daily life as life goes on . . .

I noticed, as I toured Penticton, that flowers were still in bloom.  The killing frost is not far behind – but flowers do what they do best.

Bloom.

In the beginning of the season and at the end of the season.  They are not rushing off to find shelter.  Their first concern is the main concern.  Bloom where you are planted, no matter when.

Now, some horticulturalist will point out that plants do take into account the seasons.  And rightly so.  A flower in winter is a dead flower – in fact, can’t even bloom.  But within the season of time for flowering, there is no time at which they stop and ask:  “Should I flower right now?”

So, here is one of those flowering buds that caught my attention yesterday.  And today on my walk there was frost on the car windows.  Thanks for flowers that bloom right until the end of the season!

As I listened to the radio this morning, the weather forecast was bright.  The announcers figured this was not bad for October. 

Expectations for the area are around 20 degrees Celcius.  The temperature at awakening was around 1 degree Celcius.  Didn’t even get below freezing.

Meanwhile, back in sunny Saskatchewan, the temperatures have been in the single digits – overnight below zero, during the day above zero! 

 So, I was out for a brisk 20 minute walk this morning.  The air is fresh and the grass is still green (where it had been watered over a dry summer).  The plants are looking good and even the flowers are still in bloom.  A reminder that good weather, good soil and good care make for pleasant surroundings.  Even for the soul!

36 years ago was a day of rain, snow and wind.  The tides of the weather didn’t dampen our wedding day.  And even today, I am thankful – as we were that Thanksgiving time in 1976.

Thanks to God for the opportunity to live “under God” in a great marriage.  Thanks to Jill for love and support over our time together.  The memories remain!

The trip to Summerland ended up being uneventful.  That is a true note of thanksgiving on this Thanksgiving day. 

After spending the evening in Calgary on Sunday with my friends Arnold and Phyllis Schellenberg, I headed out this morning at 8:44 – with rain and mist well past Banff before the sun broke out. 

Arriving around 5:00 in Summerland, I sorted out my belongings and headed to Penticton for groceries.  A great steak supper later (with instant mashed potatoes – my favourite since childhood) and a relaxing evening and now off to bed.

May your Thanksgiving Day continue to last past today and into this coming year!