Day 262: Carrying our roots

 "You can have more than one home. You can carry your roots with you, and decide where they grow" - Henning Mankell

Project 265: #262

With all the forests around, there are obviously thousands of trees. Most of these trees seem to have fairly shallow roots, and with high winds and stormy weather, the trees often fall over, exposing the intricate patterns of roots that had been their life-line. Sadly, they can't just pic themselves up and re-root where they want to, so usually dry out - providing food and refuge for little creatures, and beauty in the landscape. We are fortunate that we can move our roots with us, and decide where they grow. It is not always easy, but a privilege to have the choice.

Day 261: First snow of winter

"The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?" - J.B. Priestley

Project 365: # 261

At last (although, I am not so sure), we woke to snow this morning! Well, actually more like icey-snow. We were just brushed by the cold front passing through, leaving us with snowy-sleet and a little snowy-ice build up on the roofs. It was still enchanting. It is amazing to wake up to a completely different world, brush-coated in gentle white! Magical and enchanting, even if a little late for Christmas! Pity the rain is already melting it!

Day 260: Less trodden paths

"There are many paths but only one journey" - Naomi Judd

 Project 365: #260

When out for a run, I was trying to follow the path along the edge of the river, but kept losing my way as the path was covered in leaf debris, and not having been there very often, I did not really know my way. So, I followed the vague course of the river, knowing where it would eventually end up.  At the end of the day, there are many different paths that we could take, but they all make up our journey, and we eventually end up at the destination that we were meant to be at. Just have faith that the path you are on is the right one!

Day 259: History all around us

"History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies" - Alexis de Tocqueville

Project 365: #259

Wherever you go here, you can feel the history. These were the supporting walls of a bridge over India Brook. We can imagine the history and what it must have been like over the past two centuries. The remains give us a glimpse into the past, as well as the future, for our foundations are built on history, with only minor modifications.

Day 258: Splash of green

"Life has evolved to thrive in environments that are extreme only by our limited human standards: in the boiling battery acid of Yellowstone hot springs, in the cracks of permanent ice sheets, in the cooling waters of nuclear reactors, miles beneath the Earth's crust, in pure salt crystals, and inside the rocks of the dry valleys of Antarctica" - Jill Tarter

Project 365: #258

It is absolutely amazing to witness life in the  most unexpected places! The trees are all bare, and brown leaf litter covers the ground...yet in the middle of this is green life sprouting from the crevices in the rocks. It is amazing that life continues in barren and unexpected places, always providing hope and lighting the way with a splash of colour!

Day 257: Christmas

"Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values" - Thomas S Monson

Project 365: #257

We have been so blessed in the community we have joined at St. Marks, and have been included selflessly in traditional Christmas celebrations. The joy of the season has been shared with us and we have been able to enjoy the true value of Christmas. These beautiful Christmas lights were in someone's garden - lighting up the peace of Christmas. Despite being so far from family and old friends, we had a sense of belonging, joy, and peace for which we are all thankful for!

Day 255: Traffic control

"Remove all the traffic lights, yellow lines, one-way systems and road markings, and let blissful anarchy prevail. I imagine it would produce a kind or harmony" - Sadie Jones

Project 365: #255

This amazing policeman is on traffic control on main road at the entrance to the school every morning, rain, fog, or shine (and snow when it arrives)! I am very grateful that he is there, as I do not think I could handle the prevailing anarchy, which certainly would not be blissful! I prefer being able to join the traffic in an orderly fashion, and patiently wait my turn as directed! What an awesome job he does!

Day 254: Rowing boats

"My escape is to just get in a boat and disappear on the water" - Carl Hiassen

Project 365: #254

As all the leaves have dropped and the branches are bare, you have a good view of the river banks. This rowing boat on the other bank was so inviting. I would love to just bob along the water without a care in the world - even in the bareness of winter! It is rather inviting as an amazing escape from everyday routine!

Day 256: Christmas eve

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful" - Norman Vincent Peale

Project 365: #256

There is definitely a magical feeling with Christmas, that is all around. On my run this morning I came across this fence lined with Santa hats! It softened the landscape, making everything seem happier and more beautiful! It provided some joy in an otherwise dull winter landscape!

