Come live love and laugh with me
Playing word games sometimes means you lose because you don’t know the answer. How many do you know?
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I written very little about what I’ve read recently so here’s a look at some from the past few weeks – or couple of months if you’re really pedantic🙂
June arrived with its seasonal changes… Winter with its short days was a coming in so I decided on a couple of shortish reads to begin with…..
Great Granny Webster – Caroline Blackwood 1977
* I’ve no idea where I heard about it but this little book was a fun read about a larger than life character – available on Libby
Jumping the Queue – Mary Wesley 1983
Matilda Poliport, recently widowed, has decided to End It All.
But her meticulously planned bid for graceful oblivion is foiled, and when later she foils the suicide attempt of another lost soul – Hugh Warner, on the run from the police – life begins again for both
* An interesting read that flowed along from one ‘scene’ to another with no wondering why did that happen.
It’s one of those books you can’t put down and are a little disappointed when it ends but realise it really was the right length after all. With an ending I hadn’t anticipated at all.
Mine was a library copy but it’s available on Internet Archive.
If you’re interested there’s also a 1989 film version (Sheila Hancock as Matilda) HERE
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Then it was on to thinking about what was coming up in the months ahead with two very aptly named seasonal reads
A Winter Away – Elizabeth Fair 1957
Republished by Furrowed Middlebrow/Dean Street Press 2017. Hoopla
This was one of those very English books from the mid ‘50s about life in a country village – Maude who is staying with her cousin Alice (and her ?companion) has become secretary to Alice’s landlord – a very eccentric ‘lord of the manor. It was an easy gentle read, full of fun and misunderstandings, which filled the task of a seasonal read. I enjoyed it.
(Discovered while looking for something else)
Winter Holiday – Arthur Ransome 1933
Swallows and Amazons #4 – free download (faded page.com)
Two new children meet the Swallows and Amazon children and with a little bit of longing as well as trepidation take part in adventures they never dreamed about. Sharing skills, boosting self confidence, accepting differences – no sailing on water involved but because it’s set in winter (one harsh enough to freeze the local lake) there’s lots of sledging as well as ice skating also a planned expedition to an imaginary nearby North Pole.
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Which then brings us up to the end of that month- time to make our way north to the winter sunshine in a Queensland coastal town
Winter Solstice
Rosamunde Pilcher 2000
* A longish but quite interesting read by an author I’ve struggled with previously. This time I enjoyed most of the wordy descriptive chapters dealing with Elfrida’s family & friends plus all the emotions, decisions and more that cropped up.
The Dead of Winter
Stuart Macbride 2023
* A novel by a brand new to me author shelf picked for its title……
Detective Constable Edward Reekie (plus his new boss DI Montgomery-Porter) set off on a cold snowy journey to deliver a dying prisoner to a small village in Scotland ……where they become snowed in along with the rest of the ‘ankle tagged’ community of ex convicts…….
Definitely a ‘couldn’t put it down, wonder what on earth is going to happen next, page turner’. A humourous crime novel is certainly a first for me so I’m on the lookout for more of Stuart Macbride.
Two down- two to go…..one more month of winter
so both of these below have been renewed ready to see the season out
The Winter Garden
Nicola Cornick 2022
The Winter Palace
Paul Morgan 2024
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AND in case you didn’t know…..the yearly JANE AUSTEN JULY event is in full swing again. She was born 250yrs ago this December and (by coincidence) died exactly 208yrs ago today – 18 July 1817.
As usual it involves various reading watching discussing challenges…..my book club decided we’d go easy this year and each do our own thing and then chat (me included) afterwards…….FaceTime is a wonderful thing!
So with school holidays bringing children to the van park last week I was able to share this little book about Jane Austen with a young girl staying next door.
Jane Austen – Vegara/Wilson 2018
Part of this series – https://littlepeoplebigdreams.com
She chatted away about loving to read and wanting to write – and was really interested in the ‘simple story’ about Jane’s life. Her mum wouldn’t allow photos so I took (and forwarded to the mother) this collage showing Jane ‘reading and writing’ ……there’s the note book I gifted her (for her little stories) plus the sand dollar she gave me ‘for being her friend’
My little neighbour was definitely a little person with big dreams – hopefully her dreams come true
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Years ago I watched reruns of the tv series Sanditon (Season 1) on iView – love a period drama – knowing it was based on the unfinished book Jane began writing in 1817
This year I thought I’d refresh my memory of the storyline by chasing up and finding the actual words to read – a big hooray for Project Gutenberg!
