Autumn colour in the back yard
Posted on by Debbie

Time for a cuppa and a chat as May moves into June!

It’s getting cold, so grab a cuppa, make yourself comfortable and settle in for a chat! Are you warm enough? Let’s take a break and look back over the month of May together.

May was a month of fun with visitors, a Federal Election, bike rides, afternoon fires in the backyard, a hair appointment, massages, runs, movies, bookclub, ChiBall, and it ended with a cold snap with the first snow of the year.

An Autumn afternoon in the garden
An Autumn afternoon in the garden

TIME

As you know, TIME is my word of the year and I’m well aware of how fast it goes! But where does it go?? I saw this recently and thought it was very applicable for my word of the year.

Time is like a river
Time is like a river

My monthly wrap-up posts for the year will all have a similar flavour, taking into account the TIME theme.

TRAVEL and FAMILY – TIME

We had a busy month with trips to Canberra, Nowra and Wagga to see family, celebrate birthdays and Mother’s Day. The Mathematician had hand surgery for his Dupuytren’s Contracture and has recovered well. You can see the before and after shots here.

My nearly 8 month old granddaughter Emilia is adorable
My nearly 8 month old granddaughter Emilia is adorable

We caught up with our baby granddaughter, Emilia, who is now clapping hands, growing teeth and crawling around – the things all babies do – but to me it’s extra special as a first time granny! I know I’ve shared this photo before but she’s just so cute 🙂

The BEST news I am now allowed to share with you is that I am going to be a grandmother again…YAY!!!!! Our eldest daughter is expecting her first baby later this year. The only downside to this, and really it isn’t that bad, is that she lives in England and we’re in Australia. This just means more travels for us and technology will be our friend in the meantime! We are already planning to be there for a while when she’s due and we’re so happy for them both.

ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE – TIME

Some of the things we do come to their natural end and so it was that my time with the Rotary District Youth Exchange Committee. I attended my final committee meeting in May and was surprised and honoured to receive an award for all my years as part of the team. It was with some sadness that I decided that I’d finish on the committee, but the time was right to me. After countless kilometres and weekends away volunteering with Rotary Youth Exchange I am proud of my efforts and what Rotary does for the students who come to Australia and those we send out for a year. I love being a host mother and counsellor and have made many lifelong friendships with people all over the world. I thought it was quite fitting that it was National Volunteers Week! I thank everyone who has helped me over the years and believe wholeheartedly in Rotary’s motto – Service Above Self.

I’m not leaving Rotary and will no doubt still be involved in the Rotary Youth Exchange program as a consultant and frequent visitor.

Rotary Youth Exchange award
Rotary Youth Exchange award

BLOGGING  – TIME

My new Friday Feature, where I share various bits that have made me laugh or cry during the week, have been fun posts to compile. I find I’m taking more notice of things that are going on around me. I’ve been heartened with the response I’ve been getting too, so thank you to all my faithful readers for your continued support, ideas and suggestions. I can’t believe this Friday will see the 13th edition! Time certainly does fly!

I’m getting into a bit of a rhythm now with my blogging schedule. At the moment it looks a bit like this.

  • On Mondays I link up with Denyse for her #Lifethisweek get together which can either be an older post or a post written in response to her weekly prompts
  • Wednesdays I have my Wordless Wednesday posts – which I try to schedule ahead of time
  • I link up a post to Sue and Leanne on the Midlife Share the Love (#mlstl) party on Wednesdays too, and that’s usually a recent post I’d like to be read, comments made and maybe shares as well!
  • Friday is for my Winners and Losers post
  • On Sundays I join in with Terris’ Sunday Stills which is a photo based post in response to her themes each week. It’s always interesting to see how others interpret the prompts.
  • The first Tuesday of each month I share my monthly overview post (this one)
  • If I have anything else to write about I fill in the other days!

The great thing is by linking up with other bloggers, there’s an expectation that you will read, comment, share their posts and it’s always interesting to read what others are writing. It’s quite a sociable way of blogging and one part of it that I enjoy immensely. It’s not for everyone, joining in like this, but for me it’s a fun aspect of blogging and I learn a lot from others.

I’ve discovered that it’s not that hard sticking to a schedule and I try to plan ahead for some of them and schedule them to post automatically. It’s only taken me how long to get this organised????

As I’m no longer working, I find that blogging fills in quite a few gaps in my life. I’m thinking of areas like creativity, socially, technology, problem solving, time management and it’s a lot of fun.

And I’ve changed my theme! How does it look?

AUTUMN PHOTOGRAPHY- TIME

As you may know, I can never get enough autumn colour 🍂I love taking photos of the leaves and variety of colours and the light has been beautiful during May. Now that we’re in June and winter is upon us, that’s a whole different feeling. Think cold!!

