Chat in August
Posted on by Debbie

Jumping in and out of August

Welcome to my world!

Grab a drink, get comfy and join me for a chat. I’ll offer you a virtual hug and we can have a nice long catchup. There are muffins too 🙂

If we were having a cuppa and a chat, we could talk about all the news but let’s agree to make it a Covid free chat. Instead we could discuss the winter weather, my writing course, being home alone, family updates, walking, riding, blogging and of course jumping.

I’m also interested in hearing your news. What’s been happening in your world?

Jumping out of August

So, after being away from home for most of July and with worries about various family members, I decided I needed some time out.

Within days of getting home from up north, the Mathematician drove off to visit his mother and I stayed home alone for the first two weeks of August. I didn’t see many people, I went out only when necessary, I sat quietly by the fire, I listened to the wind and the rain outside, rode my bike when I could get out, read books, watched the Eurovision Song Contest movie more than once, twice…. wrote and kept the fire going. I basically retreated from the world for 2 weeks. It was lovely!

Have you ever taken a break from things? Did it help clear your mind? I found I enjoyed the opportunity to just stop and take a deep breath or two.

I found I needed some breathing space, and as my friends are always telling me: you can’t pour from an empty cup. It didn’t stop me from feeling guilty for doing so – why do we do that to ourselves? So in many ways I jumped out of August for a while there!

Fire burning
Keeping the fire burning non stop

I also started a short online course, learning about Writing Children’s Picture Books. I’ll tell you more about that in a future post. I can say that it has given me a focus and although I have been struggling with all it entails, I am learning new things.

Family

Thankfully there have been some improvements in the family health matters I mentioned and my anxiety has decreased a degree or two. There are still ongoing issues but I’m starting to feel a bit more positive 🙂

I was lucky to spend some time with some of my family during the month with my mother coming down to visit as well.

Patrick 6 months
Patrick 6 months

The biggest celebration in August was when my granddaughter Dottie turned one. This tiny dynamo was born last year at 25 weeks weighing 845grams. She lives on the other side of the world to me so we see each other through a screen most of the time these days. We are all very happy to see her growing and thriving and I just love the way she smiles and waves at me over the phone! My youngest grandson was 6 months old and this month my other granddaughter turns 2!! Where has the time gone?? They are growing up so fast.

Blogging fun

I’m pleased to introduce a new feature called Shout out Saturday, where visitors can share anything they’ve found interesting, a post, some exceptional customer service, something that has made them smile, a meme – whatever!

It’s all about sharing without the need to reciprocate unless you’d like to visit the other links. Please think about joining in, and Saturday can be any day of the week – #ShoutoutSaturday!

My three favourite posts this month are these ones – please note they’re not necessarily the most popular ones! I usually choose posts that have meant something a bit special to me.

Shout Out Saturday#4 – Care to share?

Shout out Saturday is a place for you to share your favourite posts, best blogging buddies, good news stories or something you’ve read. Hope you can join in.

My blogging buddies have been supportive as always, and I thank you all!

Jumping on my bike

I’ve had some great rides on Essie my ebike and love getting out in with the crisp air, mainly on the rail trail. This month we also joined lots of volunteers to participate in a massive tree planting, with appropriate social distancing, to plant over 500 trees and shrubs along the rail trail. These will enhance the trail, provide screening, and eventually, shade.

It was well organised with the local landcare groups providing the plants, tree guards and stakes for us. Interestingly the trees were geminated from local seed and will see the restoration of a special local species of tableland snow gum, a rare surviving species from the last Ice Age! How cool is that??

Deb on the bike
with some of my bike friends
planting trees along the rail trail with friends

Jumping into Spring

Yes it’s that time of the year again – flowers, new growth, my magnolia tree, spring feels, and hopefully warmer temperatures, although we don’t let the fire go out until October-ish, just to be safe!!

Here are a few of my favourite photos from around the garden.

pink blossom
Deb's pink blossom
Deb's blossom
magnolia bud
blossom
Magnolia buds
Magnolia bud unfurling

Jump – My WOTY

My word of the year (WOTY) is Jump, so most of my monthly updates use the theme of jump. And I also get to show a ‘jump’ pic each month.

This month I’m jumping in the snow on the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail. I was inspired and the Mathematician was very accommodating in taking some shots for me. It was completely spontaneous, hence I’m in my daggy old tracksuit and bobble hat – no styling or colour choices for this one, unlike my May jump when I blended in with the yellow leaves.

jump in August 1
jump in August 3
jump in August2

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!

So, how was your month?

It’s not been an easy year has it? As you can see I have had a mixed month with lots happening. I’m sure I’m not the only one!!

I also can’t believe that Christmas is just around the corner and I have no plans yet – none at all! Ideas yes, but no bookings have been made, we just don’t know what will happen in the coming months.

Thanks for listening to my news and being a part of my world.

Let me know what you got up to in August in the comments section 🙂

Take care and stay well. All the best to you for September.

Deb xx

Linking up with other bloggers from around the world for my version of 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

Not much jumping in June

A hop, skip and a jump into July

You can also find Deb’s World in lots of other places – stay in touch by clicking any of the buttons below.

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36 Replies to “Jumping in and out of August”

  1. That would have been a lovely quiet two weeks. I love a little alone time from time to time but this year the various plans I had to do just that have been snatched away. I think it’s good for the soul, though I wouldn’t want to do it all the time. It must be especially hard for those who live by themselves to navigate the COVID isolation.

