First Sunday after Easter 2014

Yesterday, on Sunday the 27th of April, Peter and I travelled from Dapto Station to Redfern Station. We had a good tasting Hamburger Lunch close to Redfern Station. My Hamburger was made with a chickpea patty, which was delicious. 🙂 For desert we had some yummy ice-cream. We finished our lunch early. Our plan had been to go to a seminar in Redfern. It was about a subject that we find very interesting. However it had turned out to be a miserable very wet day. We were dressed for a sunny warm day. And we had not thought of taking an umbrella along.

When our daughter Caroline messaged us from Waverly we could come to her place to warm up and Matthew would make us a nice cup of coffee, we could not resist. We decided there and then to give the seminar a miss. We just did not feel right any more to go there. We thought relaxing with Caroline and Matthew was the better option at that instance. We had not seen them since before Easter. They had been away for a little holiday.

So off we went to their place in Waverly. We arrived there quickly by train and bus. We were lucky. A train to Bondi Junction came straight away. And at Bondi Junction we immediately did get a bus. to where we wanted to go. Really an excellent connection! We knew where to get off the bus and from the bus stop it was only a very short walk for us. It did not rain very much, that meant we did get only a little bit wet. Caroline had some heaters on. That made us feel all right very soon. Being able to talk to Caroline and Matthew was great.

They made sure we caught the right bus back to catch our train to Dapto from Bondi Junction. By half past seven we were back home, had some supper and started watching our movie on ABC TV at 8,30 pm. We saw “Parer’s War”. It showed what Australians and Americans experienced in New Guinea towards the end of WW II wich is really quite mind boggling.

It is a pity that we did not feel up to it to go to that seminar. A very interesting speaker from the University of Canberra was to give the talk which in a way was to touch on the subject of “the crisis of democracy”. A few times we have been to other very interesting seminars at this place in Redfern. They often send out invitations we find worth taking notice of. However quite a few invitations we missed out on over the years, for it is not always convenient for us to go all the way to Redfern for a two hour talk. Maybe it would make a difference if we lived somewhat closer. I don’t know. We always seem to be running out of time!

FINCH THERAPY, Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT)

I found the above adds after my consultation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I had a Carpal Tunnel Release operation in November 2013. A few weeks later I made an appointment at the above clinic. I was given treatments every two weeks and had to do some of the MAT exercises at home. After several weeks of this my body was well aligned. This week I went there for a follow up examination. This turned out to be okay. I was advised to have another follow up examination in three months time.

Thankfully my carpal tunnel syndrome has improved a real lot. My right hand is close to normal again! Also I seem to have a much better balance in my body. I would say the FINCH THERAPY really made quite a difference in my well being. Peter underwent the same therapy and is quite happy with it. This therapy helps with muscle activation. However arthritic pain is a different matter. The therapy cannot help with this. Both Peter and I suffer more or less from arthritic pain. This can be very painful at times. We are told, keeping as mobile as possible, is what we should aim for. Both, Peter and I, try to move about as much as possible.

I told one of the therapists that we were being kept very busy over Easter since we did have a few visitors staying with us and going on a lot of outings with us. The therapist asked me then if we went out for coffee. I said we did not go out for coffee so much. I should have told him then about all our different outings. But there was no time for this.

So were did we go? Just to recollect: There was one outing to Port Kembla Pool and Beach early on Easter Saturday morning. The same day we went to the Nan Tien Temple for a delicious vegetarian lunch. And of course we had a good look at some of the temple interiors and surrounding beautiful grounds.

Easter Sunday, very early in the morning, we went for a walk in the Minnamurra Rainforest. Later on we had a Buffet Lunch at the Novotel in Wollongong. When I said we had 15 people at our place on Good Friday, the therapist asked me whether I had to cook for all of them. I said I cooked lunch only for seven of us. The others came later.

I could have mentioned that our son cooked a lovely meal for us on Saturday night after we got home from the temple. He cooked Ravioli and there was a sumptuous salad to go with it.

As far as my diary goes, I could mention that Peter went already twice this week to get new top dentures fitted. Yesterday he had to see his eye specialist in Figtree. We went to Figtree together on the bus. While Peter saw his doctor, I ‘amused’ myself in the nearby shopping centre. Shopping centres make me feel very tired. And I had been up since 5 am already. We arrived home for a quick lunch. Then Peter drove me to my heart move class at Dapto Ribbonwood Centre. Well, that was only yesterday. I remember I felt extremely tired during the class. I like to go to these classes when I feel more rested. These heart move exercises are actually great fun. There is always such invigorating Latin American music to go with it, as well as Vienna waltzes.

Uta’s Diary

Today is Anzac Day, Friday the 25th of April 2014.

This is a copy of what I found in an ABC News Report:

“Thousands of Australians have attended dawn services around the country to commemorate Anzac Day and honour the men and women who have fought and died in war.

