Hello..I am still here..
The last two years have been very busy! Mostly with getting prepared for our move! This time last year 2014, we went to look at a house but did not get it. We were upset, but what God did give us was amazing!
December 2014, we went to look at a flat, bigger than what we were expecting. We had to wait 6 more months to June 2015 before we got the message through that it was ours! We spent the previous six months sorting and packing. I did not realise how many things I had accumulated over the 37 years! I had not kept everything over those years, I had thrown some things out! The sorting out was interesting and at times very upsetting. The memories came flooding back of long lost days and loved ones that had gone to be with Jesus. We laughed at the strange objects and useless items that I had no use for! Why I ever bought such things and kept them is a mystery!
The day of the move was a mixture of emotions, happy, sad, scared, relieved but above all blessed. Unknown to me my husband arranged for my daughter to come down from Chesterfield to support me on the day. What a truly lovely surprise! I was so happy that she was there with me on the last day in the house and on the first day of being in our new home.
The first six months is almost up and as the end of the year approaches I am so thankful for all that God has done for us and blessed us with. Our home is coming together with new items and fresh decorating ideas. Our new neighbours are great, warm and friendly. Our old neighbours are our friends and will be for life.
Never give up on your hopes and dreams as anything is possible!
Saturday, 28 November 2015
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Armed Forces Day Nottingham
I really enjoyed Armed Forces day yesterday...
I loved every minute of Armed Forces day, held here in Nottingham.
I was looking forward to seeing the fly pasts, as it took me back to when I was a child and was taken to air shows by my parents and grandparents at Hucknall, Notts.
As I live close to where the events took place at Victoria embankment, I did not have to get up too early and was there within a few minutes of leaving home! A bit like the Red Arrrows who only took a few minutes to get here from their air base!
I mostly stood next to the arena and watched most of the events there, which put me in a great position for the aircraft flying over.
I got a lump in my throat as I watched the most fantastic Red Arrows. They fly with such expertise and in perfect formation, I am a big fan! I have not been to an air show for some time and think I need to find one to go to! The Tornado's came next and were also amazing as they flew in perfect formation. I was so excited to see the parachute team come down and hear about how they are used to drop into enemy territory...
On the ground I loved seeing the search and rescue dog team and hearing about how they are trained and what they do. The civilian Lancers team on horseback were very good, showing some of the history of battle.
The young team from Loughborough grammar school were great the way they showed how to work as a team.
The Dakota, Lancaster bomber and spitfires took my breath away as they flew over several times very low..they were great to see. Several people around me were saying"Wow" over and over.. me included! I did not get to stay for the whole day and missed some great action from the river and horseback. I did however just see the helicopter(s?) from my bedroom window!
I am so proud of my city of Nottingham and the area I live in The Meadows, I believe we welcomed everyone that came here. I am so thankful that people travelled here to show their support for the men and women of the forces who risk their lives to protect others and fight for freedom. Many. many thanks to them and all the fallen who have served our united Kingdom and allies.
As a Christian, I pray for peace..
I loved every minute of Armed Forces day, held here in Nottingham.
I was looking forward to seeing the fly pasts, as it took me back to when I was a child and was taken to air shows by my parents and grandparents at Hucknall, Notts.
As I live close to where the events took place at Victoria embankment, I did not have to get up too early and was there within a few minutes of leaving home! A bit like the Red Arrrows who only took a few minutes to get here from their air base!
I mostly stood next to the arena and watched most of the events there, which put me in a great position for the aircraft flying over.
I got a lump in my throat as I watched the most fantastic Red Arrows. They fly with such expertise and in perfect formation, I am a big fan! I have not been to an air show for some time and think I need to find one to go to! The Tornado's came next and were also amazing as they flew in perfect formation. I was so excited to see the parachute team come down and hear about how they are used to drop into enemy territory...
On the ground I loved seeing the search and rescue dog team and hearing about how they are trained and what they do. The civilian Lancers team on horseback were very good, showing some of the history of battle.
The young team from Loughborough grammar school were great the way they showed how to work as a team.
The Dakota, Lancaster bomber and spitfires took my breath away as they flew over several times very low..they were great to see. Several people around me were saying"Wow" over and over.. me included! I did not get to stay for the whole day and missed some great action from the river and horseback. I did however just see the helicopter(s?) from my bedroom window!
I am so proud of my city of Nottingham and the area I live in The Meadows, I believe we welcomed everyone that came here. I am so thankful that people travelled here to show their support for the men and women of the forces who risk their lives to protect others and fight for freedom. Many. many thanks to them and all the fallen who have served our united Kingdom and allies.
As a Christian, I pray for peace..
Saturday, 9 March 2013
March 2013
I think the year is moving along quite quickly....
My first post of 2013 and already we are in March! What can I tell you...
Well, we are still waiting to hear about the house! I know things must be moving along in the background and when properties become empty they are not being re let, so I know something is happening and I suppose we will hear something eventually!
Next weekend is Chris's birthday and also St Patrick's day the day after. It's a great time to catch up with family and friends and celebrate Irish connections!
