Hello everyone. I had a good break and feel better for it. I did a lot of thinking while I was away, it's amazing how clearly you focus when you're sitting outside in the fresh air with birds swooping by. I've decided to use Instagram as the main tool to communicate with you. It's faster, so I won't spend too much time online, and the passing traffic there is much greater than here.
Gracie is doing her afternoon checks here. She's watching the chooks in the first photo and then she moves closer to the creek to make sure no bush turkeys are about to storm the fences.
Don't worry, I won't be closing the blog down. It will be here for you to access for as long as you like, and I'll continue Weekend Reading most Fridays. I have a strong emotional attachment to this blog, it's been going for over 13 years and I've poured my heart and soul into it. However, it does take quite an effort and time to take photos and write interesting posts and I don't have the energy to sustain it to the extent I once did.
I hope you'll continue to read Weekend Reading and occasionally pop into IG to say hello and tell me your news.
My IG account is #rhondahetzel or click on any of the photos in the Instagram box in the right sidebar and it will take you to my IG account.
My IG account is #rhondahetzel or click on any of the photos in the Instagram box in the right sidebar and it will take you to my IG account.
🧡~🤎~💛~💚~💙~💜~🖤~❤️
- Birdwatching increased tenfold last lockdown. Don't stop, it's a huge help for bushfire recovery
- See Science fly
- This looks delicious: Vegan recipe for crispy fried rice with cucumber, peanut and herb salad
- I may be an old woman but I'm not done for yet
- Handiwork: 'The act of writing a letter changes the way you communicate completely'
- Those of you who know me will probably remember that one of the highlights of my year is to watch the brown bears at Katmai National Park in Alaska. The salmon start arriving on the June solstice and the bears are in the river waiting for them. They then gorge themselves enough to be able to hibernate over winter. It's a wonderful spectacle although you have to remember, this is real and sometimes sad things happen. Two days ago we were all in a flap because a mother with three cubs lost one of them and he was not recovered. Overall though, it's a wonderful insight into the natural world and even after watching it for a few years - from June to October - I still feel very lucky to be able to do it. This is a highlight film featuring the bears in all four seasons. If you want to watch the bears live, just scroll down and choose the live camera you want to watch, then save the page so you can go back.
- Reality bites: how the pandemic changed the way we eat
- Not Amish, not English
- Be a citizen scientist: track plastic waste, spot a spider monkey or beat coronavirus
- From crafts to board games, everything old is new again
- Ham hock terrine My parents used to make something similar to this when I was young, they called it brawn. This one looks absolutely delicious.
Rhonda, I agree that Instagram is much quicker than writing blog posts. I am pleased to see that Gracie is still guarding your back yard 😀 It is foggy and cold here today and hopefully our farmers will see some rain over the weekend. Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteOh, I will miss your blogging, but I understand. You have given us so much here. I will go back and read some of the older posts. They are so valuable. I'm so glad you will still do the weekend reading when you can. Thank you, Rhonda.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you'll still be posting here now and again. I love reading in the blog format! Thanks for this week's links. xx
ReplyDeleteHAHA- oh Rhonda so lovely to hear from you again. I am so glad you are rested and feel good. I was just going onto your blog to put "sewing" in the Search Engine and there your latest post was so i feel very blessed.
ReplyDeleteSincerely Karen NZ
So glad that you had a nice break and very thankful that you will still post here occasionally. I'm really not sure how IG works and it just seemed to be much more about photos than anything else so I do appreciate that you will be here now and again.
ReplyDeleteMargie, IG is mainly for photos but I tend to add as many words as I can to my posts. Have a look in the side bar and you’ll see an Instagram box. If you click on any of the photos it will take you to my account.
DeleteI just discovered you can open an IG account and not post anything. That allows you to look at the accounts you like without adding anything.
DeleteHi Rhonda- long time lurker...what is your IG name please? Thank you for all you do! -Lisa
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa. My account is #rhondahetzel.
DeleteHi Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteWhat is your IG account name?
Thanks kayla
It’s #rhondahetzel or click on the Instagram box in my right sidebar.
