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A Blockbuster of a Dream!

I am a vivid dreamer, every night, and have good recall. Some dreams remain in my memory for days or longer. Dream researchers say dreams last only minutes, but a recent one of mine was an all-night marathon. 

In the dream I travelled quite a distance through many scenarios and adventures, overcoming one obstacle after another. Throughout the dream, I could remember what had gone before. Part way, I had an interval when I woke to go to the loo, then went back to sleep and carried on where I left off. 

It finished in the morning, when a long list of all the credits rolled through, just like at the theatre. I saw the cast, director, best boy, key grip, different teams for the different locations - the lot. I could even read the names, though can recall none. As soon as the credits finished, I woke up. What a fantastic night's entertainment!

If only I could just roll over and get some real sleep...

What's in a Name?

I had two delightful, personal moments today.

The first was when a lovely salesgirl at the local shopping centre called out to me, 'Hi Virginia!', followed by, 'Um, that's not really your name is it?' 

When I reminded her it was Noella, she was a bit embarrassed. Just as many people do, she said she remembered it had something to do with Christmas—but couldn't think what. 

Perhaps she was thinking of the Virgin Birth?

 
A little later I picked up my grandson, John, from his pre-primary class. He took my hand as we left and asked me why I was called 'Mum-ma' (which was his baby name for me). Then he added seriously, 'You look more like a Grandma to me!'

Precious, and made my day!

Another Anniversary – 41 Years!

I was delighted when an old Army friend of my brother, John, contacted me with several photos he took or had taken when they both trained together in Kapooka. I especially treasure this one, which is how I remember my brother, together with his lovely fiancée, Lyn. Lyn was also my dear friend throughout my school years and beyond, and my much-loved sister-in-law.


Another dear friend from our school years has recently contacted me when she happened upon an earlier blog postings of mine on 12th June. What a joy it has been to be in touch with her again, both for our shared memories of John and Lyn, and sharing our lives from the last 40 years. Amazing!


Together with another Army friend of John's who served with him in Vietnam, these communications and the people behind them have been and are such a blessing to me. Now I am past all the busy years of child raising and caring for elderly parents, my mind goes more and more to my brother, family and friends.

I hope for more communications in the future. This is the human side of modern-day technology at its best!


...

Day 5 - San Francisco—Seattle—Anchorage

16th February 2011

Alaskan Airlines at the gate at Seattle

Seattle - heading North

Through time and space to a far-away land...

40 Years - Remembering

John Noel McCarthy

It is forty years since my brother was killed in Vietnam in 1971 (see earlier post). This year my reflections are on the loss of the future that was taken from our family and his own family. 

Till we meet again...

...
 

Yosemite National Park (2)

15th February continued...

Sentinel Meadows trail

Tim, our driver and very informative guide, took us to numerous outlooks and viewpoints for photo shots. As part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the National Park itself is huge, but the Yosemite glacial valley is only 7 miles long by just under 1 mile wide. The valley floor is flat at 4,000 ft a.s.l. with its nearly vertical granite walls rising another 3,000 to 4,000 feet, and the Merced River flows through this canyon.

We were taken to the village and given numerous options for several hours, to explore at our will. Daniel and I agreed to defer lunch and set out and find the trails for Swinging Bridge from where I hoped to photograph reflections of this magnificent scenery. Then we would go on to the Yosemite Falls. The next hours were some of the most memorable and precious of my lifetime. We walked an estimated 6 km or so on several trails, with beautiful and changing views at every turn, so it was not surprising that we took over 300 photos between us. 

Yosemite Falls reflected in the Merced River,
taken from Swinging Bridge

River reflections

Walking towards Yosemite Falls

Cathedral Beach

Californian Red Fir

Meeting only the occasional person or two on the trail, we were able to experience this beautiful valley without the crowds of  summer we had heard about. The scenery sparkled in the sunlight and clear air, with snow on the surrounding delicate meadows, and the sound of flowing water.

We heard, then saw our first woodpecker, tapping on the Red Fir trees paralleling the trail. It was strangely rewarding to actually experience something which may be common for those living in this country, but about which we had only been taught as a child. Later we walked through groves of Red Firs, a dramatically different experience from walking in the Australian bush or amongst eucalypts. 

We saw deer, both in the bush and later around the village. As we left the Lower Yosemite Falls area, a cheeky squirrel accompanied us, racing alongside, leaping from log to log. I cannot adequately describe the true beauty and atmosphere of this place. Today is magic!

Yosemite Chapel (below Half Dome)

Loved this old bridge we passed on the trail

Merced River

Sentinel Meadows boardwalk, Upper Yosemite Falls in background

Upper Yosemite Falls cascading over Yosemite Point

We departed at 3:30 pm, ahead of a heavy snow storm which was reported to be moving in around 4:00 pm, so we could traverse the road safely. Overnight, the valley would be transformed into a new picture book for tomorrow's visitors.