Spring seemed to be here this week but then it's 'vanished' again and very cold weather has reappeared..it could only be England!
I am continuing to read through my bible. I have now read the whole of it from beginning to end and it took me some time to do that! I am now following a reading plan for Lent and finding it very helpful to focus on what happened leading up to Jesus being crucified and then rising from the dead on the third day..Easter Sunday. People sometimes say that they have given up something for Lent. That is a good thing to do if it helps you focus on Jesus and prayer. There's not a lot of point giving something up if it does not mean a real sacrifice..
I know reading the Bible is the best way of getting to know the word of God and having a real relationship with him. I am becoming more aware of Jesus walking with me every day as I read the word, pray and talk to God.
Being part of a great church and being in fellowship with the other members is a great encouragement to me and helps set me up for the rest of the week!
Have a great week and if you are able why not visit a great church near where you live? I know you would be welcomed by the people there as they once walked in for the first time too..
My first post of 2013 and already we are in March! What can I tell you...
Well, we are still waiting to hear about the house! I know things must be moving along in the background and when properties become empty they are not being re let, so I know something is happening and I suppose we will hear something eventually!
Next weekend is Chris's birthday and also St Patrick's day the day after. It's a great time to catch up with family and friends and celebrate Irish connections!
Spring seemed to be here this week but then it's 'vanished' again and very cold weather has reappeared..it could only be England!
I am continuing to read through my bible. I have now read the whole of it from beginning to end and it took me some time to do that! I am now following a reading plan for Lent and finding it very helpful to focus on what happened leading up to Jesus being crucified and then rising from the dead on the third day..Easter Sunday. People sometimes say that they have given up something for Lent. That is a good thing to do if it helps you focus on Jesus and prayer. There's not a lot of point giving something up if it does not mean a real sacrifice..
I know reading the Bible is the best way of getting to know the word of God and having a real relationship with him. I am becoming more aware of Jesus walking with me every day as I read the word, pray and talk to God.
Being part of a great church and being in fellowship with the other members is a great encouragement to me and helps set me up for the rest of the week!
Have a great week and if you are able why not visit a great church near where you live? I know you would be welcomed by the people there as they once walked in for the first time too..
Sunday, 4 November 2012
Sunday 4th November 2012
I woke up coughing and sneezing this morning...
I usually get up on a Sunday and head over to the Notts County ground, where our church has a meeting at 10:00am. Not this morning though as I seem to have caught Chris's bad cold/ man flu type thing! Chris is able to have the flu vaccination but every time he has had it he has become unwell so this year did not have it...ah! he still became unwell! So now we are both coughing...
I was heading back to bed, but got distracted on the way when I came to turn the PC OFF! I am thankful not to have gone outside as it is very cold and there is a threat of ...SNOW!
I think if I rest today I will feel a bit better tomorrow when Monday dawns and it's time for work!
Oh yes, while I remember, the swimming has not started yet so I am not a slimmer me yet..though I have been on the train recently and it is a slightly longer walk to get into Nottingham Midland station...I wonder if that will help? There are a lot of steps to climb to get to the platforms too..... In a few weeks we will be heading off to Manchester/Chorley, so lots of steps to go up and down then!
Saturday, 6 October 2012
Summer of Sport
We had an interesting Summer of sport...
I loved watching the Olympics and Paralympics. I did only see them on the TV, but still loved them! I realise that if I had done my research properly then we could have gone to the events that were free! I did look into going to the closing ceremony of the Paralympics but decided I had not left enough time to organise it properly.
I am quite excited that I have managed to listen to the music from the Olympic opening ceremony and found out that a DVD is coming out very soon! It's on my Christmas wish list..hint hint!
We had the Tour of Britain come through Nottingham too! That was exciting! I also managed to catch sight of Richard Whitehead when he went on his open top bus tour of Nottingham!
I think we all probably feel we could do more exercise after seeing the amazing athletes! For me I searched out my swimming costume and thinking about adult swimming lessons...I have to admit to being a bit nervous of the water and only seem to swim half a width before I put my feet down and want to hang onto the side of the pool..or Chris..whichever is nearest!
I am doing a little bit more walking, only in the local area, but I do live close to Trent Bridge and the River Trent, that's a lovely place to walk in!
Next time I post it might be a slimmer me or I might have left it until Christmas then will feel fuller from all the chocolates and filling food of Christmas....
I loved watching the Olympics and Paralympics. I did only see them on the TV, but still loved them! I realise that if I had done my research properly then we could have gone to the events that were free! I did look into going to the closing ceremony of the Paralympics but decided I had not left enough time to organise it properly.
I am quite excited that I have managed to listen to the music from the Olympic opening ceremony and found out that a DVD is coming out very soon! It's on my Christmas wish list..hint hint!
We had the Tour of Britain come through Nottingham too! That was exciting! I also managed to catch sight of Richard Whitehead when he went on his open top bus tour of Nottingham!
