belly rub!
brotherly love
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Cat show!
A few days ago I decided to enter my 2 kittens in a cat show- the show is next weekend. :) It all started when my kittens' breeder asked if I'd bring them to a show in November with her. There are about 10 known Nebelungs in the UK- my 2 boys, Nelly, 5 my breeder has, and 2 a new breeder has. The breed has an amazing temperament, that is what makes them unique and worth having. They are very good companions, sociable and friendly, intelligent and loving, deeply attached to their families and to one person in particular. They are loyal and want to be a part of family life.
So to prepare my 2 for November, I looked around for local cat shows. There was one in 3 weeks time, so I entered them in it! I've never been to a cat show, or seen one, so its an adventure. :) Nebelung friends inEurope have helped me via facebook, its been great! If the boys do well it will increase the visibility of the breed and breeders. Will keep you posted. :)
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So to prepare my 2 for November, I looked around for local cat shows. There was one in 3 weeks time, so I entered them in it! I've never been to a cat show, or seen one, so its an adventure. :) Nebelung friends inEurope have helped me via facebook, its been great! If the boys do well it will increase the visibility of the breed and breeders. Will keep you posted. :)
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, 9 June 2012
photos!
A self portrait of me with my 2 furballs. Nelly refused to join us!
Holding the Olympic torch
The awesome felted soap my parents made and sent me!
Pretty countryside
Self portrait with Nelly, having tea
Jubilee Celebrations!
My 3 cats in the backseat going on vacation with me!
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Saturday, 2 June 2012
Amidst the fun and excitement of the weekend, I could use some pr. I have a friend in my life who is rather difficult to deal with. They have gotten worse over time, to the point that nothing that I respond with helps. No reasoning works, and their thinking has become confused and twisted over time. There are difficult circumstances involved, and they are determinedly set against me no matter what I say or do. It's hard to just give up trying to get them to see reason, but I think I am getting to the point where I don't have a lot of options left. My patience is nearing its end, my desire to respond gracefully is rapidly fading, and I have just about had it. Please pr for the Father to work in their heart, to show me his path, and for an abundance of grace and mercy.
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Friday, 1 June 2012
Olympic torch!
I got to hold an olympic torch today!! There's been an enormous torch relay going on here in Britain to get ready for London 2012 in late July. This is a 4 day weekend here, because of the Diamond Jubilee (Queen Elizabeth II's 60th year of reign) with block parties and tea parties in the streets, and a floatilla of boats down the Thames. It's a real weekend for pageantry, something the British do best!
I wanted to take the ferry to Liverpool, a 10min ride across the Mersey River. Just so happened that the Olympic Torch relay people were taking a ferry too, and were all casually hanging out in front of the terminal! I couldn't believe it! I asked if I could take a photo with the torch, and they let me do it! So here I am:
It's such an exciting weekend, I'm going to catch some of the Jubilee celebrations Monday in Liverpool, then maybe London on Tuesday for the party there. :)
Congrats Elizabeth II, 60 years ago you became queen. Gd bless you in the years to come.
Do my Living Proof friends remember her coronation? Tell me about it, I really want to hear!
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I wanted to take the ferry to Liverpool, a 10min ride across the Mersey River. Just so happened that the Olympic Torch relay people were taking a ferry too, and were all casually hanging out in front of the terminal! I couldn't believe it! I asked if I could take a photo with the torch, and they let me do it! So here I am:
It's such an exciting weekend, I'm going to catch some of the Jubilee celebrations Monday in Liverpool, then maybe London on Tuesday for the party there. :)
Congrats Elizabeth II, 60 years ago you became queen. Gd bless you in the years to come.
Do my Living Proof friends remember her coronation? Tell me about it, I really want to hear!
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, 28 May 2012
Memorial Day
Just thinking of my dear friends who have served in the military, especially Claude, Russ and Art. Art went to be with JC a couple years ago, but Claude I hope you are feeling better and Russ and Dorothy I think of your nice slides of Europe whenever I go into London. :) See you soon friends!
