High Tea

Edit: Sorry, I saw the Tea Talk  button, and as I only joined in once before, I forgot there are headings to follow....

Today I attended a High Tea, except it was 10am, over at Goonellabah, with CWCI which used to be known as Christian Women Communicating International. They  conduct weekend and day functions, Know Your Bible study groups (KYB),seminars, dinners and speaking tours to outback Australia (Safari Ministry). 

Nearly all our Know Your Bible group were there,  in fact our leader is the Chair of the local CWCI group, so we had a lovely time with each other, and others we see from time to time.

It was at a lovely venue, tables set with lace cloths and beautiful roses, lovely floral cups caucers and side plates, and 3 tiered cake plates, cucumber sandwiches, dainty butterfly cakes and much more.

The guest speaker spoke on Being Transformed, about her journey, and being brought up in a church-going family, but missing out, and realising some other people had something she didn't and wanting it, and eventually her walk with the Holy Spirit.

*Pic from web, but you get the idea!

 

To enjoy more Tea Talk, stop by and see Ruth and the other posts.
By the way we will be away over the weekend.

Have a great week. Love and Blessings.

Kindred Connection Party

The goal of these parties is to meet other like minded bloggers at Windy Poplars! Click the button if you would like to join in the neighbourhood party.  The questions for this week are in bold.


1. What is your cultural heritage, and is it a part of your life (eg. do you celebrate your cultural holidays, or have special traditions or food that comes from your heritage)?
Yes, I am very aware of my heritage, I am a First Fleeter, meaning ancestors arrived on the First Fleet from Great Britain to settle Australia in 1788 on my paternal side. I have traced back to the 1800s on my maternal side, and they were born in Australia too. I belong to the Fellowship of First Fleeters and we meet every two months, and I also belong to my namesake Association. Australia Day is a special day to remember them.

2. Give a short description of your vision for your blog. I participate in Memes and occasionaly write what I am thinking about at the time. I have a lot of photos especially scenery. I wish to  communicate and get to know some lovely new people. I believe I have acknowledged almost every comment either by email, or by leaving a comment on their page.

3. What is one thing you are really enjoying about spring? We are going into Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.  Here at our latitude we often only have about two weeks of Spring then its into Summer.

4. Do you have an idea to share about something we could do today to bless our husbands/boyfriends to let them know they're special?  I often do little things he doesn't expect or bring home a little surprise when I shop, his favourite chocolate biscuits etc.  The big one was a birthday party that about 90 people attended.

5. Are you involved in any social club (garden club, dinner club, book club, etc.) - or would you like to be?  I  am totally satisfied with what I participate in, we have our own singing group that entertains at 8-10 Aged Care homes a month.  I lead a walking group, go to exercise, participate at Church and a Bible Study, and in the community, as well as seeing friends, entertaining and having time away occasionally in our small RV, and along with Hubby, maintaining my home and garden, and of course my Blogspot and Facebook.

Have a great week, everyone. Take care.

Random Dozen

Click the button to meet Linda and see all the Random Dozen posts.


The Random prompt for this week:

1. Have you ever been so lost that you were really afraid?
No, very concerned, yes, when we were sailing up the coast, without a GPS.

2. Have you ever been to an island?

Yes, islands are quite common around here, there are 100 in the Clarence River just south of here, and I've been to islands on a yacht, also across to Tasmania which is an Island.  This photo which some have seen, is taken from an island in the Clarence.

3. Are you more of a thinker or feeler?
I'm impetuous and impatient sometimes, and a hugger, so does that make me a feeler?

4. Do you tend to see issues or situations in life as black and white or shades of gray?
I'm black and white about some things, keeping promises, being punctual, etc,  and accept shades of gray...hey, we say grey.... in others


5. If you were stuck on an island, what book would you hope to have with you (Let's pretend the Bible is already there, so you can't say that.)Perhaps a herbs and natural healing book,


6. What are you most afraid of?
I have say really hard-to-bear things happening to my family. We have had a granddaughter killed in an accident.