Day 253: Solidarity

 "The first step in the evolution of ethics is a sense of solidarity with other human beings" - Albert Schweitzer

Project 365: #253

At the weekend, Caitlin went to visit her friend from Germany who now lives in Princeton. On the way, they drove under this overpass, signifying the solidarity with France over the recent terror the country faced. The sense of pride in the country and solidarity for what is right against what is wrong is fundamental for the evolution of ethics and values. The visit was also one of solidarity, as the two girls share a common history, and are facing similar challenges. By standing together they do not feel alone, and can reassess the way forward with new confidence based on their communal values.

Day 252: Winter moonrise

 "Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star" - W. Clement Stone

 Project 365: #252

Beautiful moon rising this evening on my freezing walk! Can't beat the advice to aim for the moon, and if you shoot past, the stars are within reach!  Always have a goal because it keeps you focused in the right direction! Without goals we are confused by all the options surrounding us, making it so much more difficult to make effective decisions. Aim for that moon...

Day 251: Flamingoes in the Christmas spirit!

The chief difficulty Alice found at first was in managing her flamingo.

Lewis Carroll

Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/349217

 "The chief difficulty Alice found at first was in managing her flamingo" - Lewis Carroll

The chief difficulty Alice found at first was in managing her flamingo.

Lewis Carroll

Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/349217

The chief difficulty Alice found at first was in managing her flamingo.

Lewis Carroll

Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/349217

The chief difficulty Alice found at first was in managing her flamingo.

Lewis Carroll

Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/349217

 Project 365: #251

It seems as though not only Alice has a little trouble with flamingoes in Wonderland, but the neighbours too! These flamingoes are clearly partying up a storm in the spirit of Christmas, bringing a little humour to the street!

The chief difficulty Alice found at first was in managing her flamingo.

Lewis Carroll

Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/349217

The chief difficulty Alice found at first was in managing her flamingo.

Lewis Carroll

Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/349217Project 365:

Day 250: Golden wedding anniversary

"True love doesn't happen right away; it's an ever-growing process. It develops after you've gone through many ups and downs, when you've suffered together, cried together, laughed together" - Ricardo Montalban

Project 365: #250

Congratulations and Happy 50th Anniversary!

 

Wow! What a milestone! You have set an amazing example of true love, trust, friendship, partnership, parenting, forgiveness, and grace through your journey. You should be both proud and happy looking back over all the memories that you share. Thank you for teaching us the value of marriage, commitment, and family through thick and thin. You have inspired and encouraged us through your example, every step of the way! You are an inspiration of true love! May you have a well-deserved golden celebration!

Day 249: Red roses

"The rose is a flower of love. The world has acclaimed it for centuries. Pink roses are for love, hopeful and expectant. White roses are for love, dead or forsaken, but  red roses, ah red roses, are for love triumphant" - Unknown

 

Project 365: #249

I was spoiled with a beautiful bouquet of long-stemmed red roses yesterday - signifying our love that has survived and overcome all the obstacles along the way. The past twenty years have flown past, and despite the odds, we have managed to fall back on love during both adversity and triumphs. True love is triumphant, after all!

Day 248: An ode to marriage

"A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year" - Paul Sweeney

Project 365: #248

This couldn't be more true! Twenty years later... two gorgeous girls, one loyal dog, two flying cats, three enormous continents, five awesome schools, eleven homely homes! We are certainly celebrating  love, trust, partnership, tolerance, and tenacity, for all of this combined must have kept us together! So, for all our friends and family who truly know us and the fake happy family pics on facebook:
"A successful marriage isn’t the union of two perfect people. It’s that of two imperfect people who have learned the value of forgiveness and grace"- Darlene Schacht....and as we get older, and hopefully wiser and less stubborn, forgiveness and grace are much easier. Here is to the next twenty years together with my very best friend, wherever they may take us! P.S. Thank you for putting up with me!

 BEFORE

 AFTER

Day 247: St. Margaret's nativity scene

"Christmas renews our youth by stirring our wonder. The capacity for wonder has been called our most pregnant human faculty, for in it are born our art, our science, our religion" - Ralph W Sockman

Project 365: # 247

I was so excited to receive a photo this morning of one of the resurrected Christmas scenes at St. Margaret's that Ft. Dunn and his artistic helpers beautifully created many years ago. It is so nice to see it being used again after all that hard work, and all those years being tucked away in the storeroom, to the glory of God! Christmas really does stir a youthful wonder in us, inspiring us to pursue our callings and what we really love. I think it is the promised grace of God that gives us hope each year to fulfill the promises of a better life. The  capacity  of wonder  brings art, creativity, science, and religion alive, giving meaning to our faith!

