What’s top of my mind: Engagement rings.
We’re clearing out things from my parents’ place, and a few days ago we retrieved some jewellery. This row of rings are 4 generations of engagement rings from Mum’s side of the family.
The kids are all coming to my place on Saturday, so I’ll get Sophie to put her engagement ring next to the others. Then there’ll be 5 generations. How cool is this?
Where I’m going: Bonbeach.
As soon as I hit publish on this post, I’ll take Scout and we’ll go and take Mum for a walk. She’s losing mobility and she needs to build up her strength again. Her 2025 was pretty much sitting and watching Dad.
Where I’ve been: to the library.
I haven’t bought a book for the last 5 years or so. Instead, I use the local library, and for a bit of fun, I keep track of how much money I save by doing this. (At a rate of $30/book.) See the side bar…
A lot of the books I had on hold have come up, so presently I have about 10 books piled up beside my bed, ready to go. So far this year, I’ve read 62 books.
What I’m reading: some great books!
The Book of Guilt – Catherine Chidgey. This was sensational. It’s a slow burn and I don’t want to gve anything away. It’s set in an alternate future, where WW2 ended in 1943 in a draw, after that assassination attempt on Hitler’s life actually succeeded.
Caro Ramsay’s DCI Christine Caplan series. These are terrific. Set in modern-day Scotland, I’m loving them. I just finished the third in the series, then when I was getting the link for you, I discovered that number 4 has just been released. EXCITED! I raced across and put a hold on it at the library.
What I’m watching: The Buccaneers on AppleTV.
I’ve always meant to read the novel by Edith Wharton but I’ve never got around to it. This series is pretty darned good.
Also on AppleTV is Murderbot. I love the novellas and this show is wonderful.
What I’m listening to: the kids next door playing happily.
Aparently it’s school holidays. This is the first holidays that I didn’t realise. I’ve finally got the retired teacher mindset!
What I’m eating: nothing noteworthy.
What I’m planning: lunch for the family on Saturday.
Now that the kids are leading their own lives, getting us all together is like herding cats. I like to touch base with them in between my holidays, so this is the first one since Borneo. Sadly, Izzy won’t be coming, but everyone else will be there.
Evan28 will be moving back home in a couple of weeks, so this will mean a massive switch in the menu to vegetarian meals. Georgia and I will no doubt be having meat/cheat meals whenever Evan28 is busy at dinner times. 🙂
Who deserves a thumbs-up: the locksmith.
Mum and Dad had a safe in the house that, by the end of his life, not even Dad could get into. It had a dial on the top that was impossible for Kate and I to manipulate. We tried for at least half an hour, until I lost patience and said, “Fuck it! We’re calling a locksmith!!”
Naturally, he got it open on the first try.
The “family jewels” were there. Nothing is worth anything – it’s all sentimental value. There was also a huge bag full of every key that had ever passed through my father’s hands. Yes, I don’t know why this was so precious, either.
Mum and I had a lovely time looking at the jewellery and she told me all the stories behind who owned each one. The plan is for Kate, Mum and I to go through and we’ll take what we’d like, then we’ll have a meeting with Mum and all of her granddaughters and they can select what they’d like. Kate has two daughters and my brother has one.
I asked Mum if Georgia would be considered a granddaughter. Mum looked startled for a second, then said, “Yes. I think she is.” How wonderful for my trans daughter to have such acceptance..
What has made me smile: Seeing Megan (from Alaska/Canada) so excited about her new carpet.
At work, there’s a saying around a select few people about working deliberately towards early retirement. It’s called “doing a Frogdancer”, but with my IRL name, of course. Megan is being very strategic about how she deploys her finances. This year, she’s finishing off the last of the major house renovations by installing carpet throughout her unit. She’s done all her renos using cash and she’s been using her head when it comes to her long-term plans. I’m very proud of her.
Dad joke of the day:
That is such an impact that your colleagues call it ‘doing a Frogdancer.’ Great work!
You and your blog have had a massive impact on me and my financial decision making, so thank you from me too! Paid off the mortgage last month as single mum after geoarbitrage, and about to start holidays via an international home exchange platform. Role models matter
Wow! What an extraordinary life you’re living. Fabulous work you’ve done. There’s nothing like the feeling of a paid-off mortgage as a single parent. It’s the best gift you can give your kids – security.
So wonderful that you and your sister were able to hear your mom’s stories about the jewelry. When you or the next generation wear them, it will be a lovely memory.
Yes, it was very special.
Lovely recognition of Georgia. The world is pretty harsh, even more so now, and every expression of support means something. Way to go, Georgia! Love that you can be you.