Day 42: I Have Monsoon Today.

 

Yesterday, my back went out... so I basically ended up sleeping the afternoon away. I could hardly move. I woke up and it's still really tender. So, I won't be doing much again, because I can't sit up for long periods of time.

Though, I did have to get up and take Hurricane and Cyclone to school. I also have Monsoon while Emily is at work this morning. I'm hoping Monsoon is going to just want to have a quite morning watching my phone or TV. Knowing her as I do, she'll want to eat me out of house and home.

I need to sort out the cords behind my TV. They look like a jumbled mess, and It's doing my freaking head in. Yet, that will be a job when I don't have Monsoon here trying to help me.

It looks like we might get some rain today. unless the clouds all disappear on us.

Writing wise: I'm not sure I'm up to getting any done, seeing as I'll have to be lying down mostly for my back. That, and I can't write while Monsoon is here. I have her this morning and again this arvo when Hurricane and Cyclone go swimming.

Day 41: Physio Day

 

I had physio today... I rate how well I'm doing, by how easy is it to wash my armpits in the shower. I know it sounds stupid; but for some reason it works for me. In the beginning I had so much trouble especially trying to use my left hand to reach under the right armpit. Or to even raise my left arm high enough to wash under it.

Some days are way better than others. I'm in a bit of pain at the moment because Monsoon decided to help me with and exercise and ended up hurting me. Not her fault. She's three and I shouldn't have been doing the exercises while she was here. Lesson learned, and I won't be doing that again.

I was hoping the physio guy, (J), was going to be able to tell that I'm doing the exercises every day. Because I might be a bit slack in marking them off in the App. I can tell him I'm sleeping better. I still can't sleep on that side for long, but at least now my shoulder/ arm isn't aching all night. Now I just have to plod along until my next appointment.

Day 40: Little Things

 

Today I need to do all the little things, or rather 5 little chores. The ones I hate doing like:

1. Cleaning the microwave.
2. Cleaning the air fryer.
3. Wiping all the spills off the kitchen cupboards - I thought I got them all yesterday after the kids left, but this morning I realized I had missed a few.
4. Cleaning the shower glass.
5. Changing all the bedding.

At least I have all day to get them done. I also have to fold the Laundry today; but I don't mind doing that one.

I don't want to overexert myself, because I don't want to be too sore to go to physio tomorrow.

I also need to try and get a bit of writing done. On that note I will away and get started. Right after I clean up the furball my cat Robson decided to just leave at my feet. Yay, what fun it is to be a pet owner. I'm kidding, I love my cats... most of the time. 

Day 39: Decluttering & Other Things

 Today I've been decluttering all of my writing files. Making sure that when I'm actually working on something, all the clutter in the files is gone and I'm only left with what I need.

I've been having a bad headache today. Not a blinder, but a slow dull thump. I think I may have forgotten to take my medication this morning.

I finished watching both versions of Ghosts. I liked different characters in both the English and the American versions... Basement ghosts were funny in both.

It was a freaking warm day again today. Yes, I know it's summer, and it's meant to be hot. I must obviously be a winter person; I really do like the cooler weather.

Today I tried to work on Dark Frost 1: Accidentally Yours. It's been good getting to know the characters again. In the end I decided to stop and try again tomorrow. Hard to work on anything when you have two of the granddaughters visiting. Today I had Cyclone and Monsoon... while Hurricane went and got her new glasses.

Day 38: Babysitting Duty

 

Okay, I have Monsoon again today. I know she gets fed at home. I just don't understand as soon as she walks through Mar-Mar's (me) door she starts demanding food. I don't know where she fits it all she is a tiny little thing (3).

I'm also washing all the bedding today. I forgot how hard it is trying to remake a bed with two cats walking all over it and thinking I'm playing every time shake out a sheet or the doona.

I'm also trying to get some writing done. Not sure how much I'll manage with Monsoon here. Right now, I'm bribing her with screen time. She's watching kids YouTube; better than me having to sit through one of her movies again. Her favourites at the moment are:

1. Despicable Me 4
2. Luca
3. Moana
4. Raya
5. Encanto
6. Inside out 1 & 2
7. Bluey (TV show)

Day 37: Soundtrack Day (80's)

 What I'm listening to at the minute.

