Welcome! Feel free to grab a drink, take a seat and I’ll fill you in on what’s been happening in my world.
Happy New Year 2.0
We’ve now been home from our two month trip for just over two weeks and we have fitted so much into those days it’s quite mind boggling! We’ve enjoyed catching up with friends and family and it’s all been a bit emotional at times. Let’s just say we haven’t stayed in one place for very long since touching down and it’s been a bit busy and full on.
January 2020 
Happy New Year 2020
Given our town of Tumbarumba was evacuated due to bushfires on New Years Eve (while we were on the other side of the world) some in town decided to start the new year again, on 31 January 2020 with a few events in town.
One such event was mentioned on The Drum (a TV news show) where the local pub was having a NYE 2.0 party. We didn’t make that event but were with them in spirit.
A great family evening was organised by our Tumbarumba Rotary Club – a BYO picnic with free rides, face painting and kites supplied for the kids. It was a lovely warm evening and everyone enjoyed sitting around under the shady trees, catching up with friends and neighbours and sharing January stories.
The best part was the sprinkler system came on automatically and everyone, young and old, flocked to enjoy the refreshing coolness for the short time it lasted. We couldn’t have planned it any better had we tried!
I took this photo of the kids having fun under the sprinklers and love the iconic gum trees and Australia map on the nearby garage – it just says Australia to me!
January has been a month of mixed emotions
Sadness at leaving my daughter, her partner and their new baby Dottie after having two whole months in England with them. But also JOY that we’d had this special time with them. Sadness also for all back at home in Tumbarumba, and other areas, fighting the fires, evacuating, the losses of animals, property, native bush, forests and the never-ending worrying.
It was also sad due to being the second year anniversary since my dad passed away and another birthday missed from my father-in-law. Lots of thoughts fluttering around my head!!
Worry, constant worry – While we were away we were addicted to our phones for news of home – we were listening to RFS scanners, with live conversations between units fighting the fires; we were on Facebook and Messenger checking our friends and town statuses; the Fires Near Me app showed us where the fires were burning and likely to spread. And at one stage I admit to giving up, believing that our home and town had been devastated. We were together with our daughter and her family, during the news of the fires at home and were able to worry about our home town of Tumbarumba with each other – that we were all together was some consolation.
I also worried about my daughter and her family in Canberra where the air-quality was deemed top be the worst in the world; I worried about my youngest daughter enduring the summer heat while pregnant back in Aus and I worried about other family members caught up in fires across the state of NSW.
I had friends in England ask me how I could be so strong knowing all this was unfolding at home and I said I couldn’t let go otherwise I may never stop crying – I had to hold it all together for so many people, none the least myself.
Happiness to know our house was safe and sound after the catastrophic bushfires rushed through our area. As we pulled up to our driveway I snapped this photo and shared it on Instagram, I was just so happy! But then I felt GUILTY because others hadn’t been that fortunate and had lost everything.
Hope that our town would bounce back – and it is slowly – with help from so many people being KIND and GENEROUS, donating money, household goods, positive thoughts and practical help like feed for stock, fencing and supplies. Hope that people will visit our town in the near future to help rebuild our economy, we have some amazing events coming up with the annual Race Day, Tumbafest and the opening of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail which will appeal to a variety of visitors.
Love recognises no barriers, it jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.
Maya Angelou
Love – we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary while in London prior to coming home. Since being home my husband has celebrated a relatively low key birthday. We have experienced love from all parts of the world in the form of messages, support and family love. It is so heartwarming and we’re spreading the love around too, helping where we can, volunteering, listening to friends who are still shell shocked after their January ordeal and doing what little we can.
Just a few of the emotions throughout January!
WOTY update
As you know I have chosen Jump as my WOTY Word of the Year.
I find it’s different to setting a new year’s resolution as I don’t find it as restrictive or punishing. I also don’t want to change myself too much these days, and resolutions or starting over seem too much like hard work, I just need to tweak a few things and keep my focus. A WOTY helps me do this. You can read more about my reasons and ideas for 2020 in my post Jumping into the New Year.
Jumping into my JOY list of 12 things to do before turning 60
As I wrote in a recent post, I want to go into my last year of being in my 50s (I’ll turn 60 later in the year) – jumping, splashing in puddles and having fun whenever I can. It’s not always easy but I’m willing to give it a go! I actually wrote a post this week with my JOY list 12 things to do before turning 60.
