Day 142: Great Falls, Paterson, NJ

"The point is that when I see a sunset or a waterfall or something, for a split second it's so great, because for a little bit I'm out of my brain, and it's got nothing to do with me. I'm not trying to figure it out, you know what I mean? And I wonder if I can somehow find a way to maintain that mind stillness" - Chris Evans

Project 365: #142

We decided that as it is the last Sunday of the school holiday, we should venture on an outing. There is so much to see and do here, that it is difficult to decide which to do first. Mike has done lots of research about what is in the area, so we ventured to the Great Falls in Paterson. It is about a 30 minute drive from home, so not very far away. Paterson was one of the towns that developed through planned industrialization from 1791 by Hamilton and the Society for Establishing Useful Manufacturers (S.U.M.), centered around the Great Falls on the Passaic River. A hydroelectric power station was built, and cotton and silk mills were developed; the steel,  locomotive, and airplane industries grew; and paper mills and many more were also developed. These falls are in the centre of town, and many of the old mills are now derelect and abandoned. However, there is an upliftment project of the National Parks to develop the area, which will be great to clean up the polluted river, that was filled with algae and litter.  The locals were complaining as the falls were not much to look at at the moment, as the river level is low. They were still beautiful though, and amazing to think of how the water power has been harnessed for industry for so long. We will have return during high levels so see what they are talking about!

Day 141: Bumblebees

"The bee collects honey from flowers in such a way as to do the least damage or destruction to them, and he leaves them whole, undamaged and fresh, just as he found them" - Saint Francis de Sales

 Project 365: # 141

I am always totally amazed at creation and how perfectly made everything is. I was fascinated by this bumble-bee collecting pollen from this hydrangea. It disappeared completely inside the flower looking for pollen, and emerged covered in speckles, relentlessly going through each flower, leaving the flower completely intact. We could learn sustainability from creation, taking just what we need, and leaving things as we find them. If only we would take note!

Day 140: Sunset on the week

“There's a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they're absolutely free. Don't miss so many of them” - Jo Walton

Project 365: #140

After yet another busy week of running around, we were rewarded with a stunning sunset over the road on the way home. Again the week has been filled with all that needs to be completed before the start of school next week...follow-up at the optometrists...the girls eyes have sadly deteriorated with the non-stop use of laptops, so they both need reading glasses. Then, follow-up at the dentist for the holes to be filled! A call from the doctor, confirming that measles antibodies have not been detected in their blood-titres, so will have to have new measles shots. This is a little concerning, as they had all their mandatory vaccinations in ZA, but neither of them are immune to measles! Nothing like getting all your childhood injections all in one go all over again! Translation is on its way for the driver's license. New key been programmed for the car, and dent (yes dent!) fixed in the new car (not a week old, and I already put a dent in a door!!!) We also had our first meetings at school with an introductory parent evening, and the girls had a morning at school, sorting schedules, lockers, etc. Wow, what a lot of opportunities our girls have! Big classes again, at about 360 kids per grade! Think that most boxes have been ticked...now to enjoy the sunset and look forward to the weekend!

Day 139: Public libraries

"A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life" - Henry Ward Beecher

Project 365: #139

Becoming fully-fledged members of the community would not be complete without membership to the public library. This is the cutest library, and don't be fooled, not that tiny as it has a full basement filled with books. It is one of 12 Morris County libraries, so if your book is not in stock, it is likely that it could be sourced from one of the others. It has an awesome fireplace as you walk in, with some reading tables and comfy chairs in front of it. I imagine it is a most inviting place in winter when you are looking for somewhere warm to escape to.

Day 138: Coffee shops

"The European style of living is seductive: fewer hours worked, more hours at the cafe, less concern over self-betterment. But that style of living does not produce a purposeful life" - Ben Shapiro

Project 365: #138

Mendham is a seriously small town with just a few shops, so if you need anything in a hurry, you need to travel to one of the nearby towns.  As it turned out, Caitlin needed blue shorts for a hockey match this afternoon, so we headed out to Morristown in search of them, and decided to make the most of it by enjoying the awesome weather and a quick stop at a coffee shop. Living here does need some planning for shopping trips and outings, but adds to the fun! I could do this everyday, but sadly, there is work to be done!