The services mark the 99th anniversary of the first landings by Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli in 1915.

More than 35,000 people were expected at today’s national ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.

Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge were surprise attendees at the dawn service in Canberra.”

I got up at 5 am and watched dawn services from Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne on ABC TV.

The Anzac Day March in Sydney starts at 9 am. I think I am going to watch some of this. There is also to watch the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Gallipoli which is shown at 12,30 our time., and then at 1,30 pm our time there is the Villers-Britonneux Memorial Service from France. I like to watch all these sombre services with their beautiful musical displays and reciting of poems and stories.

A War Story on Australian Television

I copied here the ABC’s advertisement for Parer’s War which is going to be shown this coming Sunday, the 27th of April 2014. The problems returned soldiers might face at home this is something to think about.

Parer’s War on ABC1

8:30pm Sunday 27 April
Based on the lives of real people and actual events, Parer’s War tells the story of a man caught between two worlds and battling with his emotions — at ease amongst the troops and in the midst of jungle warfare, but struggling to connect at home and to win the love of his life.

Thirroul

On Wednesday was our check-up Finch Therapy day. We had an appointment for 10 am. Instead of taking the car, we travelled to Thirroul by train. We arrived in Thirroul with about forty minutes to spare and took time to look around a bit. I thought it was a good opportunity to take a few pictures.

This sign was not to be overlooked as we left the station.

Looking back to the Entrance to Thirroul Station.

Along the main road close to where all the shops were we noticed this nursery.

Peter is taking a Picture with his Tablet. What of?

We walked a bit further and reached our destination. Our check-ups turned out to be good. What a relief! We were told our bodies were still well aligned. But to come back for another check-up in three months.

This week is a short working week. On Monday was Easter Monday. And this week on Friday is a Public Holiday, namely Anzac Day which always falls onto the 25th of April.

I saw this sign in the window of one shop:

They advertised a wonderful package. I was thinking that maybe I should take up this offer one day. It seems to be good value.

Minnamurra Rainforest, EASTER SUNDAY 2014

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre says: “Visit Minnamurra Rainsforest wher nature is easy to reach.” They are open 7 days 9 am to 5 pm. You can find out more when you go to:

http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Our plan was to go to Minnamurra Rainforest early in the morning on Easter Sunday, the 20th of April. We had booked lunch for 1 pm in Wollongong. That meant we all had to get up early to have breakfast before 8 am. We were all very good and got ready on time. We were the first visitors at the Centre arriving there just before 9 am. Well before midday we were back home again to get ready for lunch in Wollongong.

We were very lucky again with the weather. It was a perfect day for a walk through the rainforest.

This snake greeted us on a wall of the Visitors' Centre. — This snake greeted us on a wall of the Visitors’ Centre.

Here we met up with our son Martin and his daughter Lauren.

They had gone all the way up to Minnamurra Waterfalls. Peter and I had remained on the lower level, taking quite a few photos of the forest. Here are some of the photos:

Here I googled some tourist information:

‘”It’s an incredible feeling, to stand among the trees in this ancient patch of rainforest and imagine a time when it covered most of the land around here.”

Visit the multi award-winning Minnamurra Rainforest Centre and experience the splendour of the rainforest.

Chat to friendly staff in the Minnamurra Visitor Centre – they’re experts on the area so will be able to give you plenty of useful information – and check out the interpretive signs and Aboriginal artefacts on display. You might also find that perfect little present or souvenir in the Centre’s gift shop.

Then it’s time to wander the network of elevated walkways through the rare remnant rainforest that once reached throughout the Illawarra. Feel your senses awakening as you listen to the birds, feel the spray of the waterfalls and spot rainforest residents – perhaps the superb lyrebird, eastern water dragon or swamp wallaby.

There’s also a picnic area by the river, so pack your hamper and enjoy a barbecue in this splendid environment.’

Location: shown on Minnamurra Rainforest Centre map
Getting there: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre is located in the foothills of Jamberoo Valley, west of Kiama on the NSW South Coast. To get there from Jamberoo, drive west on Jamberoo Road and turn left onto Jamberoo Mountain Road. Take the first right onto Minnamurra Falls Road, and you’ll find Minnamurra Rainforest Centre about 3km along to the end of the road.
Road access: Sealed road – 2WD vehicles.
Opening hours: The Minnamurra Rainforest Centre is:
Open 9am–5pm (Monday-Sunday).
Closed on Christmas Day
Facilities: picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues, flush toilets, drinking water, cafe/kiosk, carpark, lookout, trackhead/access point, venue
Vehicle entry fee: $11 per vehicle per day. For passengers travelling by private transport (bus or taxi), the fee is $4.40 per adult and $2.20 per child.

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkVisitorCentre.aspx?id=N0069

Easter Sunday 2014

After we finished Lunch, the Easter-Bunny came around and handed out little Easter Eggs. — We still had some deserts left when the Easter-Bunny came around and handed out little Easter Eggs.

