Category Archives: All things health

Musical Monday….

All things books, All things health, All things music, ,

It’s surprising how different the words to a song – the tune – the melody – can sound when sung by various arists.

Take this one  ~ Accentuate the Positive ……

Music by Harry Arlen – Lyrics by Johnny Mercer

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate_the_Positive

This is the original sung by Johnny Mercer

Crooners like Bing Crosby and Perry Como recorded it

Frank Sinatra recorded a version in concert (also a little chat with Johnny Mercer)

And Ella Fitzgerald gave it a go in 1960

While in 1988 Willy Nelson gave it a distinct country flavour


If you have time, listen and tell me what you think – which do you prefer?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

These Mondays come by quite quickly don’t they…..I know I’ve been back home less than two weeks and shouldn’t make mention of it….in fact knowing what she went through during the war my mother would have a fit if she heard me carrying on…..but already, similar to this time last year, the ’controlled environment’ we’re living in here in Victoria is beginning to ’get to me’. I could hear that same frustration in Andrew’s voice when he commented the other day (“get busy in your garden There’s eff all else to do”) We must go oh so carefully now and if everyone plays their part (wouldn’t that be a lovely thing) it’s not going to last too much longer but in the meantime I’m going to have to take notice of the song and

‘accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative’ .

Last Saturday morning was warm enough to sit outside in a T-shirt and bright enough when I was ’pottering’ to need my sunglasses. There was a brand new (2021) library book to read (The Echo Chamber – John Boyne) a little cardigan to knit some love into and time to have a quick cup of coffee with The Golfer. Here’s to many more 😊😎

Love to you all ❤️

Linking to Life the Week hosted by Denyse at Denyse Whelan Blogs. 
Do pop over and see what others have been up to this week

When will it end…..

All things craft, All things health, All things weather,

Before we left home back in July I went through a lot of WIP/UFOs (also known as ’works in progress or unfinished objects😊) and mentioned to The Golfer there were a few things I really wanted to set to and finish while we were away.

One of them was this sampler – the one I wrote about 12 months ago. …..

Little did I know as I wrote that post then, when we in Melbourne were in lockdown a year ago, the city (Victoria…..and many other parts of Australia) would be in the same situation 12 months later….

And here we are with the finishing date to our winter stay looming and the little piece of embroidery still isn’t finished…not for want of trying though…..I’ve thought about it but somehow the light in the cabin hasn’t been the best or it’s been too hot/windy sitting outside….need to be able to see where the needle goes (those holes seem to get smaller) , can’t sew with hot sweaty hands or concentrate when the wind has been ablowin’, …..

Tuesday however was just right and while The Golfer was doing just that both am and pm I had a little self hosted sewing bee 😊

Somehow I don’t think It’ll be finished before we get home in October but I really hope I get the last stitches in before Christmas….same as I hope that by then there’s an end in sight to the madness in our country (as well as worldwide) caused by the Delta strain of Covid-19.

What’s in a name

All things health, All things travel

People and places are usually known by a name and I’m always interested (and sometimes intrigued) by them, why were they called that – how did they come by them?

(https://cranethie.com/2019/11/25/whos-that-girl-whats-her-name/).
(https://cranethie.com/2020/10/30/how-can-peggy-be-short-for-margaret/)

I was thinking about that after I got an email from my sister where she referred to me as Lady Cavendish…..a long forgotten (by me) family nickname.
It took me a while to remember how/why I’d been dubbed that
It was ‘given’ to me by my father when I was about 14, because for some reason or another I’d become very aware of table manners……..and seemingly I’d ‘asked’ him not to slurp his soup – to which he’d replied
“who do you think you are…..Lady Cavendish?”
And it stuck ☹️

Sort of related to that ‘ where/how did’ things get named thought, we took a drive up to Ayr last week. Just over an hour away from Bowen along the Bruce Highway….
Where there are lots of roadworks going on – and on – and on……

Where we saw lots of these yellow male and female figures strapped to power poles…..I know they’re a safety feature (look up – be aware) but they just remind me of ‘Flat Cat’ 😊
I’ve only seen them around Queensland roadworks- does anyone know if they are used in other states…..and do they have an actual name?

