Blog for Sunday 14th December 2025

I woke up at before two o'clock this morning as I suddenly remembered that I had not set my alarm clock last night and I did not want to be late today. So, I sat up and set the alarm before settling down and falling back to sleep almost instantly. Now that, was unusual for me as I normally battle to go back to sleep!

I got up when my alarm commanded me to do so, at four o'clock this morning.

I took a cool drink up to my studio this morning as it was quieter for me to do so plus, it was already feeling as if it would be another really hot day.

It was.

After my Quiet Time I got the things together for the Children's Christmas Puppet Show in church, but my friend Marg' who was going to help the children during the show was in hospital with a suspected mini stroke, poor lady! Ian, her husband offered to stand in for her, and he did a wonderful job.

I was chatting to Paddy. before we left for church saying that I wondered when Tayla, (his and Ren's eldest daughter and our eldest granddaughter) would be having her baby. Paddy replied that Tyla had hoped she would have done so last Monday, so I sent her a text to just encourage her as it is so frustrating when you have to wait and wait and wait to have your baby.

I sent the text and few minutes later Paddy received a text saying that Tayla had started labour and was in hospital. How exciting.

The puppet show went off well and the congregation seemed to enjoy it immensely and the children loved being part of it too.

After church Ken and I made our way across to Hester and Ernest's home where we - and four others of our friends were to celebrate Hester's birthday. We had all brought birthday gifts, certain salads, desserts, meat platters and so on so it was a regular feast enjoyed by the eight of us.

It was good to be together and have time to just sit and chat ... and chat we did!

Even I received a gift - for what? From whom? Felix, my furry friend and Mariaan and Tinus' feline had sent me a beautiful gift bought in Mauritius when they were there on holiday and Felix and I spent two weeks together in Port Macquarie! It is a cute square tray edged in ratan, a bowl and coaster - all matching. I was so touched.

Throughout our day out, I texted Ren' to check on Tayla's progress. Nothing too much happening, poor girl.

Initially Ken dropped me at Hester and Ernest's home, and he headed off to the hospital to have his hand dressed again. This time they cut off most of the skin that had not 'taken' as it was starting to smell! Ken only joined us much later as the wait again in the hospital was long.

What a lovely day spent with good friends. We waved our fond farewells to them all at about four o'clock or maybe even a little later.

We got back home and there, Paddy and Matt' were still working so hard on the farm.

I put away all the stuff I had taken with us for the party at Hester and Ernest's and put out some cold food - as it was still so hot - for Matt' and Paddy to have for their supper - Ken and I were still full of our late lunch.

I sat up a bit later tonight, waiting to hear how Tayla was going, but ... nothing, still waiting for their little baby girl to make an appearance into our world. Och! My heart went out to both Malcolm and Tayla during this time.

I was soon fast asleep.

What lesson did I learn today? Patience in waiting for our first little great-granddaughter.

What am I grateful for today? I was grateful that it was not me in labour!

My saying for today is ...