I think we all probably feel we could do more exercise after seeing the amazing athletes! For me I searched out my swimming costume and thinking about adult swimming lessons...I have to admit to being a bit nervous of the water and only seem to swim half a width before I put my feet down and want to hang onto the side of the pool..or Chris..whichever is nearest!
I am doing a little bit more walking, only in the local area, but I do live close to Trent Bridge and the River Trent, that's a lovely place to walk in!
Next time I post it might be a slimmer me or I might have left it until Christmas then will feel fuller from all the chocolates and filling food of Christmas....
Sunday, 1 July 2012
The Olympic Torch Relay In The Meadows
I was so excited when I knew that the Olympic torch relay was coming to Nottingham!
I booked the day off so I could see the relay come through the Meadows area of Nottingham. I have lived in the Meadows for 34 years and did not want to miss a thing! I positioned myself on the corner of Ryehill Street and waited! The excitement grew as we could hear the music from the convoy as it came over Trent Bridge.
The music became louder as the convoy moved down Victoria Embankment and through the Meadows...at last we could see the convoy coming!
I feel so blessed that I was there to witness something so fantastic! I never dreamt that I would be so close to The Torch! It is very exciting that The Olympics 2012 are right here in the UK....
Sunday, 1 April 2012
A New Season
The first of April and as far as I know no one has "fooled" Me.....
We waited quite a while to hear about the pension credit! Nothing to do with the first of April! I mention the pension credit because we start to receive it on Wednesday (4th) Seems like we have been waiting for ages!
I think we are starting a new season in our lives and Being a new month and it being spring seems appropriate!
Next Sunday it will be Easter Sunday and that is the start of new beginnings as it is the day that Jesus rose from the dead and gave us hope for the future. Chris and I have decided to go and join a new church plant from our church, which has it's launch service on Easter Sunday. It is going to be held at the Notts County Ground which is only across the road from us! That is not the reason we are going though! We have been thinking about it for a few weeks and feel that is where God wants us to go as our next step and new season in Christ. It is all very exciting!
Yesterday we went to a wedding and it was very special as it was an older couple. Our friend had waited patiently for God to bring a special man into her life who could become her husband. God brought a lovely man into her life and they both looked so happy and full of God's joy and blessing as they came back down the aisle. We were so happy to have been there at the church to be part of their day.
Sometimes we can find ourselves in the same place for years because it feels comfortable. That is not always the right place for us to be as it may not challenge us enough or help us to grow as people. I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I missed God's best for me... There is no need to be afraid as God is with us every step of the way. For me I have the peace of God and that means everything to me. I do hope you will think about Easter and what that means for you .....
We waited quite a while to hear about the pension credit! Nothing to do with the first of April! I mention the pension credit because we start to receive it on Wednesday (4th) Seems like we have been waiting for ages!
I think we are starting a new season in our lives and Being a new month and it being spring seems appropriate!
Next Sunday it will be Easter Sunday and that is the start of new beginnings as it is the day that Jesus rose from the dead and gave us hope for the future. Chris and I have decided to go and join a new church plant from our church, which has it's launch service on Easter Sunday. It is going to be held at the Notts County Ground which is only across the road from us! That is not the reason we are going though! We have been thinking about it for a few weeks and feel that is where God wants us to go as our next step and new season in Christ. It is all very exciting!
Yesterday we went to a wedding and it was very special as it was an older couple. Our friend had waited patiently for God to bring a special man into her life who could become her husband. God brought a lovely man into her life and they both looked so happy and full of God's joy and blessing as they came back down the aisle. We were so happy to have been there at the church to be part of their day.
Sometimes we can find ourselves in the same place for years because it feels comfortable. That is not always the right place for us to be as it may not challenge us enough or help us to grow as people. I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I missed God's best for me... There is no need to be afraid as God is with us every step of the way. For me I have the peace of God and that means everything to me. I do hope you will think about Easter and what that means for you .....
Sunday, 12 February 2012
The Initial Demolition Notice
We have received the initial demolition notice...
The initial demolition notice arrived a few weeks ago and is valid for five years. We will hear soon what the time scale is going to be for the works to be carried out. I think it might take me that long to sort all my paper work type clutter out!!! I have been trying to do bits, but prefer to have nothing else planned so I can concentrate on the job in hand! At the moment I have my job to go to (thankfully) so do not have lots of spare time!
There are a huge amount of people that will be rehoused across the city and this will all take some time, so there is no rush! I do know from past experience how the time can appear to go quicker than you thought it would, so hopefully won't be leaving it all to the last minute.
I have my plan...plenty of boxes, labels, pens. I must make sure that the kettle and cups wont get buried! Tea is a must when packing things away and doing BIG house jobs!
Before all that we will need to find a new house/bungalow e.t.c to move to! The local council will help us to do that.
I would love it if God blessed us with our very own home in a village somewhere beautiful...
The backdrop would be trees and the view from the front would be the sea or river/stream or both!
I can dream.....
God will bless us where ever we will be and I am very thankful.
The initial demolition notice arrived a few weeks ago and is valid for five years. We will hear soon what the time scale is going to be for the works to be carried out. I think it might take me that long to sort all my paper work type clutter out!!! I have been trying to do bits, but prefer to have nothing else planned so I can concentrate on the job in hand! At the moment I have my job to go to (thankfully) so do not have lots of spare time!
There are a huge amount of people that will be rehoused across the city and this will all take some time, so there is no rush! I do know from past experience how the time can appear to go quicker than you thought it would, so hopefully won't be leaving it all to the last minute.
I have my plan...plenty of boxes, labels, pens. I must make sure that the kettle and cups wont get buried! Tea is a must when packing things away and doing BIG house jobs!
Before all that we will need to find a new house/bungalow e.t.c to move to! The local council will help us to do that.
I would love it if God blessed us with our very own home in a village somewhere beautiful...
The backdrop would be trees and the view from the front would be the sea or river/stream or both!
I can dream.....
God will bless us where ever we will be and I am very thankful.
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Welcome Amelia-Jae
Amelia-Jae arrived on Tuesday 10th January 2012 weighing 6ib 7oz!
Mother and baby doing well....
Our great granddaughter has arrived and we are so happy! Amelia-Jae is so beautiful! We were going to go and see them today, but a sore throat and the freezing cold weather has kept us at home...we can go and see them all during the week as they only live on the other side of Nottingham. I think they have had many visitors to see our beautiful addition to the family. I am keeping up with all the latest news and photographs via Facebook! What an invention!
God is so good he creates such beautiful babies who become beautiful children and then beautiful adults.
God bless all of us as we go about our daily lives....
Top photo Chris and Amelia-Jae bottom photo Danielle (mummy!) with Amelia-Jae taken in Nottingham on 10th January 2012
Saturday, 7 January 2012
New Year 2012
Happy New Year 2012!
We may be a week into the new year but it is still a new year!
I am quite happy that 2011 is behind us and 2012 has started. There were some really special times and also some very challenging times in 2011. I know that this year will have challenges but there are good times ahead too.
We start the year by looking forward to our first great granddaughter being born any day now! She was due yesterday (6th) so in theory she is late! Amelia (as she is to be called) is Chris's eldest granddaughter's child. It does not seem 5 minutes since Danielle (granddaughter) was little herself! She has become a beautiful young lady and I am sure her baby will be just as beautiful.
We should hear sometime in January about our house and if and when it will be knocked down.This has been going on for years! Maybe there will be a big house move to deal with! I will need plenty of notice as I have lots of 'clutter' to sort through! (mostly unseen clutter!)
We then look forward to Chris getting his pension credit in March! As no job has become available or even seems like one will, he will be able to get the pension credit which will help us enormously.
I know Chris is getting fed up and bored and would like a job..maybe something will become available.
I continue to be thankful to God for everything he has brought us through..I don't know how we would have got through without him.
I know the future is secure and blessed as I know God is constant and never changing and walks with us every second of our lives. Amen.
We may be a week into the new year but it is still a new year!
I am quite happy that 2011 is behind us and 2012 has started. There were some really special times and also some very challenging times in 2011. I know that this year will have challenges but there are good times ahead too.
We start the year by looking forward to our first great granddaughter being born any day now! She was due yesterday (6th) so in theory she is late! Amelia (as she is to be called) is Chris's eldest granddaughter's child. It does not seem 5 minutes since Danielle (granddaughter) was little herself! She has become a beautiful young lady and I am sure her baby will be just as beautiful.
We should hear sometime in January about our house and if and when it will be knocked down.This has been going on for years! Maybe there will be a big house move to deal with! I will need plenty of notice as I have lots of 'clutter' to sort through! (mostly unseen clutter!)
We then look forward to Chris getting his pension credit in March! As no job has become available or even seems like one will, he will be able to get the pension credit which will help us enormously.
I know Chris is getting fed up and bored and would like a job..maybe something will become available.
I continue to be thankful to God for everything he has brought us through..I don't know how we would have got through without him.
I know the future is secure and blessed as I know God is constant and never changing and walks with us every second of our lives. Amen.
Saturday, 24 December 2011
Dear Jesus...
Thank you for looking after us again this year.
This year has been full of challenges but also full of blessings. You have helped us through very difficult times, starting with our flooded out house. We were blessed by you as our family and friends helped us cope with the devastation.
It was great to have help when the new carpets were fitted and our house felt like a home again.
When Chris lost his job in May, you helped us by making sure the bills were paid and that we had food on the table. You are continuing to help us this Christmas as we continue to go through challenging times.
We have been truly blessed by you and I personally feel much closer to you as I continue to put my trust in you completely.
We are going to celebrate your birthday with our family and want to say "Happy Birthday Jesus"
Lots and lots of love Ann and Chris
XXX
Saturday, 22 October 2011
Autumn 2011
Hello! I want to start this post by saying thank you to all the people who have been reading my blogs! There are over 600 views recorded! Wow!
