Every August 31st is a special day. It's the birthday of my late mom who passed almost 6 and a half years ago. My brother and I used to make a fuss on her special day once she went into the care home so that she would know how much we loved her and I know she always enjoyed our time together on her birthday. So each year on her special day I try to remember her by doing something different. Sometimes we have a cake in her honour or I do something to enjoy myself. She and I used to especially enjoy walking along the waterfront and stopping to have a coffee and a pie or something sweet.
I haven't really spent much time enjoying the summer because it was super hot and I don't enjoy hot weather. It got a lot cooler this week and I decided a walk to the waterfront was in order.
I took a lot of photos (and videos) so today's post is photo heavy. I hope you enjoy them.
The circle on the map shows Davie Village situated on Davie Street in the city's West End. I walked from the St. Paul's Hospital to Denman Street then to the beach.
I hope all is well with you. I'm basically okay but have been feeling more tired than usual and fighting against a cold. I did go and get my flu shot. I usually like to get it as early as possible but was a few weeks late this year. There isn't a lot of excitement going on right now but there are a lot of small things to be done. It is a time of taking stock, getting appointments out of the way, completing little odd jobs here and there and thinking ahead to Christmas.
I seem to have enough energy for doing only very basic things like every day meal preparation, hand washing of dishes, doing the laundry, reading the Bible and praying for the needs of others, keeping abreast of the Kenyans I am helping (see side bar top right), only the necessity shopping and buying or making Christmas gifts and deciding what to do over the holiday. I've also been on You Tube a lot as I'm over subscribed to various channels. When one doesn't feel like doing their own work, you can watch others do theirs, lol. Actually I learn a lot by watching and hearing other people from all around the world.
One of the things I don't like about living where I live is that when it comes around to Christmas season it is very difficult to get in to see or participate in the Christmas program of your choice. People really plan ahead here and by this time in the season it is very difficult to get into the venue of your choice.
I thought I was early in thinking about which Christmas concert, play or event to attend. Christmas is almost 2 months away but already seats are limited on choice dates and venues. After some back and forth over options, a friend and I decided to try and get tickets for this event:
The choir, soloists and chamber ensemble
will perform J.S. Bach’s joyous cantata for
Christmas, Herz und Mund und Tat und
Leben, which features Bach’s famous Jesu
Joy chorale. The choir will also perform
shorter seasonal works for Christmas, plus
carol singing with the audience.
Here is a You Tube video of some of what will be in the program (different performers).
🌟⛪🌟
We are looking forward to the concert. We will have a quiet Christmas again this year. I'm trying to get to the point of a very quiet, relaxing Christmas with days to enjoy music, warm lights and the joy and hope of the season. Consequently, I don't have big plans for Christmas but have already put together most of my gifts for a few family member and friends (yet to be wrapped of course). There are still a few gift items to think about. I tend to keep gift gifts small and (hopefully) meaningful. I've also discussed with my nephew the idea of taking an overnight trip after Christmas to visit his sister. It is always nice to make this trip if weather permits. We can enjoy the season in a visit with loved ones but also see the season decked in snow.
In my NT Bible reading I am now halfway through the Book of Romans. I've also completed the following books since my last post and I can recommend both of them depending on your interests. I've noticed a French theme runs through my reading in 2019. It wasn't planned that way but likely stems from my trip to Paris earlier this year.
Written by an American widow who moved to Paris after losing her husband.
Written by a Canadian journalist who immigrated from Africa.
Currently in my reading pile.
Written by a well known, sometimes controversial, Canadian psychologist.
Written by 2 American housewives who made a career teaching about healthy living.
Now I leave you with a beautiful sunset as I'm participating in Skywatch Friday.
These are some photos I took on my one and only trip to the beach this summer.
There were quite a few people there and a lot of photographers set up with their equipment right at the waterfront.
In some cases they blocked the best views but I don't mind. I'm not a pro and I just wanted a few nice photos.
When I framed my photos I cropped out as many people as possible :-)
The beach outing was really for my niece so she could walk in the sand and see the waterfront.
After the sun set we stopped for an ice cream on the way home.
A simple little outing which was quite enjoyable.
In previous years I've mentioned how the weather changes from hot to a bit chilly overnight as of September 1st.
This year I noticed it getting chillier a bit earlier.
It is still nice and sunny during the day time. But now I need a little covering to keep at a comfortable temperature if I'm going to be out after dark.
