Chris pointed out to me the other day that Big Boy II, my guard magpie, the one who directed traffic in the food give-away-stakes, had hurt one of his legs, and was definitely favouring it and limping. That made me worry. What does a bird do when it is injured? What may be a small injury to us could be life threatening to a wild creature in its natural habitat.
This is an update on BBII - yesterday, as I looked out on my front deck, I noticed that BBII was nibbling at some food that I had thrown down on the ground for the birds- some of it had made its way back onto the deck, and while he hobbled around after his nibbles, another magpie was standing guard, and chasing away a voracious honeyeater, (if one could consider a honeyeater veracious and yes, ferocious), who was determined to have a go at these scraps.
Don't know if BBII will recover and go on to live a full life, but his 'friend' is certainly determined enough for him. Keep your fingers crossed!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Jock and Strap
OK! It's their turn! (I've promised them I would give them equal time--I also know that if I sit with them, they will sit patiently and listen while I read this to them--that's the kind of great guys they are!) I'm of course talking about Jock and Strap, our two border collies. (I promise to attach photos to these blogs--they are just on another computer--long story..)
Anyway, Jock entered our life first- we went to pick him up from his family's property, a working property where his grandfather, his father and his mother were all registered and great working dogs. We chose Jock, because he basically chose us--He was a ball of black and white fur and gave great kisses. So we paid our money, were promised our registration papers, and took him home.
We chose the name Jock, as this had been a name linked to his grandfather's lineage. We could picture ourselves walking across the paddocks with our great border collie, Jock, a massive, strong, brave border collie, running in front of us, the fresh air blowing and all would be right with the world. Yeah, well...Jock is handsome--very handsome. We think now that his good looks may have been the downfall of him...perhaps he looked in his water dish one day and realised that with his looks, he should never have to work too hard! So, he didn't.
It's not that we wanted a working dog--but a physically active dog would have been good - in his early days he humoured us, and besides being somewhat obedient, he also allowed us to play with him, and would occasionally fake us out, and let us think he would play catch...he would excitedly chase the ball or the empty plastic bottle (one of his favourite toys), but would return it to a point where we would also have to fetch--Jock wasn't raised a dumb lineage animal--he knew his place in society, we just couldn't figure out where we fit in!
We shared a few 'fitting-in' problems with Jock initially, including teaching him not to eat the plants in the 'botannical' gardens surrounding our home, and especially not to eat the Jacaranda trees- but eventually a healthy respect and love developed between Jock and our family. He is a very gentle and loving dog. (He knows he's on a good thing, and will never have to chase or round up anything, unless he really wants to--and he would much rather relax, and be pampered by his humans, than physically achieve anything.)
Well, about this time, Maddie and I introduced Strap - first to Chris, (This little border collie at the pet store had won the hearts of Maddie and I, and we sure did hope that Chris would crumble too when he saw him). Chris didn't crumble much, but just enough, so we brought Strap home--(I'll let you work out how he got his name--didn't have much to do with his lineage, as in Jock's case..more with humour I think!)
Now about this time Jock was about 4 years old- 28 years old in human years--he had been a much pampered and looked after young gentleman dog, who suddenly was introduced to a responsibility. The first and most important responsibility of his life - a puppy! We have never seen an animal adjust so quickly to the task, but who also matured at an amazing pace--Jock exchanged his virginal playboy ways for that of (somewhat enforced) but patient maturity. He became a great role model, a teacher, and a scolder---Strap both feared and loved him...we interfered with Jock's training mechanisms, when we had to, but watched with great interest as Jock showed Strap how to behave. How to sit before eating, how to obey commands, and how to try to understand the humans and be gentle with them at all times.
Anyway, Jock entered our life first- we went to pick him up from his family's property, a working property where his grandfather, his father and his mother were all registered and great working dogs. We chose Jock, because he basically chose us--He was a ball of black and white fur and gave great kisses. So we paid our money, were promised our registration papers, and took him home.