Enjoy.

Day 36: Random Thoughts #4

 

Just when you think the rain has finally stopped; it starts up again. I just can't freaking win.

I have spent the day reviewing a different book series. Dark Frost, it's a sci fi... I forgot how much fun it was working on those stories.

I started watching Ghosts on Brit Box... weirdly, it's kind of funny. my favourites are the ghosts in the boiler room. 

I have another headache today. Just a nagging one. At least it's not a true thumper. I'm afraid today is only going to be a super short. I'll catch you all tomorrow.

Day 35: Really starting to hate technology

 

Why is it, that every time my computer or phone needs to update something, everything freaking changes. It takes me so long to learn the new crap only for it to update again and screw me over once more. It's a total pain in the arse.

I have Monsoon this afternoon while the other two are at their swimming lessons. So, it looks like I will be watching Despicable Me 4 at some stage.

I have a twinge in my arm/shoulder today. I may have over did the exercises a little yesterday. I really need to get my cobweb broom back and get all the webs around the moulding on the roof down. They've seemed to only come inside since we've had non-stop rain.

I'm reaching 30K on Woden's Wolves 3: When Everything Shatters. I'm coming to the point in the story where it starts to turn, and head for the light at the end of the tunnel. Dare & Krush have been taking me on an adventure, and least I know some of the things to write about in books 1: Stronger Than She Looks & 2: There & Back Again.

Day 34: Thank You

I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who sent me so many lovely birthday wishes. In case you're wondering I had a nice quiet day with my mother.

I did manage to get my chores, and all the writing done that I needed to; so that was a plus.

Today it's a tad on the windy side, so my internet keeps going in and out. My cat Ollie has been very clingy. He is laying right beside me and has to have some part of him touching me.

It's been a hot one today. Thank God for aircon.  I'm tired today. I wish I could say it was from having a drink or two on my birthday. Sadly, it's just from lack of sleep. I have a small touch of insomnia.

Day 33: Happy Birthday To Me

 

Well, today is my birthday - I'm turning 56. I'm hoping for a nice easy day. But, in saying that I still have to do my chores. Which today is the weekly washing.

I'm also trying to think what do I want to have for my birthday lunch. I'm leaning towards pasta, though I will ask my mum to see what she feels like.

If I have some spare time, I might even try and watch one of my DVDs... either an epic adventure like LOTR or a Muppet movie... seriously it could go either way with me. Though if my grandbabies come around, we'll probably be watching Despicable Me 4... it's their favourite at the moment.

Really to me birthdays are just like any other day. I'm getting past the point of needing a party etc. Mind you, I think the last party I had was on my 21st.

I'm also going to get as much of Woden's Wolves 3: When Everything Shatters (Alasdair 'Dare' McGinty & Kristen 'Krush' Ushton) typed up as I can.

On that note I will leave you with the song that is on repeat in my head lately: Hope you enjoy it

Day 32: One Tired Night

 

My night started out with me agreeing to babysit my three granddaughters. They were great right up until the point when they weren't. There were tears and fighting over who got to sleep on the air mattress. There was pushing and shoving until in the end I assigned their sleeping spots.

I went to change Monsoon's nappy. As I sat on the side of the air mattress I fell/bounced off and landed on the floor, cracking the back of my head on the little wooded stool.

The girls decided they were having so much fun; they didn't go to sleep until a fraction before midnight. Turned out me and Monsoon got the air mattress, and the two other kids ended up in my bed with the two cats.

Then if that wasn't fun enough, at about 2am, the 13-year-old cat decided to throw up all over the bed. So, I had had to get up and deal with that, while trying not to wake the sleeping kids. I managed to get it done and fell back to sleep. Only to be woken a short time later by the cats wanting to get out.

I finally drifted back off to sleep and the three little terrors woke up wanting breakfast. Yes, I had to get up and see to them. I'm hoping tonight I get to go to bed at a decent hour.

On other news: I started typing up the longhand notes on Woden's Wolves 3: When Everything Shatters.

