Can't say you're wrong about that, Wilma. I might be leaving her behind sooner than expected, we're working toward her going home and me staying however long my partner will be here instead. Tricky around my financial obligations, but I'm all for it.

II'm glad to say the physical pain has been fairly manageable for him. The struggle with depression in this situation, being so far from home has become the greater struggle. There will be a lot of ongoing medication, yeah. Not quite as much, but enough to be somewhat dismaying. I imagine any organ transplant is quite an ordeal.

Is it getting a bit warmer there, Wilma? Have had some quite pleasant days here.

Had a feeling your loyal companion might continue snuggling in bed with you at night. At least she's using her own bed some of the time.

There is a possibility of us both coming home within a few weeks. It's not certain, but fingers crossed. It would mean a lot to us both. Certainly not in a hurry to return to work!

How did physio go? Not too much pain, I hope.

Chocolate sounds good. Have been having a bit of it here, I must say. Definitely valuing a bit of comfort food.

Congratulations, Wilma, that's really good news. I'm glad your art is getting some appreciation. You deserve it. Very happy for you. :)

Blue, I hope you can both return home in a few weeks. Having the comfort of home, the puffballs, the familiar , all those small things really add up. I know there will be on going challenges, depression being an obvious one. But relaxing in your own home can’t be beaten.

Yes, some warmer days here. I’ve noticed the evenings are brighter. Not by much, but the days are getting longer.

Physio isn’t going to well Blue. He is dealing with one area, but so many other areas ache. We are looking into water therapy, trying to find affordable options. Tricky. Everything comes down to money Blue. Everything. It sucks.

My LCs new bed is right beside me on the bed Blue. I’m trying to reclaim my pillow. 😂😂Another tricky situation. But the warmer weather will help.

I hope you have managed a few walks, and had some birdie company. Fresh air is so good, in many beneficial ways.

Thanks for the 👍👍 Regarding my art. Much appreciated.

Leaving a coffee ☕️☕️☕️ This morning Blue. My second.

Dear Blue (with a wave to the noted artist Wilma)~

I've been away for a little while and am catching up, am I right in saying your LM no lounger has tubes, is in the postal accommodation and your MIL will soon depart? I hope so

Being in pain does not help depression, and the idea of you maybe having to depart before he is ready to leave is pretty horrible.

I've no ideas, except to look back on my own life and find words of comfort mainly don't. Words of distraction, humor and a place to enjoy mentally have been better.

Try the Main Title Theme to American Gods, a TV series that is nearly as good as Neil Gaiman's book. Also for a change of pace Everybody Walkin' This Land by Paul Cauthen, sung as one of the many good tracks in the series -has nothing to do with your situation or anything else, I simply liked the juxtaposition of words and beat,

Old Town White Coffee in a cup for you, and another for your LM

Croix

If the results of tomorrow's test are good, we should be heading home very soon. I say home - there are some repairs in my house that *must* be done before my partner can live in our house again (black mould + immune suppressants = extremely unsafe), so we'll be staying elsewhere for an undetermined time before home is an option. I am unhappy about this - it's the one significant downside of my not returning home ahead of him, the plan was to fix that stuff while he was away.

Longer days are good, takes the edge off the cold.

Sorry to hear that physio is going poorly. I know what you mean about money getting in the way of a lot of things. Hope you can find a way around that for treatment.

Haha, had a feeling her bed would wind up there. Good luck getting your pillow back.

We have managed some nature time, I'm glad to be able to share some of what I've seen with my partner. Got to show him the swans yesterday.

You're welcome, Wilma. Happy you're getting some recognition. :)

Definitely keen on coffee. This is one draining trip. Kind thoughts to you and your loyal companion.

Hey Croix,

That's correct, no more tubes. No postal accommodation, though, he doesn't quite fit in their padded bags. ;) Sorry, couldn't resist. We have a room covered by the hospital, yeah. Mother in law has returned home, so it's just us now.

