My sincere thanks to everyone who sent a birthday message yesterday. I had such a good day. I didn't do any work, I relaxed, read, gardened, went out to lunch at the local pub with Hanno and Jamie and all through the day those messages, emails and phone calls flowed in to fill the spaces left open. Thank you for help making it the day I hoped for.
Here we are in the garden after lunch. There's quite a shake up out there with lots still to do. When Shane, Alex and Eve were here for lunch on Wednesday, Shane put out some pavers for me that are now too heavy for Hanno and I to lift; they'll soon be part of a feature in the garden.
This is yesterday's morning tea on the front verandah.
I set up my little solar water fountain in the garden yesterday. It's been sitting on the back verandah for the past six months. It's one of the things on the pavers. More photos when everything is in place and we're happy with it.
I hope your week has been a good one and if it wasn't, that everything has improved now and is moving in the right direction. Covid is still playing a huge part in lives here and probably where you are too. Stay safe at home if you can and take the opportunity to improve your home and garden.
Here are this week's readings, I hope you enjoy them.
- I'm drooling over this custard pie Nigel Slater’s recipes for scallops with basil butter, and for banana custard choux puff
- I just found out about this cheap postal service - Australia only. You might need it with Mother's Day coming up
Happy Birthday, Rhonda. Looks like a wonderful feast. I'm glad that you received so many kind birthday wishes. My home has been such a sanctuary during this virus. It helps me to do yoga, meditate, chant, and listen to the Eastern views on what's happening, too. They seem much more objective, spiritual, and less driven by corporate greed and profit. Nothing like putting the hands and feet in the soil!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely day. Pity there weren't any seagulls to take care of the chips!
ReplyDeleteI have the same pot I have a solar pump and have goldfish in mine better than decorative water fountains for that relaxing sound on the back deck. Added bonus they eat mosquito larvae 😃. Cheers
I love your blog. I am your age and enjoying life. Please stay healthy and keep blogging.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, Rhonda. I have seen those solar water fountains advertised and wondered if they worked well. It is cooling down here so will soon be a good time to get out in the garden. I have more skin cancer surgery on my face soon so have to be careful. I am always careful anyway but the damage was done when we were young and didn't know anything about skin cancer. Give Gracie a hug for me again.
ReplyDeleteIn full sun they work well, Chel. I hope the surgery goes well. The last lot was good, Yes?
DeleteA belated Happy Birthday Rhonda xx
ReplyDeleteSounds and looks like a very beautiful day, your home and pictures always look so inviting and comforting♥️
I had problems logging in here yesterday (my bad not the blog) to wish you happy birthday but managed it on Insta..Love the photo of you both! One of the first things we did with our garden was to build a garden pond with the main thought of attracting birds. It has given us so much joy. I love the thought of those sundriven fountains though. Will be shopping around over the w/e. You can never have too many birds or too much water in a garden I think. Enjoy your weekend. xx
ReplyDeleteRamona/Sweden
Happy belated Birthday! Looks like you had a lovely lunch.
ReplyDeleteLinda
I'm so glad you had a wonderful birthday, Rhonda. That picture of you & your husband is absolutely wonderful... definitely a keeper (him AND the picture *haha*). ~Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Rhonda - so glad you had a wonderful day! That birthday portrait - the spirit of the artist really shines through; smiles, winks and all that pink. Your lunches look delicious - thanks for the details. I always like to know what everyone had :). I'm looking forward to seeing your latest garden improvements when they are done, especially the solar water fountain. I haven't seen one like that before and really like it. I have a huge forsythia that is blooming like crazy and have been out trimming and cleaning up the yard. So glad spring is here! Beth in MN
ReplyDeleteHappy belated Birthday, Rhonda! Really glad you had such a lovely, relaxing day. Lunch looks delicious. Thanks for sharing (I'm jealous of the coconut prawns; they're one of my favorite treats.) Stay well. All the best, Caroline
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteAM of the Bread
Happy Birthday! so glad you got to spend your week with family and a bit of fun. I must say that the article on the Ghan just made me feel so happy!
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda, I have enjoyed your blog from the start. My mum died too young when I had 5 little ones under foot including triplets. I missed her wisdom and still do 24 years later. You became my surrogate Mum Rhonda through your writing. You kept me going with your practical no nonsense outlook on life. It reminds me so much of my own mum. She had great homemaking skills, mine are a bit diluted and my children's are diluted a bit further. Although they can all cook and clean and apparently this is quite a bit more than manner of their peers can do.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being there for me Rhonda, although we have never met I just wanted to let you know you are part of our family and everyone knows my saying "I wonder what Rhonda Jean would think of that?"
Hello Cindy. I'm sorry you lost your mum way too soon but very pleased I could step up for her and help you through some of life's hurdles. And what would Rhonda Jean think? I think it sounds like you've done a pretty good job and to keep going because your mum would be proud of you. xx
DeleteLooks like you had a wonderful Birthday. The food looks delicious. So nice to see you and Hanno.
ReplyDeleteHugs from The Netherlands ❤️
Hello from the other side of the world. I am not able to come out on the internet and read your blog very often, but love catching up when I can. I appreciate your writing and who you are, I share in your gratefulness for life and being able to take care of things in your own little world of home. Thank you for being you and many blessings to you for another year, may you have good health and wonderful times with your family and friends.
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