Berries to Trust

Today I wondered where the blueberries I was eating came from. They have been on produce shelves all year. Since it's summer I thought I would try to buy locally grown. The package said product of Canada, packaged by Lally Farms Inc. It's in Abbostsford B.C. The distributor is SunntRidge Farm, Florida, USA. So why am I pondering about this? My question is one of curiosity. I know that nations, even localities have their own agricultural laws, What laws apply to produce crossing various borders and companies along the way? There is an organization known as Global G.A.P. <http://www.globalgap.org/cms/> that growers are to voluntarily allow for audits of their growth methods. In theory that seems good but when maximum profit is added into the equation I wonder. What we can't see we are asked to trust. Lally Farms recently received an award from B.C. hydro for applying hydro's method of maximum energy savings in the farm's cooling areas. Is Lally Farm applying the cost saving to create safer berries? My eyes are counting on it. Blueberries help in the slowing of macular degeneration. Lutein is the reason Kleinste Motte. 

Ipod Touch 'n Granny

Yesterday I reset the ipod touch my daughter donated to me. She switched to a blackberry phone, transferred her data and she no longer needed it. I thought I would not find any use for it but was curious to see what it can do.  I spent almost an entire day trying to figure it out and loading some of my data onto it. The first big hurdle was that both my mac and the ipod needed updates. That took time. Then I had to configure the wifi so it would respond to my itunes account. I was able to place my gmail as my choice for my email account. Finally I did a sync with the itunes I had purchased. Then I had to figure out how to play my tunes. With the headset on over my ears  listening to Yanni, I wondered if I could read my blog on this ipod. I set the browser to google and typed in the title, ChezKleinsteMotte. The first picture shows my result. Then I wondered how, with my limited vision, the type would be. Too tiny for me to read but I soon discovered the setting was adjustable.
Who knew that a granny type like me could derive so much satisfaction from figuring out these things? After all it's all about today's geek world. And of course the photos you see were taken with my Rebel Kleinste Motte.

HEART or B12

Until one experiences a change, one is not likely to fully understand it. Having taught little ones, raised and guided older ones and having studied Buddy with the greatest intensity, I believe we must each pass through similar processes to truly get an understanding that reaches deep into our core. I've heard my heart beating for years but wonder why it is only now that I admire it's rhythm. I've struggled with a very irregular beat  lately and the doctor just could not find a typical cause. Pills didn't give much relief. Maybe I didn't have a strong enough faith in them? The irony lies in the fact that my daughter decided to try some B12 supplements because she had trouble sleeping. She encouraged me to try them. I did. After a week of feeling very tired I now feel much better and so does my heart. Who would have thought such a little thing could impact so greatly? How did the doctor miss this little connection? A simple blood test for B12 is available. Seems I just didn't fall into the category of one who might be in the low range. Experience is a valuable tool but it needs to be applied at the right moment and fine tuning it is very tricky. Life's like that.

Ahh... experience! One year of blogging has led to some amazing new understanding of the my need for developing the skill to share ideas at a completely different level and with a totally different audience than I could have imagined. It can send me into fits of laughter and tears of woe at speeds that instil awe in me. I an able to feel child like happiness and the deepest woe all wrapped up in the words and pictures posted by friends who are miles away yet seem almost across from my front door. Neighbours. Friendly ones!!

What is it that grabs me so? Almost daily I want to read posts. Why? My experience suggests it may be my way of being an elder. It is the elders that spend their days sharing their experiences. It has been that way for centuries so it must be part of the process of moving on. I wonder if B12 could give Charlie a bit of extra time? His breathing is too laboured. And as I type this Leonard Cohen's "Halleluia" plays in the background and my eyes moisten as I recall the cartoon Charlie posted. And I get goose bumps and shivers. Oh Martha! Wendy too! Her David recently moved on and she is very saddened. 

Brenda is my first follower and mentor who encourages me and now there are many others. One year has taken me down a path that has brought much to my spirit. I an humbled by the path that you all journey on and are willing to share. What could be more fulfilling than that trying to grasp those experiences and reaching into ones own core? As Kleinste Motte I thank you all for the privilege.

Monday Rain

It's pouring at the moment.
Tomorrow will mark my first year of blogging and it rained that day! While I love the refreshed air after a rainfall, I recognize that this year the rain has created some extreme disasters globally. It is very sad to see water wash away the homes and loved ones. And there are the ugly mud slides and avalanches. It must be horrific. It makes me feel so sad and helpless as I sit here typing away.  I'm not in danger at this time but isn't that the way we think about our daily life? Tomorrow will follow as usual. But nay it may not. Each moment alive is a gift. Every breath is a gift. Water is gift. The raindrops pitter on the windowpane as I reach for a cold glass of water and give thanks. I pray for those who are faced with suffering. I pray that they feel there's hope. I hope Kleinste Motte.

Algonquins Return

Our piece of art is home. How grateful we are to have some of our treasures back with us. We're impressed with the fire restoration services. A good number of the things that meant a lot to us came back in amazing condition. Best of all, there was no trace of the smell of smoke. The science of cleaning and restoring is so advanced. 
Once everything was delivered over a period of two days, we arranged the things to make our current place feel more like our home. Rooms that had remained bare are now furnished. The echos of emptiness have vanished and coziness is back Kleinste Motte.