Hello everyone

It was becoming "normal" to not write a post here so I thought I'd better get back and say hello to you all.  I had an enjoyable trip down to Armidale to pick up my sister, Tricia. We stayed overnight at Glen Innes then completed the 560km return journey arriving home in the early afternoon. It was good to get out on the road again, enclosed in my car bubble I could see what was going on and get a better understanding of the horrific drought that's taking a toll on the countryside here. We drove back through Stanthorpe and I took the opportunity to buy fresh apples for $7 a box. It was a real treat to see roadside stalls selling fresh winter produce like rhubarb, pumpkins, avocados and honey.

This part of the Armidale railway station. Such a beautiful building and still working very well as a government utility.

Tricia wasn't well when she arrived so there was a trip to the doctor in the first couple of days and then more medication and rest for her in that first week. The weather has been good so she was able to sit in the garden in a comfy chair, knitting and reading.  We had Kerry, Sunny, Jamie, Alex and Eve over for dinner on Saturday night and yesterday we went for a drive and had lunch down at Golden Beach. So even though we've been reasonably quite and steady, we've done a few things.

 We stopped at Shelley Beach on the way to Golden Beach to enjoy those wonderful rockpools.

I've been doing a small amount of gardening and have planted more flowers and struck cuttings, my knitted face cloths are finished and this week I'll make some soap to be packaged with the cloths. Hopefully they'll make a bit of money for Johnathan's school.

 She was such a cute puppy.

The most exciting day this week will be Friday when Gracie celebrates her second birthday. The time has gone by so fast! It seems like we brought home that tiny black bundle from the airport just a month or so ago. Back then I didn't know just how much she'd make us laugh and how we'd grow to love her. She's grown into a beautiful and intelligent dog and I thank my lucky stars she is living with us.

Our little Barnevelder chicken died. She lasted a week and spent that time in our sunny warm vegetable garden. All our chickens are vaccinated and none of the others are showing any signs of illness. My thanks to everyone who offered advice and suggestions.

This is half a cushion cover. I'll post photos soon.

Things are always a bit different when someone is staying here, it doesn't matter who it is. I never stick to my routines when we have visitors and instead I spend time talking and appreciating the connections I have with my family and friends. After a lovely visit, Tricia will travel home again and then I'll get back to my version of normality. I still have a lot to do in the garden, I want to clean out the bush house before the hot weather starts again, and there are a few things inside the house I want to sort out.  In the meantime, I'll enjoy the rest of Tricia's visit, look forward to Gracie's special day and I'll probably write here a bit more frequently and share photos. Thank you for your patience. 🌸