Day 365 + 26: Advent..ures

"Advent is concerned with that very connection between memory and hope which is so necessary to man. Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope. The purpose of the Church’s year is continually to rehearse her great history of memories, to awaken the heart’s memory so that it can discern the star of hope.…It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope." - Memory Awakens Hope

Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Seek That Which Is Above, 1986

Project 365: #365 + 26

With the start of advent last week, I have started with the Christmas decorations. (I can't believe that it is actually December already!) It seems to be the first year in a few that I am excited for Christmas again, and couldn't wait to begin. I don't have a nice new foto, but this was such fun, with Campbell advent..uring in the tree! I love advent, and the quiet reminder for us to have hope through our awakened memories of goodness. I am looking forward to the next few weeks, when we will be together as a family again, although it is bittersweet, as we miss family in SA terribly during this season. But, in our reflections of the birth of Jesus, the message is faith and hope, which we must always hold on to!

Day 365 + 25: Helping with chores

"Time spent with cats is never wasted."- Sigmund Freud

Project 365: #365 + 25

I originally started this blog to find something to be grateful for everyday. Some days have been much easier than others, and some days I just haven't even been able to add anything at all. Not because I am not grateful, but usually because I am overwhelmed with circumstances, and can't always find ways to express the gratitude in my heart. The big leaf-fall at this time of year requires extra time in the garden on weekends. Last year, being new and all, I commissioned a garden service that was taking care of leaf clean-up in the neighbourhood. Well, after the astronomical bill we decided to do the garden ourselves this year (and effectively paid for the lawnmower after three weeks). Instead of seeing it as a burden, I have been looking at it as time that could be in the gym, but in a much nicer setting, and without the stinky smells of sweaty bodies. I also have a helper, Mouse, who much to her delight, cannot be harassed by the dog who is sitting insanely jealously at the front door, dying to get to us! It has been a delight having the help...from playing in the piles of leaves, to following me with the bag from the front to the bottom of the garden for about ten thousand trips, while talking (and possibly muttering) to me all the time! It is true that time spent with cats is never wasted, and that our pets are truly the best therapists ever! By the way, this picture was after about three hours of labor...it began as a carpet of leaves on the lawn, but the time flew with the entertainment provided by Mouse!!

Day 365 + 24: New beginnings

“There is a fable in the forest

Whispered by the branches, as they blow.

A tale about the truth of leaving

Things that no longer help you grow.

For on the surface it looks simple,

Like you only need lace your boots,

But there is nothing quite as painful

As untangling your roots.

And proof is found in tree stumps

Of the price some pay to flee,

That they would cut their lives in half

To cut the time before they're free.

Yet from the little left behind

Life has been known to grow again,

For unless you take your roots

A part of you will still remain.” 

― Erin Hanson

Project 365: 365 + 24

Today marks a new beginning on so many levels! The results of the election in our new country have just been revealed, marking a time when the citizens of this amazing country need to put aside their differences and work together to benefit everyone, more so now than ever before. As an observer in this election process, I have gained some insight into the history of the country and the passions of its people, and now understand "America! America! God shed His grace on thee, Till paths be wrought through wilds of thought, By pilgrim foot and knee!". I have not experienced this passion and patriotism anywhere else in the world. One of the most painful things I have been through is untangling my roots, since with all the patriotism felt here, I have been overwhelmed with guilt and grief for leaving the country that we love that is in our hearts and souls. At times it has felt as though we have cut our lives in half and have not been able to move forward. It has been an ultimate test of faith that we are on the right path. Slowly, life has begun again, with new roots taking hold. Where school is a little easier, college is falling into place, business opportunities are taking off, and after months of searching, I have landed a new job! Yay! A beautiful bouquet of flowers were on the counter for me in honor of my news! It marks new possibilities, with a new positive future, building on the roots and strengths of the past.

Day 365 + 23: The golden sousaphone

"The tuba is certainly the most intestinal of instruments, the very lower bowel of music." - Peter De Vries

Project 365: #365 + 23

The music boosters have been raising funds to replace the original sousaphones (almost forty years old)...and a new one arrived this week, which Nic had the privilege of playing on Saturday in the marching band! Woohoo! The golden sousaphone! The deep baritone music produced from these instruments are the very goose-bump making sounds produced by bands, and without these sounds the music is incomplete! Well done Nic, on persevering  and excelling with this instrument, despite the odds!

