Cuppa and a chat
Posted on by Debbie

Not much jumping from me in June!

Welcome to my special place in the world!

Feel free to grab a drink, get comfy and join me for a virtual cuppa. I’ll also offer you a virtual hug – we’re still keeping our distance here despite some restrictions being lifted 🙂

If we were having a cuppa and a chat, I would tell you why there’s not been much jumping going on; hospital hopping; what my blog has been doing; how I appreciate my friends; photo challenges as distractions and what I’m hoping for in July.

Why no jumping in June?

I said it last month too, that so far this year there have been many times when I haven’t felt like jumping and this past month has been one of those. I’ve generally tried to push through it but this month has been very hard for lots of reasons and with lots going on. And that’s on top of everything else that’s already gone on this year…. My WOTY is Jump and I generally like jumping around. Without getting too personal I will say the following:

Hospital Hopping

Instead of jumping, it seems I have been busy hospital hopping. First it was my husband’s emergency surgery in May, then my mother-in-law being admitted to the local hospital (not Covid related) before being moved to Sydney for tests and then back again during the month. The unknowns, the lack of information, the waiting, the worry…it takes it out of you!

To visit hospital these days involves answering many questions about being ill, contact with anyone with Covid-19, any cruises, or overseas trips lately, and more recently any visits to Melbourne – oh and having your temperature taken each time before applying copious amounts of hand sanitiser on the way in and on the way out. I now know the system very well and I appreciate all that is being done to keep us all safe.

Family health issues

Being away from home but not on a holiday and lots of driving up and down the highway, backwards and forward from home – it isn’t easy especially when you’re constantly waiting for news and continually feeling worried. Filling in time has been an issue but we’ve tried to get to the beach as often as we can for the calming effect and fresh air and I’m enjoying riding my bike – I wrote about this recently in my Sunday Stills post Freedom.

My mother also had worrying tests during the month and thankfully she is fine. She celebrated her birthday during the month too. It just seems like it’s one thing after the other and then add Covid into the mix.

On top of all of this my new baby grandson has been undergoing some quite serious tests and I haven’t been able to get to be with my daughter due to border closures and other issues. I haven’t been sleeping or eating well and admit to being very anxious, cranky and generally out of sorts. Apologies to those living with me, my family and friends who bear the brunt!

Jump – My WOTY

My word of the year (WOTY) is Jump, so most of my monthly updates will use the theme of jump. And I also get to show a ‘jump’ pic each month – but not this month I’m afraid.

The closest I could get to jumping, was this lovely shot of me on the swings with my granddaughter.

You can read more about how I’m (trying) to Jump my way though 2020, in my post here Jumping into the New Year. In some ways I wish we could jump straight into 2021!

Blog success

It’s been surprising, to me anyway, that the past few months have seen my blog traffic almost double on previous months – and I have no idea why! Maybe everyone is turning to reading blogs while in isolation? There’s been one or two very popular posts – My Guide to Riding the Rail Trail for instance, but apart from that just my general honest and authentic posts. Have you noticed something similar in your blog stats?

I’m thrilled to bits of course and welcome all new readers/followers. Leave me a message to tell me how you found my blog and what appeals to you, I’m always interested.

My three favourite posts this month are these ones – they’re not necessarily the most popular ones!

The dearest child is the child of your child

What are you called, what words describe you, have you changed, how is it different to being a mother – just some of the questions I answer in Part 2 of this series about being a grandmother.

I must say a big thanks to Hugh from Hugh’s Views and News for sharing how to use this new setting, the blog post block – in his post 3 Quick and easy ways to promote your old blog posts. I’ve since found it to be a great feature. I’m always happy to learn new things from other bloggers!

Jumping to distractions – photo challenges

Early on in lockdown, my sister and brother-in-law had the fabulous idea of doing family photo challenges. We started with An Alphabet of Isolation and then moved onto Images by the Dozen (without using numbers) and the most recent has been 10 Ordinary Objects. We’re currently working on the latest challenge, Variations on a Theme – more to come on that one at a later stage.

