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.

Day 218: Community of St John the Baptist, Mendham

 "To the solemn graves, near a lonely cemetery, my heart like a muffled drum is beating funeral marches" - Charles Baudelaire

Project 365: #218

This is the most beautiful cemetery for solace and reflection at the convent of St John's. A time to reflect our own mortality, and how short our actual time is here on earth. Reminding us to make the most of each moment, as only we have the choice to do. And here, to reflect on all those who have gone before us, trying their best to do good in the world by dedicating their lives to God and his service, through orphanages and schools, and serving those in need. May we be inspired by their dedication and commitment to have a real and living faith.

Day 217: Tower of hope

 "Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness" - Desmond Tutu

Project 365:  #217

We have been welcomed to an amazing church community at St Mark's, and enjoyed special time together, making us feel like we belong somewhere, and giving us some direction. We are so grateful, as without this, we would probably be lost. Even though this tower on the grounds of the St John's convent serves a a cellphone mast, it is a beacon of hope that can be seen from far away. Looking up it reminds you who is actually in control, and who to place your faith and trust in! It is important to belong to a community, so that we can see the light of hope when it seems like all around use is in darkness.

Day 216: Bench with a view

"The only thing you sometimes have control over is perspective. You don't have control over your situation. But you have a choice about how you view it" - Chris Pine

Project 365: #216

I have often noticed this garden bench on the corner of main street. I often wonder why it is there, and then realize that it is maybe to create a rest-stop for the weary, or even for those needing some perspective. Sometimes it is just good to sit back and watch the world drive by. Take a step back, sit down and admire the view, or watch the traffic! We have no control over most situations, even though we would like to think we do. We do have a choice how we view our situations, and with faith  it is easier to be positive and gain some perspective in the right direction if we just sit down for a few minutes and count our blessings, or the cars going by!
 

Day 215: Watch your step

 "I usually take a two-hour nap from one to four" - Yogi Berra

Project 365: #215

What better place to rest on a Friday afternoon, a cosy, sunny spot after a hectic week! If only I were a cat! Campbell has discovered the best places in the afternoon sun. This can be a little treacherous for those wanting to use the stairs, as he is well camouflaged and does not budge.  Best watch your step, you never know what or who may be in your path, so tread carefully wherever you go!

Day 214: Yellow school buses

"In North America, more than half of all children travel to school by bus" - Zac Goldsmith

Project 365: #214

When I was growing up and reading books by authors like Richard Scarry, steeped in American traditions and way of life, all I could do was imagine what it was like. There were lots of similarities to how I grew up, and also lots of differences. There was a national pride that was visibly noticeable in the drawings that was very moving; there were obvious seasons, which were fascinating, and almost incomprehensible, especially fall and snow in winter; and of course, there were yellow school buses, that took everyone to school and home again. Well, I rode the school bus for the first time tonight. It was "Back-to-School" night (a little delayed) at school this evening, which is basically en-mass teacher conferences to explain what is going on in class. It is very well supported by parents, so parking is at a premium. So, you have to park miles away, and the bus fetches you! It was fun, and am pleased I can tick it off my bucket list! It has been hard to judge how school is really going from the girl's feedback, and although their grades translate that they are coping well with the transition, it was good to spend some time with their teachers, and see what the new school system is all about. I was actually blown away, the teachers are passionate, and dedicated, and I left feeling that despite all the hardships that have come with moving, this school and teachers have so much to offer. I am hoping that the girls are not too overwhelmed and busy to notice this, and can be grateful for opportunities that come in disguise.

Day 213: Christmas minions

"Transformation is a process, and as life happens there are tons of ups and downs. It's a journey of discovery - there are moments on mountaintops and moments in deep valleys of despair" - Rick Warren

Project 365: #213

Hay-bale minions in Christmas hats! This joyful minion was a fall-minion a couple of weeks ago, but has undergone a transformation for Christmas, just as the nursery has. As the growing season is pretty much over, the nursery has become a Christmas market. A good, innovative idea to stay in business for as many months as possible through the seasonal year. Transformation is essential to journey through all the ups and downs of life, so that when we are in the deep valleys, we can transform, and successfully negotiate the way up to the mountain tops to enjoy and benefit from the view.

Day 212: Sodden paths

"My sorrow, when she's here with me, thinks these dark days of autumn rain are beautiful as days can be; she loves the bare, the withered tree; she walks the sodden pasture lane" - Robert Frost

Project 365: #212

My running trail could be depressing in the grayness of dark days, but as soon as the sun peeps through the clouds, everything is lit up and comes alive. The rain-watered grass coming alive as the green shines through,  and all along the path are signs of busy life as squirrels and chipmunks collect as many nuts and seeds as they can before winter, scampering up the trees with mouths full. The stream is clogged with fallen leaves, amazing ecosystem that will eventually provide detritus and nutrients for teeny-tiny organisms, everything revolving in full circle., nothing wasted. It would be awesome if we could live life completely sustainably, only using what we need, and be satisfied with enough and not needing excess.

 

Day 211: November landscape

"The month of November makes me feel that life is passing more quickly. In an effort to slow it down, I try to fill the hours more meaningfully" - Henry Rollins

 

Project 365: #211

This is a true reflection of a northern hemisphere landscape in mid-November. The only difference between Hannover and here is that you can see the blue sky! Pretty much most of the leaves have fallen, helped along by the occasional gusty day, and have been swept up or blown away, leaving just the branches. You can actually see the houses through the trees on the other side of the lake now.  The landscape has become barer, grayer, bringing with it the anxiety that the year is coming to a close at a pace faster than is comfortable. The key is keeping your mind off how fast things change by keeping busy in meaningful ways. I went for a nice long run today, appreciating the change of season and all that it brings. With the end of summer and fall, there is a time of hibernation and much needed renewal for new seasons. We too need to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate each moment of each day, keeping time from rushing away with us.

Day 210: Cat games and to-do lists

"On Sundays, I like to plan how I want to exit the week and what are the key things I need to get done that week. I list them, and then I do check-ins on them each morning" - Lynn Jurich

 

 Project 365: #210 

Sunday is always a good day for catching up. As you can see, we STILL have not unpacked all the boxes. To be able to effectively sort the to-do list we have a giant flip file going in the office. It was safe and relatively untouched until the cats discovered it, knocked it over, and played hide-and-seek underneath it. For some reason, Campbell thinks we can't see him. At least the list is getting smaller with items being scratched off!!

Day 209: Pub lunch for the jolly travelers

 "The history of mankind is the instant between two strides taken by a traveler" - Franz Kafka

 Project 365: # 209

It has been another unbelievably busy week, and we are finally seeing the light with all the paperwork and bureaucracy that has to be done. In between this week there was a visit by all to the state surgeon for our official medicals (that was filled with the excitement of fainting spells, and false positive reactions to diseases that we really don't want), followed up by x-rays and vaccinations that we clearly missed growing up in Africa! So, with bruised arms and egos, a pub lunch at our fav spot up the road was in order for all to celebrate the small milestones that we are notching off the calender! What more fitting beverage than the Jolly Traveler winter shandy! What we have come to realise  is the importance of celebrating and enjoying each moment between the strides, and to thoroughly enjoy our adventures and travels.

Day 208: Fallen leaves

 "I have come to regard November as the older, harder man's October. I appreciate the early darkness and cooler temperatures. It puts my mind in a different place than October. It is a month for a quieter, slightly more subdued celebration of summer's death as winter tightens its grip" - Henry Rollins

Project 365: #208

Most of the leaves have now fallen, creating a carpet on the grass. The leaves look animated when falling, dancing to the ground in the breeze. October has given way to November, the colours have become subdued, mostly browns and dull greens, the days are short, and the temperatures are lower.  November has lost the excitement of the fall colours, and is rather dreary. It has also brought  a sense of urgency with it, with all the things that need to be accomplished before Christmas! It has been exciting watching the seasons turn daily, wondering what the next day will bring. Well, no time to waste, leaves to sweep up!

 

Day 207: Spooky mist

"Suddenly a mist fell from my eyes and I knew the way I had to take" - Edvard Grieg

Project 365: # 207

With the change of season, we are having much cooler mornings, and sometimes they are cloaked in mist, with a rather spooky result. This was the view out of the front door this morning, the street light shadowed behind the tree. An exciting aspect of mist is that as the day progresses, the mist usually lifts to reveal the most beautiful blue skies and sunshine, accompanied by warm temperatures. Much like after moving countries, everything is so overwhelming with so much to do, it seems as though you are walking through thick green mist, with no end in sight, and no direction. But, the mist seems to suddenly fall away, revealing the direction to take. Everything becomes brighter and more lucid. I am a little nervous of speaking too soon, but it certainly seems as though the mist is lifting in our house, and things are becoming a little warmer and more bearable! I think we are starting to see the light! Yippee!

 

 

Day 206: Dancing feet

"The dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music, and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable. Dancing is poetry with arms and legs" - Charles Baudelaire

Project 365: #206

I am so excited that the girls have shown some interest in getting back to Irish dancing, yay! I thought that we would not see the day again. There is an awesome school in the area, and although they are very busy training for the  Mid-Atlantic Regional Oireachtas over Thanksgiving, they are very accommodating and welcoming. SOOOO exciting! Dancing is truly poetry with arms and legs, and Irish dancing stirs the soul, filling all the empty places!

 

Day 205: Cat comfort

 "Cats are connoisseurs of comfort" - James Herriot

Project 365: #205

As the weather is becoming cooler, the best place to sit and work in the evenings is under the duvet. Of course, the cats have cottoned on to this, and insist on joining me. It is also not good enough to sit at my feet, or next to me...they have to be the centre of attention, and in the middle of the action. I am not certain why I don't move them, they pretty much do what they wish and I work around them! True connoisseurs of comfort!

Day 204: Daylight saving?

"I like that time is marked by each sunrise and sunset whether or not you actually see it" - Catherine Opie

 Project 365: #204

I also like that time is marked by each sunrise and sunset, but I do NOT like that daylight saving time is over, and the sun sets at 5 pm overnight! Yay, we should be happy that we effectively had an extra hour in the day, but Holy Camoly.. 5 pm...and it was dark by 5.10 pm. Not funny...by 8 pm it feels like midnight! And overnight...not like there is any time to acclimatize to it! And I was just getting used to getting up in the dark, now I am all confused. Luckily by the end of the week I will have forgotten all about the rudeness of it, and will be well accustomed to it. Cooking supper at 5.30 pm for all the hungry hoards, just because it is dark. Even the cats were complaining at me today, asking for supper at 4.30!

Day 203: Jack-o-lantern

"Halloween is an opportunity to be really creative" - Judy Gold

Project 365: #203

There were also sorts of spooky decorations out for Halloween, with houses, gardens, and porches all dressed up. From what I have gleaned from the radio is that it is the start of the holiday season that runs through Thanksgiving and Christmas. The most amazing decorations are available in all the stores for the most beautiful transformations. Or, you could just get creative! Nicole had fun helping to carve kitty in a Jack-o-Lantern and learning and taking part in some American family traditions! Halloween was an education, with lots of sugar-high kids ringing the doorbell every five minutes. Our candy was out by 7 pm, but switching our porch light off didn't even make the hoards go away! Thank goodness for the 9 pm Halloween curfew in the boro!

Day 202: Refreshing rain

"Many in the world are searching, often intensely, for a source of refreshment that will quench their yearning for meaning and direction in their lives. They crave a cool, satisfying drink of insight and knowledge that will soothe their parched souls" - Joseph B Wirthlin

Project 365: #202

It is always amazing to see how rain washes everything greener than it was, and makes everything look fresh again. Not only did the rain fill up the stream, but it refreshed the leaves too. We also need rain in our lives for refreshment, but how often do we just have a little shower....it usually floods! We are usually searching for direction, often having lost our way, and something, or a few things together, happen to give us perspective again, and direction when we are lost. How amazing rain is, it gives us hope and new life!

Day 201: Before and after...summer and fall

"Summer ends, and Autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night" - Hal Borland

Project 365: # 201

The same scene framed through the kitchen window...summer and autumn. It is unbelievable how the landscape changes, and it just as beautiful. It is exciting to experience all the wonders that each new season brings. It would be boring if summer went on endlessly - we would take it for granted, and not enjoy each moment of warmth and light! It takes summer to appreciate all other seasons too, with a palette of beautiful colours on the trees that look different each day.

Day 200: Stream song

 "If it weren't for the rocks in its bed, the stream would have no song" - Carl Perkins

Project 365: #200

It has rained for over a day, resulting in increased flow at the bottom of the garden. I wasn't sure if it was rain or the stream, so I went to investigate. We can hear this little rapid from the house as the water level increases and pours over the rocks, giving the stream its own song. How amazing to be able to hear this from home! The rain has also resulted in huge leaf-fall, with the season looking pretty much like it should now at the beginning of November.

Day 199: Afternoon rays

"Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us" - Samuel Smiles

 Project 365: #199

There is nothing nicer than late afternoon walks, catching the few remaining rays from the sun, and all the shadows it casts. The sun peeping out from behind the tree is ever hopeful and uplifting, casting our burdens behind us, even if for a little while.