It's The End...

 

And by the end, I mean the end of another year. I can tell you I am so looking for this year to be finally over and done with. I'm hoping beyond all hope that 2023, brings me less illness. I still have the cough I can't seem to shake, and worse, I seem to have pulled a muscle in my neck while coughing... Freaking hurts like a bitch.

I got all the stuff I need to get my diary situation sorted out for 2023... when I'm trying to keep track of 6 people throughout the year I need a clear way of doing it... So I have a book I keep in my handbag for writing appointments and notes in, and then I have a monthly desk planner that I'll hang on my wall to keep everything so visual...  Everyone even has their own colour.

I'm really looking forward to writing again, and I have to be strict about my time as I have so much more stuff I also need to get done in 2023. But, I'm trying to make it as easy as possible for myself to stay on track. Feel free to drop me a comment along the way to make sure I'm still heading along the path I've set myself on.

Okay, I'll talk to you all again in the new year.

It could only happen to me

 

I'm having such a run of good luck━not. I go to the doctor with a reoccurring earache and come home with the flu (not Covid). Let's just say, my Christmas is going to be very quiet. I hate having a Summer cold. I just wish I could stop coughing. On the plus side... Mum isn't sick. The heat isn't helping matters. We've had some stinking hot days, and Summer isn't over yet. I need to find my asthma inhaler.

The birds are back in abundance. Lately, we seem to have a lot of corellas, crows, kookaburras, wild ducks, etc. They are so fricken loud. I've even heard a storm bird or two.

The best part about being sick is I can lie in bed and watch the whole Star Wars saga from start to finish... or... the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. I'm going to have to cook a batch of chicken soup or vegetable soup... something quick and easy.

getting closer and closer to the end of this year, the beginning of next year, and hopefully the start of a better way of living. I have been working on setting myself some realistic personal goals for next year.

My Week

 

My head is pounding today. It was my youngest granddaughter's 1st birthday. It was loud, but it wasn't too hot. But because I wasn't feeling 100%  it was so draining. The kids seemed to enjoy themselves.

Good news: the new handrail our landlord installed at our back stairs, is a godsend and worked so fricken well. So much easy for getting Mum in and out of the house.

Bad news: my specialist appointment has been rescheduled for 4 days later so I'm now going on January 10th. I guess I'll have to wait a little longer.

I watched Wednesday on Netflix... I must admit, I kind of enjoyed it. I hope they make a season 2. I even liked most of the characters. I did figure out who the baddies were early on, but it didn't take anything away from watching it. I guess I'll have to find something else to watch now... Don't suggest Sons of Anarchy because I couldn't get into that show. I just didn't like half the characters.

Still been working on getting my story notes together. It's slow going, but it'll be worth it in the end. At the moment I'm trying to work out a better way to keep things organized in each file... I want each story file to be more uniform. So I can find things more easily when looking for information. I'm thinking the excel files are the best way and then the character files with their picture.

Touching Base...

I'm still not feeling 100%. I'm hoping after my specialist appointment on 06-Jan-2023 that I'll start to turn everything around. Even if it can alleviate my migraines just a fraction I would be happy. But knowing you're on the wrong dosage of medication, and still having to take it until you see the specialist is doing my head in, which doesn't help with the headaches. Then my back is playing up again, my right ear still hurts, and for some strange reason, the soles of my feet are burning. I know, I know... quit complaining and talk about something interesting.

Well, I survive a spider attack, that sucker was huge. It almost got in my car, and now it's under my car just waiting to get me again. I might have to carry a big can of bug spray... Yes, I still don't like spiders. I just don't understand how they can run so damn fast.

We had another storm last night, and you'll be happy to know that we didn't lose any electrical stuff this time - though I did unplug the tv just to be on the safe side.

We got a new handrail put on the steps out the back (which is really our front door - but seeing as no one except us uses it, it's the back door.)

19 days until the end of the year. So 19 days to get all of my stuff in order before I start writing again. I'm still going through all my handwritten notes. There are just so many. I'm trying to get them all typed into the computer. I've also been trying to update all of my series files etc. Wish me luck.

Aftermath...

 

The aftermath of last night's storm is it blew our TV. and messed with one of our digital clocks. there are also a ton of puddles, branches, and leaves all over our yard... The good news is we have a secondary TV so Mum can still watch her cricket. The puddles will dry up eventually and I can clean up all the branches and leaves. The bad news is, it didn't seem to cool it down any, so I'm still sweating in places I'd rather not.