Anyway this photo below was chosen by the judges as one of their 10 favourite shots in an Instagram competition in our local area #VisitSnowyValleys . The winning three photos were fabulous and deserved to take home the big prizes. As one of the 10 finalists I received a #SnowyValleys tote bag and tea towel, so I’m happy with that!!

A touch of autumn in Tumbarumba
A touch of autumn in Tumbarumba

READING – TIME

I have read a number of good books lately and thought I’d share the top three with you.

The Mother-in-Law by Australian author Sally Hepworth, was a great read and it kept me intrigued until the end. I heard her interviewed on a podcast and was able to buy myself the book with a gift card I’d been given in lieu of Easter Eggs – great choice!

I really enjoyed this book and it kept me intrigued as I went along. There were always bits to wonder about and eventually they were made clear which made it a great read! The characters were relatable and the amount of research Sally must have done was evident. I heard her interviewed on a podcast recently and decided it sounded like a fab read and I’m happy to say I was right. A little bit like Liane Moriarty’s writing and that’s not a bad thing at all! It was compelling, dealt with the variety of issues in a gentle way but hit home when it had to. Really enjoyed it and will now look for some of her other books.

My review on Goodreads

I read two of Ann Cleeve’s books. If you’ve ever seen the TV show Vera, then you may know that these are based on Ann Cleeve’s books. I didn’t know this until just recently. The books were good, a slower burn than I’m used to, but finished really well and kept me reading for more! I read The Crow Trap and Telling Tales books #1 and #2 in her Vera series.

I also saw a recommendation for The Nowhere Child by Australian author Christian White, which turned out to be a particularly good read.

RUNNING – TIME

On Mother’s Day I ran in the Mother’s Day Classic in Canberra despite waking with a crick in my neck. Some would say I’m always a pain in the neck 🤣but that’s by the by!

After finishing the Mother's Day Classic 2019
After finishing the 5km Mother’s Day Classic 2019

I didn’t intend to run all the way but I managed to keep going once I started, and I was so happy with myself. It was a cold, foggy morning so it would have been easy to stay in bed! I wrote a post about my run and my first Mother’s Day as Granny Debs – What does being content with your life look like?

THAT’S A WRAP – WE’RE OUT OF TIME!

If this your first time reading my monthly posts or even the first time you’ve read my blog – a huge welcome to you.

To all my regular readers many thanks for your continued support and encouragement through comments, likes and shares. I love our blogging community!

The Mathematician and I are off to warmer climes for the next few weeks as we embark on a bit of a road trip up north. I’ll be trying to continue my blogging but things might slide a bit – no drama!!

We’re looking forward to being with our youngest daughter for her birthday, it will be the first time in many years we’ve actually been with her for her special day.

Mother and daughter, wedding
Happy smiles with Eliza

Thanks for the chat, I’ve enjoyed your company as always 🙂

Wishing you all the best for June. Do you have anything special planned for the month ahead?? Stay warm and dry if you’re in the southern hemisphere and if you’re lucky enough to be coming into summer then I envy you!! Let me know what you’re up to 🙂

Deb xx

Talk soon

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49 Replies to “Time for a cuppa and a chat as May moves into June!”

  2. I’m about to start The Mother In-Law! I went to the library to pick it up, but they only thing they had was How to Murder Your Mother In-Law! Oh Lord, can you imagine if my MIL saw that lying around my house! ha! Anyway, I can’t wait to pick this book up and start reading!

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  3. I enjoyed catching up on what you’ve been doing this month, Deb. I’m in awe of all the blogging you do. I cut back to once a week plus two monthly posts (Blogging Grandmothers Link Party and a bucket list link-up) and can barely keep up. Congratulations on your run as well. Happy June!

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    1. Thanks Christie, it’s funny that when I was working full time I blogged far more than I do now and I thought nothing of it back then. I think the difference is now I’m involved in a few linkups which take up a lot more time.

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  4. Hi Deb what a fabulous month you have had and let me tell you from experience that being a grandmother never becomes less exciting with each new baby. Congratulations on the exciting news of another little one and Emilia is such a cutie. I am really enjoying your blog even though sometimes I’m a bit late to the party. You have certainly gone up a level and I love your Winners and Losers each week. You have started my day bringing that gorgeous Autumnal photo – my favourite colours of the year. Have a wonderful June and look forward to a cuppa maybe IRL during the month. thanks for sharing at #MLSTL and also for the shout out in the post. xx

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  5. Hi Deb,
    Great fall photo, and loved hearing about your blogging schedule…I still haven’t really found one I like for myself, but I always link up with Sue and Leanne on Wednesdays.
    shared to sm
    #MLSTL

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  7. Congratulations on your Rotary Youth Exchange award! It sounds like a really worthwhile organization that I know you and your family have enjoyed being a part of. I love your beautiful fall photos. We’re in for a hot summer as soon as we get back to the Republic of Georgia. Thanks for another interesting post.

