A Little Diary

Yesterday I posted the words of the poem/hymn Christmas Bells by Henry Wardworth Longfellow. I do not have his book, but have often borrowed it from the library. Christmas Bells was written into this little book some years ago. I have had the diary since my birthday in 1991, given to me by a little lad as a birthday gift. it is filled with poems, prose written by authors, short and powerful paragraphs, words from famous and influential people including our own Prophets and much more. All is handwritten. Who can ever forget the few words written by Tolstoy in War and Peace about life or words that the Gnostics wrote milleniums ago? Like a hoarder I gather them up. As I flick through its pages Elton John's Candle in the Wind greets my eye a goodbye song to England's rose in 1997, William Wordsworth's famous little poem Daffodils. There is stuff crammed in there about wars and William Churchill's mighty words 'we will fight them...' Words on and from our warriors, allied and our own, there is the The Ode - we shall not forget. This charmer is a treasure trove of memories. I love this one from the Allies during World War II 'If it moves, salute it, if it doens't move, pick it up, and if you can't pick it up, paint it!'  Where would we be without our memories? A grandchild will inherit this little diary

Christmas Day 2012

Arlington Cemetery December 2012

Praque South Checkoslovakia

The tallest tree in Europe of 230 feet
in Lisbon, Portugal

Puetro Del Sol December 2012

Munaro island, Venice



Moscow December 2012

Today is that special time of the year when all families gather together wherever they can to celebrate Christmas together. Some for breakfasts, some for the main Christmas dinners, others for a barbecue tea. It is a wonderful time of the year for all true believers in the Saviour Jesus Christ, for all Christians in our western society. Mine has been a very quiet Christmas day. One son lives in Queensland but visited his wife's family in Sydney for this ocassion. An other son had to work on this day, out in the outback in the mining game. He rang with his Christmas message, a true delight. Another son has familial problems at the moment but messages were left. The fourth son but third born, is house sitting but came home for lunch. We shared a steak dinner together.  Best wishes were left on my mobile which was wonderful, a granddaughter sent her love through her father. Small things in a world of turmoil, chaos, that even at times seems devoid of love. But there is love! One of the brethren and his family from my church were going to have me for Christmas dinner. A disaster occurred when a mean neighbour belted up the family pets. His children are devastated at this vicious attack. I called it off, look after your little ones was my plea. My heart was stressed about the recent killing of a number of small children in a Connecticut school. what sort of a Christmas are the parents and friends of the deceased having? Prayers for them. Christmas trees in cities around the world, showed what many thought of Christmas. Wreaths left on cemeteries at Arlington in the USA showed another thoughtful people caring and with the true meaning of Christmas. A neice's home burnt down a couple of days ago, donations poured in to almost overwhelm her. She is married with a number of young children. Family and friends filled with the Christmas spirit had reached out when the message was broadcasted around online, by phone. For the past few days a hymn, which some years ago I always thought was a poem, has been going through my head. Henry Wardsworth Longfellow's (1807-1882) Christmas Bells. In our hymn book it is 214 minus three verses dealing with war. Here for the benefit of readers of this blog is the complete poem/hymn. I can easily liken the missing verses to our day with its wars, rumours of wars, peacekeeping forces in troubled countries, societies gone awry with troubling changes, families torn apart by jealousies, gossips, troubles, perplexities and a host of other problems. These too with cannons booming from their accursed mouths, are wars as satan does his best to destroy us all. But the last two verses of this beautiful written work spell peace, if we can only listen and hear. In our hymn book it is titled I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day. The three verses in italics are the ones not in our hymn book. A beautiful hymn and poem with John  Baptiste Calkin credited for the music.

CHRISTMAS BELLS (Henry Wardsworth Longfellow)
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

And I thought how, as the day had come,
The bells of all Christendom
Had rooled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth good will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannons thundered in the South
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearthstones of a continent,
and made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head;
'There is no peace on earth,' I said,
'For hate is strong
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men!'

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
'God is not dead, nor doth He sleep!
The wrong shall fail,
The right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men!'

blackout!

