MEANINGFUL VERSES from Sunday

Meaningful verses I have brought away with me from attending worship at my church this morning.

Psalm 77 verses 11 to 15a

Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people.

Philippians 1 verses 3 to 6

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Sydney Harbour lighthouse

BIRTHDAY BOY

Family birthdays can be such fun. Last week our littlest grandbaby turned 4. Such a big boy now!

We helped celebrate with a BBQ lunch yestereday. A beautifully sunny day with a temperature of 20 degrees. Perfect for winter bbq-ing!

What did he want to decorate his cake? Spiderman or Lightning McQueen! Well Grandma chose the easiest one.

Pure concentration to blow out candles. Wonder what his special wish was?





Wonder why little boys love the creepy crawlies? This remote snake was not given by his grandparents. LOL

JUST FELT LIKE KNITTING

The last two months of almost inactivity for me kind of 'got to me' a couple of weeks ago and I felt like doing a bit of knitting. I thought that even though I was sitting so much, I could get my hands busy. I don't really mind too much if I don't get enough squares to finish a rug this winter - that's the beauty of knitting squares isn't it? Doesn't matter how long it takes, eventually if you keep it up, there should be enough to put a rug together. I'm thinking I'll need at least 35 to make a smallish size but I'd prefer to do one a bit bigger than the last one I finished a couple of years ago. So... I've finished 12 with another more than half way done. The squares measure 10 inches each way (15 cms) and are so very easy to make.

With double knitting yarn (I think in the US that's Sports) and my needles are 4mm. Start with 1 stitch. Next row increase into that stitch then knit those 2 stitches. Turn. Increase into first stitch and knit across the row. Keep increasing one stitch at the beginning of each row until you have 60 stitches on your needle.

then

Knit 1, slip 1, k1 and pass slip stitch over (psso). Continue knitting till the end of the row. Turn and repeat until you are down to 1 stitch again. Cast off.

See? Easy Peasy as the kids say (or used to).

I can't say I'll post a pic of the finished rug yet as I'm not sure if the warm weather will turn up before I've got enough squares done (I don't knit much in the summer). But here's hoping that at least by the end of next winter I'll be able to show the finished product.

Have a blessed day!

WHALE WATCHING

Is it really a week since I updated this journal? Come to think of it - it was a rather busy week. You'll remember I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that it was DH's birthday. To celebrate we took a trip last Sunday afternoon to (hopefully) see some whales out of Sydney harbour. Because it was a Sunday afternoon, we thought it was probably going to be fairly tight getting into the city after our church service so instead of taking the train as we had originally planned, we drove to the Opera House parking station which is only about 10 minutes walk from where the boat was leaving from. We did get there earlier than we thought but it was rather nice being able to sit on a seat in the sun and watch the ferries and other small craft coming and going.

We boarded the vessel with quite a lot of other people and there was a kind of aura of anticipation amongst us all - would we see any whales or not ?? (The company operating the vessel offers another free trip if no whales are sighted on the day) There were about 100 people on board.

The weather was brilliant inside the harbour - sunny but quite cool with a bit of a breeze. It took about 10 minutes to get to the 'heads' and once there, the boat began rocking and rolling big time! Outside the entrance to the harbour the swell must have been at least 3 metres and everybody was hanging on tightly to avoid falling.

The boat was in touch by radio with 'spotters' - some on the cliffs above the ocean and others on boats already viewing these mammals. We were all so excited by the news that there was quite a large pod about 1 1/2 miles ahead. As we made for the spot, I went up on to the top deck (3 levels in all) with camera in hand, woollen beanie and thick jacket - oh was it cold and windy. I could feel the wind trying to jerk my beanie off my head, despite it being pulled down well over my ears. With camera in one hand and hanging on to the rail with the other we came upon our first sight of these magnificent creatures. There were about 11 in the group and they were swimming north at about 5 miles an hour. The boat kept up with them cruising slowly parallel to them. Because there were so many in the group, there always seemed to be two or three up on the surface. Apparently they dive deep and are down for around 7 minutes before coming to the surface for 4 or 5 'blows' from their blowhole - then off they dive down again.

