Happy New You!

Well you know how it is, its a time we make ridiculous promises about how we are going make the year marvelous..our lives richer and then even if we do very little about it we still feel good for trying!

Actually I'm as guilty as the next person! Each year though, rather than make superficial minor changes in my life I swear to have a rather expansive overhaul..on just about everything. I wake on the 1st feeling ever so much better, because in my mind if you've thought about it, a lot, then hell you're half way there!

I've spent so much time thinking during the past 3-4 months while Ive been pretty much incapacitated. Thinking about life and some of my choices in the past, thinking about what I REALLY do want to gain from life in the future..from my life. Ive spent so much time thinking of the past, the good/great times Ive had of life back in South Africa and the way things were when I was an integral part of my children's lives, yes I know I still am important to them, I do..I am, but its in a very different way, one that is positive and right and just as it should be, something which has happened quite spontaneously on their part as they have grown but which has taken some adjustment in my own head. Being sick hasn't been fun, but it has made me slow down and look inward, outward..and forward!

With these thoughts uppermost in my mind I have managed to have a major clean out of some old boxes, to sort out what worth keeping and what is not, to clean out my art room and the guest room, and as I went through some old memento's I found a small box with a selection of photos when my children were small, some drawings from my grand children and my daughter's wedding invitation. Tucked inside was a letter to me from my dad written when Jonathan was born. Its a simply written one page letter, and as there were some complications with my son's breathing, my dad was obviously concerned and seemed not to understand the full implications of the problem other that they were serious and caused me distress. Without the usual platitudes he just tried to allay my fears and comfort using his favourite phrase 'this too shall pass..' I could not have have read this at a better time and it moved me profoundly. I felt as though he had leaned over and put his hand on my shoulder and consoled me just as he used to. My dad was always my problem solver, he made my troubles go away..in a good positive way. Who would ever have known that 31yrs later the words would have had such a huge effect on me, as I cried I read the letter over and over and honestly those words could have been written yesterday. I felt peaceful and above all, I felt hopeful.

No one can define our lives, we do that ourselves, through all the times of immeasurable pain or times of even fleeting joy and happiness we choose how to react or respond and without any doubt in my mind I know we get back what we give out to the world and to others.

Nothing is more certain than than the knowledge that in 2011 there will be hurt, there will be illness, pain and death..but my friends there will be love and healing, happiness and times of togetherness too and through it all no matter what our belief system may be..all will be well, all of it.

I wish you and yours, courage, strength and love for this coming year, it may not be easy..but it will be yours!

x

The Windmill

Bright white sunlight glistens through paper cut out clouds

bouncing off the slow churning steel

as the wind pulls the life force from the earth

one precious memory at a time...

Merry Christmas!

I am amazed each year at how different each Christmas has become for me, both physically and emotionally and as I woke this morning I got to thinking how many very different Christmases I've had, all over the world.

Our Christmas holidays back home were always spent with children and then eventually grandchildren, and even when I worked in the UAE the children came through to spend Christmas with me, or I went home even if it was just for a week, such chaotic busy full times. Empty nest issues hits us hard over the holidays usually when we least expect it, we can ignore the feelings and push on regardless, but it catches up with us at some minuscule point. This year I find myself yearning for home, longing for a sense of family.. not morose though, just a little wistful.

Being so far apart I worry our family Christmas traditions will fade and no one will remember the things we used to do together on Christmas eve.. Christmas day, and that no matter how hard we try things change and so much stuff will be forgotten. I love that they still do puzzles each Christmas though, and wait til after church to open presents..perhaps they will make their own traditions and even if one or two are sustained its enough.

No matter which way you look at it, there are very few folk who relish spending this season alone, As tough as I think I am and as much as I enjoy my own company, its really difficult being without those you love all year round, and over the holiday season.

I have spoken to both my children today, it was good to hear them happy and content and exactly where they want to be. My daughter has her sister in law and hubby and little girl there for Christmas and the other Granny arrives tomorrow. They were wrapping last minute gifts and making trifle for lunch tomorrow, laughing through the mess. Nic and Jenn were out shopping at 'Wally's World' and even though the shops were crazy busy, they sounded peaceful and happy, just going with the flow! They will be having a quiet day together tomorrow.

