Burning Desire For FIRE

Financially Independent, Retired Early(ish) at 57.

Page 10 of 63

Day 2: The Ghan/Uluru/Darwin.

September 3, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Just me and my mate having a laugh.

But I’m getting a bit ahead of myself. I had to publish the last post before the day was finished because we were getting to NO INTERNET places.

I had a fantastic time on the Ghan and it was all down to the people I met there. Let’s face it, there’s not a lot to look at outside, This next shot was taken from my cupboard cabin during the day:

… so it was what was happening inside the train which made all the difference. To prove this, there was a couple I met from Platinum Class who felt unwelcome there, so they came down to Gold Class with us and were having a fine old time.

When I got back to my cabin after dinner and drinks, this was what awaited me:

The bed was comfy enough, but I didn’t have the best night’s sleep. The train’s movements were erratic and being in a car where there were shared toilets and bathrooms, every. time someone went to the loo in the middle of the night and let the door bang… annoying.

I don’t know if I’m the only one who does this, but when I know I have to wake up early for something, I tend to wake up every hour or so to check the time. Even though the girl looking after our carriage promised she’d knock on the door at 5:45, my brain still made me check.

So why the early start? We were getting up to watch an Outback sunrise.

When the time came, we got off the train and made our way to where the coffee was being served. There weren’t as many people there as I would have thought, considering the number of passengers on the train.

Here you can see Marla siding, with people queueing for coffee and standing around one of the fires.

Before we got off the train, we saw a fire engine go past. Safety first!

So this was what we started with.

Some people ask others to take photos for them. I, as you know, usually take selfies.

Remember how Rhoda from the Canada trip taught me how to take panorama shots? Can’t waste that knowledge.

Once the sunrise was over, I went back to my cabin. I’d been coffeed and fed with a bacon and egg slider, and I wanted to see if I could get some sleep before the train started up again. As it was, I slept for two solid hours and woke up feeling great!

It was a bit of a thrill to pass across the border into the Northern Territory. I’ve never been here before. (Only one more state to go… WA.)

Isabella from Brazil was over the corridor from me. The poor thing. She’s only 31 and had hopped on a train full of geriatrics! She is a doctor and is living in Sydney for a year to get a bit more experience in her field. Her plan was to leave the Ghan at Alice Springs and make her way to Uluru for a few days.

Our trips will overlap, so we’re hoping to catch up at the Rock. I’m hoping for her sake that she finds a younger crowd at Uluru so she can have more fun.

I tell you what The Ghan has SERVICE. I tried to find a fly net for my hat in Melbourne and couldn’t get one for love or money. Here? I mentioned it and Kylie pulled one out from behind the bar.

“Here, take it,” she said.

I was so happy.

Camel ride time!

Naturally, as an inexperienced horse and camel rider, I was placed on the biggest and widest camel. All you have are stirrups for your feet and a metal arch to hold on to.

For the first ten minutes, I was hanging on like grim death. The guy in front of me was hands-free, merrily taking videos and drinking from his water bottle like a big show-off, while I was stuck, thighs gripping the camel and my hands gripping onto the arch.

Then I realised that my phone was slipping out of my pocket. That distracted me. I grabbed it, then took a few quick photos of my surroundings.

Haha!

When I said they were quick, I meant it. Look at the angle. I was still too nervous to let go and properly feel the rhythm of the camel.

I got better as we went along, though.

It was a harch place in some ways, but when the Welsh woman on the camel behind us stopped yapping about how calm and peaceful it was… well, then it was.

At the halfway point we stopped and the woman leading the camels took photos for us, using our phones. We ambled our way back to the camel farm, where we had refreshments and then we were driven back to town.

On the way, we were taken to Anzac Hill, the highest point in Alice Springs.

Here’s a panorama shot of Alice Springs. The town is built inside a bowl, with two mountain ranges pretty much enclosing it. All of this was once under the sea. Now it’s in the middle of a continent. Isn’t it incredible?

When I got back to the hotel, I walked into my room and got a hell of a surprise:

I wasn’t expecting anything to be on my bed, so when I first saw this out of the corner of my eye, I let out an involuntary “Ahhh!”

Upon closer inspection, it looked like a wedding cake. Was I in the right room? The last time I was in a bridal suite was 37 years ago!

Then I found this on the table.

How nice! My birthday isn’t for another 4 days, but hey. I’m not complaining. Let the birthday celebrations begin!

While I was eating my fruit platter and chocolates, I messaged Georgia. Apparently, Melbourne had cyclone-strength winds and the power has been out for hours.

I guess Fortunate Frogdancer strikes again. I’m at the Hilton.

Now that I’ve finished this, I’m off to take a look at Alice Springs.

Dad joke of the day:

Day 1: The Ghan/Uluru/Darwin.

September 1, 2024 / / 4 Comments

This is just before I set off to the station. I’m saying goodbye to two VERY unimpressed dogs. I’m experimenting by using a backpack instead of my leather satchel bag as my everyday bag. (So far, I’m not loving it…)

I took a room in the Novotel at Tullamarine because my flight to Adelaide left at 6:30 AM. Even with doing this, I underestimated the time it would take to get from the hotel room to the plane. By the time I’d walked the length of the airport and got through security, time was a’ticking.