We chose the name Jock, as this had been a name linked to his grandfather's lineage. We could picture ourselves walking across the paddocks with our great border collie, Jock, a massive, strong, brave border collie, running in front of us, the fresh air blowing and all would be right with the world. Yeah, well...Jock is handsome--very handsome. We think now that his good looks may have been the downfall of him...perhaps he looked in his water dish one day and realised that with his looks, he should never have to work too hard! So, he didn't.It's not that we wanted a working dog--but a physically active dog would have been good - in his early days he humoured us, and besides being somewhat obedient, he also allowed us to play with him, and would occasionally fake us out, and let us think he would play catch...he would excitedly chase the ball or the empty plastic bottle (one of his favourite toys), but would return it to a point where we would also have to fetch--Jock wasn't raised a dumb lineage animal--he knew his place in society, we just couldn't figure out where we fit in!
We shared a few 'fitting-in' problems with Jock initially, including teaching him not to eat the plants in the 'botannical' gardens surrounding our home, and especially not to eat the Jacaranda trees- but eventually a healthy respect and love developed between Jock and our family. He is a very gentle and loving dog. (He knows he's on a good thing, and will never have to chase or round up anything, unless he really wants to--and he would much rather relax, and be pampered by his humans, than physically achieve anything.)
Well, about this time, Maddie and I introduced Strap - first to Chris, (This little border collie at the pet store had won the hearts of Maddie and I, and we sure did hope that Chris would crumble too when he saw him). Chris didn't crumble much, but just enough, so we brought Strap home--(I'll let you work out how he got his name--didn't have much to do with his lineage, as in Jock's case..more with humour I think!)
Now about this time Jock was about 4 years old- 28 years old in human years--he had been a much pampered and looked after young gentleman dog, who suddenly was introduced to a responsibility. The first and most important responsibility of his life - a puppy! We have never seen an animal adjust so quickly to the task, but who also matured at an amazing pace--Jock exchanged his virginal playboy ways for that of (somewhat enforced) but patient maturity. He became a great role model, a teacher, and a scolder---Strap both feared and loved him...we interfered with Jock's training mechanisms, when we had to, but watched with great interest as Jock showed Strap how to behave. How to sit before eating, how to obey commands, and how to try to understand the humans and be gentle with them at all times. So, for the last ten years we have had the pleasure of constantly sharing our lives with these two very different characters--Jock is still a gentelman's gentleman. He still loves smelling my flower bouquets, and checking out my latest purchases before I can get them into the house, and Strap would rather play soccer with you than breathe--they are so opposite--but love each other dearly--and of course, we don't know what we would do without them. Our boys!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Rex
I recently received a post on Facebook about an elephant on a special reserve who had made life friends with, of all things, a small white dog! Most of the elephants bonded with another elephant either as girlfriends or mates, so this was an unusual yet very strong bond. This video clip made me reminisce.
About 16 years ago, a small black and white fox terrier showed up at our home. I met him for the first time when I had parked my car in our 4 bay shed - he was quivering behind one of the other cars. I said hello to him, but he was very jittery and timid. I decided to leave him alone. This went on for about a week. Little by little, he became a bit more brave and I became very curious. He was very thin, looking under-nourished, and acting as though he had been mistreated.
After about a week of this behaviour, it became obvious that he did not want to go away, so we placed little bits of food and water out for him by our parking shed. After we left, he would venture out, and eat it frantically. Time passed, and one day I came home from work to find this little black and white dog actually sitting there, waiting for me. I got out of the car, and quietly put my hand out with palm exposed, to let him know I meant no harm. I spoke quietly, and asked how he was doing. He stood and looked at me, as though he was sizing me up--I waited. I invited him to come with me into our backyard, and to my surprise, he followed me. I was astonished! We had obviouly won his confidence.
As time went by, we eventually adopted him, and he became a wondrous part of our family. We named him 'Rex - The Wonder Dog', and he was! There are so many stories about him I could tell, most of them detailing how really wondrous he was, but this story is about Rex and Georgie!