DeleteI'm glad you'll continue to post, even if only occasionally. I would miss reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteI have so enjoyed reading your blog, will miss your posts. I do not do instagram.
ReplyDeletediana in UK
Guess I will have to stop reading now then. Instagram no longer allow anyone without an account with them to view any posts. Everyone I used to read, including family, I can no longer do so. Shame on them.
ReplyDeleteSorry Rhonda, sounded grumpy. I shall continue to read here as there is lots I still haven’t read. I was well on my frugal journey when I discovered you and you were the cherry on the top. I am annoyed at Instagram for changing their policy. Continue to get well and do what you wish, which is the right thing to do. I can still view pictures just can’t click on anything.
DeleteLovely to read your post Rhonda. I’m so glad you enjoyed your break. It seems very common for bloggers to feel like you do. When I read posts about the commitment it takes to write regularly, it makes me appreciate even more the thought and effort that goes into every post. I love all the archives and I really enjoy the instagram idea. Thank you Rhonda 💕
ReplyDeleteThanks Jacky. I appreciate your kind words. ♥️
DeleteI will continue to come here and read your weekend posts as I do enjoy them. As so many have already said I don't have an IG account so will miss reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I just discovered you can open an IG account and not post anything. That allows you to look at the accounts you like without adding anything.
DeleteSorry to hear you won't be continuing your blog, I have been reading for many many years now, I will continue to check in for your weekly posts, however I don't have instagram so I won't be able to read your posts there
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading for all that time. I just discovered you can open an IG account and not post anything. That allows you to look at the accounts you like without adding anything.
DeleteGlad your rest was helpful. I hope you will continue to post on Fridays (at least), as I am not on IG, facebook and the like.
ReplyDeleteBee well.
♥️
DeleteGood to hear you feel more rested. You must feel very secure with Gracie looking after you!
ReplyDeleteFunny how soothing it is watching the antics of birds or pets.
Looking forward to continued IG photos. Thanks for keeping your blog open with the wealth of info in the side bar. xx
Thank you so much for your BLOG and books. Its really nice to read of your life, experiences and suggestions. I don't use FB or Instagram, but I will continue to enjoy your Friday posts here. Thanks for taking the time to post them. There is a time and season for all things. I understand. Thank you again. Jill
ReplyDeleteThanks Jill. ♥️
DeleteYou must be relieved to have made your decision Rhonda. I appreciate all of your writing whether here or on Instagram. I totally agree that it is so much quicker and easier to post straight from your phone. This is one of the amazing advances made with technology today. Sometimes we have to ease back on something cherished to give our attention where it is needed today. How wonderful that all your inspiring posts will still be available to reread here as well. Hope you have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteI am relieved. Now I can just get on with it. 🧡
DeleteHi Rhonda, thanks for all the content you have selflessly provided and continue to make available. I have only just scratched the surface and love to dip into it, though it sometimes makes me wish I were in Australia (where I was born but no longer live). All the best with your online and offline endeavours, no matter what form they takeotake how frequent they are. With warm wishes from London.
ReplyDeleteThanks Beth. I appreciate your warm wishes. 💜
DeleteHi Rhonda, I think you have a lot of company - most of the bloggers that I have read over the years are primarily on IG now. I was a lurker on IG and then developed the same issue as "Dc" above, so I broke down and created an account. I don't have anything posted on IG, and I'm not sure if I ever will, but if you see mnlakes2020 commenting one day on your IG feed, that will be me :) I will also still read whatever appears on your blog and appreciate all that you have so generously shared here for many years. And thanks for the Gracie pics!! Beth in MN
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know that Beth. I think if readers know you can have an “empty” account and still read everything in IG they might follow me over. 😘
ReplyDeleteRhonda, a little more info for others that may also be paranoid about social media. I think the only info I had to give IG to set up the account was my name and email address. If you're worried about privacy, you can choose a user name that doesn't identify you and also set the account to private so people can't post to your account unless you give them permission. My slow march to the 21st century continues!
