Too tired

What happens when you get old?
When everything is "too hard"
When breathing is enough of a chore
When thinking s just "too much"
When eating becomes a bore
Walking any distance tires you out
Who has time to get out and about?
You hands don't work as you'd like
It is your joints that scream and shout
Everything slows down to zero pace
No longer are you the world's hero
Your children become your carers
Have to return the lifelong favour
Be the ones to wipe your face
Clean you; dress you; caress you
Thus life comes full circle; it's true
This will happen to me; to you
None of us can escape this race
From dust we came...
Thanks to God's infinite grace
To dust we return in due course

30 November 2016

Tarnished angel

A little bedraggled

A little worse for wear

Tarnished little angel

To me; still fair...

As a little child

I held you in my tiny hands

Loved to place you atop

Our Christmas tree; so fair

Though you have lost your wings

I find you beautiful my dear

Sometimes I feel just like this angel

Sometimes I feel my wings are bare

But still i must go on flying

Must continue through my despair

Life goes on around us

Time waits upon no woman; no man

We must yield ourselves completely

To our dear lord’s ultimate plan

The scent of carnations

Mum loves the scent of carnations
She has always loved these flowers
A pot sits upon the outside table
Pretty pink carnations; abloom
Regularly i take them inside
Let the scent pervade her room
Stock flowers also brought her joy
Couldn't find any plants to bring her
But I did find a beautiful Jasmine too
My brother planted it in the garden
In honour of our dear mum
The scent will be around for ages
In summer; it's scent reaches her room
Memories of these scents return here
In my mind they will ever be
Even when mum is only a memory...

4 December 2016

Prayers December 2015

Need some prayers please. Feeling so sad

Can't stop the tears from sneaking out the corner of my eyes

Some days the sadness seems too heavy to bear...

I cannot carry the world upon my shoulders...

I need to turn this anguish aside and give it all up to God...

I offer up my prayers for all who need God's help...

But I m one person among the billions...

I used to worry about whether my words reached any souls

In my work for the Lord

But I realised that in doing so i was not trusting in God...

So...I give it all up to my Lord...

I pray and then I let it go...

Like a little child with a broken toy...

If we will not give it into His hands

How can he fix it?

Into thy hands I commend my spirit oh my dearest Lord...

Deal with me as you see fit...

Amen

4th December 2015

I need your prayers too right now...

30th December 2016

My mum has passed away and sadness will not go...

Lake Bonney Barmera

Right here in this lake
I swam most of my life
From when I was 6 years old
My family would come to enjoy
Beautiful summer days...
Idyllic holidays with friends
From Adelaide, Melbourne, Geelong
Camped out in the local caravan park
We'd congregate, celebrate our days
I've brought my children here to see
This lake that cooled my whole family
Over the years I showed my children 
Treasured places in my life
Then my grandsons came last year
To enjoy splashing here; freely and 
Today my three year old grand daughter
Joined me swimming in the lake
Hesitant at first she dipped her toes
Refused to enter in...
But knowing she's a water baby
I knew she would succumb
Fell into the cooling water; at first
Screamed out her indignation
But soon; as I knew she would
She pranced around in celebration
Splashing me; her Nana; joyfully
Enjoying her nakedness; was free
To have her cool fun in the sun
Mummy and Tia Shelley joined us too
Feet dipped in the lake's cool sand
Ah dear Lord; what a precious band
We were today; in Barmera by the lake

4th December 2016

Rosa by Marta

It's trying to rain today.
Even God is having a tear or two
For a wonderful lady who has died today.
"She has suffered enough" He is trying to say
Oh, what memories we have of old times, 
Lovely times we had together, all the laughter and the joy.
Even the kids talk about her fondly.
The good times in the apricot shed, 
The lovely honey biscuits that she always had...
They couldn't wait each year!
Pete even remembers the Vegemite sandwiches...
"The best ever!"  He said as we were talking about things last night.
I've got three candles glowing.
Rest in peace we all say
For a wonderful lady who has died today.

By my Aunt Marta Szabo
For my mum Roza Szabo 
24 June 1938
To 28 December 2016

Mother's hands

My mother's hands are thin; frail
No longer are they strong as nails
My mother's hands are shaky; weak
No longer are they capable; nor do they seek
To labour as they used to do...
It is enough to see them laying 
Upon white sheets; life is delaying 
The inevitable and yet to me
My mother's hands are beautiful...
These once strong hands carried me
Held me close; cradled me; loved me
My mother's hands dealt fairly too
Chastised when there was need
Fr her family these hands did bleed
Yes; these hands were rarely still
These busy hands cooked; cleaned
Worked at many chores; what's more?
Knitted love and warmth for us all
How could any daughter?
Not love her mother as she ought to...