Georgie was our Australian Terrier, a beautiful wiggly body of black and brown fur. She had been sad lately, as her yard-mate, Kurt, our rottweiler had recently passed away. Well, when this little fox terrier came through the shed door into our backyard, and Georgie saw him, there was a bit of sizing up and territory claiming stuff going on - nothing loud or violent, (as our Georgie was a gentle creature)--but she sized him up all the same, just as he had me.
Life went on and Rex stayed with us. As the days and eventually months passed, Rex and Georgie had the most glorious love affair. I feel lucky to this day to have been a part of it. (The whole episode of them needs to written into a much larger story, but I will edit it for this blog.) I would watch them sitting on the driveway in the sun in the late afternoon, and Rex would have his left front paw wrapped around Georgie's shoulders as they watched the end of the day together. He often would lean in and it would look as though he was whispering something quietly into her ear, or just give her a lick on her cheek, smoothing her whiskers. She would just smile back a him. Honestly- I am not exaggerating. They were inseparable. As time went on, Georgie gave birth to 4 of the cutest puppies. Rex was so excited he called out to me in frantic yelps, and as I came running, we saw the last puppy arrive. He was so proud!
Well, a few years passed, and as happens in life at times, we experienced some sad times. My husband John had just died from cancer, and on our return from Melbourne, we found Georgie and Rex waiting for us. It was a sad, but happy homecoming. The next morning, while the girls were still asleep, I noticed that Georgie was acting funny, and I knew I had to get her to the vet as soon as I could. I came inside the house to tell the girls what I was going to do, then grabbed my car keys and headed out towards Georgie. Rex was fretting, and running around, and I called out to him. We both stood side by side and looked down at Georgie, who lay still on the ground. She was dead. We don't know what happenend, maybe a snake bite....but she was gone. Rex was inconsolable.
Later that morning the girls and I dug a grave for Georgie next to Kurt's grave, under the trees in the lower paddock, and buried her. We had a ceremony in respect for her, covered her grave with soil and rocks for protection, and covered that with flowers. Rex stood next to us the entire time. A very quiet dog. As we left her gravesite, we called to Rex to follow us home, as it was getting towards evening, but he just layed on her grave. We left him alone. We knew he would come home when he wanted to.
He never did. Georgie had been his home. Now she was gone. He was too. We never saw Rex again.
About 16 years ago, a small black and white fox terrier showed up at our home. I met him for the first time when I had parked my car in our 4 bay shed - he was quivering behind one of the other cars. I said hello to him, but he was very jittery and timid. I decided to leave him alone. This went on for about a week. Little by little, he became a bit more brave and I became very curious. He was very thin, looking under-nourished, and acting as though he had been mistreated.
After about a week of this behaviour, it became obvious that he did not want to go away, so we placed little bits of food and water out for him by our parking shed. After we left, he would venture out, and eat it frantically. Time passed, and one day I came home from work to find this little black and white dog actually sitting there, waiting for me. I got out of the car, and quietly put my hand out with palm exposed, to let him know I meant no harm. I spoke quietly, and asked how he was doing. He stood and looked at me, as though he was sizing me up--I waited. I invited him to come with me into our backyard, and to my surprise, he followed me. I was astonished! We had obviouly won his confidence.
As time went by, we eventually adopted him, and he became a wondrous part of our family. We named him 'Rex - The Wonder Dog', and he was! There are so many stories about him I could tell, most of them detailing how really wondrous he was, but this story is about Rex and Georgie!
Georgie was our Australian Terrier, a beautiful wiggly body of black and brown fur. She had been sad lately, as her yard-mate, Kurt, our rottweiler had recently passed away. Well, when this little fox terrier came through the shed door into our backyard, and Georgie saw him, there was a bit of sizing up and territory claiming stuff going on - nothing loud or violent, (as our Georgie was a gentle creature)--but she sized him up all the same, just as he had me.
