Down memory lane

My recent time in New Zealand was spent in the area I went to primary school. So much has changed, older houses being pulled down and flash new ones being built.  All those years ago when I attended the old school, not too many families had large incomes - we were pretty much on the same economic level - mostly low!  A few kids from the wealthy areas did start off at the local school but often were removed as they got to age about 10 and put to a 'private school' where fees were high and special uniforms and even hats were worn. In some cases, gloves were an essential part of the uniform for the girls.

Well it so happens that my Mum's new unit is right behind the old school. I either drove past or walked through it a fair few times in the 6 weeks I was there. I was rather surprised and yet pleased that it really hadn't changed much at all.  Even the old stone wall which curves around one side of the playing area was still there. It was a popular spot for us to play marbles and we would either line up our (very) new plastic 'allies' along the wall - 3 in a row and 3 feet back the kids had to stand to take a shot at them - or 5 in a row and 5 feet back and so on.  Or the boys would draw chalk circles and place a marble in the centre and from the outside ring, others would flick a marble between their thumb and first finger and try to make a strike.

Mum always gave us kids sandwiches for our lunch, invariably filled with squashed bananas.  You know how they brown over after a few hours?  My leather school bag really smelled of bananas most of the time and for many years now I've not been able to eat the blessed things because of the memory of that school bag. How silly is that?

The small building at the gate was always known as the 'murder house' and we kids lived in fear and trembling when our names were called for us to go visit the dental nurse.  I hated sitting in that chair with all its contraptions hanging off the sides but the thing I dreaded more was the old drill which was operated by a pedal on the floor which drove a kind of belt around a couple of little wheels which in turn made the drill whizz around at a fast pace.  I hated the feeling of the warmth of the drill on my tooth enamel and the intense pain when it hit a nerve.  Oh I feel shudders just thinking about it now.  If you were very lucky indeed, as an older pupil you might just be chosen to be the nurse helper for a day - I'm so pleased I never was chosen for that.

I did get to be morning tea monitor though. At age 12 our last year of primary school the girls always felt they were something special to be chosen to make morning tea for the teachers in the staff room.  It was the only two storied part of the school and we monitors were always looked up to by the other kids. Not quite sure why when I think of it now, but perhaps it was because we got to miss class for 15 minutes or so before the recess bell went.

At recess we would file out of class and get to take a 1/2 pint bottle of milk out of the crate which would have been left at the door.  Another thing I really didn't like - having been delivered quite early in the morning,  the milk by this time was quite warm with a thick layer of cream which had risen to the top of the bottle.  When I look back on it now, we were fairly fortunate to have it provided for us.

A walk down memory lane is a good thing to do and many times when I think back on those times I wonder how today's kids would fare, given the same kind of conditions we had growing up.  So many gadgets and gidgets available to us today make living so much easier but I'm grateful for memories of those times - and grateful for that simple way of life.

I'd better bring myself back to the present!

Blessings!



Boat sheds still survive  not far from where I lived as a child 60 years ago - Orakei, Auckland New Zealand



Dawn, Sunrise and Twilight

Earlier this year DH was the highest bidder at a fund raising fun auction. He won a weekend away at a wonderful place on Sydney's eastern coast called Collaroy. The booking was made and we looked forward for months to our 'weekend away' however little did we know that it would be cut short by my flying out to Auckland on the Sunday afternoon.

However it worked out well and we had a beautifully relaxing time.  Our 1st story room had a balcony which overlooked the ocean - an amazing spot to view the dawn, sunrise and twilight.  We were blessed!



Dawn



Sunrise



Twilight



WIP and Halloween

Have been battling some king of flu bug for the past week and feeling rather under the weather. Sore throat, aches and pains etc etc. Went to the doctor Friday just to get it checked out - came home with a script for an antibiotic in case it turned into some kind of bacterial infection. Feeling still poorly, and it being such a beautiful day in Sydney town yesterday I sat outdoors and took my current cross stitch piece.  I had taken it with me to NZ hoping while mum was in hospital I'd have 'plenty' of time to get some done - little did I know I'd be well occupied with other activities!

Anyway, had taken another photo of the piece prior to continuing with it yesterday so I've included it here to show where I'm up to.