Most of you know that I grew up on Army bases until I was 8, so my family all had our time in the service. I'm thankful for my dad who had to sacrifice civilian life because a recession meant no jobs, and my little mouth needed feeding! It must have been hard, but I wouldn't be the resilient person I am without us all sharing Army life together.
The British version of Memorial Day is in November, and it's called Remembrance Sunday. It's in November. It's a solemn ocassion, with church services held in every village to honor the fallen. There are no British flags, no parades, no sales, nothing like that. But they do put a little cross or other religious symbol at the plaques to represent each soldier who died.
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Most of you know that I grew up on Army bases until I was 8, so my family all had our time in the service. I'm thankful for my dad who had to sacrifice civilian life because a recession meant no jobs, and my little mouth needed feeding! It must have been hard, but I wouldn't be the resilient person I am without us all sharing Army life together.
The British version of Memorial Day is in November, and it's called Remembrance Sunday. It's in November. It's a solemn ocassion, with church services held in every village to honor the fallen. There are no British flags, no parades, no sales, nothing like that. But they do put a little cross or other religious symbol at the plaques to represent each soldier who died.
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Saturday, 26 May 2012
Finally it's warm here!
The weather here isn't like home at all. It's milder, and colder. Tuesday was our first "warm" day, and it only just got over 70F. :) Today it was 30C, so in the 80s. People here don't know how to deal with the heat so they get dehydrated and throw up. It's funny the things you know and take for granted- like taking a water bottle with you when it's warm!
The kittens are young cats now, they were 6 months on the 20th. I can't believe how much they've grown! They are amazing little guys, attentive and affectionate. Whenever I stub my toe or shout "Ouch!" really loud, they come to check on me! And even though Nelly swats them often for no reason, when she meows and is upset they go check on her too. :) I'm thinking of taking all 3 cats on holiday with me over the next weekend, I think it'd be better than leaving them at home. Also it would help them get more used to each other.
It's an exciting time to be in England! The 2012 Olympics are in London this summer, and 2012 is the Queen's 60th year or reign, called the Diamond Jubilee. There are lots of extra public holidays which is great, and people are having street parties and all sorts of events to celebrate.
It turns out my horse Henry is even more stubborn than I previous thought. He will not cooperate for any reason, unless you have a Lifesaver to give him. Today I tried to put his bridle and bit on him, and he refused point blank. Someone helping me tried to force the issue but Henry is too strong. They both got really stressed, so I took Henry to calm him down and brought him back. I decided to try another way, and respect his right to say No. I spoke very softly to him, and only put something on him if he didn't object. Not the usual method but nothing to lose at this point! He responded very differently to me. "Reins ok, bit not. " So I took the reins and hooked them to his head collar. That was fine. "Saddle ok, you in the saddle not." So I took the saddle off to try bareback, still a No. But a calm No that was respected by me and not forced against his will. I don't want to sit on an animal's back if he doesn't want me there. So I walked him around, that was ok.
Pring for you all!
xx Kristi
The kittens are young cats now, they were 6 months on the 20th. I can't believe how much they've grown! They are amazing little guys, attentive and affectionate. Whenever I stub my toe or shout "Ouch!" really loud, they come to check on me! And even though Nelly swats them often for no reason, when she meows and is upset they go check on her too. :) I'm thinking of taking all 3 cats on holiday with me over the next weekend, I think it'd be better than leaving them at home. Also it would help them get more used to each other.
It's an exciting time to be in England! The 2012 Olympics are in London this summer, and 2012 is the Queen's 60th year or reign, called the Diamond Jubilee. There are lots of extra public holidays which is great, and people are having street parties and all sorts of events to celebrate.
It turns out my horse Henry is even more stubborn than I previous thought. He will not cooperate for any reason, unless you have a Lifesaver to give him. Today I tried to put his bridle and bit on him, and he refused point blank. Someone helping me tried to force the issue but Henry is too strong. They both got really stressed, so I took Henry to calm him down and brought him back. I decided to try another way, and respect his right to say No. I spoke very softly to him, and only put something on him if he didn't object. Not the usual method but nothing to lose at this point! He responded very differently to me. "Reins ok, bit not. " So I took the reins and hooked them to his head collar. That was fine. "Saddle ok, you in the saddle not." So I took the saddle off to try bareback, still a No. But a calm No that was respected by me and not forced against his will. I don't want to sit on an animal's back if he doesn't want me there. So I walked him around, that was ok.
Pring for you all!
xx Kristi
Saturday, 19 May 2012
Conversations pr update
Thanks for pring for my conversation with my old vicar here. It was rather dull but frustrating for me because he just doesn't understand the real nature of the problem. He was no help whatsoever and offered no help either. To be honest I'm glad to be part of a village church now. Pr for me to have time to speak to my new vicar who seems a wise woman, for her advice and help to be genuine and not just words.
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
Cream tea wedding
May is a busy month for wedding photographers! Had a lovely English village traditional wedding last week, and today a cream tea afternoon meal. I love sharing in the couple's day and celebrating with their family and friends.
English weddings are different than American ones. By English I mean not Ireland, Scotland or Wales. :) Southern England in particular is like a movie! There's no separation of church and state here- Church of England (C of E for short) is the official religion. That means the church had a government sanctioned and funded role. There are set agreed Sundays when communion must be offered, people must get married in the church in whose parish (=geographical are) they live. Couples can't just pick a pretty church. There is a standard order of service, including readings. I like it actually. It's more like a service and less like a production. Bridesmaids and groomsmen don't stand at tge front. The bride and groom don't stand on a podium. It isn't like a show or performance. Here's what it looks like:
-Guests all stand
-Bride is escorted in with bridesmaids behind her
-Bridesmaids sit down
-Bride, father and groom stay standing and face the altar (away from guests)
-Vicar asks if there's any lawful reason they can't marry
-Vicar talks about purpose of marriage and what it is
-Father gives bride away (usually veils not involved)
-"Will you take this man/woman to be your husband/wife?" Answer is "I will"
-Couple sits down on the right as members of congregation
-Readings
-Couple stand again
-Giving of rings, while saying standard vows " I give you this ring as a symbol of our love. With my body I honor you. All that I have I share with you." Sometimes adding "for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, so long as we both shall live."
- Vicar holds their hands and wraps the enormous long thin fabric he wears around his neck around the hands, saying "what God has joined let no man separate"
-Kiss
-Signing of the register, the legal record book each church keeps couple's details in. There's no marriage license. Witnesses sign too.
-Couple are announced and walk out straight outside. As they go out the church bells start ringing and ring for at least 15 min.
-Guests follow the couple out and all congratulate them (like a receiving line)
-photos then couple leave for reception
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
English weddings are different than American ones. By English I mean not Ireland, Scotland or Wales. :) Southern England in particular is like a movie! There's no separation of church and state here- Church of England (C of E for short) is the official religion. That means the church had a government sanctioned and funded role. There are set agreed Sundays when communion must be offered, people must get married in the church in whose parish (=geographical are) they live. Couples can't just pick a pretty church. There is a standard order of service, including readings. I like it actually. It's more like a service and less like a production. Bridesmaids and groomsmen don't stand at tge front. The bride and groom don't stand on a podium. It isn't like a show or performance. Here's what it looks like:
-Guests all stand
-Bride is escorted in with bridesmaids behind her
-Bridesmaids sit down
-Bride, father and groom stay standing and face the altar (away from guests)
-Vicar asks if there's any lawful reason they can't marry
-Vicar talks about purpose of marriage and what it is
-Father gives bride away (usually veils not involved)
-"Will you take this man/woman to be your husband/wife?" Answer is "I will"
-Couple sits down on the right as members of congregation
-Readings
-Couple stand again
-Giving of rings, while saying standard vows " I give you this ring as a symbol of our love. With my body I honor you. All that I have I share with you." Sometimes adding "for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, so long as we both shall live."
- Vicar holds their hands and wraps the enormous long thin fabric he wears around his neck around the hands, saying "what God has joined let no man separate"
-Kiss
-Signing of the register, the legal record book each church keeps couple's details in. There's no marriage license. Witnesses sign too.
-Couple are announced and walk out straight outside. As they go out the church bells start ringing and ring for at least 15 min.
-Guests follow the couple out and all congratulate them (like a receiving line)
-photos then couple leave for reception
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Saturday, 12 May 2012
A pony called Rosie
A horse blanket that I repaired
My cute kitten inspecting the foundation I've been redigging for a friend's workshop
I've leash trained my kittens, here we are going for a walk!
Sanding down a rusted horse thing to make it useful again
Putting in a new flower bed!
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May 12!
I love May here- the days are very long, and the sun starts to come out. The fields are fluorescent yellow with flowering rapeseed. Potato crops are being harvested, the yummiest variety of potatoes $3 for 25lbs! And super sweet carrots, very delicious, $1 for 30lbs! Our region is called East Anglia, the breadbasket of England.
It hasn't been too warm here, just in the 60s and 30s at night. But there's still light in the sky at 10:20pm, and the sky grows light in the morning at 4:30am. I've been out making friends with horses- I'm renting a horse, his name is Henry, and he's an American Appaloosa. Very pretty, smart, but rather strong willed. Which is ok- I know how to deal with that. :) He lives at a rescue center. I'm really enjoying getting involved there!
Thanks for pring for me all these years, it's much appreciated! This week I had some difficult conversations with a few people, one of them was with the pastor of my old chch here. He had offered me help regarding a tricky and downright hard situation, and when I asked him for that help he told me to find someone else. I spoke to the head pastor, who told me the same thing. I felt really angry at them both for not doing their jobs, for going back on their words, and for being unloving. But Gd is the one they have wronged, and Gd speaks for us and defends us when others won't. JC said we shouldn't claim to love Him when we don't love people who are right in front of us. It was hard to respond firmly but with love to these 2 chch leaders. Pr that I'd let it go and not dwell on it, and that I'd be glad and thankful for all of my true friends.
I hope the weather is good there, I'm really missing you all back home!
lots of love!
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
It hasn't been too warm here, just in the 60s and 30s at night. But there's still light in the sky at 10:20pm, and the sky grows light in the morning at 4:30am. I've been out making friends with horses- I'm renting a horse, his name is Henry, and he's an American Appaloosa. Very pretty, smart, but rather strong willed. Which is ok- I know how to deal with that. :) He lives at a rescue center. I'm really enjoying getting involved there!
Thanks for pring for me all these years, it's much appreciated! This week I had some difficult conversations with a few people, one of them was with the pastor of my old chch here. He had offered me help regarding a tricky and downright hard situation, and when I asked him for that help he told me to find someone else. I spoke to the head pastor, who told me the same thing. I felt really angry at them both for not doing their jobs, for going back on their words, and for being unloving. But Gd is the one they have wronged, and Gd speaks for us and defends us when others won't. JC said we shouldn't claim to love Him when we don't love people who are right in front of us. It was hard to respond firmly but with love to these 2 chch leaders. Pr that I'd let it go and not dwell on it, and that I'd be glad and thankful for all of my true friends.
I hope the weather is good there, I'm really missing you all back home!
lots of love!
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, 5 May 2012
Cinco de Mayo
It's been a busy week here. It's rained for like 3 weeks at least and there are floods everywhere! In many parts of the UK (including East Anglia where we live) there's officially a drought. Ground water supplies are so low that if things don't improve they're threatening standpipes at the end of each street. That means no running water in homes! I for one am not waiting around to see whether that is going to happen- I'm looking into setting up a very big rainwater system with a huge tank to store water. Useful that I studied water engineering. :) Seriously though, I can do without the dishwasher and I can bathe with 2 1L bottles of water (I've practiced!) I can hand flush toilets. I'd rather keep using the eco washing machine if possible. :) I'm sure some of you have lived without running water, send me your tips.
