tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87953763555240764312024-03-27T19:36:23.980+13:00Mumsey's RamblingsSomething about nothing and everything
God sends meMumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.comBlogger534125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-66656811282981342522023-04-23T22:41:00.000+12:002023-04-23T22:41:57.142+12:00Mumsey’s Ramblings - Something About Nothing And Everything God Sends MeFor some time now I have been wanting to post a new blog post here but have struggled with what to post. I had wanted to get back to posting on a regular basis and with everything that has been happening to me over the last couple of weeks, couple of months and even a couple of years I haven’t known how or where to start. <div><br /></div><div>Today was Sunday and as is usual for me I went to church. But that in itself is different for me now as well. We don’t have a minister at the moment but the man who preached today has been doing so on the last Sunday of the month for a few years and so we are very familiar with him. </div><div>He preached on the scripture from Psalm 137 which was made famous by Boney M. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l3QxT-w3WMo" width="320" youtube-src-id="l3QxT-w3WMo"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><a href=" https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+137%3A1-4&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 137:1-4</a></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> 1</span> By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion. </b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span> There on the poplars
we hung our harps, </b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">3</span> for there our captors asked us for songs,
our tormentors demanded songs of joy;
they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” </b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">4</span> How can we sing the songs of the LORD
while in a foreign land?</b></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>He shared on how as Christians we should dare to be different in our world today as the world is different. “How can we sing a new song in the strangeness of today?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Where everyone else is speaking out what they believe and so have a right to believe and speak about it, how do we as Christians, speak out of our faith and belief. Do we not even do so, for fear of being vulnerable, caught out, trapped and even abused for what we say or believe.</div><div><br /></div><div>He went on to talk about how we have to be new in our thinking and ideas, with encouragement and examples, but the first part struck a chord with me.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzVRsyStC8QCJjJXOK2AMRImNqcw0AZBeAq45qx3i-1qzlV9XQ9HlZ1l_zpwRkkpPqzvXg3nQhnWQ8yLPAlGCqNpArz01jQE9IBGMYduc9KRx-FwJGVI_IeDp4sfTJ5XJp2xfiSkMJzZZlaI0FALQQ51DR5TK_xL0fCpDzQc3W4kC7QbG9nKBNDMX/s1200/4118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1200" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzVRsyStC8QCJjJXOK2AMRImNqcw0AZBeAq45qx3i-1qzlV9XQ9HlZ1l_zpwRkkpPqzvXg3nQhnWQ8yLPAlGCqNpArz01jQE9IBGMYduc9KRx-FwJGVI_IeDp4sfTJ5XJp2xfiSkMJzZZlaI0FALQQ51DR5TK_xL0fCpDzQc3W4kC7QbG9nKBNDMX/w400-h274/4118.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Interestingly, after the service, a lady came and spoke to me about some things that had happened recently for me and in conversation said she had been talking to someone and had said, <i>“The Fiona we knew before will never be the same after her accident”</i>. I was a little surprised (inside myself) as I have struggled with this myself and here she was, speaking it out. I know my body is not the same and am finding it really hard to gain the full mobility. But I also know that my faith was cemented in my vision of almost entering heaven and being reassured there is life after death and God is building a room for me there. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A2&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 14:2</a> <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b>My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?</b></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>I had been through a time of despair over this belief <a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/my-journey-of-faith.html" target="_blank">before the accident</a> and God had brought me through, knowing I needed to confront this crisis before I went through the accident. </div><div><br /></div><div>But what of now? </div><div><br /></div><div>As I mentioned at the beginning some major things have happened. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeW0P11IqVzfRRrVinZeyZRy-IGQc3VTFwP80xSUMilSOwrt0haqvl4Xp3RFrMCYg2f-cB6GvLjM8M_nQh1bY5tCU3x6kfYGrxAMzhBQlAooODblB0IdfU1qWKQFnL1Cz8_JpbmhF9tM09zKMSsAWOZ_15qPmL191ZlZ1w2S53gd3Nj216rwPVIDM/s960/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeW0P11IqVzfRRrVinZeyZRy-IGQc3VTFwP80xSUMilSOwrt0haqvl4Xp3RFrMCYg2f-cB6GvLjM8M_nQh1bY5tCU3x6kfYGrxAMzhBQlAooODblB0IdfU1qWKQFnL1Cz8_JpbmhF9tM09zKMSsAWOZ_15qPmL191ZlZ1w2S53gd3Nj216rwPVIDM/s320/Untitled.png" width="240" /></a></div>A few weeks ago, I was not voted in as an Elder after two terms of three years. This meant I can no longer take the 8.00am Liturgy service, as my Lay Minster license had also lapsed but being an Elder I could.</div><div><br /></div><div>In January my father (at 93) passed away to be with Jesus and I know his beloved wife. Though I am at peace with that, there are all the emotions that go with it. And now my brothers and I are sorting through the house and the enormous amount of ‘stuff’ that my parents had accumulated over their lives. </div><div><br /></div><div>And as I mentioned I am still recovering from my accident which at times makes me extremely tired and sore, along with waiting for my two knee replacement surgeries that have been put back because of that. </div><div><br /></div><div>So this is a new post to start again and as my blog is called “Mumsey’s Ramblings - Something about nothing and everything God sends me” you will see all sorts of posts in the future, for my record and for you to see what I’ve been up to.
</div><br /><div><br /></div>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-37136510617120834202023-01-06T17:13:00.001+13:002023-01-06T17:37:47.065+13:00Life At Pohlen Hospital In Pictures<div class="separator">If you have stumbled across this page and so don't know what is going on here then I would suggest you read the following posts first.</div><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/my-journey-of-faith.html" target="_blank">My Journey of Faith</a></li><li><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/my-life-changed.html" target="_blank">My Life Changed</a></li><li><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-road-of-recovery-part-1.html" target="_blank">The Road of Recovery - Part 1</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-road-of-recovery-part-2.html" target="_blank">The Road of Recovery - Part 2 </a></li><li><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/12/living-at-pohlen-hospital.html" target="_blank">Living at Pohlen Hospital</a></li></ol><div>This is more for me than anything. It is like a photo album of memories of my four months at <a href="https://pohlen.co.nz/" target="_blank">Pohlen Hospital</a> for my convalescent and rehabilitation care.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e-xxCgEgPurSAB9c4ijb5VeFyuklAae3TvehPF2K56paduYKuTLExN1aV52-kJGTTGaCc-St163h-2wX8aM3iSLOOLS68CzYPkibP9dtNam9lXPxynbO2GDHRq8Y4b_iptWgN150nNgW-3poPBAKMAdWRqDXFe7NhLKWp2JMHLJvF6D4ry8njsol/s4000/20211008_103444.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e-xxCgEgPurSAB9c4ijb5VeFyuklAae3TvehPF2K56paduYKuTLExN1aV52-kJGTTGaCc-St163h-2wX8aM3iSLOOLS68CzYPkibP9dtNam9lXPxynbO2GDHRq8Y4b_iptWgN150nNgW-3poPBAKMAdWRqDXFe7NhLKWp2JMHLJvF6D4ry8njsol/w300-h400/20211008_103444.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Care plan<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPQffCMybaV7Hafu3HX5Vs30H_4mar-R_ZKBiicR2JBU3Br833JcWVr2T_p4fT-aXnzNO6CiJzsUiS1IWLAl-obfBJywmwF7cxNVB2zjOnxl-55ZPOyRcbD6MhZ8MasSoegEQe2XpBtiPto6Y-qAZOpypvsyefBmyCmqB5yW7Q85UMrYD33ZugfUw/s3264/20210924_124402.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPQffCMybaV7Hafu3HX5Vs30H_4mar-R_ZKBiicR2JBU3Br833JcWVr2T_p4fT-aXnzNO6CiJzsUiS1IWLAl-obfBJywmwF7cxNVB2zjOnxl-55ZPOyRcbD6MhZ8MasSoegEQe2XpBtiPto6Y-qAZOpypvsyefBmyCmqB5yW7Q85UMrYD33ZugfUw/w300-h400/20210924_124402.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first day at Pohlen<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8Ljr6rXZM61zwAR6cOJUKUcxQWrFHVPNgepFyneW-_aIrTV84lZyAvjRcKSEY_MhB-nG0rMlZBrzF3Yh0rbwLL9f0BcRR0MAQ96K_c1iyYlvaZ5oXwv-_Es-sCk0gRFL3W2SJWIx_18bJUcX8GbVajY8lRVujnWSU04K3TvyFb1axhguXmfDvwgh/s3264/20210926_092630.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8Ljr6rXZM61zwAR6cOJUKUcxQWrFHVPNgepFyneW-_aIrTV84lZyAvjRcKSEY_MhB-nG0rMlZBrzF3Yh0rbwLL9f0BcRR0MAQ96K_c1iyYlvaZ5oXwv-_Es-sCk0gRFL3W2SJWIx_18bJUcX8GbVajY8lRVujnWSU04K3TvyFb1axhguXmfDvwgh/w300-h400/20210926_092630.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Pohlen teddy bear</td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKEyq13_TgtUQ0lroDOAw0q-1PrHRZ6W1QKbPn7rsRQPvAHmRQ5zqT1Bql4S68zRZGb7LtlxNmTz_pSRySgfsCaUMVcU7KtQncS0DNAZ5zVXTX9KcXSH57fHU8hw_RQC18K1HjF8UxuMn6ZFOWgFt8i_CgUi00Xe7SgP_VDq1k7tt1B786AoAf-7Q/s4000/20210930_140720.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKEyq13_TgtUQ0lroDOAw0q-1PrHRZ6W1QKbPn7rsRQPvAHmRQ5zqT1Bql4S68zRZGb7LtlxNmTz_pSRySgfsCaUMVcU7KtQncS0DNAZ5zVXTX9KcXSH57fHU8hw_RQC18K1HjF8UxuMn6ZFOWgFt8i_CgUi00Xe7SgP_VDq1k7tt1B786AoAf-7Q/w300-h400/20210930_140720.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pamper<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbnyZvxQrCpoXESm1x4DWtO7snw3J5jg7TewHIlAJKwLroqvvivX5PAwR-2g0sN1On1nPrVWWXmiXAmlG6RRCSwJvLWLLXN_xzA_TuWmXJEnGIBDYeFjHd2B68OQMCnljwUqAgnEkOyUpqoNcDGWPlyDI_1xWtqI6HBB0Vglg1Izy_QzzTi8u6fRW/s4000/20211209_151108.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbnyZvxQrCpoXESm1x4DWtO7snw3J5jg7TewHIlAJKwLroqvvivX5PAwR-2g0sN1On1nPrVWWXmiXAmlG6RRCSwJvLWLLXN_xzA_TuWmXJEnGIBDYeFjHd2B68OQMCnljwUqAgnEkOyUpqoNcDGWPlyDI_1xWtqI6HBB0Vglg1Izy_QzzTi8u6fRW/w300-h400/20211209_151108.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas nails<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxlOkmK6eool8a2UJL1W1gIPHed_3oYoP_zn-gnawHT2sBM6v-7oeHQ_rwuMOy-u_8pWsX4QYrOP7wFvOWQh5gTY0MUgKpR5POnpJcLDpqoTuj3u8UI6nxKNI8GH7CuQqo8myyi_zfZaKbpe8C1D6hCHbMDmnsuI5wAmp8c_BWhE2Ti_4xP8mac0j/s4000/20211203_162801.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxlOkmK6eool8a2UJL1W1gIPHed_3oYoP_zn-gnawHT2sBM6v-7oeHQ_rwuMOy-u_8pWsX4QYrOP7wFvOWQh5gTY0MUgKpR5POnpJcLDpqoTuj3u8UI6nxKNI8GH7CuQqo8myyi_zfZaKbpe8C1D6hCHbMDmnsuI5wAmp8c_BWhE2Ti_4xP8mac0j/w300-h400/20211203_162801.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foot washing with friends</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5FD-lMcP9BWhev7YSPPm9ppiNQ4l_EXs22qCle6cD39TulkdAOSt2PcMr1bEsdPzfsT7AqHMFHIAGJfeoKWdEz23FHrux5fHSc3F7ZfOM2C32R4DD8Czw-QyvisiDrrE3vVDCCpV3HAtrhprJYFat-NpmpM9DwXZQgnyZQgdyViqFjmJAk7gAE7V/s4000/20210928_155045.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5FD-lMcP9BWhev7YSPPm9ppiNQ4l_EXs22qCle6cD39TulkdAOSt2PcMr1bEsdPzfsT7AqHMFHIAGJfeoKWdEz23FHrux5fHSc3F7ZfOM2C32R4DD8Czw-QyvisiDrrE3vVDCCpV3HAtrhprJYFat-NpmpM9DwXZQgnyZQgdyViqFjmJAk7gAE7V/w300-h400/20210928_155045.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my window<br />in Room 6<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeS-z6nDFEuEK-O4WzVbOj1kUgHL4nZJVubr6Xg3gLHXzGPzSoAaiZcQ4eFIHGADNQ56kRhdsnZcJw4244UOLjTlv8s579pz0z6xqbFforLcBumgL1wp2Z97OTwtWYr1NfFsXu823zTYGSqmzMuE4lpYFPuMEAr28LSbj70vZnpobx8ingm2wE22L/s4000/20220111_164926.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeS-z6nDFEuEK-O4WzVbOj1kUgHL4nZJVubr6Xg3gLHXzGPzSoAaiZcQ4eFIHGADNQ56kRhdsnZcJw4244UOLjTlv8s579pz0z6xqbFforLcBumgL1wp2Z97OTwtWYr1NfFsXu823zTYGSqmzMuE4lpYFPuMEAr28LSbj70vZnpobx8ingm2wE22L/w300-h400/20220111_164926.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many quilts<br />Changed with each linen change<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLP_hSXNchnYVxml5C01enF3pbVUFnbSvkLP808iaUJiqegNTLIfkr7fPJQCFF3sWO8o5HMKwVsq0Ia4jcjvrnba_jKzCZINTw4RwSliJT562dZ1cjmF_qqIDqzY5GExSN3gTjpyMDngId__MnKTQbEEJbNxvEycLpM3TBYRuslCxf6h-UfLdo4hP/s4000/20220114_170434.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLP_hSXNchnYVxml5C01enF3pbVUFnbSvkLP808iaUJiqegNTLIfkr7fPJQCFF3sWO8o5HMKwVsq0Ia4jcjvrnba_jKzCZINTw4RwSliJT562dZ1cjmF_qqIDqzY5GExSN3gTjpyMDngId__MnKTQbEEJbNxvEycLpM3TBYRuslCxf6h-UfLdo4hP/w300-h400/20220114_170434.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">My main room<br />Room 6<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIENRFfTpf8N4WylsIvd2mrljiSxOhFdjMMZcc7bnleftU22JM8cWyvpGfjTmX0TNDmH4v9CxJpDTPsmxlBzZu0fiBMZ2fGsOJgs1CG6fzq5r5LD_pMlr_ByzgQy-p1dUJ5mBBDMwqLhcqNXnWpX7063X9gS6YCnffeRoDy9LeUTMPUVGGHYzLReYL/s4000/20211026_153921.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIENRFfTpf8N4WylsIvd2mrljiSxOhFdjMMZcc7bnleftU22JM8cWyvpGfjTmX0TNDmH4v9CxJpDTPsmxlBzZu0fiBMZ2fGsOJgs1CG6fzq5r5LD_pMlr_ByzgQy-p1dUJ5mBBDMwqLhcqNXnWpX7063X9gS6YCnffeRoDy9LeUTMPUVGGHYzLReYL/w240-h320/20211026_153921.jpg" width="240" /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfcHGuT517v7XsMpxGo1MkqVdKcVUukybYaMq8PKNsgeQLVOvpyZtylUdQbR8JUuOvRHtooy1LtYRHCsDXtmOUr1HF8qKcFkpE1EZ_FNULqru8_kx1d8pBi5velP-0q6J3kDyiBsC84C80B9PWvGY4f2zMkMOKXF3CnT9tEE4y7iNcF-YGCnBeh4V/s3264/20211210_104535.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfcHGuT517v7XsMpxGo1MkqVdKcVUukybYaMq8PKNsgeQLVOvpyZtylUdQbR8JUuOvRHtooy1LtYRHCsDXtmOUr1HF8qKcFkpE1EZ_FNULqru8_kx1d8pBi5velP-0q6J3kDyiBsC84C80B9PWvGY4f2zMkMOKXF3CnT9tEE4y7iNcF-YGCnBeh4V/w400-h300/20211210_104535.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bed in room 6 placed against the wall, when I had a fear<br />of rolling out onto the floor and not being able to stop myself</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacItz2lw8ZCLLvcHPqUivJEjicYWhGOEnOceSZuyO6fQBJP4wFfz08zEsgHyLhOmgOk_q8PPlZXulHM5TkLxgswBBCsq9VxuQRietU6LZWetTmTKLmtKACPx3NTaIzJCbpREEyH4JKW1Sm2Sbj6QJzMDudAA9zz2aBobhY688gh_h0m1hcWm_YDhc/s4000/20211122_080852.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacItz2lw8ZCLLvcHPqUivJEjicYWhGOEnOceSZuyO6fQBJP4wFfz08zEsgHyLhOmgOk_q8PPlZXulHM5TkLxgswBBCsq9VxuQRietU6LZWetTmTKLmtKACPx3NTaIzJCbpREEyH4JKW1Sm2Sbj6QJzMDudAA9zz2aBobhY688gh_h0m1hcWm_YDhc/w300-h400/20211122_080852.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast<br />Every day</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsEf5C-UObczdXA9BnYtZlSOZYeeBrrp3pRsPHlbHkAEeakZgfQbsoQoIaEkR7kRyEsuI27C9uVTkUe_bekXpW4etw_iSC7Hhxqm2_10ks_kgNwZ0RErqqXcOWPbjKeycq3Qn65ZWkZxFB7EoEIMEQ7r8FeKol8z0X0orVxBUrGc9Z95NIKOXoQgf/s4000/20211217_100054.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsEf5C-UObczdXA9BnYtZlSOZYeeBrrp3pRsPHlbHkAEeakZgfQbsoQoIaEkR7kRyEsuI27C9uVTkUe_bekXpW4etw_iSC7Hhxqm2_10ks_kgNwZ0RErqqXcOWPbjKeycq3Qn65ZWkZxFB7EoEIMEQ7r8FeKol8z0X0orVxBUrGc9Z95NIKOXoQgf/w300-h400/20211217_100054.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fridays morning tea <br />- sausage rolls</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7YrAXUNQ1tMk4qNWrwxtGKWB4CQv6H6uTkvJXINK3b2NG38mHKJa1xxCXvUlrVBrHtZL3uKjKxHkXiCoHfKHLdgRC0vFzfewh2_hfROkyKddM6XofoR5W1BaNDg9MuQx76V-69VI-1GXY2RPBqX7hHLqW02aR2qx2677Vnx8QwzGA0MBxQ_wyPiH/s4000/20211114_100754.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7YrAXUNQ1tMk4qNWrwxtGKWB4CQv6H6uTkvJXINK3b2NG38mHKJa1xxCXvUlrVBrHtZL3uKjKxHkXiCoHfKHLdgRC0vFzfewh2_hfROkyKddM6XofoR5W1BaNDg9MuQx76V-69VI-1GXY2RPBqX7hHLqW02aR2qx2677Vnx8QwzGA0MBxQ_wyPiH/w300-h400/20211114_100754.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning tea smoothie<br />Purple!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Z2fvL6CMf1bwYcUi5patk-IrQOFfd3GGOegIPqvt-6hqGk2lMlEhCl_sNhIH5FtPbD3CvvVf73mUrYqZLPF-8bAZEnpIPoPtNlnoVgrN63u6Uni_aS22VHSO0h4B4JVa_yeJw7skLcJfmJNrkzeJDTzpXWl44SoudU3qTE3cMLQ9WoHbsna7o3Qq/s4000/20211205_120318.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Z2fvL6CMf1bwYcUi5patk-IrQOFfd3GGOegIPqvt-6hqGk2lMlEhCl_sNhIH5FtPbD3CvvVf73mUrYqZLPF-8bAZEnpIPoPtNlnoVgrN63u6Uni_aS22VHSO0h4B4JVa_yeJw7skLcJfmJNrkzeJDTzpXWl44SoudU3qTE3cMLQ9WoHbsna7o3Qq/w300-h400/20211205_120318.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mainly meat and carbs<br />with gravy<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i4jF6uDZYksAg4lqaNuA8SFffyWFvZdhSv4WmtpHBgo9yV_zzd9KhuS3xsjzp-N5u-OmrX83owD8CQHcYHGXBXAz7KCTMk_9Mqg1Zj8BnuOVgmpgP6A2aLRIA8ZEzNBq_ry9mC_t0z1qx7Ec1itBzHK7pXDLy50tUjFWt3PL7OUlJ3sZJWNkjWWU/s4000/20211101_122029.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i4jF6uDZYksAg4lqaNuA8SFffyWFvZdhSv4WmtpHBgo9yV_zzd9KhuS3xsjzp-N5u-OmrX83owD8CQHcYHGXBXAz7KCTMk_9Mqg1Zj8BnuOVgmpgP6A2aLRIA8ZEzNBq_ry9mC_t0z1qx7Ec1itBzHK7pXDLy50tUjFWt3PL7OUlJ3sZJWNkjWWU/w300-h400/20211101_122029.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch<br />Main meal and dessert</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nlzJJ4HhIuDM8rjUdP4zilLcpcU85WBSq3DCflRHaWa_E7azAiJRY4OcyRxfO3N0DNyshAkSH8KFe9h0NMU28YWNlirji7VPMnYNwi26iE1X51JQkFv2mtLS1-wHXh7BlDWytSsK3oexAZ3l2CVcDrd6xFYw7wfR8csRMwBYq8DUB0HSei9XQ3rY/s4000/20211114_170740.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nlzJJ4HhIuDM8rjUdP4zilLcpcU85WBSq3DCflRHaWa_E7azAiJRY4OcyRxfO3N0DNyshAkSH8KFe9h0NMU28YWNlirji7VPMnYNwi26iE1X51JQkFv2mtLS1-wHXh7BlDWytSsK3oexAZ3l2CVcDrd6xFYw7wfR8csRMwBYq8DUB0HSei9XQ3rY/w300-h400/20211114_170740.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes wine<br />with lunch<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pgfRexL7cqswbyTbsARvlWOak-1wmLYuSp4X894WDINAhhts2nPZKc6iDsrcnOh1GhcqWd0AHPFR7CWcEpOKvWvnDhs8lNcwlCDNm0dEsqGWdrbtxycwDo4VZBTlCE6js3ketnxxrufKTVuVURgbhSnYBzqR7Wntx7SC1opKAFXqiHTHxbLq8xBH/s4000/20211014_121629.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pgfRexL7cqswbyTbsARvlWOak-1wmLYuSp4X894WDINAhhts2nPZKc6iDsrcnOh1GhcqWd0AHPFR7CWcEpOKvWvnDhs8lNcwlCDNm0dEsqGWdrbtxycwDo4VZBTlCE6js3ketnxxrufKTVuVURgbhSnYBzqR7Wntx7SC1opKAFXqiHTHxbLq8xBH/w300-h400/20211014_121629.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside in the sun</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCfvMPK9eHhM43OdO0iCd_fNxutbjRNBu4i3-jsGq52SGucRCkXsNsDX7VcYQ4OaLNEZTMPVcZ7orKRiQo1JSKt6NHFx-9QIHYWatG3TRcgmCoFCM6RziRQuntMvYmkuls1yOi61OWjIpdoRVEAJF8vm-zS3uZLQjxT93M_xvZcQ4WSwY7d6mulWM/s4000/20220111_120400.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCfvMPK9eHhM43OdO0iCd_fNxutbjRNBu4i3-jsGq52SGucRCkXsNsDX7VcYQ4OaLNEZTMPVcZ7orKRiQo1JSKt6NHFx-9QIHYWatG3TRcgmCoFCM6RziRQuntMvYmkuls1yOi61OWjIpdoRVEAJF8vm-zS3uZLQjxT93M_xvZcQ4WSwY7d6mulWM/w300-h400/20220111_120400.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some grated carrot</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSwMBSJxS9t1zZMfi9WpdR1ZRIH8uXTbuZEPx2xm0pQ_djhlVizYP2mU05Cc4bO-RcrbvTk_N7JQYPcRZFiThZqQPyRFYOFo0yXoGrP1w_hHBavM2CFDv0Mrr9AnNElThIJ6RqAAteIvPU0D-dNrKZsTOFWYEJfnaiSW6TVSnAKQeHKthFPEwL9zZ/s4000/20220107_115839.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSwMBSJxS9t1zZMfi9WpdR1ZRIH8uXTbuZEPx2xm0pQ_djhlVizYP2mU05Cc4bO-RcrbvTk_N7JQYPcRZFiThZqQPyRFYOFo0yXoGrP1w_hHBavM2CFDv0Mrr9AnNElThIJ6RqAAteIvPU0D-dNrKZsTOFWYEJfnaiSW6TVSnAKQeHKthFPEwL9zZ/w300-h400/20220107_115839.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even some broccoli </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVX77u1ti58aotXMYp558Ca6fv5fCD6OG7WJOvDy-mbvoa2RtPZ-XXBRJk6Ux2I1Bz4O8kOagvyvTwjYQjW2FD7uabGozTSlaEfZOcEiV2BKRARd0iXSqa5niZYEORQW8l-EgvD25cJ5LJOyhIILebn33jR37C8qfM5IivJmOci5oAxKlxGrvHP3oV/s4000/20220116_170602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVS6JCeFWo7C1ZQwlu3q-g2wq2rgG3Nvt3LHoFNIT2xY8EE6te83fPU2QG7VyZ46lGnw-2_JQCB5-bsrBwS1YzY6XLLblvawvCOgeHCKRFrUtLUqs9HESmbrx2YQrgAp2_mPpd9LM498txPv6LsKUFxJ2YbnfEkcdIBD3suGl0aW_hu0RcABhefIg/s4000/20211009_170152.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVS6JCeFWo7C1ZQwlu3q-g2wq2rgG3Nvt3LHoFNIT2xY8EE6te83fPU2QG7VyZ46lGnw-2_JQCB5-bsrBwS1YzY6XLLblvawvCOgeHCKRFrUtLUqs9HESmbrx2YQrgAp2_mPpd9LM498txPv6LsKUFxJ2YbnfEkcdIBD3suGl0aW_hu0RcABhefIg/w240-h320/20211009_170152.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carryllines teatime<br />salad special</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MmL7fpAzO5AaaAiF5p8K395EKatfzSArZUxovxqYgN96x-JfqlLhMCbFG6HUleEJecaXTrSf7q8TqpXjGyOJENIoXQVkMK1_7yRUKQSSlxh_ZKlhtBPKGott5U2y_iThIbd-anyBO5gpYlBKoua_lRnMP4bqruReutEqLkNAqZ-7UbWenDFhXD_W/s4000/20211206_172327.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MmL7fpAzO5AaaAiF5p8K395EKatfzSArZUxovxqYgN96x-JfqlLhMCbFG6HUleEJecaXTrSf7q8TqpXjGyOJENIoXQVkMK1_7yRUKQSSlxh_ZKlhtBPKGott5U2y_iThIbd-anyBO5gpYlBKoua_lRnMP4bqruReutEqLkNAqZ-7UbWenDFhXD_W/w240-h320/20211206_172327.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea - I opted <br />for sandwiches</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVX77u1ti58aotXMYp558Ca6fv5fCD6OG7WJOvDy-mbvoa2RtPZ-XXBRJk6Ux2I1Bz4O8kOagvyvTwjYQjW2FD7uabGozTSlaEfZOcEiV2BKRARd0iXSqa5niZYEORQW8l-EgvD25cJ5LJOyhIILebn33jR37C8qfM5IivJmOci5oAxKlxGrvHP3oV/s4000/20220116_170602.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVX77u1ti58aotXMYp558Ca6fv5fCD6OG7WJOvDy-mbvoa2RtPZ-XXBRJk6Ux2I1Bz4O8kOagvyvTwjYQjW2FD7uabGozTSlaEfZOcEiV2BKRARd0iXSqa5niZYEORQW8l-EgvD25cJ5LJOyhIILebn33jR37C8qfM5IivJmOci5oAxKlxGrvHP3oV/w240-h320/20220116_170602.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes yummy</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div class="separator"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You might be wondering why I have such a fixation on the meals at Pohlen!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you will see there was not an abundance of vegetables. It was usually just one vegetable at lunch. In fact the evening lighter meal was usually a pastry of some sort and sometimes just something from a tin. At first it was nice to not have to cook my own meals but it wasn't long before I longed for vegetables or a salad. In fact the meals at Waikato were yummy compared to what we had in here as you can see below.</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-LfXGXzr2btMg9NzXH_xVEOwT_7lY7gHPjrHYmJqPIwUbyBXSVM1T7-k3y6JM28pBDtusXC4F9EsSFF6PXeqA4k5fDssl_SERpx9zTKbKsLXddRBCsgM_hFoU_P3zC_vviMI51va9Elaj7tuGVwkxtQVs_Oql0I39xX-3DXKKT1KiEJR4z95PRu2/s3264/20211227_181437.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-LfXGXzr2btMg9NzXH_xVEOwT_7lY7gHPjrHYmJqPIwUbyBXSVM1T7-k3y6JM28pBDtusXC4F9EsSFF6PXeqA4k5fDssl_SERpx9zTKbKsLXddRBCsgM_hFoU_P3zC_vviMI51va9Elaj7tuGVwkxtQVs_Oql0I39xX-3DXKKT1KiEJR4z95PRu2/w400-h300/20211227_181437.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDl7NTrrAX7lj2IVj6oo5a--EWKiS86IkCb_G6o5BvExq3MJGNSNOAww_1xPzavK0aXQV_lAGsVOlzF-7_kXPB08-2rU00V7630uQXx_A3Ct93N9aGDhob9qjc2ZAOdVLTa1iYtOT2pU8ew34sZb-Wf1upUE3a2lnL7ugvU1XLHZcHwdpY0GzVsL_O/s4000/20211228_181130.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDl7NTrrAX7lj2IVj6oo5a--EWKiS86IkCb_G6o5BvExq3MJGNSNOAww_1xPzavK0aXQV_lAGsVOlzF-7_kXPB08-2rU00V7630uQXx_A3Ct93N9aGDhob9qjc2ZAOdVLTa1iYtOT2pU8ew34sZb-Wf1upUE3a2lnL7ugvU1XLHZcHwdpY0GzVsL_O/w400-h300/20211228_181130.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>When I sat on my bed I looked at this brick wall out of the window and I discovered a face/head. I don't know if you can see it but it is on the bottom half on the left edge of the middle brick looking out.<br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JJTcp_-A-yEVQBblHdHNl75049Zq2kdzYkl2TdHZb9vBgYPtLktD1faT4o42vR8PtgmSyqxAnsWIzKyXlJO53ItHsx_keTKFRQnYkH2597fGbzIfgpGOnPjwtUJALs0i7Xt_hqDmpsx6fxTpz-DOjCQrrh9na_5ygr39ifi7KGiPf_mULElaZ0Ei/s4000/20220107_162328.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JJTcp_-A-yEVQBblHdHNl75049Zq2kdzYkl2TdHZb9vBgYPtLktD1faT4o42vR8PtgmSyqxAnsWIzKyXlJO53ItHsx_keTKFRQnYkH2597fGbzIfgpGOnPjwtUJALs0i7Xt_hqDmpsx6fxTpz-DOjCQrrh9na_5ygr39ifi7KGiPf_mULElaZ0Ei/w300-h400/20220107_162328.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And then there was the hospital cat - Simba. She would often come and sleep on my bed and follow me outside into the garden.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdgkfJXe58JNKfSo6ZXWZsSc5jgkNFj0Ab9j9MMkLWtBGqan5y0qmxvxBS7edpo579rl5iiR-Uoj4yux-vaj5dwNVmk7rY7ylsx0eloQnBt9WcYquSmkB8eolqLSSdndsCJ564Xyc-tmPS2C3l-puA5-CHZ2Mta957NLb6yostzZJoTurmk14P59F/s3264/20211102_120749.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdgkfJXe58JNKfSo6ZXWZsSc5jgkNFj0Ab9j9MMkLWtBGqan5y0qmxvxBS7edpo579rl5iiR-Uoj4yux-vaj5dwNVmk7rY7ylsx0eloQnBt9WcYquSmkB8eolqLSSdndsCJ564Xyc-tmPS2C3l-puA5-CHZ2Mta957NLb6yostzZJoTurmk14P59F/w240-h320/20211102_120749.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFLgQ98enTG4qDDwF0EiOq3IbA1QriepEpoU3-91PhFerc9l53MfWSLbzLC86Tve-_g_pP1kjHAlVvRIE2oPUAdtTO9ZbIAZZwTPe0q7aFJctWqGa_bDt2Zb-UW0pKDO35Ix1h3a93ZpmV-qiZt11WuX-l_aRZqOrSsM3DJTtQdWRNVVSqoadoMhd/s4000/20220107_160120.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFLgQ98enTG4qDDwF0EiOq3IbA1QriepEpoU3-91PhFerc9l53MfWSLbzLC86Tve-_g_pP1kjHAlVvRIE2oPUAdtTO9ZbIAZZwTPe0q7aFJctWqGa_bDt2Zb-UW0pKDO35Ix1h3a93ZpmV-qiZt11WuX-l_aRZqOrSsM3DJTtQdWRNVVSqoadoMhd/w400-h300/20220107_160120.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAer6SeD1uCszCGHTNRvA9qio7L2LeR7u1zb4bM1X7LHXq1FQ_U41uzx9fKGym67S-pc0AAXnyky-SQ7z0NsEl4xnJodp6SVaX8jnuZh6wq0JHOpGmCJM4aYhdxuK8d_VljP_5PxpXsxJLZWygsbYHFNYCQgFZL7JucrUwkyLXFPQVggcffC_nElv/s4000/20211023_102957.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAer6SeD1uCszCGHTNRvA9qio7L2LeR7u1zb4bM1X7LHXq1FQ_U41uzx9fKGym67S-pc0AAXnyky-SQ7z0NsEl4xnJodp6SVaX8jnuZh6wq0JHOpGmCJM4aYhdxuK8d_VljP_5PxpXsxJLZWygsbYHFNYCQgFZL7JucrUwkyLXFPQVggcffC_nElv/w240-h320/20211023_102957.jpg" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Preparing for Christmas was hard as I was not home for Christmas but there was pleasure in being part of it here</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9buDhmDM4r2ks_M7CBNcPw34w0rEXwEMKABSiEFSsQZc6vW0S7_fzyyH8aZXWFtrUpoaLnPG-gvXf2EAyj8j_Rlu-jdzcVBsFTRNabrKm6pOwXJ1KPDQ7QhW11fuFY6kid7pF212iJdngM_Ujfwsipi1QjBx7PvmTfc3SSBYeB4NJiJIV5slGfnu5/s4000/20211203_172058.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9buDhmDM4r2ks_M7CBNcPw34w0rEXwEMKABSiEFSsQZc6vW0S7_fzyyH8aZXWFtrUpoaLnPG-gvXf2EAyj8j_Rlu-jdzcVBsFTRNabrKm6pOwXJ1KPDQ7QhW11fuFY6kid7pF212iJdngM_Ujfwsipi1QjBx7PvmTfc3SSBYeB4NJiJIV5slGfnu5/w240-h320/20211203_172058.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkbuX1Vu0lMlwOBvhm7OaEP7Iq3YgVkKyfnPzzKylHsUy5iZhBS1VbJDW9sWgmTa9eaTDpEqKJnh-K6ps2AbXxlUkb5kxXN-hLom4r0h0G-bp-PfNpvoCPnEfismSS6ySxFimnBuH9f5akxRXr3aDKgi0w_ihC9wVR37YZ1JGS9x9XPAShtPU_RmU/s4000/20211118_185920.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkbuX1Vu0lMlwOBvhm7OaEP7Iq3YgVkKyfnPzzKylHsUy5iZhBS1VbJDW9sWgmTa9eaTDpEqKJnh-K6ps2AbXxlUkb5kxXN-hLom4r0h0G-bp-PfNpvoCPnEfismSS6ySxFimnBuH9f5akxRXr3aDKgi0w_ihC9wVR37YZ1JGS9x9XPAShtPU_RmU/w400-h300/20211118_185920.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAl4HL5lL66nOTgKbsTHm5pGYWPSALvTaLktqXCws0iucZtHRKqRuEAYkl2AiqOph6T-qfPfXibi7iD1fD1StQ5kKHEQHGeRkcFiWb8FZu4uzAa5p5ILGbIAtsRdHgQivWqi2dqadQJY2QPTwrNTpKJMKszPZR7XN5t7yPjyUUu3JEuGlDYJLNytw/s4000/20211120_163525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAl4HL5lL66nOTgKbsTHm5pGYWPSALvTaLktqXCws0iucZtHRKqRuEAYkl2AiqOph6T-qfPfXibi7iD1fD1StQ5kKHEQHGeRkcFiWb8FZu4uzAa5p5ILGbIAtsRdHgQivWqi2dqadQJY2QPTwrNTpKJMKszPZR7XN5t7yPjyUUu3JEuGlDYJLNytw/w240-h320/20211120_163525.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTnVJr9k6EKg7nzkBu6xzRInjwAOwt9ygAvPC-ciqqPiwNxEZx0lpfwVdCs0BvwuigIqlqkvDCM3lCkvWRaQ7nosGayjEKFxKR4-vaT4DEf_cQTQYpcjHpnGq1-GEV2XNyf_l14VzI41uDe0wh0CztK7bDGopB4iHQq4fAYZfVRWtEK_ifJlKVMU1/w300-h400/20211113_181755.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeXj3q1p7eiuFpq66QY6EIJImApHyBMsevkhea_4CfGS9mZkPWRhYZjPCIvgeSWgRAzkgNn83TDPeATuolujelO_rGJ4lax37j3e6q6chummJl85AaXVLd7d6O92GBOQswB6KZmc59SH1ncbsFdm67H5-WtsMX8spVE9vmsPZOx-BpC_7nBwynHTX/s4000/20211218_184850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeXj3q1p7eiuFpq66QY6EIJImApHyBMsevkhea_4CfGS9mZkPWRhYZjPCIvgeSWgRAzkgNn83TDPeATuolujelO_rGJ4lax37j3e6q6chummJl85AaXVLd7d6O92GBOQswB6KZmc59SH1ncbsFdm67H5-WtsMX8spVE9vmsPZOx-BpC_7nBwynHTX/w300-h400/20211218_184850.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lFvXY5h5VDg-ASsRo75-QHLihWnCthHTnWRhX43BBxnQJbvSF6UdNzGuKWsIQxykfJOsZTCOt4pCh2AP7PI4EarGfaNiDvevndoB1cVhQeJIy_NLX992SGUeHYHZnbVxvKrpzKkpfe5ZA_DMjTarhXg8nQOXl5AgimgJ2QwTyCFnyLSozTeFO0iJ/s4000/20211217_121555.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lFvXY5h5VDg-ASsRo75-QHLihWnCthHTnWRhX43BBxnQJbvSF6UdNzGuKWsIQxykfJOsZTCOt4pCh2AP7PI4EarGfaNiDvevndoB1cVhQeJIy_NLX992SGUeHYHZnbVxvKrpzKkpfe5ZA_DMjTarhXg8nQOXl5AgimgJ2QwTyCFnyLSozTeFO0iJ/w300-h400/20211217_121555.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbhz_9zPMwPy3-7m9Q7QSQBYaXuPUsphaTYscUo1UlSqCpbM-y7XbTx8ywTWxdZRIppxIJOJ-w0zfK09iNaKtPLM42unGEBlhj0ofPX4ObwH8L2tPcA1RfoNStAVoJZ1nnXyIUwbUmN3phVIEt9JK_EGm3JDbYbCslJsf6G4M_MU4rw5JA2GsbuUY/s4000/20211220_200613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTEqNuJO-F3KMVrzQ7zsgEGtx-g_MTUS6dSua2SRaV_hXeWjyozZMR7q6sir4NgrhcRLmhU-aXV_QbjSdLJ-FuZKqxBrdhqJ6lXsLeEP3gY6u0nlvh-O_FpBcvh6u6N_dx2A5ciPuNNV8AFFfR3iigpCjI9wgEZhG9ufxFAdDbab5cDKbK-MNhfg1/w300-h400/20211125_202254.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64BPtf08B3JLyseJiCWtRKA80Lo3xmh1vQctgcQ-KujLhdQcAeS_tCjtxQCn5xfh6lmbm8oT-BuRjm161x622Zu-RknA7Fqfobix3D21h2UyYvr3zaPfPxdGceaP2G1C_GRUR-H8AeeW0_QG43Dcuz3EM471CLTzU6fW5OTjeKa0qOldOyeRhI7MC/s4000/20211220_153751.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64BPtf08B3JLyseJiCWtRKA80Lo3xmh1vQctgcQ-KujLhdQcAeS_tCjtxQCn5xfh6lmbm8oT-BuRjm161x622Zu-RknA7Fqfobix3D21h2UyYvr3zaPfPxdGceaP2G1C_GRUR-H8AeeW0_QG43Dcuz3EM471CLTzU6fW5OTjeKa0qOldOyeRhI7MC/w300-h400/20211220_153751.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LYalpKEispnZKzLwAU2PXdwUdoPYGT7PQwgJMnaUVxJ9pdVVdj7ogF56hzoGcVFSkT76DeFQiQ933CS1YiottwET0lPQzjgPvkzX1XH7H3RAM8r3bAP0heUY55CDH6bZIQyhuufdBj3QE3sVnzjDPV5R0w9yPGqWvfd5yEQxqhca2wb1iXqNbBCl/s4000/20211212_203810.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LYalpKEispnZKzLwAU2PXdwUdoPYGT7PQwgJMnaUVxJ9pdVVdj7ogF56hzoGcVFSkT76DeFQiQ933CS1YiottwET0lPQzjgPvkzX1XH7H3RAM8r3bAP0heUY55CDH6bZIQyhuufdBj3QE3sVnzjDPV5R0w9yPGqWvfd5yEQxqhca2wb1iXqNbBCl/w300-h400/20211212_203810.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGcRynJBdXCEgW4xceCXAQVZ8LLvqVT5DB_pELCOe7fp0y__fJMiG4ZJ12Q00mI-YYHgeozDUihrIbNliVOFqQ4fRPGnWeN6IZVzUYHg8EQrLlUH36Y4Gy7pSqxG7CxpdJ1ggnejZSgRKgqnN6l9Wtmh3kXRlNkZGCtlFgnUmAFBk-_3L7N1e1ldM/s4000/20211211_163216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGcRynJBdXCEgW4xceCXAQVZ8LLvqVT5DB_pELCOe7fp0y__fJMiG4ZJ12Q00mI-YYHgeozDUihrIbNliVOFqQ4fRPGnWeN6IZVzUYHg8EQrLlUH36Y4Gy7pSqxG7CxpdJ1ggnejZSgRKgqnN6l9Wtmh3kXRlNkZGCtlFgnUmAFBk-_3L7N1e1ldM/w300-h400/20211211_163216.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW74qiHH8o3rSRHRCSoxv8JcJoCIY9cuskNOjfeLhwjZ007ZfNQ8LpF86ubvzR3QeS68XRvkhKaVOaO2W-tYyeEWxm1FikTxTXsO7V6ADa1UVeoSDlZRxBLR4bpUahpAmQMsM7rWYp4eETs43mnnWBL-XWJo17XtivXaM8asW3vHppzHhMDFMWBO1L/s4000/20211211_163142.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW74qiHH8o3rSRHRCSoxv8JcJoCIY9cuskNOjfeLhwjZ007ZfNQ8LpF86ubvzR3QeS68XRvkhKaVOaO2W-tYyeEWxm1FikTxTXsO7V6ADa1UVeoSDlZRxBLR4bpUahpAmQMsM7rWYp4eETs43mnnWBL-XWJo17XtivXaM8asW3vHppzHhMDFMWBO1L/w300-h400/20211211_163142.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhcWdA8KKIhM5520NzncdohBAQuU_K3RFhmyYG0DCzp3Ty-2QBkVvPdn-v6ZjWVM-fiw3xhOA3pTwRr0gmrBh31DyUO3dn-DTQOP-TBgYDqhsc2N8PXiROoGafVX2c27Q45SD00x4_AjB8b2atFm5_vCI-tWrrYSCH9aVmUo1EIWzsfQt8ProlIja/s4000/20211211_163557.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhcWdA8KKIhM5520NzncdohBAQuU_K3RFhmyYG0DCzp3Ty-2QBkVvPdn-v6ZjWVM-fiw3xhOA3pTwRr0gmrBh31DyUO3dn-DTQOP-TBgYDqhsc2N8PXiROoGafVX2c27Q45SD00x4_AjB8b2atFm5_vCI-tWrrYSCH9aVmUo1EIWzsfQt8ProlIja/w300-h400/20211211_163557.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span>These lovely banners were made by one of the residents, Janet, and a good friend and companion to me and as she is now a permanent resident she had them brought from her home to share with us all.</div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyK6LlKgtrcjJ9U71jux93w7LDSa1u-CWyhpav6GR8XYKN5fIBOwGB7q30K8xpSC84FZ278PTxhtE67mU5W2pmq9anTNe6EPbksc-ElAGnGc80yip2JJewRmfjepTYxcxeFX9AiuUYk3gVYX4dLyHF0QDgoWkJyESLy-RBsZuMpMeotC-8zPSNXuo/s4000/20211128_124014.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyK6LlKgtrcjJ9U71jux93w7LDSa1u-CWyhpav6GR8XYKN5fIBOwGB7q30K8xpSC84FZ278PTxhtE67mU5W2pmq9anTNe6EPbksc-ElAGnGc80yip2JJewRmfjepTYxcxeFX9AiuUYk3gVYX4dLyHF0QDgoWkJyESLy-RBsZuMpMeotC-8zPSNXuo/w640-h480/20211128_124014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7nWvZlCRRbZ0zwUUunEcxhj9cIqGjcW8v4gIgnJhJ0m4HRX5TYerOa4vs5QEqRV9aQjKojqYYEUGvoXN7hnGUJLOwZqpXyzEh_iRQ-V9uuhy-vDL7gk7Chk-R8EGmxcpQztYXiIEmEv9MGU6Mx3Y2UhZJ1dDtHL4YQu28ClDbMpyoTJDAlAnEgTe/s4000/20211216_161305.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7nWvZlCRRbZ0zwUUunEcxhj9cIqGjcW8v4gIgnJhJ0m4HRX5TYerOa4vs5QEqRV9aQjKojqYYEUGvoXN7hnGUJLOwZqpXyzEh_iRQ-V9uuhy-vDL7gk7Chk-R8EGmxcpQztYXiIEmEv9MGU6Mx3Y2UhZJ1dDtHL4YQu28ClDbMpyoTJDAlAnEgTe/w300-h400/20211216_161305.