A free download of the manuscript can be found HERE.
Like Dickens, the language of Austen is a language of its own and the download actually has ‘clickable’ notes/explanations off to one side of words and phrases used/ added/substituted.
Something else I did find online was this free audiobook – for some readers listening to the words could be more helpful than trying to understand the language used in the written word.
July in Jane Austen’s World…..
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It’s Wednesday again – what I think of as the halfway point of the week
Some days have been and gone- some have yet to arrive
It’s the 3rd Wednesday in July….middle of winter here – middle of summer elsewhere
Did you know January 1st this year was on a Wednesday so it’s 28 weeks since 2025 began
Or put another way July 16th is the 197th day of the year (198th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar; 168 days remain until the end of the year.
It’s past the halfway point already (and I’m still asking what year it is when I date a form😊)
And here’s another little piece of information for you all – Christmas Eve is on a Wednesday this year….in 23 weeks time!
🎄🎄🎄😊😊😊 🎄🎄🎄
There are times when my grey cells works in strange ways…..you’d think with all those ‘supplies’ I packed I’d have been clear in what I wanted to do up here. Mackay (190kms/2hrs south on the Bruce) is the last ‘big town’ we pass through before reaching Bowen. About an hour before we got there I had a sudden feeling I wasn’t going to be content with my planned projects (all children sized rather than ‘baby/toddler’) so decided we’d drop into Spotlight-to see what they had – well we had to drive past so weren’t going out of our way (and they had a sale on) and you can never have too much….can you?
Luckily I had brought my ‘online ideas folder’ along – this simple boat neck pattern is sized for a 20” chest/18 mths but with the body being straight up and down (no shaping) it’s easy to make larger …more stitches/wider….more rows/longer…plus add extra stitches/length for a larger sleeve. With both sides the same – no front or back, I call them me do its.
Those favourite words of 2/3yr olds (apart from No and Why🤭)
As you can see the pattern is actually worked in a decorative stitch but often, like with these three from a while back, I make something that looks entirely different.
This time I’m working it the way the designer suggested, yes, in acrylic but so soft and definitely not scratchy.
The alternating 2×2 knit/purl interspersed with 2 rows stocking stitch is giving it a warm puffy/squishy feel that I hope looks just as good on the body – the yarn colour also has a rich warm look about it.
Reading remains a constant- always something on the go. This week it’s a selection of short (comfortable) stories (Flowers in the Rain and other stories– Rosamunde Pilcher)
I just finished Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens……Miles Franklin 2023 winner….a novel that made me – and hopefully if you find it and read it – you, think about life here (and maybe elsewhere) and how it’s changing.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chai_Time_at_Cinnamon_Gardens
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Because of the recent weak signal in this part of town I’ve missed out on everyone else’s news….so I’m going to remedy that (in a cheeky way) by asking ‘what are you all doing?’
What are all you other crafters and readers up to – I’m interested to know what’s on your needles or hooks – under your sewing machine needles or even on your hoops – as well as beside your couches and chairs and on your bedside tables
Oh and Wednesday is also the day Kat hosts ‘Unraveled Wednesday ‘…….if you’d like to see what others are knitting, reading and talking about just click on the link
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The inevitable question from ‘new acquaintances’ before we leave home to come up here…..
So what do you do?
As little as possible!
Well last week, when I’d not been out enjoying ‘coffee and cake’
Or enjoying my morning quiet time at family friendly Rose Bay….
Where it’s just been school holidays so I was entertained – at a distance – by…
Little kids enjoying the waves….
Slightly bigger kids enjoying a game of beach cricket…..
And even bigger kids inspired by Qld’s win in the deciding State of Origin game….
You might have found me back at the cabin safely wrapped up in my favourite blanket enjoying coffee, biscuits and a book….
because back at the van park, away from the sheltered space at Rose Bay, those blue skies along with the sunshine might have looked very inviting but there was a definite nip in the wind. It might look cool in the shade but as there was no breeze blowing through the little patio that day I was cosy and warm
Forecast for this week coming – cool nights – pleasant days
Looking good!