Day 246: Monday blues

"Monday is great if I can spend it in bed"- Arthure Darvill

Project 365: # 246

Everyone loves a great weekend....who really likes Mondays? It is even more difficult to get out of bed when the furry creatures look so cosy!! That's it...working in bed it is! The most exciting thing is that it is less than a week until the solstice, and then it will begin getting light earlier again in the morning, and dark a little later! Woohoo! Anything to make it a little easier to rise and shine!

Day 245: Misty morning

"I don't ask for the meaning of the song of a bird or the rising of the sun on a misty morning. There they are, and they are beautiful" - Pete Hamill

 Project 365: #245

The weather has been unbelievably balmy for this time of year, so we have still been enjoying early mornings on the deck. While sitting quietly outside there is the constant chatter and activity of the squirrels, and the chirping of the birds. And on misty mornings like this, the sun breaks through the mist, revealing another beautiful day. The continuity of life is amazing and inspirational when we are caught up with everyday dull routine! We don't ask for new beautiful days, but they are given to us anyway!

Day 244: Holiday greens

"The pine stays green in winter... wisdom in hardship" - Norman Douglas

Project 365: #244

There are Christmas decorations everywhere, with houses, windows, front doors, and fences adorned with beautifully decorated and arranged greenery - mostly pines. The green is certainly uplifting when everything else is dull and gray. May the green splashed of pine everywhere remind us to remain wise in the season of silliness, and remember the hardship of the Christmas story so that we can benefit from God's amazing grace!

Day 243: Another glorious day

 "And now, this is the sweetest and most glorious day that ever my eyes did see" - Donald Cargill

 Project 365: #243

Another stunning sunrise at Red Bank! Ever since we arrived here, we have been warned about the horrific winters with snow piled so high you can hardly open your garage door....so I have been bracing myself...the days have certainly dropped in temperature, and overnight is pretty cold, with early morning frost and frozen puddles, but there has not yet been a day that is not glorious! I am so grateful, but waiting with baited-breath for it to all fall over! I do hope that it doesn't mean that when real winter arrives eventually that it descends with a vengeance. (I have noted that around the suburb, our neighbours have lined their driveways with reflective poles so you can tell where the driveway is when submerged....do they know something that we don't??) About those snow-blowers...perhaps we should invest in one, just in case...

Day 242: Red Bank sunrise

"There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope" - Bernard Williams

Project 365: #242

An advantage of Mike traveling to workshops is that we get to witness different places through his eyes. This morning was uplifted by the sunrise at Red Bank! No matter how bad the night was, or how big our problems are, the sun always rises, and there is always hope! Never forget to have faith!

Day 241: Winter sunset

"Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer to your goal" -Elbert Hubbard

 

Project 365: #241

Sunset marks the end of the day...and in winter, it seems too early, with so much more that still needs to be done. But, each sunset can be a reflection of being a little closer to goals on our list. We must never forget what we want to achieve, and little by little, with each sunset we will be a step closer.

Day 239: A 'Christmas Carol' through the window

"Faith is salted and peppered through everything at Christmas. And I love at least one night by the Christmas tree to sing and feel the quiet holiness of that time that's set apart to celebrate love, friendship, and God's gift of the Christ child" - Amy Grant

Project 365: #239

The neighbourhood all leave their curtains open at night so you can see their beautifully decorated trees through the window...peering in as in the 'Christmas Carol'. There is no escaping faith at Christmas, it pops up everywhere. Sitting next to the tree in the dead of night, I can really feel the quiet holiness, and reflect with gratitude on the love of family, friends, and God. And on the path that has been chosen for us, and the blessings that are revealed daily!

Day 238: Bands and caroling

"I think that there are a lot of really beautiful Christmas carols" - Gillian Jacobs

Project 365: #238

Another Christmas-tree lighting...this time in Chester, and accompanied by the Mendham brass band and singers. Christmas is now feeling real! Santa again arrived in real fire-engine style, and was greeted with delighted squeals by loads of kids! How awesome to be back in a community that feels like family and home!

Day 237: Lighting of the Mendham Christmas tree

"I love Christmas, not just because of the presents but because of all the decorations and lights and the warmth of the season" - Ashley Tisdale

Project 365: #237

I love the traditions of the small towns that have been happening for years just the same as they always have. Each little town seems to have it's own Christmas tree, and lighting ceremony....and of course, Santa and his elves usually arrive in style....as on the Mendham fire-truck with official police escort! Christmas brings a feeling of family and togetherness to communities that are usually caught up in daily routine.

