19 November 2015

A day in the life




This is my 2500th post.

I still get up early. It's a relic from the days when I was running my own writing business, editing the local newspaper and studying for a degree. My boys were in primary school then so if I woke early, I could get a lot of reading or writing done before they were up and the real work of the day began. So as is my habit, yesterday I woke early, got up, checked emails, comments and the forum and then started my day as a homemaker. After letting the chooks out and feeding them a large deformed cucumber from the garden, I looked at the blueberries and wondered if I should stake one of them, watered plants on the back verandah and lowered the sun screens in preparation for a warm day.


























 I invented a new muesli for myself recently so I had a bowl of that for breakfast, sorted through knitting cottons and looked at my knitting basket for a while trying to decide what fabric I'll line it with. Tricia bought me this basket for my 60th birthday and it was lined with the original pink satin. She relined it, again in pink satin, but now that needs replacing. I want the new lining to be true to its 1940s era and when that's done I'll be very happy to have it back in service again.


After breakfast, the sun was hitting some plants on the front verandah so I watered them, sat on the couch and thought about moving a few plants around so they'll survive summer. But then the phone rang, I came inside and didn't give them another thought until now. There are many precious parts of growing old, like grandchildren and blissful days full of sewing and gardening, but I forget things now and I don't like that. It seems to be one of those things that comes with ageing for me so I'm not going to sook about it, and apart from this mention here, I'll just acknowledge the miserable fact and get on with it.


There is a fair bit of media interest in my library talks this year and yesterday, as I was talking to a journalist on the phone, Hanno brought me in a cuppa, and left the room silently, closing the door behind him. I doubt I could do what I do without Hanno. He has been at my side for more than half my life. I'm sure many of you feel the same way about your partners - they make so many things possible and often we just carry on like it's nothing. So let's raise our tea cups to our partners today and recognise them as the mainstays they are. I know it's not popular now to praise a husband, in fact often it seems the opposite happens, but I've never been one to run with any fashion, so my cup is full and raised high for Hanno. If your partner is a strong support for you, I salute them too. I hope you do too.


At some time during the morning, I cleaned the stove and made up a shopping list, I forget when they got done but at 11.30, I started making lunch. We had pork fillet and vegetables so it didn't take long to cook. After lunch, I talked with my Penguin publicist and another journalist and then went outside for a while to look at the elkhorn ferns in the bushhouse. I want to put them on the wall on the front verandah but when I took them out there, there were no screws on which to attach them. They're still sitting out there. I'll ask Hanno to put screws in the wall this morning and I'll hoist them up and see what they look like.


In the afternoon I did some washing, cleaned the bathroom and then a few bits and pieces on the computer. I'm trying to organise myself and my phone in preparation for the book launch and everything that will happen so quickly after that. If I put in a few hours of sorting out my address book and apps, it will make some things easier later on when we're far away from home. I get a bit anxious about going out and meeting so many new people but it's become part of what I do and as my mother would say, don't fuss Rhonda, just get on with it. That is my aim, but I don't aways succeed at doing it.

As usual, I ran out of energy in the afternoon and became quieter and less active as the hours passed. I had a piece of toast and iced water for dinner and did a bit of knitting in the evening before hitting the sack. It never takes me long to fall asleep and when I wake, there is is again, patiently waiting, another day in the life of an ordinary gal.


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42 comments

  1. So enjoyed your post. I felt tired just reading about your day and all that you accomplished! Yes I too salute my husband of 54 years who does so much to help me every day. Also, he and I both notice that we too forget things sometimes, just part of growing older. Blessings to you and Hanno from Don and Carolyn in Florida.

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  2. Lovely day of a lovely lady!
    Go on Rhonda! I love your posts.

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  3. I'm no where near your age, and I do forgetful things like that all the time! God help me when I'm older!