Life went on and Rex stayed with us. As the days and eventually months passed, Rex and Georgie had the most glorious love affair. I feel lucky to this day to have been a part of it. (The whole episode of them needs to written into a much larger story, but I will edit it for this blog.) I would watch them sitting on the driveway in the sun in the late afternoon, and Rex would have his left front paw wrapped around Georgie's shoulders as they watched the end of the day together. He often would lean in and it would look as though he was whispering something quietly into her ear, or just give her a lick on her cheek, smoothing her whiskers. She would just smile back a him. Honestly- I am not exaggerating. They were inseparable. As time went on, Georgie gave birth to 4 of the cutest puppies. Rex was so excited he called out to me in frantic yelps, and as I came running, we saw the last puppy arrive. He was so proud!
Well, a few years passed, and as happens in life at times, we experienced some sad times. My husband John had just died from cancer, and on our return from Melbourne, we found Georgie and Rex waiting for us. It was a sad, but happy homecoming. The next morning, while the girls were still asleep, I noticed that Georgie was acting funny, and I knew I had to get her to the vet as soon as I could. I came inside the house to tell the girls what I was going to do, then grabbed my car keys and headed out towards Georgie. Rex was fretting, and running around, and I called out to him. We both stood side by side and looked down at Georgie, who lay still on the ground. She was dead. We don't know what happenend, maybe a snake bite....but she was gone. Rex was inconsolable.
Later that morning the girls and I dug a grave for Georgie next to Kurt's grave, under the trees in the lower paddock, and buried her. We had a ceremony in respect for her, covered her grave with soil and rocks for protection, and covered that with flowers. Rex stood next to us the entire time. A very quiet dog. As we left her gravesite, we called to Rex to follow us home, as it was getting towards evening, but he just layed on her grave. We left him alone. We knew he would come home when he wanted to.
He never did. Georgie had been his home. Now she was gone. He was too. We never saw Rex again.
"Is there anyone out there?"
This is just a short one---just wanted to see if anyone is really reading my blogs. I hope so...otherwise, I guess I am just talking to myself, which my family tells me I do quite often!
I am having fun writing, which is actually the point in all of this journey. But it would be great to know that I had readers..
If you read my blogs and enjoy them, (that's the important point) please become a follower--that way I know I am writing for someone. That would be a great and wonderous thing to know.
If you don't wish to 'follow' me, I will probably just keep writing anyway, if for no other reason than to frustrate you, and urge you to finally 'follow' or at least make comment, so that you can tell me to stop this incessant writing. So, you see....it's really all up to you!
I am having fun writing, which is actually the point in all of this journey. But it would be great to know that I had readers..
If you read my blogs and enjoy them, (that's the important point) please become a follower--that way I know I am writing for someone. That would be a great and wonderous thing to know.
If you don't wish to 'follow' me, I will probably just keep writing anyway, if for no other reason than to frustrate you, and urge you to finally 'follow' or at least make comment, so that you can tell me to stop this incessant writing. So, you see....it's really all up to you!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
My little friends
This post will be just a silly one--but I have to talk about my little 'buddies'. For about 18 months now I have consciously been feeding the wildbirds from my front deck--very early mornng is usually a good time, but they also prefer somewhere between 2:00 - 4:00pm in the afternoon-(probably topping up for a good night's sleep.)
I vary their diet, and often provide treats, but over this time I have met some really great characters. My first character was Big Boy--he was a very large magpie, and as soon as I opened the deck door, he was on the railing waiting for me. He would then warble out to the others, and literally about 15 birds of various species would come flying in to feed. I would throw and spread these offerings onto the ground below my deck, spreading them so the area could be diverse, and not over-crowd the 'guests'.
Well, Big Boy loved his job, and I could always rely upon him to notify the others. My 'guests'usually included other magpies, some honey eaters, a couple of top-knot pigeons, some lorrikeets, and occasionally some cockatoos---what always fascinated me was they all shared, and chattered away, like at a large dining table.