Jumping for Joy
You make have seen my first jumping for joy shot in a recent post but I’m now going to reveal the lead up photos, just for a laugh! My long suffering husband, the Mathematician, was ‘forced’ into being an ‘Insta-husband’ to capture a selection of pics. I must admit he didn’t grumble too much at my request, maybe he’s getting used to me after 40 years of married life 🙂
Spotify with me – jump on board!
My Spotify playlist of songs with the word Jump in them, is coming along. So far I have quite a few classics and a few unknowns added in – including the Rolling Stones, Girls Aloud, House of Pain, an oldie from my youth by the Ted Mulry Gang, The Pointer Sisters, Val Halen, Madonna, Taylor Swift, Destiny’s Child, The Wombats, Rhianna, Atretha Franklin, Box Scaggs – just to name a few – plus a few nursery rhymes too because that’s how I roll these days!! If you have a favourite Jump song please let me know so I can add it to my playlist. I’ve also made it a public playlist so feel free to jump on board!!
That’s just a small snapshot of what went on in January but I think you get the gist!
So how was your January?
Let me know how your first month of the decade has treated you and once again thanks for the chat.
Pinch and a punch for the first day of the month 🙂
Deb xx
Sharing to this week’s Midlife Share the Love linkup #mlstl
You can also find Deb’s World in lots of other places – stay in touch by clicking any of the buttons below.
Deb's World 
A beautifully picture of your house. how beautiful setting that belies all that has been happening.I’m so happy to see it.Thanks a lot for share it.
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How absolutely perfect that Peppa made your jump playlist. I love that so much. Precious. Maybe I will put together a playlist for my word of the year – BELIEVE. Thanks for the inspiration.
What a roller coaster of emotions you have experienced in the past two or three months. I guess probably since Dottie made her very early debut. So thankful that even though you had to say goodbye, you know that Dottie is thriving and doing well. Thankful that your home and property have escaped unscathed by the fires. Praying that with the recent rain, the bushfires are soon extinguished everywhere.
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Do a playlist Leslie, it’s a fun activity and broadens your world!! SO many emotions lately I am nearly going mad with trying to keep up with it all. The fires have now been put out by the rain but some parts of the country are flooding now!! We can’t take a trick!
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It has certainly been a whirlwind of activity that kept you jumping! I started of January on a high-note of publishing my book on Kindle. But the rest of the month has been one of contemplation as I figure out the next steps, where I want to go with the blog, if I want to change anything, or not. Still contemplating.
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Congrats again on your publishing effort, you are a real star!! Contemplation time is always interesting – where to next??
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It was one heck of a start to your year for sure…and for many. Blogger friend Becky Hopkins who I recently shared on the blog about her anxiety & still finding gratitude made a Youtube of their days in the fires, deciding what to do about them and then leaving for Canberra. Her commentary really made me sit up and take notice of the lack of good connections when all power is down and it’s hard to know what to do. They are on far south coast and have rells in Canberra. I too have/had a patient IG husband who often for his OWN amusement keeps on snapping when it is over! How about that word JUMP..in so many songs.
I have a fave song to inspire me when I feel less than courageous. It’s You’ve Gotta Have Heart. I featured it ages ago on the blog and I “still” play it and sing a long as I need it.
Denyse #mlstl
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Thanks for reading and for your understanding Denyse. There are so many stories about bushfire experiences, it would be interesting to put them all together at some stage in the future. I’m glad you have a song for when you feel less courageous, I’ll have to find it and have a listen.
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Oh Deb, what a roller coaster month you’ve had. I’m so glad your home’s still standing. I’m sure you appreciate even more what you have today. Here’s hoping that life settles, people slowly start coming back into Tumba and our countryside renews. Happy jumping into 2020 my friend. Warmest wishes and love from me. xx
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Many thanks Miriam, it will get better I know that!
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Certainly a turbulent month for you Deb – but also a relief to arrive home and still have a home to arrive to! Loved the kids under the sprinklers and all your jumping attempts. I’d be useless on IG because selfies and planned photos always go poorly for me I’m afraid. Lovely catching up on your news (I shared my January too – as you know) because I really enjoy the little snapshots of other bloggers’ lives.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 😊
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Yes it always interests me to see a snapshot of other people’s lives and to share experiences. Thanks for sharing and for the weekly link up, you and Sue are so generous. x
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Deb you’ve had such a worrying and emotional 2020 so far. I. Think it’s a great idea for the community and yourself to do New Year 2.0. Let’s hope there is less to worry about in Feb. Jan was ok for me. Very busy due to work but a few highlights also. Like you the fires caused me much worry. It’s nice to have a cool change this week. #MLSTL Sharing
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Thanks Jennifer, it has been worrying but hopefully it will get better from here on in! The change in temps has been delightful but we’ve had smoke from the Canberra fires this week.