My mum is here, and we made some Christmas mince pies today, an old family tradition, and even though I'm still off work still far from well, I felt it was the least I could do. How things have changed for her, and yet she never ever complains. She took her first bite and said 'Now it feels like Christmas' and that made the effort (and the sweats) all worthwhile!

Merry Christmas everyone, be kind to one another!

The Message remains the same...

Its Raining its Pouring

We don't see rain too often here in Bakersfield! After 2 days of solid heavy downpours with wide reports of flooding in many areas, (the car park at the mall has been renamed Lake Walmart) the city of Bakersfield has been declared a local emergency area, and yet in-spite of it all many were out and about enjoying the rain anyway they could.

I took the dogs down to the park, which is completely flooded, and let Senga have her way with the water! There were people boogie boarding, body boarding playing football..it was fun to watch! As it was raining heavily I never took my camera so all the pics are from the newspaper.

http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x1680088423/Flood-advisory-issued-in-eastern-Kern-as-rain-keeps-coming

Both dogs had a bath, much to their horror, and I had a hot bath myself some home made soup and curled up in front of the fire. My sitting room is so cozy and cheerful during winter, my absolute favourite spot in the house.

I've had a few grim days health wise and so it felt good to get out and breathe in fresh clean air and get a bit of exercise. I had a CAT scan on Thursday which has shown a lesion in my lung, one which wasn't there on the first XRay/MRI, so tomorrow may see a change in medication I guess. I have been told that some folk need to remain on their meds and have symptoms for up to a year, it seems I may be one of those. Its difficult to describe fatigue and muscle pain, its also difficult to say I'm not feeling up to doing something when I don't look at all ill. Anyhow my mum arrives tomorrow and rather than me look after her, the tables have turned somewhat!

Where are they now?

they have just arrived in Acapulco

Maggie

and their freezer is FULL!!

The Sing Off

I hope everyone is watching this awesome production of raw vocal talent. The second season of The Sing Off ends next week, the acapella group who wins receives a recording contract and $100,000.

Makes Idol seem quite boring actually....

these are some of my faves:

Finale on Monday at 8pm PST..

Tis the season to be generous

I received a heartfelt plea for this evening..from a good friend. Thanks for the link Ieneke!

In his own words Will (Astra) rarely if ever writes about friends, family or colleagues, this week is different. A very close friend of his is in dire straits and may find herself (and her child) homeless by the end of the month. Read his blog, link to her page and read her blogs too..they are incredible!

And then just do the right thing...

http://savemyfriendincalifornia.blogspot.com/

Wordless Wednesday

Kindle.. My Fire

I am now the proud owner of a Kindle, and I'm not sure I should feel this thrilled...I thought I would miss the smell of the pages as they turn, the feel of books in my hands, and while I do miss the casual-ness with which I handle books, not disrespect, but rather a familiarity I think, I now grasp my Kindle gingerly afraid to drop it, my children humprh and say they think I treat it with a LOT more care than I ever did them. Which is obviously not entirely true I swear.

Sure I will never be able to use it in the bath...or on my floaty in the pool (I have a history with electronics and water you see) Yet still I revel in this new found, slim lined piece of equipment that gives me access to books, newspapers and periodical from around the globe at the touch of a finger and a fraction of the cost, reduces my carbon footprint and will save me an enormous amount of packing space when I move.

Now I'm searching for a little case to hold this little darling, a leather bound one which opens like a real book and will protect the screen..am thinking it shall be red...

Picture Perfect ~ Cabin Fever

Welcome to

Picture Perfect and our weekly photo challenge!

The Rules of Play are HERE

on our home page.

this weeks theme is

CABIN FEVER

all pictures this week must be taken indoors

the picture is unaltered and proof that poor housekeeping makes for gorgeous photography

Two months ago I was diagnosed with Coccidioidomycosis or Valley Fever as its commonly known, which is endemic to this area..and while I do think I'm better than I was 4 or 5 weeks ago I'm still struggling with severe muscle camps, joint pains, chest pains occasional fevers and sweats...and extreme exhaustion. I'm on huge doses of medications which make me nauseous and have affected my sense of taste. I'm getting better though, see the Dr regularly and have bloods drawn every two weeks.

