Judith's Quiet Moments

Moved

2009-07-01T23:44:00.002+01:00

Hi Folks - I haven't been on much lately not because I haven't had anything to say but I have been in between computers, holiday, assignments etc.

I have now joined up with Windows Live Messenger and will be blogging from there from now on.. my new url link is:-

www.judithschultz.spaces.live.com/blog/

Look forward to hearing from you - take care, much love Judith

Prayer and a thought

2009-06-01T08:38:00.006+01:00

Karl with his cousins yesterday afternoon. left to right - Karl, Edward, Jodie, Daniel and Edward.

Prayer for The Family Circle (from More Everyday Prayers)

Father, from whom every family receives its true name,
I pray for all the members of my family:
for those who are growing up,
that they may increase in wisdom and love;
for those facing changes,
that they may meet them with hope;
for those who are weak,
that they may find strength;
for those with heavy burdens,
that they may carry them lightly;
for those who are old an frail,
that they may grow in faith.
Amen.
My first poppy to open yesterday morning.

Oscar Romero (a Bishop in El Salvador)

"Help us remember what we really are about: we plant seeds that will one day grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need future development. We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities. We cannot do everything. Knowing this frees us, for it enables us to do something. It may seem incomplete, but it is really a beginning, a step along the way. Our efforts provide an opportunity for your grace to enter and do the rest."

Germany

2009-05-21T06:32:00.002+01:00

Thank you to everyone for your wonderful comments over the last few days. Nigel & I are now leaving in about half an hour to catch the plane to Germany. We are travelling with the Barking Rotary club and visiting our 'twin' rotary club in Germany. We shall be returning on Sunday sometime!! Leaving Karmen to look after Karl in our absense :)

To everyone - many thanks and God bless each and every one of you.

Judithxx

Mum and Dad

2009-05-20T10:59:00.005+01:00

Happy Wedding Anniversary to my Mum and Dad. This photo was taken in 1958 when my mother was 18 and my dad 20. Today they are celebrating their 48th wedding anniversary by holidaying on the Isle of Wight.

This photo was taken last Christmas (2008) with their eldest grandchild - my son Karl.

Unexpected Gift

2009-05-18T22:46:00.007+01:00

I've just been put to shame by my niece, Cat, who has just started blogging at The View from the Watchtower and I realized that my last post was on the 5th May!! where have the days in between disappeared too?

I just wanted to share with you an unexpected gift I received last Sunday from Mary. Mary is the wife of Revd David Pearson, the minister I work alongside with; when Mary gets in from work she loves to mess around on her computer - mainly doing family history stuff and photography and is also now a proud grandmother.

However, getting back to last Sunday - Mary come alongside me and said 'Judy I made this for you' and presented with a collage of photos made into one photo which depicted my life and ministry within Christ Church over the last five years. To say I was gobsmacked (this is a UK term meaning - it left me speechless) is an understatement. This is the photo...

It is probably one of the best gifts I have received because Mary has taken the time to collate photos and put them together to make a memorable display. Nigel wants to have it enlarged and framed so that I can hang it up in my office. Thank you Mary for your thoughtfulness.

Bank Holiday Monday

2009-05-04T13:11:00.009+01:00

Nigel (hubby) and Karl (son) left just after lunch for one of their walking holidays. Earlier in the year they went walking on the moors and this time it's off to Wales to visit Snowdonia and their favourite location Caldir Idris. I asked for a photo before they left just in case they got lost and I had to report it to the Police!! at least I would have an up-to-date photo to give them!! LOL

This leaves Karmen and I home alone until Thursday. Karmen, as you will see from the following photos, is not at least bothered as long as Prince (next door's cat) comes to visit.

Prince has discovered that he can now climb the apple tree in our garden.

However, Karmen is not too happy about this and tries to encourage him back down.

Then it's time for a bite to eat. As you can see from the bowls they demolished the food I put out for them.

Then after running up and down the stairs, round and round the garden and in and out of the kitchen - it's time for chat .....

then a doze...

Last photo of the day - Karl holding Prince

Sunflowers

2009-05-03T19:00:00.004+01:00

I have planted seven sunflowers this afternoon, which I have grown from seed and in a few months time they will look like this picture ;)

I can dream!! can't I?

Being thoughtful

2009-05-01T11:44:00.003+01:00

On a Thursday evening I prepare and lead a service within a Sheltered Housing Complex - about 25-30 residents attend - for many the last time they set foot within a church regularly was in attending Sunday school in their childhood. Over the last year some residents have started attending The Salvation Army on a Sunday morning and others have revisited churches from their childhood.

When I arrived to take the very 1st service (Feb 08) one of the residents had set up a small table with a beautiful tablecloth and a candle placed in the middle and when one candle burns itself away - another candle is present by another resident. Last night I was presented with this candle from Ratna, a delightful quiet Indian gentleman.

The simplicity of the candle and the added fact that Ratna has painted the cross on it makes the gift truly appreciated. It is in such simple moments that I feel the presence and the love of God in the midst of us all.

Pink Saturday - I'm OK :)

2009-04-25T08:57:00.007+01:00

Click here for more Pink Saturday contributions

Karmen loves it when I make the bed as she ducks in and out and up and over the sheets and duvet cover. As I didn't get home until late last night it was about 11pm before I was able to remake the bed and what fun Karmen and I had!!!!

My bedding is pink - being a young lady I do believe it is the pinkness of the sheets and pillowslips that Karmen appreciates :) Well, I had just put the pillowslips on the pillows turned around to pick up the top sheet and there she was ..as snug as a bug in a rug.. inbetween two of pillows. Thankfully I had my mobile phone by the side of bed and took these photos.

for my photo hunt entry click here

Today's post

2009-04-24T14:33:00.002+01:00

Today's post is at http://www.judithcommunitychaplain.blogspot.com/

plus a photo of my mum, dad and two brothers visiting my grandparents grave in North Walsham - I asked for a group photo and this is what I got!!! Not one I can really put out on the sideboard :)

Karmen this morning

2009-04-23T08:49:00.005+01:00

Karmen adores climbing the apple tree in the garden and now that it is covered in leaves it is also a good hiding place :)

2009-04-13T12:00:00.002+01:00

Hi folk - I'm off to Spring Harvest, Minehead tomorrow until Sunday with 30 other folk from The Salvation Army, Barking. If you click here you will be transported to the Spring Harvest site.

Take care, Judith

Pink Saturday - church

2009-04-11T08:53:00.006+01:00

please visit Beverly by clicking here and visit other other delightful Pink Saturday contributions.

My contribution today is a gift a received a few years ago by a friend who stayed with us and it is a cute wooden pink church with an enclosed pink slip of paper with a Bible verse Psalm 20:4-5

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Psalm 20:4-5 (NIV)

Thames View Lodge - The Old Rugged Cross

2009-04-09T11:02:00.004+01:00

my post today can be located http://www.judithcommunitychaplain.blogspot.com/

When all else fails!! pray and garden

2009-04-08T16:28:00.011+01:00

Yesterday my father went into hospital for surgery to remove a growth from behind his prostate gland. The surgery went extremely well and by the evening Dad was back on his ward recovering. I know that his recovery was aided by all the prayers being uttered and expressed on his behalf from family, friends and even by my 'twitter' friends.

Karl with my Mum and Dad - taken Christmas 2008

But even so when it came to 2.30pm, the time for his surgery, I really didn't know what to do with myself so decided to partake in my father's favourite past time - gardening. So off into the garden I went - digging, weeding and re-planting some of my plants.

a blurred ladybird

a white Dicentra Spectabilis - Alba

a red Dicentra Spectabilis -Bleeding Heart ready to be planted in one of the beds.

Before I knew it an hour or so had past by and when I phoned my mother she informed me that all was well and that they were waiting to transfer Dad back to his ward.

Thank you, Lord.

And, oh yes, Karmen was a great comfort to me!!! she slept the whole day :)

I know it's nature BUT

2009-04-07T09:41:00.006+01:00

One of my favourite birds is the Sparrow - I love watching them bathe in the soil that I have just turned over in the garden - watching them chase each other and then feed from the bird feeder on the apple tree. My neighbour, William, has all sorts of goodies in his garden to attract them plus a variety of nesting boxes which they do use. However, over the last few years we have sadly noticed their demise as less and less sparrows visit and nest in our gardens.

a pair of china sparrows Nigel & I received as a wedding present 28 years ago.

I know one of the reasons why and it's because we must have nesting sparrowhawks in the area - last year they visited my garden a few times to capture sparrows and this morning my theory was proved right when I heard twittering in the garden and rush to the patio door only to see a sparrowhawk swoop down into the hedges and swoop out with a little sparrow in its clutches (the sparrow was still alive) then the sparrowhawk landed on the path in my garden with the intention of killing its prey. I thought (foolishly) if I banged on the window it would drop the sparrow and fly off but no it just flew off with the sparrow and the sparrows family and friends twittering in the background.

Sparrowhawk - picture taken from the internet.

Now I know that it's all part of nature BUT it still churned my stomach to witness the catch.

Pink Saturday

2009-04-04T10:26:00.005+01:00

Pink Saturday fun - click here to visit Beverly and other Pink Saturday participants.

This week my Pink Saturday post is a photo I took Thursday evening of two of my delightful ladies who attend the Thursday evening service at Thames View Lodge. I took their photo on my mobile and, unfortunately, the quality is not at all brilliant and does not depict their beautiful pink blouses at all.

Eve (left) is coming up to 91 and Daisy (right) is her late 70's both ladies were singers and dancers performing in shows. Both ladies are absolute gems and Thursday evenings wouldn't be the same without them.

I explained to them the reason why I wanted to take their photo - neither had heard of blogging but knew of the Internet. So I explained that they would be seen by people all over the world and they were quite happy with that thought :))

Two photos and an award :)

2009-04-02T09:10:00.007+01:00

A photo Ali took of me with a delightful gentleman advertizing the Internet as I clutch my Ireland mug that Ali gave me as a present.

The photo is rather dark but just to prove that we did meet - Ali and I in Garfunkel's resturant.

Then many thanks to Valerie from Simply 4 God for presenting me with this award. Valerie is truly an inspirational lady and I enjoy reading her posts which always come straight from the heart. Thanks Valerie.

History of the Uber Award:
Uber (synonym to Super) Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to sites who; inspire you, make you smile and laugh, gives amazing information, a great read, have an amazing design and any other reasons you can think of that makes them UBER amazing!

Here are the rules:

•Copy the badge and put the logo on your blog sidebar or post.

• Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing!

• Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.

•Share the love and link to this this post and to the person you received your award from.

•Come back and comment here so that your link could be added to the master list of awardees.

The Uber Award goes to:

Deb - Ladybug from Texas

John - John Ager's Home on the Web

Ali - The Diary of a Reformed Workaholic

Elaine - A Scattering

Janet - Greetings from Gauteng

Sandi - Rose Chintz Cottage & Inspirations

the wheels on the bus go round and round

2009-04-01T15:02:00.011+01:00

Until my new car arrives I have been travelling on public transport and particularly on the 387 bus and have lost 7lbs in weight in the process!!

Us Londoners seem to have the reputation of being very insular and not at all chatty when it comes to travelling on the public transport - well, today I would like to correct that perception. Yes, OK I admit the whole bus is not buzzing with people talking and chatting to each other - a lot of the time it would appear that they are actually talking to themselves (on their mobile phones) or listening to their iPods or gazing dreamily out of the window. However, I can honestly say that every bus ride I have taken, so far, I have managed to strike up a conversation with someone who has only been too happy to tell me about their day, their lives and where they are going next!!

Today I had a chat with a lovely lady who told me how for the last five years she has been a cook within a primary school in Barking. How she was looking forward to the Easter Holidays because she was feeling tired but she does so love her job even though it's only for four hours a day.

So next time you are on a bus or any other form of public transport - don't assume that people do not want to talk. I still strongly believe that folk are just waiting for someone to listen to their story and to dialogue. Some of my pensioners travel on the bus just so that they see a face, have the opportunity to exchange greetings with someone even if it's only the bus driver - it gets them out of their flat or house. You know it's good to talk and even better to listen.

Two old ladies meet for lunch

2009-03-31T16:55:00.004+01:00

Ali's photo came out better than mine so the one above will have to do until I get a copy from Ali.

Well we've met!! and what a wonderful time. Thankfully Ali knows Tottenham Ct Road and Oxford Street better than me (from her previous life!!) and we were able to have lunch in Garfunkel's, followed by a stroll then tea at Costa Coffee. Actually it felt like having lunch with a friend I've known for years rather then someone I've met via blogger :)

On the train home I thought to myself - I think we've covered and talked about every area of life within four hours - do you think that's a woman thing? we can cover pregnancy, varicose veins, work, family and Obama all in one conversation :) Obama will be flying into Stanstead Airport as Ali will be flying out.

Ali also very generously presented me with these gifts - a beautiful t-towel and mug - thanks Ali. Great to meet you and hopefully Nigel & I can visit you and Graham over in Belfast.

Barking meets Belfast

2009-03-31T09:06:00.003+01:00

Today I am meeting a blogging friend for the 1st time. We have spoken on the phone on a few occasions but Ali (http://www.chemicalsblog.blogspot.com/) has flown over from Northern Ireland and is staying in a hotel in Tottenham Ct Road in London and I shall meet her at 11.30 ready for lunch. What fun :)

Pink Saturday

2009-03-27T23:53:00.006Z

click here for other pink saturday participants.

A pink hand tickling the tummy of a black and white cat with a pink nose who is sleeping on her pink blanket.

Oh I deserve this :)

2009-03-27T19:01:00.004Z

Since my car crash at the end of January I have been travelling by foot and on public transport because, at the moment, I don't have a car (new one arrives at the beginning of May) and today I was just tired, aching and just wanted to get home and put my feet up!! having the spent the afternoon at Dianne's farewell bash - click here for post.

I had to buy some milk and cat food so got off the bus outside the co-op and there spied 4 mars for a £1 - well I must admit I don't normally buy myself chocolate but oh they were calling out to me!! honestly :)

Did I enjoy my cuppa and mars bar when I got home? you bet I did!! Nigel & Karl enjoyed finishing off the rest :)

Horse and Carriage

2009-03-27T09:08:00.005Z

I was out in Ilford yesterday buying 'farewell' presents and balloons ready for Dianne's farewell from the Thames View Advice Centre (of which I am a Trustee) and on my way back to the bus stop I had to pass the Funeral Directors and came across this wonderful sight!!

There were two lovely ladies responsible for grooming these horses and also riding behind them infront of the carriage. I asked their permission to take these photos on my mobile phone and they were only too delighted to oblige and then I had a very interesting chat with them regarding their responsibilites etc. (just to say that the carriage was empty - no coffin in it yet!!)