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wreath craft I made</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zWLuuOLemAJEjKo0vHCMGAPGUQ17L5Bpt-eb96jJ2FsxLARAoG1l4UUIYU-v_d9nBTW6kO4RKPy0a7I-LmLHlIMCj9Nn94QNF2NcQKc6wtoy37Mu759NO4xSx-XMgc79--I5Co491va5n8vC6zv1S9Rpcv7wbbijBpqgBK-mIqvBoyHBxFDi2OCb/s4000/20211219_163456.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zWLuuOLemAJEjKo0vHCMGAPGUQ17L5Bpt-eb96jJ2FsxLARAoG1l4UUIYU-v_d9nBTW6kO4RKPy0a7I-LmLHlIMCj9Nn94QNF2NcQKc6wtoy37Mu759NO4xSx-XMgc79--I5Co491va5n8vC6zv1S9Rpcv7wbbijBpqgBK-mIqvBoyHBxFDi2OCb/w300-h400/20211219_163456.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNf7poHQjI8CkLoCSN5ooJaiD4tbhNgGUwhMKvVWEQTX6CHOSQSPGCiYmkZ2QE44_E4CRkdvdWnixUQF8ED5ttubh318pVEVJD9pBm3d6jK0wbDSN82xtnnyjJBF4bnxhw-AzE98-cc2SZHp_wntyxgoy7wFqUqyjQzIMyFpfkAYLJ3QcgBAn3f8H/s4000/20211212_184418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNf7poHQjI8CkLoCSN5ooJaiD4tbhNgGUwhMKvVWEQTX6CHOSQSPGCiYmkZ2QE44_E4CRkdvdWnixUQF8ED5ttubh318pVEVJD9pBm3d6jK0wbDSN82xtnnyjJBF4bnxhw-AzE98-cc2SZHp_wntyxgoy7wFqUqyjQzIMyFpfkAYLJ3QcgBAn3f8H/w300-h400/20211212_184418.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-Ep9NfaRgwb5W9HpDn_d_2OXJaUckg8E78McA62pnmoiZ_CgECYLkB6ob796DE5TZX_dYDR-82fs6FPvXJ-tzg2lFnWlXqXbOPjiQpRevpKVGLcGqqOgX8imNjORIiZ7tYDqjByrZmjOj4o_CXlNJApZmEkDzQAZYGq_llTLnevxSnvXdY_kcdQO/s4000/20211212_145738.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-Ep9NfaRgwb5W9HpDn_d_2OXJaUckg8E78McA62pnmoiZ_CgECYLkB6ob796DE5TZX_dYDR-82fs6FPvXJ-tzg2lFnWlXqXbOPjiQpRevpKVGLcGqqOgX8imNjORIiZ7tYDqjByrZmjOj4o_CXlNJApZmEkDzQAZYGq_llTLnevxSnvXdY_kcdQO/w300-h400/20211212_145738.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FK6E5moncyz-lmLbziGJ84f7qsrbDC7u7Zk7eI6l6bFCudHYfCmVjF72ILQpLpJEE3VIOBIC4HN3aZl4T8E3LQjT6GrS5sgVscZrYPEEHn-x6RNcxkfKeOGpOxUSjDbWrTgPPcu-ZVxbC9O9uZ8-FuVzy2UzHjO2cUizOgTs7fKR-lbV1SLRSTkD/w640-h480/20211216_161507.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The photo and a Christmas card from Shari</td></tr></tbody></table>We had a Christmas party where our partners were allowed to come. The Matamata band played Christmas Carols. An ice cream truck came and we were allowed to choose our own flavours and we got photos taken as a remembrance.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0okviPO0dBXuv90W-8y4wEwsgcbQEaAPWrN6pUBVNPMUddOG79NYA2kxpTa6rZMO3uPnSAp9ctsA28nDBOO6Sn-JBDfUs5-vtGvNSIR423DM8LhkCgn1zJcoT1ObCHyj2EPPCs_JQnLOBNd8cAFKKqp2knMiYOySDrGV5foyVLlzS_YKWaCWBmgq/s3264/20220104_105614.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0okviPO0dBXuv90W-8y4wEwsgcbQEaAPWrN6pUBVNPMUddOG79NYA2kxpTa6rZMO3uPnSAp9ctsA28nDBOO6Sn-JBDfUs5-vtGvNSIR423DM8LhkCgn1zJcoT1ObCHyj2EPPCs_JQnLOBNd8cAFKKqp2knMiYOySDrGV5foyVLlzS_YKWaCWBmgq/w300-h400/20220104_105614.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWUoDtNDrU65gauXKhVmP47Zhv9X81_ZN539HyBGoadKqIzDwY0KYfg3UTWUaItI7TjSipdeU2BLTCDxZ8pVsAhTLHwbh0Ntp0EIsXrG8xXdIS3eI2Qbgfa4qV01RElrJkIux68FlqCXUA7VoObEMP7d37ZulsCDoZsY71krckh1cECqmhYT8Ukcx/s4000/20211207_183706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWUoDtNDrU65gauXKhVmP47Zhv9X81_ZN539HyBGoadKqIzDwY0KYfg3UTWUaItI7TjSipdeU2BLTCDxZ8pVsAhTLHwbh0Ntp0EIsXrG8xXdIS3eI2Qbgfa4qV01RElrJkIux68FlqCXUA7VoObEMP7d37ZulsCDoZsY71krckh1cECqmhYT8Ukcx/w640-h480/20211207_183706.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkuB1qNvcOYeG3uzgCn-juoxZeCWayrVbFR9Z5cXf129nxOMasm7hML2LTWcHT74Z0EWoqOECXyzTtjaxnEslHwR-gP9TGqpuK1STjUvtb5Pwt9OJPXiKTA9jxdt9NxCWNnWjY2CNTKi6jamChy6oOnngXRm7oTKzfJJxzrGQP1GsbTuDw4Gyq282/s3264/20211015_152830.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkuB1qNvcOYeG3uzgCn-juoxZeCWayrVbFR9Z5cXf129nxOMasm7hML2LTWcHT74Z0EWoqOECXyzTtjaxnEslHwR-gP9TGqpuK1STjUvtb5Pwt9OJPXiKTA9jxdt9NxCWNnWjY2CNTKi6jamChy6oOnngXRm7oTKzfJJxzrGQP1GsbTuDw4Gyq282/w300-h400/20211015_152830.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSx3L1LYCgIL7W-SNzypLO7n9mgRsVbpwbFCsDxroeFV4BujuwrdDprKfJ4R9jbau_ux8LjJC-xuHBKjsA-4idha7mk-DQLiYVr5XuJ6jvDzoHIMMd8Os0MtNp3Ko7TE3Z3pSKPczyndm7t0cccOCIXsbDO_tmr4RuI0iyf5SmSLRakiTnDT-h9A0L/s4000/20211107_153536.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSx3L1LYCgIL7W-SNzypLO7n9mgRsVbpwbFCsDxroeFV4BujuwrdDprKfJ4R9jbau_ux8LjJC-xuHBKjsA-4idha7mk-DQLiYVr5XuJ6jvDzoHIMMd8Os0MtNp3Ko7TE3Z3pSKPczyndm7t0cccOCIXsbDO_tmr4RuI0iyf5SmSLRakiTnDT-h9A0L/w300-h400/20211107_153536.jpg" width="300" /></a>As I was in hospital from September to mid January, (Pohlen from the 23rd of September) I watched the beautiful gardens at Pohlen blossom for spring and then flourish into early summer. Because of the choice of plantings there were beautiful colours and perfumes as well as attracting birdlife. It became a place I would escape to. The staff and residents became good friends but there were times when I wanted to feel 'normal' so to speak and this garden did that for me. I would take my Bible or book, a bottle of water and sit and pray or read or just take in all its beauty. I would often meet Harry and other visitors out there. And sometimes it was a place for treats.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_aW3nHiRGRtZuY4zFmRE95TdWqCj_MbzqVZkGcKj86offHtQbNnio-_vdLWnRigYK0KvK53CkAYxC4T-ICmm9jwRxJ3AlVtTO7u_jXkljUyMhkIHa91AuJdIGm24sXK_IRoYKiqVdRN-qgk1wTI6-XTjLZPwWyMfnoa34MvnTHOaxYsrAzyhy9b0/s4000/20211107_153503.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_aW3nHiRGRtZuY4zFmRE95TdWqCj_MbzqVZkGcKj86offHtQbNnio-_vdLWnRigYK0KvK53CkAYxC4T-ICmm9jwRxJ3AlVtTO7u_jXkljUyMhkIHa91AuJdIGm24sXK_IRoYKiqVdRN-qgk1wTI6-XTjLZPwWyMfnoa34MvnTHOaxYsrAzyhy9b0/w400-h300/20211107_153503.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4eN9YoIQMDXxZiv4sUQyxRwTSnxZeKtGE33Xtc1xiXU1xt9yx6ObVJdFd3evf1NtpyQZ-ObWxa2Kz7nnAk1h_0xI4x3xBNQtjYZKBcR3c8oGzRdOxt2A8fsOZCt-0HPsB1sm0AYxKrZEqDyayVNC6OwK-vv9D336nbqZ31E1iGIRYc5ou-aa9V2v/s4000/20211208_105109.jpg" style="clear: right; 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float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDY-8Py9ZllT823MsL4YWAQBDsjLtRY-tQi7mLso93wr2ADiLGD1TjNEESLva84UGzNbo2kcIbxXh1IMZb3UBS3eqLTCm_upAmejxVLxdRAnl4PzpFyAeqQerVC0saM_BXLGA8IY0q01ZS8YyarqSZdEeLlIdHnQiGMEwNNQ9ZgDxs9Kb5ARV1Vi9p/w300-h400/20211026_125606.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6znTgS9KYYHfAc7qNWWYP_ElDtZHVFCwQ3dephEKIbR3ef8wFzN4ZSqUWcwpFpkM-Z5NIhX5B3briWVWx529OdZJLMNjracCCL1oGSIeL9lO6weD51Bum9xZ0931Wo5xZB-7zULCT6iD3r7zVjPDg4Xx0K05SZ5Vi2rjNZdh92zLozEzAbLscNMi/s4000/20211107_155019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6znTgS9KYYHfAc7qNWWYP_ElDtZHVFCwQ3dephEKIbR3ef8wFzN4ZSqUWcwpFpkM-Z5NIhX5B3briWVWx529OdZJLMNjracCCL1oGSIeL9lO6weD51Bum9xZ0931Wo5xZB-7zULCT6iD3r7zVjPDg4Xx0K05SZ5Vi2rjNZdh92zLozEzAbLscNMi/w300-h400/20211107_155019.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxUrIFeoQfzCraYCjJUca45Ls1FROTikXNVU-WlC-aO9UoySpZot7T0Ak-gUfO_HfRDXZCinc1Dv0epVKK_ccZXf1NdLi5J85Opm6lOaeHbVB4Qh0x1c6xTzE_YyBtp26WJgnHLUm83eDI2k-wZVy2ylCfqdjutunJiOzTP4cU8KjQyzRJCWyiVwz/s4000/20211107_163113.jpg" style="clear: right; 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float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJnPhzEwr7tJ87ykPP-K0ACrS-zeAza0x9xLZY21g-3agQfMKbjxeZfUvMwyPVxvDr95fNmYzLeOG3vMS2NFRlgrvDSSx7iiVyqiTegs9GlQmBx27ZkLvErtUebf7BimoIvMG9MVHwwnJBwITtqr0w6r_mFCwlfYIgqxrUWl2LWAhryrIAY25WkpC/w240-h320/20211107_153901.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNFNu7HlTyjpVn6YeqWYj2UNF8ButY8JM59vh510Ii_8FEQJY8l3ibsdicPeAwwbjGV3z6tGgSgOdu-NuVK5pMlKGJ2Qdg8dyUxxDpbNAgLIsFGjhqiQqig4y6SLXIeos4F4cCw-W1lI38szTQ_GTTwHoFEa3gfTGwIpmsKnlp7tM7WL8NfUpvGW7/s4000/20211017_150128.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNFNu7HlTyjpVn6YeqWYj2UNF8ButY8JM59vh510Ii_8FEQJY8l3ibsdicPeAwwbjGV3z6tGgSgOdu-NuVK5pMlKGJ2Qdg8dyUxxDpbNAgLIsFGjhqiQqig4y6SLXIeos4F4cCw-W1lI38szTQ_GTTwHoFEa3gfTGwIpmsKnlp7tM7WL8NfUpvGW7/w320-h240/20211017_150128.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I soon simply loved flowers. In the garden, given to me by family and friends and those in the lounge/dining room that we all could share.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4p9LLs6vZkrPFSXJdKX8jMSTF2SUMI4GsDqVPauY6C5gwLsEc7Zuwe1_a3U__C5UKJGZDcYjCh0iNM2_XCXSDuKv7khu278Pdb85WMrlfdqMWtChTm0R7tmKw5FirlXccd2nh2nuyrW9TwUD--M8bGP8a6it0E6gEQIcR3BYNJbX2ytw4MTNP7Wio/s4000/20211008_151138.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4p9LLs6vZkrPFSXJdKX8jMSTF2SUMI4GsDqVPauY6C5gwLsEc7Zuwe1_a3U__C5UKJGZDcYjCh0iNM2_XCXSDuKv7khu278Pdb85WMrlfdqMWtChTm0R7tmKw5FirlXccd2nh2nuyrW9TwUD--M8bGP8a6it0E6gEQIcR3BYNJbX2ytw4MTNP7Wio/w300-h400/20211008_151138.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK954Ik_t8y1eT6W_wMEuuuDXaHLIJI2L5WzZ57Gk1zHRVfQcLF8JAdIYlTjk31ZXtwQLchGKMrTqfTfBkSXfXyIpIYJJdbtDWmeda5IT636D7XPDtplsbe7lXBV5It_5QlZ8s5GrEhd_jhlVs46koEaV4NBCovE7gz5OetEZV-9j7qMqVT1gp9_XC/s4000/20211018_162804.jpg" style="clear: left; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaUMhcIm5pXHnbimGByqfH1RfCNtHYIPe1hY_N6wrwNMdSFhntjnGgFRL0UirdDuwNmGdyY4RfNAm8NteRXR-VnPwrL4FW--mgqPmxh4DqQnHdnDSLtPlZYLw3xZeWgKSnsDwH8AMdfqmLXIVf_Udh3K0lah-7u0eswPdec_0cs7WBAwRD3G4jEWb/w640-h480/20211016_181932.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4DmZuruCrcl8kIvl007Ib1AmTxDpFdxZa1soNzQT74YupppF9SjE3-KF1hF0w0PXygqYKxT3pqxa1h7ayq6RbQGpoeMLcVulOX3yeSpt5Sh-qDYWNZocna7aYh2UDmS916KqjEB5IAwzDlaQCiER6BrK7hW1Ge_9QCS5rXh-eqt_H031PT0u4KYK/s4000/20220115_142936.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4DmZuruCrcl8kIvl007Ib1AmTxDpFdxZa1soNzQT74YupppF9SjE3-KF1hF0w0PXygqYKxT3pqxa1h7ayq6RbQGpoeMLcVulOX3yeSpt5Sh-qDYWNZocna7aYh2UDmS916KqjEB5IAwzDlaQCiER6BrK7hW1Ge_9QCS5rXh-eqt_H031PT0u4KYK/w300-h400/20220115_142936.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGvqorDiCY8d356YDR04agfkluJi6K1Tj0rKqwbWTJUkFNe9kcG_EbWPeCKXkQS6Cs-AlYLHRVRFERR_V10Ka90bufnoRQYqX3uanijaZ8Ukp9TkU-w9WNdAc_ypWx-BVb4wWr1wbezIOV0f7T28FaFqrspYb1LtIcoxq3lUIpc2L7mULWUSqotqd/s4000/20211112_105906.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGvqorDiCY8d356YDR04agfkluJi6K1Tj0rKqwbWTJUkFNe9kcG_EbWPeCKXkQS6Cs-AlYLHRVRFERR_V10Ka90bufnoRQYqX3uanijaZ8Ukp9TkU-w9WNdAc_ypWx-BVb4wWr1wbezIOV0f7T28FaFqrspYb1LtIcoxq3lUIpc2L7mULWUSqotqd/w300-h400/20211112_105906.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFmO6LoX5r9vKjf2lbeUB6zdteWyL-y551dcDoYCMQoyZAAEa4PnOn5HV0__uo2PGIW6dBYUmyzfscUh5DWoofVJ1_piU_oSWLEtQMqDe0TYOR_bsXF_4Ur3UNjQJSHLirECKBe1drlRqDFUjfaWAiEhWL-3Zb-8WbQgqqq-hhJ8lfwxCeCXREpVY/s4000/20211219_170554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFmO6LoX5r9vKjf2lbeUB6zdteWyL-y551dcDoYCMQoyZAAEa4PnOn5HV0__uo2PGIW6dBYUmyzfscUh5DWoofVJ1_piU_oSWLEtQMqDe0TYOR_bsXF_4Ur3UNjQJSHLirECKBe1drlRqDFUjfaWAiEhWL-3Zb-8WbQgqqq-hhJ8lfwxCeCXREpVY/w300-h400/20211219_170554.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Outings - van trips, ice-cream treats and family outings to a café</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDPqtvnRmVv1UGJOdK3CYf-SenpivbT5N5X1f-HyZ-wlrhaOiMzc6vNUh2s87r-u44zCRsDIt92ep8zJ-AnFZXWG5-NflXsu0JjmFCSuMtIGroNRzkd-lxv8sX9MXO8wjrjKRzCId1B3RwyC4H0kWYsxCctWmyiRHTXab5h64y8OwmebD7qxWdG8H/s4000/20211101_111819.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDPqtvnRmVv1UGJOdK3CYf-SenpivbT5N5X1f-HyZ-wlrhaOiMzc6vNUh2s87r-u44zCRsDIt92ep8zJ-AnFZXWG5-NflXsu0JjmFCSuMtIGroNRzkd-lxv8sX9MXO8wjrjKRzCId1B3RwyC4H0kWYsxCctWmyiRHTXab5h64y8OwmebD7qxWdG8H/w320-h240/20211101_111819.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIYSJe28c8yZFOl7g_NzG755yDDnlXgTMKgFTPUjlRA8ppz442fDZng1iZ-sF5h7Dy9D_vu4SDA0p-MMLB6ISpsgbz_X8ELX3uFdfm-mJ4jsvrgoa9DSidaq6V5KtA3r2_4niCPIMfVYwQ1twcZxgf0AP2VgCwEfjzmCeO-l-BDhvtF9yN9M5V5wJ/s4000/20220103_140821.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIYSJe28c8yZFOl7g_NzG755yDDnlXgTMKgFTPUjlRA8ppz442fDZng1iZ-sF5h7Dy9D_vu4SDA0p-MMLB6ISpsgbz_X8ELX3uFdfm-mJ4jsvrgoa9DSidaq6V5KtA3r2_4niCPIMfVYwQ1twcZxgf0AP2VgCwEfjzmCeO-l-BDhvtF9yN9M5V5wJ/w320-h240/20220103_140821.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM69ZZcJWBTaNBamEWLoraJ-jgX6EInMT5CaRxlAD4qRcKEjtLCOcN2_r7Cv3Pamuthi-W6S_7jnR8Uy5K4E26DfqwDYlkwUB5Vzke4fA8RaztcahIa4KsntweOm_ZSyJAlzLKa74XgGduG4gkfZ4KDt_GNZK2lV-4W6Oe_q6y7I-35eC1kPSORIAS/s4000/20211205_162230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM69ZZcJWBTaNBamEWLoraJ-jgX6EInMT5CaRxlAD4qRcKEjtLCOcN2_r7Cv3Pamuthi-W6S_7jnR8Uy5K4E26DfqwDYlkwUB5Vzke4fA8RaztcahIa4KsntweOm_ZSyJAlzLKa74XgGduG4gkfZ4KDt_GNZK2lV-4W6Oe_q6y7I-35eC1kPSORIAS/w240-h320/20211205_162230.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtbfAHwTSGw_cK9deZommXum-CQmgNX41Wtuq3FFmez8wKXBaZdsu05Gtc9v8dRGNDrsQl6d6GTxqqtruMcbNVGhP7SIlDBCFDOSgtc1Atmos7WOLfmTH_T4uUzvL-pTu2Qj2MUaZcpgbiHKsNapwVk3qxI9pAGwRzcGJJC7TZTiu6VPfxEuE_pEW/s3264/20220103_105120.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtbfAHwTSGw_cK9deZommXum-CQmgNX41Wtuq3FFmez8wKXBaZdsu05Gtc9v8dRGNDrsQl6d6GTxqqtruMcbNVGhP7SIlDBCFDOSgtc1Atmos7WOLfmTH_T4uUzvL-pTu2Qj2MUaZcpgbiHKsNapwVk3qxI9pAGwRzcGJJC7TZTiu6VPfxEuE_pEW/w320-h240/20220103_105120.jpg" width="320" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-j68yd9P0VBxHIyRsa-91LAtdrw3pix9yWOzU0df9byS99eEI2_WOeNnn2nO2NpQskHWxoS-M25XLo10yH204bvJLIVt1Cujm0qZ60-iGeVXbgltJfjIddvGmqbXe37_JQSzXjw4D2QXpuy2DJ1TZJCuZrpnxxteMdvRq33M6UkLyee1yT_zXt8LN/s3264/20211211_112244.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-j68yd9P0VBxHIyRsa-91LAtdrw3pix9yWOzU0df9byS99eEI2_WOeNnn2nO2NpQskHWxoS-M25XLo10yH204bvJLIVt1Cujm0qZ60-iGeVXbgltJfjIddvGmqbXe37_JQSzXjw4D2QXpuy2DJ1TZJCuZrpnxxteMdvRq33M6UkLyee1yT_zXt8LN/w320-h240/20211211_112244.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTTS3cZioWU6dk7sW_JIYSGkl30WVlMM-JP1WtS44K1l5hZ5hJg8NJbcPNNashqzSu63wx66G1FH6f_hSOUayuK3GOzwZXtZMvGn7VXq9d1C7Jns-I_hVHbp-oqIFKXzkI1HvMFZaN_qVp9gFQNW8Z57T7qkGIgBc9lskFuzjuV4QXAd4OUglF-bB/s4000/20211210_143404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTTS3cZioWU6dk7sW_JIYSGkl30WVlMM-JP1WtS44K1l5hZ5hJg8NJbcPNNashqzSu63wx66G1FH6f_hSOUayuK3GOzwZXtZMvGn7VXq9d1C7Jns-I_hVHbp-oqIFKXzkI1HvMFZaN_qVp9gFQNW8Z57T7qkGIgBc9lskFuzjuV4QXAd4OUglF-bB/w240-h320/20211210_143404.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The living spaces</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimG3l-96_EtkdnRVD-BoIsSMdSmKI7RwxhR2qqj7m4FjQudZafue1l9Z6MLvMMFpSZ3nsNEVwixNBQYUeGUevE_kaaBx2PCoUgUTwveJNG39QKy1N0Pl3SIkPIw5ygJBzGMa2iczb0FiKhoB4F-spgV5yMzjCxUYosTz8Jt8yFO0OFGcnFx0NKIcge/s4000/20211108_165726.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimG3l-96_EtkdnRVD-BoIsSMdSmKI7RwxhR2qqj7m4FjQudZafue1l9Z6MLvMMFpSZ3nsNEVwixNBQYUeGUevE_kaaBx2PCoUgUTwveJNG39QKy1N0Pl3SIkPIw5ygJBzGMa2iczb0FiKhoB4F-spgV5yMzjCxUYosTz8Jt8yFO0OFGcnFx0NKIcge/w300-h400/20211108_165726.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_70F7q7XZ1BjWVCPIWkjYJLoWMd0DVzlK7mR5yS7DVwgOdecTG7_eRySuVCV3tQYDb6ZhMZL_KqMg1l-6odJlzMRw4bmpHZ7dmIfSGS3ce6_xcA4hScVFx6nqwjBaCe5ALHQTOtcx5CbrIIf4j1Q3Nw4WUUq_PH369CAzfgvqEjbFzQ3SvPwhOxLP/s4000/20211017_160809.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_70F7q7XZ1BjWVCPIWkjYJLoWMd0DVzlK7mR5yS7DVwgOdecTG7_eRySuVCV3tQYDb6ZhMZL_KqMg1l-6odJlzMRw4bmpHZ7dmIfSGS3ce6_xcA4hScVFx6nqwjBaCe5ALHQTOtcx5CbrIIf4j1Q3Nw4WUUq_PH369CAzfgvqEjbFzQ3SvPwhOxLP/w240-h320/20211017_160809.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARAo-AHwnO_2xVHdwYLMdg61sv4eucuSApl4Q-WZkYYCpXfU9pAJ1TK3u_mF-gqBrhMMKHmbMM6PWf9zpWbSestHk-1gP9XZnwPOn-DdOCCWPVjF9mq0EURghjvQIgmJTDqAT-oztaTjydseDmFTJb0xZ-bw6HZL4Ci73auEznpNf4OfYdGCPtE00/s3264/20211028_173911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARAo-AHwnO_2xVHdwYLMdg61sv4eucuSApl4Q-WZkYYCpXfU9pAJ1TK3u_mF-gqBrhMMKHmbMM6PWf9zpWbSestHk-1gP9XZnwPOn-DdOCCWPVjF9mq0EURghjvQIgmJTDqAT-oztaTjydseDmFTJb0xZ-bw6HZL4Ci73auEznpNf4OfYdGCPtE00/w320-h240/20211028_173911.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NA5w08TSIErrV9ePcXQfyet6DQrh8yiBR9utnu-mIRcR58G5FsyipP3icfQba6lZa9wsYUKilKYSEYTZ9BwU0RTzOdrNOcqqObzpP_1EphIYVYiLBnXv3cAhdg5nXnbb0NyjOG_WxA6Y9f9HFMC0ka7raKX8_a1yH3zzPQoPMCzpD45AcpyJcwhE/s4000/20211025_173449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NA5w08TSIErrV9ePcXQfyet6DQrh8yiBR9utnu-mIRcR58G5FsyipP3icfQba6lZa9wsYUKilKYSEYTZ9BwU0RTzOdrNOcqqObzpP_1EphIYVYiLBnXv3cAhdg5nXnbb0NyjOG_WxA6Y9f9HFMC0ka7raKX8_a1yH3zzPQoPMCzpD45AcpyJcwhE/w640-h480/20211025_173449.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Visitors</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dythmUoNtImgjc-hPWLhqKgEIPeLYNDOsT6Rxd2J2vGwol2O9yemz5U8CrPFaZFPcAvL3WzDluCANr_d5x2guhHgVnl31DBUedQvwZLoseN7ZnVw3Ku4H3sS0mQWXbrxO1_5OL5Yg-FKkbnSqunor0um3gt2qjeeb3sNsp3ip2R2-GazI5NKU2bo/s3264/20211123_142449.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dythmUoNtImgjc-hPWLhqKgEIPeLYNDOsT6Rxd2J2vGwol2O9yemz5U8CrPFaZFPcAvL3WzDluCANr_d5x2guhHgVnl31DBUedQvwZLoseN7ZnVw3Ku4H3sS0mQWXbrxO1_5OL5Yg-FKkbnSqunor0um3gt2qjeeb3sNsp3ip2R2-GazI5NKU2bo/w320-h240/20211123_142449.jpg" width="320" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_ZBVe2XlKKo5u6qUGSxI1O-Gut1TUudrHfYS_Db7KHgTtmvCgsWYOQ0aIbfsZWaEenAcmio9Wu3wJKUxew1kGCpCUwCkTUSJeWO82cA0kMyMaihKRT6TKGaRsWIDfz0Ld_32SZbjnQgUyKFk1CHeUufjxAnpn3mKrz-4gALIlPiAd44FTfmWNNxc/s4000/20220110_101714.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_ZBVe2XlKKo5u6qUGSxI1O-Gut1TUudrHfYS_Db7KHgTtmvCgsWYOQ0aIbfsZWaEenAcmio9Wu3wJKUxew1kGCpCUwCkTUSJeWO82cA0kMyMaihKRT6TKGaRsWIDfz0Ld_32SZbjnQgUyKFk1CHeUufjxAnpn3mKrz-4gALIlPiAd44FTfmWNNxc/w320-h240/20220110_101714.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NTSXtviFZNCLLhE_nyQmz8R7mIB50TXjKjuPCJ-Rxs9FwwbwVDNvp5XbZuie1wYhqROsF1Ne1kwD_0foYFYh6GY5XPkSAcE0LQ-3yvz6HFYKCDQxn08_RlW6kjnS-4ckq5Dchx7hu5JnKNOyGpbNaDFIU-kCymdk4QzOmfeAstGBVXFTDweGaL5g/s4000/20211206_163921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NTSXtviFZNCLLhE_nyQmz8R7mIB50TXjKjuPCJ-Rxs9FwwbwVDNvp5XbZuie1wYhqROsF1Ne1kwD_0foYFYh6GY5XPkSAcE0LQ-3yvz6HFYKCDQxn08_RlW6kjnS-4ckq5Dchx7hu5JnKNOyGpbNaDFIU-kCymdk4QzOmfeAstGBVXFTDweGaL5g/w240-h320/20211206_163921.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Bi1X4RX68S3Sy7bUQSAimAQBh481lmxWM5yUOUQh0IIYF0jTeVcpF30z078xdbq6x0Xv8rrmFylvTJphOK1etKV1vnXYI__xVX3sQhcMYBajjTim1H3zJBn-T3tpk5BNR7P06mJ6S-2ZfnSoXkgmQpcYnAAWgjzq8fyPPm-cADlfR41S4hWfomC2/s3264/20211217_151344.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Bi1X4RX68S3Sy7bUQSAimAQBh481lmxWM5yUOUQh0IIYF0jTeVcpF30z078xdbq6x0Xv8rrmFylvTJphOK1etKV1vnXYI__xVX3sQhcMYBajjTim1H3zJBn-T3tpk5BNR7P06mJ6S-2ZfnSoXkgmQpcYnAAWgjzq8fyPPm-cADlfR41S4hWfomC2/w240-h320/20211217_151344.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6NpQGqUOiDh8t4bjq0kObbvKfFrBpt98m7pQmliO3QZAuWIkxEoZJAl-U8-CnrLM-O_IRu4SZpIfoJorrfDSGixzXpp0b1rDVugJlW3VgkpIGX3ssojRsnCutzTXpj5pvlSEBV69vHVPSlLUoS7vscTGxfSMtjVdOo9qcQjvJ4QIptgpcmHbUsn9/s3264/20211203_143656.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6NpQGqUOiDh8t4bjq0kObbvKfFrBpt98m7pQmliO3QZAuWIkxEoZJAl-U8-CnrLM-O_IRu4SZpIfoJorrfDSGixzXpp0b1rDVugJlW3VgkpIGX3ssojRsnCutzTXpj5pvlSEBV69vHVPSlLUoS7vscTGxfSMtjVdOo9qcQjvJ4QIptgpcmHbUsn9/w240-h320/20211203_143656.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqoNN46y-TpUZnrOiXp81pFJUXqP4ilRlLA43AssImfctTNyBqhNbjE1UYWAMFlAlgWIfuAuRjJwux5IPytIZAS91Yt2R1jrAUavca4KtbzGGwUZAz-BL5GrDrCELIaZgog8EHnFTmL_8C9PSvgavLk_VspF4YalDfTuZj4hc_twIu5Qj2MxHKltr/s3264/20211209_112413.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqoNN46y-TpUZnrOiXp81pFJUXqP4ilRlLA43AssImfctTNyBqhNbjE1UYWAMFlAlgWIfuAuRjJwux5IPytIZAS91Yt2R1jrAUavca4KtbzGGwUZAz-BL5GrDrCELIaZgog8EHnFTmL_8C9PSvgavLk_VspF4YalDfTuZj4hc_twIu5Qj2MxHKltr/w320-h240/20211209_112413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKTKSXLOEpFKhXI4SJWtRtPTfpcu78hLZ3T07d5iIRHKK5oeY4ajqhl_WJBn3LXmV54jgtw1jo5wrhT8FifqRu_xO07WP-m4h4ptXCA3lVh1cbL5g0u6rdil3INi0mmzWCD3lNwb_1RJph8oud32T3xatPFLHrSwQUyn_OIWcfi5FW-wbilWp5Eyq/s3264/20210928_161034.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKTKSXLOEpFKhXI4SJWtRtPTfpcu78hLZ3T07d5iIRHKK5oeY4ajqhl_WJBn3LXmV54jgtw1jo5wrhT8FifqRu_xO07WP-m4h4ptXCA3lVh1cbL5g0u6rdil3INi0mmzWCD3lNwb_1RJph8oud32T3xatPFLHrSwQUyn_OIWcfi5FW-wbilWp5Eyq/w240-h320/20210928_161034.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shut in my room visits</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhoycRycg21dJpTAwN108nuvV25GjINiHk9-k8uEhl0qStiC7fKNalEFWpCnVAIdmkOmCKRK7s5EFheDF63VGLU_kc_xFfPX9bXGXpo7ZvFL79oslVLe8PfuSvynwkiTtFIGPo0n3GBPolbZI3aEV1woknDepvs9S1LNRTwUXTZfKHOVV1FvoeBK8/s4000/20211011_152942.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhoycRycg21dJpTAwN108nuvV25GjINiHk9-k8uEhl0qStiC7fKNalEFWpCnVAIdmkOmCKRK7s5EFheDF63VGLU_kc_xFfPX9bXGXpo7ZvFL79oslVLe8PfuSvynwkiTtFIGPo0n3GBPolbZI3aEV1woknDepvs9S1LNRTwUXTZfKHOVV1FvoeBK8/w240-h320/20211011_152942.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sneaky window visits</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu06NZLTe0qfNuuzOWJQ01tSS74paGbynlUyBBWtojuRufkaWTFo7qIBFJpdntewKmhluD1LkLQZQIxk9UY_tT6bql-d4LoiZHfekUPkI_vfEg9rRMRIGsd6Y9dvFG2UH1HZtW0DnUzJuLmy-UK_LH1bye9CqloWzksF9gWeyW_NaFonHL_AqPCFTU/s4000/20211029_131504.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu06NZLTe0qfNuuzOWJQ01tSS74paGbynlUyBBWtojuRufkaWTFo7qIBFJpdntewKmhluD1LkLQZQIxk9UY_tT6bql-d4LoiZHfekUPkI_vfEg9rRMRIGsd6Y9dvFG2UH1HZtW0DnUzJuLmy-UK_LH1bye9CqloWzksF9gWeyW_NaFonHL_AqPCFTU/w240-h320/20211029_131504.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full protection visits</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jigsaws</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIpxYL6y3kDZ5Hl2TPkjJSa462LgToc96ESMXKzCIKhznZgCSesYXEd0OBFtIYn1VLP80kdqAjEvV0yNgBeu0vRzIbEcRo9QIvwgEMpaJJlDsUQ-TqFOFCHPVBPtugDHBgAR-mnKlDOb2plaGLhQczjpoGJ2GuMY5zgk2reIxEiSeUWLyGd5SZWmn/s4000/20211102_174120.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIpxYL6y3kDZ5Hl2TPkjJSa462LgToc96ESMXKzCIKhznZgCSesYXEd0OBFtIYn1VLP80kdqAjEvV0yNgBeu0vRzIbEcRo9QIvwgEMpaJJlDsUQ-TqFOFCHPVBPtugDHBgAR-mnKlDOb2plaGLhQczjpoGJ2GuMY5zgk2reIxEiSeUWLyGd5SZWmn/w320-h240/20211102_174120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsA7eWICKVjV-i69XjiaxX2g1Pdv2FLxlRwJPBWtcV_0EmkcPDJsIPSAj2X5pH4YfPr6aUzBHfNUlbiMQY2XIOiTLWpsFXubPFxQ61NJfFP6Kn3MzveRjXRCC5Xs4ai_B1RbWd9ChcOZHG347LyzSUBSLHjwBgN3Y8sjcCtkxf83SbA3neFu1M4Q0/s3264/20211116_184059.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsA7eWICKVjV-i69XjiaxX2g1Pdv2FLxlRwJPBWtcV_0EmkcPDJsIPSAj2X5pH4YfPr6aUzBHfNUlbiMQY2XIOiTLWpsFXubPFxQ61NJfFP6Kn3MzveRjXRCC5Xs4ai_B1RbWd9ChcOZHG347LyzSUBSLHjwBgN3Y8sjcCtkxf83SbA3neFu1M4Q0/w240-h320/20211116_184059.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gmLqsEpfk9iL900ImRAP9JrxQ71QdNGpOOdy9doTuz9GkzKxqZWYZoHiClAiQ0bIFqU_qyl2nHwuPkJCgVHYVlFqyBjq3S8TAOIPy82IjL0JmTBaTSPNeHL_c62MukTWG1y-4tqhJ3Ugs1zJL1PoKSSXTld51CfIpEBLDe1mFpylTsWRODZn5PiD/s3264/20211101_152806.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gmLqsEpfk9iL900ImRAP9JrxQ71QdNGpOOdy9doTuz9GkzKxqZWYZoHiClAiQ0bIFqU_qyl2nHwuPkJCgVHYVlFqyBjq3S8TAOIPy82IjL0JmTBaTSPNeHL_c62MukTWG1y-4tqhJ3Ugs1zJL1PoKSSXTld51CfIpEBLDe1mFpylTsWRODZn5PiD/w320-h240/20211101_152806.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB6gyFv1yaNoQhH_ACm4kBvXVAGpoLR693tfz7VZPQmu5ZkOY5ShSqJuHaBU8vbfTsePId3bdY8JZ48l1TuCQydOLJ8_QoI41OcAcOfzCj0Gg3JqOja_kZEykzwvwrElMWa1FROZVN26WtGr8W9K_1V7-5B-AKSQFo5KceBiLtr8B-eA4xlZsh5G4/s4000/20211106_190912.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB6gyFv1yaNoQhH_ACm4kBvXVAGpoLR693tfz7VZPQmu5ZkOY5ShSqJuHaBU8vbfTsePId3bdY8JZ48l1TuCQydOLJ8_QoI41OcAcOfzCj0Gg3JqOja_kZEykzwvwrElMWa1FROZVN26WtGr8W9K_1V7-5B-AKSQFo5KceBiLtr8B-eA4xlZsh5G4/w300-h400/20211106_190912.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNugMZEgRJ0uD3fSaQzHShC2VlM4MphaFztP0u8T-4AvVb-7EUlWq0LtLNvBctYK6FmWVtYNBnT9NioLf17fIQxYJjJk7lyR2SMgYX1pD8qN2-OfEQDA9FnTWQw08Yt40MZU7vMnzcADBcM3blW7RhEaUSboWxvORM8JSDVkkcsDLAx7leZu73H0Y/s3264/20211031_142140.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNugMZEgRJ0uD3fSaQzHShC2VlM4MphaFztP0u8T-4AvVb-7EUlWq0LtLNvBctYK6FmWVtYNBnT9NioLf17fIQxYJjJk7lyR2SMgYX1pD8qN2-OfEQDA9FnTWQw08Yt40MZU7vMnzcADBcM3blW7RhEaUSboWxvORM8JSDVkkcsDLAx7leZu73H0Y/w320-h240/20211031_142140.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleK9nnERtKv_esZ3o6wabpXPT89EJtcwAnMBGxCXMeiNnxfLjJsBpgdJ-w06txHzf6bgmVMmXQTK5RDV-87Dn8D-Fxbh3M8bYUA2INx3i9nt9Ag_XcfAh6eCA8CEtFbfNLaNMjXtNqT9R_-OKQCDJXGJqou2lF6HNa4Xdd-mOLyp4srlpP5HvIEXm/s4000/20211123_211758.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleK9nnERtKv_esZ3o6wabpXPT89EJtcwAnMBGxCXMeiNnxfLjJsBpgdJ-w06txHzf6bgmVMmXQTK5RDV-87Dn8D-Fxbh3M8bYUA2INx3i9nt9Ag_XcfAh6eCA8CEtFbfNLaNMjXtNqT9R_-OKQCDJXGJqou2lF6HNa4Xdd-mOLyp4srlpP5HvIEXm/w240-h320/20211123_211758.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c-ghxwb6G_DlKOrry9aFCARN4XTmRw-K2fcLI2jjePtcZW4D2QoyrFFBOv-VbAoRJPHcpWYhqbeonyIJBR9n-QZdwGmcHvQpgzuVwXi2qZ2jy6OKp-9n8dMH6nAV6OzaT_yaZfyBGknado9ndqcVo2foscWsaetDmKTLMC2xh5HSaEkUrsGrIV-G/s3264/20211028_175305.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c-ghxwb6G_DlKOrry9aFCARN4XTmRw-K2fcLI2jjePtcZW4D2QoyrFFBOv-VbAoRJPHcpWYhqbeonyIJBR9n-QZdwGmcHvQpgzuVwXi2qZ2jy6OKp-9n8dMH6nAV6OzaT_yaZfyBGknado9ndqcVo2foscWsaetDmKTLMC2xh5HSaEkUrsGrIV-G/w320-h240/20211028_175305.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">All in all my four months at Pohlen were a major part of my recovery and my home away from home</span></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO35spCd3x0jqnshTK5Tn8Xlo1V1ipxZAkkgDzN2ZrSBhMqP-dki6AyMvVUZI1J7qCF9TR4iwLN4gu4pG0Tv2udjsEtwNJ5oO3lNsQHm40vG5SDKuYNinlaLbbco5kXRpcTl0cpmB2mh3DQfxyv34QkKYi7xAr9imQhaBIr1MNciQPOw89nMOG1Zje/s4000/20211106_160101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO35spCd3x0jqnshTK5Tn8Xlo1V1ipxZAkkgDzN2ZrSBhMqP-dki6AyMvVUZI1J7qCF9TR4iwLN4gu4pG0Tv2udjsEtwNJ5oO3lNsQHm40vG5SDKuYNinlaLbbco5kXRpcTl0cpmB2mh3DQfxyv34QkKYi7xAr9imQhaBIr1MNciQPOw89nMOG1Zje/w480-h640/20211106_160101.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-18767717094782472422022-12-03T00:39:00.001+13:002023-09-11T01:06:51.978+12:00Living at Pohlen Hospital<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBUoknpybrzguLgTqjbIHyW55bi0SBEcMD6cGVuBnf01hYrOApCigP9fo_vMvhXbsHDdxegwiUg8ZOLSuce04kPifLzwx3L0dQWs9ePHuukUVnhSvtnJkBMD-6WsJtGvra2aByQ3uWuuy66UMtI_VpZPXOqm-p58EPMUJjTTVpNPQSvBMpzUXYZw-/s3264/20211005_114236.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBUoknpybrzguLgTqjbIHyW55bi0SBEcMD6cGVuBnf01hYrOApCigP9fo_vMvhXbsHDdxegwiUg8ZOLSuce04kPifLzwx3L0dQWs9ePHuukUVnhSvtnJkBMD-6WsJtGvra2aByQ3uWuuy66UMtI_VpZPXOqm-p58EPMUJjTTVpNPQSvBMpzUXYZw-/w150-h200/20211005_114236.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Continuing on from my previous posts<br /><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/my-journey-of-faith.html" target="_blank">My Journey of Faith</a></li><li><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/my-life-changed.html" target="_blank">My Life Changed</a></li><li><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-road-of-recovery-part-1.html" target="_blank">The Road of Recovery - Part 1</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-road-of-recovery-part-2.html" target="_blank">The Road of Recovery - Part 2 </a></li></ol>I do not hesitate to share with people the reason I am like I am today or all along this journey because people need to know there is proof in the healing love of God. There is no denying I was being prayed for constantly by people here in Tirau, my daughter's church family in Hamilton, my parents church family in Wellington, friends and family all around New Zealand and the world, some of whom have never met me. Each time something happened I would pray and send out a prayer request or an update on Facebook and people would pray, God would know and hear and heal. <div><br /></div><div>When I was due to be transferred to rehabilitation (mid October) I was told at my appointment, there were no beds for me in that ward so I was sent back to Pohlen. As much as I loved being there, I didn’t get the intensive support I would have got had I been in a ward specialized for rehabilitation. But here I tell you of the amazing hand of God on my body and life. .</div><div><br /><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRIRVyovd-dNDKl-8yAx9HLSms6aFZroAznYYDkYXbBWIepchy-U1leHJWdZhzhGiQYaFNV6vuWUO_i5nWF9HDFHjs8vHORw1G-OWaQ7axXr7NfANNmIESBFiKdS9wYX4dlrODXgeVlXMHdmKwTbktaBpbmkhuBWS5V_sGAuHqJk29nLJW3mXQwfc/s2048/right%20thigh%20infection.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRIRVyovd-dNDKl-8yAx9HLSms6aFZroAznYYDkYXbBWIepchy-U1leHJWdZhzhGiQYaFNV6vuWUO_i5nWF9HDFHjs8vHORw1G-OWaQ7axXr7NfANNmIESBFiKdS9wYX4dlrODXgeVlXMHdmKwTbktaBpbmkhuBWS5V_sGAuHqJk29nLJW3mXQwfc/w300-h400/right%20thigh%20infection.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>And the proof was confirmed in the constant times medical and care staff would be amazed at my healing and my attitude and with that I would tell them it was God. There was no other reason as to why a person my age with all this, would be doing so well<div><br /></div><div>One time I got an infection in the long wound on my upper leg. The nurse was so afraid to remove the stitches as she was scared it would burst open. If this happened, she had said, I would have to return to Waikato hospital. <br /></div><div>This nurse had openly said to me she didn’t believe but she said to me, "Pray to whatever you pray to." </div><div>I did. </div><div>But when I had prayed, I wasn’t sure what to ask. </div><div>Did I want to go back to Waikato? or did I just want the wound to heal? </div><div>What was God’s plan? </div><div>When she returned after consulting with a doctor still hesitant, I said to her, "Just do it, I have prayed."</div><div>And as she removed each stitch fluid seeped out and the swelling was relieved slightly with each removal. I was taped up and the healing began. </div><div>I realized God’s plan was for me to be there. God needed her to see His power. </div><div><br /></div><div>Other times I knew I was being a voice of God there. </div><div>One lunch time a carer asked me for everyone to hear, "What is the real meaning of Christmas?" </div><div>I said. “We need to be saved and God loves us so much He sent His son, Jesus, as a baby, to save us and He came as one of us. So, we celebrate His birthday. The wise men brought gifts and so we give gifts to those we love, just as God loves us and gave His son” I shared about Christmas trees, the 12 days of Christmas and boxing day. </div><div>Then she asked, "What was the most important scripture in the Bible for today?" </div><div>Now that’s a biggy!!</div><div>"Lord," I prayed, "What do you want me to say?" and in the moment of waiting the scripture <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnDSyQrah4dCyqAA5eNBUckHFDgtZqFP_7IWioJs4LcaCYnvOl_65SpVX4rydV7rd5GaeMO4L9VGL83fm9mbg8WitoUFjVppeoB0CskCSgEIqYVp8XugHujkcEaHYzthn7WrZSMlmm7m6WnT-Cq9Rnt5Whyp-Ja7wXxID1SVUCUsfgkod1NdUtktE/s900/FWddsN7X0AASn43.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnDSyQrah4dCyqAA5eNBUckHFDgtZqFP_7IWioJs4LcaCYnvOl_65SpVX4rydV7rd5GaeMO4L9VGL83fm9mbg8WitoUFjVppeoB0CskCSgEIqYVp8XugHujkcEaHYzthn7WrZSMlmm7m6WnT-Cq9Rnt5Whyp-Ja7wXxID1SVUCUsfgkod1NdUtktE/s320/FWddsN7X0AASn43.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>“Be still and know I am God” </div><div><br /></div><div>I explained that with everything that is going on in the world (Covid, wars etc) and our own lives, if we can just stop, be still and know that God’s got this. If we know God, we find peace. </div><div><br /></div><div>I figured I had ‘preached enough’ but one of the male residents clapped and said “Well done.” </div><div>I realized that it had all flowed well and that the words just came to me by the power of the Holy Spirit. After lunch as we all stated going on with our day the man came up to me and said he wanted to chat with me as he knew as soon as I said what I said, he knew I was born again and just wanted to talk with me. He didn’t like being there as he felt there was no-one to talk to. I would often go and talk to him and go and see him each time I visit. He is now with our Lord.</div><div><br /></div><div>The day after this the reading in <a href="https://www.rhema.co.nz/the-word-for-today" target="_blank">The Word For Today</a> was </div><div><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+46%3A10&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 46:10 </a>!! It says, <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be honoured among the nations. I will be honoured in the earth."</b></span> </div><div>I just smiled knowing how much God is in control of my life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another resident in the room through the other side of our ensuite died while I was there and in his final days a local minister came one day and was reading scripture to him. I’d been to the toilet and felt this really uncomfortable feeling of needing to pray for him even the words to say. I'd got to know him a bit and would tickle his toes and share my chocolates with him. The hard part of being there was that most of the residents are there for the end of their lives. In the end I just had to, so through the slightly opened ensuite door I prayed about Jesus preparing a room for us and when I had finished the minister was saying Amen, Amen, and I just knew that I had been obedient to Gods prompting. I was also asked to pray after the resident had died and was leaving the hospital and again at the lunch for all the other residents.
