Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Happy Anniversary


I don't know how I could have forgotten. I missed the anniversary of starting my blog. Life goes on doesn't it? I started writing on March 14, 2010, that was my first post. It has been more than a year. I love writing. I have read and enjoyed so many beautiful blogs since I ventured down this road. The world of blogging is a wonderful place. I appreciate all of the things I have learned from you and all of the comments that you have made to me. I wish all of you the very best and I am proud to be a part of it all. A special "Thank you", to Shirley, who always has something nice to say.

Love Always,
Kim

Memories at the Shore


I know that it is not beach weather here just yet. It may not be for quite some time. I wanted to share another picture that my father sent to me recently. I am sitting on the retaining wall in front of my paternal grandparents' cottage. Behind me are the stairs wending their way in front the dining room window down to the patio where I am sitting. A few yards in front of their cottage is a large beach with soft sand to play in and the waves of Lake Huron lapping on the shore. 
I can remember being at the beach from a very early age. I used to run up and down the beach chasing the seagulls with wild abandon. Many a sand castle was made not far from where I sat. I remember having my seventh birthday just down the road and around the corner at my maternal grandparents' cottage. I stayed in their cottage with them or with my parents many times over the years.
One summer my brother and I boarded the train in Toronto. We were very young. It was exciting to be on the train without our parents. My grandparents picked us up at the other end.  It was the only time I was on the train in Canada. We stayed at the cottage with them for two whole weeks. When you are a child two weeks seems like forever.
Our spring is coming very slowly and I long to spend time at the beach. We still have snow in our backyard and it is melting slowly. Perhaps this is a good thing for a lot of warm weather increases the height of the river too fast and that causes other problems. The birds are singing but they only just started. I have heard the starlings and they have returned to the nest in our tree. I heard the sparrows, the chickadees and just yesterday I heard a cardinal. It has been an extremely cold winter and I think that all of the  little birds left. Just last week a spotted a Robin. Now that is a good sign. 
I am looking forward to seeing crocuses and daffodils, I love their sunny little faces.  For those of you who are enjoying spring already consider yourself blessed. Until the weather changes here, I can dream.

Love Always,
Kim

Friday, March 11, 2011

Remembering the Past


Here is another picture of me from times gone by. I am standing in front of grandparents couch in their living room. This was my father's home until left for the big city to make his own way in the world. I was dressed in my Sunday finest. Notice the white gloves and purse. What outfit would be complete without a hat especially for Church. I remember my grandparent's home vividly. I live a block away from the building where they lived and worked. I can see the building looking out my living room window.
My grandfather owned the general store in town. They sold groceries mainly. When I was little I remember the big candy counter. It had a large glass front and you could see all the wonderful candies inside. If I had ten cents I thought that I had the world by the tail and I had a little brown bag full of goodies to take home with me. 
Have a wonderful weekend. I hope that your memories give you a smile.

Love Always,
Kim