I am on sick leave for another month, rest (and meds) appear to be the only cure, and as my energy levels are so ridiculously low I'm more or less house bound most days with a few really good days in between.

My theme this week reflects my mood... and my inability to even do the dusting! However housework can wait I feel, I have TIVO (much more than a DVR) and my Kindle, two faithful pups who never leave my side and phone-calls from my beloved! Its given me an enormous time for reflection too and confirmed the realization that health, love and family are of paramount importance, and how often we take all three as a given!

Have a great week everyone!

Kids, Dog, Water...

..me on the side with camera = muddy disaster

..moments before the rambunctious Buff, (a Staffy pup) bowled me over knocking me and my Canon into the mud! Needless to say no-one got the prize winning picture!!

whew

One more thing..

Well at last have seen the Dr for the last time (until I get back) and have been cleared for take off..whew. The fevers and sweats have lessened, med side effects are much much easier to handle...such a relief! Thank you all for your words of support and encouragement, what an awesome little community we have here!!

Bags are packed just a few last minute things to catch up with today, why are there always so many last minute things to do? Wash dogs, get groceries...book cab....squish suitcase(s) shut!!

Kennedy and I have started another site for our travels, here is a link if you want to follow us around Africa, am truly not sure how much time we will have for visiting other sites, but we wanted one place to put our pics and journal our holiday, it was the easist way we could think of sharing our little adventure with you all.

A Quick Update

Time seems to be flashing by now at an alarming rate. I saw the Dr today had more labs done, my titres from last week have gone up a bit, so my meds have been doubled, he assured me this was a common occurrence, and he feels confident that I will be well enough to travel. Final visit with him next week before we leave. He will have a full report typed and copies of my labs to take with me, so I should be good to go! Last year Swine Flu..this year Valley Fever.. life with me is soo exciting!!!

I'm still having the fevers but I don't think they are as high as before, I honestly feel as though my thermostat has been broken somehow and this warmth just seems to course through me uncontrollably, after which I'm engulfed in a huge a sweat then that passes and I'm left feeling more exhausted than Ive felt in a long while. Its a cycle which repeats itself again and again..but with a little more time between episodes now. The side effects of the meds are definitely decreasing which is good.

I have eventually succumbed to sick leave, my Dr booked me off for 5 weeks (no arguments), so no more work until I get back from holiday. Its a relief, this past week was wayy to hard on my body and not the smartest thing Ive ever done!

We have had friends of my moms from South Africa here for the past few days, they have been delightful! He was a pilot for the Parks Board back home, and has the most fabulous stories to tell, he is a born storyteller too, and I have almost wanted to get my pencil and notebook out as he speaks ..he is that interesting and my brain is mush right now. She was a librarian and is as quiet as he is talkative, she just allows him his space and while she must of heard these stories hundreds of times she never interrupts or becomes impatient, they are both retired now and have travelled all over the world. More stories from him to come thats for sure!

So next weeks plan is: a bit more packing, one or two last minute bills to pay, get international drivers licence , groceries to last mum the month, meds for a month...and rest..lots of it!

Studies in Blue

The soft autumn light filters through blue glass on my coffee table......

the colour spills and pools

leaving fleeting

puddles of Blue

~ these pictures have not been altered in any way ~

Picture Perfect ~ Obscured

Welcome to

Picture Perfect

this weeks theme is

OBSCURED

partially visible

Valley Fever Update! week 3

aka Diary of a Mad Sick Woman

Had another appointment with my GP today, I will see him every week until I leave on my holiday...he went over all my blood tests thoroughly and repeated the titre tests, but he says they may go up a little before they start coming down. I don't feel any better, but I don't feel any worse, which is a good thing.

Trying to cope with some nasty side effects to the huge doses of Diflucan, but that will settle in a day or two. My head is woozy and my appetite is not good, feel a bit nauseous at times. Still having these bouts of fever which rock my world!

Am having a sinus MRI on Monday, as the primary source of infection isn't clear. Still sweating more than is humanly decent, but my headaches are so much better!Lethargy takes on new proportions arghhh!! I have been given a letter for my gym, no exercise for three months, and short shifts at work, I really shouldn't be working at all I guess but I don't want to lose any more holiday time!!

