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:

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:

What’s top of my mind: Getting the house and garden to rights.

I’ve finally got my strength back after that nasty bug I picked up in Alaska. I’m looking at all that has to be done before I disappear on my next holiday. Fortunately, I have until September, so the situation isn’t dire, but I’ve already filled up the green waste bin and I have DAYS before it’s going to be taken away.

The picture of Jeffrey was taken on his 11th birthday – his first one without Poppy. He’s a snuffly old man.

Where I’m going: To Beacon Lighting.

I’m slowly getting the back half of the house together. The guest room needed bedside lights. I didn’t want to spend a fortune on them because the guest room hardly ever gets used, but at the same time, I wanted the lights to be functional enough for someone to be able to read in bed, if they wanted to.

I picked up this light last weekend. The other light is waiting for me to go and pick it up. The crazy thing is that the bulb for each light is almost the same as the base!

Oh well. By the time Liga and her friend Liga come, the room should be looking good.

Where I’ve been: Mum and Dad’s place.

On Monday I was pottering around, doing some gardening, (more on that later), when an unknown number came up on my phone. I let it go to voicemail, but I called them back right away because they were from the Medi Alert place, saying that Mum’s alarm had gone off and they couldn’t reach her.

I called both the landline and her mobile, then jumped in the car and drove down. Of course she was fine. They’d been to get her a pedicure and she must have bumped the alarm getting her seatbelt on.

The time wasn’t wasted. We are quite a few weeks behind on the Storyworth stories, so I sat with Dad and got 4 more stories of his life done.

The next day I was back there, helping Mum at her hydrotherapy pool. Usually, my sister Kate does it but she was busy. After we got home I sat with Mum this time and got 3 more stories done for her.

I’m learning a lot more about them. They don’t want to sit at the laptop and type the stories themselves, so I pull up the questions, ask them, and then hand them my phone with the microphone on in Notes. They dictate, then I sit there and type it up straight away, reading it back to them to check that they’re happy with it.

What I’m reading: You Like It Darker by Stephen King.

I love it when the latest King comes out, especially if it’s short stories. I’m finding that the older he gets, the more his short stories are pulling ahead of his novels.

The Hummingbird Effect – by Kate Mildenhall.

This is an interesting novel, with the stories of 4 women, some in the past, some in the future, intertwined throughout. Set in Melbourne, too, which I liked.

What I’m watching: Not a great deal.

I’ve finished a lot of shows that were piling up and now I’m waiting for some new ones to be released. Friday The Spider Queen series 2 comes out and I’m really looking forward to that. It’s a modernised version of Catherine De Medici’s life.

What an absolute force that woman turned out to be! Definitely not the nicest woman, but she hung onto power on the French throne with a fierce grip.

What I’m listening to: Bronwen.

Hedley Thomas, who was the journalist who did ‘The Teachers Pet’ and ‘Shandee’s Story’ has come up with another cold case that deserves investigation. It has eerie similarities to the Dawson case in ‘The Teacher’s pet’ which resulted in Chris Dawson being tried and convicted of the murder of his wife Lynette, back in the 80’s. I’ve come late to the party, as episodes were released when I was away.

You can get it where you get your other podcasts. Me? I use Overcast on my iPad.

What I’m eating: Rye sourdough bread.

After I took Mum to the pool, she needed a few things so we stopped at Woolies. I paid $7 for this loaf of bread and I’m enjoying every mouthful.

What I’m planning: when to start quilting again.

I haven’t touched my sewing machine with any real purpose for nearly two years. I want to make some fresh quilts for my lounge room and a couple of gifts. (Yes, Scott – I’m looking at you.)

I know I’ll get back in there – it’s just a matter of when.

Who deserves a thumbs-up: my neighbour.

There are some ornamental pear trees on the side fence that drop leaves every autumn – which I love, because I use them as free mulch – but are starting to encroach over my solar panels – which I don’t love so much.

Yesterday he thinned them out. I now have more sunlight coming in my side windows and a couple of branches that fell on my side that I’ll have to get rid of. But my solar panels are free to catch the rays all they want!

What has made me smile: my free bulbs.

Last year Georgia and I planted a few citrus trees in the back yard and she dug out a pile of pink bulbs that come up every spring. I put them in the laundry and promptly forgot about them… until I went in there a couple of days ago and saw that they REALLY wanted to be planted.