I became the person different carers would come and talk to about issues they were having and I would pray. </div><div><br /></div><div>Who would have thought that the reason for being there was to minister to others! </div><div><br /></div><div>I’m not saying it was all plain sailing. </div><div><br /></div><div>There were times when I was quite despondent and I just wanted to be better and go home. Four months and a week is a long time. But every time the reading for the day either in <a href="https://www.rhema.co.nz/the-word-for-today" target="_blank">The Word For Today</a> or something I read in the book I was reading was God talking to me. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhP0cghD-ScOadSdScsukOdQW4aARUezrClxxAlAgyCRwrWSoAzymew7haJTzZCNMEomwka1rb5lumYnDxhMO3_UB-z9Xxb90HbM5aIBxKmsX34BhJFJ1d9-tSHR5T1Jm8s2ePT8jDi2_P-ObGNbUoiv1aJIVsawjAgAxc5_UBT8OGQoIy6POhcz_L/s4000/20211107_155019.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhP0cghD-ScOadSdScsukOdQW4aARUezrClxxAlAgyCRwrWSoAzymew7haJTzZCNMEomwka1rb5lumYnDxhMO3_UB-z9Xxb90HbM5aIBxKmsX34BhJFJ1d9-tSHR5T1Jm8s2ePT8jDi2_P-ObGNbUoiv1aJIVsawjAgAxc5_UBT8OGQoIy6POhcz_L/w300-h400/20211107_155019.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Like the day I woke after learning to start walking again with aids and felt sore and wondering if it was going to get any better than this. There had been talk of maybe going back to Waikato to have some of the plates removed at a later stage if it was hindering the walking. I wasn’t sure how I felt about going through all that again. The title for the reading that day was “God’s Got This!” I prayed “If you’ve got this God, please reassure me – I feel I’ve lost the race to recovery.” The message talked of a ‘command’ to take stock and stand on God’s word, tell Him your concerns and trust Him </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A6-7&version=NIV" target="_blank">Philippians 4:6-7</a> <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">6</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">7</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. </span></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div>And after a little conversation with God, he said to me. “Don’t fret the ‘What if’s’ I’ve got this. I hold you in the palm of My hand My child. Trust in me” He even understood me in my low places.</div><div><br /></div><div>One day when I was struggling, I just felt so low I didn’t really know what to pray. I just wanted to climb up and curl in God’s lap. But as I have discovered every time I go to God He answers me. The message from <a href="https://www.rhema.co.nz/the-word-for-today" target="_blank">the Word for Today</a> had this:</div></div></div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>God will pick you up and help you to start again. One mistake – or one hundred – doesn’t render you useless for life. Today, God wants to lift you out of your low place. … You don’t have to go through life being manipulated by your emotions. Your emotions can be affected by your thoughts, and with God’s help, you can change how you think and what you think about! </i></span> The Word for Today - 9 November 2021 </div></div></div></blockquote><div><div><div><br /></div><div>On the 24th October it was decided to see if I could stand. I was excited thinking I could do this. But I couldn’t. My legs gave way as I had spent the last 6 weeks bed ridden being hoisted off the bed onto commodes, a wheel chair or lazy boy on wheels, to go or do anything. This meant that the muscles and so strength in my legs had gone. Feeling devastated I cried a little. The following day I opened the book I was reading, <a href="https://www.sharongarloughbrown.com/product/sensible-shoes/" target="_blank">Sensible Shoes</a> by <a href="https://www.sharongarloughbrown.com/" target="_blank">Sharon Garlough Brown</a>, and there was a prayer written (I found out later) by one of the carers on a paper towel.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fTdQd2dnFADT0azq3HC8-RfDrOln-j42co0RIZRME_IuTGHF4qnwIg-NaJr-SEpNh8eOMosycqJBtYtL8r4w1KGatSResWKil7NIpvCls8E5DQgc_fcngWn4wIyrkMWSyMmbH5IsMMq8lbE2q0U-cl6KLkKRmJThd6s-IJB43Wo8LzYeTxx84yn8/s4000/20211023_164619.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fTdQd2dnFADT0azq3HC8-RfDrOln-j42co0RIZRME_IuTGHF4qnwIg-NaJr-SEpNh8eOMosycqJBtYtL8r4w1KGatSResWKil7NIpvCls8E5DQgc_fcngWn4wIyrkMWSyMmbH5IsMMq8lbE2q0U-cl6KLkKRmJThd6s-IJB43Wo8LzYeTxx84yn8/w640-h480/20211023_164619.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Again, God is good. </div><div><br /></div><div>The next day I was able to stand with the mechanical hoist and from there the work begun. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aAohXmHnJoKKk4u7h_KYLh0E-iB2qErUAYMW3lW1OzdxEkMWONI2FtlnuOHFo0Qpl5ZS_zakBRfDdmZjz3PBl65mgjxwAB_QmLhM3VqZx9jhm00BI-yXQ00vcGVrU2SbNUPVD3wcArjPYJd3GWEh2W-_xojDfKkUweqZ2Afo_P_8_aEE1qoJUx1K/s4000/20211023_111943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aAohXmHnJoKKk4u7h_KYLh0E-iB2qErUAYMW3lW1OzdxEkMWONI2FtlnuOHFo0Qpl5ZS_zakBRfDdmZjz3PBl65mgjxwAB_QmLhM3VqZx9jhm00BI-yXQ00vcGVrU2SbNUPVD3wcArjPYJd3GWEh2W-_xojDfKkUweqZ2Afo_P_8_aEE1qoJUx1K/w300-h400/20211023_111943.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>On the 26th October I took my first steps with the gutter frame. </div><div>And at that very time Harry was doing a window visit and could see me through the window taking steps. God had it all in order. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tqF3xR9QDIc" width="320" youtube-src-id="tqF3xR9QDIc"></iframe></div><div>Don’t think this was all easy and straight forward because it was slow and painful. But each day as I prayed and read God’s word, He would show me the way forward and encouraged me. </div><div><br /></div><div>On the 30th October I had been struggling with the weight bearing when standing and walking. That day the reading from <a href="https://www.rhema.co.nz/the-word-for-today" target="_blank">the Word for Today</a> was <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A19&version=NIV" target="_blank">Luke 10:19</a>. <b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you </span></b></div></div></div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Pain is not from God – it’s from the enemy. God has given us power over the enemy in His Word, Christ’s blood, and the name of Jesus</span>.</i></div></div></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I will walk even if there is pain because it will be crushed. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Nothing will injure me – nothing. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And more scripture came to me. This battle is the Lord’s [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+17%3A47&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Samuel 17:47</a>]. When I am weak, God is strong. His power is made perfect in weakness [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+12%3A9-10&version=NIV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 12:9-1</a>0]. <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>You did not choose me. Instead, I chose you. I appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit that will last. I also appointed you so that the Father will give you what you ask for. He will give you whatever you ask for in my name</b></span> [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A16&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 15:16</a>] </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ok_tf03CchY" width="320" youtube-src-id="ok_tf03CchY"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;">With hard work, a fair bit of pain relief, prayer and carers cheering me on - literally, I learnt to walk, use my hand and in the process give God the glory. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mNsLmKwD4iQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="mNsLmKwD4iQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;">On 28th November I took my first steps without holding on to anything!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vp1ujq3upXc" width="320" youtube-src-id="Vp1ujq3upXc"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I got back to Pohlen after 8 days at Waikato undergoing corrective surgery (as mentioned in the second half of <a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-road-of-recovery-part-2.html" target="_blank">this post</a>) the carers had made a poster for me, decorated my room with Christmas decorations and left me a stocking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ogzlt33J-2I" width="320" youtube-src-id="Ogzlt33J-2I"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXh_RPsYWa5HStFSCbLnfuFpsHdLq5KpiipEFiCGQi6TrChxpros81HL1egv0ux9ltELoA7Lqrxp6Q6bv_Mn9jnsvy3oyGs28PatBUrPMfLtaV21WVx9N2QnHAflxyFEhkdZn4imsm6yUIpqQ0JkycsZslXQFDr_Pt2KLTS6p7MgJYcK8BUcqp-8UW/s4000/20211231_173354.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXh_RPsYWa5HStFSCbLnfuFpsHdLq5KpiipEFiCGQi6TrChxpros81HL1egv0ux9ltELoA7Lqrxp6Q6bv_Mn9jnsvy3oyGs28PatBUrPMfLtaV21WVx9N2QnHAflxyFEhkdZn4imsm6yUIpqQ0JkycsZslXQFDr_Pt2KLTS6p7MgJYcK8BUcqp-8UW/w150-h200/20211231_173354.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZrUVzSPWDlNEZRyoRAsoYJ6rffzm9WjLfqxVTo1TroEs-noAh96ejQqIJbQBxORvOU6YD62imXPdzxbZ5WKMbcMwLA3McCkkFoRFeZSH-fVxLOdzif6GkjgJl0DcctF5z6RTjyVQhdGJE7IRp_ZkP7WdHrgSjoK1aUv8d0SIJPdnsvv1Za3UF1Ka/s4000/20211229_145420.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZrUVzSPWDlNEZRyoRAsoYJ6rffzm9WjLfqxVTo1TroEs-noAh96ejQqIJbQBxORvOU6YD62imXPdzxbZ5WKMbcMwLA3McCkkFoRFeZSH-fVxLOdzif6GkjgJl0DcctF5z6RTjyVQhdGJE7IRp_ZkP7WdHrgSjoK1aUv8d0SIJPdnsvv1Za3UF1Ka/w400-h300/20211229_145420.jpg" width="400" /></a><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">This poster was made by a lot of the residents, with a few of my carers and my two best friends drawn on it by one of the talented carers. She was able to pick out their likeness so you could tell who each one was without the names!</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjvNjtXx5Qqk4ZLF2GBoHtDwJmHetN5ZCLH-8tnIB_KLGsrv5tOp_im642qRHpC9oDGTcWI708cWbltlL0XZpLVgrjqll7cdVSXDzUbxPJR2lACedH1K3siXGeYBsilGLriAt9zzxt8zWsVuA-ggFxN1P9aMeHpg3d0EWjCeUxGoZj0jLdMOeZ5FU/s4000/20211230_152703.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjvNjtXx5Qqk4ZLF2GBoHtDwJmHetN5ZCLH-8tnIB_KLGsrv5tOp_im642qRHpC9oDGTcWI708cWbltlL0XZpLVgrjqll7cdVSXDzUbxPJR2lACedH1K3siXGeYBsilGLriAt9zzxt8zWsVuA-ggFxN1P9aMeHpg3d0EWjCeUxGoZj0jLdMOeZ5FU/w240-h320/20211230_152703.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>It may appear that my name is spelt wrong but I was known as <i>Finona</i>. One of the nurses had a family member named Fiona, and some of the younger children called her <i>Finona</i> Two of my grandchildren had also called me that too so that name stuck with me too. It would seem that for some children it is hard to pronounce as I remember my younger brother calling me 'Nona'.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I was in isolation for five days in case I had contacted Covid while at Waikato Hospital, but they still made the most of it for me. Fortunately I didn't have Covid (One would hope not having gone from there to hospital and back again!) but because of the nature of Pohlen it was important to protect the residents.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBck-l1bIqFQnW4CXFg95IXSFGQkkJyQRz7nGiWGJxsmFRtpAioEh-jFw3OQ7vE9IERfUCsrCAHC_ZXTmSwG7PQddSAbXmuxdknJvflFynPsFDrrcCayAGjzDR1XJGgbIEz1a3gk3Y5Mcif_jgT0rHTjnAmS7cWc802S5nKTANnhCFjH1g-sO8RkJc/s4000/20211025_173449.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBck-l1bIqFQnW4CXFg95IXSFGQkkJyQRz7nGiWGJxsmFRtpAioEh-jFw3OQ7vE9IERfUCsrCAHC_ZXTmSwG7PQddSAbXmuxdknJvflFynPsFDrrcCayAGjzDR1XJGgbIEz1a3gk3Y5Mcif_jgT0rHTjnAmS7cWc802S5nKTANnhCFjH1g-sO8RkJc/w320-h240/20211025_173449.jpg" width="320" /></a>You may also think it odd to be calling Pohlen Hospital 'home', but I had been living there for three months and it was such a safe caring place, that it is was a second home to me and so to, for others that live there. If like me some are there for recovery or maybe some respite care but others get used to it being where they will now live. For most it is their home for the rest of their lives as they will not be going back to their own homes. </p><p style="text-align: left;">There is a sign in the dining room that sums it up nicely.</p><div>Even now it still feels like a special place and I try to do some volunteering once a week to help give back for all the care I had and also as I know how special it was to have someone spend time with me without having to rush off to tend to someone else. <br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">As I write this it is just on a year that I was living there. Unfortunately some of the residents have passed away but there are still some that were with me and remember me, and I am getting to know some of the new ones. And it is the same with some of the staff. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXlPnKj59gXvKJxGJoO4fAtj9RF_iNWQs8BEBAlVYqDg38PJII-qEL0JuCQUUEpBTO_uos53lfeNasGcsjfwpSal1NHOT4rCgt8gm_p_y0w3l5HFkBnmJujIT30onhcBVQ0EiVsP6c-M6JKRwJq_w1aNHjZUh8PkUcfpz8WkW1bGFe5Xd3sbNlSCa/s4000/20211107_153656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXlPnKj59gXvKJxGJoO4fAtj9RF_iNWQs8BEBAlVYqDg38PJII-qEL0JuCQUUEpBTO_uos53lfeNasGcsjfwpSal1NHOT4rCgt8gm_p_y0w3l5HFkBnmJujIT30onhcBVQ0EiVsP6c-M6JKRwJq_w1aNHjZUh8PkUcfpz8WkW1bGFe5Xd3sbNlSCa/w400-h300/20211107_153656.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div>In this journey of faith, I realized how close to death I could have been. That I am alive is a miracle. I am constantly in awe of that – that is how much God loves me.
I was constantly reminded of God rescuing me in verses I read and so I told my story to anyone who would listen. I am volunteering at Pohlen now and the staff still tell everyone, new residents, new staff members and even others visitors and family my story and I add that it is because of God.
I learnt how much He wants me to talk to him and ask Him for what I need. He wants to show me and for me to see, the good things He has in abundance for me. When I struggled with so many unknowns along the way He reminded me He is in control and when I relinquished that to Him there was always calm. </div><div><br /></div><div>A <a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2023/01/life-at-pohlen-hospital-in-pictures.html">selection of photos</a> of my time at Pohlen Hospital </div></div></div>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-30253659416111191712022-11-16T23:50:00.002+13:002022-12-03T00:41:25.523+13:00The Road of Recovery - Part 2<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEafYlqAj4Gr_DpOsC92UyN9f7hpiC6L4CPVOAW9BrTRTLV0BrvNdG7n_1IhwR8qFXCX1-oibnknvnaYaBjTnfueadJDLzoIePB54Qd0fkaqfybhZUMNiDfZqiktiBLRS1UtWf6jTBFquNhKd0JYby3edo5eZ6ANSMDkpuypzsmL9WYnYoTXa41Rn/s3264/20220426_102222.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEafYlqAj4Gr_DpOsC92UyN9f7hpiC6L4CPVOAW9BrTRTLV0BrvNdG7n_1IhwR8qFXCX1-oibnknvnaYaBjTnfueadJDLzoIePB54Qd0fkaqfybhZUMNiDfZqiktiBLRS1UtWf6jTBFquNhKd0JYby3edo5eZ6ANSMDkpuypzsmL9WYnYoTXa41Rn/w150-h200/20220426_102222.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">If you are reading this post first, may I suggest you read my previous entries to have a better picture of my story.<br /></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/my-journey-of-faith.html" target="_blank">My Journey of Faith</a></li><li><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/my-life-changed.html" target="_blank">My Life Changed</a></li><li><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-road-of-recovery-part-1.html" target="_blank">The Road of Recovery - Part 1</a><br /></li></ol><div>Another injury that occurred as a result of the accident was a <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17812-greenstick-fractures" target="_blank">green stick fracture</a> to the left elbow and a huge bruise and <a href="https://www.balancededinburgh.co.uk/essential-guide-lower-back-pain/haematoma" target="_blank">haematoma</a>. A lump formed by the elbow and although the bruising disappeared the lump took a long time to be absorbed. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmjhCYWABc_oJPys1V8R-AjkkvkoWHkrSOUaOjRLzgfQjRpv7NTcCgSecb4dIHe2QLqbHQs0g4lhsweKhtib0UTt0-rPs4YtiuBTXo9gm01R7eXrInTOZCwkWwKidknv9u8HgdUuhnt1zgGHziHsV08DjXbrLc-PFCRXKNDs6SlXWFZKJbfgwEEyu/s853/277961594_3140195212902098_3162666249945182302_n.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmjhCYWABc_oJPys1V8R-AjkkvkoWHkrSOUaOjRLzgfQjRpv7NTcCgSecb4dIHe2QLqbHQs0g4lhsweKhtib0UTt0-rPs4YtiuBTXo9gm01R7eXrInTOZCwkWwKidknv9u8HgdUuhnt1zgGHziHsV08DjXbrLc-PFCRXKNDs6SlXWFZKJbfgwEEyu/s320/277961594_3140195212902098_3162666249945182302_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 4</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3n_2DRCs6wxa9Sd9QYJ3BgdDE43Mifx_Jk8GQbFJ0EU9Bd6AERXSEIEVbOYYYVT5QbZoHdmY9xznM9XySO7g-QIsLT_-e47YuFW8NiSN5p-7PaRyGZJUjlqtxSAluJc384k1qkj8XRvO28HcRcqyzSjqXaJdbu3IjogCNPgmUAuHD5GjnSx9ReNp/s4000/20210925_155300.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3n_2DRCs6wxa9Sd9QYJ3BgdDE43Mifx_Jk8GQbFJ0EU9Bd6AERXSEIEVbOYYYVT5QbZoHdmY9xznM9XySO7g-QIsLT_-e47YuFW8NiSN5p-7PaRyGZJUjlqtxSAluJc384k1qkj8XRvO28HcRcqyzSjqXaJdbu3IjogCNPgmUAuHD5GjnSx9ReNp/w240-h320/20210925_155300.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 25th<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Kkz4vPlR_AY-GtsSzWKZlvmy8rfQuc7hO9Bfx2yi6kzLpXCLr2KC3Q6oZyR1rTbuKpCQ86FtAcHP-gf6nOSF6XKe45_SXA6SElkFzvtFRLVMsxAZNvZx-mp2AcPbgN6D_z4IyABInLiT9HCSg46Maopml9nCNuTqmZ_VCxg5I0djmXg2iCFi9-gv/s3264/20210920_201559.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Kkz4vPlR_AY-GtsSzWKZlvmy8rfQuc7hO9Bfx2yi6kzLpXCLr2KC3Q6oZyR1rTbuKpCQ86FtAcHP-gf6nOSF6XKe45_SXA6SElkFzvtFRLVMsxAZNvZx-mp2AcPbgN6D_z4IyABInLiT9HCSg46Maopml9nCNuTqmZ_VCxg5I0djmXg2iCFi9-gv/w240-h320/20210920_201559.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 20th</td></tr></tbody></table>This didn't hurt as such, but I was aware of a tightness because of the swelling.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOUkHdg2QVCHsy_MN4ysG9w_SIjXNgNPoJJGUc2n9CGVaCOt0mrDpKPHGK0DYql9Vz4SF-iKPaPYa0l0IJ434LixDkOG09KKwXOpLBOELAEM2ibXro6SFMGzmOkmMX8GwPze2Zr0j80a9baDN-pw-FwAd6Vhk3QPwQhCr7yKh3LUoD0N1kuihwqFP/s3264/20211012_194954.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOUkHdg2QVCHsy_MN4ysG9w_SIjXNgNPoJJGUc2n9CGVaCOt0mrDpKPHGK0DYql9Vz4SF-iKPaPYa0l0IJ434LixDkOG09KKwXOpLBOELAEM2ibXro6SFMGzmOkmMX8GwPze2Zr0j80a9baDN-pw-FwAd6Vhk3QPwQhCr7yKh3LUoD0N1kuihwqFP/w150-h200/20211012_194954.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCt4k5mUkQqUSQBg37Zd8aYr--tNpltxJENfqcB-NjKjoDohmC-MmsxeYqMcdnffFnzZ5HXMHnlquekkh8RoZavNJ8mm-8xeGrjWyUjIjVV7OePGDryO1JMPkWKhn7LAnx8Ygzps9iT4_yIQAQLIiEsqkFHiEy7sAsqf1Ygv6meXY6GI3fFzDLZ5NS/s3264/20211028_091747.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCt4k5mUkQqUSQBg37Zd8aYr--tNpltxJENfqcB-NjKjoDohmC-MmsxeYqMcdnffFnzZ5HXMHnlquekkh8RoZavNJ8mm-8xeGrjWyUjIjVV7OePGDryO1JMPkWKhn7LAnx8Ygzps9iT4_yIQAQLIiEsqkFHiEy7sAsqf1Ygv6meXY6GI3fFzDLZ5NS/w150-h200/20211028_091747.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8INTkxxXndhT-PftTKs-7u6XD1_Yd85CUtADc6NsKDg6_GMilK-Tq-3ZysZK1GlLQupo5sAhHXArktiFu1X5yBjwhkKtGx-gDLOfYaBAJLHC1HfDOs9Q7efLmOPa6FX_OJSLbWf3TBpOfhfRrQ22kgP8_gFO0YB-en5NW6vNYiVtibdYdSWt9LET/s4000/20211108_131545.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8INTkxxXndhT-PftTKs-7u6XD1_Yd85CUtADc6NsKDg6_GMilK-Tq-3ZysZK1GlLQupo5sAhHXArktiFu1X5yBjwhkKtGx-gDLOfYaBAJLHC1HfDOs9Q7efLmOPa6FX_OJSLbWf3TBpOfhfRrQ22kgP8_gFO0YB-en5NW6vNYiVtibdYdSWt9LET/w150-h200/20211108_131545.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The three pics were October 11th, 28th and November 8th so you can see it took a long time to disappear. <div><br /><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZeRCWVP-nX_HeClPsHMmOCkSO9ou1p8UCWgvbI5tmb00U7pEOZW_LAP1C-7bPter2qJnk_yVvDAl0JcK4xM-QJxGyT5ZXAe0yu__Q9IWD0aPMFTQnlfeFYEDVWCv-sRfuc7yyRKMi49j46zVTPqHTSVK3I4e4pNq3_T20IdT4_Z0muyWn6UPRPJJ/s853/277851868_335397865320852_3610660560779209016_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZeRCWVP-nX_HeClPsHMmOCkSO9ou1p8UCWgvbI5tmb00U7pEOZW_LAP1C-7bPter2qJnk_yVvDAl0JcK4xM-QJxGyT5ZXAe0yu__Q9IWD0aPMFTQnlfeFYEDVWCv-sRfuc7yyRKMi49j46zVTPqHTSVK3I4e4pNq3_T20IdT4_Z0muyWn6UPRPJJ/w300-h400/277851868_335397865320852_3610660560779209016_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div>Another consequence was pieces of the shattered windscreen. I am thankful I wear glasses as they protected anything ending up in my eyes. But there were pieces in my face, my hair and in my hands. A lot was removed after the accident and I was able to pic a few pieces out over the early days as they worked themselves to the surface of my skin.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcaDBTlIemM0i3OAwhoeQ3bD87zA5sPvvkkvyQZoaOlFTHvb6mvMiv-zjRlzjd06A8lVJQ44nmsw56Zm0uY8RLV4bAkVbfk3vKUOfzJkss9EpdTxsKr5pMB3-VbIE41-5n391FZn1ERA4svlT2cu-lFbux8ES_o5GK3aUWynbRmJhsiVafD3ovyCh/s4000/20211020_133743.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcaDBTlIemM0i3OAwhoeQ3bD87zA5sPvvkkvyQZoaOlFTHvb6mvMiv-zjRlzjd06A8lVJQ44nmsw56Zm0uY8RLV4bAkVbfk3vKUOfzJkss9EpdTxsKr5pMB3-VbIE41-5n391FZn1ERA4svlT2cu-lFbux8ES_o5GK3aUWynbRmJhsiVafD3ovyCh/w240-h320/20211020_133743.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT8MXCSxgfqWyeSjbvjqZ0kp0UOukMz1oJ4DFckxl8UXG-Fs775oX45V5k76H6GRTmh9n_rejfa57nd0BXaAX3E93sKlZEm9WwAjBWwq0EGW5NCF9PD0RyAS2DUNwGvKb9J8bv6BOlu6QJmd-Hq5BWe5kXaIj-_Frf-pAtBqNyINRAzYSiPpvvMJ4/s4000/20211020_134909.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT8MXCSxgfqWyeSjbvjqZ0kp0UOukMz1oJ4DFckxl8UXG-Fs775oX45V5k76H6GRTmh9n_rejfa57nd0BXaAX3E93sKlZEm9WwAjBWwq0EGW5NCF9PD0RyAS2DUNwGvKb9J8bv6BOlu6QJmd-Hq5BWe5kXaIj-_Frf-pAtBqNyINRAzYSiPpvvMJ4/w240-h320/20211020_134909.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But I noticed a piece trapped between the last two fingers in my right hand. As hard as I worked at it I couldn't get it out. There was another piece deep at the side of the wrist also on my right hand. I had an x-ray and an appointment was made with my GP who removed them under a local anesthetic. One of the great things being at Pohlen was that it is also the Matamata Medical Centre where our GP is one of the doctors there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCw7Q0GFiyMDHD5vn1NhX3yilDX75zGApsN6ZDV70QA2wUlD7uEUuw_QeHTKZgpE53D6_FiC8YuWGI84CMx7vqKQw8Jy1Ng_9nea-UsmpapXrEr6W62FyXJJGYovQJwrMkDGOGD4vPM9Q-XbjWu7Xt3JwJZCjP0RZLpVVDFCKwzvgaQa_6yQXgsnNE/s4000/20211022_153646.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCw7Q0GFiyMDHD5vn1NhX3yilDX75zGApsN6ZDV70QA2wUlD7uEUuw_QeHTKZgpE53D6_FiC8YuWGI84CMx7vqKQw8Jy1Ng_9nea-UsmpapXrEr6W62FyXJJGYovQJwrMkDGOGD4vPM9Q-XbjWu7Xt3JwJZCjP0RZLpVVDFCKwzvgaQa_6yQXgsnNE/w240-h320/20211022_153646.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Small incisions were made and the glass was plucked out. Then the little cuts were sealed close with some medical glue. There was even two pieces found in the place on my wrist. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2t4e9DquKnE7Y4q5LyK9nNR9hzuKo1PffBj_34dGzKdb1gut_cs2ebVqfPQuN-uf3CmDnrhX7z6LQ3_gIYCjrcqUvuOpjmZyLHEPZBuJlp6MqWRyycM9Eha0lqorVl_491XFAc290I3-KHhF0pKmW8YE-TasmhYYyidZ5KPFZC-H_LgZzNrmEZk6p/s4000/20211022_153942.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2t4e9DquKnE7Y4q5LyK9nNR9hzuKo1PffBj_34dGzKdb1gut_cs2ebVqfPQuN-uf3CmDnrhX7z6LQ3_gIYCjrcqUvuOpjmZyLHEPZBuJlp6MqWRyycM9Eha0lqorVl_491XFAc290I3-KHhF0pKmW8YE-TasmhYYyidZ5KPFZC-H_LgZzNrmEZk6p/w240-h320/20211022_153942.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNlzviMamcosgvC-v0DmmYKaECMrmmpPbD-BBqsBxo3BtqYxW7-tzEii76EPW_MU0S_ZrFqZTgUKigLZAMBtIgYudJPlOfmp4uKtQ36xC-OkIYRaYJervc72wIsUk7ZwqWLQZS-X6vljN1_j_kAo1KcvTPeynt2cXEY9x3NJpoDJIUy_RUDiMZeJJ/s4000/20211022_190145.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNlzviMamcosgvC-v0DmmYKaECMrmmpPbD-BBqsBxo3BtqYxW7-tzEii76EPW_MU0S_ZrFqZTgUKigLZAMBtIgYudJPlOfmp4uKtQ36xC-OkIYRaYJervc72wIsUk7ZwqWLQZS-X6vljN1_j_kAo1KcvTPeynt2cXEY9x3NJpoDJIUy_RUDiMZeJJ/w240-h320/20211022_190145.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAUZsEOr5InJBUb-VS6jukzImUu39GtXXpXAVskPhzt9Fya6ssT8OkH-iqQEhjmBojGZYeJvTp4nZTSX5ey4m-sksUlZKqM0NfpEZX-mRczrufb3pW8zOWhkYy86Wp7kTGvuEKtAoHBLWNdipieEUchq3nM2a8BgYpYGcyy3QBmNZkqQXJxkkA4bg/s4000/20211022_153843.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAUZsEOr5InJBUb-VS6jukzImUu39GtXXpXAVskPhzt9Fya6ssT8OkH-iqQEhjmBojGZYeJvTp4nZTSX5ey4m-sksUlZKqM0NfpEZX-mRczrufb3pW8zOWhkYy86Wp7kTGvuEKtAoHBLWNdipieEUchq3nM2a8BgYpYGcyy3QBmNZkqQXJxkkA4bg/w400-h300/20211022_153843.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgoMXHOq_W2MH_gRKCCP8n_HLubz2wVj_7_gB--zRi1lrjno-BcoEGuvijMPkZOUtdYKgpEwmCj_gLBqd5LsFgwRN4ma_Dt7uorOcMhW-OgTRWpaQjygn_lTLINnTCvGNzoSG8wYI-HTTnVP-Ss568Pd0UrKM23JPlRsUb3iCmenpS9jBd0OR5zYI/s4000/20211022_154250.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgoMXHOq_W2MH_gRKCCP8n_HLubz2wVj_7_gB--zRi1lrjno-BcoEGuvijMPkZOUtdYKgpEwmCj_gLBqd5LsFgwRN4ma_Dt7uorOcMhW-OgTRWpaQjygn_lTLINnTCvGNzoSG8wYI-HTTnVP-Ss568Pd0UrKM23JPlRsUb3iCmenpS9jBd0OR5zYI/w200-h150/20211022_154250.jpg" width="200" /></a>Later once I was at home, I was clearing out my old handbag (Jennifer gave me a new one for my birthday) and it had lots of windscreen bits in it. Either from the initial impact or when the windscreen was knocked out to get the roof cut off the car. My handbag was on the floor in front of the passenger seat. Interestingly I don't remember if I had put it there when I first went out or on the seat beside me and it landed on the floor after the accident. Depending on what's in it or what else I am taking with me will determine where I put it! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I made progress with my healing of bones, scars and even the odd bit of thrush I had in my mouth, under my armpits and the groin (TMI?) but these infected areas were because I wasn't moving much so they became lovely warm breeding grounds. I also learnt to stand and walk again but that will be in another post.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">However there was a hic-cup along the way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHfe3KgTlq4djq5Hjcr0rWmqzRigpb9PE2MZVXBuQaThpxqoEEGW25DZ11zbYuBDEx4_A_6rcGq43HP8GhKw4KWSJfp8LFKl_rvm_DQgQiqoVbTHFQBFLaj-IvmW6PiDyknzlE7jTuhdWnww6Y6_WHr618zUfLOPEHgwWbEgItGo2HBq3pEmenVMN/s4000/20211109_130355.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHfe3KgTlq4djq5Hjcr0rWmqzRigpb9PE2MZVXBuQaThpxqoEEGW25DZ11zbYuBDEx4_A_6rcGq43HP8GhKw4KWSJfp8LFKl_rvm_DQgQiqoVbTHFQBFLaj-IvmW6PiDyknzlE7jTuhdWnww6Y6_WHr618zUfLOPEHgwWbEgItGo2HBq3pEmenVMN/w150-h200/20211109_130355.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>One thing at Pohlen was there were always activities to join in with or I would work on one of the 1,000 piece jigsaws they had. On the 9th November I was making a bracelet with beads and helping others to thread theirs. I was in my wheelchair and wanted to got to the toilet. I tried to 'back' the wheelchair but there was one of the hospital lazy-boy chairs parked with the brake on right behind me. I didn't think its brakes were on, (or it didn't occur to me) so tried to force my wheelchair to push it back. There was a sudden pain in my right arm where the plates were. I tried not to say anything but I really needed some pain relief. At first one of the carers said I'd have to wait but my 'favourite' saw how upset I was and took me straight to the nurses. I was given pain relief and a warm wheat pack.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Over the following days and weeks it still hurt and the nurses were worried, even the physiotherapist at Pohlen, so they had the doctor check it. But it was all put down to tissue injury or I had just pulled something!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='416' height='346' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxB4AVLnfwFkEylpCj2vCH7yn9V6dYgIupZtpFcY23blIWFcWZ6398I_N-nCuah0vEgLI-Kvo0o0ItqXUDStg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58D1hL10H-oAOo9_1zCPTHgErOFZl-tCY61GrqEQj_xmwsgcoV9hGJqbWbUFevKMLWzURnfQHSnRyv3J2A0KatubUrhSgfhkDlY7oEzjyU0hfLyByHinSIN6-da9PDW8YrD_liXGn_WpOJy1170bbd1_0sCxlfBgqEf6tGbLm0f_oyaWbOVIrz_hW/s3264/20211210_115255.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58D1hL10H-oAOo9_1zCPTHgErOFZl-tCY61GrqEQj_xmwsgcoV9hGJqbWbUFevKMLWzURnfQHSnRyv3J2A0KatubUrhSgfhkDlY7oEzjyU0hfLyByHinSIN6-da9PDW8YrD_liXGn_WpOJy1170bbd1_0sCxlfBgqEf6tGbLm0f_oyaWbOVIrz_hW/w240-h320/20211210_115255.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I sure had pulled something all right. </div><div><br /></div><div>Because I couldn't climb up into Harry's truck, our daughter Sarah would come and collect me and take me to Cambridge for hand therapy on my right hand, which also involved my arm. </div><div>On our third visit the physiotherapist was working away on my shoulder. Of course we had to wear masks because of COVID so she didn't see the painful faces I had while she did this. She suddenly stopped and said "What's that clicking sound?"</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFauk7W85uCFOHfg41r3r6MCgyTE5Sm0OVmP6AkvVbn27XPR5LIEbr4Zw5X2k0OEGH4WzDtDbTEw63FvVX95MrcC_6yc5yXiCs1SYeMWF-QfLVL9dq-zr04jq_CrwS17M7o_lmcYby_9jWlTf4mXyPN2WUUeY8y-K4Nm3LiH2pDQ_FDC9jaMs9TAi/s3264/20211221_165656.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFauk7W85uCFOHfg41r3r6MCgyTE5Sm0OVmP6AkvVbn27XPR5LIEbr4Zw5X2k0OEGH4WzDtDbTEw63FvVX95MrcC_6yc5yXiCs1SYeMWF-QfLVL9dq-zr04jq_CrwS17M7o_lmcYby_9jWlTf4mXyPN2WUUeY8y-K4Nm3LiH2pDQ_FDC9jaMs9TAi/w320-h240/20211221_165656.jpg" width="320" /></a>I said I'd noticed it a few times and she then said, "That's not right. We are stopping this now and I am sending you for urgent x-rays and a scan." She also said she was going to have the report sent immediately.</div><div><br /></div><div>We managed to get an appointment straight away in Cambridge and we were driving home when the physiotherapist rung to say she was sorry, but I would have to go back to hospital for more surgery to re-attach the main plate in my arm. She had let Pohlen hospital know and by the time I got back they had forms ready and the healthcare worker was helping pack my things. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once again I had no idea what the next stage of my journey would be but I wanted to come back there until the ramp to our entrance was erected at home so I could go home.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuwLq7uqArPhVqQ_2qVKbGPKa4k6BvUUpyawxacDQQ8CKqubCCqJvSI1PlZQZ4JAySHRIjCyb_QzFyEfSpA6qbI49V9lL2D4NNpeS8T2OklM7PBAojkP-vXgVh-AXZbKxuTOyV7yMGSK1gWLZVU4iinmhhhLYGZNIzMKFy0xI93qWK6E3AbMBqtOU/s4000/20211222_104300.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuwLq7uqArPhVqQ_2qVKbGPKa4k6BvUUpyawxacDQQ8CKqubCCqJvSI1PlZQZ4JAySHRIjCyb_QzFyEfSpA6qbI49V9lL2D4NNpeS8T2OklM7PBAojkP-vXgVh-AXZbKxuTOyV7yMGSK1gWLZVU4iinmhhhLYGZNIzMKFy0xI93qWK6E3AbMBqtOU/w240-h320/20211222_104300.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A clear view of the angle <br />the plate and break were</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHttXeIKsPWVnuH_BBbp05pZG4wY649G_hT3dnhhO49dw9cxUfWPUEUCF0rxp--qJ8rAIjOHgmJ85DgDhfCjNIgFXqKT7otbQkNiSl2Urn9sORHpXOB3_OPNLySZ2yB52fUZhi5YvTJPT1LlQMB7qvggI8mf2nMFnOSXLuTR1S6y787R2vqymXsTg7/s4000/20211222_104359.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHttXeIKsPWVnuH_BBbp05pZG4wY649G_hT3dnhhO49dw9cxUfWPUEUCF0rxp--qJ8rAIjOHgmJ85DgDhfCjNIgFXqKT7otbQkNiSl2Urn9sORHpXOB3_OPNLySZ2yB52fUZhi5YvTJPT1LlQMB7qvggI8mf2nMFnOSXLuTR1S6y787R2vqymXsTg7/w240-h320/20211222_104359.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top pin has come off the plate <br />while still in the bone<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>In the left x-ray you can clearly see the short plate attached (actually behind the bone) to help keep the shattered break in place. (This was in the initial repair on the 10th September.)</div><div><br /></div><div>The right x-ray, not only shows the dislodged plate and bone out of line again drastically, but how the top was protruding out so causing a bulge on the surface of my skin. This explained why it hurt to lie on my right side and why the manipulation at physio was so painful! It was like I had broken my arm again.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was 21st of December - Christmas in Hospital </div><div>But as always God has everything in order.</div><div><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jennifer had decided to come down from Hamilton with the grandchildren to visit so. We believe that was God's plan so I had transport back up to the hospital with out having to book an ambulance which would have taken some time as it wasn't an emergency.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Hzg42wk_DdAVJhFnF2hYev8YouLKNwyuLGug3kq8LfgHInTsQbCTboO-0CAKmAM8IpNVFVPVT_eU1Z3UZ9biUQrK351GvcldederoytKHfscw6Kos3OkkntI7c4XhvpTUOq_1bDhTyi6tPYu0vgi7s-nT0So_PnnkmiuzU4sJb-q1Wa32rPBedv-/s4000/20211229_104929.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Hzg42wk_DdAVJhFnF2hYev8YouLKNwyuLGug3kq8LfgHInTsQbCTboO-0CAKmAM8IpNVFVPVT_eU1Z3UZ9biUQrK351GvcldederoytKHfscw6Kos3OkkntI7c4XhvpTUOq_1bDhTyi6tPYu0vgi7s-nT0So_PnnkmiuzU4sJb-q1Wa32rPBedv-/w240-h320/20211229_104929.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsUSSDZ5nxFTvnCvr0MwsDH08nE-MCpywvYdmDIhRixzb5TzlsDlb8dHapKNREanGTXxj9j94jVi7deFuRKv6Wt9zeMP1DRAUSeMnGngxSVViuYDiePQ3OSuhYLNI9TSB-O8Ff6VsS9Jn4QwGCfibdB53jlm0K65wpEbSDh0O4JvIKK0qhJOMwcXZ/s4000/20220118_131307.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsUSSDZ5nxFTvnCvr0MwsDH08nE-MCpywvYdmDIhRixzb5TzlsDlb8dHapKNREanGTXxj9j94jVi7deFuRKv6Wt9zeMP1DRAUSeMnGngxSVViuYDiePQ3OSuhYLNI9TSB-O8Ff6VsS9Jn4QwGCfibdB53jlm0K65wpEbSDh0O4JvIKK0qhJOMwcXZ/w300-h400/20220118_131307.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rod in the middle of two longer plates</td></tr></tbody></table>It was with mixed emotions I went through this. One, I was not going to be able to go home for Christmas day. Two, I had become excited to be celebrating Christmas at Pohlen, as I had helped organize a few things and I wouldn't be a part of it now. Three, my recovery had taken a step backwards. </div><div><br /></div><div>To cut a long story short, the metal plate had come away from the bone and pins when I had yanked on the wheelchair, so I had to have surgery again to re-attach it. I was admitted back into Waikato hospital up to the orthopedics ward where I waited for a slot to have the surgery. Emergencies always come first depending on their seriousness so I was scheduled for first thing in the morning on Christmas Eve. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had a four hour surgery where the first plates and pins were removed and longer plates were put on both sides of the humorous. A centimeter of jagged bone was cut out at the break for a cleaner healing. A nine centimeter rod was inserted into the bone (For some reason I thought this would be a couple of centimeters long!) to help hold it together and allow a stronger healing. This also meant a much longer incision in my arm but they did cut along the previous scar.</div><div><br /></div><div>After surgery to prevent blood clots especially in my legs and because I was unable to walk with out holding onto support, I had feet pumps attached to my feet to keep blood moving. They were quite funny to watch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8m-2HDJ5oqg" width="320" youtube-src-id="8m-2HDJ5oqg"></iframe></div><div>But with it all God was blessing the whole situation and I could constantly see His hand in the goodness I experienced.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZZshemPdhjqYAZdCvukqzUsoXpR4oZ_gXowXHztZnSiXXRDGmqSFC1JcYv2YouIiC9CCZ360rHJYBtUQNuUnVbmY6Jpu0kpr_qJgi1muBYqQU4etUUl7tX95MIkic_yhU29QSM48Apt0VMGYKZxDFyGtiEdllvLQI4yG0xz2hTg-QBnfTuBKr6hi/s4000/20211222_163827.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZZshemPdhjqYAZdCvukqzUsoXpR4oZ_gXowXHztZnSiXXRDGmqSFC1JcYv2YouIiC9CCZ360rHJYBtUQNuUnVbmY6Jpu0kpr_qJgi1muBYqQU4etUUl7tX95MIkic_yhU29QSM48Apt0VMGYKZxDFyGtiEdllvLQI4yG0xz2hTg-QBnfTuBKr6hi/w240-h320/20211222_163827.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAaZVgQDbq-iIhnLNTw6qVTwgaXpkBhffw2Mw-yG7mpD0P7mDsAbT4pfCASqV_n0jaT7PfFkJpTnHSdwm9CRHM-1yGIubVlszDP0kFmjrrsEwFBqkma-FHCRtCSDqe0f3mreXR_GNJtuhnZrh415SO7rHHdJkUbUxLM6mbsc4a3O4XhL5Pk0Gr6O3/w320-h240/20211223_212928.jpg" width="320" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>On the third day I got moved to a window bed (6 beds in the room) and the lady across from me was also back due to complications to her post accident injuries and we were both in for Christmas. Other patients left their flowers behind for us. One of the health care workers had could do amazing calligraphy and did our bed signs. Someone was out flying a hot air balloon and I could see it drift by. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I was still doing my daily <a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/02/gratefulness.html" target="_blank">Facebook grateful posts</a> I was finding little gems everyday.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTT5jX7VR_xmIkm04_IiEIPoOApyuWmJBq-0aCThglSY-oBXZXdVkMPmWIY-NhdTWHYYaJkjDeyRClN88loVORFP4tV1TbbrIYfxpvQcLN5baxrymobVBV0QyFDvB4E4fbE8t8yufYiSewjePqabgokYospncPqxZ7NWoHbLbjWwJ2aFH3euBCVT5g/s4000/20211228_120732.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTT5jX7VR_xmIkm04_IiEIPoOApyuWmJBq-0aCThglSY-oBXZXdVkMPmWIY-NhdTWHYYaJkjDeyRClN88loVORFP4tV1TbbrIYfxpvQcLN5baxrymobVBV0QyFDvB4E4fbE8t8yufYiSewjePqabgokYospncPqxZ7NWoHbLbjWwJ2aFH3euBCVT5g/w240-h320/20211228_120732.jpg" width="240" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJM7N3_6LnODGKouKf4dDlnPu77ZIzdXRR0V_2RNWpHrO918VXidHTbIcYOCJGEKCRwIcGMPzj0iUZqBx9IqKS78-A4uuCX-oKtE1hIR-MMT27OS74Txi6eL1H_xxhvtUwviFg5__2d6SKsKYe4thRI22gY08D2jpZbPByHr3Ti5quaSEkuMIiB_Y/s4000/20211227_072320.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJM7N3_6LnODGKouKf4dDlnPu77ZIzdXRR0V_2RNWpHrO918VXidHTbIcYOCJGEKCRwIcGMPzj0iUZqBx9IqKS78-A4uuCX-oKtE1hIR-MMT27OS74Txi6eL1H_xxhvtUwviFg5__2d6SKsKYe4thRI22gY08D2jpZbPByHr3Ti5quaSEkuMIiB_Y/w240-h320/20211227_072320.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN0vjTtmUagpxKWrtKMj-fHt5XOefVxK4DjclLx_byrcFx8jncyvSftVYLdJVAT_6k1d-dV1TeR0KfT1uPbv4cAJjaQJ8h2fHerqeb76XXE-V7pn-FJk3qjficB-IQK9Q66L6xRoYVF-I1-PGnqjzLcio2Ae-co7fW86hgweMFXt_XKvYUdRxE70R/s4000/20211228_072508.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN0vjTtmUagpxKWrtKMj-fHt5XOefVxK4DjclLx_byrcFx8jncyvSftVYLdJVAT_6k1d-dV1TeR0KfT1uPbv4cAJjaQJ8h2fHerqeb76XXE-V7pn-FJk3qjficB-IQK9Q66L6xRoYVF-I1-PGnqjzLcio2Ae-co7fW86hgweMFXt_XKvYUdRxE70R/w300-h400/20211228_072508.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">The menu and meals for Christmas day were special for the occasion.The meals at Pohlen were designed for older people, not so 'hot and spicy' with easy to chew and digestive friendly food. But contrary to a lot of peoples comments, I actually enjoy public hospital food. Maybe it's because I haven't had to cook it myself and there is a variety with a lot of things my hubby doesn't like. But Christmas day's food was lovely. The menu for choosing what you would like comes the day before and Christmas day's menu was on gold card rather than the white A4 paper.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4Qt-YiPh9cuP6hnbNUxd3A6iRdqKFfTxaqz7cs5U8F4EbiXEbL8uDv473nVzZNVTthyjs7gRIVrPUSfCkit51Tgrp6i-gOal2Iz49lxSHZzhkzPUMrgIc37Av3hCapWqI1BivAHAaSKkT-r5aG3fN-JIEhaf5fbZ4Cb8Z8PLVBxCWksOCnw0aTfE/s4000/20211225_181534.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4Qt-YiPh9cuP6hnbNUxd3A6iRdqKFfTxaqz7cs5U8F4EbiXEbL8uDv473nVzZNVTthyjs7gRIVrPUSfCkit51Tgrp6i-gOal2Iz49lxSHZzhkzPUMrgIc37Av3hCapWqI1BivAHAaSKkT-r5aG3fN-JIEhaf5fbZ4Cb8Z8PLVBxCWksOCnw0aTfE/w320-h240/20211225_181534.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2Txutg_M6D3DeJKh2ywnkdasD6zTfvY2ggkhqPCKE129DLM6JQw-GlFa6H0qwokK4unPKFQt2SFQzulPjSPQxd75KSLMWX41CeCOdrMiP32-IqQpwC1XGAoheDcdV_aA3cs0SMQx8DVRlYdcR2vTo4NfcAFGHC6gi8FDVTx3VgYErY_3uCsGeBCJ/s4000/20211225_071819.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrRckxxdZEozIxFSmuKBD8jpgOC0t1LJ5le0lDLzBCnT4ywqwiFSCAwyKjkai5ozQFw6VNG3S7ajLzHhmoTJqFLxc4i6oxat3iDrnrWUDajo82eMFEdhbjDcTcxTQLXH8wJptBGAJpJn9V_WNS-ulVxt_aqgVuW5b_-l0IDaxZFX-sAbwxQ8dKM5y/s3264/20211224_072516.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrRckxxdZEozIxFSmuKBD8jpgOC0t1LJ5le0lDLzBCnT4ywqwiFSCAwyKjkai5ozQFw6VNG3S7ajLzHhmoTJqFLxc4i6oxat3iDrnrWUDajo82eMFEdhbjDcTcxTQLXH8wJptBGAJpJn9V_WNS-ulVxt_aqgVuW5b_-l0IDaxZFX-sAbwxQ8dKM5y/w320-h240/20211224_072516.jpg" width="320" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2Txutg_M6D3DeJKh2ywnkdasD6zTfvY2ggkhqPCKE129DLM6JQw-GlFa6H0qwokK4unPKFQt2SFQzulPjSPQxd75KSLMWX41CeCOdrMiP32-IqQpwC1XGAoheDcdV_aA3cs0SMQx8DVRlYdcR2vTo4NfcAFGHC6gi8FDVTx3VgYErY_3uCsGeBCJ/w240-h320/20211225_071819.jpg" width="240" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I forgot to take a pic of the lunch meal which was a lovely cheese log with a fresh salad but the extra touches of special 'real plates instead of the blue hospital bowls, tray mats (Usually there weren't any), Christmas serviettes and a typical festive menu helped make it special. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All the wards and even the pre and post op rooms were decorated in a Christmas way. When you are lying on your back and being wheeled on a bed this looks very festive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_91FeO7aB4ZVBmWUVGbNzgEjwgz31yJ19b6Xlt-R_rfP5IXASNOjl5eABL-Gy8C02Z5mYAKGRTsdyb8pjdXVzvUJ4uOydOr86AwBTidg9mPSRTT6l7sh3vRqqletNqGS9_mNr7K5y136aw2Yf7N3quejWaVK2xaCyx1n_bBYh7QvhhgeUT-PSbn3/s4000/20211227_171011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_91FeO7aB4ZVBmWUVGbNzgEjwgz31yJ19b6Xlt-R_rfP5IXASNOjl5eABL-Gy8C02Z5mYAKGRTsdyb8pjdXVzvUJ4uOydOr86AwBTidg9mPSRTT6l7sh3vRqqletNqGS9_mNr7K5y136aw2Yf7N3quejWaVK2xaCyx1n_bBYh7QvhhgeUT-PSbn3/w640-h480/20211227_171011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The day before I was to be transferred back to Pohlen I was moved up to the other Orthopedic ward. It was a revamped area and certainly was refreshing. There were a lot of the people who had cared for me back in September and it was so good to see familiar faces and have them fuss over me. They were amazed to see me walk and said they don't usually get to see people like me coming back to show them how far they had come. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MVHzmJXiSSo" width="320" youtube-src-id="MVHzmJXiSSo"></iframe></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To come....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/12/living-at-pohlen-hospital.html" target="_blank">Living at Pohlen</a> Hospital</div></div></div></div></div></div>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-67387091176647468702022-11-14T23:09:00.005+13:002023-09-11T01:03:53.436+12:00The Road of Recovery - Part 1<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpCriIYKG7ABuIWkRx-5adlGbz0YcuXF3ONNQWSxj0vK7KnoNu68CMwY-jT_YZT1P3TsmYx0JkgncrXo4TmIcALDK1RgBbwa85Iz1smvmrK3NWuKf1I9V6tWbPmNuNGZCpVxhdcSOng05Cf_w13IcQep3zOdgSBjszKShLMGOV3g1MKpdEwLpqYJ4/s3264/20211205_144130.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpCriIYKG7ABuIWkRx-5adlGbz0YcuXF3ONNQWSxj0vK7KnoNu68CMwY-jT_YZT1P3TsmYx0JkgncrXo4TmIcALDK1RgBbwa85Iz1smvmrK3NWuKf1I9V6tWbPmNuNGZCpVxhdcSOng05Cf_w13IcQep3zOdgSBjszKShLMGOV3g1MKpdEwLpqYJ4/w150-h200/20211205_144130.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Continuing on from my previous posts<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/my-journey-of-faith.html" target="_blank">My Journey of Faith</a></li><li><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/my-life-changed.html" target="_blank">My Life Changed</a></li></ol><div>This post will be about what my recovery looked like. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As I write this I am still 'growing' bone in the breaks to fully knit them together and it is now fourteen months since the accident. The surgeon was right, it is taking a long time. But the breaks in my arm and legs just get really sore when I have walked, stood or moved them a lot. I was told that this is one of those times when the saying "No pain - no gain" is true. If I just rested the bone would not grow, but because I am using them and causing pressure and a friction it is signally the need for bone growth. If I over do it I know, as it hurts and I need to rest and have a sleep. (Nana naps!)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjFlll1ROjFJQ8-v89Oprs2KwpWOYFj6i-T8huVucfieNUOhL6E1A-NTqkRN3m2WMcmrVQYcjAw3gECCyfzkQgMWctGoLun0qY9X6i1CwW8ubpAUUXJ29C1071Ddrl8rLVHIHW29Yrml4nTvW2R55OIJ_AzkyeZPX1WP8bR1PMLA0i0Bkty5FnPjW/s853/277822084_3127489040854105_3170919655416014303_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjFlll1ROjFJQ8-v89Oprs2KwpWOYFj6i-T8huVucfieNUOhL6E1A-NTqkRN3m2WMcmrVQYcjAw3gECCyfzkQgMWctGoLun0qY9X6i1CwW8ubpAUUXJ29C1071Ddrl8rLVHIHW29Yrml4nTvW2R55OIJ_AzkyeZPX1WP8bR1PMLA0i0Bkty5FnPjW/w300-h400/277822084_3127489040854105_3170919655416014303_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiri0pSMuiHQz2g8Hb7j_z5sn9NwwWSh_wkMgg4y0jjPl8t4Ufb5QL9kBzwxFcnNCCNTjql37pkICRZeF4PQ4aGhBkJI1EVG540JhVxoo_pxwhR_wmj0Qa84Knmd3IGTNJH-MyQMzg6-jO5XHWUGXMnNfMoDf65Z78MNkpDIt3a7tgqCKiIP6eOBK/s853/277823451_295274506091170_3929698867930288695_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiri0pSMuiHQz2g8Hb7j_z5sn9NwwWSh_wkMgg4y0jjPl8t4Ufb5QL9kBzwxFcnNCCNTjql37pkICRZeF4PQ4aGhBkJI1EVG540JhVxoo_pxwhR_wmj0Qa84Knmd3IGTNJH-MyQMzg6-jO5XHWUGXMnNfMoDf65Z78MNkpDIt3a7tgqCKiIP6eOBK/w300-h400/277823451_295274506091170_3929698867930288695_n.jpg" width="300" /></a>Understandably I don't recall much of the two days after the accident and the 8 hour surgery. I do know that our daughter Jennifer, came a few times bringing me things I needed (lip balm) or treats, like rose Turkish Delight, Lady Grey t-bags, salted caramel chocolate and dates. And just seeing her and the joy in her face when she saw me so much better than she had anticipated, was like cheering me on.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the pics show there were lots of tubes in and around me and I had a button to self manage pain relief every 15 minutes. Sometimes I had to be reminded to push it but I just wasn't awake enough and I think that I would just forget that it was my responsibility to push it and not wait to be told. Food would come and I would attempt to eat it but it just all seemed a bit much. I don't think I really understood the extent of my injuries either. But I know I was just so happy to be alive and knew that it was because of God. This just made me smile and people found it almost strange that I smiled so much. But then they hadn't seen what I had seen.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4khFkgmC-Z028laSFxM-WfDZE4y6SXWZSqHoJy4a9cPB3Xt37vUNH_-IdoJLAOAycWzicG3X_-feiwK6eWMiE6N6Y4p7cP2lIfQ_r2cvCnt4HN1BDOMftRIoxReVq_bx5mkVaPfFVmr10Mw1vd9K-x9LdpDP9LV1Mv6L_bv-YZjCMG03fxatq6OaW/s853/277456377_321011576617721_1615211593419535559_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4khFkgmC-Z028laSFxM-WfDZE4y6SXWZSqHoJy4a9cPB3Xt37vUNH_-IdoJLAOAycWzicG3X_-feiwK6eWMiE6N6Y4p7cP2lIfQ_r2cvCnt4HN1BDOMftRIoxReVq_bx5mkVaPfFVmr10Mw1vd9K-x9LdpDP9LV1Mv6L_bv-YZjCMG03fxatq6OaW/w300-h400/277456377_321011576617721_1615211593419535559_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>On Sunday 12th September I was moved from the High Dependency Unit to a single room in the Orthopedic ward. I was there for a week. During this time movement was very painful. I had an air mattress to sleep on, on top of the bed. It consisted of pockets that were sort of individually air-filled. I was turned every four hours which involved three people shifting pillows and gently rolling me on the count of three from one side to the other and then layering pillows all around to support me. In the first weeks this was extremely painful. Some times I was rolled onto my side so close to the edge of the bed I really had to relax and trust they were not going to let me fall.</div><div><br /></div><div>I remembered when I first arrived in the ward I was definitely in a different space and it felt like being in a prison cell and I couldn't turn to see around it. Going from a large area where there were nurses and doctors around constantly either monitoring me and the machines or someone else near me, to be in a room on my own with no-one around was hard. I remember being desperate for company or someone to come and make sure I was ok. But by the time I left, I felt it had been "my room" as I couldn't and didn't go anywhere else except the shower about four times. I had a catheter in and had to use a bed pan when the urge arose. </div><div><br /></div><div>At first I was only allowed family to visit and then we went into lockdown again so there were a few days with no visitors. That was a bit hard but I slept a lot so it didn't really matter. Medical staff became friends and one charge nurse would come and see me first thing and when he was leaving just to chat as he said I was doing so well. I told him my story and when I had to go back later for more surgery he was there and remembered. He said then how well I had done.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRjFpbuvjOjEIVXRruTQR0kxGj0P2Zg31NWAuShTxeQrr2OHPrqoS6SCKtn9buEYHosYgpr9sHVc5KjaUfXnMiNgMnBWCDy0llkBQK2-Dwsn0HPaTjOV_b79JQLWy0CjsKwtQGI5T3jQkd4aHQdyC4AWSJhgP0cyEXb30CdC0oxeZgpiah5tiDq5O/s206/sling%20Waikato%20DHB.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRjFpbuvjOjEIVXRruTQR0kxGj0P2Zg31NWAuShTxeQrr2OHPrqoS6SCKtn9buEYHosYgpr9sHVc5KjaUfXnMiNgMnBWCDy0llkBQK2-Dwsn0HPaTjOV_b79JQLWy0CjsKwtQGI5T3jQkd4aHQdyC4AWSJhgP0cyEXb30CdC0oxeZgpiah5tiDq5O/w320-h320/sling%20Waikato%20DHB.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the sling being hoisted onto an air chair<br />at Waikato Hospital</td></tr></tbody></table>I was encouraged to have showers on alternate days and these too were extremely painful. They involved having the hospital gown being removed and covered in towels. Large plastic bags would be taped to all my supports covering the dressings on my legs and arm. I would then be rolled in to the hoist sling then hoisted off the bed, lowered on to a commode where the sling was pulled out from around me. I was then moved to the shower and then someone would shower me. The showering was nice but the process was hard. </div><div><br /></div><div>One time a health care worker was doing this as my nurse had been called away. She was not the best, as I had come to know here, as she was always on her phone and constantly hanging out for her meal and snack breaks. This wasn't my concern in the big scheme of things, but on this particular morning she was watching the clock for her lunch break and saying how hungry she was and annoyed my nurse wasn't showering me. In her hurry she ripped the tape off from the top of the plastic bags that were taped to my bare legs and it was so painful I fainted. The next thing there were people all around me and I was being taken back to my room as fast as possible. I heard a doctor say "There are too many people in this room." and there was a dramatic exit of a lot of people. Tests were done to make sure I had not had a stroke, but all was well. I told them what I remembered happened and they were most apologetic. I didn't see the health care worker again.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigclr8C5meRgRpxEN6fYPf3WCqygGGfEFV9T9qWGB0YYu4TmsQbuuCInNzRaChASgAk7_-_WHzgZYwNm91riemFhpl6K3LEzrA4xFAukONF3b4UmJd-GQd4-LtaCc9tzO3pW1ttuM8FFU5_d20D8tDg1wwn1h1CRH8Q7RL7GxsflOGh4EbfuDsC0ou/s2000/20220525_111552%20(002).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigclr8C5meRgRpxEN6fYPf3WCqygGGfEFV9T9qWGB0YYu4TmsQbuuCInNzRaChASgAk7_-_WHzgZYwNm91riemFhpl6K3LEzrA4xFAukONF3b4UmJd-GQd4-LtaCc9tzO3pW1ttuM8FFU5_d20D8tDg1wwn1h1CRH8Q7RL7GxsflOGh4EbfuDsC0ou/s320/20220525_111552%20(002).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>And lunch was pumpkin soup - my favourite - I learnt through this time how much God even took care of the little things.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>As shown in the previous post I had a lot of metal inserted in my right arm and leg and although I was reminded of them through pain in the first few weeks it was the incisions, stitches and bandages that reminded me most and the recovery from them helped show me my progress. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiDsUUa4PZk0JKtaHsOgPwJREwE0EfUZHmCToaU3ALCjxigpFKDoQASWvwk66ZYwijttRSj8tn8Mg_SHL19pxeaFKUcBIecAOb2e8cKb18r7cjw2infGmna44imlQlLSRBiPcsTswpoZZTgKaNDQSSyXBw7JW0sx5g0VXqgSV5gTCNKuGehP45uOP/s4000/20210921_100835.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiDsUUa4PZk0JKtaHsOgPwJREwE0EfUZHmCToaU3ALCjxigpFKDoQASWvwk66ZYwijttRSj8tn8Mg_SHL19pxeaFKUcBIecAOb2e8cKb18r7cjw2infGmna44imlQlLSRBiPcsTswpoZZTgKaNDQSSyXBw7JW0sx5g0VXqgSV5gTCNKuGehP45uOP/w240-h320/20210921_100835.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removal of surgery dressing and padding.<br />21st September<br />Ordinary dressing used from no on</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><div>My left knee had an interesting "T" incision for where the patella had pins in to hold it together as it had shattered. Interestingly enough the surgeon told me that the patella is not really essential and you can get by with out it, but they had repaired it for me. I had been waiting and was getting knee replacement done on the right knee in the October but this accident has put everything on hold</div><div><br /></div><div>The stitches were removed from all incisions on September 27th. Though one of the wounds was not good as per below</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6N9ylYKu_8bME1AyAeIdtGZ2CnJ0IeEX86EUW5uP3vnbjK2c44w-rZ_3CN0no_Jxr9hoekxoEmtOkPiVFLWYit5A1T4o0wtB-_DKFWsiohNgdV7QcJYqRXXlriHe7ZlzJ__29IKd0bjcx8ZiFl4MsrfxPw5tIt6oPetnby5SnDsXv7DGT53HAv4m/s3264/20210927_154446.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6N9ylYKu_8bME1AyAeIdtGZ2CnJ0IeEX86EUW5uP3vnbjK2c44w-rZ_3CN0no_Jxr9hoekxoEmtOkPiVFLWYit5A1T4o0wtB-_DKFWsiohNgdV7QcJYqRXXlriHe7ZlzJ__29IKd0bjcx8ZiFl4MsrfxPw5tIt6oPetnby5SnDsXv7DGT53HAv4m/s320/20210927_154446.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before stitch removal on 27 September<br />Bruising</td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6Q6b4OAmd24p5y2OUbG95YfNhNYbpI6CYcyneJQ80ZOtcNindnpoTiHTURo7lxz2orOBng8_Skr0_ztMLxlwj2oSKsojYVVzSOSTEtX_vgV8tWKPoXizxzNA2nHs3Tmb7xz3oz2DVQKr6EsnsPl0TyaAhR4whDztNgUq9WEOfFyBqYkgGGuUMu9e/s3397/20210927_161157.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3397" data-original-width="2547" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6Q6b4OAmd24p5y2OUbG95YfNhNYbpI6CYcyneJQ80ZOtcNindnpoTiHTURo7lxz2orOBng8_Skr0_ztMLxlwj2oSKsojYVVzSOSTEtX_vgV8tWKPoXizxzNA2nHs3Tmb7xz3oz2DVQKr6EsnsPl0TyaAhR4whDztNgUq9WEOfFyBqYkgGGuUMu9e/s320/20210927_161157.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After stitch remove. Still a lot of bruising</td></tr></tbody></table>The wounds were coated in iodine and redressed for continued healing and prevention from infections after this for another month.</div><div><br /></div><div>The health care workers wanted to draw eyes in the "T" shape when it had healed enough to have no dressings on it. They thought it looked like a nose and mouth</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I am sorry if you don't like looking at these sorts of pictures but it is part of my story.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumJPg5ockMku28eyJBFfdMPcRI8ibQt5LfSsZV79mErlHUbIMaebLkAT81F_Pn30RYL9YJzh1okK1UyNjPyImW12r03WLE2LJvBr1pJnkkxOE2DZ3_DZo8ZS2DBZZ1IHHHk1pyJryImDERGjFYQxKMCUNb8u2dfw1LtY7QPFVZtIjxoRGMgitqj78/s2000/20220525_111507%20(003).jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumJPg5ockMku28eyJBFfdMPcRI8ibQt5LfSsZV79mErlHUbIMaebLkAT81F_Pn30RYL9YJzh1okK1UyNjPyImW12r03WLE2LJvBr1pJnkkxOE2DZ3_DZo8ZS2DBZZ1IHHHk1pyJryImDERGjFYQxKMCUNb8u2dfw1LtY7QPFVZtIjxoRGMgitqj78/s320/20220525_111507%20(003).jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Femur breaks<br />Pins holding plate at knee<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeHS-U9ZLOaWBLJs1EWle7G40gOMGDYdU9TIhkvDFyOFMJcdDOsumPTnFG7EyYni7XIxO9xrXyshHG8kXrFSIje119Y62Y1DNuX1N-oUNlTEYC8s6X-5rUaKOkkG4vIWjnFBlQEx18xFXdeveJ92ajN-sptTEN9a5tVFp2IPLr6PBjccu4RFhsyup/s2000/20220525_111459%20(002).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeHS-U9ZLOaWBLJs1EWle7G40gOMGDYdU9TIhkvDFyOFMJcdDOsumPTnFG7EyYni7XIxO9xrXyshHG8kXrFSIje119Y62Y1DNuX1N-oUNlTEYC8s6X-5rUaKOkkG4vIWjnFBlQEx18xFXdeveJ92ajN-sptTEN9a5tVFp2IPLr6PBjccu4RFhsyup/s320/20220525_111459%20(002).jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bolt attaching ball of hip <br />to the top of the femur </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>The right side of my body was impacted the most as the car landed in the ditch on its right side. I received injuries from the car body (arm rest and the door - sort of imploding as there were no airbags on the side of the car) my lower legs and knees from the thrusting forward of the dashboard and then my body being forced against and being held by the seatbelt. (sternum, ribs and vertebrae - top and bottom) </div></div><div><br /></div><div>The ball of the hip broke off so it was bolted into place and the bolt then pinned to the top of the long plate holding the femur straight so the two bone breaks heal connected. The first one near the base of the bolt (see in the pic on the left, sort of in the middle of the x-ray and near the top of the pic of the x-ray on the right) <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDK-BEzKYODevdJEkhGOFPcwT7aSdUNlVH_TcDrXDNeXtMjw58zxPKafY9taGSRZm1ws3vrQZlKfoLsmu_Sjrz4A7rEI4fzl3KDuh0tH-wvcgS4IMamCnmSDes7f27opEnyXLwU5wIB-psm7xlDusF93k8rrzV_1xXR3tgg2YAkg6ojd2OrUYf8dh/s4000/20210927_161202.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDK-BEzKYODevdJEkhGOFPcwT7aSdUNlVH_TcDrXDNeXtMjw58zxPKafY9taGSRZm1ws3vrQZlKfoLsmu_Sjrz4A7rEI4fzl3KDuh0tH-wvcgS4IMamCnmSDes7f27opEnyXLwU5wIB-psm7xlDusF93k8rrzV_1xXR3tgg2YAkg6ojd2OrUYf8dh/s320/20210927_161202.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stitch removal 27th September</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>The second break is right at the base of the femur and probably caused by the impact of the dashboard. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7blbUb-oewtXX1wwcgmpkFlbEwONcMxULQP_NhsVnZpmSYQAqmpyTpeFV8gaKux9zajqnztbvs-hYC0zQ0ZMcPuAyXU_LMIr6sDt0AVhuRCL6GgnywIeg0RHn-SkxzKALkEA6BQ_QYVjIe_ErTxV9v8z604ImXxTbZ4yNIt9vmVieJwxB8T_1Cwv/s4000/20210921_100900.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7blbUb-oewtXX1wwcgmpkFlbEwONcMxULQP_NhsVnZpmSYQAqmpyTpeFV8gaKux9zajqnztbvs-hYC0zQ0ZMcPuAyXU_LMIr6sDt0AVhuRCL6GgnywIeg0RHn-SkxzKALkEA6BQ_QYVjIe_ErTxV9v8z604ImXxTbZ4yNIt9vmVieJwxB8T_1Cwv/s320/20210921_100900.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">21st September</td></tr></tbody></table>The patella (kneecap) area was just flushed out as there were no breaks</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The incision at the top of the right leg which was to allow entrance to insert the bolt in the hip became quite infected. </div><div>I was not aware of this as the pain was just what I thought was all part of the overall injury - break, surgery, added metal and stitches.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhI7vaEqaCCMBnBot0tVpITkArsyw1CjULbFYTzilXTIsJnjM072_207Y97As1YD6Kax7T6yl15KTO8_rT-760ySWx4lQN4Ms6-gzyWnFwJXKYmkO6pvMKVBqtdk_c-mqE0Uy9hNummgQD8ddYVueWtsrnluKAeMUW77cnIMKgR1mgnBYQmDRp24Bg/s4000/20210927_161558.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhI7vaEqaCCMBnBot0tVpITkArsyw1CjULbFYTzilXTIsJnjM072_207Y97As1YD6Kax7T6yl15KTO8_rT-760ySWx4lQN4Ms6-gzyWnFwJXKYmkO6pvMKVBqtdk_c-mqE0Uy9hNummgQD8ddYVueWtsrnluKAeMUW77cnIMKgR1mgnBYQmDRp24Bg/s320/20210927_161558.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper leg incision<br />Infected</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwn9Ndh8mtde007hyLoRIi2_jC4FQELLtKiLPhyKIJZsPUB5yBLmp-ihaAkrhsjy8fy1uFfW8nJQq0ZM5j__k7qptCe1TtpP45jc-rkNPFXZSG2eW2Yzk61hKJyw8QFDP01PdNAyTxZmU6Ls5Ne8BTqruDjQpac3mdWfk0tJEvouFwlJEyf4L06FX/s4000/20210927_184200.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwn9Ndh8mtde007hyLoRIi2_jC4FQELLtKiLPhyKIJZsPUB5yBLmp-ihaAkrhsjy8fy1uFfW8nJQq0ZM5j__k7qptCe1TtpP45jc-rkNPFXZSG2eW2Yzk61hKJyw8QFDP01PdNAyTxZmU6Ls5Ne8BTqruDjQpac3mdWfk0tJEvouFwlJEyf4L06FX/s320/20210927_184200.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tap for reinforcing the incision <br />after stitch removal</td></tr></tbody></table>Strong tape was attached when the stitches were removed to prevent any reopening of the wound. I was also prescribed a course of antibiotics. But people prayed and it healed very quickly to the nurses surprise!</div><div>There had been a concern if the wound reopened I would have to go back to Waikato for surgery and cleaning but I was asked to pray to "Whoever you pray to" and God prevented that from happening. </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4w_RSprqQU71v7Ubi_rX2W4xv_WPVpwwwGwnSl2IDvBQO8uUPKgSiF3eYcMtCQ1379gHRLMVjRMhNcXZOWJopguWgbSsrYo9XI8xpHFWmArPCG7GMUiQtaqBgKGyuGEqp5NKdzMW9JyJ1A8778fa9ppID2CDpTz3ezf2NU5fxQC9OmyXjiv0Ks2w2/s4000/20211012_114828.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4w_RSprqQU71v7Ubi_rX2W4xv_WPVpwwwGwnSl2IDvBQO8uUPKgSiF3eYcMtCQ1379gHRLMVjRMhNcXZOWJopguWgbSsrYo9XI8xpHFWmArPCG7GMUiQtaqBgKGyuGEqp5NKdzMW9JyJ1A8778fa9ppID2CDpTz3ezf2NU5fxQC9OmyXjiv0Ks2w2/w640-h480/20211012_114828.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38rEtVbROTMBZK9dxDBhuFimyhNsMho8BBlBOTh4LYO-XNYYS_DaWNtoJ4VqrQ_dxLDQD2apZKpGL_zCD4jW7c9b0L_Ymk0P9bjkz8mNBb4BgowNeUvkp2XE-LZbj3xW_fR_FIWkv64zNBvD1t1kPTAdUu73t4dzFFWep3Ak2n7ASeKKulfLxVSNM/s3264/20211001_194625.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38rEtVbROTMBZK9dxDBhuFimyhNsMho8BBlBOTh4LYO-XNYYS_DaWNtoJ4VqrQ_dxLDQD2apZKpGL_zCD4jW7c9b0L_Ymk0P9bjkz8mNBb4BgowNeUvkp2XE-LZbj3xW_fR_FIWkv64zNBvD1t1kPTAdUu73t4dzFFWep3Ak2n7ASeKKulfLxVSNM/w300-h400/20211001_194625.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The padded braces that were worn<br /> instead of having plaster<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The black foam braces were strapped to my legs at all times and were not to be removed even for showering. </div><div>There were dials at both sides of the knees that were adjusted, at my orthopedic appointments, to allow for movement in the knees to bend a little with each adjustment. These replaced the use of plaster casts as there was a need to attend to the dressings, stitches etc. every couple of days. They were allowed to be opened for airing when I was lying supported on my bed. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately the injury to the shattered break in my humorous has a different story.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>The break was messy as you can see in the x-rays and there were two plates a long one and a shorter one to help hold the bones in place.</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_6HNVtHfxiU8hCMci2qkWXm4atOpVKb4F2PtqufUhrQRQNrW-PzpaMT_8_zuSxt0moZwVJjogjcSstgN09p6OWNLby-7_X-UXrEDCuoF9SQ1YkYr8oxCdM2yN5ZfkmOKIYgOUsFujT_nHm4FiM9hPFnhKE5SEkB1ssoqtJa3gwm9yHl4mNfQVZUs/s2000/Arm%20break.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_6HNVtHfxiU8hCMci2qkWXm4atOpVKb4F2PtqufUhrQRQNrW-PzpaMT_8_zuSxt0moZwVJjogjcSstgN09p6OWNLby-7_X-UXrEDCuoF9SQ1YkYr8oxCdM2yN5ZfkmOKIYgOUsFujT_nHm4FiM9hPFnhKE5SEkB1ssoqtJa3gwm9yHl4mNfQVZUs/w320-h240/Arm%20break.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhxhvCEERfKIttNa04WxGBJWUog39eN1o_PjxR7N0rsnas_Oal-Y-zLWYyZXo3XeRhUBXR1RUmligQ-BYz_sKihmEPyqu78diUgp9RgAd_nTrU_lMst8kyLaR0g9YMEhg7C55K84vjgjRAfzRyw7z7nKaOkpaamT-CWLR_SEm5gQuErqOJmKVaVPU/s3264/20210921_110445.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhxhvCEERfKIttNa04WxGBJWUog39eN1o_PjxR7N0rsnas_Oal-Y-zLWYyZXo3XeRhUBXR1RUmligQ-BYz_sKihmEPyqu78diUgp9RgAd_nTrU_lMst8kyLaR0g9YMEhg7C55K84vjgjRAfzRyw7z7nKaOkpaamT-CWLR_SEm5gQuErqOJmKVaVPU/w320-h240/20210921_110445.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HsgtrAYstKwX5BKJiAhB_UQYds4-6W5a5McHuLVuLjHGVCURjt79y62hT8zob6sxw7Ca_2rISBRjEBJCiHp9tw6Aeng_gP0c3LMnBiFnP-5lHBBgEknH-W5tETB-W6yUpq54afFFVso0lbUghbIn0pnoh3pZL7uYFqEJ2SNUR11Bj3cQISqeT3L1/s3264/20210921_110720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HsgtrAYstKwX5BKJiAhB_UQYds4-6W5a5McHuLVuLjHGVCURjt79y62hT8zob6sxw7Ca_2rISBRjEBJCiHp9tw6Aeng_gP0c3LMnBiFnP-5lHBBgEknH-W5tETB-W6yUpq54afFFVso0lbUghbIn0pnoh3pZL7uYFqEJ2SNUR11Bj3cQISqeT3L1/w150-h200/20210921_110720.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV4bZJZizMy2K8BeTzk5EZUffQpuWo4bzIHqtpC2x9047ge6Ur7SGNGY8jHSsuJ2MRaBvl7QpaPEEh6CdGXXrim-QqPqwDj_ng8nqvtnyKkxehZfhPD-AVSnBXTPHzuNABFePxz6eByEWR0E_9VDnG5LvlP0-VsjEnO2L8D30V3P_eiFNSusoFjiV/s4000/20210927_153320.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV4bZJZizMy2K8BeTzk5EZUffQpuWo4bzIHqtpC2x9047ge6Ur7SGNGY8jHSsuJ2MRaBvl7QpaPEEh6CdGXXrim-QqPqwDj_ng8nqvtnyKkxehZfhPD-AVSnBXTPHzuNABFePxz6eByEWR0E_9VDnG5LvlP0-VsjEnO2L8D30V3P_eiFNSusoFjiV/s320/20210927_153320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>To complicate matters the nerves in my right hand, wrist and lower arm were squashed and so I could not use my hand or finger's for holding anything, writing or picking things up. I wore a brace for a long time, even while sleeping and I was given a rolled up facecloth ( I called him "Redgie" as he was like a wedge) in my hand to keep the fingers or 'grasp' open. Strangely enough 'he' became a sort of comfort and after awhile I felt odd without him especially if I dropped him on the floor and couldn't get it.</div><div>It was almost like a child with their blanky!</div><div>Every time the carers came into my room while at Waikato they would pull back my fingers one at a time to stretch the tendons and make them 'wake up' and work. </div><div>I would start to do this too and do exercises like; pushing my hands together as hard as I could with fingertips touching like the praying hands icon, trying to stretch my fingers apart as far as they would go, pressing down on a hard surface and concentrating to try and get each finger to lift off the surface. Later I would try to move the fingers individually bending them and the joints and then straightening them out at the base. In fact I did everything I could as often as I could as this was my right hand and I am right handed. I was able to use my left hand for a few things that I would not normally do but it was a bit clumsy. </div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvqkzRDodQyA7vCBvMEt6OnYj1FfVLoOZfwTpy6qnGfHlqSEyS1rEq7SP1uiBZD8eyMrOlZtq_ozQ2Ds4nLGvGe3cbub3itXDG53dujZGVUR9cU0kzddOG2n6qU_lPwCzUIG7XJfAaDR9ljjR6AbasVBZE1RRCIT-eqZiaCIgjm42Z-96z2ev0J3f/s3264/20210924_124138.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvqkzRDodQyA7vCBvMEt6OnYj1FfVLoOZfwTpy6qnGfHlqSEyS1rEq7SP1uiBZD8eyMrOlZtq_ozQ2Ds4nLGvGe3cbub3itXDG53dujZGVUR9cU0kzddOG2n6qU_lPwCzUIG7XJfAaDR9ljjR6AbasVBZE1RRCIT-eqZiaCIgjm42Z-96z2ev0J3f/s320/20210924_124138.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Redgie'</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xWmINqjM-wnmx_8MkXxNt0KQIkZ2y0t7I67KLuTX66L7K2Iho0ztBNaBW6IsQ6Oxn4p06BInk6JLdad6cb2Tft9lF4R8i3TdeWhGQ0sH9mqYkuLVZkBfQ-y3H81YYA2QfLnYuLTnJnodMARMYZnEMCrGXhGOduq3i10PWc-zc7uyjJfpB9UMrF-O/s3264/20211013_104223.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xWmINqjM-wnmx_8MkXxNt0KQIkZ2y0t7I67KLuTX66L7K2Iho0ztBNaBW6IsQ6Oxn4p06BInk6JLdad6cb2Tft9lF4R8i3TdeWhGQ0sH9mqYkuLVZkBfQ-y3H81YYA2QfLnYuLTnJnodMARMYZnEMCrGXhGOduq3i10PWc-zc7uyjJfpB9UMrF-O/s320/20211013_104223.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>I was told healing and restoration could take up to two years and then after that there would not be any more improvement. </div><div>It took four months! God is good.</div><div><br /></div><div>Below are three videos of the progress. </div><div>29th September </div><div>17th October</div><div>7th November</div><div><br /></div><div>Now as I type it is something I forget about as there are no issues to remind me.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZGURhiSc5h0" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZGURhiSc5h0"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZEMGJcnhKS0" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZEMGJcnhKS0"></iframe></div></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OiNxiGy2Bmc" width="320" youtube-src-id="OiNxiGy2Bmc"></iframe></div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJyrsjA67BDlBiV7BPNchrzjn-zVOtn303wFglZDXm4-13uMAm9iEU5gqVZCT-JLlv7TayjpGA9Yiq74GCSdVWbrUck3GR51dsz-YZEs7bAJeAusWUClTRKK2aRrhnRHCjfuzjQ5eYRcDBob9d3DE829_L1hsYLnWXLhtrpD0kLYkvP_rPpXKeJYY/s3264/20220328_162531.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJyrsjA67BDlBiV7BPNchrzjn-zVOtn303wFglZDXm4-13uMAm9iEU5gqVZCT-JLlv7TayjpGA9Yiq74GCSdVWbrUck3GR51dsz-YZEs7bAJeAusWUClTRKK2aRrhnRHCjfuzjQ5eYRcDBob9d3DE829_L1hsYLnWXLhtrpD0kLYkvP_rPpXKeJYY/w240-h320/20220328_162531.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right arm</td></tr></tbody></table>The scars are fading but at times they can still be a little achy and I noticed on cold days in the winter, where the broken bones had metal attached, it was sore.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKxxTpkqBL4b-vn0FCHFkSk6m4kpksV-1GFux1U718jKDCuxOgxRqJPuTWEFRPb9gEdkX_nHXJ9zvUVuXb1UgRc4SmVuXMEXfQqu0cN3JfusbfEyqzU4hjzG1ZYH3yf7VH39uLMlVYR57V4AgDFhEReZVfoVdlHAqtzXxut0VJ7lBg-LE8YfMludf/s4000/20220328_163133.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKxxTpkqBL4b-vn0FCHFkSk6m4kpksV-1GFux1U718jKDCuxOgxRqJPuTWEFRPb9gEdkX_nHXJ9zvUVuXb1UgRc4SmVuXMEXfQqu0cN3JfusbfEyqzU4hjzG1ZYH3yf7VH39uLMlVYR57V4AgDFhEReZVfoVdlHAqtzXxut0VJ7lBg-LE8YfMludf/w240-h320/20220328_163133.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right upper leg</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdEUIyMR7H9IJhvlEgc5NhzpZaJ1Q7T8Sgf3x1ay-3AVGRxB7sBeVYjKNFeHbShDDhGNmSrm1_Y_Jz-Ubpo2DmF5Eiur9FLv3EWNIkGi8wpmi_99dyYRrux7CBPnqqHheNv1Si4fg5gOcEUjcYdGq4iP6i4AZAje-QVY0AJ20_1JQ8IkRk1sXOUVR/s701/315515204_10225752990709691_2262542780055599994_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdEUIyMR7H9IJhvlEgc5NhzpZaJ1Q7T8Sgf3x1ay-3AVGRxB7sBeVYjKNFeHbShDDhGNmSrm1_Y_Jz-Ubpo2DmF5Eiur9FLv3EWNIkGi8wpmi_99dyYRrux7CBPnqqHheNv1Si4fg5gOcEUjcYdGq4iP6i4AZAje-QVY0AJ20_1JQ8IkRk1sXOUVR/s320/315515204_10225752990709691_2262542780055599994_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left knee</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just a little note, today I chatted with a young lady who had also had a car accident and she had the same 'T' scar on her knee from broken kneecaps. It would appear that dashboard damage is a common injury in car impacts.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJ26KQyrK5tNrMNa96DiZROQ6iSZ9po7GgILShZ-Hwt7JTCZfi4bC_KjMRcTiGgQ9qOTSJYXtnfpg4cKUuyCSLIeGDT1HAgYL-GSZ_6t4AXzi6Yy6mFhBdd0fVzk7ue_f-N0NDlUU6B0y0Zk2HupOi_Sgqa9PGemzOuiCm0myb5c-svJaeLU-O771/s960/Healing%20December%2018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJ26KQyrK5tNrMNa96DiZROQ6iSZ9po7GgILShZ-Hwt7JTCZfi4bC_KjMRcTiGgQ9qOTSJYXtnfpg4cKUuyCSLIeGDT1HAgYL-GSZ_6t4AXzi6Yy6mFhBdd0fVzk7ue_f-N0NDlUU6B0y0Zk2HupOi_Sgqa9PGemzOuiCm0myb5c-svJaeLU-O771/s320/Healing%20December%2018.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-road-of-recovery-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2 coming.....</a>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-84615571500665932972022-11-08T00:56:00.002+13:002023-09-11T01:02:34.518+12:00My Life Changed<p>If you have read the post before this one <a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/my-journey-of-faith.html" target="_blank">(below)</a> you may have been wondering or waiting for this one!</p><p>(And if not may I suggest you read <a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/my-journey-of-faith.html" target="_blank">My Journey of Faith</a>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsPDh5K28LC1Fpy5iy8nxMBY56kAyQKyLNF90Dzxv5Ybj9QblS_hcTSxK9pCc3ACFSz_Relfh0C1sn4-Q3H48gU2r5CG14qrrADK4ZtjiKr3MKcNn9lMQijVDf2KUK4gHFEKKEM7kox_91PxjKAsUtxS6jUsAQ2IZeGUzIXLT0CXfqBnx6HbA6qP5/s720/e39467ef30bc9077d8d10dd564616227.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="720" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsPDh5K28LC1Fpy5iy8nxMBY56kAyQKyLNF90Dzxv5Ybj9QblS_hcTSxK9pCc3ACFSz_Relfh0C1sn4-Q3H48gU2r5CG14qrrADK4ZtjiKr3MKcNn9lMQijVDf2KUK4gHFEKKEM7kox_91PxjKAsUtxS6jUsAQ2IZeGUzIXLT0CXfqBnx6HbA6qP5/w400-h271/e39467ef30bc9077d8d10dd564616227.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Friday September 10th 2021</b></p><p>It was just after the second lock down in New Zealand and we were allowed to start going out, well a little bit. I was driving to Matamata to pick up a repeat prescription I had ordered, return a library book and get a few groceries. Harry had been looking for free pellets and especially plastic ones to stack the firewood on. There were a few out side the <a href="https://www.nothingnaughty.kiwi.nz/" target="_blank">Nothing Naughty</a> factory, a health food factory and shop. </p><p></p><div></div>I thought, "I’ll ring him on Blue Tooth!" Never done it before, so now was as good a time as any. I stopped at the stop sign on the corner of Patetere Road and State Highway 27 and plugged my phone in. Drove off and waited for the music, that plays when it’s plugged in, to start. Now Harry was talking to his brother on his cell phone, when I left, so I knew I had to ring the landline. So I said, "Phone Home." <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/yUUAAOSwu6teftQE/s-l500.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="97" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/yUUAAOSwu6teftQE/s-l500.jpg" width="97" /></a></div>(Visions of E.T.) <div>The music stopped and you could sort of hear something happen like a phone start to ring then nothing really. The music started again. I waited for a bit and tried again. The same thing happened. I thought that’s not right, so with my hands still on the steering wheel I glanced down to look at the phone. </div><div>It was on the curve on SH27 just by the <a href="http://www.balloons.co.nz/" target="_blank">Balloons Fantastic</a> people’s house. I didn’t see the truck because of the curve in the road and trees...<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjq3qRAr76zdpi2K_KhiCdZj7puD6fghl1kfPzs-u1cL3ku4OIB0h8Z3_3GF_Vj6pBD9NDwJ5ivAtuqEcOjsueJ2W0zcz9q8QVI0PjrZ0IQVS0XLffW_htnQhbdFrXMEdsLPViimNtR8xbLCsw_t8saZZZpePa3xGu3_zzpDnofydEetQMpsLcV6Y/s2016/20210913_114932.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="separator" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" div="" height="240" nbsp="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjq3qRAr76zdpi2K_KhiCdZj7puD6fghl1kfPzs-u1cL3ku4OIB0h8Z3_3GF_Vj6pBD9NDwJ5ivAtuqEcOjsueJ2W0zcz9q8QVI0PjrZ0IQVS0XLffW_htnQhbdFrXMEdsLPViimNtR8xbLCsw_t8saZZZpePa3xGu3_zzpDnofydEetQMpsLcV6Y/w320-h240/20210913_114932.jpg" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbxAbsXKWCvd7PACwOKSpkzYIZAjU3EeysMpV6BipD_USJz9BC2Cv3AIw1eR0o94a-SODjmpaktcaRyRjQMk1oZPVujiJH4vxE94-tkrmFU35HR-hl_RYY-qY34-rfPFIjxT3lQKCygFNPcnlTPBXsnReNW6yFu8wEC8bWe9h2EZG9-sRGMvdH4zn/s2016/20210913_114940.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbxAbsXKWCvd7PACwOKSpkzYIZAjU3EeysMpV6BipD_USJz9BC2Cv3AIw1eR0o94a-SODjmpaktcaRyRjQMk1oZPVujiJH4vxE94-tkrmFU35HR-hl_RYY-qY34-rfPFIjxT3lQKCygFNPcnlTPBXsnReNW6yFu8wEC8bWe9h2EZG9-sRGMvdH4zn/w320-h240/20210913_114940.jpg" width="320" /></a><div><br /></div>The next thing the windscreen smashed and I saw a sort of orange shape through the shattered glass. (Possibly the metal bit poking out by the truck wheels - Right pic) I’ve had a windscreen shatter before and knew I had to get off the road safely and I needed to get the side windows down fast to see the road. While this is flashing through my head there is this feeling of being airborne and then a heavy impact to the right side of the car. </div><div>This all took about 3-4 seconds. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was 1.54pm. The phone had connected and rung Harry at home. It is recorded on my phones history. He was just talking to his brother on his cell phone so it took him time to get up and get to the phone to answer it. He said when he did all he could hear was static.</div><div><br /></div><div>Immediately I thought, "I’ve been in an accident." I didn’t know where I was as I couldn’t see and I was stuck. I thought I was actually down by the railway line on the other side of the road. </div><div>The pain kicked in and I was desperate to get up off my right side as I was lying on my arm and it was painful. I tried to pull myself up off my arm by gripping the steering wheel with my left hand to pull myself up but I didn't have the strength and I was stuck</div><div><br /></div><div>I cried out “Help me I’ve been in an accident” then “Jesus, Jesus”. I was not swearing. I was calling out to Jesus our Lord and Saviour</div><div><br /></div><div>Smoke came out from under the steering wheel and I thought, “No, I’m not going to survive a car accident and then be burnt alive.” I called out "Jesus, Jesus." again. I so needed Him to rescue me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then there were voices and I was able to relay it was just me, I was hurt, could they ring Harry and gave them our home number. I had to tell them twice. I learned later they were surprised I could recite the number. I had not had a bang to the head so there was no concussion but they still found it amazing. </div><div><br /></div><div>(But God is!) </div><div><br /></div><div>And I asked for someone to please pray. Twice I asked and no-one responded, but I knew there were at least 4 different people there. </div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYm5FL6NoAxD905YmTawoWxUszScwJ7dnH4iXfZj7kHqRFxhJ_5xru-PLBS1hJQ-3qSZnRChKRmV0ZSYDelkHF9h-mQNwbnnF-1kn4Wp4IbrHgypjE9naTSs6X-lM5jXdpd_fvwO1a0-FJZqODndbvcLXlFzdPSGhel46Ww5VTJ7De64JYIadyjnxl/s1600/IMG0013A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYm5FL6NoAxD905YmTawoWxUszScwJ7dnH4iXfZj7kHqRFxhJ_5xru-PLBS1hJQ-3qSZnRChKRmV0ZSYDelkHF9h-mQNwbnnF-1kn4Wp4IbrHgypjE9naTSs6X-lM5jXdpd_fvwO1a0-FJZqODndbvcLXlFzdPSGhel46Ww5VTJ7De64JYIadyjnxl/w240-h320/IMG0013A.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My front left wheel and<br />the trucks wheel in the distance<br />Harry's ute to the right </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Then I heard the siren go up. Do you know how reassuring that sound is when you are in need? </div><div>The Tirau Fire brigade arrived and the rescue started. I suppose the view from the back of my car doesn't look so bad and they may have thought it just needed to be 'righted' so to speak but it was much worse than that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stephen, a fire fighter, lay on the ground by my window the whole time, even when advised by the brigade to move, when they were doing a couple of dangerous things to the car. What a comfort that man was. Each time the brigade were doing something to the car he would tell me what was going to happen and what to expect. Other times we would just chat about anything really, just to be distracted from my pain and what was happening.</div><div><br /></div><div> A couple of times a tarpaulin was laid across me to protect from shattering glass and other debris and still he lay outside the car by my drivers window next to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once they had tied the car to a tree and supported it in it's position, they could then cut the roof off. I was told much later that they had just obtained a new tool for doing this and I was the first vehicle they tried it on. Some how when I had been told that I felt special that as a local they were using it on a local's car, not that that was probably what they wanted to be doing, I know many of them.</div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5djlihGv4VF3ub1R9Djj_sQitcNGGvDKFjd94EjWPpwyBJ-myL37PwIQmNSBho4pp6fiUSbTjIQGkKhg7BnEixQsihjXzx2gfPYpKk6OlI9zYlVpDLJSxNE4njUQ3qbJh0eeHDqqEzJ-h2aS-xbvJawckgRQskiBKfC_iWCCN85y__17V4CnAU5Ig/s1600/IMG0014A.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5djlihGv4VF3ub1R9Djj_sQitcNGGvDKFjd94EjWPpwyBJ-myL37PwIQmNSBho4pp6fiUSbTjIQGkKhg7BnEixQsihjXzx2gfPYpKk6OlI9zYlVpDLJSxNE4njUQ3qbJh0eeHDqqEzJ-h2aS-xbvJawckgRQskiBKfC_iWCCN85y__17V4CnAU5Ig/w480-h640/IMG0014A.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An orange jack to support the back left of the car. <br />Stephen lying on the ground beside me.<br />(Below the car)<br />The line of trucks waiting to get past<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Then the <a href="https://www.stjohn.org.nz/" target="_blank">St Johns Ambulance </a>officer had arrived at 2.08 and could now work on me. Before that she had great difficulty reaching through the windows and dislodged windscreen. She had been trying to take my blood pressure, insert a line in and generally assess my injuries.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>As I was stuck in my seat with the steering wheel and dashboard shoved closer from the impact of the crash, it was all difficult. I didn't know at the time but the dashboard had come up and shattered my knees exposing a lot of tissue and our son, Daniel, had said to me later, "Mum, there was a lot of blood!"</div><div><br /></div><div>The St John's Officer had tried to insert the lure in the normal places but the injuries were making it very difficult to find anywhere. She had tried the arms and couldn't even get to the ankles.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEine7GrsC4XLMN4mJ72f4CNTSCa_kYL_E9-lMZkd18q5ajrx4DBi2LbpS4b9c_qPYrmDeRNgUfSVNlJiwnBhJ41j5jHKDmEA1vqm1T5V1tm0jM8eoKldywtB_5yROjDnhrA_RLPD5JvZ1fNc0VNveiGfJxKVK8g1pu8bihRIwwL00yH2XvyHMlY3kHz/s1354/E-5FW7xWEAcFG5C.