Day 137: Exploring the garden

"I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul" - Jean Cocteau

Project 365: #137

I am sure that many people think we are insane taking the cats with us on our adventure, and I have felt that maybe it is cruel, as the plane journey must be so scary for them. But they have recovered well, and are really enjoying it here. I couldn't imagine leaving the 'fur-babies' behind. I have been petrified of letting them out, as our garden is literally onto a conserved forest area, so they would disappear in no time, and if scared, I am not sure that they would find their way home. So, I made sure they were inside for at least three weeks. On the back patio we have a sliding door with an insect screen on, so every time I went into the garden or outside, the cats would sit at the screen and yowl! I eventually relented to the incessant meows and let them out. They are having a ball, and have not ventured too far away, always coming back to touch base, and then explore again. All the new smells and sights are just SOOO exciting. Campbell has managed to get himself lost under the deck twice, and explored the neighbours garden. Mouse has been up a few trees, and under the shed. Both always inspecting the gardening that I have been doing, making sure all is good. They are always around whatever I do, becoming the invisible soul of our home. I have decided that it may be nice to come back as a cat in this house in my next life...they are so spoilt!

Day 136: Soul refreshment

"What good is it for you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul?" Mark 8:36

Project 365: #136

It is good to be able to attend a church regularly again, to remember what values are important. Church is different to different people. I like it as a reminder about what is important and what is not. We become caught up in everything worldly, and often forget about our souls.  Church stirs something in my soul that makes me want to go back, and to live the best life I can lead. I often fail miserably, but love that each day I can start fresh. I try to be grateful for little things each day, which helps to keep me inspired.

Day 135: The Grand Bazaar

"My favourite finds are often antique pieces with a history" - Alice Temperley

Project 365: #135

While walking about, I came across this second-hand store, "The Grand Bazaar"....it was closed when I was there, and remarkably, the furniture was still on the patio! (Not used to that from ZA.) The furniture was not even chained to anything! Remarkable! I found the perfect table and chairs for the kitchen nook!  This is an appropriate name for the store, it is really quaint, and I can't wait to explore inside, it is filled with antiques from a bygone era, I love imagining the history attached to all the pieces. I do think though, that these smaller towns are stuck in a time-warp. Most places still only accept cheques (or checks here)! So, I have a new check-book to make sure I make my payments on time! I do love the store's though, most of them antiques too!

Day 134: Paws for refreshments

"Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy" - Guillaume Apollina

 

Project 365: #134

This is a follow-on from Friday -  the doggie-bowl outside the Black Horse Tavern! It is very important to "paws for refreshments"!  I had the most frustrating bureaucratic day again today trying to organise my driver's license. The first time I went to the department, I was turned away, as although I did have the 6-point ID documents, Mike had to be present with me due to my visa restrictions. So...that means a Saturday with half of the working world. Anyhow, we ventured out on Saturday at about 8 am, stood in the queue, presented all the paperwork, passed the paperwork this time, paid for my permit, wrote the written test, PASSED the written test, was about to pay for my new NJ driver's license....SORRY, you have to have a translation of your German driver's license.We cannot grant your new NJ license without it, otherwise you will have to take the practical test in three months time. Hell no! Not doing that. So license voided....after FOUR hours...will try again next Saturday with TRANSLATED German license, third time lucky! I was really hoping to tick this one off the list. Anyhoo...I will pause for refreshments, and remember to just be happy!

