21 December, 2013
Tikitere Gardens, November
I was driving past, saw the sign, and wandered in. A winding walk amongst gorgeous displays of rhododendrons! Spring is definitely the time to visit this garden. Not the best quality in photos because I only had my phone camera to use.
20 December, 2013
Tramping
I've been getting into tramping a bit, lately. I haven't tried carrying a pack of even the smallest size yet (my shoulders really don't like carrying weights at present), but am slowly toughening my heels to wearing boots. While on holiday at Tokaanu (south end of Lake Taupo) I went tramping up a small hill reserve (plus an extended walk back to the motel) with Dad. The track was quite overgrown, the rain made us quite wet in spite of our coats, and the plasters on my heels slipped so that I not only developed blisters but also broke them, but it was GREAT. I had this photo taken when we returned, after which we changed and headed straight for the hot pool for a soak!
While getting a map of this little track (Mosquito Hill) from the hotel office, I was also given a map and pamphlet of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. For the first time ever, I am actually interested in climbing it. Something to do with the view from the top, I think, rather than the bare track getting there, hehe. Then when we got to Dannevirke (where I stayed for a week) a visiting young German couple talked enthusiastically about their hike over the Crossing and mentioned the amazing silence up there, which increased my interest. So I kind of have that as a middle-distance goal.
In the meantime, I went with Dad on a tramping track in the Ruahines (near Dannevirke) that I hadn't been on for something like 20 years. I took a photo of the map at Tamaki Reserve's picnic area, and we walked some of the way up to the A-Frame. An hour up a steep track, a sit-down with a view, and a half-hour back down that made jelly of my thighs...! I saw a deer in the bush on the way up, and two wood pigeons near the end. I was exhausted and still had to make dinner for Dad, Narelle, and myself, but it was a wonderful day. I'm loving tramping! :D
While getting a map of this little track (Mosquito Hill) from the hotel office, I was also given a map and pamphlet of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. For the first time ever, I am actually interested in climbing it. Something to do with the view from the top, I think, rather than the bare track getting there, hehe. Then when we got to Dannevirke (where I stayed for a week) a visiting young German couple talked enthusiastically about their hike over the Crossing and mentioned the amazing silence up there, which increased my interest. So I kind of have that as a middle-distance goal.
In the meantime, I went with Dad on a tramping track in the Ruahines (near Dannevirke) that I hadn't been on for something like 20 years. I took a photo of the map at Tamaki Reserve's picnic area, and we walked some of the way up to the A-Frame. An hour up a steep track, a sit-down with a view, and a half-hour back down that made jelly of my thighs...! I saw a deer in the bush on the way up, and two wood pigeons near the end. I was exhausted and still had to make dinner for Dad, Narelle, and myself, but it was a wonderful day. I'm loving tramping! :D
26 November, 2013
Progress
The doctor likes my progress and what I'm doing to get better, but agrees that I need more time off, so I have been approved to continue receiving the benefit for another month. I am now getting osteopathic treatment for my back, and will be looking for a good-quality magnesium supplement to aid in physical recovery. I anticipate being able to rejoin the work force at the end of January, though perhaps only beginning with short hours. We shall see.
12 November, 2013
Beside Still Waters
I had my first swim in Blue Lake yesterday! First non-chlorinated swim in years. The water was very pleasant and so was the sunny air, so at first I just stood in the water up to my waist. I wasn't sure how my arm, shoulder, and back muscles would react to the cool water (cold tends to make the muscles tense very quickly), but eventually I sank up to my neck, and splashed and soaked and luxuriated for ten minutes or so. It was pleasant enough to have stayed in much longer, but I decided to start gently - and I wasn't wearing sunscreen. (c;
As I sat in my shaded car after eating my lunch, watching the learner water-skiers, the number of cars and people began to increase. I didn't want busyness and people noise, so I started to head home. But I really wanted to stay out there in the sun and open air, and the Lord asked me why I was running away when I wanted to stay...! I guess I was also getting used to the idea that it's okay for me to sit out there enjoying the view and doing nothing much for hours on end. So I returned to a different spot, up on the grassy hill away from everybody, in the sun and with a grand view. I laid my togs and towel on the grass to dry, spread a blanket in another spot, and settled down to rest. Wary of a second round of sunburn inside 10 days, I discovered some ancient sunscreen in my togbag - which seems to be still effective, haha.