Talking of names the other thing that intrigues/ amuses me as we travel around are creeks and the names they’re given. There are loads of five mile/ten mile ones that I assume are the distance they are out of town and others with people’s names or place names BUT look at these three which are about 20km out from Bowen. Aren’t they the best – I bet there’s a story to be told from years ago about those names, something to ask about at the local history museum because they definitely put a smile on my face when I see them 😊😊

And once again it’s Monday, we’ve been here four weeks now…..four more to go.
I’ll be honest and say I’m beginning to wonder how we’re going to get home; due to the virus rearing it’s head again and spreading here there and everywhere circumstances in different states are changing each day. Four weeks sounds a long time yet it’s not really a long time especially with what’s going on in NSW.

It’s the big topic of conversation here in the van park with most ‘winter residents’ coming from other states……but look, even though most of us are a long way from home we know there’s always a way to get back there…..to stay out of harms way (aka not go through NSW) it might take a smidgeon longer for us than the usual 4 day/ 2500km direct drive down the Leichhardt and Newell. We could go north a couple of hours to Townsville, then travel about 1500km west along the Flinders and Barkly Hwys past Mount Isa to Tennant Creek, then down the Stuart Hwy 2000km to Adelaide and then east to Melbourne…..a mere 700km on the Dukes Hwy followed by the Western Hwy at the Victorian border 😊😊😊

So what am I going to do about it…….right this minute not a lot.
It’s early morning cuppa tea time then maybe a gentle walk on nearby Queens Beach. Thankfully I’ve been a bit more mobile these past few days.

Oops, I’m forgetting my manners here (yes Mum I hear you) – I hope you are all well
How has your week gone, did you travel far from home
notice anything that made you curious or smile.
Lol, theres a name for my questions – interested or nosy….. take your pick 😊

Who could turn down

All things family, All things health, All things travel

An invitation to lunch – at a favourite place
Whitsunday Sailing Club (Airlie Beach)
with a favourite person……gold star to you if you guessed The Golfer 😉

With down to earth cooking- maybe not quite ‘haute cuisine’.
Beer battered mackerel- freshly caught and very tasty

With views of the water and lots of expensive toys

After shopping and (for some) walking the dog in town
it’s back to the dinghy park
(or shuttle stop as I’ve heard it called) for to make their way home

Some prefer to ‘row their little boat’ back to the big one……or maybe with the cost of fuel going up they couldn’t afford to run the outboard motor this week 😊

After lunch there was the offer of a ‘pensioners delight’
70c ice cream for dessert at Maccas
See how he shares his love 😉

Time for home along a road lined with cane fields as far as the eye could see

Past road signs leading to other quiet peaceful places

and roadworks where you are rewarded with a smiley face
just for driving at the recommended speed 😊

Perhaps I’m a bit like Nero at the moment – not fiddling but enjoying my time and not being worried about the problems in other states….but by golly I’m certainly taking advantage of the peaceful way of life on offer to me at the moment

A bright warm sunny day is forecast for today…..I’m off to put some fresh lemon drink in the fridge and rest awhile. Lets just say the back has been playing up a bit so the legs aren’t working too well, which means there’s not been a lot of walking done.
Bye for now
Cathy

(photos should open/enlarge/enbiggen with a tap/click……or two finger slide)

A little p.s. – park internet is a no show and library internet is limited. I’ve tried to find an app I can use with WordPress to compose offline ….no joy….the one I had on my previous ipad is no longer available. I can read some blogs but commenting and replying to comments is out of the question SO just letting you know I know what some of you are up to but can’t tell you so 😉😎

I am feeling much better now

All things health, All things travel

All it took was a four day drive – via regional New South Wales
(where even a small local businesses seemed mindful of strict covid precautions – QR code and mask….no if’s or buts)


Up to the Sunshine state of Queensland where just like magic all my worries woes and misery seemed to lift off my shoulders.


I’ll begin to think about state borders again in September- when it’ll be time to return home
In the meantime I’ll be slathering on the sun screen and dipping my toes in the Coral Sea – see ya sometime soon😊

What have you missed….

All things health

that hasn’t returned,
was a question asked during the general chit chat at the book club
Gatherings of like minded people I said

I have memories of fun concerts with one of my choirs.

For various reasons we haven’t ‘met’ since April last year.
Online or in person.
I’ve heard on the ‘grapevine’ that nobody has been sick
most have had at least on vaccination
and all are raring to go again.
Unfortunately it will most likely be in the new year (when all this is over)
the dos and don’t of covid restrictions are making it difficult.
~ ~ ~ ~
Plus memories of fun outings with the Red Hat Society ladies.
which likewise for various reasons my chapter has closed for the time being

I’ve been trying to make sense of my recent maudlin feelings
And am beginning to think I keep reminding myself of what was
(and yes I’m in all the photos)
rather than what can be




The turning point……

All things health, All things weather


Yesterday, the shortest day (a turning point in the year) came
and went in a blaze of sunshine.
A glorious sunny winter day, just like several others in the week before it

If I could have a pick I’d choose June 21 as my favourite day of winter
Because Its all change from here in 😊

A chat with my GP also reinforced what friends and commenters here mentioned- what with one thing and another (plus all the goings on in my life) this has been a heck of a time for me (and so many others) there’s no wonder I was down in the dumps and feeling sorry for myself.