Then one day Big Boy just went away. I really did miss him and his mannerisms. We were almost on very friendly terms--I could leave a treat on the deck railing, and he would brave the walk towards me to grab it--at times he almost let me touch him.
Then about 1 month ago I found Big Boy II- not sure if they are related, but sure do hold a strong family resemblance. However, BBII has an attitude problem. He thinks I am feeding just him. If other birds fly in for a treat he literally chases them away! He runs at them with his head down, and his wings spread a bit. I have tried talking to him (My family has become accustomed to the fact that I talk to animals and birds), and I have tried to explain that his life would be much happier if he learned to share. We're working on that issue. Meanwhile, I have resorted at times to feeding the others from our side deck---BBII hasn't realised this yet.
It is so much fun to watch these guys!!
I vary their diet, and often provide treats, but over this time I have met some really great characters. My first character was Big Boy--he was a very large magpie, and as soon as I opened the deck door, he was on the railing waiting for me. He would then warble out to the others, and literally about 15 birds of various species would come flying in to feed. I would throw and spread these offerings onto the ground below my deck, spreading them so the area could be diverse, and not over-crowd the 'guests'.
Well, Big Boy loved his job, and I could always rely upon him to notify the others. My 'guests'usually included other magpies, some honey eaters, a couple of top-knot pigeons, some lorrikeets, and occasionally some cockatoos---what always fascinated me was they all shared, and chattered away, like at a large dining table.
Then one day Big Boy just went away. I really did miss him and his mannerisms. We were almost on very friendly terms--I could leave a treat on the deck railing, and he would brave the walk towards me to grab it--at times he almost let me touch him.
Then about 1 month ago I found Big Boy II- not sure if they are related, but sure do hold a strong family resemblance. However, BBII has an attitude problem. He thinks I am feeding just him. If other birds fly in for a treat he literally chases them away! He runs at them with his head down, and his wings spread a bit. I have tried talking to him (My family has become accustomed to the fact that I talk to animals and birds), and I have tried to explain that his life would be much happier if he learned to share. We're working on that issue. Meanwhile, I have resorted at times to feeding the others from our side deck---BBII hasn't realised this yet.
It is so much fun to watch these guys!!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Just Do It!
I have found that when it came to the really important decisions in my life, I have always just made them. I didn't hesitate, overly think about them, or even try to talk myself out of them--I just did it. And for the most part they have always been the best decisions I could have made. (I don't recommend this technique for the feint hearted, but I have always been willing to live with my consequences).
This prelude leads into my next story. My friends and loyal readers have been giving me thumbs up on my writing in this Blog, and I receive good comments, with 'favourite' bits picked out and talked about. Anyway...some of my stronger supporters have encouraged me to try to publish further than just my email signatures, and Facebook, which, face it--isn't really publishing!
So, last Friday, I took the plunge. I located the contact details for the "Women's Weekly" magazine and "Woman's Day", 2 leading magazines in Australia, and sent them an email, linking my blog. I told them that I was being encouraged to publish. I then went on to say that I would be more than happy to write a regular column for them. Today is Tuesday--they have not come running to me with offers. I ask myself, should I be shattered, or just realise that always following my instincts might sometimes have snags....we'll see.
Footnote: In 1974, when I first came to Australia, the Editor of my hometown newspaper, 'The Burlington Hawk-Eye', asked me to send him my 'Experiences' material for a column in his paper, detailing my adventures in Australia. But, hey! I was busy setting up my life here, teaching all of my classes, and discovering my new country. Even when he asked people from my hometown to look me up, and they did find me and contact me, I still didn't heed his plea to contribute to a column in his paper. I was young and foolish. If I had followed those instincts correctly at the time, those magazines I mentioned previously, would probably be asking me to write a column, instead of me offering to them the opportunity for me to write my 'words of wisdom' in a column for them..that'll teach me, won't it!
This prelude leads into my next story. My friends and loyal readers have been giving me thumbs up on my writing in this Blog, and I receive good comments, with 'favourite' bits picked out and talked about. Anyway...some of my stronger supporters have encouraged me to try to publish further than just my email signatures, and Facebook, which, face it--isn't really publishing!