10 Ordinary objects header
10 Ordinary objects header

It’s been a great way to think of something other than the prevailing pandemic. My sister has gone onto produce a magazine of our photos so we all have a memory from this time. We meet up on zoom once a week to share our photos, so it’s been a good way to stay connected too.

Winter in Australia

We started the month at home with cold and wet winter weather. We then drove a few hours east over to the coast into warm winter sunshine. We have visited old haunts like Hanging Rock lookout, Vincentia and Callala Beach, riding our bikes and soaking up memories and the warm weather, in between hospital visits.

sparkling water at Vincentia
dolphin surfing at Vincentia
Callala beach
bikes at Myola
View of the Shoalhaven River from Hanging Rock

We will be heading back home to the mountains (and the cold) for a few days before going north to even warmer winter weather. It’s strange that over in England our daughter is experiencing hot temperatures as they swelter through summer.

In between all of this we have managed to have our annual eye tests and I can’t wait to collect my new spare pair of funky reading glasses! The Mathematician went with the exact same pair as he already has for his spare pair – why would you do that??

I also finally managed to fit in my postponed (due to Covid-19) mammogram and am still awaiting the results. I am more aware than ever of the need for these checks due to my sister’s experience in recent years.

The best part of June?

I want to say the end of it, but underneath all my despondency, I do have a positive streak. So I will say the best part has been the opportunity to visit the beach in winter, ride my bike along the water, my blogging, and staying connected to friends and family, who put up with me, despite my meltdowns.

It’s so nice to have friends who check in on you at times like these – they know who they are and I send my heartfelt thanks to them all.

Keeping in touch with family and friends via technology has been great, I don’t know what we’d do without it! We’re still having regular zoom chats, exercise sessions and photo sharing.

So, how was your June?

I’m desperately hoping that July is a better month around the world (I think I said the same thing last month). I hear the Queensland border will be opening up soon so we can go north to see my mother and my daughter and baby grandson. That makes me smile 🙂

This sums up exactly how I’m feeling! (Thanks to Debbish.com where I first saw this meme)

Take care and stay well everyone. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has a lot going on at the moment. I’m so grateful to the medical profession for their care of my family.

I’m reminded of this quote I used in a post ages ago. It’s so true!

Life quote
Life quote

Thanks for listening, I am feeling a bit better after our chat 🙂

Deb xx

Linking up with other Midlife bloggers here and others for A Sentence a Day

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Previous monthly updates:

Jump into a new year – January

Jump in for a chat – February update

Jump in for a chat – March update

Jump in for an April update

Jump into May

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69 Replies to “Not much jumping from me in June!”

  1. It certainly sounds like it was a tough June, for you, and I hope things are better for your family. My June was the first month of retirement from my day job & remarkably peaceful as I worked on my writing, the garden, and household projects while we wait for our first grandchild’s birth later this month. It was a welcome contrast to June 2019 when I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer and my 20-year-old cat the same week. We had two other extended family members hospitalized that same month. Life is a wave ups and downs, but we adapt and learn and continue on.

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    1. It really has been hard but hopefully things will be cleared up soon and we will know what we are dealing with in regards to my grandson. Yes I know what you mean about life being a wave of ups and downs – only too well. I’m sorry for your loss last year but this first month of retirement seems to be treating you well. All the best for the baby’s arrival later in the month – how exciting for you!

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      1. Thank you Debbie. Yes, it is exciting, but in this COVID world we will not be allowed into the hospital, as my son-in-law will be the only visitor allowed. When we do go to their house to visit, we will likely be wearing masks. Strange times indeed!

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  3. It seems like July will be a better month. Finally some easing up of lockdown in the UK and we can now go on holiday and visit far-flung family – I haven’t seen my mum since before Christmas. My blog traffic has also increased so I’m glad I stuck to it – people seem to be looking for non-Covid related reading. Your winter weather temps are quite similar to ours and it’s summer here! We had a brief heatwave and now back to normal.

