Hello Croix, sorry for being late in replying.

Yes, all we really want is for people to get back to us, a lot do, which is terrific, but others hopefully continue to read along in their journey.

We both know what this entails, it has it's highs and definitely, it's lows, all we want is for it to plateau out.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

Hi everyone,

There is a drive in cinema in Perth still and before Christmas we took our ferals to experience it before it is gone. They loved it! There were all sorts of people (and even a k9 or two). Rugs on ute trays with radios tuned in. Eskies and the smell of popcorn. Miss 3 and Mr 4 were so busy watching all the different "Spider People" that the choc top icecreams were almost forgotten... Almost.

This is a happy memory. Thank you for reminding me... I needed it. Today has been an exhausting and angry day.

On the positive stopping to read allowed a new memory to surface. The new house is quiet and chaos free for a moment. The doors are removed for my painting so pouring a hot bath in the dark keeps it peaceful. Through the window I notice sparkles and open it wide. On top of our hill it is private and safe.

Hot water. Cold fresh air. And best of all a country night sky full of stars! No city lights to obscure them here.

An unexpected surprise and blessing... To be able to soak under starlight.

Dear Natalie~

I'm glad you are here, and that you can remember good times even when things are not 100%.

Angry days pass, the causes become smaller as seen looking back from the future, even if they seemed the most important thing on the occasion. I've gotten cross over leaving a light on :(

It can be hard to remember the person underneath (both you and the other) in the heat of the moment, but they are still there.

Enjoy your bath.

Croix

Hello Everyone,

Quercus mentioned this thread in one of her posts, so I am going to boost it up again so people can share their happy memories.

Yesterday I caught up with a couple of friends. We shared happy memories from our childhoods, we had quite a few laughs as we shared.

Having time with my friends is a recent happy memory I will hold on to.

A few weeks ago I took myself to the beach and had a wonderful day. I met a huge Wolfhound dog who was almost as tall as me and enjoyed a pat and a cuddle.

There were two adorable little girls collecting shells, I asked their Mum if I could talk to her daughters and they showed me the shells they had collected. It reminded me of my own carefree days as a child down at the beach.

While out in the garden I sometimes remember the times spent there with our chooks, one of them had such funny antics!

Hope others can join in with their own happy memories.

Cheers all from Dools

Recently we visited my son to see some work he's having done on his house. We arrived to be greeted by my 5yr old grandson perched on top of a fence. Very seriously he warned us about not walking out the back door because of the large drop. The old decking has been removed leaving a 4m drop outside the door. He promised to update us each time we visited. He loves anything to do with building & goes out daily to do his round of inspection of the work. Once inside he proudly pulled up his top to show us the scars covering his body from his bike crash the day before. He quietly told me he cried at the time because it really hurt & he was a bit wobbly when he got back on his bike but he was excited to describe the crash in graphic details.

What I liked was the positive influence my son & his wife have on their children encouraging their interests, being there to comfort when things go wrong but enabling him to see that it is OK to make a mistake & crash but you can still get back up & keep going.

That is a lovely message to all of us. Things can & do go wrong but we can pick ourselves up & try again. Most important it is OK to feel upset when things go wrong.

Aww Mrs D you've made my day thank you ❤. I love how this thread makes me feel.

Elizabeth what a gorgeous story you shared. And the message is one that we all need reminding of so thank you too.

Mrs D you mentioned animals in your post and it reminded me of how animals help us without even trying. Today I am nervous because my Mum is coming to visit. But our puppies are helping just by bringing the chaos unique to puppies.

First they dragged out their blankets to play tug of war. Rescue one. Then out the window I saw our scruffy Airedale with my garden gloves. Rescue number two. Rescue three was my boots. Finally I found myself laughing as they jumped up to hang off the rope fencing off the new lawn area.

Some days a laugh is a godsend.

Any members new or old feel free to join in and share a happy memory.

Hello everyone,

I have just seen this post again and have been smiling reading the lovely stories.

I find it hard to think of a happy memory though I have had many but I think I tend to dwell on sad ones.

One day a young man in his early 20s came into my shop and thanked me for letting his mum have some history books at a reduced price. He said he is now at uni and those books helped him with his thirst for knowledge. It was so unexpected for him to come and thank me after all the years.

Quirky

Dear all~

I guess your stories act as trigger in my mind, bringing to the front things I'd not thought of in over 60 years.

A simple act of kindness.

I used to travel on British Rail by myself as a kid (a different time), back in the days of steam (yes steam!) and the carriages had no corridors. Each compartment went from one site of the carriage to the other, with a door each side to get in or out.

As you can imagine a small boy could not resist fizzy drinks and cream buns, but that had an unfortunate but predictable consequence as time went on.

No loo on the train of course, so the stations were the only place. When stopped at one of the very few scheduled stations -there were tons more but this was an express -the Irish Mail.

