I have two drafts sitting waiting for me to finish them and publish them but it is all too much.
My body is aching all over. I know I have to replace the pain relief patch tomorrow but I also know it has run out already.
It is amazing. It has taken 4 days to put me back where I was 5 weeks ago. Exhausted. I can barely keep my eyes open and now even though I have my ipad plugged in the battery is running down so this is a short post.
More later.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Live every moment and enjoy, these days come only once
Have changed things a bit since last time I checked in. I was walking Lucy late morning or afternoon last week but the heat has been so debilitating that I now set the alarm for 6 and get up and walk her then.
Lovely cool mornings with fog some days. Looks quite ethereal. Just floating above the ground.
Except this morning. Since yesterday afternoon we have had this fine misting rain and that is what we had this morning when I dragged myself out of bed, got dressed and walked outside. Anyway it looks like we will have an afternoon walk again and hopefully it won't get too steamy. At least I don't have to water the garden today.
Lovely cool mornings with fog some days. Looks quite ethereal. Just floating above the ground.
Except this morning. Since yesterday afternoon we have had this fine misting rain and that is what we had this morning when I dragged myself out of bed, got dressed and walked outside. Anyway it looks like we will have an afternoon walk again and hopefully it won't get too steamy. At least I don't have to water the garden today.
We went to see "Saving Mr Banks" on the weekend. It was a delightful movie and even M enjoyed it. Apparently the girl who plays P.L. Travers as a young girl is the granddaughter of someone my sister plays bowls with. We had dinner out afterwards and it was a lovely night.
I spent most of Sunday putting in another watering system in the Murraya hedge garden along the fence at the back of the pool. This has been the hardest one to put in as the hedge is really well established and I felt a bit like the prince in Rapunzel having to slash my way through the bushes. But I got it in in the end and I think they will be a lot happier with a regularly good soaking rather than the haphazard way I was watering them before. M spent the day watching the cricket and would come out every now and then to see if I was alright. At one stage he could only see my feet sticking out and was a bit concerned that I wouldn't be able to get out. I must say that the knee pads I bought from the nursery were a godsend and I was surprised that I wasn't as scratched as I thought I was going to be.
Yesterday I caught up with the ladies I used to do folk art with. I have known them over 20 years and wish I could summon the energy to go out one evening a week but I just can't so I will have to make do with lunch every now and again.
I had another train ride today down to North Sydney to pick up my new prescription sunglasses. Wayfarers this time and I love them so much. I meant to get them last year but go waylaid by another pair that I haven't been happy with. So now the balance has been restored.
I have a few garden type things to do this afternoon. I have an English box that I have had for eons and trained into a heart shape but somehow I think it dried out last year - not quite sure how - and it has not recovered. It is struggling along but I think the time has come for it to move on. I am going to replace it with a japanese box this time and will post a picture when it is potted. I think it will grow more quickly than the English box and is better suited for what I want. Also I am impatient and want to get this sorted out asap.
I also bought another punnet of those petunias I bought a couple of weeks ago - Shock Wave Coral Crush. So they have to go into the garden and I have to pinch out the dead flowers from the ones that I have already planted.
I realised that I hadn't finished staking up the orchids I repotted last week so that has to be done too.
After dinner tonight we have drinks with friends to celebrate a birthday.
Tomorrow is the zoo and high tea with J. Thursday is lunch with M's brother and sister. Friday is going to be my gardening day again and I will put in another system if I can but I need sunshine for that to help straighten out the hose.
Saturday is lunch with the ladies I used to do pilates with. Sunday is Australia Day and we have been invited out. It is up to M if he wants to go and then next Tuesday it is back to work. That five weeks has gone in the blink of an eye and I am going to miss the sleep-ins. Even on the days I walk Lucy I go back to bed when I get home and quite easily can go back to sleep. This exhaustion that is on me is bone deep.
But first - walk Lucy.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Cockatoo Island Adventure
Today we got up really early (remember we are on holidays and anytime before 7 is really early for us) and drove down to J's place.
From there we caught the river cat to Cockatoo Island. River travel is such a lovely way to travel and I envy the people who can do it everyday although I was a bit upset at all the lovely old buildings and houses that have been destroyed on the river to build really really ugly apartments. But as J said, she agreed with me but if someone offered her one of those ugly apartments on the river she wouldn't knock it back.
The weather here and all up the eastern states is meltingly hot so it was nice to be on the water where there was a constant breeze.
This is actually not at Cockatoo Island. This is a place called Rivendell which is across the river from the ferry wharf near J's.
It is part of the Dept of Education and Communities and is a child, adolescent and Family unit.
It originally was a convalescent hospital.
My grandfather was a gardener on this estate in the first half of the 20th century which is my connection and one of the reasons I took this picture.
The name Rivendell of course comes from J.R. Tolkien's book "The Hobbit" and is a place to rest and recuperate - a sanctuary for those on difficult journeys.
Anyway the ferry ride took about 25 mins and as always river travel is so interesting. The mullet were jumping and the day was absolutely stunning.
When we arrived we decided that the convict precinct would be interesting. We walked through the Dog Leg tunnel, cut out of solid Sydney sandstone, to the other side of the island and then climbed a lot of steps, the Southern stairs, up the cliff face to the Ship Design Precinct. Great views when I finally recovered my breath and nerve.
This was the Sutherland Dock. When it was built it was the largest graving dock in the world. Of course this is no longer in use which upset M at bit. Such a wonderful facility that is no longer being used except of course we got to go there. We started walking along the top of the cliff but couldn't get too far because the volunteers had warned us that the seagulls were still nesting there and there were babies. Of course rather than upset them we looked for another route around that building.
This is in the convict precinct. The island was used as a gaol in the 18th century. This is the mess hall looking across what I think was the prisoners exercise yard or maybe it was just a courtyard.
This is what is left of the guardhouse where the soldiers lived. It was being set up for a wedding hopefully a bit later in the day because the sun was relentless even with the cool breeze. Those small openings that are on either side of the fireplace are actually slits where they could fire their rifles through should they need to fall back and stockade themselves in the quarters. It overlooked the cells but we couldn't get there because once again baby seagulls thwarted us but that was okay because there was so much else to see.
These were the solitary confinement cells and have only recently been recovered by an archeological dig. They were apparently filled with water.
Anyway I have so many photos but this could rather turn out to be like a slide night of olden times. We also visited the Industrial Precinct and have plans to return and explore further and will probably use the guided tour and I probably also should take notes as my memory is definitely not as good as it was.
My goodness I am looking forward to retirement.
We had an amazing time. Very little of the island is actually off limits. We went there during the week so crowding wasn't a problem and had lunch residing over one of the most magnificent views in the world.
Home now with every cooling device we have turned on. M is watching the cricket with his eyes closed. Was thinking that I would go to the gym this afternoon but have revised those plans and think maybe just a quiet drink on the deck and a chat to my sister will be a much more civilised way to end the day.
Happy Friday everyone!
From there we caught the river cat to Cockatoo Island. River travel is such a lovely way to travel and I envy the people who can do it everyday although I was a bit upset at all the lovely old buildings and houses that have been destroyed on the river to build really really ugly apartments. But as J said, she agreed with me but if someone offered her one of those ugly apartments on the river she wouldn't knock it back.
The weather here and all up the eastern states is meltingly hot so it was nice to be on the water where there was a constant breeze.
This is actually not at Cockatoo Island. This is a place called Rivendell which is across the river from the ferry wharf near J's.
It is part of the Dept of Education and Communities and is a child, adolescent and Family unit.
It originally was a convalescent hospital.
My grandfather was a gardener on this estate in the first half of the 20th century which is my connection and one of the reasons I took this picture.
The name Rivendell of course comes from J.R. Tolkien's book "The Hobbit" and is a place to rest and recuperate - a sanctuary for those on difficult journeys.
Anyway the ferry ride took about 25 mins and as always river travel is so interesting. The mullet were jumping and the day was absolutely stunning.
When we arrived we decided that the convict precinct would be interesting. We walked through the Dog Leg tunnel, cut out of solid Sydney sandstone, to the other side of the island and then climbed a lot of steps, the Southern stairs, up the cliff face to the Ship Design Precinct. Great views when I finally recovered my breath and nerve.
This was the Sutherland Dock. When it was built it was the largest graving dock in the world. Of course this is no longer in use which upset M at bit. Such a wonderful facility that is no longer being used except of course we got to go there. We started walking along the top of the cliff but couldn't get too far because the volunteers had warned us that the seagulls were still nesting there and there were babies. Of course rather than upset them we looked for another route around that building.
This is what is left of the guardhouse where the soldiers lived. It was being set up for a wedding hopefully a bit later in the day because the sun was relentless even with the cool breeze. Those small openings that are on either side of the fireplace are actually slits where they could fire their rifles through should they need to fall back and stockade themselves in the quarters. It overlooked the cells but we couldn't get there because once again baby seagulls thwarted us but that was okay because there was so much else to see.
Anyway I have so many photos but this could rather turn out to be like a slide night of olden times. We also visited the Industrial Precinct and have plans to return and explore further and will probably use the guided tour and I probably also should take notes as my memory is definitely not as good as it was.
My goodness I am looking forward to retirement.
We had an amazing time. Very little of the island is actually off limits. We went there during the week so crowding wasn't a problem and had lunch residing over one of the most magnificent views in the world.
Home now with every cooling device we have turned on. M is watching the cricket with his eyes closed. Was thinking that I would go to the gym this afternoon but have revised those plans and think maybe just a quiet drink on the deck and a chat to my sister will be a much more civilised way to end the day.
Happy Friday everyone!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
I love being on holidays!
It has been really busy lately and trying to carry on while unwell is beginning to be difficult.
Dinner out on Saturday night and Lunch with friends on Sunday at home was lovely but my stomach has reacted badly.
On Sunday, M dug out a large patch of agapanthus to give to the people coming and they bought me cuttings of salvia, both blue and pink which are now sitting on the windowsill with Buddha waiting to grow roots. Agapanthus appear in my garden at random and he seems to have left one so this tradition will continue. I don't think so. There are still a lot of roots left but M assures me they won't re grow. Don't know whether that is true so will dig out as many roots as I can. While he was digging them out he slashed the watering system I had repaired last week so I had to cut and rejoin it. Another trip to Bunnings is on cards for more joiners.
My wisteria is flowering at the moment. My books are telling me to cut it back but I am loathe to when it is still flowering. Also I will repot an orchid today. Keep your fingers crossed for me that they survive.
G took me to see part 2 of The Hobbit on Monday in gold class. Lovely big comfy chairs with footrests. So enjoyed it. Unfortunately I couldn't take advantage of the food and drink delivered to my seat as I wasn't well enough to eat. Another time perhaps.
Tuesday was garden day. Walked Lucy first thing and then after breakfast, gardening, ironing and watching tennis or cricket when it is too hot in the middle of the day and then back out in the garden when it cools down a bit. Bliss (except for the ironing bit of course).
I ended up repotting most of the orchids. Goodness knows the last time I did this. They were extremely rootbound and took quite a lot of effort to get out of ther pots. Some pots had to be soaked in a bucket. There was also a trip to the local nursery for more orchid potting mix and stakes. I bought a pair of strap-on knee pads too because I am finding all the kneeling I am doing a bit wearing on the poor old knees.
Put in another watering system in a front garden. Have nearly got this installation down pat and it went quite smoothly.
Tried to take a photo of this pretty spider. I think it is a St Andrews Cross but it might be an orb weaver. I have great trouble taking photos of things close up with my point and shoot. I thought it would be easier but it isn't.
I went back to the nursery today to get more orchid mix and wooden stakes to hold them upright until they re-establish all the roots I had to hack off. Fingers crossed. I am sure the nursery people rub their hands together when they see me pull up saying oh goodey she is back. M and I dropped in our way home from a leisurely lunch with an old work friend of his and his wife. Very very pleasant.
Tomorrow is another gardening day after the Lucy walk and fruit and veg shopping and then Friday is Cockatoo Island with J and M. Just because we have never been there.
Dinner out on Saturday night and Lunch with friends on Sunday at home was lovely but my stomach has reacted badly.
On Sunday, M dug out a large patch of agapanthus to give to the people coming and they bought me cuttings of salvia, both blue and pink which are now sitting on the windowsill with Buddha waiting to grow roots. Agapanthus appear in my garden at random and he seems to have left one so this tradition will continue. I don't think so. There are still a lot of roots left but M assures me they won't re grow. Don't know whether that is true so will dig out as many roots as I can. While he was digging them out he slashed the watering system I had repaired last week so I had to cut and rejoin it. Another trip to Bunnings is on cards for more joiners.
My wisteria is flowering at the moment. My books are telling me to cut it back but I am loathe to when it is still flowering. Also I will repot an orchid today. Keep your fingers crossed for me that they survive.G took me to see part 2 of The Hobbit on Monday in gold class. Lovely big comfy chairs with footrests. So enjoyed it. Unfortunately I couldn't take advantage of the food and drink delivered to my seat as I wasn't well enough to eat. Another time perhaps.
Tuesday was garden day. Walked Lucy first thing and then after breakfast, gardening, ironing and watching tennis or cricket when it is too hot in the middle of the day and then back out in the garden when it cools down a bit. Bliss (except for the ironing bit of course).
I ended up repotting most of the orchids. Goodness knows the last time I did this. They were extremely rootbound and took quite a lot of effort to get out of ther pots. Some pots had to be soaked in a bucket. There was also a trip to the local nursery for more orchid potting mix and stakes. I bought a pair of strap-on knee pads too because I am finding all the kneeling I am doing a bit wearing on the poor old knees.
Put in another watering system in a front garden. Have nearly got this installation down pat and it went quite smoothly.
Tried to take a photo of this pretty spider. I think it is a St Andrews Cross but it might be an orb weaver. I have great trouble taking photos of things close up with my point and shoot. I thought it would be easier but it isn't.
I went back to the nursery today to get more orchid mix and wooden stakes to hold them upright until they re-establish all the roots I had to hack off. Fingers crossed. I am sure the nursery people rub their hands together when they see me pull up saying oh goodey she is back. M and I dropped in our way home from a leisurely lunch with an old work friend of his and his wife. Very very pleasant.
Tomorrow is another gardening day after the Lucy walk and fruit and veg shopping and then Friday is Cockatoo Island with J and M. Just because we have never been there.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Out of Sync
I am feeling ill this morning. My stomach is churning. It will pass I know.
It is 3 years since my back operation. Hasn't that time flown. Anyway the neurosurgeon has sent me another questionnaire to complete. He has sent them before and one of the questions is would you repeat this operation again and I think previously I have always answered no because even though without this operation I wouldn't have been able to continue working or anything else for that matter it was honestly the most traumatic operation I have ever had.
This time I wanted to answer maybe but since that wasn't available I answered yes. I finally realise that I wouldn't be living the life I am living if I hadn't had this op and I know one day I will probably have to have another similar op in the future as my back joints are disintegrating.