7. Would you rather lose all of your old memories or never be able to make new ones?
Trying to comprehend this question.  Ah... Lose old memories or lose ability to make new ones ? That is difficult, I think we would like to have our cake and eat it too.... keep the 'good' old memories... and still have the ability to make new ones, though as we age, some of us can't remember what happened yesterday!!!


8. Pretend I'm looking at a scrapbook page about you. There are three spaces for you to drop in individual pictures. What are those pictures of, and why did you select them?
Our wedding, my family and one with our dog, for the precious memories of our life.

9. If you were re-doing your wedding, what would you do differently? (If you're single, tell me one thing you would do if you were planning a wedding OR huge party.)
Had to think a minute, as I was very pleased with my wedding, then realised I could have had a better video, it was done by a friend. We had a minimalist wedding 25 years ago, second marriage, about 110 came including friends and relatives. We had an afternoon tea which included hot finger food in the foyer. With the dress and beautiful flowers that I shared with another bride, it cost less than $2,000.

10. Tell me one thing you know/believe about forgiveness.
That even though it may be hard to forgive, sometimes it is even harder to forgive oneself, but any unforgiveness only eats us up and is the cause of mental and physical ill-health. God forgives the unforgiveable.


11. You're waiting in a doctor's office. What is your favorite way to pass that time?
Reading the paper or magazines they provide.


12. If there were a clone of you in a parallel universe what is one way you hope she/he would be the same as you and one way you hope she/he would be better?
One way the same.... do own thing, don't worry what others say or think about me or try to 'keep up with Jones", have a grateful heart....this saves a lot of stress .  Better, think some things through more sometimes and not be impatient.

Have a great week, Everyone.

A cool dip

The pic was taken in QLD in a rainforest area.  Two of hubby's relatives were visiting from the UK at the time.

And do stop by here for Watery Wednesday,

and here for Outdoor Wednesday.

All the best for a lovely week.

~ TODAY ~ at Jan's Place

Outside my window..... it is cloudy after a bright start to the day. At 2.30pm it is 24C. 

I am thinking ... of my daughter's phone call this morning. She is fine, her daughter's too, and she has two new female cria (baby alpacas), the last of the season, one born this morning.

I am thankful for my family and all the lovely things in my life.

From the kitchen......nothing much today, we had lunch in Lismore while were over there today.  I was getting a gift for daughter's birthday.

I am wearing... still in my walking clothes from early this morning. red Heart Foundation polo shirt, 3/4 gym pants, and trainers and socks.

I am going... to look into the best way to get to Sydney and on to the Blue mountains myself (we usually drive) to have a weekend with daughter and also attend an event. It is not for sure yet as daughter is finishing an At Distance Uni course and has to check that she won't be in crisis mode geting the last assignments in, but she agrees that with this much notice she should be able to manage. .... more later.

I am reading.... the plane and train timetables.

I am hoping .....  that it all works out.

I am hearing.... Hubby getting ready as he is going to visit some freinds.

Around the house....  we've decided that mouse I mentioned last week has moved in and brought some friends. Hubby ordered a mouse trap that catches the mouse live so that he can relocate them.

One of my favourite things... my books on my ancestor.

A few plans for the rest of the week....Bible Study starts a new session this week, lovely to see my friends again, then a Morning Tea to attend with them on Thurs, there will be about 100 there, and we will be going away for a few days on Friday, need to start getting our RV ready tomorrow afternoon.

Here is the picture for thought I am sharing.  One of my dear new friends mentioned she loves lighthouses, (and oceans, lakes and rivers too), and I do too, and I looked for a picture to share. This is the closest Lighthouse to where we live and there used to be goats on the cliffs here years ago, and it was wonderful to go to see them, but the authorities in their wisdom removed them. This view better than the ones I have and from the web.

"He's the comforting presence 

We seek in the night.

In life's darkest hour.

He's an unfailing light." from One Minute Devotions. B.J.Hoff

Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord.  Psalm 4:6

Stop by at The Simple Womans Daybook to meet Peggy and all the other contributors.