Day 365 + 22: Last of the fall

"October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distant hills once more in sight, and the enduring constellations above them once again." - Hal Borland

Project 365: #365 + 22

Well, here we are at the beginning of November...with October passing in a blur of fluctuating temperatures and changing colors. The beginning of October began with nice warm days and cooling evenings, with the green of summer beginning to fade into yellows and browns, to ending in the vibrancy of icy mornings, bright reds and diminshed greens, falling to the ground in leaf-rain  in a final bid marking the end of summer, and the beginning of dreary November. With the emptiness of the trees comes clearer vision and a wider horizon, helping to focus on what is important and still has to be achieved before the end of the year. I love the seasonality for the passage of time, knowing there is a time for everything!

Day 365 + 21: Autumn blooms

"Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale." - Lauren DeStefano (Wither (The Chemical Garden, #1))

Project 365: #365 + 21

The wild autumn blooms are so pretty, lighting up the paths, as the bright greens from spring and summer have dulled and browned. The flowers are the beginning of the grand finale marking the end of the season and heralding the beginning of winter. With each week, there is a little more orange and brown in the landscape as summer fades away, just as the sun sets with beautiful colors, illuminating the world with a flash of boldness. The darkness that follows is a time for rest and rejuvenation to bounce back with the promise of new beginnings...a new day and a new season.

Day 365 + 20: Amazing trees

"Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth. They do not preach learning and precepts, they preach, undeterred by particulars, the ancient law of life." - Hermann Hesse, Bäume. Betrachtungen und Gedichte

Project 365: #365 + 20

I love the area we live in, it is thickly forested, and there are always the most amazing trees to see, each unique, and all responding without question to the change of seasons. This tree was one of the tallest I have seen, and seemed to go on forever. There is something mystical and reverent about trees. They  have been around forever, just watching and growing in wisdom. They have so much to teach us if we will listen; patience, steadfastness, protection, provision. If we remain still in the presence of their sanctuary, completely still, we can feel their life, and begin to grasp the ancient laws.

Day 365 + 19: Mt. Soledad Cross

"The Mt. Soledad cross. It is a goosebumps-inducing experience to watch the La Jolla sunset from here. It's like standing right next to the Creator of it all." - Faith Gonzalez

Project 365: #365 + 19

The cross marking the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial can be seen from far, and beneath it, there are the most remarkable views in all directions. This is a fitting place to honor both living and deceased veterans who have defended this beautiful country and the freedom of its people. The veterans honored here include those from the Revolutionary War to those fighting the current global "War on Terror." Creation can be absorbed in all its splendor here, and we can stand in awe of our Creator, while giving thanks for those who have secured our freedom.

Day 365 + 18: Forest floor on the trail

"Walk on a rainbow trail; walk on a trail of song, and all about you will be beauty. There is a way out of every dark mist, over a rainbow trail." - Robert Motherwell

Project 365: #365 + 18

The weather has seriously turned from summer to dark, dull and rainy overnight. We have even put off shutting down the pool in the hope that we can still swim, but all that is happening is that it has filled with leaves and dropped by about 20 degrees! Sniff! Anyhoo, despite the approaching gloom, there is still beauty about. The forest floor is alive with autumn activity. There is new fungal growth on all the fallen trees and branches. I love how creation continues in the circle of life, neverending and utilizing all available resources in true recycling!

Day 365 + 17: Monday blues

"Mondays are the potholes in the road of life." - Tom Wilson

Project 365: #365 + 17

This is how we felt about today...much easier to bury our noses in the blankets and hope Monday will go away! Today felt like a pothole, and obviously not just for me! Perhaps it is the change of season. Nevertheless, tomorrow is Tuesday, and the week will go on. We will pull ourselves together and appreciate each day for what it is and be thankful for the new beginning of each day!