Today has dawned warmer than normal but we are heading for rain by midday and this will continue for the rest of the week.  Whoever the long range forecaster was who told us a couple of months ago that we'd have rain right until Christmas is proving to be correct.  Normally at this time of the year we have quite dry weather but not at present.

October 31 today - doubt if we'll be having any little trick or treating visitors tonight.  There has been a certain reluctance on the part of Ozzie's to get too involved in this kind of activity however there is certainly a huge amount of stuff in the shops egging people on to buy, decorate, and go all out for Halloween this year. 

The two littlest grandies had a school Halloween disco and bbq last Friday night.  Apparently it was a good night for the kids but all eldest E7 got from it was a good head cold!  Boo-ey!

For all of you who do celebrate Halloween - have an exciting one!

Blessings!



Baby butcher bird appears

In the past I've kind of dreaded late September, into October as the butcher birds who've nested in the big tree at the front of our place have 'terrorised' me by swooping very close to my head whenever I've taken a wander outside the door.  Being away out from home for the last 6 weeks has meant I've missed that dreaded swooping business that seems to last for ages - at least until the babies 'fly the coop'!

Yesterday I was repotting some hanging baskets just outside the front door of our house and heard a twittering, tweeting commotion quite close.  Our neighbour's garage backs on to our boundary line and has a flat roof - Mama (or Papa) butcher bird had brought baby on to the flat surface and they were perched right on the edge, baby getting his fill of tidbit.  Parent flew off again for a refill and baby remained sitting very close to the edge.   I popped indoors to get my camera and shot one of it but there was a twig in the way.  I continued with my repotting expecting parent to be back soon but when I looked up again, baby had flown - right on to a branch of a gum tree which grows quite close.  I think it might be time for baby to be out of the nest and on it's own as it flew off quite soon after that. I was surprised to see it flying very proficiently. 

I love this time of the year - so many lovely birds in our back yard including the family of Noisy Miners who come daily now for their feed of bread.  Since I've been away though, my two favourite little green parrots have disappeared so I'll be keeping watch for them in case they arrive back. They could be nesting and staying close to 'home'.  A couple of rainbow lorikeets must have stuck around as they appear each morning quite early waiting for their handout.

No doubt the amount of rain that Sydney has had over these past few months has meant that lots of flowering natives have an abundance of blooms at present and the local birds just love it.  In that respect, I'm pleased they are not needing to call in to my back door for a top up.  It is much nicer that they are feeding as nature intended.

Blessings!

Where do I start?

Where do I start?  So much to tell and for you to catch up on.

Up early on 13th of September after arriving in Auckland the night before. Mum had to be at the hospital by 7am for admission and surgery. For four days or so she doesn't remember anything much at all but she did have massive surgery for a 91 year old.  The surgeon felt sure the tumour had been contained and that all was removed.

Recovery was slow and the first few days for her, a blur. For me just getting back and forth to the hospital was about all I could cope with, as well as answering the huge number of phone calls from family and friends.

Out of the blue a phone call revealed there was a vacant 'pensioner' unit available which we had the opportunity to move Mum to.  My brother had come down with a dreadful bout of the flu and wasn't able to visit so after phone consultations and discussions, it was decided to 'take the bull by the horns' and accept the move for her.  I was given 5 days to do what I would ordinarily have said was impossible.  It's amazing what one person can do when called upon - added strength and stamina is given and boy did I need all of it over that time.  As soon as the keys to the new place were in my hands it was 'all on.'  I began packing from cupboards and drawers, sorting and 'chucking out' as I went. Over 20 years worth of gathering and stashing had to be gone through.  Organised a local Salvation Army shop to pick up what furniture was not going to fit and shopped for some new which would.  There were times when I wondered if I would get through but God was gracious and I felt his presence throughout. 

The move was finally completed with a furniture removalist coming and taking all that was too heavy for me and a final clean up and 'skip' bin delivered to take away all the rubbish and the move was done.  It was all finished in time for Mum's discharge from hospital and although it was so sad she wasn't able to go back to her old place, (she couldn't have managed the 16 internal stairs), she was grateful that she didn't have to physically do the moving herself.

A visit to the oncologist a few days after her discharge helped her decide not to go ahead with any further treatment and the family felt good about that.  Already the surgery and rehabilitation had taken a toll on her and her short term memory was not good.

Three more weeks I stayed with her, helping her find things where I'd put them and familiarising herself in her new abode.  The last week I stayed with rellies at night and went back during the day. This gave Mum a chance to be by herself and realise she was able to do things OK by herself. During this time she and her memory have improved and although physically a lot slower, I am hoping in time she will be able to once again enjoy the activities she has always been involved in.

Of course she was sad to see me return home but I was ready to leave and return to my family. My poor DH had 6 weeks by himself, still working full time made it difficult for him to prepare and cook meals but he did it and was pleased that I was able to go and spend the time with Mum. God works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform - I've proved that so many times in the past few weeks and it has helped confirm my faith over and over again.

Thank you Lord for your mercies!

I'm Back

I simply cannot believe I've been away 6 weeks. Anyway I'm back home and although making this short, intend to get back here real soon.

Blessings Friends!

Last Chance

I'll soon be winging my way to my birth country and although my computer will be my traveling companion, I'm not sure I'll get too many opportunities to write up here. 

I'll try to check in whenever I can but not sure how often that will be - I'll be relying on Wi Fi at a Macca's I think.

If I get the chance, I'll be reporting on Mum's progress and would really appreciate your prayers for both her and me, and my family who will be left at home.

Thanks so much friends.

Blessings!

Fathers Day Downunder

The last two days have been wet, cold and miserable so it was a delight to see a brilliant sun shining when we awoke this morning.  However a keen wind had sprung up overnight and continued to buffet everyone and everything throughout the day, only easing late this afternoon.  Feeling so sad for the people of Christchurch New Zealand after a dreadful earthquake struck their city and surrounds.  They are saying it is the first earthquake in NZ with a richter scale reading higher than the 1932 quake which dessimated the cities of Hastings and Napier in Hawkes Bay.  My mum actually experienced that earthquake as a child at school and it still terrifies her thinking about it.  She is still very afraid to go into elevators or escalators and at 91 years of age still prefers to climb stairs rather than zoom up or down in either of those 'travel' aids.

Is it Father's Day in all parts of the world today?  I can never remember.  I think maybe Mother's Day might be the same all over but not FD.

Our FD was great.  A lovely church service this morning where a couple of young women trainee officers (Salvation Army terminology for minister) officiated and did a brilliant job.  They are going to be an asset wherever their first appointment out of College may be.  Home and quickly out again to join our Sydney family for lunch at a local country club.

Beautiful meal and great company.  DH was spoiled by our kids and grandkids - books and gift vouchers.  We had a quiet tea this evening contemplating what a lovely day it had been.

I've begun a new cross stitch pattern.  It's a chart I've had for a long time and I noticed it was produced in 1995 so it's not new by any means. It's very different in design to my usual pieces so I'll show you the first few stitches - some of you might be able to guess what the design is.

I'm flying to New Zealand to be with my mum when she undergoes her surgery soon.  I'm nervous for her - she has been told  by her doctor that it is not usual for people as old as her to be operated on however they consider her physical health to be good so feel there is every reason to go ahead.  DH will be looked after well by the family and is very proficient at cooking meals and doing all the other household chores that need to be done.

I'm hoping I will get a chance to look in on all  my blogger friends but I probably won't get the opportunity to actually put anything on this page for a while.

Meantime, blessings to you all!

Feel Kinda 'Under'

No I don't mean 'down under' cos that's where I live - just kinda sad and disappointed in some ways that my 91yr old mum has to go through hysterectomy surgery in a couple weeks time.  I will be traveling to Auckland the day before her surgery to be with her and drive her to the hospital. I guess its just life isn't it but I have a feeling this might have consequences for her down the track a bit.  Will have to wait and see the results of the surgery and biopsy first though so I'd better not get too much ahead of myself.

As for life this past week - it's been busy. Saturday E18 grand-daughter hosted a 1 yr old party for her puppy. This is the first time I've heard of this kind of thing but then that's probably not unusual as we don't have a dog but it turned out really well and all the little doggie guests behaved really well. Then in the evening looked after the two littlest grandsons while their mum and dad went to a school fund-raiser Trivia night. It was a dress up affair - something beginning with 'B'.  They went as batman and batwoman. Looked great too!