Day 236: The sousaphone

"I've got a lot of respect for tuba players, just carrying that thing around" - Jim Pattison

Project 365: #236

Well, Nic has graduated to the Sousaphone for the lighting of the Christmas tree in Chester on Sunday! I had no idea how to spell 'sousaphone'...and it conjoured up 'Seussical' images in my mind! It does have a sort of Dr. Seuss type appearance about it! It is also enormous....luckily it is mostly fiberglass, but still gives you arm ache! I have newfound respect for tuba players! Well done, Nicole!

Day 235: Time for decorating

"Science and technology revolutionize our lives, but memory, tradition and myth frame our response" - Arthur M. Schlesinger

Project 365: #235

Even in the last 20 years, I can see the immense impact that science and technology have had on our lives, it is almost unbelievable, and sometimes I feel that it all advances too quickly, leaving me completely overwhelmed. As Christmas is fast approaching, and we were lagging behind in decorating, we hauled out the decorations. The girls are mad as we are still not getting a real tree, but using old-faithful. There is something special though, as each year since we bought our tree the girls have decorated the box when we packed it away. We have also used mostly the same decorations, with a few technological advancements, keeping with tradition. The tradition is what makes us family, giving us the foundation to move forward. Tradition grants us perspective, allow us to remain firm, but embrace the revolution of science and technology and whatever the future holds!

(Of course, Campbell had to take advantage of the empty box....or perhaps he thought we were moving again, and didn't want to be left behind!)

Day 234: Who needs street lights?

 "Our many different cultures notwithstanding, there's something about the holidays that makes the planet communal. Even nations that do not celebrate Christmas can't help but be caught up in the collective spirit of their neighbors, as twinkling lights dot the landscape and carols fill the air. It's an inspiring time of the year" - Marlo Thomas

Project 365: #234

This picture does not really give a clear perspective, but this is the view from our front porch across the street and down the road...all the houses are lit up with Christmas lights. It is really festive, and brightens the cold! The lights across the road flash on and off to Christmas carols....about those electricity bills! There is a definite collective Christmas spirit that bubbles over, creating positivity in the neighbourhood!

Day 233: Seasonal progression

"You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of" - Jim Rohn

Project 365: #233

It is important to see a concrete comparison of the seasons, so you don't forget what you have to look forward to. This is our view through the kitchen window. In the four months we have been in our new house we have a full season change from the middle of summer to the beginning of winter. I would have loved for it to stay lush and green all year round, but as we know, time marches on, and so the seasons must change. Through all our moving, I have come to realize that we cannot change our circumstances, but we must adapt to them. It is so easy to blame external factors on how we feel, or what we do, but it is important to take personal responsibility of our lives to make the most the the situations and circumstances that we cannot change...always looking to the future and making the most of what we have. Sometimes, in winter, when life is a little barer, it is easier to reflect on what we have and see the way forward!

Day 231: Christmas scenes

"There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ. It is the time to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart - and our neighbors as ourselves" - Thomas S. Monson

 Project 365: #231

Each month seems to bring it's own excitement! As it is almost Christmas, and Thanksgiving is over, front gardens in the neighbourhood are being transformed. The days have dulled, and are much grayer and colder, so the lights and holiday decorations are uplifting. What is even more exciting to see are the real Christmas decorations like this beautiful scene with baby Jesus in the middle! It is so refreshing to see the true spirit of Christmas is still alive! May we all remember the reason why we celebrate Christmas, using this time to rededicate ourselves to the principles of Jesus and share the message of love and peace!

Day 240: Woohoo...first college acceptance

 "A college degree is the key to realizing the American dream, well worth the financial sacrifice because it is supposed to open the door to a world of opportunity" - Dan Rather

Project 365: #240

It has been a tumultuous start to the school year, especially for Cait. Not only has she moved in the middle of the IB in her Senior year, and has a ton of NJ state requirements to catch up, but she has also had to choose and apply to colleges for next year. This has been a hugely daunting task with no history to fall back on, or previous knowledge...so needless to say has been extremely stressful. The unknowns to everything are immense.....SO, the pressure eased a little today when she received her first notification of acceptance....WOOOHOOOO! It is to the University of Arizona in Tuscon...a 36 hour drive away, or 6 hour flight. BUT, it was an acceptance, with an academic scholarship. It has eased the stress, answered our prayers, making everything a little less stressful and a little more d-able. Needless to say, we celebrated with genuine New York cheesecake!!