Horse and carriage funerals are very traditional with the really 'old east-enders of London Town' but are now becoming more popular but also very expensive.

Judith (Community Chaplain)

2009-03-25T15:03:00.003Z

I am entering a very exciting time within my ministry, which I have been working towards for the last 5 years - a new worship space within a new housing area.

Because there is so much going through my mind and so much to do, as well continuing to minister to folk I am already ministering too!!! I have decided to start another blog so that I can organize my mind (do you feel like that sometimes - you just have to write things down to clear your head?) I would be honoured if you had the time to visit me there too and comment - don't we all just love comments? it's your comments that encourge me.

By clicking on the photo you will be transported to my 'ministry site' - thank you.

God bless you all - Judith

Wordless Wednesday - school children

2009-03-25T07:30:00.004Z

Taken at Mamprobi School, Ghana - July 2001

for more Wordless Wednesday participants click here

photo of the day

2009-03-23T21:11:00.002Z

can you see her? Karmen hiding in the holly bush!! *ouch*

Blue Monday - Mothering Sunday

2009-03-23T08:13:00.007Z

For more Blue Monday participants visit Sally by clicking here

Yesterday, in the UK, it was Mothering Sunday which now has become very commerical and is know to the general public as 'Mother's Day; however, that was not it's true beginnings.

History of Mothering Sunday
Most Sundays in the year churchgoers in England worship at their nearest parish or 'daughter church'.
Centuries ago it was considered important for people to return to their home or 'mother' church once a year. So each year in the middle of Lent, everyone would visit their 'mother' church - the main church or Cathedral of the area.
Inevitably the return to the 'mother' church became an occasion for family reunions when children who were working away returned home. (It was quite common in those days for children to leave home for work once they were ten years old.)
And most historians think that it was the return to the 'Mother' church which led to the tradition of children, particularly those working as domestic servants, or as apprentices, being given the day off to visit their mother and family.
As they walked along the country lanes, children would pick wild flowers or violets to take to church or give to their mother as a small gift.

some of my flowers/plants which I received on Mothering Sunday at church.

Karmen's Tales

2009-03-22T14:31:00.009Z

Karmen as an 8 week old kitten - she is now 22 weeks old

I know some of you were following the adventures of my kitten, Karmen, but I have to say that I was finding it difficult to keep two blogs going - so decided to delete 'Karmen's Tales'. However, just to prove that she is still alive and kicking!! :) here are some photos of her which I took yesterday.

Karmen 'Queen of the Apple Tree'

surveying her territory

not quite so ladylike and one reason why I haven't put a collar on her!!

back down to earth

it's exhausting looking after the garden - so time for a snooze

Pink Saturday - Pink Photos

2009-03-21T08:28:00.008Z

click here to visit other Pink Saturday participants..

I took these photos on my mobile phone whilst Nigel and I drove over the Queen Elizabeth Bridge and it wasn't until I downloaded them later that I realized how pink they were. I can only assume that the sun shinning through the unopened sun-roof of the car must have bounced off my camera-phone to produced such interesting photos. I could probably sell them for a fortunate as modern art :)

Pictures from the last few days

2009-03-20T20:55:00.011Z

Sunbury Court - where Nigel & I attended the Retreat
my favourite tree in the grounds

one of the gardens - Hampton Court Palace grounds -Hampton Court Palace swan in the lake at Hampton Court Palace
deer from the park opposite Hampton Court

Thank you Valerie

2009-03-20T08:51:00.003Z

It's encouraging, isn't it? when folk acknowledge that they enjoy reading your blog- SO I have two 'thank you':-

Firstly to Valerie of Simply 4 God who has very kindly given me this award. Valerie and I have been blogging friends for nearly a year now and I thank her for her friendship and encouragement.

Secondly I would like to pass this award on to those who very kindly follow me and to those who very kindly often comment on my posts. Thank you.

I am amazed at the different ways we design, present, post our blogs because they represent us - our personality in a 'virtual world' to many who have not met us in the flesh. So well done everyone and God bless you all.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T10:43:00.005Z

I had to share this card with you that I received from a blogging friend (Ali) who lives in Northern Ireland. It arrived just as I was putting the finishing touches to the house before I leave to go to Sunbury Court (click here for previous post) and it made me laugh. I know you will laugh too :)

Thanks Ali of http://www.chemicalsblog.blogspot.com/

Retreat - 17th-19th March

2009-03-17T06:20:00.006Z

Nigel and I shall be leaving later this morning to attend our Divisional Retreat, which is held at Sunbury Court. This event occurs, at this time, every year and it is an opportunity for all of us (about 40 people who work and minister within The Salvation Army - church leaders, social centre managers and chaplains) to meet up and and share fellowship, listen to and be challenged by guest speakers as well as being able to relax in beautiful surroundings. I shall be taking my camera and laptop so, hopefully, will be able to post some photos for you too see.

The theme for this years Retreat is "LivingWell - Discipleship" and Major Noel Wright is our guest speaker and he will be sharing God's word with us from John 4 and John 6. John will be leading three sessions which are entitled:-

1. Living well by drinking
2. Living well by eating
3. Living well by being thirsty and hungry

If the weather in Sunbury on Thames is anything like the weather we have been enjoying here in Barking - then we are certainly in for a treat as the grounds of Sunbury Court as well as the area surrounding it will be beautiful. This is a photo of Sunbury Court, which I have taken of their website and you can read more about the house and location here

Blue Monday - Blue Jeans

2009-03-16T09:12:00.004Z

I can't believe it!! but it's Monday again - so time for another Blue Monday adventure. To view other Blue Monday participants click here.

I can't believe it!! but it's Monday again!! and the sun is shining again!! LOL As I was away last week I've got a bit of washing to catch up with and the first load into the washing machine is Nigel and Karl's blue jeans.

Enjoy your day - time to hang the 1st load out and put the 2nd load in... more blue jeans :)

Old Post Card

2009-03-14T20:55:00.011Z

I was in the garage this afternoon looking through some books which I have in storage and came across the above postcard - I had sent the card to my grandmother in 1993 not long after Nigel, Karl and I had returned from Bangladesh. The postcard informed her of our well-being, of Karl starting a new school and it concludes with me saying 'We think and remember you in our prayers'

Nanna was a very quiet, tiny and unassuming lady but now when I look back at her life Nanna was also quite a formidable woman for her era. Before she entered The Salvation Army Training College to become a Salvation Army Officer (minister) she had trained and worked as a nurse in King Georges Hospital, Ilford and she put both roles (Nurse & Minister) into practice when, alongside my Grandfather, they found themselves in India ministering for The Salvation Army in various hospitals during the 1930's - 1940's.

When my grandfather died at an early age - my Nanna went in charge of various Salvation Army Hostels and Eventide Homes, in the UK, before she retired at the age of 60 in the 1970's. It was at this point that she learnt to drive and had a little green mini with a white roof but not only that Nanna also went and learnt some basic car mechanics!! quite a lady.

I particularly remember my Nanna Partridge as being faithful in prayer and whenever she stayed with us, when I was still living at home, she would rise early so that she could have her morning devotions before the day would commence. After Nanna died my Auntie Margaret gave me Nanna's devotional book 'Streams in the Desert' and inserted in the page of the day that she went into hospital was the postcard that I had sent a few years earlier.

I have been looking for the card for sometime now and knew that it was tucked away somewhere safely!! so how ironic to find it in a book of prayer :) that would have made her smile.