    Your last sentence should have said another PERFECT day in the life of an ordinary gal....because it sounds absolutely perfect to me :)

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  4. WOW! Congrats on your 2,500th post! That's incredible! And it sounds like you had a pretty awesome day. :) That knitting basket is really neat

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  5. Being the same age as you, I also am finding the process of forgetting things bothersome. If I think of something and don't do it right then, I will forget to do it. Well I thought of it didn't I?

    Having our faithful spouses is a blessing as we progress in this Life. Good fortune to you and Hanno as you march on to the public part of the new book.
    z

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  6. I had a chuckle at your forgetfulness, something that happens to me too now. I had a house viewing last week and while doing a quick last tidy and ensuring all was looking good in readiness....isn't it an exhausting and emotional business.....then while heading outside to empty the compost bin, I was distracted by the phone, and by the time I'd finished, the agent was here with the viewer and so I grabbed the dog and we headed out.......I returned to realise I'd left the compost bin in the middle of the kitchen table! It didn't seem to bother the viewers, as they offered on the house straight away. Could you show some pics of your blueberries when you have a chance Rhonda.....or maybe there are some already on your blog....I want to put some in at the new house but not sure the best way to grow them. Enjoy your ordinary day.

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  7. Yes, I salute my DH, my beloved, love of my life. We were introduced to each other on a blind date in 1991 and after a bit of a rocky start, we have had 23 incredible years together.

    He has always cared and supported me especially through the time when I was caring for my parents with cancer and their subsequent deaths. He cooked, cleaned, shopped, did the washing, ensured I ate, held me when I needed it and left alone when I needed that too. And, made endless cups of tea :)

    People say that I am lucky, and maybe I am. But you only get back what you give in life and we both work at our relationship everyday. It hasn't always been easy, but it has sure been worth the effort.

    Oh, and what a lovely day you had Ronda...it's a joy of the age that we are. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Dear Rhonda, Your knitting basket is wonderful. It is even more wonderful because of his own history, I think that I like second hand items so much mostly because I like wondering about previous owners. Anyway, your basket is pretty and it was sweet gift from your sister.

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  9. Sounds like a wonderful day in your life Rhonda. Im also learning all about forgetfulness but try not to worry about it otherwise i'd be standing in the one spot thinking ( what was i going to do ) lol Love your basket to its a real treasure. Have another great day Rhonda xoxo

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  10. Gosh I love having an ordinary gal in my life, I count myself lucky the day I found her.

    Congratulations on 2500!

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  11. Hi there, I try to thank my husband of nearly 40 years regularly for his help in life. Recently my mother went into care then a short time later died and there has been a lot too do, empty her house to prepare it for sale, find suitable care and all that goes with that, and the sale of the house which didn't turn out to smooth sailing and then the death of her and tiding up all her financial affairs which my husband has been very compentent in handling. I don't know what I would have done without his expertise and moral support. Thanks to him
    Regards
    Melinda

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  12. What a perfectly marvelous day! Most of the people I know who are retired travel and play all day. Not me. I haven't retired, yet, but I do get multiple days off, winter break, and a summer break where I practice retirement. I still, as you, wake early, feed all the house animals, have a cuppa, yoga, answer emails, and such and then head outside to care for the barn critters.. From there, it is working my way through a list of goals for the time I'm off. I love nesting and being home puttering. Traveling and playing every day would seem useless and unproductive as well as self-indulgent and wasteful. But, everyone has their priorities, right? I love your "ordinary gal" day and am completely satisfied being a member of the same club!

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  13. Dear Rhonda. Congratulations on your 2500 post. I enjoy reading your regular posts. A lovely way to start the day, especially today when you describe a lovely peaceful day at home. I have been busy this week, mostly over at the community garden tending my allotment (a pleasure) and yesterday I ran a workshop where we all got together and made sauerkraut. I did my first one a couple of weeks ago but some folk couldn't make it so 'by popular demand'… We had great fun, everybody working their shredded cabbage until it magically gave up it's liquid and was ready to pack into jars to ferment. So today I'm staying home because I have some cucumbers grown at my allotment all ready to make another jar of Bread and Butter Pickles. I also picked some Brazilian Cherries the other day from the food forrest at the community garden and made a couple of jars of jelly from the cherries. They need to be labelled and put with my other preserves.
    Best wishes from Jean