Anyway, enough of this. Time to get up and go to the gym. I will feel better when I do I know.
When I was watering the front pot plants something caught my eye. On closer inspection I realised it was a cicada. So many of them this year. A couple of days later I had a chance meeting with another black cicada while I was hanging the washing out. I thought it was a beetle but on closer inspection it was another one. They are such exquisite insects and we have seen so many at close quarters this year. When we were youngsters we used to have to climb trees to catch them but not this year (not that I would be climbing any trees at my age).
And talking about my age, I got all the way to opening the front gates on the way to the gym when I discovered that I had two different sneakers on. M thought it was hysterical but I just sigh and realise that I maybe need a minder.
And last but not least the port wine magnolia is flowering again. I walked out of the garage the other day and the perfume hit me. Bliss. This is a flower from one of the ones I struck. Sorry it is a bit blurry but I hope to improve taking photos soon. M has banned me from striking any more because we don't have room for them so I am going to try gardenias next. The radicans type.
Have a good night.
It is 3 years since my back operation. Hasn't that time flown. Anyway the neurosurgeon has sent me another questionnaire to complete. He has sent them before and one of the questions is would you repeat this operation again and I think previously I have always answered no because even though without this operation I wouldn't have been able to continue working or anything else for that matter it was honestly the most traumatic operation I have ever had.
This time I wanted to answer maybe but since that wasn't available I answered yes. I finally realise that I wouldn't be living the life I am living if I hadn't had this op and I know one day I will probably have to have another similar op in the future as my back joints are disintegrating.
Anyway, enough of this. Time to get up and go to the gym. I will feel better when I do I know.
When I was watering the front pot plants something caught my eye. On closer inspection I realised it was a cicada. So many of them this year. A couple of days later I had a chance meeting with another black cicada while I was hanging the washing out. I thought it was a beetle but on closer inspection it was another one. They are such exquisite insects and we have seen so many at close quarters this year. When we were youngsters we used to have to climb trees to catch them but not this year (not that I would be climbing any trees at my age).
And talking about my age, I got all the way to opening the front gates on the way to the gym when I discovered that I had two different sneakers on. M thought it was hysterical but I just sigh and realise that I maybe need a minder.
And last but not least the port wine magnolia is flowering again. I walked out of the garage the other day and the perfume hit me. Bliss. This is a flower from one of the ones I struck. Sorry it is a bit blurry but I hope to improve taking photos soon. M has banned me from striking any more because we don't have room for them so I am going to try gardenias next. The radicans type.Have a good night.
Time is moving fast again
This post was written last week and has been sitting in the draft pile since. I wanted to insert some photos and since I can't seem to do that on the iPad it had to wait until I got to the computer.
I can feel the holidays slipping away. It has started to get busy and I am starting to feel annoyed and trapped. That is a funny feeling isn't it? At the start of the summer holidays it seemed like I had so much time and now I can feel it slipping away and I am starting to panic,
Today is a lot cooler than it has been. M has gone to golf and I am meeting some people for yum cha.
But the garden is calling.
M and I finally got to the hardware store yesterday. We thought we would do the right thing a shop locally so visited a small local hardware shop that has been taken over by a larger chain but nonetheless it is the remaining hardware shop in the area. All the others have closed over the past year.
I was so disappointed. The shelves were virtually empty. It looked like there had been a massive rundown sale and there was hardly anything left. I got a few of the irrigation fittings I needed but not enough to finish one garden. As we were leaving I said to M that I would drop him at home and drive to Bunnings but he said he would come too.
In short I think I got everything I needed plus some little plants which I hope I have time to plant today. M wants to send the picture of my irrigation fittings to the first hardware store and let them know that I have more stuff then them.
I bought a punnet of petunias for the pool camellia garden. It is a hard garden. It is partially shaded by my beloved japanese maple and I had originally planted it out with agapanthus but after 15 years we realised that they were actually pushing the pool fence over so the laborious job of digging them out began. We gave some ( as many as they wanted) to the local high school for their gardens and I have replanted sasanqua camellias in there which I must admit are struggling. At one end is also a little patch of herbs which are thriving. This year, between the camellias, I planted salvias but they too have struggled. So hence the petunias and it's adios salvias. (I left the salvias and hopefully the extra care the petunias are getting because they are new will help revive them.) I am putting in an irrigation system and have to buy some lucerne to mulch so hopefully this garden will improve.
Time to get out my January gardening book to work out what I need to do this harsh, weather wise, month.
Monday, January 06, 2014
Gardening is good for my soul
M and I have had a number of chats lately about the garden and he gets it. He understands how good it is for me.
No matter if I can only spend a little but of time out there, no matter how sick I feel, it lifts my spirits and fills my soul with contentment.
I think today we are going to the hardware store. Me to look at irrigation supplies and him to buy things to repair and put back the fly screen screens he removed eons ago. Funnily enough I had to present a case why I would like them returned. Heavens knows we live with so many insects that you would think it would be a given but no, and after I explained why I thought they should be reinstalled, at least some are going back up.