New Every Morning

2009-03-14T09:07:00.014Z

New every morning is the love

Our wakening and uprising prove,

Through sleep and darkness safely brought,

Restored to life and power and thought.

If on our daily course our mind

Be set to hallow all we find,

New treasures still of countless price

God will provide for sacrifice.

Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be
As more of Heaven in each we see;

Some softening glean of love and prayer

Shall dawn on every cross and care.

The trivial round, the common task,
Will furnish all we ought to ask;
Room to deny ourselves, a road
To bring us daily nearer God.

Only, O Lord, in they great love,
Fit us for perfect rest above;
And help us, this and every day,
To live more nearly as we pray.

John Keble (1792-1866)

An encounter in the library

2009-03-10T13:11:00.004Z

I met a delightful young man in the college library last evening - that's got you all reading this post!!!! whose name is Mark and, before you all get to excited :) he is married to Dawn and they have a little girl called Catherine.

Mark, along with his wife Dawn, are training to be Salvation Army Officers and are now coming to the end of the 2nd year of training. Mark very kindly shared some of his story with me and that is why I would dearly love you to turn to Catherine's Blog, read it and prayer for them as a family and, if you so desire even tell them that you are praying for them.

http://www.catherineisgreat.blogspot.com/

Thanks, Judith

William Booth College

2009-03-09T21:01:00.003Z

Hi Folks

Just to let you know that this week (Monday-Friday) I am at The Salvation Army College (William Booth College), which is situated in Denmark Hill, London. I have here for another residential week in relation to my degree course (Pastoral Care with Psychology) so will not be blogging this week but, hopefully, will still be able to visit your blogs.

Take care, Judith

checking up on me!!

2009-03-07T18:26:00.004Z

It's rather disturbing or flattering when you realize that other bloggers actually DO read your posts and even more frightening when they request a follow up!! :)

Last Sunday I posted about the fact that my vicar, Revd David, had put me in charge of the garden tray that the children had scattered seeds into during the Family Service - I am to bring it back to Family Service this Sunday (tomorrow) so that the children can see how their seeds have grown- you can read the original post here

Well, Ali has posted a comment wanting to know how the garden was progressing, especially as the dear little souls were very anxious last week that it had been left in my care!! Ali here is a photo of the garden tray and I'm very relieved that tomorrow is the last day because as you can see the mustard and cress are drooping rather a lot and require harvesting.

Boys and their toys

2009-03-07T07:55:00.007Z

It has been rather a busy but enjoyable few days and I shall endeavour this afternoon to catch up with everyone. In the meantime I thought I would share these two pictures with you of my husband, Nigel.

When we first met in 1979 Nigel was driving a little blue mini, which we both loved and we had the little mini for the next eight years.. we went everywhere in - this photo was taken on our honeymoon in 1981 in Scotland.

Then came the 'sensible' years - cars that would accommodate family, work etc but now that isn't a necessity and, at nearly 50, Nigel's gone back to a 'fun' car again, which is a Fiat 500 and doesn't he look happy!!!

This car has 'bluetooth' which means it syncs with his phone and he just has to say press a button on the steering wheel and say 'call Judith Schultz' and a very nice lady replies 'call Judith Schultz now?' and he says 'Yes' and my phone rings!! At the moment this feature in the car is a novelty and I get phone call every time he's out driving in the car!! not that I'm complaining :)

Wordless Wednesday - Haircut

2009-03-03T19:23:00.002Z

Photo taken in August 1991 - Karl having his haircut in a Barbers in Coonoor, India (He still doesn't like getting his hair cut!!)

for other Wordless Wednesday participants - click here

That's my world - Tuesday

2009-03-03T09:19:00.009Z

Nigel & I like to take a week or so every year just to travel to different parts of the UK that we have not previously visited before. I have always wanted to see the Angel of the North and so that's just what we did last year.

The 208-tonne “Angel” basically takes the form of a human figure based on artist Antony Gormley's own body. At 20 metres high, the Angel is higher than a five-storey building. Its wings are 54 metres wide - almost the same as a jumbo jet. Overlooking the A1 at Gateshead, at least 90,000 motorists a day will pass by the sculpture. Rail passengers travelling on the East Coast mainline from London to Edinburgh will also see the angel as they approach Newcastle. information taken from website - click here for further information

sitting on the foot of the Angel of the North

for more world picture click here.

Blue Monday - Blue Skies

2009-03-02T09:33:00.005Z

click on the picture to visit Sally and other Blue Monday participants.

What a glorious day in Barking, UK to celebrate 'Blue Monday' the sky outside is a glorious shade of blue with not a cloud in sight - so for Blue Monday here is a photo taken at 9am of my beautiful blue sky - just to prove that we do occasionally have wonderful weather in the UK even if it does only last for the morning!! :)

followed by one of my favourite bands as a teenager - ELO (Electric Light Orchester) singing 'Mr Blue Sky'

Oh the stress of it all!!

2009-03-01T12:44:00.005Z

Just home from church and feeling stressed out!!! and this photo shows the cause of it..

Today's story in Family church was the parable of the sower - Revd David had made this interesting garden out of soil and pebbles to use as his illustration. Well all was going well - he invited the children to take turns in throwing seeds into the garden to see where they landed - the children were having a whale of a time and us, adults, were enjoying watching them enjoying themselves. It was at that point I should have made an excuse of having to go and conduct some emergency visiting somewhere!!

Revd David announced to the children "As I'm on holiday next week and Judy is leading the Family Service I'll ask her to look after the garden and bring it back next week so you can see how your seeds have grown." I sat with a frozen smile on my face as 15 pairs of children's eyes (aged 7 and under) glared back at me and I have to say, at this point, that they were not amused!! I could see it written on their faces 'Revd David you are leaving our garden with Judy?'

I tried to make some intelligent enthusiastic noises about 'oh what fun' etc etc but they didn't look convinced - in fact Jeremy, aged 4, on the way out of service came up to me and said "Now Judy don't forget to water OUR garden." Young as they are they have already sussed me out and know that I am useless with plants..

So I am feeling rather stressed - do I water the garden now or tomorrow? do I water it everyday? where do I put it? and lastly 'I hope the cat doesn't find it and thinks it's another dirt tray' I now need to go and lie down and rest...

Pink Saturday - Tablecloth

2009-02-28T08:39:00.006Z

To visit Beverly and other Pink Saturday participants - please click the logo.

Nigel is holding a table top sale at the church this morning so I have been busy this week going through cupboards and drawers sorting out items, which we no longer use or just don't need anymore.

I started to sorting out my table cloths and came across this particular one that I bought about 15 years ago whilst living in Paignton. The tablecloth is hand embroidered by a lady (Amy) that I used to work with about 30 years ago and her sister was selling the tablecloths at a craft fayre.

The photograph really doesn't show the fine needlework and the beautiful pink flowers off to their full potential. I must admit I rarely use it because I'm frightened that it might get spoiled, which is silly really because it's just going to waste sitting in my drawer - so I shall iron it and put on my dinning room table.

Amy is now in 80's and lives in a sheltered housing complex but my memories of her is seeing her at lunchtimes sitting in her office busy sewing away. I bought the tablecloth because of those memories and because of the time and effort she put into each piece.

Wordless Wednesday - Trains

2009-02-25T08:24:00.007Z

The World of Steam Trains - Bellblue Railway, East Sussex, UK

to visit other Wordless Wednesday participants - click here

That's my world - Tuesday

2009-02-24T09:39:00.007Z

click on the logo to visit other places in the world.