Day 31: One Month Down

 

I can't believe it's the end of January already. the month has seemed to have flown by. One minute it's Happy New Year, and the next it What the f*ck? my writing got thrown off kilter just a tad, but I'm sure by the end of February I should be back on track with everything. I kept up on wordage, just not the story I was planning on doing... but as Hurricane would say, "That's okay though." It just means I have one less story to write further in the year seeing as I did it now.

My foot is still hurting... as is everything else in my body. Growing older sucks.

I'm getting someone in to slash most of my yard. My shoulder and back won't let me do it at the moment. The real estate ladies helped me organise it. Which is nice of them.

My big chore today is clearing out my kitchen drawers and cupboards. I don't know how they get so messy. Plus, I need to read the expiration dates on everything. I hate it when there are items out of date. It also gives me a chance to move the newer stock to the back and the older stock forward.

So, on that note I will away and get my day started. If I'm feeling adventurous, I might even throw on a load of washing.

Day 30: Ouchies

I have a sore left foot today. Lord only knows what I've done to it. Honestly, it actually feels bruised on the sole up behind my little toe and the one next to it. So, I'm trying to walk on it today. 

I have been off the computer for the last week. I've mostly been writing in longhand. In saying that I should say I didn't get the book finished that I wanted, because another book completely was demanding to be written, and the sad thing is they book I'm writing in longhand is actually book three of a series. I haven't even finished the first two; but Alasdair (Dare) McGinty, and Kristen (Krush) Ushton wanted their story told.

I have a lot of stuff going on in my home life right now. So, I might be hit and miss for the next little bit. Also, when did groceries get so damn expensive? I don't know how they expect young people to pay rent, utilities, fuel in the car, and still afford to eat... Let alone if they have insurances of any kind.

On that note, I'm out of here... this book isn't going to write itself.

Day 29: Little Things

 

Today I had to run errands after school drop off. The important thing was going to the doctor and getting all of my mother's scripts refilled. She can't go without her medication.

I also did the grocery shopping... there was hardly anything on the shelves. but I got a majority of what I needed. I'm not feeling the best today. Not sick exactly, just off. I'll have to take it easy for a while. when I got home, I noticed one of my feet is starting to hurt.

Decided to try Kiev Balls for lunch. I'm not sure I liked them, but mum did, so I daresay we'll have them again at some stage. Luckily, for me they are just a sometimes food. I always try and figure out what I want to cook for the fortnight before I go shopping. So, I know what I need to buy food wise. I'm trying to shop smarter this year.

Other than that: I'm working in longhand on a Woden's Wolves MC story I have to go where my Muse takes me.

Day 28: School Begins Today

School begins again today for another year. We have one off to prep and one starting in Grade two. Our Preppy (Hurricane) got off to a bad start even before school started... (Monsoon) pushed her out of the house door and she fell over. So, at drop off time, she screamed the freaking school down... Fingers crossed tomorrow is much better.

I had a house inspection today from the real estate. I'd forgotten all about it. Luckily, for me the house was spotless. My yard on the other hand needs some work. but I've already organised through the real estate to get someone in to slash it for me.

 

I'm still writing in longhand for the moment; and seriously I don't know why I haven't switched to the computer. I think I will stick with what's working for me; especially when the story is freely flowing.

Day 27: My Muse

 

Yes, I know this is a picture of Jonathan Rhys Meyers; but this is kind of how I see Vlad; my muse. He's come back from wherever the hell he was hiding. Vlad is pushing me to write the story that he wants done. Where the characters need to be written. I swear to God, that they must pay him off; just so he annoys the hell out of me to swap projects halfway through.

So, in saying that I'll be working on my Woden's Wolves MC for the next week or so while I complete the task given to me. I started writing it in longhand. When it comes time to type it up. I'll then add in all the fluff/descriptive bits.

Public holiday here today for Australia Day. So, I'm just pottering around the house getting a few odd chores done. The ones I put off until the need doing... like cleaning the stove, or the air fryer, or microwave. The ones that I do at least once a fortnight... though, I do wipe my stove over every time I use it. It doesn't get as messy then. I'm also thinking I need to do another declutter of my kitchen crap. Get rid of the things I don't use, as they are just taking up the space of the things I do use.

Day 26: Little Critters

 

I have two cats Robson who is 7 years old (he looks like this cat) and Oliver who is 13 years old (he's black and white and only has half a tail). Why is it they have to bring me home little presents. The bring me home, lizards, geckos garden cockroaches, field mice, and a freaking lot of frogs. I'm okay with that. the thing I have a problem with is I have to then catch the little blighters. for some reason (and I'm happy about it) they never kill the animals. They just come and drop them on the floor near me and then lay down and watch me try and catch them.  I've invested in a little net and a stout piece of cardboard so I can catch and release them back outside.

I know they are supposed to bring you gifts when they love you. I just wish they wouldn't bring them into the house. I always think to myself, the little buggers always look so proud of themselves when they bring me said gifts. If I don't acknowledge them fast enough, then they will meow loudly until I do.

My writing is getting back on track. I'm happy with the progress I've been making each day.

Day 25: Plastic Plants

 

My mum loves her plastic plants. The good thing is they never die, and I don't have to water them. The problem is I have to dust them and wipe them over all the time. This is my task for today. Clean all the plastic plants in the house. Sadly, my mum has a lot.

I have them and the blinds to try and get washed. I have about 8 venetian blinds that need doing.

So, today is a busy day, unless I get sidetracked and none of it gets done. I'm still on track with my writing. so that might be what distracts me from my chores

Day 24: Randomness #3

 

Today I have my granddaughters while their mum takes the eldest to swimming lessons and then comes back and swaps the eldest out for the middle one; and takes her for her second eye test = today they are working out what strength she needs. she has already picked out spiderman frames.

I feel like this picture today... I have so much to do, and all I want to do is sleep, but sadly the household chores won't get done by themselves. The biggest chore today is folding up all the washing. 

I got more exercises added to the ones I already have from the physio when I went on Wednesday. This time some of them are for my back. Jared showed me a different way of doing the shoulder/arm exercises that will put less stress on my back/spine.

I'm on the last season of Marple on Brit Box... It's been pretty good. I'm not sure which lady I preferred better as Miss Marple. I'll probably watch the series again to see all the bits that I've missed. Sometimes I can pick the killer and sometimes I can't.

Day 23: Soundtrack Day

 

These are the songs that are on repeat in my head at the moment.

I'll leave it up to you to figure out what they all mean.

Day 22: Errand Day

 

Today's List:

1. Physio Appointment... Let's just hope I walk out of there without my arm/shoulder hurting too much more than it already is. Though, today I have to ask him for some exercises for my back, because just doing the shoulder/arm ones is making my back hurt worse.
2. Go and see my real estate... Actually, I'm going to have a chat with the head of the maintenance crew... Hopefully she can help me solve a problem.
3. Chemist... I have to renew all my mother's medications.
4. Woolies... I need to pick up a few groceries.

Once I've done all that I can come home and start writing if I'm not too tired. I'll have to write something because I don't want to fall behind on my schedule. there is a certain series I want to get stuck back into, but I have to finish the two I'm currently working on. 

I can do it... I have faith in my ability to hit my own deadline. I find I work better when I have a deadline. It just doesn't help that both current series don't have any synopsis for me to follow... I'm just winging it as I go. 

Okay, I'll catch you all on the flipside... Peace out.✌

Day 21: Bad Day & It's Only Just Begun.

 

Swear to God:

1. I'm the type of person who aims for the middle of the doorway... and the wall jumps out to hit me. 

2. I'm the type of person who counts all the stairs... and then falls because I miss a step completely. 

3. I'm the type of person who sees the car door open... and then smacks my head on the roof or sun visor getting in.

Yeah, that's how my day started out... let's hope it gets better from here.

The good news side of things:

1. I took my almost 93-year-old mother for her Podiatry appointment. So that is out of the way for another 10 weeks. All I can say is thank God my physio is tomorrow.

2. I'm on track for finishing book two on time... though I've decided on another series change name. Because the more I write, the more I realize it needs to be called Elsewhere Realms... so just so we're all up to date. E.P.I.C. changed to The Halloways... and has now become Elsewhere Realms.

Okay, I now have my coffee. It's time to be off of here and conquer at least one of the worlds inside my headspace... wish me luck.

