You May Live In Canada If…

You may live in Canada if:

If you’ve worn shorts and a parka at the same time.

If you’ve had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number.

If you measure distance in hour

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

If you have switched from ‘heat’ to ‘A/C’ In the same day and back again.

If you can drive 56 miles/hr. through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching.

If you carry jumper cables in your car, and your wife knows how to use them.

If you design your kid’s Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

If the speed limit on the highway is 50 miles/hr. and you’re going 60 and everybody is passing you.

If you know all 4 seasons:
Almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction. 

If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car.

If you find -2oF degrees ‘a little chilly’. author unknown

 

 

Canadian Happy for Spring

 

 

 

Reflections: Happy Birthday!

Who would have ever believed a California Girl would turn in her flip-flops for a pair of cowboy boots and the lure of the Alberta Prairies? When this California beach bunny met a handsome Canadian Cowboy, it was like “John Wayne meets California Bling Queen” two different worlds collided.  I still love my boots, but I haven’t given up the flip-flops either.  You might say I’m a little bit country, however there is still a dash of Bling even after all these years.

When I moved to Canada, I found some cultural  differences, but the people were friendly and forgiving as I made mistakes. They were always willing to give me advice, help and a warm listening ear.  I cherish the friends and family who made my transition in a new country a fun journey.

So “Happy Birthday Canada” today is your day.  July 1, 1867, one-hundred and fifty years ago. You became a nation, and what a beautiful, welcoming country you are. 

What a joy and a privilege to be blessed with such a magnificent heritage of living and being a part of two countries where freedom  is valued. 

They say “Freedom is never free,” but there is always a price.  I am humbled and honored to thank the brave soldiers who fight for my freedoms. Thank You.©

“It is easy to take liberty for granted when you have never had it taken from you.” Author unknown

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, Have a wonderful weekend be safe. Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan

Have you ever visited, or do you live in Canada, What is your favorite place? Let me know I would love to hear.

What Makes A Dad ~ Fathers’ Day

What Makes A Dad 

 

God took the strength of a mountain, 
The majesty of a tree, 
The warmth of a summer sun, 
The calm of a quiet sea, 

The generous soul of nature, 
The comforting arm of night, 
The wisdom of the ages, 
The power of the eagle’s flight, 

The joy of a morning in spring, 
The faith of a mustard seed, 
The patience of eternity, 
The depth of a family need, 

Then God combined these qualities, 
When there was nothing more to add, 
He knew His masterpiece was complete, 
And so, He called it … Dad

~ Author Unknown

 

 

 

 

Reflections:  Fathers’ Day

As a child growing up, I always wondered about the father I never knew. Did he have blonde hair, was I like him? My mother never talked about him, and I never inquired because it caused her great sadness to discuss that time in her life.

For years, I would think about meeting him, and dream about our wonderful reunion. But that scenario would not happen. I had found out that he had passed away many years before I had started to look for him. I was so disappointed, all my questions would go unanswered.

I remember at church the minister talked about how much God cares for each of us, and he knows our pain and hurt in the secret places where only he can see. And he quoted a Bible verse that I never forgot:

God in His holy house is a father to those who have no father.

And He keeps the women safe whose husbands have died.

God makes a home for those who are alone.

                                      Psalm 67:5 & 6a

I found great comfort in that verse but wondered if it would happen for me.

Little did I know that God had prepared a father for me in Alberta, Canada. When I married Lyle, I not only got a husband but a new father who became my dad.

Trygve was a kind, loving and humble man who loved life and loved me. As the years passed by it amazed me, how much alike we were. We both loved books, collected funny stories and loved humor. He loved to sing, loved people and most of all loved God.

Trig passed away in 2000; there is not a day that goes by that I don’t reflect on all the times we spent together. We would both cry through “Little House on the Prairie”, sad movies and touching books. We liked to laugh, sing in the car, go shopping, eating out and share the important family stories and our walk with God. How I loved and miss him.

I am thankful for the great privilege to call Trygve my DAD.

God gave me the desire of my heart, and his timing is perfect.

Thank you, Lord, for your wonderful gift.©

Happy Fathers’ Day!

Do you have special memories of your Dad?  I would love to hear them. Hugs

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
Have a wonderful Fathers’ Day weekend. Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan

Are You Going My Way? ~ Are You Someone’s Hero?

 

Are You Going My Way?

A truck driver was hauling a load of Penguins going to the San Diego Zoo when his refrigeration truck breaks down on the freeway. The driver got out of the cab and was looking at the engine when a second truck driver stopped and asked if he needed any help.

The Penguins’ driver explained that he is taking the penguins to the zoo and asked if the other man could take the penguins to the zoo for him. He also agreed to give him $500.00 for extra expenses.

Some hours later, the second truck driver drove past the first one, who was still waiting on the freeway for help to come. The Penguins, however, were still on the truck!

“I thought I asked you to take those penguins to the zoo,” shouted the first driver. The second replied, “I did, but I had some money left, so we’re going to the movies.  Author unknown

 

 

 

Reflections: Are You Someone’s Hero?

Over the last few weeks, as we celebrated Memorial Day, I have thought about the different seasons of life and the Heroes I looked up too. How the heroes and faces have changed for me as I enter each New Year.

When I was a young girl, my mother was the most important person in my life, and I wanted to be just like her. But soon I was in third grade and met the beautiful Mrs. Mitchell.  She was kind, patient, and recognized the heart of a wounded child.  How I loved her, I was going to be a teacher just like her.

However, roads bend and turn taking us on new adventures to find out who we are, and what we will become. And exciting time but also a fearful time for me.  I loved to laugh, sing, dance and wanted to be popular in high school that is what would make me happy. Friends, lots of friends.

I didn’t think much about heroes in my life then because I was too busy, trying to please and keep up with everyone else.

As I look back, I can see a long line of the heroes that God sprinkled into my life. Each one pushed, encouraged, and inspired me to become a better person. To reach for my dreams and never stop, and when I slow down and get discouraged, they cheer me on with their prayers.

To have Godly mentors who showed me that loving God, putting him first and serving him would give the greatest joy in life, each one has blessed me.

The Bible says we need to remember all that God has done for us and lean on his promises.©

Psalm 77:11

I remembered the works of the Lord: for I will be mindful of thy wonders from the beginning.

Joel 1:3

Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation.

 

Who are some of your heroes? I would love to hear from you.

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.

Have a great week, HUGS
Lovingly, Karan