From Hungary with love 2

Mum and dad brought back
Some wooden puzzle blocks
From Hungary; many years ago
My kids had such fun
Turning those blocks over
To make each picture
There were six picture puzzles
As I recall; they deteriorated
Over time only four remained
Horses standing before a stable block
Mare and her foal
Cows standing in a paddock
A black and white cow and her calf
Two dogs sitting beneath a tree
A German shepherd and one other
Sheep in a fenced paddock
A few ewes with two lambs
One with black and white
The others all white

30th June 2016

When I fell in love with you

I remember the day so clearly
That day
When I fell in love with you
Even more dearly...
I stood upon a rock
To take that photograph
You warned me to be careful
As you could see
The danger I could not...
As I stepped down
My foot slid aside
I tumbled down
Hurt my pride
You helped me up
And as I waited
For that expected tirade
It never came...
Instead
You lifted me up
Kissed my injured fingertip
You saw my disbelief
As my tears flowed
Your love for me showed

June 2018

GDS

Trip to Melbourne 2014

What a wonderful bonding experience
My two daughters and my grand daughter and I
Flew to Melbourne to see the debut
Of Outlander; privileged to preview
The very first episode of the new series
Of our favourite book by Diana Gabaldon
We had a great weekend exploring Melbourne
Walking around Docklands; having lunch
At an exclusive Chinese restaurant
Doing a little retail therapy along the way
Spending a couple of days together
In a motel room; just the four of us!
Meeting up with old friends at the airport
Before we caught the plane back...

Home safely again
Just walked in the door after a fantastic day
In Melbourne with my beautiful girls...
Thank God for getting us there and back
Thank God for the beautiful bonding experience
That we all shared!

2nd of August 2014

Woohoo I'm soooo happy!
It's been so good to have some time with my favourite girls!
I love you guys!
Vanessa Andersson

2nd August 2014

Two swallows 2011

I had been cleaning up
A whole heap of mess
From the flood
So good to get all the crap
Out of the house...
Two little swallows
Had a new nest
Right there above the door
I said "You're beautiful!"
One sang back
"You too!"
Soooo cute!

3rd August 2011

Why do we hate? 2016

Why do we hate?
Why do we say
Such horrible things
Why spew forth
Such venom
From our lips...
We were meant
To love one another
Meant to be so sweet
God; please help us
Save us from this disease
From this evil spate
Of nasty texts
Nasty thoughts...
How can human minds
Say such word
So unkind...

9th August 2016

Spring has sprung 2012

The sun is shining down
Its warmth has finally come
Cold breezes deny her time
Yet spring has sprung
Almond trees are flowering now
Bees are buzzing round
They pollinate the flowers
They do so much work; chum
Beautiful Wanderer butterflies
Flutter in the breeze
Flying down to feast
On pollen and nectar
Among the flowering trees
Three butterflies
Hundreds of bees
Going about their business
Welcoming spring with ease!

9th August 2012

The price of knitting wool

Wool hasn't been 45 cents a ball for many a long year...
Using up mum's hoard to make blankets for family and friends
I'm keeping her memory alive by appreciating her wonderful handy work
As I go along...
Miss you mum!

17th August 2017

Wheat bags saved the day 2013

My back is aching
My mind is so tired
Pain is robbing me of relaxation
But my hot wheat bags
Are saving the day!
We did a lot of cleaning up today!
Yay!

15th August 2013

Feeling thankful 2016

Feeling thankful...
It's a beautiful Sabbath day
I woke up feeling loved
I took big breaths of cold air
I felt the tingle of coldness upon my skin
I felt the warmth of my blankets upon my bed
I appreciated the warmth of a hot shower
The sun is shining
Birds are singing
My parents are alive
I have three beautiful children
I have been blessed with three gorgeous grandchildren
I have enough food for breakfast
I have warm clothes to wear
Shoes and socks for me feet
What more could I ask for?

13th August 2016

Winter says to Spring 2012

Spending time at Vanessa's place
With my two gorgeous grandsons
So cold outside!
Winter says to spring: not letting you in!
Not letting you have it so easy yet!
I still have a few weeks to freeze
Everyone's arses and I will!
Storms and rain are my domain!
Just watch me send my cold and pain!
I rule here; be aware; it's still my turn
To bluster and blow; don't you know!
Flowers may have blossomed and spread
But I can make your noses red!
Hear me roar and flee from me!
Spring may be near at hand; But
I still rule this land!

17th August 2012

I found love

I found love
When I was about to give up looking
I was sick of being alone
Had been lost and alone for long enough
Finally God granted me reprieve
Made me take stock of my life
Enough to believe
That all things do come
To those who wait
Thank you Lord for bringing my love!

Home is where the heart is

Home is where the heart is
That is where the start is
The journey is your life
Every day is new love
Every trip is true love
Every day you show love
Is what you get back love!
I know it's not all easy
Why should you be teased love?
It's so tantalising
When you're fantasising
What will happen now to me?
I know God's love is eternal
The Devil's one's infernal
Your heart will be broken
Maybe once or twice love
Doesn't mean you're broken
Just that love's a token
Worn upon your sleeve!

Coversations with my father

Haven't talked like this

In quite a long time
I guess the thing is this ...
We didn't make time
We were living our lives
Time simply flew away
Today I looked him in the eye
I'm so sorry dad; sad to say
Life got in the way...

Time and distance were the thing
Though I did regularly call up; ring
Visits became few and far between
As children grew; grandchildren came...
Today as I drove those long miles
Many memories; thoughts came
I wandered back through time
Reminiscing; reliving; imagining
Wondering what I would find...
When I left you just a few weeks ago
You were so quiet; so weak my dear
You were suffering; in so much pain
It hurt me so much to see you thus
I felt saddened; bereft
Though you haven't really left
I guess you've already given up
Surrendered to your despair
I know you miss mum my dear...
Remembering you in your youth
I much prefer; to tell the truth
For in those days you were strong
Has it really been that long?
Ah dad I miss those long ago days
But time must go forward
We cannot turn back
Please; love your parents well
You never know when it will end
Make the most of each and every day
Make your precious memories,
Enjoy the time you have
Be thankful for everything!
God bless you all!

Old Jeans

Old jeans

Old jeans...
Hemmed up
Untidily...
Green cotton
Mum gave to me
In her honour
I kept them so
Knowing she is gone
Saddens me

Old jeans...
Fraying now
Hems coming undone
Time to get them
Redone
I've still kept a few
Green threads
Thoughts of you mum
Always in my head

314Chris Glover, Marilyn Bailey and 2 others

Lunch with dad

We sat together

Upon his bed
For a cosy lunch ...
Shared a moment
Enjoyed the time
Ah dad; I love you
Wish I could
Turn back time
Your food was puréed
Mine was whole
Your teeth long gone
Dear old soul...
I brought my half a subway
Said it was what I'd had
For last night's dinner...
You piped up; as you always had
"That's not last night's dinner
Or you'd have nothing to eat"
I smiled; laughed out loud
"Okay, you've got me there
These are my leftovers; true
I could never fool you!"

Here in this photo
Just 8 months ago
We celebrated your 83rd
With Michael Andersson,
And Shelley Andersson
Wish I could say
You look just as good
But time has passed
You're slipping away
Time waits for no-one
What more can I say
I am just so very thankful
To be able to spend the day
Talking about those long ago days
When we were both
So very much younger
As we lived in such a very different way

Happy at last

My heart cried for loving 
My soul cried out to be free
I asked the universe for action
I asked; finally you came to me 

Yours; the soul connection
The magnet for my direction
Yours; the voice of reason
I know 'tis late in our season

With your arms tight round me 
Breathing deep of your warm skin
I feel my pain finally receding 
I feel; at last; I'm free within...

