Retired in April 2017 after a long career in cardiac nursing which I loved, I find my life has totally changed. After almost loosing my husband last August to a dissecting aortic aneurysm complicated by a massive watershed stroke post cardiothoracic surgery, we are adapting to a very different life together. This is our now story. Update, November 2025. Chris continued to do well until he had a stroke in August 2018. This time after 2 weeks on life support with no sign of improvement he passed away peacefully with the family present. RIP Chris, much loved and missed.
Sharon and Jai shared their January birthday celebrations with a family meal of Paul’s famous smoked chicken, sausages and salad followed by an amazing chocolate cake, thanks Jake.
The Channel-billed cuckoo’s are back. This hungry chick has a wattle bird for it’s proxy mother. Both parents are sharing feeding duty.Recent cooking session with Aunty Sharon.
Back to school and each student has to comply with the introduced RAT requirements which involve testing Mondays and Fridays.
Paul got the news that one of the children’s little brothers had tested positive after an outbreak at his daycare centre. They needed to quarantine so Shakira couldn’t return home until there was no COVID in their house. As it transpired Shakira stayed for 4 weeks as each of the family became positive with the virus.
Shakira proudly shows her trophy. Paul did well to juggle 3 lessons week days with the occasional weekend thrown in. The other three were less than impressed.
This is the news headline I woke up to today. We live in troubled times….
The Sydney Morning Herald: Russia-Ukraine LIVE updates: Vladimir Putin declares war on Ukraine as explosions, missiles envelop Kyiv, Kharkiv; world condemns attack
The wet weather continues. The lawn and garden are growing before my eyes. The ground is saturated and too wet to mow.
From the vegetable patch.
On a sad note though I attended the funeral of Damian RIP, much loved son of Ann-Maree and Kieran B. He was the same age as my youngest son and much too young to leave us. It wasn’t easy for me in the church and tears flowed freely, the mask was a help. I realize how fragile I am and remain even though Chris’s funeral was 3 1/2years ago.
New Year firework celebrations. Tickets only this year to restrict numbers. Robyn and I watched the concert and light show from the comfort of our lounge chairs.
Christmas 2021 for us this year was a quiet family time. All of the family were present. The children were excited to give out the presents they had bought and receive their presents from us. The weather was pleasant and Paul’s smoked turkey was a hit with our festive Christmas dinner.
The growing number of Omicron cases are on the rise so being home made a lot of sense.
The kids and Aunty Sharon out enjoying the new kayaks. Tamika and I had fun doing the jigsaw puzzle.Sharon and I spent some productive time in the garden.
We were notified on NSW Health app that we had been exposed to a COVID case in Bunnings when we bought the pea straw. It was so worth it to have the garden done. I made another trip back today to buy some more plants. I’ve put in some more climbing snow peas, some mixed lettuce and 2 zucchini plants. I sewed some dwarf and climbing beans and radish seeds. The tomatoes are starting to fruit now and the lettuce, radish, zucchini and beans are almost done. I particularly want to grow a passion fruit vine again as well as some strawberries. So lots to do.
Robyn has resigned and is preparing to leave for her NT job. All subject to COVID restrictions. She is required to isolate in Alice Springs prior to being allowed to enter the community as their vaccination numbers are low leaving them vulnerable to infection.
It’s so good to be able to venture out further than LGAs. Be it in a cautious and tentative manner not wanting to get caught in the initial rush. Mask wearing remains a necessity/recommendation for public/crowded areas. The biggest deterrent ATM is the weather. La Nina is now official and large parts of the country are experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding. SES are extremely busy and Robyn is doing extra shifts.
Our successful vehicle change up.
The time had come and I was ready to sell the MUX . Lynda was looking to upgrade her vehicle. Robyn also needed to upgrade her vehicle before she took up her new job in the NT. Her friend Kate was looking for her own vehicle but daunted by the current market prices. So it seemed logical that I sold the MUX to Lynda, she sold her Subaru Forester to Robyn and Kate was only too happy to buy the Corolla off Robyn. Simple enough but lockdown got in way and it took from June to October before we could do the transfers due to Lynda being 600+ks away in a completely different LGA.
We arranged a suitable day and picked a suitable meeting place. It was with mixed feelings that I drove the MUX for the last time but I was happy that it was going to a good home.
We arrive at the arranged spot within 15 minutes of each other. We had been on the road for 2 1/2hrs and they had been traveling for a bit over 3hrs. It was so good to see them as we hadn’t seen each other for so long.
Time for the paperwork and hand over of each vehicle. A bite to eat then fond farewells and on the road again. I was now a passenger in Robyn’s new vehicle. She adapted quickly to driving an automatic and not needing the handbrake. Although the ignition cut off at the lights took longer to get used to. It was a long drive so by the time we hit Sydney she was quite comfortable with the way it drove.