About all for now - need something to pull me out of the doldrums - perhaps bible study in the morning will do it. I pray so!

Blessings!

Texas the birthday girl

Pepsi

Watching: Kim's Picks- Drawing Heaven

Saw this on facebook this morning - its incredible - have a  look (and thanks Kat for sharing it)

Blessings!


TVKim- Watching: Kim's Picks- Drawing Heaven

Inspiration

In Christ alone my hope is found


He is my light, my strength, my song


This Cornerstone, this solid ground


Firm through the fiercest drought and storm


What heights of love, what depths of peace


When fears are stilled, when strivings cease


My Comforter, my All in All


Here in the love of Christ I stand




In Christ alone, who took on flesh


Fullness of God in helpless babe


This gift of love and righteousness


Scorned by the ones He came to save


‘Til on that cross as Jesus died


The wrath of God was satisfied


For every sin on Him was laid


Here in the death of Christ I live



There in the ground His body lay


Light of the world by darkness slain


Then bursting forth in glorious Day


Up from the grave He rose again


And as He stands in victory


Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me


For I am His and He is mine


Bought with the precious blood of Christ




No guilt in life, no fear in death


This is the power of Christ in me


From life’s first cry to final breath


Jesus commands my destiny


No power of hell, no scheme of man


Can ever pluck me from His hand


‘til He returns or calls me home


Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand


Stuart Townend


(to see and hear this clip go here )

Family

Have had disturbing news in the past couple of days.  My 91 year old Mum has been diagnosed with cancer of the uterus and is having a hysterectomy soon.  I will need to go to be with her so have booked my flight to NZ but no return flight at this time.  I feel sad that a lady of her age needs to go through this trauma but she feels slightly relieved that at least something will be done. She has been in a lot of pain recently and I guess for her, the surgery at least will be a release from that.

Because she lives in a 2 storey townhouse, she is not allowed to go straight home after her release from the hospital but will need to go to some kind of rehabilitation facility.  It will be good to be there with her while she goes through this.

We never know just what life will throw at us do we?  I find it difficult to understand how so many people can live without a strong faith in God - sometimes that's about all we can cling to.  His daily presence assures us that we are loved and cared for by him, and the Holy Spirit's guidance will take us through these tough times with a hope for the future. I pray He will keep me strong in the future and for wisdom and patience in the days that lie ahead.

Blessings!

Scrapbooking

Just a few pages from a scrapbook I've recently finished for DH's youngest brother and new wife.

AMY - Grand-daughter's baptism

Things to think about

If you never felt pain, then how would you know that I am a Healer?


If you never had to pray, How would you know that I am a Deliverer?

If you never had a trial, How could you call yourself an overcomer?


If you never felt sadness, How would you know that I am a Comforter?

If you never made a mistake, How would you know that I am a forgiver?

If you knew all, How would you know that I will answer your questions?


If you never were in trouble, How would you know that I will come to your rescue

If you never were broken, Then how would you know that I can make you whole?

If you never had a problem,How would you know that I can solve them?

If you never had any suffering, Then how would you know what I went through?

If you never went through the fire, Then how would you become pure?

If I gave you all things, How would you appreciate them?

If I never corrected you, How would you know that I love you?

If you had all power, Then how would you learn to depend on me?

If your life was perfect, Then what would you need me for?

I love you,
Jesus

THE WEEK THAT WAS

A busy week - daughter's birthday, chimney swept, naval oranges ready to pick, rainbow on the road to Canberra, ducks visited on a rainy day, August 1 - Wattle Day, camellia's blooming, first Daphne flower burst open, beautiful sunrise this morning  ... God's blessings!