If I can find a proper storage tank for cheap, I can funnel all the rainwater into it. Then it needs to go through a filter- I made massive sand filters in Cambodia, I can do the same here. After the gravity fed sand filter the water needs to be pumped through a UV light chamber to kill everything. Then you need to use a pump to pump the water inside for bathing, cooking and washing clothes/dishes. I can't wait to get started! :)
I spent 7 hours today taking care of horses- it can be back breaking work at times but it's worth the effort. At home I have 4 litter boxes to keep up with, plus food, water and cuddles for Nelly and the 2 kittens. I love it, but I don't know how people with lots of kids manage to have enough time with each child. 2 must be hard enough!
I've missed my family this week- we're the type that all help when a project needs doing, and I could have used the help in redoing the floor of this workshop. I've been slowly transferring the soil (now that I busted up and removed the concrete) to a space that I want to make into a flower bed. But it's taken ages doing it on my own. I'm at the stage where I'm levelling the soil of the floor so I can put gravel and then sand down, followed by the paving slabs! When the foundation is finished the corners need squaring, rotten wood needs replacing, and then I need to build a half wall which a big window will sit on. Somedays it is hard to keep my eye on the end goal.
The village chch is great- it's a liturgical service with hymns but no sheet music! The congregation is about 30, mostly older folks which is perfect for me. I miss you Living Proof class! :)
I hear the weather has been nice there! Don't forget sunscreen and fluids.
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
If I can find a proper storage tank for cheap, I can funnel all the rainwater into it. Then it needs to go through a filter- I made massive sand filters in Cambodia, I can do the same here. After the gravity fed sand filter the water needs to be pumped through a UV light chamber to kill everything. Then you need to use a pump to pump the water inside for bathing, cooking and washing clothes/dishes. I can't wait to get started! :)
I spent 7 hours today taking care of horses- it can be back breaking work at times but it's worth the effort. At home I have 4 litter boxes to keep up with, plus food, water and cuddles for Nelly and the 2 kittens. I love it, but I don't know how people with lots of kids manage to have enough time with each child. 2 must be hard enough!
I've missed my family this week- we're the type that all help when a project needs doing, and I could have used the help in redoing the floor of this workshop. I've been slowly transferring the soil (now that I busted up and removed the concrete) to a space that I want to make into a flower bed. But it's taken ages doing it on my own. I'm at the stage where I'm levelling the soil of the floor so I can put gravel and then sand down, followed by the paving slabs! When the foundation is finished the corners need squaring, rotten wood needs replacing, and then I need to build a half wall which a big window will sit on. Somedays it is hard to keep my eye on the end goal.
The village chch is great- it's a liturgical service with hymns but no sheet music! The congregation is about 30, mostly older folks which is perfect for me. I miss you Living Proof class! :)
I hear the weather has been nice there! Don't forget sunscreen and fluids.
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, 21 April 2012
April 21, 2012
The weather has finally shifted here and everyone is out in their yards (which are called gardens here) clearing brush and planting flowers. It's been an unusually cold spring, but the effects of climate change are more noticeable here as they are on most islands.
I've been looking for a local chch near to where I'm living so I can get to know some people, please pr that I could find some Chinese friends to share the Good News with! There must be some nearby and I really miss being able to share cultures.
This week I've been sorting out a new horse loan since the woman I was loaning from turned out to be crazy and paranoid- like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. :( I think I've found a place but we'll see how it goes. A horse loan is like a long term borrowing but where the horse stays where it is. It's a cheaper way to ride and gain horse care experience.
I've had this weird recurring fever since January, it comes and goes and last week I was mostly sick in bed. I'm feeling better this week but the fatigue and fevers are really not good combined with the extreme tiredness I already have caused by antidepressants. Fortunately I managed to reduce the dose but my sleep is really not good- I sleep soundly for 4 hours and then have a sort of zombie sleep where I'm not asleep but also not fully conscious. Pr for restful sleep!