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  5. Dear Debbie, I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been so busy and worried with hospital visits and medical tests. I hope that everything improves this month, and that all those worries can be lifted off your shoulders. Sending you loving hugs. Toni x

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  6. Wishing you and your family good health and some peace in July. I’ve probably mentioned this to you, but my MIL fell and broke her hip. She is in a rehab facility now that is completely locked down to visitors, so we can only see her through the window. She is 93 and extremely confused about what is happening. It’s heartbreaking. On the other hand, I am so grateful that she is receiving the physical care that she needs and that they are working so hard to protect her from COVID. Thank you for the reminder that this awful part will pass. Life will be amazing…and mundane…again. Hugs to you! XO

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    1. Many thanks Christie, I’m sorry to hear your MIL is struggling too. Like you I’m grateful for all the medical help we are getting especially during COVID. Yes I need to keep reminding myself that the awful parts will pass too. Hugs to you too xx

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  8. I hope your July is a much kinder one Deb, for both you and your family. Life is certainly full of uncertainty and challenge right now. Sending you big hugs and lots of love. Take care. xx

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  9. Thanks so much for the mention, Debbie. I’m so pleased you’re using the ‘blogs post’ block. It looks perfect on this post.

    Our heatwave only last two days! I’m rather glad about it, although we are back to rain, and cool temperatures again. I’m afraid I can’t cope with heat and humidity, so I was rather glad that the heatwave finished very quickly.

    Take care.

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    1. It’s always a pleasure to mention you Hugh, as your support of other bloggers is very welcome. You have so much to offer and share so generously. Hope the weather has improved for you, we’re into winter here now and hunkering down.

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  10. Hope all of your health-related family issues are now behind you Deb, bit stressful being the organiser and the one holding everything together. Love the winter beaches photos, they look fabulous. We almost prefer long walks on the beach in winter to the summer, not quite ….. almost. Hope you keeping safe and well now?

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    1. Hi Jonno, things are improving on some fronts but our grandson is still undergoing lots of tests and appointments which is very stressful for everyone. Hope things are settling down for you too and you can make some plans soon.

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      1. Worrying times then for your family at the moment, hope your grandson is ok and that the tests all go well. We’re actually moving on today, in a couple of hours. Off to Brighton for a housesit.

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  11. Hi Deb, you’ve certainly had your fair share of tough times over the last year or so and it seems to continue. What I do know is that you are a strong, resilient woman who I admire greatly. I’m proud to have you as my friend and hope that July is a happier time for you. In saying that what a joyful video of you and Emilia and the photos of Winter are so uplifting. It’s been a tough June for you but you still manage to have that beautiful smile. Take care and sending hugs and thank you for linking up at #MLSTL. xx

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    1. Thanks Sue, yes it seems to just keep coming at me these days! But there are others worse off than me I’m sure. I love spending time with Emilia and we have so much fun, you can’t help but smile! Many thanks for your ongoing care and support, you are one in a million xx

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  12. Jump into some CALM solitude…you know what I mean… you will actually find it good if you can be patient. (I know, what is patient??’) Lovely to catch up with you but also feel the stress and know with the love you have for many that it is tough. May things settle a bit. That’s about all you can ask for I reckon. Take care….
    Denyse #mlstl

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    1. Yes I’m giving CALM a go but trying to pinned myself down long enough is the struggle! Thanks so much Denyse, you are such a caring friend to have xx

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  15. I think for all of us, the most difficult and stressful thing to deal with is family health issues, grandbaby’s, children, mums and spouses. The more vulnerable they are, strike at our heart.” The second hardest thing may be waiting for the diagnosis, which is seldom as quick as we want.
    I am glad you are seeing growth in numbers of readers and followers. Mine are still slight, but the link parties have made an amazing difference, and I am still new. I am thrilled with the connections and comments I am seeing from other bloggers so have to hope that the growth will come. Last, the difference in climates and seasons between the hemispheres always throws me off a little. We are into summer, but seeing the pictures of fall in Australia (my favorite season) when it was spring here, was a pleasant confusion. Thanks for sharing. Michele #MLSTL

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    1. Yes Michele the more vulnerable the harder it seems to be to accept and get through. Waiting is just the worst! I’m glad you are seeing some growth in your blog too, it can be slow to get going but you’re doing well. Enjoy your summer! Thanks for your support.