It was a wonderful hour or so of rest. Eventually I felt a bit more lively and thought I would head home, but in getting into the car, I got to talking with the Lord and never went anywhere...! Lol. Then I got so warm sitting there that I needed a walk in the cool shade, so down to the lakeside I went and wandered around the track a wee way. I was planning to go out to the women's prayer meeting in the evening, so I didn't want to walk the whole track. I did that last week and found the hour-and-a-half walk was a bit too much. So this time I found a nice spot to sit and look down at the water. Very, very pleasant. Refreshing. Restorative.
By the time I headed back into town somewhat after 4pm, I was feeling totally relaxed and mentally alert. Definitely prepared for an evening out. The shared meal at the meeting starts at 5:30pm, but I dilly-dallied a fair bit, and there was no inspiration for food preparation in fridge or cupboard so, by now casually running about 10 minutes late, I stopped at the Four Square and bought a cheesecake for dessert.
When I arrived at Lorraine's, there were no other cars. No one else was coming... a whole cheesecake to share between two! Lol. Neither of us was hungry for a proper meal, so I ate half of the cold, delicious, boysenberry cheesecake, Lorraine at a quarter, and I left the last quarter for her in the fridge. Mmmm! Around it we had a blessed time talking and then praying together. Home about 9:30pm as I began to feel sleepy. Ahh, what a peaceful, relaxing, yet somehow invigorating day!
As I sat in my shaded car after eating my lunch, watching the learner water-skiers, the number of cars and people began to increase. I didn't want busyness and people noise, so I started to head home. But I really wanted to stay out there in the sun and open air, and the Lord asked me why I was running away when I wanted to stay...! I guess I was also getting used to the idea that it's okay for me to sit out there enjoying the view and doing nothing much for hours on end. So I returned to a different spot, up on the grassy hill away from everybody, in the sun and with a grand view. I laid my togs and towel on the grass to dry, spread a blanket in another spot, and settled down to rest. Wary of a second round of sunburn inside 10 days, I discovered some ancient sunscreen in my togbag - which seems to be still effective, haha.
It was a wonderful hour or so of rest. Eventually I felt a bit more lively and thought I would head home, but in getting into the car, I got to talking with the Lord and never went anywhere...! Lol. Then I got so warm sitting there that I needed a walk in the cool shade, so down to the lakeside I went and wandered around the track a wee way. I was planning to go out to the women's prayer meeting in the evening, so I didn't want to walk the whole track. I did that last week and found the hour-and-a-half walk was a bit too much. So this time I found a nice spot to sit and look down at the water. Very, very pleasant. Refreshing. Restorative.
By the time I headed back into town somewhat after 4pm, I was feeling totally relaxed and mentally alert. Definitely prepared for an evening out. The shared meal at the meeting starts at 5:30pm, but I dilly-dallied a fair bit, and there was no inspiration for food preparation in fridge or cupboard so, by now casually running about 10 minutes late, I stopped at the Four Square and bought a cheesecake for dessert.
When I arrived at Lorraine's, there were no other cars. No one else was coming... a whole cheesecake to share between two! Lol. Neither of us was hungry for a proper meal, so I ate half of the cold, delicious, boysenberry cheesecake, Lorraine at a quarter, and I left the last quarter for her in the fridge. Mmmm! Around it we had a blessed time talking and then praying together. Home about 9:30pm as I began to feel sleepy. Ahh, what a peaceful, relaxing, yet somehow invigorating day!
01 November, 2013
Rest and relief
I have been given 'permission' to rest - the doctor gave me a medical certificate saying I am not fit for work. He reckons I'm near breaking point (glad someone other than myself can see that!), and diagnosed 'anxiety disorder'. WINZ has granted me financial assistance for the time it takes for me to recover. I just have to go back to the doctor once a month to renew the certificate. I'm anticipating three months' break, but we shall see. It's a great relief to know I can just rest.
Meanwhile, the Lord is using me here in Rotorua. That's exciting! (c:
Meanwhile, the Lord is using me here in Rotorua. That's exciting! (c:
25 October, 2013
Aunty in The Redwoods
Katrina had an appointment across the road from The Redwoods, so she collected me first, and while she was busy, I wandered with the kiddies through the forest.
Josh took a turn behind the camera.
Aunty still needs lots of rest stops, especially when carrying a backpack behind and a two-year-old in front!
Aunty still needs lots of rest stops, especially when carrying a backpack behind and a two-year-old in front!
