Monday, November 10, 2008

Just a Pittance of Time



At the eleventh hour of the
eleventh day of the eleventh month...









A Pittance of Time
by Terry Kelly




They fought and some died for their homeland
They fought and some died now it's our land
Look at his little child, there's no fear in her eyes
Could he not show respect for other dads who have died?


Take two minutes, would you mind?
It's a pittance of time
For the boys and the girls who went over
In peace may they rest, may we never forget why they died.
It's a pittance of time


God forgive me for wanting to strike him
Give me strength so as not to be like him
My heart pounds in my breast, fingers pressed to my lips
My throat wants to bawl out, my tongue barely resists


But two minutes I will bide
It's a pittance of time
For the boys and the girls who went over
In peace may they rest, may we never forget why they died.
It's a pittance of time


Read the letters and poems of the heroes at home
They have casualties, battles, and fears of their own
There's a price to be paid if you go, if you stay
Peace is fought for and won in numerous ways


Take two minutes would you mind?
It's a pittance of time
For the boys and the girls all over
May we never forget our young become vets
At the end of the line it's a pittance of time


It takes courage to fight in your own war
It takes courage to fight someone else's war
Our peacekeepers tell of their own living hell
They bring hope to foreign lands that the hatemongers can't kill.


Take two minutes, would you mind?
It's a pittance of time
For the boys and the girls who go over
In peacetime our best still don battle dress
And lay their lives on the line.
It's a pittance of time


In Peace may they rest,
lest we forget why they died.
Take a pittance of time



2001 All rights reserved





On November 11, 1999 Terry Kelly was in a Shoppers Drug Mart store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. At 10:55 AM an announcement came over the store's PA asking customers who would still be on the premises at 11:00 AM to give two minutes of silence in respect to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.


Terry was impressed with the store's leadership role in adopting the Legion's "two minutes of silence" initiative. He felt that the store's contribution of educating the public to the importance of remembering was commendable.


When eleven o'clock arrived on that day, an announcement was again made asking for the "two minutes of silence" to commence. All customers, with the exception of a man who was accompanied by his young child, showed their respect.


Terry's anger towards the father for trying to engage the store's clerk in conversation and for setting a bad example for his child was later channeled into a beautiful piece of work called, "A Pittance of Time". Terry later recorded "A Pittance of Time" and included it on his full-length music CD, "The Power of the Dream".

Sunday, November 9, 2008

In Flanders Fields

PHOTO BY BRIAN WAUGH...


My friend, Brian Waugh, who lives in Yorkshire, England has given me permission to use his wonderful photo of this poppy as today I wanted to post Col. Lt. John McCrae's memorable poem "In Flanders Fields" and this photo just went so well with the poem. See more of Brian's wonderful photos here.



IN FLANDERS FIELDS
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army


In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields




"In Flanders Fields" was first published in England's "Punch" magazine in December, 1915. Within months, this poem came to symbolize the sacrifices of all who were fighting in the First World War. Today, the poem continues to be a part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada and other countries.

The poem was written by a Canadian - John McCrae, a doctor and teacher, who served in both the South African War and the First World War.

From Lt. Col. John McCrae


Col. McCrae was born here in Guelph and his childhood home is a wonderful place to visiit. I try to go there about once or month or so.


Saturday, November 8, 2008

Amazing Dew


DIAMOND ENCRUSTED










While walking in Riverside Park yesterday morning, I was so much in awe as I saw these two dandelions simply drenched with dew and as the sun shone on them, they looked like diamonds.

I lay right down on the wet grass and got as close as I dare without a macro lens!

What a wonderful God we have to create such a wonderful scene!

Friday, November 7, 2008

Remembering the Battle of the Somme





I had an appointment to have my hair done this morning and while I drove, I was listening to the car radio. It was just so emotional to hear them discussing how in
one day what the British went through. 60,000 dead in such a short time span at the Battle of the Somme... ONE DAY!!!

