Barber Out Back

I look at this picture now & wonder what was i thinking.....
My trip to Spain altered my life in many ways♥️

We are pulled where we are meant to be. That's for absolute sure.

There is a lot of change around me atm, some things I haven't wanted. Some I have definitely not been prepared for & some still, it seems, are inevitable.

Like death.

Australians have a hard time talking about death, it seems. But it needs to be more widely discussed, so you can have a "good death."
You need to make sure you have your ACD in place.

Advanced Care Directive.

And you are never too young to begin to consider what your end might look like.
Questions like :
Would i like to be resuscitated?
If I can't eat , would I like to be Peg fed?
If I can't make decisions, who can I trust to make these decisions in my place?
There are lots of serious things to consider. And if you are terminally ill, in some states, you have the option of

VAD

Voluntary Assisted Dying.

The chance to die with dignity at a time you choose. To spend what is left pain-free & in an environment of your choice.

We are in these discussions now, for both of us. It's heavy, but also weirdly liberating. And it's not only making these documents. It's about telling your nearest & dearest your intentions. Often, family are the obstacle to what individuals really want. They want to please others , when they really should be pleasing themselves. I will do for my end , what I do in my life . And that's by walking to the beat of my own drum.

Love & light Angels. Get talking. You really have no idea when your time will come. Be a good scout & be prepared ♥️

It's hard to believe we've been home now as long as we were away! Time flies, it's true.
If my memory is correct, this is the amphitheatre at Mèrida, one of our favourite medieval towns. The statue that is on the top level (again if my memory is reliable 🤔) is the Goddess of Agriculture.
So much history, something I've never really been into honestly. But travelling with someone who loves stone as much as my stonemason husband does really makes a difference. And he knows the history. It's like having your own private guide! Perhaps we will return sometime , it's unknown atm. For now we are just catching up , regrouping & returning to some sense of normal amidst chaos, if I'm honest!
And we still have chaos locally with our road works !
I will still be found at Goodyear tho
♥️Fri
♥️Sat.
0429 331 663 for appointments.

Over the years, I've had a few reasons to have anaesthetic, & to date, the reactions have been pretty ordinary. I vomit & feel dizzy for extended periods. , takes a few days to feel "normal" again.

Until today ! There's always anxiety attached to surgery for me , but being reasonably fit & healthy, there is minimal risk of problems. But, there is still a risk. Today, as I walked to the hospital, I made a little video & sent it to my Angel, in case I didn't wake up. But I did. Of course, I did! Something for her to keep♥️

I'm actually gobsmacked with how well I am. The anaesthetist really took on board what I shared about previous experiences (which I do share every time ) & he nailed it🙌
I woke up & threw up, once. Then was up & dressed within 15 mins.I'm sitting in the recliner, having my cuppa & cheese sandwich in no time. And what is it about a white bread , processed cheese sandwich?......something I NEVER EAT ! But today, oh my goodness , the BEST THING!
My husband came to pick me up. I did need a hand to walk along as I was a bit doughy still. He made a super yummy lunch , we napped then I got up lit the fire , did the dishes & the washing! Business as usual & I'm so grateful. Past times I have come home straight to bed & not moved except to wee. This is the best one yet ! Thanks to Dr Watt , Bruno & the lovely girls Erin , Jess, Jacqui, Carmel, Sienna & I'm sorry her name escapes me, but the equally kind admission nurse. There was also a little 2nd yr student who took my BP after , who did say she was also in on my procedure, but I don't know her name ♥️ I did miss Rach (she's been my staple recovery nurse over the years !) But all really fab , caring staff. I'm taking it easy tomorrow to prepare for the Local loves Market on Sat with my Angel at Jump ship Brewing. Come say hi 👋

Love & light Angels....business as usual here , hot flushes & all ! ♥️

Who doesn't love seeing the busy bees in action 🤔
Hoping the flowers withstand the weather that's expected tomorrow.
Just a heads up , I am not trading next week. Have a little hospital visit on Thurs, am writing off Friday to get over the anaesthetic & Sat I am supporting my Angel at the market stalls held in Jump Ship Brewing, the day before mothers day ♥️
So tomorrow, even though it's quite probably going to be a ropey day weather wise , I'm working. I think I'll be at Goodyear. I'll play that by ear when I wake up !!!

Best chance is direct text
0429331663 🙏

On Anzac day , Rosemary acts as a profound symbol of remembrance & loyalty. It is worn to honour the memory of the many ANZACS who served & died in war, conflict & sadly also in peace operations. It grows wild in many parts of Europe , particularly on the Gallipoli peninsula. We lost so many of our service men & women in the Gallipoli campaign, such a waste of life.
Looking at the world we have now, what have we learned about the senseless act of war?
As we walked down to our local service this morning, Daniel asked me if i would be happy for Piper to go to war? I am eternally grateful that none of my children have wanted to serve in the forces. Call me selfish if you like. But it is someone's child🥺
And that is why for the last 20 years, i haven't missed a dawn service. The photo today is actually the one i took from the covid time. When we couldn't gather together but we were encouraged to light a candle & be visible as we listened to the radio.....