(Edit: no hardware store trip as son had a slight problem refilling his very large aquarium in his inner-city apartment. 30 litres of water all over the carpet had M riding to the rescue to help out. All in all a 4 hour trip.)
I had a bad night sleep on Saturday night. The pain in my hips started about 2 and by 4 I knew I needed extra help. I could still feel the pain in the morning but it is as if it has been turned down.
Got stuck into the watering system today and miraculously, how to do it, came back to me. The garden has changed since I first installed it so I pulled part of it out and redid it. Made a rookie mistake by putting the risers in first and the trying to make it lie straight so ended up pulling the risers out, re plugging the holes and pinning the hose down and then redoing the risers so they were all in an upright position. So satisfying to turn on and have it work.
I also had let the garden become a bit overgrown with violets which I thought looked great but in fact just looked messy and was hiding the sandstone edging. I had to pull out a lot of plants to find the watering system but it will grow back eventually. Above picture is the work in progress. Looks so neat now.
In the overgrowth in the garden I found two treasures. One was a maidenhair fern growing wild and the other was an orchid, a remnant of ones that were planted there years ago. I repotted both and hopefully they will survive especially the orchid. If it flowers this year will take pictures.
When I had finished that garden I was trying to work out when I would be able to get back into the next garden as we have friends coming for lunch next Sunday and then I realised that I am on holidays and I have all week. Well the parts I am not out lunching and having catch up coffee with friends anyway.
Yesterday was finished off with having an afternoon drink with dear friends in their courtyard with their neighbours.
Slept like a log last night.
No matter if I can only spend a little but of time out there, no matter how sick I feel, it lifts my spirits and fills my soul with contentment.
I think today we are going to the hardware store. Me to look at irrigation supplies and him to buy things to repair and put back the fly screen screens he removed eons ago. Funnily enough I had to present a case why I would like them returned. Heavens knows we live with so many insects that you would think it would be a given but no, and after I explained why I thought they should be reinstalled, at least some are going back up.
(Edit: no hardware store trip as son had a slight problem refilling his very large aquarium in his inner-city apartment. 30 litres of water all over the carpet had M riding to the rescue to help out. All in all a 4 hour trip.)
I had a bad night sleep on Saturday night. The pain in my hips started about 2 and by 4 I knew I needed extra help. I could still feel the pain in the morning but it is as if it has been turned down.
Got stuck into the watering system today and miraculously, how to do it, came back to me. The garden has changed since I first installed it so I pulled part of it out and redid it. Made a rookie mistake by putting the risers in first and the trying to make it lie straight so ended up pulling the risers out, re plugging the holes and pinning the hose down and then redoing the risers so they were all in an upright position. So satisfying to turn on and have it work.
I also had let the garden become a bit overgrown with violets which I thought looked great but in fact just looked messy and was hiding the sandstone edging. I had to pull out a lot of plants to find the watering system but it will grow back eventually. Above picture is the work in progress. Looks so neat now.
In the overgrowth in the garden I found two treasures. One was a maidenhair fern growing wild and the other was an orchid, a remnant of ones that were planted there years ago. I repotted both and hopefully they will survive especially the orchid. If it flowers this year will take pictures.
When I had finished that garden I was trying to work out when I would be able to get back into the next garden as we have friends coming for lunch next Sunday and then I realised that I am on holidays and I have all week. Well the parts I am not out lunching and having catch up coffee with friends anyway.
Yesterday was finished off with having an afternoon drink with dear friends in their courtyard with their neighbours.
Slept like a log last night.
Saturday, January 04, 2014
I think it is true
I think it is true. When you are retired or maybe just a long holiday all the says are the same. Bliss!
Things I have learnt lately:
Don't set the coffee grinder on too fine. It just clogs the espresso machine.
And
Maybe if I heat my soy milk twice in the nespresso frother it will froth better.
LOL.
Back on my diet rant my eldest sister told me last night that she had purchased one of those diet replacement supplement thingies and she was going to start it next week after she had gone out to lunch next Wednesday. Something give me strength.
Lucy loves her walk to such an extent that you cannot mention the fact that you maybe going because she will go so excited and annoy the hell out of me. I've taken to spelling the word walk but now she is starting to recognise my exercise clothes. Me getting dressed in exercise clothes is now becoming a reason for great excitement.
Has anyone noticed the lack of real bookstores anymore. I got really excited because a top notch bookstore was opening in the nearby shopping mall. What a disappointment. I was looking for a book of poetry and honestly they had 20 books top and no Australian poets.
This morning when we were walking we had an escort. A beautiful black and orange butterfly winged its way in front of us for quite a long distance. So special.
There also was a new weed. Not a weed that I didn't know but I have pinpointed it. It was Solanum Nigrum "black nightshade". It is a common weed in the park.
The little birds came out again today to be with us as we walked. I think they are getting used to us.
I had more pictures but again I can't upload them via the ipad so I will lead with them next time.
House all nice and clean, shopping done. Woo hoo.
Another Saturday done and dusted. Goodnight.
