It's been a long while!

- March 03, 2026

I have decided to blog again after a lengthy absence. I guess I'm not alone, as others have decided to quit blogging and then returned.

So........the story so far. I have been retired for a couple of years now and have settled into a new way of life with my hubby of 53 years. No more early starts or late finishes. When I hear the rain at night, I simply turn over and go back to sleep!

You might think that I would learn to sleep in... but alas, I have not! I take my cup of tea out into the early morning light and just admire the beautiful beginning of the day. It's very peaceful at this time of the morning with only the company of my 3 dogs. Hubby stays inside reading the paper, but that's what retirement is supposed to be....doing something or doing nothing!

Lagerstroema or Crepe Myrtle

As the wet season is currently keeping the yard wet, wet, wet, there is not much going on in the garden. I do put on my wellies from time to time and slosh about in the yard hoping my Anthuriums and Philodendrons that I planted out when it was dry are doing OK, but of course, our weather just mimics where they come from anyway. North Queensland....Amazon!

Too wet for gardening.

This weather makes it cozy in the house and cooking and crafting seem to be my main pursuits these days. With the grandchildren grown and living their own lives now there isn't the great demand for cinnamon scrolls by the dozens or brownies by the tray full, so I tend to bake less. I did do 2 batches of biscuits and one slice today. That should see us through to the end of the week.

In the craft room I have been working on Block 9 of A Day In Happyland quilt by Anni Downs of Hatched and Patched. Nothing about this quilt says "a day"......... more like a year, but as I work my way through it I seem to enjoy it more. Maybe it's just getting to the end of it!

Blocks ready to be quilted.

The crochet hook has been working too and I have challenged myself to make a crochet tray and trivet using leftover macrame twine. It's hard going at times and I really don't feel comfortable using such a big hook or thick twine. Now I am doing a pair of finger-less mittens inspired by a friend who believes a cold winter is coming! Thought I'd give it a go too and I have finished one with one to go!