Kings Park Road

Point Peron

Quinns Rock

Rockingham



Como

South Perth

South Perth

Kings park Road

Well, we had such a fury of weather conditions on Wednesday the 28th of November with pelting rain, vicious winds from the south west which I call the roaring 40s and freezing cold. I was glad I was home and feeling warm and snug. This is a blessed house because I can feel that warmth and know I am safe. I watched it all through my large, plate glass loungeroom window, many times I couldn't see the hills, at other times the clouds were practically sitting on them and again, one part of the hills had disappeared under the curtain of rain, while another part was clear, but dark and gloomy. The power suddenly went off at about 3pm and by dusk I was lighting candles, which I have quite a few for emergencies, and telling myself welcome back to Perth Colleen, for power blackouts in adverse weather conditions are the norm. I tried reading by candlelight while lying on my divan, and I thought of those in earlier days where candles were all that was available to t hem for lighting. Danny and Narelle went off somewhere and by the time they came back, still no power. They retired and I continued to read Bernard Cornwall's A Crowning Mercy! I took my candles to my room about nine to be in a more comfortable postion, for I had to admit, I was nearing the end and wanted to know the outcone of the newylweds and their bid to get to France to claim an inheritance. A great yarn for this wild night as it turned out to be, following on from the day. I am certain that my prayers for safety for me and mine were certainly heeded. I sincerely admire the strength and courage of all those rescue workers, particularly SES and Synergy, that are out in such weather and at all times to see to the safety of us all. I pray for their safety also. Many a time I have I witnessed thes epeople and other groups who respond immediately when needed. I also admire and appreciate the media and its resources that report of such things and then repeat of where the population at large can find help if needed. And another lot to be commended are the City Councils across our metropilitan area and the Shire Councils of the countryside, who regularly publish on their home pages online what to do in emergency sitatuions and how to be prepared for them. And last of all, read the Scruiptures, for that's where we are also told to be prepared!

WA News gave this report of how widespread the damage was and how lucky we really are, or as I should really report, how blessed we really are, but these adverse weather conditions are really the Lords' warning. Who is really listening and getting their lives in order, repenting and learning to love and rely on the Saviour? I say and write such things all the time!

WA News Reports:

A man has died after a large tree fell on his caravan in Waroona overnight.

The man is believed to have been inside the caravan, parked at the Lake Navarino Forest Resort camping area about 100 kilometres south of Perth, when a large tree fell on the van about 3am.

Three people were trapped in the caravan after the tree fell.

A four-year-old boy was killed at the same camping site in 2005 after a 30-metre, white ant-riddled, redgum tree fell on his family's tent while they were sleeping.

Rough seas have left a barge carrying 1800 tonnes of construction equipment grounded near Cervantes.

A spokeswoman for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said the barge was being towed by a tug from Perth to Barrow Island when the connection between the tug and the barge came undone about 7.30pm on Wednesday night.

Although an emergency connection was initially established, it also came undone about 4am.

The Department of Transport's oil spill response coordination unit is monitoring the barge.

The unit's coordinator, Matt Verney said it had grounded approximately three kilometres north west of the Cervantes town jetty.

The owners of the vessel have begun salvage operations.

"Efforts are currently focused on minimising the risk of pollution and also response preparations," Mr Verney said.

As well as construction equipment the 90 metre barge was carrying heavy vehicles, aerosol paint cans and 1000 litres of diesel fuel and 1000 litre of hydraulic fluid.

A small boat carrying four people also had to be rescued after attempting to brave massive ocean swells off Rottnest Island.

The small vessel had broken down in near six-metre swells and, after being spotted by a ranger, was towed back to Rottnest's main jetty with all four passengers safe and well.

Despite warnings of the dreadful conditions, the 21-year-old skipper told police he had wanted to get home to Perth and thought there was a calm period to venture out.

In fact the boat's engine stalled 2 kilometres from shore, and he needed rescue.

Meanwhile thousands of school leavers look set to be stranded on Rottnest Island on Thursday, as weather conditions prevent ferry services running.

Seven metre swells are forecast for the waters off Fremantle.

Across the state bout 7500 homes remain without power this morning as gusty winds continue to lash the metropolitan area and South West of the state.

Damage has been widespread – Wanneroo, Stirling, the CBD, Rockingham, Cockburn and Mandurah were the worst hit.

The severe weather warning for the metropolitan area has been cancelled.

The left northbound lane of the Kwinana Freeway remains closed between Canning Bridge and the Narrows Bridge, due to a storm surge from the Swan River currently flowing onto the left lane.

Authorities are urging drivers to be extra vigilant this morning, with fallen trees, debris and localised flooding closing some roads and traffic lights blacked out throughout the metropolitan area.

The State Emergency Service has responded to more than 220 calls for help in the metro area.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services expected the number of calls for assistance to increase dramatically at first light this morning.

At the height of the storm, more than 50,000 homes lost power.

Western Power crews have worked through the night in the wet and windy conditions, restoring power to the worst affected suburbs in the Perth Hills, where many homes are still in the dark.

Repair crews are responding to more than 500 faults this morning, more than 200 reports of fallen wires, which remain the top priority for Western Power crews.

A deep low pressure system continued to affect the South West of the state overnight, with widespread damaging winds of 100km/h, and gusts of up to 125km/h reported.

Wind gusts of up to 117km/h were recorded at Rottnest Island yesterday, with Cape Leeuwin recording 111km/h and Cape Naturaliste recording gusts of 107km/h.

In its 7am update, Western Power said there were widespread faults on the network, mainly caused by debris and tree branches flung into powerlines.

The suburbs and towns worst affected by power outages this morning are Orelia, St James, Belmont, Bassendean, Bayswater, Yokine, Myalup, Busselton and Kewdale.