I hopped out and went to the facilities, I did take a while.

When I came out I was worried the train was starting, but there was the guard, all blue with brass buttons and peaked cap, waiting for me unasked before waving his flag and blowing his whistle.

His observance and kindness live on.

Croix

Hello All,

I just found this thread & have been really enjoying working my way through the posts. Croix's post about kindness reminded me of a little adventure I had in Preps. (many moons ago)

My class had finished one activity & were putting things away & going to sit in a half circle in front of our teachers chair in readiness for her to read us a story. Back then we had chairs that were made of metal pipes with wood seat & back panel which were held in place by metal straps welded to the pipes.

Well of course some kids took longer than others to finish up & join the kids on the floor. I and my friend were one of the early ones to sit & as kids do, we were amusing ourselves as we waited for the rest. We were pretending we were looking through play school's windows by looking through the gap between the back panel & the seat of one of the chairs. I'm not really sure now, but I think at the time I was trying to jump out of the telly (chair) at my friend. Well whatever the reason, I didn't stop at just looking through the gap, I had to stick my head through it.

Slight problem, my head went forward through the gap, but I couldn't pull it back out.

So my teacher tries wiggling my head out, nope. Other teachers come to help. Pushing, pulling, soaping my head, vasoline rubbed all over. My teacher was a lovely lady, but there was a teacher Mrs R, who was very stern & "proper" even the principal & teachers went in fear of her lectures. I'm in tears, nothing works, & Mrs R is reading the riot act about my wickedness.

Suddenly these big burly firemen appear & Mrs R start berating me about wasting their time & how they had better things to do. Well, one of them turns to her & says something & she gives me "a look" & leaves. That was the first kind thing they did. The second thing was their kindness to a scared little girl. I can still remember how gentle they were, both in their tone of voice as well as their actions. They explained each step before they started cutting the chair off, one held my head still, another held my hands, while a third did the cutting. The whole time they kept reassuring me & just talking to me, asking questions. I still remember the big bear hugs I got when it was all over, they all won my heart. I still smile whenever I see a fireman.

Paws

Hello Everyone,

It is so lovely to read these happy memories, if they be from a moment ago to many years ago. Thank you everyone for sharing.

I created a happy memory yesterday. I was out and about and stopped at a pine forest that is open for people to walk through.

I was very surprised at just how much water was about as our area is still quite dry. Water always seems to calm me. I took photos of reflections in the puddles and in the streams of water. The pines had been washed clean and were glistening.

Standing with my back tot he sun for a while was glorious. I could hear the birds singing. I felt refreshed.

Next time I will take some rubber boots so I can slosh through all the water and mud.

Cheers all from Dools

Croix's story triggered a memory from my childhood. We lived in a migrant hostel after arriving in Australia. One day another adult resident objected to something I'd done. She ranted & raved & then dragged me to the managers office. I was petrified and worried that the manager would take her side. It seemed to take ages as I was dragged to the office. The manager came out took one look as the situation & called for his wife who took me to the side & looked after me providing comfort & reassurance while the manager dealt with the women. The manager stopped my parents when they arrived home from work to explain what had happened so they could also provide further support for me.

While I still remember the whole event the overriding memory is of the manager & his wife caring for me & showing me that I (along with all children) have a right to be safe & there are adults prepared to ensure that.

I've been fortunate enough to have some generous family and friends in my life. Good memories have been when a friend payed for my groceries and petrol on a whim. My dad generously giving me lots of food to take home after he has made me a scrumptious dinner.

It's also been good to have these aspiring ppl to look up to. I may not be as completely generous as some of these ppl but it does instill goodness into me and give me light about living in a good/safe world. That we aren't always alone and ppl r willing to go out of their way and offer you what you need.

I am lucky to have supports in my life.

A couple of my male cousins had motor bikes. I used to enjoy riding around with them on the back of the bikes.

That feeling of speed and freedom was amazing.

It was excellent when they let me ride their dirt bikes down at a desolate beach. Screaming along the shore was amazing.

Happy memories. Thanks Cousins of mine!

Reading all the posts here since my last visit to the forums has made me feel good. Seeing many members joining in to post feels even better.

Thank you everyone ❤

A small memory to contribute today.

The quiet ringing and tinkling sound of small metal windchimes hanging above each of my children's beds. I check on them during the night, fast asleep. Miss 4 told me once the ringing keeps bad dreams away.

So I touch the metal and the sound makes me feel good too. Maybe bell like sounds help me too.

I work in a hospital. Before one patient was discharged, she called me to her bed and gave me a thank you note with the words, "Thank you for being you."

That is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.

Thanks Sparrowhawk for your memory. Sometimes something that feels so small can mean something huge to someone else.

My memory today is about a teddy bear I saw this morning...