Day 20: Random Thoughts #2 (On Writing)

I'm kind of feeling like I can finally accomplish my goals this year. maybe that's because I'm laid up and can't exactly go anywhere and I have time to write. My next part of the goal is betting my typing back up to speed, and to stop myself from getting distracted (it's been known to happen).

I've made a loose writing plan for the year, I've decided not to announce it and set it in stone, because you know I'll probably end up changing it all around at some point. But for right now these are the ones that feel right for me.

I'm only concentrating this year on writing, and next year on publishing. because when I send my stuff to a publisher, I want to already have the series finished; or mostly finished. I don't want there to be long waits between books. even though that may come with the editing.

Right now, I'm just looking at it like: I just need to get some of these stories out of my head to make room for the new stuff. Even my muse Vlad has gone on a permanent vacation until I do a major declutter. The bastard could have at least tidied up in there before he left. He knows I don't like a mess.

So, I've decided to go with the flow and write whatever takes my fancy. Whether it's, shifters, vampires, ranchers, bikers, ghost hunters, or other. I'm letting my inner author shine and waiting to see what emerges at the other end. Let's all hope it's something someone wants to read.

On that note I am out of here, because I have a pain pill to take and words to write.

Day 19: Cleaning Day

 

Today I am deep cleaning my room. Well, as much as mu shoulder allows me to. I swapped out my wardrobe for a set of chest of drawers. I realised I only had three things that needed hanging, the rest could be folded. So, I pulled out my inner Marie Kondo and folded the shit out of everything and it all fit into the drawers and looks much tidier.

The other win is now my three-year-old granddaughter (Monsoon) won't be climbing the open-faced wardrobe like her very own jungle gym anymore.

I still have a couple of things to find homes for tomorrow, but I need to actually get my writing in today if I want to stay on track of having three books finished by my birthday (Feb 2). As long as I don't let Miss Marple distract me on Brit Box I should be okay. Okay, I'll talk to you all tomorrow.

Day 18: So Damn Hot

 It's been that bloody hot here lately. I had to invest in one of these stands just so my laptop is sitting flat on the tabletop and overheating. So far it seems to be working. Everything else I wanted to buy yesterday was unavailable.

1) Air fryer: Out of stock.

2) HDMI Splitter: Now = On-line only.

3) Pens: No longer make them.

4) Laptop Stand: They didn't have the one I wanted so I had to buy one that was three times the price.

5) Large Handbag: Couldn't find one.

The good news is that I didn't need glasses, though they were confused as to why I was called in for testing. Seeing as I was only there a year ago. I couldn't enlighten them any, I was just happy I didn't have to spend a fortune on glasses.

Now that I have that over and done with, I'm getting stuck back into my writing. I have a game plan set in place, and I'm going to make sure it works. I'm hoping to finish the next two books by Feb 2nd.

Day 17: Eye Test

 

I'm actually hoping that I don't need a new set of glasses. I like the ones I have now. At least they give you the option if there isn't a huge difference you can stay with what you have until the next testing cycle rolls around. I'll let you know the outcome tomorrow.

My shoulder is feeling a little better today, not as tender. Mind you, I'm being very careful of the damn doorways and walls in the house. I swear to God, sometimes, they just move and jump right out in front of me. I really can't be that much of a klutz... can I? Stop laughing. I know you are.

I'm probably not going to make my required wordage by the time I get home today. It might be another day where I end off handwriting and then typing it all up in the morning; and I'm okay with that. 

Okay, I better go, my daughter will be here to pick me up soon, and we'll be heading off. talk to you all tomorrow.

Day 16: Cracking On

 

Today I'm back on schedule. Well as back on as I can be. My shoulder is still killing me after my run in with the wall. But I did manage to get up and do what needed doing. Though in saying that, I'm only halfway through my physio exercises - I needed a break.

I managed to get 1.5K handwritten wordage done on The Halloways 2: Stepping through Cracks done yesterday, which I am stocked about. I guess I'm lucky, it's my left shoulder that's hurt and not my right.

I have to try and get as much done as possible today because tomorrow, I have to go and get my eyes tested. which is like a 40-minute drive there and back. So, we're getting the eldest 2 grandkids school shoes while we're there, as they also have to have their, before school starts, eye test done.

Though I am excited, because I'm getting my French door air fryer while I'm there. Kmart has them for $89. No more accidently slamming the one I have now's door into the bench. I'm giving this one to my daughter. So, it won't be going to waste. I have wanted a French door one for the last 3 years. It's going to be an early birthday present to myself. (My actual birthday isn't until Feb 2nd).

Day 15: Day Off

 

Today is grocery shopping day (which is a drama all on its own level), Hardly any stock on the shelves and has everything gone up in price again? After that, I had my three granddaughters, while their mum had to go run some errands. Only the three-year-old seemed to have her listening ears on and in working condition. I just took a deep breath and reminded myself> only 13 more days and the other two will be back at school 5 days a week.

My shoulder is killing me this morning. Last night, for the second time in as many weeks; I've managed to walk into the bathroom doorway and slam my shoulder hard. Oh, what fun... Not. Just in case you're wondering. Yes, I was being sarcastic.

Though I after I get off here, I might start handwriting up The Halloways 2: Stepping through Cracks.

Day 14: Finally Finished

I finally finished my first book for 2025. 2 days later than I planned, but I can blame my migraine for that. So now, The Halloways 1: Blood Ties is done. Now I'm back onto Beauford Boys 1: Silverton Plantation. Which is a companion series. At least now I have a slither of a plan on where I'm heading with that one.

I still have my bad migraine. So, it's been hard to concentrate on anything. I was just happy to get the small amount of writing I needed done and my physio exercises done. At least it didn't rain today, but it still might tonight.

Let's hope I wake up feeling better tomorrow. 14 days and the kids are all back in school... yes, I am still counting. They're driving me nuts.

 

Day 13: Migraine Time

For the last 2 days I've suffered with a bad migraine.  It's an all over my head one, but also mainly in my right eye. I hate migraines... Pardon the pun... But they do my freaking head in. I have to put everything on hold because I can't concentrate long enough to get anything accomplished. All I really want to do is climb into bed and sleep the day away.  Yet, I still have to get up and: 

(1) Do my daily chores. 

(2) Take care of my mother

(3) Do my physio exercises.

In saying that, I had to put off finishing my book, The Halloways 1: Blood Ties. I'm so close to getting it finished too. Hopefully this migraine won't last too long, and I can get stuck back into it.

I've also been hearing thunder all afternoon. I wonder if we are in for another storm. On that note I will away and catch you all tomorrow.

Day 12: Raining Again

 

It's another one of those days when the weather is a total pain in the ass. As by today's title, you can guess that it is raining again. Before you know it, the grass will be up around our ears. The bad part is I love the rain. I just hate that the ground never has a chance to fully dry our and I can't get the mowing done. Looks like I will have to get the brush cutter out... okay, I'll have to buy a brush cutter first and then get stuck into the yard once it fully stops raining.

I have my eldest grandchild visiting today. They came over to pick up something and she refused to go home. Apparently, she needed a break from her sisters. Her mum will come and pick her up later.

I'm well on track for getting my first book finished for 2025 today. I have 4K more to write on The Halloways 1: Blood Ties, and then one final read through. Just to make sure it all makes sense to me. I have enjoyed writing this one.

I also have a mad headache today. My arm and shoulder are tender. My back is aching. My feet are burning. My hands are aching; and my ears are ringing. Oh, the joys of getting old.

Day 11: Hurting Today

After doing my physio exercises today. I'm not sure what hurts more. My arm and shoulder; or my back. But at least I got them knocked out for today. I will have to have a talk with my physio guy on my next visit. I'm also going to have to invest in a heat pack of some kind. the physio told me I would need it and now I understand why.

I'm on a deadline today, I have to get at least 6.2K if I'm to finish my story my tomorrow night... that will mean 6.2K tomorrow as well. So today I'm going to try and get as much done as I possibly can.

Today at some stage I have to clean out my fridge. It's long overdue. I haven't done it in a couple of weeks; and now it is annoying the hell out of me. Same with my freezer. When my guests were here things got put in the wrong places and I need to put everything back to rights before it drives me insane. Well, more than it is right now.

I'm tired today, and the day hasn't even started. Looking out the window right now it's all overcast, so I daresay we are in for some more rain, if not a storm. I love the rain in general, but I can't wait for the ground to dry out.

Day 10: Rainy Days

 

Today is all overcast again. We look like we're going to have another storm today. Which means I'll be doing yardwork again before you know it.  I hear thunder. It won't be long now.

Day 2 of physio exercises, and they aren't getting any easier. Which probably means they will eventually start working ━ God, I hope so.

I did a bit more decluttering today. sometimes I think; the more I clean the messier it gets. I have to believe there is going to be a damn light at the end of this tunnel. It will be much easier when I can trade the couple of bits of furniture with my daughter; that way I can finish setting things up the way I want them to be.

Still working on fixing The Halloways 1: Blood Ties. I have 15.3K to add while I'm fluffing and about four questions still to answer. I've got 3 days to finish if I want to meet mt deadline. I know it's doable as I just have to try and write 5.1K a day. Luckily, for me, it's the weekend.

On that note I better end off as I still have to meet my quota for today.

Day 9: Birthday Wishes

 

Happy 35th birthday to my daughter. 

Glad you survived this long.

Even happier your three girls - give you a taste of what you put me through,

Love you to death - even if you do drive me crazy sometimes.

2025 is going to be a great year.

Day 8: Bowie

 

Happy Birthday David Bowie ~ Miss you every day. 

May you forever live on through your music.

This is my favourite of all time.

Enjoy...

Day 7: Little Fingers

 

Today I have to finish tidying up after Hurricane and Monsoons visit yesterday. They thought it would be fun to play dress up in Mar-Mar (that's me) shoes. So, now I have to go around the house and find them all because my shoe rack is looking pretty bare. Not that I own many shoes.

I also need to find the cap off my USB flash drive and round up any toys I might have missed yesterday. and the clothes they insist on stripping off as soon as they walk through the door. Still, I have to admit they sure do make life interesting. They eat me out of house & home, but I would give them up for all the money in the world.

Though in saying that... 21 more days until school starts up again ━ not that I'm counting or anything. Who am I kidding. I'm definitely counting.

On another note: I'm off to physio tomorrow afternoon I'm finally getting my arm seen to as well as getting my back looked at again. I'll let you all know what happens.

Day 6: Out of Sorts

 

I'm out of sorts today, and truthfully, I'm not even sure why. I mean I slept well. I remembered to take my tablets. I've even done most of my chores. the good news is this week I've even lost 1kg (2.205lb). I just feel like I have an underlying migraine... I'm used to migraines-this one just seems to be annoying. It could be because I've really cut back on my soda intake (Pepsi Max).

Heck, I even wrote the last chapter on my first book for 2025. The book isn't finished by a long shot; now I have to go back through and fill in all the holes. But at least the book didn't end on a cliff hanger. Now I know how it ends it will make it much easier to write the rest. that's what I'll be doing over the rest of this week. I did realise while writing this book the series name will definitely have to change since I went in a completely different direction.

I have two of my grandbabies today while the third goes to dance practice. Good news is they're only here for a couple of hours; bad news is its Hurricane and Monsoon. I love them to death. Let's just hope they're in the mood to watch tv today.

the weather is playing silly buggers again. one minute its 22⁰ Celsius and the next day it drops right back down to 16⁰ Celsius. No wonder we keep getting sick. It's supposed to be Summer. I wish the weather would make up its mind. 

On that note I can almost hear my little she devils arriving. So, I will talk to you all again tomorrow.

Day 5: Smile at a Stranger

I've decided to break through my barriers and smile at a stranger each time I leave the house, (not in a creepy kind of way), but you never know what someone else is going through and a smile might be just what they need.

I've also thinking I'm going to have to do a rewatch of Wednesday and Stranger Things before the release the next seasons in each show. At the moment I'm watching Vera on Brit Box, I'm up to season ten, so I only have a couple more seasons to go. I've really been enjoying it. I like to watch a couple of episodes of something after I'm done writing for the day... it just helps me unwind.

You'll all be happy to know that I'm almost at the end of my washing. Who knew having a few extra people in the house for a couple of days would create so much. It wouldn't have taken me half as long if it hadn't rained like nearly every day since they left, and I've mostly had to hang everything inside. Luckily, yesterday the sun stayed out and I managed to use the outside line for that lot of washing.

I need to have a haircut today. It's getting to the length where it's starting to annoy me. So, I guess I'll be pulling the clippers out this afternoon and crossing that job off my list. During my stocktake of the pantry yesterday. I realized I had four bottles of salad dressing. I guess I can cross that off the shopping list. I'm going to have to teach myself to go through the pantry in the couple of days leading up to grocery shopping to know what I need and what I don't. Right now, I'm trying a method of having everything on a list and I cross it off when it's used and add it on when I buy new to replace. I'm going to try the same method with my freezer foods as well. I'll let you all know how it goes

On that note I'll say goodbye as I have to go downtown and buy some water, (we can't drink our tank water) when I get home, I'm getting stuck back into my write for today.

Day 4: Today, No Social Media

 

Today I have decided that after writing this blog I'm not going to go on social media. (I'll probably cave later in the day). Only because if I do I'll get sucked into; and sidetracked by watching garden rescue/renovation videos. I don't know why, but I always do... Lately Lois Denise are my favourite ones to watch. I'm not even going to turn on my TV and get distracted by Vera (I'm up to season 9).

I'm determined to get some writing done today. as you know I talk mostly all my writing stuff on my other blog. The link is on my page here. just press it and it'll take you there.

Today I have no grandbabies, so I might also catch up on my housework in between turns on the computer - when I need to give my eyes a rest.

Also, today's major job is tackling the pantry. I want to find out exactly what's in there and how much I have of each item. This year I'm determined to shop smarter - not harder. Means I might actually have to think about making a meal plan for the fortnight, before I do the shopping and buy accordingly. I'm trying to teach my daughter how to manage a budget and not waste food etc... then I realized if I want to show her, I need to do those things myself. I do budget and I don't waste food. My problem is I buy ingredients for my pantry and then never use them. I either have to give them away or they expire.

Plus, with my sore arm/shoulder, I need to find a better place for my dinner set. I just swapped it out from the heavy one I had to a nice light Corelle one; but at the moment it sits too high in my pantry. my arm just doesn't want to lift that high. Though, I also can't have it too low, or my grandbabies will want to play tea parties with it.

On that note I better stop procrastinating and get some writing done.

Day 3: Grandbabies

 

Gotta love them - Can't live without them - Counting down the days until they go back to school, (in case you're wondering there is 25 days). My year won't get easier until the two older ones are back in school, and the younger one is being minded by her aunty Lace (second cousin). I don't call the two younger ones Hurricane and Monsoon for nothing.

We've been going through the process of decluttering my daughter's house. I admit something we shouldn't have started during school holidays, because little hands are not helpful. They try to be, but in the end, they make the job ten times harder. We might have to postpone the job until they are back at school. Especially, when it comes time to go through all the toys. Today the little angels are at my house while their carpets are getting shampooed at home.

I know by looking at their pictures... butter wouldn't melt in their mouths. when they get with their cousin it's like the four horsemen of the apocalypse have descended upon us... but tell the truth, I'm looking forward to seeing the dynamics between them as they grow... now they are all between 3 & 6, and the cousin is 7. I wonder if they will always remain as close as they are now. We have one (the cousin) who is on the low end of the spectrum; and another who is diagnosed ADHD... fun times because those two are frenemies, (or so they tell us). The ADHD one is starting Prep this year. and she is looking forward to it.

This Christmas we were smart. They didn't get a lot of toys. they got three big outside ones they could share and then a couple of little things; then we stocked them up for school. Though, leaving the shoe buying until last minute in case they have a growth spurt between now and the 28th. trust me, it happened when the eldest one first started prep, and her mum bought her shoes too early.

Sadly, I have come to realize my grandbabies know their way around a phone better than I do. When did that happen? One day they are coming to me needing help with something, and now I have to get them to help me. Smart little buggers.

On that note I will away, because we are about to hang out some washing and Hurricane and Monsoon like to hand me the pegs.