Day 133: The Black Horse Tavern and Pub

"A pub can be a magical place" - Rhys Ifans

Project 365: #133

This has been a busy week of back to Mom's taxi in-between organising and updating all the things we needed to do...about that list...it is at least getting shorter. It started at the school nurse's office, clearing the girls physical's so they can take part in sport....from there to the doctor's office for the immunizations that the girls require that were not mandatory in SA or Germany. Then off to the pathology lab in the next town to determine whether the girls actually do need vaccinations through blood titres, or them having had the disease (chickenpox) will suffice...and to determine if the measle jab prior to age one is good enough! Then off to the optometrist, as three years of continual lap-top use have not been very good. And finally, on to the dentist! Yay! All done for this week! Did I mention that each of these comes with its own medical insurance...not an umbrella insurance....we are starting to learn the system!  There was also an away hockey scrimmage this afternoon that I managed to collect Caitlin from, all by myself, without a navi system, and I didn't even get lost! Ha, very proud of myself!! This is a good place to unwind on a Friday night after all this activity (activity is actually awesome again!) - at the historic Black Horse Tavern and Pub.

Day 132: Hockey again

"Every day is a great day for hockey" - Mario Lemieux

Project 365: #132

One of the positives about a new big school is all the sport that they offer. The girls are spoilt for choice. While sport is not mandatory it is encouraged, and of course, is good for upcoming college applications. So, Caitlin has opted for field hockey. It is awesome for her to be involved in a team sport again. It is a huge commitment, although it is a relatively short season. They have two hour practices every day except Sunday, and two to three matches a week...and preseason started two weeks ago - four weeks before the start of the term. Of course with sport, is the mandatory annual sports physical, which the girls have not had to do before. Another thing ticked off the list. But, the summer evenings are stunning - this was when I fetched her after 7 from the turf, pretty sunset after a hot day. (Our timing for the move is not great, she is about the only senior without a car or driver's license, just because of the age of learning to drive in different countries, so has to rely on me  or friends for transport, sniff! It is made worse that her younger sister does driver's ed as a subject at school, so will get her license close to when she turns 16 next year!)

Day 131: Town offices

"With a small town mentality, you make a decision very early on as to whether you are going to do everything by the book or just go your own way and not care" - Bjork

Project 365: #131

Well, like a good conscientious citizen that I am (with a small town mentality), I have been following all the rules and regulations of Mendham Borough (I have decided to do everything by the book), and ticking all the things off my list that I have to complete. It is awesome to tick the list systematically as things are organised. There does seem a lot of organising to do, but we are getting there. As this is the land of opportunity, in addition to the possibility of using the garbage collection company that the town suggests, you could use any one of a number from the competition, and you can also negotiate a good rate.  One of the regulations is that you have to license your pets within two weeks. So, I sent an email enquiry to town office, and was given the details with the address...and this is it! So, the kitties are officially licensed at $15 each, and can legally stay here. Wish it was as easy for us!

Day 130: Forest recycling

"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness" - John Muir

Project 365: #130

Some more pics from our walk through the forest. I am always amazed when I walk through the forest at how amazing nature is at recycling. This path was next to an historic saw mill, so there are lots of felled trees lying around, as well as those that have fallen naturally at the end of their lifespan. What is amazing is natural recycling, how the microorganisms, bugs, fungi, plants all work together to recycle the nutrients and continue the ecological chains, supporting life through intricate, carefully- created food webs. It is important to notice how everything works together, so we may become more environmentally-tuned, and live more sustainable lives. The bigger picture of the Universe can be seen through these tiny ecosystems on the forest floor.

Day 129: Bear obsession

 "The continued existence of wildlife and wilderness is important to the quality of life of humans" - Jim Fowler

Project 365: #129

I am not surprised that Americans always ask Africans whether lions and other wildlife roam the streets, as the wildlife here really does roam the streets. I wondered why the front gardens all look similar, with pretty boring plantings...the reason is that the deer eat what they find tasty...so pretty much your whole garden! I see deer everyday munching away on something delicious in gardens in the suburb. So, as a result, I am a little anxious about the bear family, and what to do if I come across them when out running. I haven't done enough research to know whether I back away slowly with averted eyes, or just turn and run like mad! Anyway, yesterday I was relieved to find these path markers. I had originally thought they were to mark flood levels for the stream I was running next to,  but on closer inspection they turned out to be numbered location markers with cell phone beacons, with clear instructions what to do and who to phone should you come across bears so you can be safely extricated!

