WHAT DO YOU COLLECT?!

       Janine and I have been big bird enthusiasts over the years.  Above is a picture of some figurines that we have had on a shelf for many years.  I am also glad that I have a huge collection in a display unit to remember the shared love we have had for our feathered friends. You can see a picture of this collection in an earlier post - BIRD FIGURINE COLLECTION.  I remember how happy we always were when we got another figurine. Some were bought and some came from  relatives, friends and pen-pals. As a matter of fact some travelled many miles to get to us!:)  Are you an avid collector of any item?  I would be interested to hear about it!

INSPIRATIONAL WALL HANGINGS!

         Over the years Janine and I have had several wall hangings in our home. We especially liked those that carried an inspirational message. Below are close up pictures of the messages on two of our favourites. 

A MACARONI & CHEESE DELIGHT

       
    Over the years Macaroni and cheese was always a favourite dish of Janine and me. Recently I decided to have a go at a Macaroni and Cheese Casserole that I saw on a HILO box.  It turned out delicious!


DIRECTIONS


1. Stir Macaroni into 6 cups of boiling water (1 tsp. Salt) 
2. Boil rapidly for 7 to 10 minutes until macaroni is tender
3. Drain macaroni
4. Add 1/4 cup butter of margarine, 1/4 cup milk and contents of cheese packet
5. Stir until smooth and creamy over very low heat.


MACARONI AND CHEESE CASSEROLE


1 package Macaroni & Cheese
1 can 170g ( 6 oz.) tuna fish (drained)
1 can 284g (10oz.) cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/2 tsp. salt


1. Prepare Macaroni  & Cheese as directed.
2. Add tuna fish, soup, milk, onions and salt, mix well.
3. Bake at 177oC (350oF) for 30 to 35 minutes or until thoroughly heated.


VARIATIONS


Substitute 1 cup chopped chicken, turkey, beef, pork, ham, sausages or 4 hard boiled eggs in place of tuna fish or add other vegetables.
As one can see from the picture above I went with one of the variations, the sausages. I also put some paprika on the top!:)

OH! I AM FEELING SO-O-O GOOD!

        I would like to say thanks a million to Wendy of  Pickle Jars and Pears for giving me the KREATIV BLOGGER AWARD!  It has certainly lifted my spirit. I am truly grateful that I have met her and so many other wonderful persons in the Blogging World. As a recipient of this award  the rule is that I have to thank the person who sent me this award.  I  then have to write 7 things about myself  and then nominate 7 Blogs for this award. Here goes:


7 THINGS ABOUT ME:


 1.  I am a strong person with a strong Christian faith.  I am amazed at the strength that I have at times.  I am relieved about this as my life has been on a roller coaster ride since my twin's death in 2008.  It demands a lot of strength on this journey. I am depending on this inner strength to help me face another anniversary of her death on October 16 and what should have been a very special birthday for us this coming November 4.
2. I like to help others and can spread cheer to others even during my lowest moments.
3. I believe in genuine friendship. No matter how busy I am I find time for others.  I do not think that friendship should be taken for granted.
4.  My favourite pets have always been dogs and at this time I have 2.
5. I am a big bird enthusiast and over 10 years ago my twin and I started a collection of bird figurines. It now stands as a memorial to the shared love we have had for our feathered friends.  
6.I am a very family conscious person and have many nice relatives on both my mom and father's side of the family.
7. My interests are many - writing, reading, listening to music, watching music shows on television, learning to cook and bake a variety of food items, watching sports and I could go on and on! 
      
Now it is time to give this award to 7 other Blogs:-


            1. I.R.E.N.E. 
            2. Clairejustineoxox
            3.ME AND MY TADPOLE
            4.MISS ACIDIC
            5.Reflexions
            6.Gumdrop Pass
            7.Where Nothing Good Comes Easy


I would also like to pass on the LIEBSTER AWARD which I got recently. I have already passed in on to 3 Blogs but would like to pass it on to 2 more.

   This award is supposed to be passed on to favourite Blogs that do not have over 200 Followers.  Liebster in German means favourite. The person who receives this award can pass it on to other favourites who have not yet had 200 Followers.
                               1.BLOGGING is MY NEW HOBBY
                               2.Southern Belle

TRIBUTE TO A SPECIAL FATHER

     My late father Harold Haughton-James was born on September 23. Below is a repost - 'SHORT STAY - SPECIAL FATHER' which I wrote for last Father's Day. I have made a few changes.
      

JAN(LEFT) DAD & JUD ( RIGHT)
LAST PICTURE TAKEN BEFORE HIS DEATH - JAN. 1975

       My father passed away when he was 56. At that time Janine and I were only 13 but I will treasure those years as during that time we learnt some important life lessons.


       He was a jovial father and a politician who had no time to consume himself with hate. I admired the ease with which he had friends from the opposition party and how he treated people equally regardless of their political affiliation. The tribalistic attitude of our politics at that time could not change him.


       He started his political career when a Councillor was not a paid official but showed dedication to service. He was a shining example that one does not have to be paid in order to carry out his duties well.  So much so was his commitment that even when he had his first stroke in 1970 and was hospitalized he kept asking questions concerning his duties as a Parish Councillor.


       At times he took us to and from school. On our way home some evenings it was like a Geography lesson titled 'GETTING TO KNOW YOUR PARISH.' We enjoyed his traversing here and there as we got to know several areas in St. Mary - Belfield, Islington, Oxford, Free Hill, Bailey's Vale and Hampstead, to name a few.


       Early in the morning on August 14, 1975, he sat with us on the veranda and we had a good time chatting and laughing.  I can still remember as we drove out with our aunt-in-law that morning she said "Oh, I forgot to tell Harry good morning."  We turned around and saw him as he stepped back into the house. A few hours later he collapsed and died at the Parish Council meeting. As fate would have it he died serving people.


       He was a real church man and served as a member of the Church Committee for many years.  He was also a Justice of the Peace and would sign documents for persons who came to his house at various times of the day from Sunday to Saturday.


       The words on his tombstone tell the story of his life "I have fought the good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith" - 2 Timothy 4:7


       Having lost my identical twin sister in 2008 I have become more and more curious about death. I have read several books including 'Healing Grief' by James Van Praagh. I am here hoping that Janine and my father have already met each other in the afterlife.  I still wonder how coincidental it was that they both died on a Thursday, just before noon and a few weeks before they would have celebrated their birthdays. Dad and Janine are at peace and I know we will all meet again some day.

SEPTEMBER - A TIME TO REMEMBER

        The month of September is fast coming to an end but it has always been a very special month for our family. Mom was born on September 1, our parents got married on September 8 and our father's birthday was September 23.


        Above are pictures of our mother and father as well as their wedding picture. Mom has never failed to remind us that she was told that after our father met her he went home and told his family that he met his wife today!:) Thank God they managed to have 27 years together until our father's sudden death on August 14, 1975. The wonderul memories live on and my next post will be a tribute to him. 

EARRINGS - A BIG FAVOURITE!

         Over the years earrings have been a big favourite of Janine and me. We never missed an opportunity to buy a pair whenever possible and we received many as gifts. Above are 5 of our favourites. Now you can just imagine how thrilled I was this past weekend when I got the wonderful news that I had won my first giveaway and it was a pair of earrings!  A special thanks to Erin who has the Blog Indiana Coupon Savings who gave me this opportunity. The giveaway was open to persons worldwide. I can't wait for the earrings to arrive!  I will be sure to share a picture of them here.

MY SPECIAL NOTEBOOK IS ON THE WAY!

     First of all I would like to to say a special thank you to all of you who gave comments on my previous post. I have taken into consideration your suggestions and will make this book have in a little of everything. In that I have many special albums with pictures of Janine I decided to place 2 pictures on the first page. 

I then decided to write what the letters of her name bring to mind:-


Jolly and a joy to have had around.
Always ready to greet you with a bright smile.
Never would want me to be sad and blue.
Identical twin and wonderful friend.
Nice and friendly human being.
Eager to be around family and friends.


I will include some favourite Bible verses. The top  3 are 
"Let not your heart be troubled." - John 14:1


"In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also." - John 14: 2-3


"I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live. - John 11:25


        Favourite quotations will definitely be included. These will include several that I have already shared in posts here and will share in future posts.