(Saturday night went down to 9°c/48f… just a fraction too cool 🙁)
Also fingers crossed the ‘workers’ in the Telstra & NBN vans I’ve seen running around the place have done their jobs properly and reception will be improved
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Well the least said about some days the better I think….
Blog posts that disappear- internet signals that are patchy – weather that doesn’t act the way you want it to…..
Anyway enough of that, this is just a little post to say we’re here and I’m sure it won’t matter too much if you don’t read about our journey…..that post is languishing somewhere out there – I know not where because it’s not in my published, drafts or deleted folder
So far we’ve just been taking things slowly, enjoying the change of pace and scenery, it’s definitely warmer in the daytime than at home – there has been rain (lots of it) but maybe not as much as at home (enough to stop a certain person from golfing on a couple of days though ) – the warm nights from last week have disappeared for a while, there’s been a rather strong cool southerly blowing (Blowin’ Bowen living up to its nickname) so the overnight tonight (and tomorrow) has dropped to 9c/48f – there’s a blanket on the bed and there might even be a sighting of a hot water bottle later this evening 😊
One sunny morning I managed to reacquaint myself with a favourite spot
And realised there’s even a sort of ‘magic’ about the spot on wet and wild days
And this is how I amused myself on those days
Toes wrapped in blanket – Needles at the ready – Book to read
All those supplies I packed come in handy now and again 😊
I’ts been a while since I began a book and just read and read and read losing all sense of time….Winter Solstice has had that effect on me. Something about it is keeping me engrossed and at the rate I’m going it’ll be finished some day very very soon.
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It’s the first Wednesday in July so I’m popping in to Kat’s – her Unraveled Wednesday link will be open soon. Click the (safe) link to see who’s been there and what they brought with them
Busy days coming up this week as we gather everything together for our winter break.
A little earlier than in the past – have to return a little earlier – The Golfer (given the all clear to drive) has a date mid September with his Ophthalmologist for eye surgery
My supplies are sorted, packed up, and waiting to be loaded
There are books to read – a copy of Rosamunde Pilcher’s 700page Winter Solstice being one.
There’s a couple of xstitch samplers to be finished
There is definitely knitting to be done- I’ve decided to make The Trio again – and maybe add a row or two to Mia’s Christmas present
All of that should keep me busy 😊
Must go…..
See you next week sometime when we’ve settled in
Little things bring enjoyment…….
Like the change in season bringing these colourful parrots into the garden. Trouble is they like the Lilly Pilly – the one at the bottom of the garden (at least 20m/65’ away) – but never stay still, flitting around in amongst the leaves and branches trying to find the ‘best berries’ ……then as soon as I start move down off the deck to get closer they’re off and away.
There were several in the tree, one stayed after the others left so here’s a very lucky, very long distance shot when I happened to have my phone handy
Winter arrives the weekend the snow season opens
(Remember cold is relative to where you live😉)
Yesterday, after a chilly low of 4c/39f at about 6am the temp. had risen to a dazzling 5.5c/41f by 11.30. Some of the forecast rain arrived (the garden says Thank You) there were a couple of short bursts of sunshine about 2pm but overall it was dull gloomy rather cool thank goodness I don’t have to go anywhere day all round
And next week doesn’t look crash hot either
And just like that……being a day when we’d rather like the house to be warm – even after a battery change, the remote for the gas heater wouldn’t work. A certain person fiddled around in amongst the ‘ground level workings’ (older model – nothing conveniently located) to find the ‘starter motor’ (my words not his) to do it manually. Move a little switch and it works (it’s safe to use) but something’s come adrift – the casing now has a couple of rubber bands to keep it together- new one $300 – new modern ‘updated’ heater +/- $5000. We’ll be on the road in a couple of weeks so…..it can hold till then. He’ll pop down to Dandenong and pick up a new one (part) when we get back.. Well I think that’s what he meant…..somehow I don’t think we’ll be getting a brand spanking new heater when this one works just fine
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I still miss seeing my brown shadow in her favourite winter spot
Kingswood Maura Delight known to us as Kiera
26 December 1999 – 12 April 2018
Some I’ve seen in old writings or modern ‘period’ novels
I wonder if there’s any place where they’re used/spoken today?
‘Want to come for a drive….
’What today….
’Yes, I need to go down The Bay…
’What today….
’Yes, I need to go to a golf outlet in Dromana ….
