Good Morning from Prince Edward Island,
I hope all is well and you have a wee bit of time.
Kettle on? Do you have time for a cuppa, I promise I won't be long.
How are you doing today? Finding the time to breath?
This time of year is an exceptionally busy one with our online store.
It has and is still a wild ride for us at the shop with zero time to think about much other than being efficient and staying kind through the stress. I want to thank all the staff and all those who have come in to help.
I will try tomorrow night to get outside and head to the North Shore area of Prince Edward Island to watch The Geminids. It almost sounds like a sitcom, but they are among the most reliable — and most active — meteor showers of the year. And the stars have aligned to make it even better than usual. Thank you, CBC. More of the story here.
When I see a shooting star zoom through the darkness of night, it reminds me of someone who has left this earth.
The night sky brings with it so many questions. Science might be the leading contender for most of those questions, but science does not have all the answers.
After contemplating the nature of reality, Physicist and Nobel Prize winner Niels Bohr stated, “The fact that religions through the ages have spoken in images, parables, and paradoxes means simply that there are no other ways of grasping the reality to which they refer. But that does not mean that it is not a genuine reality. And splitting this reality into an objective and a subjective side won’t get us very far.”
Covid News for Prince Edward Island gives hope to families hoping to get together for Christmas dinner.
While on the subject of questions and dinner table conversations.
What is a good question to ask at the dinner table to guarantee a great conversation?"
I am curious as to know what you think. Please let me know in the comment section.
When asking others’ questions in a loving and caring manner and genuinely listening to them, one gives dignity and respect to the other. And heaven knows we need more of that around the dinner and decision makers tables of the world.
Tis’ the season…Christmas music gets a refresh by so many artists every year.
This morning, I am listening to: Stephan Moccio - Winter Poems
I have always loved this song, What the World Needs Now.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend with lots of time to relax or a few moments of total peace. (perhaps this is what I am thinking of trying to find for myself, LOL)
I am sending love from Prince Edward Island.
Sincerely,
Bruce & Mille
ps. Your Morning Smile
I asked the surgeon if I could administer my own anaesthetic.
He said, "Sure, knock yourself out!"
Comments
Patty Greenan said:
Hi Bruce , so love getting ur blogs . A lot reminds me ,of my younger days as a child . I so love going to Island Preserve Company ,with great friends for lunch over the summer . Love love ur Raspberry Cream pie . It’s the best and so so yummy . All the best to u and Shirley in 2021 . I so look forward to visiting ur restaurant this summer . Thanks Patty
December 29, 2020
Amanda Spargo said:
Thank you for the e-newsletter Bruce. I just ordered (2) gifts for family and friends from your website. Looking forward to hearing their feedback. Missed our annual trip to visit family on the Island this year. Happy Holidays from Ontario
December 17, 2020
Julie MacKenzie said:
I love your blog Bruce! I look forward to it every week. Keep on…keeping on! Wishing you & yours a very Merry Christmas & a Wonderful 2021! ;)
December 14, 2020
Mary McCaughey said:
Bruce, Thank you to you and your staff for the very timely delivery of two gifts to my brothers in Boston. They were so quickly delivered less than a week. My brothers were so appreciative of the lovely products that reminded them of their native birthplace. Merry Christmas Bruce, Shirley and all your staff
December 14, 2020
Zyna from Winnipeg said:
This is the latest I have ever read the Bruce Blog. It’s after nine on a Sunday evening, but it has been one of those weekends.
However, there is nothing on Masterpiece Theatre tonight, so I came here for my moment of self indulgence . And what a reward it has been. Stephan Moccio was so tranquil. That is such a lovely new offering. I’m going to hassle Santa…AND THEN, tranquility over, but joy in abundance with the ‘Gang from Broadway’! I kept saying ‘Wow! Wow!’ as all those famous faces appeared. What a fabulous production number. You always find such delights for us, Bruce! Thank you for the lovely surprises.
I have so enjoyed the dinner conversation suggestions by the other Blog club members. We will have to save them for our dinners of the future, we will just be the two of us this Christmas…but that’s fine…we are well. We are safe.
I wish that for you all out there – wherever you are. Be well. Be safe.
However, there are three lovely people who have sent call-outs to me over the last weeks – Beth in Australia (…where abouts I wonder) and Susan E-J, and Althea ( a lovely message last week !). I hope Bruce will not mind my saying ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’
to these ladies who sent greeting to me through his blog. See what you have started, Bruce. Your friendship is infectious!
But how special is that bond you have created between us. You are a link to and with many, and this forum is unique.
This week Annie is right. This IS the most uplifting and encouraging blog.
Here’s to you Bruce, and Shirley and that lovely furry friend we have come to adore. I do hope that a peaceful and restful Christmas will soon be yours to enjoy after your final parcel wends its way towards a lucky receiver. Blessings be!…Z
December 14, 2020
Peggy Freeman said:
Hi Bruce! Loved the song again this week. I suppose the first question I would ask at the table would be what things did everyone learn during their stay at home. It’s an exciting time with the vaccinations being prepared to disperse! Hopefully, next year will see the world starting to get out and move around again! Happy Holidays to you and Mille!
Peggy Freeman
December 13, 2020
Diane Lemay Montreal Quebec said:
My first time reading your blog. Thank you. It was very inspirational. When I visited my friend in PEI a couple of years ago, she introduced me to your restaurant. Impressive. When I saw on Facebook that you did mail orders I was really happy as I have been doing all my Christmas shopping on line this year. Your mail order service is excellent. Thank you…..
