Central Plateau, North Island

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

Monday 8 February 2016

Some photos from the past…

 

When I started this blog in 2011, I had no idea how to  make each post interesting, how to edit photos or anything much else at all. Two friends were a huge help, Shirley who gave me the encouragement I  needed to start, and Marj, who helped get the words in the right order for my blog name. And, naturally, the
“Mariner’s Compass” that was made for Walter was my header for some time..

Mariner's Compass wall hanging

Walter, a dear friend for many years,  was in Auckland Hospital for his 91st  birthday,  in March 2010,  and the staff were so helpful, they kept his parcel until that morning, brought it in, and hung this in his room. In April I flew to Auckland for his funeral, and  a few weeks later his daughter sent me a lovely card, and the news that this wall hanging had gone to the   Felixstowe Maritime Museum, where it is hung with other Navy Memorablia. What an honour, and  I rate this the highest of all in my life.( Maybe our wedding in 1962 should come in a close second!!)( Anniversary of 54 years  next week).

The last pink tulip, in 2012last pink tulip

Early morning sun and some fog at Piropiro Flats. where we have camped several times.

Early morning sun

Mt Ngauruhoe, in the Central Plateau, taken on one of my  plane trips to Auckland.

mt Ngauruhoe from  the air

The cherry trees in blossom, and a late spring frost on the lawn.

October frosty morning with cherry trees in blossom

I am well, each day a blessing, and the lawns continue to be mown, weeds weeded, quilts sewn, and words written.

Quotation of the day, from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Ah, how good it feels! The hand of an old friend”

Greetings from Jean

26 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

the wall-hanging is really special. love the fog photo, too!

Leeanne said...

Lovely older photo's. I always love seeing what I fondly call 'my mountains'.........I know they are not MY mountains but it comes from a feeling of home when I see them, if that makes sense. Any wedding anniversary is an event well worth celebrating. a friend once said to us, anyone can have a birthday and will do, but to celebrate a lasting marriage, now that IS a true celebration!

Out To Pasture said...

Five years of sharing your creative talent and glimpses of a remarkable land. Thank you for your generous virtual tour. Looking forward to many more of the same! Keep up the good work, Carol!

Susan Heather said...

Lovely photos especially Mt. Ngauruhoe. Glad you are feeling better.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Your Mariner's Compass quilt is a real beauty and what an honour for it and you to have it displayed in a museum. Equally amazing...your 54 year old marriage. What a blessing! I love looking at your photos which are so interesting to me.

Carol Mattingly said...

What gorgeous photos. Is that a volcano in the mountain image. I have never seen a volcanoes except photos. So glad you are well. I hope to be soon. Carol

Julie Fukuda said...

When my son turned my paper diary into a blog I probably had even less skill or even knew what to expect.
I am still amazed at the friendships that it has brought and inspired by the talents and posts of others. Thank you for being such a good friend over these years ... and the Mariner's compass must be inspiring many others.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, what a lovely story on the Compass wall hanging. It does look beautiful. The views from the plane are beautiful and I love the cherry blossoms. I am glad you are well.
Happy Monday, have a great new week ahead!

Our photos said...

All these nice memories ! Feels great to look back, isn't it ? I know i love it !

Hannah said...

Life seems to be treating you well, Jean, and I admire your quilting skills, how special to have your Mariner's Compass grace a museum! I like your cherry trees looking so pretty above the frosty lawn. I can hardly wait for spring here, but I lost my large pink-flowering almond last year so less pink blossoms. here.

Janet said...

I remember when you originally posted about that wall hanging. What a special moment with lingering feel good overtones! Happy anniversary for your 54 years together (in case I miss the day next week).

Allie-oops Designs said...

Happy Anniversary a bit early - wow 54 years!!! Congrats! Love the wallhanging you made for Walter, and it truly is an honor to have it hanging at the museum. Well done.

Jenn Jilks said...

Happy Anniversary, early! Do you have plans?!
Isn't that a wonderful honour, having your work displayed. I think I need a new project! hugs xx

Tish Stemple said...

Happy early anniversary! I am sure Walter loved the wall hanging you made for him and cherished it deeply. I would say that it is a huge honor to have it hanging in a museum for many people to enjoy.

KB said...

It is a huge honor to have your beautiful quilt hanging in a museum. I love the photo of the mountains from the plane, and the fog photo. Happy Anniversary!

Jenn Jilks said...

I love your quilting work!!! Your photos of your world are amazing, as well! xx

What Karen Sees said...

So sorry about your dear friend, and what an honor for you. Love your photos of beautiful NZ!

Anna of Mutton Style and Years said...

Congratulations. I'm a relative newbie. I started 18 months ago. You have some fantastic memories in those pics and your blogs. As you've clearly learnt how to make your blogs interesting can you teach me.

Cut&Alter said...

Well what a lovely blog! The photos of NZ have made me all nostalgic .....

Barb said...

I love seeing the NZ landscape - those cherry trees with frost is one of my favorites. 54 years! That will surely merit a blog post. Ours will be 50 in August.

bj said...

Hi, Jean....your tulip is so pretty...I am wondering if I can plant bulbs and have them grown here in hot West Texas...I will give it a try in a container...
How honoring it was to have your work regarded so highly. Congratulations...
also congrats on your upcoming anniversary...we will have our 56th in April. My goodness...i am feeling old just thinking of it..haha

Lori Skoog said...

54 years! Congratulations! I love your quilted piece that is now hanging in the museum...it's what I always think of when I see your name on a post.

Hannah said...

I know how good it feels just to be able to function, Jean, I had incidents with my knees when doing heavy garden work last year that ended with my right knee not able to bend. It took 3 months of supplements and Far Infrared heat treatments to get my range of motion back, wearing knee braces daily, and using walkers. So I had to really scale back my yard work but managed to maintain my vegetable garden and pick vegetables, and now I just don't do the really heavy work anymore and get things done much more slowly. So I admire you for keeping on going and achieving so much. I love to see your quilting projects.

Eggs In My Pocket said...

How wonderful........that is such a beautiful wall hanging and so deserving of a museum home! Love all of your lovely photos! What pretty places!

camp and cottage living said...

What an honour, indeed. Here I thought you had just started quilting, Jean....
Beautiful photos of your beautiful country too!

Magpie Sue said...

Wow, I need to spend some time catching up on your blog! Sounds like the Mariner's Compass quilt was a truly special project. Kudos on the wedding anniversary - that's an accomplishment to be celebrated for sure.