We are coming up to the end of October and Chris has still not managed to find work. He has phoned lots of people and sent CV's but no one has invited him for an interview. The work that is around, here in Nottingham is very thin on the ground. We are still expected to live on too little money. This has not stopped us from smiling and laughing and trusting and praising God.
Last weekend we went to to see Georgina and family. They kindly paid for our tickets to travel there. We had a great weekend! Georgina gave us good food and we were blessed. I was surprised to see how much Christopher had grown in just a few months! He is now taller than me and growing up fast! Christopher is 13 years and 5 months old.
I last saw Emma in August and miss her loads! David put a recent photo of her on Facebook and she looks like she is getting tall too! Emma is 16 months old! I miss my children!
We have a great grandchild due in January and I am beginning to get excited about her arrival! Chris's eldest granddaughter will be having her first baby, even though the doctors said it would be unlikely! God is good and in control.
The news on the house is that they still might pull it down! Maybe as soon as next year! We should hear something soon.
Our health is not brilliant and we are both probably struggling a bit, but we are up and about and mobile.
In all of this God is central to everything we do, think and feel. He does have a purpose for our lives. I believe we are all here to see God's purpose and goodness in our lives. We really would not be getting through these hard times without him. I know things will get better and that will happen soon. Praise to God.
We are coming up to the end of October and Chris has still not managed to find work. He has phoned lots of people and sent CV's but no one has invited him for an interview. The work that is around, here in Nottingham is very thin on the ground. We are still expected to live on too little money. This has not stopped us from smiling and laughing and trusting and praising God.
Last weekend we went to to see Georgina and family. They kindly paid for our tickets to travel there. We had a great weekend! Georgina gave us good food and we were blessed. I was surprised to see how much Christopher had grown in just a few months! He is now taller than me and growing up fast! Christopher is 13 years and 5 months old.
I last saw Emma in August and miss her loads! David put a recent photo of her on Facebook and she looks like she is getting tall too! Emma is 16 months old! I miss my children!
We have a great grandchild due in January and I am beginning to get excited about her arrival! Chris's eldest granddaughter will be having her first baby, even though the doctors said it would be unlikely! God is good and in control.
The news on the house is that they still might pull it down! Maybe as soon as next year! We should hear something soon.
Our health is not brilliant and we are both probably struggling a bit, but we are up and about and mobile.
In all of this God is central to everything we do, think and feel. He does have a purpose for our lives. I believe we are all here to see God's purpose and goodness in our lives. We really would not be getting through these hard times without him. I know things will get better and that will happen soon. Praise to God.
Sunday, 11 September 2011
The Spider
It was a normal evening watching the television, when Chris looked up on the wall above me and said "oh! that is a big spider.."
I am not afraid of spider's, thankfully, this one was rather large though! I don't know what it's actual size was but it looked very big on the photo that Chris took...
The spider walked across the wall and went out of sight...
A few days later it ran across the floor in the Lounge and across the newspaper that Chris was reading! Chris caught it and took it outside to the bottom of the front garden."it will be back" I said as he closed the front door.
Later on that week I went upstairs, walked in the bedroom, put the light on...there was the spider poised above the bed on the side that Chris sleeps on...I put the light out and went to sleep. The next morning the spider was nowhere in sight! "it's o.k it's gone" I thought...That evening I got into the bath and guess what was waiting for me in the bathroom....
I was talking to a friend about the large spider in my house and they said "Are you sure it is the same one? There could be more than one of them!" I had not thought there could be more than one! I have not seen it for some time now so maybe it has gone.... Oh, just a minute what is that over there walking across my pillow?....
I am not afraid of spider's, thankfully, this one was rather large though! I don't know what it's actual size was but it looked very big on the photo that Chris took...
The spider walked across the wall and went out of sight...
A few days later it ran across the floor in the Lounge and across the newspaper that Chris was reading! Chris caught it and took it outside to the bottom of the front garden."it will be back" I said as he closed the front door.
Later on that week I went upstairs, walked in the bedroom, put the light on...there was the spider poised above the bed on the side that Chris sleeps on...I put the light out and went to sleep. The next morning the spider was nowhere in sight! "it's o.k it's gone" I thought...That evening I got into the bath and guess what was waiting for me in the bathroom....
I was talking to a friend about the large spider in my house and they said "Are you sure it is the same one? There could be more than one of them!" I had not thought there could be more than one! I have not seen it for some time now so maybe it has gone.... Oh, just a minute what is that over there walking across my pillow?....
Sunday, 31 July 2011
Living On A Low Income
Several months have passed and Chris is still looking for work...
Chris has worked for the last 40 years and only ever remembers being out of work once when he was much younger. He has been looking for work here in Nottingham but there does not seem to be anything available for him to apply for..I know it's true as I have been looking too, for him. I am still working part time in the day nursery and thankful for that.
I never realised how little financial support could be claimed in these circumstances. There is not much left to cover food once the household bills are paid. Why is this? Chris is desperate to work but what can he do if there is nothing for him? We can't make a job suddenly appear. We can't make food prices suddenly drop. Sadly, Chris just missed out on getting pension credit as the age it can be claimed has risen...
I don't know how families in a similar situation manage. Something needs to be put right so that people can buy good healthy food..
I am very good at making meals that can cover 2 days and God would never let us go without food.
I was given a few tips today that I had not thought of...buying food that has been reduced and freezing it..going to a well known supermarket just before closing time and getting other food that has been reduced like bread e.t.c Freezing milk in small quantities and only defrosting what I need for that day. I really like that tip! I would never have thought of doing that! Many supermarkets are selling 4 pints of milk for £1. ( bread also)
We have had a good weekend we have been out and about and walked to places when we would have normally got the bus. I think that has been good for us as it has got us out and given us some exercise! We have even been to a beach..In Nottingham city centre! It's great! It really does feel like a taste of the Seaside!
Still smiling!
Chris has worked for the last 40 years and only ever remembers being out of work once when he was much younger. He has been looking for work here in Nottingham but there does not seem to be anything available for him to apply for..I know it's true as I have been looking too, for him. I am still working part time in the day nursery and thankful for that.
I never realised how little financial support could be claimed in these circumstances. There is not much left to cover food once the household bills are paid. Why is this? Chris is desperate to work but what can he do if there is nothing for him? We can't make a job suddenly appear. We can't make food prices suddenly drop. Sadly, Chris just missed out on getting pension credit as the age it can be claimed has risen...
I don't know how families in a similar situation manage. Something needs to be put right so that people can buy good healthy food..
I am very good at making meals that can cover 2 days and God would never let us go without food.
I was given a few tips today that I had not thought of...buying food that has been reduced and freezing it..going to a well known supermarket just before closing time and getting other food that has been reduced like bread e.t.c Freezing milk in small quantities and only defrosting what I need for that day. I really like that tip! I would never have thought of doing that! Many supermarkets are selling 4 pints of milk for £1. ( bread also)
We have had a good weekend we have been out and about and walked to places when we would have normally got the bus. I think that has been good for us as it has got us out and given us some exercise! We have even been to a beach..In Nottingham city centre! It's great! It really does feel like a taste of the Seaside!
Still smiling!
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Waiting
We seem to be constantly waiting for something..
All the waiting seemed to start Last December when the water poured down. We waited for repair people,restoration people,carpet people, insurance people, bed people! One of the beds was only just delivered last week!
Since then we have been waiting for all sorts of things to happen or arrive. I can honestly say that I can't ever remember having to wait so frequently for something to be happen.
We have been concentrating on other things while we wait..For me it has helped take my mind off the thing I am waiting for and helped me to be more focused on the here and now, rather than tomorrow.
I am even more sure that God has a plan for us and for some reason he has put a temporary stop on our 'journey' I say this as Chris suddenly does not have a job and we must take one day at a time to get through.. It is as if God was preparing us to have to 'wait' all these months.
While we wait for the next part of our journey we are becoming more focused on God and what he wants to say to us...
God is our provider for everything we need..
I don't know what the next step is but I know God is putting everything in place and providing lots of support for us as we wait...
All the waiting seemed to start Last December when the water poured down. We waited for repair people,restoration people,carpet people, insurance people, bed people! One of the beds was only just delivered last week!
Since then we have been waiting for all sorts of things to happen or arrive. I can honestly say that I can't ever remember having to wait so frequently for something to be happen.
We have been concentrating on other things while we wait..For me it has helped take my mind off the thing I am waiting for and helped me to be more focused on the here and now, rather than tomorrow.
I am even more sure that God has a plan for us and for some reason he has put a temporary stop on our 'journey' I say this as Chris suddenly does not have a job and we must take one day at a time to get through.. It is as if God was preparing us to have to 'wait' all these months.
While we wait for the next part of our journey we are becoming more focused on God and what he wants to say to us...
God is our provider for everything we need..
I don't know what the next step is but I know God is putting everything in place and providing lots of support for us as we wait...
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Seeking God Not Things
http://www.ucb.co.uk/index.cfm?itemid=88&testdate=01+May+2011
Seeking God Not Things
When we are looking to do something different what helps us to make our decision?
I know that working with children has been something I have loved doing and have done most of my life, in one way or another. How did I come to do that? Well, I looked after my younger brothers when I was quite young myself, as mum went out to work in the evenings in the local chip shop. Then later when I was still only 15, I looked after my brothers and my dad as mum was in hospital after a serious operation. I helped in my children's school, then went on to do the NNEB. Being with children was just a big part of my life, that it seemed the natural choice when it came to a career. It was not actually what I really wanted to do....
I always wanted to be an actress! I used to love singing and dancing in my back garden! Whenever there were family gathering's I used to 'boss' my cousins into putting on a 'show'! As a teenager I loved it when I was chosen to be in the school play! My audition was standing in front of the school head master and reading the part that I would hopefully play! It was great fun! Some people from Nottingham Playhouse even came and helped with lights and make up!
I was not a born again christian in those days, so did not think for a minute what God might want me to do!
Now as an adult it is very important to me that I follow the path that God wants me to be on. I would not want to make choices about what I do with my life without his input. For me that means reading my bible, worshipping him, praying, being with other Christians and seeking him on a daily basis. 'Things' are not actually very important...being in the right place and helping other's know him is what I am called to do as a christian.
So...where do I go next?...Where do you go next?....The best way I know is God's way......
Seeking God Not Things
When we are looking to do something different what helps us to make our decision?
I know that working with children has been something I have loved doing and have done most of my life, in one way or another. How did I come to do that? Well, I looked after my younger brothers when I was quite young myself, as mum went out to work in the evenings in the local chip shop. Then later when I was still only 15, I looked after my brothers and my dad as mum was in hospital after a serious operation. I helped in my children's school, then went on to do the NNEB. Being with children was just a big part of my life, that it seemed the natural choice when it came to a career. It was not actually what I really wanted to do....
I always wanted to be an actress! I used to love singing and dancing in my back garden! Whenever there were family gathering's I used to 'boss' my cousins into putting on a 'show'! As a teenager I loved it when I was chosen to be in the school play! My audition was standing in front of the school head master and reading the part that I would hopefully play! It was great fun! Some people from Nottingham Playhouse even came and helped with lights and make up!
I was not a born again christian in those days, so did not think for a minute what God might want me to do!
Now as an adult it is very important to me that I follow the path that God wants me to be on. I would not want to make choices about what I do with my life without his input. For me that means reading my bible, worshipping him, praying, being with other Christians and seeking him on a daily basis. 'Things' are not actually very important...being in the right place and helping other's know him is what I am called to do as a christian.
So...where do I go next?...Where do you go next?....The best way I know is God's way......
Friday, 25 February 2011
Our First Trip in A 'Limo'
The Hummer is a very long car, which seats 13 people (I think! )
We were invited to travel in it to a very special party for a young friend of ours. It was his 18th and was a Hollywood theme. Oh what fun! We got ready in plenty of time and then went outside to join the others, as they waited for the car to arrive... In fact two long cars came..Wow! After lots of photos, Just like in Hollywood, we tried to get in as gracefully as possible...Some had to crawl in..some were helped in..and some of us were small enough in height, not to need much help getting in!
Once everyone was seated and music chosen, off we went...down the road around the corner..stopping all traffic as we swung out on to the main road...it was funny seeing out and no one being able to see in, through the darkened windows!
We travelled around Nottingham for an hour...We found the non alcholic bottle of something fizzy and fruity..it was very nice..just did not have the Alcohol in it! Lots of photos were taken en route..
When we arrived at the venue we had the delicate operation of climbing out again...then there were more photos standing in front of the cars...
I would say if you get the chance to go in one then do, because it was such fun and we were well behaved and did not shout out of the car at people we passed! If you want to shout out at people you pass then that is up to you...Ha ha!
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Monday 27th December 2010 -The day the water came down
Monday 27th December, bank holiday Monday, 5:40am, I woke up to hear water pouring down outside my window, I thought it was rain...
I woke up and heard what I thought was rain pouring down the window. I got out of bed and went over to the window to look out and was amazed to see water covering the entire window. I pushed the window open and leaned out to look down and saw huge amounts of water splashing down onto the path below. I then looked up and saw water pouring out from under the roof tiles. I quickly closed the window and woke Chris up. He went upstairs to the neighbour who lives above us to try and alert them to what was happening but no one was there.
As I put the phone down, after speaking to the council repairs team, water started to drip through the bedroom ceiling...
Water started to pour through both bedroom ceilings at five different places, including light fittings, after about half an hour. We turned the electric off then started grabbing buckets, bowls, pans, anything that could possibly catch water. By this time water appeared in the lounge and dining room drenching everything it came in contact with...Beds, carpets, wardrobe,clothing e.t.c Water poured down the walls.The more we emptied the containers the quicker they seemed to fill up..
We had to give up at this point, the damage was done...and it was bank holiday Monday...
I have never seen anything like it in my life! The repairs team reached us Four hours later..the water continued to drain through for four days..
Thankfully we were not hurt and did not lose anything of sentimental value and we are insured. The mental scars are something else though...
I am very thankful for all the help and support we have been receiving and for Cara looking after us so well when we had nowhere to sleep.
We have been both totally shaken up by it all but are aware that God has been keeping us safe and is blessing us in so many ways.
The big clean up is ongoing but one day soon we will have a nice new bed to snuggle into and the day the water came down will become a distant memory...
I woke up and heard what I thought was rain pouring down the window. I got out of bed and went over to the window to look out and was amazed to see water covering the entire window. I pushed the window open and leaned out to look down and saw huge amounts of water splashing down onto the path below. I then looked up and saw water pouring out from under the roof tiles. I quickly closed the window and woke Chris up. He went upstairs to the neighbour who lives above us to try and alert them to what was happening but no one was there.
As I put the phone down, after speaking to the council repairs team, water started to drip through the bedroom ceiling...