20 October, 2013
Living Psalm 23
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul." Psalm 23:1-3a
The Lord has been reminding me that He loves me and will not let me fall. He literally accomplished verse 2 of the above psalm. When I revisited Castle Craig last week after 6 years' absence, I walked up the race and lay on the grass to enjoy the view and just being outdoors - the pasture was VERY green!
The Lord has been reminding me that He loves me and will not let me fall. He literally accomplished verse 2 of the above psalm. When I revisited Castle Craig last week after 6 years' absence, I walked up the race and lay on the grass to enjoy the view and just being outdoors - the pasture was VERY green!
The following day I climbed up further through a steep paddock to sit among the rocks in the rain, resting in His presence while He restored my soul a little more. Yesterday, Rachael took me to Lake Tarawera, beside the still waters, and we enjoyed the restoring tranquility with the view.
05 October, 2013
Now that I'm here, what do I do?
I am now installed in my new abode in Rotorua. Recreation and activity shouldn't be a problem (c: but what do I do for an income? The Lord uprooted me from Amberley and made the way plain to come here; I know He'll provide ways and means - but I have to work at resting and not being nervous.
Suddenly I'm aware of how much more fuel I'm going to use here. It's 15-20 minutes' drive around to Katrina's place, 10 minutes to church... and I'm not nearly energetic enough to bike everywhere yet.
Add to that, my right arm in particular still doesn't take kindly to excessive use, and my stamina is all shot to pieces (read: often tired and sore)...
I think I'll head for the hills and the bush to sort my thoughts (c:
Suddenly I'm aware of how much more fuel I'm going to use here. It's 15-20 minutes' drive around to Katrina's place, 10 minutes to church... and I'm not nearly energetic enough to bike everywhere yet.
Add to that, my right arm in particular still doesn't take kindly to excessive use, and my stamina is all shot to pieces (read: often tired and sore)...
I think I'll head for the hills and the bush to sort my thoughts (c:
Biking with Dad
14 August, 2013
Moving North
I am moving to Rotorua! Somewhat unwillingly at first (the idea did come as quite a shock), but now with enthusiasm and excitement. I don't know what I'll do when I get there, but God said to go, so I'm going, trusting Him to reveal the steps as needed. I made a quick trip at the beginning of August to get a feel for the place and came away having begun to fall in love with the place and with the absolute certainty it is the right place and right time, in spite of cold, wet, wintery weather and the first afternoon being particularly offensive to the nose in the town centre.
I have 3.5 weeks left of work at the supermarket. In my spare time (of which there is quite a lot, since my hours have been reduced to 25) I am usually either sorting and packing or making farewell visits.
I am only taking what I can fit in my car, so everything else will go into storage. Thankfully I don't have much furniture these days. My flatmate is allowing me to leave the piano in her lounge for however long I need, and will keep my office chair on loan. She is also taking permanent possession of my filing cabinet and a small bookcase. That leaves me with 2 tall bookcases and a tv stand/cabinet to store. That may be all the furniture, but there will be plenty of boxes containing books, fabrics, and other bits and pieces that I want to keep but won't need for a while.
My biggest moving issue is my darling cat, Cashay. I've advertised that I need a new home for her, but I really don't want to give her away, so I'm hoping to find a temporary solution that will allow me to retrieve her in due course. Whatever the means, I can't take her with me in September, because I'll be on the move or staying with family and friends for several weeks before I can look for a new abode and occupation. It is a frequent topic of conversation with the Lord.
I have 3.5 weeks left of work at the supermarket. In my spare time (of which there is quite a lot, since my hours have been reduced to 25) I am usually either sorting and packing or making farewell visits.
I am only taking what I can fit in my car, so everything else will go into storage. Thankfully I don't have much furniture these days. My flatmate is allowing me to leave the piano in her lounge for however long I need, and will keep my office chair on loan. She is also taking permanent possession of my filing cabinet and a small bookcase. That leaves me with 2 tall bookcases and a tv stand/cabinet to store. That may be all the furniture, but there will be plenty of boxes containing books, fabrics, and other bits and pieces that I want to keep but won't need for a while.
My biggest moving issue is my darling cat, Cashay. I've advertised that I need a new home for her, but I really don't want to give her away, so I'm hoping to find a temporary solution that will allow me to retrieve her in due course. Whatever the means, I can't take her with me in September, because I'll be on the move or staying with family and friends for several weeks before I can look for a new abode and occupation. It is a frequent topic of conversation with the Lord.
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