Things I am Grateful For.....

Things I am grateful for:

Sunshine in winter
The sound of the ocean
Raindrops when the garden becomes too dry
A daughter that shares so much with me
A son who loves living with Mum and Dad
A husband who is forever and always
Blankets for cold evenings
Books so good that I can not put them down
The smell of cinnamon sticks
Music that makes us want to dance
Enjoyment of each other's company
A feeling of peace that Tai Cha brings

Flowers that brighten life as well as the garden
A girlfriend for my son who shines with beauty both inside and out

Fine coffee
Unconditional love
Working for myself
The enjoyment of writing
A boyfriend for my daughter who is level headed and lovely
Homemade sweets
Life Experiences

Those kodac moments

Room to add more to this list lol

Rydal Daffodil Show NSW Sept. 2008

And then my heart with pleasure fills and dances with the daffodils
…William Wordsworth 1843

Rydal is a tiny little township just short of Lithgow. It is buried deep in the mountains and the drive there is breathtaking at this time of year. The area is very green at present because of the rainfall and the local lake “Lake Lyall” is full. There is fishing, boating and swimming in Lake Lyall and we were surprised at the number of tents and boat trailers there.

The rolling hillsides led us right into the town

As I said, Rydal is a very small town with a population of 80 people and 40 houses. Most of the buildings in the town (houses included) date back to the 1800s. There are no shops but there is a local pub, so glad that they got their priorities right lol. The township was born back in the 1840s and apparently by the end of 1869 it was the final stop on the railway line for the steam trains. As a modern, very busy and cosmopolitan town back then Rydal had eight hotels, five blacksmiths, five stores and a doctor. Now at that time there was a local mine that employed a lot of people as well as farms and cattle properties. At around the mid 1800’s gold was also struck further north and the roads between Dubbo and Rydal, Mudgee and Rydal, Orange, Bathurst and Rydal were filled with horse and carts transferring produce, minerals and gold to the train station at Rydal to be delivered to Sydney by steam train.

We were told that the town also became a romantic place of sorts as many young honeymooners would catch a train to Rydal and then transfer to a Cobb and Co. coach to finish the journey to Orange or Bathurst for their honeymoon. Later with people wishing to visit Jenolan Caves, they came to Rydal by train, then horse-drawn coach to the caves. This was until the introduction of motor vehicles.
Rydal is seeped in history, many of the buildings date back to the 1800s

Rydal Cottage is a privately owned property of approx. 9 acres. The cottage dates back to 1870 but the grounds are absolutely beautiful. It was such a pleasure to roam around here. Naturally there are thousands of daffodils but the owner has planted some very beautiful tulips, hyacinths and daisies against a backdrop of native trees. I spent hours there investigating and taking note of all the little places she had planted gardens such as old fashioned bath tubs, old wheelbarrows, tubs, wine casks, old wash tubs with antique water pumps. It was amazing. I felt like a kid in a lolly shop lol. I never realized just how many different types of daffodils there are also. I am sure if they exist that they have been planted somewhere in Rydal.

As for the historic buildings, they have been kept in amazingly good condition. Most are listed on the National Heritage Estate. The original railway station, St Matthew’s Church, the old Union Church, the former Police Station and even the policeman’s residence all remain in excellent condition. If you appreciate historic architecture you would recognise how much ongoing work has been undertaken in this town to preserve a time long forgotten. In the old Union Church which is unused, there are all of the organs that had been purchased back since the building of the church in 1869. The original organ was 40 years old when it was bought out from England back then.
One of many beautiful country laneways in Rydal

Many of the homes are made from beautiful sandstone and have the original horse stables still out the back as well. 150 years ago the kitchen was a sepaate building to the main house for several reasons. Firstly, the area's warm climate in summer made operating a kitchen unpleasantly hot. Secondly, with the slaughter and cooking of meat, the main houses were free from smoke and smell and although the cooking is undertaken inside nowadays the separate old cookhouses still remain in many places.


Blending in with a lovely country town were a lovely welcoming group of residents so pleased to show their hospitality to visitors. Don't froget that Rydal these days has a population of 80 people and I am sure that all 80 were out in the main street to say hello and welcome.