I looked at the board and my flight was marked as LAST CALL. Now I’m no athlete, but I RAN to the gate. I got there just before the gate was closed. omg. If I missed that flight, I would have probably missed the train.

Lesson learned. From now on, I’m flying over the night before.

It’s almost 5 PM in Juneau Alaska, where Megan and I were only a couple of months ago, so it’s perfectly fine to have a glass of bubbles at 10 AM here in Adelaide.

So far, I’ve only seen one young person here. She looks like she’s travelling with her grandmother. Everyone else who has black or brown hair is using hair dye. This is NOT a cheap trip.

Naturally, when I got to the terminus for the Ghan, I was 3 hours early and the first one here. They welcome everyone with music, bubbly and good cheer. They make it a celebration.

The Ghan is 648 m long and the trip from Adelaide to Darwin is 2900 and something kilometres. It’s an iconic trip to take in Australia, being on many people’s bucket lists. No wonder they welcome people with open arms – it’s very special.

The single cabins are located on the last two carriages on the train. I laughed when I opened the door to my “cupboard.” It looks like Harry Potter’s room under the stairs. I took one step when I had my back pressed up against the table and I was in the hall. It’s tiny.

Behind the door is a little basin, with individual toiletries. I was so happy! I love bringing home those little soaps and shampoos and they’re hardly to be found in Australia anymore.

I have to share toilets and showers with the rest of the carriage. Not ideal, but it’s only for a couple of nights. Most of the time I’m staying in hotels with 5 star luxury.

This is the lounge car, where people go to socialise. I met a lovely girl from Brazil in the cabin opposite mine. She’s 31 and is a doctor. She’s using her holidays from a hospital in Sydney to travel to Alice Springs in the Ghan, before splitting off and heading to Uluru. We headed off here to have a drink and a chat.

While we were there, we met Beverley and Janine, who live very near me, as it turns out. Small world and all that.

Here’s one for the foodies. We’re not going to starve.

Isabella and I shared a table at lunch with Marissa and Suresh, all four of us solo travellers. Suresh and I stayed back after lunch for a long chat, which was nice as the salt bush plains swept past us outside.

We talked about Financial Independence and our plans for inheritances for our kids. He’s got a far bigger pot than I do, but we both had similar ideas on what we plan to do.

He originally comes from Kenya and when I said I was going there next year, he mentioned that there are flamingos there.

Imagine!

Flamingos!

The pressed tin in the dining room was a nice little nod to the past.

So far, I’m having a good time. The people here are very warm and friendly and are perfectly ready to have a chat, unlike the people on the Irish tour. I met two couples from Tassie while we were waiting to board, and they’ve taken the same long trip that I have, so I’ll be bumping into them again. They’re in the Platinum part of the train, so we probably won’t mingle until tomorrow night when our tour splits from the train and we head off to the resort in Alice Springs.

I’m using my phone to hotspot this and I’ll post while we still have internet.

Tonight during dinner, the staff will turn this sitting room into a bedroom. The bed is pulled down from the wall. I’m looking forward to being rocked to sleep by the train’s motion tonight. It’ll remind me of the ship to Antarctica.

Dad joke of the day:

I should have saved this one for next September when I’ll be there!

Wednesday W’s #114.

August 29, 2024 / / 2 Comments

What’s top of my mind: I’ve (just about) finished packing.

I know this Wednesday W’s post is late, but I was entertaining visitors all day yesterday. I’m beginning to get a bit worried about the sudden stampede of visitors to see me before I go – is there something they know that I don’t???

I’ve decided to go with carry-on again, but I’ve realised that I CAN take my laptop with me, so I’m going to do that. Blogging is much easier, so I’ll be a happy little Vegemite.

Everything fits into the carry-on, and pretty much all I have to do is get to the chemist for enough medication for my chronic cough, and remember to pack my charging cords.

It feels good to be getting ready to see something new again.

Where I’m going: HERE’S THE ITINERARY.

It’s going to be epic!

Where I’ve been: nowhere.

I’ve been puddling around here, quietly getting things ready for me to go.

Now that Spring is almost here, the garden is revealing some nice surprises. See the photo at the top of the post? These are self-seeded black geraniums from plants that I bought and planted this time last year. Geraniums are as tough as old boots, so maybe I’ll have them for years to come?

The violas in the background are also self-seeded.

What I’m reading: The Cyrus Haven series by Michael Robotham.

Remember last week I said that I accidentally borrowed the 4th in a series? I liked it so much that I went back and started the series from the beginning. I loved them.

What I’m watching: The irises on top of Poppy.

My determination to be away for every birthday means that for the next few years, I’m probably not going to catch the irises in bloom.

This doesn’t matter. When I decide to slow down, they’ll still be here for me. The white one is almost ready to flower – I leave in two days…

What I’m listening to: Jeff snoring.

Business as usual.

What I’m eating: Peasant food.

Well, compared to the food I’m going to be eating on The Ghan and the tours of Uluru and Darwin etc! My tastebuds are revving up for some Gourmet Delicacies, baby.

What I’m planning: 2026.

Blogless Sandy and I will be going on an adventure together.

Where? Dunno yet.