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It’s a great idea to start February with NYE 2.0 fun for the community after a stressful January. I hope you have many joyful moments to jump with joy for the rest of this year, and a fabulous celebration for your milestone birthday. Happy February, Deb! #MLSTL
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Thanks Natalie, the party was a good idea and well supported. Happy February to you too.
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These fires here in Australia are just devastating … I think I told you of a friend that lives in or near Tumberumba…(probably got the spelling wrong) and she left with her daughter to safety while her husband and his mother stayed to fight the fires. She was gone from the house/home for nearly 3 weeks. I watched the Cobargo story this morning..taped last night and I was in tears sitting here. #MLSTL
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I saw that show and 4 corners the other night too, so sad to see the devastation and loss. I’d love to know if I have met your friend here in Tumbarumba or not??
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I can see why January was such a long month for you; that sure does sound like it was filled with worry. I am so glad to know your house was OK and that first photo of all the kids playing in the sprinklers is such a great reminder of how reslient the human spirit is.
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Thanks Joanne, it’s been hard but there is hope as our town starts the recovery process. We are resilient! Lovely to have you visit 🙂
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Such challenging and heartbreaking times for you Deb, my heart goes out to you. I can fully understand the feeling of relief when your house escaped undamaged, but also the guilt because other peoples’ houses didn’t. I love those jumping photos – must enlist the help of Mr Mutton to give it a go!
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Yes you’re right, challenging and heartbreaking sums it up very well! Yes the jumping shots are a fun distraction and at the moment every little bit helps!! I urge you to give it a go 🙂
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What a great idea NYE2.0 is Deb and shows how resilient people are. I know what you mean about holding it all together for everyone but now it’s time for you to let your emotions go and have some quiet time. I admire your love of your community, family and friends and know it is returned to you x100. Here’s to a very happy 2020 you have a few celebrations on the calendar already – new grandson and turning 60. What a year it will be. xx
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Thanks very much for your supportive words Sue, it’s not been an easy time lately but we’re getting there. Events like the NYE 2.0 party have been great initiatives for the whole town. Our community is resilient but it is still hard going at times. I’m lucky to have lots of support and a lot to look forward to – a great year coming up now that January is behind us. xx
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Hi Deb, just popping back to say thank you for linking up at #MLSTLand I’ll be jumping into 2020 with you. xx
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NYE 2.0 is a wonderful idea and shows great community spirit! Big hugs for an awesome year ahead!
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Thanks Donna, it has to get better and hugs are much appreciated 🙂
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Hi, Deb – I have always admired your positive attitude. It is the first thing that drew me to your blog (and has kept me here)! #MLSTL
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You are so kind and generous Donna, I really appreciate your lovely comments.
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You have been through a lot. The fires have been so devastating. I totally understand your mix of relief and guilt over your home being safe and other homes not. You are an inspiration on how you handled it all.
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Thanks for understanding Amy, it’s been hard at times and everyone seems to be struggling a bit but we’re getting on with it!! Your comment is much appreciated.
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What a month! And I’m definitely here for all the behind the scenes jumping shots 😂
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What a month indeed!! So pleased to have you appreciate my behind the scenes jumping shots. I’m definitely trying to improve my finesse and style 🙂
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I feel stressed reading about your month of January! We have our share of wildfires in California too….I can appreciate the anxiety. I’m thankful you were spared.
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Yes I know what you mean Carol, just reading it back made me stressed too, believe me. I appreciate your understanding and we have bushfires in common.
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Hope things are starting to settle down now, Deb, with regards to the fires.
Love your jumpin’ photos! So much fun – keep at it!
Oh, and Happy February!
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Thanks Tom, the recovery from the fires is now the thing we need to focus on. We will be OK it’s just been a long hard month and more summer is still ahead. Glad you appreciated my fun jumping 🙂
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I can only imagine how worrying it must have been for you being away while all of what was going on was going on. I love the idea of NYE 2.0. Another song for you – Jumpstart by These Kids Wear Crowns. Happy new year!
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Great Jo, I will add that song to my list now! Thanks for the New Year greetings, it’s got to get better 🙂
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A lovely picture of your home, what a beautiful setting that belies all that has been happening.
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Thanks Janet, we are very lucky and happy to be living here. It’s brilliant and allows us to travel and come home to appreciate what we have.
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