Category Archives: Holiday

The Smoke Filled the Room instead of the Chimney!

Posted in Dreams, Family Friday, Holiday, Ireland, My thoughts by

Moving house is said to be one of the most stressful things anyone can experience in life. All our belongings are removed from the previous house. There are boxes still to be opened and sorted. I think what drains my energy is deciding what to keep, what needs passed on, or where is the new place for each item. I was exhausted and we decided to take a day off from work.

There are different jobs that need sorted. Thankfully different workmen have helped us beyond the call of duty. There are two window blinds that need new chains for them to be used. In town we saw a van with the words “Genesis Blinds”. I said perhaps he could call over and replace a chain for us. The owner of the van was working in a house nearby. I popped my head round the door and said “Is the blind man here?” The workmen all looked at me. I laughed. I looked over to a man who was working at the window. I said “Are you the blind man. I need someone to put a chain on my blind.” He wasn’t amused. He said “You need to make an appointment for someone to call out.” Some day we will get the blind fixed.

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The most recent snag was a chimney that needed cleaned. There had previously been a gas fire in the living room. It was removed to leave an open fire that will burn wood and coal. I like direct heat and a blazing fire is welcoming on a cold night. I couldn’t wait to get a fire lit in my new house, and take a rest from unpacking.

I tried a firelighter and a few sticks to start off. After a few minutes smoke started to fill the room instead of going up the chimney. Thoughts of “Why didn’t we leave the gas fire in” came to mind. We wouldn’t have all this bother. The fire alarm went off and there was upset and frustration for a while. There must be some blockage up the chimney. When one is trying to restore something there are always a few obstacles to overcome. This fireplace may not have been used for twenty years! We left the idea of a fire for another day.

A father has many coats to put on. Yesterday my husband became a chimney sweep. He cleared away the debris of a nest that crows had built at the top. There was no soot, just twigs and straw.

This evening we are going to sit by the fire and put our feet up and de stress. Wish you were here.
We will have real Christmas logs burning on the fire. We are starting to enter into the Festive season. As the song says, “Tis a season to be Jolly.”

From Geography Class to seeing the Niagara Falls

Posted in Canada, Family Friday, Holiday, My thoughts, Nature, Travel by

I visited the Niagara Falls on a recent trip to Canada.
When we approached to town of Niagara I could see the cloud of mist that rises up from the Horseshoe Falls. I got excited. I have heard about this feature many times. I remember first hearing about the Niagimageara Falls over fifty years ago. I attended a country school in Co Down in N Ireland. I was standing with other pupils around a map of the world with our primary school teacher. We were having a geography lesson.
Here is photograph I captured on my iPad.  I have a bird’s eye view.

I get to see the Niagara Falls when my thirteenth grandchild is born.

My son dropped my friend and I off at a viewing point. Opposite I could see the American Falls. Then upriver is the bigger Canadian Falls or Horseshoe Falls. What power and beauty in these tumbling waters.
I could not but praise The Lord, the Creator of the heavens and the earth.
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_assignment/photography-101-water/

 

 

Restoration of My Purse that was Lost

Posted in Canada, Holiday, Ireland, My thoughts, Nations, Nature, Prayer, Travel by

I went to the Niagara Falls in the Fall.

Often when I am having a good time or planning something that will benefit others something happens to rob my joy.  I had a fantastic day out with some of my family at the Niagara Falls in Canada.

I don’t use words like fantastic but this time, the day out merited it.  I am amazed at he beauty and magnificence of the river and waterfall.  The water cascades over the Canadian Falls into swirling pools below.  A cloud of mist rises up high from the crash and mingling waters.

imageAcross from our viewing position the American Falls tumble over the cliff face. A double portion of waterfalls.  The beautiful scene was accompanied by the music of the rushing waters.  I wanted to linger all afternoon.
We drove through the countryside to Niagara on the Lake.  The autumn leaves were is full glory with yellows, reds, and browns.  We passed neat rows of vines in the vineyards made famous in this area by Canadian Iced Wine.  We lunched, shopped and strolled in this tourist town.
We had to get back before six as our host gave Mary and I two tickets to a play in Toronto.
Back home safely and happy.  In the rush of the quick turn around I discovered my purse missing.I didn’t worry or get stressed having lost my money  and bank cards.  We prayed for the purse to be returned.  I bound Satan in Jesus name from robbing my purse and any attempt to rob our joy after a good day out.  I had my passport so I could get home.
Mary and I headed off on the train to Toronto for the evening.  David rang around to see if the purse had turned up.  A great day out.
I am back in Ireland.  David checked with contacts he made on the evening I lost my purse.  The purse was handed in to the town hall and can be picked up by David.  He called me Wednesday to tell me the good news.   Not only had I a great day out but I got back my purse.  Nothing missing, nothing stolen.