Today, drinking loads of water, resting and watching the Chileans rise from the depths..wow wonderful stuff!!

Happy Birthday Maggie!!

It happens so suddenly.

One minute you're at junior school (I remember it as though it were yesterday) and the next youre middle aged looking back counting your blessings, regretting decisions, wishing you could have the years back, do them over.. do them better maybe. A lifetime of living seems to pass in a flash.

It was my sisters 50th birthday today

I was almost 3yrs old when my parents went to the hospital to bring her home, (we are both adopted) and they must of made a big deal about that day and choosing me a sister because I remember many details which still surprise my mother.

I was left at home with my paternal grandmother and I recall standing at the front door waving them goodbye. I dont remember them coming home though..I dont really remember her as a little baby at all, but I do have vivid recollections of her as a toddler, and young girl..a teenager, a nurse, a mom, I remember her always as being a deep and integral part of my life.

Its a strange phenomenon in many ways.. having a sister, being a sister. You're close but there's a healthy distance, unspoken rules of engagement I guess. Always there when the one needs the other though. Probably because we were just two we have felt as though we are the other half of another..and being adopted made us feel special, different in a way, but we knew no better..or worse, for we lived an idyllic childhood with parents who were blessed with more love for us than they really knew what to do with, and a huge dollop of common sense that went a long way in shaping who we were and who we were to become.

We've lived much of our lives on different continents, my sister and I,

we have missed births and weddings and birthdays of the other, missed the excitement of moving into new homes,

or the forging of new relationships,

even deaths and funerals,

we have said more hellos and goodbyes at airports than either of us care to remember.. but we have remained close throughout it all..we have maintained contact across thousands of miles and many time zones, always involved in where the other is

no matter what the circumstance.

We are very different people her and I,

our bloodtypes are not the same,

our genetic makeup is no closer than that of strangers.

We hold different views on many subjects, have different interests and hobbies. However the relationship survives and thrives because of deep seated memories, of having a bond closer than that which is set on paper, forged by circumstance cemented with years of love, and many tears of pain and of joy.

She is my sister always, part keeper of my heart.

Today they sit in some remote cove on an island in the middle of The Sea of Cotez, the first leg of their world cruise just underway. I wish you well both of you as you chase your dreams together!

Happy happy birthday Maggie!!!

Lounge Lizard

For the past three weeks or so my couch, my bed and the TV have been my best friends. I have been sick for so long it seems! Today though, I have a real diagnosis, and it's actually quite a relief knowing..no matter how scary.

After 2 weeks of feeling lethargic and out of sorts I suddenly developed a moderate fever and night sweats. 'Hmm' thought I, 'damn menopause!!'

I struggled at work, swallowed Tylenol and Motrin like candy and hoped it was just flu and would pass. It hasn't. The fever only really spikes about twice a day and once while I'm sleeping, but in between bouts I feel lethargic my muscles ache, but have had a lingering headache with or without the fever. I'm on and off my bed all day it seems.

Its all been a bit worrying with our trip coming up, and believe me my mind has run riot with what it could be. Last Thursday (after much hassling from my other half) I went off to see my GP, I had worked the night before and when I arrived I could feel a fever starting to spike, and with it each time..comes this desperate overwhelming feeling of extreme emotion. I promptly burst into tears the moment he walked into the room and sobbed 'I cant do this anymore'

He took one look at me, touched my face which was burning up, never even took my temperature but went ahead and ordered a battery of tests immediately, as well as a chest X ray and MRI.

There have been times when Ive thought I was imagining my symptoms, I feel well after a couple of Motrin have kicked in, and then had niggling thoughts about my fever being a hot flash..really I did. As you can see I don't rush of to the Dr for just anything..lol

Today I called his office to find out if any of the results were in, I was told it would take another day or two. At 5pm my GP called me and told me all three tests he had done for Valley Fever were high positives. He paused, and then added that they are the highest titres he has seen in many years. 1:58 I think is what he said, but I'm not sure. He called in my prescription and told me to collect it immediately, which of course I did, I was horrified to see that he had prescribed 4 months of treatment!!

What is Valley Fever?