Day 365 + 16: Blessing of the animals

"All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful:
The Lord God made them all."
Cecil F. Alexander (1848)

Project 365: #365 + 16

We had the Blessing of the Animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi with Grace Lutheran today, and what a lovely service it was. Lots of beloved pets, including dogs, puppies, a cat and a guinea pig! Of course, there was much excitement as Riley saw his besties, Ranger and Scout! Not sure that he understood the sanctity of being blessed, but nevertheless, blessed he was. I did not think I would manage the kitties as well. The kitty there did meow in unison through the hymn, and the birds in the trees tweeted merrily :)

"Prayer of Saint Francis for Animals:
God Our Heavenly Creator, You created the world to serve humanity's needs and to lead them to You. By our own fault we have lost the beautiful relationship which we once had with all your creation. Help us to see that by restoring our relationship with You we will also restore it with all Your creation. Give us the grace to see all animals as gifts from You and to treat them with respect for they are Your creation. We pray for all animals who are suffering as a result of our neglect. May the order You established be once again restored to the whole world. We ask this trusting in your love for the whole creation. Amen"

(Photo courtesy of the Grace Lutheran Mendham FB site)

Day 365 + 15: Marching under the stars

"You know, if I can survive marching band, I can survive anything." - Nellie McKay

Project 365: #365 + 15

This was our first experience of a marching band competition, which was awesome, except for the rain! If Nicole can survive playing the sousaphone in the marching band (especially in the cold and wet), she can definitely survive anything!! The performance of all the bands was spectacular, and it was amazing to watch the dedication and discipline within the bands. I am so grateful to her founding years at Collegiate Junior, and the dedicated staff throughout her school career for always encouraging and supporting her musical efforts.

Day 365 + 14: Yay, it's the weekend!

"Not for nothing is their motto TGIF - 'Thank God It's Friday.' They live for the weekends, when they can go do what they really want to do." - Richard Nelson Bolles

Project 365: #365 + 14

So excited that it is the weekend again, although I should not be wishing the time away. The weeks are so much of the same that it is nice to have a change from the routine on weekends. This photo is a throwback to a couple of weekends ago in San Diego...I would not mind enjoying sundowners with this vista...this would end a perfect day which began with the first Koeksister's tea after summer to celebrate a milestone birthday, catching up on all the summer news, and just enjoying the company of like-cultured friends! It is such a nice space to just be together with new friends sharing a common heritage, and an inherent understanding of each other and the ups and downs of moving from one's homeland. The day was completed with Good Company at church, where a nice homemade meal and fellowship was enjoyed by young and old, in the company of friends with common values, faith, and beliefs.

Day 365 + 13: Welcome familiarity at 'Pilgrim's Rest'

“This hill though high I covent ascend;

The difficulty will not me offend;

For I perceive the way of life lies here.

Come, pluck up, heart; let's neither faint nor fear. ” 

― John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress

Project 365: #365 + 13

When we delivered Caitlin to college, we were hosted graciously at 'Pilgrim's Rest' by Mike's very kind cousins, Sandy and John, in their beautiful home! We had been stressed about sending her to the other side of the US, but found familiar comfort here, and somehow felt that everything is going to be okay. There was so much familiarity to what we knew from SA, starting with their beautiful garden! They too have been through similar changes as us, in the decision to make a new life for themselves with all that it takes. Their wisdom gave us hope in the faith that things will work out, and we will overcome the difficult barriers without fear! Pilgrim's Rest is also close to my heart, as it is where my mother was christened. It is amazing how things work out!

Day 365 + 12: Forever sisters

"A sister is both your mirror - and your opposite" - Elizabeth Fishel

Project 365: #365 + 12


Nothing can be truer for these two than being a mirror of each other and yet complete opposites! We tried (mostly in vain) to get some nice pictures of them before Caitlin went off to college. It was almost impossible as they will not pose next to each other...but we did manage to sneak in one or two pics! Yay! Despite them being so different, they are so alike in many ways. I did know that we would miss Caitlin terribly, but Nicole has taken on some of her mannerisms, so it doesn't seem quite so bad! I do hope that they value each other as they get older, and realize that they will be forever friends and have a bond that no-one can break.

Day 365 + 11: Yellow leaves

"There is a time in the last few days of summer when the ripeness of autumn fills the air." - Rudolfo Anaya

Project 365: # 365 + 11

The yellow leaves are a'fallin by the dozen. I am still absolutely amazed by the seasons, and their perfect timing...almost to the day! The leaf litter is accumulating, and the bright colors are beginning. There is a delicious crispness in the early morning air, thick with the expectation of a new season. Autumn provides renewed energy, and the anticipation of the excitement and beauty that is yet to come.

Day 365 + 10: Fresh harvest

"Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later." - Og Mandino

Project 365: # 365 + 10

The harvest from my veggie garden this week...beans, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce...so exciting....even Riley is excited about it. He is employed (in food and walks) to keep the rabbits at bay, otherwise the tomato on the bottom is what happens...they take a nice bite out of whatever is in reach! This has been such an exciting project...with more to follow. I am not sure what source our organic soil is...but we even have butternuts growing in the tree! It has provided such a sense of accomplishment, while teaching patience and self-control! I would recommend a veggie garden to anyone, providing you have enough water, as they can be thirsty!

Day 365 + 9: Hiking in India Brook Park

"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. I'm also into yoga". - Odette Annable

Project 365: #365 + 9

Since we are down to just three in the house, and Nic was in bed with a cold for the weekend, Mike and I have found that we have a little more time on the weekends, so have decided to get back to exploring our area. We have been for some lovely hikes to Buttermilk Falls, only staying on the paths, mind you, to avoid being mistaken for a deer by hunters. The weather is a little cooler, with tons of leaf litter on the ground, and a more delicate sunshine than a few weeks ago. There is so much beauty around us if we just stop to look and notice, listen and hear! It also clears the mind of cobwebs and tangled thoughts...creating new perspective and a fresh outlook.

Day 365 + 8: Puppy reunion

"There is not psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." - Bernard Williams

Project 365: #365 + 8

An email arrived from the puppy rescue center at the beginning of the week requesting contact information, as the other owners of Riley's littermates had reached out for a reunion...and by Saturday we had our first reunion! It was such fun, and hopefully we will soon have all five pups together. They all look so different, but have so many of the same personality traits and characteristics. They are all full of energy and loads of fun! It was such an entertaining couple of hours. The photo creds are to the owner of Ronan (the bigger pup), since my photos are all blurry with their excitement! So, here are Ronan, Riley, and Ellie. Ellie's owners were the gracious hosts, and have done a DNA test...will keep you guessing till the others know! There is truly no better therapist than a puppy, and they are far cheaper too!!! (At least, that is what I keep reminding Mike!)

Day 365 + 7: Grand Canyon from 36,000 ft!

"The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself. The resources of the graphic art are taxed beyond their powers in attempting to portray its features. Language and illustration combined must fail." - John Wesley Powell

Project 365: #365 + 7

I have an extensive bucket list of things that I would like to see and do. I feel these goals are important to keep you moving in a forward direction. Theoretically, I have now seen the Grand Canyon....from 36,000 ft! I was blessed with a window seat on the way to California, and saw the most amazing landscapes from a different perspective...from dense forest, to mountains, including a glimpse of the Rockies, to desert, to beautiful river valleys! The beauty and enormity of the Grand Canyon cannot be explained...but I do know that it is not just on my list to maybe do, but something I have to do. I feel that it is one of the places in the world where we can feel the great work of our Creator, and know that nothing was created by mistake, and each has a purpose to fulfil. The stark beauty created over eons of time fills your soul with awe! I wonder if the pilots flying these routes daily appreciate the sights they see, or if it is just routine? I hope that I always find beauty in everyday things, even when they are routine!

Day 365 + 6: A new chapter begins

"The true purpose of education is to teach a man to carry himself triumphant to the sunset" - Liberty Hyde Bailey

Project 365: #365 + 6

After a long summer hiatus, I thought it good to start up again. This is the best way for me to stay positive and appreciate all that is around me, and share our daily experiences with family and loved ones far away. We had a good summer, but not in the sense of 'So, how was your summer? Awesome thanks, we went on a cruise, then spent some time at our house in the Hamptons' kind of summer. We were at home most of the time, the girls both worked pretty much full time, and life was mostly much of a muchness. Nicole went to marching-band camp at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania, and Caitlin and Mike had a trip to San Diego for Caitlin to do some placement tests. BUT, it was an important time for regrouping and discovering who we are all are and why we are here. So, actually summer was AWESOME! We had fun at home, gardening, swimming, hanging out. We even discovered Riley loves to lounge on the lilo in the pool! Summer also marked the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another. So, as the sun set at Black's Beach in San Diego, it marked the end of life as we have known it for the past twelve years, and the beginning of new adventures with Caitlin at college. I know that her education to this point has provided a solid foundation to base her tertiary education on, and carry herself forward triumphantly. It is amazing how things work out, and I will continue to have faith that we are on the right path. San Diego is such a perfect fit, with a comfortable familiarity to everything that we know, from the sights and sounds, even to the smell of the ocean and the enjoyment of a perfect sunset!

Day 365 + 5: Circling eagles

"Sense the blessings of the earth in the perfect arc of a ripe tangerine, the taste of warm, fresh bread, the circling flight of birds, the lavender color of the sky shining in a late afternoon rain puddle, the million times we pass other beings in our cars and shops and out among the trees without crashing, conflict, or harm" - Jack Kornfield

 Project 365: # 365 + 5

I know these photographs are from far away, but the most amazing thing is that we see these majestic birds circling for prey at least once a day above our garden. They are graceful and majestic, making flight look effortless. The natural beauty that surrounds us reminds me how blessed we are, and to remember how blessed we are when we think that nothing is going right. God always has a plan, and it is important to notice our blessings in the everyday things we often take for granted.

Day 365 + 4: Veggie patch

"A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them" - Liberty Hyde Bailey

Project 365: #365 + 4

Summer has been amazing, especially without the early morning routine of school. The weather has been perfect, am definitely not complaining about the 'dog-days' as soon enough winter will be here, and we will be missing the heat of summer! The girls both have jobs to earn some extra pocket money, and I have had time to work in the garden, yay!!! My latest project has been the veggie garden, which started from an overgrown patch of 1-m high Canadian thistles. I then asked Mike to drag up an old frame from the treehouse at the bottom of the garden to create a perfect raised bed....then came the soil, and finally the plants. I even have some donations of tomato plants from kind acquaintances. So exciting. I have sprinkled down cayenne pepper to deter the bunnies, and shooed the kitties and dog away. Hopefully I will actually be able to harvest something before winter....it is a fun experimental work in progress, requiring patient labor and attention. It would be nice to keep us sustainably in veggies!

Day 365 + 3: Cheeky chipmunks

"I had in mind a message, although I hope it doesn't intrude too badly, persuading Americans, ..., of the critical importance of land and our vanishing natural environment and wildlife." - E. O. Wilson

Project 365 Plus: #365 + 3

With the vanishing natural environment, wildlife creeps closer and closer to urban areas...this little chipmunk is a frequent visitor to the front porch, and sat still for long enough for me to take a quick photo. I know they are often considered pests and are almost at the bottom of the food chain,  but they play an important role in the ecosystem, eating seeds, nuts, and vegetation...often a key seed disperser.  They provide an important food resource for the birds of prey and foxes in the area. I feel the need to educate not only Americans, but all people on the importance of conserving our natural heritage and wildlife so that it is preserved for future generations. We cannot survive without natural resources, and as everything is so interconnected it is fundamental that we do what we can to look after our beautiful environment.

Day 365 + 2: Toasting the IB diploma!

"147. You find yourself thinking "Without stress my life would be empty."- ibquotes.com

 Project 365 Plus: #365 + 2

Toasts with glasses filled with bubbly fizzling over were most welcome as sundowners this evening to mark the occasion of Caitlin being awarded her IB diploma! (Actually, the whole bottle was welcome). We cannot express how proud we are of her, and this achievement. The IB is in itself a rigorous academic two-year program, but add a move in the middle and it is ten times worse, as two of her six courses were completed over Skype with respective teachers for English and German. Yet, Caitlin managed, and still fulfilled her NJ high school graduation requirements, in addition to participating in spring and fall sports. And, she achieved grades at the same level as her German classmates that she left behind - an accomplishment in itself!! Needless to say, based our experiences over the past two years, Nicole has not opted to take the IB diploma (much to her father's dismay but my relief, another celebratory bottle called for!!) I will not for a minute think that life will be empty without all this stress, and am rather looking forward to getting back to normal, (whatever normal is!!!) with lights out before midnight!