One of many aspects I love about London is the interesting skyline - the old and new buildings mingling side by side. This photograph gives you an example..

At the front is The Tower of London a building 900 years old and in the back ground is a building, situated in the main financial district of the city of London, know as The Gherkin formerly the Swiss Re Building and probably about 10-12 years old - but, to me, neither structures look out of place but complement each other.

Now I know where I went for the weekend

2009-02-23T09:24:00.008Z

Well it was near Gatwick Airport but far more beautiful and peaceful!! We stayed at The Roebuck Hotel, Wych Cross which is situated in the Ashdown Forest. This photo is courtesy of the Roebuck Hotel website.We certainly had a comfortable room and our Rotary President and his wife, Laurie and Vera, had left gifts in each of the Rotarian rooms - a plant for the ladies and a Rotary International candle for the gentleman. We met up in one of the lounges for our evening meals and Nigel certainly enjoyed sitting on the leather sofa in front of the fire.Having a laugh with Vera.

Me with Rose and Dorothy before our evening meal.

I could write and write and write and show photograph after photograph because we did indeed have a fabulous weekend with our Rotary friends BUT the highlight for us was taking a ride on the Bluebell Steam trains and I leave you with two video clips that Nigel took and has uploaded onto YouTube.Me on the Bluebell train - pulling a face at something or someone!!

Gatwick Airport

2009-02-19T21:44:00.003Z

Nigel & I are going away tomorrow until Sunday with the Barking Rotary Club. Now last year we had a wonderful weekend in Lowestoft (even though it snowed) but this year it's a mystery!! I asked Nigel where we were going and all I could him say was 'Gatwick' so I'm not too sure whether or not we are staying at the airport all weekend!! :) will let you know on Monday
To reassure my cat friends- Karmen will be staying home with Karl. I do hope they don't throw any wild parties whilst I'm away :0

ABC's of the Word - Be

2009-02-19T08:31:00.006Z

to read other ABC's of the word click on the logo.

Today's letter is B

Not only is it ABC's of the Word but it is also my 100th post!! WOW However, for me there is only one Bible verse for the letter B and that is taken from Psalm 46:10 'Be still and know that I am God'.

I once read that no matter how fast the wheel of bicycle is turning that right in the centre of the hub there is stillness. I like that illustration and can easily apply it to my own life - I am many BE's and if I take each spoke of the wheel and put a BE on it ie. BE a wife, BE a mother, BE a daughter, BE a sister, BE a friend, BE a minister, BE a listener, BE a volunteer, BE a follower of Christ, Be a disciple, BE an employee, BE a workmate, BE a Community Chaplain, BE a neighbour and so and so. I'm sure you can apply the same to your life. Well I can BE because right at the centre of my hub I have learnt to BE still in God's presence and acknowledge Him daily as Lord of my life.

One of my favourite singers is Aled Jones and here he is singing 'Be Still in the presence of the Lord'.

Outdoor Wednesday - Pleshey

2009-02-18T09:36:00.008Z

visit other Outdoor Wednesday posts by clicking on the logo

One of my most favourite places that I visit every year is a village called Pleshey. I visit because I'm on retreat with other Chaplains and the Church of England Retreat House is in the village of Pleshey. For me it's the church I adore and because it's OUTDOOR Wednesday here are some photos I took last June.

and view opposite the church
and a beautiful little figurine (minus an arm) sitting on a grave stone in the church grave yard

Wordless Wednesday - Sweets

2009-02-18T09:01:00.004Z

Sweet shop in Rye, UK - what are/were your favourite sweets?

further more Wordless Wednesday goodies click here

That's my world - Tuesday

2009-02-17T08:55:00.005Z

It's fascinating to see pictures from around the world so why don't you click on the logo?

When I was child I can remember the various tradesmen coming down our road selling their wares - fish monger, vegetable cart, rag and bone man, the milkman and when we lived in Northern Ireland the coal man -nowadays this is a rare sight. But I was over the moon yesterday when this delightful gentleman came a calling down our road and Nigel was his 1st customer when he took his lawnmower out to have the blades sharpened..

Not only was his wagon a pure colourful delight but so was he - a real gem of an Eastender with a wonderful cockney accent.

Blue Monday - Books

2009-02-16T10:49:00.005Z

interested in the colour BLUE? then visit Sally at Blue Monday by clicking the logo.

Karl's away for a few days so I decided that it was a good opportunity to clean and shampoo the carpet in his room. Whilst in the process of clearing his room I started on his books and realized that most of his collection have 'blue' covers. Here is a section of them:-

His reading material ranges from Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenim, Nathaniel Hawthorne to name a few and not forgetting The Path to Freedom by His Holiness The Dalai Lamar. Karl is very much like my youngest brother who also has the ability to read and walk at the same time!! :) without walking into any lamp-posts...

Morning at Church

2009-02-15T13:05:00.008Z

Israel, Lydia, Florence, Mary and Tom leading a time of 'Praise and Worship'.

I am very privileged to be part of an Ecumenical team, which we call an LEP (Local Ecumenical Partnership) and through this I worship and minister alongside Revd David Pearson at Christ Church. David & I have been working together now for nearly five years and in that time we have seen quite a change in our congregation. Christ Church is on an estate called Thames View, which is only 50 years old and was originally white indigenous people, but now it is home to people from all over the world - Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Eastern Europe, Congo and the list goes on. We are delighted that our congregation reflects the neighbourhood and so we now have a very interesting congregation.

David & I decided to help everyone we would all start wearing name badges - this has gone down a treat and the change in the atmosphere on a Sunday is overwhelming. Not that people were not friendly before!!! but somehow wearing your name has made communication a lot easier and has also encouraged regular attendance.

The Church Council decided to go one step further and hold a 'Brunch' inviting everyone to bring a dish from their Country - well that was today and what success it was. We held it at 11.00 just after the Communion Service and just before the Family Service in order that we could also engage both congregations to meet and eat with each other.

PhotoHunt - Nautical

2009-02-14T09:13:00.004Z

'Kids Fun Day Out' is an event organized by Barking Rotary Club every year in Barking Park and one of the activities is a ride around Barking Park Lake in a boat. My son, Karl, always helps out on this day and works with a team at the Boating Lake.
for more nautical photos visit PhotoHunt at tnchick.com

Pink Saturday - Time

2009-02-14T08:12:00.007Z

please click on the logo to visit Beverly and other Pink Saturday participants.

Nigel bought me this watch a few years ago and, although the photo is not that particularly clear, I hope you can see a pink heart on the face of the watch?

Well today is Valentine's Day - a day when flowers, chocolates, cards and other gifts will be passed from one person to another in declaration of LOVE.

I was thinking what, for me, is the best declaration of love and that is TIME. Pure undiluted, unadulterated TIME. I think Time is the best gift we can give anyone because our TIME is so precious to us, we have so many things we want to do that just to spend TIME in each others company is the most precious gift of all.

One of my all time favourite songs is sung by Louis Armstrong 'We have all the time in the world.'

We have all, the time in the world
Time enough for life
To unfold
All the precious things
Love has in store
We have all the love in the world
If that's all we have
You will find
We need nothing more
Every step of the way
Will find us
With the cares of the world
Far behind us
We have all the time in the world
Just for love
Nothing more
Nothing less
Only love
Every step of the way
Will find us
With the cares of the world
Far behind us
Yes We have all the time in the world
Just for love
Nothing more
Nothing less
Only love
Only love

In amongst the flowers, chocolates, cards - I hope you do have the opportunity just to spend time with the one you love.

