Sunday, November 22, 2009

I haven't blogged for ages; things have been quite frenetic here! This photo is by way of a tribute to Kerri who is one of my blog friends and the most wonderful nature and wildlife photographer. While we were in Kent this summer I spent ages trying to capture some butterflies, inspired by Kerri, who is a genius at this type of photography. In this dark, damp November, it's nice to look back on the summer sunshine we enjoyed in August!

My lovely mother in law has had her first chemo; it seemed to go ok and so far the side-effects have not been too bad. Please, keep her in your thoughts and prayers, as well as my sister in law in New Zealand who is at home recovering from a major operation.

We have had some good news this week; how nice it is to write that! Our niece Steph (daughter of sister in law in NZ) is expecting her first baby in May. We are all so excited for her.

You may have seen news coverage of the floods in Cumbria a couple of days ago. Our friends D and J live in Keswick and their home was flooded in 2005. Afterwards they had to live in a small caravan (trailer) on their drive for 8 months while their house was repaired. They run an animal rescue charity from their home and somehow they managed to keep this going.

Anyway, we heard on Friday that their home is flooded AGAIN. I am gutted for them. They have had a lot to deal with over the past few years and now this happens again. They are both in their sixties and not in the best of health. It all seems so unfair!

I'm trying to get my head around the approach of Christmas and we've done some shopping! Not surprisingly, we don't feel madly festive this year! I always miss mum and dad so much at Christmas; even after all these years it still hurts. However, with all that's happened lately I'm doing my best to be positive and count the many blessings we still have.

I have barely touched my new camera; isn't that shocking? I have been feeling so anxious I just haven't felt inspired to pick it up. I'm determined that's going to change over the next few days: besides I really need to get to grips with it before our next wedding in January.

Time for bed...

7 comments:

Kerri Farley said...

Thank you for your kind words! I appreciate them.
And what a LOVELY shot you have here...I feel honored to have been a small part of inspiration in this.
It is GORGEOUS!

So Sorry about your Mother-in-law....you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

All any of us can do is live one day at a time...and try to make that a wonderful day...for ourselves and for others. You've made today a wonderful day for me :)

Annie said...

Congrats on the new camera!! Use it!!

so much going on for you right now. Hang in there things will improve for everyone. And don't forget what I said.. remember YOU in amongst all the chaos!!

Love and hugs

Annie xxxx

Scriptor Senex said...

Sorry to hear your friends in Keswick have been flooded out again.

I'm really taken with Kerri's photos.

I hope Christmas inspires you take some photos with the new camera.

photowannabe said...

I'm happy for you to have some beeter news to think about for a change, but I am sorry about the sis-in -laws home. That's terrible.
Beautiful butterfly Julie and remember that a butterfly means new beginnings, so I guess its time to get that new camera out and begin shooting. (:0)

Akelamalu said...

I'll keep your MIL and SIL in my thoughts when sending Reiki and also your friends in Keswick. I have been watching the reports of the floods and I so feel for everyone who has been affected.

A new baby in the family is always good news, I'm sure he/she will bring great joy.

I hope things start looking up for you soon m'dear. x

Dianne said...

the butterfly is lovely

I will keep positive thoughts for your MIL

hugs

cheshire wife said...

Lovely shot of the butterfly!

I hope that things improve for your family and friends.