God answers prayer for a purse.

If You’re Irish Come Into The Parlour

Posted in Canada, Family Friday, Holiday, Ireland, My thoughts, Nations by

Here is a song I sang growing up.

If you’re Irish come into the parlour,
There’s a welcome there for you;
If your name is Timothy or Pat (or David)
So long as you come from Ireland,
There’s a welcome on the mat,
If You come from the Mountains of Mourne,
Or Killarney’s lakes so blue,
We’ll sing you a song and we’ll make a fuss,
Whoever you are you are one of us,
If you’re Irish, this is the place for you!

I am in Toronto to see Ava, my son David and Jacquelyn’s baby. I am staying at Jacquelyn’s parents home. I am enjoying the change of season here. I took a walk and took this picture.

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David our son, was welcomed into the heart of Jacquelyn’s immediate and extended family. David has been fishing with Jacquelyn’s dad, brothers, uncles and and grand dad. They caught many fish and had a great time. He has been to hockey matches, plays tennis and soccer, been on a visit to Washington to see extended family, and sightseeing at the Niagara Falls.

Maureen, Jacquelyn’s mum spent all Sunday cooking dinner for friends who wanted to come over to meet me. It was Thanksgiving and Christmas all in the one day.
Maureen likes the windows open. I like a cool room too! She loves roast potatoes and Irish wheaten bread, which she bakes on the weekend. She had someone from Ireland she could share with. It was her mum’s recipe. Her mum grew up in Belfast.  We celebrated her mum. Her memory lives on.

Jacquelyn was particularly fond of her and misses her. Her baby is wearing a cardigan her granny knitted for her.

Maureen’s aunt called by the other day. She brought a beautiful Christening robe, an heirloom. Her sister had hand knitted it and gave her for her children. Now it was being given to Jacquelyn for Ava’s christening. She told us how she loves to make soda bread just like we get back in Ireland. She has here fridge full of it ready to give as a gift to anyone who calls or comes into her parlour.

I am being made to feel welcome and part of the family. I don’t have to cook, clean or shop. I am available for babysitting when Jacquelyn needs me. It’s not hard work nursing a warm, cuddly, baby girl. Oh the joy of being a grand mother. I don’t have to do the hard work of feeding, dressing and changing.
It is lovely to see my son caring, protecting and treasuring Jacquelyn and Ava. A whole new world for him.

When Brendan travelled to North America twenty years ago he was welcomed with open arms, celebrated, loved and accepted. A big shock to the system when back home in Northern Ireland there was war. The Irish were rejecting each other.

I went to England 35 years ago to have my own daughter. I was welcomed by the Irish community as a long lost relative. They were from Kerry and I was from Derry. But we were all Irish in another country.

The words of the song above are true. Brendan, David and myself have been welcomed into people’s parlours.

The Fig Tree’s Fruit is Sweet

Posted in Canada, Healing, Holiday, Ireland, My thoughts, Nations, Nature by

I live in Northern Ireland where the weather is not extreme.  Our winter is mild and our summer is not too hot.  When I travel to warmer climates it takes time for me to adjust.  It is true the saying, “there is no place like home.”

Given that, I do enjoy going on holiday to the sun for a week or two in the year.  My body gets comforted by the rays of warmth on my back.  Then a quick dip in the sea or pool to cool off.  I do believe I get healing when I come to Greece.  The sun is much brighter there.  In the scripture it says ”   The sun will be seven times brighter when I heal the wounds of my people.”  Isaiah 30 v 26

This is my beauty treatment for the year.

When I go to the Mediteranean countries the stories from the bible come alive.
In Greece I have seen families sitting outside their white washed houses, eating, talking and relaxing under a veranda frame with a grape vine covering it.

The vine can grow up quickly.   It’s tendrils shoot out leaves in many directions so it can cover a large area.  The broad leaves make a green canopy to give shelter from the sun.
Fig trees can be trained along a frame as well.  Their broad leathery leaves protect and shelter from the strong sun’s rays.