So just as the days will become longer and brighter with more hours of daylight as we make our way towards Spring …..hopefully sunshine as well – so will I become less like a someone who feels as though she has the weight of the world on her shoulders.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-21/winter-solstice-australia-time-for-sunrise-sunset/100230226

These last few sunny days have made a difference to the way I feel…..completely different to how it was early last week when I wrote this post.
Things are changing, yes I realise the weather will change again – the wind and the rain will return – but the pool has reopened, one of my craft groups is reopening , it’s possible the Qld border will reopen to Victorians, and I’m off to get my 2nd AZ vaccination tomorrow (no choice there, that’s what they gave us oldies)

It’s not really as simple as brighter lighter days making a lighter brighter person but it will certainly go a long way in turning my mental health in the right direction 😊

I’m sure it’ll go away one day…

All things health, ,

Borders – edges to keep things in and out (my definition).
Borders – Wikipedia’s definition

As well as our internal state & territory borders here in Australia we also have the big international one

At the moment….or should I say, once again… because of covid cases cropping up……there are internal state/territory border restrictions. They are keeping people ‘trapped’ in their own state and keeping people ‘excluded’ from other states.

And of course there’s the big one – the international one. Closed for the majority of the population since way back very early in 2020. Keeping people trapped in the country and others who so desperately want to return excluded

There are so many reasons why – but sometimes even I wonder ‘why’? Has it done more harm than good – if other countries have not closed up why are we still closed to the world.

Just got a touch of the miseries today….I’m sure they’ll go away as quickly as they came
As for this b…..virus, it’ll go away one day I’m sure – hopefully I’ll still be around to witness it!

International Border to Remain Closed Until Mid-2022?

Fortress Australia – Why calls to open up borders are meeting resistance. BBC May 2021

Use it up….

All things health, Charity knitting

I’ve probably mentioned before that when my mind goes round and round in circles it’s the constancy and comfort of knitting that keeps me going. It’s there, it doesn’t change, needles and wool are all I need. And it’s not the big projects that sooth but simple easy no need to concentrate ones.

Don’t ask me why but amongst other things I’ve been contending with recently, the sudden onset of Patsy’s illness and subsequent death had me thinking about all the crafty ‘supplies’ (aka as stash of knitting wool) out in the garage…..and there was/is a lot of it. Full balls are usually easy to pass on – half used not so- and for some reason I got in a bit of a tizz and rather than just think about it knew they had to be put to use……there and then.

Continuing on from finishing off the fingerless mittens in March I ended up making a whole stack more pairs plus some basic cnr2cnr sometimes called diagonal blanket squares. Things the charity are always looking for, it welcomes each and every one that’s donated.

Another look under the table out there brought this to light. A large bin containing far more knitting cotton than I remembered being in there.

I’m an old fashioned girl who likes knitted cotton dish clothes that can be washed and reused……over and over again. I also have friends/acquaintances who do as well so at the moment that’s what I’m doing – knitting cotton dishcloths. Making the special “oh could you knit me some” requests from several poolside acquaintances plus restocking my own supply by using up thinner 4ply ( knitting two strands together = 8ply) which has helped reduce the ‘stash’.   (I found mention of the Waffle pattern on one of Rhonda’s posts way back in 2008 but you can find it here.  I’m making these ones slightly larger)


It really looks like I’ve been at it for hours on end over the past couple of months – not so, all these items have short rows of about 30/40 stitches which means quick finishes. And for most of the time it was an easy non taxing way of stilling my mind….as well as using up all – well most of – actually, more like some of – that stuff outside.



I’ve a full bag of odd balls set to one side ready to make its way up to Bowen

It’ll come back in September as fingerless gloves…..or squares
It definitely won’t be coming back as wound balls😊

There’s been no reading from me to talk about this month but you’ll find both knitting and reading at   Unraveled Wednesday hosted by Kat. Pop over and have a look – she’d love to see you

I need a little help….