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
I've been looking for a local chch near to where I'm living so I can get to know some people, please pr that I could find some Chinese friends to share the Good News with! There must be some nearby and I really miss being able to share cultures.
This week I've been sorting out a new horse loan since the woman I was loaning from turned out to be crazy and paranoid- like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. :( I think I've found a place but we'll see how it goes. A horse loan is like a long term borrowing but where the horse stays where it is. It's a cheaper way to ride and gain horse care experience.
I've had this weird recurring fever since January, it comes and goes and last week I was mostly sick in bed. I'm feeling better this week but the fatigue and fevers are really not good combined with the extreme tiredness I already have caused by antidepressants. Fortunately I managed to reduce the dose but my sleep is really not good- I sleep soundly for 4 hours and then have a sort of zombie sleep where I'm not asleep but also not fully conscious. Pr for restful sleep!
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, 7 April 2012
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter everyone! It's a holiday now and everything has slowed to a crawl. Except tourism. :)
I went in to London yesterday and was nearly pickpocketed- or groped, I'm not sure which! The city was packed and I was very glad to get back home. :)
Nelly made her first outing in her walking jacket, nice and bright and reflective. My kittens are growing like mad, they have little jackets too and they've been out for walks on leads already.
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
I went in to London yesterday and was nearly pickpocketed- or groped, I'm not sure which! The city was packed and I was very glad to get back home. :)
Nelly made her first outing in her walking jacket, nice and bright and reflective. My kittens are growing like mad, they have little jackets too and they've been out for walks on leads already.
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, 5 April 2012
Good Friday
Happy Easter everyone! It's 5:46am here, the dawn is on it's way and the dawn chorus is really noisy outside. Although there's been a few frosty nights, spring is definitely here. You'll laugh but freezing is cold for here at night. :)
Life here is organised by terms instead of semesters, 3 terms + summer holiday. The schools have 2 weeks off right now for the end of term and to celebrate Easter. Imagine if all school aged children were off for 2 weeks and all families took a 2 week vacation at the same time. Visiting grandparents and warm destinations in Europe, basically everything small businesswise closes for 2 weeks. We're just at the end of week 1.
I've not been feeling well on and off for ages, I seem to have a recurring fever. It was mild at first a few months ago and barely noticeable. This past month tho it has been annoying 2 days a week, and yesterday I felt very tired. I'm wondering if it's mono- my neck glands are sore and puffy more frequently now. I'm booking a doctor's appointment for this week.
A few highlights of the week have been getting to know people at the stables where I'm loaning a horse called Henry. Pr for JC centred conversations especially with Easter here. I'm trying to get to know neighbors, and share the good news with my business friends. My friend U is getting his life a bit back together now and sees his son regularly, but he's less interested in the good news now. Keep pring for him.
A few photos this week- taking my kittens for their first walk outside. :)
Oshie
-Oshie
Brindie
Brindie
Nelly
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Saturday, 24 March 2012
Annual Photographic Exhibition
Here are a few photos from the exhibition today. You'll notice quite a few older faces- I'm nearly the youngest member. But they are such a young feeling group and very fun, I never notice the age difference really. They've become very good friends to me these past few years and I am blessed for persevering in attending 4 years ago (you may remember the difficulty of getting to know folks!)
Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
March 24, 2012
Tonight is the time change here. We go from GMT 0:00 to GMT +1 01:00. It's called British Summer Time or BST. The days have been quite long already and I think it will be a hot summer- it has been very warm already!
The routine of life here is different from America. Kids are about to have 2 weeks off from school Apr 3-17 for Easter Holidays. It's like having a 2 week vacation at the end of each semester. Anyway term end affects everyone everywhere because travel prices go up, parents have to take time off school, lots of middle class families go to France or Italy where it's warmer, or visit grandparents.
Did you know that kids here call their grandmas "Nan" instead of Grandma? I don't know what they call grandpas, but it isn't the same either! :)
This weekend is the iHUB (international ministry) retreat, pr that lots of internationals would hear about JC and want to follow him. Also pr for my business friends to be curious about JC. Last night I went bowling with a big group of them, here are some photos!