’I’ll buy you lunch while we’re out….
’Say no more, what’s another drive in the rain in the last week of Autumn…. as long as you promise I’ll get to see the sea when we’re there….
We left home under cloudy damp skies and returned to those same cloudy damp skies
And true to his word I did get to see the sea
Under cloudy blue skies not a drop of rain to be seen
Just what I needed
And he did buy me lunch ~ sort of😊
My view of the sea (Port Philip Bay) from ‘our table’
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I’m finishing off the last of those seasonal knits (for the time being). I have these three newborn cardigans (similar to the ones given to nephew recently) they just need some work done on the neckline then they’re also off – not to the charity as planned but to a friend’s new gt granddaughter. A ‘tiny wee baby’ so she said, which means they’ll last a while I replied- no she’ll grow into them was her reply. Reminded me of turning up hems and rolling under cuffs when mine were little.
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And this has been the lucky last of my seasonal reads
Early Autumn – Louis Bromfield 1926
A really good well written read – well at least I thought so!
A family saga relating the goings on in the lives of a wealthy upper class family in post WW1 New England – too much for me to summarise. The wiki article sets it out better than I could ever do.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Autumn
Kat has open house on Unraveled Wednesday . click the (safe) link to see who’s been there and what they brought with them
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Yes I know not great English but my interpretation would be ‘when you’re left with lemons…..make lemonade!’
Although in this case I chose to pick up the ‘lemons’
The little Butternut pumpkin is the one I choose for winter soups. It’s usually nicely sized …..and I can cut (and peel) it easily. I know other pumpkins can be used but half the time I can’t even pick them up let alone cut the skin off so it’s the Butternut for me.
The cost of fruit and vegetables fluctuates greatly with seasons and no matter what supermarkets say about keeping prices low we keep seeing them rise week after week . At the moment, Butternuts, which are sold by weight, …in my mind…. have an exorbitant price attached to them so as I’m going to be peeling and seeding (in other words tossing some of it) I’ve been loathe to buy them.
Carrots on the other hand seem to be really cheap. Carrots are a staple in our house…..no matter what time of the year there’s always some in the fridge. In summer they are grated or thinly sliced julienne style with salads – in winter, well you name it they turn up in just about everything cooked in our kitchen
Oh look at that, said Catherine when she saw an enormous 5kg bag of carrots going for $3
‘And how long do you think it’ll take you to use all of them’ said The Golfer!
These days with there only being the two of us I usually don’t buy fruit and veg in bulk ……..unless I know we use it regularly, it will last or I have something special in mind but also…. because He with the long elephantine memory will always remind me of the times he’s discovered things in the fridge I’ve forgotten I’ve even bought!
So with those words having been spoken (and knowing The Golfer, who doesn’t usually come grocery shopping with me, would object to backtracking through the shop to pick them up later) I had to do a bit of quick thinking.
How many casseroles did I have in mind to make during the next week? Soup?? What do I have in the fridge at home? Oh blow it, pick them up. They’ll keep out in the freezing cold garage!
Broccoli or as known to some of our grandchildren in their very young days as green forest… as opposed to white forest…which was the name for cauliflower 😊 is another veg we use a lot of. It’s usually sold by weight and I find it ‘fun’ to watch shoppers choosing their broccoli – some just pick up a piece and carry on while others turn the pieces over and over to find those with the thinnest stems because they will be throwing that part away and don’t want to pay for something they won’t be eating.
Lately the stems, you know the bit in the middle where the little stalks and the green flowery bits grow from, have been really thick. Occasionally I’ll put them in with other bits if I’m making vegetable stock but last week it seemed like most of the weight was in the stems so after slicing and dicing them those pieces went into a chicken and veg soup.
Now that did turn out good – economical, what’s in the cupboard style, certainly not glossy cook book style. As well as a small sliced chicken breast it included onions, the last of a packet of frozen mixed veg, also same of frozen peas and corn, some McKenzie’s dried soup mix, potatoes, broccoli stems, potato stock from the freezer mixed with chicken stock powder plus several carrots. After cooking I gave it a little whizz with Bamix using the chopping blade to ‘break up and circulate’ the chicken
Top shelf of freezer holds several tubs of Carrot Soup,…….. a fairly basic recipe, except I added some curry powder when I fried the onions and garlic to give it a bit of oomph…..plus one remaining tub of the Chicken and Veg – well it was cold and that’s all there was left after having it for dinner two nights in row.
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It’s Monday, the day I sit here thinking and chattering about anything and everything – and as it’s the first Monday in Winter it’s a good enough time to let you know what we had for dinner last week😊
So tell me, what did ‘you’ have for dinner last week ??
A little rearranging in the linen press aka the hall cupboard means the warm cosy winter sheets have been moved to the front and cool cotton summer ones are now ‘resting’ at the back. We’ve had these several years now and they definitely have to be one of my best buys ever. I still chuckle thinking about the day I first sighted them
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Sales time in a bedding store, I’d picked up all the ‘bargains’ I wanted and was in the check out line all ready to ‘tap and go’ when this slogan caught my eye.
“Sleep warm and cosy with this soft touch sheet set”
Does anyone remember a few years ago when soft and cuddly bedding was what I wanted but what I ended up with were sheets like velcro ? I had brought them out of hibernation for another chance turn on the bed….but even with silky pjs on it still felt like trying to roll over on velcro…..the decision was that they maybe possibly were definitely going to the op shop!
So warm and cosy in soft touch sheets sounded very interesting 😊
A little fondle of the sample and I was hooked.
It reminded me of the brushed nylon sheets we had back in the 1960s, similar…..not the same, thicker but softer.
…..They are constructed from washed microfibre that gives them a relaxed look and soft texture. These everyday sheets are lightweight, easy to care for and naturally wrinkle resistant…..
Oh I’m easily pleased
One queen size set went into the trolley!
I was definitely pleased.
They were smooth, warm and cosy with not a hint of velcro to be found, they received both mine and The Golfer’s seal of approval … so much so that after a week of sleeps with them on the bed in my silky pjs, then a look at how they laundered, I nipped back to the shop and came home with another set!
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I have been thinking about this over my early cup of tea and realise that over the years I’ve never given much thought to sleepwear and bedding – you needed it so bought it. Soft warm comfortable pjs are a ‘well into retirement’ necessary requirement as is soft warm/cool comfortable bedding. If my mother discovered what my thoughts on both of those things were she’d say I was going soft in my old age ~ but golly, it’s good to be pampered now and again isn’t it.
When I think of May here in Victoria I’m reminded of rain – years ago the state school year was made up of 3 terms – (not 4 as these days) – so beginning the year in hot summery February the weeks would go by, cooling off gradually until the ‘pre winter month’ of May arrived and with it school holidays. And as sure as fate it always rained….and trying to entertain several youngsters in those conditions when cash was short was trying to say the least.
This Melbourne related climate change – climate ready pdf (interesting reading dated 2015) mentions the wet 1970’s years and the whats/hows since then and into the future.
No matter what’s going on in the world (and there’s certainly plenty of it going on isn’t there) the weather will always be a talking point
At the moment here in Victoria it’s…..
Are we in drought?
OR
Where has the rain got to?
Proper rain…not the drizzling nuisance sort we actually had yesterday
People living in parts of NSW know full well the answer to that one!
Victoria’s water storage levels are dropping slowly
https://www.melbournewater.com.au/water-and-environment/water-management/water-storage-levels#/
So much so there are plans to open up the controversial desalination plant
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-04/wonthaggi-desal-fired-up-to-ease-dry-conditions/105089636
Anyway we do like to take advantage of our bright sunny (cool) dry winter days like this one last week when we nipped out to the sprout farm at Coldstream …..a fairly quiet morning in the packing shed with everyone else out in the paddocks. Just two smiling faces and the big machine (which does a lot of the work these days)
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A lovely quiet rural scene as we drove past – Healesville here we come
The sheep are down near the vines and the cattle on the flood plain
Not quite the same as ‘sheep in the meadow and cows in the corn’ 😊
The leaves on the vines are changing colour and dying off yet the end of row roses are still flowering – it’ll soon be time for the pruning gangs to be out there….though I think the late yield under the white (keep the birds off) cloth will be out of bounds until they’re all picked
https://www.wineselectors.com.au/selector-magazine/wine/vineyards-and-roses-a-perfect-pairing#:
Then it was off for lunch. Changes to the bistro menu meant I had the most delicious piping hot beef roast – sliced thick country style- as well as chocolate slice for dessert.
Lunchtime special ~ Two courses for $20….
