THE BIG DAY AT LAST - SUCCESSFUL 90th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

One week ago today I woke to torrential rain – what a disappointment! We (DH and I) had so much to do on this morning of the ‘birthday bash!’ Dashing through the supermarket, gathering all the items on the shopping list and hoping we hadn’t forgotten anything. Then off to get balloons and back again to deliver to the venue, all we needed for the preparations to begin.

The ‘birthday girl’ wanted nothing more than to be involved – in fact would have been more than happy to be ‘director of traffic’ – however knowing that would have been more hindrance than help on this occasion, DIL kindly waited with her and tried to keep her occupied.

Preparations went well, birthday cake in pride of place, caterers arrived with oodles of food, kitchen helpers, chair movers, data projection operators, all checked out their duties and at last it was time to pick up my now, 90 year old Mum.

Guests arrived – over 50 of them – and Mum was in her element – gracious and entertaining, chatting, and introducing. It was a wonderful afternoon, an ice breaker quiz, a slide show of photographs from childhood to present and topped off by the blowing of candles and cutting of cake.
Weeks of telephone and email communication tying up loose ends from another country had paid off and all of us were extremely pleased with the way the day had turned out. Even though the rain persisted for most of the day, by the time we were finished tidying up and leaving the venue as we’d found it, the sun began peeking through the clouds as it set over the horizon.

Sunday dawned bright with the promise of a beautiful day. Dinner with 16 family members topped off a great weekend of birthday celebration.

Our flight home was uneventful and as always we were pleased to be back in our own beds, but secure in the fact that we have left Mum with well over 70 cards and greetings from so many family and friends, so many happy memories of her very eventful 90th birthday.

DO I OR DON'T I?

The so called Swine Flu is a worrying world event. So is world travel just at present with the possibility of passing on or picking up infection from other travellers - especially in hugely populated places like international airports.
With this in mind - and as DH and I will be using two of these facilities tomorrow - I'm wondering if I should purchase face masks to use while traveling through the massive people moving places. I understand governments around the world are ordering millions of these, but should they be used as a precaution now anyway?

Talk of world pandemics brings back memories of that almost forgotten illness polio and more recently, HIV/AIDS. Modern medicine and science have come such a long way in being able to help prevent such massive human disasters but can the experts work fast enough in this instance? There is little we as individuals can do except take precautions - plenty of Vitamin C, Garlic and Echinacea. Certainly not a cure, but helpful in building up the body's immune system.

But in any event, although our travel is not essential, its being taken to celebrate Mum's 90th birthday on Saturday. In these days of long-lived humans, not such an achievement some would say, however when looking at an individuals long life and all that has happened in those years, we feel it is something to be proud of and we plan to make a weekend of lovely memories for her to remember, for however many birthdays she is given in the future.

Will be back next week hopefully with a pic or two of the Nonagerian and the family celebrating this great milestone.

Have a good weekend all and blessings!

A TIMELY REMINDER

A friend sent me this in an email yesterday and I thought I would like to share it. I have no idea of its origin - apologies to the author.

When I was in my younger days, I weighed a few pounds less,
I needn't hold my tummy in to wear a belted dress.
But now that I am older, I've set my body free;
There's comfort of elastic Where once my waist would be.
Inventor of those high-heeled shoes my feet have not forgiven;
I have to wear a nine now, But used to wear a seven.

And how about those blinkin' tights - they're sized by weight, you see,
So how come when I put them on the crotch is at my knee?
I need to wear these glasses as the print's been getting smaller;
And it wasn't very long ago I know that I was taller.
Though my hair has turned to grey and my skin no longer fits,
On the inside, I'm the same old me, just the outside's changed a bit.

But, on a positive note... I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life.'
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.

People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

THE MONTH OF MAY...

Follow up from specialist visit was both beneficial and disappointing. Crux of the matter is that without surgery I will continue to get pain down my right leg and which has started on occasions down the left side.

He mentioned to me that as an alternative treatment, one of the drugs given for epilepsy has been proving effective against nerve pain however opposing that, my GP feels that for most people they are not all that beneficial.

I’ve opted for the surgery – to be next month and will be out of action for a few weeks. I’m hoping it won’t be too long though as babysitting duties will be on hold for a while.

Having been through spinal surgery 5 ½ years ago I know what I’m ‘in for’ and am not looking forward to the early days of recovery. By nature I tend to want to rush things and ‘getting back to normal’ I know will be one of the things I’ll be impatient about.

