Friends, Flood Photos and a Beautiful Award

I have lots of girls in my circle and decided that they all needed to know that someone cares about them and appreciate the difference they make in my life. If you are here it may be because I tagged you as one of the girls in my circle! If I didn't tag you , no offense intended. Tag! You're it! Consider yourself tagged.

Those who are tagged are listed below in no special order. Whether you are first or last, you have made a difference in my life. Thank you so much! I have been truly blessed.


Just to let you know, I am not tagging anyone but if you decide to participate, please let me know so I can visit and read your list.


Anni at Hootin' Anni's
Grams at Talk to Grams
Deena at Can I Be Pretty in Pink
Denise at Samaritan Women
Denise at Shorty Bear's Place
Lady Di at Kitty Justice
Pea at Pea's Corner
Karen at Karen's Korner
Mama Bear at Bear's in Exile
Jackie at In the Land of the Living Skies
Virginia at Small Reflections
Betty at Country Charm
Ruth at Body Soul and Spirit
Mary at Isabella's Closet
Paula at On a Rainy Night
Lori at Pink Faded Roses
Renie at Renie Burghardt's World
Sharon at Rose of Sharon
Sharon at Sit With Me Awhile
BJ at Sweet Nothings
Deb at The Canvas Grey
Tina at Tina's Odds and Ends
Willow at Willow's Cottage
Katherine at Yellow Rose Arbor

Wanna let your friends know you love them and appreciate the difference they make in your life? Go here to learn how.
It was such a nice day here yesterday (Sunday) that hubby and I decided to go for a drive along the Grand River. We had heard that the river was over its banks in some areas and what we heard was true.

This is the highest I've seen the Grand in a long while, though it isn't as high as its been. The water was not over the road today but we could tell that it had been.

The trees above are right near the road and as we passed through this area we realized that the hiking trails were flooded. If I had stepped over the guardrail, I would have been standing at the very edge of the water.

Here is another photos that shows part of the road. You can tell how close to the road the water is. We saw people in different areas exploring the river bank. A very dangerous activity for this time of year. The police have warned people to stay away. Each year, the Grand claims at least one life in this area and sometimes more.

This is the opposite side of the road from the river. The water is laying in pools in all low-lying areas.

I can remember a time when the Grand River flooded all the homes in the areas anywhere near it. The worst I ever saw was in 1974. I'm glad that precautions have been taken to prevent the Grand from flooding like it did back then. A deserted house was flooded up to the second story windows. Somewhere I have pictures of that flood and I never want to see anything like it again.

My BFF, Hootin' Anni surprised me with a very special award on her Sunday post. It is incredible and I was thrilled to receive it.

Isn't it beautiful? And this is what Anni had to say about presenting it to me:

This is an award I would like to pass onto Mary @ Mary's Writing Nook! It's a new award made by me, and I wanted to pass it on first to Mary...we, in my mind, being of kindred spirits. She and I have so much in common and we find more and more familiarities daily. With this Kindred Spirit Award, I try to convey the spirit of friendship. Her generosity and self worth is beyond compare. She is a giving, loving, wife, mother and grandmother. Thanks for being a good blogging friend!!! I want to pass on to others in time [each an individual 'award' -different], but Mary just had to be the first ever to receive one. I had her in mind when I designed this. The intention behind this is not to pass it on by those who receive it...I want it to have a very special, personal distinction, for each individual. It means a lot to me in doing acts of kindness and giving a little of my time, when I can find time[!] to others who are so willing to give of themselves, unconditionally! May your kindness be everlasting Mary!!

Anni, you loving gesture and kind words have touched my heart in a special way. I am so blessed to have you in my life. My wish for you is for all of your dreams to come true, that good health follow you for many years to come and that you are blessed abundantly. Love you, Girl.

Well, it's time to get out the Toronto Blue Jays clothing for the boys. Yes, they are second in the eastern standings, right below Baltimore. They beat the New York Yankees in their first game of the season and then they beat Boston twice. That is terrific. I do hope they have another three seasons like they had in the '90s. Three back-to-back World Series. Way to go! And Roberto Alamar who played second base at that time was just recognized for his outstanding career. Way to go Roberto. Now I am not a diehard Toronto Blue Jays fan, but do enjoy seeing them win. If they get in the playoffs, I always watch the games. So I'm hoping they do well this season.

In other sports news, Canada won the Gold in curling last week and the Canadian women beat china in hockey. Team Canada has moved on to the qualifying round of the 2008 IIHF World Women’s Championship thanks to an 11-0 win over China. Canada will be joined by Finland and Team USA in the qualifying round. Congratulations to all involved.

With that, I will close for today. I wish everyone well and hope that your week will bring you much joy. ~Blessings, Mary~