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection which is caused by inhaling the spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis. Its common in desert and farming areas as it is found in the ground, and whipped up during heavy winds or agricultural digging and inhaled. Naturally archaeologists, construction workers and farm workers are most susceptible. I live over the road from a farm!

There are three types of Valley Fever, I'm not even thinking I have anything but the simple acute one (only time will tell if its anything else) I'm aware of all the complications and variations of Valley Fever, I am, but right now I cant go there, I have a diagnosis and its tangible and its curable.

The treatment is high doses of the anti-fungal Diflucan, which is not expensive at all, and it should take 2-3 weeks before I feel well again, just in time for me to board that plane. Its not contagious. I'm not allowed to drink any alcohol which I'm on the meds..which doesn't bother me at all, and my chest X-Ray was completely clear. The next few weeks will be telling, but I truly believe the meds will kick right in and I will feel better soonest.

I'm just relieved I don't have to feel guilty about being a Lounge Lizard any longer...

More Valley Fever Info

Love Light

Every night while I work,

you scribble your love onto pieces of paper

and leave them here

for me to find when I come home

exhausted..

As I lie in the dusky morning light,

the words flicker softly on the wall

reminding me how how empty I am without you

and your words slip eagerly into my heart

Autumn crept slowly...

through my window today

(well, it tried..but got caught in the act!)

In Loving Memory of Moo

What a sad few hours my son has had. His sweet sweet kitty, Moo, died this afternoon, she was only 2.

Its a long story and my heart is too heavy for details, but she swallowed a small metal washer this afternoon which got stuck in her oesophagus. She was alone for an hour while Nic fetched Jenn from work, when they got back she was in agony, had vomited the washer up but had torn her oesophagus in the process and was bleeding internally, they took her to the vet where after some long hard look at costs and the chance of survival it was advised that they have her euthanized.

I'm so glad Jenn was there to support him and make some tough decisions. To hear his grief from so far away was extremely difficult for me. Moo was a little bundle of mischief, his best friend and he adored her...and she him.

~ RIP little girl!~

I've got an angel
She doesn't wear any wings
She wears a heart that can melt my own

Lets play...

Remember the game last year about what color bra you were wearing at the moment?

The purpose was to increase awareness of October Breast Cancer Awareness month. It was a tremendous success and we had men wondering for days what was with the colors and it made it to the news.

This year's game has to do with your handbag/purse, where we put our handbag the moment we get home for example "I like it on the couch", "I like it on the kitchen counter", "I like it on the dresser" Well,you get the idea. Just put your answer as your status with nothing more than that and cut n paste this message and forward to all your female friends to their inbox.

The bra game made it to the news. Let's see how powerful we women really are!!!

REMEMBER -DO NOT PUT YOUR ANSWER AS A REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE-PUT IT IN YOUR STATUS!!!

PASS THIS TO All THE WOMEN YOU KNOW

After we are deleted..and blocked...

Isn't it wonderful to have a little code called The Eraser....which removes them from your life forever!

You never get to see their comments on mutual friends pages, or groups to which you both belong...whew..its like they never existed at all...

Guaranteed to take the angst out of blogging forever..

And, this is the way we...

wake up in Africa...

in the morning..(after coffee...)

My Pic of the Week

Mum ~ October 2010

Picture Perfect ~ The Sound Of Music

Welcome

to

Picture Perfect

The theme this week is

The Sound of Music

Gary is our Host

and

The Rules of the Game are HERE

(anyone can jump in and join!)

Kennedy ~ 2008, Pismo Beach

Flying in a V

The weather that cooled down so beautifully has warmed up dramatically today, warm air blows through my bedroom doors billowing my sheer curtains just a little as I sit here and write. A full moon glows through the banksia-rose which cascades over the pergola, two dogs snoring softly at my feet both so similar in the near darkness its difficult to tell them apart.

There seems to be a never ending list of garden and house chores and other things which need to get done before I leave, bills to pay, dogs vaccinated and groomed..on it goes..I tick them off a long list one by one and breathe a sigh of relief as I do. So much that needs to be done is at the last minute it seems. I have finished all my Christmas shopping bar one or two, and the vast amount of birthday presents too, which is good!

