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Posted on by Debbie

How have you weathered the years? #SundayStills

Weathered much?

Life has a way of weathering us.

It doesn’t matter if we’re a tree or a human, we will age. It’s how we cope with that process that counts the most in my opinion.

A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.

Jim Watkins

This weekend we’ve been away from home visiting family, and during a walk around the picturesque town of Berry in NSW, I took note of some of the old weathered buildings.

Some have been renovated and brought back to their former glory but some have been left to age naturally and show the signs of neglect. A lot like people really.

I grew up near the town of Berry and it was a very different place in those days. It wasn’t the genteel, bustling little town of today, full of quirky craft shops and cafes. No indeed it was not. The highway went right through the main street whereas today there is a (much needed) bypass but still the town bustles and attracts visitors from all walks of life. It is a very pretty town with a long history and I always enjoy a visit.

Here are just a few of the weathered buildings I captured for this week’s Sunday Stills.

black and white shed
weathered shed
weathered building

This lovely rotunda has an elegant weathered look, it’s been in this park for as long as I can remember! Isn’t it green??? That’s what over 100mls of rain in the last few weeks can do 🙂

weathered rotunda
An elegantly weathered rotunda

Weathering the storms

This little boat on the left, at Huskisson, hasn’t weathered the storms too well at all! Sometimes sadly, that’s what life does to us.

weathered boat
weathered boat

Wedding anniversaries

My daughter and her husband celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary over the weekend and it has gone by so fast. They have weathered their first few years together, having one daughter and another baby due in a few months time. They have many more years to weather whatever comes their way – together as a family.

The Mathematician and I have weathered over 40 years together and this photo from our wedding day says it all to me – the stormy sky hovers above us! Note the dark clouds above my head? That’s not a sign of things to come I can assure you!

Wedding day in inclement weather
Love the sky behind us

And then there’s 2020

We have all weathered, and some are still weathering, the impacts of a year like no other, bushfires, floods, storm damage, and a global pandemic thrown in, plus all the other issues that the year brought with it. Just one or two of these would have been enough but no, we needed to have them all at once for some reason.

As well as celebrating their wedding anniversary, my daughter and her family visited Grandma, who is currently in a rehab hospital before moving to an Aged Care lodge – yes it’s been a big year for us.

My granddaughter is just two years old and was able to go in and see her great-grandma briefly with her mother, but was shy and out of her comfort zone. Only one adult was allowed in to visit at a time, so we used our thinking caps and took her outside the lounge area, which as a large window looking out over the grounds.

Great-Grandma was able to see Miss E playing and having fun with us – her father and grandparents. The best bit was watching her being lifted onto the window ledge, hugging the window, waving and blowing kisses to those inside and then turning fearlessly and throwing herself off the ledge into her father’s waiting arms – repeatedly. The trust and knowledge that her father would always catch her was beautiful in so many ways.

visiting great grandma in 2020
visiting great grandma in 2020 – how we’ve weathered the year 2020

This photo could sum up how we’ve weathered 2020 for me – virtual hugs, love, trust, sadness and the poignancy of it all.

We’ve had to adapt, make changes, think differently and in the process we’ve learnt not to take things for granted. What do you think?

So I’d love to know how you’ve been weathering?

Are you hanging on by a thread, are you dancing in the rain or are you still hunkering down? Or a combination maybe. Let me know.

I do hope you’re going along OK – if not, talk to someone, write down how you’re feeling or maybe just go for a walk taking note of the world around you, looking at how things in nature are weathering.

She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her away, she adjusted her sails.

Elizabeth Edwards

Thanks Terri for another great prompt for #SundayStills.

Deb x

Joining Denyse for #lifethisweek

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Everyone has a story to tell!

Debbie - mother of a 40 year old

Deb is a young-at-heart & active 60+ blogger/retiree, after being made redundant from her 22-year career managing education programs in a men’s correctional centre (jail). She now spends her time reading, blogging, riding her ebike and travelling. Deb was awarded a Bravery Award from the Queen when she was 17 after a tragic accident – a definite life changing moment! She is married with 3 grown-up daughters & has 4 grandchildren. You can read more of Deb’s story here

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55 Replies to “How have you weathered the years? #SundayStills”

  3. I randomly stumbled upon this post and after reading it (btw, I loved this) made me think of my grandmother’s quirky saying. I was very young when she would tell me and my sister….”Every morning I go into the bathroom and look into the mirror and wonder ‘Who is that old lady looking at me?’”…..as a very young child I’d freak out and ask her “Well, who was it?”…not understanding what she meant by the irony of aging. Years later, as I cared for my dad before he passed, he tell me something similar. He would tell me how his mind made him feel as if he could get up and go for a good long run but, his body reminded him….’Hey, you’re an old man!’ Now that I’m creeping into my mid 40’s, I’m understanding more what they meant. When someone says the phrase ‘10 years ago’ my mind is thinking 10 years was the 1990’s lol.
    As for aging, I’ve been blessed with excellent genes…..until recently. I truly believe suffering a traumatic or painful situation can make you age as if someone hit fast forward on your life. My oldest of 4, only 25 years old….suddenly passed away. Since Sept, every time I look into my mirror it’s like I aged 10, 15 or so years. Now I’m the one asking “Who is that old lady staring at me?”…..

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    1. What a lot you have been though Aimee! I feel for you. Thanks for your lovely comment, I too am blessed with excellent genes from my mother who looks and acts much younger than her 82 years. Take care and thanks again for reading and leaving a comment.

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  4. A very special post with many photos to make you smile and remember. I am glad to know your MIL is moving to care. I was always so concerned about her health. It still is such a big thing for her but will relieve the family. I grew up in Wollongong and a trip to Berry was a biggish event but it was such a simple country town in 1950s. Sadly (?) it has become big and trendy and far too expensive as a place for us to live for sure. Precious memories in that photo alright! Little kids make everything better.

    Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week the optional prompt is 46/51 Exams. 16.11.2020 Hope to see you then! Denyse.

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    1. Thanks Denyse, Berry has definitely changed over the years and is now VERY expensive. MIL is settling in OK but it is a big change for her to adjust to – I did appreciate talking to you about various issues during the lead up, so many thanks for your support.

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        1. Thanks! Someone else suggested that but I’m not sure where to even start! I did find one competition with ‘togetherness’ as the monthly theme and entered but apart from that – any ideas?

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  6. Such a poignant and beautiful post that must made me smile and smile. Thank you. That photo of your granddaughter is absolutely fabulous! One gets a good idea of her personality from it, which is quite amazing.

    We are weathering things well so far. Took the big risk of entering the U.S. and hoping Mexico would still be open for us to come back, and thankfully it was!

    Stay well and healthy and thank you for this uplifting post.

    Peta

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    1. Thanks Peta, I’m so pleased to know I made you smile 🙂 while reading my post. I loved writing it and I agree that photo of my granddaughter is so very special for so many reasons!!! I love her little stance and I agree her personality does shine through. I caught up on your movements and hope things are going well with you. Lots happening over that way of the world! Take care. Deb

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    1. Thanks Suzanne, it was something that appealed to me and I enjoyed sharing the buildings and thoughts on life especially this year! My granddaughter is adorable 🙂

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  8. A fabulous post Deb, and a poignant reminder that how we weather the years depends to a large extent on the maintenance done along the way. Currently I’m being reminded that my maintenance, never that good, has slipped even further in recent months. Time to become disciplined me thinks. Oprah once said the way to become disciplined is to be disciplined. Mmmm… I wonder off I can be! Lovely photos.

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    1. Oh thank you Chris! I agree maintenance is a big issue and I’m just coming to terms with things after a rough few months. I enjoyed writing this post so I’m happy to see it resonated with others too. Take care 🙂

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  9. Deb, I like how you have incorporated “weathered” with your photos. And, yes, ‘weathered storms together.’ No long term relationship is immune. I mentioned to you how much I love the photo of your granddaughter! Thank you for sharing an interesting and creative post. xx

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  11. Debbie this post certainly hits home. All of us have weathered in our ways over the years but who could have been ready for 2020? Yours so much more intense with the fires and the separation from your children and grandchildren.
    You give great advice about getting out and going for a walk. I did just that today and have been doing more yoga and mediation. It is our elderly mothers we are most concerned about, mine especially living in another province.
    I love the photo of your wee granddaughter and can just see her leaping off fearlessly. It’s a beautiful vision.

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    1. Thanks for your kind comment Sue, it was one of those posts that sort of write themselves, if you know what I mean! We are very worried about our mothers too and my MIL has been in hospital since June and is now moving into care, so it’s been extra hard in lots of ways. We don’t live nearby so lots of trips and having to be aware of Covid all the time as well. Miss E had the best time jumping and playing while we all watched on and made memories!

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  12. Hi Deb, 40 years is a great achievement! Well done. I’m showing my age – this year has really aged me I feel. Your granddaughter must have brought so much joy to the residents that day. Children have a way of doing that. Regards, Christina

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    1. Thanks Christina, it makes me feel old knowing we’ve been married for 40 years, but I’m not too worried about that!! Yes she was a hit with everyone who saw her and Great Grandma was so happy to watch her play.

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  13. First, the photo of your granddaughter is adorable! Thanks for sharing. Your quote made me think of something my dad used to say about one of my sons. My son was always persistent if he wanted something – to go to the movies or to buy a toy for example. He wouldn’t let up until he achieved his goal. My dad used to say he was just like water on a rock – drip, drip, drip, until he wore you down! 🙂

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  15. Debbie, I love how you interpreted weathered and it makes sense during this crazy year! The town of Berry looks lovely as they should with some care and renovations. I think the charm of many like this comes with the juxtaposition of old and new together. Your granddaughter is precious and I’m glad to read she gets a glimpse of her G-grandma! I’m glad your family is well and you could spend time together!

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  16. Love the quotes and the pics. I have to admit I feel very weathered at the moment. Old and frazzled. Annoyed by little things. Frustrated by little things. Grumpy and cranky.

    It comes and goes of course but I wish it ‘came’ less.

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    1. Thanks Deb, feeling weathered is completely understandable at the moment! I have my moments too. I’ve been feeling quite ‘brittle’ with everything that’s going on. As long as we realise we’re feeling it, we can try to manage it – at least that’s how I think!

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  17. Great interpretation of the theme, Deb. The photo of your adorable granddaughter captures so well how we’ve all had to navigate and adjust to the covid-19 pandemic (e.g. physical and social distancing). I’m still hunkering down over here, following public health measures, and appreciating every small pleasure that I can find in my day to day. #lifethisweek

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    1. Thanks Natalie, that photo is one of my all time faves for 2020, it says so much about the year. Keep enjoying your daily small pleasures – you do it so well!

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  18. Great interpretation of the theme, Deb! We’ve weathered (and are still feeling a bit of the aftereffects) a great storm here in the states. Most of us are heaving a sigh of relief. I love, love the picture of your precious granddaughter! It speaks so eloquently of the challenges we are currently facing… and how to live and love despite them.

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    1. Thanks Janis for your kind words. You have had a few ‘storms’ to weather over there in recent times and I wish you well. I am lucky that my daughter gave me permission to use that photo of my granddaughter, she is just so adorable. What great memories we have of this time in our lives. Yes it sums up the challenges we have been facing and how we keep going, making the necessary adjustments as we go.

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  24. What a great prompt and catch-up Deb. It’s true, we’ve weathered a lot this year. On a physical level I look around our property and see cracked paths, weathered and rotted sleepers and so much that needs attention. Age and maintenance go hand in hand I guess. But on the plus side, our garden has never looked healthier! Stay well my friend. 😊

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  25. Lovely way to interpret the theme Deb – and I loved that pic at the end of visiting Grandma. I like to think that storms come to challenge us and strengthen our characters – and make us realize what’s important and what can be left to blow away. Looking back, every storm has eventually brought me to a better place.

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    1. Thanks Donna, it really was a lovely sight to see her up on the window ledge and then throwing herself off into her father’s arms and laughing the whole time. We played chaseys and had a ball of fun on the lawns with Gt Grandma watching on – it made her day! I agree, so adorable 🙂

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