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    1. Hello Jean. Your workshops sound great. I'll do a post on the blueberries soon. I hope to put some time into them on the weekend so it may appear next week. xx

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  14. Such a lovely day.. Full of all the things that turn our crank.. smile.. Imagine all those posts.. Wow.. Thank you so much for all the time you spend doing your wonderful blog.. I would love to taste that bread pudding, too.. xo

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  15. A beautiful post about the ordinary wonderful life of a wife and homemaker. Thanks for the reminder to be thankful for our spouse.

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  16. Ah, yes, after 37 years I cannot imagine my life without my husband. I cannot abide husband bashing. Thank you for that.

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  17. Congratulations on your 2500th post Rhonda! That is a fabulous achievement and along with your books, is a wonderful legacy. Thank you for all the information, encouragement and inspiration you share here with us, I really appreciate it. I can't wait to get your new book when it comes out. Take care, Kelly. PS. your new muesli looks delicious!

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  18. Yes indeed, my husband makes our life as it is now possible. We make a good team, and I make sure to tell him how much I appreciate all he does for us.

    Congrats on 2500 posts--that's quite a milestone. And thanks for sharing your day, it sounds lovely.

    I'm 36 and forget things all the time, not sure if it's just the season I'm in (small children, which means constant chatter and interruption of thoughts) or what, but I agree, it can be frustrating.

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  19. Busy lady. I bet by the end of the day your ready for bed.
    Coffee is on

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  20. Wow congratulations on your 2500th post!! So much of what you have written has helped to transform our lives Rhonda, in all aspect, to the way we feed our family, to the decisions where we have moved to, so THANKYOU for all that you do, for the time and love you put into this blog and the forum, your care and passion for simple living radiates through everything you write and the way in which you encourage and work to enable others. Much love Rhonda. xx

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    1. Thanks Emma, I appreciate you taking the time to tell me that. All the best to you and your family. xx

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  21. Congratulations on your 2.5K post, I really love reading about your days it gives me a great peace. I am also grateful for my husband, he is my rock and I truly don't know where I would be without him on my side of the fence.
    As for forgetting, I have been doing that since I was pregnant with my daughter, that was 14 years ago and its only getting worse. Never mind, Ill forget about forgetting soon enough. Take care. Guida

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  22. Congratulations Rhonda! I really enjoyed reading about your day. So serene but not at all isolated. Few of us reach out across the world as you do - and not a sensation or scandal in sight, lol. Yes, so much of what we are, what we do and the life we lead depends on that so-important person in our lives. Like you, I will make a toast today with a cuppa, but my dear other half prefers his coffee....

    Ramona, Sweden xx

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    1. Hello Ramona, it's good to see you again. Soon it will be St Lucia's Day. Do you celebrate it?

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    2. Oh, yes! Everyone gets swept into the Lucia tradition on 13 December. Anders makes our saffron-coloured/tasting buns. All parents who can start work a bit later join their children at daycare nurseries and schools to watch their wee ones troop in as gingerbread men or Lucia followers. The lucky, chosen Lucia with the crown of light on her/his! head leads the procession. Then they sing all the Lucia songs. Even workplaces stop for a short break and have their own Lucia group of children or adults. Otherwise, there´s a national version on TV. All this before 8am......Will think of you in your summer sunshine whilst we munch our buns in darkness, Rhonda xx

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  23. Congratulations on your 2500 posts! Your day sounds as busy as mine, but a good kind of busy. By coincidence I have posted today about a day in our life too.

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  24. 2500 posts - astounding.....and you're worried about forgetting the odd thing - pfft!