There are about $100 worth of bulbs here, and the flowers are very pretty. So, just before the phone rang for Mum’s alarm call, I strode outside and planted them under the two maple trees in the front yard.

More people will be able to enjoy them there. They’re mixed in with some jonquils.

Dad joke of the day:

What’s top of my mind: Nothing.

It’s a very calm and peaceful place at the moment, my mind.

Where I’m going: to the backyard.

Yesterday I finally felt energetic enough to go out into the backyard and do a day’s gardening. I cleared out both patches of warrigal greens and chopped and dropped the last of the Lazy Housewife beans. There’s so much still to do out there, so I’ll probably be out there later today, seeing as the day is so bright.

I’ll be doing so much travelling in the next two years that I’ve decided to scale back the veggie gardening and let most of the beds rest.

Where I’ve been: Walking group.

Remember I joined a U3A walking group before I went away? I finally felt well enough to go back. We went for an 8km walk down in the mangroves and these black swans were the most exciting things I saw when I was there.

What I’m reading: What Happened to Nina? – Dervla McTiernan.

I enjoy Dervla McTiernan’s novels and this one was no exception. A young woman disappears and her boyfriend is the last known person to see her alive. Each chapter is from another character’s perspective, which I’ve always liked.

Unruly by David Mitchell.

One of my favourite comedians and one of my enduring passions – the kings and queens of England. What a match made in heaven!

Quite a few of the jokes are very “now”, which means it won’t age well, but I don’t think he cares.

What I’m watching: Life After Life on ABC iView and Lessons in Chemistry on Binge.

Both are excellent series based on excellent books. I finished Lessons in Chemistry last night and had a little cry – yes, they got me!

What I’m listening to: the kids next door playing fighting playing.

It’s school holidays. These kids are primary aged.

They were outside with their father while he tried to get some yard work done. After around 3 hours of constant loud happy play, even louder crying and fighting and then loud happy play again, I heard him wearily ask, “Sierra, do you go and whinge to your teachers about every little thing when you’re at school?”

What I’m eating: for the next 3 days – whatever I want!

I’m going to be Home Alone. I’ll be cooking all the things that I like that Georgia doesn’t.

What I’m planning: nothing much.

Liga has decided that she still wants to do the long drive to Uluru. Apart from that, there’s nothing much coming up until September.

Who deserves a thumbs-up: No one in particular.

Just take one for yourself!

What has made me smile: Spending time with these two.

On Sunday I went across town to see Evan27 and Jenna. He’s back from California, where he went for two weeks to tech for a friend’s show called ‘Motorboat.’

They’re full of plans for the Edinburgh Comedy Festival. She has a space booked for two weeks for ‘Underwire’ and he has a very central spot for 5 nights for ‘Long Play’. I’m proud of them both.

Dad joke of the day:

What’s top of my mind: Nothing much.

I’m a simple creature at heart…

Where I’m going: Afternoon coffee.

Izzy’s mum has had a procedure on her sinuses and is taking a few weeks off work while she recovers. I’m popping into her place to have a coffee and a chat, now that she’s feeling a bit better.

Where I’ve been: At Apple.

Last week was very expensive. I bought a new phone, a new (dumb) Apple watch, and left my laptop there to get a new battery and keys. It wasn’t a fiscally happy time, but Mum now has my old SE and is learning to drive it and I have a really good camera for my trips and Little Adventures.

I have no idea how to use my watch, but I’ll get the hang of it over time.

What I’m reading: Unruly by David Mitchell.

I absolutely adore English history, so I’m loving this book by David Mitchell. It’s so funny and so interesting at the same time – always a good thing.

What I’m watching: Barry.

Henry Winkler is in this as a drama coach. I started watching it purely because of this. I’ve just finished the last ep in the first of 3 seasons and I’m enjoying it.

What I’m listening to: The windchimes from Kangaroo Island.

They’re hanging from my front verandah. They sound beautiful to me, but Georgia isn’t a fan. If there’s some wind and I go away from the house for a while I usually come back to find that she’s stopped them from chiming.

What I’m eating: Crumpets with Kangaroo Island honey.

I don’t eat a lot of honey, but I bought a 3 pack of different kinds of honey from Kangaroo Island in January. Every now and then I buy some crumpets for breakfast. Yum!

What I’m planning: Liga’s trip.

We had a video call last night, she was in her summer backyard at midday and I was in my warm lounge room after dinner. We’re going to sort of whether they fly or we drive to Uluru from Adelaide.