I have rosemary growing in my garden for comfort...
I love the smell & the taste with roasted veges. I can enjoy cooking the food we like because of the many people who have fought over the years to keep us all safe to continue to call this wide brown land, home.

Blessed be our sunburnt country.

Reflect on this solemn day what it means to be an Australian ♥️

Love & light.

Before any of you get concerned about me ; I am absolutely ticketyboo ♥️

But this has been me, on many occasions, not too many of you would know that!

In these times when su***de seems so prevalent, I feel it's important to raise the saying

"It's OK, to not be ok".

My daughter Talia has now been absent from my life for 11 yrs. I had to grieve a living child. During those times, Piper was my raison d'etre. When he also left & cut me off, there were many dark, dark times when I questioned the value of my life. True🥺
I'm so very grateful that I had people I could talk very openly to, who didn't judge me, just listened. Often babbling incoherently through tears.
I'd like to think that I'm through the worst of it. But until my arms are around my kids again , the pain bubbles not too far under the surface.
But I'm ok♥️
In fact, more often than not, I am more than ok. Life goes on & I embrace all that comes my way.

I just wanted to remind you all, there may be people in your orbit that aren't ok. Sometimes we just have to step outside ourselves & extend the hand of kindness. It really could save a life ♥️

With Anzac day this Sat , my week is shorter.
♥️Thurs
♥️Fri
Goodyear. A few sporadically placed appointments still available over the 2 days.

Direct text 0429331663

Love & light Angels.
Love. Be kind. Celebrate your mate ♥️

From a distance , the absolutely magnificent Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. For those of you who are familiar, this is the end of the Camino de Santiago. A pilgrimage made by thousands every year. A life altering experience for many. I am hoping to add this to the fabric of my life quilt in the next few years❤️

That's our Charlie cat 🐈‍⬛

Today, quite unexpectedly, I found out he'd been euthanized. I was told the details, but honestly, I was just so shocked.

My Angel & Piper were present at the vets when I arrived. It broke my heart to see just how shattered they both were. Piper & Charlie were particularly close. They used to stalk each other in the garden and were hilarious to watch. I'm not sure who was more scared of the pouncing 😅
So many memories♥️
He began life inside but only lasted 5 weeks, I think. He broke so many things , dug my plants & jumped to the most amazing heights! I was never a cat person. In fact, I'm probably still not a cat person. But I loved that black cat🥹

After a few months of being outside, he got hit by a car & having three legs did not stop him. The neighbours soon got to know the sound of him on their garage roof ! He was desexed & micro chipped & really loved being outside.
He would follow me around the garden & lay down close to wherever I was working, I've many pics of his various locations !
But when Piper left 4 yrs ago, Charlie began to go between the two houses. Only a gully & a busy road really separated us. He really missed his mate & his time with me became more limited. He'd turn up every couple of weeks for food, then off he'd go again.
The last time I spent quality time with him was only a few weeks ago. He did something he hadn't done in a really , really long time. He stayed the whole day , followed me around like he used to , and slept in the courtyard sun. Was such a special time. And it was the last. You never know when the last of anything is going to be .......so cherish the moments. They won't be repeated 💔
He had 10 good years, now he's probably got 4 legs again in cat heaven, living life large as only Charlie cat can ! That's what I'll keep thinking anyway 🙏🫶🥹

Love & light Angels.
Will be a long night 💔

While shopping in Adelaide recently I was thinking about the freedom I have. I have been forever a basket carrier. I have numerous baskets & they all have a purpose. I shop with an open basket , something I could not do on my recent trip to Spain! I had to carry a handbag , crossed over my body & to the front. Most often with my hand on it also. There is a lot of theft, pick pockets , gypsies trying to distract you while others rob the naive ! They didn't have a chance with me 😅 I'm a well seasoned traveller these days , having been crossing the oceans for 33 yrs 😳 wow. Haven't actually put a number to it before !
There's no place like home tho, that's for sure. Especially in these crazy world times.

Easter snuck up on me , this weekend apparently! I'll have Good Friday with my husband ♥️
Days of service this week back at

GOODYEAR ✂️

THURS 2ND
SAT 4th April.

Have a safe & restful Easter break. Whatever else it means to you ......be present 🙏

PS. The guys at Goodyear are busy, parking may not be possible in the yard. Please allow extra time for roadworks & parking 🙏

0429331663 direct text.

Love & light Angels ♥️