But for now I have a special celebration to focus on. My mother has her 90th birthday on 2nd May and the family from this side of the ditch are traveling to be with her and host an afternoon tea for about 50 of her family and friends. The cake has been ordered and we have caterers coming to provide the food. Hope it all turns out OK and she is well enough to enjoy the party. We have prepared a power point presentation of photographs from her life from early childhood till the present time and she will no doubt ‘rise to the occasion’ for the cutting of the cake. A special family dinner is planned for the following night before we return home.

The month of May is going to be quite a busy one!

BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE

Happened to be up a little earlier than usual just before our clocks were put forward recently and caught a lovely sunrise. I was amazed at how quickly the sky changed, in fact by the time I had grabbed my camera it was almost gone.

AUTUMN - SUCH A LOVELY TIME OF YEAR

Autumn in Sydney is such a lovely time of the year. The heat of summer has now past and more gentle temperatures are here for a while before the cold of winter sets in. In this part of the world Easter is often the time we consider summer is over but our warmer days have persisted this year but evening and morning temperatures have certainly taken a dive down. Well, not that cold yet but it won't be long before the firewood will be brought in to warm the house.

Easter weekend was a blessing in many ways this year. Having spent the weekend before away in New Zealand for a reunion, I missed the beautiful wedding of our nephew but many of his rellies were still here in Sydney so it was great to catch up with some of them. Dinner out at a Greek restaurant on Thursday, and brother-in-law and his wife here for dinner Friday were lovely treats and a good time to catch up with each others news. On Saturday there was an unexpected phone call from another brother-in-law who had driven to Sydney for a couple of days so had the opportunity for him and his lady friend to come for a BBQ tea.

Easter Sunday was a celebration of the Risen Christ in our morning church service. How wonderful to know we serve the Risen Lord!

Last week E5 and L3 were here for two full days as it's school holidays here. This week will be the same before they return to school and preschool next week. Busy active days they were and I was pretty well pooped at the end of them but it was good to share with them - helping with jigsaw puzzles, going to the park, playdough, lego, draughts, drawing, Reader Rabbit - only a few of the things we got up to! And I guess we'll do it all again this week. But before that I'm off out today to see if I can get fabric to cover my rocker. It's only 6 years old but in constant use - if not by me, then by the grandies. Since today is a little cooler with showers predicted it seems a good day to make a start on it.

Better go before I lose the enthusiasm!

A FABULOUS 50TH REUNION

For months I've been anticipating the reunion and now it's over! What a wonderful day it was though. In April 1959 I began my nursing training in Auckland New Zealand. Last weekend 57 of those girls who were able to make it back to Auckland celebrated those 50 years which have intervened with photos, renewing friendships, demonstrations, speakers, and of course delicious food and a wonderful cake made by one of the girls.

Hard to believe that all those years ago we were innocent and naive young 17 year olds stepping out into the big brave world of nursing. What wonderful things have happened in the world of medicine and nursing since then and to think I have lived to see most of it is just amazing. And yet the one thing that has not changed from the time of Florence Nightingale till the present day, is the bedside care nurses and doctors give patients which for most is the motivation for entering this brave profession. Having been on the 'receiving end' a few times in those 50 years I've had a taste of what its like and even with todays 'graduates' who learn most of their nursing techniques after they begin their practical experience in hospital wards, care for the sick remains much the same.

Our next reunion is in 5 years time and already we are talking and looking forward to it. If it's as successful as the 50th, then we're in for a great time!

A FRUIT OR A VEGETABLE?

I was eager to use the first load of compost late in 2008 and decided to spread some onto the rose garden to build it up a bit. The ground had sunken a little so this raised the level slightly. Fertilizer specially for roses topped with chopped Lucerne followed – all supposed to do the roses the world of good and give them a great boost for the autumn season. Well it has and the blooms are just beautiful at present but along with the oomph given to the roses, some other plants have grown along the fence – obviously the compost had not heated up enough and killed the seeds in the process. I let them grow a little to see what they were and have left the tomato which is now about 2 feet high with some nice blossom. I’ve never grown tomatoes this late before so will see if we get any fruit from it. I suspect the weather may turn too cold before any mature.

