Round 2..... I mean Week 2

Still in the study but the pile of things leaving this house is growing daily. It is so daunting and slightly sad. Why the hell would I keep appointment diaries eons old - as evidence in a court case, for reminiscing, because I have a hoarding sickness - who knows. Anyway shredder has been going non stop. Hope the recycling truck empties bin carefully tomorrow or it will look like it has been snowing out there and I will have a lot of picking up to do.

Journeyed into the city on Saturday in the pouring rain. Was feeling a bit off plus it was really raining heavily but set off and am so glad I did. The Bell Shakespeare Company's "Much Ado about Nothing" was really enjoyable and I met some lovely people while I was having lunch. They drive down from Port Macquarie to see these shows. Now that is dedication.

Having lunch tomorrow with the friends I used to do folk art with. Haven't seen them for a far while so looking forward to it.

Not talking about weight at all this time. Have still been walking Lucy everyday that it doesn't rain but my food habits leave a lot to be desired. Sigh. Not to mention the wine.

Mark fishing tomorrow night with the male members of his family and assorted friends. They have been doing this for a very very long time and the theory is that we all get together on Friday for a big family (and friends) meal of fish. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. Not casting nasturtiums on their ability/luck but it is always a good idea to buy some fish just in case. He actually had a practise run with his brother last Thursday night and they caught 9 fish (of which Mark's contribution was 2). Keeping fingers crossed they have a good night. Anyway it is a good male bonding exercise. They used to stay all night and come home the next morning but these days they are getting a bit long in the tooth and the younger ones are not as tough as they were and want the comfort of their own beds and not the ground. Me, I will be home where it is safe and warm and dry catching up on all the TV shows I have recorded.

We are off to the Gold Coast on Saturday for 4 or so days. Staying with girlfriend who is having her 60th birthday party on the Sunday and on Monday my sister is driving down to have lunch with us at the recovery party. Recovery party? at our age.

Lucy is going to Gareth's for sleepovers and runs around the golf course with him when he goes to work. It has worked out well, he has had a bad Autumn racing carnival, punting wise, so cant afford to go out and has to work to make up lost ground. It is a win win situation for me though it may cost me a few bottles of wine in ransom to get her back. He knows my thoughts about leaving animals locked in the house when nobody is home - it doesn't happen. Although he has promised if he goes out he will leave her with a fire hose and a hard hat. Only joking, I hope.

Have been playing Words with Friends with Zanna. That woman is diabolical and incredibly smart. Beating me by heaps but I am learning so many new words. She is really good at keeping it nice and tight with a few letters making lots of words across and down for lots of points. Certainly making me think a lot more than I have been. Don't really think you're evil - love you heaps.

Finally something I found in the great clean out and I think I got it from Sue, a long time ago, who is currently bounding on Happy Ground. It is now pinned on my notice board in front of me as it makes me smile everytime I read it -

Live your life in such a

way that when your feet

hit the floor in the morning,

the Devil says:

"Shit, she's awake".

Just love it.

Hope you are all having a good week and have a wonderful Easter break no matter what you do.

MIA yet again

I have been missing in action yet again.

Thought I would clear out my study at home - allocated one day.

On day one (give you a hint) I realised that it may take a bit longer.

Allocated a day per wall/side i.e. 4 days

4 days later I am still on wall one and have filled the recycling bin - cant find anything in the study otherwise I would have taken a picture and posted it here to show the carnage. How could I have collected so much stuff - paper - whole forest have been felled and are living in my study. I am trying to reuse all the paper that is printed on one side but there is far far too much. I thought the linen press was daunting - this room takes the cake.

Laundry is virtually finished. Still a bit of painting to do but usable. Did I mention in my last post that when we put the washing machine back it blew up - literally. Loud bang and smell of electrical burn. No washing done for many days but eventually got a new machine as it was only a couple of hundred dearer than getting the old one fixed.

The painting machine (Mark) has now moved to the family room. Having a feature wall in Linseed, other walls are Antique White USA and ceiling and trims white white. These are Dulux colours. After this happens, I guess the floor gets sanded and polished and maybe the kitchen floor as well. God what am I thinking. Then apparently, after the school holidays, the electrician is coming back to replace the switchboard. I may just have to keep working for the rest of my life to support Mark in retirement. I may have already mentioned all of this - my memory is going on me too.

On a brighter note - Have been gardening in small doses. Planting violas, filling gaps, removing ailing plants etc. Bought the most gorgeous tibouchia today (purple flowers) from the markets and I am going to plant it where the tiler has claimed a part of my garden for cleaning his gear. Of course I have to sort out the soil first because I am sure he has wrecked it but it is another gap that needs filling.

Autumn is absolutely glorious at the moment. Lovely days and cool to cold nights. Mark brought the gas heater back in last night from its summer storage spot and hooked it up to the new outlet. Worked a treat.

Daughter is moving to Greenwich in just over a week's time. She is happy that they are going to be closer to work and the city. I am happy we are going to be on the Gold Coast and not participating in the move. It will be all over by the time we get back and we have inherited a relatively new bbq and the suburban bane, a leaf blower. Gareth is lending them his fridge as his flatmate has one that they are going to use.

Speaking of Gareth, he is currently driving back from Darwin. A friend of his has scored a job flying for Qantas so he has packed up and is moving back to Sydney. Gareth flew to Darwin so that said friend had someone to travel back with. The roadtrip has been documented on facebook. They left Cooper Pedy this morning and hopefully will be home safe and sound in the not too distant future. Some amazing photos and so green in the outback. It looks like they have had a bit of rain - maybe it is the rainy season?

M0re good news is that his friend has volunteered to play Words with Friends with me. It is an iphone or ipad app and I really love playing but people keep resigning on me just because I get a little bit in front. Anyone else want to play let me know and I will send you my username.

Going to Opera House this Saturday for my yearly fix of Shakespeare with the Bell Shakespeare Company.

I am having a nice "at home" holiday and getting lots done without overdoing it. I was pretty rundown leading up to the end of Term 1 so it is nice to start feeling good again.

Back soon - have a good one.