The fig tree however takes years to grow.
Here is a fig tree I took a picture of recently.
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Neither of these plants wither in the harshest heat.  An added benefit to the householder is the sweet fruit both plants produce.

The fig tree and the vine are symbols of peace.
It is God’s will that man has a home and lives in peace and not war.
The scriptures tell us about the harmony of man benefitting from the plants.
Solomon is know as a wise king.
During Solomon’s lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in safety, everyone under their own vine and under their own fig tree. (‭1 Kings‬ ‭4‬:‭25‬ NIV)

There was peace. Another scripture says,

Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken. (‭Micah‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ NIV)

In times of war, houses are demolished and trees destroyed.  No more days of peaceful family times.
Often families can be in turmoil and war internally.  No more happy times eating together and sharing.  The vine tree is left unattended and the fig tree not pruned.

But God gives hope when there is no hope as we trust and praise him.

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. (‭Habakkuk‬ ‭3‬:‭17-18‬ NIV)

Even in the darkest times of war from without and from within God promises restoration.

Difficulties in Life are Meant to be Cut Down like Grass. http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_assignment/writing-101-brevity/

Posted in Holiday, My thoughts, Nature, Travel by

I am on a break after a busy summer.
Time to stop all activity, no housework, cooking, shopping, talking, gardening, phone calls or driving.
I have learned if I don’t take a holiday at this time of the year my body will cry out some other way.
I will take sick and be confined to bed, or some other circumstance arise to cause me to stop working or giving out emotionally or mentally.
God knows we will over work.  He tells me in Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd, he leads me beside still waters and green pastures to restore my soul.”
As I was enjoying the view of pine trees across from my window, the peace and stillness was broken by the chug, chug of an engine.  I looked out to see someone mowing the long grass outside.
The sound took me back fifteen years.

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Our family had moved into a big house with a big garden.
It was overgrown and had not been cared for.
Years of fallen leaves had built up and thorns and briers grew up freely.
I knew there would be rich soil underneath all this cover.
How was I going to restore this land?
I like a challenge and outdoor work.
I found a second hand lawnmower in the Ads for Free magazine, just like the one the gardener is using today.
It did not cost much but this was a power machine for me over the next years to clear my land.
Briers, thorns, old grass and odd refuse were cut to pieces and collected by my machine and I.
I sowed grass seed in the newly cleared ground and before long I had a green lawn.
I was not daunted by the overgrown garden.  It was a challenge I overcame.
I cleared my land of thorns and thistles.
Today I am glad to be resting from my labour.

A Scene That Brought Back Childhood Memories.

Posted in Holiday, Ireland, My thoughts, Nature, Provision by

My husband and I were out for a drive one evening.
There were road works on the main road into town so we took another route.
We came upon a farmer bringing his cows in from the field to be milked.
It was just as well we were not in a hurry.
The docile creatures with full udders ambled back to the farm yard.
I thought of the scripture, 

“The Ox knows its master.”  Isaiah 1 v 3

The farmer opens the gate and the cattle lift their heads and turn for home.
We drove behind the farmer patiently.

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I said to my husband “This reminds me of my childhood.”
I grew up in Co Down.  My father was a dairy farmer too.
I remembered my sisters and I bringing the cattle back from the meadow in the summer evenings.
The cows would swish the flies away with their tails.
We had a pet cow that let us have a lift on her back home.
Cattle grazing in the meadow beside a stream, where there is fresh water is a picture of abundance.

He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭30‬:‭23‬ NIV)

The Lord describes the Promised Land as a place flowing with milk and honey.
Wherever there is cattle one will not grow hungry.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’  I will send an angel before you..
Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. (‭Exodus‬ ‭33‬:‭1, 3‬ NIV)

My parents worked the farm to raise ten children.  We had plenty of milk, cream, buttermilk and butter, rich food to feed us.

Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile, when out of the river there came up seven cows, fat and sleek, and they grazed among the reeds.
Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt. 
(Genesis 41 v 18 NIV)

The picture of the cows walking home to be milked has stayed with me.
We have often spent holidays in Co Kerry, Ireland.
Last time we were there a herd of ninety cows filed past to the back of our house at six every morning and evening. They knew it was time for milking.
The farmer did not even have to call them.
I believe God was showing me His provision of abundance then as well.
Let us believe God’s word today.
Let us have faith to enter into our inheritance of a land flowing with milk and honey.

