Central Plateau, North Island

Central Plateau, North Island
View from a friend's farm

Thursday 24 December 2015

The end of another wonderful year in Blogland





This year has seen many new friends, challenges in the quilting arena, , deadlines to meet, and joy when they were met. The batik stash has been almost depleted. Bags were made and posted  everywhere . The last one is for a friend who lives close by.

Hugh had his spinal surgery, we welcomed a new ginger boy, calling  him Boris, ( The Warrior in Slavic language), Felicity is still the  matriarch of our family, at 17 years old. We visited That's Frankie and her 12 hour old  foal Crazy Daisy, Ginger Boy came, had his breakfast, and left for the day,   Our family had adventures , Josh on his  bike or  Danielle on her  horse, Fire at first, then Joey, Josh received his NCEA level 2 certificate and  is off to Victoria University in 2016.The tall trees grew, the firewood pile looks good for next winter, and flowers bloom in all their glorious colours.

I thank you all for your wonderful friendship, care, prayers, and support through the hard days and months over the last 2 years, this has meant so much to me and I have been so grateful and thankful,  and for each of you, my hopes are for happiness, good health, love and laughter, and may 2016   be kind and generous to each and every one.

I finish with the quote from Jake Bailey,  the Head Monitor of Christchurch Boys High School . His inspiring  words embody  the qualities of  love and strength , and he has gone from giving this speech.... to a long stay in hospital for treatment.... to win the  Massey University Quote of the year 2015.

"  Here's the thing - none of us get out of life alive.  So be gallant, be great, be gracious, and be grateful for the opportunities that you have"

Greetings from Jean

22 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jean, lovely words and post. I love the quote. I wish you and your family a happy healthy New Year!

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Dearest Jean ~ Love, hugs, peace, joy and prayers for you and your family this Christmas and in the coming year.

FlowerLady

Jenny said...

Loved your little film Jean, and it has been so nice to meet up with now and again when we travel up your way.

Best wishes for Christmas, and a safe, healthy, and happy New Year.

Jenny and Robin

Leeanne said...

Jean I thoroughly enjoyed your video! Thank you. Wise words from a young one. Happy Holidays. xxxOxx

Kate said...

I am so glad you invited me into you world. Thank you, so much.

Susan Heather said...

Loved all the bags in your video.

That speech from Jake Bailey was awe inspiring. Especially when one thinks that he wrote it before the sickness.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2016.

Carol Mattingly said...

This year has brought many changes for me as well. And I think we both fared all of the changes very well. Merry Christmas to you and yours Jean. Carol

The Furry Gnome said...

So glad you've had a good year, and thanks for all your regular comments on my blog. It's meant a lot this year.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

I just loved your little film. A lot can happen in a family in a year, that's for sure. Jean, I am so happy to have found you in Blogland. I love Jake's words too; such wisdom. Merry Christmas!

Out To Pasture said...

Loved your video, Jean. And very much appreciate your interesting blog from beautiful New Zealand! Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my wee site and for your so welcome comments. Looking forward to many more virtual visits. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours!
Florence

QuiltinLibraryLady said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours...four legged as well as two. And best wishes for a happy, healthy, New Year with plenty of quilting time.

camp and cottage living said...

Merry Christmas, Dear Jean, to you and Hugh!
I appreciate the inspiring quote. And I so appreciate your sweet friendship.

KB said...

A perfect post for today. Thank you, Jean, for your friendship and wisdom. I do love that quote! Merry Christmas to you!

Our photos said...

Thank You Jean. This means a lot. We wish You and Your family all the best wishes for 2016 !

Jenn Jilks said...

I know you're having a wonderful Christmas, Jean!
Many hugs from here! xx

Tiff said...

A very Merry Christmas to you and Hugh!! I am so happy to have met such a wonderful woman from the other side of the world! Thank you for visiting me and my family via my blog...I hope to be better with corresponding in return in the upcoming new year.
Blessing to all!!

Your friend,
Tiff

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Blessings for the upcoming New Year. Wow, time is sure flying!

Fundy Blue said...

Hi Jean! This is the third time that I've started a comment to you; hopefully the third time is the charm! I enjoyed your end-of-the-year video thoroughly, especially the photos of you and Hugh and your family. I'm sure the new year looks brighter with Hugh's back surgery behind him. I remember when you were buried in batik. I'm sure you spread lots of joy with all your beautiful bags. I had heard the Jake Bailey story and quote on tv at some point during the run-up to Christmas. It's is an inspiring message! I have enjoyed you kind friendship since I first visited you blog, and I look forward to the next year of writing back and forth with you. All the best to you, Hugh and your family, two-footed and four footed!

Nancy J said...

Thanks all for your wonderful words. We are on the run-up to New Year.It should be quiet and peaceful.Presents have been made, received and given, yummy food eaten. ham baked on the BBQ, and all the cats loved their combined gift of frisky bikkies, the special treats.Mother Thrush continues to hop right to the doorway and waits for her treats too, then flies back over the stream to her nest. How tame for a bird in the wild.

Inger said...

I thank you for your friendship and support this past year. All the best for the new year to you and Hugh.

Allie-oops Designs said...

Wow - that was an amazing video, loved it so much [and one of my favorite Christmas songs]. I'm wishing you all the best in 2016!!!!!!

Ioleen said...

Thank you Jean for the beautiful video. All the best to you and your family.