        I will also write down the wonderful memories of the good times we had on our birthday, Christmas, going places, the hobbies we shared, fun times, the career we pursued and so much more. I  think it is also important that I include the first post that I wrote on this Blog - BEING TWINS - A POEM IN TRIBUTE TO MY DEPARTED TWIN SISTER

WHAT SHOULD I DO?!

        This is the question that I am asking myself as I look at this beautiful notebook that my twin sister Janine recieved from her Australian pen-pal Carolyn some years ago.  It was safely packed away to be used just at the right time.


         About 1 year after her death I came across it as I went through some of our things. Again I have seen it as I approach the 3rd anniversary of her death next month.  I am contemplating some choices - inspirational quotations, Bible verses, special memories of the things she said etc. It is not a big notebook but I want it to be a special book. The cover has on two of our favourite things  - birds and flowers.


         If you came across this notebook left behind by a departed loved one, what would you do with it?! 

THOSE JIGSAW DAYS!

By Judy Haughton-James

       For many years I enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles.  It would take a lot of my attention whenever I was working on one as every free chance I got I would run to go and see if I could place some more pieces.  Janine was never that eager to do them but from time to time she would pass by and try and find a few pieces.  I do not think she had the patience and determination that I had to keep going until it was finished.


        I have done puzzles in a variety of sizes but never one with more than 1,000 pieces. I really admire persons who have been able to do even bigger ones.


        Janine and I loved beautiful pictures so the minute a jigsaw puzzle was finished we would be armed with all that is needed to paste it together so that we could have it framed.  Above are two of our favourites over the years - Mount Fuji in Japan with a snow covered peak and a breathtaking scene with a river. These pictures grace the walls of our living-room.


       Oh, how I would love to be seated where trees boast such a beautiful autumn scene. I am someone who finds peace amidst nature. 

AN INSPIRATIONAL LIFT!

I love these quotations! There is nothing like an inspirational lift.  One of my favourites has always been " Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying "I will try again tomorrow." - Mary Anne Radmacher

9/11 - FACING DEATH AND GRIEF

         I can still remember those frightening moments when my twin sister and I stood in front of the television watching the horrible situation that unfolded on September 11, 2001.  So many persons knew individuals who died or families, friends or acquaintances who suffered the loss of a family member or friend.  The loss of a loved one is a very difficult experience to handle and especially when he/she departs in a terrorist attack or suddenly. 
  
        Recently I learnt that of the nearly 3,000 persons who were killed about 46 were one of twins. I understand that a documentary titled 'The Twins Of The Twin Towers' will be shown on this anniversary that explores the personal stories of twins who were left twinless. According to the link "The film delves into the unique connection these brave siblings shared and the process they have endured for dealing with their devastating loss and moving forward with their lives."  The movie produced by BBC Wales was directed and produced by Olivia Lichtenstein and executive produced by Tim Green.


         It is very difficult to find words that comfort those who grieve the loss of a loved one especially in a situation as 9/11. However I would like to share these words that I have found comforting since the loss of my twin sister:-


         "Those we love don't go away,
          They walk beside us every day,
          Unseen, unheard but always near.
          Still loved, still missed and very dear." 
  
P.S. Update 2 p.m. Sunday, September 11. I listened to the midday news on one of our radio stations  and it was stated that about 16 Jamaicans died. This tragedy certainly touched the world.

FLOWERS BEATING THE HEAT!

I have been roaming around my gardens taking pictures of these flowers that have been surviving our hot summer. They even made me write a poem! I had not written one for quite some time!



FLOWERS BEATING THE HEAT
By Judy Haughton-James


Sun shines brightly on my tropical isle
As flowers in my garden smile awhile.
They bravely face the sweltering heat
Somehow this they proudly beat.


With camera in hand I am ready to roam
Capturing blessings that beautify my home.
A gentle breeze is welcomed every day
The flowers seem to dance as they sway.


They come in a wide array of colours
Ginger lilies, the strongest of these flowers.
These favourites attract many an eye
And helps to make my spirit soar high.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FLOWER?

By Judy Haughton-James


          I  love nature and show me flowers and I am in awe. I have seen some of the most beautiful flowers from around the world via pictures, postcards, Blogs, television, magazines, you name it.