I did learn a few things about daffodils whilst I was browzing around. Firstly they grow from bulbs so once you plant them they need little to no care. After they flower in Spring one just cuts the flower off and then next year it will flower again...how easy is that. If you want to encourage many many flowers one needs to dig up the bulbs in late summer, wash and let dry thoroughly. Store the bulbs in hesham or potato sacks in a well ventilated area until time to plant again at the beginning of autumn. Apparently this guarantees lots and lots of flowers. I guess it simply depends on how much time the gardener has.


Well that was Rydal. It is interesting to see the way other people live. Their beloved daffodil displays are on during Springtime and I would recommend a visit. Have a good day everyone.

I remember exactly where I was….

Photos taken at the Wellington Show 2006

On Wednesday while driving home from Nowra Mr J commented that it was September 10th. When I asked what was significant about that date he said that he seemed to remember that on 1989 September 10th Hungary opened it’s borders to the west, allowing thousands to leave East Germany. He could remember hearing it over the radio while he was driving to work on afternoon shift. He said that he was sitting at the traffic lights on Parramatta Rd., Strathfield when the announcement came across the radio.

It is amazing that when something significant takes place that we can remember such vivid circumstances yet at other times we can not even remember what day it is lol. Perhaps the shock of the news freezes the time and surroundings permanently into one’s memory.
During the rest of the journey we thought back to where we were during many major events.
Death of the Princess of Wales August 31st 1997, we were sitting in the lounge room of our home in Darwin with visitors from Sydney when Ms K (just a little girl) came out to say that she had heard the news over the radio. Naturally everyone thought she was mistaken so we turned the TV on to find it on every station.

First news of Cyclone Tracey hitting Darwin December 25th 1975, we were in church Christmas morning when the priest came out to announce the news to the congregation.
Landing on the moon July 21st 1969, I was in third grade and the teacher turned on the black and white TV just as Armstrong put his left foot down and declared “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Bali Bombing October 12th 2002, we were having dinner with friends when they commented how horrifying the bombing in Bali had been. It had just been announced as they left for the restaurant. Mr J and I knew nothing about it so as soon as dinner was over we left to go home and turn the television on.
Terrorist attack on World Trade Centre September 11th 2001. I had just met up with some friends when one of them asked if I had heard anything about it. When I turned on the television a press conference was being held and it was announced that the Pentagon had just been hit also.

Death of John Lennon December 8th 1980, we were having dinner at home when the evening news broke with the announcement that John Lennon had been shot four times in the back outside of his Manhatten apartment. I remember my mother saying that no amount of money can keep people safe any more.
These events were just a few that we touched on. It was interesting to realize how my memory sorted the dates. Was I single back then or married? Was I at school? I could remember dates once I put them into sequence with reference to fixed dates such as the birth of our children or the death of various family members. Do you remember exactly where you were?

My photos were taken at the Wellington Show, 2006. It is not hard to tell that Mr J and I love to browze through old relics lol

Saving the budget from extinction......

Molong NSW, a very historical township 2007

This week my electricity bill arrived in the post. Naturally I open such a bill with caution as over this past eighteen months it has crept up higher and higher. Upon opening this particular statement I felt myself go weak at the knees. NEVER has it been as high as this one. After I sat reading the schedule of charges I decided to set out a plan of action. The plan of action will not only reduce the swelling electricity bill but it will teach the members of this household some good life lessons in budgeting time and helping the environment.
Firstly, there will be no more warm water washing in the washing machine. Hot water is the biggest user of electricity in any household that does not have gas. As an extreme measure I have broken the knob on the washing machine so as it cannot be moved off the cold water setting. If one cannot wash in cold water then they have to use the local laundry matt. Already there are cries of my “suppressing” their childhoods....tell someone who doesn’t have to pay the electricity bill.

Secondly, all light fittings have been replaced with those compact fluorescent squiggly power saving light bulbs. In areas (such as the garage) where I do not use lights I have completely removed the bulb. Now given that only the males of the household use the garage I have no concerns as I already know that they are too lazy to replace a missing light bulb.
Next, I have set upon reducing the timing of showers for each of the family members. The "Worst Offender Award" is equally shared by both the daughter and the son. “He” gets into the shower and forgets to get out. “She” gets into the shower and has a facial, a full body mud mask and a 15 minute protein treatment for her hair (naturally she denies all of this).

