Blog for Sunday 11th January 2026

Pick me!

I was quick to silence my alarm this morning, before I got out of bed just after four o’clock to begin my day.

It was a cooler morning but the stickiness or humidity from yesterday still lingered in the air.

I made myself a coffee and went up to my studio to have my Quiet Time. Then I got my paraphernalia together for my Kids Talk in church.

Before we left the farm this morning, Ken loaded the quad bike – the one that was here, (the other one is at the mechanic’s place in Beachwood area) – to take through to Norm’, our friend in Wauchope, for him to have a look at it as it is not working properly. It is coughing, choking and there is no speed going uphill. “Good luck, Norm’!”

We left the farm before nine o’clock – hallelujah! – but on our way out there were a whole bunch of our bovines where they should not have been. They had dragged down all the electric tape that Paddy had erected to keep them from crossing the river, which of course they crossed!

Honestly, if you want to learn patience, keep a large herd of bovines – they will have you removing clumps of hair off your head very quick smart in frustration!

My talk for Kids Talk in church was okay – but I think it could have been better, although Ken said it went well. Sometimes it goes well and other times ... er not so well. Anyway, I did my best.

I have been asked to address the church again towards the end of this month in the space allotted monthly for “Missionary Talks”. I have been asked to speak on SRE (that is Special Religious Education) that I am involved with in schools. So, l will have to get that talk together shortly.

After church we picked up my new SRE curriculum book for the year, and then we drove on to drop the quad bike off to get Norm’ to repair it.

We stopped at the shop on our way home, and I bought us both - that is Ken and I - a Magnum ice cream – as a spoiling. Something we seldom do, and we stopped in the shade on a side road to eat them. Delicious! Much rolling of eyes, smacking of lips and those little sounds of contentment and sheer happiness could be heard!

Once home Ken retired to sleep, I changed into my ‘jamas and I read my book, then went up to my studio to do some studying quietly.

Thankfully, today has not been as hot as the last few days were, and for that I am so, so grateful.

My heart s still so heavy for my friend and her husband – their having lost absolutely everything in the Victoria fires – home, gardens, livestock and farm. In fact, if you google it, you can see what I meant about Gail, my friend, having created a magnificent garden. It was well recognized by Garden and Home and other publications. Look up Gail van Rooyen’s Garden. It was truly amazing.

I am so looking forward to the rain the weathermen have forecast for our area and pray it really does eventuate. I believe it should arrive this coming week, so I will have to move my car to much higher ground in case the Hastings River floods.

What lesson did I learn today? To do my very best and to be happy with that.

What am I grateful for today? A cooler day thankfully.

My saying for today is …