Great news..Nic and Jenn have jiggled their vacation dates around to that a week of theirs coincides with ours!! For the first time in 6yrs I will have all my children under one roof for my birthday...well for anything actually! Living all over the world can suck at times, but it has made my kids independent and our times together momentous and special and I'm so grateful for that.

Hotels and game park visits are booked now too, I have to say it was difficult choosing where to take someone on such a short visit, I've been torn between half a dozen places and an excitement which wants to fit everything in has had to be curbed with common sense and rational planning. K has been so accommodating (oh I love this man!) and just let me plan and change my mind twenty times a day, and then manages to sound excited each time I call and come up with a new idea. I must sound seriously bi-polar right now, but he never says so..not out loud.

Bella is looking forward to Kennedy's musical talents I know, and I'm sure she is busy writing a plethora of musicals as I speak, which will keep us all entertained. Josh will have him out walking and fishing, and Liv will be taking pictures!

Both my daughter and son-in-law are teachers, Alan is the maths head at Michaelhouse, a boys high school, and has now got the English teacher interested in K teaching a class or two..I'm not sure anyone will understand him, but they're well mannered kids and I'm sure they'll smile and nod in all the right places!

Come to think of it..accents and understanding them is going to take on a whole new meaning for us, what with Jenn with her US accent and K's Canadian one..and our SA accents which really become quite thick and difficult to make head or tail of when we are all together! We tend to throw Afrikaans and Zulu words in at random too..which is bound to confuse!!

Work is as busy as ever. A number or resignations and a few girls on maternity leave has left us really short staffed. Our unit nursing director resigned in the middle of it all, found the stress too much and she felt there was a lack of support from management too. There have been days/nights when I have truly wondered how long we could cope at this pace. I work with the most amazing people though, we truly are a fabulous team!

We desperately need a separate working triage! The turnover of labor checks is too high for them to be Incorporated into the labor/delivery mix, the job is stressful enough without spending time with inane questions from a constant stream of patients who refuse to educate themselves! I honestly get asked the same questions here, daily, that I was asked 25yrs ago back in South Africa. It always surprises me, this is America with unlimited internet access, education is at every-ones fingertips here, but, unless you're willing to reach out and grasp it I guess it shall always remain elusive.

Bakersfield is primarily a blue collar town with a high rate of unemployment and subsequent poverty, add drug usage and gang activity to that and it makes the health system an absolute nightmare to work in. I have never done so much drug screening of my patients.. ever, I have never had such a long 'Hot List' from CPS to work through so that each patient is screened and checked off the list at delivery. 80-90% of my patients are on medi-cal and have never been employed, I swear the most affluent people in town must be the tattoo artists because I don't think I've ever had a patient here without at least one (usually a dozen) tattoo's. A far cry from my previous place of employment, a mere 2hrs drive from Santa Barbara, with all the cultural, political and economic differences ..it could well be in another country.

My sister and her hubby leave soon for the next leg of their world cruise. She is feeling so much better, some slight headaches but 100% better than what she was. They are up in Denver spending this week with Neville's son, Nev will then drive down with two friends in The Big Truck to take all their supplies down to Mexico and their waiting boat! Maggie will fly down on the 6th Oct and help with the packing and tidy up and then they will slowly make their way down the Baja coastline on to Costa Rica, and over to the Galapagos Islands they have had to plan their trip with hurricanes and other weather systems in mind obviously. Their crossing over to The French Polynesian Islands will depend on the prevailing currents too and that should take about 2 weeks. A huge adventure!

Maggie turns 50 on the 12th Oct and Neville turns 60 on the 6th November, they plan to celebrate both events quietly tucked away in a cove on the Baja coast.

..and the song that reminds me of them always

This is the way we wash our hands...

...in Africa

Three Things..and a Frown

I always think of Tess's Three Things..but never seem to get the time to actually post a pic or three. So am posting this tonight so it will be ready by tomorrow. And really they are things which have made me smile during the whole week and not just one day..

oops..

there's a lizard in here..somewhere...

..and then yesterday I had a Frown...

