
Somebody said a mother's job is done when
her last child leaves home....
somebody never had grandchildren.
* * *
Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so
you don't need to tell her....
somebody isn't a mother.

A friend sent this too me and it touched my heart and I wanted to share it with you all.

My heart goes out to all who have lost a parent or both and I am sorry if this causes you pain. This is a very sad and lonely time of the year for so many who have lost loved ones. I have lost two brothers and miss them very much. My mom and dad are still with us. Steve has lost both his mom and dad.

Lets not take our families for granted. Tell someone close to you that you love them and how special they are. Spend time with them for we know not what tomorrow may bring.

Love and Hugs to you my friends, Dianne:)