Day 4 - Yosemite National Park (1)

15th February 2011

Daniel and I enjoyed a superb day at Yosemite National Park. Before leaving Perth, I had booked a full-day tour with Incredible Adventures, a small group tour (9 plus driver/guide). At crack of dawn, we were picked up by our guide, Tim, and cleared San Francisco via the Oakland Bay Bridge. It had been rainy in San Francisco and a heavy snowstorm was predicted for late afternoon at Yosemite. However, on nearing the Park, blue sky appeared and remained cloudless for the next five hours. The snow on the ground sparkled in the warm sunshine and crisp, clean air.

Half Dome, El Capitan and Cathedral Spires
from Inspiration Point

Deer in the bush

 

This scenic lookout gave us a clear view of the glacial valley of Yosemite National Park, with the Merced River running through it. Eighty-one miles of the Merced River runs through Yosemite National Park, including this stretch in the Yosemite Valley.

 

Very pretty to look down on, but it was only after walking several miles in this beautiful valley that I could truly appreciate the treasures to be found in this valley!

The tour continued through numerous scenic viewing spots throughout the park and valley. Being mid-winter, there were very few others or vehicles around. Such a beautiful place, almost entirely to ourselves.

Bridalveil Fall (620 ft)

Daniel at Tunnel View lookout, showing El Capitan, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks
and Bridalveil Fall (below), looking out through Yosemite Valley

 

Tunnel through the mountain is 1000 ft long (320 m) through solid granite.

Bridalveil Fall

Yosemite Falls

Merced River

[To be continued with more photos on next post...]
  

Day 3 - San Francisco

 

Beautiful soft rain and grey skies today; a fog covering various sections of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The floral displays in the garden beds and pots around the pier were magnificent, with colourful tulips in full bloom.



We explored Pier 38, delighting in Bubba Gump Shrimps, saltwater taffy in overflowing wooden barrels, and famous Ghirardelli chocolate stores.

The sea lions of Pier 39

We ventured out on a Blue and Gold 1-hour ferry loop around the Bay, with views of the City en route to the Golden Gate Bridge. The water became rougher and the wind stronger and colder as the bridge got closer and the rain closed in.



From a distance, much of the bridge was covered in fog, but as we closed in and stopped right under span, the sight of the stretching spans to left and right were awesome in size and detail.

Looking up, cars looked like matchbox toys. Looking down was the clashing and meshing of ocean and bay waters as they collided in a rip, inviting sea sickness. Just in the nick of time, the boat was underway again. Soon we passed Alcatraz, close to the island's shore, before returning to the docks.

Again we ate at Capurro's. Daniel had calamari which came with 9 crumbed baby octopuses which he gave to me. I chose Dungeness crab cakes and vegies.
...

Day 2 [continued] - San Francisco

..

Steam tug Hercules

First sights of San Francisco included:

~A stroll along the historic Hyde St Pier, the old ferry pier which is part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. A variety of historical ships are moored there for viewing - and for exploring.

~First glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge, portions of its mighty structure rising through the fog.

~Musee Mecanique, one of the world's largest (over 200) privately owned collection of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade machines in their original working condition. For 50 cents, you can play them!

~Fishermen's Grotto, the fish markets, clam chowder, and fresh crabs being cooked on the street front, to be bought, cracked and eaten at stainless steel troughs right there on the footpath!

Tomorrow, more exploring, then on Tuesday we have our full-day tour to Yosemite National Park.
 ...

Alaska, USA - Trip with Daniel - Days 1 & 2

Daniel and I departed Perth, Saturday afternoon, 12th February, and after 38 hours, it is still only Sunday, 13th February, having crossed the International Date Line as well as the Equator. With tail winds we made good timing to Auckland on the 'red-eye'.

I love Auckland Airport:  Passing through the portal, complete with birdsong.

 A 36-minute sequence of traditional Maori designs from six themes,
including ocean and night sky, is projected across Pou Manawa
using projectors and LED lighting.

The Jet Park Hotel where we had booked a day room had the most comfortable beds and pillows. Five hours' sleep, a shower and brunch of Eggs Benedict with a cappuccino had us feeling pretty good as we boarded the plane again for 12 hours' flight to San Francisco.

Air New Zealand again provided an excellent flight, with fresh, quality, well-prepared meals, and touch-screen in-flight entertainment, with a choice of over 70 movies.  It was good weather with mostly smooth flying.

We arrived in San Francisco tired but feeling well. We've had a few learning experiences that are sometimes inevitable given all the factors that can lead to lack of concentration. The most costly was our first US dollars spent on the shuttle fare plus tip being composed of a handful of US notes that all look the same when tired, disoriented and surrounded by traffic and balancing suitcases. We realised shortly after that one of the two $1 notes included in the payment was actually a $100 note! The driver, who could speak very little English, gave us a big smile as he quickly drove away.

Feeling very thankful for the smoothly running trip and the pleasure of enjoying one another's company, we turned our attention to gratefulness rather than being upset for long. Settling in at the Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf, we both agreed that we would not sleep now, but shower and go for a walk and lunch. So we had our showers and promptly fell asleep for an hour or so!

[to be continued...]

It seemed like a good idea at the time...

My two grandsons are a delight in my life. Last week our Church held a large function in the community drama centre. In between taking my part with the music group, I assisted my daughter-in-law in keeping the energetic boys occupied. 

Unfortunately, the air conditioner had broken down at the start of the heatwave, and the full theatre became quite uncomfortable. But John discovered a really cool way to pass time. He discovered the cold water cask in the foyer! 

I thought, now this will keep him quietly out of mischief for a good half hour or more so I allowed him to carefully press the button on the cask and partially fill and recycle a few disposable cups.  As he did so, he happily drank about six of the half-filled cups of water and his little tummy bulged out in front as he started to make little burps, then got the hiccups. His Mum was not impressed when he produced big four puddles and needed four changes of pants in the next half hour!  I am told he filled two nappies on the way home. I still don't know how those little cups of water could produce so much output!  

Sharon told me that that had not been such a good idea!

I am inclined to agree...but at least he didn't get dehydrated in the heat!

Life's Cycles

...

On Saturday I dropped into Big-W for just a few minutes when an announcement was made that several display bicycles had been marked down to half price at the front of the store. For several months I had been watching a certain bicycle that I felt suited to my requirements, with a view to purchasing one when we moved to our new home with its surrounding parklands and cycleways.

Coolly and casually not rushing, I joined several other shoppers who were also coolly and casually not rushing to check out these bargains. There stood two children's bicycles and—I couldn't believe my eyes—my chosen bicycle, reduced from $248 to just $100. My hands reached out and wrapped around the hand grips—my Prize in my grasp.

It must be about 17 years since I have ridden a bicycle. The early compulsory chunky helmets, the style of higher crossbars on ladies' cycles, and increasingly busy roads had taken away the desire to keep fit by cycling. Now, with changed circumstances, all I had to do was mount this bicycle and if it felt comfortable I had first option to purchase my bike at a super bargain price.

The surrounding little crowd was watching me, with a few comments in the air stating interest in it and one definite, "If she doesn't take it, I will have it for sure."  All eyes were on me, this youthful spirit with the not-so-youthful body. It might have been a different story if I had mounted it from the left side, but I took it where I was, on its right. With my heavy handbag swinging wildly from my right shoulder I swung my left leg over the frame.

Uh oh; something had changed over those years. The joints were not so supple nor the balance as good.  Maybe I could swing the leg back, get balanced and try again, but my left foot became tangled between the seat and parcel frame!  Hopping about trying to free it and keep upright, the inevitable happened and CRASH, down I went on top of my handbag with the bike, foot still entangled, crashing down on top!

The crowd roared—or so it seemed to me! Several people hovered over me, untangling and helping me up, showing great concern and checking me out to see if I was hurt or in shock. They appeared stunned when as soon as I was on my feet I dropped the handbag, grabbed the handle grips, and tried again. Breaths were drawn and held...

Success! I straddled the bicycle and it felt good! Everything about it felt manageable and comfortable and my decision was made. The little crowd seemed uncertain whether to cheer, express disappointment, or concern for this mad woman.

Maybe my spirit is younger than my body...but I intend doing something about that now!

NightOwl's New Nest

...
For friends (near and far) who may like to follow the building of our new home, I will post regular updates on a parallel blog named Nightowl's New Nest. This may be reached by clicking on the title of this post (above), by the link on my complete profile, or at http://nightowlsnewnest.blogspot.com

This is our vacant block viewed from the back to front. Across the road is our "bonus front yard" which the Council maintains.

Rain at last!
Being sandy soil, this heavy downpour had drained away next day.

For updates, see you at NightOwl's New Nest...

This one is for Barry!

Earth Angel

It's time!

...

Eight months down the track...

* I have started a new job at the same institution but in a different discipline, and have been both grateful and humbled by the struggles of re-learning everything at age 60;

* We have bought a block of land;

* And a house to be built on it;

* Sold our home after months of preparation, opening on the hottest day this summer;

* Carried out marathon clean-outs and decluttering;

* Packed more boxes of my books than everything else we own put together!

* Fulfilled numerous regulations, repairs and maintenance before departing;

* Moved throughout summer's worst heatwave;

* Celebrated our 36th Wedding Anniversary along with the removalist's van;

We are grateful to God for a new beginning at this stage of our lives, and we deeply appreciate our supportive, faithful friends!

When Angels are sent...

...

Two of our lovely graduates with Leonie and me

June 2009: Just two hours earlier, we had received the news that under the restructure we no longer had places in our School. These beautiful young women didn't know that when they came to thank and hug us and have photos together. Truly these Angels were sent at exactly the right time!

Leonie and me (holding Nick - the graduand bear)

Jason is on the poster at the side!

It is times like this that are the best reward for our service in the School that has been our home for 19 years.

But other opportunities were to open...

When others care...

..

A gift from some thoughtful friends
from half-way around the World,
this symbolic Willow Angel has
brought me comfort in the
disappearance and loss of
my two beautiful cats
in just 21 months.

My cats' names:
~Willow and Angel~