Little Abby next door got mauled by a dog up the road, (a Lab/Retriever cross.. of all things) she is the dearest little thing. Tony brought her over for me to have a look at yesterday morning and I felt she needed a few sutures pronto. She was as good as gold! First some lidocaine and three sutures later she was bouncing around as good as new. She will go to the local vet on Monday morn for an antibiotic.

such a sweet girl!

Life Relief

Its amazing how life can be jam packed during a few days.

My sister has been truly ill the part few days, with an encephalitis type virus it seems. Mind blowing headaches and a roaring fever has left her feeling a little worse for wear. They are rapidly approaching their next departure date for the next leg of their trip, and leave for Mexico where they will re-board Blue in less than 3 weeks. They will make their way down to Costa Rico and then across to The Galapagos islands, the South Pacific and French Polynesian islands and then down to NZ and Australia, and eventually over to South Africa. She has finally joined multiply so will let you have her new blog-site as soon as its up and running smoothly. Of course her Captains Log aboard Blue will continue in their original spot, she writes well and the life aboard a boat is certainly interesting and worth following. What an adventure..I'm not sure my heart can stand it!!

My little granddaughter Bella's friend has died after a long long brave fight with cancer. Only 8 yrs old. Bella who feels and cares deeply for others has been devastated by it all. She spent many hours with Kelli while she was sick, dancing and singing for her and her loss is tangibly felt in some poetry she wrote. Its being published in her school magazine and will be read at Kelli's memorial later next week. It moved me to tears, how young to feel the pain of loss...here is a portion:

'I miss you, I miss your smile

I wish I could see you once in a while. because even when I'm so very sad

I'm glad I can see your face in the clouds...

Each of those three little ones of ours have lost a close friend this past year, due to either illness or tragic accident. Harsh.

Nic and Jenn are going to SA in Dec/Jan he hasn't been back since he arrived here in the US, and Jenn has never been so that will be an exciting time for them all.

Work is work, busy, exhausting, exhilarating at times, but I am so looking forward to a holiday! I love the people I work with, they truly make the craziness of the place worthwhile, but they can do without me for a bit..and me them!! Laughs!

With our tickets booked, its now down to some final planning of the trip. Which game parks to visit, car hires and which people we will have time to visit. I'm excited about taking K to places I grew up, where I lived and worked etc, it was fun doing that together in Toronto, and now its my turn, it kinda makes the relationship whole and rounded, gives one firmer grounding or something. Anyhow we are excited. When we get back it will be time for his new grandchild to be born, and Christmas ..whew...

Life keeps moving right along doesn't it!?

Picture Perfect Week 6 ~ Topsy Turvy

Welcome to

Picture Perfect

and the final week of our comptetition

the theme this week

is

Topsy Turvy

(my unofficial entry)

Upside down side right side up

which way does a jelly fish truly belong?

Where were you on 9/11?

All of us remember where we were during dramatic historic events. We always remember what we were doing on that particular, shocking day. There's little doubt that anyone who was awake and alive on September 11th probably remembers very specifically what they were doing, where they were, who they were with that awful day. A day which changed history, altered thinking and evoked more emotion on a global level than ever before, and which was brought about amidst loss and blood-shed. With much more to come.

Where were you on 9/11?

Caught in the Act

We are going to Africa!

K and I have a trip planned for the whole month of November, ignoring the fact (according to Bella) that Im too old to have a boyfriend! A month of home, hearing the rainstorms pound in across the hills, sharing our time with family and the busy-ness of their lives and of course visiting some of South Africa's amazing wild life reserves. Sharing it with Kennedy, who has never been to SA will be especially special, something we have talked about for years..finally coming true.

Getting us in the mood for the thrill of wildlife, NatGeo has had an amazing series on TV this month called Caught in the Act, footage from visitors who have visited the parks of Africa over the years and filmed their own amazing sightings and experiences. I managed to find a couple on You Tube...but if you are interested try and see the series, there are many repeats its one of the most incredible series on wildlife that I have ever seen.

Here is a link: National Geographic

Giraffe Bulls Fighting

The next one is a lion kill, not always pretty, but it does leave one in awe..and then at the end there's the sound of thunder, an impending African rainstorm...