I need to draw up an alternate itinerary so they can see what’s on offer.

Who deserves a thumbs-up: David31.

When the kids came over for dinner on Sunday night, he brought his cordless drill and hung my Alaska sculpture. I’m so happy!

It’s made from a moose antler, with the fish being the top of the moose’s skull. The eyeballs are made of caribou bone. This screams ‘Alaska!’ to me – that ‘can-do’ attitude, making art with whatever is lying around.

What has made me smile: The soles on my new shoes.

I bought these closed-toe sandals online from my favourite shoemaker (Josef Seibel), thinking they’d be good for Vietnam and Japan. These soles were a quirky little surprise.

Dad joke of the day:

What’s top of my mind: It’s good to be home.

I took this photo yesterday at the Backyard Beach. It’s looking towards Melbourne, with Scout in the foreground having a paddle, even though it’s the middle of winter.

I sent this photo to Jenna, because it’s looking towards where she and Evan27 live. He’s in California at the moment, doing tech for a show called ‘Motor Boat,’ He’s staying with a friend that he met at Clown College last year, which tickles me a lot. I love that he’s making travelling friends, just as I have.

It’s strange not having Poppy saround me every step of the way, but in some ways it’s easier to just have Scout and Jeff. I’ve been really sick, so the two older dogs ahave been content to blob around with me while I slowly get better.

You should’ve seen Scout crossing the road towards the beach though! Thanks godness I have a sturdy harness on her – she was practically levitating in a horizontal line towards the beach.

Where I’m going: To Apple.

Mum’s phone is on 3G, which is being discontinued in a couple of months. Dad refuses to buy her a new phone. He can’t see the value of a mobile phone because he refuses to use his. So, seeing as I’m not really happy with the quality of photos that my 2 year old iPhone 6 takes, I’m biting the bullet and shelling out for a new phone. Mum can have this one.

Her old phone is so awful that it doesn’t even accept photos via text. She won’t know herself when people can send photos. She’ll have to get used to a slightly different way of operating it – her old phone was an android.

I hope that isn’t a bridge too far…

Where I’ve been: To renew my passport before the price rise kicks in.

Apparently, you can renew your passport inline if it isn’t expired. I wish I’d known this before I traipsed up to the post office to get a form to fill in, but that’s all behind us now.

It was painless and very quick. All I had to do was take a printed form back to the post office, get my photo taken and that was that.

Once I get my new passport back, I can start filling in the details for my 2025 trips.

What I’m reading: Georgette Heyer.

While I’ve been sick I’ve been reading books I have at home. Non-challenging reads. But yesterday I picked up 7 books I had on hold at the library. Once ‘Regency Buck’ is finished, I’ll be revelling in reading!

What I’m watching: OUTLANDER!

I’m so happy that this is back on. I love the books and the tv series. It’s so unusual to be able to love both, but the tv people are doing a great job.

What I’m listening to: Jeffrey snoring.

It’s the sound of home.

What I’m eating: a sourdough bread roll.

It was Megan’s birthday yesterday, so I bought her a cheese and chive pull-apart, to compare to the onderfu one we had in Vancouver. She laughed her head off when she saw it, so I consider that $7 well spent.

While I was at the bakery I saw they had sourdough bread rolls, all crisp and crunchy on the outside. I don’t mind if I do, though $2 for one bread roll is daylight robbery.

What I’m planning: to get back to Liga’s trip.

Now that I’m getting better, I want to get back to Liga’s crazy road trip and book in a few places. She’s given me the dates that she currently has for flights, so we’ll make it all work.

Who deserves a thumbs-up: Georgia.

After I was home for a couple of days and stopped sleeping so much, we had a good long talk about Poppy and we had a good cry. Georgia described the week leading up to Poppy’s death as the most traumatic of her life. The actual decision to give Poppy the green dream was easy – it was obvious that she was too sick to continue. But it was when she was starting to fail that the responsibility hit home – what to do when Mum’s dog is sick.

The kids gathered to see Poppy before she died and David31 and Georgia both went with her to the vet. They let Jeffrey andScout sniff her all over when they got back, so that they knew, and then they buried her directly in the corner of the orchard where I can say good morning to her every day.

I was proud od the kids – they did everything as I would have done it.

What has made me smile: Seeing the galic I planted before I left sticking up out of the ground.

I still have more to plant and the solstice is on Friday, so I’d better crack on. But gee – isn’t gardening so rewarding?

Dad joke of the day: