What’s top of my mind: I’m back from my blog break.

No one can say, if they have any truth in them, that I’ve been writing too much over 2026!

Things have been busy with Mum, with two stints in hospital. I’ve also been going to her old place a lot, with Evan29 and Georgia31 moving in this weekend.

As you can see from the photo, Hazel appears to suffer from resting bitch-face syndrome. She wasn’t grumpy in the slightest = she was happy that I threw some old cut flowers into the orchard, where she could recycle them as chew toys.

Where I’m going: To lunch with the girls from work.

Most school holidays there’s a catch-up. It’s lovely to sit and chat with women I’ve known for so many years. But it also shows that time marches on… there are new people appearing who started work after I retired!

Where I’ve been: Ugh. Hospitals.

Mum’s health isn’t great. She’s too frail for operations, so she’ll probably be wearing that brace on her arm for the rest of her life. I can’t see how the bone is going to knit in an 85-year-old woman with osteoporosis, no matter what the doctors say.

I think that it’ll be a life of ferrying her from hospital visits back to Bonbeach… rinse and repeat.

What I’m reading: ‘The Hidden’ by Bryan Brown.

Yes, THAT Bryan Brown. The actor. This is his third book, and it’s very good. But I have to say, whenever I read one of his books, I feel a little grubby. He writes about the seedier side of life, and some of his male characters are bloody awful.

What I’m watching: Stranger Things.

I watched the first 3 seasons and then stopped. I don’t know why. So of course, when it was all coming to a close, I realised that I’d forgotten most of what went on, so I went back to the start. I’m now midway through season 4, so I’ll knock it over soon.

What I’m listening to: Podcasts.

I’m starting to run out of them. I still have a heap of ‘Welcome to Nightvale’ to catch up on.

Any recommendations?

What I’m eating: Zucchini.

I’m drowning in the stuff.

What I’m planning: My new life.

When Georgia31 moves out, this will be the first time IN MY LIFE tht I will be living alone. Up until now, I’ve always had family, housemates or a husband with me.

I had a little taster when both Georgia31 and Evan29 were away for the first week in January.

It was excellent.

Who deserves a ‘thumbs-up’: Anyone who buys my car… and Dad’s model cars.

I’m feeling fatigue from dealing with all of Mum and Dad’s stuff. We’re nearing the end, but there are still a few things left to clear up.

I’ve never sold a car privately before. I’ve always traded them in, so if anyone knows the best way to sell a used car in Australia, I’m all ears. I took over Dad’s slightly newer Golf because it had a sat-nav system, so now my trusty little Golf will be going to a new home. The money I make from the sale will be going to Mum.

What has made me smile: A new quilt gift.

I taught Lesley back in 2009, so when I saw on FB that she is now a mum, I knew she was quilt-worthy. Some students are special.

She met me at the door with “Hello, Ms Jones.”

I said, “How old are you now, Lesley? I think you can call me Frogdancer!”

Dad joke of the day: