Cherished Memories – by Sandra Siggee

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In the depths of our hearts – a love so true

a bond unbreakable, my dear, it’s you.

Mum, you are the light that guides our way

though you may be gone, in our hearts you will stay.

***

In that vast world where you now reside;

a place unknown, where angels abide.

We wonder if we’ll see your face again,

our uncertainty lingers like a gentle refrain.

***

Yet, we find solace in knowing you are near,

watching over us with a love so clear.

Your gentle whispers are like an unseen breeze,

with comfort and peace to put our hearts at ease.

***

Though we yearn for the day we will again unite

in this earthly realm, or beyond the light,

we know our love for you will never fade,  

and through the passage of time it will cascade.

***

Mum, we cherish the memories we hold,

the laughter, the tears, the stories untold.

You shaped our lives in ways we cannot express

and in our souls, your spirit finds its caress.

***

We love you, Mum. Forever we’ll proclaim!

Your spirit lives on, ablaze like a flame.

Though you may be gone, we’ll never part

for you’ll always reside within our hearts.

***

So, until the day we meet again

we’ll carry your love like a guiding pen.

You will forever remain in our thoughts and dreams

A cherished presence stitched into life’s seams.

Written by Sandra Siggee

Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix

Down on the Farm #24

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The humidity and high temperatures have finally eased. Autumn has begun with good planting weather. Norm re-potted the Raspberry Bush that desperately needing a larger pot. It’s a little early but we needed to save it’s life.

Norm also put some of the skills he picked up at the gardening workshop we attended a few weeks ago.

While I planted corn seedlings next to the seeds I planted a few days ago.

Our garden has been a place where we can both enjoy.

Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm

Time Out for Lazing Around

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Last week we had four days away in Coffs Harbour. We visited local places of interest and the Clog Barn but mostly we just lazed around the resort we stayed in.

On Wednesday we attended a workshop at Coffs Harbour Nursery. We learned a few new things about growing vegetables and herbs in pots as well as confirming ‘most’ of our knowledge was correct. Norm took notes.

Most of the time though we just lazed around. The room we stayed in was the ‘Presidential Suite’ and we were well spoiled. The suite would be easily than our whole house and land. It’s bathroom was huge and the large spa bath was used every day. The kitchen was spacious with plenty of room to cook together.

Archived in: 🦋 Travel + Retirement

We Have A Wild Side

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The back corner of our yard has gone wild. Bottlebrush shrubs in large pots mostly grow here surrounded with native grasses. The red pot in this photo holds a Melaleuca. They can grow huge in Australia but this one is destined to be stunted by the size of it’s pot. Because the Bottlebrush is a short lived shrub the Melaleuca could be given a bigger pot in a year or two. 🙂

We have finally beheaded the last two giant Sunflowers. Since this photo was taken, they have been stripped of their seeds to be replanted and added to the bird feeders for the Corellas and the occasional pink Galahs that visit the garden.

Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden

Seeking Love – by Sandra Siggee

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In pages worn and yellowed, tales of old,

I seek solace, where legends’ stories are told.

But amidst the myths and lures of the past,

I find myself yearning for something that will last.

***

I long to journey with you hand in hand,

To chase dreams, taking risks, across the land.

Together, we’ll seek the one who understands,

A companion, a soul, like the tales demand.

***

For in these ancient books, I find a yearning,

A desire for a connection, a heart’s true turning.

Someone to lean on, someone who will be,

The very embodiment of the tale’s decree.

***

Oh, bring me someone to turn to, to trust,

A person whose presence I’ll forever adjust.

A kindred spirit, a love that can’t be missed,

Something just like this, a love I insist.

***

So let’s write our own legend, you and I,

With words of passion, beneath the starry sky.

Together we’ll create a story so grand,

A tale of love, fate’s gentle guiding hand.

***

In this world of old books and fables untold,

Let’s weave a story, a love to unfold.

For I desire someone who’ll make my heart twist,

Someone like you, my dear, something just like this.