He's actually not in a lot of pain at this point. The depression is more because he very much wants to go home. It's down to the point at which the doctors at home have the expertise to take over the remaining tests/rehab required.

I'm inclined to agree with that. Just doing or thinking of normal life things is far preferable to words of comfort.

I've not yet listened to your music suggestions, but you have piqued my curiosity. I have some familiarity with Neil Gaiman through Good Omens which he wrote with Terry Pratchett - the series based on it is delightful, if you haven't seen it.

Old Town White Coffee, huh? Sounds suspicious, but I'll give it a go. My lovely man has taken to drinking coffee since the surgery. He's normally a tea drinker, but the meds mess with his sense of taste. Also, an elevated heart rate from the extra caffeine is not a disaster for him any more. :)

Hope you and the Menagerie fare well.

Blue.

Blue, I’m guessing you know by now, when you and your LM will be returning to your temporary accommodation.

I’m sorry it can’t be home for now, but hoping the Mold issues are sorted as fast as possible. That’s disappointing.

It’s been a long and hard few months for you both. I’m really hoping progress is not to slow or draw out, but realising, it’s a slow process for a reason.

I hope you get casseroles from family and friends, to help with some time together.

I can only imagine the delight you both felt, being with the birds and out in the fresh air and nature. I hope you have many more trips there.

Sending warm thoughts Blue. And a coffee ☕️☕️☕️ a strong one.

Good news, Wilma, we are home! Well, in our home city, anyway. Puffballs are here with us, we missed them like crazy.

Thanks, we hope that too. As my partner keeps telling me, it's for the best in the long run. Father in law says sit back and relax in quarantine, he'll take care of the cleaning and I get to do the decorating, haha. Could be worse things, certainly.

Yes, definitely a few rough months. He's got a way to go, but the worst is over, now we're getting his functionality up from frankly better than it was before the surgery to being able to do all the life things like returning to uni. That will take a while, but it's well within manageable parameters.

That's sweet, thanks. It would be good.

It was really good out among the birds. Even better in a way with the hindsight of remembering it from home. It will be amazing taking him out to all the places I like to go, he hasn't been up to walking with me for a good year or so. We have dreamt of this.

Thanks Wilma, definitely keen for coffee. I really appreciate you being on the journey with me, I hope you realise how much good you do with your consistent presence, understanding and encouragement, it means a lot.

How are you going? Any hydrotherapy happening or good alternatives to physio? How is your garden, and your fur baby?

Dear Blue~

I'm delighted, please give my regards to your LM and a gentle tickle to the puffballs.

(That coffee you questioned was listed as the second best in the world - I've already offered you the best:)

Croix

Oh Blue, I felt a heartbeat of delight, knowing you are in your home city, and with your babies. 💙💙👍👍👍👍

How did the puffballs react when they saw you both ? Squeaks and squarks, pecks and nips. Or just snuggling, delighted at it all. Lovely pic in my mind.

Enjoy quarantine. I hope you manage some rest.

Its all a new journey now Blue. As your LM becomes stronger, you can share more of life together. I hope this is a corner, with a spectacular view. God knows you both deserve a break. If he doesn’t, many of us do.

I hope mother-in-law is out of the pic. I know there will be some ongoing stuff, but hopefully, from a distance.

No hydrotherapy yet. Still trying to find out about the package I’m waiting to start up. There’s a years wait, and that is in November, so hopefully something positive will come of it. For now, it’s plodding on with a few exercises.

Its warmer here now Blue. 19 yesterday. It was overcast, so not bad at all.

Tomorrow I drop off my art for the exhibition. It’s a mixed bag of nerves and excitement. Counsellor and I are going to have a look at everything once it’s running, which is next month. 😳😳

I gave furbaby a bath yesterday, she’s really soft and fluffy now.

My plants are doing really well. Some are budding , so not long before I see some colour in my backyard. Once it gets hot, I will be indoors.