And there’s been changes in our fruit bowl as well.
Australian grapes are just about finished now and their place is being taken by another favourite – Imperial mandarins. Winter sunshine!
How are things at your place – anything interesting going on?
Why don’t you visit Min (who’s about to enjoy a week on the Sunshine Coast) and find out what others have been up to…..you’ll find them HERE
Except in some cases very little….
This popped up in a social media feed – from one of those Then & Now sites
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Isaac
I’ve never been to Cornwall but seeing the name Port Isaac had me trying to remember why it was familiar
Of course…..home to the Fisherman’s Friend group – the one who sing all those lovely sea shanties
Lots of views of the little town plus some great music by the band
May is the third and last month in our autumn, a time when some days are still ‘shiny bright’ compared to others which are cooling down (definitely colder overnight) preparing for the real go slow part of the year.
I’ve been feeling a bit that way this past few weeks – some days were great with a bright and shiny go get ‘em attitude evident from morn to night……others a bit cold and dreary, need to stay home and hibernate. Mind and body have played up so (as per usual) I retreated mentally as well as physically ‘into my shell’ until I felt safe enough to face the world (IRL as well as online) again.
As you can see, the charity box was going to benefit from my sit down and rest calming knitting sessions (top photo) then our youngest nephew became a father…..of a daughter instead of the predicted son….I gifted them a couple of newborn sized cardigans (lower photo) and laughed at their remarks about babies not being concerned about boy/girl clothes as long as they’re warm and comfortable so followed up by sending them a slightly larger one in a traditional girly pink shade. ‘Love it, so pretty’ was the new mother’s reply……sounds like she isn’t as modern as I thought!
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What has been on my mind is that the garden certainly suffered over the hot summer months. There’s still so much ‘catch up’ to do outside which is going to have to wait a while because even though things are slowly improving I still can’t get down enough to clear and weed….those forecast rainy days haven’t been that rainy out our way but the soil has softened a fraction so once mobility becomes a little easier let’s hope rose pruning and maybe a bit of ground clearing will be achieved
We’re on track to make our way up north about the middle of next month and if the pruning is done that’ll keep them happy until growth begins again in the spring – and honestly what’s a few weeds between friends😊
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As well as needing ‘simple easy’ craft to occupy my mind during that time I also wanted – what else but – something ‘uncomplicated’ to read so ended up rummaging around various online sites (going to the library meant I had to actually socialise with people) and found these with a seasonal flavour- that is they had autumn in the title
And look here, as well as being able to read the very short story on screen – you are also able to listen to it being narrated by William Sky
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This post has become rather on the long side – word brevity has never been my strong point – so thank you to anyone who has reached here.
I have to say that one thing that helped me a lot over these past weeks were the simple thoughts of loving kindness meditation (directed to myself) and I often found myself muttering or repeating them silently ‘in my head’ adding love into the mix ~ it’s strange how unloved one can feel even when surrounded by it.. The Golfer would have a fit if he heard me say that because supportive is definitely his middle name
My love to you all – thanks for reading- see you soon
Cathy
I know this isn’t exactly whimsical or crafty but I’m joining Min’s link up as well as Kat’s as a way of saying ‘I’m back’
So what do you do when you think the longed for rain is on it way but when some actually arrives it fizzles out two seconds later leaving everything slightly damp but not wet…….and not as warm as you’d like it to be?
Looking for something to do sounds good (wash clean cook iron…..no definitely not those sorts of things 🤭 ) something like rustling up a book plus something to keep your hands busy while you wait a while in a comfy armchair until the front has passed and some warmer air plus sunshine arrives
I gave up on A Lesson in Dying very early on. Couldn’t relate to it at all, picked it up – put it down- after a while decided I wasn’t in the least bit interested in who did the headmaster in. So……chose Lying beside You from ‘the pile’…..see this post
Here it is propped up by contents of my knitting bag (a very handy book rest – if the balls of wool wouldn’t move each time I turned a page).
Starting to renew my acquaintance with Cyrus and Evie (this is book 3 in the series) it’s been a while since I read the first two so some revision in the form of glancing at online reviews had to take place. The back of Mia’s jumper also got an airing and some rows added. The pattern says knit 102 rows then shape shoulder……by golly it seems to be taking forever to knit them. But then my mind has been elsewhere ……concentrating on the charity knits from a couple of weeks ago
Ta Da……Two boy’s shirts are finished – there are plans for more
when I get round to it
Slightly off topic…..