All things books, All things health,

I haven’t done much reading this month – just one novel.
Well actually, I finished it on the first of the month but put it into last month’s listing so really the amount is nil
All those authors and books I took note of last year because they sounded ‘interesting’ just aren’t looking that way at the moment. Books have come home from the library and been returned unread…not even opened in some cases.
However, when I dropped into the library the other day to return some of The Golfer’s loans I saw this on the recently returned trolley- you know the one where they put books before they are shelved…..and much to the librarians delight, lots of times they mysteriously find their way out the door again on the same day 😊

Have any of you read.
The Spire – William Golding?

( it deals with the construction of the 404-foot high spire loosely based on Salisbury Cathedral; the vision of the fictional Dean Jocelin. Wikipedia)

I read The Lord of the Flies years ago and after a quick read of the back of the book blurb thought this would be as easy to read as that one.  Short answer (for me) it’s not a ‘hard/difficult’ read, it’s just not an easy read. I’m finding it confusing trying to ‘work out’ what is happening in real life and what is happening in the main characters head. I’ll plod on and finish it because I want to know if the Spire is actually built on the cathedral and what becomes of the Dean and the other characters.

Right now, I’ve a little question for you. I’ve ‘looked it up’ but can’t find an explanation. So I’m wondering if any of my ‘well read’ readers know what is meant by:- (page 21)

“He had a tariff of knees”

“He knew how they should be after this length of kneeling or that. Now, when they had passed through a dull ache, to nothing, he knew that more than an hour had passed”.
Any ideas anyone ?

Gosh, this week has flown by. As usual early on a Monday morning I sit here ‘thinking’. The Golfer is still abed and it’s quiet and peaceful….inside. As the weeks are passing since we got a sort of ‘all clear’ more and more people are back at work…..which is good…..but it’s becoming noisier…..outside. So as far as the roads are concerned (at this time of the morning) it’s almost back to the way it was.

This time last week I was wondering what the next would bring.
Well, It’s been all go….I’m now ready to meet influenza head on, my BP is back down to where it was last November (before my lovely little sister’s illness and subsequent death), my feet are feeling fabulous after a visit to the ‘clippers and scalpel wielding lady’ who is a foot massage genius, my back was ‘put right’ by my other ‘lovely lady’ with her little clicky thing and I can tell you the water at the pool was refreshingly cool. Obviously my idea of what heated means and that of the local council who run it is different – like the ocean feels when you dip your toes, it’s alright once you get in!

The kettle has just come to the boil so I’m off to make another cup of tea
My last week seemed to revolve around health and well being…..what was yours like?

And I’m attaching this little postcript as a reminder we all need a little joy in our lives.
Carols by Candlelight are just that for everyone who attends or watches on tv.
One of the things children (and adults) missed out on last year due to Covid restrictions
Song of Joy sung by David Hobson. Melbourne 2012

Denyse is hosting  Life this week – why don’t you pop over and see what’s going on

Learning to Love…

All things health,

Sometimes we just have to slow down and learn to love ourselves.
As I’ve found out recently

There’s one in you who’s sweet.
There’s one in you who’s mean.
Can you love them both?
Can you let them both be seen?

Can you love the one who tries?
And love her when she fails?
Can you love the one who lies?
And love the one who wails?

Can you love your tears?
Can you love your worry?
Can you love your darkest fears?
Can you love your fury?

Can you love indifference?
Love the one who clings?
Can you love the vibrant one?
Love the one who sings?

Can you love your addict?
Can you love your thief?
Can you love your vanity?
Can you love your grief?

Can you love your inner child?
And your body as you age?
Can you love your wild side?
Release her from her cage?

Can you love the one fulfilled?
And the one who’s not?
Can you love the one who’s chilled?
And whose temper’s hot?

Can you love the weakling?
The one who’s sometimes sick?
Can you love the warrior?
Who fights through thin and thick?

Can you love your crazy?
Can you love your sane?
Can you love your foolish heart?
Love your scattered brain?

There’s one in you who’s bored.
And one who’s often stressed.
Can you love them both at once?
And she who tries her best?

If the answer’s “no.”
To some of the above.
Then can you love the one in you.
Who’s learning how to love?

Leah Pearlman.
Dharma Comics
Inside Coaching

Pop over and say hello to Denyse – she’s hosting the latest edition of Life this week

Today is My Day..

All things health, All things weather, Uncategorized,

Hopefully yours will come soon
~ ~ ~ ~

Yesterday was My Day
for remembering I’m the world’s worst for jotting things down
with no clue as to when & why & where they came from.

