A time to remember

I have spent a couple of afternoons recently with an Asian lady visiting New Zealand. She was here in the 70s as a student and became a Christian at that time. She worked here after gaining her Masters degree and met her husband here. He is also an Asian. In time they returned to their home country to work and raise their family.

Over the last few weeks she has spent time, a lot of time, visiting old haunts from so many years ago, flats, gardens, walks, places of employment, the streets of Christchurch. It is as if she is blown around like an autumn leaf.

She remembers streets and loves to walk down them; she has taken photos, probably hundreds, to show people back home, she has caught up with many old friends around NZ ~ and made at least one new one.

Have you seen a small, older, Asian lady on the bus? Along the Avon? In the city? Photographing your house or the one next door?

She’s not lost just remembering.

Resigned

Today, at 4pm, after many years, I resigned from teaching English.
I have mixed feelings but this is the right time to stop.
It has earned me many Asian friendships and a trip to Korea.
I feel very tired.

5867 giant steps for Elizabeth!

Today I was meant to work hard on my cycling skills with Sharyn but the weather was not conducive to biking so I walked instead.

I wanted to know how far is 3.5 km. I planned a route and set off from home. I arrived home an hour later and the perometer showed 3.64 km so I can do it.

We all seem to do different things as we journey. Me? I love to smell the perfumes of the flowers I pass. Without even looking I know when I am near honeysuckle, roses line many garden fences with such a variety of fragrances to enjoy and one very public spirited and trusting house holder has planted sweet peas for my benefit! I love sweet peas.

We all seem to be getting somewhere, I am so looking forward to that great Duathalon Day.

Starting at what age??????

So I am signed up to do a duathalon with our 3 daughters and 16 year old Granddaughter,Chrissy.

It felt exciting that first day.

Then I read the preparation exercises and stayed awake most of one night worrying that I would not be able to bike on hills. Actually, may not be able to bike even as I haven't tried riding since I had a stroke 10 years ago.

Next day on the web site I discovered all biking was on the flat. Great! That day Sharyn brought a sturdy looking bike around with a helmet and we discovered that at least I could mount and ride though the steering was shaky!

Yesterday Chrissy jogged a long way including up a hill. Not to be out done I took the bike out and rode for 20 minutes through the 5pm traffic; there are some very good and considerate drivers in our area! I can pedal fine but keeping in a straight line, now that is so hard, just like when I first learnt to ride when I was about 8 years old.

The worry today?? Chrissy and I are concerned we are going to peak too soon :)