Driving home 2016

Drove over 4 hours to get back 'home'
To a place that is empty...
Empty of love...
Empty of peace...
Guess it's just a building; a house
Without someone to make it a home
So...what exactly makes a house 'A home?
Is it human contact that makes it so?
Is it the fact that somebody is waiting?
Is it simply because you're not alone?
What constitutes a home?
My home used to be with my parents
Then it was where I lived
With my husband and children...
Does having a family
Make it automatically a "home"
To some it would be wrong to say
That people made it a home
For many there was no love
Even among their own flesh and blood
They were unloved; un-cared for
If "love" makes a house a home
Then many are home
And many are not...
I've come to realise
That it doesn't matter about the place
Because any place can become "home"
Simply because someone loves you
That makes it feel like "home"
When somebody welcomes you
That is home; beautiful home
No matter where; as long as they're there
That what makes it home...

1st August 2016

Lost money 2013

I lost some money
I didn't worry
I knew that someone
Needed it more
Than I really did...
So I asked the Lord
To bless it for them
Knowing how things 
Really do work
In this world...
I sent it off with love!

29 July 2013

Life is constantly changing 2017

Life is constantly changing
Never stays the same; in truth
We seek to find fulfilment
In many things along the way
Life goes on around us
Colouring our days in many ways
It all depends on how we look at life
Our perspective changes too

Our choice; our chance; our view
All depends upon our vision
To see the good in everything 
Rather than the bad
Being positive has a huge impact
It influences everything we do...
I prefer to see the beauty
In nature all around us
God's blessed nature for me...

29 July 2017

Dear Debbie rest in peace 2012

Dear Debbie; rest in peace
You were my sister-in-law
My bridesmaid too
Mum to my first nephew
I still remember those days
At the Riverland discos
You were always so full of fun
Everyone was drawn to your smiles
I remember your "Fake fink" coat
And your racy style
Slits all the way up to there
Your fair curling hair
You were always on the move
We'll all miss you; love
Now rest in peace my dove
And let the dear Lord comfort
All those who will surely miss your smiles
No matter the many miles

Praying for dear Hughie and family
Deb passed away today and her 
Funeral will be on Monday 
In Cairns QLD

24th July 2012

Walking through IKEA 2013

Walking through IKEA
Wow! What a store!
So huge; so massive
So much stuff to score
We followed those arrows
Zac kept finding them
Showing us; more and more
Then he found a dinosaur
Cuddled it; made it roar
Said it was like in Peppa Pig
Just like brother George's toy
So now it's called George of course
George the dinosaur!

24 July 2013

Harbour town 2013

Went shopping at Harbour town
Though the wind was cold; made me frown
We walked through those alleyways
Grateful for our warm clothing; anyways
We had to have our beanies pulled down
As we strolled through the empty streets
Hardly any shoppers; no-one to greet
Unlike in the summertime; when it's so busy
Yes; then there are so many shoppers
But not when we went...

24 July 2013

From Nana Sue with love

Found some soft yarns
In grandma's cupboards
(Ah how I miss you mum)
She had so many of them
I wasn't surprised at all
For she was always knitting 
Always making something 
For her precious family
Some yarns were made in Spain
A few from Ireland too
Found this quite amazing 
As my dear grandson 
Has these; in his bloodlines
Yes; there's a lot of Magyar
Some Irish and English too
Norwegian and Swedish forebears
All there in the mix...
So many different ancestries
Chilean and Mapuche Indian
A sprinkling of Spanish thrown in...
Now I'm creating his blanket
Made with all our love...
I'll put it all together...
I'll create my own masterpiece
Filled with all our spirits too...
Then my darling little grandson
I'll send it flying overseas to you 

For Gabriel 
23 July 2018

Spirit soaring

Great cities built
On the backs of my kin
The world turns together
While the lazy watch

I am not common
Though some tell me so
Life is spiritual for me
I prefer it that way
Soaring 

I do not complicate
I do not cause fuss
I do not wish for more
I do not pander to bullies

There's something to be said
For the joy found in simplicity
To each their own
My world is my own
Always

Jon D.B.

You are a true hard working creator
Even when your body rests
Your mind never does
Here is the poem we wrote for you 

Final destination 2013

A few weeks ago I was stopped by a train
As I waited I saw a couple at the road way
A poor mum and dad came to place some flowers
At the foot of the cross beside the road
I watched them at their sad job
Obviously it was their loved one's 
Last place; where they maybe took
Their very last breath; their final destination...
I see so many crosses beside the roads
Those markers that show where someone died
Our road fatalities just grow and grow
Because too few will drive real slow...
Lord; so many young people; wasting their lives...
I pray that those poor parents are comforted by you!

10th July 2013

Four score years and ten

Missing parts...???

And enjoy what ever time is left to me
There is no time to be wasted
This one life is all I have
No time for procrastination
Let go of past hurts 
Allow the dust to settle dear
Forgive those who offered hurt
Instead of compatibility
Look forward to these golden years
Accept what peace is offered me
Take the hand of friendship love
Don't waste another minute dear
Because this moment is all there is...

Baby it's cold outside 2012

Baby it's cold outside
It's time to stay inside and hide
Get that wood fire; burning 
Get that wheat bag turning 
In that old microwave...
The dogs don't want to walk
They just seem to balk
At the kitchen door...
They say "I'm not going out there!
It's too cold; even for my pride!
Let's just play inside!"
Baby it's cold outside!

4th June 2012
Amy and Kia refused to go outside!

My refuge 2016

6:40 am
6 degrees outside
6 people here reside
I'm all alone in my bed
But never alone in my head
Many thoughts abound inside
I pray for many round about
Consecrate to Him my days
For dear Jesus died for me
Into His blessed hands
I place all that's hurting me
Into His mighty heart
I retreat; He is my fortress
My refuge in all times
My Lord; my Saviour

4th June 2016

Being thankful 2010

Being thankful!
A thankful heart is an open heart
Being able to realise that sometimes
When we may feel that things
Are not going our way
That we are not getting what we want
That we are most probably 
Actually not getting what we need 
Thank you to all my friends and family
For being there for me when i need it most...

3rd June 2010

What a great day 2015

What a great day!
I took a tumble off a chair
Spent a few hours at the local hospital
Had x-rays...
Fractured radius at my elbow
Pain unlimited!
Got my arm in a sling...
Simply can't do anything
Oh well, I guess it could be worse
High on Endone for the pain
But all is good I suppose
Though my hip will be colourful as well
My wrist too; is sore as hell!
But; looking on the brighter side
The lighter side...
I am okay; just a little embarrassed 
To tell the truth...
Gotta laugh at ourselves you know
Could always be so much worse...

3rd June 2015

14,723 steps 2016

We took 14,723 steps
To walk around the park
Uphill in glorious sunshine
Coming down; light rain; almost dark
Beautiful peaceful surroundings
Fresh air for our lungs
Amazing to be out in God's nature
Kangaroos; shingle-backs; birds
Climbing up the mountain
Seeking serenity; camaraderie
Taking in all the imagery
Here in my mind; to be shared

2nd June 2016

Mount Billy Conservation Park 2016

Had the most amazing adventure
All around Mount Billy Conservation Park
Parked beside the Hindmarsh Valley reservoir
Headed up the road toward the trails
It was such a beautiful afternoon
Glorious sunshine; fresh air; serenity
It was uphill all the way as we headed out
A gentle slope to say the least
But as we travelled further up
I found it quite an effort but
I managed to tackle and conquer the beast
Beautiful paradise; natural bush
So amazing; so green; so lush
Picnic lunch in the clearing 
We'd scattered a mob of roos
Sent them pounding off you see
As we enjoyed the amazing views
The steepest climb was yet to come
As we headed off again...
On-wards and upwards; what a walk
I was amazed at how I coped
Didn't think I'd make it up there 
But was pleased to find myself
At the very top; heart pounding 
Lungs straining from the heights
Ah the joy at reaching the top
I simply refused to stop
Slowly but surely I advanced
Thankful for the peace and beauty
Surrounded by this blessed nature
Birds singing; native bees buzzing 
Shingle back lizard; sunbaking
Clouds above me; floating by
Feeling on top of the world...
Thank you Lord for a blessed day

1st June 2016

Drive in Picture show 2013

My parents regularly took us
To the drive in picture show
Every weekend we'd go there
To Barmera; to watch a movie
I was 8 years old
Small for my age
Mum and dad didn't earn much
They were labourers
Picking fruit; oranges
Apricots; grapes
What ever they were asked to do...
Every Friday night we'd go out 
They tried to save a few pence
Saying I was under the age to pay
They said I was seven...
I was offended and piped up
"I'm eight!"
Then I realised what I'd done
Getting them into trouble and 
Said: "I live in a gate!"
I remember blushing beet red
Being embarrassed
For causing some trouble
I was just being a silly little kid!

29th May 2013

Bob the bottle man 2013

Today I saw the bottle man
Riding his bicycle in the sun
Checking all the rubbish bins
Looking for a few bottles and cans
Obviously he has his plans
Trying to earn a little extra cash
I felt sorry for the old bottle man
He looked thin and underfed
Why does he have to seek?
Among those rubbish bins
To help him make his way
Does he have no choice?
Because times are so tough
Is that why his life is so rough?
I'll call him Bob because
His head is bobbing up and down
As he rode his old bicycle
Around that country town
I watched him cycle from bin to bin
Opening them up; looking in
He only found one bottle
I felt that was such a shame
I bet he was looking for so much more
That's exactly why he came...
I stopped my car and called out to him
He didn't hear me shout
So I followed him into the park
I called out again 
Finally he heard me and listened
Then followed me across the road
I gave him all I had
To make his life a little easier
For whatever he had on his list...
For Lord; i felt i was the lucky one...
I thank you every day 
For taking care of me and my family!

29th May 2013

Sunshine smiles 2013

There's sunshine on my clothes line
Shining down on pretty oink clothes
I'm getting ready for our precious baby girl
She's coming soon to meet us
She's coming soon to greet us
With her special little smile...
I saw her in my dream last night 
I saw her gorgeous eyes
We were painting her fingernails
We were laughing together
We were having so much fun!
To see it all happen...
Just as in my dream...

29th May 2013

(Evaleah arrived on 18th September 2013)

Nana Lindy's gift 2013

Nana Lindy gave me a precious gift
A little mirror inside; like a pearl
Inside it's precious shell...
Though Nana Lindy is now resting 
Though she has left her earthly shell
I think about her often
As I open up this gift from her
It reminds me of our visits
When we spent time together
Talking, hugging, laughing
Back when she was still well!

29th May 2013

Letter from mummy 2014

I love these little people
So much it hurts
Don't know how I ever 
Lived without them!
The best feeling in my world
Is squeezing them close
And kissing their little cheeks
And feeling them cuddle me back
The best sounds are; their laughter
And their adorable little voices
And the little noises they make
And the best sight 
To my eyes
Are their precious smiling faces!

Vanessa 27th May 2014

Mum's scone recipe

Made some scones; "pogacsa"
Scones; like mum used to make
A simple recipe I always use...
I add some juicy dried sultanas
Chopped dried apricots as well
A teaspoon of cinnamon and LSA mix
A couple of fresh googy eggs
A small carton of light cream
A tablespoon of olive oil
Added to the bowl of SR flour
A pinch of salt thrown in
Mix it all together with some love
Bake them in a moderate oven
Until they are golden brown
Mmmmm...
Melted butter, a hint of tasty jam
Eat them all down...
Yum!

Ingredients: in order of use

500 grams SR flour
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon LSA mix
1 tablespoon olive oil (instead of butter)
2 eggs
300 ml cream
100 g sultanas
100 g chopped dried apricots

Method:

Mix all dry ingredients
Add olive oil and eggs
Mix and add cream
Mix again before adding fruit
Mix into a firm dough
Shape into scones
Place onto greased tray 
Bake in moderate oven until golden brown

Serve with butter and or cream and jam