BEING ME Being a grandmother
In being a grand-mother (the grandchildren call me "Ma"), availability is
important. Being available for one's adult children and their
children, in times of need, must give them a sense of security. But it
is also important to be available for those occasions when a grand-child
would like a story read to them, or when they want to cook with you or
go for a walk, or just have fun. Hubby and I hopefully bond with our
grand-children in England by talking to them on the phone or skype. For those without grand-children, there are
pre-schools and childcare centres across Australia which are involved in the Adopt a Grandparent programme.
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| This is not a Cookie Jar! It is the Pocket Money Moo-ing Cow. The cow takes good care of little pocket-money bags which are labeled with grand-children's names. When grand-children look for their bag inside the moo-ing cow, we read aloud all of the names on their cousins' bags, thus consolidating their awareness of their wider family. |
The bible records that Moses and his wife, Zipporah, had two children, Jershom and Eliezer. Their son, Eliezer, is recorded to have had children, which shows that Moses was a grand-parent. However, I wonder how much time Moses spent with his children and grandchildren, for it appears that his wife and children may not have travelled on the 40 year exodus through the wilderness of the Sinai desert with more than two million Hebrews who were under Moses' leadership.
Moses' great-great-great-great grandson, Shelomith, ended up with a very responsible job looking after all the dedicated treasuries of the house of God, under King David! Hence, I deduce that Moses passed on to his family a legacy of care and responsibility.
Eliezer, Moses' son, was the father of Rehabiah, who was the father of
Jeshaiah, the father of Joram, the father of Zichri, the father of Shelomith." (1 Chronicles 26:24)
Jeshaiah, the father of Joram, the father of Zichri, the father of Shelomith." (1 Chronicles 26:24)
Garden Roses
My friend Hedy, whom I used to teach Sunday School with, in the delightful
grape-growing town of Tanunda in South Australia, would
often tell me that her mother had taught her to always stop and smell the
roses. Since those days, I have stopped hundreds of times and
smelled the roses! It is a time also to remember Hedy, who sadly died in a car
accident near Nambour along with one of her sons some years ago.
My mother-in-law had a poster of a large pink rose on her fridge. The rose reminded her of her husband who had died in a tragic car accident in South Australia when a drunk lad on the eve of his 18th birthday hit their car head-on, killing himself and my father-in-law.
Rose Petal Drink
Petals from 3 full-bloom organic roses (no pesticides)
5 cups water
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
3 tbsp. sugar
Boil water. Add rose petals and lemon juice to the boiling water, turn off heat and let stand for 6-10 hours. Drain into a pitcher. Discart petals. Add sugar to the rose water and stir. Let cool in the refrigerator or freezer. Serve.
recipe from Maragrita's International Recipes
My mother-in-law had a poster of a large pink rose on her fridge. The rose reminded her of her husband who had died in a tragic car accident in South Australia when a drunk lad on the eve of his 18th birthday hit their car head-on, killing himself and my father-in-law.
Roses
for some might bring sad memories, but for others, they are the most
delightful flower one could imagine, especially the Old World Roses with
their magnificent perfumes.
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| This delightful miniature climbing rose grows over our back fence from our neighbour's garden. |
The Charm of Heritage Roses
Most
gardeners know the modern rose varieties – such as Hybrid Teas, Ground
Cover roses and the David Austin roses (yes they are modern – with some
old blood!) but their older relatives are less well known.
Heritage roses display an amazing variety in size, form, foliage and hips which complement the diversity in blooms. We find sprays of small singles or doubles, clusters, pompoms, large singles and very full double flowers with exquisite perfumes. Most will repeat their flowering and are disease resistant. They mix happily with other shrubs, perennials, bulbs and annuals in the garden and many prefer just a light grooming. They are also drought tolerant and have survived in old gardens and cemeteries without special care.
Roses were grown before 2000 BC and occur naturally only in the northern hemisphere. Those of European origin do well in our temperate regions and those with Chinese origins thrive across both our cooler areas and the hot dry parts of Australia. Our historic Australian roses (eg the Alister Clark collection) are being rediscovered and welcomed back into our private and public gardens.
Heritage roses display an amazing variety in size, form, foliage and hips which complement the diversity in blooms. We find sprays of small singles or doubles, clusters, pompoms, large singles and very full double flowers with exquisite perfumes. Most will repeat their flowering and are disease resistant. They mix happily with other shrubs, perennials, bulbs and annuals in the garden and many prefer just a light grooming. They are also drought tolerant and have survived in old gardens and cemeteries without special care.
Roses were grown before 2000 BC and occur naturally only in the northern hemisphere. Those of European origin do well in our temperate regions and those with Chinese origins thrive across both our cooler areas and the hot dry parts of Australia. Our historic Australian roses (eg the Alister Clark collection) are being rediscovered and welcomed back into our private and public gardens.
Rose Petal Drink
Petals from 3 full-bloom organic roses (no pesticides)
5 cups water
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
3 tbsp. sugar
Boil water. Add rose petals and lemon juice to the boiling water, turn off heat and let stand for 6-10 hours. Drain into a pitcher. Discart petals. Add sugar to the rose water and stir. Let cool in the refrigerator or freezer. Serve.
recipe from Maragrita's International Recipes
May we take the time to "stop and smell the roses".
Robyn
Robin in a flowering gum
Painted by Brenda, Robyn’s mum