Things I have learnt lately:
Don't set the coffee grinder on too fine. It just clogs the espresso machine.
And
Maybe if I heat my soy milk twice in the nespresso frother it will froth better.
LOL.
Back on my diet rant my eldest sister told me last night that she had purchased one of those diet replacement supplement thingies and she was going to start it next week after she had gone out to lunch next Wednesday. Something give me strength.
Lucy loves her walk to such an extent that you cannot mention the fact that you maybe going because she will go so excited and annoy the hell out of me. I've taken to spelling the word walk but now she is starting to recognise my exercise clothes. Me getting dressed in exercise clothes is now becoming a reason for great excitement.
Has anyone noticed the lack of real bookstores anymore. I got really excited because a top notch bookstore was opening in the nearby shopping mall. What a disappointment. I was looking for a book of poetry and honestly they had 20 books top and no Australian poets.
This morning when we were walking we had an escort. A beautiful black and orange butterfly winged its way in front of us for quite a long distance. So special.
There also was a new weed. Not a weed that I didn't know but I have pinpointed it. It was Solanum Nigrum "black nightshade". It is a common weed in the park.
The little birds came out again today to be with us as we walked. I think they are getting used to us.
I had more pictures but again I can't upload them via the ipad so I will lead with them next time.
House all nice and clean, shopping done. Woo hoo.
Another Saturday done and dusted. Goodnight.
Friday and I can't publish this from my ipad
Lucy standing in the garden. I saw her and she very kindly reposed herself after I went in to get the camera. She looked so sweet standing in front of the roses.
We don't have all that many roses left anymore. I find them hard to garden around but I do love them.
I need to spend more time looking after them. The weather here is not all that conducive to roses even if the soil is. As it gets more humid the black spot really kicks up a level. I need an attack plan for their care and upkeep.
Went to the gym this morning. I love not going to work. Making the decision to go to the gym, when it is not after work, is a no brainer.
It is another hot day and there is no rain in sight which is a good things I suppose as the 5th Test started today. Nice to have something to listen on the radio too again.
Now a quandary. Mid way through last year we had a falling out with old friends of ours or really just with one out of a group of 4.
We didn't hear from them for 5 months and then the phone calls and emails started with invitations to "catch up". I actually didn't want to go down that path again because this man makes me feel so bad but I was sort of bullied into a catch up for my birthday. M seems to have conveniently forgotten that it was him who pulled the pin on this friendship. Anyway I got accused of being paranoid so I bit the bullet much against the advice of dear friends and we got together for my birthday. I managed to get away with saying half a dozen words to this man and thought great that is it. Then the invitations started arriving for drinks and dinner and parties etc etc etc.
I really don't want to get on that social treadmill again and I must admit that he is being very careful what he says to me but then he always was careful with his snide remarks and putdowns. M never seemed to notice and I don't know whether that is just a man thing.
I was talking it over with a girl friend a couple of days ago and she had a similar problem with the same man and she just refuses point blank to go have anything to do with him. Her husband stills sees him occasionally but she doesn't. She understands but it doesn't really help because they are not in the same situation.
Anyway I don't know what to do. M knows my feelings. I wonder if he would go by himself? Why can't these people leave me alone? So many questions but no answers yet.
This is the photo I meant to insert the other day. New Years Day (after midnight) 2014. It is not a great photo and if I trawl through all the ones I took I am sure I can find a better one but I wanted to practise adding writing to photos. Something I didn't know how todo. Thank goodness for Google.
I am once again late publishing but for some reason I couldn't do it from my iPad. Oh the joys of modern technology.
Friday, January 03, 2014
This was Yesterday
Oft the colours are pitched so high
The deepest note is the cobalt sky;
We have to wait till the sunset comes
For shades that feel like the beat of drums -
Or like organ notes in their rise and fall -
Purple and orange and cardinal,
Or the peacock-green that turns soft and slow
To peacock-blue as the great stars show . . .
From a poem by Dorothea McKellar
I was looking for quote or a poem that described the light here. I can't think clearly enough about how I could describe it so fell once more to our beloved poet Dorothea McKellar. We all learnt her poetry in school. Her "My Country" is still remembered by most Australian school children of a certain age.
Today Lucy and I went walking under one of those cobalt skies. It was hot and humid and smokey. A scrub fire 30 Kms away maybe was the cause of the smoke. It looked such a nice day so Lucy and I set out. Big mistake! So burning hot and humid too. Anyway we soldiered on and when we finally staggered back in the door we turned the air conditioning on and collapsed.
The weather has cooled down slightly this afternoon with a bit of rain and maybe a wind change.
I actually got the box with all my irrigation spare parts in it out of the garage today. Am slowly getting organised. Will measure out the gardens soon and make a shopping list. I think what annoys me most is that this irrigation stuff used to be so easy and now I find it daunting and wonder how I did it.
All traces of Christmas disappeared today. Everything fitted back in the boxes. It was probably the easiest disassemble I have ever done.
I went to the Reject SHop and bought those big striped bags with zippers to pack up my wardrobe so that M can start next stage of renovations - our bedroom.