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1354" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEine7GrsC4XLMN4mJ72f4CNTSCa_kYL_E9-lMZkd18q5ajrx4DBi2LbpS4b9c_qPYrmDeRNgUfSVNlJiwnBhJ41j5jHKDmEA1vqm1T5V1tm0jM8eoKldywtB_5yROjDnhrA_RLPD5JvZ1fNc0VNveiGfJxKVK8g1pu8bihRIwwL00yH2XvyHMlY3kHz/w640-h326/E-5FW7xWEAcFG5C.jpg" width="640" /></a>She gave me the <a href="https://www.megamedical.com.au/what-is-penthrox-and-how-to-use-it/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-is-penthrox-and-how-to-use-it" target="_blank">green whistle</a> to suck on. If you have ever watched those emergency rescue programmes on television you will know patients are told you have to really suck on these for the pain relief to work, so suck on it, I did. Believe me, I needed it and it quickly started taking effect.</div><div><br /></div><div>My safety belt was cut off and I could remember the feeling of relief from that. I had broken the sternum and some ribs from the belt, but it had kept me safe in my seat. I also felt her cutting my shoes and clothes up my left side. I had loved that dark orange mohair rolled neck jumper! It was so soft and warm but light to wear.... </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzjIGjT_CQRvwP6MZnpKIlwnjcCJvaEtCUd7TC8AV9gp1y8PEKZNnEQJxh1kFw_BuxU_eCpr1dB3UwWlI-qdCMVLMMGRXdEN7JauRpRO_t4nz0iBMCCGr1wvCwcA6D_lzd7wJJ3xB5sDSi6y_s_iqZI5V3WWJVYq953FcYmXTXugiithHubQ9bkvv/s1600/IMG0015A.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzjIGjT_CQRvwP6MZnpKIlwnjcCJvaEtCUd7TC8AV9gp1y8PEKZNnEQJxh1kFw_BuxU_eCpr1dB3UwWlI-qdCMVLMMGRXdEN7JauRpRO_t4nz0iBMCCGr1wvCwcA6D_lzd7wJJ3xB5sDSi6y_s_iqZI5V3WWJVYq953FcYmXTXugiithHubQ9bkvv/w480-h640/IMG0015A.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdEYtEY6DqTepHgHtxe4A3nUXnY8rw4HLlojncj7jFWrFm84xcWRgpVu79177-zndarOZ8CUehn7S9K4asTK7hJtFT0uJrIAEXYLFNzZZH64El2qmeJsoChJ-FLSSzBPqG4BFfkYEHY1t8cj5KlaYS-rCjYFvyu0PTEfpfDlT2x-ckc0TbDt5nP-r/s1600/IMG0016A.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdEYtEY6DqTepHgHtxe4A3nUXnY8rw4HLlojncj7jFWrFm84xcWRgpVu79177-zndarOZ8CUehn7S9K4asTK7hJtFT0uJrIAEXYLFNzZZH64El2qmeJsoChJ-FLSSzBPqG4BFfkYEHY1t8cj5KlaYS-rCjYFvyu0PTEfpfDlT2x-ckc0TbDt5nP-r/w480-h640/IMG0016A.jpg" width="480" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't recall much more but Harry and Daniel said I moaned a lot whenever they moved me. </div><div>Harry recalls I was extracted from the car by cutting at the back of the car's drivers seat and sliding the stretcher under me, then carried on a stretcher to the waiting ambulance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVU59zghERLyLzl5rPQFHWL5_AzeVYqlEE3D0ta1bQvhzha_8bMjui4MLu09NJlYxosxEk8IGzoowi7qPgghde2vq4KvZ5W_Ql6D9Kgt5S9O7bKl_wFXVZiHuwY-mAbHexENNR9lZ91FZIhZ40WR_wTS6HGV1SDRFpExeYYxQ3xNoSj-Q33WfHuBSw/s826/Web%20capture_6-11-2022_173427_.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="826" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVU59zghERLyLzl5rPQFHWL5_AzeVYqlEE3D0ta1bQvhzha_8bMjui4MLu09NJlYxosxEk8IGzoowi7qPgghde2vq4KvZ5W_Ql6D9Kgt5S9O7bKl_wFXVZiHuwY-mAbHexENNR9lZ91FZIhZ40WR_wTS6HGV1SDRFpExeYYxQ3xNoSj-Q33WfHuBSw/w640-h520/Web%20capture_6-11-2022_173427_.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div>I was trapped in the car for about 45 minutes while they worked to get me out.</div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I have captured a copy of the ambulance report so you can see to what degree the staff were dealing with.</div><div>O/A = On arrival</div><div>PT = patient</div><div>GCS = Glasgow Coma Scale (used to objectively describe the extent of impaired consciousness in all types of acute medical and trauma patients. 15 fully alert, 3 deep coma)</div><div>R = right</div><div>IV = intravenous</div><div>ICP = Intensive Care Paramedic</div><div>BP = Blood Pressure </div><div>A = Airway</div><div>B = Breathing</div><div>C = Circulation</div><div>D = Disability (Level of consciousness)</div><div>NSR = Normal Sinus Rhythm </div><div>KOED = knocked out</div><div>L = left</div><div>abdo = abdomen </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">These pictures my son took may seem hard to look at but it helped me to see what had happened and the work needed and done to free me and get me to hospital. The securing of the car to a tree, the cutting off, of the roof and the St John's officer trying to get at me from all angles.</div></div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6dOnc07x397RnxcshF1O2fYZoDpRq0ueQwLZ9chRYBe4F61YM-uXxf4PY_VJ7YDaAa2d32WZZWtD0_A1ou6b6JA09HfaUh_gFUmZxWcJJrbcEPArf4Qv_9lWrSNsTOFidWFXN_qqjIr9GZprYqxQLGZSZ-ZY4TlzatM3iy1fkG5Tzykaf-fOkpCe/s1600/IMG0017A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6dOnc07x397RnxcshF1O2fYZoDpRq0ueQwLZ9chRYBe4F61YM-uXxf4PY_VJ7YDaAa2d32WZZWtD0_A1ou6b6JA09HfaUh_gFUmZxWcJJrbcEPArf4Qv_9lWrSNsTOFidWFXN_qqjIr9GZprYqxQLGZSZ-ZY4TlzatM3iy1fkG5Tzykaf-fOkpCe/w480-h640/IMG0017A.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new cutting tool top left. <br />My right hand out the window<br />Sheets and tarpaulin over me<br />The white airbags deflated on dashboard</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>During that time, I had a couple of visions. </div><div>The first was of being wheeled on a trolley by what appeared to be people dressed like those in the TV series Mash through some bush. They were rushing and talking about the need of urgency. </div><div>This faded and then a new vision came. </div><div>I was being pushed along on a trolley again but this time I was in a tunnel. It was made of smooth pure white and a sort of orangey-gold tiles. Even though they were tiles there did not seem to be any grout holding them together and they were bigger then the size of bricks. They were so bright they almost glowed. </div><div>I had six people pushing the trolley wearing pure white gowns and they were smiling and sort of humming. They were saying; I was going to be all right, it was so good to see me, 'they' were waiting for me, I was nearly there ... and we were sort of just curving around to some sort of grand entrance then it all faded out. </div><div><br /></div><div>The ambulance notes say that “Patients respiratory effort decreased, oxygen saturations decreased, manual airway manoeuvre and bag mask ventilation for 5 mins.” </div><div><br /></div><div>I believe I was dying. I believe I was on my way to heaven. I remember feeling in that vision, surprised but then excited for whatever was about to happen even though I wasn’t quite sure what was happening. I was almost disappointed when I 'came back'. But for some reason God needed me still to be here on earth. Heaven is real and I am not afraid of dying but only in God's time when He is ready for me to enter His glorious Kingdom above.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://dailyverses.net/images/en/kjv/xl/john-14-2-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="800" height="336" src="https://dailyverses.net/images/en/kjv/xl/john-14-2-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I was worked on in the ambulance for nearly 40 minutes. The ambulance report says "Handed pt over to heli at 15:33"</div><div>Then I am aware of Harry kissing me and being slotted into the <a href="https://www.rescue.org.nz/waikato-westpac-rescue-helicopter/" target="_blank">Westpac Rescue helicopter</a> and the heli crew telling me what to expect. Head phones were put over my ears and it would take 11 minutes to get to Waikato Hospital. </div><div><br /></div><div>While we were flying I could see the clouds and I thought about what had happened. Here I was not sure how broken I was, not having time to talk to Harry, trying to grasp what I had seen in the vision and wondering what was going to happen to me. The attendant in the helicopter would ask how I was and chat a little while monitoring me all the time. But I was comforted that God was in control and He loved me, even though I had looked away for a second while driving.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once at Waikato there was a team who set to work on me just like you see in TV shows. I don’t remember a lot of it as I was in and out of sedation. I do remember being taken to the CT machine for the scan, so not being able to have the pain relief on. There were warm blankets and support all around me on the stretcher bed. I was told I had to lie still, hold my breath - there was no way I was moving anything. </div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDw6rvXFdIp-MP2CSkZNv7zpJgUCVFjRD3Z_f4VxEJfN1jibgBVThmnudWrjNaT5lcUUemIasik-paebPr6tzXo1c8JxKqkRoPD751-17t2IDadWqkAxGFQxnoe1WcUW1u1mavjvGxmPx586IxzjF5TA8TnsW6IX4fvzr2r3oXWv9HRu13332SNNW/s2000/Knee%20pins.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDw6rvXFdIp-MP2CSkZNv7zpJgUCVFjRD3Z_f4VxEJfN1jibgBVThmnudWrjNaT5lcUUemIasik-paebPr6tzXo1c8JxKqkRoPD751-17t2IDadWqkAxGFQxnoe1WcUW1u1mavjvGxmPx586IxzjF5TA8TnsW6IX4fvzr2r3oXWv9HRu13332SNNW/w240-h320/Knee%20pins.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left knee with pins</td></tr></tbody></table>I had 17 fractures to the body:</div><div>A green stick fracture in my left elbow. </div><div>3 broken ribs and a broken sternum. </div><div>6 fractures to the spine. </div><div>A right femoral neck fracture. </div><div>A comminute fracture of the humerus in my right arm. </div><div>A shattered left knee cap </div><div>Two breaks in the right femur above the knee and halfway up.</div><div>The ball of the right hip bone broken off the top. <br /></div><div><br /></div>I underwent 8 hours of surgery with:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div>Pins inserted in the left knee cap to repair a shattered patella</div><div>Plates and pins to hold the two breaks in line, in the right femur, this then had -</div>A bolt to reattach the ball of the right hip to the top of the femur</div><div>Plates (1 long and 1 short) in the right humerus</div></div><div>Other open wounds in my knees and legs were flushed and stitched back together.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW48kXUyDAvKnJGhP08GLkTN2ZZ74nmne1qB4dIxlj01p8xFMLxy6PtSCfVKtD4P3PSpXL0-e7W6ZXto0wvRr6l05QT0msEHch_OphFeoDCdkntxMI8QpFkfJmDzzqK2APfxJ09e10T-u37O2ma3ZDashUBBllGFqMCrQrUeZV9rk_siEK6Huu-XU/s2000/20220525_111529%20(002).jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW48kXUyDAvKnJGhP08GLkTN2ZZ74nmne1qB4dIxlj01p8xFMLxy6PtSCfVKtD4P3PSpXL0-e7W6ZXto0wvRr6l05QT0msEHch_OphFeoDCdkntxMI8QpFkfJmDzzqK2APfxJ09e10T-u37O2ma3ZDashUBBllGFqMCrQrUeZV9rk_siEK6Huu-XU/w300-h400/20220525_111529%20(002).jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lower right femur (newer x-ray)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1f6-HpCnl2I_ANCRIMIZPD3WnXUXWzGnJTXwiRxbkSx3lwwhFr2BixH_kILzOXcapE5bt0g_KnVGyKR2ksD-AZLCtzb8nXLB2EX7t15aAg4P_tE9pBZx6aUqnTUutOQii5mfXIm2yl0RalAWtsptksct9YJZ7Gr7ygiEbbVFiGzGm5R23TY44OTL/s2000/Hip%20Bolt.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1f6-HpCnl2I_ANCRIMIZPD3WnXUXWzGnJTXwiRxbkSx3lwwhFr2BixH_kILzOXcapE5bt0g_KnVGyKR2ksD-AZLCtzb8nXLB2EX7t15aAg4P_tE9pBZx6aUqnTUutOQii5mfXIm2yl0RalAWtsptksct9YJZ7Gr7ygiEbbVFiGzGm5R23TY44OTL/w300-h400/Hip%20Bolt.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper right femur and hip bolt</td></tr></tbody></table><div> As I was not given copies of all the original x-rays its hard to see.</div><div>In the x-ray to the left:</div><div>The plate the bolt in the hip is connected to at the top, is long and runs all the way down to the knee. </div><div>In the x-ray on the right:</div><div>The same long plate holds two breaks in place, one half way up the femur (you can just see it at the very top of the pic on the left) and then one near the knee, just above the three horizontal pins. </div><div>To me the pins look like nails rather than pins!</div><div>In the hunerus x-ray pics (Below) you can see the shattered break and the need for a long plate on one side and a shorter one behind to hold the shattered bones in place.</div><div>This fortunately did not break skin.</div><div>You will see why it was so painful and why I wanted to pull myself up off lying on it in the car before help arrived.</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MmIXbPX9GEwfIsfuN3UqEhW_C4uvhYXE6fMG3EDVE4hRcnkXvJvmDI97SM22b42j5eOuzrakbDzsh1aUS3nSkjznorzC-6md2dr9VABFsigAcLT0njZTc0zieVGCizeE9n4oQS3A8p1sDup5gf1OggrTwPPumgLzESLaVa_CAJ9JFeSxpA7n5n0i/s2000/Arm%20break.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MmIXbPX9GEwfIsfuN3UqEhW_C4uvhYXE6fMG3EDVE4hRcnkXvJvmDI97SM22b42j5eOuzrakbDzsh1aUS3nSkjznorzC-6md2dr9VABFsigAcLT0njZTc0zieVGCizeE9n4oQS3A8p1sDup5gf1OggrTwPPumgLzESLaVa_CAJ9JFeSxpA7n5n0i/w640-h480/Arm%20break.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right hunerus break before and after surgery</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='492' height='409' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwRIpF7kbaDH3UNETc1zYr9ETj43o0dGzbqLtckgOkwR4M6ooaSRrNa8SO4kFtVMD8OMNW9DBMdZO7cyWg5Zg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The above video is the day after surgery while in the high dependency unit<br /><div><br /></div><div>I spent 2 days in the high dependency unit, then 8 days up in the orthopedic ward at Waikato Hospital. I was told by the chief emergency orthopedic surgeon that it would take a long time to heal. I thought a few weeks being home by my birthday at the end of October. He stressed again it will take a long time. </div><div>The plan was for me to spend six weeks in convalescent care then six weeks in rehabilitation.</div><div>Convalescent care was to be at Morrinsville or Te Awamutu. These are a fair way away from our place, so probably an hour to hour and a half, round trip to visit</div><div><br /></div><div>My friend Marie, who pretended to be my sister so she could visit (we are sisters in Christ) suggested I be transferred to Pohlen hospital ( 15 minutes or so from our place) and I prayed. </div><div><br /></div><div>It happened. </div><div><br /></div><div>I grew to love the care, staff and residents and accepted it as my home for the coming months<br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8mbM2SZ1liG9PoEoke93C7cRbpAGYE7dp3p0hBz68HiB2Da2Z-VhBFxI2Y7HqMcR4gFZ_5OsX6S7LE6vtMQ7neZ9goxSpgfxFbbRIIPCuvSPA_bFpSxTgNY14Oqr174v0mmepnWi1KERJKdYbnsukxxlGyIIJKn7nysp8NZsKlB-5v9cMsiKhXQz/s2016/20210913_115219.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8mbM2SZ1liG9PoEoke93C7cRbpAGYE7dp3p0hBz68HiB2Da2Z-VhBFxI2Y7HqMcR4gFZ_5OsX6S7LE6vtMQ7neZ9goxSpgfxFbbRIIPCuvSPA_bFpSxTgNY14Oqr174v0mmepnWi1KERJKdYbnsukxxlGyIIJKn7nysp8NZsKlB-5v9cMsiKhXQz/w400-h300/20210913_115219.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back right</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ifnn9fUPuDbyR4RA2NGk_Y5JF0dQzaT69DggAm1GlyoYMQi8hf4Jc0n5urlGaEebU3Tu1IczoZQUVq-mg9Txah-eHPhAmS4x4p_rLfTnlv18EKNWS0Y2i6HWXxyyd1aexYhjk5qQi2GTBvvwxDQoO8cLRUUZZ-4uX-R6AFmQ7td6BJSuHWn6N22N/s4000/20210802_171654.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ifnn9fUPuDbyR4RA2NGk_Y5JF0dQzaT69DggAm1GlyoYMQi8hf4Jc0n5urlGaEebU3Tu1IczoZQUVq-mg9Txah-eHPhAmS4x4p_rLfTnlv18EKNWS0Y2i6HWXxyyd1aexYhjk5qQi2GTBvvwxDQoO8cLRUUZZ-4uX-R6AFmQ7td6BJSuHWn6N22N/w400-h300/20210802_171654.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My MUMSEY before September<br />Nissan March</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1zlB5PictUc_HDtjmDd9828I8JIPFHCyhc608QWporhINZT4qgokfaTBt1hv-TrFPv0zq4MxniKtXgsAnAvMQAlI-BFUCJT0cumzu3oLNsTJzIbhnL6tEoHBYS6M-gydyPwHcxFaZZjW-eCfahsCUFeUpIFwIv5PEHiTUrRNOXmR1b2ULpA-xsZd/s2016/20210913_115316.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1zlB5PictUc_HDtjmDd9828I8JIPFHCyhc608QWporhINZT4qgokfaTBt1hv-TrFPv0zq4MxniKtXgsAnAvMQAlI-BFUCJT0cumzu3oLNsTJzIbhnL6tEoHBYS6M-gydyPwHcxFaZZjW-eCfahsCUFeUpIFwIv5PEHiTUrRNOXmR1b2ULpA-xsZd/w400-h300/20210913_115316.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front left</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-road-of-recovery-part-1.html" target="_blank">To be continued...</a></div></div></div><br /></div>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-23915695839097081892022-11-03T18:30:00.007+13:002023-09-11T01:01:04.980+12:00My Journey of FaithWe read in scripture - <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A1&version=NIV" target="_blank">Hebrews 11:1</a><span style="font-family: times;"> <b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. </span></b></span><div><br /><div>But what if we don’t have that confidence. We <u>want</u> or need to see it – a Crisis of faith </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TomcXA-1SpSqwmQzpIOWYgk_MgzbE2zZorygcn9LJiNUCKjLS6PANPVKUazRBpfBqRptGfKkC-c-_rKoaSzw9LCHaeSXFnI8VtneBqSlBjcvJFh6-zhVNuaSYTrVc7ifwYbrlyXFJD-IFwweQC1ffSiIjDjLVjo9AuDJ8KoqQXjQT5eDOxxz229r/s1139/001%20(2).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="799" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TomcXA-1SpSqwmQzpIOWYgk_MgzbE2zZorygcn9LJiNUCKjLS6PANPVKUazRBpfBqRptGfKkC-c-_rKoaSzw9LCHaeSXFnI8VtneBqSlBjcvJFh6-zhVNuaSYTrVc7ifwYbrlyXFJD-IFwweQC1ffSiIjDjLVjo9AuDJ8KoqQXjQT5eDOxxz229r/w224-h320/001%20(2).jpg" width="224" /></a></div>I was born the third of four children in a Christian family going to church every Sunday. I was baptized as a baby and after asking Jesus into my life at fifteen I confirmed that baptism in a special service at the Presbyterian church I call our family church in Wellington, where we were married and I still go to when I am down there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Being a Christian was just a part of who I was and I realize over the years listening to other people’s testimonies, I have been truly blessed with my upbringing and love in our family. </div><div><br /></div><div>Numerous times in our married life my faith has been the only thing that got us through difficult times.</div><div><br /></div><div>I felt extremely fortunate to work in our church office here for thirteen years but in 2019 I felt God say it was time for something new. I had spent the first twenty years of my life growing up so to speak. The next twenty years married and raising our five children, then twenty years working part-time as we became empty nesters. I felt God say it was time for ‘me’ time and that the next twenty years were to be spent with Harry and just enjoying our later years together. I handed in my notice to finish work in September and looked forward to what was in store. </div><div><br /></div><div>In 2020, three months after I had retired, I lost my sister to cancer in the January after her diagnosis in late October a month after I had retired. We all had to deal with the start of COVID and then my mother died in August. A few weeks later our Pastor John died, someone who I had worked closely with for five years and formed a close friendship with, sharing many thoughts, ideas, frustrations and concerns, and a couple of other friends passed away. </div><div><br /></div><div>I found myself being angry. If God is love as the Bible says, this didn’t feel like love. </div><div><br /></div><div>I prayed for the recovery of my sister, and we all prayed and believed John would win the battle, but they didn’t. Some of us had “visions” of healing for John, but it didn’t happen. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, what were we thinking? </div><div>Imaginations? </div><div>Wishful thinking? </div><div>What was the point? </div><div>Our Parish Chairman had said during John’s illness, “God tells us to ‘pray without ceasing’ “– so why did we all pray when it wasn’t going to actually happen. I believed it would happen – but it didn’t. I believed it was God’s will for John to live and that he would be healed and it would be a miracle. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sure, I know we all die eventually and I am at peace with my mother passing. I understand that ‘badness’ gets into things and it turns rotten so they die, it was just that it all happened in quick succession … and we had prayed….</div><div><br /></div><div>What I didn’t understand is belief in God. </div><div>How do we know that Jesus is God, was crucified, died and came alive again to then go into heaven?</div><div>It’s written in the Bible but, </div><div>How do we know the Bible is true? </div><div>I wanted to know, I kind of wanted to believe but how do I find the true facts.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5gB3p2SsFaCGs7epheoGK2cwhyN7vbS2Ob7Z1EmAhisSzrNuOmg61rBpOh-R3Te9Wf7cqCNlC3Cuv8lE8lZjZzZBcoOXycsdKqvIQKhblGQO-VGAY-PHHcT4M7_FNosHChfCPXYR0pHxaOD3-xSFsswIbMBWl5yQw7Gey738fWyVjD3FXb89w8Oe/s5152/DSCN0600.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5gB3p2SsFaCGs7epheoGK2cwhyN7vbS2Ob7Z1EmAhisSzrNuOmg61rBpOh-R3Te9Wf7cqCNlC3Cuv8lE8lZjZzZBcoOXycsdKqvIQKhblGQO-VGAY-PHHcT4M7_FNosHChfCPXYR0pHxaOD3-xSFsswIbMBWl5yQw7Gey738fWyVjD3FXb89w8Oe/w300-h400/DSCN0600.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I seemed to come into this space of being lost while in Wellington. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had been with Dad just on a month after mum’s passing to sort Mum’s clothes and other bits and pieces, on Dad's request, and to see Dad so overwhelmed with his grief; me having to leave and him not wanting me to, I was wondering where was the peace of God when he believed and needed it most. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I drove home on my own, I stopped to rest beside lake Taupo to have some fruit and just let myself relax a bit for the last part home. </div><div>I watched the birds, the water, the lone bare tree and that’s how I felt. </div><div><br /></div><div>Alone, exposed and lost. God talks to me through nature and especially bird life. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I pondered, I didn’t feel God was there; I didn’t feel His comfort and I wondered if it was all true. </div><div><br /></div><div>By the time I got home, unpacked and ready for bed I was completely overwhelmed with it all and I cried, I sobbed and I just felt the weight of it all come upon me. My husband Harry found me and just held me and put me to bed. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was very low. </div><div>I stopped going to 8.00am service. </div><div>I stopped doing KFC church. </div><div>I stopped going to mainly music </div><div>I didn’t think I could be an elder. </div><div>I stopped doing a lot of things… </div><div><br /></div><div>I emailed our Parish Chairman to say I wanted to withdraw from everything, maybe even Tirau Church, and he rung and asked why. I said I don’t know what I believe any more and he asked me to come and talk with his wife and him. </div><div>We talked and they spoke the words we all speak about faith, believing and all that…
I knew all that, <u>but I wanted proof</u>. </div><div>They said read the Bible and let God talk to me. </div><div><u>But I wanted truth</u>. </div><div>I wanted someone to physically show me and give me proof that God, the Bible … that it was all true. </div><div>They prayed and I started a journal - a journey to find God. </div><div><br /></div><div>When you have been a Christian for a long time you just have the Truth fed into you and it’s trapped in there. </div><div>By that I mean even when I was choosing to need evidence, God used all that was inside me (the Holy Spirit) to take me on this journey. </div><div>I was having a personal battle really. All that was in me was there, but I was not wanting to believe it. </div><div><br /></div><div><u>A Crisis of Faith</u> </div><div><br /></div><div>Now to start with, I needed confirmation that there is God. It’s all very fine to believe in the Bible but there needs to be a starting point. I asked Harry if he believed there was a God, ‘Do you believe in creation?’ His response was, “It didn’t just happen”. And with most things this man of wisdom was right. </div><div>Even if the evolution theory was true, it still had to evolve somehow. Something or someone had to start it off. It didn’t just happen. </div><div><br /></div><div>God </div><div><br /></div><div>In my mind I set out believing, that I had chosen not to believe – like I am deciding that God has to prove Himself to me, as if to say “If you are really real – God – then I need you to do something.” Maybe a loud voice, maybe a vision or appearance. I didn’t know what, but I found myself wanting Him to do something. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Parish Chairman had suggested I read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119+&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 119</a> so that was where I started and I found it echoed how I felt. </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">25</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. </span></b></span></p></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">27</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. </span></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">28</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. </span></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">29</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law. </span></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">33</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. </span></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">34</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. </span></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">35</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. </span></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">36</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. </span></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">37</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. </span></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">38</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. </span></b></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" i="" prayed.="" so="">So I prayed</p><p class="MsoNormal" i="" prayed.="" so=""><u>See</u> I thought I didn’t believe but I still did what was second nature and I prayed. </p><p class="MsoNormal">I sat in silence waiting – and nothing profound happened. But still those thoughts came in to my head. Pieces of scripture, things we are told, but I wondered is it God or is it just me recalling all that I knew.</p><p class="MsoNormal">As I said, one thing with being a Christian for so long is we are fed by the reading of scripture, we are encouraged by people’s faith, testimonies, sermons and good books, songs and YouTube clips. And with the Holy Spirit in us that is all stored up without us really realizing it. Then when we need it, the Spirit brings it to mind. </p><div>So, if we decide to not believe it any more, it shouldn’t keep coming to mind to remind us, should it? </div><div>But I couldn’t help it constantly being recalled to me. It’s like it won’t let me break away, I now know it was the Holy Spirit. </div><div>I realised that God is a creator God, so He does exist. </div><div>But what about the Bible? I didn’t know. </div><div>I supposed because it tells us about the creator God it must be true, but how do we know? How can you trust it without proof? </div><div><br /></div><div>Then I find myself wanting to believe. Everything I’ve read and can recall in the Bible comes to mind – telling me. So, do I just believe? … because it’s the thing to do? </div><div><br /></div><div>The next time I went to church I was really hoping to hear something that would firm everything up for me but it was a quest speaker and he was speaking to the rest of the congregation not me (so it felt) and I left desperate to get away and home, but not before "R" wanted to hug me and pray, and "M.1" followed me to the car saying she wanted to catch up with me. </div><div>Once home I felt safe and txt "M.1" </div><div>"M.2" txt to see if she could come and see how I was and I said no. Hmm, "M.2" had other ideas and appeared. She listened and prayed and held me while I cried. </div><div><br /></div><div>I wrote in my journal that day, “I just felt so sad and lost again. I realize I wanted to hear – what I wanted to hear, but didn’t (at church), but what ‘did’ I want to hear. That God is real, because…. Not just because the Bible says, because who says the Bible is true. I just didn’t know it anymore – what is true? </div><div>What IS true? </div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to google Christianity – what is it? </div><div><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> said: </span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>• Belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit </b></span></div><div><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>• The death, descent into hell, resurrection and ascension of Christ </b></span></div><div><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>• The holiness of the Church and the communion of saints </b></span></div><div><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>• Christ's second coming, the Day of Judgement and salvation of the faithful </b></span></div></blockquote><div><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/beliefs/basics_1.shtml#:~:text=Christians%20believe%20in%20justification%20by,the%20death%20of%20Jesus%20Christ." target="_blank">A BBC</a> page said: </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Christians believe in justification by faith - that through their belief in Jesus as the Son of God, and in his death and resurrection, they can have a right relationship with God whose forgiveness was made once and for all through the death of Jesus Christ</span>. </b></div></blockquote><p><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Justification by faith – a person can achieve salvation only through faith and reliance on God's grace,</b></span> <a href="https://www.dictionary.com/browse/justification-by-grace--through-faith" target="_blank">Dictionary.com </a></p><div>It all came back to
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A1&version=NIV" target="_blank">Hebrews 11:1</a><span style="font-family: times;"> <b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. </span></b></span><div><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A6&version=NIV" target="_blank">Hebrews 11:6</a> <span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.</span></b> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1VV7EprXvKJfoC373sYBFWI3Q82zalu45W66s4X4_mK3kOMQrQBtDp-BtPHuW_jI-sJXj9CmjPVHZ5aw-3H9TYlXajsiBvDE1X6wjP10IdBMMadOlj-QYR-uUipO5C4NtO-RQAwzkG7mu81hoG6vea0q18dzFqT1Fk_Zh7bAfzLEqc7i3xhNRh1h/s640/18-apr-2020-image-3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1VV7EprXvKJfoC373sYBFWI3Q82zalu45W66s4X4_mK3kOMQrQBtDp-BtPHuW_jI-sJXj9CmjPVHZ5aw-3H9TYlXajsiBvDE1X6wjP10IdBMMadOlj-QYR-uUipO5C4NtO-RQAwzkG7mu81hoG6vea0q18dzFqT1Fk_Zh7bAfzLEqc7i3xhNRh1h/w400-h300/18-apr-2020-image-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Believe God exists! Like Thomas I want to see. </div><div><br /></div><div>(Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A25-29&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 20:25-29</a>) <br /></div><div><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A25&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 20:25</a> <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>So the other disciples told him</b></span> (Thomas), <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>“We have seen the Lord!” </b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”</b></span> </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="John 20:29" target="_blank">John 20:29</a> <b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.</span>” </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Thomas got to see, he even got to touch. Jesus even said those who don’t see but believe are blessed. Jesus had also said<b> <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">“Stop doubting and believe”</span></b> (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A27&version=NIV" target="_blank">V27</a>) </div><div><br /></div><div>Part of me just wanted to believe, but the other part – the part that was struggling and wanted to make sense of all this wanted proof. Proof that God is real – that the Bible is God breathed.</div><div><br /></div><div>How did it come to this? As "M.2" had asked “When did this thinking come in? when did it all change?"</div><div>In my leaving my father and unable to help. </div><div><br /></div><div>I pondered all this and that I’d been wanting some huge revelation – a vision, a loud voice, a shaking or message. I realised I WANT THIS. In all my grief, my loneliness, my overwhelming despair, I wanted something to show me “He IS”. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the following couple of weeks God carried me through and showed me the Truth. Through reading blogs on the internet, listening to podcasts, reading the Bible I came to believe; God is real, the Bible is the truth and I have been saved by His work He finished on the cross and entered heaven to prepare a place for us. No loud voices or messages, shakings or bright lights but in the way that He has always shown me, He came through. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB66XZOO1MyuanXB60td8_hfMyES832w1ozIV9hNqr9QJLrI9_rZKQnpPf8P_vmEUNxZxL7v5DbaF4WJxTUP9_z77YrEisHRQynA1qfCxxgUTkpaOn_C1RPFTucMlndbPptOnB70UC0oBM9xXcl6DWc5m0IxMXOk0y6mEX36BtADva_J3HmTPUdUZFCA/s450/Lost%20is%20found.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="450" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB66XZOO1MyuanXB60td8_hfMyES832w1ozIV9hNqr9QJLrI9_rZKQnpPf8P_vmEUNxZxL7v5DbaF4WJxTUP9_z77YrEisHRQynA1qfCxxgUTkpaOn_C1RPFTucMlndbPptOnB70UC0oBM9xXcl6DWc5m0IxMXOk0y6mEX36BtADva_J3HmTPUdUZFCA/w320-h318/Lost%20is%20found.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g7G55_J5vrIvANyWIKCFUCvc_2g1aowYPQ6Hx9rDYs1cjgOWEOIS0gFJ6kDgHGzrWZCtJJSpfgBJTBqvCn9N6MG7UBsIO5CAq--AzW51DpTy27jIShe0SvcGYKNV7XpYU62dAMgcDrX1zP2hmCRNikLon6Zvc3HKoDeRdptPj-1IjBDGp2EDffERXyk/s2560/Lost%20sheep.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="2560" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g7G55_J5vrIvANyWIKCFUCvc_2g1aowYPQ6Hx9rDYs1cjgOWEOIS0gFJ6kDgHGzrWZCtJJSpfgBJTBqvCn9N6MG7UBsIO5CAq--AzW51DpTy27jIShe0SvcGYKNV7XpYU62dAMgcDrX1zP2hmCRNikLon6Zvc3HKoDeRdptPj-1IjBDGp2EDffERXyk/w640-h390/Lost%20sheep.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTTbZ9tPSJeCeNpwNF5S3n6uUsn19g9stJIdl-kMq33dg3NE7NMYXKgpWjJNfEsmZJEUuGvXu1SK37a61qti8dCAWzAdH2KRvkoSN3t2xu0uBOosC4_kZosD45ASFLnHZxJoJ6OxAfgZNuuPuJ8G9uuLbEwk9-lzxc_w2LZaEr23RMfNDX3gYVIzqVgA/s450/Shepherd-and-Lamb-lightstock_486861_medium_jim.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTTbZ9tPSJeCeNpwNF5S3n6uUsn19g9stJIdl-kMq33dg3NE7NMYXKgpWjJNfEsmZJEUuGvXu1SK37a61qti8dCAWzAdH2KRvkoSN3t2xu0uBOosC4_kZosD45ASFLnHZxJoJ6OxAfgZNuuPuJ8G9uuLbEwk9-lzxc_w2LZaEr23RMfNDX3gYVIzqVgA/w640-h426/Shepherd-and-Lamb-lightstock_486861_medium_jim.png" width="640" /></a></div><div>I remember in the journal I finished with the story of the lost sheep <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+15%3A3%E2%80%937&version=NIV" target="_blank">Luke 15:3–7</a> and how God searched for me and carried me home. There was joy that I realized He would do that for me. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Little did I know how much this whole experience was not just because of the low time I had fallen into and a need to know the truth, but it was to make me stronger, to cement my faith and that it would indeed save me. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/02/my-wpw-syndrome-expereince.html" target="_blank">In March</a> last year the first time God needed me to trust in Him happened when I was rushed to Hospital with <a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/02/wolff-parkinson-white-syndrome.html" target="_blank">Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome. </a></div><div>Through a continuing series of circumstances, I ended up in hospital and had corrective surgery to laser burn off an electrical pathway in my heart that I had been born with but never had properly diagnosed. This although not a too common mistake was a straightforward procedure and I was home within less than a week. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since then I have posted a <a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/02/gratefulness.html" target="_blank">grateful post</a> on Facebook every day for 18 months minus 3 or 4 days. I’ve since changed it to something that makes me smile </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Life ticked along and although COVID is still around, my dad has deteriorated I was comfortable in what I believed. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieZ_pc9JHU_-8hUmvDCfNE1mwc1NRsEoj21fkVJu4F5m_YM0X-Gj4aBNeA_FjVNn7ZgtYa_dKdPgE6Y5lBtJYeSd6bahG5l-9m_MKodDrOSfjne_nxOXAO6MIWSvbPJUWXG_w93pCEdbtPmSqCC3H6jqeHkeKqpana5Mca2q83VCEG5LGO39PNLfT/s5152/DSCN0611.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieZ_pc9JHU_-8hUmvDCfNE1mwc1NRsEoj21fkVJu4F5m_YM0X-Gj4aBNeA_FjVNn7ZgtYa_dKdPgE6Y5lBtJYeSd6bahG5l-9m_MKodDrOSfjne_nxOXAO6MIWSvbPJUWXG_w93pCEdbtPmSqCC3H6jqeHkeKqpana5Mca2q83VCEG5LGO39PNLfT/w240-h320/DSCN0611.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><a href="Matthew 10:27" target="_blank">Matthew 10:27</a> <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs</b></span>. </div><div><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A29-32&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 10:29</a> <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">30</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">31</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">32</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.<br /></span></b></span></div><div><br /></div><b>Then <a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/11/my-life-changed.html" target="_blank">Friday September 10th</a> happened</b></div>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-84045255608807924642022-02-22T01:30:00.003+13:002022-06-18T00:39:19.308+12:00Gratefulness <p> After my experience of<a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/02/wolff-parkinson-white-syndrome.html" target="_blank"> Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome </a>and understanding how bad the undetected outcome could have been I was very grateful that ...</p><div style="text-align: left;">Something made me stop<br />That because the helicopter flew low over our house <br />Harry came out to look at it and found me<br />He knew something was wrong and rung 111 <br />The medics were just back from a previous emergency so didn't take long to get there<br />They were experienced to note I had had a cardiac episode<br />Because I was stuck in triage for 6 hours the young doctor was on his shift by then <br />He took the time to read my history notes and guessed what the problem was. <br />He admitted me and the medical staff took care of the rest<br />and so I was checked, tested and had <a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2022/02/my-wpw-syndrome-expereince.htm" target="_blank">surgery to correct it</a></div><p>I believe that God had it all in hand and the circumstances were all part of His provision. I am extremely grateful for this. If I focus on the sad things that affect me (and I won't name any of them), I lose sight of all I have to be grateful for. </p><p>Sometimes it can be very obvious, other times not so much and others might take a bit of thought to realize how blessed we are for something so that we can be thankful and grateful for it.</p><p>So I decided to make a grateful post every day on Facebook for a year. If I keep it up for a whole year that will be 365 things. The year is nearly up and I will have to see if I want to keep doing it as many people say they look for my grateful posts each day. Being so grateful for so many circumstances on that day I realized that we all have a lot to be grateful for everyday, we just have to look for it.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>If you are a "friend" of mine on Facebook you will have seen them and if not I don't have a public account so you wont see them. I know some of my regular readers are not on Facebook at all so wont have seen them so I am going to post a few on here.<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho009XQdcNMWoHTk5aX009tDfF5DC6_9UsKlzVU7keZa8ljCpueggP7EdNA0xXldluBhIvKONEyIG0DiuoslDV2PqCBotw7xyBBB8o6jS2IrrH8V-cQ5sDmkyPEzL0DDt58uMSvB7uGFKMs-NESOO0zEWHrxcv97D0sc0aIzZiYoMPYJvieXjJECfd/s4000/20210403_161953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho009XQdcNMWoHTk5aX009tDfF5DC6_9UsKlzVU7keZa8ljCpueggP7EdNA0xXldluBhIvKONEyIG0DiuoslDV2PqCBotw7xyBBB8o6jS2IrrH8V-cQ5sDmkyPEzL0DDt58uMSvB7uGFKMs-NESOO0zEWHrxcv97D0sc0aIzZiYoMPYJvieXjJECfd/s320/20210403_161953.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />April 3</u></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today I am grateful for our bed. Its not a hotel room or something from a home magazine, but it is a place I love. I rest, get a good night's sleep as there is no TV or other distractions and the bed is comfortable. The colour green is restful and the bedding soft.