Current warnings

The Bureau of Meterology advises that as at 4.43am, a deep low pressure system lay to the south of the state.

Those living south-west of a line from Mandurah to Katanning to Israelite Bay should take action and stay safe with more bad weather on its way.

The bad weather will continue to move south of a line from Cape Leeuwin to Katanning to Israelite Bay by later this morning.

The warning applies to people in, near and between Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Bridgetown, Katanning, Albany and Esperance and surrounding areas.

Dangerous surf conditions are likely, which could cause significant beach erosion.

Businesses, schools hit by storm

Avon Vale Primary School will be closed today after receiving significant structural damage yesterday.

Samson Primary School received significant damage to to the roof of an undercover area.

When the storm hit the metro area yesterday, the newly renovated Terrace Hotel and under-renovation Beatty Park Aquatic Centre reported damage.

Who to contact:

• If your home has been badly damaged by storm call the SES on 132 500
• In a life threatening situation call 000
• For the latest weather information visit www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213
• For information about road conditions contact Main Roads WA on 138 138
• To report downed powerlines call Western Power on 13 13 51

Life & Other Crises: A Sign

a sad little yarn from Kerri Sackville's blog. Do hope her friend is better now....


Life & Other Crises: A Sign: A friend of mine has had a serious accident. His wife is one of my dearest friends, he too is a very close friend, and my heart is breaking ...

O'Grady Sez

I have written one post and now I write another! it's about the title of my blog. Dad wrote a book years ago, published in 1969 and titled O'Grady Sez and he had a lot to say about Australia, our language and life in general in a humorous way. Many years later I wanted to have my say in a different way, so titled my blog Sez O'Grady. Where Dad wrote with humour, I write about things and my poetry, and publish articles of events, my Church and anything else that interest me. We are father and daughter, but vastly different writers! For example, his little book has a tongue-in-the-cheek look at everything in Australia. A short piece for your perusal:
6 Pokin' around

Dad by Rafty in the 1960s

Australia is a very large island. It is inhabited. The natives are known to be peculiar people, fond of beer and profanity, who speak English with a strange accent and object to criticism. Most of them live in coastal settlements and eat meat. They like very young sheep and half-cooked cattle. Their sheep and cattle are provided by scattered inland tribes who are known as 'bushies'.
You get the picture? Well, I was a 'bushie', now I'm a 'city slicker'! I don't write like that. just read this blog and see how I write. Disasters and love, poetry and adventure with articles and photographs adding to the written melee. Well sez o'grady, that's me! Good onya Dad for leading the way.

Forgive and Forget

Me and my family in the long ago. That's me at the right end
with the nappy bag

It is very hard to forgive AND forget. I am writing my biography, or is it autobiography? Having heaps of photos have heaps of reminders of events and times throughout my life which trigger that which is not photographed. I had a hard life, sometimes abused by others. But those of the more modern era don't think this has happened to me. I wonder why not? In a way, the way they treat me is a form of abuse by not understanding and scorning me. When I write, I try to write the truth. Does one cover up the truth, gloss over it? No! That's telling a lie! Today I am so blessed for I have the Truth in my life and follow my Saviour, my God, diligently, believe in His supreme sacrifice and believe in my Heavenly Father whose daughter I am. Is that hard? He has commanded us to forgive. Okay. I forgive Mum for the life she made me lead for her own purposes, some of them quite selfish. I forgive my husband, or ex I should say, who thought only of himself and not of his wife and kids, though played it 'big time' when others were around. He was the home devil and the street angel. I left and put all these things behind me, it is past, gone, not ever to be lived again, but....A big word that BUT! I have four sons, precious they are. They and their wives and nearly eight children, my grandchildren are very precious. Our Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley urged us to write in our journals, write our books of rememberence and I often wondered why I should write about those times. I was not a member of the Church then so why is it important? Well, I guess...um....if one reads what happened back in those dark days and what happens in the more modern days since I become a 'Mormon' - nickname only, one would see a vast difference in this lady then, and in this lady now. There were fun times in the days of yore, good times as well as the devastatingly painful times. The only thing that never changed was my love for those who have been a part of my life throughout my life. Hmmm! I've got over the early growing up years of my life and am close to my siblings. I have to work on the later years This below was written of another 'Mormon' Prophet George Albert Smith who served as an Apostle from 1903 and as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1943 until his death in 1951:
God will forgive whom he will forgive. As for us, we must forgive all men. He could do that, and then refer the matter to God. As he forgave I am sure he forgot. When one who forgives can forget, then truly that man (or woman) is an unusual man, indeed a man of God
I guess I just have to keep working on the forget bit, and leave it all in Heavenly Father's hands. Just keep writing. And guess what, I am gradually getting through the dreadful 1970s! My kids and grandkids will read what I write one day, but not the world. Now God, help me get on with it and forget.

A CHRISTIAN VIEW

A CHRISTIAN VIEW a new blog by Steve Finnell