Germany

Thank you to everyone for your wonderful comments over the last few days. Nigel & I are now leaving in about half an hour to catch the plane to Germany. We are travelling with the Barking Rotary club and visiting our 'twin' rotary club in Germany. We shall be returning on Sunday sometime!! Leaving Karmen to look after Karl in our absense :)

To everyone - many thanks and God bless each and every one of you.

Judithxx

Mum and Dad

Happy Wedding Anniversary to my Mum and Dad. This photo was taken in 1958 when my mother was 18 and my dad 20. Today they are celebrating their 48th wedding anniversary by holidaying on the Isle of Wight.

This photo was taken last Christmas (2008) with their eldest grandchild - my son Karl.

Unexpected Gift

I've just been put to shame by my niece, Cat, who has just started blogging at The View from the Watchtower and I realized that my last post was on the 5th May!! where have the days in between disappeared too?

I just wanted to share with you an unexpected gift I received last Sunday from Mary. Mary is the wife of Revd David Pearson, the minister I work alongside with; when Mary gets in from work she loves to mess around on her computer - mainly doing family history stuff and photography and is also now a proud grandmother.

However, getting back to last Sunday - Mary come alongside me and said 'Judy I made this for you' and presented with a collage of photos made into one photo which depicted my life and ministry within Christ Church over the last five years. To say I was gobsmacked (this is a UK term meaning - it left me speechless) is an understatement. This is the photo...

It is probably one of the best gifts I have received because Mary has taken the time to collate photos and put them together to make a memorable display. Nigel wants to have it enlarged and framed so that I can hang it up in my office. Thank you Mary for your thoughtfulness.

Bank Holiday Monday

Nigel (hubby) and Karl (son) left just after lunch for one of their walking holidays. Earlier in the year they went walking on the moors and this time it's off to Wales to visit Snowdonia and their favourite location Caldir Idris. I asked for a photo before they left just in case they got lost and I had to report it to the Police!! at least I would have an up-to-date photo to give them!! LOL

This leaves Karmen and I home alone until Thursday. Karmen, as you will see from the following photos, is not at least bothered as long as Prince (next door's cat) comes to visit.

Prince has discovered that he can now climb the apple tree in our garden.

However, Karmen is not too happy about this and tries to encourage him back down.

Then it's time for a bite to eat. As you can see from the bowls they demolished the food I put out for them.

Then after running up and down the stairs, round and round the garden and in and out of the kitchen - it's time for chat .....

then a doze...

Last photo of the day - Karl holding Prince

Sunflowers

I have planted seven sunflowers this afternoon, which I have grown from seed and in a few months time they will look like this picture ;)

I can dream!! can't I?

Being thoughtful

On a Thursday evening I prepare and lead a service within a Sheltered Housing Complex - about 25-30 residents attend - for many the last time they set foot within a church regularly was in attending Sunday school in their childhood. Over the last year some residents have started attending The Salvation Army on a Sunday morning and others have revisited churches from their childhood.

When I arrived to take the very 1st service (Feb 08) one of the residents had set up a small table with a beautiful tablecloth and a candle placed in the middle and when one candle burns itself away - another candle is present by another resident. Last night I was presented with this candle from Ratna, a delightful quiet Indian gentleman.

The simplicity of the candle and the added fact that Ratna has painted the cross on it makes the gift truly appreciated. It is in such simple moments that I feel the presence and the love of God in the midst of us all.