Permission

I gave mum permission to let go...
Told her I would be here for her
Fed her just as she once fed me
Watched her sleeping...
Heard her quiet breathing
Felt her body shaking
Held her thin little fingers
Caressed her brow
Covered her when she was cold
Just as she has done for me
Just as she has mothered me
I am now mothering my mother

I drove all night

I drove all night 
To get back to you
It's just something 
I had to do
I love you mum
I want you to know
Just how much 
I love you so
Though i do not
Want you to go
I know I must
Let you go
I have to be brave
I have to be strong 
I need to give you
All the peace I hold
Right here in my heart
It's alright mum
You are allowed to sleep
You've done your best
For so many years
Just close your eyes
Lay back and sigh 
You are allowed to
Let go the reins
I'll take care of dad
For you...

Joy to the world

Just heard neighbours arguing 
So much for "peace on earth"
Everyone is rushing around
Trying to celebrate with mirth
I know there's something missing
Something that could change many lives
Ah Lord they know not peace nor joy
They have forgotten the real reason
Why you gave your precious boy...

So many people full of hate
So many just haven't got a clue
The real reason for this celebration
Has been long lost; I'm telling you!
Its now all about the money
It's all about the food
It's not about loving kindness
Not about dear Lord Jesus
Not about His precious blood...

Kneel down

As I bow my head
Bend my knee
'Tis then and only then 
That I truly see
Just how wonderful
My Lord is to me...

As I open up my heart
Close my eyes
'Tis then and only then 
That I feel free
From the worries
That trouble me...

As I lift up my thoughts; pray
Surrender up my load
'Tis then and only then 
When my Lord draws near
My Lord hears
Understands these tears...

Early Christmas morning

Early in the morning 
Not a sound to be heard
No dogs barking 
No twittering birds
Dark skies above me
Pale shimmering moon
My thoughts fly out in love
To all I wish peace and joy
To everyone; Merry Christmas
May our Lord return soon

A year ago today

We first met a year ago
After much pain; sorrow
Now I've found my love 
At last a treasure trove
Has opened up for me
For it is now I truly see
A blessing you've become
Like a brightly burning sun
My soul lights up with you
Beside me all the way
Ah; what more can I say?
I am thankful for each day
Each conversation we have had
Each sharing of our thoughts; glad
Has opened up my heart; my mind
You are so wonderful; so kind
No longer am I a lost little soul
For in loving you I've found my goal
My happiness I have found within
Your strong loving arms; warm skin
Next to mine; your understanding heart
Acceptance; peace; serenity you impart
Never could I love another 
As I have grown to love you

A world within

She lives there 
A world within her 
Thoughts tumbled 
Words mumbled
Memories jumbled
Mind numbed
By illness; confounded
Asked her a question
She doesn't remember
Asked her preference
She doesn't care
Her body is struggling
Fighting to cope
Her bones are showing
Her breathing's slowing
Movement is becoming rare
I often wonder
What goes on in her head
I imagine her memories
Flashing like a movie reel
Lit up from inside
She sees us; knows us
But cannot confide
Her words are trapped inside
But she smiles and utters
A few words occasionally
Simple to see her; dear love
Once strong and vital
Once so completely able
She sits now at the table
Waiting for her meals
She eats like a little sparrow
Her cheeks are pale; hollow
But I know my dear Mum
Is still there; trapped inside

Soothe my soul

Play a little music for me my love
Please ease away my pain
For soon enough my ears will cease
All sounds will play for me in vain

Touch my brow with your sweet lips
Please soothe the heat within
For soon enough I'll feel no more
Your caress will be as in a dream

Show me your sweet smiles my love
Please grant me views of your face
For soon enough my eyes grow dim
Your love for me will fly away apace

Give me a taste of your sweet lips love
Let your passion fill up my empty cup
For soon enough this cup will break
All love will drain; my cup needs topping up

Let me smell the wild flowers my love
Please fill my senses with perfume
For soon enough all scents will fade
And nothing will fill this empty room

Let all my senses come alive my love
While there may still be time
For soon enough I'll have to go
And all these will only be within your mind

