Summer sweetness

Great Friday Five from Presbyterian Gal sweltering in the summer heat provokes a bit of nostalgia.
1. What is your sweetest summer memory from childhood? Did it involve watermelon or hand cranked ice cream? Or perhaps a teen summer romance. Which stands out for you?
Strawberries and pavlova. Kind of like a huge meringue covered in whipped cream. A New Zealand icon - although Australians like to claim it as their own :-)
2. Describe your all time favorite piece of summer clothing. The one thing you could put on in the summer that would seem to insure a cooler, more excellent day.
A gorgeous little white linen jacket with coconut shell buttons. Looks good with everything. And has pockets. I'm wearing it in this (Presbyterian) photo.
3. What summer food fills your mouth with delight and whose flavor stays happily with you long after eaten?
Now that would have to be watermelon. The stains on the chin stay around for a while as well.
4. Tell us about the summer vacation or holiday that holds your dearest memory.
The year that we spent 5 weeks at Whangamata. Kind of a busman's holiday as my beloved took the worship services at the churches there and they provided accommodation. He departed for two weeks in Tokelau and left daughters and me to fill his shoes for the final week. That summer I completed a tapestry, enjoyed sun and sea, read avidly, watched 5 DVDs starring George Clooney one after the other. It was idyllic. This will sound liturgically strange to those in the opposite hemisphere but it was the summer I discovered Epiphany and the baptism of Jesus. I still think the sermon was good for any preacher including this lay one. And some good interactive creative participation with sea shells and stars.
5. Have you had any experience(s) this summer that has drawn you closer to God or perhaps shown you His wonder in a new way?
Staying with my wonderful friends and their toddler daughter this past summer reminded me again of the wonder with which little ones explore and investigate our world. And walking along the waterfront refreshed my spirit.
Bonus question: When it is really hot, humid and uncomfortable, what do you do to refresh and renew body and spirit?
Splash witchazel about abundantly.

Top End Flora

More about the Northern Territory sojourn last week. Flights into Darwin seem to be most frequent in the middle of the night and mine was no exception. After a delayed departure from Sydney I finally arrived in Darwin about 12.45 a.m. Driving the rental car into the city about 1.30 a.m. I was struck by the abundantly flowering frangipani trees repetitively and rhythmically caught in the headlights along the roadway. Remember of course that for me this is winter - and our frangipani tree is a bare branched thing with just a few surviving leaves. I just did not expect to see flowers blooming - especially not at 1.30 a.m. Then again the temperature in the middle of the night was hotter than in the noontime sun in Sydney! Of course I didn't stop and take a snap of the blooms at that time, but did find this tree in Batchelor later in the week.









Then over the following few days I was delighted by the range of vegetation we observed, including these pretty wildflowers and the brownish fruit (I have no idea what it is!).

Banksia is one of my favourite Australian natives and the orange flowers were also abundant on our walks each day. There was something quite energising about experiencing such different weather and such different plant life. It reminded me of an April in London (autumn in NZ of course and spring in the UK) and my delight in daffodils which were such a surprise at that time of year. It is amazing to be living in this vast and multifaceted country and to have the opportunity to explore its riches.

Litchfield National Park

A week ago we arrived in the town of Batchelor and settled into our luxurious accommodation at the Historic Retreat. Our host Rob was wonderful. We shared the common areas with a couple from Melbourne, helping out with a new grandchild in the town and enjoying their own space from time to time, and four intrepid US sailors on a three-day vacation from their catamarans.

We drove down from Darwin, stopping on the way for a Spectacular Jumping Crocodile cruise. I got to hold a python and see some pretty big crocs up close and personal. They did jump but sadly I didn't capture any on the camera (lots of shots of bits of croc out of frame. Check out their website for more. On the return trip delighted to see the sky filled with kites, relatives of course of the American bald eagle.

Once unpacked we headed into the park and visited the giant termite mounds. These are described as the equivalent of cows? In an environment where there are no natural herbivores, the termites carry out the processes needed to dispose of grass etc and return it to the soil. These are magnetic termite mounds. Very apt in a region named for the biologist Charles Darwin. It seems the termites are genetically programmed to build the mounds on specific axes. Those for whom this is thermally advantageous survive - those who freeze or bake don't survive. Leading to a whole community who build in the same direction. Or something like that!
And then further along the road to the very popular Buley Waterhole and a one hour trek to the ever-so-beautiful Florence falls. We swam in that pool at the foot of the falls and could get right in underneath the waterfalls. It was so lovely. Then up the 160 steps to the carpark and back to the open air restaurant at the motor camp for a delicious dinner of local Barramundi and fresh steamed veges.

Was this an idyllic day? YES. Did I engage in any deep biological, public health or spiritual reflection? NO not really. Did I live the moments as fully as possible? YES. Did I share them with someone I love? YES. And I didn't really set out to blog like this - reviewing the past week day-by-day. However it is an interesting process that I might just keep on with.