I just searched and found this:

"On that day the British suffered almost 60,000 casualties making it the bloodiest day in British military history."

I couldn't see to drive. I had to pull over and park the car until my composure came back...



We must NEVER forget. We must ALWAYS remember.


I had parked behind the Firehall on Speedvale Road beside Riverside Park. This sign is out the front of the Firehall. So I thought I'd share it.


Sunday, November 2, 2008

November Poppy

LEST WE FORGET




Photo by Janice Hagan...

Janice said:

"Yesterday, as I was walking around my garden, I found this Poppy. It's the first of November and I didn't realize that poppies really do flower this late in the year.

It made me think of Remembrance Day and I thought about the Canadian soldiers who have died for our country and made sacrifices for other countries. It felt ironic because Jonathan, my youngest son, was out selling Poppies in his cadet uniform today.

I found this newspaper article written in 2002 saluting Canada and our war heros. It really is worth a read....

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2002/04/21/do2106.xml"

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Autumn at the OR



The "OR" is such a lovely place to walk and wander. There are many little brooks and waterfalls and little bridges all built away back in the 1930's to 1950's or so by young men who were then residents of the "Ontario Reformatory". It's closed now but what a wonderful place to spend some time.

Friday, October 31, 2008

A Tree in the Park


I love Trees!





In the Park on Gordon Street that runs along the river near the Covered Bridge, I found this gorgeous tree.


My friend took a photo of my dog, Geordie, and I at the bottom of it.





Look Up! Way up!






And here's a closer one of Geordie and I



Monday, October 20, 2008

Look up!


GUELPH CITY HALL DOOR




How often do we take the time to look up to see what's above the doors into our important buildings! I love the carving above the Guelph City Hall main door.

Waiting for the Wind

WAITING FOR THE WIND


Thursday, October 16, 2008

How Many Cobs on a Corn Stalk?


DWARFED BY CORN STALKS



My granddaughter and I were wondering what the average number of cobs of corn were on each stalk. Some had said that each produced only one cob and others suggested 5 or 6!


So, as she was busy counting randomly, I thought a photo of her would be nice as she was dwarfed by the high stalks. She's only 11 years old but 5'3" tall!




FRAMED BY CORN






I just wanted to crop her out of the larger photo for her parents to have and thought I'd share with you all too. She's a sweetheart.




So....


How Many Cobs on a Corn Stalk?


Do you know?


We counted many cobs on corn stalks last Saturday.



Sunday, October 12, 2008

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!



Happy Thanksgiving
in Canada!




It's Thanksgiving Weekend in Canada and it's a wonderful time for pumpkin pie and whipped cream!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Excitement is Rising!

The Excitement was Evident here in Guelph Today!





As Voting Day Approaches, Don't forget to get out and exercise your right to vote here in Canada!



Today, here in Guelph, the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, visited and I got to shake his hand. No matter what party you follow, it has to be a privilege to meet the leader of your country. He was such a gentleman too as he spoke to me.




PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER









This rally was held at the local Conservative Party candidate's riding office on Victoria Road South, here in Guelph.


GLORIA KOVACH





It was a very exciting time for hundreds of people...

Some, as in the photo below, were too young to vote and some, as this little baby boy, slept through it!!!





Raspberries in October!



When I arrived home from Falls Church, Virginia last week, I was so pleased to see quite a crop of beautiful raspberries waiting for me to pick!


I grew up with the raspberries that started to be ready to pick around July 12 and two weeks later, they were finished for the year! And the rows of canes sat there taking up valuable room in the garden waiting for next year.


I was introduced to "ever-bearing" raspberries a few years ago when a friend sent me two canes which I temporarily placed in my side flower garden border near my deck and they have never ceased to amaze me always producing so many gorgeous berries right up until the time the snow flies.












Friday, October 10, 2008

It's been a long time...

Some more photos for you of our wedding.