Swimming in Lake Bonney

Took a long swim in Lake Bonney
Just like I did all those years ago 
Today it is flooded; dark and dirty
Still I enjoyed the exercise you know
Though I have changed in many ways
The lake has stayed the same...
Yes; the old tree stumps are gone
Half the jetty is gone as well
But in many ways
It's like time has stood still
Memories come flooding back
Children; blue lipped; shivering
"No I'm not cold mummy!"
These words we were answering
Climbing up upon those stumps
Pretending they were castles
Chasing each other round the poles
Beneath the jetty; like fish; we grew
Ah the delighted screams we threw
Standing upon the paddle boards
With Martha Wilson; Susie Juhasz too
Teenagers enjoying Summer fun
Yes indeed; here we grew up
Here we frolicked in the sun
I remember spending time
With new teenage friends
Jenny; Karen S to name a few
The night I walked hand in hand
Down beside the peaceful lake
Sharing my first kiss with Michael B
After the Glossop High School review
His sister Kerry was bridesmaid
At my cousin's Kali's wedding
So many precious memories renewed
I wonder where they've all gone
Wonder if they remember those days
As I sit here; reminisce
About those long ago childhood days

On the bus

They're on the bus
What's the fuss?
Had a great weekend 
Time now to send
Them back to town
My two clowns...
Making faces at each other
Crazy sister and brother
Laughter is so good
So was the great food
Having time to share
Amid the world's snares
A few happy little moments
Along with all life's torments
It's almost Christmas time
Better to laugh than cry a while
Allow a little joy to settle in
Soon enough our troubles will win

Safe Journey

Wishing everyone a safe journey
A blessed arrival where ever you go
Please drive carefully; be aware fully
Of all that is going on...
Remember to pray before you begin
Place your lives within His precious hands
Accept our dear Lord's plans
Your survival is the ultimate goal
Maybe take a little longer
Drive a little slower but get there
Safely and in one piece
So that you may fully enjoy
This holiday season filled with peace

Twelve days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas

To my dear mum I gave

The scent of sweet Jasmine

Upon a slender climbing vine

On the second day of Christmas

To my dear mum I gave

The scent of her favourite carnations

Through her window; wafting sweet

On the third day of Christmas

To my dear mum I gave

Fragrant pink blooming roses

From my love's garden they came

On the fourth day of Christmas

To my dear mum I gave

A tissue box full of scented lavender

To relax her; for she is very brave

On the fifth day of Christmas

To my dear mum I gave

A gift all wrapped in cellophane

A garden full of fragrance it claimed

On the sixth day of Christmas

To my dear mum I gave

Good news from her loved ones

Precious hugs, kisses; they sent; I conveyed

On the seventh day of Christmas

To my dear mum I gave

A soft kiss upon her tired brow

A whispered endearment that I'd saved

On the eighth day of Christmas

To my dear mum I gave

A foot rub and a pedicure

A simple gesture of love I gave

On the ninth day of Christmas

To my dear mum I gave

A meal cooked for her not by her

Her energy I hoped to save

On the tenth day of Christmas

To my dear mum I gave

A few simple memories

A hint of laughter showed in her eyes

On the eleventh day of Christmas

To my dear mum I gave

A squeeze upon her wrinkled old hands

To show her that I really care

On the twelfth day of Christmas 

To my dear mum I gave

A gift of a little Bible

God's precious words therein engraved

I asked to be accepted

I asked to be accepted
I begged to be remade
For I knew that I was lacking 
I knew that I'd missed the grade

Dear Lord please forgive me
Dear Lord please accept this trade
My tears for your blood's salvation

My prayers for everyone's shame

Without your great plan of redemption
Without my dear Lord's humiliation; pain
There is nothing I could do to save us
Nothing in me to cancel out our shame

Upon my knees I surrender
Upon my knees I bow down my head
For without my Lord I am ever useless
Without Him; I know I could never else be saved

As Sabbath settles in

As Sabbath settles in 
God's creatures quiet their din
Cicadas serenade the gentle dusk 
Dear Lord in you we place our trust...

Recipes for loving

She gave me her recipes for loving 
Showed me how to make it on my own
Always feed your parts my darling 
Always keep on going on...

Dear mum you fed and clothed us all
Made everything with your own dear hands
Cooked and cleaned and did everything 
Ah my mother; you should have had an easier life

Knitted jumpers, cardigans; crocheted skirts and all
No matter what we needed; you provided
Worked your fingers to the bone
For your family you did it all...