Written by Sandra Siggee

My Prayer #1

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I genuinely desire more time with You.

In Your presence, and by prayer and supplication, I will make my requests known to You.

You are infinite in holiness and power; I am sinful and weak.

 I will continue to pray with assurance knowing the Father does all things well. – Amen

Chrissy Siggee – February 2024

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Down on the Farm #23

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After a poor summer harvest and the heat killing off some normally thriving vegetables, we’re actually harvesting a few items such as Okra, capsicums, spinach and cherry tomatos. Strawberries have been lacking quantity and size but with cooling nights, some growth is making a difference.

It’s great to be back in the garden most mornings and in the cool of the evening but more rain is needed. This has been an extremely dry summer with showers a rarity of late.

Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm

My Home Australia – by Amelia Siggee (aged 11)

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My Home Australia

My home is where I belong –
It is not just a house but
it is who is with you.

My home is a beautiful place –
it may be small but
there’s nowhere else I want to go.

This is my home it is where
I was born and where
I will stay.

My home Australia is where
anyone is welcome
– with love.

Amelia Siggee (aged 11) – January 2024

Archived in: 🦋 Children’s Corner

Close of Day

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silence captures a moment in time—

                  an owl sounds the close of day,

a hush falls over the darkening sky

                  and the world closes its eyes to sleep.

© Chrissy Siggee

From my book:   Glimpses of His Glory

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Wildlife Visit

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We have seen this blue tongue lizard often this week. I’m sure he’s made our garden his home.

The vegetable garden may look healthy but this hot summer is messing with producing our usually good harvests. Keeping water up is easy enough when the trugs are filled by heavy downpours of rain and hail but the ground is so dry within a few hours from the scorching heat that it is a never ending chore.

Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden & 🦋 Down on the Farm

Happy New Year

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Happy New Year to all Riverside Peace followers. I have posted a few summer garden photos Norm and I have taken between Christmas and New Year while I give an update of where I’m at now and my 2024 plans.

I’ve been a little out of my normal routine since my total right knee replacement on November 2023. A whole new routine, mostly rehabilitation, has taken over. One thing I have return to is the garden – with limitations which is why I trained Norm.

I have been writing a little too and I plan to post at least one new poem and/or devotional post every month. I won’t promise more than this because I’m also taking on the huge challenge of learning to sign in 2024. At a few new followers request, I’ll be re-posting some my most popular poetry and short devotions from my book ‘Glimpses of His Glory’. I’ll add a few others from time to time as well.

The lorikeet above is a regular to our garden and especially loves the apples Norm tosses onto the lawn in the evening. I find the garden provides rest and relaxation.

These final 3 gallery photos show the cheeky sunflower that’s growing in our vegetable garden. It has grown above the back fence and follows the summer sun across the sky. It can be seen by everyone who drives by. I have also returned to river and other local walks. I’ll post these photos too each week.

Have a very happy and safe New Year and a healthy and blessed 2024.

Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden

Stitches Removed!

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Day 18 Post Surgery: Stitches, or rather the one long stitch used for the 15cm wound, was removed late today. The surgeon is very happy with my recovery to date. No formal physiotherapy required but I do need to continue my current exercise routine which is mostly walking, step-work and pool exercise. One elbow crutch should still be used in some environments until January 24th after an X-ray and reviewed again by the surgeon. Until then, I’ll be taking precautions to not over do anything and just taking my time to fully recover. A more settled sleep pattern is a priority. No more sleeping flat on my back should help.

Everyone has been supportive and encouraging. Thank you.

I’m really hoping I can sit for longer at the computer too so I can write new poems and articles. It’s often uncomfortable as well as finding the time between my rehab routines.

Thanks for your patience. – Chrissy

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Walking Wounded

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Do you see the blue house at the top left corner of the image below? That’s our house. That’s our car leaving our little Avenue. Norm’s off to have a haircut. I’m on walk two of my three times a day walk of the Avenue before returning to the comfort of my soft bed to do my knee exercises. I walk about 150 metres. I was using using two elbow crutches until this morning. Now it’s just one.