That evening we spoke with Lynda and Ethel. They had a good trip back. She was pleased with how the MUX went, impressed with it’s stability on the road and how it drove on their winding mountain roads. Amazingly, with the ability of insurance and registration being accessible online all the transfers had been completed by the end of that day.
Another birthday and I’m still working my way through this beautiful Maggie Bear gourmet hamper. Thanks sis & Ethel From the Tuesday lunch ladies and Toni’s garden.Celebrating two more 70th Birthday achievements. Congratulations Ann-Maree and Toni.The Hipeastrum’s have been lovely this year. The red one flowered for the first time. It’s one of the bulbs from mum’s so a nice surprise.
It was good to finally catch-up with my work mates from South Coast Cardiology. Jackie,one of the sonographers had retired almost 18 months ago but all the previous lunch dates hadn’t eventuated. We enjoyed our time together with much to talk about and catch up on.
Dentist waiting room picture.
Over time I have had occasion to ponder over this bold picture in the dentist waiting room. It still intrigues me. The surgery is relocating soon so it will be interesting to see if the pictures features on the new waiting room wall.
An unexpected visitor resplendent with azure blue plumage rarely seen here. It appears to be a young bird.
I’m looking forward to meeting up with the Days for Girls sewing group this week. Normally we would meet monthly for a sewing/packing day. This has all been disrupted but many have been working from home. Hopefully normality will resume next year.
Jake completed his Christmas shopping so time for lunch.
Christmas is rapidly approaching and I’m being swept up in the festivities. The tree is up (bit early me thinks) thanks to the grandchildren. They each had their shopping time with Aunty Sharon last weekend. Returning here to wrap and put their presents under the tree. What a hectic weekend but so good to see how considered and thoughtful they are with what they purchased. A lot of lessons learnt with budgeting and they all did well. Black Friday sales helped.
Busy day today, suns shining after a long spell of rain. I can’t miss this window of opportunity to get some washing done.
It’s official, restrictions are lifting but caution is still necessary in this LGA. I must say that there is a feeling of positivity and optimism after the 108 days of lockdown we have experienced. It will be interesting to see how people behave to the relaxing of imposed restrictions we have observed for so long. We can only trust the advise/guidance given by our health experts, the politicians leadership and how people react.
Two things I’m really looking forward to are getting my haircut and resuming our Tuesday lunch arrangement. Both will happen tomorrow.
Spring colour in the garden.
Springs arrival has inspired me to get my veggie garden planted. I have lettuce, tomato,radish, climbing and dwarf beans, snow peas, cucumber, zucchini, spinach, rhubarb, rocket and potted herbs. Something very satisfying to grow your own vegetables.
I ventured out to Bunnings for these.
I’m enjoying having the time to revisit my many recipe books for ideas and inspiration. I also need to become more active now the weather is so lovely. My bingeing Netflix is now not necessary.
The last month has been stressful regarding the grandkids. We didn’t know how they were or if/when we would see them again as their mother didn’t return them after her access weekend. So for two weeks, after legal intervention they are back with Paul. It’s hard for all concerned. Some situations will never be accepted or fully resolved.
Van had her annual vet visit and is “the perfect weight” for her. She enjoys her long walks with Robyn.
If you feel so inclined, any donations would be happily received.
Another thing that I’m looking forward to is seeing my sister. It’s not going to happen soon but hopefully not much longer. It’s made more difficult as she exercised her right to not get vaccinated. It will be after December 1st before the restrictions will be lifted for her.
I don’t frequent Chris’s resting place on a regular basis although it’s good to have a place to come. I cherish what we had in my daily surroundings with everyday reminders of the life we shared, along with our treasured memories. I see that there is a recent plaque next to his now. Only two people visiting here in this section of the gardens and would you believe it’s the husband of Chris’s neighbour. I was initially annoyed that there wasn’t enough room for my flowers because all the floral tributes on his wife’s space encroached our space! We chatted as you do and he definitely puts me to shame with his twice a day visits.
The weather is about to change so time to go. My new friend went a while ago. The gardens are now deserted.
This is the dog that was never allowed on the lounge!!Robyn working/trying to work from home. She was waiting for COVID-19 test results.
NSW Health has linked our area with Sydney which means that we are now in week nine of lockdown. It is looking like continuing until mid September or beyond.
Tuesday lunch is now Tuesday Zoom. At least we can keep in contact with each other.
I’ve not seen Paul and the kids apart from facetime and chatting on the phone. Tamika had her 8th birthday, Jai has lost 2 more teeth and Jake has the next birthday in October. Hope lockdown is behind us by then.
Ian sees a bit of Paul. My lawns are getting long so I hope to see him soon.
Sharon is locked down in Sydney. I look forward to seeing her one day soon.
Robyn is here with me having left her unit pre lockdown. Her plans of moving to the NT for her new job are on hold. Fortunately her work was pleased to have her continue working with them in the interim.
I’ve pruned the roses and they have new shoots already. I’m watching mum’s orchids daily as they have 2 flower spikes almost ready to open. Lot’s of time is needed in the garden. Almost time to get the veggie patch in order.
We did have some drama recently. Van had an emergency trip to the veterinary hospital to have a bone removed from the back of her mouth. Robyn and I couldn’t get it out. So adhering to all the COVID-19 practices it was removed under general anaesthetic. I’m pleased to say that she made a good recovery, took her antibiotics and is back to her normal self. Bonus, they cut her nails while under anaesthetic.
No more bones for Van. The vet recommended carrots.
Because of the extended lockdown my travel plans have been postponed until August 2022. Really no point in travelling ATM. I look forward to when I can. Van has had a reprieve from the dog boarding kennels.
I was very productive over the Tokyo Olympics. I made a handspun woolen blanket and spun up a lot of fleece.
Here I am waiting for my AZ vacs. Not sure of my feelings about all of this but realize the importance of immunisation. So here I sit.
Our area has had some new cases and restrictions in Sydney have been escalated. Victoria considers us a red area so travel is prohibited.
Well that was a painless experience. I now join those who have had their first dose. The second one is due on 17th September. Just doing my 15 minutes wait to observe for any symptoms/side effects post injection then home.
Another magnificent display of colour from my Japanese Maple which is outside my kitchen window.
Within a day since having my AZ jab we are officially in a 2 week period of lockdown. This coinsides with school holidays so many people need to return home or isolate where they are for 2 weeks.
I woke this morning after a good night’s sleep. I did have a mild reaction as expected but feeling better today.
Now I need to think of a positive way to utilize this lock down period. I’m still planning to go away in August with the knowledge that things could change.
The important thing for us all is to stay safe and well and lookout for each other.
They say that we should stop and smell the roses. This is what I discovered in my front garden as I waited for Therese to pick me up for our Tuesday lunch.
The last few days at Merimbula saw a weather change. On the night before leaving there was a violent thunder storm, wind and torrential rain. It was a light show inside the van as the rain poured and the wind rocked the van. I didn’t sleep much.
I drove down the coast to Eden. A navy ship and merchant ship was in the harbour. Cruise ships also stop off here.
The harbour was sheltering the fishing fleet. A lot of beautification work is underway. The information centre is new and very modern.
The RFS came to demonstrate their equipment and recount some of their experiences from last year’s deverstating fires and what they learnt from the experience. Things are slowly returning to normal. Community spirit has enabled them to get on with rebuilding and support each other in the process.
Tamzen is involved in deployment of air support and on the logistics team to fight the fires. The Pambula fire captain is a mum and has been involved in the RFS for years. Her main role is training volunteers. She showed us her new, kitted out fire vehicle. A new feature was the roof spray. If they are trapped by the fire they regroup back at the vehicle. The generator operates a pump and water sprays in a 5 metre circle around the vehicle to protect them.
After a successful gathering we said our goodbyes and left on our journey home. My trip home was a wet one. It rained the whole way back. At times it was blinding rain necessitating pulling over to the side of the road. No roadworks, that was a plus. The rainfall for the previous 24 hours was over 100 mm. There was a lot of water lying around with the creeks rising and gullies filling in the paddocks.
I got home mid afternoon. Van seemed pleased to see me ( I think).
The next gathering is in August. We were advised to book any accommodation ASAP due to the numbers of people traveling now. Caravan Parks are booked out in advance. They have been busier than they have ever been.
The rain continued for several days causing floods in several places. The farmers hoped that the flooding would eradicate the escalating mouse plague problem but they still persist. With the weather getting colder there is hope that some frosts may deter them breeding up. I can’t imagine living under the conditions the plague is causing. So much damage and destruction. Hopefully it will be resolved soon.
It was good to get back to Tuesday lunches again.
My GP suggested that I have the flu vacs and pneumonia vacs so I’ve had them. As the AZ vacs isn’t available until September I booked in for when I get back from my trip which will mean that the 2nd jab will be in December. Things could change before then.
I’ve been busy knitting and spinning. I knitted more mittens to replace the ones I sold. I now have a stockpile for future market days. Also working on a cardigan that required additional yarn so I spun up what I thought was enough only to find that it wasn’t. So I spun another lot and hope it will be enough.
Van is in trouble. I received a letter from the council saying that they had received a complaint about a barking dog. They provided suggestions on how to remedy the situation. So after a few days Van has a healthy respect for the water spray bottle. How do you stop a dog barking?
Enjoying the annual event in sunny Merimbula (predicted weather change on the way). This gathering had been postponed from last September.