I am grateful for my bed<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>April 4 </u></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today I'm grateful for hollow Easter eggs. They remind me that the tomb was empty</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzfFdxH7VLWEZPMLdTmqQhBBb6RMdAH4bnkaqHBy-ah176L1YfmzwraBl2vcFC-bZCnCDHVGJQVppKirFXut6sSKhdxCRi3me_m_HmzIpuwbNEdko11-YWQafGWT1P9slFzxF6EJxKyoDorYQs7AkygR-jnozqXAh8IGrrxd3bePp5xaKtqrtW58T/s5152/DSCN0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzfFdxH7VLWEZPMLdTmqQhBBb6RMdAH4bnkaqHBy-ah176L1YfmzwraBl2vcFC-bZCnCDHVGJQVppKirFXut6sSKhdxCRi3me_m_HmzIpuwbNEdko11-YWQafGWT1P9slFzxF6EJxKyoDorYQs7AkygR-jnozqXAh8IGrrxd3bePp5xaKtqrtW58T/w200-h150/DSCN0445.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u>April 5</u></div></div><div>Today I am grateful for community. I couldn't think of a picture so this is our street sign. Today Harry has been splitting wood for an older neighbour as she couldn't do it herself. We have been putting out excess feijoas for free and today a lady gave me a handful of cherry tomatoes as she had extras, in exchange, not that I was wanting anything but we will have them for tea. A small community/street like ours just connect. I am grateful for neighbours</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u>April 6</u> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK_tFDuz43tQiMXPf2c5a1XK5OigoWPK7DhejHimPDr86rAjKe7izsXSsHVDkrOnt3io5AfZOJBQ6903yU4LO2ygf20_L08IWgOgEuXqQMy07ZR8_l79fgwTLS8pTG6av-8pYGmiHYDD4u0QxgaPYxdGCIsYW0YVXDN2YVsiN-dvUVi8Gi9Bbc8gn/s701/169076011_10222370897679479_1874935463254815720_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK_tFDuz43tQiMXPf2c5a1XK5OigoWPK7DhejHimPDr86rAjKe7izsXSsHVDkrOnt3io5AfZOJBQ6903yU4LO2ygf20_L08IWgOgEuXqQMy07ZR8_l79fgwTLS8pTG6av-8pYGmiHYDD4u0QxgaPYxdGCIsYW0YVXDN2YVsiN-dvUVi8Gi9Bbc8gn/w240-h320/169076011_10222370897679479_1874935463254815720_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><div>Some of you may cringe .. but </div><div>Today I am grateful for spiders We have a couple of big ones who take up residence. One in the kitchen (this one) and one out the front door. (Harry tends to feed that one) They make a web and catch all sorts of flies and insects and eat them. I think of Charlotte, from Charlotte's Web and let her be. I'm grateful for spiders</div><div><br /></div><div><div><u>April 7</u></div>Today I am grateful for empty changing rooms. Today I resumed going to Swimzone in Matamata for aquatics. After, I like to take my togs off and shower all the pool water smell off, and there are usually other ladies so you try to be quick and discreet. But today I was on my own in these rooms and so just got changed at my own pace. I am grateful for privacy</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SDaCgkOyUhJ88NhYbVe8Ep-dq3nDzmKEnTyALrVjOICDmjjp0BYiGC-BWIUDTjgBYOLfArhBF4ap_xaroW4TtX1_Qfu5wG5_MkAPD0DtNEHgadurF8D6XNaH1lRAX2Sbmr82UIoqO3Jqob2SVI0DDhX03mKizFIm2LjMlKup4CPjcdU8feL1dbbl/s4000/20210407_101327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SDaCgkOyUhJ88NhYbVe8Ep-dq3nDzmKEnTyALrVjOICDmjjp0BYiGC-BWIUDTjgBYOLfArhBF4ap_xaroW4TtX1_Qfu5wG5_MkAPD0DtNEHgadurF8D6XNaH1lRAX2Sbmr82UIoqO3Jqob2SVI0DDhX03mKizFIm2LjMlKup4CPjcdU8feL1dbbl/w320-h240/20210407_101327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlIpfykk8Yy8tLziOrLmqc3h_0fLqRV1A2CTY1N0xsscuBJlVhqEaeS3m9PlV6q1D3pnmPKvUe1IXypt9t_sbZkS7fPe1HOgcoeX2MUICmmQ9GTvtkwYOhAYIRy30FwJw5Ap3Rs2apCKzDdYZFjtCYlDA_o6tjSqf2BMRAJbg5EakJWaxDzgLCZfU/s4000/20210408_121443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlIpfykk8Yy8tLziOrLmqc3h_0fLqRV1A2CTY1N0xsscuBJlVhqEaeS3m9PlV6q1D3pnmPKvUe1IXypt9t_sbZkS7fPe1HOgcoeX2MUICmmQ9GTvtkwYOhAYIRy30FwJw5Ap3Rs2apCKzDdYZFjtCYlDA_o6tjSqf2BMRAJbg5EakJWaxDzgLCZfU/s320/20210408_121443.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div><u>April 8</u></div>Today I am grateful for Harry's wood splitter. I don't actually use the splitter myself but today Harry and Daniel processed 2 Ute fills of wood for winter. They chain sawed the logs, split them into fire size pieces then stacked them under cover. I'm grateful for easy wood splitting<br /><br /><br /><div><u>April 9</u></div>Today I am grateful for Harry helping to pick up our feijoas. We have two feijoa trees and for years while the children were still at home we used to send them out to pick up the fruit and they really hated doing it. Last year Daniel was living at home while we were in lockdown for COVID and it was so nice not to have to crawl under the trees so much myself. This year its just us two and it seems since my little (big) hospital trip Harry has helped do things and one is to come out with me to gather them with me. We put the bags out the gate for people to take for free. I'm grateful for helping hands<br /><div><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEPSQMG5J4SLXJYu8S1VtqO-Thngt9ZtH7Kcq65gK7ee3h28bhzb6EXKYT56yzzZzS4-Xo3G-PlGGEY2CMKKcWSCZ_Rb0FVu_pN7pIAWtDpwaLYqke2rEY-3Bq6DMPkohZ_WFh7uMYLBNYSXZPvYWZM0HF01Nu6-j83gnN9rL79TC2xyY2HfCdG-j/s4000/20210410_190529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEPSQMG5J4SLXJYu8S1VtqO-Thngt9ZtH7Kcq65gK7ee3h28bhzb6EXKYT56yzzZzS4-Xo3G-PlGGEY2CMKKcWSCZ_Rb0FVu_pN7pIAWtDpwaLYqke2rEY-3Bq6DMPkohZ_WFh7uMYLBNYSXZPvYWZM0HF01Nu6-j83gnN9rL79TC2xyY2HfCdG-j/s320/20210410_190529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><u>April 10</u></div>Today I am grateful for surprise dates. Out of the blue Harry said would you like to go out for dinner and maybe catch a movie, you'd like that wouldn't you? Well yes - who wouldn't? Now those of you who know us (Harry) well, will know that's not a common thing in our lives, so of course I said yes! We went to Cambridge to Tivoli Cinema and saw "Then Came You", having hot drinks, cake and popcorn Then to The Good George for a shared taco platter and drinks I'm grateful for dates</div><div><br /></div><div><u>April 11</u></div><div>Today I am grateful for Wesley McLay. Wes is from Tauranga and works within the Mental Health and well-being sector. Today he preached for us at the Tirau Community Church as our Pastor John is no longer with us. Today he preached from Psalms 23:4 showing that many people from the Bible suffered from bouts of depression and other aspects of Mental Health and called out to God in ways very similar to David in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+23%3A4&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalms 23:4</a>.Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (NIV) I was reminded of my low times and comforted by the reminder that I am never alone and others feel the same. I am grateful for preachers</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQS_HOUMeyMUlPEk-s5VIAEOBZh0Qz40YCyZzO4ETBBQjAXxfMgzFF3xl7SadbZ--3V_CjTkufewrsU6Tqp9-e122MNILl2fQSHjZTkJ1XH-dzqmLdda_-Gy4nDuDEOQTHANFEqxzg3HvhFI-qONTOI6qz3NnFevrN2mXaGWqhk55I_4wxUe5EzuuK/s4000/20210412_164905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQS_HOUMeyMUlPEk-s5VIAEOBZh0Qz40YCyZzO4ETBBQjAXxfMgzFF3xl7SadbZ--3V_CjTkufewrsU6Tqp9-e122MNILl2fQSHjZTkJ1XH-dzqmLdda_-Gy4nDuDEOQTHANFEqxzg3HvhFI-qONTOI6qz3NnFevrN2mXaGWqhk55I_4wxUe5EzuuK/s320/20210412_164905.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><u><br /></u></div><div><u>April 12</u></div></div></div></div>Today I am grateful for warm Autumn days.
Because of a few wet days and not always having a lot of washing the washing pile was getting big. I also change the sheets on a Monday. I always separate my coloured's from my whites and towels so today I had three loads to go out.
I also go to aquaerobics on a Monday morning followed by a chai latte with the ladies. I then got groceries so it was lunchtime by the time I got home.
But today was warm with a bit of a breeze so I was able to get all the washing done, dry.
I am grateful for dry washing days.<br /><div><br /></div><div><u>April 13</u></div>Today I am grateful for grandchildren.
In particular the Stone family I went to Hamilton to look after them as Jennifer had parent teacher interviews after school until late.
So we made blueberry muffins and had fun.
I am grateful for family.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDmiWkWMK--jtlj59yb0e-YPt4ztACsUR522GIWTOytj5nr2WTpoZ_Jme6xXxTxf41yO8nuJkcYenNNIpWY10hAJCnjQr86Wt0mHmFcjU0HOo8CXTHdn1DnAaNXWh7m980HJ7-BGayqKg1odu72xasH6htXowTdKSMt4hgWp5KVQoFvDabY0CKeYA/s3264/20210414_091618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDmiWkWMK--jtlj59yb0e-YPt4ztACsUR522GIWTOytj5nr2WTpoZ_Jme6xXxTxf41yO8nuJkcYenNNIpWY10hAJCnjQr86Wt0mHmFcjU0HOo8CXTHdn1DnAaNXWh7m980HJ7-BGayqKg1odu72xasH6htXowTdKSMt4hgWp5KVQoFvDabY0CKeYA/s320/20210414_091618.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><u><br /></u></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4qLuKzUzAGAcA3YfaYTSXjCJDr-5uwQilsO7ml8R8Cmv8O2NVShTUN8GVq_0kKxdTkv1FZbGEi_REBYfHTIb_HIgBQENut5_XuuODxS8h9X8D8PKoN_3WKXfmt8IJH6VIKroP1aNBk7LdzLwKyVdSiqCKAHPXz-ogqj1uIQfPQIxzeeCpVYAh6IE/s4000/20210415_175502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4qLuKzUzAGAcA3YfaYTSXjCJDr-5uwQilsO7ml8R8Cmv8O2NVShTUN8GVq_0kKxdTkv1FZbGEi_REBYfHTIb_HIgBQENut5_XuuODxS8h9X8D8PKoN_3WKXfmt8IJH6VIKroP1aNBk7LdzLwKyVdSiqCKAHPXz-ogqj1uIQfPQIxzeeCpVYAh6IE/s320/20210415_175502.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><u>April 14</u><br />Today I am grateful for aquaerobics.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I go through to Matamata to the pools and join a group of ladies (and the occasional man) for 45 minutes of directed aerobics in the heated pools. I have very sore knees so doing these exercises in the water means less impact and pain on the knees.
I'm in the process of waiting for knee replacement so this helps keep me fit but not in so much pain.
Today I am grateful for water exercises</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u>April 15</u></div></div>Today I am grateful for homegrown potatoes Harry has always grown our potatoes like his father did. It's a continuing experiment with brands and planting times. This is a Rua potato (and its was about 880gr) and is from his second plantings. We have been eating our own since before Christmas. The last time I brought potatoes was in October. I am grateful for Harry's potatoes</div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><u>April 16</u></div>Today I am grateful for Grandparents Day.
Tirau school has it's day when Grandparents can come and join in with some class work and be with their grandchildren.
Sarah and Carl have moved back close to Tirau and their children now go to Tirau School.
It can be a bit hard to spend time with both grandchildren but their other grandparents were there so they ended up with double visits.
Isla did a family tree and Sean did a grandparents poem and we helped with the decorating. I am grateful for grandchildren</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXKwu7lmoNN0EfRayIII9uTT3bwa05dMPDIKpQBPj_0825Sh0y53LvvPtU_vlAJO0O-TlMJ-plssGWucndSXHhYFdZ2jDP5h08J7IFcCWCjNJ2bOl3P7tX6YbTpDqouWfKoDaRs8_Dt5c4ZxqATmZ3AfM3tNqAgDwD7pED8db3Ed8T3yLdQabzgXP/s4000/20210417_131607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXKwu7lmoNN0EfRayIII9uTT3bwa05dMPDIKpQBPj_0825Sh0y53LvvPtU_vlAJO0O-TlMJ-plssGWucndSXHhYFdZ2jDP5h08J7IFcCWCjNJ2bOl3P7tX6YbTpDqouWfKoDaRs8_Dt5c4ZxqATmZ3AfM3tNqAgDwD7pED8db3Ed8T3yLdQabzgXP/s320/20210417_131607.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><u>April 17</u></div>Today I am grateful for new gates. We have hens that we let out to roam around the section but sometimes they wonder out the driveway and up the neighbour's looking for bread to eat. The lady in the next house over used to drop her bread over the fence as she knew the hens would come up and get it. We have just got new neighbours and so they don't get cross Harry finally hung the gate Steven dropped off over a year ago. Now the chooks won't be going anywhere! Today I am grateful for gates<br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4UJvj3cQPwEcnfkgMcSo1RhDHd8xT2Vr9ese5Y8p_3iKcMIKuaihwmgaPltD-Gb56x6U2qXnVo0PkpHrJDn3P2p-gxhQU6uWcKscM0Miernhk4smEChIefgB5rSp8qtKnvt96qbrxyx7xvF8fsdx7zF3RjNmLYtTFAM1EB0THPgHNcXCpJNkzVW2/s4000/20210418_214846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4UJvj3cQPwEcnfkgMcSo1RhDHd8xT2Vr9ese5Y8p_3iKcMIKuaihwmgaPltD-Gb56x6U2qXnVo0PkpHrJDn3P2p-gxhQU6uWcKscM0Miernhk4smEChIefgB5rSp8qtKnvt96qbrxyx7xvF8fsdx7zF3RjNmLYtTFAM1EB0THPgHNcXCpJNkzVW2/s320/20210418_214846.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><u>April 18</u></div>Today I am grateful for homegrown beetroot. We have a vegetable garden where we grow most of the vegetables we eat. I don't have a huge success with it all but I keep at it. I often plant beetroot seeds and they come up with varying numbers. Last year after my dear sister died we helped a little at her house with her daughters and family to sort of empty it but also take what we wanted, and we took home all her seeds. She had a variety of seeds for each type of vegetable including beetroot so I planted a few to see what they'd be like. There were the usual red and some pinker variety. I had five come up and have now pickled them for salads and my homemade burgers Today I am grateful for beetroot<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u>April 19</u><div>Today I am grateful for Road trips with Harry. We have finally gone on our Easter holiday to Wellington to see my Dad and Resa and family. I know, a bit late, but I wasn't up to it after my heart issue. But now we have driven down and I didn't do any of the driving. Its a 6 hour drive including a couple of stops for food, fuel and 🚻 but I do my knitting. I drive myself when I come down on my own but it was nicer not to have Harry drive. I am grateful for safe travels.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcMNj9QVvDYcnZ5TaGWDeWaKJDKnplV6i5boTV9fdlCH2YiRsXhD0tME6V2BLGwA-VFsLGtCF293LblF5k2Rl8LPU5U17DD43w996N5H8-9PEY3f3LVGanZs3sldHVc5OM4EZxKBmJ-DLiamLDJLShwFs39TjFNByNAZ9MQSbDsNewTGdajbHFlgb/s4000/20210419_153514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcMNj9QVvDYcnZ5TaGWDeWaKJDKnplV6i5boTV9fdlCH2YiRsXhD0tME6V2BLGwA-VFsLGtCF293LblF5k2Rl8LPU5U17DD43w996N5H8-9PEY3f3LVGanZs3sldHVc5OM4EZxKBmJ-DLiamLDJLShwFs39TjFNByNAZ9MQSbDsNewTGdajbHFlgb/s320/20210419_153514.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div><u>April 20</u></div><div>Today I am grateful for my Dad. Last year he lost his eldest daughter/child to bowel cancer. He also had his wife of nearly 68 years pass away at the age of 90. He still lives in their large home on his own with the help of a morning and evening carer visit and meals-on-wheels. My brothers and sister-in-laws keep a watch on him as well. Today we went into town to get some groceries and for Dad to do an errand he wanted to do. He can't drive now so I took him. He walked quite a long way and back, from the car on his own. He said he had a few people ask him if he needed help. He was quite proud he'd walked that far and so was I. This is not the best pics, but .. Today I am grateful (and blessed) for my Dad.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB_Al5BYGFs_ethhMGOZ9Rk2cxkHrLIFr6TyGLjHj2gOee5k8z2oOQFh9p_-ssE-tYN2-oAimp6OvZWhGP4Trxi3YpmckvosnZ7teeBL8DjAOmwmCuUb2s-0LF5HOJoF6sUkFRqWeZNDoDbYYbgkEBt2QXXVdCxwCR1RXMwulzuHtlVrfR3SOw0yb/s4000/20210420_141742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB_Al5BYGFs_ethhMGOZ9Rk2cxkHrLIFr6TyGLjHj2gOee5k8z2oOQFh9p_-ssE-tYN2-oAimp6OvZWhGP4Trxi3YpmckvosnZ7teeBL8DjAOmwmCuUb2s-0LF5HOJoF6sUkFRqWeZNDoDbYYbgkEBt2QXXVdCxwCR1RXMwulzuHtlVrfR3SOw0yb/s320/20210420_141742.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><u>April 21</u></div>Today I am grateful for warm sunny rooms. We are spending a few days with my Dad at the family home of over 54 years. There are lovely big windows in the lounge and dining room so when the sun shines it gets really warm. We had a relaxing day just chatting in the warm. Today I am grateful for sunny spaces.<br /></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><u>April 22</u></div>Ok so ... Today I am grateful for glass tumblers I know previously I posted about my friendly spider on the ceiling in my kitchen, but this one is different. Harry and I were just having a last cuppa for the night, when a rather large spider, about 4 cm wide/long decided to just walk across the floor at my feet. I couldn't believe the size! Fortunately we had an empty glass tumbler close by so Harry caught the under it and with the help of an old card and me opening the back door he was able to put it outside. Today I am grateful for glassware!</div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2Nb5aN4rF8mMqFRhpaCO7R3bo4vau_0iXxdE6-I8nIp8X8-2o2JLF1nPnD0op8igQlbzBtijFM129CINU9qXyGk0Ldvsre1X0hxwuqKMjf6_Ffgqu8fEUrYqu87ADO1m3_7SIuFJoTLlNtQ-ssJgRODk57xbaRAmKSFUEr4zAqnSXTXjGVv5u6k5/s4000/20210422_232138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2Nb5aN4rF8mMqFRhpaCO7R3bo4vau_0iXxdE6-I8nIp8X8-2o2JLF1nPnD0op8igQlbzBtijFM129CINU9qXyGk0Ldvsre1X0hxwuqKMjf6_Ffgqu8fEUrYqu87ADO1m3_7SIuFJoTLlNtQ-ssJgRODk57xbaRAmKSFUEr4zAqnSXTXjGVv5u6k5/s320/20210422_232138.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><u>April 23</u></div>Today I am grateful for coming home. If you've been following along you will know we've been away for a few days visiting my Dad. Travelling home was awful with general traffic during the day, school holiday traffic and then its the ANZAC weekend which means a long weekend and so it was a very slow drive home. But home now and my lap rug is so pleased to see me she has settled in. Harry's lit the fire and although its not cold its cozy and it's home. Today I am grateful for home</div><div><br /></div><div><div><u>April 24</u></div>Today I am grateful for YouTube. I know a bit different but with the presence of this I can watch all sorts of things in particular <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_xlcd7Cowg59gXUC6sZCg" target="_blank">Shiver Me Tingles</a> This is my youngest daughter. Without going into details it means I get to see and hear her which, for those who know, is a real blessing. Today I am grateful for YouTube</div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8n_pGL8bcJjPTgK4ATegulwTrmusbMryN9z32HZ6sTsbfA0Rdfcy9r24Jor-9cU3hCVYiC4PTKv12KDa-o1Fh8A6gCxc8c09x9CqMfOCCj55KCtEDmhPZXQt7eQG5s_bFZHUCNEb72AywQTJb7oev4euS6EHHNwL0H6un1dia2wQwL5QOM5jORjrI=s640" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8n_pGL8bcJjPTgK4ATegulwTrmusbMryN9z32HZ6sTsbfA0Rdfcy9r24Jor-9cU3hCVYiC4PTKv12KDa-o1Fh8A6gCxc8c09x9CqMfOCCj55KCtEDmhPZXQt7eQG5s_bFZHUCNEb72AywQTJb7oev4euS6EHHNwL0H6un1dia2wQwL5QOM5jORjrI=w360-h360" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSCojzGyFK5VEUgN0k3ueh0gDLb0dUq3uIICkDh93mATUDSZnjVZoutsmWSiQ9mg05AlD8Q52pruiPwHMeNfLktEJpOa869qRWjlrcV0y7XaY89oQifVi0b7yi3RMZ27oJ_ZI3BX01rDEZJM2EhwPd9ICoqP8Bv1jmQxyX0Qq7YjDZIjQyetE7suH/s4000/20210425_112541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSCojzGyFK5VEUgN0k3ueh0gDLb0dUq3uIICkDh93mATUDSZnjVZoutsmWSiQ9mg05AlD8Q52pruiPwHMeNfLktEJpOa869qRWjlrcV0y7XaY89oQifVi0b7yi3RMZ27oJ_ZI3BX01rDEZJM2EhwPd9ICoqP8Bv1jmQxyX0Qq7YjDZIjQyetE7suH/s320/20210425_112541.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><u><div><a href="https://scontent.fakl2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/175671960_10222494571091237_7670669850611727674_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=XTE0RB2D4zwAX_gEWlq&_nc_ht=scontent.fakl2-1.fna&oh=00_AT8WrzmulvqfkjIy1G_Q4b39aBXBpWcvUCTKVZIfU_nf-g&oe=62373DD6" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></a></div>April 25<br /></u>Today I am grateful for ANZAC Day.
On this day of 25th April every year in New Zealand 🇳🇿 and Australia 🇦🇺 we remember not only our ANZAC's but all those who went to war and fought for peace in WW1, WW2 and many other wars, especially those who gave of their lives, but also those who were blessed to return.
Today I was the Lay Minister at Tirau's service of which there were over 100 people including adults and children.
Some mentioned they had never been before.
Today I am grateful for our ANZAC'S</div><div><br /></div><div><div>April 26</div><div>Today I am grateful for 'lost gardens ' I know strange post but yesterday I spent some time working in our vegetable garden. Over the last 16 months with stuff going on in our lives both emotional, spiritual, physical and all the things going on around us, I didn't do a lot of gardening. I'd pop out for a bit and do some planting or weeding but not like I used to and I was late with things like tomatoes, capsicum, pumpkins and cucumbers so there's not a lot going on out there. I decided it was time to get out and see what had survived. After the weeding I was pleased to find a few vegetables and others still coming on. Today I am grateful for forgotten gardens</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_DSP12c7oE40wMajQZKenFEbQtcwhDd1coobyY7HkOjSLyLly9XaOLT3OK2hiEitGyO5koTSu83tPECgeVo3O1WGAg-rgoCkUoVcX4ebAKyHatLuo1YJBBe-Ee67FdL2Nxu_VV0tR8wIvKvkMhSJySMsjzckDZeN-_9sMNPF-n5ym1W2IyUyu3iR/s4000/20210426_171442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_DSP12c7oE40wMajQZKenFEbQtcwhDd1coobyY7HkOjSLyLly9XaOLT3OK2hiEitGyO5koTSu83tPECgeVo3O1WGAg-rgoCkUoVcX4ebAKyHatLuo1YJBBe-Ee67FdL2Nxu_VV0tR8wIvKvkMhSJySMsjzckDZeN-_9sMNPF-n5ym1W2IyUyu3iR/s320/20210426_171442.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJg3BYwh_5_7Ro02sXf1DOsuX3b33yYbi1xhfv-xkFO3OyLj5dAhZ3Y9GGR6PzxhI6KhRf_wKZeP74iT9RhigtdEtIN73F_uONT6IWEYy6KnwMcrIoz6bM9tZTx87sH_Nm0I5-Ctx-5pc-qMTW2LM9sfPwJG1Xve3wi7B5-lhxfFDIf2Kat49_pCf/s4000/20210426_145416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJg3BYwh_5_7Ro02sXf1DOsuX3b33yYbi1xhfv-xkFO3OyLj5dAhZ3Y9GGR6PzxhI6KhRf_wKZeP74iT9RhigtdEtIN73F_uONT6IWEYy6KnwMcrIoz6bM9tZTx87sH_Nm0I5-Ctx-5pc-qMTW2LM9sfPwJG1Xve3wi7B5-lhxfFDIf2Kat49_pCf/s320/20210426_145416.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div><u>April 27</u></div>Today I am grateful for leftovers. Because I worked in the garden most of the afternoon yesterday we decided to get takeaways for tea. We didn't quite finish it so it got put in the fridge. Today I wanted something warm for lunch so I heated it up with some other bits and had a yummy 'sweet and sour' lunch. Today I am grateful for leftovers<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><u>April 28</u></div>Today I am grateful for chooks. Harry has been cutting some firewood from a friends place and there have been lots of huhu grubs in them when he splits the rings. He saves then in a tray and when there is enough for sharing he gives them to the hens ... and they have a party. Someone somewhere would probably say they'd eat them and they taste like peanut butter but we'll let the hens decide! Today I am grateful for the hens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehEy2cJ2c6iROvSM0b7Slh_vSIbJd6il9U_EtqnjsqBU5kugJWUZua2ikLRmhBAFosfBU1yTpvXT5sGg8Q8tNIIzLyrQBb54eY6esh9NYqJZM8WHjefXYydt2fk_ocgbb7HZTH67RKTtaiiraxKoXaAqZffLXTF29ENGkbFhHDfWbUx3v1P2iisQR/s4000/20210424_163426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehEy2cJ2c6iROvSM0b7Slh_vSIbJd6il9U_EtqnjsqBU5kugJWUZua2ikLRmhBAFosfBU1yTpvXT5sGg8Q8tNIIzLyrQBb54eY6esh9NYqJZM8WHjefXYydt2fk_ocgbb7HZTH67RKTtaiiraxKoXaAqZffLXTF29ENGkbFhHDfWbUx3v1P2iisQR/s320/20210424_163426.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvu6y6kbBJaFctLmNxzFjWTMytW_InOT-rjUbcdBi_B0uzbj-87-fj5v15kTZ1zEXizekBEp4FgaHsKSxfQwWg4uZ4W4TGhTkqLkk1VRwdkbji-ee-ZxTlEDRqFT5ecJmOx5puUChp1fALe3gXuBSdjYEiKz0SKjTZViCGzwkIAfO5jNcw81WE8r8/s4000/20210429_171231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvu6y6kbBJaFctLmNxzFjWTMytW_InOT-rjUbcdBi_B0uzbj-87-fj5v15kTZ1zEXizekBEp4FgaHsKSxfQwWg4uZ4W4TGhTkqLkk1VRwdkbji-ee-ZxTlEDRqFT5ecJmOx5puUChp1fALe3gXuBSdjYEiKz0SKjTZViCGzwkIAfO5jNcw81WE8r8/s320/20210429_171231.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><u>April 29</u></div>Today I am grateful for my clothes dryer. I have had my dryer for over 40 years and it's still going strong. I haven't used it a lot as I normally dry our clothes outside or undercover in the garage or on the drying rack by the fireplace. Sometimes I finish off the damp things on top of the hot water cylinder. Today the washing got dry outside but the towels were a bit stiff as there was no wind, so I popped them in the dryer for 15 minutes which makes them nice and fluffy. Today I am grateful for dryers</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u>April 30</u></div>A few years ago now, I spent some time at a lovely place called the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/titokichristianhealingcentre/" target="_blank">Titoki Healing Centre</a>. They have beautiful gardens as just one of the many things that make the retreat a wonderful place to rest and heal. The Burgundy Iceberg Floribunda Rose caught my eye and I bought myself one. It's doing a last flowering before the cold of winter and when I see it flower it makes me smile and long to go there again. Today I am grateful for Burgundy Rose<br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBRJc0L4Pvo3ZcodZqPViXpKTbA5aJOWESXamuc7jRGowg_ySdcB9G25uvugeUcB1o_rrcyhxhHQB7KskOI8trnP8VeITfZ8zjXVXuDTRnRaBs7c2KlLjL58-9UPVFs5zZMFxflZdtocbsc2n_OiZ45-22P4HJbPD0gnGYxb5jB00AXVRJVnoof98/s4000/20210407_174346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBRJc0L4Pvo3ZcodZqPViXpKTbA5aJOWESXamuc7jRGowg_ySdcB9G25uvugeUcB1o_rrcyhxhHQB7KskOI8trnP8VeITfZ8zjXVXuDTRnRaBs7c2KlLjL58-9UPVFs5zZMFxflZdtocbsc2n_OiZ45-22P4HJbPD0gnGYxb5jB00AXVRJVnoof98/w300-h400/20210407_174346.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.fakl2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/178235409_10222518756935868_2236693254909495995_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=bXvnhzt0UskAX98HMFu&_nc_ht=scontent.fakl2-1.fna&oh=00_AT8UCmEmlAN7TvPghJfeXY-wjD6YmJFXfeyZBgvs4F0xKw&oe=62392072" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div></div></div>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-10238651739297280872022-02-07T18:43:00.003+13:002022-02-07T18:43:51.183+13:00My WPW Syndrome Expereince Saturday 20th March 2021 I was weeding and tidying up our driveway garden. This runs from the gate by the footpath to a point halfway up the side of the house. It usually takes me a couple of days as it involves a lot of bending, pulling and emptying bins of weeds and pruning’s, so I would have to rest.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicyXeN6E8KqXa7As-Aa0iYnWNwTyVH88ngg2aG1xGLtOh-YmzSlCbPtiejGfjbFFcVjnhenCuiiQ-rzNbGNNJRaMve50ISsQPVOwTKEqfFXzBuFRiJdMleo-ij477CvxTK-HEnCMXu5pgqJ1G85XSAEc5Ilao7BvvDhxylss5xwj-kNqR0gkVtaagt=s5152" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicyXeN6E8KqXa7As-Aa0iYnWNwTyVH88ngg2aG1xGLtOh-YmzSlCbPtiejGfjbFFcVjnhenCuiiQ-rzNbGNNJRaMve50ISsQPVOwTKEqfFXzBuFRiJdMleo-ij477CvxTK-HEnCMXu5pgqJ1G85XSAEc5Ilao7BvvDhxylss5xwj-kNqR0gkVtaagt=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The classic comment from Harry would be, <br /></div><div>“You’re not over doing it are you?” to which I would respond, “Yes”, so he would tell me to go and lie down. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hated this, but knew I had to and after a good half hour or so I was able to get back up and go back outside. </div><div><br /></div><div>On this particular Saturday I was determined to get the whole garden finished and so went out after tea at about 7.00pm for about 20 minutes. As I was nearing completion, I noticed my vision was a little blurry and checked to see if I had the right glasses on. At about the same time the fire siren went up which for our town means the volunteer fire brigade are called down to the station and go out, more times than not, to an emergency or medical call rather than a fire. </div><div><br /></div><div>I started to tidy up and as I finished, I was feeling very fatigued again. Coming up to our back deck I felt exhausted and wanted to get up he steps to go inside, but all I could manage was to lean and sit against the steps. I was desperate to sit or lie down but just couldn’t. I felt like I was going to collapse and I was shaking and sweating. </div><div><br /></div><div>A helicopter came over the house meaning the fire call was quite a bad medical emergency. Harry came out to see where it was landing and saw me. </div><div>He looked at me saying, “Is that helicopter for you?”! </div><div>I said “I think so” I was sweating, finding it hard to breath and really not fully in control of what I was doing. He asked if I had been over doing it again and I said I was awful and then couldn’t talk well. Harry looked at me and said, “I’m calling 111”</div><div> </div><div>The siren went up again and then because the emergency services were still out for the other call they were around to our house in no time.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had numerous tests while still out on the steps and was told I had had a cardiac event and would need to go to hospital. I was supported to the ambulance, given relief and oxygen and we went to Waikato hospital in Hamilton. Arriving in triage at 9.20pm I was checked out and the trolley I was on was wheeled into a cubical where I waited to be seen in the Emergency Department. </div><div><br /></div><div>It’s a bit of an education to be there on a Saturday night! Six hours later I was seen by a young doctor who listened to my story, took some bloods and checked me out, saying, I seemed to be OK now so he would just write up a report and send me home. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfl6__jIsqw0TchjWAai2_TVrKgzs2PCzTxtAyR4HjE3EChiPd8Zbxrq7tCNuPNC2Sll6GD0LZvxKsTgDsG5RxxtZDwm2arnXbLZdGOtmeKh8X3ahh5l4H-oWLP1DmyLyWdzJO1x8YNOrizg-4pNdCtd0hptS3iPf6G_d6ei5wd-qeCmWee-yzOBuV=s3264" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfl6__jIsqw0TchjWAai2_TVrKgzs2PCzTxtAyR4HjE3EChiPd8Zbxrq7tCNuPNC2Sll6GD0LZvxKsTgDsG5RxxtZDwm2arnXbLZdGOtmeKh8X3ahh5l4H-oWLP1DmyLyWdzJO1x8YNOrizg-4pNdCtd0hptS3iPf6G_d6ei5wd-qeCmWee-yzOBuV=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div>What seemed like over an hour later he returned to say there had been a change of plan. He had read up my past notes on file and saw that Wolff Parkinson White (WPW) had been seen before. I thought he meant some sort of specialist and wondered why I hadn’t remembered a man’s, name like that. He then explained it was to do with my heart. I told him about other times while working in the garden or going for walks up hill etc. He had spoken to cardiology and they wanted me admitted for testing and maybe surgery. I am so thankful that this busy ED doctor took the time to read through my notes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, later that Sunday evening I was taken up to the cardio ward and so begun three days of testing and monitoring and eventual surgery. I had a heart beat monitor attached to me at all times and it hung around my neck even when I was showering. I also had to have a treadmill test which was stopped before it went too far as it showed the WPW syndrome. </div><div><br /></div><div>On Monday evening the team decided that I was to have the procedure, an ablation, but had to wait as there were more urgent patients scheduled the next day so it would be Wednesday. I was told that once I had had “the burn” as they called it, I will be rearing to go like never before. </div><div><br /></div><div>Praise God for wise young doctors who read all your history notes. </div><div><br /></div><div>The surgery was done with just a local and although it took a few times for pain to be blocked it was successful, my heart stimulated to test it and then all was well. I went home the next day. </div><div><br /></div><div>I must admit it has made the world of difference but it took a few weeks to recover and really notice the improvement </div>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-51734411149538961572022-02-01T13:14:00.004+13:002022-02-01T22:31:48.993+13:00Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome<p><span style="color: #050505;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: verdana; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ee/55/b0/ee55b040883a8d7d21f39d77b3e76d90.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="247" height="204" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ee/55/b0/ee55b040883a8d7d21f39d77b3e76d90.jpg" width="247" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #050505;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">As I mentioned in the blog post below I had a week in hospital in March with Wolff Parkinson White syndrome.</span></span><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>I had a time in Hospital in March after a Wolff Parkinson White syndrome, incident and correction.</i></span></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Don’t worry I didn’t know what it was either before I was diagnosed with it.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>In 1915, Frank Norman Wilson (1890–1952) became the first to describe the condition later called Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome. Alfred M. Wedd (1887–1967) was the next to describe the condition in 1921. Cardiologists Louis Wolff (1898–1972), John Parkinson (1885–1976) and Paul Dudley White (1886–1973) are credited with the definitive description of the disorder in 1930</i>.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;"><b>The definition is</b>: </span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">A syndrome in which an extra signaling electrical pathway in the heart causes a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). </span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">The extra electrical pathway in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome appears between the heart's upper and lower chambers and is present at birth. (congenital heart defect). WPW is the most common type of ventricular preexcitation (preexcitation: the impulses travel to the ventricle earlier than what you would expect them to if they travelled down the normal pathway through the AV node).</span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">The atrioventricular (AV) node is a small structure in the heart, located in the Koch triangle.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/236x/15/e7/58/15e758c9bcee2ba65de4bf917e88117d.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="235" height="281" src="https://i.pinimg.com/236x/15/e7/58/15e758c9bcee2ba65de4bf917e88117d.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">The AV node controls the passage of the heart's electrical signal from the atria (upper chamber) to the ventricles (lower chamber). After an electrical impulse is generated by the sinus node (located at the top of the right atrium), it spreads across both atria (right and left upper chambers), causing these chambers to beat.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">In saying that WPW is also fairly rare, occurring randomly in the general population, in about 1 to 3 per 1,000 persons. In the general population, men have a higher incidence of WPW than women do, and there is a higher incidence of multiple accessory pathways in men.</span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Symptoms most often appear between the ages of 11 and 50. The condition is discovered by chance during a heart exam. They usually aren't life-threatening, but serious heart problems can occur. Rarely, WPW syndrome may lead to sudden cardiac death in children and young adults.</span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Some cases of WPW are inherited. Parents who have accessory pathways may pass them on to their children. One paper suggested the incidence of preexcitation in first-degree relatives could be as high as 5.5 per 1,000 persons. About 7 to 20 percent of patients with WPW also have congenital defects within the heart.</span></p><p><b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Common Symptoms are</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">A rapid, fluttering or pounding heartbeat</span></li><li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Dizziness or light-headedness</span></li><li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Shortness of breath</span></li><li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Fatigue</span></li><li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Anxiety</span></li><li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Chest pain</span></li><li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Difficulty breathing</span></li><li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Fainting</span></li></ul></div><p><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">It can begin suddenly, lasting a few seconds or several hours, during rest or exercise</span></p><p><b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/c3/24/a8/c324a867bac167460bbc97c71d86f3ea.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="564" height="628" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/c3/24/a8/c324a867bac167460bbc97c71d86f3ea.jpg" width="564" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;"><br /><br />Cause</span></b><p></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">The extra electrical pathway is caused by an abnormal gene that connects the atria (upper chamber) and ventricles (lower chamber), allowing electrical impulses to bypass the AV node. This detour activates the ventricles too early and also transmit electrical impulses from the ventricles back to the atria disrupting the co-ordinated movement of the electrical signals through the heart, leading to changes in the heart rhythm.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/e5/90/20/e5902038b5bd8f047923c7d2296f60de.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="244" height="300" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/e5/90/20/e5902038b5bd8f047923c7d2296f60de.jpg" width="244" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></b><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Tests</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Electrocardiography ECG</span></li><li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Holter monitoring – 24 hours +</span></li><li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Electrophysiological studies – treadmill test.</span></li></ul></div><p><b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">Treatment </span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">This may involve the use of medication or a catheter procedure to stop the irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), a procedure known as ablation. Thin, flexible tubes (catheters) are threaded through blood vessels to your heart. Low-voltage, high-frequency electrical energy at the catheter tip are heated to destroy (ablate) the extra electrical pathway causing your condition.<br />In rare instances, an electric shock may be used to restore a normal rhythm. (cardioversion) </span></div><p><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial;">WPW syndrome may also be called preexcitation syndrome.</span></p><p><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/16/bf/e1/16bfe19ebf1f7e667f2aa871360d344b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="564" height="478" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/16/bf/e1/16bfe19ebf1f7e667f2aa871360d344b.jpg" width="564" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Apparently, I have had Wolff Parkinson White syndrome diagnosed before but I was never told, or don’t remember.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #050505; font-family: arial;">I have never been one to play much sport and in fact when I did do things like go for long walks, especially going uphill, I would feel exhausted and have heart palpitations that I thought was just an indication of being unfit. Running was never a strong point either and I longed to be able to go for a jog but it was just too much effort.</span></p><p><span style="color: #050505; font-family: arial;">My next post will be about what happened to me.</span></p><div><br /></div>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-40209348234949914282022-01-31T13:55:00.005+13:002022-06-17T19:46:48.594+12:00New Year Up dateAt the beginning of 2021 I posted a pic and post on Facebook, reflecting on 2020 and looking forward to 2021 and what it had in store. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzN5_4E48MvMf07V_ozoITutDe5BLii-g7IN-s3YLVXdaKALPGopOPNITCymL7dBR-ojPqrJRnU5QxTR9uc2sBfzqgFmTLEKiCXlg6myM7ovxafEuv7Ns0j19g9ScUOGPZH8emuZA_V8zVeww2Iar8euxB5SWF8yKwjJZ4G47XuiYHkpmqVwsrt8k/s5152/DSCN0452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzN5_4E48MvMf07V_ozoITutDe5BLii-g7IN-s3YLVXdaKALPGopOPNITCymL7dBR-ojPqrJRnU5QxTR9uc2sBfzqgFmTLEKiCXlg6myM7ovxafEuv7Ns0j19g9ScUOGPZH8emuZA_V8zVeww2Iar8euxB5SWF8yKwjJZ4G47XuiYHkpmqVwsrt8k/w480-h640/DSCN0452.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> What a year. </div><div> I said goodbye to my sister and mother and a couple of dear friends. </div><div> Harry spent time in hospital... </div><div> Oh and we had (are still having) a world wide pandemic. </div><div> Today was like many days ... </div><div> Daniel called in </div><div> We went and did some errands, got seeds etc for the garden and had coffee out. </div><div> Chatted to a few friends and now as the evening draws in I wonder "What will 2021 be?" </div><div> Already there are things in my diary I am not looking forward to but have to do. </div><div> But one thing I have learnt in 2020 is that no matter what </div><div> No matter how far I fall </div><div> No matter how small my faith </div><div> God will carry me through and we will come out stronger in what ever area He wants to build in us. </div><div> May 2021 make you stronger dear friend </div><div><br /></div><div>Little did I know what I would be facing in 2021! </div><div>The post came up as "Memories" on my Facebook page and I pondered what I had said and where I was then. </div><div><br /></div><div>So at the beginning of this year I posted it again as a memory adding ... </div><div><br /></div><div>Who would have thought this year could get any worse than last year </div><div>The Pandemic has taken on new twists and turns both here in New Zealand and the rest of the world, as we struggle from the Delta and now the Omicron variants. </div><div>I had a time in Hospital in March after a Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, incident and correction. </div><div>I
had spent quite a few times, flying to Wellington to visit my father who is remarkably still with us at 92, even though he has had declining health this year. </div><div>I truly had started making some tidy up plans and new garden ideas that all came crashing down, just like I did on that fateful Friday the 10th of September. </div><div>Since that life changing event I have had no other thing to do, but look after myself with the amazing help of family and friends, both old and new. </div><div>There are so many who have helped to carry me, and Harry through this time, I don't want to mentioned names. </div><div>But this journey is not over yet with still months of recovery, I never thought I would still be in hospital at the end of 2021. </div><div>But as I have said... </div><div>"that no matter what </div><div>No matter how far I fall </div><div>No matter how small my faith </div><div>God will carry me through and we will come out stronger in what ever area He wants to build in us"</div><div>Who would have thought? </div><div>Just know I am living proof of this ❤ </div><div><br /></div><div>Over the next few months I will try and post regularly so you can read what happened in 2021</div>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-72129426803470474312021-03-01T15:32:00.001+13:002021-03-01T23:50:57.482+13:00Musings From Kerre Woodham’s Musings From Middle Age<br />I have just finished reading this book,<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Musings-from-Middle-Age-Kerre-Woodham/9781775540168?ref=grid-view&qid=1614563647232&sr=1-11" target="_blank"> Musings From Middle Age</a>, that I have had in my collection for a number of years – you know that stack of books by your bedside table … but mine flows under the dressing table as well!<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptXqA_B6NASeAEYEP4RadjRZbl_3Ejd27K2i-wjr9Jc5Pi2vFYnk1pa4ZVEBxXzdCbuvzbwa1b1q7Kyf_-ec4mgXrS0OoaUOzEKmt4r9EmDZ_r_NnQYS5YzuHWfWEvBwAGwp0RV9UeUk/s2048/DSCN0728.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptXqA_B6NASeAEYEP4RadjRZbl_3Ejd27K2i-wjr9Jc5Pi2vFYnk1pa4ZVEBxXzdCbuvzbwa1b1q7Kyf_-ec4mgXrS0OoaUOzEKmt4r9EmDZ_r_NnQYS5YzuHWfWEvBwAGwp0RV9UeUk/w400-h300/DSCN0728.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I bought this book one day at Paper Plus when <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kerrewoodham/about/?ref=page_internal " target="_blank">Kerre</a> was actually there doing a book signing. It was a quiet day and she chatted briefly and wrote in my book <br /></div><div><blockquote>"To dear Fiona with five kids. I hope you get a change to sit down, relax and read this! Happy reading. Love Kerre x”</blockquote></div><div>At that time, I think we had our youngest just move to Christchurch so I was going through the empty nest stage in life. I can tell you back then, it may have been over ten years since our first child had left home and by then I was used to one less in the household every couple of years (and some aspects hubby and I were looking forward to!) but, there is still a grief to go through when indeed all your children have moved out and no longer need your daily input! <p>I suspect Kerre was in awe that I had raised five children as she only had one. But for me that was my choice and I did love it. I was lucky that I didn’t have to work in paid employment until I took some part time work later once all the children were at school. We may not have done the best, as one has indicated (no longer having contact without letting us know what the issues were so we can all talk and understand, respond and heal) but we did what we knew and learned along the way. Every child/family/situation is different so there are no rule books on how to do it. Even if there are books giving advice and ways to work through all these times there are never two situations the same. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglF1l5G3P3x9DyJjPUl5IbYEDDICPTtJ5RAd_cMuQLubWGa4yDvalJ7GFyVVQ1fTVgLiTVnaS3dviyp2uotAZ7F5ts0ptgfIdeGfd1-t15aDpFRLN726weUR-3jqJA0mW7lJyaDeAdDY/s256/Kerr+Mcivor.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="166" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglF1l5G3P3x9DyJjPUl5IbYEDDICPTtJ5RAd_cMuQLubWGa4yDvalJ7GFyVVQ1fTVgLiTVnaS3dviyp2uotAZ7F5ts0ptgfIdeGfd1-t15aDpFRLN726weUR-3jqJA0mW7lJyaDeAdDY/w208-h320/Kerr+Mcivor.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><p></p><p>And that is where I come to the point of this post. </p><div><p>I read Kerre’s book and it was an easy fun book with short chapters making it ideal to pick up and read when there were little pockets of time to do so. This is Kerre’s third book and so is no famous author and will be better known for her work in the earlier days of <a href="https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/fair-go?fbclid=IwAR06z0SI3IvzDe0p5B8VXyfc1vv8158nV2cgF4TYPuCmSN5RSiDezTETRF8" target="_blank">Fair Go</a>, <span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">as
a New Zealand journalist and ‘one of New Zealand’s best loved personalities as
she dishes up a bold, sharp and energetic show Monday to Friday 9am-12md’ on
<a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-mcivor-mornings/" target="_blank">newstalk ZB</a>.</span></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Now I’ve never written a book and admit English was not my best or favourite subject. I couldn’t spell (the wonders of spell check weren’t around in ‘the olden days’), reading out loud was one of my biggest fears as I just didn’t know what or how to pronounce some of the words and my life was reasonably sheltered so there were no big subjects to write about. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Writing a book is quite an accomplishment and I take my hat off to those who do and get them published. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">So when I logged my completion of reading this book on my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17734126-musings-from-middle-age" target="_blank">“Goodreads”</a> challenge for 2021 I scrolled down and read some of the comments. I often wonder what would people say if they spoke to the people their comments are aimed at in person (face-to-face), if they would say what they write or if they hide behind their keyboards giving off their energetic ‘hates’ with no fear of retaliation. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Here are some of the comments: </span></p></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Jo </b>rated it 1* did not like it/ didn’t-finish. - Depressing ageist gender-role reinforcement. I'm really not sure why this book exists. I'm pretty sure that women are getting told by plenty of other sources that once they hit 40 they become invisible and hideous, that regardless of whether they fight or succumb to (the inevitable) aging they will appear ridiculous and an object of mockery, and oh yes, in case you forgot- you're old and you're ugly. Maybe if you are lucky you will score a bloke who still sees you as the young hottie you once were. But you will have to nag him to death, because that's just the way things are. </span></p></div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Jill</b> rated it 1* did not like it. - Kerre Woodham what were you thinking? You warn in your book “only intended for the eyes of women aged 40 plus”. Well I would say more like 90 plus … and not at all if you are a woman. If dear reader, you have picked up this book thinking it will be like Woodham’s “Fat Chick” books then you will be sadly disappointed as it is just Woodham’s take on the aging process. I will confess that I only read the first 55 pages, so perhaps there is some improvement thereafter? Maybe someone would like to read ‘Musings from Middle Age ‘and tell me if it gets better? But I myself was not prepared to waste any more time on it.
As a woman of a certain age, (the same age as Woodham actually) I have noticed that I have become invisible, gravity has kicked in and wobbly bits abound, but I have reached a degree of acceptance – I mean if Rachel Hunter can’t get a man then why should my singledom bother me unduly. However, am I really expected to believe that the gorgeous, blonde bombshell, and raconteur extraordinaire, Kerre Woodham, with her large as life personality, has become invisible - I don’t think so! If a publisher wants a book written on the subject of aging gracefully, why not choose an author who has a few more years under their belt. This book makes me feel like an aging harridan! I still have a good 40 years in me for goodness sake – 60 is the new middle age! This book made me so angry. However if you are a man, and want to know why your wife, sister, mother, life partner or whatever, is angry or moody all the time – then read this by all means – you might find it funny – unfortunately, I certainly didn’t.</span></p></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Rebecca</b> rated it 1* did not like it/not-finished. - Sorry Kerre. I like you but this book is crap!
</span></p></div></blockquote><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The books back cover reads: </span></p></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Is there an invisible line we cross at a certain age when we become ‘un-chat-up-able’ and become someone’s mum? When do barmen and supermarket check-out operators start calling us ‘madam’ and why do some women have the unnatural urge to cut their own hair with nail scissors or run away to Buddhist retreats when they hit forty?
</span></p></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In this hilarious collection of stories from the brink of middle age, Kerre shares her insights into what makes us tick as women ‘of a certain age’. Topics explored include: coping with the empty nest; shoes, shoes and other indulgences; when is it futile to dress to impress? is there such a thing as a female mid-life crisis? and many more. Told in Kerre’s frank and self-deprecating style, this is a hilarious account of living life to the fullest - no matter what your age. </span></p></div></blockquote><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Goodreads website comments: </span></p></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A laugh-out-loud account of one woman's journey to the brink of middle age as she discovers her new place in the grand scheme of things.
Is there an invisible line we cross at a certain age when we become ‘un-chat-up-able’ and become someone’s mum? When do barmen and supermarket check-out operators start calling us ‘madam’ and why do some women have the unnatural urge to cut their own hair with nail scissors or run away to Buddhist retreats when they hit forty? In this hilarious collection of stories from the brink of middle age, Kerre shares her insights into what makes us tick as women ‘of a certain age’. Topics explored include: coping with the empty nest; shoes, shoes and other indulgences; when is it futile to dress to impress?; is there such a thing as a female mid-life crisis?; and many more. Told in Kerre’s frank and self-deprecating style, this is a hilarious account of living life to the fullest - no matter what your age.</span></p></div></blockquote><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccmmCm3ScsizEbMP2tAMIAiy6QUVKTxVfidLZm07TjleMPB61KL2J3P7zH2lVT2Bn9Bq1BFxLrTIBTboRGNPeM5a_xZBhfuusV-S6mXZ9TKvjtuh0D0Cqmtfp6rNvn1mk3S5O0Nxdwlg/s576/2O73AXU4IUCGWPWDMC7TXBWJYI.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccmmCm3ScsizEbMP2tAMIAiy6QUVKTxVfidLZm07TjleMPB61KL2J3P7zH2lVT2Bn9Bq1BFxLrTIBTboRGNPeM5a_xZBhfuusV-S6mXZ9TKvjtuh0D0Cqmtfp6rNvn1mk3S5O0Nxdwlg/s320/2O73AXU4IUCGWPWDMC7TXBWJYI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> “Jo” it would seem back then, that she(or maybe it’s a he) has either been through that stage and feels <i>“invisible and hideous, …. appears ridiculous and an object of mockery, … old and ugly”</i> and if she was <i>“lucky”</i> may have scored a bloke who still sees her as the young hottie she once was. But I sure hope she hasn’t nagged him to death, because that isn’t the way things are. Jo would also discover that Kerre is married to her Irishman who seems to adore her.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Jill” seemed to want a lot more out of this book than she read in <i>“the first 55 pages”</i>. No the book was not the same as her “Fat Chick” books, by why do they have to be? Why does an author have to write the same sort of books all the time? Yes it is <i>“just Woodham’s take on the aging process.” </i>So why expect more? If Jill had read more she may have found the book a light laugh along as she admitted she was the same age and just enjoy it. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And that is what the book is – a sort of autobiography of Kerre’s “middle years” with no suggestion to use it as a failproof guide but one that will make you smile, maybe even laugh out loud, screw your mouth up in disgust or maybe (in my case) nod your head understandingly thinking “and you wait until the next stage!”</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Good on you Kerre, I enjoyed it.</span></p></div>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-7466961082593988492021-02-11T16:11:00.001+13:002021-02-11T16:12:24.557+13:00Reflecting<p>When you look at what you have done in the past and what you would like to achieve in the future do you ever think "I've wasted so much time?"</p><p>I sure have over the last few weeks. </p><p></p><p>If you follow my blog, and/or know me personally, you will know what some things have been like.</p><p>With the death of my Mother and Sister last year I have been on a huge journey of grief, not to mention that added death of our Minister of 6 years. I worked along side him, not just in the church office but, as a lay minister and friends of his wife and him. It is a process one has to adjust to, not something with a time limit.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKukbQxXjTMV2urN9y8K_SUG56AteY51ZT2WVQDMf6Y50H8QBNNtkTBZNREBgmlwR65igXGu5GLFf_vhg0owb3CF9a5JZkfvJ9QScKJZItSdLvUQvCxgcH3Veiw902YQsq9e9j_1WYst4/s533/9c84d4526fa5bfbe8d3a44f6abcf6d60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKukbQxXjTMV2urN9y8K_SUG56AteY51ZT2WVQDMf6Y50H8QBNNtkTBZNREBgmlwR65igXGu5GLFf_vhg0owb3CF9a5JZkfvJ9QScKJZItSdLvUQvCxgcH3Veiw902YQsq9e9j_1WYst4/w300-h400/9c84d4526fa5bfbe8d3a44f6abcf6d60.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Life is never the same, the course just turned in another direction and in time you learn to live with the loss because it is now a part of who you are now.</p><p></p><p>But on this journey you will always learn knew things not just about life but of what is important to you.</p><p>With both my families loss there was the issue of sorting through their belongings and it is interesting to look at the things they had kept or hung on to, the things they didn't finish and the ideas that perhaps they had that you didn't know about. </p><p>I have 'saved' bits and pieces from the clean outs because I wanted to hang on to what was a part of them but also I felt I could finish things they had started. But in doing this I now feel burdened to keep these things and do what I thought needed doing and there are now boxes of 'stuff' building up in a room. </p><p>My daughters look and struggle and I know exactly how they feel, as it was the feelings I had at my mothers things. I want to do what is best but I also want to get on with the rest of my life, as in the big picture the years are counting down. Not in a morbid sense but just in a "This is what I want to do" but all these other things put on by others - either from my own doing or expectations of others - are taking that time.</p><p>There is a huge reluctance to toss or give away but one thing I know I need to deal with it, and now.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87J2V1AO0wIzc0kdUhYCV-c0PcwFJcqNK_qwacnwWHsO_571tFaGFUxEr7b_jbJP1YKL6ufsCN88xo61hSPDBm6R3Tgbramz3CkYrs5Dv_IfDTtMtjUdnE80jqiwaWLkGO7xF9f4ig3o/s685/Declutterathon-self-reflection-first-step-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="650" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87J2V1AO0wIzc0kdUhYCV-c0PcwFJcqNK_qwacnwWHsO_571tFaGFUxEr7b_jbJP1YKL6ufsCN88xo61hSPDBm6R3Tgbramz3CkYrs5Dv_IfDTtMtjUdnE80jqiwaWLkGO7xF9f4ig3o/w380-h400/Declutterathon-self-reflection-first-step-quote.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>They say that you often have to produce a mess before you can start the clean up and I now see that is what I have to do. Another saying is you can't organize cutter.<p></p><p>But the process has begun and I will see it through. And with that I will be able to get on with the things I want to do for me, whatever that means in the big picture.</p><p>I have seen for me last year (Yes 2020!) so much time was lost and it can never be found again, but in getting on with sorting the blockades, the way forward will be easier. </p><p>Being in control of 'it' means that 'it' will no longer control me.</p>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-69107053897220098212020-11-29T16:02:00.003+13:002020-11-29T16:03:30.147+13:00What Does Christmas Mean To You?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9manyL0hm__phDosgf6yYsMM9NgEgFPwtt6xkrveQp4-K1tEhe4vpetp8mFy_TRaRm7hnFRBJil_ymSOeWra0bLyUPJhfWWpzNXHd4dvUMPLKVixVLc5hv1pp7tQ7e-hwRBWUuKExlMk/s800/Advent+1.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="800" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9manyL0hm__phDosgf6yYsMM9NgEgFPwtt6xkrveQp4-K1tEhe4vpetp8mFy_TRaRm7hnFRBJil_ymSOeWra0bLyUPJhfWWpzNXHd4dvUMPLKVixVLc5hv1pp7tQ7e-hwRBWUuKExlMk/w324-h243/Advent+1.jpeg" width="324" /></a></div>Today is the <a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2012/12/first-sunday-in-advent.html">first Sunday</a> in <a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2013/12/1st-december.html">Advent</a>.<br /><p></p><p>In the past I have started my <a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/11/my-christmas-planning.html">Christmas Planner</a> about this time as I don't like to be hassled by Christmas in a material way before the season sort of begins. I follow my planning so all the things in preparation get done and I don't forget anything. Following my plan also helps me to use the time of Advent as being all part of Christmas rather than just one day. I also have birthdays into November so I am still thinking of them.</p><p>However this year has been different...</p><p>"Tell me about it", I hear you say.</p><p>Who would have thought this time last year when we heard reports of a virus in China that the world would be changed in 2020.</p><p>In fact thinking of that, who knows what anything holds for us in the future.</p><p>Now don't get me wrong I am not putting a damper on Christmas or the new year or life in general ... but its made me think, "How do we use all this for good?"</p><p>As we take actions to keep ourselves and those around us safe; the scientists search for a safe reliable vaccine; we learn to live in this 'new' way of life <span style="font-size: large;">-</span> we indeed have to look at Christmas in a different way.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0oNnVm4F0_A_1HRWJpJNlLoCuAGmVibqk84nqsLWYAlm_rr91QHLSFURku2RzOJnWhrJzN0IwBgRvCqWN1ivRgpeDSxE4Z9j-4zKNpCSNH6Y-5BffK9F-YVmVEw6OEZtETrR5E9cG1Q/s1000/this-is-why-christmas-is-on-deember-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0oNnVm4F0_A_1HRWJpJNlLoCuAGmVibqk84nqsLWYAlm_rr91QHLSFURku2RzOJnWhrJzN0IwBgRvCqWN1ivRgpeDSxE4Z9j-4zKNpCSNH6Y-5BffK9F-YVmVEw6OEZtETrR5E9cG1Q/s320/this-is-why-christmas-is-on-deember-25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>How do we do that, when we are so used to the way we have celebrated this time of the year and restrictions pose obstacles we don't like? (especially in other parts of the world)<p></p><p>Or maybe the whole world situation creates the way we go about this time different or with a sense of dread as to what might happen before we even get to the 25th of December.</p><p>So,</p><p>What Does Christmas Mean To You?<br /></p><p>It's a question to ask yourself as we go into the season to help us cope and put into place the things that really matter. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYz1_El85JnE6uR0TqxfE_Odt5zL4ezpvWKkAgOuX3AM91WI-h-rnqaTDIZse371zBDQ4h6BOKgift4fFQvxo21c0y4emAPEygkOf0tlgXL68ZOTZ2CcSkYGc6X13L7AxH3TpSl6xvPU/s826/Christmas_collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="826" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYz1_El85JnE6uR0TqxfE_Odt5zL4ezpvWKkAgOuX3AM91WI-h-rnqaTDIZse371zBDQ4h6BOKgift4fFQvxo21c0y4emAPEygkOf0tlgXL68ZOTZ2CcSkYGc6X13L7AxH3TpSl6xvPU/w294-h226/Christmas_collage.png" width="294" /></a></div>When you stop and ask yourself that question I would suggest you really think about it.<p></p><p>Is it time with family?</p><p>Is it food and drink, and plenty of it?<br /></p><p>Is it a holiday away from all the hassle?</p><p>Is it relatives that you really dread being with!?</p><p>Is it a time of expense that you hate?</p><p>For me it is some of those but it is mainly a time as a Christian that I celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Yes we have food, there are decorations to put up and enjoy, we try to be with family and have times with friends, we exchange presents the I have saved for during the year, but I also focus on the nativity and what the meaning of the birth of Christ means to me.</p><p>I have an array of Nativity scenes I set up around other Christmas decorations. My tree is filled with angles to remind us of the host of angels who announced the good news of Jesus' birth to a group of humble shepherds.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7M-1ad1Z4lDI0HbzfLgtCkt0fdTJHOIwPuIZ8XfcouMnOl6WdKF4-TxCq92TL50Jso1dckIhqph2zInr8zES15jRVg192UKvrroSXf4PClLs-ltxciBquVFmJzdcuJO9xXFgIzYegM8o/s358/Shepherds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="293" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7M-1ad1Z4lDI0HbzfLgtCkt0fdTJHOIwPuIZ8XfcouMnOl6WdKF4-TxCq92TL50Jso1dckIhqph2zInr8zES15jRVg192UKvrroSXf4PClLs-ltxciBquVFmJzdcuJO9xXFgIzYegM8o/s320/Shepherds.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A8-16&version=NIV">Luke 2:8-16</a></p><p></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">8</span> <i>And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">9</span> An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">10</span> But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">11</span> Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">12</span> This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”</i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">13</span> Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,</i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">14</span> “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”</i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">15</span> When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”</i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">16</span> So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.</i></p></blockquote><p>What does Christmas mean to you?</p><p>This year the <a href="https://alltogether.co.nz/hopeproject/">Hope Project</a> are encouraging churches and people to put <a href="https://alltogether.co.nz/christmas/">Christ back into Christmas</a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-hh5t9uNV1z7KrdWs7RaHThKT_3JJWJ1DelSldDVbAdMVeDlkVD1fn4-uQMvUr4Uwp9y4cLkjDY3g0DLhq-sRMwrvV3lI0X0km876D9ZF9l9WI6OD4Kl8DuotJXALMHqhVjGPDhaH8s/s1921/AllTogether-HopeProject-Christmas-Aroha_Artboard-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="1921" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-hh5t9uNV1z7KrdWs7RaHThKT_3JJWJ1DelSldDVbAdMVeDlkVD1fn4-uQMvUr4Uwp9y4cLkjDY3g0DLhq-sRMwrvV3lI0X0km876D9ZF9l9WI6OD4Kl8DuotJXALMHqhVjGPDhaH8s/w415-h122/AllTogether-HopeProject-Christmas-Aroha_Artboard-1.jpg" width="415" /></a></div><p>Too many cards, treats and advertising media are removing the word Christ and either using an "X" or just calling it 'holiday' items. As a Christian for me Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus my saviour and although people may argue that it is a pagan festival or that I shouldn't push my views onto others, the point I make is it is a time for my family and I to celebrate and we will do it the way that means the most to us.</p><p>God says in His Word, the Bible</p><p></p><blockquote><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+4%3A9&version=NIV">Deuteronomy 4:9</a> <i>Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.</i></blockquote><p></p><blockquote><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+23%3A2&version=NIV">Leviticus 23:2</a> <i>“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed festivals, the appointed festivals of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies </i></blockquote><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Now I know that these scriptures are actually meaning events in the Old Testament, which are part of the Jewish traditions, but God wants us to remember Him and to pass what we know onto others, and in celebrating Christmas for its real meaning we are doing just that.</p><p>I hope and pray that this Christmas as we adapt to what these times have caused us to now do, that you seek out the true meaning of Christmas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DKznLUqSchnYFmWpnSN09SDuB6kWK-SfYYZGWjRCK_s5yw5-_lXzUZ_5PNTwztDDvJjGrblQ3odw4Z8vZ73nEbB1M9jxvEesVanY0ltbvAG-di4ADOtUW9GZpcXo3XdEB0uxkoTF-AU/s980/nativity-scene-royalty-free-image-1605024129_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="980" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DKznLUqSchnYFmWpnSN09SDuB6kWK-SfYYZGWjRCK_s5yw5-_lXzUZ_5PNTwztDDvJjGrblQ3odw4Z8vZ73nEbB1M9jxvEesVanY0ltbvAG-di4ADOtUW9GZpcXo3XdEB0uxkoTF-AU/s320/nativity-scene-royalty-free-image-1605024129_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Whatever your answer for the question this post asks, you need to make it what you want.</p><p>If you wish to follow my Christmas Plan it starts <a href="http://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/11/my-christmas-planning.html">here.</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBA8ibU7DAB80LNjVSE3FGjdNGzQcqn54ytdySLpiDdWMTdBHfJXjxej5A4tZiDbMmMLo6jShgJQUt0rVxXbGphqv0w56tkTH13cYAXhCDKTZrGCySMsT3cXZOnbygMB0c2AZsUz3nHt8/s600/depositphotos_217445864-stock-photo-christmas-holiday-background-notebook-coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBA8ibU7DAB80LNjVSE3FGjdNGzQcqn54ytdySLpiDdWMTdBHfJXjxej5A4tZiDbMmMLo6jShgJQUt0rVxXbGphqv0w56tkTH13cYAXhCDKTZrGCySMsT3cXZOnbygMB0c2AZsUz3nHt8/w443-h295/depositphotos_217445864-stock-photo-christmas-holiday-background-notebook-coffee.jpg" width="443" /></a></div><br /><h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; width: 824.75px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">All Scripture is taken from the New International Version</span></h1><p><br /></p>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-34621259341848087522020-11-17T16:57:00.002+13:002020-11-17T20:07:02.655+13:00The Things We SayI wasn’t sure what to title this post as I wasn’t sure what it was that I was wanting to say (write) but as it progressed, I released it was all about “The Things We Say.” <div><br /></div><div>For those of you who don’t know me I have five beautiful grown-up children (8 grandchildren) and Harry and I have been married for 42 years. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVTlrt_t9CnHgWZ53ozVbBe-Bml3exN8qqJGUCUUOpYpxgXFnJSgoMx3WlrN7iJmZpxjk01LxguaEs8xe_U1ItMwcu9cWGawFuwAJUKneRreUF47tD-t8aHOymntOETPI-2F3-5OriKI/s1040/Family+Christmas+2019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="1040" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVTlrt_t9CnHgWZ53ozVbBe-Bml3exN8qqJGUCUUOpYpxgXFnJSgoMx3WlrN7iJmZpxjk01LxguaEs8xe_U1ItMwcu9cWGawFuwAJUKneRreUF47tD-t8aHOymntOETPI-2F3-5OriKI/w640-h360/Family+Christmas+2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I am immensely proud of our children; who they are and what they have achieved and become. I’m not so much proud for being their mum (although “Yes” I am) but more of who they are. Each is different in their own way but they are all ‘from’ me and the things I have said, not said, done and not done shaped the beginning of their life journey. And now I see them all as adults having succeeded in each of their paths and all they do. I love them all dearly and want to be apart of their lives but I don’t want to be that interfering, intrusive mother and create a feeling for them that cringes each time I turn up! I feel privileged to share in their journeys, the highs and lows and I admit it hurts a little when I’m not or if I have no idea what is going on with their lives. </div><div>In fact for one of them I struggle that they don’t want that for me. I know that sounds all a bit 'what about me" but I'm a mother and you just can't take the mothering out of me 😀</div><div><br /></div><div>I am presently going through a book/study titled <a href="https://rachelheldevans.com/biblical-womanhood">“A Year of Biblical Womanhood” </a>by <a href="https://rachelheldevans.com/about/">Rachel Held Evans </a>I bought through <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Year-Biblical-Womanhood-Rachel-Held-Evans/9781595553676">Book Depository.</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>She titled October as learning the art of Gentleness. I thought I had that sussed but it appeared I didn’t. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have learnt through this that I say some pretty cutting things to not just family but anyone really, that are not ‘gentle’. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now let’s be honest here, there are things we don’t like about people even when we love them including ourselves but that’s what makes us who we are and we know that the only ‘perfect One’ is Christ Jesus Himself so don’t be hard on yourselves. People will often say nice things about me and I have learnt to take them on board and accept them but I have had the other side of the coin too. Some of my children have said they don’t like the way I talk to their Dad. I thought “What’s wrong with the way I talk to him?” and this month I have learnt why. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rachel talks in her book about a <a href="https://rachelheldevans.com/blog/contention">‘Jar of Contention’</a> she writes, and I quote: </div><blockquote><div><i>So to kick some of my less-than-gentle habits, I have made a “jar of contention,” which works a bit like a swearing jar. </i></div><div><i>Each time I am caught in the act of gossip, nagging, complaining, exaggerating, or snark I put a penny in the jar. At the end of the month, each penny represents one minute I have to spend doing penance on the rooftop of my house to simulate what it is like to live with a contentious woman. </i></div></blockquote><div></div><div>I had to look up the meaning of contention to truly understand it: </div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>noun: a struggling together in opposition; strife.
a striving in rivalry; competition; contest.
strife in debate; dispute; controversy.
a point contended for or affirmed in controversy.
</i></div></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;">Snark is from the word’s “snide” and “remark”. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=snarky ">"Snarky"</a> is used to describe speech with a specific emotional tone, typically a form of sarcasm informed by cheekiness and a mild, playful irreverence or impudence. When the dominant intent of the communication is to express or convey direct or judgmental rudeness, the sense of mild cheekiness is lost and the overall communication crosses the line to become "snide."</i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;">And there it was – I make snarky comments. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I have come to realize that my mother made comments to me over the years when she didn’t agree or like what I did or said and they were ‘snarky”. Whether she meant to or not she was trying to make herself clear how she felt and being family, one thinks one can get away with talking like that. Well you can’t because it still leaves a mark. </p><p style="text-align: left;">They say that behavior is shaped by nature and nurture. I’m not sure what the percentage is but these all are part of who we are. Whether we wanted to or not we pick up some of these learned behaviours that may or may not be beneficial to us. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwN6_lywhREtlTwOD8M3M1JWMnsQ-0d-rMv-ebVeSsHXJBQ6MkILvY1If7Q4goxkJaFZVGX5_XnSviYbjEMGnJAOo53XkpuhvCQBiPqTat-5kYnzDjd2CVMXU2OT5oerViDQDOszDeW_o/s2048/DSCN0661+%25282%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1773" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwN6_lywhREtlTwOD8M3M1JWMnsQ-0d-rMv-ebVeSsHXJBQ6MkILvY1If7Q4goxkJaFZVGX5_XnSviYbjEMGnJAOo53XkpuhvCQBiPqTat-5kYnzDjd2CVMXU2OT5oerViDQDOszDeW_o/s320/DSCN0661+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div>I started my ‘Jar of Contention” halfway through October using marbles (instead of coins as Rachel had because we just don't have coins anymore) and I soon learnt that I used snarky comments when ever I wanted to get a response of action or have the last comment to keep the silence. I’m not going to go into them but I felt terrible as each day progressed. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The first day there were 6 marbles, then 5, six again and after a couple of days there would be 3 or 4 a day. After two and a half weeks there were 51 marbles in the jar. Now that would mean if I followed through with Rachels course of action I was going to have to sit on the corner of our roof for 51 minutes. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2021%3A9&version=NIV">Proverbs 21:9</a> <span style="font-family: courier;"> Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;">What is really interesting is that this verse is repeated again - And if there is one thing I have learnt is that if God repeats something its something He really wants you to know.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2025%3A24&version=NIV">Proverbs 25:24</a> <span style="font-family: courier;">Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.</span> </p><p style="text-align: left;">I hate to think what it would have been if I had done it for the whole month! </p><p style="text-align: left;">I decided I wasn’t going to actually do this as Rachel had, because it seemed like a waste of 51 minutes and I had learnt my lesson well and truly. There may be times when I still think snarky remarks especially when ‘promises’ are not carried through but I have learnt that the remark does nothing to help and only cuts the person it is aimed at. I have learnt to listen more and say less. I have also learnt to “hear” what is being said (or not) and to think about what is the most helpful and nicest way to aid, if need be, the other person if it truly is an issue. But I have learnt most that “Dah” I can’t have it my way. If correction is needed then sure speak about it in a caring way to encourage a positive turn around but to get one’s own way is manipulative and controlling. </p><p style="text-align: left;">OK I’m not saying I have won the battle. I still have thoughts and the urge to say something cutting or snide because I don’t like what has or hasn’t been done or said, but I feel so good when I realize what it is and I keep it to myself. I have learnt a fault of mine and am coming a long way to lose it and be one step closer to a gentle woman in her speech.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Scripture taken from the New International Version</span></p>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-66367228935813963422020-10-26T22:38:00.004+13:002020-10-26T22:38:31.687+13:00 Where do I start?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgCf7ptfVG4T8y3Lqn-OOgNMgc7uX7ubo_yYt0PaeVg6nE-N4g-3LJXOUjbO7yQcMc8naYTx6AG_xI9G_TP3hyphenhyphenQeHPKDpL9fhI9MQKbBm19-FZJWLcmMAKM6NFsu1cV_bt9lCfjMZ2pQ/s2048/DSCN0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgCf7ptfVG4T8y3Lqn-OOgNMgc7uX7ubo_yYt0PaeVg6nE-N4g-3LJXOUjbO7yQcMc8naYTx6AG_xI9G_TP3hyphenhyphenQeHPKDpL9fhI9MQKbBm19-FZJWLcmMAKM6NFsu1cV_bt9lCfjMZ2pQ/w640-h480/DSCN0599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Some of you will be aware that its nearly a year since I last posted here on my blog.<p></p><p>Others will just have chanced upon here and be none the wiser...</p><p>But we all know that 2020 is and will be known as, and I quote Queen Elizabeth II in a speech she made at Guildhall on 24 November 1992, an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annus_horribilis">"annus horribilis"</a> - meaning "horrible year". </p><p>If you have been living in outer space or closer to the earth in the deepest parts of Africa you may not know that 2020 is the year that the world was infected with COVID-19.</p><p>COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. 'CO' stands for corona, 'VI' for virus, and 'D' for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as '2019 novel coronavirus' or '2019-nCoV.' </p><p>For most of us our lives have changed and millions have been infected (at this time the world total is 43,355,163) and many lives have been lost (at the same date 1,159,200). We are now seeing a second wave across the world and some predict it will be with us for another year. [statistics taken from <a href="https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/">Worldometer</a>]</p><p>We wash our hands a lot more than we used to, use hand sanitizer before and after we go in to shops, cafes, appointments etc and keep our distances. We keep records of where we've been and who we have been with and in New Zealand we now use the <a href="https://tracing.covid19.govt.nz/">NZ COVID tracer app</a>. We are reminded to cough and sneeze into our elbow. In the past you went to work when you were unwell after dosing up on some flu relief medication, but now we stay home and check to see if we need a COVID test. So much for the old advertisement slogan "Solider on with Coldral".</p><p>I admit this all threw me into a bout of anxiety especially when New Zealand went into 'lockdown' and I felt we were coming out of each level too soon, but it always seem to be OK and the rest of the world looked at New Zealand in awe at what we have achieved.</p><p>But 2020 was more than just the stress of COVID for me.</p><p>In January we lost my sister Ailsa to bowel cancer.</p><p>Mum turned 90 in April but we were in lockdown so it passed uneventfully. We thought we could celebrate her 91st next year instead, but...</p><p>In August Mum passed away to be with her Lord and Saviour.</p><p>In less than a month our pastor John, who I had worked along side and become very close to as a friend and colleague, passed away too from cancer.</p><p>Not to mention another friend who died within a week of that.</p><p>So yes this year has been sit (opps missed out the "h"😉) and its only October!</p><p>That is why I haven't been up to writing much especially on here. </p><p>Over the last month or so I had a crisis of faith. God remained faithful and took me on a journey, even though at the time, I didn't think He was there at all and I am now on a new path and keen to get back to things again. </p><p>You may wonder "Why the picture at the top?" When I was struggling with it all, I stopped by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Taupo">Lake Taupo</a> on my way home from a trip to <a href="https://www.wellingtonnz.com/">Wellington</a>, to see my Dad. As I sat and watched the water, the birds and realized how I was feeling, this tree was just there - all on its own. </p><p>And that was how I felt.</p><p>All alone.</p><p>But, as I have said, I have come through and the desire to post again was only held back by, "Where do I start?"</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-2976700056716636252019-12-27T23:23:00.000+13:002019-12-27T23:34:09.471+13:00Boxing Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGHbu9sETwM_fWDih0083hXnAHLbyhYC8Hxs8v3hMzjQ2aGzMTLLxWW3Era4op3xH2KHpQbhcOAwwxz7TpRPSeoRl3lXk8qQ9zhrqz5a01X5qREGY1WnDkh6KnfpDW1SVyIwxyH1KEbY/s1600/downton-abbey-itv.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="364" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGHbu9sETwM_fWDih0083hXnAHLbyhYC8Hxs8v3hMzjQ2aGzMTLLxWW3Era4op3xH2KHpQbhcOAwwxz7TpRPSeoRl3lXk8qQ9zhrqz5a01X5qREGY1WnDkh6KnfpDW1SVyIwxyH1KEbY/s320/downton-abbey-itv.jpeg" width="320" /></a>In New Zealand along with a lot of British Empire countries, Boxing Day is a holiday, the day after Christmas (26 December). Its' traditional meaning is taken from the giving of a box or basket filled with holiday gifts or food the day after Christmas. It comes from a time when the rich used to box up gifts to give to the poor, a ‘Christmas Box’ in Britain. Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants and the day when they received a special ‘Christmas Box’ from the master as a present. The servants would also go home on <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-boxing-day-435060">Boxing Day</a> to give ‘Christmas Boxes’ to their families.<br />
<br />
These days it has taken on its own demises with commercialism meaning the Boxing Day sales entice most to spend more in bargains they might miss out on. There are major sporting events, traditional mid-winter swims in the northern hemisphere and before it was cancelled in 2004 fox hunts were a traditional part of the day.<br />
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I refuse to be drawn into the sales and this year family who had stayed and celebrated at others were gone. Harry rode his bike to the boxing day <a href="https://cemeterycircuit.co.nz/">bike street racing</a> in Wanganui so I was at home alone. It was a day for me of clearing up after family, washing sheets etc and just resting and reading.<br />
<br />
My readings for the day had been from <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2%3A1-12&version=NIV">Matthew 2:1-12</a> where it clearly states that the Magi or wise men were not there straight after Jesus was born. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea... </span><br />
so the three wise men did not visit Jesus for a week or so <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/people-in-the-bible/three-kings-magi-epiphany/">(Epiphany)</a> after he was born although at Christmas we include them in nativity scenes. We know that the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A1-20&version=NIV">shepherds were the first to be told</a> about the birth and went straight away to the stable to see the Christ Child, but who else knew?<br />
Who else visited or saw?<br />
Perhaps the inn keeper came to check on them and maybe some who heard the shepherds rejoicing <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-2-17" id="en-NIV-24991" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-2-18" id="en-NIV-24992" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_POLWxxp0MX4-JBUnEQHGYYHulEbMJPjYrdPeU1o7PYgkCPxaKu2tEu83hrXjzNxyv0PWm-bZOSFEfwI3pkEG6kNtARQpdNwDkgh3kF3VYgY0SyDnXvvtKXFvxAtUF_TQGOt-cynV08/s1600/light_the_world.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_POLWxxp0MX4-JBUnEQHGYYHulEbMJPjYrdPeU1o7PYgkCPxaKu2tEu83hrXjzNxyv0PWm-bZOSFEfwI3pkEG6kNtARQpdNwDkgh3kF3VYgY0SyDnXvvtKXFvxAtUF_TQGOt-cynV08/s400/light_the_world.jpeg" width="400" /></a>But what was that first boxing day, the day after the birth like?<br />
Mary had given birth. It seems it happened at night.<br />
Was a midwife called?<br />
Was Mary and the baby checked that all was well?<br />
Who cleaned up the mess?<br />
They had been visited by a group of shepherds come in from the fields.<br />
Were they a smelly lot? hovering around an hours old baby.<br />
Did those who had heard come to look and see as well?<br />
Did Joseph have to go out and get in some food and water?<br />
Exactly when did they have to go and register for the census?<br />
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So for a time Mary would have been alone. In a lowly stable with her baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a food trough for the animals.<br />
She had time to think.<br />
<span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.</span><br />
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This boxing day I had time to think.<br />
To ponder those first days of Jesus life.<br />
What a start for a King, my Saviour.<br />
I don't imagine those swaddling cloths being very clean or white. They were bands of cloth, probably cotton and the custom at the time was to wrap the new-born in these strips of cloth after washing the body and anointing it in powdered salt. First the baby was laid on its back diagonally on a square sheet of this cotton cloth. After folding the cloth around the infant the shroud was tied with ribbons. Then the baby was wrapped, arms and legs included, with the “swaddling cloth.” This binding prevented the baby from hurting himself by kicking or scratching or rolling over.<br />
Mary would have seen this done and knew what to do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptsSdzNC3bpQE3F7BteFyg95QR17jvURwJ2ArCUbRwuOKS-6hzGHSoItxnqoirTwA7FUhm2QOdFMLIqq9MnvX6vl65lEjETuFQR70gWrkfgvRSggjg_PxemNiVuj5-391m3tgP1UUrSY/s1600/ponder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptsSdzNC3bpQE3F7BteFyg95QR17jvURwJ2ArCUbRwuOKS-6hzGHSoItxnqoirTwA7FUhm2QOdFMLIqq9MnvX6vl65lEjETuFQR70gWrkfgvRSggjg_PxemNiVuj5-391m3tgP1UUrSY/s320/ponder.jpg" width="320" /></a>But after the build up and climax of Christmas - that first Christmas - the birth of Jesus, the day after will have been quiet.<br />
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New born baby cries, the murmurings of animals in the stable, the noises outside by those passing by would just be happenings around but the stillness of a new birth will have been quiet.<br />
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In those days women would have been around mothers who had given birth to help and know what was involved, but Mary was away from family.<br />
She was alone with just Joseph her husband of less than nine months.<br />
A time of reflection and to wonder at what the future had in store.<br />
Was she worried, afraid of what to do next?<br />
Was she unsure of how to bring up this Child of God?<br />
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I too reflected on the events of the last few months for myself and family and wondered, as well, what the future holds.<br />
We are encouraged at this time of year to think about the last year and the coming new one but it is often closer to the 31st of December.<br />
I, whoever, focused on my journey and all that I hope and pray will be for my family, friends and me.<br />
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Take time over the next week to just focus and ponder on what you want in your life and seek to fulfill it.<br />
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<br />Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-45482168446685889202019-12-26T17:54:00.001+13:002019-12-26T18:08:39.179+13:00Christmas 2019<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8qYX4nzkHV-gBOkM_IKCo2Mfk-ywp0c05Q-frzaNoBQUAaaH0igYRhkyVX8u3VJmCGVFwz54l4FFjervo4Ydv7C3T2cLk4J6IAIs_aXc6hhkdofBw2MYiOd7cKqM39tfZQ8EbPfPNFU/s1600/20191219_100614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8qYX4nzkHV-gBOkM_IKCo2Mfk-ywp0c05Q-frzaNoBQUAaaH0igYRhkyVX8u3VJmCGVFwz54l4FFjervo4Ydv7C3T2cLk4J6IAIs_aXc6hhkdofBw2MYiOd7cKqM39tfZQ8EbPfPNFU/s640/20191219_100614.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wellington Harbour </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiIGMRbOFRXeg0DkDnILv_inq5FmQlqFG_iX3FdK5JxvMSvr0q_Vqy_C41pHrJ4tZdIxeebATqEvgsb1p6mA2DYFbNvxw_6aMtyKgJ8QOjbFRdxJh2K2pSqawwaL6Uz2aOESbJRr3PQU/s1600/20191219_072242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiIGMRbOFRXeg0DkDnILv_inq5FmQlqFG_iX3FdK5JxvMSvr0q_Vqy_C41pHrJ4tZdIxeebATqEvgsb1p6mA2DYFbNvxw_6aMtyKgJ8QOjbFRdxJh2K2pSqawwaL6Uz2aOESbJRr3PQU/s400/20191219_072242.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
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Christmas for 2019 was very busy, starting for me with a trip to Wellington the weekend before.<br />
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Harry chose not to come so I flew and was met at Wellington airport by my sister-in-law. We drove to the top of Mount Victoria to climb the steps and take the typical Wellington harbour pic so often used for Wellington. It might look nice enough but believe me it was very windy and a bit chilly!<br />
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We had a bit of a ladies day out having morning tea around in a cafe in Days Bay and then a bit of a drive around Eastbourne and its homes. These are rather expensive but actually are rather nice if you like large older early settler homes.<br />
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The following day we went to the airport again and picked up my sister who had also flown in to have a Purdie clan Christmas with our parents.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyOMchFyDGOgSjQRJOiUTJsWQeg8WDqu6L0SWbacj9iW6G8AW3NRNcr7dBuk5AYgZIav2VXecJFfFIGT1oRx5PD0RuUgw8UxpHDaBx6cQuLtk2laAv7UzaHBdqCzaRZS3PNW-a2YL5CI/s1600/DSCN0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyOMchFyDGOgSjQRJOiUTJsWQeg8WDqu6L0SWbacj9iW6G8AW3NRNcr7dBuk5AYgZIav2VXecJFfFIGT1oRx5PD0RuUgw8UxpHDaBx6cQuLtk2laAv7UzaHBdqCzaRZS3PNW-a2YL5CI/s320/DSCN0333.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adan and Kate - grandchildren</td></tr>
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This was to be a special time for us all as a family, as my parents are both getting old (Dad is 90 and Mum will turn 90 in April next year) and some are experiencing ill health at the moment. It will be a time to nestle in my memory for the rest of my life.<br />
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The following day (Saturday) we all arrived at my parents including my eldest and her family for a lovely spread for lunch supplied by my two sister-in-laws. It was lovely to have this time together for a few hours and then we regrouped for leftovers for dinner.<br />
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Our family have always had the tradition of taking a family group photo on Christmas day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQui7v5xvlgJ1Qg9_H7WzuiRittrQ89H9WME7NT9LNr2pK9aRIiDTPU1QOirlR6tgkOlQlf2Er1o9LWvS4-UZn6Up92jDZVWHHDgFrxNIw08vdMoy3JdRwXCFqZrTav2TuaOfU1aOr7JA/s1600/DSCN0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQui7v5xvlgJ1Qg9_H7WzuiRittrQ89H9WME7NT9LNr2pK9aRIiDTPU1QOirlR6tgkOlQlf2Er1o9LWvS4-UZn6Up92jDZVWHHDgFrxNIw08vdMoy3JdRwXCFqZrTav2TuaOfU1aOr7JA/s640/DSCN0336.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Gordon (holding his dog Hammy)at the back<br />
(Sitting) Ailsa, Dad, Mum and Stuart standing on the right</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV65HKpQD41mi5SAj_tnpAVPInjtZGSfQkICzRUMGOfnAM_iS01elmrPhS63YdtbEB3ce1rIYc1RhIjU_vpkyT-ItfGdpzOz5rL0zfZoRXOBqK45s1KLUpvCjkRAqNKW6Zf0XqLr2-mE0/s1600/DSCN0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV65HKpQD41mi5SAj_tnpAVPInjtZGSfQkICzRUMGOfnAM_iS01elmrPhS63YdtbEB3ce1rIYc1RhIjU_vpkyT-ItfGdpzOz5rL0zfZoRXOBqK45s1KLUpvCjkRAqNKW6Zf0XqLr2-mE0/s640/DSCN0342.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back Row: Stuart, Liz, Dianne, Me, Gordon (holding Hammy)<br />
Front Row: Ailsa, Dad and Mum</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHC2dLk8TTUuxWoQxeoMe2HFBtt7f1Oew6A2suHVvsWrfZ1GbIVvlHu8IXRe23TcfPUVjJLJeka1uNbqZTir4W2P2FYkhxNgIHs4aUJq2U2hAr1PKL0ym2gHVFUszHmiDXzFOQpGHmm8/s1600/C+b+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHC2dLk8TTUuxWoQxeoMe2HFBtt7f1Oew6A2suHVvsWrfZ1GbIVvlHu8IXRe23TcfPUVjJLJeka1uNbqZTir4W2P2FYkhxNgIHs4aUJq2U2hAr1PKL0ym2gHVFUszHmiDXzFOQpGHmm8/s320/C+b+C.jpg" width="240" /></a>The following day I took Dad and Mum to their Church for a lovely pre-Christmas service where we focused on Joseph and how he felt about the fact that his wife was having a baby who was not his but, the Son of God. I had a last stop at my eldest and then they dropped me off at the Wellington airport to see the planes and after a twenty minute delay, I flew home.<br />
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The airport is very automated these days and I don't like not having the personal touch of check-in staff. I'm not a frequent flyer so its rather special for me to fly anywhere. I wonder if the two missing bags of luggage that caused our flight to be delayed, would have been lost had there been people overseeing all that.<br />
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Harry picked my up from the airport and we arrived back in Tirau just in time for the end of the annual Carols by Candlelight on the <a href="https://tirauinfo.co.nz/listing/tirau-co-operating-parish-church/">Tirau Community Churche</a>s front lawn. I must admit it felt a little odd not having had anything to do with the preparations as I no longer work in the office.<br />
