Monday, August 8, 2016

Busy Women. . . . . . . .


When are we no longer 'busy women'?
Sometimes it happens once we reach a certain age. 
It may be due to health issues.
We can lose our get up and go for many reasons.
Some women get to a point where they can't continue
 doing all the things they once found easy. . . . . . . 
and some women never slow down, they just keep on ticking.
I'm sure you're familiar with this quote. . . . . "a woman's work is never done".


Violet and Isabelle from Downton Abbey.

I think I want more of their kind of 'busy'. . . . . . . . sipping tea 
whilst wearing white gloves and beautiful hats!


Speaking of hats, soon I'll be packing for Africa - this pic was from my
 very first safari six years ago. Where have those years gone?
I later did a second safari, and have traveled to so many other marvelous
places in the world, many thanks to my amazing best friend Paula.
On this one, Paula will be sharing with us many of the special humanitarian
 projects she is involved with in the Maasai Mara, Kenya.

Yesterday we braved the heat of the storage attic to look for the duffel bags we
 need to pack for Kenya in a few weeks. I also set up the always useful portable
 clothes rack and over the coming weeks will get my safari gear together. 
Bob and I visited the county health clinic for our booster immunizations - we're
 taking oral typhoid vaccine this week - filled our anti-malarial drug prescriptions and
 will start taking them the day before we fly out to Nairobi. 
Trips like this require quite a bit of stamina. Just organizing everything ahead
and knowing what to take along, just in case (for example an antibiotic along
 with regular meds if used), as well as packing everything in such a small bag,
 can be fraught with anxiety, plus there's always a ton of paperwork to peruse
 from the safari company.
Clothing I have down pat, including hats, but forget the white gloves!



20 comments:

  1. Looking forward to seeing the photos from the Safari

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  2. Exciting! My son lived in Zambia for 2 years, and we went to visit him while he was there. Thanks again for sharing

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  3. I know you will dress with panache Mary. What a wonderful adventure.

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  4. This sounds like the right kind of "busy", preparing for a safari!
    Whenever I am busy (which is most of the time), it is with things I choose to do. My work life has improved so much over the past 4-5 years, from when it used to be really very stressful with 50-60 hours a week and now down to 38, plus I get to do things very much at my own pace.

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  5. I look forward to traveling along with you Mary. What a wonderful trip this is sure to be.
    White gloves? You might want to pack a pair just in case.....

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  6. Wow, what a life you live! Safe travels!

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  7. Your trip I just know will be spectacular. Enjoy the dreaming and then the doing. I will be awaiting the sharing when you return.

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  8. One of my favorite movie scenes of all time is from Out of Africa when Karen Blixen and Denis go camping - they took a phonograph, table, chairs, linens, etc, and ate that beautiful dinner under the stars accompanied by lovely music. You never know, Mary, white gloves might come in handy!
    Traveling does take stamina! There are so many preparations beforehand, but once you're on the plane you can relax and enjoy.

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  9. It will be so much fun to plan with you, travel with you, and then hear all about your trip (and enjoy your wonderful photos) when you return. Thanks for including us.
    As for busy, I still cut thistles and other weeds on the farm that the bush hog cannot get, but I enjoy doing it at my own pace and no longer having the demands of a professional life to deal with. Life is busy enough in the house, yard and farm. No white gloves for me, just heavy duty garden gloves!
    Farm Gal in VA

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  10. Very exciting time ahead and I know you'll be fine with packing since you're experienced!

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  11. Oh Mary, you are an inspiration. A third trip to Africa? I used to want to go to Cairo. My husband's aunt lives in Tunisia, but truth be known, I rather go to Tanzania, but never will. It takes a lot to travel like that. I can't wait to hear all about it.

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  12. Actually I can quite imagine Lady Violet Crawley going on safari in her younger days, her ladies made would definitely have packed several pairs of white gloves in her portmanteau. So looking forward to more armchair travels around Africa with you with our without the gloves.

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  13. You certainly get about, Mary. I don't know how you do it. But your energy, words and photos inspire your readers!

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  14. Hello my dearest! That's a lovely way of keeping busy. It's been a while since I last saw you and I hope all is well and that you have a wonderful time on your up coming trip. I popped by to look for your blueberry muffins recipe. :) Craving them for a while now.... Miss you much! Love to you, Bob, and Jasmin ~ Vanessa XX

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    1. I miss you all too, so much. Enjoy the muffins!
      I had surgery in June - total thyroidectomy - am healing well but not feeling 100% yet! Remainder of year will be busy, we are traveling a lot - hopefully early next year we can catch up and do something fun together.
      Hugs and love from us both XX

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    2. I hope you are doing well, didn't know about the surgery. Miss you! I'm always in touch with Cassie but haven't had the chance to meet her little boy yet. Love xx Vanessa

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  15. Mary, I really could get into sipping tea and wearing hats!! Have an awesome time on your safari. Can't wait to see your photos! Safe travels!

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  16. You are right women never stops! Maybe just for a nice cup of tea! But that's just to plan another move! Have a safe trip!

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  17. How exciting Mary. Have a most wonderful time. Can't wait to see the photos.

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  18. Another African adventure? How exciting for you and Bob. A friend and his son are visiting a missionary team in Kenya this month. I hope you have a fabulous trip. xx Pam

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