Pieces of Contentment

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Iluka Walk

There are so many reasons why people love Iluka. Sharing our recent walk from Middle Wall back to the Bay - the reward we gave ourselves after a long day of sorting many more possessions in my MIL's home. Thank you for your kind words after my previous post. As we continue with the huge task, we also want to take time to appreciate the stunning beauty of this gem of a seaside village which include amazing beaches and a rainforest.

Further details of many photos will appear if you hover your cursor over the image. :)

*** You may also enjoy my Instagram feed which I add to several times a week. You don't have to join Instagram to view - just click on the little blue square camera logo under my blog profile (top right hand corner).

Friday, January 19, 2018

Sudden Departure

"So who's going to get married?" was the half-joking comment as we began to say our goodbyes on Boxing Day. We had just enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Day - all of our children had been home and both grandmothers had been part of our Christmas Day too. There was a sense of not wanting to wait another six or twelve months before being together again. A wedding would definitely bring everyone home! ;)

In the wee small hours of the very next day my mobile phone woke me from sleep. It was the aged care home - she had buzzed - needed help - passed away before the ambulance arrived. I was dazed. Joan, my mother-in-love was in fine form Christmas Day, as usual. Talking about New Year's resolutions, and participating in happy banter around the afternoon tea table, increasingly forgetful as the years moved on. Gone. All our plans changed in an instant. Joan was never afraid to die and would speak of being reunited with her wonderful husband of 57 years and eldest son whom I never met. Heaven holds many precious family and friends.

January has certainly taken a very different turn to anticipated. Tomorrow most of us head back to her previous home on the coast to attempt to make some more headway in gradually emptying the house - quite a daunting task. Her room in the aged care centre was challenge enough.....she didn't throw anything out! Amongst trying to sort her paperwork for the last five years, communicating with her accountant, solicitor, real estate agent, mail redirection etc, life goes on. Next week I hope to devote largely to our homeschool recording, planning and preparations - an abridged version may have to do for now.

Early morning or late afternoon walks are a valuably time to clear my head and fill my eyes with more of nature's wonders. Still finding beauty, joy and contentment in my everyday life.

Further details of many photos will appear if you hover your cursor over the image. :)

Karen

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Early Mornings of December

Early mornings - what a gift they are, especially in summer. Now my children are older I am cherishing the opportunity of solo early morning walks, and have found myself heading away from my usual sunset walks over the busy bridge facing west to quieter streets towards the east. The predawn calm, the gentle wafting of mist hovering on the river and gorgeous light show in the sky, clouds and water - each day is a beautiful new beginning.

Miss O has been making the most of cool early mornings to enjoy working through her self-made list of Christmas baking. No baking today - the air conditioner hums quietly as the temperature is climbing with a forecast of 39C/102F, however I think there are plans to construct a gingerbread village with yesterday's baking.

Finishing off with a series capturing yesterday's sunrise over our mighty Clarence River. Have wonderful day!

**Baking References:
German/Austrian Lubkuchen -We use the recipe from the Women’s Weekly Big Book of Beautiful Biscuits (Australian) - one of their soft cover cookbooks, released again in recent years as a vintage edition
Chocolate Brownie Cookies - recipe here.
Gingerbread House - recipe from Christmas Cooking for Kids by Fiona Hammond