Happy Valentines Day to you.

Show and Tell Friday

2009-02-13T10:28:00.007Z

click on the picture to visit our hostess Kelli and other 'Show and Tell' participants.

For my 40th birthday I received this delightful ornament called 'Henry and friends' - I received it from a very special lady called Wendy.

Major Wendy Leavey is a ordained Salvation Army Officer (minister) who has lived and ministered in Ghana for probably just over 30 years. Before becoming a Salvation Army Officer Wendy trained as a Midwife and she has combined her role as Midwife and as a Minister as she has served and loved the people of Ghana. I don't know how many babies Wendy has delivered over the years, many a time in areas where there is no running water or electricity and in the extreme heat.

I remember staying with her one weekend and being present at the birth of a child which was just magical then two hours later Wendy got called out to the clinic again as another mother arrived and the birth was a complicated one with the result that the baby died and the Mother was extremely weak but with the care and love from Wendy and her nurses the mother pulled through. However, what I remember vividly is Wendy coming back from the clinic and telling me what had happened and I thought to myself, at the time, you have been through this so many times and you would normally come back to an empty home in the middle of nowhere - on that occasion I was glad I was there to make a cup of tea on a gas ring (no electricity) and this was before the times of mobiles and telephones so Wendy wouldn't have any means of talking to a friend about her day.

Wendy has also over the many years sponsored so many children through schooling and University - Wendy is truly one exceptional Woman of God.

ABC's of the Word - Altar

2009-02-12T10:33:00.009Z

please visit other contributors to ABC's of the word by clicking on the picture.

Today's letter is the letter A.

Genesis 12:7..Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, "I am going to give this land to your offspring." And Abram built and altar to there to commemorate the Lord's visit.

I love this imagery in the old Testament of folk, like Abram, building altars to commemorate an important moment with the Lord. As they were nomadic people they would return to the same place at some other point in their journey and pitch up their tents - they would see the pile of stones, their altar, and remember the occasion and reason why it was built and once again give thanks to God.

I often use this imagery when taking a funeral, especially for non-Christians, I suggest to those present that they, too, take a pebble and place it somewhere that was an important place for them and the deceased and when they visit that place to give thanks to God for that persons life but also ask God to be present in their own.

I have met folk again in the shops who have seen me and have said, "I still have that pebble and I still pray to God and thank them for mum/dad/brother's life and I pray for myself."

Do you have altars in your life that you can revisit time and time again and give thanks to God?

This is a pebble I found in our garage - someone has painted the praying hands on it. Please copy and paste it onto the sidebar of your blog so that every time you open your blog you will remember like Abram to stop and remember how Great is our God.

Wordless Wednesday - Me and my shadow

2009-02-10T22:30:00.003Z

click here for other Wordless Wednesday participants

That's my World - Tuesday

2009-02-09T21:40:00.005Z

to visit other locations around the world click on the picture.

My favourite part of London is St. Katherine's Dock and in particular Tower Bridge. I keep reminding my son that I would love to have a flat in retirement over looking the bridge - would only cost about million pounds!!! Anyway, I took these photos on my mobile on a cold evening whilst out for a walk with my husband.

and under the bridge..

Blue Monday - Hadleigh Salvation Army

2009-02-09T09:59:00.003Z

Please click on the picture to visit Sally, our hostess, and other Blue Monday contributors.

The Salvation Army Corps (Church) in Hadleigh, Essex is a relatively new building and this is a view of the roof standing inside the building. The roof is pine wood with a glass dome with stained glass illustrating The Salvation Army colours - yellow, red and blue.

Yellow for the fire of the Holy Spirit. Red for the Blood of Jesus. Blue for the purity of God

Photo Hunt Saturday - Bridge

2009-02-07T18:12:00.003Z

In the early 1990's Nigel & I lived and worked for The Salvation Army in Bangladesh. I had already crossed this bamboo bridge and had turned around to take a picture of Nigel in the hope that he might have fallen in!! lol

for further photo hunt photos leave a comment at tnchick.com

Pink Saturday - Pick a verse

2009-02-07T08:16:00.008Z

Pink Saturday is here again so why don't you visit Beverly by clicking on the logo for other Pink Saturday delights! :)

Yesterday I read Sally's 'Show and Tell' post at SmilingSallyand it gave me inspiration for my Pink Saturday post - so thank you Sally.

In the photo is my pink metal Bible, a tea for one set, a Belleek white and pink vase and 'Bread of Life' Bible Text Box

In the late 1980's in my 1st Parish in place called Lisburn, Northern Ireland - I met a delightful lady called Edith. Edith, at this point in her life, was now living in a nursing home and by her bed she had a little table on which was always her Bible, a small vase of flowers and her precious 'Bread of Life' daily text box (or Promise Box). Every morning when one of the staff members came to see her with her morning tea - Edith would invite that staff member to open her 'Bread of Life' box and pick a Bible Text for the day.

When Edith died her little box was given to me by her nephew but what I found so amazing and encouraging was that, although Edith found her self in a nursing home, it was even here in her own small way she could encourage others to read God's word. At her funeral a number of staff members came to me and said that it was the highlight of their day to take Edith her tea and to pick a verse.

Now my friends - I would like to do the same for you :) if you would like me to pick out a text for you from Edith's 'Bread of Life' box - please indicate so in your comment and I will visit your blog and post the text in a comment.

Happy Pink Saturday to you.

browsing through photos

2009-02-06T21:08:00.007Z

I've been browsing through some of my photos on my computer and came across these taken a few months ago and thought I would share them. The photos are of Nigel & Karl's walking holiday across the Moors in Devon.

Thank you Lana

2009-02-05T14:25:00.004Z

We all love receiving post - well as long as its not reminders, bills etc!!! Well, today I received a card from a blogging friend - Lana who lives in Arizona and just to prove it I asked Nigel to take my photograph with the card.

The card is entitled 'The Servant's Reward' and is based on Matthew 25:21 "Well done, good and faithful servant!... Come and share your master's happiness!" and the story on card says this..

One day, when you are in heaven, someone will come up to you and thank you for the way you touched his or her life. The person's words will take you completely by surprise. Soon another person will seek you out, and then another and another. As you listen to each one's story, you will begin to discover all the ways that God used your life when you were unaware of it. You will find that it was most often not through the big things you did, but through the small and simple things - a spoken word that was not planned, a spontaneous act of kindness, a loving attitude, or a caring smile. To your joy, you will discover that in all these ways and more, God used you to deposit an eternal measure of His love into many needy hearts. He is using you in more ways that you can ever imagine.

Thank you Lana - it fits in so neatly with my ABC's of the word blog this morning and is a reminder to me to that in all that I do - I do to glorify His precious name.

Please visit Lana by clicking here because I know that you will, like me, find Lana an inspirational women of God and this is reflected through her blog.

ABC's of the Word

2009-02-05T11:55:00.007Z

click on the picture to read other ABC's of the word hosted by Pam.

Today's letter is Z

Zechariah 4:10

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbable's hand. For these seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world."

Many of the older Jews were disheartened when they realized this new temple would not match the size and beauty of the previous one. But God was thrilled with this beginning because it signified a new start in the people's faithfulness to him. God desires sincere hearts.

What you do for God may seem insignificant at the time but God rejoices in what is right, not necessarily in what is big. Be faithful in the small opportunities. Begin where you are, doing what you can, and accept God's pleasure over your smallest steps in the right direction.