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  2. Hi Deb – great that the grandkids are all doing so well – it certainly eases our minds when things are going well in our children’s lives (and their children’s lives). Also good that you took some time for yourself at the beginning of the month – I’ve missed having days at home by myself (Ross works from home so is ALWAYS here – great most of the time, but a break now and then would be good too). Glad to see you jumping and living life to the full – we’re so blessed here in Australia with covid being fairly under control and being able to go out when we feel the need to xx Thanks for the cuppa and muffin x

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    1. Thanks Leanne, I’m so happy with the progress being made by the grandchildren and you’re right, it eases my mind no end. I really needed the break at the beginning of the month and am feeling much better now. Glad you enjoyed the muffins!

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  3. Wow Dottie ! !! How I would love some timeout. Years ago I did just that booked into a motel up the road for a few days. I was still working so went to work and went back to the apartment/motel in the evening. I swam in the pool, watched silly TV ate rubbish. At the moment time out is retreating to my room, watching some foxtel series I have probably watched a million times before sipping my cup of tea. Loved the snow jumping xx #mlstl

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  4. Hi Deb it is so lovely to see August finishing on a high note for you. Family is well and Patrick is just too cute, Dottie has turned 1 which is fabulous and Emilia continues to shine. It really does you good to have some time alone and away from all the issues and stress you’ve had to deal with lately. You inspire me because you can always keep smiling and bounce back. Here’s to a Springy (or Jumpy) September. x

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    1. Thanks Sue, it’s been an up and down month but finishing with good news on Patrick and Dottie is the best! I can’t wait to see Emilia for her birthday, she will understand it a bit more this year. Thanks for your kind words, I keep trying to bounce back!

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  5. Good that you had a break and enjoyed it – I like time on my own too. My husband loves his e-bike, like you. Slightly envious of you moving into spring. We are now moving into autumn so spring is a long way off!

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  8. I too loved the snowy jump. The maternal instinct in me questioned whether you had enough warm clothes on 😉 Great to see the youngest grandchild is doing better than expected. Well, Dottie is always a pleasure to see once again.

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  9. Hi, Deb – Thank you for the cuppa. The muffins were an especially nice touch. This post made me smile all the way through. I am delighted to see your grandchildren growing and thriving. I’m also happy that you took some time out for yourself in August — that was very wise. And your e-bikes in the snow — how cool is that?!
    See you soon!

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  10. Sounds like you had a busy August ..sorry to hear you suffer from anxiety. My daughter has it too and has suffered for all her 28 years. I was busy as usual looking after my two year old grandson a few times a week while she worked. Going to be very busy soon with her no. 2 due in three weeks, a girl 🎀. We managed a three day break at the Porongurup Ranges. We are still not allowed to leave Australia or WA. So I’ve just been busy with Bridge, book club, line dancing, Zumba, blogging and a monthly games night with a group of very fun ladies. At least we are free to move around maskless and able to go to restaurants. Looking forward to more blogging!

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    1. Thanks Alison. I don’t suffer from anxiety generally but some recent family issues have been quite hard to handle. Time out helped me and I know I’m lucky to be in the position to be able to do that. How exciting you have anew grandbaby due soon! Our almost 2 yr old granddaughter is such a delight, it’s a great age. I just wished we loved closer to all our daughters – or could travel! You are definitely keeping busy during this time.

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      1. I am very lucky that I see my daughter several times a week along with my favourite bundle of joy ..soon to be two bundles
        It’s going to be a long while yet before we can go to Melbourne to see our son though

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  12. Hi Deb, It is fun to see the dichotomy in our seasons. And you always have this huge welcoming smile.🙂

    You have put the “Eurovision Song Contest” movie in my radar again. I really enjoyed it the first time round and I want to watch it again.

    Dottie is an exceptional joy and I appreciate you sharing her with us.

    Jumping out of August was a smart move. For me, it has been an extra stimulating and eventful August. Many positive notes, although we are getting ready for our two week camping and unplugging retreat in September. I am also looking forward to replenishing my cup. I look forward to connecting again, soon. xx

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    1. Isn’t it funny seeing photos of all the different seasons at the ‘wrong’ time of the year Erica? I love that we can live in perpetual spring/summer/autumn/winter if we want to just by following different bloggers!

      I could watch the Eurovision move again and again ( oh think Idid just that) – glad you have been reminded to watch it again!!

      Dottie is such a star and I’m so happy our daughter is sharing her progress with everyone. She has a real following around the world!

      Your August was very busy and sounds like great fun! I’m feeling much better since my mini-retreat :). Lovely connecting with you. Your positive attitude and lovely nature shine through in all your comments and posts. xx

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      1. Wow, Deb, you sure know how to brighten my day and make me feel good. I know you get it on how sharing kindness makes a huge difference in everyone’s lives. You are always part of this wavelength of life and you create a ripple effect sharing the goodness. I am truly glad our paths have crossed and we can continue to connect. Have a wonderful rest of your weekend. xx❤️

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  14. Lovely update! Especially on the littles! Will you be writing a children’s book?! I’m dreading the holidays under COVID conditions. I don’t wish to be the one giving a party where people get sick! Maybe we can postpone our celebrations!

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    1. HI Carol, thanks for your comment. I have no plans to write a children’s book at this stage and to be honest I’m quite overwhelmed with all there is to it! I’ll probably just write little things for my grandchildren. I’m with you about having parties, it’s a bit of a no-go zone at the moment.

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  15. Your post is full of energy, Debbie! Happy birthday to Dottie, your precious granddaughter. Congrats on your short writing children’s book online class. Your jumping on the bike photos are excellent. Thank you for sharing!

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