When? We’ve narrowed it down to 2026.

Stay tuned.

Who deserves a thumbs-up: My niece.

She and her long-term boyfriend (of 8 years) got engaged a couple of days ago. They’re on holiday together in Europe and he proposed in the south of France. Ooo la la!

He came and asked for permission before he left, bringing a bottle of Moet and a 6 pack of beer, saying, “This is the dowry.”

My brother-in-law said, “What??? I was expecting a goat!”

What has made me smile: My friend loved her quilt.

One of my visitors was my friend, who picked up her Wendy quilt. She was so happy. She stayed for a couple of hours while we had a good cat and she had the quilt draped over her knees the whole time.

Dad joke of the day:

Wednesday W’s #113.

August 21, 2024 / / 5 Comments

What’s top of my mind: Life and Death.

For the past week I’ve been making this quilt for a friend I’ve known since high school. I’m calling it the ‘Wendy’ quilt, after her sister who died last Monday.

My dear friend Cathy has lived through so much loss. Both her parents, her beloved husband and a baby, who died of SIDS when she was only 12 weeks old. And now her sister, who was her best friend.

I can’t explain why she’s been singled out for all of this, as she’s the loveliest person. All I could think of to do is to create something comforting, that she could wrap herself with when the world seems like it’s all a bit too much.

Where I’m going: Off to the Ghan.

I looked at the calendar and saw that I have less than 2 weeks before I’m off travelling again.

YIKES!

I decided I’d take a leaf from Scott and Blogless Sandy’s books and stay at the hotel at the airport for my flight to Adelaide. It leaves early in the morning, so I might as well make life a bit easier for myself.

That’s the only thing I’ve done to prepare for the journey. I have to get my act together.

Where I’ve been: nowhere.

Just to the beach with the little woofs; to my sewing room; to the garden and to the library. It’s been delightful. I love being here at home.

What I’m reading: One of the best books I’ve read in ages.

‘The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot’ by Marianne Cronin. Oh, how I love this book, even though it made me cry. (Scout was very concerned by this.) It is a beautiful read, with characters I know will live on in my head for years to come.

‘Storm Child’ by Michael Robotham. I selected this from the library’s ‘2 weeks only’ stand. To my annoyance, it was only after I got home that I realised that it was the 4th in a series. I like to follow a series chronologically, but I began reading it anyway.

I liked it so much that I’ve put the first 3 in the series on hold.

What I’m watching: The Block, of course. And ‘Slow Horses.’

I watched the first episode and a half of Slow Horses (AppleTV) and didn’t really get it, but I started it again a week or so later. The cast was too good for the script to be lacking. Now I’m into it.

What I’m listening to: Music. And Jeff snoring.

I’m letting my podcasts build up for the ‘Ligas’ Crazy Road Trip’ in November. When I’m driving from Uluru back to Melbourne, I’ll need them (and a lot of Minties) to help me stay focused.

As you all know by now, Jeffrey’s snoring is a constant.

What I’m eating: Nothing special.

I’ve been too busy quilting and reading to worry about unimportant things like food!

What I’m planning: Lots of nebulous things.

As I don’t have an internal monologue, my thoughts are just blobs of ideas. I have a few quilts I want to make, and some of them have already begun. I have my trip to the Red Centre and the Top End to pack for. My garden needs work to get it ready for Spring.

When I decide which one I’m in the Zone to work on first, the planning and the laser focus will come.

Who deserves a thumbs-up: Past Frogdancer.

I made a quilt for Evan27 back in 2020. I called it the Bees Knees quilt. Now, Maths has never been my strong suit, so I made double the number of half-square triangles than I needed. I was pretty annoyed with myself at the time, but I stowed the leftover triangles, thinking that I’d make a quilt with them someday.

The quilt at the top of this page is the one I made. I was so thankful that I could put a quilt for my friend together so quickly.

It’s a good thing that fabric doesn’t go ‘off’!

What has made me smile: Scout.

Scout just turned 9 – and she’s finally discovered that it’s possible to destroy dog toys. Being a dachshund, she has very strong jaws, so it was always surprising that she was able to keep squeaky toys around for years without a dent being put into them.

But it couldn’t last forever. Last week I was working in the front garden and as I was doing that, I was throwing her blue plastic pig for her. I threw it into the bin when I saw fluffy white stuffing on the lawn and realised that she’d bitten one of his feet off. After the high drama of her nearly dying from an intestinal blockage after she swallowed a pip back when she was 2 years old, I am taking no chances.

She stayed by the bin, crying, for half an hour. So when I went to Bunnings a couple of days ago, I bought 3 toys for her, Two were a bit like the pig, and the pink one you can see her with is made from sturdy fabric. All have squeakers, of course.

One plastic toy lasted 30 minutes. It was being tortured so much that my Apple Watch said that I was being exposed to sound over 90 decibels, which could endanger my hearing! After 30 minutes I saw white stuffing on the rug. She’d upped her game.

I haven’t been game to give her the other plastic one yet, as the squeaker disappeared. We’re hoping it passes through her…

However, the pink toy has lasted 2 days so far. Bits of it have gone, but the squeaker and body remain intact.

As I’m writing this, I’m throwing it for her again and again. She’s so happy.