Day 232: Leaping squirrels

"I just need green. I need to wake up and see grass and squirrels. I don't want to see skyscrapers" - Andre Leon Talley

Project 365: #232

The flurry of fall and the falling leaves is over, but has been taken over by a flurry of little creatures looking for food and shelter to survive the winter. The squirrels seem to be territorial, as we see them in the same trees and places in the garden daily. We have been watching a little family hurriedly building their nest at the top of the tree. They scurry down to the where there are some leaves still on the oak tree, pick the smaller branches, and then scamper back with leaves in tow to build their nests. It is amazing to witness the resilience of nature and the cycle of life with the seasons. How blessed are we that we don't have to see skyscrapers and live in the bustle of a big city. We can be replenished daily by waking up, seeing the grass, and watching the squirrels!

Day 230: Visiting family in NYC!

"In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future" - Alex Haley

Project 365: #230

One of the exciting things about living here is the proximity to NYC, and the fact that we have family living there! So, we set off on an expedition, which I was a bit anxious about, but turned out to be really easy. The traffic kindly played along, and it took a little over an hour to get there, even over the two-tiered George Washington Bridge (not unlike the time for our PE-Grahamstown trip in SA to visit family). We spent an awesome afternoon and evening with Mike's cousin Jocelyn, Pete and the boys, and were treated to an awesome tour of Flushing and delicious Chinese food. The best was just spending time with family, and knowing they are so nearby. We are the world's worst at keeping in touch, but there is something about family bonds, that no matter the time, we are linked through a history that cannot be changed. It is awesome to know that we can just be there for each other. May knowing and understanding the importance of family be the bridge to our children's future.

Day 229: Sheep in the field

"Living in a rural setting exposes you to so many marvelous things - the natural world and the particular texture of small-town life, and the exhilarating experience of open space" - Susan Orlean

Project 365: #229

On my run in the mist this morning, this was my view - sheep in the field. What is so amazing about this I hear you ask. Well, this was on Main Street, Mendham, directly next to the school. Yup, we pretty much live in rural NJ! Close to the natural world, with deer wandering through the garden, squirrels playing in the trees, large birds of prey forever circling overhead. There is something to be said for small-town life, a simplicity and pleasure. The open space is exhilarating, it makes you feel grateful to be alive.

 

Day 228: Grateful hearts

 "Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings" - William Arthur Ward

Project 365: #228

Our first Thanksgiving in the US! This journey has not been easy, transitioning schools, friends, cultures, lifestyles,  but yet we have much to be grateful for. We have a comfortable home, delicious food to eat, clothes to keep us warm, and the love of family of friends. We have much in abundance. To celebrate we prepared the traditional turkey and sides, with a few home favorites like Grandpa's stuffing and Granny's apple-pud! May we always find joy in everything, and see blessings in ordinary opportunities.

Day 227: Postvan

"The Postal Service delivers mail six days a week to nearly 140 million addresses. Every year this number increases by 2 million" - Joe Baca

Project 365: #227

I am grateful everyday for services that work efficiently here such as the US postal service, with post delivered to our box, and taken from our box when stamped, so actually I don't have to go to the post office too often. If the post is too big for the box then it is delivered to your front door. Unbelievable. I do wonder if the locals are aware of the privilege of this service, and how efficiently it actually runs. I know it is hard-earned taxes that provide this service, but it is still amazing. I have posted my Christmas cards back home, and am holding thumbs they will be there before Christmas....not putting any money on it though! I am certainly not sending anything valuable as it just won't arrive.  

Day 226: Learner's license at last!

"There's a rumour going 'round that if you amass a certain number of penalty points on your driving licence, the authorities will make you take your test again! Now, if ever there was an incentive to drive carefully, they could not have threatened a more terrifying ordeal" - Jasper Carrott

Project 365: #226

AT LAST, the paperwork has been approved, Caitlin has passed her written test, and effectively has her learner's license. It is so exciting, but Yikes!!!! That means that our cars are no longer ours, and we will have to have a large amount of patience! She has her practical test scheduled for May 24...so six months from now. When I was trying to organize my new license, I was absolutely adamant that I was NOT going to be doing the practical. I hope that all the preparation will prepare her so she is not scared to take the test...automatic transmissions do help!! One more step closer to a little more freedom for her.