The heat makes it hard to want to finish spring/summer cleaning my house. I don't understand how the crap keeps accumulating. I swear I throw it away/donate it, and it comes back tenfold... it's like a conspiracy or something. I also swear it will never happen again, but it always does and makes a liar out of me. The good thing about this decluttering all-season cleaning is that I have been finding heaps of story notes that I've had stashed around the house.

I'm trying to get myself more organised for next year where my writing is concerned. But honestly, between the heat and being ill over the last year... it's been too hard to stay focused enough to even think. so for the last month, I've been telling myself I need to pull up my big girl panties and get the job done. Set a plan in place and stick to it.

Probably something easier said than done. I have to take the advice I keep giving my own granddaughters when they struggle to do something "It just takes practice, and the more you practice the better you'll get."

So has everyone got all their Christmas shopping completed? I have one left to buy but seeing as it is part birthday━part Christmas I don't actually have to have it until the middle of January. other than that all the important ones are bought.

It's So Bloody Hot

 

Today it felt like we were in the middle of a heatwave. It got to 38°, and I felt like I was melting. though right now I can hear thunder so hopefully it will break and cool down some.

I went and did some grocery shopping today. the shops were pretty bare in some spots. and the prices seem to be getting higher ad higher. I decided in 2023, gonna shop smarter. meal plan and only buy for those meals. buy the big bags of veg even if I have to split it with family. that way we can at least split the costs as well.

Okay, I've just seen lightning so I better get off of here and unplug. I don't want to cause any damage to my computer. talk again soon.

Tired of being sick...

Every damn time I think I'm finally on the mend, something else comes out to bite me on the arse and drag me down into the land of the sick. I seem to be on a constant roll. I throw my back out, then I get the flu (not Covid), then I can't kick the cough for months, then I get a double ear infection, a touch of Ross River Fever, then I get some viral infection (I should tell you I really hate spewing), then I throw my back out again from spewing... on top of all that I have a migraine from hell... I now have another inner ear infection.

Then to top off my year of what else can they throw at me. I find out that for the last 12 years they have been giving me the wrong thyroid medication and now I have to go and see a specialist... which I can't get in to see until January 6th, 2023... I'm hoping once I have the correct diagnosis and the correct medication is given, my body will start acting the way it is supposed to. I'm tired of being tired.

I shouldn't complain because no matter how bad I think I have it there are always those out there that have it worse off than me. I have it really mild compared to some and I should be grateful. 

I have been working on organizing all of my notes for next year so I can fully immerse myself back into writing again. Today I have been working on Misty River1: Calm to My Storm. This is the first book in a new MF series that I have been working on. At this stage, I plan on three, but there very well could be more. you never know with me.

Random Thoughts...

I've decided from now on. I'm going to  do what's right for me. there are only 9 more weeks until the end of 2022. So when 2023 rolls around my new attitude in life is going to be getting my own life in order.

Next year I want my head to be in a better more clearer space. Right now it seems to be a jumbled chaotic mess. I can't even think coherently enough to write, and I really want to be able to write again.

I need to go and do my groceries tomorrow. It'll be the first time in about a month. I need to restock. before I go I suppose I'll have to clean out my pantry and freezer to see what I actually have. I hate it when I buy stuff that I already have. My new plan of action is to shop smarter... I'm even going to start doing meal plans because groceries are getting damn expensive. I'm only going to buy what I need for each meal. Gone are the days when we needed to stock up for a seven-year siege.

I've been watching shows on being more organized. In my life = around the house, and just in life in general. I'm still in the midst of decluttering all my stuff. I don't understand why I have so much. I seriously don't need it. I haven't even used most of it in almost a year. It's just taking up space that could ultimately be used for something else.

Today's feel-good tune to get you in a happy mood. Sometimes you just need something a little upbeat and peppy, and today for me, it's Racey.

Getting There

I babysat my grandkids today, while their parents moved some more moving. only a couple of more loads to go and it will all be done... anyway, getting back to my story. They were mostly well-behaved. Let me amend that... the eldest and the youngest were. The middle child, which I have lovingly dubbed Hurricane. Well, she was a whole other story. I don't think she even knows the meaning of the word quiet. And yes, I know she is only two, but boy can she get loud. Yet, she's so darn cute when she's doing it. Sometimes I wish it was legal to duct tape her to a chair so I could get five minutes of peace and quiet, but I bet she'd figure her way out of it within the first minute. Today Hurricane nearly dislocated my freaking thumb. The pain almost put me on my arse. Now hours later it is still aching, but nowhere like it was when it first happened.

I'm still so bloody tired from helping with my daughter's move. It feels like all my bones and muscles are aching. I think I may have pulled something.

The weather is heating up around here, even if it is still raining. I'm thinking it's time to start up the aircon for summer. If we don't we are going to swelter, and I don't like to swelter at any time.

My new glasses should be arriving any day now, and I can't wait for them to arrive. Hopefully, they'll help me see a little better. Especially my new sunglasses.

I'm rewatching the X-Files I haven't watched them in years. So far, I'm enjoying them. I tried watching Sons of Anarchy, but I'm not sure whether I like it or not. So I stopped.

I've been working on E.P.I.C.1: What Hides Behind The Shadows trying to get a start on next year's body of work. Like I said, I'm not sure where I'm headed, but at the moment the storyline is flowing and that's all I can say. I'm also still working on Brothers McCrieve MC1: Justice.

I've Never Felt So Tired

Okay, at the moment I'm looking after my brother and sister-in-law's chickens while they are away on holiday. It's been raining here nearly the whole time so it's been a bit crazy weather-wise.

Also, my daughter and her family have been moving house... so I have been helping pack and unpack their belongings. I thought I had a lot of possessions, but I have nothing on them. At least the new house doesn't seem to have the mold problem that the old place had━well, it hasn't shown it thus far. The new house also has enough bedrooms for them all to have one of their own, and for the kids to have a toy room.

My granddaughter's strawberries have finally started fruiting, so she is going to be happy. She loves gardening with Grandma, but we have to move our veg patch into pot plants. as the side of the hill isn't working for us. Grace and I aren't the most coordinated of people.

I've been working on The 1st book in The Brothers McCrieve series. It has the main characters of  Justice McCrieve and Josaphine "Josie" Brookes. I'm not sure where it's going just yet, but I'm thinking I like the flow so far. It's going to be one of those books where there's a crossover with other series.

This song has been stuck in my head for days. So I thought I'd share it with you all. I have no clue why other than it's an awesome song. But it's kind of been driving me nuts. I'm hoping this will at least free it from my head and make room for

Just Checking In...

I've had the worst year so far that I've ever had. I can't even blame it on Covid 19━touch wood that’s something I haven't yet had.

My migraines have been getting steadily worse. I'm going this week to see if it is a problem with my glasses. Maybe I'm due for a new prescription.

I've also been having a lot of trouble with my back and my upper arms...Yay!!! The joys of growing old. some would say 53 (almost 54) isn't old, but some days I feel 153.

Living in our rental as we have been since Christmas has been great. I even started a vegetable patch. The only problem with that is, I have to compete with the wildlife. They are so cute, I can't even be mad at them.

This year it seems like every time I turn around one of my family is ill. I went for a month at one stage where it felt like I was washing puked on things every single day. I know... I know... too much information. And yet, none of it was because of Covid 19━just the regular old flu. I swore if I started seeing an abundance of crows I was taking off because I'd seen 'The Stand' and I know how this was going to end. Luckily, everyone recovered.

Though I may not have had the chance to physically and mentally sit down and spend quality time writing. I did spend spare moments, scribbling notes for new story ideas. Trust me I have a whole passel of new ideas. some are MM some are MF. they range from sci-fi to Paranormal, to bikers, to small-town life, to dystopian. Pretty eclectic. Not sure what I'll work on first. Just know that I'll fix my writing list on here next year.

With me getting the rights back on my MLRPress books, I'm at a loss as to what I'm going to do with them just yet, and honestly, the end of this year is booked up with family (mostly doctor appointments). So I promise to think about it all next year. I do know I also want to branch out writing-wise next year and I hope I actually find the time to do just that.

My mum and both my cats (Oliver & Robson) are all doing okay. Though RobbyDobbs is as crazy as ever. His latest trick is to get as close as he can and silently fart, before running off. I swear he's laughing his arse off each and every time he does it.

I've also been trying to declutter some more of the house again. If I haven't used it since moving in, then I obviously don't need it. I'm just trying to simplify my life. better touch access. Someone (me) may or may not have been watching those let's get organized shows on Netflix... Mind you, I broke 3 of my new canisters in the first week. I so suck at this stuff.