Just after writing this, I tossed her toy, and in a throw that describes my sporting prowess to a tee – I threw it over the dining table and smashed some wineglasses that Mum and Dad had given me. They were from my grandparents’ place and had gold on them, so they can’t be put in a dishwasher. I was going to donate them to the op shop around the corner.

Oh well. At least the house has now had a very thorough sweep and vacuum!

Dad joke of the day:

Wednesday W’s #112

August 14, 2024 / / 6 Comments

What’s top of my mind: The Antarctica trip just keeps on giving!

Look at me – I’m with my lovely friend Morgan from France on a beautiful winter’s evening, with the Yarra River behind us. Morgan was the tour leader of the Antarctica trip back in 2022. Since then, he’s taken a full-time position with Young Pioneer Tours as a guide and is being paid to travel the world.

What a gig.

This time around, he was on his way home from a tour in the South Pacific and he found himself in Melbourne with some time to spare. We met up for dinner last night and we had a great time. When two like-minded travellers meet up, the conversation FLOWS. Hopefully, we’ll be travelling together again next year to Iceland and Greenland, which will be a lot of fun.

In two weeks he’s off to Syria.

Earlier that day Liga and I were talking. I mentioned that I was going to be in Estonia next year and to cut a long story short, I’m going to be extending my trip to go to Latvia as well. She also mentioned ducking into Lithuania as well, so that I get to see all 3 of the Baltics.

omg.

I’m excited. I’ll barely be home next year, the way things are going!

Where I’m going: to my sewing room.

Unfortunately, my friend’s sister died a couple of days ago. I need to finish her quilt.

Where I’ve been: nowhere much.

Apart from dinner in the city with Morgan, I’ve been at home sewing.

What I’m reading: The Red Queen.

I needed a book to read on the train last night so I downloaded this one from Borrowbox. It’s a Spanish thriller. I’m enjoying it, though sometimes the English is slightly clunky. It’s translated from Spanish.

What I’m watching: The Block. Bad Sisters.

I read a thread on Twitter where people were talking about really good series on AppleTV, so I saved it for when I needed something to watch. Bad Sisters was mentioned a lot. I’m enjoying it. It’s about a family of 5 adult sisters, where 4 of them want to literally kill their brother-in-law. They have reason – he’s a real arsehole.

And of course The Block. I love this show.

What I’m listening to: Music.

As I’m sewing, I’m putting on Mum’s Boppin’ Bangers on mix and enjoying what comes up. I’ve decided to let my podcasts mount up for when I have the Long Drive Home from Uluru in November after I drop the Ligas off, so I’m giving Spotify a good workout.

What I’m eating: nothing special.

What I’m planning: hmmm…

I leave on the Ghan trip in a little over two weeks. I should be planning what I’m going to take with me, but I haven’t started yet.

Who deserves a thumbs-up: Jeffrey.

A while ago I bought a dog pram so that I could take Scout to crowded places without her getting scared and refusing to walk. She might only weigh 6.5 kilos, but carrying that much weight gets heavy after a while.

I mentioned last week that I was worried about Jeff’s heart because he was panting a lot. I decided to try out the pram on a walk to the library to return some books. Jeff took to it like a duck to water.

He probably walked about a kilometre, but the rest of the time he was up high and enjoying the view. Scout got tired before the end of the walk so I popped her in there too.

What has made me smile: the light on my wall.

Look at this! Sometimes it’s the little things that bring a smile to the dial.

Dad joke of the day:

Wednesday W’s #111. The Backyard Beach day.

August 7, 2024 / / 0 Comments

(Scout knows the words ‘walk’, ‘ball’ and ‘beach.’ When they’re combined in a sentence, it’s her FAVOURITE THING.)

What’s top of my mind: QUILTING.

Yes, I’ve fallen down the quilting rabbit hole again. I knew it would happen sometime. A year ago Georgia29 put a lot of work into putting together shelves and other storage for my sewing room. It’s one of the bedrooms that, as soon as it was empty, I cleverly installed a HUGE heavy table that pretty much can’t be moved, so that I’d finally have my own space. Since then, I’ve barely set foot in it.

I started a quilt for my friend Scott last year, but I really wasn’t in the Zone, so it’s been put away to be revisited at another time. Lots of crafty people have what they call ‘WIPs’, which is an acronym for ‘Works in Progress.’ I have some too, but I’m a FINISHER. They all eventually get done.

I’m currently working on a scrap quilt for a friend’s daughter. I started on Friday afternoon and every afternoon since then has been full on at it. Today, I’m determined to finish the top, which in quilting circles is called a ‘flimsy.’ I like that name.

Usually I’d immediately start to sandwich it together with the batting and the backing, but my dearest friend from high school needs a quilt. Her sister is in the last stages of cancer and my friend needs a quilt for comfort.

Fortunate Frogdancer already has the main stage of the flimsy constructed. Years ago, Evan27 chose the fabrics for a yellow and grey quilt and I enthusiastically sewed around double the amount of blocks that I actually needed. I didn’t feel like Fortunate Frogdancer at the time – more like Foolish Frogdancer or Mathermatically-Challenged Frogdancer.

But now I can get going with that one.

