Wow! What wild weather we have had overnight? I was up late, working on the blog (till one am-naughty me!), then went to bed to the sound of Husband’s (very loud) snoring; only to be woken up by heavy rain and gail force winds, that had knocked over many pot plants and ornaments on our patio (about four-thirty am). I got up to check on the kids; then went outside, to check if the house was still standing (thankfully, it was!). I grabbed a torch and trudged down to the chook shed area, to check on our precious girls; all the while hoping a big tree branch, was NOT going to hit me on the head and knock me out (I was sure no-one would find me until later in the morning!).
Well, it has been another busy week at our house (and surely at yours, too?); with the kid’s schools and end of year activities; our work and finishing off the downstairs rumpus room. I ended up painting three of the four walls- including a fresh feature wall; the fourth wall has many old (annoying) windows- so left it for the next time, I catch the painting bug again (sooner than later no doubt). I also managed to finish most of the trims, cleaned up and vacuumed the carpet many times; while rearranged the furniture, so we could see the new TV and our delightful fire place (wood heater box- that was installed last year). Luckily, Husband was able to return the damaged TV, we had purchased a week ago (arrg!); thankfully were able to exchange the same brand of TV (and same price), at the shop front in ACT (thanks Husband!).
Through all of this, I received my new book design files (thank-you!) and managed to upload (with a lot of help from my wonderful design team) the different files, to three online self-publishing sites; for ‘print on demand’ (Ingramspark- delivery to your door) and e-books (Amazon Kindle, Daft 2 Digital etc). Many hours (and another day) later, it was successful for two of the sites; one still to go (hopefully it will be up and running next week too). The second book (author copies) arrived on Wednesday- so very exciting indeed! Just in time for our book signing event next Sunday; we hope you can make it!…
Righto, I promised to have 2017 done and dusted; so (as Mister C eloquently says) let’s do this already, Mummy?!… If I recall rightly, it was the end of November; Mister C had turned the big five and was attending the Kindy orientation program, two days a week for five weeks. It was a very busy time with work; the girls and their end of year school activities (not unlike now- how uncanny?), with the end of year Karate grading for both Widy and Mister C (they both did very well to note); while Flossy had her piano lessons and end of year concert (thank-you). Mister C and I were attending the OT review each week; through to the New Year and a few weeks after kindy was to commence. These appointments were valuable, and did assist Mister C and our family, with his impulsive actions and sensory issues (I couldn’t thank the OT enough for their help and guidance- thanks so much!). Mister C would still stomp his left foot (to be precise) and kept saying, “I still don’t want to go to the big Rocky Hill’ school, Mummy!” (there was still time yet, to change his mind!) …
I recall, it was a very social (and happy) time for Husband over these few months. Not only did he have plans to catch up with friends in ACT regularly, while he stayed at his Ma’s place several times (remember- he called it ‘paradise’); the annual ‘lad’s trip’ away, down the coast was booked for the end of November. Husband had recently been to QLD to see his Bro and family the end of October (hiya!); to top that off, Husband also got a new (just over 18 months old) car for an early Christmas present (lucky guy!). Thankfully, we settled quickly on the sale of our rental property in town; receiving a small profit from the sale, just prior to Christmas (very nice timing- doesn’t usually happen in our world!). We were to put some funds back on our current mortgage (as per our bank manager) and then were able to purchase Husband a new and more reliable commuting car. With some funds left over, we put it away (term deposit), planning to complete a few more renos (mostly electrical) at our house (such money pits, aren’t they?) in the New Year. Little did we know, later in the year; I was to undergo major abdominal surgery, with three other minor procedures (not cheap being a private patient); that were all going to cost an arm and a leg…
Husband recalls, “Well, today is the tenth annual boy’s trip. How things have changed in the last ten years, when Flossy was in Wife’s tummy! Not sure if a few other friends are going; fun to go somewhere for the first time- ‘Mossy Point’. It was going to be a great time had by all!”… I shouldn’t complain about Husbands social events; I did however (and remember too), get to spend a night away early November, for my dear friend’s fortieth birthday in ACT (love you B.K). It was a wonderful (Bollywood) event; with memories to last a lifetime, with our dear friends together…
Two days later after the lads trip away, Husband went to pick up his new car from a dealer near ACT. Husband commented, “Picking up new car today; bye-bye manual ‘Cruze’! I said, when got another car, I would never have a manual again and I won’t! Missing second car key drama at dealership; had to insist on dealer providing two keys with car (as is usually), one key would have been a disaster. Arranged to pick up second new key in town, the following week; got home to only realise the inside part of the tow ball at the rear of the car, had been removed!”… Days later, Husband received the second key and had calmed down; he was happy with the new ‘Subaru’ (I wasn’t though- that’s another story). We had arranged for new roof racks and a roof top box for our trips away; of which had been nicely installed, prior to our trip away before Christmas this time (Husband wasn’t happy with the cost mind you- but were a necessary part of having three kids with accessories!) …
With my fairly new work position, I could only get some leave before Christmas (we weren’t complaining), I was very happy to have some leave. We decided to go to our happy place- ‘Mollybook’, prior to Christmas; just after the term finished for the year. Husband commented, “Family trip to coast was great. This time we did not play mini golf; fed birds, had plenty of pool time; Mister C and Flossy braved the deeper pool this time. Walked across the new hwy bridge to our local ‘Fish shop’ (the best around); walked along the lake and the jetty, we saw many blubbery jellyfish. We went to ‘Birdland’ this trip; was a bit of a rip off, but somehow was really quite wonderful! Up close with native animals; was raining through the day, but we had fun anyway. All the kids including Mister C had a snake on their shoulders- wonderful to see!”
We managed to arrange a quick trip to Sydney to see my dear sister and her family (hiya guys!), two days before Christmas. Widy had gone to her Dad’s and their family, two days prior as well. It was a lovely time spent together, while having a splash in the relaxing salt water pool (the kids kept asking to get one too!). We ended up spontaneously dropping in to the ‘Koala Park’ near my sister’s place; it was a hot day, but fun nonetheless… Christmas came and went (I recall there was a lot of wrapping paper to jam in the garbage bin this year); a nice time had by all, with a small, happy gathering of family and friends on Boxing Day.
Looking back on these times and events of 2017; I feel thankful we were able to do so many wonderful things, over this busy timeframe with our family and friends. With our current life, world situation and Covid climate issues; it is difficult to think, we may never ever go back to those carefree times, ever again. Let’s always cherish the time spent with our family and friends…
A Word from Mister C…
In the kitchen last week, I was making Mister C and Flossy some beef ‘Maggi’ noodles for an early, light tea (with toast); Widy was at work until later. Mister C was twirling about near the dining table; he then said, “Are we having noodles for tea, Mummy?” … “Yes, my son”, I said smiling. “These are the best noodles, ever!” I laughed. Mister C frowned; then replied, “You know, Mummy; Daddy makes better noodles than you!” … “Oh, no! I cried; “How are Dad’s noodles better than mine?” … “Well,” Mister C sighed; “You can only cook the noodles in the boiling water, for just two and a half minutes. Dad makes the best noodles in the whole universe!” … “Well”, I said smirking; “Try mine; they are better than the whole universe- the entire galaxy, and more!” … Mister C (and Flossy) sat down at the table and tried the noodles I had made; he then looked up surprised. “Wow! Mummy; they are fluffy like a great galaxy. Daddy’s are still the best noodles in the universe; which is bigger!” … “No, they’re not!” Flossy cried; “Mummy’s will always be the best and fluffiest ever!” …
Stay tuned…
For more sillier and zanier 2018 stories (bye-bye 2017!). Mister C finally starts kindy; it’s a battle, but we do get there in the end! Thanks for your continued support; we really appreciate you viewing and reading our blog website. If you have any suggestions, remember the comments section down the side of the blog page. Keep on reading! Hugs Me and Mister C ❤