Just Why?

Why is it that every time I stay away from the computer for any amount of time it seems like the settings change for everything? It'll now take me forever to relearn how to use my damn blogs again. I know it's my own damn fault, but gees... I hate that it's happened.

Today I have my eldest granddaughter with me (Grace is 4) so getting any real work done is put on hold until she is headed home. She doesn't understand grandma needs quiet time. So instead today we are going to plant some seeds and hopefully get them to grow... We already have lettuce... carrots... kent pumpkin... tomatoes X2... strawberries... chives... and parcley... now we are attempting black plum and sweet lemons.

On that note, I will say goodbye for today and talk more tomorrow when I don't have a little one trying to help me.

Short & Sweet> Update...

 So I have my friend Vona Logan to thank for finally kicking my arse into writing mode again. We have come up with a plan to help each other through the tough times when we have doubts we are writing for no good reason. So today, I'm pulling my head out of the sand (so to speak) and getting things back to where they should be.

I have been slack this year. I'll be the first to admit it.  I've had a rough first half of the year (mainly due to illness) but I'm slowly getting better.

I'll keep you all updated on how Vona and I are going. Feel free to also contact me and let me know if you are waiting on a story.

What the heck, Huey?

This week has been a doozy for wet weather, and they tell us it isn't over yet. It started raining just like any other normal rainy day. That is until the water started rising and I began to wonder if this was 2011 repeating itself... especially when Granthan went under again. I no longer live in Gatton so I wasn't close to that raging river of water this time, but even where I'm living now in Regency Downs we had our own fair share of rising water. This is a pic taken by a resident of the way into our little neck of the woods... I can't stress more ━IF IT'S FLOODED - FORGET IT. The number of people still willing to risk not only their lives but the lives of those who then have to come and rescue them. If you can't see the damn road how the hell do you know it's even still there? Too many times like in Grantham the whole road top gets washed away. Our SES people have better things to do than rescue people who have no regard for their own safety... but instead are out there saving people from rooves of their cars when they get stranded in the floodwater.

This is what lies between my place and where my sister lives. So there is no getting to her until the water goes down. Another thing I really don't understand is all the people playing in the water like it's some great thing. Don't they realise the dangers that could be in there... snakes and other deadly animals for one thing, but there is probably sewage as well, and these━dare I even call them non-thinkers━are frolicking about like they're at a pool party. It annoys the hell out of me, especially when they are adults. what kind of example are they setting for the kids. I know... I know... I sound like some old hypocrite that probably did the exact same thing when I was younger. Well, you would be wrong because my mother would have kicked my arse if I did anything so bloody stupid.

Then to top it all off this happened today. We have our first bit of sunshine and on the FaceBook community noticeboard, they tell us we can get out if we take a roundabout route. So thinking I better get our medication while we can, because we are due to get more rain over the coming days. My daughter came and picked me up. went and got the supplies no worries, (so I'm all good on that front). I said to my daughter it's starting to rain you better get the kids home while you can. That was a big fat NEGATIVE GHOSTRIDER. Poor Emily got bogged. We put a call out on the community noticeboard, and within minutes had a brigade of people around to help free the car so she and the three kids (all under the age of 4) could get home to their animals... BEST COMMUNITY EVER. I won't be getting out any time soon, but I know I can just walk up my drive now and there will be someone waiting at the end if I need a lift anywhere.

The flooding is all over the SE of Queensland and heading into Northern NSW. I hope everyone in the water's path stays safe and looks after each other if you can. Remember, it's not just the human populace who need help, it's all the poor animals who don't have a voice of their own.

It's not bad enough we still have Covid running rampant across the world (thinking of my Kuzmic family in Tasmania who are in isolation now. get better soon. I hope it doesn't get worse.) We also have wars around the world that I'm not even sure why people are fighting? I just know a lot of innocent people are getting hurt so some people can... Yeah, I don't know what they're doing. The world needs a freaking break from all the bullshit it's been/going through.

On that note, I will away, for all those people in affected areas... Take care and stay safe.

Still Under The Weather

 

I'm still not feeling 100%, but I'm struggling on. My head feels like it's stuffed with cotton wool, and my bones are aching... So sad to say I think I may have a touch of Ross River Fever again. Not helping that the hot flushes are hitting me hard and fast these days. Thank God in the unpacking we found Mum's hand fan or we'd be stuffed... because hot flushes need something extra even when the air con is on.