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  16. Indeed no wonder you would not be jumping around with all that to contend with. Still, it’s good to hear your positivity stepping up to the plate. June in Ireland has disappointing, weather-wise, but we have done some quality gardening, and a few dedicated souls have out in a good effort to plant more flowers in our estate, and maintain them. Over the years it’s been hard to get more than a handful interested enough to get involved in stuff like litter collecting and stuff the management company don’t do, or don’t do properly, Before I started feeling almost like an odd-bod for going out and collecting rubbish around the place. But it’s better than before and the estate is all the better for it. #MLSTL

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    1. That’s great to hear, planting and maintaining gardens must ultimately make it a better place to live. Good on you for picking up rubbish and getting support for your efforts too with others helping out. All the best for July and thanks for dropping by!

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  17. Oh gosh, what a month full of worries you have had. The thing with being a mum is that the moment you hear your children have something to worry about, you feel the need to rush to be by their side and supporting them as much as you can. So when we can’t do that it just adds to that anxiety and jumping out of your skin whenever your phone rings or pings and message. I do hope that July is kinder to you and that the results of hospital tests are reassuring. Take care x

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    1. You understand it perfectly Deb, it’s so hard at times! I’m hoping we will know what we are dealing with this month and then move forward. Thanks very much xx

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  18. So sorry to hear of all your anxious worries. I do hope all turns out well. Your rise in blog views is wonderful, congratulations! And thank you for pointing out Hugh’s gem of a tip, I must have missed that one, need to go read! You amaze me, Deb how you still manage to write and keep up with your blog, even when things are personally difficult. This is something I struggle with. Big hugs from me xx

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    1. That’s kind of you Sam. July has started off a bit better at least! Hugh’s tips are always welcome and so useful aren’t they? In regards to keeping up the blog during uncertain times, it is a good distraction for me, although it is hard at times! Thanks for the hugs xx

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    1. Thanks for your visit and comment. I do love sharing our beautiful countryside. Things are slowly improving in some regards but we have a long way to go still.

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  20. It’s certainly been a tough old month for you and that meme about July is very appropriate. The lack of control and uncertainty and distance all combines to, well, you know what it combines to. Re your bloggy success, congratulations! I’ve found my monthly traffic double from April to May & has increased again in June – no idea why. It comes at a time when I’m not at all happy with the blogs I’m writing.

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  21. Hi Deb – always great to share a cuppa and I’m sorry it’s been such an up and down month for you. My June has been a bit slow and sludgy, but that’s okay – I don’t think I remember how to be fast and full-on anymore! Glad you’ll get to Qld soon and that your MIL is doing okay (and yr Mum and Grant!) it’s such a worry when family is unwell. Our littlest grandgirl is having a few issues atm and I certainly understand what you’ve been going through.
    Lovely seeing the photos and that you’ve had some good times in amongst the worry – and maybe July will bring some jumping xx
    PS: My husband chose the same glasses again this year too!
    #MLSTL

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    1. Thanks Leanne, I really appreciate the support from everyone. It’s a funny old time for everyone isn’t it? Hoping all is well with your granddaughter now too.

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  22. You do seem to have had a tough month. We are hoping for a better July as well. I am sure I will feel more normal if I can get a hair cut.

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    1. Yes I think many around the world are hoping for a better July. I know what you mean about having a haircut, it certainly helps us feel better doesn’t it?

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  23. Deb, You bring to the forefront the whole visiting hospital thing. Stressful in its own right, let alone the worries about the family. I can actually see the peace and clarity on your face when you have shared photos of you on your bike. Possibly a sense of getting away from it all, even for a moment.❤️

    I extra love the video of you and your granddaughter swinging.

    Hugh is definitely a blogging guru and very kind and generous with information to share. Your life quote at the end speaks volumes.