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  8. Congratulations on the new grandbaby! It’s the best, isn’t it?
    I also enjoy these link-up parties as well and look forward to (Tuesdays for me) Wednesdays for you!
    I always enjoy reading your posts. It’s interesting now that the weather here in the states is starting to warm up it’s getting cold there. I will need to take a trip in 6 months!

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    1. It’s a great way to ‘meet’ others isn’t it, especially when we live on opposite sides of the world? Thanks for the congrats, we’re all very happy with the news and any excuse for a trip away!!

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  9. Always lovely to catch up on your news Deb – and that grandgirl of yours is just gorgeous. Congrats again on the next one and the fun you’ll have with the travel and longer visits in the future. We don’t see ours as often as we like, but we get them for long lovely visits and that helps enormously. Just recovering from a three day visit (they both had runny noses and I’d forgotten the “joys” of nose wiping (and bottom wiping!)) But it was such a joy having them and knowing their parents got a break for a few days.
    Your blogging is definitely ramping up (as is Sue’s) and I’m having trouble keeping up with you both – sorry if I miss a comment here and there but I try not to be in the blogosphere every day and things slip past my radar xx
    Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂

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    1. I completely understand Leanne, I don’t expect anyone to read and comment on everything I write! I’m just impressed that I’m sticking to this current schedule and enjoying it. I use to write heaps more posts when I was working full-time – how did that happen I wonder??
      I’m so glad you had a lovely time with your grandchildren, what a joy it must be to give the parents a break and have them all to yourselves! Thanks for sharing, as always it’s much appreciated xx

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  10. Hi Deb – Congratulations on becoming a Grandma again and all your accomplishments in May! Have a wonderful road trip and special time with your daughter. I look forward to reading your June catch-up. #MLSTL

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  11. A great wrap up of another busy month Deb. You do well to stick to a schedule. I wish I could but I think I’m to much of a Fliberty Jibbert to stick to one. Enjoy celebrating your daughters birthday with her, and enjoy the warmer weather.

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  12. Another full month you’ve had. I’ve been loving your autumn pics & I adore that river flowing quote. So true! Congratulations on being a gran again! What fabulous news!

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  13. Congratulations Debbie on the prospect of becoming a Grandma again. We too are expecting another this summer. Exciting times! Emilia is absolutely adorable, but of course you knew this. Have a fabulous road trip.

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  14. Phew, you are always so busy Deb. Exhausted just reading everything thats been going on in your life. Well impressed by your blogging schedule too, wish i could be that organised.

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  15. Congratulations on the grand-baby news! Exciting! Our son’s baby is due in 6 weeks and it suddenly seems very close!
    Pleased to hear your husband’s surgery went well, that is quite an impressive before and after photo.
    Enjoy your trip!

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  16. I was taken by you comment that now that you are not working you find blogging fills the gaps and that you have settled into a schedule. this is great. Prior to my retiring, nearly a year ago now, my postings were a lot more regular and I anticipated spending a lot more time blogging post retirement. This has not happened and on reflection I think that pre-retirement I found blogging a great release from the trails and stresses of work and now I don’t need a release! Anyway, I do want to write (so much lined up to write about) and would love to get a schedule going… just got to do it!!!!!

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    1. I know exactly what you mean Albert. When I was working it was a release to blog too but now I try to given myself times when I can blog and times when I have to be active. It’s certainly a different feeling now that I’m retired. I wrote heaps more posts when I was working and fitting everything in. It’s funny how we manage to do that at the time. I’m enjoying setting myself a schedule and know I can rejig it whenever I feel like it. No pressure!!

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  18. I like the river quote and it is oh so true! Isn’t it fun watching your grandbaby grow and learn new things? But oh goodness, they grow up way too fast!

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  19. Hi Deb, The quote on “Time” is very appropriate. A precious resource. Emilia is beyond adorable. She has a sparkle in her eyes just like her Grandma. Taking more notice of things is a good thing. Photography does that for me, too. Congratulations on the photo challenge. Stunning photo! Enjoy your road trip and I look forward to reading more:) Erica

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    2. I’m so happy you noticed the twinkle in Emilia’s eye Erica!! She’s adorable and I love rediscovering the world through her. Photography is a joy isn’t it, as long as it’s fun and not a stressful hobby! We’re enjoying our drive so far and yes there’ll be more 😊

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    1. Yes I’ve seen some of the Shetland shows and heard about the books. She’s an interesting author and I thoroughly enjoyed the books I read. Thanks for the good wishes for my daughter 🙂

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  21. What a gorgeous granddaughter! Enjoy the times with her (and her parents, too) as well as your plans to head to UK for the arrival of your second grandchild. May has been an exceptionally long and stressful month for me and my little family. I’m hoping that life improves over June and beyond. My fingers are crossed anyway. 🤞

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