Water started to pour through both bedroom ceilings at five different places, including light fittings, after about half an hour. We turned the electric off then started grabbing buckets, bowls, pans, anything that could possibly catch water. By this time water appeared in the lounge and dining room drenching everything it came in contact with...Beds, carpets, wardrobe,clothing e.t.c Water poured down the walls.The more we emptied the containers the quicker they seemed to fill up..
We had to give up at this point, the damage was done...and it was bank holiday Monday...
I have never seen anything like it in my life! The repairs team reached us Four hours later..the water continued to drain through for four days..
Thankfully we were not hurt and did not lose anything of sentimental value and we are insured. The mental scars are something else though...
I am very thankful for all the help and support we have been receiving and for Cara looking after us so well when we had nowhere to sleep.
We have been both totally shaken up by it all but are aware that God has been keeping us safe and is blessing us in so many ways.
The big clean up is ongoing but one day soon we will have a nice new bed to snuggle into and the day the water came down will become a distant memory...
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
December 2010
I always wonder where time goes to and am amazed once again that we are in the final month of the year...
December is upon us once again! This December has started off with the most freezing cold, snowy weather, that most people can ever remember. I thought last winter was a one off and that we would not see lots of snow again for years! I was very much mistaken as there is so much snow you would be forgiven if you thought we were in Siberia! I believe that is where it has come from!
I saw on the news some snow sliding off a roof onto a lady, who was walking past at the time. That is just how I remember it from the 1960's! I would not have thought that would be happening in 2010!
My daughter sent me some amazing photos today from Staveley, which is near Chesterfield in Derbyshire. Snow so deep it was up to my 5 foot tall, grandson's knees! I don't think it matters if the snow is heavy or light because once it is there, any other snow will just build onto it.
Oh for the days when I would get home from school, in similar freezing weather,to be greeted by Mum. who would always have a large coal fire burning in the hearth. Mum would have a cup of lovely, hot, sweet tea waiting for us and some biscuits!
Dinner would then most likely be a big plate of English stew!
Today I have been home as we have had to have a 'snow day' from work. The roads are just too dangerous for us to go onto them! I have kept nice and warm and cosy. I would not like to think this weather will go on for very long, because we need to get back to normality! (Whatever that is!)
December is upon us once again! This December has started off with the most freezing cold, snowy weather, that most people can ever remember. I thought last winter was a one off and that we would not see lots of snow again for years! I was very much mistaken as there is so much snow you would be forgiven if you thought we were in Siberia! I believe that is where it has come from!
I saw on the news some snow sliding off a roof onto a lady, who was walking past at the time. That is just how I remember it from the 1960's! I would not have thought that would be happening in 2010!
My daughter sent me some amazing photos today from Staveley, which is near Chesterfield in Derbyshire. Snow so deep it was up to my 5 foot tall, grandson's knees! I don't think it matters if the snow is heavy or light because once it is there, any other snow will just build onto it.
Oh for the days when I would get home from school, in similar freezing weather,to be greeted by Mum. who would always have a large coal fire burning in the hearth. Mum would have a cup of lovely, hot, sweet tea waiting for us and some biscuits!
Dinner would then most likely be a big plate of English stew!
Today I have been home as we have had to have a 'snow day' from work. The roads are just too dangerous for us to go onto them! I have kept nice and warm and cosy. I would not like to think this weather will go on for very long, because we need to get back to normality! (Whatever that is!)
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Autumn 2010
It is Autumn again and very windy..just like last year..and the clocks have changed..
The last day of October is upon us and the year is nearly at an end.
I am even more thankful to God, for the last few days have been quite shocking..I live in the East Midlands and aeroplanes start to descend over my house into East Midlands airport...
I am thankful to the security people who help to protect all of us.
God has a plan for me..I have not done all of what God has wanted me to do and am always seeking him for his guidance,love and support. When we have all done what God has planned, only then will it be time to leave this world for the next. You may not be a christian..but God is still looking after you..I am sure you can look back on situations in your life where you know that someone 'unseen' helped you..that was God!
Many things are happening in our world, lots of changes, but we must remember to find time to laugh and make our lives mean something. Our lives are for now and for living now..take every opportunity that comes to you, don't let it pass.
Be happy and God bless your life!
The last day of October is upon us and the year is nearly at an end.
I am even more thankful to God, for the last few days have been quite shocking..I live in the East Midlands and aeroplanes start to descend over my house into East Midlands airport...
I am thankful to the security people who help to protect all of us.
God has a plan for me..I have not done all of what God has wanted me to do and am always seeking him for his guidance,love and support. When we have all done what God has planned, only then will it be time to leave this world for the next. You may not be a christian..but God is still looking after you..I am sure you can look back on situations in your life where you know that someone 'unseen' helped you..that was God!
Many things are happening in our world, lots of changes, but we must remember to find time to laugh and make our lives mean something. Our lives are for now and for living now..take every opportunity that comes to you, don't let it pass.
Be happy and God bless your life!
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