 

Day 365 + 1: Awesome Independence Day weekend

"It is very inspiring, my friends, to come to this that may be called the original fountain of independence and liberty in America and here drink draughts of patriotic feeling which seem to renew the very blood in one's veins." ~Woodrow Wilson, Presidential Address at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1914 July 4th

Project 365 Plus: # 365 + 1

This weekend marked the anniversary of our arrival in the US a year ago. What a year this had been, it has passed in a blur of deadlines, seemingly dragging by, yet the weeks flying by simultaneously. It was a celebration with new friends at a poolside BBQ (complete with home-baked American pie, fully clothed swimming, live concert music drifting from the Green, and fire-pit roasted marshmallows), and an immersion in age-old patriotism that really does renew the blood in one's veins. I cycled to the local parade, and enjoyed a celebratory free beer (or two or three) and hotdog hosted by the fire department afterward (not many places can boast of still being able to host free beer without public disturbance!) The weather couldn't have been kinder for this occasion steeped in tradition. What a celebration of independence and liberty, for which we are very grateful, especially  those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom!

Day 365: Happy sweet 16!

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey

Project 365: #365

With unplanned omissions through this project, it has lasted a couple of months longer than initially planned, but the timing was still perfect. This being day 365 of 365, and Nicole's 16th birthday! Certainly an exciting day to celebrate, we are proud of the beautiful, kind, and caring young lady she has become! The joy of making a wish and blowing out candles. Although we celebrate birthdays especially, it is important to celebrate each and every day, for in the gratitude of celebration we come to realize how much in life there is to celebrate, from seemingly mundane every day events to momentous occasions like graduation and 16th birthdays. We can find something special each day to celebrate, and share the joy with those around us. In this, we stop looking down, and look around, appreciating life around us. After this whirlwind year, I am looking forward to living life again, enjoying the simple things, and embracing each day!

Day 364: High school graduation!

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Project 365: #364

What an exciting day, and what an awesome end to a school career. It was such a proud moment for us when Caitlin walked across the stage, receiving her high school diploma. It seems just yesterday that she started Grade 1. What a journey, three continents, and three high schools! Despite all the challenges and changes, she has grown and developed beyond anything we could have imagined, and we are so proud of all her accomplishments, her drive for success, and the confident, caring and beautiful young adult she has become. She has used the setbacks to her advantage, and with her strong foundation has learned to think both intensively and critically. The goals of both intelligence and character have been achieved. This marks the end of a chapter for her, and the beginning of an exciting new one. There are so many things and people to be grateful for, including all her dedicated teachers each step of the way, in the classroom, sports fields, and extracurricular activities.  Each one has provided valuable input into who she has become, and molded the direction of her path. May she use the valuable lessons learned over the past 12 years in the next step of her education, and always remember the importance of education, intelligence, and critical thinking.

Day 363: Sit and rest a while

"As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest." - Nelson Mandela

Project 365: #363

This has been such a busy year, especially this last term, that when I went for a run this morning, this little makeshift bench caught my eye - just calling me to sit and enjoy the peace in the forest for a little while. Just a while, enough time to catch my breath. We cannot ever really just rest, since we must always do what we can for the world, to eliminate poverty, injustice, and inequality. We can all live in our bubbles, apparently unaffected by these things, but in our hearts we know this is not reality, and it is up to each and every one of us to use our talents to make this world a better place for those around us.

Day 362: Spruce Run

“The nation behaves well if it treats its natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value.” - Theodore Roosevelt

Project 365: #362

We went on a little scout yesterday afternoon, looking for a nice waterway to paddle on, and found Spruce Run  Recreational Area. This was just a little peep through the trees at things to come.  This is the largest water body that this relatively close to us. The park was closed as it was after 4 pm, so we couldn't get too close, but sneaked a peep from the side of the road. It is very expansive at 2030 acres, and this was just one teeny arm. It is so exciting that there are protected natural resources close by. This park has a strictly bring in take out policy, so you cannot dump any trash! Every little step in conserving our beautiful resources means that future generations can also enjoy this great gift!

Day 361: Father's Day brunch

"A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets is our society" - Billy Graham

Project 365: #361

In celebration of Father's Day we treated Mike to early morning brunch. We are grateful for the role of our special father's in our lives, and for all they have done for us! Although we can't always be together, we still cherish them, and miss them! We are grateful for their gentle guidance,  belief in us, and continual support, no matter what!

Day 360: Church flowers

Arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day - like writing a poem or saying a prayer. Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/annemorrow133382.html?src=t_flowers

"Arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day - like writing a poem or saying a prayer." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Project 365: #360

I had forgotten just how much I love arranging flowers. I had put my name on the flower roster for church for the first time, as I wanted to observe the system for a little while to see how things are done here. I was reluctant, as flowers just seem so expensive, but really wanted to do the flowers in celebration and thanksgiving of Caitlin's graduation this week. I tootled off to the store to see what I could find in a rather limited budget, and then merrily went around the garden finding all sorts of exciting foliage! While arranging the flowers, I did reflect on our many blessings. What a year this has been, and the culmination of Caitlin's school career...there is much to celebrate, as she has thoroughly enjoyed most of her school years, making the most of every opportunity presented to her. It was actually perfect timing, as we were also able to celebrate Father's Day, giving thanks to all our special father's and all they have done for us, as well as Mike and Nicole's birthdays! Grateful hearts all round!

Day 359: Relay for life

"Each lap gets us closer to a world with more birthdays"- Relay for life

Project 365: #359

I was asked at the last minute if I could help to chaperone a team at the West Morris Mendam schools Relay for Life, which takes place from 5 pm to 5 am the following day! I had no idea what it entailed or what to expect, and went a long rather reluctantly with Nicole, who was in a team. Well, I am so pleased that I went, it was such an uplifting and inspirational fundraiser by these kids, and a very well-run and organized program! With over 600 kids from both schools participating, the track was always  buzzing with activity as they completed their laps, and the surrounding areas were dotted with tents, sleeping bags, camping chairs, and kids playing a variety of ball games. There was live music played by the kids in bands, and acapella show downs, all led by seniors, committed to this cause for cancer.  Throughout the year these teams have raised well over $60 000 in the fight against cancer. What was amazing was the amount of people directly affected by cancer, and the commitment of these young adults to do what they can to make a difference in other people's lives.

Day 358: Dinner and desert

 “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.” 

- William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

Project 365: #358

Let our wrinkles show that we have lived a good life with love and laughter. We celebrated Mike's birthday today with dinner and desert! Yum! Awesome to have creative girls who help in the kitchen!

Day 357: Gainful employment

"The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand" - Vince Lombardi

Project 365: #357


Yay! One is on the way to being gainfully employed, with the other following suit shortly!! The first day of training for her new job at the local store after reams of paperwork to prove her eligibility and a medical! Yippee! Pocket money and summer sorted! Now for the other one! I am hoping that she will learn the lessons of success through hard work, perseverance, and dedication to her job, no matter what it is, and always do the very best that she can do. Hopefully, there will be a lesson in this regarding the value of money, as she starts out below minimum wage until she turns 16...which is thankfully next week! However, if we equate this to ZAR terms, she will be a millionaire in no time! Woohoo!

Day 356: Sheep may safely graze

“You'll have a good, secure life when being alive means more to you than security, love more than money, your freedom more than public or partisan opinion, when the mood of Beethoven's or Bach's music becomes the mood of your whole life … when your thinking is in harmony, and no longer in conflict, with your feelings … when you let yourself be guided by the thoughts of great sages and no longer by the crimes of great warriors … when you pay the men and women who teach your children better than the politicians; when truths inspire you and empty formulas repel you; when you communicate with your fellow workers in foreign countries directly, and no longer through diplomats...” - Wilhelm Reich, Listen, Little Man!

Project 365: #356

I know that this field has featured before, but I am still amazed that we live just 50 miles from NYC, and right next to the high school is this working farm in Main Street, with sheep grazing in the field. It was, of course, a perfect day to take a photograph...not a breath of wind and perfectly blue sky, green fields, sheep peacefully mowing the lawn....paradise actually. It made me think, what is the purpose of our rushed, complicated lives? It did bring to mind Bach's 'Sheep may safely graze', which was always played in our house, first by my brother on clarinet and then most beautifully by my Dad on the piano. It brought back memories of the uncomplicated, simple lifestyle of my childhood. The most important things were living life, loving, education, learning, communicating, truth, integrity. Being guided by the messages of the great sages and learning from the mistakes of heroic warriors; living with the passion of the great artists and composers. Perhaps one day we will get back there.