I only have 4 weeks until I leave for my Ghan trip. I still have the garden to look after. Argh!

So I took the little woofs for a walk on the beach on this beautiful winter’s day. The rest of the photos will be from here.

Where I’m going: To my sewing room.

I’m a woman on a mission.

Where I’ve been: to the beach.

Obviously.

What I’m reading: Naked City by John Silvester.

Silvester has been a crime journalist for decades, and this book is a collection of his columns talking about criminals, judges, police etc.

It turns out I’m not a fan of his style of writing, but he references crimes that I remember from when I was growing up, so this aspect of the book is interesting. I’m nearly halfway through, so I’ll plough through until the end.

What I’m watching: The Olympics.

Like everyone else in the world, I guess.

What I’m listening to: Jeff panting.

Jeff is Poppy’s litter brother and he’s now 11 years old. He’s been on heart medication for a year or two, but he’s panting an awful lot during the day. We’ve been back from the beach for a good 45 minutes and he’s still panting as if he’s run a race. All he did was walk beside me the whole time. It was Scout who was racing around chasing the ball.

This is a worry. We don’t want to lose him so soon after Poppy. He’s as dumb as a box of bricks but he’s a bundle of love and devotion. And he’s My Boy.

What I’m eating: something from the crockpot.

I’m proud of myself this morning. I know that come dinnertime, I’ll still be wanting to sew. This morning, I threw some things in the crockpot and dinner will be ready when we are. All I have to do is cook some rice in the thermomix.

I also like that so many ingredients are from the garden. Garlic, chilli, pumpkin, spinach, basil, celery… if I butchered my own chooks and grew onions, I’d have the full package!

What I’m planning: how to fit in all the quilting.

I might have to get up earlier in the mornings. Not sure if I’m ready to take so drastic a step.

Who deserves a thumbs-up: Sophie.

Sophie is Tom32’s girlfriend. She’s lovely. They recently moved in together and last weekend she took him skiing. Apparently, it was all going well until Tom32 fell and dislocated his shoulder. This has turned him off the sport slightly.

Sophie has been looking after him beautifully, listening to him whinge and complain and she’s still with him. What a trouper!

What has made me smile: a dinner invitation.

That trip to Antarctica certainly changed lives! Remember Morgan, one of the two French guys? He was the tour leader and he and Baptiste looked after me when I would have been rattling around Ushuaia all on my own.

He’s since become an official tour leader with Young Pioneers and is currently running a tour in the South Pacific. (Hmmm… I’ve never been there and it’s so close to home…) He’ll be in Melbourne next week on his way home and he suggested we catch up.

It made my day.

Dad joke of the day:

A postscript to my last post.

August 2, 2024 / / 1 Comment

After writing my Wednesday W’s post a couple of days ago, I sent the link to the friend who was in the conversation with the person who said the problematic remark. I’m so glad I did!

Straight after she read it we had a phone conversation. She asked if I’d heard what she replied to the remark about my writing.

It turns out that she said, all eager and ready for goss, “OMG! Where did Frogdancer lie??”

The person couldn’t give her an answer, so my friend casually said, “So I just didn’t believe them.”

My livid levels dropped quite a bit after hearing that!

And just to prove that I’m not perfect, yesterday’s walking group met in the suburb that my sister Kate lives in. It’s a countrified suburb with lots of dirt roads. I was walking with a guy who has travelled extensively with his wife, and I was engrossed in the conversation. We were talking about treks in Nepal, security bags to stop bag snatchers, cruises, wild animals and more.

We walked right past my sister’s house and I didn’t even notice. I only know this because Blogless Sandy was walking in the group behind us and assumed I would have told everyone about the house.

Yes, sometimes I’m not very observant. I had coffee at Kate’s place afterwards and when I told her, she laughed, rolled her eyes and said, “Yeah, that isn’t very surprising.”

Ah well. I DID notice the bloody great hill we had to walk up, which is on her street though! That’s when I decided that maybe trekking in Nepal isn’t really for me.

Wednesday W’s #110

July 31, 2024 / / 22 Comments

What’s top of my mind: The integrity of my writing.

I’ve been blogging since 2007 on the frogblog, and I started this one in 2017. Both blogs are an online journal of my thoughts and experiences and everything written in these blogs is a truthful account of my life as I live it. You know – the very definition of a journal.

A few days ago someone close to me was talking to mutual friends and insinuated that not everything written here is truthful. I was very angry and deeply hurt when I was told about it.

I take pride in my writing and put my heart and soul into it. Especially the travel posts – they usually take between 2 and 3 hours to write. When I’m on a trip, I take notes as each day progresses (sometimes written; sometimes spoken) so that I have every detail available for me to select what goes into the post when I’m ready to write. (Martha from Vancouver probably saw me doing this when we were at the bird sanctuary.) I take photos of information boards so I can include details from them if they’re interesting. The people I’ve travelled with, such as Scott, Megan and Deana among others, have also seen me do this.

My readers can trust that everything I write in my posts actually happened.

My blogs are the one place that I can share my life without fear or favour. There’s absolutely no point in lying even if I wanted to – I’ve elected not to monetise them because I want the number of my readers to grow organically, because what I share resonates with them and they want to come back. I’m not interested in writing exciting ‘click bait’. It’s pointless to me.