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From the following day on it was a bit of a flurry of last minute shopping for food now I knew some family were coming to stay and then the arrival of our eldest and her family who stayed for two nights.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPd8rF3sdIQTOTqFRGhxmDDer8yJvElwpmwgyp1kDIfq4Rwq6do3TxoX2_mjq3UjjyuG-nlELx-Iy9bYaTVWZ89Cz-sTnFIJSSUOiTcbTknuScGpJXNmHSMl4o2QZ17ilCFAzz6zWibg/s1600/DSCN0349+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPd8rF3sdIQTOTqFRGhxmDDer8yJvElwpmwgyp1kDIfq4Rwq6do3TxoX2_mjq3UjjyuG-nlELx-Iy9bYaTVWZ89Cz-sTnFIJSSUOiTcbTknuScGpJXNmHSMl4o2QZ17ilCFAzz6zWibg/s400/DSCN0349+%25282%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0F2RubcndQy2aWCdXoIOjxsY6oESE0o9yoYrxEQKPd-Dj2sZ22ok-IxJuwLGTbGQUSK77VI7np9ajy4nJbO6J6c3W5g74H-cUdpSm-Si0e88NhVk_1jR3eTCvJetINQgXP515hkfMfhc/s1600/DSCN0353+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0F2RubcndQy2aWCdXoIOjxsY6oESE0o9yoYrxEQKPd-Dj2sZ22ok-IxJuwLGTbGQUSK77VI7np9ajy4nJbO6J6c3W5g74H-cUdpSm-Si0e88NhVk_1jR3eTCvJetINQgXP515hkfMfhc/s400/DSCN0353+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a>While her parents and brother went shopping Kate enjoyed some time with Opa and Nana, helping Opa in the vegetable garden - something they don't have as they live in an apartment and making some muffins with me. We also made lollie cake a traditional sweet treat I have associated with Christmas for years. My Granny made it and it was a rule in our family that you had to be thirteen and over to be allowed to have a slice.<br />
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When it was time for some lunch Kate and I sat out under the big spreading silk tree in the middle of our front lawn to enjoy a bit of cool from being in the hot kitchen baking and to taste the muffins warm from the oven.<br />
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Interestingly, Harry reminded us that the chair we were sitting on was made by Kate's mum when she was at high school and in a group of students in a YES team. (Young Enterprising Students.) They made the garden chairs and table (in front) using up-cycled fence strainers etc from local farms. It's stood the test of time for over twenty-two years but is in need of a little repair so it doesn't fall to bits when sat on in the not too distant future. Kate found it interesting that her mother had made the furniture.<br />
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Finally all those last minute things seemed to have been done and we had a light tea, settled into the evening with the two grandchildren putting up their stockings on Christmas Eve in the lounge.<br />
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As a child I had a large woolen sock of my fathers that was put at the end of the bed and some time during the night it would get filled. As a parent I couldn't understand how it was done without waking us up and it wasn't until even later that I was told the other sock in the pair that we had at the end of our beds was filled in another room and just placed in exchange of the empty one. No wonder I never really noticed it happening. - the magic of Christmas.<br />
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The children had pics in their new pajamas beside our tree. A tradition Theresa has started for her family. Of course Santa was left a large glass of milk and a Christmas mince pie which Kate got ready.<br />
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Keeping traditions that are special to you and making new ones of your own are important for memory making and building a strong family. The traditions and not the actually gifts etc are what make the special events in life, beautiful times.<br />
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Christmas Day dawns warm and fine and the children had unwrapped their stocking gifts before I rose!. We had breaky and after a family Christmas Church service we went out to Carl and Sarah's for a lovely time celebrating the birth of Jesus.<br />
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As usual Sarah had prepared a beautiful meal with some help from her siblings and then, as our family traditions are, the giving of gifts from under the tree was had after the lunch time dishes were done.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxhOocp-5wWLlwlqd4FsMRSTKV5HdjYlNWgZX-UiChosSLdzII4Cy5_EwPqPEexISsNtghfRZmLEJqwcvx3sw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br />
It was a special time as all our (Harry and mine) family were their except our youngest - but I believe that one day she too will join us on the occasional time that we can all gather together in this joyous time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ so long ago.Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-86634836638493713632019-12-16T23:15:00.000+13:002019-12-16T23:15:19.122+13:00Christmas Planner (8)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFMtrHTSB4w6KsZXOkxsPhrG8pU1JMQZ4Pk09-qS-sKcOyQIiXvhF3tUyohNhFl8_FJFVNfgLvfLcEU_kbXw9QaLVKBmAQWxe7hPJDY9m9Tvn4oDkz_e2KxoZJSZ7pNwRSr74v6GUksY/s1600/Christmas+Planner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFMtrHTSB4w6KsZXOkxsPhrG8pU1JMQZ4Pk09-qS-sKcOyQIiXvhF3tUyohNhFl8_FJFVNfgLvfLcEU_kbXw9QaLVKBmAQWxe7hPJDY9m9Tvn4oDkz_e2KxoZJSZ7pNwRSr74v6GUksY/s400/Christmas+Planner.jpg" width="266" /></a><b><u>Christmas Planner</u></b><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/11/my-christmas-planning.html">Day 1</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/11/christmas-planning-2.html">Day 2</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/12/christmas-planning-3.html">Day 3</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/12/christmas-planning-4.html">Day 4</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/12/christmas-planner-5.html">Day 5</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2019/12/christmas-planner-6.html">Day 6</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2019/12/christmas-planner-7.html">Day 7</a><br />
<br />
If you have been following my Christmas Plan that started <a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/11/my-christmas-planning.html">here</a>, you will have a planner with<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A calendar </li>
<li>Planner page with added menu </li>
<li>Ideas sheet </li>
<li>Stationary needs </li>
<li>Gift list </li>
<li>Gift shopping list </li>
<li>Book or list of Card recipients </li>
<li>Christmas letter</li>
<li>Important dates</li>
</ul>
<br />
This is probably it for the planner, but you need to keep it with you when it comes to Christmas things so you can be sure you are doing/getting what you need and no fall off the wagon. You may even have other things you would like to add to it like favourite recipes, addresses etc.<br />
Keep the planner when Christmas is over for next year so you can use it again and make new lists or slightly change things you have done. I also like to refer to it after Christmas to note anything I didn't like or forgot to do/add<br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcSBQK_9LTp9XdWQVGJPmpbcXMBn8eENkwGQmcsWqJrsIyBIp0q6" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcSBQK_9LTp9XdWQVGJPmpbcXMBn8eENkwGQmcsWqJrsIyBIp0q6" width="269" /></a>It's also good as it lets you know what you gave/did last Christmas.<br />
<br />
So today we are ready to go and shop.<br />
Now before you rush out the door you need to think of the Christmas song<br />
<br />
"He's making a list<br />
He's checking it twice...."<br />
<br />
Check your gift list.<br />
Have you got all the ideas sorted?<br />
Are you sure it is what the person wants/needs? You don't want to find they have sold it on Trade Me on Boxing Day!<br />
Check for sizes, colours, title etc.<br />
Sort out what shops you will need to go to, to purchase them.<br />
As I have mentioned before I save for this time but I also need to stick to that budget.<br />
If you prefer to buy online make sure you are only buying what you want not being sucked in by something extra for a few more dollars. Also take into consideration the cost of packaging and courier fees.<br />
<br />
You might also like to check your other purchase lists for stationary and non-perishable grocery items.<br />
<br />
Now armed with the lists go out for the day and enjoy the shopping. Remember to stick to what you have planned and don't get sucked into all the other enticing displays and adverts to get you to buy more.<br />
<br />
Make sure you treat yourself to a nice stop for a coffee or what ever you fancy during the day to reward you successful planning. This is fun.<br />
<br />
And please remember this is the time for joy - the true meaning of Christmas is Love.<br />
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<br />Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-77616872150944764002019-12-10T23:42:00.001+13:002020-12-03T00:55:26.820+13:00Christmas Planner (7)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ahxGNtxWm5nHJrGDP8JFrS6kd6ETDs_l9qTjyPTjwTMnWbfUgrjvTLWJUODkQfEZlTAX18SllSuqdpTbyKspJ1yyUTHQpkHIMuZGqCuBKgIBdFD9wJEAcI-7zC4AzrW0GeRKJq8QjZM/s1600/DSCN0292.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ahxGNtxWm5nHJrGDP8JFrS6kd6ETDs_l9qTjyPTjwTMnWbfUgrjvTLWJUODkQfEZlTAX18SllSuqdpTbyKspJ1yyUTHQpkHIMuZGqCuBKgIBdFD9wJEAcI-7zC4AzrW0GeRKJq8QjZM/s320/DSCN0292.JPG" width="320" /></a><b><u>Christmas Planner</u></b><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/11/my-christmas-planning.html">Day 1</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/11/christmas-planning-2.html">Day 2</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/12/christmas-planning-3.html">Day 3</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/12/christmas-planning-4.html">Day 4</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/12/christmas-planner-5.html">Day 5</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2019/12/christmas-planner-6.html">Day 6</a><br />
<br />
So now the fun begins.<br />
<br />
By now I have written all my cards and posted them.<br />
I am confident in all my lists (Cos' I love lists - they help me not to panic!)<br />
I know what is and isn't' happening for the Christmas Celebrations (Unless something changes and you can't plan for that, but just learn how to adapt! - breathe)<br />
So although some things and parties have happened I am now ready to run with it.<br />
<br />
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Depending on what day of the week it is I either get the tree up and decorated or at least get it started.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYIeL0yOYp9lbC7mU-l0tF75zyjVfalUIbnYsOZb1WHao1dYuSWnArT8mw2JBF3c2Fl1inbAr3c_xIIKAVndnjkrT4TRCEnpBgAztYO4fTW7el4-l_jHaSrTKFyUK2SS5ET8cSszgIiU/s1600/DSCN2056.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYIeL0yOYp9lbC7mU-l0tF75zyjVfalUIbnYsOZb1WHao1dYuSWnArT8mw2JBF3c2Fl1inbAr3c_xIIKAVndnjkrT4TRCEnpBgAztYO4fTW7el4-l_jHaSrTKFyUK2SS5ET8cSszgIiU/s640/DSCN2056.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UOa9C5FjrVBtK6TepHN8ZDR4XmswB0rK7bZiGuky4DNTECv0ENfEAlDH0m-t0zNXaCRfW3soMlCaAI2huSSOA39MacwRQouljwGb6bdOxH0tVcV59_GwDG3p97711IdVCKgmJLN2n5Q/s1600/DSCN4206.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UOa9C5FjrVBtK6TepHN8ZDR4XmswB0rK7bZiGuky4DNTECv0ENfEAlDH0m-t0zNXaCRfW3soMlCaAI2huSSOA39MacwRQouljwGb6bdOxH0tVcV59_GwDG3p97711IdVCKgmJLN2n5Q/s320/DSCN4206.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note Milly under the tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love the season of Christmas and so decorate a few places.<br />
My sister just has a table setting of candles and a few Christmasy things on a platter type arrangement. It is a precious time for meditation of the meaning of Christmas as she is on her own and so doesn't go for all the tree and trimmings.<br />
<br />
So what ever makes you feel happiest then do - and if others want something else get them to do it. Just don't complain if you suddenly decide you want it done a different way to what they do e.g. the way the tree is decorated.<br />
<br />
I don't like to decorate to far in advance because then I get a bit 'tired' of it, but I do want it up for awhile before the task of taking it all down is upon me and I end up thinking "I've only just put it up!"<br />
<br />
Hubby does the lights outside the house and this is actually best started at the end of November so you can get them all up and connected well before you actually want to have them turned on.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3-a0g4yiahO6c0AAxf70Xw8v8-i2-bukfdC071cV1Zot9Lsk9IlEdlKTJDVdBjN7LmDnkMM6ttS2hLmTFMyrzzWr4vnqWa82bG287tX2FZopCzm5MAtScDaJYE1K4EaXYb2mK0ONwcY/s1600/DSCN3292.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3-a0g4yiahO6c0AAxf70Xw8v8-i2-bukfdC071cV1Zot9Lsk9IlEdlKTJDVdBjN7LmDnkMM6ttS2hLmTFMyrzzWr4vnqWa82bG287tX2FZopCzm5MAtScDaJYE1K4EaXYb2mK0ONwcY/s640/DSCN3292.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><div>Day 8 can be found <a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2019/12/christmas-planner-8.html">here</a></div>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-28015217825540588182019-12-03T22:17:00.002+13:002020-11-29T16:12:29.274+13:00Christmas Planner (6)Are you still with me?<br />
<br />
The start of my planning can be found <a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/11/my-christmas-planning.html">here</a> with links to the next ones within the post and at the bottom of this one.<br />
You will have a Christmas planner with<br />
<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOleyt1EnMuUrIKcCeo1EDZ_e8zTJTm5C1ZvsI0MjbpbhIk4BbA8V6F1lv-jWBnp_ORARAuNv6gJ13I7TnmVFI3mpgB5rIt9bwQtienUfWi4Z2xn-GhyphenhyphenEqLl1tNXG8blRavSAuOOcQTY/s1600/little-girl-celebrating-christmas-day-forgetting-something-slapping-forehead-with-palm-closing-eyes_1187-30879.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="626" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOleyt1EnMuUrIKcCeo1EDZ_e8zTJTm5C1ZvsI0MjbpbhIk4BbA8V6F1lv-jWBnp_ORARAuNv6gJ13I7TnmVFI3mpgB5rIt9bwQtienUfWi4Z2xn-GhyphenhyphenEqLl1tNXG8blRavSAuOOcQTY/s400/little-girl-celebrating-christmas-day-forgetting-something-slapping-forehead-with-palm-closing-eyes_1187-30879.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<li>A calendar </li>
<li>Planner page with menu </li>
<li>Ideas sheet </li>
<li>Stationary needs </li>
<li>Gift list </li>
<li>Gift shopping list </li>
<li>Book or list of Card recipients </li>
<li>Christmas letter </li>
</ul>
This is the time I do the recheck of lists etc.<br />
<br />
Is the gift list sorted?<br />
Is the size, colour, style, brand written down?<br />
Is the budget set and realistic to stick to?<br />
Is the shopping list for non-perishables completed?<br />
<br />
I then focus on the normal things of any month but especially for December/January. In New Zealand most of the country closes up from about 23rd December to after the first week of January as it is not only Christmas but the summer holiday season for most people. That means that business' can be closed and even doctors, dentists etc run on skeleton staff while others like ourselves have a break.<br />
This means that the paying of bills or having appointments are virtually impossible. The computers in these places will spit out bills or cancel subscriptions automatically so you need to tend to what needs doing.<br />
<br />
For this reason I work out what bills need paying until mid January and what income there will be to cover these and keep that separate. In New Zealand its school summer holidays and the new year will start at the end of January so that will mean buying uniforms stationary etc so this expense needs to kept in mind as well.<br />
<br />
I will also check what medications maybe running low and make sure they are stocked up on as well as other things that may be hard to get or we may forget.<br />
Even more so if we are gong to be away the last thing you want is to suddenly remember in the middle of your holiday that you forgot to cancel the paper, pay a bill, miss an appointment or find the warrant on your car ran out on the 3rd of January.<br />
<br />
So yes I make another list for all those things that need checking. I have a standard list that I use each year and either cross off what is not needed this year or set a date for it to be sorted by.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33c9ChquxBndq0n8dFNrfSiC6_OHVUF8xBBU5kosyIkahOCYh7RPvBnQv5PjBfJ0dZMolc1cij9zs7d6MOpOvKhfT9YYrn6UD0CTpJlwG1Tk_35SHFPT5oa7ZqU7NldBNIOahAcpTBK0/s1600/cad36c846ca746423acaf86221c33732.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33c9ChquxBndq0n8dFNrfSiC6_OHVUF8xBBU5kosyIkahOCYh7RPvBnQv5PjBfJ0dZMolc1cij9zs7d6MOpOvKhfT9YYrn6UD0CTpJlwG1Tk_35SHFPT5oa7ZqU7NldBNIOahAcpTBK0/s1600/cad36c846ca746423acaf86221c33732.jpg" /></a></div>
Ideas are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Doctor appointments</li>
<li>Prescriptions ordered</li>
<li>Hair appointment</li>
<li>Car warrant</li>
<li>Date leaving</li>
<li>Date returning</li>
<li>Mail collected</li>
<li>Paper sorted</li>
<li>Visitors arriving</li>
<li>Visitors leaving</li>
<li>Bills posted by</li>
</ul>
Once this check off list is sorted or as you do it write dates on the calendar in your Christmas planner. I also spend time finishing the Christmas cards especially the overseas ones and others even if they are not being posted right now.<br />
<br />
This is also a great time to go over that list of ideas you had of the things you like (and don't) about Christmas. You have already made some changes so now it's time to look at what you haven't addressed and do so.<br />
Remember this is about you and your family, not what others expect. You little family is making their own traditions. If it seems to hard then think about perhaps not dong it this year and making an agreement that you will next year but only if it is something that you feel is important to keep your relationship spared any harsh treatment.<br />
E.g. If you are expected at Grandma's for afternoon tea every Christmas then you may have to say you will promise to do so every second year if it is not something the rest of your own little family want to do.<br />
Just realize if you later feel like something was missing this Christmas and realize it was "Afternoon tea at Grandma's" you will have to make it part of your wish for your family traditions and talk it through with your own little family.<br />
<br />
So you now have an 'Important Dates' list in your planner and your tasks are to check and complete lists ready to go shopping and cards ready for posting.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Christmas Planner</u></b><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/11/my-christmas-planning.html">Day 1</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/11/christmas-planning-2.html">Day 2</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/12/christmas-planning-3.html">Day 3</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/12/christmas-planning-4.html">Day 4</a><br />
<a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2018/12/christmas-planner-5.html">Day 5</a><div><br /></div><div>Day 7 is <a href="https://mumseysramblings.blogspot.com/2019/12/christmas-planner-7.html">here</a></div>Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-89943521061896172992019-09-05T19:53:00.000+12:002019-09-05T19:53:41.529+12:00Deviled Sausages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHlcKOAKpRuprmFexXR6Mv_lF1xIFlOfoJWFOQMWAptwxjAQcsEIhjIh0ik0cxODGJCVZVH2ByVKU23T3QMPnYaUvgsvNNJyPk1fLjSFEVL6vNk-co8v3BQf5r6rkSTL7Go2mqRcmMv4/s1600/DSCN4699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHlcKOAKpRuprmFexXR6Mv_lF1xIFlOfoJWFOQMWAptwxjAQcsEIhjIh0ik0cxODGJCVZVH2ByVKU23T3QMPnYaUvgsvNNJyPk1fLjSFEVL6vNk-co8v3BQf5r6rkSTL7Go2mqRcmMv4/s640/DSCN4699.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My hubby is not a great one for experimenting with new meal ideas or flavours so we tend to stick to the same sort of meals.<br />
<br />
Sometimes when you want to cook up a meal a little different from the meat, potato and two vege you reach for a packet mix to add flavour and something more exciting for dinner. You might follow the recipe or maybe boost a simple meat meal to something more exciting in taste. As much as I have used these I’m never quite sure what is in the mixes so I like to make the dish from scratch using my own ingredients and adapting them to our tastes.
<br />
<br />
The deviled sausages mix I have used in the past is an easy one to copy and bring in the spices you like. The prepared <a href="http://gourmetgiftbaskets.co.nz/online-shop/mustards/tomato-n-chilli-mustard/">tomato ‘n chilli mustard</a> is from a jar from <a href="http://www.nanricroad.co.nz/">Nanric Road</a>, a New Zealand company but any mustard would do. You can really add or omit to get the flavour you like.<br />
<br />
Now I don’t really like the name of this dish, but at least we all know what I’m talking about!
<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV4InimG-308ehfyk19fUBbcFatZf2XMMwGNBBvJuUM7Ip9_brKPlIE7Cs7CqTecvPSrFB0-zn1uMBTpgPS4CtQZqHX-VNgEn4Bd2B3jjKrgvOHF04GxSK_0mGqKKQcneqGk77MAlQbU/s1600/DSCN4704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV4InimG-308ehfyk19fUBbcFatZf2XMMwGNBBvJuUM7Ip9_brKPlIE7Cs7CqTecvPSrFB0-zn1uMBTpgPS4CtQZqHX-VNgEn4Bd2B3jjKrgvOHF04GxSK_0mGqKKQcneqGk77MAlQbU/s400/DSCN4704.JPG" width="400" /></a>1 Tbsp. of olive oil for frying<br />
6 pork sausages<br />
I onion thinly slices<br />
1 clove garlic crushed<br />
I apple halved, cored and sliced thinly<br />
1 tsp chicken stock powder<br />
½ cup tomato sauce<br />
2 tsp Worchester sauce<br />
1 tsp of prepared tomato ‘n chilli mustard<br />
½ tsp ground cumin<br />
½ tsp coriander<br />
1 tsp curry<br />
1 Tbsp. brown sugar<br />
1 cup water<br />
½ cup of corn<br />
1 Tbsp. cornflour
<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 180°C<br />
Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the sausages until just turning brown on all sides.<br />
Remove to a plate.<br />
Add the sliced onion to the pan and cook until nearly transparent but not browned.<br />
Add crushed garlic and apple and cook for a couple of minutes just to soften but not brown.<br />
Mix together the stock, sauces, spices and brown sugar then gradually stir in the water.<br />
Pour into pan and mix with the other ingredients for a couple of minutes.<br />
Cut sausages – I like to cut them into four pieces but you can do thirds or just in half. (Or even keep them whole).<br />
Place sausages into a casserole dish and add the mix from the pan stirring all gently and sprinkle corn over the top.<br />
Cover and cook in oven for 30 minutes.<br />
Mix the cornflour with a little water to make a smooth paste and stir into casserole.<br />
Cook a further 10 minutes and then remove from oven.<br />
Let stand for a few minutes just to cool a little and thicken.<br />
Serve with steamed rice, boiled or mashed potatoes.<br />
You could add/substitute peas or beans to the casserole
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNcTVYong99cBbjOogems0gvOLsuomoAmpQKGEekaDPlZY2c6EUxEvhyphenhyphenCz6k6d_ezmZbE8PvHMi0g4FRuXhBl514bzyL1iJ5XyQu4x5QFCDmuVWNVyV_H3jm5qz0biXkdbX2iNYP9k5o/s1600/DSCN4698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNcTVYong99cBbjOogems0gvOLsuomoAmpQKGEekaDPlZY2c6EUxEvhyphenhyphenCz6k6d_ezmZbE8PvHMi0g4FRuXhBl514bzyL1iJ5XyQu4x5QFCDmuVWNVyV_H3jm5qz0biXkdbX2iNYP9k5o/s640/DSCN4698.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-17357050945769077842019-08-21T14:17:00.000+12:002019-08-21T14:17:04.220+12:00Encouraging The Younger WomenI’ve been researching some things for a blog post about using a planner and so have been checking out a lot of my <a href="https://www.pinterest.nz/fionavanlent/">pinterest</a> ‘pins’ to see what I can learn for what I want for myself, but also to help with what I wanted to share.<br />
What I found in every link to a weblog of some sort was that the people seemed to all be female, but most of them were also young enough to be one of my daughters.<br />
<br />
It surprised me a bit as I was thinking how come these young ladies know so much at 20 or 22 etc.<br />
<br />
I realize that living in today’s world is so much faster and more up-to-the-mark than it was in my younger years. For one we didn’t have computers nor did we know anything about the World Wide Web. Cell phones were bricks if you had one and keeping up with everyone was either by a landline telephone or letter!<br />
<br />
Now there are times when I wish we were still like that - a slower pace in life, less demands on our lives and the constant need to be up with the play with everything. Like a lot of us it would be nice if people looked up from their phones or away from their desks to talk face to face but really that’s a whole other issue.<br />
<br />
Mind you I wouldn’t have this blog and you wouldn’t have come across it either!<br />
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I especially looked at the beautiful photos of all these young ladies and thought to myself ‘would people be put off by seeing an old lady posting on her blog?’ and, ‘how would she know what the younger generation are wanting or looking for?’<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhAmTZQeIizHncq7fVMm57n3BLzG7b7Nmns-e_BQL9ILFjFshogvodYBWCzL9yhMcFD2rMM8Z5Dae0VIoM-wntkXW-t4Jl1LV7DTgdGu2QqC_UEjGjth_G327BacpVnxZNIOBMEuNNJk/s1600/titus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="791" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhAmTZQeIizHncq7fVMm57n3BLzG7b7Nmns-e_BQL9ILFjFshogvodYBWCzL9yhMcFD2rMM8Z5Dae0VIoM-wntkXW-t4Jl1LV7DTgdGu2QqC_UEjGjth_G327BacpVnxZNIOBMEuNNJk/s400/titus2.jpg" width="308" /></a>God spoke to me from a piece of scripture in Titus 2 about the older women teaching the younger ones<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus2:3-5&version=TLV">Titus 2:3-5</a> Tree of Life Version (TLV) </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">3</span> Likewise, older women are to be sanctified in demeanor—not backbiting or enslaved to much wine. Let them be teachers of what is good, <span style="font-size: xx-small;">4</span> so that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, <span style="font-size: xx-small;">5 </span>to be self-controlled, pure, managing their household, kind, submitted to their own husbands, so that God’s word may not be dishonored.</i></span><br />
<br />
I saw then that it was me He was asking to step into the place of teaching younger women. A lot of them won’t have their mother or grandmother near or even with them anymore so they will look to someone like me knowing that I have been through the tough things and come out the other side so able to base my thoughts on genuine experiences.<br />
<br />
A man was praying for me the other day and he said he saw a vision of my hand reaching up to a blind on a window and the sunlight was just slipping though the gap and on to my hand. He said this was God starting to use me in a new way to shine His light on others.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+5%3A2&version=TPT">1 Timothy 5:2</a> The Passion Translation (TPT) </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Honor the older women as mothers, and the younger women, treat as your dear sisters with utmost purity.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
As my life situation is changing I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life.<br />
So with this in mind I was spurred on to actually post more here.
Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-88008931668290256572019-08-17T18:11:00.000+12:002019-08-17T18:11:04.412+12:00In The Life Of Me.A little while ago one of my daughters set me a challenge on Facebook to:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Day ? in the life of me. </span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Seven days, seven photos, all Black and White of everyday life.</span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">No explanations.</span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Challenge a friend everyday.</span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Today I challenge....</span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
Now it could possibly be a sort of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_letter">chain letter</a> like what used to be sent out in years gone by.<br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em;">
<i>A <b>chain letter</b> is a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Message" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Message">message</a> that attempts to convince the recipient to make a number of copies and pass them on to a certain number of recipients. The "chain" is an exponentially growing pyramid (a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_(graph_theory)" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Tree (graph theory)">tree graph</a>) that cannot be sustained indefinitely.</i></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em;">
<i>Common methods used in chain letters include <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_manipulation" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Psychological manipulation">emotionally manipulative</a> stories, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make_Money_Fast" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Make Money Fast">get-rich-quick</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_scheme" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Pyramid scheme">pyramid schemes</a>, and the exploitation of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superstition" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Superstition">superstition</a> to threaten the recipient. Originally, chain letters were <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letter_(message)" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Letter (message)">letters</a> sent by mail; today, chain letters are often sent electronically via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Email">email</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_network_service" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Social network service">social network sites</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Text_messaging" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Text messaging">text messages</a>.</i></div>
But as it really is up to the person challenged, as to whether they take on the challenge and no-one is being threatened or hurt by participation or not, I thought I would give it a try. At least it gave me an excuse to share a bit of my life instead of just other topics of info.<br />
<br />
And then I thought I would share it on here with the coloured pic and a bit of info ... just to show I wasn't tied to it and its demand!<br />
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so...<br />
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Day 1 in the life of me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Seven days, seven photos, all Black and White of everyday life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">No explanations.</span><br />
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<a href="https://scontent.fakl2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67368059_10217329762534251_8198791465086746624_o.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_eui2=AeErZNje_bthIB50vTkkLLUG8UeLimLJRWQ-ATNqUv8tflXPYQTDAtTrm1rI1R-ZwAwbPPLzLzGBMBddt8Nnx_z1Mz4DMKsKDtn5atKUxpSDGw&_nc_oc=AQlQuPCd3KiDXdN1ExYBUjkcMqiPmgbU_lGaaSWMP4OWn0FERsqiWzKUlR7Xntml8LM&_nc_ht=scontent.fakl2-1.fna&oh=d7e21c7cda301f9163ddecb02e385d97&oe=5DE58693" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="800" height="419" src="https://scontent.fakl2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67368059_10217329762534251_8198791465086746624_o.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_eui2=AeErZNje_bthIB50vTkkLLUG8UeLimLJRWQ-ATNqUv8tflXPYQTDAtTrm1rI1R-ZwAwbPPLzLzGBMBddt8Nnx_z1Mz4DMKsKDtn5atKUxpSDGw&_nc_oc=AQlQuPCd3KiDXdN1ExYBUjkcMqiPmgbU_lGaaSWMP4OWn0FERsqiWzKUlR7Xntml8LM&_nc_ht=scontent.fakl2-1.fna&oh=d7e21c7cda301f9163ddecb02e385d97&oe=5DE58693" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0c-HlqyspsizSZ3NRzJq2GIaJW0hD1kIe-xDCS_3s9-5ydVUvIXgOPp479Dub9q3Dg7_Ffcu19cjh-EKx3Z0A_aJZC_ke-3oGYDXVm-zhcR5C_RqbQws1kfZkONQ8bKZJcTbm4uCpLKc/s1600/DSCN4642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0c-HlqyspsizSZ3NRzJq2GIaJW0hD1kIe-xDCS_3s9-5ydVUvIXgOPp479Dub9q3Dg7_Ffcu19cjh-EKx3Z0A_aJZC_ke-3oGYDXVm-zhcR5C_RqbQws1kfZkONQ8bKZJcTbm4uCpLKc/s320/DSCN4642.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bible reading in the morning.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Day 2 in the life of me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Seven days, seven photos, all Black and White of everyday life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">No explanations.</span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jOzHCtUHwx0Hy49u8jmjisuU_lu3p6yTSc0wF6EkbyBF5nxkLkPOyog9uAILCR2r8DcTVjD1PinY-8cI7KRoCRNuAjeiz9zHA_O8HU7hVTUJcWqRz9XxqDqiLlWZVwRwXqPZaYhP3GE/s1600/DSCN4654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jOzHCtUHwx0Hy49u8jmjisuU_lu3p6yTSc0wF6EkbyBF5nxkLkPOyog9uAILCR2r8DcTVjD1PinY-8cI7KRoCRNuAjeiz9zHA_O8HU7hVTUJcWqRz9XxqDqiLlWZVwRwXqPZaYhP3GE/s640/DSCN4654.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH1kVXb-ZPYAqWeOu6d7ks4E4qI1WfVOzZxu5-JZEgD9g7gOb09x23sosCkynSTJJ_NXi2C4eHPvZnIdGJpylsLyjbX88I45RBoubsk647bBpJ5qRDWqki7YK6HSc2VQEcfzfzoBEWvY/s1600/DSCN4653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH1kVXb-ZPYAqWeOu6d7ks4E4qI1WfVOzZxu5-JZEgD9g7gOb09x23sosCkynSTJJ_NXi2C4eHPvZnIdGJpylsLyjbX88I45RBoubsk647bBpJ5qRDWqki7YK6HSc2VQEcfzfzoBEWvY/s320/DSCN4653.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work (Must have deleted the coloured one of above)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Day 3 in the life of me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Seven days, seven photos, all Black and White of everyday life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">No explanations.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> Unfortunately I must have deleted the colour one of these.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It's taken on the road back from a Lay Ministry training day in <a href="https://otorohanga.co.nz/">Otorohanga</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQGzPV1KTOn-J89NttjiV9mIrkShnsg8uqyxhBwtB1kE-K2KU_XaK_9NpyMnGX-ZiShIEkSjUfmQR9c9CFpfYP6i3iqoOx7xAM9yVajBHhQdYLRNOYzzM3x7m3XCPSgpWQWIy8uzGyis/s1600/DSCN4655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQGzPV1KTOn-J89NttjiV9mIrkShnsg8uqyxhBwtB1kE-K2KU_XaK_9NpyMnGX-ZiShIEkSjUfmQR9c9CFpfYP6i3iqoOx7xAM9yVajBHhQdYLRNOYzzM3x7m3XCPSgpWQWIy8uzGyis/s320/DSCN4655.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Day 4 in the life of me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Seven days, seven photos, all Black and White of everyday life.</span></div>
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<a href="https://scontent.fakl2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67752010_10217351877087101_3791708841008168960_o.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_eui2=AeE383J0YB99uJBj6e_QbibTmQJGwA1k9I8gU7tIZ7ryMhQ7tDSa4uJtDRJvUXzM5sm7kGgX0jw71cf1DgNTmeBNBu4dU7BF--lTO1IZrfbYMg&_nc_oc=AQkcnUMIez3uxGJecVD0deMvlkRpeNl0fprYCAQG-FcW-gJ1oybtAyXGiNghPXs_KVY&_nc_ht=scontent.fakl2-1.fna&oh=cd75686e1a35746cf405696211c6af04&oe=5DD57004" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="358" src="https://scontent.fakl2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67752010_10217351877087101_3791708841008168960_o.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_eui2=AeE383J0YB99uJBj6e_QbibTmQJGwA1k9I8gU7tIZ7ryMhQ7tDSa4uJtDRJvUXzM5sm7kGgX0jw71cf1DgNTmeBNBu4dU7BF--lTO1IZrfbYMg&_nc_oc=AQkcnUMIez3uxGJecVD0deMvlkRpeNl0fprYCAQG-FcW-gJ1oybtAyXGiNghPXs_KVY&_nc_ht=scontent.fakl2-1.fna&oh=cd75686e1a35746cf405696211c6af04&oe=5DD57004" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhny39CXHWtYK8r-VWphAr6a-byy7gcDrZMkXPh0fW4mzcOsnJkLsr6hOstzLt8uSD38JBYOcnG5HQ36oz5d4_6xbh50N7jJVzJ9Isjaxp1BmaWsDxVDEVVMmbMBEsjAj2mWfAUhLQSDSM/s1600/KFC+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhny39CXHWtYK8r-VWphAr6a-byy7gcDrZMkXPh0fW4mzcOsnJkLsr6hOstzLt8uSD38JBYOcnG5HQ36oz5d4_6xbh50N7jJVzJ9Isjaxp1BmaWsDxVDEVVMmbMBEsjAj2mWfAUhLQSDSM/s320/KFC+table.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KFC Greeting table - Kid's Friendly Church, Sunday Mornings.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Day 5 in the life of me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Seven days, seven photos, all Black and White of everyday life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">No explanations.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1CuVtseNxxL7koDb0w8f_UacJT51Lut5SJBlE5A4GslvRDSX8Yyr7e2Ap8C2RRUmhtXy_JpbOyiCze5jjKEv37UXOi957POn9fEYbByJiSdXolhmFTRBdUcvzX5ZeFzx2jc7dsEzgF0/s1600/DSCN4670B%2526W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1CuVtseNxxL7koDb0w8f_UacJT51Lut5SJBlE5A4GslvRDSX8Yyr7e2Ap8C2RRUmhtXy_JpbOyiCze5jjKEv37UXOi957POn9fEYbByJiSdXolhmFTRBdUcvzX5ZeFzx2jc7dsEzgF0/s640/DSCN4670B%2526W.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfHthjsllhY-Dmw3hjObA4-gfbWysXxWw7UqCdR5QcAFWTYaQKE0M7385zpQ5lJKnFlc-Z7qYO3uF-jhp30a1Gr-0lsdE0fpOpo5fy-oRY5esXA74IUKjZFMhguyIQIL85hIbwc8muTc/s1600/DSCN4670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfHthjsllhY-Dmw3hjObA4-gfbWysXxWw7UqCdR5QcAFWTYaQKE0M7385zpQ5lJKnFlc-Z7qYO3uF-jhp30a1Gr-0lsdE0fpOpo5fy-oRY5esXA74IUKjZFMhguyIQIL85hIbwc8muTc/s320/DSCN4670.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milly in my exact favourite spot - I always have to move her<br />and she gives me 'that look'!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Day 6 in the life of me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Seven days, seven photos, all Black and White of everyday life.</span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">No explanations.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6ZVPe0DU-V6Ob5i8LX2JD2O37xC1J6UdaswboBhQTFJ3aIUuUdj_Ql0Ml2d04JWYoVwbudYQoJOZOb6PSLWQfFPidjBYo6LA-KfWJBGfqeOHg7stoALapKdjr0oaVErb7lQsp69qoG4/s1600/DSCN4669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6ZVPe0DU-V6Ob5i8LX2JD2O37xC1J6UdaswboBhQTFJ3aIUuUdj_Ql0Ml2d04JWYoVwbudYQoJOZOb6PSLWQfFPidjBYo6LA-KfWJBGfqeOHg7stoALapKdjr0oaVErb7lQsp69qoG4/s640/DSCN4669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0btHCe6rgQbVhjh5OjIl6z13kR_wW7Yhacz0p078jnnEWBAKJP-xiWYCn5USTg8SWH34VPun0FKHfXfwhklcv_Gw6xGwQ9BDIBmPrXEiuGEYytMM4BDAK1_D7iY5oxUnA8HgLgt26VsU/s1600/DSCN4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0btHCe6rgQbVhjh5OjIl6z13kR_wW7Yhacz0p078jnnEWBAKJP-xiWYCn5USTg8SWH34VPun0FKHfXfwhklcv_Gw6xGwQ9BDIBmPrXEiuGEYytMM4BDAK1_D7iY5oxUnA8HgLgt26VsU/s320/DSCN4668.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my favourite spot (above)</td></tr>
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Not the exact photo. I seemed to have saved the black and white ones but not the original.</div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Day 7 in the life of me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Seven days, seven photos, all Black and White of everyday life.</span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">No explanations.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLH5ukDtGI_4a3nJfn1jb-r8JC_1fDZvHZFOVMTHWkkzG_JbbQrvR2g9cA2LNjtotvTpRQQJ-8chRZceAXagYQbbAXO50QXauw-Xmmn-CI8Wdpn0GFmNmG3dbciDtMr2-BCbq8nMOR_Q/s1600/DSCN4677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLH5ukDtGI_4a3nJfn1jb-r8JC_1fDZvHZFOVMTHWkkzG_JbbQrvR2g9cA2LNjtotvTpRQQJ-8chRZceAXagYQbbAXO50QXauw-Xmmn-CI8Wdpn0GFmNmG3dbciDtMr2-BCbq8nMOR_Q/s640/DSCN4677.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUckQIJpyDfo19Kk08PgomBR5DtYgvuhyphenhyphen-BKgoITHtSKU52tCsG1pRXWV7H3fdh-IZ5Tymn3eh-hI2s5jGKTJU6IazbKsPMG13HaHd9RRiSjLfILrkz0A9dCGv1EowLdEPO_1ThOIXII/s1600/DSCN4676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUckQIJpyDfo19Kk08PgomBR5DtYgvuhyphenhyphen-BKgoITHtSKU52tCsG1pRXWV7H3fdh-IZ5Tymn3eh-hI2s5jGKTJU6IazbKsPMG13HaHd9RRiSjLfILrkz0A9dCGv1EowLdEPO_1ThOIXII/s320/DSCN4676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baking, Jam and Walnut Muffins, Chocolate Caramel Square, <br />Lemon Loaf in the oven, Pumpkin Soup defrosting and<br />bread crusts to dry as the oven cools down for bread crumbs.</td></tr>
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Once again not the exact photo. I seemed to have saved the black and white ones but not the original.</div>
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And after posting these I had realized that each day really is the same, but occasionally with something different like a course or visiting family or friends, errands and shopping to make them differ, but it is all good.</div>
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My Mum used to ask me each time she rung on a Saturday morning, how my week had been and I'd say "Just the same."</div>
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Now I could have given her details of everything I had done that week but sometimes she just didn't need to know.</div>
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She used to respond with something like "A bit boring then" and after awhile it got to me and made me ponder what my days and weeks were like.</div>
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It occurred to me that I was happy with how they were as I was open to anything happening over the week that would be different no matter how little and so I would respond to her comment, "No, not boring or I would do something about it." </div>
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After a few weeks she wouldn't say that any more.</div>
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But I did like the way my weeks were pretty predictable and I could arrange things around that. It meant that there weren't unpleasant surprises and there was a sense of rhythm in my day to day life.</div>
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But now at 89, my mother sits in her lounge chair at their home day after day with not much happening apart from her daily care by others, and although that is fine and she doesn't seem to want to do anything else when I ask when I visit, I wonder if she comprehends a sense of boredom. </div>
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I hope that if she does she will take up the offers of others to do something and if not she is content in just sitting and pondering.</div>
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Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795376355524076431.post-61994051945988441812019-08-04T16:42:00.000+12:002019-08-04T16:46:17.040+12:00Natalie's Cardigan<span style="font-size: large;">With the winter months I have finally found time to finish knitting a cardigan for one of my grand-daughters. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljXoKysaxKUh_B-m24hqZELrUVGrCRIS_mv3RlL91QG_J9ZSOnxcbf7C7I7awiYLUy0IUovtIg5baaCNEhCvKaNv7wy1sUWPmHOAGpINREnvmwJnVQ0vVZqW7cAoVCxdKNmZfVUJpazo/s1600/DSCN4631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljXoKysaxKUh_B-m24hqZELrUVGrCRIS_mv3RlL91QG_J9ZSOnxcbf7C7I7awiYLUy0IUovtIg5baaCNEhCvKaNv7wy1sUWPmHOAGpINREnvmwJnVQ0vVZqW7cAoVCxdKNmZfVUJpazo/s640/DSCN4631.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I started it way back in April and unfortunately days were busy and so its taken far too long to complete. Hopefully she will get some wear from it before it becomes too hot for winter woollies. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGPq7i1O81VlBxXyl6k-bDjB3WN6w9tRPwqBSv9VLOK7qbalxRBmA8tgYA8TsxH4RS3rGrnTb-mttlRXaTROotmVz2-uf3QU06nB7EfGz1Z0VcEJkJKQLb-3TVa2LOKL1qevInDLMBnw/s1600/DSCN4635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGPq7i1O81VlBxXyl6k-bDjB3WN6w9tRPwqBSv9VLOK7qbalxRBmA8tgYA8TsxH4RS3rGrnTb-mttlRXaTROotmVz2-uf3QU06nB7EfGz1Z0VcEJkJKQLb-3TVa2LOKL1qevInDLMBnw/s400/DSCN4635.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The pattern required a change in stitches in every row so it was not an easy pattern to follow but it makes a nice diamond affect.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPSNSr-mu8RYYtfDxqUHvjFuZv4cQTsmppzG7UetmFM3LEZEmU1lbu44CtThauWyzgdbv9NrKYyArWLxcvTW43o9zlV4Yr6IeC6Ojsszvw_K0M78gdA7hCV5BHZova2IEz_nx37CESbI/s1600/DSCN4636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPSNSr-mu8RYYtfDxqUHvjFuZv4cQTsmppzG7UetmFM3LEZEmU1lbu44CtThauWyzgdbv9NrKYyArWLxcvTW43o9zlV4Yr6IeC6Ojsszvw_K0M78gdA7hCV5BHZova2IEz_nx37CESbI/s400/DSCN4636.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately when I went shopping for the buttons I just took some wool rather than the garment and I think it may have needed bigger buttons. But she may not actually wear it done all the way up so might be fine. I can always stitch the button holes so they are a bit smaller if needs be.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKOuCs-sVYetcaf5n7BslOhS1gb1oteTxmnYz50kmpMIfUwsFtvZmFowwJ1V-W13HOecffL7xJROexR-5hKj6tE8wOqA7Z8ZE5pB_d_EH61Jjk0UGm_yojgd9HGkfuq9XvLLbsvObhuM/s1600/DSCN4641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKOuCs-sVYetcaf5n7BslOhS1gb1oteTxmnYz50kmpMIfUwsFtvZmFowwJ1V-W13HOecffL7xJROexR-5hKj6tE8wOqA7Z8ZE5pB_d_EH61Jjk0UGm_yojgd9HGkfuq9XvLLbsvObhuM/s320/DSCN4641.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now onto the next one in grey but I am changing the pattern to have more plain rows and little mountain shapes.</span><br />
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Interesting the photos are all of the same cardigan just some with a flash and some not!<br />
<br />Mumseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07612911327065825319noreply@blogger.com0