Chatting on the Farmhouse porch

I haven't chatted with Patrice and her friends for AGES, and as one of the questions comes from my lovely friend, Anne, I thought it would be fun to join in.


1. Melanie asks "What kinds of seafood have you tried and liked? What is the most unique seafood you've eaten?

I have tried all sorts of seafood.  When we went on holiday to the US when I was younger, I got to try lobster, which I loved.  I have also tried crab, squid, scallops, prawns, tuna (proper, fresh tuna steak, not just from a tin!), and various types of other fish.  I can't think off the top of my head if I have tried anything more exotic.  I loved the lobster - it was really yummy.  I love putting prawns in  a fish pie, with some lovely smoked fish.  I also loved smoked haddock.  It makes the house reek, but it tastes soooooo good. 

2. Anne says, "An unforgettable holiday moment is_____________________. (She's on the other side of that BIG pond. I believe a holiday is a vacation on this side. )

She's actually on THIS side of the pond, but on the other side of the Minch. You don't know what that is?  Google.

This is a toughie.  I have several, from different stages in my life.

I have a very strong memory of going for early morning walks, through the sunny meadow, with my Grandpa, in Cornwall.  I remember bees buzzing, flowers blowing in the morning breeze, and their dog, Don.  Very precious, happy memory.

The moment I made my parents panic in America.  We had gone to a Bible conference, were they had provided a day camp for children.  They had swimming every day, and there was a really high up diving board that everyone jumped from. I DESPERATELY wanted to jump from it, but you had to be able to swim a length.  I couldn't.  I learnt to swim in about 2 days, just so I could do it!  My parents came to watch the last day, and saw me up on the diving board, and nearly had a fit!!! *grin*  I hadn't told them that I had learnt to swim, OR that I would be jumping from up THERE!  For the record, I would not DREAM of going up there to look down, never mind JUMP, any more.  Myself and heights are not best friends.....

The moment that we unlocked the bedroom door and walked into the room in the luxury hotel, on our honeymoon.  It was a STUNNING room, and I felt so very spoiled to be staying in such a place.  Also, every night when we went down for dinner, they would welcome me by my new name "Mrs Cordle".  TOTALLY unforgettable, and incredibly special.

I probably have more, but those ones came to mind first, and I do not wish to bore anyone!

3.  Arlene wants to know, "When was the last time you tried something new?"

Hmmmmm. There's a question, which may require some brain power.

A year ago, I drove a minibus for the first time!  I was fairly daunted by the task, but it was a doddle.  I am now totally used to it.  OH, except parallel parking it.  I still avoid doing that unless there is  HUGE space to drive into.

Oh. I forgot. I tried something new today.

No other words necessary.

4.  Becky asks "who, or what, inspires you?"

Well, without a doubt, the Lord inspires me.  It is His love, life, sacrifice, Word and presence that gives me life and breath.  That is, after all, what "inspire" can mean.  To be "inbreathed" or "inspirited".  It's is the Spirit of God that indwells me, and gives me all I need for every day of my life.  He satisfies my soul, and gives me strength for every moment.   Without the inspired Word of God, I would have no wisdom, truth and guidance.  He is most precious to me.

Humanly speaking, any author who encourages me in my walk as a wife and mother would be inspirational.  So, I find Sally Clarkson to be an inspiration.  Heidi St John.  I am greatly inspired and challenged by Ann Voskamp's writing.

I am inspired by the courage of the 2 Margarets.  These were 2 ladies - one young and one old - who died as martyrs, during the time of the Covenanters.   They refused to deny Christ, and were drowned in the Solway Firth.  Oh, for a testimony like theirs - faithful to death. 

5.  Madonna wants to know," How did you chose the names of your children."

Well, we started with a Bible name with Joshua.  We talked about ever so many names, and just decided together, having prayed about it, that it was the right name.  When we then had a girl, we chose another Bible name, and an "attribute" name in the middle.  Bethany Grace.   We decided for the others to carry on with Bible names, and for the girls to have the attribute name in the middle.  So now we have - Joshua David, Bethany Grace, Daniel James, Susanna Joy, Abigail Faith, Elijah Matthew and Simeon John.   I also have a "thing" about it sounding right.  So, the first name has more syllables than the second.  There is no alliteration with the initials.  The initials don't spell anything.  (not that many words end with a "C").  We also chose names that we would be happy to shorten.  Interestingly, we rarely shorten Daniel's?! But, everyone else gets a shortened name at some point. Susie now RARELY gets called Susanna.  We chose it liking "Susie", but wanted her to have the full name, so she could choose for herself as she got older.  Elijah now sometimes gets "Lij" and Simeon now gets "Sim" every now and again, mostly by Elijah.

We invariably do not decide until we are driving into the hospital.  I say "decide", but I mean the final decision.  Simeon was a rarity - we had it chosen way before!

Also, we now have had a girl's name since I was pregnant with Elijah, so if we ever had another girl, that would be all ready to use.


It was lovely to chat, Patrice.  We have had snow, too.  Ridiculous weather for the end of March, I say.  Hopefully the next time we chat, the weather will have warmed up.  Until then. I will stay inside in the warm, if you don't mind?