    Deb, I have enjoyed your blog from the first time I read it for a great many reasons. Many people care about you and your loved ones. I will keep sending the virtual hugs to you. I know you can feel them. ❤️

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  24. Hi Deb, I think everyone’s feeling the strain of the ongoing pandemic. I’m really hoping the easing restrictions will help us to cope better with this new world. Anything medical is stressful at the best of times but at the moment, especially so. And when one of our loved ones is going through medical issues and we can’t be with them it’s heart wrenching. Take care, Christina. PS I found your blog through the MLSTL linkup and I enjoyed your blogs, so I now follow you!

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  25. I do hope your July is better, even though I suspect it’s not going to better for the world as far as Covid is concerned. I hope you manage to get up to Queensland to see your daughter. Those border closures have been hard on families.

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    1. Thanks Chris, I hope so too. Unfortunately the world seems to be struggling again with COVID but thankfully we will be on our way north soon.

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    1. Thank you Janis, I am hanging in there. Everyone has lots going on these days it seems, but it did help me to get down some of my thoughts and I do like to be honest!

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  27. Oh my, difficult month for you, I hear you, and I feel you, hang in there July has potential! I mean it starts out with a blast, it “hot”, and there’s usually lots of watermelon! All my best, C

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  28. Deb, Sorry to hear about all the events that kept you worried in June. I’m glad you had some time outdoors and great support from your family and friends. Wishing you a much kinder July and sending you positive vibes. #MLSTL

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    1. Thank you Natalie, it’s not like me to feel so anxious but it’s how I’ve been feeling so I can’t hide from it. Outdoor activities have helped and my friends are the best!

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  29. Lots here. Never underestimate the stress of the unknown. Anticipatory stress is often worse than the actual thing. If you can, keep your focus on what is exactly in front of you. All you can do is all you can do.
    Secondly, jump is not necessarily a good thing. You jump ship. People jump off cliffs. you jump in fright. So you are still jumping, just not in the way you had hoped. However, soon enough you will be jumping for joy. Where you can, steal those moments that make you smile and pour all your attention on them while they’re in front of you. Jump on those opportunities with enthusiasm, no matter how small.
    Normal life is very stressful at the moment. Throw in actual stressful situations and it skyrockets. Reward yourself when you can.
    Good luck (and keep those beautiful Insta pics coming!!)

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    1. When I say focus on the good things while they happen, I only mean to recharge and re-energise you. It’s okay to feel down when things are tough. But anything that refreshes you helps you cope with the harder stuff.

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      1. Thanks Lydia, I certainly need to recharge and re-energise and I understand the need to focus on those good things, which I’ve been trying to do. I couldn’t have even written this post a week ago and I sort of hate sharing being low but it’s who I am and it does help keep me honest. Your words have helped too, so thank you.

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    2. Yes I know there is a lot going on! You’re right the unknown is stressful and my mind always seems to go to the worst case scenario in times like this. You are so right about jumping – I really want to jump for joy but realise this is an unreal expectation, to be able to do it all the time. You are very wise and I really appreciate your advice. All I can do, is all I can do – so very true! Insta is a great distraction and seeing so much beauty and sharing it helps keep me smiling 🙂

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  30. Courage, Dear Heart 💖
    I’ve had a similar June…not with health concerns but with a very ugly divorce in our extended family….complete with scary, unsettling, threatening behaviors. For the moment things have calmed down and the family members are in therapy…but it’s hard and so sad. I couldn’t eat or sleep for about a week. On top of the COVID and hateful protests it’s just too much.
    Thanks for sharing the link about sharing old posts…I need to look closely at that!
    Take care and hoping July is a kinder gentler month……although COVID is surging again in our area, so that’s concerning.

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    1. Thank you Carol, it’s been such a hard time lately in so many ways hasn’t it? I feel for you and your family dealing with an ugly divorce, on top of everything else that’s going on. I’m determined not to try and sugar coat things and believe in being honest (to some extent) so needed to write out my feelings and it always helps. Wishing you a better month too, although COVID cases seem to be increasing in lots of places. Take care and thanks again for your support x

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