Day 12 after surgery and day 8 at home. I’ve also started pool exercises this week which is so much easier and painless. The days a warm. I love summer. It’s the best season to be in the pool.

Not a good look but impressive.

Scarred for life. 😉

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Home and Recovering

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Thanks to everyone who sent well wishes and love since my knee replacement surgery last Thursday, November 23rd.

The surgeon was so impressed with my progress that he sent me home after breakfast yesterday, Sunday November 26th. Pain and sleep management, although still not perfect, is easier now that I’m home.

I’m not up to writing much yet but I look forward to reading posts of those I follow.

Archived in: 🦋 Updates

In Shadows of Love – by Sandra Siggee

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In shadows of love, I once found solace,

But now I stand in heartbreak’s embrace.

A tale of betrayal, my soul left shattered

As love’s sweet melody turns bitter and tattered.

***

Once, your affection was a flame so bright,

But now it flickers, consumed by the night.

In disbelief, I watch our love erode

As secrets unravel, truths are now bestowed.

***

Tears stain my cheeks, a river of pain

For love’s betrayal leaves an eternal stain.

How could you wander, my heart’s trusted guide?

Into the arms of another, casting me aside?

***

The whispers of deceit, they cut so deep,

As trust crumbles, a wound that won’t sleep.

In the wreckage of love, I search for reasons

But find only echoes of love’s faded seasons.

***

Yet, through this heartbreak, I’ll rise anew,

Reclaiming my spirit, bidding love adieu.

For I deserve a love that’s pure, untamed,

Not one tainted by deceit falsely claimed.

***

So, I’ll heal the wounds, stitch up the pain,

Learn to love myself, and rise again.

Though scars may linger, I’ll find my way,

And let heartbreak’s darkness turn to brighter days.

***

For in the depths of loss, I’ll find my might

And from this heartbreak, I’ll take flight.

No longer bound by love’s treacherous game,

I’ll soar beyond the ashes, reclaiming my flame.

***

Written by Sandra Siggee

Surgery in Three Days

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In just three days I hope to have my knee replacement surgery so I won’t be online for at least four days. I’ll try to talk Norm through submitting a quick update post sometime over the weekend when I’m feeling up to it but I hope to be out of bed and looking for something to do besides physiotherapy.

I have rescheduled a few archived posts from Riverside Peace for the following week which I hope you will enjoy again until I’m up to writing again.

If all goes well with surgery and recovery, I hope to be home as soon as I can manage both post-surgery pain and Canadian/forearm crutches. My ongoing recovery and physiotherapy plan can be then done at home.

Because I’m severely allergic to the usual, and unusual pain medications, my anesthetist and surgeon have been working on alternative pain relief especially the first 24 hours after the surgery. Please pray for the wisdom of the medical team and for me to work through those early days so I can return home. Thanks in advance.

See you soon.

🦋 Updates and Announcements

Agapanthus Snow Balling.

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Because we were traveling late on Sunday, I was unable to prepare photos for this week’s I’m in the Garden post. It’s been beautiful weather and very relaxing in the Hunter Valley NSW wine country. We’re mostly just taking a breather from all the appointments we have had of late and a rest before my surgery in just over a week away. I have managed to find a couple of photographs I took of the front garden on Sunday morning using my Samsung phone. I hope you like them.

The agapanthus will be in full bloom while we’re not there. The miniature blue agapanthus are usually a little slower in blooming. Probably because they are situated further to the left behind the shrubs.

Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden

Which Entry Will You Take?

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It was brought to my attention a few days ago that we have several entries to our back garden. ‘Which entry do we use?’ they asked. I decided to photograph each entry. Maybe I will need to draw a map. 😉

Above and below is the east entry. The side of the house I call the boring side because leading to the grass-curved path is nothing but terracotta pots filled with struggling succulents along a very long gravel path.