Let's talk about stupid things that have happened to us recently. Okay, a new bank card comes in the mail. I think it's a little early... but okay. Read the instructions. Cut up the old card and start using it straight away... Done and done... Maybe I should have read the letter a little better as it wasn't even my card. well it was, but it was my card, but the one for my mum's account. So not even thinking about it I cut up my card for my account and then can't fathom why the hell the card won't work for me. I mean I was putting in the right pin number... MORAL TO THIS STORY: Always read the whole letter. Always make sure you're cutting up the right card. then you won't have to do as I had to and go to the bank and explain what an idiot I was and could the please send me out a replacement card.

I have a wardrobe. I got it off my daughter. I actually bought it for her about 2 years ago. one of the doors was locked and never opened. The key that came with the cupboard just wouldn't open it. So when I moved house, my daughter told me I could have the wardrobe set back. I was changing the handles on it and I was trying to figure out a way for the locked door to open. Would I have to take off the lock and replace it? Maybe just spraying it with DW-40 might loosen it enough to open. I had a thought to try the key for Mum's led light cupboard. I mean what was the harm it would either work or it wouldn't. After two years the door is finally open. Mum's key opened it right up. My key opened her leadlight so I just swapped them.

Just for shits and giggles, I counted the steps in my driveway while putting the wheelie bin out today. 200 up and 200 back. Plus, it's on an incline. So, I get a bit of a workout each time I have to walk it. On that note, I have run out of things to talk about to say. My medication is kicking in, and I'll probably be asleep early tonight. 

Until next time... Take care and stay safe.

Randomness of Me

 

I've slowly been working on The Connelly Chronicle 3: Because of You... It's taken a turn I didn't see coming. So now I have to figure out where the hell I'm going and try and get back to the ending I need for the next book.

I've also been unwell for the last little bit (not Covid related). More my ears, my back, my legs, and my migraines. So I've been trying to take it easy for the last month. Trying not to go anywhere or do anything if I don't have to. So instead I've been slowly setting up the new place, and moving things around so they are easier for my mum.

Also, have a lot of maintenance stuff happening through the real estate, So I've had to be home for that. Been watching the wildlife a lot, and trying to find my whipper snipper cord... yeah, I have no clue where I put it. I'll find it when I'm not looking for it at all.

We've had a bit of rain here over the last couple of weeks, mainly just drizzle, but a couple of good sowers in between. I love the rain, it always makes everything smell so clean and fresh. My cats love sitting on the verandah and watching the rain.

Weirdly since being here, I have found I love mopping the floor. each time it seems to get a little shinier. It'll never be perfect as it is scratched all over from previous tenants, and has like weird light white footprints. I assume someone stepped in paint and couldn't quite clean it up properly or something as they are perfectly formed but they don't exactly look like paint either on the floor in random spots throughout the house. I'm just going to tell people a ghost left them there━better than I have no clue how they got there; they were here when I moved in. Though, the way my cat stares at the wall. I'm starting to believe there are ghosts here.

I have to buy some curtains for my bedroom before winter gets here or else I'll freeze. So that's the next thing on my shopping list. I just made a list of things I need to buy and mark them off as I get them. Seems the simplest way to do it to me.

Halfway Through January Already...

 

The month is half over and so much has happened. For starters, Mum and I have moved house yet again. we are living out in the bush again. We have neighbours, but we are surrounded by nature as well and so many birds.

We moved the week leading up to Christmas, but I've only just organized the internet for the new place. I can finally say I have finished unpacking━which was a drama in itself seeing as I had a sore back for the whole move. I have to thank my son-in-law, Elliot, his friend, Shane, and my nephew, Jared for moving all of our stuff to the new place for us.

It's taking a little bit to find the perfect spots for everything, but we'll get there eventually. Just when I thought I was in the clear with my back I was cleaning the blinds at the new place and re-hurt it. so today I've taken my painkillers and I'm taking it easy, hopefully, it will be better tomorrow.

The cats seemed to have handled the move with ease, which worried me at first, but they have both found their places to relax and play. I love the house has wooden floors throughout, easy to clean. Now I'm getting the yard in order. Luckily for me, there isn't much to mow, and not much of a garden to speak of. I'm just doing the jobs a little at a time. No sense in wearing myself out. Also don't want to stuff my back up completely.

Now that I've found my computer again, I'll also start back on my writing schedule. I'll give you another update in the next few days.