Picture Perfect ~ Competition #5 ~ Sayings

Welcome to

Picture Perfect

week 5 of our comptetition

and the theme is

Sayings

(my unofficial entry)

'The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely the one who dropped it'

Lou Holtz

Our Little Soccer Star

Olivia's first game..see if you can spot her....grins

Picture Perfect ~ Framed

Welcome to

Picture Perfect

Competition Time!!

This is #2 in the 6 week

Summer Competition series

this weeks theme is:

Framed

hosted by Gary

(as I'm an admin on PP, this is an unofficial entry!)

Worn out at the end of another busy day, my mother falls asleep mid-sentence, quietly framed by her night light's golden glow.

oOo

Picture Perfect is a weekly photo theme

The 15th of August ~ Happy Birthday Mum

Today is my mother's birthday.

We tend to turn back the clock and review and ponder the years we have travelled through, when there's a birthday!
A few weeks ago my sister and I sat having dinner, overlooking the ocean, listening to seals bark in the sunset, and we reviewed our childhood, our growing up years, and how fortunate we were to have the mother we did.
. We chatted about all the various things she has been and done through all the years, and how at different times we have done for her.
Its not easy watching our parents grow older and more frail each year, its not easy being the caregiver to the person who has nurtured and cared for you all her adult life, and while my mum is far from being incapable, the burden however light is surely felt now, from all parties.
Our story is special to us. My sister and I were both adopted at birth, and she is all the mother we have ever known. We have, at various times of our lives sought our birth mothers in a half hearted way, when we had children of our own I think the need suddenly arose. My mum always gave us as much information as she could, and let us do with it as we pleased. We made brief enquiries...nothing, that door had been firmly shut, and we have never had the urge to look again!
Our childhood was as perfect as any could be. We grew up in a tiny village in Swaziland, in the heart of rural Africa..on a small farm swarming with ducks and chickens, cows and horses, and a plethora of dogs and cats! We roamed wild during school holidays, exploring nearby streams (swarming with bilharzia, which we never contracted because we knew to swim in cold flowing water only) and waterfalls, picking wild berries and swiping fruit from the neighbours farms. We walked barefoot along dusty roads and allowed our young imaginations to run as wild as our little growing bodies.
At night we climbed into clean comfy beds with white cotton sheets, sometimes darned, always ironed and crisp....
We went to boarding school at a young age, I was 11 and my sister was 8. Over the years, it made us yearn for home all the more and made the bonds with our parents that much stronger.
We came home for half term breaks and school holidays only, and so we lived for the tuck boxes my mother packed so lovingly, we craved the the milo bars and tins of condensed milk, yearned for the home made rusks and the chocolate drinks.
The tuck never lasted the term because we never ever mastered the art of rationing!
Its difficult to put all that love and nurturing onto one page. To recall all the little things done with love, from the home made clothes to the painful task of sewing on name tags on to every single item of clothing we needed at boarding school. The jerseys and scarves knitted and the rips mended in stockings to protect us from the bitterly cold winters on the South African Highveld. Her energy then and now, is incredible!
And then, oh the wonderful holidays at home.
The late sleep ins, the special breakfasts, the toast done just so, the grapefruit halved and segmented, with just the right amount of sugar, quietly prepared by her before leaving for a long hard day at work.
Our favourite dinners, appeared like magic and there was always time for long conversations, she coped calmly, seemingly, with a house which always seemed to be overflowing with people. Did we grow up spoiled? With love..certainly!
But while we always had enough, we were never over indulged with material things, there were limits and strict boundaries always, boundaries we never questioned or thought about crossing.

There arent enough words to say thank you mum,
there isnt enough time for us
to ever show you how grateful we are
that you loved us enough to make us
your priority,
and because of that love and guidance,
we are the best women
and the best mothers we can possibly be.
We have stable happy children
inspite of exteme hardships through our lives,
because you showed us
how to overcome adversity, and grow strong
through the trauma's.
You showed us what unconditional love is truly all about,
and because of you they too will be better people and parents.

And so your legacy lives on
and on and on......

and as the ripples flow outwards to your friends and neighbours
encompassing a whole community,
it also drips right down and seeps into the souls of your grandchildren

and

great-grandchildren.

Your love will surely multiply and grow
and the end will never be known,
because your goodness and your love knows no bounds...

Happy 78th Birthday Mum!

xXx

Fresh Produce