Dropping off a strong coffee for you both. And the best wishes ever, for a smooth recovery.

I appreciate your presence also Blue. 💙💙

Evening Croix,

Thanks, and will do. :)

I was compelled to Google it when you said that.

As I have also said to Wilma, I appreciate having you along on the journey. You guys are good company.

Blue.

Thanks Wilma. It's good to be back.

Not too many squeaks and skraarks, it was getting into evening and they were sleepy. Definitely plenty of snuggles and pecks, though. We all needed a moment for it to sink in that I was back, I think.

Haven't rested much yet. Much washing to get done, have done a bit of cooking, paperwork of varying kinds has awaited me and wants attention sooner rather than later. Still have a lot of adjustments to make to get the birds more comfortably settled in their temporary home. Frankly it's been far too much work for my liking. Never mind going walkabouts to get the covid test on the first day back. "Welcome to quarantine, now it's mandatory for you to leave the house you're not meant to leave." Gah! Honestly, I want so badly to stop doing things. Just for one sodding day.

All in time, Wilma. He has his good days and bad with his health. More of the latter so far, mostly side effects from all the meds (go figure) but we'll get there. Thanks. I confess I rather think we deserve a break, myself.

Mostly from a distance, I'd say. I can thank her narcissism I guess, she's over doing things for others now she's not getting much attention out of it and more than ready to leave it to me.

That's quite a wait. Here's hoping for positive change and that the exercises you have now aren't too much.

Not bad. We came home to a couple of warm days, now it's gone wet and cold, and will be for at least a week. So much for enjoying the back yard while we're in quarantine, I don't care to step out and snap freeze...

Nice. I'm glad you can go and check it out with your counsellor once the exhibition opens. It's a feather in your cap. :)

Oh lovely. Soft fluffy friend and flourishing plants. Might have to garden at night or early morning when it warms up.

Thanks, coffee welcome as always. I'll be sure to share that with my lovely man.

I do my best. :)

Blue, back into winter here. An icy blast is coming through this week, so back into winter woolies, and warm dog coats. ☃️❄️🐶🐶

I guess the feathered friends were a bit stunned when you returned. They can do a bit of a punishing thing too. Like why did you leave me. I was watching a video of a bird playing dead yesterday. They are little characters, that’s for sure. As are the fur types.

Yes, I expected your LM to have good days, and bad. I hope the good outnumber the bad soon. Not an easy process, that’s for sure.

I’m heading to the kettle for my second coffee, so I’ll leave one here for you both.

I hope today is a better one.

Sorry for the short response. I’m in a dark place.

Sending 💜💜

Awfully cold here too, Wilma. Averaging about 15° all week and rainy. Yuck. Had hoped for some more back yard time during isolation. On the bright side, Sir Pecks loves to sit on my hot water bottle (it's got a cover, not too hot on his feet) and spread out his little wings like he's sunning himself. Very cute.

They were just sleepy I think. Took them hardly a minute to begin responding to me as they normally would. I do think Mr Feisty sulks a bit if Sir Pecks gets the first fly of the day though, he'll refuse to come out for some while when I open his cage.

More bad than good so far unfortunately, a lot of nausea.

So far not too bad today, there has been a brief moment of sunshine between the showers, we sat outside with the birds in their cages to make the most of it.

No need to apologise, Wilma, I completely understand. Here if you want to talk about it, or to bring you hot coffee and sit quietly with you if that serves better. Puffballs send a song to bring some light into your dark place.

Blue, we have sunshine today. ☀️☀️ It’s been a while since we have had any, so I’ve been in the garden doing a bit of weeding.

I have done some housework too, as it was getting beyond a joke. When the mood gets low, everything turns to 💩💩 ( not sure why that looks so happy).

Its one step forward and two back at the moment.

I know the weather won’t change things while you are both working on rehabilitation, but sometimes it’s the little things that can help the most. Like little birds enjoying a hot water bottle. I like that image.

