The last post

God bless you, Rhonda. Thank you for sharing so much for so many years! xo

You have been, and will continue to be for as long as your blog remains available, hopefully forever, a joy to read Rhonda. Many thanks for all the time and effort you have put into your amazing blog. Love to you and of course to sweet Gracie. XXX

Thank you so much for all your posts and books - I've really enjoyed them all and continue to refer back to many. I hope you have a marvellous retirement!! Best wishes for your future! Thanks again
Margaret

Thank you for all your blogs, I have found them inspiring. You will be missed, wishing you much peace & happiness

Thank you so much for all the wonderful posts you have written over the years. They have been truly inspiring. I have your 2 large books that are constantly read and reread for ongoing inspiration. I wish you and Gracie all the very best in your "final" retirement.

Rhonda, thank you so much for all the wisdom you have blessed us with over the years. You have opened my eyes to so many areas of my life that I can simplify and enjoy. Now as a kind-of retiree (I watch my young grandchildren so I'm not a 'real' retiree but am not working at a job), my life needs have changed. Your words will continue to guide me through. Again, thank you so very much for your guidance and wise words and enjoy your retirement! CJ

What a marathon effort and it’s good to know you have helped so many people. I still refer to your blog posts often so I love it’s still there to source recipes and other gardening things. Thank you for all your inspiration yours was one of the first simple living blogs I found back in the day and I have all your books too. Enjoy your well earned rest. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane

Thank you, Rhonda, and best of luck!

Thank you, your posts and books have helped me more than I can say. I learnt things at 50 that made my life easier, cheaper and happier. At sixty I learned to change and adapt. You have been a silent but wonderful teacher over the years. Thank you once again. I will revist this blog as you visit old friends. I hope you continue to thrive and enjoy your home and family. Each time I bake your bread recipe of try one of your recipes I will, think of you.
Much love and gratitude
Bernie

Thank you, Rhonda

Thank you for encouraging me from across the world. It’s been many years since the forum and I still miss the wonderful conversations and interactions with folks that shared interests - something I hadn’t found near home. I wish you well and hope you find all of the peace and enjoyment you deserve. Holly from Oregon

Your blog and books have meant a lot to me, Rhonda! Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your time and knowledge over the years. Your blog is a valuable resource and you will be missed. Enjoy your days in your lovely house and garden. Take care x

Thank you so much Rhonda, for all the work you've done over the years, I have learned a lot from your blog posts and your books, as I'm sure many many others have as well. I totally understand your need to take a step back from writing the blog & not having the pressure of what to write about etc, you deserve a break. I remember meeting you at Wangaratta, when you were on your book tour for "The Simple Home" & how much you inspired me to make things at home & how satisfying it is to accomplish those tasks. I now make all my own soap, I make all my cleaning products, cook from scratch, preserve food, make jam from my own home grown fruit, the list goes on, all because I saw your articles in The women's weekly magazine & it resonated with me! Thank you, you are a gem! xx

Thank you, for everything you have done for us. Good Luck!

I have enjoyed your blog since 2020. Often stumbling across things in the archives also.

It has often brought me a smile and sometimes a tear in my eyes. You shared some truly thoughtful reflections. Thankyou and good luck with whatever you choose next.

I will be positive for you and not sad. I learned to knit bc of your blog. I learned to cook things i never would’ve had the courage to bread for instance. I must’ve started reading them soon after you started. I was a young mother of two little girls and my husband was sick and became disabled. I was able to knit gifts and household items while we were stuck at the so many dr appointments we constantly were at. I felt like i was accomplishing something so it calmed my nerves. I was able to bake bread and trade for haircuts and such. You taught me things that i desperately wanted to learn, that i had missed out on learning from not knowing my grandmothers And in such a beautiful way. I cried when your dear husbands health was failing and you lost him. I was excited for each new grandbaby. Thank you thank you thank you! Enjoy your retirement and feel accomplished in the beauty that you have spread!!!!

You will be missed! I have been reading your blog for many years and have always looked forward to it. Thank you for all you have shared and taught people over the years. I wish you many more years of health and happiness. Kisses to Gracie also!

