Where does time go?

With 70 years of practice, you'd think I had life worked out, but no, I just keep on muddling along!  I become extremely frazzled at having to constantly recharge the batteries in my phone, camera and iPad.  In fact, it drives me mad!!!!

There are never enough hours in the day to play the piano and learn some Japanese, let alone all the other things I should be doing.  The more time I spend on Japanese the more confused I get and I have to admit it is almost impossible to learn.  However, I will persevere.

Some time back I started on family history and that takes a lot of time, too.  It's fascinating stuff.  Hard to believe how things have changed in my lifetime.  I can remember my grandparents' house without electricity - Pa used to read by kerosene lamp.The ice man used to deliver to fill the ice chest.  The baker delivered warm bread every morning. Pa used to travel by horse and cart and I would follow on my pony.

Oh no, Michael, I couldn't do that to Muffy!!!!  The other night I accidentally stretched one leg out without realising she was at the end of the bed.  As quick as lightning, she scratched or bit - I couldn't tell which - right across my toes and drew blood, which got all over the sheets!

Spoilt cat

Aahh Lina, you say the nicest things!

Last night I had great difficulty sleeping as Miss Cat was stretched out right in the middle of the bed and I had to squeeze down one side!  I was still awake at 1am, so got up, took this photo and emailed Winifred.  Her very rude reply said, 'Chuck the cat aside'!!!!! :-))  I don't have the heart to ever do that, unfortunately.  Talk about a spoilt cat...

I still listen to BBC radio 4 all night and still do jigsaws all day.  I'm trying to wean myself off both and learn some Japanese instead.  That would be a much better use of my time.

Sydney weather

We've had rain for days and days, and were lucky to have a sunny break for the party last Sunday. It's hard to believe a week has already passed and today I MUST write thank you cards for all the lovely presents I got.  My beautiful umbrella has had quite a workout!

I swam in the rain this morning, which is always lovely.

For those of you who do not know Sydney, we live at quite a distance from the coast - you can always have a look on Google maps.

Lucky me!

Have you ever seen anything as pretty as this umbrella?  It was Lina's present to me and she told me I was lucky to get it.  I can certainly understand how she would have liked to keep it for herself...

Yes, Olga, the atmosphere at the party was relaxed, with people all talking to each other.
Rather than one long table, we had three separate tables, which made intermixing much easier. Philip and Manami did an excellent job with the food.

Birthday party

I had a wonderful party lunch yesterday, with about 20 guests.  Lyndall made and decorated the cake and gave me one big candle (instead of 70 little ones).  My niece had had the photo of my mother restored and brought it with her, so we hung it on the wall during  the festivites.  (Mum died in 1998, aged 80, and we think the photo was taken when she was about seven.  The sideboard was hers, too - I had it restored for the Mayfield house.)

Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves and the food, prepared by Manami and Philip, was delicious.  I was given many lovely presents and feel very spoilt.  We were fortunate the wild weather of the previous night calmed down and the sun came out, with only one or two showers which didn't really matter, as the tables were set up on the deck which has a roof.

More birthday flowers

These beautiful flowers are from Philip and family.

Oh dear, it's POURING rain and windy today.  There's room enough on the deck upstairs for  three large tables for lunch tomorrow, but it will be such a pity if the weather isn't nice.

Today we'll all be busy with preparations.

Thanks for your lovely birthday thoughts, Olga.

The BIG 70

Mariko, my Japanese piano teacher, gave me these beautiful flowers for my birthday.  Thanks for your email greetings, Michael and Winifred.

I can't quite believe I'm 70 as only other people get old!  I still feel exactly the same inside as when I was 17.  And I still muddle along in life, finding experience doesn't help much.  If I have gained anything worth passing on, it is to not accumulate so much stuff.  I think I've moved house more than 30 times and have still ended up with far too much stuff.  The less you have, the better.

Of course, that does not include friends - I'm pretty good at accumulating friends.  I think I must appear friendly, as when I'm out I'm frequently approached by strangers asking directions.  And more than once I've been known to bring them home with me!!!

Birthday flowers

Goodness gracious me - I'll be 70 tomorrow!!!!  Hard to believe.  I bought these flowers - and many others - to brighten up the garden, as it's normally all green.

Thanks for your card, Frank and Rose.  The family are giving me a party lunch on Sunday, so I'm expecting to have a lovely time with friends.

Morning walk

This is the kind of house I saw on my walk this morning.  (I didn't take this pic, but got it online.) I love the tree-lined streets and beautiful gardens. I wonder if the owners realise just how privileged they are.  Had a coffee and croissant in my favourite patisserie and bought myself a new handbag.  I'd been looking for one for ages that has pockets on the outside for keys and bus/train tickets so I don't have to dig into the depths searching for them.

Crazy weather continues

Gone are the seasons - cold in winter, hot in summer.  This February, normally stinking hot and unbearably humid, has actually been cool (among a variety of things).  The other day I found Muffy buried under the doona on my bed, trying to get warm!

I swim most days, whether it's hot/cold/raining/blowing a gale.  No use waiting for suitable weather.