You must be close to finishing quarantine. Does that mean you return to work ? I’m hoping not, but realise you need money to live also.

Do you know when you can go home ? I think/ hope, that will help. No place like home, that’s for sure.

Are you managing to get plenty of rest ? How’s the cooking ?

I have bought an air cooker. I haven’t done anything over exciting in it yet, but for cooking fish, and the basics, it’s going ok. My oven here isn’t the best, so I thought I’d give this a try.

I’m enjoying some Lindt chocolate at the moment Blue, I’ll leave a few pieces for you and your LM. Extra smooth and creamy. Goes down well with a hot coffee. ☕️☕️🍫🍫

Take care. 💙💙

Dear Blue (with a wave to Wilma and her air cooker)~

I've been reading of the antics of your feathery companions and it occurred to me how much good it must do your LM (please give him my regards BTW) to see creatures so full of activity and character right at hand. They are so far removed from the hospital/medication/limitations world they must be a real tonic.

Is your LM up to reading and if so what does he enjoy? Come to think of it what are you listening to now? I'm back once more with old Vietnam rock etc atm. Was listened to the Animals "We've gotta get out of this place" and thought of you (plus a few others)

Croix

Glad you're getting some sun and time in the garden, Wilma. Finally had some sun today here, too. Brought the birds outside in their cages with us to enjoy it.

I hear you about housework getting out of hand when you're down. Glad you're getting on top of it. I agree, that emoji looks far too happy for what it is, haha.

Ugh, I know what that's like. I'm sorry you're feeling that way.

The weather is relevant to rehab, when it's good he can at least walk in the back yard to strengthen his legs. He lost a lot of muscle in hospital and it takes so long to build it back up. But yes, Sir Pecks enjoying the hot water bottle is good for all of us, adorable little guy.

Quarantine ends just before this week-end. I've told work I'm not able to return for a couple of months. They haven't questioned it. I know that will stretch our collective savings, but so help me I can't go back now, I'm just not up to it. Aside from my partner and the house I need time to look after myself. As soon as I'm back at work I can forget trying to make appointments with doctors, dentists, shrinks, or take the birds for a vet check-up. I need room to do those things, so while they're not asking questions, I'm making that room. It's taken too many years to get this opportunity.

I don't know yet when we can go home. Probably a month or two. Too long. Much work to be done.

Some rest, some cooking. Less of either than I'd like. My partner is not wholly at ease mentally in the current environs and I don't feel like I should leave him alone too long to get stuff like cooking done. Meals have been pretty basic and I'm not getting the enjoyment out of cooking that I'd like to. I really miss my kitchen.

Air cooker sounds good. I'm sure you'll do more elaborate things once you get a feel for it.

Lindt sounds good, we both like it. Definitely a good accompaniment to coffee.

Kind thoughts to you and your loyal companion.

Hey Croix,

Yes, it's definitely good for my lovely man to be with our puffballs. He loves them as much as I do and was hugely relieved to be with them again. A tonic for him, to be sure. Oh, I have passed on your regards, he appreciates it.

He hasn't been reading a lot, but was a bit while we were interstate. We've both been reading books from the Warhammer 40,000 Horus Heresy series. It's based on a tabletop game we play.

What an appropriate song to bring up, definitely a bit of an anthem for us at the moment. We've been listening to a lot of stuff I've already told you about - Coldrain, Caligula's Horse, IAMX. There is a new one in the mix though, a French singer called Woodkid. Check out Run Boy Run, you might even like it a bit. ;)

Blue.

Dear Blue & LM (wave to the artistic Wilma -not long to go until the exhibition opens)~

Well I listened to The Golden Age, I like the French accent -Brooklyn - but could not pick a coherent theme, obviosly growing and facing adversity, St Peter's keys burning seem to indicate a move from the church, though they return at the end of Run Boy Run, perceived monsters become something else, not threats. Maybe that's a look at self.