So, last Friday, I took the plunge. I located the contact details for the "Women's Weekly" magazine and "Woman's Day", 2 leading magazines in Australia, and sent them an email, linking my blog. I told them that I was being encouraged to publish. I then went on to say that I would be more than happy to write a regular column for them. Today is Tuesday--they have not come running to me with offers. I ask myself, should I be shattered, or just realise that always following my instincts might sometimes have snags....we'll see.
Footnote: In 1974, when I first came to Australia, the Editor of my hometown newspaper, 'The Burlington Hawk-Eye', asked me to send him my 'Experiences' material for a column in his paper, detailing my adventures in Australia. But, hey! I was busy setting up my life here, teaching all of my classes, and discovering my new country. Even when he asked people from my hometown to look me up, and they did find me and contact me, I still didn't heed his plea to contribute to a column in his paper. I was young and foolish. If I had followed those instincts correctly at the time, those magazines I mentioned previously, would probably be asking me to write a column, instead of me offering to them the opportunity for me to write my 'words of wisdom' in a column for them..that'll teach me, won't it!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Autograph Book
Maybe I'm weird, (I'll accept that criticism) or maybe just sentimental, but just a couple of weeks ago I discovered that I still had my old 'autograph' book which I had 'treasured' while in primary school. It was the fad then to get friends, even teachers, to sign it with their funny/ cute/ maybe meaningful messages. I was surprised to realise that I had packed that little brown-faux leather covered booklet in my belongings when I made the decision to move to Australia. I find that amazing! Why this book?
Yet looking through it, I have remembered so many instances, and the people, ---people I may have forgotten about otherwise. It is just the small things that bring about such large memories.
Looking at the comments, I thought that as an adult, why didn't I keep grabbing those 'autograph' moments from the people who have walked through my life. I think as kids in the 50/60's we had the right idea. We wanted to remember those people, those good times, the times we shared together.
It is with regret that I didn't carry this special little fake leather missile with me through my life---what memories I could be re-living if I had---and there have been some great ones!
I think the moral is, no matter what framework children of today use, be it written or electronic, always encourage them to collect and record their feelings or memories or even just friends names in a format that they will be able to refer to in the years to come. They may be surprised at what they do remember-and a lot of times it is so worth the remembering!!
Yet looking through it, I have remembered so many instances, and the people, ---people I may have forgotten about otherwise. It is just the small things that bring about such large memories.
Looking at the comments, I thought that as an adult, why didn't I keep grabbing those 'autograph' moments from the people who have walked through my life. I think as kids in the 50/60's we had the right idea. We wanted to remember those people, those good times, the times we shared together.
It is with regret that I didn't carry this special little fake leather missile with me through my life---what memories I could be re-living if I had---and there have been some great ones!
I think the moral is, no matter what framework children of today use, be it written or electronic, always encourage them to collect and record their feelings or memories or even just friends names in a format that they will be able to refer to in the years to come. They may be surprised at what they do remember-and a lot of times it is so worth the remembering!!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Dad will be 93 on the 29 July -- just a few days from now. It made me think about all of the memories I have in my life concerning him - but one of my favourites is Christmas morning! I would start waking up my sister at about 4:00 am, which for her was unfortunate, mainly because she had to share a bedroom with me! She would always grumble: "Not yet! Go back to bed!"
So, I would lay there in anticipation for Christmas morning a bit longer, trying to sleep, knowing that I couldn't dare to creep downstairs to see if Santa had been, because if he was doing his magic, he would disappear and take all of the presents away!!
So impatiently I would wait, bother my sister a couple more times, then when I saw daylight creeping in slightly, I would sneak into my parent's room, and whisper "Is it time yet?" If I didn't get a quick response, I would shake Dad's shoulder, and whisper louder-- "Is it time yet?" Usually after awhile, and much loud coughing on my part, Dad would wake up, and I would ask again: "Is it was time yet to go see if Santa has been?"
