Wednesday 18 November 2020

Make hay while the sun shines

Summer weather has arrived, it's time to make hay.  

To be honest it was the wide open gate that first caught my eye, bales of hay are a common sight around the countryside at the moment.  Open roadside gates aren't. I guess the contractor knew those big bales weren't going anywhere.

 

I always feel disappointed when I take a photo and the outcome is not what I have seen.  Even if I had been able to get closer or been able to zoom in more, you probably wouldn't see the sentinels standing guard on the horizon or notice the gaps where a couple of them had skipped guard duty.  I do so miss having a child around who believes my silly stories and finds wonder in the imagination.

 


I'm reminded of going for a walk on the farm one day with Georgia before she started school and her telling me a story she had made up when suddenly she stopped walking and talking, then explained she didn't know what happened next cause she couldn't find it in her 'magination'.  "It's only a tiny thing", she said, "about as big as a nit so it's hard to find things sometimes." 

Several years later when she was 8 or 9 Georgia was in a creative writing class and each week would work on similes.  She'd come running in from the school bus on Wednesday afternoons and announce the word of the week, then try to include that word in all our conversations using different descriptive words until she was happy.  "Scared" , gave her great difficulty, then she came in one day announcing "I've got it.  As scared as ducks on the pond on the opening morning of shooting season."  No doubt her teacher understood.

I was so proud last week when I went with her parents to Georgia's school prizegiving where she received two awards, one was for Excellence in English. 

Some of you will remember her as a little child and here she is, the self appointed Golden Girl of Letterland (in 2009), 17 years old already.

Another grand-daughter, Jami who is at university in Wellington turns 22 today.  And my baby grand-daughter in Brasil is 7 months old.  I don't even say out loud how old my oldest grandson is.  I took a tumble a few days ago and today am feeling a bit sore and sorry for myself.

I'm linking to My Corner of the World.

 

34 comments:

  1. Don't children grow up fast? You have some wonderful memories there.
    I'm sorry you have had a tumble - hopefully it was not too bad and you will soon be feeling good again. Take care, Mxx

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    1. They sure do grow up fast, Margaret. Even my little great g-daughter is 4 already. I'm baby sitting her this afternoon so feel more cheerful today having that prospect. My fall wasn't a bad one as falls go but it did shake me up.

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  2. Firstly, I hope you're on the mend from your tumble, Pauline. Tripping over is one of my fears...I live alone (with my two furry mates)...and do my best to be always on high alert. I keep to myself...so no one would know if I hit the deck.

    I love your story about Georgia...truly heartwarming and wonderful.

    You take lovely photos...you should be proud of your photographic abilities! :)

    Take good care...and stop throwing yourself on the ground! That is an order! :)

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    1. We have the same living arrangements, Lee but as it happens someone saw me trip this time. I try to be careful around the house.

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  3. You be careful. I stopped bouncing a few years ago. Being old isn't much fun but it's better than the alternative.

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    1. I sure as hell don't have any bounce left if me, Adrian. I once heard my father describe such a fall as "went down like a sack of spuds" and that sounds right to me.

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  4. Your photos are beautiful as is, and the story of Georgia is precious. Take care of yourself and get to feeling better soon.

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    1. Thanks for the kind comment, Yvonne. I've had two days of babysitting so that has kept me moving and happy.

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  5. Hi Yvonne, Thanks for your lovely comments.

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  6. You are blessed with a grandchild that loves language and words and their meaning. Your others are wonderful as well, of course. So sorry for your tumble. I guess we all are aware of that being some of our future. Those photos just make me sigh.

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    1. Yes, Tabor, grandchildren are a wonderful blessing and I'm happy I have a great grandchild with imagination that I can play with often.

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  7. Time sure flies by fast, doesn't it. Our daughter is in her late 30s and I can't believe it. :) Nice photos, I love the first one with all those bales of hay. Nice photo of your granddaughter. So sorry to hear you had a fall. My wife fell a few years ago, it's so easy to do but still causes aches. Take care, have a wonderful day and stay safe.

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    1. Hi Bill, It sure is easy to trip and fall. A good reminder to keep my mind on what I'm doing, I suspect the days of multi-tasking are fast diminishing.

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  8. ...your images of the landscape are wonderful, your stories of your grandchildren, (about the ages of mine)are wonderful!

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    1. Thanks, Tom. I've tried to remember to record the funny little things my grandkids say and do to share with them when they are older. It keeps my memories fresh and they love hearing them.

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  9. Such joy to see the grandchildren growing. May you heal quickly from that fall.

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    1. My own children seemed to grow while I was so busy parenting I didn't really notice. I've made a point of watching the grandchildren more carefully.

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  10. So sorry to hear about your tumble, Pauline. I hope that you're on the mend and feeling better.

    Loving your fabulous photos as always!

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    1. Yes, I'm slowly coming good, Veronica. A little slower than I once did but it is happening.

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  11. Wow! Summer is coming to you, and here is autumn and we are heading for winter. It has already snowed in the mountains ...
    Congratulations to your grandchildren, I think you are very proud of them.
    Thank you for visiting! Stay safe!

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    1. Thanks for your comment. Yes, I am very proud of all my grandchildren and proud of the way my children are rearing them.

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  12. I often think of Louis Armstrong singing, “they’ll learn much more than I’ll ever know...” i think one of the things i truly enjoy about getting older is seeing how the younger people interpret the world. How they write about it, or sing about it...it’s such a gift to be able to notice those things.

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    1. I agree. It is. A gift for which I am very grateful.

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  13. I started reading this yesterday and then got sidetracked looking at old photos and in particular the coloured umbrella. Remember? Anyway I am just astonished at the difference. I'm not sure why but I suppose it's because she's still a youngster in my memory. WELL DONE, Georgia, you've achieved and you've brought great pleasure to your Grandmother.

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    1. You know how much pleasure she has always brought me, Graham. I remember that umbrella and that lovely photo. I've also spent quite some time trying to find it, I must label/ file photos better. If you saw her in person I'm sure you'd think she looks just the same, especially when the cheeky grin comes out. But she's very reserved in front of the camera unless I'm holding it and in this one I wasn't.

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    2. I've emailed you a copy of the photo.

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  14. Congratulations on your grandchildren. Sadly i have no children so I will never get to appreciate grand children!! I am looking forward already to spring here and hay making again. Keep well and stay safe Diane

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    1. Thanks for the comment, Diane. We've had a short sprint, the weather is very summer-ish already.

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  15. Beautiful landscape and lovely granddaughter. I hope she gets a great future. :)

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  16. Thank you. She's smart and works hard, and has a smile that will take her a long way in life. I think her future is bright.

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  17. The minds of kids are always astounding! She turned out well :) I hope your ego (and your body) feel better soon!!!

    I'm so happy to see your link at 'My Corner of the World' this week!

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    1. Kids are always entertaining, especially when they enjoy talking. Yes, I'm feeling better, thank you.

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  18. I like how she said that, I can definitely relate.

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    1. Georgia loved sharing her ideas, and I always loved hearing them.

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