Blog for Mondayb 7th September 2026

I only rolled out of bed just before half past four this morning – what a lazy lump!

There sat Pumpkin almost looking at her watch, as I was late for her breakfast today, and a cat can only wait for so long you know!

I fed Pumpkin and then had my Quiet Time, uploaded my blog and checked my emails.

The first thing I did this morning was put on a wash – I washed the blankets and covers that dear (not!) Raafie had left muddy paw marks in intricate patterns all over them!

Then I began to cream the leather and oil the wood of Paddy’s lounge furniture. I wanted to do something for him as he works so hard and this cannot have been an easy transition for him – from town to the farm - plus he is doing a lot of other work apart from running the farm on his own. I honestly salute him!

Today is just going to be a tidy-up sort of day for me I think. There is no rush and no one is coming here today so I can work at my pace – snail pace!

I need to sort out bowls and crockery that is still here and in an awful mess. I would be so happy if I can leave the farm having made it a little easier for Paddy. I know that he says, “There is no rush for su to sort things out!”  But it is not fair to leave him in a mound of mess caused by our moving!

Today has blossomed into a simply picture-perfect day – blue skies, no wind, and lots and lots of sunshine. I am hoping that means I can get a lot of the washing done and out of the way today.

This morning I made myself some toast and a large mug of coffee for breakfast and I was ready to take on the world!

I washed all the blankets and woolen covers in the living area and hung them out to flap happily in the stiff breeze and absorb all the sunshine. l also added a few of our clothes to those loads and felt ever so angelic after having done so. Everything flapping merrily and madly in the wind and the crack-crack sounds as it did so.

It seems strange to me that none of our furniture or my plants are here – it makes the shed familiar but at the same time strange or rather, different. Hone but not home really!

In the morning I also put on a slow cooker of oxtail – something we have not had for ages, but I found it in the South African shop near us in Green Point, so am looking forward to our supper tonight.

I also made a large bowl of rice and a bowl of mixed corn and peas to go with the oxtail.

I had thought of baking the remaining five lamb chops but I think if Frik is coming to the farm to stay (Yes, Ken cannot help himself – he is the original host!) I will bake them for lunch tomorrow and make lasagna for supper for the three of us and serve that with a large salad. I did not have much of a choice as I did not bring food thinking I may be entertaining someone here!

In the afternoon when I brought the washing in  I folded it neatly seeing there is no iron here any more – (it lives in East Gosford wtih us!)

Ken went out for a drive on the quad bike to check on the cattle and the four dogs were delighted to go for a run with him.

Shame, another thing Paddy has to put up with is it looks as if the soak pit needs to be dug again, because the water in the sink in the kitchen eventually drains out now, but ever so slowly so he is not using the dishwasher! Poor guy, honestly you would think the farm would try to make things easier for him. But … nope!

I sat outside in the sunshine and almost nodded off it was so nice and warm out there. At about lunch time I came inside and lay down to listen to my audio book and went to sleep for ten minutes, which was good as I seldom rest during the day.

This morning I phoned my friend in Ellenborough to arrange a day and time fore me to pop in for a cuppa with her and I am off to see her on Friday in the morning, which will be nice. Shame, she is going into hospital for a full knee construction mid-month, this month.

I also phoned my good friend Kat in Bingara, but missed her, left her a message and will try again. later today. I had a lovley long chat to her in the early evening and we managed to catch up with all our news.

Then I also need to make an arrangement with Sandra and Noel to pop over to them for a morning tea to catch up with what they have been doing in Bible Study Group since we left.

In the early morning, I will sweep, then use the vacuum robot and mop the floors in the living area. Oh dear, I did nothing!

What lesson did I learn today? Plan, then take one step at a time and I will achieve my goals.

What am I grateful for today? Another lovely day on the farm surrounded by nature.

My saying for today is …