Wandering in Newmarket

-We interrupt the regularly scheduled post to bring you an important message... 

I think that I'll preface this post with a couple of quotes. 

The first quote (which I'll get to in a minute) was taken from a book, but I don't want you to think of it in the context of that story.  I prefer to think of this conversation as taking place between a couple of people from our world and in our own time. Plug in whatever names you choose instead of those of the characters mentioned. It won't change the the message one iota.  

I'm worried about the state of our country. I think that Truth has been, and will continue to be, twisted to suit the designs of some leaders. And the battle for the lead positions in the country has become increasingly bitter with time and of late, has become to me, unbelievable. 

As I write this, I can't help but dread what the future holds. I don't worry for myself.  I've already retired and am mostly out of the game. In the not too distant future, I'll retire from life altogether and be free of any and all earthly craziness. I worry instead for those of my family who have many years ahead of them. 

This quote, however, gives me a certain amount of comfort.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

I love my family (and friends) and want them to persevere. My message to them would be against relying on their government to tell them what is right. They need to look instead into their own hearts and souls and remember that eternity is their ultimate destination. That they need to resist getting bogged down in whatever quicksand they'll encounter along their paths.   

My second quote today also gives me comfort. I think it speaks to me because I am getting older and have almost made it.  I also like it for it's upbeat feeling. Finally, I like it because it hints at the belief, that I share, of eternity. 

“It's only life. We all get through it.  -Dean Koontz, Odd Hours

One last thought...

Can you imagine what a shock it will be to many of our leaders when they finally arrive in eternity? I believe that each of us will understand perfect truth in that moment. What would it be like to have to acknowledge the degree to which you have knowingly misled millions, tens of millions, hundreds of millions, of people?  I'm glad to be a nobody.   

-And now, back to our regular scheduled post...

I've taken you to Newmarket several times. There's a lot to be said for it, and seen in it. Today, we are going to walk along Remuera Road that runs from the center of Newmarket up the hill to, guess where?  Remuera! That's right.  

This was a very pleasant walk, especially after I turned around near Remuera and worked my way back down the hill I had just climbed.   

Leaving the train station along the corridor over the tracks.

 On the sidewalk outside the station.

 A historic church

 How would you like to live in that massive house beneath Mt. Hobson?  I would love to see inside it.  

Another church   (I really didn't need to tell you that now, did I?) 

I won't state the obvious.  

Palms in the foreground and a volcanic island a few miles off shore. Wow. 

It's at times like these that I marvel that I'm really here and living among such sights. 

 One of the Newmarket Police Departments. 

 On my way back, I had to walk right past No. 1 Chicken, so...

 $7 buys a cup of delightful crunchy chicken bites. I brought at least half of them home. 

I walked a little bit out of my way to look again at the wood-paved parking lot.  I really like this place. I hope they never tear it up.    -djf