Thank you Rhonda for all you have shared and done. Thank you to Hanno as well. You have encouraged and inspired me right from the very beginning of your blog. Your positive influence and warmth has helped me and many others and I am so grateful. I knew this day would come and dreaded it but I also totally understand. This is your time and I wish you many years of peace and joy. You are a treasure. With love to you and Gracie. I will often imagine you both sitting on the verandah watching, daydreaming and resting as well as you going about your daily tasks within your home. NZ Ingrid

Thank you for years of committment and inspiration.
Laura in Missouri, USA

Thank you and blessings to you dear Rhonda. You have been a gentle catalyst for many people to rearrange the way they live, plus you have encouraged many of us to write about the simple ways of living. You have generously shared your knowledge and given us a space to be heard.
I’ll never forget your generosity and will always be grateful for your encouragement. Go gracefully and be well Rhonda. With much love,
Sally Jembella Farm

Thank you Rhonda for all the joy and wisdom I got from you. May you have many years of health, work and happiness.
Hilde in Germany

Thank you for all the great advice, wisdom, life experience and personal stories and anecdotes you've shared on these pages. I've enjoyed every single one. Wishing you a happy blogging retirement and the extra time enjoying whatever your heart desires. I look forward to the occasional post on instagram. DC (Melbourne) xx

Very simply … thank you.
Phil Pogson

I have so enjoyed your posts and all you’ve shared. Happy retirement! I know you will continue to make a contented life for yourself. You have been an inspiration for me. Thank you!❤️

Thank you for all your posts and hard work. I have enjoyed your books and your blog for many years. Wishing you health and happiness.

Thank you! May your writing retirement be as blessed for you as you have blessed so many with your blog posts.

Thank you Rhonda for all you have given to so many. I have thoroughly enjoyed your post over the years, though haven't commented. Take care and may God watch over and bless you.

I will miss your posts so so much. Thank you for sharing all your wisdom. I really enjoy reading your posts and cannot find anyone else out there like you who I enjoy like your contribution to simple living. If you can recommend anyone else that I can follow along with, I’d be grateful if you could share with me please? Michelle

Thank you, Rhonda, for all that you have shared over those many years. It's a good thing your book is still out there -- and thank you for leaving your blog up. Your strategy for ceasing the blog is also Down to Earth and sensible. Good luck, and I know you will keep on enjoying your simple and rich life.

I’m very thankful Rhonda for finding your blog . I’ve enjoyed learning about living simply and sensibly . You’ve shown us all the beauty in the everyday and how very capable we can be . I’ll look out for you on Instagram and will continue to revisit your blog history . Wishing you many hours of joy and contentment xo Jacky L

Thank you so much, Rhonda , for everything you have shared . I'm a little sad of course, but happy that your blog remains open. I consult it very often, and I will continue to do so. I wish you and your family the best, long years of simple life. Know that I will never forget you . I kiss you very much from France

Thanks so much Rhonda for your writing and inspiration. Your books and blog have been such a help and encouragement. Best wishes for the future. Judy

Thanks for the memories! I have enjoyed your blog for a very long time and learned a lot, too. Best wishes to you and Gracie.
--Maxine

Thank you so much, Rhonda. I never would have learnt to make soap many years ago if it wasn't for your wonderful instructions here on your blog. I wish you the very best.

Thank you Rhonda for all your wisdom and knowledge, you have been an inspiration for so many people and I wish you a very happy and blessed future 🥰

Thank you Rhonda for being a shining light through so many of the changes I have made over these many years. Your great advice & calm voice has been such an inspiration. Wishing you every happiness for your days ahead & the time to take a slower pace & enjoy them. I treasure your books & re-read them often, & I have appreciated the blogs & readers comments; these are a lasting treasure-trove of ideas & guidance through challenging times.

Thank you so much for all you have written! I have been inspired by you many times over the years, making from scratch and leading a simpler life. I bought soap from you and was gifted loofa seeds. I will still continue to follow you and Gracie on Instagram! Take care of you, Rhonda. Lisa C

Thank you so much for all you have shared Rhonda. I first came across you in a magazine article & you spoke about making soap & knitting homemade dishcloths - this sparked my interest & lead me on to so many different home making tasks that I have enjoyed over the years & still do. Your books that I have purchased (both for myself & my daughter in laws) are very well thumbed & bookmarked & well loved through so much use of them. Thank you again - Julie in New Zealand.

All the best Rhonda. Thank so much for your wonderful blog. I have so enjoyed reading it all these years. Thank goodness you will still be on instagram at least for a while. Take care. Helen

Bless you Rhonda for sharing your wisdom and insight through your blog and books. Your wise words have been a guiding light for so many of us. It’s time to smell the roses, as the saying goes. With every good wish to you for good health and happy days enjoying your home and garden.
With thanks,
Ann

Dear Rhonda. Reading your blog has been a part of my life for the past 18 years. I am forever grateful for your knowledge that you have been willing to share with us. Thank you. Wishing you health and happiness.

