What’s top of my mind: My parents.
This photo is what I saw in my parents’ loungeroom when I visited them a few days ago. David30 and Izzy’s Christmas gift to them both was this wedding photo of the whole family.
It looks like the time has come when we’re going to have to step up a little more in looking after them. Dad is turning 85 soon and Mum is 83. We’ve been noticing little changes and my sister and I have been deciding on a few changes of our own. Ah well. I think we’ve had a pretty good run up till now.
Where I’m going: to lunch with Izzy.
Today’s the day I pick up my new reading glasses from Specsavers. I’m meeting Izzy for lunch so we can have a nice little visit at the same time.
I texted her that lunch would be on me.
She texted back that no it wasn’t.
I texted that there was going to be a brawl in the food court!
Where I’ve been: in the back yard.
I invited Izzy’s mum and her best friend to lunch yesterday. I was going to make pizzas in the pizza oven, so I was having a cruisy morning when all of a sudden it hit me – Izzy’s mum posted on FB recently about going gluten-free.
There goes the pizza idea!
I madly put together home-made hummus, GF rice crackers, curried pumpkin and coconut soup with some home-made bread rolls. They brought a bottle bubbly and we sat outside under the verandah, with the beautiful garden all around us.
It was a very pleasant way to spend a few hours. They’re both teachers so it was a perfect time to catch up.
What I’m reading: Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
It’s always a good day when you see a new Sally Hepworth has been released! She’s such a good writer and as a bonus, her books are now all set in Melbourne. I enjoyed this one.
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
This is a slow burn with the romance, but I loved the first section where we see what it’s like to work behind the scenes on a show like Saturday Night Live. I found it fascinating.
This is a cracker of a book. I wasn’t intending to spend all morning on Monday reading it but guess what happened? I’ve always liked Bryan Brown as an actor, but as a novelist I think he’s even better…
What I’m watching: The Real Housewives of Melbourne.
Binge sent me an email offering me a free month, so I’m watching these spoiled, entitled babies. Sheesh!
What I’m listening to: Jeff panting.
I’m writing this while I’m sitting on the couch on the front verandah. My sister’s dog Huxley is here with us and we’re all in patches of shade.
What I’m eating: Dinner that I haven’t made.
I’m having the night off. Ryan29 is making dinner.
I bought a couple of half-priced Christmas hams and chopped one and a half of them into chunks to use for quick and easy meals. I left some ham to be used ‘as is’ because who doesn’t like slices of ham?
What I’m planning: Nothing.
I’m loose like a goose.
I’ll have to start researching Kangaroo Island soon, but I’m not in the zone yet.
Who deserves a thumbs-up: Ryan29.
Anyone who cooks for me deserves a thumbs up.
Love it.
What has made me smile: Tom31.
He’s getting more and more comfortable in his new relationship. He dropped in after work yesterday to pick up a parcel and we caught up.
I enjoy having adult children.
Dad joke of the day:
I always smile when I read your blog and the parallels or intersections of our lives without ever having met in person. Parents, books, adult children 🙂
Yes, one day we’ll have to clap eyes on each other. 🙂
I’m still waiting for Darling Girls on Libby – only 33rd in line now ????
Elderly parents – it’s heart wrenching when changes have to be made
It’s fortunate that you’re a patient woman.
I was thinking of you yesterday. My lime verbena has grown out of control and I was wondering if you still liked the dried leaves as a herbal tea.
Taking steps to care for parents preemptively is so wise. I’m currently staying with my mom and two sisters as she prepares for her final exit. The woman we arranged to provide her care 6 months ago, still comes and is a godsend to all of us as we negotiate this passing.
I’m so sorry to hear that you’re going through this. It must be such a painful process. xx