Now the over use of hot water is not only expensive but it is unhealthy for the environment and given that the term “bad for the planet” is the “in” saying at present I have no qualms about using that school of thought to support my argument. Hence, spending too long in the shower will result in my swiching-on the hot water tap downstairs in the kitchen (hehehe). In all my years of parenting I have never had such an immediate response as when the hot water tap is turned on in another room when someone is in the shower. Squeals of freezing shock and chilly horror reverberate throughout the household, followed by a stream of verbal outrage (and chattering teeth). Yesterday once my son reached the 8 minute mark I switched on the hot water in the kitchen leaving him with stone cold water in his bathroom. He let loose with some unsavory words (which I heard all the way downstairs I might add) in reply I switched on the cold water tap this time thus, sending a stream of hot water cascading out of his shower nozzle. There is nothing like shock-treatment to elicit an apology and a fast escape out of the shower recess. Oh yes, it gives a whole new meaning to the term “global warming”. He swears that his “global” was not only warmed but burnt and that future fatherhood is no longer an option now however, I assured him that providing he keeps to shorter showers his “global” will not be in danger in future, besides there is a temperature control valve. Both the son and daughter now claim child abuse, and insist that they have been emotionally scared for life. I offered to switch off the hot water permanently and they are now rethinking their accusations (wink).

Lastly, Mr J and I have turned off appliances at the power point that use a “stand by” facility for example, televisions, stereos, computers. Apparently this reduces electricity use and helps to also reduce our carbon footprint.
So I have only two months, three weeks to wait for the next electricity bill to arrive. I will open this one with an optimistic attitude and a positive approach knowing that I have been pro-active in doing my part. My children mean while, are fast learning about the positive aspects of using electricity within budget. Goodness, what we parents have to endure!

The photos were taken in Molong NSW. Molong is a very historical town and primarily rural. It was hit very badly by the drought.

Bridging the Gap.....

A NOTICE OUTSIDE A SECOND HAND SHOP.We buy sell and exchange all bowling equipment and accessories,Why not bring along your wife and get a wonderful bargain!

Today I met up with some friends for lunch at the bowling club. During the course of the afternoon I happened to look out onto the bowling greens and saw a group of primary school children learning to bowl. Lawn bowls is a sport often associated with old men and old women dressed in white uniforms, sun hats and gray hair. It is the complete opposite of ten-pin bowling which is surrounded with noise, big heavy bowling balls and boisterous young kids.
I have never seen kids playing lawn bowls anywhere before and was quite amazed that it was taking place so I walked outside to stand and watch. There were about 20 school children aged approximately 10/11 years old. They were being given instructions from a group of very elderly bowlers, several of them with walking sticks. They were obviously enjoying the attention and importance placed on their instructional roles. The children all stood concentrating on what was being said and appeared very respectful and eager to play. Likewise, the elderly lawn bowlers seemed just as eager to teach the children. I thought what positive steps were being taken here to bridge the gap between young and old.
I watched the young people walk gently over the grass, so well maintained and easy on the knees and ankles of the elderly players. When I commented about them playing, a lady next to me remarked that it was very rewarding teaching the children; that they were "keen as mustard" and their level of enthusiasm was contagious to everyone. She went on to say that many possessed great sporting skills and that naturally their expectation and energy far surpassed many of the older bowlers. Apparently the senior bowlers loved the way school children asked questions, challenged the older bowlers to games, were especially keen to try out new things but most of all they jumped around with their vigor and energy audible and visible. I was genuinely impressed that a simple sport could bring young and old together and most importantly, it created an even playing field where age really was no barrier. But to see so many elderly people thoroughly enjoying teaching such young people was encouraging I could only imagine how much both parties were enjoying themselves and how rewarding it must be for the seniors. We will all be old one day.

A Daughter To Reflect On........

Being a parent is such a privilege that many do not value. For me it has been the most important role of my life; a joy that I still take pleasure in. While sorting through some photos of my daughter last night, I recounted the many reasons I feel so lucky to have her as a part of my life.