Do you remember this – I thought I was getting better
But guess what I discovered yesterday – another scrap of paper
In amongst some knitting patterns


“the sky that morning was so flat and new it looked ironed “.
I have a vague inkling where I read/heard it
but it’ll mean rereading a book to prove myself right😊

Yesterday was My Day to admire the most beautiful clear (almost flat) blue skies
that I just had to record – there should be sound – fingers crossed it works

Thursday Thoughts

All things health

I have come to the conclusion that often what I think I want
isn’t what I really need at all!

Early last month I was pondering about weight/size/appearance and was convinced I had the answer. Only trouble was with lockdown exclusions being lifted and life in general slowly returning to ‘near normal’ everyone else had the same thoughts and what, from reopening mid December up to then, had been a pleasant experience at the gym also returned to the trail round the car park looking for a spot, busy busy (even early morning) packed to the rafters waiting for a machine experience . And I seemed to spend more time waiting than actually doing anything.

So after a suggestion from the GP about alternative exercise
“Try aqua classes or just walk, swim, exercise in the water ‘do your own thing’ – it’ll be easier on your back and legs”
I decided to change tack and give the local pool another chance.

A complete renovation during our months on end lockdown last year means (amongst other things) it’s squeaky clean, all leaky bits were fixed and the water temperature is actually as warm as it should be 😊

Four weeks from the day I first put my toes back in the water again…..how do I feel?
So much better in myself and definitely wishing I’d done it much sooner.
I’m not doing aqua yet (noisy and full on) but enjoying a few off peak half lengths as well as the stuff the classes do but quietly on my own. I ‘know’ I’ve exercised which is a feeling I haven’t had for a while and also may have lost a kilo along the way

Win Win all round !!


Oh and once again I’m having difficulty seeing hearing and talking to other bloggers which means I haven’t had much to say to any of you personally (on your blogs) for a little while. Don’t take offence by it…..I have to grab my chances when I can. Sometimes I think this is it….then the whole network closes down…..and it isn’t ☹️

Family Friday…..

All things family, All things health

It’s certainly been a strange week or two, on top of loads of other happenings our internet has been what you might call ‘touchy’ so I’m saying thank goodness for post scheduling because without it Sunday and Wednesday’s would still be sitting there

Anyway there were days of forgettable weather…those middle of last month warm days a sweet memory now, daylight is fading and lights are needed from about 8pm, some nights were dominated by a very large shiny bright full moon that lit up the house so much it had you thinking a light had been left on. Middle of the nights punctuated by a symphony of weird and wonderful sounds from one side of the bed accompanied by cries of ‘oh oh bl**dy cramp’ as I leapt out of bed holding my leg in agony. My friend Mr Insomnia came visiting for a while but I seem to have shown him the door, which is good because there’s nothing worse than trying to relax and let your mind go blank hoping that sleep will come back.

At one stage I was beginning to think I was falling apart – what with the non sleeping issue, the night cramps and the funny turns. well not turns as such but wavy things in front of my eyes. The first time I thought – well I didn’t know what to think – my sight was sort of distorted, clear in all but one area, with a strange cloudy shape with jagged edges there. No pain of any sort, just this vision thing that lasted about 20 mins… thinking ‘might have to see the Dr in the morning’ later I remembered something I’d read years ago (when I got full blown migraines) about no pain migraines. Looked them up and yes, very similar so not life threatening and ‘oh well if that’s what it is I’ll put it down to experience’. When I saw the GP last week and mentioned there had been several episodes over a couple of weeks he wasn’t concerned at all – linked them to the stress of my sister’s illness and her death.

She arrived back in England last week and her funeral was this past Monday. This might sound ‘wrong/insensitive’ to some but my other sister mentioned that Patsy and the funeral director had been good friends for many years so he ‘reported’ he’d been there at Heathrow in good time for the meet and greet and made sure she was comfortable in his limo for the drive back home. A lovely lighthearted touch that was appreciated by the family

A sign of the ‘strange times’ is watching a funeral service being streamed into your living room. It felt very cold impersonal – ‘short and sweet’ and so very sad for those few allowed to be there, masked and sitting so far away from each other. Covid restrictions meant there was no gathering afterwards. That will come whenever it’s possible and she will be toasted and talked about for many an hour, day, years to come:)

But enough of the moaning and groaning- the whinging and whining.
It hasn’t al been gloom and doom ……I found Minnie
Remember Minnie?

I thought she was lost but now she’s found
and she wasn’t really lost at all.

And that’s a tale for another day 😊