And finally back to dieting. I heard Wendy Harmer say this morning that the best diet she ever did was, I think, the Atkins diet. She lost 15 kilos. That is when I started yelling yes, but I bet you put 20 back on. When are people going to realise that eating special meals or food, denying the things they love is something they can't sustain. Dammit that was the life I lived and I speak from experience.
I have found that dairy brings a rash with it. I love cheese to distraction but have had to swap it for soy cheese. Not quite the same. I can't drink tea anymore because I am not all that fond of soy milk and tea and black tea makes me nauseous.
Probably two years ago, I became as gluten free as I could. I still have gluten free breads etc but I try to eat whole foods as much as I can. If this helps my rheumatoid and osteo arthritis I will continue on. I love, again, pastry, fresh bread and things like that but if it gives me relief then I will continue.
I guess what I am trying to say, albeit very clumsily, eat less and move more which what M has been telling me for years.
But as an aside, from my observations, exercise tones and makes you feel good but doesn't make an iota of difference to you weight. How many times have you heard that exercise makes people more hungry. Don't stress, eat less - that's it.
(Must have forgot to push publish - what can I say, I'm old)
The deepest note is the cobalt sky;
We have to wait till the sunset comes
For shades that feel like the beat of drums -
Or like organ notes in their rise and fall -
Purple and orange and cardinal,
Or the peacock-green that turns soft and slow
To peacock-blue as the great stars show . . .
From a poem by Dorothea McKellar
I was looking for quote or a poem that described the light here. I can't think clearly enough about how I could describe it so fell once more to our beloved poet Dorothea McKellar. We all learnt her poetry in school. Her "My Country" is still remembered by most Australian school children of a certain age.
Today Lucy and I went walking under one of those cobalt skies. It was hot and humid and smokey. A scrub fire 30 Kms away maybe was the cause of the smoke. It looked such a nice day so Lucy and I set out. Big mistake! So burning hot and humid too. Anyway we soldiered on and when we finally staggered back in the door we turned the air conditioning on and collapsed.
The weather has cooled down slightly this afternoon with a bit of rain and maybe a wind change.
I actually got the box with all my irrigation spare parts in it out of the garage today. Am slowly getting organised. Will measure out the gardens soon and make a shopping list. I think what annoys me most is that this irrigation stuff used to be so easy and now I find it daunting and wonder how I did it.
All traces of Christmas disappeared today. Everything fitted back in the boxes. It was probably the easiest disassemble I have ever done.
I went to the Reject SHop and bought those big striped bags with zippers to pack up my wardrobe so that M can start next stage of renovations - our bedroom.
And finally back to dieting. I heard Wendy Harmer say this morning that the best diet she ever did was, I think, the Atkins diet. She lost 15 kilos. That is when I started yelling yes, but I bet you put 20 back on. When are people going to realise that eating special meals or food, denying the things they love is something they can't sustain. Dammit that was the life I lived and I speak from experience.
I have found that dairy brings a rash with it. I love cheese to distraction but have had to swap it for soy cheese. Not quite the same. I can't drink tea anymore because I am not all that fond of soy milk and tea and black tea makes me nauseous.
Probably two years ago, I became as gluten free as I could. I still have gluten free breads etc but I try to eat whole foods as much as I can. If this helps my rheumatoid and osteo arthritis I will continue on. I love, again, pastry, fresh bread and things like that but if it gives me relief then I will continue.
I guess what I am trying to say, albeit very clumsily, eat less and move more which what M has been telling me for years.
But as an aside, from my observations, exercise tones and makes you feel good but doesn't make an iota of difference to you weight. How many times have you heard that exercise makes people more hungry. Don't stress, eat less - that's it.
(Must have forgot to push publish - what can I say, I'm old)
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
New Year's Day 2014
Well today is the first day of a bright shiny New year.
Last night was a relaxing night with dear friends. We didn't quite make midnight but it was nice not to have that pressure but just to sit, relax and chat. Good food, good wine and good friends. Who could ask for more.
Today M has gone to golf and I am meeting friends at a local club for lunch. It overlooks the river and it is such a beautiful day. I will try and get a picture. Driving myself there so no overindulging in wine which is a good thing. That can wait until sundowners this afternoon when I get home. Not overindulging then either as it really doesn't agree with me. Have you noticed how alcohol makes people aggressive?
Lucy is not thrilled. She is watching me get ready to go out with a sad look on her little face. She just loves being with either of us. She has demolished my pillow arrangement on the bed as a sort of a silent protest. Now she is back to sulking. I've noticed she no longer uses the long steps to the back deck. She walks around and uses the steps on the lower side. She has always had problems with her patella which is apparently common but she doesn't seem to be in any pain (even when she dislocates it) and it would have slowed her down if we had had it operated on. This little dog loves to run with her ears flapping in the wind. Anyway, she is growing old as we all are. Just turned 10 last October. My the years have flown.
Back home after a lovely lunch. One glass of wine and mineral water. Duck with parsnip purée. Coffee. People I haven't seen in over a year. So nice.