I see her Grandma's eyes in her beautiful face and her Grandfather's magical smile when she delights in the simple pleasures of life. I love the enthusiastic manner in which she pitches in to help with a task and I see her father's strength of character in this lovely young woman...so filled with understanding and compassion for her fellow man. I enjoy listening to her chatter on about her daily activities and see the mischief in her eyes when she talks about the people that she meets. She tugs at my heartstrings when she puts her arms around me in a loving hug no matter how old she has become and feel pure happiness each time she says "I love you Mum".
Being a mother is so much more than I ever imagined. It is witnessing a wonder unfold in the lives of our children. It is seeing the reflections of your own life in the youth and energy of a new generation. It is something special far beyond words. We have a bond and friendship that we both agree will be treasured and guarded all of our lives.

Busy times for busy bees.....

Have you ever tried to photograph a bee? God it's hard, they don't keep still, not even for a second...and I thought that little children were bad!

Just when you think everything is set to snap...the bee moves yet again. So engrossed in what he is doing that he is oblivious to you.

I sat on the ground, perched my camera in readiness and waited.......and waited......and waited and just when I got tired and put the camera down for a rest...along came the bee.

So, determined that they wouldn't beat me I waited patiently yet again and finally along came a busy little bee. He didn't even lift his head from his pollen collecting. I felt like swatting him.

So he climbed in over the back of the flowers lol....if you search hard enough through the yellow flowers you will see his back......the little B!!!!!!!!

Oldern Day Heros, Modern Day Movies.......

The following photos are frm the "Still Life" class photo shoot October 2008

Like all those who were experiencing childhood and their teenage years back in the 60s 70s I have fond memories of favourite television shows that produced imaginary champions such as The Phamtom Agents, GI Joe, Thunderbirds, Rin Tin Tin, etc. Phantom Agents aired back in the early and mid 60's; the Phantom Agents were a ninja group using modern weapons, both chemical and mechanical, as well as traditional ninja ones. They were attached to the Espionage Depertment of Japan's International Police. I can remember my older brother and myself ninja kicking off the arms of the old lounge chairs after each show lol. We had plastic car track pieces stuffed down the back of our shirts that made great ninja swords. It’s a wonder we didn’t break a bone or two lol.

During the beginning of the next decade I remember my little brother loved transformers and GI Joe. Can you believe that GI Joe the movie is in production and set for a 2009 mid year release, (think I read that Dennis Quaid was in it but don't quote me). I do not know what to make of the modern movie market that resurrects these childhood idols and changes them into movies. I have wondered in years past whether we should be scared or excited…is this a chance to relive old times when life was a lot simpler or is this the end of a wonderful memory that will have been slaughtered by a cheesy shake down of a movie that will leave you wishing that you had just been happy with the ancient memory.

Spiderman, Iron Man, Thunderbirds, Batman, even Transformers all have been made into movies and merchandise. I must admit that I did enjoy all of the Batman movies, even though I was initally disappointed when Batman's costume had been changed.
I often wonder if children these days get to use their imaginations the way we use to. One of our friend's children has a Batman outfit that his Grandmother bought for him, cost $75.00 on special. It came complete with stockings, plastic Batman weapons and hood. I told him about the batman Batman costumes that we had had many many years ago; the cape crusader's cape was made from a bath towel and the bat belt was made from one of our Dad's belts with cardboard cutouts pinned on. I had a Catwoman outfit made from similar household items. My sister was always Batgirl and we made a big B from newspaper and pinned it to her towel (I mean cape lol) Now this young fellow could not make head nor tail of what I was talking about and eventually asked why we just didn’t ask Grandma for a Batman outfit from the shops. I tried to explain that not only did the shops not have them back then but that it was as much fun making our costumes as it was playing the characters. I sense Junior thinks I am is a tad eccentric lol.

Everything is so real nowadays, movies, even playsation games are so authentic in their presentation that it leaves very little for the imagination. it would appear "not good enough" if it has not been commercialized to the zenith. Moreover, to a certain extent it is a sad loss between the generations and whether this is the result of modern technology or not, I do not know. Maybe our childhoods really do seem boring compared to this current generation however our imaginations eventually led us to design computers, mobile phones, medicine and to allow man to walk on the moon. Those early years of imaginary heros, battles and knights in shining armours were a simple but wonderful era. I wonder if this generation will have enough imagination when their time comes?