We had had a buffet lunch. These lovely decorations were above one of the buffet tables:

This beach is opposite from where we had lunch. I took pictures of Peter and Granddaughter Lauren in front of North Wollongong Beach.

Peter took this picture. — Peter took this picture of North Wollongong Beach.

HAPPY EASTER

Happy Easter everyone!

Sydney and surrounds is bathed in beautiful autumn sunshine. We are so lucky that after all this rain during the past few weeks the skies cleared up.

The Pagoda of the Nan Tien Temple near Wollongong.

Yesterday, on Easter Saturday, we went to the Nan Tien Temple. We had planned on having a vegetarian lunch in their downstairs Tea Room. The extended car places near the Temple were all taken. It was absolutely amazing how many cars were parked everywhere. We had never seen the place this packed full. It turned out there were celebrations going on for Buddha’s Birthday. However we found out later that the birthday had already been on the 8th of April. Never mind this, more celebrations are planned. The next celebrations are going to be on the Mothers’ Day Weekend.

It was announced on the speaker system that people could register their children between the ages of two and seven. From 12,30 on these children would be given a special birthday celebration party in the courtyard. Everything for free! Later on we saw lots of food- and gift-stalls near the courtyard. We did not get any food there for we had already eaten an excellent lunch in the tea-room.

My choice was first of all some Cappucino.

The coffee arrived well covered in chocolate together with a dish that looked liked minced meat but was vegetarian of course.

I had ordered a curry dish with rice which was delicious. Sorry, I forgot to take a photo of of this rice dish. I took some photos of these interesting glass teapots that contained some exotic teas.

We went for a walk further up the hill towards the Gratitude Bell. Peter took a picture of me near this bell. Martin did give the bell a try chiming it. The sound is very pleasant and carries over large parts of the surrounding area.

This is Martin near the Gratitude Bell looking towards the Pagoda.

Here I caught Peter as he is walking near some tall bamboo plants at Nan Tien Temple.

Port Kembla Beach was deserted on Easter Saturday Morning.

This is our son Martin going for a swim in Port Kembla Pool.

The wind on that morning was very unpleasant. Lauren did not go for a swim. Peter and I decided too that we would not go into the water.

The previous day, on Good Friday, we had Caroline and Matthew staying with us and also Monika and a lot of her family, including little Lucas.

Lucas liked to play again with some toy cars.

Time to have some marzipan covered Nut Cake that Peter made.

Caroline did bring some home baked apple and plum cake along, and Krystal and Monika had also baked some cake!

Our Frangipani bush started flowering just in time for Easter!

Palm Sunday

The following is a copy of what I wrote last year about Palm Sunday. Tomorrow is going to be another Palm Sunday. I can’t believe how quickly one year has passed!

“Palm Sunday morning was a glorious morning for me. A few minutes after seven o’clock, when the sun had just started coming up a bit, I slowly walked to the church carrying my piece of palm which Peter had cut off for me from our palm tree. I arrived at 7,30. People were already walking towards an outside table where the priest started blessing the palms. After a few minutes everyone assembled in the church for the Palm Sunday mass.

During mass the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke was read. Some parts were read by a narrator, then there were other parts being read by a different person; in bold types was printed out on the overhead screen what the crowd (the congregation) had to read, and Father read the part of Jesus.

Towards the end Jesus said: Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.
And the narrator said: With these words he breathed his last.”

I wrote last year in response to one comment: “We have a priest who’s always coming up with new ideas how to beautify the church and its surrounds. His enthusiasm is uplifting. On Good Friday there were Hot-cross buns for everyone who participated in walking to the fourteen Stations. I had asked Peter to come and pick me up. This is why I could not stay for refreshments. And further on I did not make it to go to Saturday’s Vigil. We had visitors. Somehow I also did not make it to go to Easter Sunday Morning Mass. It was a lovely Easter anyway. I like it when we have visitors.”

Well, this was last year. This year Palm Sunday is on the 13th of April and Easter Sunday is not till tge 20th of April. We are very lucky that this year too we are going to have visitors again staying with us over the Easter holidays. I am very much looking forward to this. Nobody in my family is Catholic. That means I ought to make an effort to go to church by myself.

UTA’S DIARY

In March 1879 American Henry George published in San Francisco: PROGRESS AND POVERTY. It is a big read, more than 500 pages. We have had this book for many years. Still, I never took time to read it properly.

You may have noticed that I googled a lot these past few days. It all had to do with where past civilisations and our civilisation are headed for.

The unequal distribution of wealth and privilege is examined. Progress as well as poverty, how can this be? THIS IS THE QUESTION.

In 1979 Agnes George de Mille, the granddaughter of Henry George, published this:

w.progwwress.org/tpr/who-was-henry-george/

I found the above when I googled ‘Henry George‘. There are many more links to Henry George in Google!