We are so fortunate here on the east coast of Australia to have the annual breeding migration in our winter, from south to north and again during our summer when the whales return to the south with their babies. They pass our coastline so closely which gives us the opportunity of viewing them frequently. They are seen from the shore quite often but of course seeing them so closely from a boat gives the opportunity to just how large they are.

What an awesome and exhilarating experience to see these wonderful hump back whales so close in their own natural environment. The boats by law must stay at least 100 metres away from the whales but on one occasion when we had moved to another spot, two of these massive animals surfaced just about 25 metres away from the boat - on the side that I was on. Wow - they are so huge. They were simply about their own business and apparently had decided to change course. They just kept swimming away from us - but oh what a moment!

All in all, this was a wonderful afternoon, despite the cold wind and the 'bumpy' ride, we were just so wonderfully blessed to see God's creatures so close. Isn't He wonderful?

Have a blessed day!

CALLIGRAPHY CLASS THAT WASN'T!

I feel so silly! I got all my bits and pieces ready and left in good time to catch the bus. Although the bus was running behind time at our destination but I got to where the class was being held OK just a few minutes late. On being shown the room being used, I was surprised to find nobody there. I thought they were probably running late like me! LOL

After waiting for nearly 30 minutes I was convinced I had gone on the wrong day. The receptionist seemed to agree with me and felt sure their previous class had been held last week - it's held fortnightly.

So I got back to the bus station and waited 20 minutes for the bus home. Got inside the house and went straight to the class schedule to find out what I'd done wrong. Well - it was the right day - just the wrong time. I had gone for a 1pm start and it actually started at 2pm. I just wish I'd checked that schedule this morning before I left for the bus!

Unfortunately I won't be able to get to the next class as I've a post operative appointment with the Professor that day and as of yesterday, another appointment on the same day to have a DVT scan (deep vein thombosis) - to check for any post operative problems in my leg veins.

So now I'll have to wait another month to go to the class I was so looking forward to today. I guess these things happen - and in fact as I'd taken my knitting with me I got quite a lot of rows done while sitting on the bus. It's not anything terribly exciting but I'll get a photo of what I'm doing when I get a few more squares finished towards a blanket I've decided to make. I made one about 10 years ago and DH loves to snuggle under it if he gets up to watch any sport on the TV during the night. It's still OK but won't hurt to have a 'back up'!

Have a blessed day!

A GOOD 'FIRST DAY OUT'

Last Tuesday was my first 'big day out' since my surgery. I wasn't at all sure how I would cope with all the walking I knew I was planning to do but guess I just 'stepped out in faith'.

I have been interested in joining a U3A class or two for a couple of years now but have never found any within a reasonable driving distance that had vacancies in the areas I was interested in. It seems that many people who join a particular class, never leave but just continue on year after year - which means there are rarely any vacancies within that group. Recently I saw a small advertisement in one of our local papers for classes in an area which I could access by bus, so I phoned and got a class list sent out to me. Wonder of wonders, I have found two classes I am interested in which have a vacancy. One is family history and genealogy and the other calligraphy. The first class I could attend was on Tuesday (genealogy). I made up my mind I would go and see whether I felt comfortable joining that group.

Meanwhile on Monday a dear friend who is visiting Sydney from NZ phoned me to ask if I could meet her and her DH for lunch on Tuesday. Since both her suggestion and the class were in the same area, we made arrangements to meet.

I walked from home to the bus stop and got to Parramatta with time to walk to the restaurant. Had a delicious lunch of veal schnitzel and mushrooms with the added bonus of great company!

Walked to where the class was being held and found it quite interesting. I'll go back one more time before I decide if it's 'for me'. When it was over I walked back to the bus station and after being dropped at my nearest stop, walked home again. I was totally pooped from the most walking I'd done in weeks!

Today I'm attending the other class I've chosen - calligraphy. Again I'll do a 'try out' session and see if it's what I want. I'll be catching the bus again into the same area but won't have the extra walking to and from the restaurant that I had on Tuesday! However, I do feel I'm improving each day and am hoping it won't be too much longer that I'm altogether 'back to normal' - if one ever knows what normal really is.

Have a blessed day!

This morning I was forced into some sense of ‘normalcy’ when at 7.50am the doorbell rang and two little grandsons E5 and L3 burst in the door. “Ganma” – the chatter began – verbal bedlam reigned with them trying to get a word in edgeways above their mum and me trying to hold some semblance of an understandable conversation.

They were so excited to be ‘back’ at Granma’s house. Today and tomorrow I will only need to drop them off to school and preschool and later on, pick them up and have them here for a couple of hours until Mum arrives to take them home. I think I should be able to cope with that reasonably well. Next week will see me back into the ‘normal’ Wednesday and Friday regime and will have L3 with me for one whole day and off to preschool on the other.

It hardly seems like 5 weeks I’ve been on my ‘surgical break’. I think I’m ready to step back into normal life again. Just need to take things a little slower than I usual and am willing to let DH continue doing the vacuuming and pegging the washing on the line.

Which reminds me – it’s my DH’s birthday today. He barely remembered when I gave him his card – but then I know how he feels. As the years creep by, my birthday’s seem less relevant than once they were and we tend to want to forget our ages as the numbers increase.

He told me tonight though that the guys at work helped him celebrate with a great chocolate cake for morning tea - nice to be remembered that way isn't it?

I've been playing "Farm Town" on Facebook for the last few days and yes, it is addictive, but I think I shall probably get tired of it before long. It's very much like all those FB games in many ways. I've enjoyed Scavenger Hunt too but probably Scrabble is my favourite although I know it's not available in the USA or Canada. Shame!

Well I'm off to bed to try to get a good nights rest before another day with the grandies here.

Have a blessed day!

SUNSHINE, SUNSHINE!

It is so lovely to see the sun and feel its heat - though weak - it has brightened my day. This morning dawned grey and cloudy again but the weather forecasters were correct when they said it would clear to a sunny afternoon. What a difference the sun makes to the way we feel - especially in the winter time.

I've been out and about today, visited the library for more books and DVD's, went to the big hardware store and picked up fertilizer for my broccoli and some long handled gardening tools and since I've been back home even felt like doing some sweeping to move the leaves which had gathered at the entrance to my front door over the past few weeks. It was so good to even feel like doing some of these things again.

As I sit here typing, it's late afternoon and the sun is fading now quickly but it has been so bright it reminded me of a very old Sunday School chorus we used to sing in New Zealand. I don't remember if the words are even correct and I wouldn't know who wrote it but it's been running through my head - and sometimes its hard to get rid of those kind of tunes that have a habit of staying -

Sunshine, Sunshine, shining along our pathway,

Guiding, guiding, just where the Saviour would go,

Shining, shining, when all the way seems gloomy,

Jesus lights our way up to Glory, with Sunshine Rays.

Does anyone remember that?

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL

My first time back in church this morning since my surgery. It was good to meet up with friends again and be in the presence of the Lord in corporate worship.

Thank you Lord for your healing, blessings and mercies. I believe I'm on the road to recovery - and heaven!

Have a blessed Sunday!

DAYS ARE BRIGHTER

These are the cheekiest little birds ever. They usually come flying over to the house from the trees at the back of our house and perch themselves on the shade sail directly above the kitchen window each morning as soon as they hear human sounds - the kettle beginning to heat, water running from the sink or even just us moving back and forth being busy with breakfast or coffee.

How could you be anything but cheerful when they poke their brightly coloured heads over the side of the sail and chirp and chitter making sure we know they are wanting their scraps of bread?

I managed to catch one a few days ago with my camera beginning to fly off the sail - it was unfortunate that I wasn't able to capture the wings totally but I did get a glimpse of the brilliant colours - no wonder they are called Rainbow Lorikeets. God's wonderful handiwork!

Blessings!

LAST ROSE OF THE SEASON

Woke up this morning to bright sunshine and a cool temperature. There had been a shower of rain overnight which put a sprinkle of 'dewiness' on this beautiful rose - the last of our season.

It's called Yvonne Kenny - named after a famous Australian opera singer.



Just had to show you what a gorgeous bloom this one is and what a blessing that it is just outside my kitchen window where I can look at it each time I need to do something at the kitchen bench.

I'm off on my first 'experimental' walk and will let you know how it goes.

IT'S GETTING BETTER

Three good nights makes the world of difference! Instead of crawling out of bed in the morning because I couldn't bear being there any longer, I've gotten out feeling at last I'm beginning to feel as though I can join the human race again. There have been times during the past few weeks when sleep has not been possible, mainly because of leg and back pain. All I could do was talk to the Lord and tell Him how I felt - of course that didn't immediately take the pain away - but I was comforted by the fact of knowing that He knew all about my pain and I did have faith enough to believe that it would get better - and it is.

Yesterday DH spent a busy day doing chores, washing and pegging it on the clothesline, making a big saucepan full of beautiful vegetable soup, mowing the lawns and as well drove me to the library to both return and pick up more reading material and DVD's. While out we picked up a few groceries at the supermarket and then headed for home. Probably we were out for a couple of hours - and I was totally pooped when we arrived home. But it was so good to get away from the house for even that short time.

Tomorrow I plan to start walking a little way. I think doing a circuit of our street will be enough to begin - normally I expect it would only take me about 4 minutes to do it however I am thinking I'll be lucky to make it in about 6 or 7 tomorrow. The weather should hold out - we've had a few days of beautiful sunshine after a couple of frosty starts and we are expecting more rain later in the week - so I think tomorrow I must make the effort and try to do a little each day. I am feeling stronger - and I know I'm gaining some of the weight I lost - so that is enough incentive for me to give it a try.

Have a blessed Sunday!

COMING BACK SLOWLY

I can hardly believe its 3 1/2 weeks since my surgery. It has been slow and quite painful so far but I kinda knew it would be. I've been taking it easy, resting lots, reading, watching awful TV shows, doing crossword puzzles, watching a few DVD's and generally trying to take things slowly. It is frustrating though when there are things I'd like to get on with.

I get sudden urges to get out my scrapbooking stuff and do a couple of pages, but then I lose enthusiasm. Same with cross stitching or knitting. Anyway, I'm not stressing about it. I guess all too soon I'll be back in the thick of all the activities I'm normally involved in.

I do have to be careful though, how long I sit for. I haven't found a chair yet that I am really comfortable in - so I'm just doing it in short bursts - then go back and lie down on the bed again for a little while.

Well - that's my life just for now - I am grateful for a really supportive DH and family who have given me heaps of phone calls, flowers, cards, and attention and generally looked after my every need.

And thanks everyone for your cheery notes, thoughts and emails. They are certainly appreciated.

I'LL BE OFF THE AIR FOR A WHILE

While I'm not necessarily anxious to announce to the world, I wanted to let those of you who read my journal occasionally know, that I'll be having surgery to my lower spine next week. It's a kind of 'repeat performance' if you like, having similar 5 1/2 years ago - this time it's just in a different part of my spine. I have a very good surgeon and I have faith in my God that He will be with me and guide the minds and hands of all those who have responsibility for my surgery. It means though that apart from being in hospital for about 6 days, I'll not be tapping away at my computer for a bit after that. The rehabilitation is lengthy and last time I found it rather slow but sitting for long periods of time is a 'no-no' until my back gets a bit stronger.

This I will miss - I spend lots of time doing all sorts of bits and pieces - from family history, to corresponding and keeping up with my friends spread all around the world, and all sorts of other activities that internet surfing leads one to.

But I will be back! Just don't know how long it will take.

Meantime, take care my friend, and blessings!

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!