Nobbys

Click here to meet Sally and see all the Blue Monday posts.

Also posted on Scenic Sunday.

 A quiet beach on the East Coast of NSW, an hour or so North of Sydney.  That's Norah Head Lighthouse in the distance.

             See more Scenic Sunday  click on the button.:

Have  a lovely week, Everyone.

Blessings.

ANZAC Day - Lest We Forget

Tomorrow is ANZAC *day in Australia, the day to remember those lost and affected by war. Even people who are not 'religious' are stirred by the memories as most have lost or had a family member disabled in war. More than 330,000 Australians served in WW1, 60,000 killed and 152,000 wounded.
In WW11, over 993,000 served overseas. This from a country with a population of  approx 7 million in 1939. There have been other conflicts as well e.g. Korea and Vietnam, and the current war and peace-keeping situations.
Every year there is a news item or two that ANZAC is now irrelevant, and they are always howled down and the perpetrator forced to retract.  The services and marches are attracting more people than ever and the march in Sydney is on National TV from 9.00am to 12.30pm, followed by the Gallipoli Dawn Service and at 1.30pm to 2.30pm, and at 2.30pm, the service in France.
(Click The Ode for webpage)
The Ode

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

The line Lest we forget is often added to the end of the ode, which is repeated in response by those listening. In Australia, Canada and New Zealand (and often in the United Kingdom), the final line of the ode, "We will remember them", is repeated in response

* Australian and New Zealand Army Corps

***************************************************

Many families bake ANZAC buiscuits at this time of year as in remembrance of the traditional biscuits baked by anxious wives and mothers during World War I. They keep well and were packed in food parcels, and sent to the Australian soldiers in the trenches.

INGREDIENTS
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup plain flour
1 cup sugar
125g (4oz) butter
2 tablespoons golden syrup
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 tablespoon water

Preheat oven to 300F (150C)

Mix oats, flour, sugar and coconut together.
Melt syrup and butter together.
Mix soda with boiling water and add to melted butter and syrup.
Add to dry ingredients.
Place 1 tablespoonfuls of mixture on greased tray (allow room for spreading).
Bake for 20 minutes.
Loosen while warm, cool on trays.
(makes about 35)

 

All pics from web.

Please see all the posts for Sings my Soul Saturdays and meet Amy

Richest Blessings - Jan

Tea Talk Thursday 22nd April

I'm having Dilmah tea... somehow I like it best and it's the one we keep in the home now.

I've just taken a photo of my favourite mug. I've had it for a while in my small motorhome, but I brought it inside when we came back from our Easter trip. I love yellow, and have a matching B&B plate.

I'm feeling relaxed... we've had a quiet week... it's lovely.

On my mind....  Even though it's been lovely this week, I'm also looking forward to getting back to the usual routine next week and seeing friends at my different groups.  Things stop here in school holidays.
                                  "Now may the Lord of peace himself
                                    give you peace at all times and in every
                                    way.  The Lord be with all of you.
                                            2 Thessalonians 3:16

With all best wishes for many happy Tea Talks.  Meet Ruth and join in here

Talking About Thursday 22nd April

Click on button to meet Genny and join in the conversation. 

This week's topic: Anything to do with spring! Do you have a spring photo to share of your yard, your house, or decorations? Spring cleaning tip? Spring craft idea? I love this time of year and can't wait to read your posts!

In Australia we are in Autumn, and here on the Northern Rivers, NSW, the temperature  is still warm, today 26C, and our average day temperature in Winter is 21C.  So we don't have the change in season here, and Spring Cleaning is not a tradition as such. I know we are more likely to do some extra cleaning when we are expecting guests to stay, rather than at a particular time.

The first day of Spring, by the calendar, is 1st September, and has been declared Wattle Day in honour of our national flower.  There are 950 species of wattle and it is a joy to see them along the roadsides in August and September particularly.