Dad would always say, "Well, not sure! We'll see if the others are awake, and then I'll check it out. You just jump in bed here, while I check to see.", and I would excitedly crawl into their warm bed. Meanwhile, Mum would be waking up, and my sister would be stirring in our bedroom.
Dad would go downstairs and turn on the lights on the Christmas tree, which would shine so brightly on the still dark morning, and would cry out " Well look at this! It sure looks like Santa has come this morning! What a surprise!" I would be so excited!
I would jump out of bed, run to my room to get my robe and fluffy slippers, make sure my sister was awake, make sure Mum was getting up, and race downstairs to see what surprises Santa had left! I was never, ever disappointed!
To this day we follow that tradition. No one is allowed to start looking at the Christmas presents on Christmas morning, until either Chris or I arrive and say: "Look what Santa has done! What a surprise!" It's all part of the fun--and to tell you the truth--I still get as excited!!
So, I would lay there in anticipation for Christmas morning a bit longer, trying to sleep, knowing that I couldn't dare to creep downstairs to see if Santa had been, because if he was doing his magic, he would disappear and take all of the presents away!!
So impatiently I would wait, bother my sister a couple more times, then when I saw daylight creeping in slightly, I would sneak into my parent's room, and whisper "Is it time yet?" If I didn't get a quick response, I would shake Dad's shoulder, and whisper louder-- "Is it time yet?" Usually after awhile, and much loud coughing on my part, Dad would wake up, and I would ask again: "Is it was time yet to go see if Santa has been?"
Dad would always say, "Well, not sure! We'll see if the others are awake, and then I'll check it out. You just jump in bed here, while I check to see.", and I would excitedly crawl into their warm bed. Meanwhile, Mum would be waking up, and my sister would be stirring in our bedroom.
Dad would go downstairs and turn on the lights on the Christmas tree, which would shine so brightly on the still dark morning, and would cry out " Well look at this! It sure looks like Santa has come this morning! What a surprise!" I would be so excited!
I would jump out of bed, run to my room to get my robe and fluffy slippers, make sure my sister was awake, make sure Mum was getting up, and race downstairs to see what surprises Santa had left! I was never, ever disappointed!
To this day we follow that tradition. No one is allowed to start looking at the Christmas presents on Christmas morning, until either Chris or I arrive and say: "Look what Santa has done! What a surprise!" It's all part of the fun--and to tell you the truth--I still get as excited!!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Renovations and Life
This is our year of renovations. We are renovating our beachhouse, and have reached the final stages--now it's the landscaping and final clean-up and fitting of curtains etc, and we're done. It's been an interesting journey. There have been so many various tradesmen involved, but the final project will be worth it. Once it is on the market we start on the family home! Hopefully not such a large project---but a project ahead of us all the same.
Part of this renovation process has been a 'renovation' of sorts about us also. We have had a lot of life changing issues these past 12 months, including retirement from our university careers, and then moving into the begining of our life careers! We have had some unfortunate family upheavals, and we are currently suffering through some very sad and perhaps final family illnesses, which we know we will need to steel ourselves for as the months continue... It all weighs heavily. Yet through it all, we try every day to keep focussed, and keep moving towards our goal. We will make it, maybe not in our desired timeframe, but we keep striving. Sometimes we wish we had the strength of some of our more youthful years to carry us through that one day or that one hour longer.
One of my most enjoyable renovations, if you want to call it that, is my re-awakening. I am discovering life again--real life, and enjoyment of it. I treasure my small family and my loving husband, and try very hard every day to show how much enjoyment I am having, usually just in the little things. It has been a new experience for me to wake up each day and decide how I want to spend my time on that day--I don't like to waste any time unless it is justified---sometimes, just learning to relax is a new skill!
I like learning how to grow through each day, and love having the time to appreciate life, and my family, and the world in my environment. We are blessed that we live in a peaceful oasis, full of wild-life and the relaxing, luscious garden landscaping surrounding us. It will be hard to leave it---but it is part of our Life Renovation Plan. Something I am really looking forward to!!
