Sunny Days, Sunny Thoughts!

There are so many reasons to be gloomy about events in our world, and some in our lives, that it is imperative that we seek out those things in our lives that are joyful and celebrate them. My Bride has challenged me to do just that. We can rise to that challenge, can’t we?

We live in Vancouver, the “sunspot, “ (so much rain here to keep our historic forests green,) of the Canadian panorama. We are surrounded by family at some remove. We are fortunate to have one offspring on site. He has made the life we lead uncomplicated. We have someone we can turn to whatever the problem. He is responsible for our being located very close by, and within reach, of most of the things we might need on a daily basis.

The others offspring are within reach by phone or internet. It must be said that we must appeal for help from all of them from time to time. We are in the fortunate position that we have never found ourselves wanting when we make that appeal .

 February has just begun and many parts of our country are still in the harsh grip of winter according to the calendar. That’s why it is such a joy to see that all around us in Vancouver the living green things are pushing out buds of every description . And we can even see flowering things at our feet. I am holding my breath in case big, bad, freezing temperatures and snow, visit us again.

Today was another sunny day, with no hint of the showers we were blessed with last week. We have had a real drought and water reserves had to be re-stocked. January showers have brought February flowers. My Hummingbird feeder hanging on the balcony is getting lots of traffic because other sources of nectar are still few and far between. It’s a thrill to see them flit here and there like magic. They are very territorial, and fiercely defend their treasure trove from interlopers who would like a sip or two of what the fighters are defending as their own.

This morning I watched on zoom as my great granddaughter (ten months old,) enjoyed her evening meal and then had her bath before going off to sleep. We chatted and sang songs with her, my daughter and my granddaughter. We had the good fortune to have the brave, handsome, fiercely intelligent, fortunate, (to be married to my granddaughter,) father, there as well.

 

 I could wax rhapsodic as to the extraordinary qualities my great granddaughter is exhibiting. Suffice it to say that she is breaking new ground in the annals of rapid child development. The evidence of overwhelming intellectual capacity is equaled only by those qualities exhibited by all of my grandchildren. On the other hand, she may be showing even a little bit extra, but I will need a little more study to make sure of that. However I can say she is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen. Of that, there can be no doubt.

 

My loved ones are located some three thousand miles from where my Bride and myself are located. How our lives have been revolutionized by the technical achievements of our time! We tap into them without giving them a second thought. We would not have dreamed of ZOOM even five years ago.

 

I can’t mention technical advances without pointing out that I am soon to celebrate my ninetieth year, and the advances in healthcare we have enjoyed must have something to do with my longevity. All my siblings are alive with me. We don’t appreciate how rapidly our healthcare establishment brought us COVID vaccines. Five years ago it would not have been possible. Millions of lives were saved.

 

Speaking of my longevity, we are planning a birthday party in the spring. I am hoping all my children and siblings will be able to attend. Of course those who retain a relationship to us in our lives will be invited as well. No doubt this historic event of note is worthy of celebration. There are so many others in the neighborhood who can boast ages surpassing mine that its noteworthiness will be lost on the general public, including politicians running for public office. We will have to live with that. I am hoping the food and drink will suffice for entertainment.

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