(Pic from web)

Happy Spring to all in the Northern hemisphere, and a happy Autumn to all those approaching Winter.

God Bless.

Random Dozen 21st April

 1. Ever had any run-ins with the "library police?"
Yes, once a long time ago,.... I had the books on the floor of the car, and went through some water in a flash flood on the way to work. When I took them in that afternoon I found they were damp, and they wanted over $100, about twice what each book was worth to replace, and I wasn't allowed to keep them, they said people would destroy them on purpose. Needless to say I tore up the membership card.  I did have two other libraries available to me, one only a block from work

2. Do you have a special organizational plan and place for wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., or do you just purchase whatever you need as you give gifts?
I do buy wrapping paper when I see something nice, but usually purchase card and gift as the gift occasion arises.

3. Have you ever been in (first-hand witness) a natural disaster?
No.

4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
I looked at the song list .... Bridge over Troubled Water

5. What's the best costume you've ever worn?
If you mean fancy dress, I've never worn one.

6. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?
The dictionary, I have a few but I check online now.

7. What's your favorite breakfast food?
I make a smoothie with flaxseeds I grind myself, rice milk, banana, WPC, cinnamon, fresh ginger, brewers yeast and honey.

8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial?
Hubby has bought a few things

9. Have you ever crawled through a window?
No

10. Do you believe in love at first sight?
I think people do fall in lust at first sight, but Love, no.


11. How many pairs of jeans do you own? 
Blue jeans  good enough to go out - only two

 
12. If someone were going to bake a cake to honor/represent you, what would it be? (Think creatively, like Duff and Crew on "Ace of Cakes.") 
I haven't heard of that. 
What I can do is post a pic of a really delicious continental cake, my son absolutely adores it and I serve it as a dessert and make it every time he comes to see us.  

To see Linda and all the Random Dozen posts this  week, click here

Outdoor Wednesday 21stApril

A few photos from my travel folder.

I call this one The Road Home.

We'd been to QLD, here is a photo from the Toowoomba CMCA Rally

Click here to see all the posts for Outdoor Wednesday

Have a lovely Wednesday and a great week.

Watery Wednesday 21st April

Mt Warning in the background.   In Australia the first place the sun shines on in the morning is Mt Warning, and I understand it was named by Captain Cook in the Endeavour in 1770.

The first photo was taken in the afternoon, the next the following morning.

Our Tilda on the banks of the tidal river. It is a lovely campsite

Have a lovely Watery Wednesday and a great week!

Click here for Watery Wednesday to see all the posts.

Three or More Tuesday - Brothers

I've had the Button for Three or More Tuesday on my sidebar since I came to Blogspot a few weeks ago, but I haven't contributed until now.
I've posted a number of scenic photos, but today I am posting a photo of Hubby and his brothers when they were together  when two of them were in Australia from the UK. They were just casually in the back yard in QLD.

Barry came to Australia in 1971, and one other brother about the same time, and Barry had not had a lot of contact with the ones still living in the UK until they all got online. Now he talks to them all every few days, so we have a lot to be thankful for that we live in the age of technology. It is so different to the '80s when my daughter lived in the UK, and it cost $10 for such a short time on the phone.

Visit Tam and Three or More Tuesday here to see all the posts

TODAY for The Simple Woman's Daybook

~ TODAY ~

Outside my window .... It is raining steadily now, with a pleasant Autumn temperature of  20C.
I am thinking.....how nice everything is.

"New every morning, Gods mercies abound

to bless every hour of the day...

The promise of joy in God's presence

is always fulfilled in a wonderful way.