The blogs are a record of my life, my gardens, my trips and my children and pets. Every post I write is a post that my children can read. Every post is something that I can come back later to refer to. I do not lie or embellish the truth. It would negate the whole point of writing the blogs in the first place.

I feel that both this FIRE blog and the frogblog have built up lovely little communities in our corners of the internet. Some of you have been reading me for years – I’m looking at you, Loretta! – and some of you have opened up your homes and spent time with me when I’ve been travelling. I treasure the trust and friendship that exists between me and the people who take the time to read what I write. I get a kick out of seeing a notification that someone has commented.

I guess I just wanted to get that off my chest.

Where I’m going: I just checked my calendar…

Nowhere.

Well, I have my walking group tomorrow and to my dismay joy, it’s going to be a sunny day so there’s no excuse not to go.

I’d better set the alarm!

Where I’ve been: out to lunch.

On Friday I went to Brighton Beach for lunch with a couple of friends from my thermomix days. It was supposed to be 4 of us but one pulled out due to ill health. We had a great time, but I was a bit taken aback to find out that two of the four of us had had cancer – one to the point of losing a breast.

They’re both younger than me. Then the very next morning there was a long post on FB from a guy I went to high school with who’s battling cancer popping up all over the place in his body.

It’s confronting to think that I seem to have reached that age where bad things start to happen.

What I’m reading: nothing that I’m particularly excited about.

I read a couple of books on the cruise and the two I have on hand now are just finishing up the stories. I thought I may as well follow them through, but they’re fairly ‘meh.’

What I’m watching: 3 Body Problem.

I started this last night on Netflix. Yes, I know I should be watching the Olympics, but once the swimming was done I turned back to Netflix. I like my stories.

This looks to be quite good.

What I’m listening to: music coming from Georgia29’s room.

Uni has started again for Georgia 29, but today is one of her free days. I know she’s studying at the moment because the music coming from her room is slow, steady and doesn’t have lyrics.

What I’m eating: Meatloaf.

I’m so happy. I love meatloaf and I’ve never made it before. Jaybee on the Simple Savings website posted THIS RECIPE and I made it last night, but instead of using BBQ sauce for the glaze I used plum sauce, as Jaybee recommended.

It was lovely. The recipe instructs you to make 2 loaves, one to eat now and one to freeze. I’m really pleased that I now have an easy meal in the freezer for when I’m rushed. Also, because there’s only Georgia29 and I at home, each meatloaf lasts us for 2 dinners.

Winning!

What I’m planning: what to plant in my gardens.

Liga is coming in November and I’d like the place to look colourful and welcoming for her and her friend – also called Liga. If I want it to look good then, I’d better start doing things now.

We’ve booked the accommodation for the “Ligas’ Crazy Rad Trip” and they’ve booked their flights from Sydney to Melbourne.

It’s all happening, Baby!

Who deserves a ‘thumbs-up’: not me.

Look at the picture above. After owning a thermomix for over ten years, I finally got too complacent and stripped the blades.

The blades are designed to fall apart if there’s too much stress being placed on the motor. It’s better that a set of blades falls apart rather than the whole motor!

I had a frozen clove of elephant garlic that I wanted to chop. It was massive. I thought, “Should I chp this in half before I put it in?” but then I thought, ‘Nah, she’ll be right.

She wasn’t. Fortunately, Thermomix still have tm31 blades for sale, so I ordered another set lickety split. But yes, all my own fault. How stupid.

What has made me smile: my Explorer pack.

Yes, remember I wrote about this last week? It’s from the people on the Ghan trip that are taking us all over the red Centre and the Top End.

It arrived on Friday and I dove straight in.

The first thing that occurred to me is that they must have enormous trouble with people bringing luggage that’s too big. Underneath all of this was a backpack. I was pleased by this, because I don’t own one. There was also a piece of paper with INTRICATE instructions on the dimensions of bags to pack.

I haven’t looked at it yet. That’s Future Frogdancer’s problem.

It also had a towel for these leisurely swims in the lagoons among the rocky cliffs; a bright orange water bottle; a brochure with more rail trips inside; and various bits and bobs.

It seems that this trip is really going to happen.

By the way, does anyone know if I’ll need a fly net on my hat in September? Or November, when the Ligas and I will be there?

Following is a photo of me in my absolutely flattering hat,

The dogs don’t seem too enthused.

Dad joke of the day:

Wednesday W’s #109.

July 24, 2024 / / 8 Comments

What’s top of my mind: How lucky I am.

This photo is from yesterday, when I asked Georgia if she wanted to come to the beach with the Little Woofs and me. It was a crisp and clear winter day, just perfect for a beach walk.

In years gone by, I would have been in a classroom, looking out of the window at the blue sky, wishing I was at home doing anything other than grammar. Now – I’m doing whatever I feel like doing on any given day.

I have the time to spend with the people I love the most. Tom32 dropped in on Monday morning to do some washing. His girlfriend has a washer/dryer combo that she’s moving into his place n the weekend, and he sold his own washing machine. He stayed chatting with me for nearly an hour and a half.