The other plant that has grown is a vine – at first I thought it might be pumpkin but the flowers were too small. I’ve let it go purposely although it’s now winding it’s way around the rose bed and up the fence so that I could see what it would produce. This morning I found three ‘fruits’ (or maybe that’s vegetables) hanging. The interesting thing is that I suspect they may be rockmelon (cantaloupe) but only one of them is round – the shape I would expect. The other two are very oval and quite long. I’m putting in the photos I took as I’m rather intrigued as to what they will ultimately turn out to be – that is if the weather doesn’t take a turn for the worst – then I suspect there won’t be enough heat to mature whatever they are. (Bear in mind that although they look large in the photo, they are in reality only about 2 inches long).

MY WISH FOR ME

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.” ~Unknown

Today I'm wishing this for myself. I'm really struggling with pain down my right leg which is caused by bulging discs in my spine. I've been waiting a couple of months for an appointment to see a specialist about it and it wasn't to have been until 17th April but I got a phone call this morning from his office to say there had been a cancellation for next Monday - would I like to take it? Would I ever??

So although I've been feeling miserable, I'm encouraged and grateful that I may get some ideas on how to manage the problem sooner than I expected. God is good and answers prayer!

TWO FINISHED STITCHINGS - FRAMED

Grandchildren are Special is a Dimensions design which I bought many years ago as a kit and stitched periodically, but never finished completely as there was always the possibility of another little one coming into the family. Once I was reasonably sure that 6 would be the limit, I finished it off . That was 2 years or so ago and have only just had it framed.




Heirloom Homecoming Sampler, design by Thea Dueck, is my first attempt at multiple stitches in a piece as well as hardanger. I was very nervous about cutting the threads for that but it did seem to be OK once I got the 'hang' of it. I was rather sad I wasn't able to purchase the little heart buttons and the mother of pearl rice beads to finish it off but despite trying a number of places, wasn't able to locate them so just went ahead and had it framed without. For people who don't know what the actual pattern is, they probably won't be missed.

THE WEEK THAT WAS - OR IS

Sometimes I feel as though I haven’t really achieved very much in a week but tonight I was going over in my head the things I’ve done this week.

Sunday worship began the week followed by our monthly Bible study at our friend’s home. Nine or ten of us meet and take something towards lunch and spend a pleasant afternoon in each other’s company.

Monday I took my two finished cross stitch pieces to be framed and met with my D-I-L and grand-daughter E16 for lunch. It was good just sitting and chatting and catching up with news. E16 has begun a Business Certificate course this year at a technical college, instead of going back to school and she seems to be enjoying it so far. She has 16 hours each week of lectures which allows her to work her part time job for 3 days.

Tuesdays are regularly my ‘other’ Bible study day but this week it was a ‘study break’. At present we are studying 2 Timothy so while I had the morning ‘off’ I did a bit of preparation for next weeks lesson. I also went and bought a new pair of jeans for myself. I’ve attempted to do this a few times in the past few weeks but after trying on my regular size and finding it too small, got rather disgusted with myself and didn’t go any further. Any way I did find a nice pair made from a stretch material which seemed to fit nicely so I went ahead and got them.

Wednesday E5 and L3 arrived bright and early as usual and after dropping E5 off to school, we came home and L3 ‘helped’ me trim some shrubs in the front garden. Me with the hedge clippers and he with an old pair of scissors and my gardening gloves on. “Ganma” he said, I need your pink ‘glubs’ – so cute! The rest of the day was spent amusing him, and he amusing me at times by blowing bubbles which he got tired of fairly quickly then proceeded to ‘cut’ the grass with the bubble ‘blower’ which has a tiny fan run by battery. He has a great imagination when it comes to gardening activities!

Today I returned my books to the library and chose a few more along with some DVD’s. I hadn’t really thought of borrowing DVD’s before until recently when I discovered there was quite a good selection. I brought home “Mrs Miniver”, and “Come In Spinner” an Australian mini-series, the story of 3 young women during WW2 who worked in the beauty salon of a large city hotel, following their families, their loves and their lives.

The books I borrowed today? A Barbara Delinsky, two by Anna Jacobs and an author I’ve not read before whose name escapes me – think it was Katie Flynn. And a DVD “Against the Wind” another Australian mini-series which I’ve never heard of before.

This afternoon I shortened the length of the new jeans and took the waistband off a skirt which has become too tight. Do you get the feeling that I’ve gained weight recently?

My week so far has been quite busy when I actually analyze what I’ve done and tomorrow will be another day of activity. E5 and L3 are here again early in the morning but tomorrow will just be ‘dropping off and picking up’ for them both. Laundry is on my ‘to do’ list and probably a trip to the supermarket for a few groceries and I hope to finish off the sewing I started today. Hmm… should think about some housework too while I’m on the job – but that usually seems to come in last on my list!

A LITTLE PRAYER

Every single evening as I'm lying here in bed,

This tiny little prayer keeps running through my head.

God bless all my family, wherever they may be

Keep them warm and safe from harm, for they're so close to me.

And God, there is one more thing I wish that you could do

Hope You don't mind me asking, please bless my computer too.

I know that it's unusual to bless a motherboard

But listen just a second while I explain it to you Lord.

You see, that little metal box holds more than odds and ends;

Inside those small compartments, rest so many of my friends.

I know so much about them by the kindness that they give

And this little scrap of metal takes me in to where they live.

By faith is how I know them - much the same as You,

We share in what life brings us and from that our friendships grew.

Please take an extra minute from Your duties up above

To bless those in my address book that's filled with so much love.

Wherever else this prayer may reach, to each and every friend,

Bless each email in-box, and each person who hits 'send'.

When You update Your heavenly list, on Your own great CD-Rom,

Bless everyone who says this prayer, sent up to GOD.com

author unknown

PICTURES THAT TELL A STORY

I think these shots of youngest grandson L3 tell the whole story – this was the first time he discovered the absolute delight in ‘licking the bowl clean’ after we had made finished helping me make cup cakes.

CHIT CHAT

It's 1.47am - oh yes, I've been to bed but wasn't able to sleep so got up to make a cuppa. As I sit here the rain is simply 'hosing' down outside. Our weather has been in the range of extremes recently to say the least. From 40C a couple of weeks ago, the last 10 days or so have been blessedly cool - even down to 18 - 19C a few days with rain, rain, rain. The pool is almost full to overflowing and the ground is absolutely soggy - but hey! whose complaining? Not me - this is great compared to those who are flooded out to our north - and have been burned out to our south. I'm grateful that I don't have to water the garden and that everything is beginning to look so beautifully green again.

Have been home from the wedding over 2 weeks now but I don't seem to be able to settle somehow. Had morning tea last week with son, d-i-l and daughter which was really great and the first time we've been able to catch up like that. Now that daughter's eldest is at school and youngest at preschool, maybe we can do that on a more regular basis. I have finished off making a baby cardigan for a friend (thought I'd better move myself since the baby is now 5 months old!)

I've finished all the stitching on Heirloom Homecoming Sampler but haven't been able to buy the tiny pearl rice beads to finish it completely. I think I'm just going to have to leave them off. I really want to get it framed. There's only been a couple of times that I've ever had my stitching framed from scratch as I like to stretch it myself but this time I haven't been able to find any foam board either so I may just have to resort to taking it and getting it done.

Well I think I'll try my bed again and see if I can get some shut-eye. I've got the boys coming tomorrow so need to have my wits about me!

HOME AGAIN!

Have I really been home 4 days? The week away seems so far back now. Primarily the trip was to attend the wedding of my niece but we had a great time catching up with rellies and friends we hadn't seen for a long time, some in fact for more than 20 years. The weather was blissfully cooler than Sydney but extremely humid however it was certainly more comfortable than here at present. We are still going through very extreme heatwave conditions which saps the energy levels woefully.

The wedding was stunning. The bride looked truly beautiful (what bride doesn't) and everything seemed to go without a hitch. A wonderful venue too and a truly memorable day for all.

My grandsons E5 and L3 have begun new phases in their little lives. One commenced 'big' school and the other is off to preschool for two days a week. Once the weather settles and it becomes more bearable, then I'll truly feel life is kind of back to normal again. Roll on that cool change early next week!

JUST CATCHING UP

Since I was here last, I’ve had a birthday. A fairly ‘non’ event – but we did go out and have a nice meal at a favourite restaurant not far from home. I’ve started walking in the mornings again – my toe is not quite healed yet and still a little tender, but I’m now able to get my shoe on and the coolness of the early morning is just so refreshing. I’m not at my best during the hot weather. I tend to retain a lot of water in my body and it really saps the energy out of me. I feel so much better when it’s cooler.

These awful high temperatures are persisting. The weather office insist that it’s just ‘normal’ for this time of the year in Sydney but we keep hearing radio and TV reports saying the temps are ‘so many above normal’ for this time of the year. I know it doesn’t help but I tend to check the outdoors thermometer frequently to see if it’s cooled down a little. Last night was Sydney’s hottest night in 12 years!