Thank you, God bless you 🙏👍❤️

I look forward to reading your words every so often. I'm happy this will continue to be available. Take care. Brigitte

Thank you for the many times I have been inspired by your blogs and books I will truly miss you from Sandy from Wales,

Thank you for everything you have written. Started my unfinished journey because of you! Enjoy your time without pressure now !

thanks rhonda, go well

Thank you for sharing you wisdom with us over the years Rhonda. It's been a delight to share a peek into your home and garden. You encouraged me many years ago when I first started writing a blog, and I've read your words over and over. Enjoy your extra time and peace, and know that many of us will still be reading your archives and putting your advice into practice in our own homes. X

I still look at your posts regularly, sometimes going way back. Have both books too. Thankyou for all you have shared, I will look out for your instagram posts.
Take care, a pat for Gracie, Keriann NZ

Thank you so much Rhonda for sharing your knowledge and wisdom so kindly across many years. Enjoy your well deserved, additional retirement time now with Gracie and your family xx

Oh Dear Rhonda you have been a large part of my life for so long. I will miss you and your inspiring content. Thank you for being you and good luck with your future.❤️

Bless you Rhonda for all your commitment, hard work and wisdom. Thank you for keeping up the blog as I frequently re visit your older posts for inspiration and encouragement. Take good care of yourself and enjoy a quieter life. You will be missed but I follow you on IG so hopefully you will add a picture now and then xx

I just picked up your book again off my bookshelf. I have started to read it again. I thought I would see if you still had the blog going! So glad I caught the last one to comment on. I will read back through all the ones I have missed. Thank you. Enjoy your retirement. Karen

Thank you Rhonda, I have loved your posts. You have really influenced me in such a positive way and I have your beautiful DTE book which I often go back to. Best wishes for more peace in your days xx

Thank you for your wisdom, thank you for the encouragement to try and be something outside of the norm and thank you for sharing yourself and your life. Enjoy true retirement and many peaceful days with dear Gracie. XOXO

Thank you for bringing so much light into the world. May God bless and keep you all of your days.

Dear lady, thank you for your wonderful blog, I have read and re-read from the beginning and am always waiting for the next instalment and popping in for information, unfortunately it is very difficult to source your books here in the UK so I will sorely miss your presence. May I wish you peace and love going forward in your life and again thank you🙏❤️. Jan in Castle Gresley, UK

Thank you 💚

Rhonda, hopefully I will catch you on Instagram from time to time. I don’t blog so much these days as it does take time as you say. I have happy memories of the DTE forum and seeing you and Hanno over the years. All the best for what lies ahead of you. We are both the same age so these are interesting times as we get older. Chel

Oh man, Rhonda....what a surprise & a disappointment. I've always loved your blog & reading your wisdom. You will be missed. Love, Andrea xoxo

Thank you Rhonda ❤️. I have benefited greatly from “knowing” you, Hanno, and Gracie; learning from you and sharing bits of your life. Wishing you peace and joy. Don’t be a stranger on Instagram. Cindy from Wisconsin, USA

Goodbye beautiful lady I ll miss you ! JEZEBELLE/ISABELLE from belgium XXX

Thank you Rhonda - coming from the U K I have enjoyed reading about your life on the other side of the world and am sad that you will not be writing anymore but quite understand.

Your words of encouragement and reassurance have sustained me and given me confidence in my own values. What a gift. Thank you.

All the best to you, Rhonda. Your blog has been helpful, as well as your book. Thank you!

Thank you for every post. Wishing you good health and happiness. ❤️ Jenny

Thank you for all the years of inspiration Rhonda. I’ll continue to refer to your books which sit in the bookcase in my lounge room. Enjoy your extra time. Lyn 💜

Thank you for all your hard work Rhonda. Along with so many others on here I have learnt so much about simple and sustainable living. You must have inspired thousands of individuals and families - some of whom have then created their own blogs or YouTube channels. Katie on the SC.

Dear Rhonda, I have been reading your blog for the last 14 years (but am not much of a commented). Thank you for taking us with you on the journey to sustainable living. I am much younger than you and a peek into your life and journey of getting older really helped me to get a more balanced view of life. You inspired me to get started on my family's own journey of sustainable and simple living. Thank you for everything you shared with us, the wisdom, the knowledge, the motivation and the inspiration. I wish you all the best.