Our cooler Autumn nights now mean changes to nightwear…..sleeveless cotton nighties have been retired, arms (and legs) need covered so my silky pyjamas have made their seasonal appearance once more. Why the emphasis on silky ones?
So I can roll over in bed is the answer 😊
For some reason other pyjamas cling to the sheets which means I’m waking up feeling a bit ‘strangled’ in places, floundering about straightening tops and bottoms and having to sit up to roll over. Any attempt to do it lying down often results in some strong language coming out of my mouth as twisting can cause discs and nerves to come in contact with each other – I’m certainly not happy when that happens
It’s a different story when I wear my slippery silky pyjamas – they just slide and glide over the bottom sheet so there’s no friction at all.
And they have a smooth sleek s*xy feel to to them as well…..nothing wrong with that is there🤭😉
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Unraveled Wednesday … ..hosted by Kat encourages bloggers to chat about their craft, reading and life in general – pop over, see who’s come to visit- stay and say hello.
(To comment please click on post title and scroll down)
Well, what it was all about is the fact that some of the books that were ‘on order’ at the library…..yes, you’ve guessed it. They all turned up together!
A mix of old….. in publication dates and new ……in previously unread series
So, it’s been eyes down reading, that way I didn’t have to try to renew and be disappointed when I discovered someone else wanted to read the same one and it had to be returned
What are you currently reading?
A Lesson in Dying – Ann Cleeves 1990
Inspector Ramsay #1
Several of Ann Cleeves older works were reprinted recently so there’s been a renewed interest which is why I had a very long wait for the first of her Inspector Ramsay series.
The version I picked it up on Wednesday (see below) only has 165 pages so I’m looking forward to an Easter weekend in Northumberland finding out ‘who dunnit’!
What did you recently finish reading ?
Not sure why but not a great deal at all.
Just these three plus The Chocolate Factory which I spoke about HERE
Bitter Wash Road (Hell to Pay) – 2013 Garry Disher
Hirsch #1
Oh, you must have…the reaction from someone at book club when I admitted to not having read any of Australian author Garry Disher’s books. Nor Chris Hammer – oh the shrieks of dismay when I said that…..which changed to smiles when I said yes to Michael Robotham, Christian White and Mark Brandi. Shame about the blank looks I got when I mentioned Peter Temple, John Marsden and Peter Carey (all Australian)…….tastes vary I suppose.
So to keep them happy (and satisfy my curiosity) and because I’m in a series mood I chose the first book in Disher’s Paul Hirsch mysteries. .
A modern western set in an isolated Australian bush town with a soaring crime rate, where a local constable with a troubled past must investigate the death of a teenage girl whose murder threatens to set the dusty streets ablaze.
The Defector (Betrayal) – 1981. Evelyn Anthony
Davina Graham #1
A ‘chance remark’ with a friend about knowing an author, knowing you’ve read them but can’t remember what had me trawling the library and online for books by Evelyn Anthony. I’ve still no idea what I’d read previously but the library came up trumps with this unread series!
A man and a woman have arrived at an English country house to spend a quiet weekend in the depths of Wiltshire. The man is top KGB agent Ivan Sasanov. The woman is Davina Graham, one of British Intelligence’s key operatives. Between these two very different people a strange, emotion-charged relationship has developed. The only person with whom Ivan feels any rapport is Davina and Davina is falling in with him. Leading to an almost impossible mission, ringed by treachery and counter-treachery.
Darkhouse – 2005. Alex Barclay
Joe Lusschesi #1
Libby has a search feature where the reader can look for the ‘first in series’ and this caught my eye…..something that definitely wouldn’t have crossed my path beforehand. Seeing the book cover I’d have walked on past the library copy but seeing it on my screen I thought……why not give it a go
Book Blurb:-
In 1985 in a North Texas backwater, two teenage boys made a chilling pact that would unite them forever in a dark and twisted loyalty.
Now one lies dead.
And the man responsible is going to pay.
In this electrifying thriller—Alex Barclay creates a stunning array of contrasts—from the violence of a cop’s world to the fragility of an embattled marriage, from the danger of New York’s gritty streets to the quiet of a seaside Irish village. With brilliance and subtlety, Barclay delivers a nerve-wracking tale of a troubled family, facing a brutal danger rushing relentlessly out of the past.
