High Tide

Sep 9
Given that the storms on the Channel have already started, I thought it might be time for another poem I wrote years and years ago:

Hi! Tide

The sea had long wanted to go into town
So, early one morning, it roared in
Found the arcades still closed
And battered them down.


Obviously I very much hope The English Channel isn't reading this blog.

Went out with a young pioneer sister yesterday and we tackled some of our return visits.  I didn't find any of mine in, but did find Dave on my magazine route at home, delivered the mags and had a brief chat.   Went to the meeting last night and joined the small school as audience, as Audrey had a part.

I also got a part in October, in the big school, on the platform, with a microphone...

Read More

After the storm

Sep 7
A much quieter day today - rain clouds kept threatening, but it stayed dry on the coast.   Audrey and I managed an hour and a quarter on our magazine routes.   And Col and I went to Swanbourne Lake during the afternoon. It was very quiet - and I bought some food for the birds, and we were mobbed.

This is the Arthur Rackham tree.

Read More

"Without a Map" by Meredith Hall

Sep 5
This blog should have been called "A Murmuration of Starlings" - if only Col had managed to get a photo of the giant flock of starlings as it zoomed past our window, skidded to a halt on the green, and took off again like a rocket.  If that is the little family - mum, dad and two generations of offspring - teenagers and toddlers - we used to see on the beach before we lived here, they have done well.

Didn't make it to the Field Service on Saturday - not at all well - feel very bad about it - but did manage to do a couple of answers to emails about the Bible.   Got to the Meeting at the Hall on Sunday - lovely talk, of course.  But still felt too bad to manage any calls after.  So far my email witness continues at least.

Odd day here - one moment its sunny - the next its pelting down.  We went to the supermarket this morning and loaded up with goods.  Other than that it has been a cleaning, washing and ironing day, and I have done my studying. We are doing a close study of the Book of Acts, as we can learn so much from the way those earliest Christians witnessed.

Anyway I have called this blog "Without a Map", as a tribute to Meredith Hall's memoir which I have just read and re-read.  I can't recommend it enough.  I hope to write to her and say so.

She was forced to hand over her son for adoption in the Sixties - she was an unmarried schoolgirl mother - and mother and son did not see each other again for twenty one years.  How they both dealt with what happened during that time is amazing, most especially in the case of her wonderful son.

Its upbuilding too, where it could have simply been a Misery Memoir.

So this blog is about families I suppose.

Read More

The Smell of Bracken

Aug 31
We went for a walk in Rewell Woods yesterday - early evening.  The heather was out and the air was full of the smell of bracken - which takes me back to my childhood picnics in the Derbyshire Dales.

Julia of Arabia arrived on Monday, in time for a sandwich lunch.  And Jackie came over to join us for dinner - which I kept simple - a Cook's lasagne, salad, cheese and tiramisu (Lidl).  We had a lovely evening and laughed a lot.  And we caught up on the current news from ExpatWorld.

We walked along the River Arun in the afternoon - the Bramley Apple Walk.  Julia left yesterday just before lunch.   No apples as yet, but lots of blackberries.

I am taking Audrey out on the doors this morning.  We have a few Not at Homes we can try to find At Home, and perhaps make a start on our September magazine deliveries.

Its the last day of Summer.  And likely to be a cloudy and overcast day.   I only hope that the Captain will be able to get out and about on butterfly business.  Otherwise you may read about Hurricane Butterfly hitting the South Coast of England.

Read More

Watching the Weather

Aug 26
Just sitting here watching the weather - and a flock of starlings flying along the seafront.  I wonder if they are the same little starling family we used to see and feed on the riverfront when we first used to visit here.  If so, they are thriving.  Maggie and I are going out this morning if it isn't raining heavily.  The Channel has gone very pale and flat, so I think some heavy rain may be on the way.  If so, we will re-schedule.

But, if the weather permits, I will take her on her magazine route calls today.   I didn't sleep too well last night for worrying about it, as I have to drive on the road with real big boy roundabouts on it.  Plus it means going over the rail crossing at least twice.

And we have busy railway lines here in the Downland.    I wonder if we will have trains when Paradise is restored?

I did a few return visits of my own yesterday, but only found two people at home.

The meeting at the Kingdom Hall last night was wonderful.   But can I be a doer of the word - and not a forgetful hearer?

Read More

A Rainy Tuesday in Retirement

 

Aug 24
I took Audrey to the Field Service group yesterday morning.  The rain, which had been heavy overnight, stopped as we started on the doors and we had a good morning.  We found quite a lot of people in from our Not At Home list, and we delivered the last of our August magazines.  Audrey has given us a very pretty white geranium which Captain Greenfingers says may go on the orchid table.

We - El Capitano and his Mrs - spent the afternoon at Pagham harbour.  It was a grey day, but that made all the greens and the white of the swans shine.    We picked up fish and chips on the way back.

I am trying to think what I did on Monday... I did walk into town to try and find the cardigan Audrey wanted, but they didn't have it in her size.

I have just watched Total Wipeout - people falling off things into water and/or mud.  Brilliant!

Read More

The Return of the Return of the House of Three Milks

Aug 17
Once again we are the house of three milks.  Girly goats milk and soy milk for me and Bea, and Big Boys milk (from the cow) for Captain B.  Apparently the riots moved North last night, but London was comparatively calm.   I really have seen "the increasing of lawlessness" the Bible warns about in my lifetime.  Riots and looting on the streets of Manchester...  Its a different world.

And I feel guilty that I won't be getting out on the doors with my Bible this week.  People need to hear the truth so much.

David and Shirley joined us for lunch yesterday - chicken salad with some hot dishes - and we all seemed to have a good time.   Dan and Gabi should be joining us tonight, if all goes to plan.

Read More