View from the caravan park.
The group has hired out the caravan park for the week. Members have traveled from all over Australia, 340 in total. It’s great to catch up with fellow travellers and met new ones.
Merimbula knows we are here. Michelle (our leader) was interviewed on local radio. TV Media was here a few nights ago. Shops are offering discounts, and we are supporting local markets and tourism as we explore the area.
The lions club catered for our bangers and bingo night last night and came back this morning for bacon and egg rolls for breakfast.
Although the day’s are warm, the evenings are cold. Everyone rugged up for the outdoor movie night.
I found the afternoon session on tyres given by the local Goodyear dealership interesting and worthwhile. Their demos were helpful. Tip, get rid of your scissor jack in preference to a bottle jack.
My introduction to woodcarving.
The woodcarving would have to be my favorite activity. The local Spoonsmith is an amazing character and extremely skilled at his craft. We all made a functional kitchen spatula much to our delight.
Our market stall is on this evening although some have started selling already as they are concerned about weather.
Hope to sell my mitt’s.
The next gathering Stuck in the Middle with You’s will be in Ross River NT – August 2021. I’ve joined the Sydney to Ross River Tagalong group (20 in all). As there are 18 of us in attendance here we had our first meeting to met and plan. Lots to look forward to.
Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather is milder and the gardens are a source of pleasure. Even if there seems to be confusion. Some trees are unseasonally in blossom. My pink camellia is putting on a magnificent display.
Spring blooms in autumn.I never cease to be amazed by the wonder of nature. Above are variations of blooms from two dahlias that were from mum’s garden.Plum tree out of sync.
Generally the garden needs attention. After our recent rain everything has grown prolifically especially the weeds.
I am preparing and looking forward to our annual week away with the Rollers. This event was cancelled last year. We have booked out the caravan park and planned a lot of activities. This time it is closer to home and I can do the trip in one day. Already tagalong groups from other States in Australia are on their way. How exciting…..
Who is going to look after Van is proving to be more complex than it needs to be. It’s a big ask but not impossible.
Spoilt dog.
Vaccinations are becoming available. Two of our Tuesday lunch ladies have had their jab. We are all in the eligible group for AZ vac. I will eventually get mine but not until I get back from my holiday.
It’s OK, it’s a very quiet cul-de-sac.
Easter was very low key this year. School holidays are over. I didn’t have as much to do with the kids this time. Jake had time with Aunty Sharon in Sydney.
Pizza making.
I was devastated to recently hear that a close friend was diagnosed with an aggressive lung cancer. He has commenced chemo and radiation therapy. After being told by the specialist that he is fit and that ” he is a fine specimen of a man” we are comforted by this fact. His battle begins and we are all here for him. Denise reports that his hair is falling out. This happens we know but Torbs has had a beard ever since I have known him it’s part of his persona. It can grow back and is just a minor concern in the scheme of things.
I’ve been busy knitting up some more fingerless mitt’s for a craft stall at SITMOM. I really like mine and find them so warm in the cold weather.
There will be a craft stall at SITMOM. I plan to hopefully sell some fingerless mitt’s.
So looking forward to time away in the van, meeting up with friends from previous travels and enjoying a beautiful spot on the Sapphire Coast.
With Christmas, New Year, three family birthdays and another close friends 70th birthday celebration it has been a busy few weeks. Tomorrow is the first day of February, how time has flown.
Our January birthdays, Sharon and Jai.Happy 70th Birthday Denise.
School has recommenced and a new routine begins.
The restrictions we have been adhering to have been recently relaxed. Travel over state borders is open once more. Although Perth tonight is going into a 5 day lockdown as a positive case has been detected in a worker at a quarantine hotel.
Globally much is happening with the second wave spread of the virus, vaccination production and the huge logistical challenge of distribution programs underway. It’s difficult to comprehend the scale and enormity of what is happening. I feel for my sister’s partner and her family in Capetown, 3 of whom have the virus and are hospitalised with concerns for their health. Daily updates help keep in the loop.
My friends and relatives in America have fortunately stayed well.
It has been with interest that many of us have watched the news bulletins and historical events as they evolved during the last few weeks in America.
On a crafty note I took on the scary challenge of sock knitting. I did this fully knowing the addictiveness of taking on such a project. I’ve admired the skill of an accomplished sock knitter for a long time due to the complexity involved. Little did I think I’d become one.
Another challenge I’ve taken on is the coffee machine. Yes, this was Chris’s area of expertise and I have missed the good coffee that was made for me.
After much YouTube research I’m doing OK but more practice needed in the barista skills department.
Good to have Robyn back home from her month spent volunteering at the aboriginal art centre in Yuendumu NT. For some reason Van likes to sit on her (doesn’t do it to anyone else).
Joans jottings 