One Word Sunday: Bridge

Debbie’s ‘One Word Sunday’ this week, is ‘Bridge’.

Here are some bridge travel memories from our visit to London last year. The photos were taken from London Bridge, one of the many bridges which span the River Thames. The original bridge was a wooden construction, built by the Roman founders of London in 50AD. I wonder what they would think of it now.

The iconic Tower Bridge, officially opened in 1894 is one of London’s most famous landmarks.

In the other direction is Cannon Street Railway Bridge, which was opened in 1866. This bridge carries trains on the Southeastern line over the River Thames to Cannon Street Station.

Looking at these photos makes me long to be able to travel again. We were just chatting on the phone to our daughter in South Africa and to Chris’s mom in England, and saying how we can’t wait to be able to see and hug one another.

Wishing you all a peaceful Sunday.

One-liner Wednesday: Born August 4th 1913

Yesterday, my darling Mom-in-law Kathleen celebrated her 107th birthday with her friends and the wonderful staff at the care home in England where she resides.

Since she turned 105, she now qualifies for a congratulations card from Queen Elizabeth every year.

As the care home is in strict lock down during this pandemic, no visitors are allowed, not even family. We did however call her on FaceTime and she chatted to her grandchildren and great grandchildren too. She had a wonderful tea party with a gorgeous birthday cake.

The sides were decorated with sugar- icing broccoli and carrots because when she is asked “What is the secret of your longevity?” she now replies, “I eat broccoli and carrots every day with my dinner.”

I can remember a few years ago that her answer used to be “Chocolate and red wine.”

What an inspiration she is to us all. She is always happy and positive when we call and understands why she can’t have family visits. I think she really misses her Scrabble games with a couple of friends who used to come every Friday afternoon, but she keeps herself entertained with her favourite TV programmes and loves taking part in the chair aerobics that the staff organise for the residents.  I hope she continues in good health and that next year when this pesky Covid-19 is over, we’ll be able to visit her again.

To take part in Linda’s ‘One-liner Wednesday Challenge’, just click the link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Word Sunday: Patchwork

Debbie’s‘One Word Sunday Challenge’ is ‘Patchwork.

Here is one of my sister’s paintings still in progress. I think it fits the ‘Patchwork’ theme.

This colourful patchwork stool was seen on our travels outside a shop in Heidelberg.

Last but by no means least is a patchwork ‘Memory Bear’ made by a dear friend, out of my darling Mom’s favourite skirt and a purple top which I bought her as a birthday present. She made one for my sister and also one for my daughter.

Happy Sunday to you all.

To join in Debbie’s ‘One Word Challenge’, just click the link.

 

One Word Sunday: Flare At Sunset

This week, Debbie’s ‘One Word Sunday Challenge’ is Flare. I’m taking a nostalgic journey back to Sunset Beach on the north shore of Oahu in Hawaii. We waited patiently  for the fiery flare over the ocean and were not disappointed.

Happy Sunday to you all and I hope you’re well and staying safe. We just spoke to  my mom-in-law Kathleen in England, who is going to be 107 in August. We were saying that we would love to be able to travel over to see her but unfortunately won’t be able to come over this year. She understands the situation though and said, “Oh well, in life, whatever we’re dished up, we just have to make the best of it, don’t we?” I’m thinking that her ‘laissez faire’ attitude to life may just be the secret to her longevity.

My Second Podcast With Rebecca Budd: The Joy Of Music

I recently connected again with Rebecca Budd a dear friend and fellow blogger from Vancouver, and we  had another enjoyable conversation via the wonderful world of Podcast. This time we spoke about the joy that music brings to our lives and I shared some of my memories of how I came to play the piano and the happiness it has brought into my life over the years. Some of you have said in the past that you would like to hear me play and when you listen to the podcast, you will hear me playing the lovely melody ‘The Way We Were’, a song made famous by Barbra Streisand. I hope you enjoy listening.

Just click the link below to be taken to the podcast.

Wishing you all a perfect Wednesday.

Silent Sunday: Remembering

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” ~ Elizabeth Stone

Remembering my darling Mom with gratitude for all her loving, devotion and sacrifice for the good of her children. She is forever in my heart just as I was in hers.

Wishing all mothers a very happy Mothers’ Day today.

One Word Sunday: Where?

If it weren’t for the Coronavirus scare around the world, this is where hubby and I would be headed right now. A daily walk along the beach, checking out my favourite lighthouse along the way.

Having our daughter come to stay with us in a beach-side apartment and seeing my darling sister almost every day.

I wonder when it will be possible and safe to travel again? I know the saying, “East, West, home is best,” but it’s also nice to have a change of scenery.

Wishing you all a perfect Sunday as you’re maybe also dreaming of what you’d rather be doing.

 

To join Debbie’s ‘One Word Sunday Challenge’, just click the link.

 

One Word Sunday: Overlap

Debbie’s‘One Word Sunday’ theme, ‘Overlap’, made me think of one of my sister Yvonne’s beautiful African paintings. I love the way the colours and textures overlap one another. This was still on her easel, so maybe there was more overlapping to be done.

Wishing you all a peaceful Sunday.

Pull Up A Seat In Johannesburg

XingfuMama’s ‘Pull Up A Seat Challenge’ is now on week 47 and I’ve found a few more seats from my travels.

At Johannesburg OR Tambo airport, Nelson Mandela can be found sitting on a bench as large as life.

A bit further along, Jack Daniels, whose premium Tennessee whiskey has become very popular in South Africa, also has his own bench.

On a visit to Johannesburg, our little granddaughter Sienna decided to join the flamboyant ‘cowch potato’ Daisy sitting on a bench reading the ‘Daily Mooews’

 

Wishing you all a great weekend.

To join in the ‘Pull Up A Seat Challenge’ just click the link.

 

Pull Up A Seat On Holiday

Xingfu Mama’s ‘Pull Up A Seat Challenge ‘ is now in its 45th week and I’m still finding photos to share, mostly from our holiday files.

Here are hubby and I resting our weary legs after walking around all the ruins that Athens has to offer.

Our son Jeff, also a bit travel-weary, sat himself down with a slightly more interesting view in the background.

We always seem to be sitting down. Here we are in Central Park NYC. It’s a wonder we ever get anywhere.

Here are Jeff and his dad sitting down in Tombstone Arizona at the bar in Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, the best cowboy bar in the West, dating back to 1880.

And talking of bars and alcohol, here is Bubba our verbose guide at the Jack Daniel’s distillery in Tennessee. He was telling us at great length of how Jack was injured one morning, when in a fit of temper he kicked the door of his safe after he forgot the combination and couldn’t get it open. The injury to his toe spread to his whole foot and turned gangrenous. After having his leg amputated, he died of complications at the young age of sixty-one.

On that sad note, I’ll wish you all a very pleasant rest of the week. Keep calm and live longer.