KEN DUNCAN PHOTOGRAPHER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Its been a busy week capped off by an overnight trip to Canberra - our National Capital. A drive of around 3 hours from home, we left on Saturday morning getting there around 11am. A visit to the Australian War Memorial Museum was our first stop where we browsed for a couple of hours. It wasn't the first time we'd visited but as on previous occasions, I have personally found it all a little bit depressing.  Having said that though, the displays are beautifully put together, the diorama's, audio visual displays and whole setup are quite amazingly done.  One wing of the museum was under renovation so we were only able to visit the WW1 sections.  Some of the goods for sale in the shop though were rather quirky and some quite beautiful so picked up A13's birthday present to post off sea mail in the next week or so. Hope he likes it when it arrives.

After lunch at the museum cafe we found our way by map to the Best Western we had booked into.  Took advantage of their cable TV (or at least the sport channel is what interested DH until he fell asleep) and generally just 'veged out' until it was time to get ready and go to the function we had come for. 

It was a simply fantastic 'do' - beautiful meal interspersed with Ken Duncan's visuals of some of his wonderful photography, with his telling us of the stories behind the shots.  He is  certainly a very funny man and kept us both amused and enthralled. Leading up to the weekend, entries to a photographic competition had been received and the winners announced.  What a talented lot of photographers!  Even kids as young as 6 had entered their categories and some very nice work amongst them. 

Sunday morning we were back at the same venue for a church service where  Ken and a wonderful young soprano, Rachel Cunningham, were the guests.  Ken blew us away again with his stories behind his photos from both Australia and around the world.

He told us how he was woken from sleep one night by God - the message was  “If America removes the words In God We Trust from their currency, I will abandon them as a nation.” It seemed to Ken as though God was asking him to publish a book of photographs from every state in the United States of America, showing the wonders of God's creation there and and how much God had blessed that country.  He had little idea of how he could achieve this and knew from his savings he would probably have enough to travel to about 5 US states however it would cost thousands of dollars to pull off the whole thing, both travel and publication.  So strong was his calling from God for this project that he and his wife eventually mortgaged their home and were able to raise enough for him to undertake and achieve it.  Finally he was able to present the copy to the American president the day before the tragic 'September 11'.  (see full story at http://hubpages.com/hub/In-God-We-Trust-A-Panoramic-View-by-Ken-Duncan )

At the end of the service Ken made an altar call and a number of people took the walk of their lives and committed themselves to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

An hour's drive from Canberra and we were at the home of very dear friends in Goulburn where we had lunch and a couple of hours to catch up with each other's news.  Just before 3pm the dark clouds began to gather outside and we knew if we didn't make a move to the car, we'd get a drenching. So as the large drops began we made a dash for it and got on our way home.  It was good to be home again but after such a full and enjoyable weekend I'm still reflecting on all I saw and heard.  So many blessings!

Have a good week my friends!
Bless you!

EXCITING NEWS FOR A11

Just saw a post on Facebook from Grand-daughter A11 - she's just home from 5 days at Kids Outdoor Zone PINK (for girls) and has announced that while away she not only caught a catfish but has accepted Christ into her heart.  Just jumping for joy - thankyou Jesus!

The Birthday Boy

The birthday was all he'd hoped for - lots of presents, food, playtime and family around him. What more could a kid ask for?

Well only the 'big' 5 party today at "Lollipops" kids indoor playground with his special friends.

As a side issue - I'm having problems with inserting photos - can anyone tell me how they can be placed in specific order? I used to be able to move them by just clicking and holding then moving them but something recently seems to have changed and I can't do that any longer. I'm finding it most frustrating.

Blessings!

Sunset Over the Blue Mountains

Yesterday was a brilliantly sunny and very windy day - a great day for getting the washing dry on the clothes line outside. Although the sun shone until late afternoon, there was little warmth in it - unless you happened to be having a nap on the bed where it was streaming in through the window - which L4 (soon to be 5) was.

On my way home from child-minding duty I thought it would be a great opportunity to get some photos of sunset. Here down-under they say if the wind is coming from the north-west it's a good time to take photos as it blows the smoggy filth away out to sea. So armed with camera and about 4.45pm I drove to a spot quite close to where I live to await the disappearing of the sun behind the Blue Mountains situated directly to our west. These photos are the result. I was disappointed to see so much cloud which prevented a clear picture of the sunset. Still some of the formations were quite interesting and the light certainly showed why this low mountain range is named. When taking the time to view this daily miracle, I cannot help but still be amazed at the wonders of God's creation.