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.