I love your blog. I'm so glad you will be leaving it up, the massive wealth of information is so valuable, it would be devastating not to be able to access it. It is inspirational.
I wish you well in your retirement from blogging and look forward to reading snippets of your life on Instagram.

Rhonda, I will add to the grateful words already spoken by others. I have thanked you before but really do hope you know how significant your simple living journey has been to others. You have inspired, encouraged and taught me. I will never, ever forget the mark you have had on my life because it has truly been life changing. Your books continue to be used frequently and I continue to recommend your work to others. God Bless you Rhonda and most of all enjoy this next phase of your life surrounded by your loving family, beautiful home and treasured memories - Carolyn xxx

Hi Rhonda. You can probably just adjust your model for posting so you are not fatigued.. Just post short, snappy posts about what you are up to. The lengthy informative life coach style is tiring to write. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water.

Goodbye and thank you. You are an inspiration.

Lisa - Rhonda it has been pleasure to read your blog. I have your books and treasure them, thank you.

Liebe Frau Rhonda, ich lese Ihren Blog schon lange Zeit mit viel Freude und danke Ihnen für die interessanten Beiträge. Zum Glück können wir weiterhin im Archiv weiterlesen. Ich wünsche Ihnen alles Gute für die Zukunft.
Liebe Grüße von Hanne aus Deutschland.

Thanks for the years of tips and advice Rhonda. see you on Instagram

Dear Rhonda, I am so deeply grateful to you. I have read your blog for many years and have cherished your blog posts more than I can say. Your generous spirit and kind and calm writing style has been a joy to read. I have learned so many skills and been inspired by you time after time. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!!!!! I wish you all the best!!!❤️

Thank you so much for your inspirational and wise words. You have been a sensible voice in a world gone mad. Best wishes for your health and happiness. Karen England x

Thank you Rhonda for your blog and your books. You’ve given me so many tips and tricks that I use around the house and have helped me value time, home and the simple life.

Good luck with all your endeavors, and feel free to return to cyber space at any time! Might I recommend a site you may like...the Canadian Pepper and his geopolitics addition, Prepper News, both on YouTube. He is a genius who offers lots of useful info on self sufficiency with insights on how world political events impact average folks.

It must be amazing to see those stats and know you've made a difference to so many people.
Thank you for all the time and work you've put into your blog. You made me realise that going against the grain and living another way is possible and I always find your posts informative and comforting. I will really miss seeing a new post!
THANK YOU and wishing you all the best xxx

Thank you for everything Rhonda. For writing, encouraging, sharing with us all. For coming back in the past when people asked and for looking after yourself by retiring now. You have touched so many peoples lives and made the world a kinder place. I know my life is better for your influence. Heartfelt thanks for it all. Wishing you and your family all the best for the future.
- Emerald.

thank you so much for leaving your blog open for others to peruse. I often think "oh that whole orange cake recipe must be on Rhondas blog!" Your site is a minefield of information. I have been up and down with blogging, as have a lot of us. thank you for being one of the stalwarts! I am back on track now having written an ebook "crafting with the fabric we have". Blogging is still one of the most amazing ways to have kept in touch with fellow gardeners, crafters and cooks. Bless you Rhonda for all you have given to us!

Thank you Rhonda for your many years of sharing. I found your blog about a year after you started posting and I learned so much from you over the years. Enjoy your garden, your family, friends and your retirement. I will miss your wise words and clever, no nonsense explanations and tutorials for everyday home tasks and life lessons. Thank you and thank you again from Ontario, Canada.

I loved your blog all these years . Thank you for sharing your life with us . I will continue to visit your blog . Blessings . 💐

Hi Rhonda, I don't have anything new to add to the comments above, I just want to take this last opportunity to say "thank you" for your wonderful blog that I have enjoyed for so many years. It has always been one of my most favourite blogs, and I often refer to my copy of "Down to Earth" (the best scone recipe!). I hope you keep well and can continue to live the life you want for many more years. Thank you again.

Thank you for sharing your blog. I discovered it fairly recently, but it has been nice to hear from others who like homemade food/ goods in today's modern world. I hope you have fun and peace in the next stage. :)

I have so much enjoyed following your journey and you have made an imprint on mine. I will not get the proper words but when you said come closer, let me whisper in your ear, the joy you make in your home etc.; it stayed with me. Loved the kitchen sink series as well. Thank you for the many years of sharing! Teresa in IL, USA.