I help make breakfast for the kids at school two days a week and another Mum brought in a little Teddy in a box that she had made.

The story behind it made me stop and look at her with fresh eyes.

She makes teddies for parents who have lost a baby. When she lost her baby someone gave her a teddy the same weight and length as her child and it helped her. So now she makes them to support other grieving parents. She told us about another person who gave her boxes of fur for free to help.

Listening to her speak made me feel reassured that there are lots of kind and empathetic people in this world. Sometimes we just get caught up and forget to stop and listen.

Dear All~

It came to me this evening that I'm building happy memories most winter evenings when I transfer to my special chair by the wood fire in the front room. I have my laptop so can continue posting, it is light and easy to use. My feet are up and my old chair reclines exactly right.

The fire flickers and casts shadows, I only have a small reading light.

Sumo cat has arrived from a hard day resting, kneads his special plush blanket to exactly right then settles down, comfortable and substantial. Even gives dignified a purr. There by my left elbow for the evening.

Nasty cat hogs the fire, right in front and has to be gently pushed away when putting on more wood (this "pushed away" is not without its dangers).

Foxy Dog is in the kitchen with Mrs C and here is peace. The wall clock has a measured tick and apart from a couple of trains during the evening who hoot at the level crossing nearby all is tranquil.

Each object in the room is a memory and evokes a pleasant part of the past.

In these conditions posting seems a little easier. I can concentrate without the upsets of the day intruding (well , quite often anyway:)

In future times I will look back on these winter days.

Croix

w

Dear Croix....hello dear old pal....you are sounding more and more like a Noel Coward or Oscar Wilde character every day...or maybe even a mixture of those two gentlemen themselves. Or even just someone who should be reading one of their works while sitting by your fire....(or an Agatha Christie come to think of it!)

(I don't think it was Oscar who used to take a his pet peacock for a walk on a leash in the park as you once mentioned....I think it was someone else...I shall google it up!!)......take care.....

Dear Moon

Noel Coward and Oscar Wilde - um, well I guess that has blown my Arnie image and in any case I'm sure I'm closer to Alistair Cookie in Monsterpiece Theater. As perhaps when introducing "The Taming of the Shoe"

As for Agatha Christie, I like the 'Tuppence' - a.k.a. Prudence (née Cowley) - series. Delightfully dated.

Croix

Fancy that....I just couldn't get into the Tuppence ones (forget her husband's name)..Tommy was it? Just wasn't the same old Agatha without either Miss Marple or old Hercule.

What I don't enjoy are some...only "some" very recent TV adaptations that don't 100% ring true to the novel...it says in the credits "based on the works of ..." etc...some are "very loosely based"in my opinion...and I don't like the latest actress as Miss Marple, Geraldine McKewan...others were better, i.e. Julia McKenzie and Joan Hickson.

Superb actor Albert Finney was all wrong as Poirot in the original Orient Express (Kenneth Branagh not much better...I reckon David Suchet has cornered the market on that character)...in fact Agatha herself didn't like Albert Finney as her Poirot.....as you can see, I am a bit of a Christie fanatic....

(PS Alistair Cookie hey? Yes you may be right....) You still have an actual fire going at your fireside? I just bought an air conditioner the other day...otherwise the fast approaching sweltering summer will just about be my demise this year! There are fire bans everywhere up here....and tragic bush fires in some of our most picturesque areas...

I apologise to everyone who reads this thread...I have diverted shamelessly in order to reply to Croix' last post...I should have used Croix Parler...SORRY!!! I had better quickly think of a Happy Memory...ummmm...okay then...being totally immersed in, and enjoying a Miss Marple DVD.

Dear Moon and All~

You are not off topic, after all I will have the happy memory of you holding forth on Ms Christie. I agree about David Suchet who realy has cornered the market on Poirot, and Finney was terrible, a caricature of a continental.

Some actors are the quintessential character and there is nothing left for anyone else to do. Rupert Davies as Maigret, Stephen Fry as Jeeves and Hugh Laurie as Bertie Wooster, Patrick Macnee as John Steed, Gregory Pack as Atticus Finch and so on.

Yes Sumo Cat and I do indeed have a real fire, not all parts of the continent have the climate you endure.

Croix

Christmas

I did promise Hannah I’d talk about Christmas, and am going to cheat and talk about the past, the one this year will be marred by the death of a very good friend who always shared the day, plus other problems, so thinking of a time when Christmases seemed perfect is a balm.

I remember coming back from getting milk with an uncle in his car (a very grand thing to have in 50’s Wales) and not understanding how he could steer, there where thick flurries of snow and strong winds. I thought him very clever.

Arriving at my grandmother (Nain)’s house, front door straight onto street, and dashing though the snow inside and with uncle closing the elements out and standing there in the stillness and warmth with soggy shoes - shoes that were taken away to the fire and slippers provided, told I’d “catch my death” from cold wet feet. I suspect the idea of wet footprints on freshly polished lino may have has some bearing on the matter too.

I was quickly set to shelling peas (which tasted good raw) ready for the pot.

The front room (used for 'special' occasions only) was laid out for dinner, many places set, and more uncles siting in armchairs by the coal fire, drinking stout (which was appropriate) while numerous aunties bustling in and out from the kitchen laying out the special Christmas meal, compete with turkey.

Then all was ready and the meal commenced, more to eat than was comfortable, but who could stop? I was even allowed a small half glass of stout , a special treat - that tasted like medicine though I pretended otherwise.

In came the pudding on a huge dish, alight with brandy flames and held down by a sprig of holly. My portion had a silver shilling in it -I think Nain cut it specially so I got it.

Then presents from under the tree which was covered in candles (far too dangerous nowadays) and a star on top. Numerous hankies and knitted socks from numerous aunties, and a wind-up train on a circular track from Nain.

Then to bed, snug beside my tiny oil lamp tucked up with a ceramic hot water bottle, listening to the departure of all in musical voices, followed by the sounds of wind gusting heavily in trees and beating on the window panes.

Croix

Hi Croix,

I really enjoyed your description of that past Christmas. Wow, candles on the tree.. how things were different back then.

Mmmm and the snow, delightful.

Even thought not perfect hope Christmas this year still has its good moments.

Thanks for sharing that enjoyable read.

MM

♡☆♡☆~~~

Hello Croix and everyone..

Thank you Croix..As I was listening to your Christmas Day memories I felt like I was their with you and enjoyed your Christmas Day of many years ago...

Sounds beautiful the snow....White Christmas..with a warm fire indoors..

I remember my nan made Christmas cake with silver 6pence..inside, I felt very rich if I was lucky enough to get one....

Thank you for sharing one of your Christmas ‘s here..

🌲. ⛄️..Oh did you every build a snowman...if so how did it turn out... was it fun..only if you want to share..

Grandy..

Dear Grandy~

Yes snowmen were made, coal for eyes, carrot for nose and a scarf that I really should not have taken. It became soggy too. As did shoes that were used to stamp out the letters of rude (for my age) words in the blank layers of snow in the park.

I remember best making one on my car bonnet in NZ at the top of a mountain pass. It was just fine, a marvel of the ice-sculptor's talent, however by the time we reached the next town it was just a little block of melted snow - even great art can be so ephemeral :(

I'm glad my past brought back a memory of your Nan -and a child's wealth.

Croix

Dear MM~

I'm sure it will have good times, I've a couple of strategies if things get down.

The candles were in tin clips that had backs, if you put them on the end of branches all was well (provided you had oil-cloth underneath the tree for the wax)

Snow was only delightful when not walking to school!

Amazing how grandparents feature so largely in peoples lives.

I hope your Xmas is a good one too

Croix

Hello Croix...

I mentally imagined your snowman on the bonnet of your car and had a giggle...as your driving along poor ⛄️ snowman melting onto your windscreen, and you with your wipers scattering poor mr snowman along the side of the road, and back into the mountain from where he came from...

I like a movie called a Jack Frost..where the snowman comes alive....I hope they screen it this Christmas...

Take care dear Croix...

Grandy..🎄⛄️..

Dear All~

There has been respite for the soul today. Of recent times due to mobility limitations I've not been able to go for a walk. This evening Mrs Walrus - whoops, I mean of course Mrs Croix , managed to get me in her car and took me with Foxy Dog to the riverbank- about 15 minutes away.

Foxy is always incredibly eager, and has to be on a lead fastened to the back of the car to prevent her scrambling over both of us to press her nose on the inside of the windscreen.

When we arrived assorted ducks, geese, native hens and a rooster all came charging up from the water in hopes of a free feed. Sadly for them being on a diet means there is no bread to give them, so they slowly wandered off muttering (bird talk for cheapskates).

I made it a short way along, and was rewarded by seeing that distinctive ripple of a platypus under the surface. It is a whole different world, no ceilings, walls and doors, just a darkening sky, bushes and trees, all on a riverbank. No thoughts of tasks left undone or problems of tomorrow, just peace ( and discontented bird-life )

A pity to have to return home in some ways

Croix

Hi Croix,

A lovely memory and happy moment shared with us all, thanks.

Just a side note, can you buy some bird seed or chook food for the birds? They would love you for it. How special seeing the ripple of a platypus!

I would be thrilled to just see some water in a creek near us!

I have dragged out the old fish pond and have filled that with water for the birds. I have put sticks and rocks in it so the birds have somewhere to perch and the little ones won't drown.

It is so lovely to see the amazing variety of birds that come to refresh themselves. Their bird song cheers me as I hear them in our home.

Cheers to all from Dools