Day 89: Miss Sassy Pants

 

Today I had Hurricane after school while her sister, Cyclone was at dance practice. Monsoon was visiting her Aunty Yace. And of course, it's still raining so it's as boring as hell. Let's just say Captain Underpants was watched. Though she did appreciate that I had her a big bowl of garlic potatoes and salami slices to snack on (weird combination I know).

I did have Monsoon in the morning while her mom was attending school parade, then she went home. I gave her some wipes and let her wipe over all the kitchen cupboards she had a blast.

Today while working on Hayden Falls 1: Christmas Wishes Comes with Kisses. I watched a couple of documentaries. One was on Charles Manson. for the life of me I can't figure out what made people follow him so blindly. The second one I watched was on Spies and their gadgets and how they got caught out. It was interesting and I saw just how cruel certain people/countries were when it came to warfare like that. I would never have wanted to be a spy. You can probably tell I'm just slowly making my way through all the docos on the Netflix list.

Day 88: Chores Day

 Today I have been on a cleaning kick. I'm trying to keep on top of everything. My main chore for today where... 

1) Go and buy a new microwave, because the insides started peeling in mine and it was sparking up a storm. 

2) I cleaned the air fryer, toaster, and kettle.

3) I also rearranged some of the pantry.

4) I did 3 loads of washing

5) Swept out twice.

I wasn't feeling the best today, so, I was surprised I got as much done as I did.

I also worked on Hayden Falls 1: Christmas Wishes comes with Kisses, because that's the story that's currently talking to me. It's easier to work on what feels right then to force a story that's not quite fully formed in my mind yet.

And yes, it's still raining on and off.

Day 86: Sleepover Day

Tonight, I have the three granddaughters sleeping over. Their mum wants to be able to make Cyclone's birthday cake and wrap the presents in peace.  So, it means I have to put up with them. Fighting over who gets to sleep in the bed and who has the blow-up mattress. I bet I end up on the couch again.

I'm really tired today... everything aches. I can't even tell you what hurts the most, because it all hurts... getting old sucks.

Today I'll be cleaning out under both the kitchen and bathroom sinks. As I want to find out what cleaning products I have, what is almost out, and needs restocking, or what I have in abundance.

I also have to vacuum the couch off, to get the cat hair off. Even though I have pets, I still like to make sure that they don't shed too much. It only takes a few moments of my time to get it done.

Today I will also clean the bathroom out... My house just seems to get really dusty. It's a never-ending chore to get on top of it. The wet weather isn't helping; it just makes everything feel damp and the dust sticks to it.

Also going to try and get some work done on Woden's Wolves 3: When Everything Shattered.

Day 83: Quick Update & Other Things

 

I'm tired today. I can't seem to get any decent sleep. no matter how I try it seem to elude me. I'm averaging about three hours a night. I'm sitting here watching my cats and feeling envious that they can just lay down and fall asleep anywhere.

I've watched two 8 episodes series on Netflix recently. The first was The Irregulars> which was series set back in early days of London, where 5 teenagers solve paranormal crimes. for Dr Watson (Sherlock Holmes) ... it was interesting. the second was a series called The Residence> about a murder at the white house during a state dinner... it was pretty funny.

It's been raining on and off all day long. I can tell you; I'm getting tired of it. It's not even smelling nice anymore. Now it just smells dank. I need it to dry out for a bit.

Today I've been working on Woden's Wolves MC 3: When Everything Shattered. It's the story that's speaking to at the moment. So, it's the story that I'm going to write. I'm afraid that's the way my brain is working at the moment. I decided instead of fighting it. I'll go with the flow and see where it takes me.

Day 80: I hate being sick

 

Today is snuggle up with a nit beverage and read kind of day. My damn cold is back. I think I must nearly be due for my flu shot, or something.

I'll take my time doing my chores today. I can't get out and mow because its overcast and drizzly. So, the grass is wet. Which is good because I don't have to go out and water the plants today. My chilli bush is thriving, and the new parsley plants are doing good.

Writing wise: Yesterday, I finished The Dark Frost 2: Running Home to You; and I started doing the 5K flesh out on Cotter's Girls 1: Tash. I'm hoping I actually finish it today. Next on my agenda will be finishing off one of the other books on my working on now list. Either Elsewhere Realms 2: Stepping Through Cracks... or Crossroads 1: The Smile Made Me Do It. I guess you'll know in the next couple of posts.

Day 79: Now & Next

 

Just another awesome picture to start off this post. I must admit I really love crows, ravens, and any other black birds.

Today I'm on the tail end of Dark Frost 2: Running home to you. I'm hoping to have it finished today. It turned out a little different than even I had anticipated.

Next, I'll definitely go back and do a slight rework of Cotter Girls 1: TASH and flesh it out some because being 5K short is annoying the hell out of me.

If it doesn't rain, I'm going out to mow a bit of my paddock, before the grass gets too long again. If I do a bit every day it should keep it down.

I'm also going to sweep and mop my floors. they really need it. mind you I usually sweep every day; just with all the wind it forever feels like the floors are covered in dust and considering I don't wear shoes in the house, I hate the feel of it.

Day 78: A little bit brisk

 

Even though we aren't yet in our cold months. We woke up to a real chilly morning, so it is long pants and a jumper kind of day. I might even have to put some socks on and my beanie.

I'm heading toward 40K on Dark Frost 2: Running Home to You. It's just taken on a twist that I wasn't expecting. and now I have to figure out how to get it back on track. 

I can't slack off again. I want to get the stories written this year that I had planned on getting finished. My goal is by the end of the year to have a few series nearly almost finished before I start subbing them out to different places.

My new neighbours moved in this week. I haven't met them as yet and considering we don't exactly live side by side. I probably won't. I can remember when I was a kid. we knew all of our neighbours. These days we rarely even speak to the people we live near. I kind of miss the old days.

I have to pick up Hurricane form school today, because she no longer attends dance, and has requested to stay at my house so we can watch movies together... Oh what fun.

Day 77: Back in the swing of things

 

This right here is what my life feels like today. I couldn't seem to concentrate on a damn thing. I had so much to do and probably only got half of it done.

As you know I finished Dark Frost 1: Accidentally Yours... and I'm back to working on #2: Running Home to You. which I'm hoping to have finished by this weekend at some stage. By the time #2 is finished that will be 3 books complete for this year.

I want to go back through Cotter Girls 1: TASH and add at least 5K to it. I think it may be lacking in some parts; where I believe it needs more clarification.

I'm tired today. there is a virus going around and I feel like I may be coming down with it. I hope not, but I feel run down. It didn't help its hot today.

Hurricane has really sore feet and legs after walking 4.2km with her mum while Cyclone had dancing yesterday. she has decided from now on she'll come and stay with me on those days.

Day 75: Chores List

 

Today I have to wash. Probably about 6 loads. but at least everything will be nice and clean (and that's just all the bedding).

I also have to finish taking pictures of everything the storm damaged and send to the real estate. They will put it on their to be looked at list.

Today is also the day I tackle the dreaded things on the top of my gas stove (the grate thingies) they get all sticky, and I have yet to wind anything that actually works. I'm determined to get them better than they currently are.

I also need to mop now that it's finally stopped raining, and I can do so without the floors taking forever to dry.

Today is also the day I get at least one of my venetian blinds cleaned/washed. I have 8 of the f*ckers and they are so hard to wash with causing damage to them because they bend so easily.

I also need to clean under the beds. I don't know how they get so dusty. This is a job I try and do once a week. I sweep daily, but under the beds not so much. honestly, I find it too freaking hard to get up and down to see under them.

Day 74: Clean up time

 

My Grandma duties are done for the day... I was right, I did end up on the couch with both cats, but at least the kids slept through the night.

I waited until after they had gone home (because I had Hurricane and Cyclone while Monsoon went to swimming) to clean up after them. Not that there was really a mess. I mainly had to make beds and deflate and put away the air mattress.

Some annoying neighbour was out riding a motor bike around and around their yard for hours. It sounded like their muffler needed fixing = it was so loud.

I made the most delicious steak burgers for me and mum for our lunch. They tasted awesome, and the steak was so tender. Still going strong on the whole only Pepsi Max with my dinner. I'm not craving it as much as I thought I would be.

My main chores today were to gather all the bedding to wash tomorrow, clean the fans, and tidy up the kitchen. I still have to do a few things in the kitchen though, like fill the salt and pepper shakers.

Day 71: Here we go again

 

School definitely restarted... One granddaughter happy to go back, the other not so much. The last one wants to go but is still way too young.

I'm also hoping that the shelves of the grocery store were restocked like they told us they would be... and then figure out what we can actually afford, because they always seem to increase the prices during anything like what just happened.

With school back on that means dance has also restarted, I'll have Monsoon, while Hurricane and Cyclone go and get their groove thing on this afternoon. she can help me fold all the dry laundry.

I've been working in long hand on the notes for that new story idea (the as yet untitled one). It has changed a few times over the last few days. I know I'll get there in the end.

I'm tired today. My head is again pounding, but that could be because I smashed it on the car getting on for school drop off. I was lucky I didn't break my glasses.

Day 70: When will the crazy end.

 

Today there were four crows hanging around my house. I'm sure there were others but these four were just right at my house, and then they left. about an hour later I had to go to my daughter's house, and I swear the same four crows were sitting at her house on her front stoop... Awesome creatures.

I was finally able to put my pot plants back outside seeing as the wind is basically all but gone.

I also had to take picture of the embankment under the huge tree that I'm scared will fall on the house as more of it is washed away.

Had to go and TRY and buy some bread. I managed to get 1 loaf, not the kind I like, but at least mum can still have her toast. The shelves in the supermarket are super bare of the essentials. Meals might have to get a little creative for the next little bit until it gets back to normal... though the shops did say they should have more stock tomorrow.

My internet has been jumping in and out all day. Apparently, something important got damaged in the next town over. whatever it was it had to do with our telephones and internet.

I got some more of my daughter's washing done. She's hoping to have her washer fixed sometime this week. Which will be good. My daughter, and granddaughters had lunch at my place. The kids were starving... seriously, when are they not.

Good news: we did get the notification to say school is reopening tomorrow. At least now they won't be bored.

Day 69: Flooded In

 

I woke up to Thunder and lightning for a change. not that it lasted long, but it is a sure sign we'll get even more rain today. I might watch ghosts today (the American version).

Definitely not getting to physio. Where I have to go is under water... or they have it lapping at their doors. Even if it wasn't, I think I'm getting whatever the grandkids had. That, or my cold is making a reappearance.

I did manage to make it to one shop and get water so I'm not going to run out before they restock the shelves. Though with all the flooding around, I'm not sure when that will be, the trucks need dry roads to make the deliveries.

I decided to cook a lamb roast for lunch today... roast veggies, sloppy peas, and homemade gravy... Mum had the lamb, and I had chicken (I don't like the taste of lamb = I cooked her lamb shanks). 

Trying something new to cut down on my soda intake. I limit myself to 1 can of Pepsi Max of a nighttime with, or just after my dinner. I don't know how long I will last at it, but I'm going to give it a good shot.

Day 68: Still Windy

 

It is still really windy and raining today. Honestly, I will be glad when this is all over. Today I have at least 5 huge branches down all over my yard. One of them is across my driveway, so. I'll have to move that when the rain slows down. Both my cats are still inside and refusing to budge.

At least there isn't much to be done on days like these. To me, it looks like it's going to be another reading and coffee day.

I had to raid my pantry and take supplies around to my daughter's place. the kids are starting to feel better and are eating her out of house and home.  I will say this. Major storm weather like this does give the fridge/ freezer/ and pantry a good clean out. We'll start fresh after this is all over.

My older cat, Oliver seems to be fascinated with all the rain. He's sitting on the front verandah just watching it. Robson is still hiding under the doona.

Day 67: Tropical Storm

 

Cyclone Alfred has been downgraded to a tropical storm. though in saying that, the wind has really started to pick up at our house I will definitely be shutting up the house and staying inside. We also have the rain now as well. It may have been downgraded but we are now feeling the full effects. 

Both my cats, Oliver and Robson are hiding under my doona on my bed. they don't like the noise. as yet none of the trees have fallen.

I'm spending the day cuddled up with a hot coffee and reading. Though, I did take time out to clean my laundry and get it back to how it's meant to be looking. I also cleaned out my fridge again.

I just want to spend a few seconds talking about panic buyers. Those people who rush down to the shops and buy up everything on the shelves. Which if you ask me, is nuts. if the power goes out for any stretch of time you will probably lose all the meat and perishables. Some of us actually need bottled water to drink and cook with, because our tank water is shyte. For days now there hasn't been any. I just want to say. stop panic buying... it ruins shopping for the regular people who are just trying to do their normal shopping.

Day 66: Alfred Update

 

The rain started today, up until now it's only been showers, but today there is rain. still not as heavy as I was thinking, but it's here.

I had to move my chilli plant and my parsley up onto my back verandah where they were at least sheltered from the wind. I would hate for them to get destroyed.

I tried cancelling my Physio Appointment which is supposed to be Monday. Somehow, I don't think I'll be getting out of my area. The problem was everything is closed due to the cyclone. I'll just have to rebook after this is all over.

Other than that, mum and I are both fine. Everyone still sick around the corner at my daughter's house. Mum and I are both feeling okay.

Day 64: Cyclone Alfred

Cyclone Alfred: and a real one this time; not just the name I call my eldest granddaughter. they have even sent out alerts to our phones. We live a good couple of hours from the coast. So, I'm hoping it doesn't get as bad for us in here. I can see us getting flooded in if we get hit with the rain.

We have all been issued clean up the yard warnings, so nothing is able to blow around in the wind. I'm lucky I don't really have anything in my yard. My greatest worry is, if we do get strong winds; one of the trees could come down in my yard I have huge widow maker gums. I don't want one falling on the house.

At least the rain hasn't been too bad, only a few light showers for the moment. It will probably get worse as the cyclone gets closer to land. Just so you all know my internet will be jumping in and out, so I'll be out of touch.

Day 62: New Tyres

 

I finally got around to getting my new tyres, and a wheel alignment. One of my major chores for the year done. I had Monsoon with me; so, we ended up taking a walk down to Woolworths, which is 2 blocks away. She loved pushing all the buttons on the crosswalks and stopping to look at a stick insect that was on the footpath. We also stopped to look at the kangaroos who were resting in the paddock next to the shopping centre. we also ran into Monsoon's favourite cousin/aunty. So, she was happy about that. while we waited for her mum to come and pick us up, we got the few things we needed from the shop. And a snack because all that walking made Monsoon hungry.

Hurricane: got an academic award on parade this morning. Hence the reason I had Monsoon with me while their mum was at school parade watching Hurricane.

Working on a new story idea, as yet it is untitled. But I need to get the thoughts down while they are still in my head. If I wait too long, I will forget all about them. It has happened to me before. where I've thought I've written them down and haven't. It annoys the f*ck out of me. My words of wisdom for today: write it down = nobody's memory is that great.

Day 58: More Cleaning

 Why is it on days when you're as tired as all get go... the cleaning chores seem to take freaking forever to do.

1> I cleaned the air fryer again... one of the hardest things to clean. I have one that looks like a mini oven. I got most of it clean, but I'll have to do it again soon. If you all know of something that is an easy hack, feel free to let me know.

2> I also wiped over all my pantry doors. they seem to get grubby handprints on them all the time. annoying as hell.

3> I cleaned out my plasticware and glassware drawers, so everything sits in their just a little bit neater.

4> I also had to buy new frying pans. I'm not saying I forgot to turn off the stove... but I did burn the a*se end out of my big frying pan. Lesson learned always check the stove. 

Day 55: Happy Birthday Lacey

 

Happy birthday, Lacey. I may have forgotten how old you are, but at least I remembered your birthday.

In other news I'm still working on Iron Horse MC 1: Just this side of crazy. though at some point I may swap back to Dark Frost 1: Accidentally Yours. I'll see how I'm faring. 

My cold is coming back, and this time around I have the cough to go with it, which in turn makes my ribs as sore as hell; and has brought my headache back.

My big chore for today is to fold up all the laundry and put it away, and wash whatever is in the basket. I'm trying not to let it all build up again. because it's so exhausting when I have to do laundry all day long.

I probably won't get any yardwork done. Not when I'm feeling like crap. My yard is such an odd shape that it makes it so hard to keep tidy; and parts are on so much of a tilt that I have fallen down embankments way more than I should. Pain in the ar*e. in saying that though, I'm slowly getting it down.