Day 225: Monday productivity problem-solving

"Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort" - Paul Meyer

Project 365: #225

I have had to convince Mouse that this is the most awesome basket, that I have NOT made all cozy just for her so that I can actually get some work done. She usually sits on top of my arms while I am trying to type, which is really not very productive. Solution, cozified-washing basket on the desk. But, she has to think she has found this awesome nest on her own, otherwise she will not use it. I was thinking of downsizing the desk,  but not just yet.... I am carefully planning to be as productive as possible in the least amount of time...requiring great commitment to producing excellent work from intelligent planning and focused effort!

 

Day 224: Start of the holiday season

 "My favorite thing about the holiday season is the lights! I love walking around with family, friends, and a cup of peppermint hot chocolate to look at all the beautiful lights and decorations" - Caroline Sunshine

Project 365: #224

Although most wait until after Thanksgiving, some houses and businesses have already been lit up with holiday and Christmas spirit....this is just the beginning. I can't wait to see what is in store, I think walking around looking at the lights will be my favourite thing too. I would love to know what the electricity consumption is over the festive season, and whether all the lights have a significant impact from space! They do create cheer and happiness to the season, bringing light where there was darkness.

Day 223: Locked gates

 "Happiness is like those palaces in fairy tales whose gates are guarded by dragons: we must fight in order to conquer it" - Alexandre Dumas

Project 365: #223

These beautiful gates in the middle of nowhere were not guarded by dragons, but were padlocked...the modern form of dragons?  They must have once been a grand entrance to a happier place perhaps. With happiness, the choice is always ours. The easier path is to not fight for happiness, but this path is lonely and empty. We can choose daily to fight off the dragons, and keep joy in our hearts...happiness opens so many more gates down the line.

Day 222: First official music concert of the year

"Music is a moral law. It gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything. It is the essence of order, and leads to all that is good, just, and beautiful, of which it is the invisible, but nevertheless dazzling, passionate, and eternal form" - Unknown

 

Project 365: #222

It was with great excitement that we went to the first music concert of the year at school last night. WOW! We were blown away by the talent of all the musicians, the different bands, orchestra, and choirs, and by the dedication and enthusiasm of the teachers. We are so grateful that Nicole can pursue her passion here. No nice pics of her playing the tuba though...next time. Music is definitely moral law giving a soul to the universe and everything in it! The mind develops wings, and the imagination flies! We left feeling positive, and that things were falling into place, with more order in our lives! Music definitely leads to all that is good, just and beautiful.

Day 221: Beautiful November

"November is usually such a disagreeable month...as if the year had suddenly found out that she was growing old and could do nothing but weep and fret over it. This year is growing old gracefully...just like a stately old lady who knows she can be charming even with gray hair and wrinkles. We've had lovely days and delicious twilights" - LM Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

Project 365: Day 221

We certainly have had the best weather that New Jersey could have offered us since we arrived here. We are at the end of November, and I can count the windy and rainy days on one hand since arriving at the beginning of July. By all accounts this weather is most unusual, and although the temperatures have dipped, I am certainly not complaining, and enjoying every moment while it lasts. I prefer not to think of disagreeable months! This is a very pretty farm just around the corner from home. The change of seasons have been a source of daily entertainment and excitement, I am never quite sure what view will greet me, and as everything changes so quickly, no two days hold the same view. I have thoroughly enjoyed the grace and charm with which the season has aged, and do hope it lasts a few more weeks!

Day 220: Field hockey banquet

"Awards can give you a tremendous amount of encouragement to keep getting better, no matter how young or old you are" - Alan Alda

Project 365: #220

Last night we had the privilege of attending the end of season field hockey banquet  - our first taste of sports awards in the US. It has been an intensive start to the year, but the varsity team ended as the champions after much hard work and dedication. The girls were rewarded for all their hard work, and it was amazing to watch those recognized for this effort. We are so proud of Caitlin for her effort in joining the Varsity team at the beginning of the season without having played hockey for the past two years. She showed tenacity and determination that was acknowledged by all. Thank you to the coaches and team for welcoming her in, and making her part of the team. The encouragement has given her positive feedback when everything seems so hard. Finishing the season is a milestone, and she can move up and on, and keep getting better!

Day 219: Sign of the times

"At the end of the day, the goals are simple: safety and security" - Jodi Rell

Project 365: #219

The ever-present police presence has become a sign of the times in the current age. Most schools here have a dedicated police officer stationed at the school permanently to deal with any issues that may arise. With the news that we continually hear, I choose not to think about what threats there may be, preferring my blissful ignorance. But, I do believe that for our children, we are foolish if we do not put safety and security first. So thank you to all those working to keep them safe and secure on a daily basis, I am grateful for the privilege of this protection.