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  25. Congratulations on that remarkable number of posts Rhonda, what an incredible resource.
    I sometimes wonder how my life will look when I don't have to get up to make lunches and brush hair and then ferry girls around. I hope it's as peaceful and productive as yours seems to be. xx

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  26. Hurray for all the wonderful partners about, I am so grateful to be married to one of them. My husband is a wonderful man and stands close by me in thick and thin. I have a lot of big health issues and lots of physical limitations and pain, but he is my sunshine and my great support. I would do anything for him! Love your pictures and the description of your day. Pam in Norway

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  27. I loved this special post. the number is huge and you have made such a difference to many lives by recording your lifestyle. Thank you being there and being a helping hand.

    The basket is a treasure. There is something soothing about the gentle clicking of needles. Sadly crochet does not have that sound. You grandchildren will be greatly blessed by your actions. They will have memories, a great gift.

    I greatly miss that I didn't have a successful marriage and have never had someone to be my rock. Perhaps one sweet day it will happen. Until then it is time to get on with life and do the best I can. Thank you sharing a great man with the world too.

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  28. congrats!
    a lovely post & i totally agree with Emma too!
    well i don't have a partner to raise my cup too but if y'all don't mind i'll raise it to all of yours :))
    thanx for sharing
    selina from kilkivan qld

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  29. Congrats on reaching 2500. I'm sure I speak for many when I say thanks for your faithfulness in sharing so much wisdom with us. I'm looking forward to the next 2500. :)

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  30. Raising my tea cup to salute my dear husband who is as much a part of me as I am a part of him. Together we have worked side by side for 26 years crafting a very ordinary life. My husband is my rock and I'm grateful to him for always seeing past my (many) faults to the true nature of my intention. I still feel lucky to have married him all these years later... While we are independent people, we are better together - just like apple pie and vanilla ice cream... or fresh strawberries and heavy cream. How sweet it is to be loved and to love without condition XO

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  31. My dear sweet husband of 33 years is the best thing that ever happened in my life. I know with all my heart that he is a gift to me from God. He saved my life years ago when an EX husband took me to court to try and take custody of my sons. I almost took my own life. I am sure I would have if that man had not stood beside me. It was a very difficult year. My EX was a military man, a judge gave him JOINT custody of our sons. That means he was allowed to take my sons 2000 miles away from me. I hurt so much inside I can not explain it. But with David by my side I did get through it and my EX and his new wife had babies of their own and no longer wanted my sons. So after that 1 year I never was without my sons again. God put that man in my life to get me through that very difficult time. Today he is still my 'better half' and I know I am the person I am today because of him. I thank God for that man.

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  32. Thank you for everything Rhonda! Hugs from France, Gerry

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  33. Hi Rhonda, I echo Emma's post and thank you for your 2500 posts...not sure whether I saw all of them but your reassurance that a simple life beats this crazy materialistic world re-enforces the ways I've been taught and lived my whole life. A sincere Thank You for all you do. Regards
    Willemina in New jersey

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  34. Congratulations on your 25000 post. I am very thankful for my husband. We have a 8 month old and my husband is the one to get up and resettle him at night (if I attempt to resettle he wants a feed). I try to txt him during the day and let him know that i appreciate him but i will definitely make sure i tell him tonight.

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  35. I've read your blog for years off and on, and enjoyed it very much, but this is my first comment. I wanted to thank you for your example of holding up your husband and say how lovely it was to read all the comments echoing praise of their own. It is both the 'fashion' I suppose and also an easy habit to fall into perpetually complaining about one's partner in life. Thank you for going against the tide and inspiring us to be openly thankful for those who see us at our weakest and ugliest and remain steadfastly by our sides.

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  36. Congratulations! yes, and thank you for uplifting Hanno and encouraging us to do so with ours as well. Do you have a recipe for your muesli? It looks delicious. Also, when you finish your lining for your lovely basket, could you show us how you did that? I have a large laundry basket to line and need direction. Thanks, Rhonda, for all you do for us! (Thanks to Hanno too!) Raising my cup!

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  37. Quite a milestone! Well done.
    I've read your blog for years and been inspired to do many things.

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    1. Thanks Kimberly. I do remember you from waaaaay back. Good to see you again. :- )

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