What’s top of my mind: Hazel.
Hazel is now 8 months old, and she is an absolute winner. Once she got her head around house training, she has fitted in around here like a hand in a glove. I was laughing to the kids, saying that last week I was getting out of the shower when I saw her with one of my discarded socks in her mouth. She looked like one of those old-style paintings you see of spaniels retrieving dead birds.
If that’s the naughtiest thing she does, I’m happy. We missed the mark with getting her spayed – she came into season when I was in Taiwan, so after I get back from the Balkans later this month, she’ll be having her op. No more litters for Frogdancer!
Where I’m going: to the hairdresser.
I’ve spaced out the time in between hircuts, so that my hair will be reasonably short when I’m away. It’s driving me mad though. My hair is TOO LONG.
Where I’ve been: to Evan29’s last show at the 2026 Melbourne Comedy Festival.
As luck would have it, Scott was in Melbourne with a tour group, so he, Dimitra and I met at Fed Square and saw his show. It was the 4th time for me, but it’s so fresh and funny that I was still laughing.
Next time he performs “Man Sings The Same Song Over and Over Again For An Hour” will be at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, where he is booked for a month. If you’re going to be in the area, go and see it!
What I’m reading: Lucinda Brayford.
The ABC made a series of this when I was a kid, and Mum had a copy of the novel. It was published in 1946, and Mum’s copy has a RRP of $4.50, so that shows you how old it is. I rescued it when we were clearing out the house.
It’s a family saga. I’ve reached Part 2, but I’m yet to be really gripped by it (yet.)
What I’m watching: The Man in the High Tower. AND THE OTHER BENNET SISTER.
I remember reading this novel when I was away with the boys when they were little. It’s an alternate history story… what would the world be like if the Nazis and the Japanese won WWII?
I’ve already watched The Other Bennet Sister twice, and I’m seriously contemplating going back for a third time. It’s from the Pride and Prejudice universe, but it’s told from the third sister – Mary Bennet’s perspective.
Honestly, every single detail of this series is perfection. The first 2 episodes deal with the Pride and Prejudice happenings, but then we move forward with Mary’s story. I’m watching it on Binge, and it’s worth getting a Binge subscription for this series alone. (Although while you’re there, you should also watch The White Lotus…)
What I’m listening to: next door’s lawn mower.
What I’m eating: store-bought sourdough bread.
I bought a tiny loaf and I had bread and butter for lunch. Delicious!
What I’m planning: nothing.
Who deserves a thumbs-up: ME!
In the last few weeks I’ve done a lot of quilting.
Baby quilts… one for a St Kilda supporter and the other for my niece. She’s a science teacher, so the DNA double helix one is for her.
The quilt with the green stars is for Tom34’s fiancĂ©e, Sophie.
What has made me smile: nothing and everything.
A guy I went out with 20 years ago rang out of the blue and we talked for an hour or so. When he asked how I was, I said, “Living my best life.”
And so I am.
Dad joke of the day:
Living your best life indeed! Great work on finishing so many quilts – would any of them have counted as unfinished objects (UFOS), or are they all recent starts?
They’re all recent ones. I’m currently working on one for Scott that I started around 2 years ago…
i’m glad to see you’re doing well. and the puppy is learning and progressing. i’m not sure if you knew but we got an infant boxer puppy almost a year ago and he’s brilliant. he just hit 13 months and is already allowed to be left out of the kennel when we both leave the house! just like yours he chewed up a few minor items but most of that has subsided.
i also retired from work 3 months ago so training is going much better with the sheriff of the house around full time. keep up the living well and come to america some time.
I have a visa for the US that still has 7 years on it. I needed to apply in person for a visa because I’ve been to North Korea.
I didn’t know you’ve retired! I can highly recommend it. 🙂
Frogdancer, I’m always another keen reader also living in the best house in Melbourne! I want to say that your quilting has inspired me to maybe try again. The last time I made one, I made the squares too small!
What do you think of quilting an old wool blanket? I want to piece together lots of fabrics and then put the woollen blanket between two layers. What do you think?
It would be heavier than a normal quilt, but that might be ok if you want a really warm, comforting quilt for winter.
Nothing ventured, right?