Blog for Friday 23rd January 2026

“Happy Birthday to my youngest brother, ‘Rick, who lives in the UK today!” We are hoping that he is spoilt rotten, has an incredibly happy day and enjoys every minute of his special day today. (‘Rick is about sixteen years younger than I am.)

I shot out of bed as my alarm began her ditty – as I did not want to wake anyone up. I was fast asleep when Paddy and Tamryn arrived last night, but I knew they were here as I saw all the groceries that Paddy had brought up with them on the dining room table!

I made my coffee using the torch on my phone and then tiptoed up the creaking staircase. There is no way I can get it not to creak no matter where I step on each step, and I have tried them all!

I had my Quiet Time and heard Paddy going out just after he got up, but he did not have a coffee then, but he had one later when Tamryn was also awake.

Peter came over to check with Tamryn what she wanted him to do, or continue doing in her container home, and he told her what she needed to purchase and also what she needs to do before he can continue working there.

I took the one quad bike and went up to see what progress had been made on the container home, and I was suitably impressed. It is really beginning to look like a little home, and the view from up there is spectacular. Tamryn should be very happy up there when she visits the farm over the odd weekend or for a few days.

I took this photo of Tamryn and Peter discussing something about the deck or roof. But I was so impressed by how much Peter has managed to do inside the container – the electricity and plumbing put in – done but not yet connected. I know Matt’ also helped Peter do all that too.

Tamryn and Peter having a chinwag about what to do next.

 This container will have all the bells and whistles – air con’ inside and a spar and hammock out on the deck! Very swishy!

I came back down to our shed and Ken had retired, Paddy was on a conference call, and not long after I got here, Tamryn came down too as Peter left as he a lot of work to do at home.

I made us some chicken and mayo’ sarmies – Tamryn and mwah being the only ones who were hungry!

Paddy was soon out after the conference call and about fixing fences and glaring at bovines that walk-through fences without ever saying that they were sorry!

Tamryn had a snooze or read her book, and I went up to my studio to do some sewing on my little smocked dress.

In the afternoon I sewed up the little racoon doggie toy that Raafie had disemboweled in an attempt (which he won by the way!) to get at the squeaker out. It is one of his favorite toys, so I just had to mend it for him.

In the afternoon we also had two lots of campers arrive with their caravans for the weekend, and Simon brought us some smoked brisket that he had made as a gift for us. I am looking forward to tasting that!

Then I embroidered the bullion roses on the one sleeve for the smocked dress for Zara. One sleeve and the dress front still to do.

Tonight, I am making a cheesy

pasta tuna dish with a salad on the side, as Paddy kindly had brought those ingredients for us to have some time this weekend. It is a nice easy and tasty dish.. For dessert we had a large slab of chocolate with n uts in it, broken up. Yum!

What lesson did I learn today? Patience. Patience. Patience.

What am I grateful for today? It being a lovely cooler day.

M y saying for today is …