I Always Have Difficulty Working the Shower When On Holiday

Posted in Holiday, My thoughts, Nations, Nature, Travel by

I always need my husband’s help to show me how to work the shower when we stay abroad. When I travel I have come across such a variety of showers in hotels and apartments.

I was in Homebase recently and my mind could not take in the variety of bathrooms and showers.

In this competitive market an hotel’s rating could balance on how good the shower is! Is there power in your shower? Each hotel wants their name to be number one on trip advisor.

My daughter manages a hotel in Belfast that has been awarded number one on Trip Advisor.   I believe the award is due to my daughter’s management skills.

I have never come across instructions on how to use showers. The owner always presumes that the user is up to speed with modern utilities, or has access to the internet “to google it”.

Usually there is a metal dial that is hard to grip with wet hands.   Not a simple tap that can be turned easily. One has to adjust it to get the right temperature.  If I am undressed I run the risk of freezing with cold water or being scalded with hot water as I turn the dial.

I am staying in a cottage in a quiet village near the Tatra Mointains in Slovakia.

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It seems we stepped back in time. My neighbours were preparing blueberries to make Jam. I awoke the first morning and went to wash. It was too early to awake my husband.

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I reached into the shower to turn the knob at the top. I thought, “I will get the water running before I get undressed.” Cold water sprayed me from left and right and soaked my arm and dressing gown. I tried the next knob to the left and right?  It would not budge.

I have never come across such a complicated shower unit in my life, and so unexpected since this is the country. All I want is a shower that works simply and helps me get washed in the morning, not a torture chamber that threatens one with sprays of cold water.

I began to feel this shower unit behaved like an enemy and was out to stop me having a simple wash. Will I have to resort to a quick freshen up with a facecloth like the old days before showers were used. It certainly would be less complicated.

I checked out the bathroom upstairs. I decided to have a bath instead and used the shower head to wash my hair. I was going to steer clear of the torture chamber downstairs.

Later that morning my husband went to wash. I did not warn him about the torture chamber.  I wondered, “Will he be my knight in shining armour again to rescue his distressed wife, wrapped in a towel?”

He got the shower working!  Hurrah.

There was even a radio in the shower to help one whistle while you wash. He conquered my enemy. What a great husband I have!

This shower seemed to be an upright hot tub. With all the knobs turned to the proper position, water sprays from various openings along the wall, to massage the occupier. The reward for discovering how to get the shower working!

When Brendan and I speak at conferences in different countries, we need an interpreter to help us communicate. In future I will need an interpreter to show me how tho use the modern gadgets!

Summer Lovin Enjoying the Beauty of Fruit produced in the Hot Summer of Slovakia

 

I am on a visit to Slovakia this summer. No I’m not heading to the beach, I am heading to the countryside. After being picked up from the airport we travelled for fifty kilometres north. We  passed fields of wheat, sunflowers, grapes and maize nearly ready for harvest. What a variety of crops!  This is a rich land with hot sunshine to ripen the different foods. image Nearby where I was staying there were apple, peach, plum and apricot trees full of ripened fruit. image There was so much fruit there were not enough people to eat it or harvest it and use it for jam or bottling. So much fruit perishing. I thought of the verse from Scripture where Jesus spoke, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭36-38‬ NIV) imageT I could understand these words more clearly as I watched apples fall to the ground and decay. Many people do not know that God loves them and wants them to know his healing and blessing in their lives. A friend made cakes for us, one was flavoured with apricots and the other was made with plums. I loved the taste.  This is my summer lovin.  Coffee and fresh cake!  Can’t beat it. http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/summer-lovin/

A little bit of heaven on a Greek Island

Posted in Holiday, My thoughts, Nature by

In heaven “the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.” (Revelation 21:21 KJV)

In the flight magazine I read that this is the Golden Age of travel.  I enjoyed a holiday and noticed so many things that I can describe as golden.

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Golden sunrise
Golden daisies

Golden bread

Golden cheese

Golden oranges
Golden honey
Golden oil
Golden wine
Golden chips
Golden fish
Golden cream
Golden rings
Golden shells
Golden sand
Golden sunshine
Golden words

Golden sound of the sea

Golden years

Golden perfume
Golden skin
Golden sound of silence
Golden memories
Golden hair
Golden stones
Golden reeds
Golden cliffs
Golden friends
Golden candles
Golden laughter
Golden shoreline
Golden sunset
Golden Glory

A little bit of heaven on earth.