Chaplain of Lego

New role is surprising, varied and delightful!
And I must say Lego is not what it used to be.

Mellow

This years' season of mists and mellow fruitfulness has been delightful. The colours so deep, rich and warm. It has always puzzled me that some don't like this time of year. It can be cold and windy ... but the scenery makes up for so much.

The first verse of Keats poem to Autumn, which my husband loves and often quotes at this time of year:

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.

The tranquility of Dryburgh Abbey managed to reach deeply into my heart - refreshing those neglected corners. It's easy to understand why the monks of old, saints from earlier centuries, chose this place for contemplation and prayer. Though the ravages of the reformation and conflict have left ruins, the timelessness marks of the Creator remain. In our very busy lives - some might say too busy lives it is good to take time aside for restoration. Here is a place to which I will return.

Even Wizzy was delighted with her outing - we were furnished with a special biodegradable doggie poo bag!

Afloat

Ivor's Lawley Tender


She sits neatly on the water, and has a grace that arises from both craftsmanship and design.
Her owners have named her Zephyr - a light Easterly wind. Appropriate name for a tiny vessel that glides almost effortlessly over the water.

Favourite Hymn

Which would you chose? Over the years there have been many favourites. Each special markers along the pathway of faith. One particularly is - O Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end. The first line characterises the response to The Call.

As I moved to my last post I chose the terrific 21st century one - In Christ Alone - the words resonate with the ministry I was called to exercise in that place, as well as the move to this place.

In Christ Alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

It's taken time to see clearly the Hand of God in all that took place, and to be thankful for the experience. Yesterday we sang this song again in St Mary's on the Harbour. Minutes later I was greeted by a lovely manxwoman, visiting her sister here, who now lives close to our last Vicarage. New to that area, she has become very active in one of the prayer groups there. Jean brought greetings and encouragement from my many sisters there.

Sunrise ~ Sunset

Sunrise and Sunset were both awesome today.

This morning the clouds seemed to be radiating from the sun itself and certainly were heralding the day. Thankfully the old saying 'Red sky in the morning ... sailors (shepherds) warning' didn't come to anything. Those deep rich colours were back again this afternoon. Delightful.

It's been quite a busy day in a very busy week, with a number of different appointments and meetings. These combined with preparations for Christmas means time is truly flying by. Lots of lists to get through ... so there's very little time to put pen to paper, or get on to the blog.

Spectacular Sea Spray

It's a spectacular afternoon, the sun's shining and the tide is high. There's great delight amongst the seagulls who are gathered over and on the water. With each wave there is an almighty thud that reverberates thoughout the house, just ahead of the upward vertical thrust of water which is heavily laden with seaweed. The road is awash with water as the drains are now blocked. Cars passing are creating there own mini tidal waves ahead, and vigorous wakes follow. Out near the harbour where the water is shallow over the rocks there are three intrepid surfers having a whale of a time. I captured two of them earlier today:

I can hear many squeals of delight from young passers by below at the pavement level. From our first floor eyrie, we have a panoramic view of all the activity. A truly good to be alive afternoon here on the Prom in Castletown. Am taking the opportunity to celebrate creation and our Creator.

Sadly, I can't remember how to put my camera onto repeat, so am only getting the occasional photo rather than being able to take a group and pick the best. Note to self, ask Ivor how to do this!

Love the Cool Colour

It's been a fine, sunny December day. Great day for a walk, although there was a chilly north wind. Wizzy loves lifting her nose to the wind, and her little ears were flapping in the wind today! It's a good direction for Coral Cottage as it's not howling straight into our living room through the large front windows, one of which doesn't keep out very much at all.

We were out this afternoon at the Mills getting one or two things, including a delicious Manx Christmas Pud. At Tynwald Mills, in St John's there is a Cafe ... The Cat That ... it's full of welcoming comfy chairs and I just love the decor. Tea is good too. Inspired by a couple of sites I've found I decided to take my camera and much to hubby's embarrassment took these photos.

If you like turquoise too have a look at these websites: http://www.houseofturquoise.com/
http://www.everythingturquoise.com/

Weekend Achievements II

Meal times have always been central to our family life. We have always gathered around the table to share food and talk about the day - and - decisions are best made on a full tummy.

We ate well throughout the weekend. One course we had was a wonderful bowl of queenies on a rocket salad with balsamic glaze. Yum. Though the glasses are empty they were frequently being refilled.

Queenies are a delicacy of the Isle of Man. In or out of season (ours had been frozen) these tiny scallops are gorgeous. A favourite family grace is

Come Lord Jesus be our guest
and may our food by you be blessed.

Pollack and Pesticles!

I'm sorry I haven't a clue

This has got to be the funniest programme on the radio. Tonight's was the first time the replacement to Humph - Jack Dee took the chair. Hilarious and quick witted it truly is - the antidote to panel games! -


Amongst the nonsense of this evening was the amusing comment on the nutty political correctness of our time. Would you believe that a supermarket has decided to rename, Pollack!

Go to have a listen
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00nv8ng