December 13, 2020
Annie said:
Another question is “Where will be your first destination once all of the travel bans have been lifted?” My answer to my beloved PEI, and of course to the Preserve Company and the Gardens of Hope while I am there. My soul longs for that day.
A third question is, “How has your life’s perspective and priorities changed as a result of enduring this pandemic thus far?” Part of my answer will be that I have learned to prioritize people and experiences, and I will never again take for granted the freedom to truly enjoy company, travel, eat at restaurants, gather with book clubs, meet my friends in coffee shops, host parties, and shop in my favorite stores unmasked, unhindered, and unafraid. Meanwhile, I am grateful for ability to miss those freedoms, because it means I once enjoyed them, and they were marvelous.
Blessings to you and your family during this busy holiday season! Stay safe, stay sane, and stay Merry! :)
December 13, 2020
Marilew West said:
This is the first time I have read your blog, and I have enjoyed it very much. Also wondered about the source of your great quotes! MerryChristmas !
December 13, 2020
Bernadette Belville said:
All your blogs make interesting reading!! Your jokes always make me smile or laugh!! A very Blessed Christmas to you and your family!!
December 13, 2020
Sharon Kalich said:
re conversation around dinner table.
“If you could talk to one person, real or fictional, who would it be? and why?”
SK
December 13, 2020
althea said:
Hallo there, Bruce. Reading today’s Globe and Mail and under the heading “Canada Gives – How to be a Good Doer”, in the section Arts & Pursuits, page P6, Gayle MacDonald mentions your Gardens of Hope Respite Cottage. So this is a shout out to those who do not know about you and Shirley’s absolutely gorgeous and fabulous and generous offering to those who need/undergoing palliative care. Thank you for all you, your family and PEI Preserve do for everyone, far and wide. As always and as usual, love and all blessings….with help from one of Shel Silverstein’s delightful poems: Ricky was “L” but he’s home with the flu, Lizzie, our “O”, had some homework to do, Mitchell, “E” prob’ly got lost on the way, So I’m all of love that could make it today.
December 13, 2020
Kay said:
I ask about a favourite traditions. We will be remembering all the extended family & friends that could not be at our table this year. By remembering and talking about all the fun times we have shared they all will join the table.
December 12, 2020
Wendy Mockett said:
This is such a crazy year! We will be alone for Christmas for the first time in 58 years! If we were having a Christmas dinner the one question I would ask is – what has been the highlight of this horrible year?". And also “what are you praying for in the coming year?”. We do our Gratitude topic at Thanksgiving. Thanks for the blog it helps keep us sane! Blessings from Ontario
December 12, 2020
Cynthia McDougall said:
Thank you Bruce.I have also always loved this song.Bless your heart. May we always reach out, listen and care for one another in this world. Peace,blessings and love.
Cynthia
December 12, 2020
Susan McDonald said:
Good morning from Alberta! Always enjoy and look forward to your blogs. You always post something that gives me “food for thought”! So missed my yearly visit to the Island Preserve Company this past summer and thankfully I still have preserves on hand but so wanted a meal or two with the always delicious food from your restaurant. I want to mention I ordered the Breakfast Gift Box for my folks who live in a Seniors Complex in Summerside for Christmas. They received it this week and were so excited I received a phone call right away! They were so impressed with the variety of goodies in the box! In fact so pleased Mom had to show it off to her neighbour ladies!! 💕 Thankfully they still live independently and a gift box such as this is a real treat! Thank you Bruce and staff! Merry Christmas 🎄 to one and all!
December 12, 2020
Carol Prickett said:
Your happily anticipated weekly blog means all the more, knowing what a busy time of year this is for you. May a joyful surprise come your way today and savor those stars!
December 12, 2020
Helen said:
Thoroughly enjoy your blog . Thank you for sharing .
Dinner time , walking kids home from school , chatting on the phone …..try asking,
“ What is the nicest thing someone said to you this week ?”
December 12, 2020
Pat Cossaboom-Jones said:
At “home” in N.S. each Thanksgiving we do our “Thankfuls”. Each person puts what they are thankful for in a bowl-we take turns reading them. A beautiful exercise. This year that would be a great idea around the Christmas dinner table. No negative chatter just people sharing love & positive thoughts. During this strange, unprecedented year there is still a great deal to be thankful for-I will add you, your blog & your positivity to my list. Thank you Bruce for being there for all of us. Merry Christmas to you, Millie and your family.
December 12, 2020
Jack & Lillian Paul said:
Thank you Bruce for another uplifting blog.
We hope you have a Merry Christmas with your family.
December 12, 2020
Lorel Paquet said:
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this blog. It is inspirational and makes me think. Love the quotes.
I have asked the question, “Did someone do something in the past year that made you rethink your position on a certain topic?”
We are quarantining for the next two weeks so our daughter and her boyfriend can come into the house for Christmas. They are doing the same. Strange times.
Have a wonderful safe Christmas season.
December 12, 2020
David Jones said:
“What is a good question to ask at the dinner table to guarantee a great conversation?”
I heard that the reason why Canadians are such good conversationalists is that the weather is undoubtedly a good conversation starter.
I always like to ask a person who I have just met how they came to live in this area, or if at a party, how they know the host. The key is to get the other person talking – I learn so much more that way.
Well done, Bruce.
David
December 12, 2020
Kathleen Kovalick said:
Really great quotes Bruce! How do you find these?!!
December 12, 2020
Wendell Hennan said:
New Years day dinners with my family, I used to like asking everyone to share the best thing that happened in the past year and sometimes the worst thing as well.
December 12, 2020
Marylou Sinnott said:
As usual I enjoyed reading your blog – hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas
December 12, 2020