Maybe when young one is adaptable (wood) then older more fragile (Marble)

Enjoyable, otherwise dunno.

Croix

Evening Croix,

You've certainly listened to and analysed more than I. Mostly it's just Run Boy Run I've listened to. I like the sound and the clip, and the feel of a lad wanting to fight but being clearly out of his depth in a big, scary, changing world, and the promise that his time will come. Also the song was featured in an episode of The Umbrella Academy, which I enjoy a lot. The scene connected it with Five, a not very young man trapped in a 13-year-old body.

As far as perceived monsters becoming non-threatening things goes... I think more often seemingly safe or innocuous things turn out to be bad or unintentionally harmful when you're old enough to know the difference. Parents, money, junk food, society at large. Maybe I'm overthinking...

Blue.

Dear Blue~

You realise I"ll have to look up The Umbrella Academy now :)

Actually I was not thinking of whole of life with things becoming a threat. I was a living being a young boy walking down a country lane from the main road where the bus stopped to where the rectory, my home, was. It was narrow, wooded on both sides with many shapes that scared me. My torch was always flat as I's used up the battery under the blankets in bed reading (a forbidden pleasure)

Those shapes were never anything remotely threatening, but I was glad when the season turned and these was light in the evening. (Then we moved to another parish - go figure)

Croix

Blue, I understand being away from work for so long will stretch your budget, but a big part of me was pleased to read, you won’t be back there for a few mths. These past few moths have been draining. If you are anything like me, you only realise when you slow down , then the weariness catches up. You both need time to heal.

Yes, muscle breaks down fast, and given the amount of stress your LMs body has gone through , rebuilding will be a long , slow and careful process. Learning when enough is enough, or just a bit more, it tricky. I’m pleased you have each other. ❣️❣️

We are having typical spring weather. Hot/cold/windy/wet/snow. But on the whole, it’s warming up. My spinach and silverbeat are growing well, as are pansies and rocket. I’m looking forward to planting more, like tomatoes etc, but frosts need to be over.

That’s still a long time before you can go home, but it will be good to know it’s safe.

Take care Blue, leaving a coffee. ☕️☕️

Croix, 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻 Thanks for the vote of confidence.

Hey Croix,

Naturally. :)

Yes, that's a rather more literal perspective, I may have gotten carried away.

You might like another Woodkid song, which is rather different in nature, called Otto. Really gives the feel of being in a theatre.

Kind thoughts to you and the Menagerie.

Blue.

Honestly, it was a huge relief to tell them I wouldn't be back for a couple of months, despite the budget. It's definitely been a very draining time. I do realise how draining it is at the time, just can't usually do anything about it. We definitely do need time to heal.

Exactly so. He was always a but underweight, so it was quite alarming to us both to see how much weight and muscle he lost in hospital. Very reminiscent of those old videos you see of prisoners of war returning home. Thankfully he is regaining some of his shape now. Still a way to go. Thanks. I'm pleased we have each other, too!

Certainly very variable weather, typical of Spring, as you say. Glad to hear your veggies and flowers are growing well, that pleases me greatly.

Yes, a while yet, but at least I am now out of quarantine. Beautiful weather for it, too, a sunny 30°.

Cheers for the coffee. Can't complement that with sweets at the moment, ol' Blue put on some kilos in Sydney. Not much access to healthy food so a lot of eating out, always oversize serves and many calories. I was brought up not to waste what was on my plate...

Kind thoughts to you and loyal companion.

Blue, 30 already. I’m glad you are enjoying it, that’s 5 above my comfort zone.

We had 19 yesterday, it was perfect. But even better, a long time friend, who I catch up with once a year, asked if I would like to go for a drive. We drove through green beautiful countryside, goats, cows, no lambs that we noticed, but then, there it was, the ocean. Blue/green acreas of deep magnificent water. Waves gently rolling in, and that sea smell. My version of heaven. We walked down a track, surrounded by trees, and I saw my first, real live snake. A young tiger snake who must have been enjoying the sun too. He graciously wriggled back into the bushland to let us pass. But to cap off a perfect day, there were millions of smooth, beautifully shaped stones. I filled my pockets, as did my friend. Plenty of painting ahead of me now.

Today will be a quiet one, but yesterday was a gift I won’t forget. I’ve alway loved the beach.

Anyway, back down to earth. I hope your LM is gaining strength, and weight, and you dropping a few kgs. I do know the meaning of eating everything on your plate. I think eating out, brings that to another level also, as it’s pricy, and wasteful. Back to home, or nearer to home cooking.

Part of me hopes work where you where, could be a thing in the past, not returning. But I know the difficulty of finding work, and you need to keep a roof over your heads, and food in your stomach. But who knows, this might be a fork in the road, and a new pathway. I hope so, you deserve that.

I don’t know if daylight saving starts this weekend or next, but for me, that’s the start of summer , longer and warmer days. Winter is over.

Well Blue, I seem to have chewed your ear this morning. A big Thankyou for listening to me waffle. Sending warm thoughts to you and your little family, oh, and a coffee. ☕️☕️❣️🐶

Yes, a bit above average temperature for this time of year. Only for a couple of days, then it's back down below 20°. Talk about confusing for the body. Making the most of the warmth while it lasts.

Really happy to read about your lovely day, Wilma, you deserve it. The beach and the snake and your stones all sound great, and I'm glad you have the makings of some good painting time ahead. Funny you should mention the beach, I went walking with my brother yesterday evening. We started at the river and followed it down to the beach then had a bit more of a stroll with our feet in the water. The cool ocean breeze, the quiet of the night and the city lights were all just what I needed.

Quiet is good, with some positives to reflect on.

HHappy to report all of the above are happening. He is slowly regaining his former shape, and I have lost about a kilo. Another two or three weeks, I should be where I want to be again. I agree, I don't like to waste a plate of food that cost half what was once my weekly grocery budget, just can't get my head around it.

Sadly I don't like my chances of not returning, but I'm certainly looking at all my options. One way or another there will be some changes, even if it's only less hours. I'm at all times working toward living a better life.

Yes, Daylight Savings starts this week-end. The end of Winter is most welcome.

Always happy to listen to you, Wilma. I am heartened to know you had such a happy excursion to the beach.

Had a productive day today with a little forest walk included, feeling good about that.

Kind thoughts to you, and mayhap some fertiliser for those lovely plants you're growing. :)

Dear Blue & Wlma

I had listen to "Otto' but the massed choir made me think of my own performances as a lad which sadly came to an end when my voice broke, so I guess I did not get the full benefit of it.

A spot of (sort of) romance, have your heard Laroux letting me down gently ?

I do hope you are able to work somethng out between starving and working all the time. Loosing weight may be good, but it needs to be intentional:)

Regards to LM & puffballs -and you too of course Wilma

Croix

Blue, it always takes me time to adjust to daylight saving, but once that happens, I enjoy it. Nice long evenings

That being said, we are having heavy rain, and cool days. I don’t think it will be for long though, October is already here, and Christmas around the corner. It’s been a long year, with challenges of every kind. You have had some extra big ones thrown in there.

Its good weight is coming and going, room for some extras around the festival season. Who knows what 2021 will bring to us all. It has to be better.

I hope progress is going well, and strength increasing for your LM. No doubt, puffballs are having a lovely time.

I have a security screen door measured, waiting for a quote, that will keep the flies and mossies out. Definitely putting down some roots.

I will be getting some home help soon, help with cleaning and a few other things. Every little bit helps with the aches and pains, not the pride though. Hard when you are very independent, but life happens, and I’m grateful, in a round about way.

I was pleased to hear you and your bro when to the beach. There’s something cleansing and refreshing about the water I think. Good for the mind.