Top End sunset market

Back in wintery Sydney it is hard to believe that just a week ago I was in Darwin at the top end of Australia, where there are only two seasons - 'the wet' starting about October and 'the dry' - now. Temperatures were about 30 Celsius dropping to the 20s at night. Sunday evening I wandered down to the Mindil beach market where I got myself some 'dinkum Aussie tucker' and ate it on the beach. Darwin is renowned for its sunsets (which occur in different directions at different times of year - I'm sure the astronomers will understand) and last Sunday was no exception. About this time I headed to the airport to meet my beloved coming back from a President's (of the UCA) conference in Bali. But time for bed for me now. Will post more tomorrow.

Camp Out

Mother Laura posted this weeks Friday Five.

1. Did you go to sleep away camp, or day camp, as a child? Wish you could? Or sometimes wish you hadn't?
Yes - camps at the Christian Youth Camp at Ngaruawahia were an integral part of my childhood. I loved it. Reflecting now I realise how important these were for my faith formation - both positive and negative.
2. How about camping out? Dream vacation, nightmare, or somewhere in between?
Definitely dream stuff. Nothing better than tent, beach a short walk away, sun and a good book.

3. Have you ever worked as a camp counselor, or been to a camp for your denomination for either work or pleasure?
Our congregation in Wellington NZ had an annual church camp which was always a great time. Photo of 2006 camp at El Rancho, Waikanae.
4. Most dramatic memory of camp, or camping out?
Lying in tent quietly reading when a sudden gust of wind blew the tent right down on top of me. The returning action snapped one of the fibreglass poles which ripped right through the roof of the tent. We did abandon camp for a motel that night!

5. What is your favorite camp song or songs? Bonus points if you link to a recording or video.
Ten guitars - can't find any authentic camp style video but here is an art installation!

Beach trip

Today's Friday Five over at an open table set for a diverse group of people -- women pursuing or discerning a Christian vocation -- and their friends -- is posed by Mother Laura who writes:

The Grimes-Honkanen bunch is settling in after a challenging move, and bubbling with gratitude for our new "cozy cottage by the beach": a tiny rented condo on Pacific Coast Highway.

We're five minutes on foot from Sunset Beach for my daily choppy-but-gorgeous swim or prayer walk, often with dolphin sightings. Ten minutes south by car is downtown Huntington with its pier and window shopping, and the same distance north is Seal Beach, much calmer for family swimming.

Nicholas is equipped with shorty wetsuit and boogie board, and game to learn mastering the local waves from Mom--though I need to get a big softy and learn to surf before he does to maintain my cool cred. But Katie is still learning to swim confidently in the pool, and Midwestern-raised Matt prefers something more like his beloved Great Lakes. "No waves, no salt?" "Yes, darling, and no worrisome wildlife." "Except for the water moccasins, dude." You get the idea...it's all a matter of taste.

So in honor of summer, please share your own beachy memories, plans, and dreams with a "Beach Trip" Friday Five.

1. Ocean rocks, lake limps? Vice versa? Or "it's all beautiful in its own way"?

The latter I think. I do adore the sea. The salt I think because I'm very happy in ocean or harbour. Last year I had only the statutory 10 days break over Christmas and New Year (I was planning a summer hol later in January) and on New Years Day it really felt too soon to be returning to work the next day. But an afternoon drive to Cronulla Beach and a dip in the surf dispelled that gloom and set me up with renewed energy for the return to the workplace. (The major return to work was the following week when I led this prayer in a central city congregation.) But I also love the lakes and rivers abundant with water yet so sadly dying in our troubled world. It seems hard to believe that water security is a major public health issue in our rich country.
2. Year round beach living: Heaven...or the Other Place?
Heaven no question. I just couldn't think of a better lifestyle although I must admit I have not managed it to date. This abode is the closest - 5 mins walk from the river which is tidal almost its entire length. Have just worked out (after 18 months) the ferry route to town which takes longer and costs more but links me directly to the harbour. A good way to nurture my spirit.

3. Any beach plans for this summer?
Need to get through winter first! But this is a good prompt to make the summer bookings. I would like to explore the South Coast.

4. Best beach memory ever?
There are so many. Childhood boat trips with Grandfather in his dinghy with an outboard, tramping (hiking) around Lake Waikareiti with friends and spending a week in a hut right on the beach at the far edge, the Abel Tasman walk with spectacular sea views every step of the way it seemed, building sandcastles with children, and a few years later swallowing my feminist sentiments and beaming as they paraded in the Little Miss Beach Girl competition. BUT you asked for the BEST MEMORY EVER. That would have to be buying fish and chips at Kawhia, driving down to the water, digging a large hole in the black iron sand until we reached the thermal springs - then sitting in our own heated pool eating fast food as the sun set over the horizon and the tide came in.

5. Fantasy beach trip?
See above but with addition of a chilled bottle of champagne to accompany.

Bonus: Share a piece of music/poetry/film/book that expresses something about what the beach means to you.
Well this is the one that came to mind. An oldie (although the hymn writer and composer were both born in the 20th century). And I loved hearing Eternal Father in The Perfect Storm. Funny that these are more sombre - not in a way what I would have expected to come to mind when considering the beach. My mind works in mysterious ways... and recognises that threat and opportunity co-exist maybe???

Taking in the view

Sally offers this week's Friday Five at RevGalBlogPals and says:

This week I took some time out to stop and walk and take in the view; my son Chris is studying in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, too often we simply drive up there, turn around and come home! This time Tim and I took time out to take in the view. It occurs to me that we need to do that more in life....

Here's my play

1. How important is the "big picture" to you, do you need a glimpse of the possibilities or are you a details person?

A crazy mixture really. I do need the big picture and thrive in dreaming and brainstorming and visioning situations. Yet much of my work involves the detail. I can hardly believe that I recently cited matching cryptosporidiosis (a gastro bug) disease notification data with drinking water supply quality data as an example of innovative work I have done. For many years I have been passionate about the needless loss of lives in house fires, where poverty is a key determinant. I have always admired Ian Roberts and his brilliant work in this area. I attended to the detail to statistically demonstrate what was patently obvious - that poor living standards are associated with a six-fold increase in risk of dying in a fire. At last Fire Safety campaigns were empowered to move from an individual responsibility focus only, to a community development approach.

2. If the big picture is important to you how do you hold onto it in the nitty gritty details of life?

Oh yes. This is an important question. With difficulty is the short answer. I am getting better at recognising the signs that I'm not holding on to it and making space. A couple of weeks ago I stayed at home and went for a walk along the river. I'm creating a few cards at the moment. Tonight I attended a meeting of the Tongan Congress within the Uniting Church and was blown away by the amazing LOUD praise of their young people. Solitude, creativity, and collective worship are some of the ways I hold on to the big picture.

3. Name a book, poem, psalm, piece of music that transports to to another dimension ( one....what am I thinking....)

There is a balm in Gilead ... (PCUSA Hymnal)

Psalm 121 - probably a genetic link there as it was a favourite Psalm of my great-grandfather and has been part of most family occasions in the succeeding generations. I like any version but the Scottish Psalter sends special tingles down my spine.

Chris Mason-Battley's Karanga and Karakia

AND I do love old books. From the Family stash I have my Great-Uncle's dictionary, several special Bibles (see previous post) and some devotional books that belonged to my Great-grandfather.

4.Thinking of physical views, is there somewhere that inspires you, somewhere that you breathe more easily?

In this immediate time and place I love coming down Marsden Rd and looking out over the city of Sydney, then taking a back route so that I drive briefly along beside the Parramatta River. I do breathe in deeply and have a sense of being where I'm meant to be when I see that view from the top of the hill, especially at night with lights bright into the distance.

5. A picture opportunity... post one if you can ( or a link to one!)
The hot air balloon ride which began my second half-century ...

Summer vacation

Thanks Sally for this Friday Five. It is a delightful paradox to be sitting in front of my computer on a Saturday in my warm and snuggly merino jersey with a warm chai in my hands (intermittently when I break from typing) and a pot of soup bubbling on the stove AND in responding to a FRIDAY five to be thinking of summer instead of the falling temperature outside.

1. Getting ready for summer, do you use the gradual tanning moisturisers ( yes gentlemen you too can answer this!!!), or are you happy to show your winter skin to the world?
No I don't. One experimental effort produced poor results - but I guess on top of that melanoma is such a public health issue that I want to be part of normalising our skin tone expectations. I've learnt so much from one of my daughters who is 'confidently pale'.

2.Beach, mountains or chilling by the pool, what/ where is your favourite getaway?


Beach or mountains, lake or river. I prefer natural water to the pool. No favourite place really - I love exploring new areas. Some great memories though from Te Araroa , Mangawhai Heads, Spiddal , Fort William, Coolum, San Anselmo, Yosemite and more ... These pics from Queensland's Sunshine Coast Easter 2007 - Four Sisters and the Everglades.

3.Are you a summer lover or does the long break become wearing?
I love holidays in any season, but I do love the long evenings in Summer. The Summer break is never too long! I do like airconditioning when temperature gets above 30 though.

4.Active holidays; hiking swimming sailing, or lazy days?
Hiking (called tramping in New Zealand but nowhere else in the world it seems) swimming, walking and experiencing local culture (art, museums, wonders of nature) make a holiday for me. So long as there is time to read or stitch in between times I am very happy.

5.Now to the important subject of food, if you are abroad do you try the local cuisine, or do you prefer to play it safe?
Local wherever possible. I figure if it is 'piping hot' there's not too much to worry about and in fact that is probably the 'safe' choice (minimal transport, local ingredients, familiar recipes etc).