There’s something about a river
that draws me to its side
Effortlessly advancing
toward a lake or sea.
With an abundance of freshness
it’s filled with life and health
Uninterrupted flowing
beyond the distant fields.
From gentle humble beginnings
– a fact of life itself
Amazingly appealing
amid a lonely past.
Whispers of the river embrace
the peace renews my mind
Majestically embracing
yonder pathways I see.
© Chrissy Siggee
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40 Years =
480 Months =
2085.71 Weeks =
14,610 Days =
Together Forever
Married January 10th 1981
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When the granddaughters said they didn’t have a Christmas tree outside, they decided to create one.
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A fun breakfast with the granddaughters.
A breakfast eaten with smiles.
Archived in: Children’s Corner
It’s not really a final goodbye, my friend
because I know I’ll see you again.
The times we spent together,
cried and laughed
I will cherish always.
/
It’s all right now for you to go, my friend
because your many years of pain are over.
Those times we prayed together,
joy and sorrow
I will cherish always.
/
It’s time for you to be at peace, my friend
because we shared a secret or two.
The chats we often shared,
together and apart
I will cherish always.
/
It’s not the many years, my friend
because I could always count on you.
Those times I will think of you,
today and tomorrow
I will cherish always.
/
It’s the beyond tomorrow, my friend
because you will be here, in my heart.
The tears will come and go,
sadness and joy
I will cherish… always.
Poem by Chrissy Siggee
In memory of my dear friend Betty who went home to Jesus on Monday December 14th 2020.
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I see a lot of winter Christmas posts and they’re all wonderful but I thought some photos of a summer Christmas needs to be shared.
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This years theme: The Nutcracker Suite.
If only I could find the sugar plum fairy.
Perhaps I should ask the gnomes.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
A beautiful morning.
A beautiful beach.
Cool wet sand.
A quiet place.
Two cameras.
Beautiful pebbles.
And shells.
Dead coral?
Strange rock shapes.
Here and there.
End of the beach.
Enjoying the view.
Clear water.
So weird. 🙂
A very enjoyable morning at the beach.
Archived in: 🦋 Retirement
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Photos by Norm Siggee
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While we were visiting Timbertown a few weeks ago, Norm and I spent some time looking at items made by a local wood craftsman. I mentioned to Norm that I would love a large cheese board but we found nothing that I liked or big enough. Norm said he could try and make one. This seemed a good idea because now that he’s retired he is often looking for something to do but this was not one of his academic projects. We were given the phone number of the suppler who invited us to his property to view his huge shed full of all his wood. Well, I fell in love with some beautiful pieces but they were much too big. We were able to take one home to see if would work but we returned it because it was too much work for Norm who had never attempted anything like this. As you can see all his measurements and calculations went out the window.
Not bad for an academic’s first handyman project except I still need a cheese board.
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We took a few days away to visit some of our favourite places and new places too. One of our favourites is the Butterfly House.
My apologies if the photos are out of a alignment. I haven’t got these new WordPress changes worked out yet.
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A day’s outing took us to Old Timbertown in Wauchope. With the school holidays over it was a quieter day with very few visitors. Just the way we prefer it. It was nice to wander around with no itinerary.
We bought a few bottles of Timbertown’s red wine and a carved fruit bowl from one of the merchants. The blacksmith was just tinkering but was fascinating just the same. Stepping back in time for a day into the late eighteen hundreds and it’s slow life style made for an interesting day.
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oops. A little blurred but you can see that I’m making Christmas cards. I’m also making January Birthday cards.
Some finished. Others I need more craft material. Our local craft store has closed temporary because their stock is sitting on the wharf in Sydney where the dock workers are having a strike. Ebay may be my only hope to finish them in time for Christmas mail out.
Archived in: Retirement
Some not so great and some tougher memories of 2020.
Drought
Water restrictions
Broken pipes
Broken garden tools
New plantings during Covid19 lockdown
New plans
Painting
Compost making
Finding new hobbies through a Covid19 winter
Archived in: 🦋 Retirement
We started the day by visiting a couple of nurseries.
This rose was perfect. (our son is a bush fire fighter)
Shortly after we returned home we received visitors into the garden
but they decided to go next door when they saw we were busy. 😉
I actually bought two Fire Fighter Red roses.
The other one we’ll give to our son.
We also bought this white climbing rose called Iceberg.
I took a few pics of new blooms and garden features.
Covid has slowed up a garden arch order from Western Australia. It could be months before it’s delivered so we bought a cheap one so we could continue our garden plans.
More pics.
We took a rest at the end of the path to take more pics and imagine what else we could do.
I then checked if the gnomes were home…
…and if Mitzi was still hanging around.
Thanks for stopping by.
We hope to have another day in the garden soon.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden by Chrissy for Riverside Peace
The weather has been enjoyably sunny but rain would be nice.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
My first photos of the backyard after we moved in. December 12th 2019.
And the most recent photos. September 2020.
In just 9 months and a lot of hard work, I think we have done OK.
Once there was a boy named Louie,
who picks his nose and speaks phooey.
So, don’t EVER touch sticky bits of glue
or at night you will turn blue
and wake up feeling fluey.
by Amelia Siggee aged 7 – 2020
Archived in: 🦋 Children’s Corner
There once was a flea called Maureen,
lived a laid-back life of a queen.
She survived on a government grant,
which occurred to her as a song and dance,
After-all, she was only eighteen.
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There once was a prince called Dylan,
who was known as a bit of a villain.
He would never wash his hands
after a feeding on smelly clams,
so his doctor ordered him to take penicillin.
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Norm is connecting with the garden and adding his imagination and creations.
I’ve read that dark fences do not make gardens look smaller but rather enhance the garden. I think they’re right.
Do you see the additional Australian baby animals?
A view from the garden seat.
and a view from the bottom of the steps.
Last week we created a strawberry tower together and added a few local finds to the garden.
Norm is getting involved with his own additions.
It’s all looking good.
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Retirement finally. First week at home and the garden plots became a reality.
It’s an amazing transformation.
The broad beans were left in their boxes so as not to disturb the roots.
I’ll be having a serving of my favourite green vegetables soon.
Seedlings in the centre garden are starting well.
The transplanted spinach and lettuce have been sampled already this past week.
The brussel sprouts continue to thrive in their box and potatoes are growing well too.
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There once was a man called Matt,
who wore an astonishing hat.
He found himself lost on vacation,
in an Australian outback location
and fell into a hole of a kangaroo-rat.
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Thank you to the followers that notified me that the three links to my book ordering pages aren’t working. I checked yesterday and today and finally sent emails to my contact only to receive a message back that Skoobebooks is no longer trading due to the sad death of Keith Plunkett, the man who has been my biggest supporter since 2012.
I sent emails to two separate email addresses and only received the one reply. Keith assured me numerous times over the years that all records were saved appropriately if a situation arose and I would be contacted.
Not knowing when Keith died, all I can do is wait. I apologise for any inconvenience. I will keep looking for details of another contact I had when Keith had time off.
Chrissy
We transplanted the pot-bound vegetables into plot number one. (counting right to left. The brussel sprouts and extra broad beans will probably stay in the confines of the polystyrene boxes until they have finished for the season.
The morning sun has finally found the courtyard. Winter is almost over for 2020. I looked back up the newly paved path and drain with the morning sun behind me.
Many thanks to our son Ken for his expertise and honed skills with drainage and landscaping. Thanks also for being a wonderful and caring son. KMAS Property Maintenance & Landscaping
Archived in:🦋 Down on the Farm
He gazed upward to the stars
counting sadness and his woes—
Deep wrinkles creased his brow,
he stands alone and ponders life.
It took one selfish moment
for his wealth to slip away—
Gambling is a fool’s game,
he wonders how he can regain.
Not one dollar he had left.
No income, no means to pay—
His house and car are gone,
He contemplates to end his life.
His wife, his son — he failed.
Nothing left to support them—
Life is not worth living!
He stepped out into the traffic…
Horns blast
Tyres skid
Thud
He stares upward into lights
muffled voices all around—
Deep wrinkles crossed his brow,
he marvels why he’s still alive.
It took one thoughtful moment…
Why would strangers save his life?
Two strong hands pulled him back,
he tried to rub a sore behind.
“Sir, not one bone did you break.
You hit the grass — not the truck—
There’s two people you should thank
and give them the trust they deserve.”
Wife and son approached his bed.
“Why did you return?” he asked—
“My debts won’t go away!”
He couldn’t bear to hurt them more.
Tears flowed
Misery
Dread
He gazed upward into hope
given now a second chance—
Deep wrinkles shaped his brow,
he reaches out and asks for help.
It took a year of meetings
learning how to take control—
Took years to pay his debts;
he found a job and stuck with it.
Desperate decisions made
difficult times they endured—
Early starts, long night shifts,
he finally forgave himself.
His wife and son stood by him,
nothing fancy they could own—
Probably never will.
But what they have is worth far more.
True love
Forgiveness
Trust
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
With the pebbles in place, the topsoil for the new turf came next. The large pots were re-positioned. The windmill and gonna relocated.
Top soiled leveled.
The yard slowly transformed.
A few more ornaments appeared. The turf arrived mid-afternoon.
Looking good.
Tomorrow we’ll finish trimming and tidying up. Next weekend the rear storm water pit will be filled with gravel and then topped with matching pebbles before the above-ground vegetable garden plots can begin.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden by Chrissy for Riverside Peace
Since early yesterday morning, the backyard has been turned into a huge construction site. This corner almost didn’t survive either.
Wheelbarrow loads of sand managed to soak up some of the water so the workers could continue.
and I was surprised when this small paved footpath emerged.
I think I have seen the last of the drainage problems here. This morning the yard began to transform.
Defined edges began to emerge.
River pebbles were carted from the trailer in wheelbarrows.
Permanent pavers for the large pots and the garden seat were set in place.
Tomorrow… topsoil and turf will arrive to complete the job.I will post more photos as soon as I can. I can’t believe it’s almost completed.
There hasn’t been much work done in the garden since the rains came and winter cast it’s shadow over the backyard. Yes, it’s starting to look like a garden but what lies beneath is a soggy mess.
The deciduous potted trees and plants are doing there job allowing the strip of sunshine through to the veggies around mid morning. I think most of the plants and shrubs are located somewhat in the best positions for future seasons but at least pots can be relocated if needed.
The long timbered area at the back is a council requirement for rainwater overflow. However, with no drainage or a good foundation under the lawn, the sump only drains the water away from the inside. Any excess water builds up under the turf and during and after heavy rains, well you can see the water line where the backyard floods.
The only things immediately under the turf are mud and pipes. No preparation was done before the turf was placed straight over the top. Norm and I have started on the worst areas and just placed pavers around so I don’t sink ankle-deep in mud. We have been spending warmer days in the undercover areas where we’re able to create a restful oasis or two.
We have plans for a complete removal of the current turf to install a proper foundation of ag pipes, gravel, and soil to raise the whole yard with gentle slopes toward new drainage along the rear. THEN, we can finish the main garden area.
There once was a flea called Heather,
who really felt under the weather.
She went to see her pharmacist,
– known to most as a romanticist
and now they are living together.
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
In response to dVerse’s Birthday Haibun Challenge
dVerse Poets Pub
With the semi-retirement of my husband also came poorer health for me and I wasn’t looking forward to my 60th birthday. Being the wife of a military man has been a good life but it also brings family separations especially with our children who are now grown up and married with their own. Across states and interstate, I thought the misery of another birthday without my family would drown me in sorrow.
To my delight we all met up in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales – winery country, less than an hour from our daughter’s family home. Our son and his family stayed in the adjoining cabin to ours. Physical pain on our four-hour road trip threatened to ruin plans for a lovely weekend but with the sun bursting through the clouds on arrival and seeing family, filled me with warmth and joy.
I don’t remember much of the weekend but the joy and smiles from our four grandchildren will forever stay in my memory just as the cream and fruit oozed from the birthday pavlova they helped decorate.
Chrissy Siggee August 7th 2020 (Sydney time)
This little guy was left on our front porch early Sunday morning. Below the photo you can read the tale behind the gnomes in our little street.
When we first moved into our new little home in December 2019, we found most of the neighbours to be a friendly bunch. A few stopped by to comment on my garden gnomes which were still standing in a group on the edge of the garden awaiting to be placed in their new home. We all had a story about how our gnomes came about.
This little street apparently has mystery gnomes that appear here and there, in other gardens or on peoples door steps. One poor gnome is known to be found laying on the road after Saturday night parties.
I thought nothing more about the gnome tales until I opened our front door on Sunday morning just past. I thought immediately of who the culprit might be but wasn’t completely sure. Sure enough, later in the day the suspect neighbour was walking her dog down the street and I asked her if she knew anything about our gnomely visitor. With a laugh she told me that because of the Covid restrictions, the gnomes had been staying in self quarantine. While doing the right thing they gave each other a complete makeover and repaint ready to play. I wasn’t the only one to have a visitor and he’ll probably go home of his own accord in a day or so.
It might sound silly but you know, it’s sometimes the silly things in life that helps make the world a happier place. There’s one thing that has come out of this gnomey business and that is we have been made to feel truly welcomed here and have been included in the neighbourly gnome games.
After all, it’s a little gnome fact that getting to gnome your neighbours puts a smile on your face. I really feel at gnome here. – Gnome matter what…. Thank you neighbours and gnomes.
There once was a man called Rob,
who lived in the town of Dungog.
With daily doses of moonshine,
he couldn’t walk a straight line.
Sadly, he drowned in his grog.
(Note: Dungog is a rural town near Maitland north of Sydney)
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
It’s whale season here on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Whales head north to warmer waters from the Antarctic to breed and give birth. Just a few days ago, we were taking the ocean road to head home the long way when I spotted a whale breaching of the coast. We parked the car at one of the lookouts and enjoyed the view. Unfortunately, we left our camera at home. Today we set off with the right equipment but sadly they were 15 to 20 kilometres off-shore. Even the long distance lens didn’t help. We met a gentleman who is one of the official whale counters who told us that 396 whales passed the headland and just a couple of kilometres off the coastline yesterday. Sadly, these are the best of 50 photos we took today.
Because you have read this far, I shall reward you with a few photos taken back in June 2016 – three years before we moved here. We had brought my dad up here from Sydney for a holiday. The whale watching cruise was the highlight of his trip. These whales came within 20 feet of the boat with one coming up alongside the boat to check out the humans.
Note: Boat owners are not allowed to approach whales but sometimes the whales come to the boat so engines are switched off to wait for the whales to move on.
Archived in: 🦋 Retirement
The lawn is not getting any sun through winter but I can design the Spring project.
At least the temporarily pavers will save my feet getting lost in the mud.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
Just HAIKU
Riverside Peace 
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