Part of this renovation process has been a 'renovation' of sorts about us also. We have had a lot of life changing issues these past 12 months, including retirement from our university careers, and then moving into the begining of our life careers! We have had some unfortunate family upheavals, and we are currently suffering through some very sad and perhaps final family illnesses, which we know we will need to steel ourselves for as the months continue... It all weighs heavily. Yet through it all, we try every day to keep focussed, and keep moving towards our goal. We will make it, maybe not in our desired timeframe, but we keep striving. Sometimes we wish we had the strength of some of our more youthful years to carry us through that one day or that one hour longer.
One of my most enjoyable renovations, if you want to call it that, is my re-awakening. I am discovering life again--real life, and enjoyment of it. I treasure my small family and my loving husband, and try very hard every day to show how much enjoyment I am having, usually just in the little things. It has been a new experience for me to wake up each day and decide how I want to spend my time on that day--I don't like to waste any time unless it is justified---sometimes, just learning to relax is a new skill!
I like learning how to grow through each day, and love having the time to appreciate life, and my family, and the world in my environment. We are blessed that we live in a peaceful oasis, full of wild-life and the relaxing, luscious garden landscaping surrounding us. It will be hard to leave it---but it is part of our Life Renovation Plan. Something I am really looking forward to!!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Early morning musings
Yesterday I said goodbye to my lowboy walnut piano. It was a beautiful piece of furniture, which had become, just that, a beautiful piece of furniture. It didn't sing or resonate any longer. Its keys were no longer rattled and played. It held a candelabra well, and looked very warm and inviting, but never played much in these last few years.
She went to an aged care home. The same home which had so lovingly looked after my Father-in-law, during his last days. I know it will be enjoyed there, and once again those ivory keys will resonate with music and laughter.
We originally bought that piano for my daughter, Lauren. She had been taking lessons on a portable organ, set at piano aspect, and was doing fairly well. She was about 8 years old at the time. We travelled to the States during this period, for a 10 week holiday, and upon our return to our normal routine here, Lauren was asked by her music teacher to perform in a concert for the Queensland Arts Council the following week, which put a bit of pressure on her, as she had not been near a piano for quite some time.
On the night of the performance, she entered the stage, a small, yet confident little Miss, and settled herself confidently at the Grand Piano on stage. (At this point she had never even touched the keyboard of a real piano--just her portable organ). She played her piece with finesse, stood and took a bow.
She received a Highly Commended award from the Arts Council, and it was at that point that we decided that we should probably take her music interest a bit more seriously. A few weeks later we discovered news about a lovely Baldwin piano for sale. It was a bit pricey, but we settled upon a price and bought it for Lauren, who then continued her musical journey.
And what a journey it was, but then--that's another story!
She went to an aged care home. The same home which had so lovingly looked after my Father-in-law, during his last days. I know it will be enjoyed there, and once again those ivory keys will resonate with music and laughter.
We originally bought that piano for my daughter, Lauren. She had been taking lessons on a portable organ, set at piano aspect, and was doing fairly well. She was about 8 years old at the time. We travelled to the States during this period, for a 10 week holiday, and upon our return to our normal routine here, Lauren was asked by her music teacher to perform in a concert for the Queensland Arts Council the following week, which put a bit of pressure on her, as she had not been near a piano for quite some time.
On the night of the performance, she entered the stage, a small, yet confident little Miss, and settled herself confidently at the Grand Piano on stage. (At this point she had never even touched the keyboard of a real piano--just her portable organ). She played her piece with finesse, stood and took a bow.
She received a Highly Commended award from the Arts Council, and it was at that point that we decided that we should probably take her music interest a bit more seriously. A few weeks later we discovered news about a lovely Baldwin piano for sale. It was a bit pricey, but we settled upon a price and bought it for Lauren, who then continued her musical journey.
And what a journey it was, but then--that's another story!
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