Friday, September 17, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The journey continues
Well, so far, we have had a day in Singapore, and three nights in Paris. Not without their own "adventures".
This morning we arrived in Milan, Italy. In a couple of hours we will take a train from Milan to Lecco, which is on lake Como.
One week there will allow us to take day trips in concentric circles as we explore the vineyards and back roads of this Italian region of Umbria and Tuscany.
So, what were some of the adventures? In Singapore, he who shall remain nameless lost one of his hearing aids. We walked for a couple of hours in delightful tropical steam at the hottest part of the day. We visited a Hindu Temple there, walked through the streets with shops average people shop at. And so enjoyed the swimming pool at the Grand Roxy Mercure Hotel there. Serendipity brought a chance meeting with fellow church members Bruce and Sylvia who were also staying at that hotel on their way home from a long trip. We had a visit at the poolside catching up a bit.
In Paris, we walked for hours climbing hundreds of steps to Monmatre. I also met a lovely couple vacationing in Paris from Sydney. They were seated at the next table to me. They also will be going to Lake Como. Perhaps we will bump into each other there.
Then, he who shall remain nameless, arrived to the hotel in Paris 30 minutes late, causing us to miss our train to Milan. But in grand style, he came through with a first class sleeper compartment on a later train to Milan. Which we took on time (barely). Imagine our surprise to find the sleeper compartment we were assigned (first class remember) was to be shared with two other people. One gentlemen with no English from Asia, and another Australian woman traveling alone. It was a long, long ride, with very little space and quiet. So let's just say we will NOT be taking any more sleeper compartments on a train.
I am uploading some images from Paris soon and will get a link to you. Until then, my wishes for your health and safety are with you. Looking forward to our time together. We are on Italian time now, so figure out the time difference, and I will attempt to be on Skype soon.
God bless your life greatly,
Carole Anne
This morning we arrived in Milan, Italy. In a couple of hours we will take a train from Milan to Lecco, which is on lake Como.
One week there will allow us to take day trips in concentric circles as we explore the vineyards and back roads of this Italian region of Umbria and Tuscany.
So, what were some of the adventures? In Singapore, he who shall remain nameless lost one of his hearing aids. We walked for a couple of hours in delightful tropical steam at the hottest part of the day. We visited a Hindu Temple there, walked through the streets with shops average people shop at. And so enjoyed the swimming pool at the Grand Roxy Mercure Hotel there. Serendipity brought a chance meeting with fellow church members Bruce and Sylvia who were also staying at that hotel on their way home from a long trip. We had a visit at the poolside catching up a bit.
In Paris, we walked for hours climbing hundreds of steps to Monmatre. I also met a lovely couple vacationing in Paris from Sydney. They were seated at the next table to me. They also will be going to Lake Como. Perhaps we will bump into each other there.
Then, he who shall remain nameless, arrived to the hotel in Paris 30 minutes late, causing us to miss our train to Milan. But in grand style, he came through with a first class sleeper compartment on a later train to Milan. Which we took on time (barely). Imagine our surprise to find the sleeper compartment we were assigned (first class remember) was to be shared with two other people. One gentlemen with no English from Asia, and another Australian woman traveling alone. It was a long, long ride, with very little space and quiet. So let's just say we will NOT be taking any more sleeper compartments on a train.
I am uploading some images from Paris soon and will get a link to you. Until then, my wishes for your health and safety are with you. Looking forward to our time together. We are on Italian time now, so figure out the time difference, and I will attempt to be on Skype soon.
God bless your life greatly,
Carole Anne
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
When God Throws a Brick
THE BRICK
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door!
He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?'
The young boy was apologetic. 'Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother,' he said, 'he rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay 'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.
It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: 'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!'
God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, God has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen - or not.
Thoughts for the Day:
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain.
But God did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If God had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
God sends you flowers every spring, a sunrise every morning.
Face it, friend - God is crazy about you!
Now read this next line very slowly and let it sink in...
If God brings you to it, God will bring you through it.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Musings about Australia
Perhaps it is also the age we now are... and the beauty of Australia.
designrox1103added this on 29 Jun 2010
I think as one reaches their fifties and sixties; there is more time, less responsibilities. This is true with me. Time to reflect and remember what is truly important in life. For me, this includes the beauty of the world. Especially in Nature, Creation reveals the hand of God, and perhaps knowing Whose hand we rest in. Recently we passed the mark of our second year in Australia. I have to say this country has remarkable topography, wildlife, and flora. The birds here in the capitol are remarkable as well. I have seen hundreds of snowy white cockatoos graze green areas like chickens, then take to the sky together, it's breathtakingly beautiful. The parrots and galas here are multicolored, arriving mornings and afternoons to feed in the back yard, up close. We marvel at the bright colors as well. And the mystical song of the magpie awakens one softly in the morning. Australia has amazing skies, and bright light because there is little to no ozone overhead. The eucalyptus trees here are hauntingly beautiful. Many of them shed their bark in large strips and reveal smooth wood beneath. Some of these have greyish-white wood, called ghost gums. We are enjoying the people here most of all. Building friendships has been an easy thing to do.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Taking Time To Linger
Saturday is a gift. A package of time wrapped up in a leisurely silken bow, just waiting to be discovered. Saturday means laying aside anything which seeks to tear away one shred of peacefulness. So on this particular Saturday, we picked up a friend visiting from America, and sought a good Autumn memory together.
Apple orchards in Autumn make sense to me. We travelled not too far away to an organic orchard to gather some Fuji apples. Owen, the orchard-keeper was quick to walk us down to check the trees for fresh Fuji. We talked along the way about the various types of fruit grown there. No luck, all the Fuji's were picked, and some stored in the Cold Room. We might get some there.
We learned some home made preserves and relishes were available as well. After gathering some apples, Owen walked up to us with an arms filled with butternut squash.
Finally, he brought to us something which looked like a huge Bartlett pear. It was a quince. Those are not to be eaten raw, but rather poached or baked, then spooning the flesh into whatever you desire. (We'll put a pin in that and come back later)
Onto to Gold Creek, an area in the A.C.T. with many shops enticing us to meander through their space looking for "must-haves." One such place was a little eatery named "Sweet Copper" which I guess has its roots in candy and sweet making. However, after walking through the door out into the back, we found a restful spot to have some tea in the afternoon.
It is not for the tempestuous, impatient diner. However, if you enjoy the fresh Autumn air in the late afternoon; you are set. The dishes were prepared with care, very appealing and tasty indeed. Lunch will run you $15 to $30 per person.
By the time we parted, we had just enough time to hit the Belconnen Markets for some fresh veggies as well some rare types of meat (kangaroo, crocodile and the like) The sun was setting by the time we came home, a lovely time under the last bits of golden light giving way to lavender and deep purples. A good day indeed.
Apple orchards in Autumn make sense to me. We travelled not too far away to an organic orchard to gather some Fuji apples. Owen, the orchard-keeper was quick to walk us down to check the trees for fresh Fuji. We talked along the way about the various types of fruit grown there. No luck, all the Fuji's were picked, and some stored in the Cold Room. We might get some there.
We learned some home made preserves and relishes were available as well. After gathering some apples, Owen walked up to us with an arms filled with butternut squash.
Finally, he brought to us something which looked like a huge Bartlett pear. It was a quince. Those are not to be eaten raw, but rather poached or baked, then spooning the flesh into whatever you desire. (We'll put a pin in that and come back later)
Onto to Gold Creek, an area in the A.C.T. with many shops enticing us to meander through their space looking for "must-haves." One such place was a little eatery named "Sweet Copper" which I guess has its roots in candy and sweet making. However, after walking through the door out into the back, we found a restful spot to have some tea in the afternoon.
It is not for the tempestuous, impatient diner. However, if you enjoy the fresh Autumn air in the late afternoon; you are set. The dishes were prepared with care, very appealing and tasty indeed. Lunch will run you $15 to $30 per person.
By the time we parted, we had just enough time to hit the Belconnen Markets for some fresh veggies as well some rare types of meat (kangaroo, crocodile and the like) The sun was setting by the time we came home, a lovely time under the last bits of golden light giving way to lavender and deep purples. A good day indeed.
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