Heading to the exhibition this Friday, to see all the other art that’s been entered. Mental health week, hopefully will open a few minds.

Rest as much as you can Blue. Sending a nice hot coffee. I think I might put the kettle on, I’ve made myself thirsty . ☕️☕️☕️💙💙

Croix 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

Hey Croix,

Sorry Otto didn't have a positive association for you. Didn't know you sang as a youngster.

I gave Letting Me Down Gently a go. I'm afraid I couldn't really get into it, the general style was a bit pop music for me.

You're quite right there, Croix, I certainly had no weight troubles in my 20s, I sure didn't have enough food back then. Would definitely prefer to keep my weight goals intentional.

Your regards have been well received. Kind thoughts as always to you and the Menagerie.

Blue.

I enjoy the sun being up longer too, Wilma. More of the day to enjoy.

Has the rain and cold eased up now? Finally getting some decent weather here, it has been cold and miserable for weeks. Yes, a challenging year. I barely know anyone who hasn't had any major out of the ordinary struggles this year on top of covid, it's been a revolting year all round.

Thanks. I've lost a couple of kilos, got a couple more to go. Honestly I'm not much interested in the festive season, I'd be glad to quit my job and stay at home away from everyone for the lot of it. I'm expecting 2021 to kick off with more of the same, it's unlikely there will be a widely distributed vaccine by then, so I'm just strapping in for another lousy ride.

Some progress for my lovely man, we're getting his nausea under control so he can eat better and exercise more. Things should improve at a better rate, now. Puffballs are doing well, though I wish we didn't just have one tiny room for them to fly in here.

You might have your screen door by now, I hope so. Glad you can get some in-home help with cleaning and things. I know it's a bit hard on the pride, but I guess learning to accept help is part of the journey. It's not my greatest strength, either.

Yes, the beach trip was lovely. I could do with more nature time.

I think you've been to the exhibition by now. How was it? I'm really glad your work is part of the display.

Thanks Wilma. Living on coffee lately, I have been very fatigued. Something about being away from my home so long is very dispiriting and exhausting. It's not like I'm not still paying the mortgage and the bills, but hey I can't be there with my family. Just seems wrong. No idea yet how long before we can go back. I'm so tired of this.

Hope your garden is growing well, Wilma, fun places for your loyal companion to explore. Kind thoughts to you.

No improvement in the weather Blue. Yesterday was so cold. I think the wind makes it feel worse. The sun is out, but still plenty of rain. The upside of that, is the country side is beautiful and green. Lovely for the goats, sheep and cows, and others who enjoy their greens.

No screen door yet. I think they are busy right now, just before summer. But I don’t think it’s far away.

Yes, we saw the exhibition last Friday. Some talented people, that’s for sure. It’s open for a month, so it should be well supported. I hope so.

Its good to hear your LM is improving slowly. Nausea would be awful. I guess part of that, is adjusting to all the meds. I hope it continues in a positive fashion.

I’m not a fan of the festival season either. I’m always pleased to see the end of Christmas Day, and not have to face it for a whole year. It’s a tough time for so many. I think this year will add to that toughness unfortunately.

Yes, I’ve talked with many who have found the challenges of this year to be overwhelming. And I agree, it’s not going to move quickly. We have all been changed, so has our world . Nothing seems untouched. New tomorrow ‘s, with no roadmap.

I will be seeing my 87 yr old friend today. She is loving the challenge dotting is giving her, and getting plenty of encouragement, both from me, and those who receive her art. We have plenty to talk about as the painting is happening. I have some lovely metallic paint now. Tricky to paint with, as it’s sticking, but fantastic effect.

Yes, trying to sort out the best way to go with home help. Nothing is easy Blue. But once it’s up and running, it should be really good.

David Attenborough has a new film coming out about the affects humans have had on the planet. I hope to see it. He’s someone I admire.

Well Blue, I’m heading to the kettle for another coffee before I start my day. Leaving one here for you, and some warm wishes.💙💙