Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Friday, October 22, 2010

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!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

St Arvans


This morning's Radio 4 Service came from St Arvans - just listening to the worship transported me back. The music was always good in that place. We lived there for about 10 years - they were very happy ones. The village was a friendly safe place, and we were sad to move on, and have often wondered what life would have been like had we remained there.

This parish church is where each of our sons were baptised - this morning was a delight, especially thankful for all those memories.

Advent is gently progressing, and am enjoying the preparations ...

As we will be away for a while, I'd like to leave you with the Advent Blessing, which I love:
Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you,
scatter the darkness from before your path,
and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory;
and the Blessing of God Almighty,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
be with you
and all those you love and pray for
this day and always.

Will be logging off now as will be offline until Epiphany.
In the meantime - Have a peaceful and joy-filled Christmas ...

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Weekend Achievements III

One of the reasons for the mini gathering at the weekend was to talk about the forthcoming wedding. There's just so much to organise. We are very thankful for all the preparations that are already underway in Salisbury. The Church is booked, though the emails and calls to the vicar remain unanswered. The venue for the reception is sorted, and so too are the caterers.

Two wedding mags were brought by Ruth for us to peruse. Well, what an industry has been created around the 'Big Day'! Some choices are quite mad in my opinion. Why give favours of any type to those who are attending - these are rather like party bags from children's celebrations, but at even greater cost, and probably quickly forgotten by the recipient?

We happened to get chatting to a couple over a cup of coffee today. They told us that she had been unable to get a wedding dress in the three months they had between the proposal and day. You apparently need at least six months to get a dress sorted. Why? This was a few years ago, but it's the same today for Ruth.

In my role I have conducted quite a number of weddings. One or two have been great occasions, which have been significant moments for the couples which I know they will treasure throughout their marriages.

Some have been quite different. Occasionally, the little bridesmaids or page boys are children of the bride, and would not be prized away from their mothers skirts, causing all kinds of chaos. I remember one of the first I conducted the video man set up a huge tripod which towered behind and above my 5ft 1in being. There was quite an exchange to get it moved before the service began. Each incident, and there have been many, equips the vicar in a new way - always on the learning curve!

There's a beautiful prayer from the marriage service that, from time to time, I have encouraged those being married to include in their service sheets so all present can participate in:
God of wonder and of joy;
grace comes from you,
and you alone are the source of life and love.
Without you, we cannot please you;
without your love, our deeds are worth nothing.
Send your Holy Spirit
and pour into our hearts
that most excellent gift of love,
that we may worship you now with thankful hearts
and serve you always with willing minds;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
It's my prayer for my son and his bride that their preparations will run smoothly and that they'll not be distracted by those things that are unnecessary for their Wedding Day.

With the Queen in Bermuda

The Queen is in Bermuda for a short visit to celebrate the Islands 400 yrs. Ivor will be arriving there later today to spend Thanksgiving with his Godmother Susie, and her family.

When I was there in '76 the Queen came to visit and travelled on Britannia, here docked in Hamilton. Now there is no Britannia, which had been our floating Embassy. This time she has arrived by air and stepped onto the 'Pink' carpet rather than red. (Pink to represent the coral beaches.) She was met by the Governor and Premier.

Ivor is expecting the red carpet, and is looking forward to special relaxing time with his Bermuda family. He has been hard at work, in school at IYRS, restoring a Chris-Craft. His particular red carpet treatment, I am reliably informed, will include beer and chat!

Photos are from family archives I took in 1976, Susie is sitting on her aunt's knee.

Monday, November 23, 2009

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.

Weekend Achievements I

While the boys were growing up I always wanted a car with 7 seats. Today we have one!

Having six adults to ferry around this weekend it was extremely useful. We all managed to pile into the car and do a bit of sightseeing. Here are Susan and Ruth looking quite happy - though they did comment they could only see where we had been. Friday the weather was sunny so Terry and Susan had a quick nip up to St John's and then we had a lovely tea in Harbour Lights in Peel. There really is nothing like a good cuppa! Ruth and Mally arrived on the last Gatwick flight and we had late supper.

Saturday saw the Bride and Groom going to the Jewellers to size up for their wedding rings. Meanwhile the oldies had a look at Laxey Wheel in torrential rain before abandoning the island tour. We then all piled back into the car and took a trip to the Calf instead. The storm ensured the sea was choppy and only a few souls braved the inclement weather, amidst the spume and flying seaweed, to view the local seals. We discovered we had severe 'window measles' on our return.

Wizzy took our visitors out for many walks. They are seen discussing the geography of the Island in relation to the the mainland. It really is good to spend time with our extending family.

Monday, November 16, 2009

In the waiting

Loving God
We place in your gentle hands
those who are sick.
Ease their pain and
heal the damage
done to them
in body, mind or spirit.

Be present to them
through the support
of family and friends,
and medical staff.
Fill them with the
warmth of your love
Now and always
AMEN