Lam3:24. The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him"

(One Minute Devotions. B.J.Hoff)

I am thankful for...... a quiet time at home after four concerts last week, even though we enjoyed doing them and seeing the people at the time.
From the kitchen..... a lovely one-pot meal for lunch, with chick peas, coconut milk and lots of fresh veges and a tablespoon of moderate salsa tossed in for taste.
I am wearing.... old gardening clothes.
I am creating ...... a new garden bed where we took out a large shrub that split and had to be removed.  I've found enough self-sown seedlings around the garden that I don't have to go to the nursery. It was some sort of a Grevillia with very sharp needles and I'm glad it self-destructed.
I am going....... nowwhere much, and I love it.
I am reading.... those library books... I've only had them 11 days so far so that is OK.
I am hoping.... my big toe doesn't get infected. We were at our old-time dance class last night and Barry caught my toenail with his boot, and the nail tore down in two places. You should have seen me out in the garden with a pick-up-doggie-mess bag over my foot, tied with a nice bow at the heel to make sure it didn't get damp in the light rain this morning.  Note: We were waltzing a lot better by the end of the class.
I am hearing the raindrops and the joy of the little birds outside as they enjoy the rain.
Around the house..... we have a little field mouse... first of all we saw a quick shadow out of the corner of our eyes, then in the last day or two we have seen him darting across the room. He isn't getting in the cupboards, so I hope he goes away by himself.
A few plans for the rest of the week.... will I get the sewing machine out? I'm not promising anything.
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing

My Grandma, Son, me, my Mother

Visit Peggy and The Simple Woman's Daybook to see other contributions too.

Blue Monday in QLD

 I was looking through the photos on my computer and saw this 'blue' one. It was taken when Barry's brother and nephew were in QLD, Australia a few years ago. 

Visit Smiling Sally here to see more Blue Monday posts.
Have a lovely week everyone.    Hugs

Cape Byron

My son and daughter-in-law on the most eastern point of Australia at Cape Byron.
It is about an hour from where we live.

The beach to the north of the Cape.
Have a great week Everyone.... God Bless.
Click the pic for more Scenic Sunday.

Saturday Afternoon

Well I am home by myself this afternoon and tomorrow. We were going to join our motorhomer group but reconsidered as it is a long way, 160kms each way, and then none of our close friends can make it. So DH has gone out to a friend's farm, he just phoned to say he is all set up there, and I am going to a 50th Aniversary afternoon tea shortly. Barry was invited but he doesn't know anyone and wasn't keen to go.

I'm walking over to the afternoon tea, as I like to walk when I can (I do have a car and I drive). There was a heavy shower of rain a few minutes ago. I think I will take my chances and an umbrella... I can see a few patches of blue sky.
Here are a few pics from the last time I went out to the farm:
1. Our small motorhome tucked in on a flat spot.

2. & 3. Views of farm

 3.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Finding Beauty - Alpacas for 16th April

I have just come across Finding Beauty and would like to join in. I was going to write about sunsets, but got sidetracked... smile.

I find beauty in so many things, but today I am highlighting my daughter's alpacas. She has about twenty, and also works fulltime. It is such a delight to go to her place and visit with them.

Here is the view from her front door.

Here is the link to Claudia and Finding Beauty

Thankful Thursday 15th April 2010

1 Chronicles 29:13 (New King James Version)

 ¹³ “Now therefore, our God,
      We thank You
      And praise Your glorious name.

Thankful Thursday, we are thankful every day, about everything about our circumstances, we are living a rich (in Him) and fulfilling life. It is difficult to decide what to write about.

Seeing the theme of our hostess' site reminded me about when we wanted to marry. Firstly when we were on our own, unbeknown to the other we each had a list of what we were looking for in a partner. I had been by myself for four years and had only a few weeks before thought and prayed for a man friend, that was top of the list, and when I met Barry it took a while to realise his romantic interest in me.  We met on a yacht in Fame Cove, but that is another story. And yes, 26 years later he is my best friend. 

But what I was going to say, was that when we went to the minister at my church he grilled Barry about his beliefs to see that we would be equally yoked as he felt a responsibility before God that we would stay together, before he agreed to marry us. I recently heard (through Facebook) that the Minister was returning to America, and I contacted him and told him that we are together and happy and he was pleased to hear from us and be friends. 

Meet Lynn who is hosting Thankful Thursday this month, and read and appreciate the other contributions HERE