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
The routine of life here is different from America. Kids are about to have 2 weeks off from school Apr 3-17 for Easter Holidays. It's like having a 2 week vacation at the end of each semester. Anyway term end affects everyone everywhere because travel prices go up, parents have to take time off school, lots of middle class families go to France or Italy where it's warmer, or visit grandparents.
Did you know that kids here call their grandmas "Nan" instead of Grandma? I don't know what they call grandpas, but it isn't the same either! :)
This weekend is the iHUB (international ministry) retreat, pr that lots of internationals would hear about JC and want to follow him. Also pr for my business friends to be curious about JC. Last night I went bowling with a big group of them, here are some photos!
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Spring in Cambridge
Spring has finally made it here- the flowers are all blooming, birds are nesting and soon trees will be in leaf. Lots to do in the garden, bed prep, weed killing, winter cleanup.I did a hard prune back in the fall but the garden was overgrown so still more to do.
My new little kittens are settling in well, making a cat tree for them has been fun. :) I've been doing some concrete demolition, a badly done shed base- Bashing it all up, removing the pieces, then next will be digging the dirt down and putting in pea gravel and sand. Fun fun!
Quite a few bumps along the road this week but finally better. I'm glad its spring!
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Saturday, 4 February 2012
Now where did I put that...
I've been carrying on selling things on ebay, as you may remember. :) Anyway I paid for all my Stella and Dot samples that way, and now I need to pay for some kittens so I'm selling anything I don't use, want or need. One of these things is my old camera. The problem is that since I moved, I can't find it anywhere! I have a buyer and everything, and I've torn the place apart but still I can't find it! I'm starting to worry a bit....
Friday, 3 February 2012
Frozen Arctic blast
Well that's what they're calling it here anyway. :) 20F is hardly arctic in my opinion, but we just might get a dusting of snow, which is causing panic amongst all of East Anglia, the region we live in. It's silly. :)
I had such a good vacation at home that I haven't really been able to get back into the swing of things here. A lot of important papers haven't been getting done, but I've managed to keep up with the jobs at least, and chase after a few more. Also Nelly has been up and down in her ability to see and hear, and she had such severe depression (in the form of peeing all over herself, severe weight loss, disorientation and confusion) that I took her in to the emergency vet when I got her from the cattery. The cattery takes excellent care of her, but she's 19 now and doesn't deal with change well. It's been 3 weeks and she's settled back down, but I went away for 4 days and this time I left her home by herself rather than go to the cattery. She was fine, which was a relief. But after much pring and soul searching I decided that she really needs some companions to help her navigate around and be calm, and to provide her some continuity when I have to go away for weeks. She doesn't tolerate grown cats, but I found a breeder in Scotland who has kittens of her breed and am going to pick them up in 2 weeks. I never thought I'd buy from a breeder when there are so many cats that need homes, but Nelly eats cats for breakfast and is very territorial, and in order to ensure that the kittens will have similar needs to hers I wanted to keep breed specific.
I've been catching up with photo processing and working on various projects, including stripping floors and sanding them down to the original wood. Lots of painting, cleaning, and things like that. And teaching a few people how to sew, which has been really awesome. :)
I had such a good vacation at home that I haven't really been able to get back into the swing of things here. A lot of important papers haven't been getting done, but I've managed to keep up with the jobs at least, and chase after a few more. Also Nelly has been up and down in her ability to see and hear, and she had such severe depression (in the form of peeing all over herself, severe weight loss, disorientation and confusion) that I took her in to the emergency vet when I got her from the cattery. The cattery takes excellent care of her, but she's 19 now and doesn't deal with change well. It's been 3 weeks and she's settled back down, but I went away for 4 days and this time I left her home by herself rather than go to the cattery. She was fine, which was a relief. But after much pring and soul searching I decided that she really needs some companions to help her navigate around and be calm, and to provide her some continuity when I have to go away for weeks. She doesn't tolerate grown cats, but I found a breeder in Scotland who has kittens of her breed and am going to pick them up in 2 weeks. I never thought I'd buy from a breeder when there are so many cats that need homes, but Nelly eats cats for breakfast and is very territorial, and in order to ensure that the kittens will have similar needs to hers I wanted to keep breed specific.