          However there is always that favourite flower. Janine and I just loved roses. We have had pink, white and red roses in our garden over the years. I know that there are roses in other colours and I have seen beautiful yellow ones in other gardens.


         The summer heat is on over here on my tropical island and my roses aren't doing so well now so I welcome rain. Anyway I got some shots of this beautiful red rose in our garden.

      
         Speaking of flowers, I am getting in that mood to go and buy some packs of unusual flower seeds and plant them as soon as the weather is just right for them to thrive. Actually I am thinking of setting up a little garden in memory of my twin sister Janine. I may even put some bird figures in there. Who knows I could put it somewhere so that I could put a bird feeder high and maybe I will see a lot of birds again including our favourite bird - Jamaica's Streamer Tail Hummingbird. Of course I would have to make sure that it is protected from animals like goats, donkeys etc.


          Where foreign flowers are concerned my memory went back to some pictures and postcards that we saw of lavender flowers some time ago.  This occurred recently when I received the  Victorian  Lavender Sachet pictured below from my English pen-pal Pam.  I know that this flower has also been used for perfumes. Right now  I can actually picture those breathtaking scenes of lavender.

        Well, there is a flower for every month and we were born in November so ours is the Chrysanthemum.  Some years ago I had a lot of these flowers in our garden.  Another flower that thrives well even during summer at my home is what is called the Ginger Lily. Some of them can be seen in the pictures of the rose. Nothing daunts them and we have put several of them on Janine's grave from time to time. So, what is your favourite flower? I know there are so many to choose from.  

GET CONNECTED TUESDAY BLOG HOP!

I  want to say a BIG THANK YOU to Nekky from Reflexions for choosing me to be the featured Blog on the Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop. I love Blog Hops! 

Welcome to  Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop. I'm very happy to have you here. A special welcome to all my first visitors. If you are already a part of this hop, I'm thanking you so much for your help in building Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop and making it a success. Come and Get Connected and stay Connected. With this hop, you will increase your strength, followers, readers and connect to other bloggers in which ever way you like.

This blog hop is for family friendly websites only.

This week, I'm featuring Judy of JUDY H-J'S THOUGHTS - A TWINLESS TWIN

Congrats Judy

Feel free to grab the button if you want.

Each week, I'll be featuring a new guest host. If you want to be featured, grab the button and send me a message and you might be my next pick.


Grab our Button:


                          Get Connected and Stay Connected!!!




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Here are the rules:

1.) Follow Reflexions  the host on Google friends connect.

2.) Follow the guest host - Judy

3.) Visit and read some great blogs and follow the ones you like.

*  It would be nice if you follow at least the two blogs that are linked up before you, that way, everybody will get followed. Thanks.

If you are a new follower please leave a comment so we can follow you back....

Thanks for linking up and have a great week...

WOW! MY FIRST BLOG AWARD!

      Thanks a million to Itin who has a great blog titled 'MISS ACIDIC' for giving me the LIEBSTER BLOG AWARD!  You have certainly started off my week in great fashion! I am happy to have over 100 Followers of this Blog which I started in March of this year. Now the rule says that it is my turn to pass it on to some of my favourite Bloggers who have less than 200 Followers.  I have met so many wonderful Bloggers from many countries and they already have over 200 Followers! By the way, the word 'Liebster' means favourite in German!  Well, my top 3 favourites for this award are:
                                           
                                                  CHEERFULNUTS
                                                  SERIOUSNUTS
                                                  SAKURA HARUKA

Please pass it on to your favourite Bloggers who have under 200 Followers at this time and link back to the Blog who gave you this award. Cheers!

BE INSPIRED!

I am a big fan of quotations and I find many of them inspirational. They often lift my spirit when I go through low moments. Here are some of my favourites from Facebook Status Shuffle:

"The struggle to get out of the cocoon is what helps strengthen the wings of the butterfly and helps her fly above the world. Struggles strengthen us to fly."


"To get through the hardest journey we need to take only one step at at time, but we must keep on stepping."


"What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."- Thoreau


"We cannot change the cards we are dealt in life but we can change how we play the hand."


"Just remember when you need to talk to someone and it's too late to call a friend, God is always up!"