Came home and Lucy and I walked. No little birds today but I saw the hawk which probably explains why there were no little birds. We normally see it around 5 pm and think of it as a kind of omen. It is so majestic as it soars above us looking for food.
Easy dinner tonight and early to bed I think. Tired but happy.
I hope 2014 brings everyone their hearts desire. Now all the distractions of the holiday season have finally finished I can settle into some serious relaxation.
Last night was a relaxing night with dear friends. We didn't quite make midnight but it was nice not to have that pressure but just to sit, relax and chat. Good food, good wine and good friends. Who could ask for more.
Today M has gone to golf and I am meeting friends at a local club for lunch. It overlooks the river and it is such a beautiful day. I will try and get a picture. Driving myself there so no overindulging in wine which is a good thing. That can wait until sundowners this afternoon when I get home. Not overindulging then either as it really doesn't agree with me. Have you noticed how alcohol makes people aggressive?
Lucy is not thrilled. She is watching me get ready to go out with a sad look on her little face. She just loves being with either of us. She has demolished my pillow arrangement on the bed as a sort of a silent protest. Now she is back to sulking. I've noticed she no longer uses the long steps to the back deck. She walks around and uses the steps on the lower side. She has always had problems with her patella which is apparently common but she doesn't seem to be in any pain (even when she dislocates it) and it would have slowed her down if we had had it operated on. This little dog loves to run with her ears flapping in the wind. Anyway, she is growing old as we all are. Just turned 10 last October. My the years have flown.
Back home after a lovely lunch. One glass of wine and mineral water. Duck with parsnip purée. Coffee. People I haven't seen in over a year. So nice.
Came home and Lucy and I walked. No little birds today but I saw the hawk which probably explains why there were no little birds. We normally see it around 5 pm and think of it as a kind of omen. It is so majestic as it soars above us looking for food.
Easy dinner tonight and early to bed I think. Tired but happy.
I hope 2014 brings everyone their hearts desire. Now all the distractions of the holiday season have finally finished I can settle into some serious relaxation.
New Year's Eve 2013
There will be no resolutions here. I think I am too old to bother and I why should I set myself up to fail. Life is too short.
I am just wishing anyone who is still reading my wanderings a safe night and a may 2014 bring you your hearts desire.
Lucy and I walked this morning but not early enough. Ran into so many people that I know and haven't seen for a while that the walk took near half as long again as usual. M thought I had been kidnapped but I did notice on my return that he wasn't panicking just wondering if he should have breakfast without me.
While walking we came upon the flock of fairy wrens who live in the tangle of bushes around the park. Can I just say how amazed I was at the courage of one of the Jenny wrens. She was doing the broken wing dance leading us away. There must have been little ones around. Lucy takes no notice of them or any of the birds down there. She knows she is not allowed to chase them.
Today is absolutely beautiful here. The sky is that particularly intense blue, sunlight is blindingly bright and clear and a cool breeze is playing gently with the garden bushes and trees.
All the preparation for tonight's BBQ is done. M has mowed the lawns and there is that gorgeous smell of new mown grass lingering in the air. If I could here the click click of the sprinkler I really would believe it was summer.
The pains have subsided and I feel a bit better. Probably did too much yesterday which brought it all on but I am not going to live wrapped in cotton wool.
Anyway, Lucy and I might go and have a nap before our guests arrive. I love being on holidays at home. A staycation I think they call it. No rushing or going out if I can help it.
I have some really great pictures to add here of the most beautiful city in the world at midnight on New Year's Eve and I can't get it to work again on the ipad.
Time for bed - Lucy is already dead to the world.
Happy New Years and much love and peace for everyone. xxx
I am just wishing anyone who is still reading my wanderings a safe night and a may 2014 bring you your hearts desire.
Lucy and I walked this morning but not early enough. Ran into so many people that I know and haven't seen for a while that the walk took near half as long again as usual. M thought I had been kidnapped but I did notice on my return that he wasn't panicking just wondering if he should have breakfast without me.
While walking we came upon the flock of fairy wrens who live in the tangle of bushes around the park. Can I just say how amazed I was at the courage of one of the Jenny wrens. She was doing the broken wing dance leading us away. There must have been little ones around. Lucy takes no notice of them or any of the birds down there. She knows she is not allowed to chase them.
Today is absolutely beautiful here. The sky is that particularly intense blue, sunlight is blindingly bright and clear and a cool breeze is playing gently with the garden bushes and trees.
All the preparation for tonight's BBQ is done. M has mowed the lawns and there is that gorgeous smell of new mown grass lingering in the air. If I could here the click click of the sprinkler I really would believe it was summer.
The pains have subsided and I feel a bit better. Probably did too much yesterday which brought it all on but I am not going to live wrapped in cotton wool.
Anyway, Lucy and I might go and have a nap before our guests arrive. I love being on holidays at home. A staycation I think they call it. No rushing or going out if I can help it.
I have some really great pictures to add here of the most beautiful city in the world at midnight on New Year's Eve and I can't get it to work again on the ipad.
Time for bed - Lucy is already dead to the world.
Happy New Years and much love and peace for everyone. xxx
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