I've been catching up with photo processing and working on various projects, including stripping floors and sanding them down to the original wood. Lots of painting, cleaning, and things like that. And teaching a few people how to sew, which has been really awesome. :)
Saturday, 21 January 2012
January 20, 2012
It still feels weird to write 2012. :) This weekend I've been helping some friends work on renovating their house, fixing plaster and painting. It's been a quiet week and I haven't been sleeping well, but I'm getting done what I can.
It's been very rainy here and warm- in the 50s at least. I've been thinking of everyone back home with these cold temps!
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
It's been very rainy here and warm- in the 50s at least. I've been thinking of everyone back home with these cold temps!
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, 19 January 2012
January 18, 2012
I didn't mean it to be such a long time since I wrote! It was a bit manic as I got ready to come back to Cambridge, made crazier when I realized I was leaving on Saturday and NOT Sunday! I was really disappointed to miss my Living Proof friends- I'm so sorry to have missed you. :(
I've settled back down here, though it has been very hard to adjust and get back to work. I haven't slept well, most of my things are still in storage, and Nelly was horribly depressed from her cattery experience. It wasn't their fault, they are very attentive and give her loads of cuddles. When I picked her up from the cattery she had lost a lot of weight, and had started peeing in her bed (which is a classic stress response) and smelled of urine. She seemed miserable, and I was heartbroken that she had been depressed, and started to seriously consider what could be done. In the end I took her to the vet because I worried she had a urinary tract infection. But all her results came back fine, and she is fit and healthy. Since she IS so healthy I need to consider her mental health as she could live another 5 years.
Nelly is 19 now- I can hardly believe it! Her breed is very social, long lived, and closely attached to their family Given that I travel and Nelly needs more companionship at the cattery I've been pring earnestly about adding 2 kittens to my little household. Nelly won't tolerate adult cats, but as she gave birth to kittens before she came to the shelter 17 years ago I'm hoping she could adjust to and learn to love kittens. I think she needs companionship when I'm away during the day or off on vacation. Why 2? So they can keep each other company long after Nelly is gone.
I know that in the scheme of things these issues are minor. People are dying without food or water. I pr for Gd's work in the world, but it's important to share our anxieties with Him too. He answered my pr for a loving cat, and I am asking Him for wisdom, guidance and clear thinking to decide what is best.
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
I've settled back down here, though it has been very hard to adjust and get back to work. I haven't slept well, most of my things are still in storage, and Nelly was horribly depressed from her cattery experience. It wasn't their fault, they are very attentive and give her loads of cuddles. When I picked her up from the cattery she had lost a lot of weight, and had started peeing in her bed (which is a classic stress response) and smelled of urine. She seemed miserable, and I was heartbroken that she had been depressed, and started to seriously consider what could be done. In the end I took her to the vet because I worried she had a urinary tract infection. But all her results came back fine, and she is fit and healthy. Since she IS so healthy I need to consider her mental health as she could live another 5 years.
Nelly is 19 now- I can hardly believe it! Her breed is very social, long lived, and closely attached to their family Given that I travel and Nelly needs more companionship at the cattery I've been pring earnestly about adding 2 kittens to my little household. Nelly won't tolerate adult cats, but as she gave birth to kittens before she came to the shelter 17 years ago I'm hoping she could adjust to and learn to love kittens. I think she needs companionship when I'm away during the day or off on vacation. Why 2? So they can keep each other company long after Nelly is gone.
I know that in the scheme of things these issues are minor. People are dying without food or water. I pr for Gd's work in the world, but it's important to share our anxieties with Him too. He answered my pr for a loving cat, and I am asking Him for wisdom, guidance and clear thinking to decide what is best.
- Posted on the go using BlogPress from my iPhone
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