It’s been a while….

School holidays again, now into the second week. The children were at their mum’s last week and Shakira was in iso during that time. I haven’t seen them this week as Paul is monitoring the other three for any sign of them being infected. So far, so good. He is battling a nasty cold he thinks he got in the wet weather we had last week. Flooding was an issue again and I know he had sleepless nights watching the tide levels. I recorded 275mm rain in a 24hr period with an additional 175mm over following 48hrs. The backyard is saturated and will take a long time to dry. It hadn’t completely recovered from our previous deluge.

A highlight was a visit from my sister who stayed for a few days. She had been invited to attend a reunion of her nursing group.

We were very productive during her stay and she was keen to help tackle my growing list of things to do.

I had a tree branch off the Jacaranda tree that had blown down during some recent gale force winds. We managed to chop it up enough for 2 loads in the green bin.

My kitchen draw needed the front panel reattached so we got to work, glued and clamped it, done. So much easier with an extra pair of hands.

Between us we managed to repurpose some old timber, cut and sand dowling pegs to make a peg loom for my next project.

We also went shopping. So much easier to have someone accompanying you when making decisions. I now have new oven. My previous oven was a combination oven / griller and a new/replacement version didn’t fit. The solution was to purchase a standard size oven. In doing this I had lost my toaster so a new toaster was in order. “While at it why not replace the old plastic for a stainless steel kettle” says Lynda. In addition I was talked into getting a heat pad, because ‘they were so good’.

For some entertainment and because our vouchers were due to expire, we treated ourselves to a movie. Lynda was keen to see Top Gun and I didn’t object so we both had an enjoyable session in comfort with the obligatory popcorn, choc cones and a drink. We later used our dine vouchers on a meal at a local restaurant.

Being the EOFY it was an ideal time to update my old TV. The old one now lives in my bedroom, what an indulgence.

Another highlight was a suprise visit from Robyn. She had taken a few days off before an art exhibition she was working at for her art centre at the international terminal in Sydney.

Our Tuesday Lunch Ladies had a special Christmas in July lunch which included respective husbands. Eleven of us attended, Denise and Torbs were unable to come as they hadn’t fully recovered from Covid. I wasn’t sure about going although it was a chance to catch up with the fellas. It surprises me how difficult it is and uncomfortable I feel in the company of friends. Without Chris it seems that I have little to contribute and my interests aren’t as relatable or as easy to share. It’s taking so much longer to come to terms with than I would ever have imagined. Finding my place in the scheme of things will take time. The friendships I cherish and want to maintain.

One thing I am looking forward to is some time away by myself. The dog is off to be boarded this afternoon and I am heading off to Bendigo tomorrow for the 2022 Sheep and Wool Show.