She is my mother; she is my all
Though we didn't always see eye to eye

Now it is my turn to wipe my eyes and cry
My mother is slowly leaving this world

Christmas at the Berri club

Felt so alone for the first time
At the Berri club tonight 
I went in alone...
To face all of those bright lights
Mum and dad couldn't come
They ate their dinner at home
Mum is no longer able
So dear dad also stays at home

She won the member's draw
Just a couple of weeks ago
Too bad she'd stayed at home
As it was: she was a "no show"
It's too difficult to get there
Just too much effort; my love
So it's indoors she stays 
No longer able to leave her home

"It's all too much" she tells me
"It's all too much" her body says
For everything there is a season
For her; all is in slow motion
No longer does she go out anon
The doctor came to visit her tonight 
Came in front door; stethoscope in hand
From now on; this is the plan

Everyone asked about her welfare
Asked how come she wasn't there
So I explained; I lifted the lid
Told of how she no longer is
strong enough to venture out
Hugs were given; well wishes sent
A precious gift was to pass on to her
From all and sundry at the Berri club

Dad takes care of his darling wife
He boils the kettle too
Turns the toaster on for her
Ensures she has just enough
Though she eats like a little bird
Though she sleeps most of the days away
Though she is slowly wasting away
He stick picks her cherries each and every day

Healthy cookies

Sugar free, egg free, dairy free health cookies

Ingredients:

3 mashed ripe bananas
I grated apple (instead of the 1/3 cup of apple sauce)
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1/2 cup sultanas
7 chopped dried apricots
1 tablespoon LSA mix (linseed, sunflower seed, almond meal)
1/4 cup almond milk

Method; 

Mix all ingredients together
Form into cookies
Place on lined baking tray

Bake on 180 degrees C for 15 to 20 minutes

I have added chopped dates
Used grated pears instead of the apple
SO many yummy ways to make without these without flour and sugar

Driving Miss Suzie

I've been driving since 
I was 16 years of age
Love the feeling of the road
The great distances covered
The scenery that flies by
The wildlife that I espy
I love taking the back roads
I love exploring the land
Seeking beneath bridges
Along dry dusty lanes
To me it is such a blessing  
To be able to escape into nature
That can only be appreciated 
Away from crazy city streets
Oh give me the countryside
Allow me to roam free
For my dearest Lord
That is where I always find thee...

Truly madly deeply

Have you ever been loved so well
Could you; the whole world; tell?
How could you ever describe that feeling 
Good loving that left you reeling...
After decades of feeling lost, alone
Despised; frustrated; unappreciated
My love has arrived...
Don't know how I ever survived
I feel your warm embrace
Your loving arms; it's true
Make me feel so loved by you
We talk of so many things
We never cease our learning 
Being together is so very easy
Your company is divine
We simply are...
We've both come so far
From those early beginnings
This is what I've yearned for all my life
But how can you miss something?
That you have never known; had?
Until you do fall in love
Truly; madly; deeply
These questions will remain within...

Loving arms

We've only been apart two weeks

But oh how my poor heart aches

I miss your sweet grins; your smiles

I miss our laughter; all the while

Though it seems like eternity to me

I know; tonight; just how it will be

We'll come together; finally; sweetly

Your loving arms; lips; greet me

Enfolded thus within their safety

I will relax and simply be; me...

Top 10 home remedies for rashes

1. Olive oil plus honey (1:1) + turmeric 
2. Baking soda (1:3) water or coconut oil
3. Oatmeal (ground) + yoghurt + honey
4. Aloe Vera
5. Cold compress
6. Apple cider vinegar (acetic acid)
7. Chamomile (tea) (10 to 15 minutes) coconut oil
8. Neem (Indian lilac)
9. Calendula
10. Coriander - paste of ground coriander leaves

Good sleep recipe

Ingredients:

1 medium banana cut into pieces
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Method:

Blend ingredients until thick and smooth

Note:

You can replace the water with milk
but then you MUST add the honey 
which is low in protein and high in carbs

This will help the tryptophan in the milk
cross into the brain as per the sleep study
(Pineal research into sleep)

Healthy breakfast recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup almond meal
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/3 cup pepitas
1/2 cup sultanas
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 cup coconut chips
1/2 cup dessicated coconut
1/3 cup cacao
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup raw honey
1/4 cup tahini

Method:

Preheat oven to 160 degrees
Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl
Melt coconut oil, add honey and tahini
Combine well
Stir wet ingredients through dry until well combined
Spread on lined baking tray
Bake for 20 minutes
Stir every so often until evenly toasted
Serve with fresh strawberries and almond milk 

Homemade Fly spray

Combine Epsom salts, Listerine 
and a drop of dish washing liquid
into a spray bottle