Anyway, DH and I are ‘escaping’ from it for a few days and we’ll be on an early flight in the morning ‘over the ditch’ to our homeland. We’re staying a week and will attend my niece’s wedding while there. We’re looking forward to that.

Hopefully by the time we arrive back home the temperatures might be more bearable - for me anyway!

A MOOCHING KIND OF DAY

After the searing heat of the past few days, today has been blessedly much cooler. The temperature did get to about 32C early in the afternoon but later a really strong wind has sprung up which has cooled everything down quickly. What bliss! I just don't handle these hot days very well and far prefer the cooler weather. A friend emailed me that it was -4C in upper New York State - now I'm not saying I want it to be that cold - but the fresh breeze coming in the back door now as I sit typing this, is just wonderful. I'm hoping for a better night's sleep tonight!

I have been busy though, despite the heat. Yesterday I completed an 8" x 8" scrapbook album I've made for my niece to record photos of her new baby and a visit to the shopping centre was successful in finding some little gifts to send to A9, our grand-daughter who lives in Texas and celebrates her birthday in a few weeks time.

Tomorrow I'm helping a friend assemble her wedding invites so there always seems to be something to keep me busy. Even when the heat outside is simply awful, I am grateful that I have somewhere to shelter me from the elements and I am reminded that my God cares for me and supplies my needs - I am so blessed.

THE BOYS ARE BACK

Friday morning saw grandsons L3 and E5 at the door at 7.45am. Mum was off to work for a half day and the next 5 or so hours stretched out before me. The temperature was a cool 20C – so vastly different from the few days before so until it warmed up a bit, activities would be inside the house.

Breakfast over, the games began. After game cube’s Mario for E5 and pairing card games for L3, finished jigsaws, Reader Rabbit and other puzzles and a game of ‘soccer’ outside, I was rather glad to see mum arrive back to take them home. Here’s a couple of pics of one of the morning’s activities.

THE ADVENTURES OF A STICK INSECT

After 3 days of temperatures of 38C and 40C (100F and 104F), mid afternoon a storm broke – a fairly typical summer Sydney storm – high wind, heavy rain, thunder and lightning. As I looked out the window my eye caught a movement on the sun umbrella which I’d taken down to avoid it being knocked over. Somehow, Mr (or Ms) Stick Insect had been blown against it and it was clinging for its life to the fabric of the umbrella. I was fascinated by the way it was battling against the elements and seemed determined to hang on to it’s anchor.

It seemed to be trying to move but neither up nor down had much effect as it was battered by the wind. Eventually it managed to turn itself upside down and with a few tentative steps made its way across the umbrella – which is when I decided to be a rescuer. It was well outside it’s usual environment and although not totally familiar with it’s way of life, I didn’t want to see it land in the pool and be drowned if it was flicked off by a heavy gust.

The rain still pouring down, I donned my gardening glove (I was fully clothed!) and went outside. Grabbing it gently I placed it in a little ficus shrub growing in a pot at the back door. It quickly sought the shelter of the inside twigs – where it was at least safe from the belting wind and rain. I made a quick trip inside for my camera and took a shot – can you find it amongst the leaves? (due to some technical difficulties the pics were not able to be uploaded)

Half an hour later, the storm was gone and so was the Stick Insect. They are quite friendly creatures and I believe some of the species can be kept as pets. They eat tiny insects such as aphids and are considered desirable in the garden. I hope it has found a good place to hide amongst the many trees we have around our yard – and continues to devour the pesky aphids from my roses!

ONE WEEK LATER

Another trip to my doctor this morning has resulted in my toe nail being removed. I’m thankful it’s been done, as a precaution against infection I’m taking an antibiotic and now the real healing can begin. With a wedding to attend in 3 weeks time, hopefully an inconspicuous covering can be used instead of the big thick bandage I have now, as open sandals will be the footwear I’ll need to use. Thankfully it is our summer season so the worry about cold feet won’t enter into the equasion. Pretty pink polish won’t be used either – maybe a prettily flower covered adhesive bandage could be found or even one with a bit of bling! I’ve seen them for kids with all kinds of designs on them – but never with ‘adult’ wearers in mind. But now I’m really getting carried away. Maybe by then just a plain old flesh coloured bandage will suffice.