The unexpected

Some days the totally unexpected happens. Early in the day we were told our place of work had no money for paychecks this week. We groaned and kept on working. Later on I did a pregnancy test for a young lady. Her friend came in with her and looked very familiar. We chatted for a bit and then I discovered the friend had come in over a year ago to talk about getting an abortion. Telling her parents about her pregnancy was too terrifying for her. We spent about two hours together surfacing her options and considering the ramifications of the choice she was about to make. She left and I never saw her again. I figured she had got the abortion. Imagine my surprise when she brought her baby into the office after her friend's appointment. She was beaming and the baby was a joy to all. I love surprise endings.

At last the pic

Okay kids, at last I had time to figure out how to use the new photo program to load a pic...so thanks again, they are still blooming!, and Jo, if you are reading this in Winnipeg, please email me. I and two friends may need to crash at your pad on Saturday night!

Thank you to my kids near and far

Yes, they arrived, quite unexpectedly, flowers I wondered, from who? The card said it all "Mum, Sorry we couldn't be there to celebrate the big 49th with you. You're the best mother ever and we're not just saying that because it's easier on paper. Happy Birthday! Love from your always perfect children who love you alot. " Always perfect children--now that sounded like a johannaism! It was. This is so cool---flowers from all my kids. I really appreciate them, especially knowing how hard it is to come up with cash for gifts while some of you are in school and some are needing money for debt reduction. The flowers match the music room perfectly--pinks and mauves. You don't have to be "always perfect" to be loved and appreciated. Jo asked if dad got me something for valentine's. Yes, a heart shaped box of chocolates last night. We discovered we can't eat any chocolate before bed or else we can't sleep. Yes, I know, we should have known better! Oh, well. Tomorrow, after we are done teaching, we are heading to the city for dinner. It's been a great week so far (even with time in the trauma unit!) Sorry, having trouble uploading the photo tonight. Trust me, they look lovely and the fragrance of the roses and carnations fills the air.

Laughs in emergency

I couldn't believe it. For the past 2 decades I had made the bed without injury. This morning as I quickly tucked in the sheets before writing a paper, I actually managed to jam a long splinter of softwood up my index fingernail. I couldn't pull it out and so I realized, with frustration, I would have to drive to emergency for help. Fortunately the trauma unit was relatively empty. As I waited to see a doctor, 2 clowns entered my room announcing they were the doctor and nurse! Oh, no, I thought. They were dressed in wild hats with squishy red noses. They asked if my husband needed a heart transplant or had he remembered valentine's day. I assured the clowns my husband did not need a heart transplant--they looked bemused and left. Next, a doctor entered, "Are you the real doctor?" I asked. He looked perplexed. I explained concerning the strange vision I had just had. He relaxed and started to freeze my poor finger. I asked if I would be able to write my paper later on; he thought later would be okay--turns out MUCH later! Then he enquired concerning my paper. I explained I had to write a book review on "Conformed to His Image" by Kenneth Boa. The doctor exclaimed, "Oh, God!!" I started laughing, "yes, that is precisely what the book is about!" Following that we had an interesting chat. I never know what conversations will come out of my courses, or where they may happen!