Saturday 26 February 2022

Filling My Days

 In the past week we have endured 3 named storms that pale into significance now that Russia has invaded Ukraine.  My heart goes out to all those affected by this senseless invasion, of course it is dominating the news and I am glued to the TV.  This simple act of awaiting news has taken me back so many times to when my hubby served in the Army and I was constantly sat waiting for news.  It is heart rendering and will only get worse as more and more people will become displaced and the senseless bloodshed and loss of life goes on.  All I can do is pray, not only for the people but for the leaders around the World to make some sense of this horrendous situation.

At the other end of the scale I have some amazing neighbours and friends who have visited since my return to the Island with gifts.  Each visitor wanting me to know that we were in their thoughts, it was a great comfort.  Soup and scones was one of the first offerings, closely followed by several variations of delicious cake, yummy!  Hand knitted wash/dish cloths were a delight, along with a beautiful card which really lifted my spirits.




On Monday I followed my usual routine and went along to my aerobics class where this vintage box holding this amazing silk was awaiting me.  What a wonderful surprise, my heart skipped a beat as I was opening it.  I have so many ideas but time will tell what it will be used for.



I am filling my days easily and whilst I appreciate I am not a great artist I do enjoy the process of painting.  I am still using watercolours but intend to have a go with acrylic and oil paints as time goes on.   I am still writing a poem here and there and adding them to my journal, the most recent ones about the weather.


The ferry remains an issue with so many cancellations and delays due to the weather and repairs.  Thankfully we have a good store cupboard and have the sense to check that the ferry was running before venturing into town.  We made that simple mistake a week or so ago...

As always I thank you for your visit and your comments.  Hope all is well with you.

See you soon.



30 comments:

  1. It sounds like your return home has been quite welcoming. That silk is gorgeous. I can't imagine what it is like to be a citizen of Ukraine at this time. It is heartbreaking to watch.

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  2. What a wonderful place to live surrounded by kindness. My heart is breaking for the people of Ukraine.. and the young men being sent from Russia to fight. They are all somebody's son's and all are loved by their own kith and kin.

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  3. What wonderful neighbors.
    Yes, everything I want to do, post, share all fails in light of Ukraine. It doesn't seem real that "they" (higher powers than either you or I) would let that happen. I am praying for the courageous heros who are holding their ground in the sight of that "giant" - God help them!

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  4. So nice to see your post...and to have such thoughtful friends & neighbors; truly a blessing! I agree...I'm ready to post myself, but in light of all that's happening, what I'm doing seems trivial. My son turned 18 in the fall, and he's worried about a draft being reinstated...so much to stress over. Yes, prayers for leaders to be inspired. Mary

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  5. Storms are no fun to go thru but glad you survived. Nights have been freezing but only a tad bit of snow Thurs a.m. which was gone quickly. Neighbors are kind and helpful which is helpful in life. Lovely items you received. Yes I've been praying for the people of Ukraine and military. God be with us in the world daily. 💜🌹 Becky

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  6. I'm so glad to hear from you and to know that you had such a wonderful welcome from your neighbors and friends. It does seem that the move to the island was definitely the right thing for you two. Good people to care for each other. That is definitely what the world needs right now. I tell myself to shut the news off and then I find myself watching it yet again in hopes of better news.
    I feel the same as Cherie. The Russian soldiers may not have been given any choice but to fight and they may even have relatives in the Ukraine that they fear harming. No, it's the leaders. Almost always, it's the leaders. The people are just like us. My heart and my prayers are with those innocents in the Ukraine who were taking the subway to work on Tuesday as usual and by Thursday were hiding in that same subway.
    I pray you and Gerald are well and healthy and stay safe my dear friend. Dennis and I talk you you both often and of our visit.
    We'll soon be traveling to London yet again to meet our new granddaughter who is due at the end of March. That trip is looked forward to with great anticipation.
    Blessings and love,
    Betsy

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  7. I bet everyone is thrilled you are back home again, all your kindness must have been missed. Let's hope that's the end of all the storms. I love that red silk material, so pretty.

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  8. I too have been watching news coverage with horror and a great feeling of helplessness. Who would have guessed this could happen again. You have some wonderful friends and neighbours who show that kindness still exists. Take care, Lorraine, and stay safe x

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  9. What beautiful gifts and kindness.