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And what will I read next…
Well there’s a few here to choose from – a little pile I was gifted last week – Plus my ‘just arrived’ Ann Cleeves
eeny meeny miny mo…..which to pick I do not know
Suggestions anyone?
I’m interested in knowing what your answers are – Now Then & Next
You could let me know in the comments
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Click the link below to see what others have been reading
What’s on your Bookshelf
As I do now and again….
A dna connection contacted me the other day. Looks like a family line has been located. Older generation on the top line – younger below.
Mine are on the left – theirs on the right.
Makes me feel good all over
Were they ever on sale at full price – are they not selling as quickly as the company hoped – or was the ‘discount price’ a marketing ploy from the minute they were placed on the supermarket floor?????
Why the city was barely visible through a murky haze when it was fairly sunny day in the eastern suburbs? I know Andrew can see the hills from his high rise ……if I’d known which one he lived in I would have waved….
Up there that day on Mount Dandenong at the SkyHigh it was cloudy at times with a fresh breeze……
It was a school holiday week so the car park full – the place packed to the rafters with families
Years ago it was the place to go on a hot day, – 15min drive up the hill from home – a ‘cheap’ economical family activity. A bottle of fizzy drink and a packet of chips to share, byo chairs to sit by the car while the youngsters explored the bush walks round the back of the building, unlimited time in the cooler air looking down on the suburbs, recognising main roads and landmarks (eg factories – footy ovals…..even the watery coastline of bayside beach suburbs ).
Things change, no free entry now ( double the charge in school hols! ). If you live within 10kms free entry – our street down the hill in Kilsyth is 11kms!! Trees have grown so only distant views, certainly not uninterrupted as was the claim for many years…..unless you could edge your way past all the kids to get a spot at the railings to look out on the upper level
The beautiful upstairs dining room with floor to ceiling windows is now for functions only
There was a bl……great big jumping castle on the grassy area. I’ve just begun to accept that screaming kids now get on my nerves, especially those with parents who don’t keep an eye on them
Yes I know I’m a grumpy old woman😊
Not everyday – just some days – like today
Possibly due to this👇
Why this looks so simple. When your back and legs are not happy……wayward shopping trolleys have a lot to answer for……it’s not that easy to get down and dirty on the floor. Mind you the torso on this chart showing the position of the sciatic nerve exiting the spine explains how it can be compromised by the narrowing of the discs due to lumbar stenosis. Yes it can be a pain in the backside – literally as well as figuratively
I wonder what silly little things you are wondering about this week?
Conversations with your children often bring up long forgotten memories)
Summer 1978 – The Golfer and I were the best parents in the world!
At least that’s what we were told that warm February evening as we all sat near the front (not up the back ‘in the cheap seats’ on the grass) of the Myer Music Bowl waiting to hear this sung in real life
Sailin’ away on the crest of a wave, it’s like magic
Oh, rollin’ and ridin’ and slippin’ and slidin’, it’s magic
And you and your sweet desire
You took me, oh (higher and higher, baby)…
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It’s nearly four years since ‘our big girl’ and her partner left town (towing their home behind them) looking forward to doing ’a big lap’ of Australia.
After a year on the road she mentioned that so far they’d had the time of their lives.
Yes, so far, is what she said – at that time decisions were being been made and they were soon to be off again to give it another go and see some of the things they missed.
Impressions at that time (2022) – contrary to what some may have said – everything’s alive out there.
Even during Covid times….Australia was a living thing!
(Cue 1978 memory)
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At that time I wondered how I’d feel when the words Good Bye were spoken again. There were mixed feelings on my part when they drove off…….. ever since she was young child we’d provided her with roots and wings which she’d acknowledged several times so I was comfortable waving her off………it was just that I knew they were looking for something different but didn’t know what……and of course when after another year had passed and they reached the other side, the far western side of Australia they knew that they had found it……that was the place they wanted to be.
She’s been back since then (latest Oct ‘24) – knowing they are living The Dream (their way) makes it easier to say those two words but it always leaves me in a reflective mood, wondering if time is running out – wondering if I’ve lived all my dreams, – are there any more waves for me to crest’?
How about you – do you ever feel like life is passing you by?
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Still Waters 