I am entitled to Brag, Installment #2

 

Danielle is our #1 Granddaughter, and here are some pics of her, from some years ago to right now, in 2013.

Today is “ Teachers’ Day Only” , so I hear you are off with a friend to the Gym, to practise cheerleading! !!! Have a great day, I’m so proud of you and all you can do.

At our home, in 2005

At Blue Lake, Rotorua, 2008

On her horse at Lake Rotorua, 2013,  photo courtesy Annette

Ditto, another horse, another place, 2013. Another new skill you have achieved with much hard work, practise and days out in all weather.

Quotation of the day, by Dwight D. Eisenhower

“ Accomplishments will prove to be a journey, not a destination”

Greetings from Jean

I am entitled to Brag, Installment #1

 

At the weekend our grandson was in the  Cateye Moonride 6 hour race at Rotorua.Their 3 person team, Connor, Lewis and Josh,  came 1st overall  in the 6 hour team race, and 1st in the junior 6 hour. Gold medals. WOW.. The track was very muddy and deteriorated as the day went on . This year it was held at  Waipa Mountain Bike Area, Rotorua. Photos from Annette’s phone/camera.

Danielle’s photos will be here tomorrow.

Clean gear at the start of the day

 

Mud and slush added to the excitement

Gold medal time. Winning team in 6 hour event.

Congratulations, Josh. Last year I was there to watch the race, this year photos tell a great tale.

Quotation of the day from Rishika Jain

“ In the race of life don’t  waste your energy and time

trying to compare with others;

Sometimes you are ahead, sometimes behind,

the race is long, and in the end it’s only with yourself.”

Greetings from Jean

Guess where We Went Today??

 

The  day out, some outlet shopping at Otaki, further on to Papaparaumu, then a visit to a special friend on the way home. Where?? You will have to find out with photo clues!!! Hover your mouse over each photo for details.

Clue#1        Molly

Clue #2      Geese ready to find their new home

Clue #3  One lovely girl who might have twins this year

Clue #4 The paddock , perfect for the jeep  thrills on the hill

Clue #5         James’  Gate

Did you solve the puzzle? Clues also at one of the blogs on my side-bar.

Yes, we met Leanne  and  Abbey at Mandaburms, James we met earlier this year.

This was definitely the best part of my whole week.  I hope they will visit us up here soon.

Quotation of the day ,  from Donna Roberts

“ A friend knows the song in my heart,

and sings it to me when my memory fails”

Greetings from Jean

Anonymous Comments

 

To all the people who leave an  “ Anonymous” comment,please stop these comments. Believe me, I am not interested in any of the following…..

Viagra, Haemorrhoid cream,  LV Handbags, exercises,  help with your blog, help with my own blog,  leaving you a comment in return, or  visiting any of the  frivolous, crazy or disgusting sites  you might be coming from.

The comments vary from…...” Your  blog with some tweaks would make  my  blog stand out!!!”     “I visit  your blog every weekend for enjoyment,”      “You would benefit from my products, contact me for details”

“Will you tell me how to set up my blog so more people read it? You have lots of readers” . “Do you want more people to read your blog? I can make this happen”

Look at the steam coming from my ears, this is what happens  when I open my inbox, and there are more anonymous comments than ones from my friends . Comment moderation will continue . Your anonymous comment will not be published.                      

Clip art courtesy of the internet.

 

We have had some rain, grey clouds, a little blue sky, and the fires are both going right now. Comfort in the cheery red blaze in the firebox, warmth,and some photos from Hugh’s week away in Pureora Forest Park, staying with Bruce in his bus.

A foggy morning,  frost on  the ground, no doubt the fire was going to keep them cosy while having breakfast.

The campsite taken from the top of the hill.I understand that it was called “ bush-bashing” as they made their way through thick scrub, gorse and blackberry to the vantage point.On their quads, naturally, way too hard for “foot-slogging”.

Bruce, the intrepid, fearless man,  you are guaranteed lots of fun when you go out with him  on  the forest tracks. They rode together, one following the other, thrills and some spills, I have not seen the video or heard the language yet, but understand it will need severe editing!! Lots of bruises, but no broken bones!!I’m glad I stayed home.

 

The top of the hill does not look very high, but it is a real hard climb through scrub and bush, not a real track at all. Well done, Bruce and Hugh, I am sure the trail you forged will be well used by many  others, thankful for your hard work.

Quotation of the day, author unknown

“ The only job where you start at the top is when you dig a hole”

Greetings from Jean

Flowers for My Mum

 

Happy Mother’s Day , Mum.

I wish you were here to celebrate this day with me, I was born on your birthday, we shared such a special bond. Way too soon, you left us, and nothing fills the huge gap.

You are smiling with much happiness , 17th February, 1962.

 

A few lines ,  from  one of your favourites,

“Bridge over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel

“When you’re weary, feeling small,

When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all”

Greetings from Jean

Words from a Friend

Lorraine at “Flower Lady’s Musings” posted these words yesterday, and when I asked if I could please use them on my blog too, for you all to read, sent me the most lovely email,  with “ Yes” and more, Lorraine is one  of my many special friends here, and her words each day are so positive, her grief was and still is  there for us to share, and we continue to send her comfort when needed. Her  garden flowers  show nature’s beauty, the ongoing work outside and inside , show her inner strength,  the words her faith.

Her darling Mark would be so proud, and I’m sure is smiling as he watches from the wonderful place he has reached in Heaven.

Thanks  Lorraine, a shared quotation for us all to read .

___________________________________

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

It turns what we have into enough, and more.

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order,

confusion to clarity.

It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home,

a stranger into a friend.

Gratitude makes sense of our past,

brings peace for today,

and creates a vision for tomorrow."

Melody Beattie

____________________________________

 

Here the turmoil continues, but is easing, once decisions are made, the hardest part is maybe somewhat over, and what better reason to sort out, tidy up, give away, sell or pack for later. I am a true hoarder,  and I’m sure will find so many   “ goodies” saved for a later/rainy  day.Well, that day has arrived and they will be examined very carefully, and sent to the appropriate  box. The gazebo provides a quiet  place to sit.

My quotation of the day, author unknown

 

“True friendship is not seen through the eyes, but the heart,

it is not measured in days or years,

real friendship is shown in times of trouble,

and prosperity in your life  is measured,not by wealth,

but  by friendships that last forever.

Greetings from Jean

Watch This Space

 

 

Yes, the secret is out, we are officially “ For Sale” and I can assure you, this has given me  a  constant, immense state of upheaval in my heart. Hugh is ready for a new challenge, and the southern pastures, meadows and hills are calling. Not quite green paddocks,  I cannot see me milking cows or herding sheep, but some  lawns,  a vege garden,( necessity) a room for my quilting and photography endeavours,( first priority) and that stunning scenery , which will be  waiting.

Adding to the turmoil, Poppy is still missing, and a friend and I talked, she thinks Poppy chased the stray kitten, got out of her own territory, and after a day or so, didn’t come home to be our girl again.Tame cats can do this, but it doesn’t make me feel any better about it, not knowing.Again I thank you all so very much for words, love, hugs and comfort.

Today at      http://flowerladysmusings.blogspot.co.nz/ 

Lorraine had the most wonderful quote from Melody Beattie, and it gave me a glimmer of peace and acceptance. I will ask her if I can post it here tomorrow.

Quotation of the day from Mary Anne  Radmacher

“ Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice

at the end of the day saying, ‘ I will try again tomorrow’ “

Greetings from Jean