As it turns out though, we should probably be more worried about what is in the garden! It was such a boiling day that Nicole was having an after-supper swim at about 8 pm, when suddenly she squealed, and walked on water out the pool, mumbling gibberish about a snake racing towards her. Snake? Oh please, you must have been dreaming...must have been a leaf? Nope, it turns out it was a snake....a southern ringneck that rushed her from the skimmer box! It was safely extricated from the pool by Caitlin and released into the garden to eat all the other scary things we haven't come across yet! It was quite an eventful day at the pool yesterday as Nicole had already saved a large mommy spider with hundreds of babies on her back earlier! (Not sure that I will be swimming after dark now!!) So far, we have seen amazing birds, butterflies, snakes, spiders, squirrels, rabbits, mice, and chipmunks in the garden! Our quality of life has been enhanced by all these little creatures! Paradise!

Day 128: India Brook, Mendham, NJ

 "Hiking is something that I really, really like to do. It's distracting, you're in nature, and you get a nice workout that way. I would tell everyone to hike as much as they can - you just feel so much better when you get outdoors " - Odette Annable

Project 365: #128

We enjoyed our Sunday afternoon with a walk alongside India Brook. Wow, what an awesome surprise, about two miles from our house! (I am closing my eyes to the yellow leaves on the ground though!)

This is such a pretty stream, that apparently turns into a Grade 3-4 river during heavy rains, and is paddlable! Yay!! These trails are awesome, birds singing, frogs chirping, and the stream trickling its way over the rocks, the same way it has done for hundreds and hundreds of years. There is something soothing on the soul to just sit and be quiet in this carefully crafted creation. It distracts you from stress and puts everything back in perspective.

Day 127: Fire Departments

 "My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place - police, firefighters and members of our armed forces" - Sidney Sheldon

Project 365: #127

No town here is complete without the mandatory Fire Department. For good reason as the houses are pretty much completely wooden...maybe to withstand earthquakes? Anyhow, I am pleased that the Fire Departments and firemen take their jobs very seriously and are well equipped! Not sure that I would like to drive one of these trucks along some of the twisty-windy country roads though! These men and women are true heroes, serving and protecting communities to make them a better and safer place for the rest of us. It is comforting to know that if you need them in an emergency, they will respond!

Day 126: Wheels again!!

"What light is to the eyes - what air is to the lungs - what love is to the heart, liberty is to the soul of man" - Robert Green Ingersoll

Project 365: # 126

An exciting end to the week and the beginning of the weekend! Mike arrived home with my new (second-hand) car! I am blessed to have wheels again, yippee!  And to top it, we went to fetch his car from the dealership in Morristown and stopped by our new favourite shop - Whole Foods on the way home! I cannot explain the liberty experienced in independence. I know it is a luxury, but I love the idea of not having to rely on anyone to get around, and to be able to take charge again! It looks like I am certainly ticking all the boxes of the true suburban Mom!

Day 126: Advantages of working from home

 "The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play" - Arnold J Toynbee

Project 365: #126

There could be worse places to work! The advantages of working from home, is that I can base my office where ever I wish! Today it was next to the pool to make the most of summer. Although the daytime temperatures are still elevated, the evenings are becoming cooler, sniff. I have also started to notice a distinct change in leaf colour in some trees, sniff! Think fall is on the way, slowly but surely! I have definitely blurred the line between work and play, as I work where I love to play! This is my supreme accomplishment for which I am very grateful!

Day 125: Summer rain

 "Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you" - Langston Hughes

Project 365: #125

There is nothing nicer than summer rain! It was a boiling day today that ended in huge downpour. As soon as the sun started shining again, steam rose off the driveway. Everything seems so much brighter and cleaner after the rain, and the smell is so refreshing. There was also some humour, as Caitlin started field-hockey at school this week, and as we are without a car, she had to cycle to school. Needless to say, she was caught in the downpour on her way home...At least she didn't need a shower!