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  10. Such kindness shows how much you are treasured by your neighbours. I am glad you survived the storms. I have tosay, the weather and Covid have paled into total insignificance now. It is hard to put the situation in Ukraine in the back of your mind when it is everywhere you turn. Praying that Putin will decide to back off...

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  11. You have such wonderful neighbors and friends in your adopted home, Lorraine, and their kindness and special gifts shows how much you were both missed. The news is indeed sad which is why I limit my online reading and concentrate on the many other things that bring joy. Glad you have been safe from the storms and able to get supplies on a recent outing. We returned from a 3-week road trip this week and now doing catch-up.

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  12. How lovely to be so welcomed back to your Island home. Home is a wonderful place these days, and as I putter about my own, I think of those in Ukraine who are fleeing violence. It is so very sad and I pray for them.

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  13. It's obvious that your neighbours hold you in high regard. It's lovely to be welcomed home!!
    I hope you see an end to the bad weather very soon, after all it's practically March.

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  14. Praying for everyone in this turbulent time. My heart is broken for Ukraine. Their attitude is an inspiration to me.

    Your island sounds wonderful - such wonderful neighbors and friends! It would get some getting used to with the schedule of the ferry!

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  15. You were missed!

    My prayers are with those suffering in Ukraine. Those poor people.

    God bless.

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  16. You certainly were missed getting such a warm welcome back and these beautiful gifts !
    I avoid the News as much as I can I only watch once in the evening. During two years I had to listen to the Covid stories, statistics, manifestations for "freedom" and now the Covid doesn't exist anymore from morning til evening on all channels, the German, the Belgian, the Italien and the BBC talk about Ukraine ! First I tried to watch only the Belgian one, but then I thought maybe the others are more positive but it was in all languages the same !! Putin and his soldieers should all get the Covid !

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  17. Those storms were huge and showed up on my weather app's radar. While I was pleased that they were just passing me by, I thought of you and others who looked as if you'd be affected. Sure enough, many of my blogging friends and favorite vlogs have discussed the weather,

    Your art work is lovely...there is more to art than perfection. And the use of Scripture is most meaningful.

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  18. Your friends certainly love you and want to shower you with their concern. I'm so glad you live in such a wonderful place surrounded by caring friends.

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  19. How lovely to be welcomed back with gifts of love.

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  20. You certainly have some wonderful neighbours, lovely gifts.

    My good wishes for the week ahead, it's hard to believe that it will be the 1st of March on Tuesday.

    All the best Jan

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  21. It is a terrible situation. I too remember how it was when husband was in the Air Force. It's a terrible worry wondering whether they might have to go or not.

    It must be nice to have such a wonderful community around you. Take care.

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  22. your days sound lovely! I am not the greatest watercolor artist but it brings me immense joy to do so!!

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  23. Those poor people in Ukraine, all that suffering caused by one mad man. I try not to dwell in it too much.
    You had some lovely gifts Lorraine, clearly you are loved by many :-)

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  24. You do have wonderful neighbors, all missing you and bringing gifts. Of course, I know it is because you are so generous and loving to them! I hope the weather improves and the ferries return to service before Mother Hubbard’s Cupboards are bare!

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  25. Good neighbours are priceless. Looking forward to see you make something from the silk. Isn't it beautiful?

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  26. You have kind neighbours and I'm sure your contribution in creating a loving neighbourhood is also appreciated. It was a good idea to take up your journaling and artwork once more and I'm sure they give you satisfaction because you're very creative. All the best for the days ahead in March.

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  27. Your neighbours sound lovely people.We are very lucky too our neighbours are the best.I can't bear to watch the news,it is all so heartbreaking and senseless.Can't wait to see what you make with the silk.x

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  28. I'm glad you have plenty of food in your cupboard. It makes such a difference. You are wise to be sure that the ferry is running. Love all the crafts!

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  30. What lovely neighbours you have! Love those little dishcloths, and I wish someone would bring me scones!
    I've just restarted my blog at emeraldcottage.blogspot.co.uk , would be lovely to see you over there :)
    Jillxo

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