DeleteHi Rhonda! Oh - I so understand why you are moving to Instagram mostly. I have been blogging since 2006 and I keep thinking about stopping but every once in a while I add a post or two. It is discouraging because it does take so much time to post to a blog and when I check my stats and noone is reading, I wonder why I keep on. I have so enjoyed your blog over the years - especially your Friday posts. I have discovered many interesting websites through you --- so thank YOU! Instagram is very easy to keep up with - even daily -- and the comments are encouraging.
ReplyDeleteThe world keeps changing and it is a challenge to keep up. You have to do what is right for you. I follow you on IG so I will be able to keep up with you. Thanks again for all you have added to the world.
Best wishes from western Massachusetts USA.
Kristin
Hi Rhonda, either here or IG I'm just happy to continue reading the wonderful things you share with us. At the end of the day we all need to do what's most suitable for us. Take care, Hugs for Gracie Kate from Tassie x
ReplyDeleteI am feeling the same way about my blog Rhonda. I have been doing it since 2007 and the time it takes, especially with slow internet is just not sustainable anymore. Since the C-19 virus I have been spending more and more time off of the social media and blog spaces and withdrawing back into my simple life. I find peace and comfort there and may continue to do this long term. It is really hard to make that final decision to let go of the blog as I have enjoyed the writing and interaction with like minded friends. I drop in here for the weekend reading as I am really liking some of the articles, clips and blogs you are sharing. I will also say hello on Instagram occasionally :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your shared wisdom over the years.
Much love to you all,
Tania xxx
Hi Rhonda. I will always be here to read your inspirational and educational blog. It has certainly changed my life in the past 3 years and now I will be retiring on 29/01/2021 at 55 to enjoy the life I want to live. I heard Helen Garner interviewed on RN recently and it inspired me to read one of her books. I have your chicken curry simmering on the stove and the chocolate yoghurt cake cooling. Life is good xx Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteI just signed up to follow you on IG. I’ve enjoyed your blog for so many years and your weekend reading posts are a highlight. I’ve enjoyed many good things from those!
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda, I am glad everything is good in your world. I have been reading your blog I don't know how many years...you had 2 airedales when I started! Thank you for leaving it up, and for hopefully doing the weekend reading post on occasion. I do have an instagram account, but I use it only to follow a few folks...I do not post on it. Really i have nothing to say that anyone would be interested in! it's under the name Javamama57 so if I do comment, that me!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie. I just replied to your IG comment. I hope to do the weekend reading most weeks because I can’t leave the blog behind yet. ☺️
DeleteThat is very interesting about the food waste and I am glad to hear that. Here in my area of the USA I have been able to buy restaurant food at a discount outlet grocer. It just comes in large clear plastic bags of 5 and 10 pounds mostly with very little labeling or cooking instructions. We were quickly spoiled for eating regular grocery store food since these items are very high quality and so delicious. I have been happy to see that there has been an outlet for these foods and they have not just had to be thrown out. It has also saved us quite a lot of money over buying foods packed in smaller quantities and in fancy packages.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you are rested. I already follow you on IG, so I look forward to seeing you there. Thank you for all the information & posts you have created over the years on your blog.
ReplyDeleteI love your weekend reading, always something interesting.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear all going well up in Qld. We've had very cold mornings but sunshiny days,so have been able to sew in a sunny window. Have nearly finished a handmade quilt, so will look to my UFO cupboard for the next project! My volunteer work has just restarted but if the corona virus lockdown in Victoria expands that may cease again for a while,so your lessons in stockpiles etc are as pertinent as ever! Best wishes to all, stay well everyone and thanks again for all our life lessons Rhonda and Hanno.(and of coarse the Gracie chronicles)p.s just had help to join instagram so I can read the comments!
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda, I am interested that you are now are preferring to use Instagram. I have been heading in that direction as well but need to sit down and spend time on how to use
ReplyDeleteit to best advantage. Do you only post to Instagram on your phone, as I believe that is the best way to do it. I have loved reading your posts and still use some of your great recipes. Keep well in beautiful Queensland. Pauline.
Hello Pauline. I rarely use my phone, I use an ap called Grids because I can use it on my computer and I can read the post as I'm writing it. That's difficult to do in a skinny phone screen. It does have drawbacks - you can only post one photo, then I use my iphone, but it also has advantages. Stay well.
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