The Bride and Matron of Honour
Leaving for the Wedding





My Three Children
Just Before the Ceremony




THE VOWS


Saturday, June 7, 2008

Camp Day at Tim Horton's!!!


It's Camp Day at Tim Horton's!!!





Guelph Daily Photo went to Niagara Falls and on the way stopped in at Beamsville, Ontario Tim Horton's! What a great site!


Exit 64 off the Queen Elizabeth Way highway has a wonderful Tim Horton's and the Lincoln Firefighters were in there volunteering when we arrived for our much needed coffee. They sure know how to pour coffee and serve it!






Lincoln Firefighters Shoulder Flash




Over $8.8 million was raised in Tim Horton's Camp Day across the country! Many under privileged children will be able to go to camp this summer due to the many coffees bought by millions of people across Canada!




Three happy customers helping in the effort!




When on the QEW between Hamilton and St. Catharines, I highly recomment this Tim Horton's at Exit 64!

Sunday, May 25, 2008

First Wedding Photo

Photo by Carol...


This photo was taken by Carol (Abelia on the Photography Cafe). This was taken after the ceremony when we went to the park.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

My Wedding Day!



This is the Day!!




Flowers from Photography Cafe!



In two hours, I'll be Pat Halbach and no longer Pat Scott! What a day this is going to be. We're so happy!

"...that in all things He (Jesus Christ) might
have the preeminence."

Colossians 1:18


Monday, May 12, 2008

Hiking at the Arboretum








The Guelph Hiking Trail Club has organized hikes most weekends and sometimes evening hikes during the week and also during the days. Many of our Volunteer Leaders would be so happy to see YOU on one of their hikes.



This photo was taken by Stan Stanek, one of the Hike Leaders of the Guelph Hiking Trail Club, and Stan says, "This is a picture from our hike on May 3rd. This is in the Arboretum. Only 4 hikers plus the two of us co-leaders showed up, because the weather was not so great."


Thanks Stan for the wonderful photo. Looks like a great scene among the Trilliums, Ontario's Provincial Flower!



View Larger Map

Busy times!



Our wedding is under two weeks away! (May 24)

What a lot of things we still have to get done so please forgive for the lack of posts in here.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Nestle Building


Towering in the Sunset



I had to travel to Toronto yesterday for a Bridal Shower that some friends and relatives threw for me and while there, we had a terrible storm and I was so impressed by the setting sun in the west shining on the building in the rain.


Such contrasts.


This is at Sheppard Avenue and Yonge Streets in North York.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Sticky New Growth


Isn't it wonderful to go outside after all this snow has melted and you find something like this new chestnut bud in all of its glory?

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Wasp





I don't really enjoy being around these wasps but they sure are a pretty insect.



Sunday, April 27, 2008

Good Place to Eat in Georgia


Snellville Diner


What a wonderful drive it is from Pensacola, Florida through Alabama to Georgia! I forgot my purse at one place we were visiting and the return journey to retrieve that purse and then back to where we were, sure put our journey back and also losing an hour due to leaving one time zone and going back to Eastern time.


Our wonderful hosts in Georgia had planned to take us out for supper and then with us being later, these plans changed and we went to the Snellville Diner instead of their other choice!


What a place to eat! it was wonderful!






This is the group! Pat, me (another Pat), Larry and Paul! The owner of this establishment agreed to take our photo and here we all are waiting for the food to arrive!





JELESIA




What a lovely gal this was! She certainly was a delight! Nothing was too difficult for her to do for us!




Larry seems to be wondering how he would ever finish that meal! Such a huge serving!





Pat and I had the right idea. We shared out meal of shrimp and chicken and wonderful rice! And after we ate what we could, there was enough to take home!



.

Snellville Diner
2302 Main Street East
Snellville, GA
770-972-0000




View Larger Map



Paul and I would certainly highly recomment this eating establishment if you are in the area of Snellville, Georgia

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Crowne Centre


CROWNE CENTRE

Pensacola Christian College




Well, what a wonderful day!

We went to the church services this morning in this building and then again this evening. The auditorium for the Campus Church holds about 6,000 people and it was pretty well filled. I was in awe listening to the music of the choirs and the soloists and the message was inspiring.

Paul and I leave in the morning to head back to Atlanta area of Georgia and then the next day back to Falls Church, VA.


We have so enjoyed our visit here in Pensacola with Paul's son and wife and it's been one of the most enjoyable times I've had in the last little while. I'm going to find it very difficult to bade them farewell tomorrow.

Not sure when I'll get to post again but I will as soon as possible.



Choir of Campus Church





Saturday, April 19, 2008

Pensacola Bay Heron


Guelph has arrived in Pensacola, Florida!


What a great trip so far. We spent the night in Georgia last night and now will spend the next two nights here in Florida.


After eating out at a special place called "Crabs" on the beach, we spied this heron on the rocks with the city of Pensacola in the background as the sun set.


Again, our Creator was busy with His handiwork painting a wonderful sky for us to enjoy! And then to top if off, we had the added delight of seeing this Great Blue Heron.

GREAT BLUE HERON
IN THE SUNSET OF PENSACOLA BAY




Tomorrow, we will attend the Campus Church service in the Pensacola Christian College Crowne Centre.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Virginia Daffs

After 771 km from my driveway to this one here in Virginia, I arrived!

What a lovely drive it was too! I was in awe of our wonderful Creator.

I left my house at 4:50 am in Guelph in complete darkness and as I motored along the Queen Elizabeth Way highway the beautiful glow in the eastern sky started to be visible and by the time I was in the St. Catherines area, it was just a marvelous site to behold!

The temperature in Guelph was minus 3 C and I had on my winter jacket but as I travelled further and further south viewing the lovely fresh green of the buds on the trees and the many blossoms of gorgeous trees, I found that I had to remove my winter coat and just enjoy the heat of Pennsylvania, Maryland and then Virginia!

Last night, Paul took me to the most wonderful gardens very near to where he lives and I was so enthralled by the beautiful trees including my favourite, Eastern Redbud. I just couldn't stop snapping photos! The Gardens are called "Green Spring Gardens" and located right here. Click and enjoy!

This cute litte daffodil duo was taken in this Gardens.

I just have to say that we have a wonderful Creator who can paint the skies and cause the fresh light greens and browns of new buds on trees and the mauves of the tiny violets and purples of other little wildflowers popping up in the dark brown of the mulch left over from the harsh winter.




Yes, I enjoyed my 771 km drive and now tomorrow, we head out to the Atlanta area of Georgia but you can be sure that I'll have my camera at the ready!



Here's how to get to these wonderful gardens:



View Larger Map

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

In the Shadow of the Old Log



More signs of spring, wouldn't you say?

Enjoy!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Spring has sprung...


...at least on some days it seems as if it has!



Delicate Wee Blooms
Out on my Lawn



Life is so busy...

...trying to prepare for my new life as a married lady once more.

I was married to my husband for 40 years when he was promoted to Glory to worship the Lord forever and ever and now I've been a widow for seven years.

Now, a wonderful man who is also a widower has asked me to be his wife and to share his life with him until the Lord Jesus calls us Home to be with Him. I'm so happy.

But life is so busy.

I'm sorry for the lapse in time of photos in my blog.

I am going to Virginia and then off to Florida on Wednesday in order to meet his son (who is attending our wedding up here in Guelph) down there and then home in about a week. I'll try to get some photos on the trip!

Monday, April 7, 2008

Same Fence But now an Occupant!




"Look Me Straight in the Eyes
and Say That!"



On the way down to Hamilton today to pick up my granddaughter, I saw a dead raccoon lying on the roadway in front of the fence in yesterday's blog entry.


On the way home, we spied this horribly ugly turkey vulture having a huge meal. The light was terrible for photos but this is what I was able to get anyway.




"Don't You Think I'm Good Looking?"