(taken from the New Living Translation - Touch Point Bible)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-04T08:37:00.004Z

double click on photo to enlarge.

click here for other Wordless Wednesday participants

My garden this morning

2009-02-02T09:11:00.005Z

a little bit of snow and the UK comes to a grinding halt!!! The schools in our area are closed so as I have been uploading these photos I can hear the children next door in their garden having a wonderful time :)

My photo of the day - 9 (more added)

2009-02-01T19:10:00.008Z

Well actually two photos which I have just taken (7.10pm) the 1st is taken from the kitchen door looking out into the garden and 2nd from my front door into the street.

and this was taken an hour later at 8.10pmand this one was taken at 9.30pm - the snow is falling quickly and more heavily

Scenic Sunday

2009-02-01T08:47:00.007Z

click the picture to visit other Scenic Sunday photos

********

I can already begin to the signs of the daffodils in my garden appearing as the green shoots pop up through the soil and in my mind I can picture the splendour in the months to come.

*******

One of my favourite places to visit when the daffodils are at their peak is Hampton Court -one of the homes which belonged to Henry 8th - for more information on Hampton Court click here.

********

Here are two photos I took last spring

Thank you Riet

2009-01-29T20:14:00.007Z

I have had an award bestowed upon me from Riet. Riet is a wonderful lady that has been my blogging friend for about 2 months!! and what a talented lady she is - please visit her site by clicking on her name.

My award is....

isn't wonderful? Thank you Riet very much.

Awards are only special when given away so would the following people please accept this award:-

Smiling Sally, Ali, Cheryl, Janet, Valerie, Lana, Buskitten, Deanna, 2L3BS, Elaine, Charlie & Me and Sandi

Cheered me up!!

2009-01-29T16:48:00.005Z

A friend sent me these photographs this morning of Nigel riding a Bull!! They were taken during Unity week when different events were put on to bring people together. Nigel is the Chairman of the Barking & Dagenham Faith Forum - a group which consists of and invites ALL faiths to work together to create Unity within our Borough.

Well they made me smile..

Folk are very kind

2009-01-28T09:33:00.005Z

some of the flowers that I have received.

******

Last Sunday I was making my way to be the guest preacher at a church, which I had only been to once before, and as I was travelling along Cranbrook Road a car came around the bend too fast lost control and came skidding over to me and hit me on the drivers side of the car. Once the car had settled I noticed that there was grey smoke in the air and, thinking that my car was on fire, managed to make my escape via the passenger door, not realizing at the time that I was having a nose bleed and that all the buttons had burst of my blouse - so I must have looked a pretty sight!!! I learnt later that the smoke was from my air bags going off.

********

A lovely lady passer by came rushing over - I asked her to call the police and an ambulance because I realized that whoever was driving the other car hadn't got out. Two drivers pulled up and the first driver put me in the 2nd drivers car whilst he went to see to the driver who had crashed into me. The other driver was a young lady who eventually had to be cut out of her car due to back and leg pains. I have been informed that she is OK.

*******

Since Sunday I certainly now have a wonderful array of bruises and my foot has been strapped up, which I have been told to rest due to the swelling. BUT folk have just been so kind with their prayers, cards, flowers, visits, telephone calls, emails and texts. I know that some of those people read my blog and so I would want to say a big 'Thank You' to you all for your care and concern.

*******

I am very fortunate that I was able to walk away from the scene, fortunate to have a fabulous family and friends who have and are looking after me. I have cancelled my external engagements for this week and am working/resting from home.

Libera

2009-01-26T22:29:00.001Z

I think these youngsters are fabulous

My photo of the day - 8

2009-01-24T19:58:00.005Z

My photo of the day (well it's two really but of the same subject!!)

Who remembers the Janet & John books that we use to read at school? Well they're back - Nigel received a copy for Christmas.

What early reading books do you remember from your schools days?

Pink Saturday - Pink cheeks!!

2009-01-24T06:44:00.004Z

My word it's Saturday again!!! they come around so quickly..

If you would like to visit Beverly and other Pink Saturday participants than click on the picture.

My husband, just before Christmas, conducted a wedding at The Salvation Army for two of his parishioners and I had my photo taken with the bride's aunt at the reception in the evening. I had completely forgotten about the photo until it arrived in the post this week - but what a lovely surprise and reminder. As I looked at the photo I realized how 'pink' my cheeks there was a pink balloon , which looks as though it's coming out of my head.

Happy Pink Saturday to you..

My photo of the day - 7

2009-01-23T18:27:00.004Z

Posting my letters this afternoon in the postbox around the corner to me.

What a lot we lost when we stopped writing letters. You can't reread a phone call. ~Liz Carpenter

Letters are among the most significant memorial a person can leave behind them. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

In an age like ours, which is not given to letter-writing, we forget what an important part it used to play in people's lives. ~Anatole Broyard

Show and Tell Friday

2009-01-23T11:32:00.003Z

Click on the picture to visit other show and tell participants.

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.

Nigel's Auntie Elsie died two years ago at the age of 95 - she was one of those delightful people who always had a story to tell, would chat to anyone who passed her, would send articles and stories that she had written to magazines, newspapers, church magazines and she actually won quite a few pounds.

When Auntie Elsie could no longer look after herself physically she moved into a residential home where she would entertain the other residents by playing all the old songs on the piano. However, to move into residential care she had to 'downsize' and she would invite us all over on various days and give us things that she wanted us to have and treasure.

Auntie Elsie gave me these two delightful ornaments - aren't they cute - she had had them for years for years and always sat in her china cabinet. Auntie Elsie bought them in Italy on a holiday one year and they are made from carrara marble. I've had them now for about 10 years and they sit in my display cabinet. They stand about 4" tall. I love the little girls delicate bodice and the tiny flowers that decorate her dress and the little boy is holding a lamb.

My photo of the day - 6

2009-01-22T22:45:00.002Z

The HOPE of spring - photo taken in the school garden this morning.

My photo of the day - 5

2009-01-21T21:14:00.004Z

A lovely cuppa made for me by my son, Karl.

If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you. ~Gladstone, 1865

*****

Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. ~Billy Connolly

*****

You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me. ~C.S. Lewis

The Salvation Army - Amazing Grace

2009-01-21T17:57:00.001Z

Thank you

2009-01-21T09:28:00.002Z

I wanted to say a big 'Thank you' to eveyone who comments on my page - I really do enjoy logging and reading all that you have to say - so please accept this picture taken from Christian Glitter as my 'thank you'.

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Thank you for all your comments, love Judith

My photo of the day - 4

2009-01-20T21:35:00.005Z

double click picture to enlarge

Nigel with some of his more mature members of the church having a cuppa

My photo of the Day - 3

2009-01-19T21:11:00.004Z

Karl and Karmen

I've been tagged!!

2009-01-19T18:56:00.003Z

I'd been tagged by 2L3BS in China

Here are the rules:Link to the person who tagged you. Post the rules in your blog. Write 7 random things about yourself. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and link to them. Let each person know they've been tagged.

7 Random Things About Myself
1. I went to Board School in Coonor, India for a year at the age of seven
2. I have lived and worked for The Salvation Army in Bangladesh and Ghana
3. I love going for a walk along the Embankment in London especially in the evening
4. I was ordained as a Salvation Army Officer (minister, pastor) on the platform of The Royal Albert Hall, London (1985)
5. I love watching Detective programmes
6. I adore my kitten, Karmen
7. My favourite place is Watersmeet in Devon

I am going to break the rules and allow you decided whether or not you wish to complete seven things about yourself - but it would be lovely if you would let me know..

Blue Monday - Holland

2009-01-19T13:42:00.006Z

Visit Sally for other Blue Monday participants.

In 1994 we were able too visit Holland and the Dutch Bulb fields. It is an experience I would love to repeat again, especially now that I have a digital camera!! lol

I bought this pot holder during that visit and it now houses my Aloe Vera plant, which was given to me as a very small cutting four years ago. This year I was able to transplant 10 new off-shoots from my Aloe Vera all of whom now have found other good homes.

Click here for an interesting site on how to look after an Aloe Vera plant

After I posted this post I read an article on the internet stating that today is known as Blue Monday click here to see why!! :)

Update on the Amaryllis

2009-01-19T10:39:00.004Z

I posted photos of my Amaryllis for Pink Saturday - well this is just an update to show you the blooms as of today.

Photo of the day - 2

2009-01-18T17:07:00.006Z

After Nigel & I had finished leading our various Church services this morning, we decided that as it was a lovely sunny afternoon we would go for a walk then out for a meal. We drove into Barking and went for a walk along the River Roding,which eventually makes its way out to the River Thames via the Barking Barrier.

We both had our cameras and clicked away as we walked and enjoyed the sunshine after the heavy rain last night. I will be sharing some of my photos on Judith's Neck Of The Woods but for now this is my favourite photo of today.

click on photo to enlarge

Getting rather carried away!!

2009-01-18T07:49:00.003Z

I enjoy blogging and I am very much a 'zonal' person - keeps my head clear but I think I am getting rather carried away!! I now have four blogs, which I will introduce you too:

Judith's Quiet Moments which is this site, my first Blog and is a general blog. I entitled it Quiet Moments mainly because when I'm blogging I do enter my 'own little world' and generally when I'm blogging the house is quiet.

Karmen's Tales is a blog for my kitten, Karmen. I didn't realize how many cat lovers there are out there in blog land and it has been a joy to link up with catsblogsphere.

Judith on Sunday is mainly for my Spiritual Sunday and Mission Monday blogs

Judith's Neck Of The Woods - I was encourage by Canterbury Daily Photo and thought I would do the same by posting photos of where I live.

Please do visit me on any of the blogs - look forward to meeting you there and receiving your comments.

Pink Saturday

2009-01-17T10:32:00.008Z

For other Pink Saturday contributions hosted by Beverly - please click the logo

It is traditional in our family that the ladies all receive Amaryllis bulbs for Christmas and then we have a competion as to whose is growing the best, has the most trumpets and what colour the flowers are.

The Amaryllis is otherwise known as the Belladonna Lily or the Naked Lady! and it is a native plant of South Africa.

To my delight, this year, my Amaryllis is flowering PINK flowers.

My photo of the day -1

2009-01-15T23:31:00.003Z

I've been tagged!!

2009-01-15T21:37:00.006Z

I have been tagged by Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage & Inspirations

Name five things in your purse.

my bag is a minefield it has everything but the kitchen sink in it!!

1. pair of tights - as I'm in my Salvation Army uniform most of the time during the day I always carry a spare of tights in case I ladder the ones I've got on :)
2. My pink Bible
3. five pens
4. church keys
5. stickers from Christmas with Jesus is the Reason for the Season

Name five things in your work room. (I presume this means the office? as I share it with my husband I have shown my side of the office)

1. computer
2. Karmen the kitten
3. Filing cabinet
4. Palm Sunday cross on the wall
5. big tub of vaseline (dry lips!!)

Name five things you've always wanted to do.
Visit Switzerland
Visit South Africa (Nigel's side of the family)
Travel on the Orient Express
Fly over the Alps
Be in Times Square on New Years Eve

Name five things you're into
Drinking tea with friends
blogging
church
my cat & goldfish
travelling

I am going to cheat and not nominate five other bloggers but if you want to have ago - please do and let me know.. Thanks, Judith

An Award

2009-01-13T18:40:00.003Z

My good blogging friend, Valerie, has been showering me with awards that's because she has received so many herself, which she so truly deserves, that she is sharing them. Thank you Valerie.I must pass this award on to bloggers whose blogs that I love to read. I have three new blogging friends with whom I would like to share this award with and they are as follows:

www.swerdnic.blogspot.com
www.canterburydailyphoto.blogspot.com
www.sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com

I have also put the award on www.judithonsunday.blogspot.com because there are some wonderful bloggers I would like to share the award with there too.

Here are the rules:
1) Put the logo on your blog
2) Add the link of the blogger who shared the award with you
3) Pass this award to bloggers whose blogs you love
4) Add your link to the list of participants below
5) Leave a message on the blog of the blogger who passed this award

Thank you Valerie - I am honoured that you enjoy reading my blog and I enjoy our dialogue.

Mission 4 Monday

2009-01-12T11:14:00.003Z

please visit my Mission 4 Monday on www.judithonsunday.blogspot.com and maybe you, too, would like to join and set a 'mission' for yourself this week. God bless you, Judith

Scenic Sunday

2009-01-11T07:59:00.007Z

There's an old saying which says..

Red sky at night - shepherds delight

Red sky in the morning - shepherds warning!

Well this was the sky in my part of the world (London, UK) early this morning..let's now see what the rest of day brings..

for other beautiful views visit Scenic Sunday by clicking here

Pink Saturday - Ice Skaters at The Tower

2009-01-10T09:54:00.013Z

This post is a continuation of the previous two posts but as Beverly commented 'yes' it is ideal for Pink Saturday. I didn't realize how pink the ice looked with the lights shinning on it until I uploaded the photos.

1st post - 'Off with her head' can be viewed here
2nd post - 'Ceremony of the Keys' can be viewed here

Whilst Nigel & I waited for our party to arrive - we went and watched the Ice-Skaters skating on the rink, which had been set up in the moat area of the castle.

please visit Pink Saturday for other pinky people!!!

Ceremony of the Keys

2009-01-09T23:40:00.009Z

Well I'm home and frozen!! brrrr but nothing a cuppa wont fix. (see previous post for further details of this evenings jaunt)

We met our group (40 of us in total) at the main gates to the Tower of London and at 9.31pm we were escorted from the main gates to the location where the ceremony takes place within the Tower, which is by Traitors Gate.

Our group waiting to go in - these ladies I regularly have a chinese meal with whilst our husbands attend a Rotary Club council meeting.

A very lovely Beefeater explained exactly what would be taking place and that he, himself, has been a part of the ceremony every night for the last 25 years. The actually ceremony commences at 7 minutes to 10 and finishes exactly at 10pm with the playing of the Last Post.
http://www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk/keys/

Unfortunately we were not allowed to take photos; however, it was just awesome to be standing and watching a ceremony that has taken place for over 600 years and to be within the ground of The Tower of London in the evening - it was truly magical.

I took these photos outside before the event.

The last two photos I took through the window of The Tower of London shop..

Off with her head!!

2009-01-09T19:11:00.005Z

Nigel and I, with other members of The Barking Rotary Club, will be at The Tower of London this evening for the Ceremony of the Keys. This ceremony has taken place for over 600 years and you can read about it on http://www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk/keys/. Hopefully, I shall not find myself in the dungeons or at Traitors Gate but will arrive home safely with my head intact!!lol

took these photos during the summer - I live about 8 miles from The Tower of London but with London traffic it can take me, by car, anything from 20 mins to hour to get there.