If I was still working, he’d have come and gone without seeing me. As it was, we had one of those wide-ranging conversations that cover everything that’s going on with his life. I had another of those conversations with Evan27 last week, just before he and Jenna flew off to perform in the Edinburgh Comedy Festival.

I feel very fortunate that I know so much of what goes on in my adut children’s lives. Don’t get me wrong – I’m sure that I don’t know EVERYTHING! But they share enough to show that I’m trusted with a lot of things that not every parent would be.

Where I’m going: To the vet.

Jeffrey has had sensitive skin all his life, to the point where he’d be almost tearing himself to bits with his scratching. A couple of years ago, our new vet suggested a prednisolone tablet each morning.

Instant change! Finally, Jeff has quality of life. It’s so lucky – his heart tabs cost a fortune but these ones are cheap as chips. We used the last one this morning, so I’ll be jumping in the car soon to get a refill.

Where I’ve been: to my parents’ place.

Ugh.

As part of the My Aged Care package Mum is on, she and Dad get a medical alert watch/pendant each. It detects if the wearer falls, and they can also push the button if they need help. The medical people contact them through a machine in their living room, or by their phones. So far so good.

Dad keeps bumping his alert button when he drives. (How the hell he does it is a mystery to me.) If Mum’s not with him when the Medi-Alert people call, she can tell them that he’s ok through the living room machine or the home phone. The problem comes when they’re both in the car, blissfully unaware that people are trying to get hold of them to check that they’re ok.

I’m the next person they ring. If I can’t get hold of them by phone, I have to jump in the car and drive 40 minutes to their house.

On Saturday morning I got a call from the Medi- Alert woman. I was still on the couch in my pjs with only a cup of coffee inside me. I jumped in the shower, buttered a bread roll so I could eat in the car and raced over there. Even though I knew that they’d be ok, Mum’s had many falls and it’s always in the back of my mind that one day… it’s not going to be a false alarm.

Dad answered the door, and when he asked, “How are you?” I replied, “A little bit annoyed, to tell you the truth.”

“Why???” he asked, trying to be all innocent.

“Because I’ve had to come all this way simply because you two never take Mum’s mobile with you when you go out. You know… the one I gave you. One phone call could have saved me driving all the way out here.”

All of a sudden he’s yelling. “I WANT TO THROW THAT FUCKING PHONE IN THE BIN.”

Oof.

“If you swear at me and raise your voice, I’m leaving.”

“OK THEN, SEE YOU LATER!”

I’m not one to ignore a charming response like that, so I picked up my bag and water bottle without another word and left. I didn’t even see Mum, though I’m sure she heard what went on.

You have to teach people the behaviour you’re not willing to accept.

I found out after talking with my sister Kate that Mum had already told him off for not being more careful with his alarm, so when I wasn’t happy with him it was like a match to tinder. Still, there’s no excuse for acting like that. I didn’t leave my awful marriage just to let anyone else yell at me!

Anyway, I went back on Monday to do more of the Storywell stories. The only reference any of us made to the outburst was when Mum said to me, “I’m going to get a routine going for when we leave the house, so I’ll put my phone in my bag…”

What I’m reading: The School Run by Ali Lowe

I finished this one yesterday and I really enjoyed it. Right at the start we find out that someone gets deliberately run over, then of course for the rest of the novel we try and work out whodunnit.

It’s set in WA… which is Western Australia for all of you overseas people out there.

It Takes a Town to Solve a Murder – Aoife Clifford

I started this one while I was eating breakfast this morning, and I’m itching to get back to it. Another Aussie one!

What I’m watching: The Godfather movies.

I saw that Stan has all three, so three nights ago I started watching. I was only going to watch the first one, but you know how it is when you follow a story! One movie a night – perfect!

I saw this meme on Facebook and had to add it here.

What I’m listening to: Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer.

One of my absolute favourite songs. The lyrics are simply beautiful.

What I’m eating: Homemade Blood Orange and Poppyseed cake.

I was on Facebook in the Dull Women’s Club group and someone posted a link to an orange and poppyseed cake. I had 2 small blood oranges from my tree that had been sitting in my fruit bowl for a while.

So now they’re a cake! I have a friend over at the moment, and he’s getting a remedial massage treatment from Georgia. When all that’s finished, we’ll have a snack as we catch up.

What I’m planning: Getting back into quilting.

I’m almost ready to start working on a new creation. The only thing stopping me is that I’m conscious of how much still needs to be done in the veggie garden before I head off on my next adventure.

Who deserves a “thumbs-up”: MUM!

As I was typing out the first answer here, my phone rang. It was Mum on her mobile.

“The Medi-Alert people have tried to call. I’m calling you so you can ring them to say that we’re ok, we’re just at the doctors.”

I hung up and began a search in my contacts for their number, when my phone lit up. They were calling me. I was SO pleased that I was able to say, “I was just going to call you. Mum rang to say that you’d called. They’re fine.”

The girl laughed. “Why didn’t she just answer the call?”

I answered in an exhausted tone: “I don’t know…”

We both laughed.

‘Anyway,” I continued. “They’re both alive and kicking.”

“That’s great news!” she said.

The REALLY great news is that I’m still sitting here at home, instead of leaping in the car and heading off down Nepean Highway again. A big ‘thumbs-up’ to Mum for her new routine.