Day 124: Statues and church spires

 "Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?" - Victor Hugo

 Project 365: #124

 This is another statue commemorating the Civil War on the Morristown Green, with the spire from the  Presbyterian Church in the background. If only we could learn from all these wars and work together for our common future. It is fitting that there is a church so near, to remind us to keep our eye on the ultimate goal. There are messages like this all around us if we look carefully!

Day 123: Hungry squirrels

"Living is no laughing matter: you must live with great seriousness like a squirrel for example - I mean without looking for something beyond and above living, I mean living must be your whole occupation" - Nazim Hikmet

Project 365: # 123

While on my walkabouts I have come across many bushy-tailed gray squirrels. They are very fast, cute, and entertaining. This morning we watched two chasing each other up and down and round about a tree! I caught this hungry squirrel rummaging in a public bin, finding a piece of what looked like cheese, and eating it. When I moved a little closer to take a photo, the squirrel dropped the cheese, so glared at me! It is obvious that living like a squirrel is a serious business, and no laughing matter!

Day 122: Morristown Green

"The strongest passions, and most dangerous weaknesses of the human breast; ambition, avarice, vanity, the honorable or venial love of fame, are all in conspiracy against the desire and duty of peace" - Alexander Hamilton

Project 365: #122

I had to return my hired car early on Saturday morning, and as Mike was busy trying to install our washing machine and tumble drier...yes, converting the power, faucet fittings, etc., I told him not to rush as it was such a gorgeous day, I would drop the car and then wander around Morristown to explore the area.  It is a very pretty little town, about 10 miles from us. It reminds me a lot of Grahamstown. The town is centred around a public green, that is steeped in history. It has served as many things in the past, including a military base, a training ground for militia, and an area where public executions were held...quite creepy! Now it is a beautiful public park. There are churches and  historical buildings surrounding the green, it would be a great place for a picnic.

The history of the Green dates back to early 1715, but it is probably remembered most for the critical role during the American Revolutionary War. It became the first encampment of George Washington in 1777. This statue commemorates the meeting of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and the Marquis de Lafayette discussing the help of French troops and ships from King Louis XVI of France in support of a new nation (info courtesy of Wikipedia). The statue is so lifelike that you can almost imagine being there! Hamilton had very good advice, still applicable today - to maintain peace we must put aside the passions of ambition, greed, vanity, and the love of fame! A great nation was built on the like-mindedness of this philosophy.

Day 121: Freedom Tower by night

"And suddenly it came to him. That Strawberry Fields garden he'd come from, and the Freedom Tower he'd been thinking of: taken together, didn't they contain the two words that said it all about this city, the two words that really mattered? It seemed to him that they did. Two words: the one an invitation, the other an ideal, an adventure, a necessity. "Imagine" said the garden. "Freedom" said the tower. Imagine freedom. That was the spirit, the message of this city he loved. You really didn't need anything more. Dream it and do it. But first you must dream it" - Edward Rutherfurd

Project 365: # 121

We went to Jersey City for dinner for birthday celebrations! What an amazing view! We arrived in time for the sunset, and the beautiful hues of red and pink reflecting on all the NYC buildings. Then after dinner, we soaked up the beautiful night-scapes, with their reflections in the water. Freedom is an ideal, an adventure and a necessity, and without it people feel caged, unable to imagine. Freedom is a fundamental right and allows for dreaming and succeeding. Dream what you want to accomplish, and who and what you want to become, put your mind to it, believe in yourself, and you will achieve it.

Day 120: First birthday celebrations in our new house!

"Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!" - Dr. Seuss

Project 365: #120

Another day of firsts...the first birthday celebration in our house!! Happy 17th Caitz! From these photos, the dining room looks very neat and organised...at least one room of the house looks okay! There is even a cake baked by Nicole in our awesome new GAS oven (that you almost need a degree to operate), and balloons from the amazing party-shop in Chester! I know that today was not the most exciting without friends, but at least it was memorable! Thank you for your sass and style, Caitz...there is no one alive who is you-er than you!

Day 119: Red barns

"Growing up on a farm was the best. I remember loving that expanse of space. The sky at night was so clear, I could see every star" - Abbie Cornish

Project 365: #119

This barn and open field are for sale...would make a nice fish farm...or we could grow some turkeys! It is right around the corner from us on the other side of the river, the only problem is that the land costs almost as much as our house!! Even though we are close to big cities, there is little light pollution and few street lamps out here, so the night sky is absolutely clear. Who would have thought we could set up the telescope on the back and do some star gazing from the back yard? No better place for growing up, pity the girls have almost left home!

Day 118: Stunning clouds

"God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars" - Martin Luther

Project 365: #118

The storm clouds that were building behind the treeline were so beautiful to watch yesterday as they formed and dissipated continually. They culminated in an almighty storm in the middle of the night, which I witnessed. With new houses you have to become accustomed to all the new sounds...well, as our house is mostly wooden, is creaks and groans, normally with walking around. But with the wind, it sounded as though the house was seriously protesting....I hope we don't experience too many of those, it was even more scary than the thunder! Maybe it was because it was the middle of the night, but it couldn't have been too bad as no one else seemed to stir! It is amazing to see the Gospel come alive in everything around us...the flowers, clouds, stars, and storms!!

Day 117: Ice-cream on the roof

"My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate" - Thornton Wilder

Project 365: #117

There is nothing nicer than watching a beautiful sunset...the girls have discovered a perfect perch from on top of the roof, and made it even better with tubs of ice-cream! Summer is awesome! We will enjoy every moment while it lasts!

Day 116: New trails to run

"Habit is necessary; it is the habit of having habits, of turning a trail into a rut, that must be incessantly fought against if one is to remain alive" - Edith Wharton

 Project 365: # 116

I have so missed my habit of early morning running....I was going seriously crazy, so today I ventured along the path again. I am pleased we already navigated it by bicycle, otherwise I would probably have got myself lost. One thing I did not check, which did occur to me while I was out there, was what to do should I come across the brown bear family that lives in the neighbourhood! This is an awesome path to run on, and I came across deer, squirrels, and chipmunks!

Day 115: St Mark's

"Anyone who is to find Christ must first find the church. How could anyone know where Christ is and what faith is in him unless he knew where his believers are?" - Martin Luther

Project 365: # 115

Mendham is a small town, so it is not like you have to hunt for different things like churches and supermarkets, there are only one or two. Today we went to St Mark's Episcopal, and the symbol on the back is the same as the church where I was baptised, so it had a good feel to it. We were worried about poaching somebody's pew (having experienced this before), but there was hardly anyone there being the middle of the summer vacation. So, that also meant no escaping all the interest regarding new foreign people in the congregation! It was nice to be able to relate to a familiar service again, and being welcomed into the community!

Day 114: Cycling adventures

 "Cycling is a joy and faster than many other modes of transport, depending on the time of day. It clears the head" - David Byrne

Project 365: #114

Unpacking is so exciting, you forget all about everything, and then when you unwrap and unpack and the fun begins. Of course, we just had to test out the bicycles on the Patriot Path below our house. It was fun, but having lived without a single hill in the neighbourhood for three years, the hills here nearly killed me! Oh well, a quick fix for getting fit! The path was fun to explore, and certainly cleared the head! Nice escapism from the tedious and chaotic task of finding order in the house!

Day 113: Curb appeal

"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" - Melody Beattie

 Project 365: #113

So, this is the front of the house, now that the boxes have been cleared from the verge. I am so grateful for this home. It was a struggle for Mike to find a place to stay, as we only intended to rent initially. However, there were no suitable houses available to rent, and organising the mortgage was a nightmare. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, and here we are. This house has such a nice feeling, and despite all the work that it will take to get it to how we want it, it will be an awesome home. I can already feel more order, clarity, and acceptance of where we are, and I am looking forward to making new friends.