Once you veer right you can follow the grass path to the back entry of the house and the outdoor kitchen and dining area. (below)

Or, you can veer left and take the southeast entry through the ‘farm’. Next photo.

Then there’s the entry through the carport into the outdoor kitchen and dining area. Oh. There’s also one directly from next door’s gravel path.

There’s the entry via the back steps. The entry I most often use.

But my favourite entry has to be through the arch to our ‘farm’.

Which entry will you take?

Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden

I Did It!

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100 Christmas Cards made. 35 are now ready to post. I’ve put aside 11 cards for our neighbours. Yes, there are 12 houses on our Avenue and we all see each other often and attend our monthly birthday street BBQ when we can. There’s plenty for friends at church and the Koala Hospital too. This year I decided on poinsettias as the theme. Every card is different. I’ll write in the local cards when I return home from the hospital in early December. I won’t be going anywhere much until I recover from my surgery.

Archived in: 🦋 Updates

Down on the Farm #21

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It’s been a while since I featured my herbs in ‘Down on the Farm’ and what better time to show them off than this beautiful season of Spring. Mind you, it rained for nearly 48 hours straight before I was able to take a suitable photo over the weekend. The rain is gone and the sun is shining again.

On Saturday I was given some beautiful lemon grass. I don’t have a big enough area to plant it straight into the ground so another potted herb it is. I love how they are growing, how fresh they taste, and how Norm is now using them in his outdoor cooking. There are some larger ones planted among the vegetables too which we’ll use more until the little ones grow. I use some of the bigger plants for making fresh teas too.

Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm

Ready for Summer Entertaining.

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We spent the morning cleaning away winter clutter and sticky dust.

We also pulled out the gurney and cleaned the tiled area.

With the weather warming up, we hope to cook and eat outside more often…

and entertain outdoors.

With the table being extendable, and 6 extra chairs, we can cater for up to 10.

Yes, I think we’re ready for Summer.

Archived in: 🦋 Travel and Retirement

And..the White Picket Fence Needed Painting

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My plan was to paint the white picket fence yesterday but it rained before dawn leaving the fence too damp to paint.

So..today I started straight after breakfast but with the temperature rising, I only managed two-thirds of the entire length. Tomorrow’s weather station says it will be clear skies again. I hope to have it completed well before the promised 25C. I’m so glad it’s not a very high fence. 🙂

Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden

Only about 40 more to make.

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With my knee keeping me indoors most evenings and a knee replacement surgery not until late November, I’ve started making 2023 Christmas cards. This year’s theme is poinsettias. It took me a few weeks to make the individual flowers in various sizes. Not every evening but at least three nights a week. I had my craft supplier assemble the tiniest poinsettias for me. These days my fingers can’t cope with the finer work. Every card is, and will be different in one way or another so everyone will receive a unique card made for them. Sixteen done and another forty or so left to create. I hope I don’t run out of ideas.

Archived in: 🦋 Travel & Retirement

Reach for the Sky

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I’ve been watching this iris since it sprouted back in mid-August. I thought she would clear the top of the Poinsianna the way she was growing.

As the sunflower begins to droop, this iris is reaching for the sky.

I expect to see her in full bloom for a few more days while a second iris (to the right) thinks about bursting out into full bloom.

Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden

Down on the Farm #19

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Spring has drawn us back into the garden earlier and earlier every day. Vegetable seedlings have sprouted. There are two types of cucumber, beetroot, new season spinach & lettuce, chili, capsicum, and okra just to name a few.

It looks like Norm will see and taste his first oranges from the farm this year as well. Snap peas, spring onions, leeks, and broad beans just keep producing day after day.

Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm

A Burst of Sunshine.

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Spring has Sprung with a burst of sunshine. Do you remember my post: https://riversidepeace.com/2023/08/28/late-august-wind-brought-out-a-nice-surprise/ ? This Sunflower is now greeting the Spring sunny mornings with a big smile.

Seedlings are up and the bulbs are finally opening. The irises are a little slow but they’ll be out any day now.

And – the white climbing rose bush has come alive and blooming.

Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden

Something New out of Something Old.

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We had this candle holder sitting on our occasional table since we moved into our home in December 2019. I have decorated it at Christmas or placed an unlit candle in it but usually it just sits. After seeing terrariums and their ridiculous prices at nurseries, Bunning, etc., I decided to put my creativity side to good use. What do you think? Be honest.

Archived: 🦋 I’m in the Garden

Knee Surgery Update

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I knew before I left the recovery ward that the surgery wasn’t as easy as expected. But then, there were no guarantees before I went in. Today the surgeon showed me the film he took inside my knee. The meniscus was torn and brittle beyond recognition. Only a tiny section at the rear was left behind. The knee joint resembled a nanny goat’s beard in full growth. It looked like it needed a shave. The video was fast-forwarded for a few minutes showing the “shaving”. There is a LOT of arthritis. My knee is still yellow purple and green… inside too apparently. Too bruised and stressed for more surgery too soon.

I have another appointment in 4 weeks when he suspects he will then send me for another x-ray to see how things are recovering. As for a knee replacement in the near future. Who knows. I’m surprised It’s not already booked but after his explanation and watching my video, I’ll just have to wait.

In the meantime, I’ll be on pain medication and will be using a walking stick to prevent any further stress on the joint.

🦋 Updates & Announcements

Faith’s Adventures – 8 stories from the Archives.

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From the Archives:  Faith’s Adventure – All 8 Stories

Faith to the Rescue
Faith Loses a Friend
Faith Goes on a Holiday
Faith’s Christmas Surprise
Faith’s Close Encounter
Faith’s Discovery
Faith Becomes a Mother
Faith – That’s my Blue Eye
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Partly true, partly fictional. 8 very short stories about Ken and his dog faith. Suitable for all ages. Please note: story “Faith Loses a Friend” may need parental guidance for younger children.

Archived in: 🦋 Teen Reading 🦋 Short Fiction  

Surgery Update

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I’m home after my laparoscopic knee surgery yesterday. Unfortunately, the damage and arthritis are worse than anticipated from MRI, X-ray, and surgeon’s initial consultation. The laparoscope was not in vain and the surgeon was able to see what the knee re-placement will entail. The removal of the torn meniscus and bone fragments and the bone scrapping of the jagged bone should relieve the pain I have been experiencing. I’ll have more information after my next appointment in 10 days to have stitches removed.

Archived in: 🦋 Updates & Announcements

Down on the Farm #17

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We enjoyed our own fresh-from-the-garden greens over the weekend. There were various varieties of spinach and lettuce. Plus snap peas that we picked as needed.

A few late winter crop surprises doing nicely. – Maybe in a few weeks they’ll be ready.

It’s great to have some of our home-grown vegetables again. The past few months have left us buying mostly from the grocery stores which are not as fresh nor do they have any flavour.

Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm

Down on the Farm #16

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After a few dark and gloomy wintery weeks, we finally braved a morning in the garden and it was good to feel the warmth of the sun. We harvested a variety of lettuce and spinach which hasn’t happened for over a month. Snap peas are looking promising for next week’s menu.

Norm pampered the fruit trees: Apple, pear, avocado, orange, and mango as well as the bay and elderberry trees. We repotted the blueberries and potted two raspberry shrubs – which I forgot to take photos of.

Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm

Down on the Farm # 15

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A pleasant Kings Birthday long weekend found us mostly in the garden. Norm trimmed and prepared the fruit trees for the winter. They were quite late losing their leaves. We now have elderberry, bay, avocado, mango, apple, pear, and a dwarf orange tree – all growing well.

The winter vegetables are slow this year following a strange Autumn. Spinach and carrots are in steady supply with some all-year-round lettuce ready to harvest every weekend.

Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm