Friends

The longer we live in one place,

the more people we met,

the longer the list of our friends grows.

The funny thing is how this doesn't always equate to the happiness we might expect.

It tends to manifest as doing a lot for others,

lots of sharing,

lots of cheering them on,

lots of patience and forgiveness,

and hours of our days gone.

I value these opportunities.

I enjoy giving and trying to do a little extra.

I want to make others happy and I crave community.

I want the hatchlings to see the value and gain the practice of generosity.

Somehow, that isn't always the lesson they are getting.

Mama, they say, why won't she share with me and why do they only give anger, never forgiveness?

Why am I not worth generosity to them?

I believe the time has come where we need to be a lot more discriminant about who we are generous with and why.

Because generosity isn't meant to hurt.

Activities day

Saturday is activity day.

Swimming lessons, dance lessons and football...

a day of lots of fun and waiting around.

Mr. Duck's bad day

Once upon a time, there was a very curious duck.

He climbed through barbed wire fences this way, and on top of fallen pallets that way.

And when the day ended, he had a very sore foot.

Soon, his foot became infected, despite his human helpers efforts.

One fine sunny morning, he was found, lying on his side, his abscess having burst wide open, 

and everyone grew concerned.

Poor Mr. Duck, a trip to the vet resulted in antibiotics, pain medication and house confinement.

Though, he is adapting very well.

'Hey room service! Where's my Ribena?'

Mr. Duck is not amused. 

Nonetheless, he does appear well and truly on the mend.

The view from here

It has been a busy, all be it beautiful week.

There are so many reasons,

why we are very blessed to be where we are.

Yet, there are many reasons, why we need to be careful.

It is not always calm seas,

and misty mornings.

Nonetheless, I am thankful.

 

Check out what we found...

Just over a hill from a favourite walk...

a series of partially collapsed sea caves?

Does it not scream, 'I must go kayaking!'

This pic here is borrowed...

as is this one..

Ooooh, I am not ready for autumn, bring on the sunshine! I am not done exploring yet!

If you don't build your dreams

then someone else will hire you to help build theirs....

The terrible truth is that, there are so many people who are waiting for someone to hire them,... and yet they remain unemployed. 

Because Sir Ken Robinson is right, education inflation is crippling our graduates and they have sacrificed so much already, that fear is crippling them.

Chase your dreams.

Not an overly expensive piece of paper.

You are not defined by exam results, or the classes you have taken.

In the immortal words of Ms. Frizzle, 'Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy.'

This is where the vast majority of your learning will take place.

Get out of their way

Get out of their way, let them cause disorder in the name of science... excellent, now, I have a reputable explanation for my house.

We want a pony

'I promise, I will never never ask for not one single thing ever again.' Says hatchling no2.

If it was any other hatchling, I would not believe her.

How about learning to ride first?

Today, the hatchlings are chasing dreams.

And I hope you are chasing your dreams too.

New found beach - Yay!

We headed out for a drive,

past places we'd not visited for years.

Which is a shame really,

and here is what we found.

Happy 10th Anniversary

The beauty of the water is always changing,
With the light, the weather and the season.
Yet each change holds a splendor all its own,
Each viewing precious for its own reason.

In sunshine, golden stars dance across the water.
Moonlight shines a beacon in the peaceful night.
The wind causes whitecaps to erupt and roll,
While calm brings assorted reflections of light.

The water has a new costume each day,
Perhaps gray or green, aqua or blue.
Though each view is different, the sea is the sea,
Lovely in its every color, mood and hue.

My thoughts of the sea remind me of you,
My wonderful, loving partner in life.
Through sunny days and stormy times,
We've stayed together as husband and wife.

Your love is my beacon, my star and my light;
All your colors and moods are precious to me.
You make every day an enchanting delight,
And I'll love you for all eternity.