Fill up with water 
(1:2 ratio) (Ingredients to water)

Shake until all dissolved

Spray around doors and pergola area where flies sit

Homemade Mosquito repellant

Combine in a 16 oz bottle:

15 drops Lavender oil
3 to 4 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup lemon juice

Fill the bottle with water
Shake

Ready to use

Nature's flu shot

Ingredients:

Juice of 3 lemons
1 garlic clove (minced)
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups organic pineapple juice
1 tablespoon raw honey

Method:

Blend in a blender
or shake in a jar

Drink: 1/2 cup a day during the flu season

or 3 times a day if you feel you are starting to get sick

Vision Christian Radio 
2 September 2015

Amish natural cure for High Blood Pressure

1 clove garlic
1 piece of ginger (grated)
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Place in a blender at high speed for 30 seconds
Strain and store in the fridge for 5 days

Take 2 times a day
1 tablespoon on an empty stomach
1 before your last meal

You will feel energetic and refreshed

Asteroid

Your life
Like an asteroid
On a self destructive path
Seeking to explode 
Disintegrating into dust

Cancer causing products to get rid of

1. Non-stick cookware
2. Artificial sweeteners...Replace with Stevia, Erythritol, xylitol, yacon
3. Plastic bottles and food containers
4. Air fresheners...use essential oils instead
5. Common cleaning products...use vinegar.\; baking soda instead
6. Toothpaste...contains fluoride, saccharine
7. Shampoo...e.g. head and Shoulders 2 in 1(Methylchloroisothiazolinone)
8. Mothballs 
9. Antibacterial soap
10. Flea and tick treatment 

The healthy Soul

For Debbie Hopkins, Szabo, Cavallaro

Six years ago today
Facebook says we made
A friendship on this page
Yes, six years ago today 
Well; Debbie they are so wrong 
We'd known each other for way longer
In 1976 you caught the school bus
Played truant; watched you most days
Kingston-on-Murray to Loxton
Such a long way to drive...
You were so vital; so full of life
At the Berri disco; everyone
Wanted to be with you!
Wanted to be included in your fun
Then you and my brother hooked up
Suffice to say; that's when Hughie
Was born; came to stay...
Many years have passed since then
We married; had our kids...
Moved along; lived our separate lives
Now you're gone; way too soon...

6th October 2016

Seeing beauty

Why is it that now I truly see
All the natural beauty that surrounds me
Before I was lost in a cloud of grey
Darkness was my companion: my fog
Love has finally come and set me free
From this darkness that surrounded me
I see beauty in a simple blade of grass 
I see wonder in everything I pass
It's like everything is flowering; blossoming
Everything is in the throes of promised life
It's like I've been ransomed; freed from strife
Even palms and grasses are colourful
I am truly amazed at the life all around me
Some of us drift along with our eyes closed
See only pain that is superimposed...
My eyes are open and still I dream
Of love and peace and possibility

 

 

A handful of cherries

Each day he picks the best
A handful of cherries: no test
For the only love he's ever had
Yes; this he does; my dear old dad
Poor mum is ill; we know not when
Her time will come; her mortal end
Could happen any time at all; we know
This love is special: makes my heart glow
Dad says they met when she was just thirteen
Way back in 1951; I asked; "was she your first?"
He said to me "my first and last!"
They've been married over 60 long years
Upon his arm the tattoo "Roza" declares
To be his one and only love: heavens above
What a blessing to have had such love...
There's an arrow through that tattooed heart
Oh Lord, if only they didn't have to part...
But life goes on no matter what
We need to appreciate every moment we've got

A handful of cherries he picks each day
There upon the table at her place; them he lays
They sit and wait till she comes: I pray
In heaven they might again be together one day

View from Wilabalangaloo

Though the land was dusty;  dry
A cool breeze eased my sighs
Red earth, sparse growth; whistling kites
Glorious nature; azure blue skies
Big River Murray streaming round the bend
Black water; fast flowing currents
Old river; seemingly without end
The old Lookout drew my feet
Climbed up those pale green stairs
Enjoyed the majestic view
Though it was fantastic; neat!
Tall Eucalypts across the wide stream
A massive nest high in the trees
Two glorious whistling kites
Drew my eyes; ah what a sight
Soaring above me; with the greatest of ease
Circling high upon the cooling breeze
Returning to the nest among the trees
My eyes followed them constantly
They brought me such endless joy
As I walked along the river trail in
Wilabalangaloo National Trust Conservation Park