Quote for the day:
“Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.”
by Unknown
Welcome to day 31. I awoke this morning to the sound of the ‘Last Post” being played. I didn’t go to the end of my driveway as I thought no-one else would be there – how wrong I was. My neighbour told me later this morning there was quite a gathering of neighbours. I did listen to the ANZAC service on the radio though. Did you go out on your footpath or down your driveway?
What I did see this morning while out on my bike ride where the many signs of ANZAC day remembrance, see below. I was amazed at the number of different ways people were paying their respects while in lockdown.
In case your missed day 30’s comments, check them out here and get up-to-date with other readers thoughts, events, and happenings.
Regenerative agriculture
Continuing on from a Country Calendar episode last weekend, Denise recommended this article which was published on Stuff website today titled “Not your typical sheep paddock: why sunflowers and lentils herald NZ’s regenerative revolution” Don’t buy any sunflower seeds Denise I have plenty on my She shed.
Today’s feature image
Today’s photo was taken on Marychurch Road, Matangi.
Readers input
“Sue of Matangi” sent the following text. It originally came from a 94 yr old American lady, who loved to climb mountains and who possibly lived through times of what we are experiencing now.
AND THE PEOPLE STAYED HOME
AND READ BOOKS, AND LISTENED, AND
RESTED AND EXERCISED, AND MADE ART
AND PLAYED GAMES, AND LEARNED NEW
WAYS OF BEING, AND WERE STILL, AND
LISTENED MORE DEEPLY. SOME
MEDITATED, SOME PRAYED, SOME
DANCED, SOME MET THEIR SHADOW.
AND THE PEOPLE BEGAN TO THINK DIFFERENTLY
AND THE PEOPLE HEALED
AND IN THE ABSENCE OF PEOPLE LIVING
IN IGNORANT, DANGEROUS, MINDLESS
AND HEARTLESS WAYS,
THE EARTH BEGAN TO HEAL.
AND WHEN THE DANGER PASSED,
AND THE PEOPLE JOINED TOGETHER AGAIN
THEY GRIEVED THEIR LOSSES, AND MADE
NEW CHOICES, AND DREAMED NEW
IMAGES AND CREATED NEW WAYS TO LIVE
AND HEAL THE EARTH FULLY,
AS THEY HAD BEEN HEALED.
Scenes of ANZAC Day
These were just a few of the ANZAC remembrance scenes I saw while out cycling this morning. I could have taken many more photos but …..
What did you do today? Look forward to hearing about your adventures, thoughts and happenings tomorrow – day 32.
Oh we are just about at the end of total lockdown – I’m looking forward to a little more freedom. Who knows, my favourite cafe may be open for a takeaway coffee – can’t wait. Are you looking forward to being able to get takeaways? I guess because I’m not a takeaway eater, I’m not hanging out for MacDonald’s or KFC – are you?
Remember be patient and kind to yourself and everybody in your bubble. – Take care Goldcard Gal 🙂
PS Little bit of humour, when I saw this image, I had a really good laugh – hope it has the same effect on you! Thank you “Unhurried in Hamilton” for the image.
I really like Jack’s movies, but my goodness he can be unattractive at times! Love his hair!
Lockdown day 31
A full month, and the whole level 4 lockdown is nearly passed.
My thoughts are that other than the poor souls in the retirement/rest homes, we have done pretty well.
Like Carollyn said earlier, I have also been impressed by the overall acceptance and behavior of the general public.
To wish that that we will retain some of the kindness and well being shown at this time is laudable but probably a bit naive. In 1919 there was the same desire for a better world and again in 1945 the mood in Britain was most definitely for a new order.
However both were dashed in a very short time.
A land fit for hero’s lasted until they returned home to no jobs and no future and no one who cared.
The education reforms of 1944 in the UK followed by the setting up of the NHS in 1947 that covered ALL needs was to last only until the next government decided to go to war in Korea.
Dental – Poof! Optical – Poof! Never to return and mostly whittled away ever since.
If we want this pleasant change to last, it will take a government with balls and a public that wants it enough to negate the naysayers.
It’s our call in September. What will it be?
Bloody hell, this soap box is high!
It appears that in the last few days that the Tour de Garage has now been permanently moved outside. The weather has been so nice that it would be an act of incompetent stupidity, (Bit like Trump) to remain attached to the same part of the carpet with such glorious conditions.
Today therefore a parcour that encompassed the city, basically a loop around Hamilton right at the edges.
Dinsdale, Melville, Hamilton Gardens, Hillcrest, The University, Chedworth, Rototuna, Pukete and back through Avalon.
Might not seem far but it all added up to 40+kms.
Every group of mums and dads with kids on bikes took on the persona of early morning break away’s. The odd bod on a mountain bike plodding along became the reason to put down the hammer.
Then out of the blue I see people I know. Maureen F sloped by at a major intersection, followed by Dino J hiding in the traffic.
Obviously both out secret training and planning to tell everyone they had done nothing.
But I digress!
The lack of motor traffic almost enables one to have time to let the imagination take over as on the windtrainer. So I can now inform you that after today’s performance and with only the finale tomorrow which is as usual more of a procession, it looks like the overall title for the Lockdown Tour de Garage has been won by yours truly.
Clearly it could not have been achieved without the hard work and support of the whole Gordonton team.
The distance covered is approximately 425kms most of which was accomplished without going anywhere.
Now where are my speech notes?
Unhurried in Hamilton
Day 31 what a grand effort Heather, and thanks also for the wonderful poems and shared thoughts from your other contributors. No KFC or McDonalds for me never did like it, but a coffee and perhaps some Thai takeaways would not go amiss after 3 plus weeks of having to think up breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. I do not think I will ever return to the usual supermarket shopping, went today for our click and collect order and there was a very long line of customers patiently waiting all within the correct distance. I was very impressed that everyone seemed very happy to wait their turn in line. I think I would have driven away and gone back later if I had had to wait in line. Another beautiful day and bike ride and like you Heather I was impressed with all the poppies displayed outside homes along the road. I do hope that this lock down and the resultant improvement in the earth worldwide will be a wake up call for us all to be a little kinder to the planet we call home. And yes how fortunate we are to have the leadership in this country we have when compared to the USA. I cannot believe what comes out of his mouth. Keep safe, not long to go now, well done NZ on a wonderful effort. I only hope those people who have lost their jobs are able to find new ones soon and perhaps take the opportunity to look for something different and create an even better way of life for their families.
Thank you “Carly of Tamahere” great reflections and thoughts. 🙂
Something nice to start the day
http://maryanngrau.com/2019/03/the-window-washer/
Watch right to the end.
Well worth the watch – thank you “Unhurried in Hamilton” 🙂
Yes, I stood on my driveway with seven neighbours (at a distance), one I hadn’t met before. I can see this way of paying respect might be the way in the future for those disabled, unwell or no longer able to drive. Standing in an almost empty street wasn’t as emotional as watching those old soldiers marching, which always brings me to tears. Either way, I shall continue to place poppies outside, and wonder why I haven’t done this before. Thanks for the blog Heather.
Thank you Patricia-Rose. Perhaps that is a new way of remembering ANZAC day – putting poppies outside our driveways/houses along with the usual commemorative services? 🙂