What has made me smile: An Explorer Pack is coming!

I received an email from the people running The Ghan tour that I’m doing in September. My Explorer Pack has been sent to me.

I don’t know what this is.

I don’t know what’s in it.

But hey – I’m looking forward to finding out!

Dad joke of the day:

Wednesday W’s #108.

July 17, 2024 / / 10 Comments

What’s top of my mind: Travel.

So… on Saturday morning I was scrolling on the laptop and I suddenly decided to stop shilly-shallying about booking a trip to Borneo, so I did it. It’s just under 5K and I get to see orangutans and pygmy elephants!

I get to see other things too, but they’re the ones I’m most excited about.

Where I’m going: Here’s the list.

1. Sept 2024 – 2 week Ghan Northern Territory Explorer trip from Adelaide to Darwin and all in between. Uluru, Kings Canyon, Katherine Gorge, Kakadu etc.

2. November 2024 – The Crazy Road Trip with Liga and Liga from Latvia. From Melbourne – Healesville Sanctuary – Grampians, Great Ocean Road – Adelaide – Port Augusta – Coober Pedy – Uluru. Then back to Melbourne driving solo.

3. December 2024 – a week in the Snowy Mountains.

4. February 2025 – Vietnam for 2 weeks.

5. March 2025 – Japan for two weeks.

6. April 2025 – Tanzania/Kenya and Zanzibar for 3 weeks. They had me at ‘Zanzibar.’

7. June 2025 – Borneo for 10 days. Orangutans, pygmy elephants etc.

8. September 2025. Iceland. This will be with Morgan from Antarctica as he tour guide.

9. September 2025 – Greenland cruise. Also with Morgan as the tour guide. I’m hoping for the Northern Lights on my birthday.

10. September 2025 – Scandinavia trip.

Then I think I’ll have a rest. I’m hosting Christmas in 2025 so December is off the table for holidays.

Where I’ve been: to see Evan27.

He and Jenna are flying out to London on Tuesday on the first leg of their Edinburgh Comedy Festival adventure. After that, they’re going to see Sicily and Malta. They’ll be gone for a couple of months.

When I went over there, I was also bringing an electric wok that Megan from my last holiday was looking to give away. Evan27 was there on his own, working from home, so we had a terrific visit. I love seeing the girls and having the couples together, but I love it when it’s just me and one of my children. It doesn’t happen often so I treasure those times when it happens.

What I’m reading: Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville.

I read a few “meh” reviews about this on Goodreads, but I decided to ignore them and dive straight in. I’m glad I did.

This novel is based on the author’s grandmother’s life. It was fascinating seeing how an intelligent, restless woman had to navigate around a world so patriarchal. It makes me so glad that I’m living in the here and now.

What I’m watching: Alone.

I first got into ‘Alone’ when the Australian version came out and I began watching the US ones when I was getting ready to go to Canada. I love them, and now that I’ve been to Alaska I’m enjoying seeing people struggling with that landscape.

For those who haven’t heard of it, it’s like ‘Survivor’ on steroids with no challenges, games or idols. They take 10 people out into the wilderness and drop them off individually. They take their own cameras and have to film themselves trying to survive in the Alaskan countryside. No camera crew – they’re totally by themselves, with only a satellite phone to contact the outside world if they want to tap out.

In Alaska, these people have bears, wolves, wolverines and moose to contend with. One woman had to be pulled out because she was in danger of losing toes due to frostbite. The last one gets the $500,000.

It’s crazy how these people survive… and also why they choose to give up.

I love it.

What I’m listening to: Jeff snoring.

I know, I know. I say that a lot. But I just got back 30 minutes ago, I had the ecstatic reunion with Jeffrey and Scout and now they’re both sound asleep on the couch with me after the agony of waiting for me to come home. These are happy snores, I’m sure.

What I’m eating: an easy dinner.

I’m simply going to put some chicken schnitzels and potatoes on a roasting pan and that, along with some steamed veggies in the thermomix, will be our meal.

What I’m planning: when my next ‘spend’ day will be.

I have to pay an instalment for Greenland within the next few days, so I’m trying to coordinate my spending so that I get a successful week on my ‘No Spend’ chart.

Yes, it’s still going and I find that it’s a fantastic way to curb my spending and make the things I buy far more intentional. For example, today I was driving back from Evan27’s place and I was STARVING. I was so tempted to pull into a Maccas and grab a quarter pounder and fries. But that would turn today into a ‘spend’ day and that wasn’t in my plans. I drove straight home and didn’t spend the $12 or so that would’ve been spent.

Who deserves a “thumbs-up”: ME!

For using the ‘no spend’ chart and also grabbing the opportunity I have for guilt-free travelling. At the end of 2026, I’ll have to rein myself in. I’ll have no free dog sitters anymore.

Evan27 and I were talking about how amazing it is that after pretty much 2 decades of us staying still and living like paupers (because we were!) we’re now jumping on planes and jetting off to have adventures at the drop of a hat.

Isn’t life wonderful?

What has made me smile: seeing these cockatoos on my walking group last week.

I don’t see cockies where I live, but they were happily living their lives in Dromana!

Dad joke of the day:

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