“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Change is in the air.....

The change in the weather here today has lead me to think of home.
Not the place I rest my head every night or the place I've enjoyed living in for the last few years but home...that place miles away...well 12,000 miles away to be exact.
The change in the weather is perfectly timed for our next trip.
Yes, I know I haven't even finished the New Zealand posts yet (which I promise I will) but this trip has been planned for some time now.
I just haven't got around to telling you about it yet.
Don't worry I'm giving you some time to get used to the idea because we don't depart for another month or so....beside I need time to get used to the idea myself.
And so...where are we heading next? Have you guessed yet?
I hope you're sitting down because we're off home!
To the UK!!!
Yes, finally after 24 years of travelling we've decided to call it a day and settle back in 'Blighty'.
There have been other destinations and possibilities discussed but we've decided to head home.
I have to admit I've so many mixed feelings over this next move.
Move number 12 can you believe!
Remember all of those packing boxes not so long ago....with move number 11 well they came back last week and in fact they even multiplied!


We've considered every factor to reach this big decision and had umpteen nights of being awake from 2am so it's not one that we have taken lightly...that's for sure.
 There are so many things that I'll miss but the world is a much smaller place with the internet and I have every intention of keeping up close and personal with all my Aussie connections.
One thing I won't be able to send back though is the light!
I now realise that the light in the Southern Hemisphere is totally different than that of the Northern Hemisphere...you'd think a world traveller would know that sort of thing but I hadn't realised just how different it can be and what a huge impact it can have on you.
I think one of the first purchases once I land might be to buy one of those bright light therapy lamps recommended by doctors as the first line treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Just in case....
I've always remained positive on this blog and that's the way I plan to carry on...no matter what it takes!

At least with this move I know exactly what I'm returning to and that sits very comfortably.
We'll also have our daughter close to hand for the first time in years which will be perfect...I'll just have to remember the novelty might wear off if I'm a nuisance.
We also have every member of both sides of our family all living within a 10 mile radius of each other...although we'll have a few hours distance between us. 
I'm looking forward to moving back into the house that I loved and had difficulty leaving in the first place.
I never really got to know it...if any floorboards creak, wood burners and open fires plus getting familiar with cooking on the Aga again. I have wonderful memories of the 11ft Christmas tree that we brought into the hallway...and the bonfire night celebrations in the old ruined cobble stone barn which we call 'the folly'. Country Life here we come.....

Can you believe that this is my studio!
I feel rather sad looking at this photo, but it will be fine as I get to completely design a new one.
How exciting is that? Will you help me?
If you have any ideas and good tips then please just pop a comment below.
I only borrowed this one...it's been brilliant but it'll be fantastic to organise my own.
Here's someone who doesn't seem to be bothered by all the weird happenings going on...in fact I think she's loved having so many people coming just to see her!


One of the packers was so taken with her that I had to check where she was when he was about to leave because I felt sure he might have had her tucked away somewhere.
Oh yes...I should say 'YES OF COURSE SHE'S COMING WITH US'!!!!
How could we possibly leave her behind?
In fact she's been for her rabies jab today and amazingly enough seems to have forgiven me.

As you can see she wasn't much help with the early organising...it was all so very tiresome!   
But as they say....there's no rest for the wicked and let me tell you I must be extremely bad because it was an exhausting week.
That's one reason why my posts and visiting has been very sporadic of late to say the least.
Oh yes and the fact that my laptop died!!!

This was our 40ft container waiting for our worldly goods to be loaded...it seemed so huge but then we do have a lot of stuff and I did fret that we'd have to make the terrible decision as to what would fit in or what would have to be left behind.


HELLOOOOOOOOOOOooooooo.........

And here it is...with everything in!
Phewph!
I can't praise the guys who worked on the packing enough...but maybe I should wait until we open up all the packages at the other end.  No seriously they worked like Trojans.
Two of the team were a father and son who had such a brilliant working relationship. The father had some incredible tales to tell and mentioned he'd been doing this kind of job since he was 13 years old. 

So now we have a minimalistic look about the place, with just a few rental essentials for our remaining weeks. It feels like we are on holiday again.
It's such fun to start to cook and go to get a favourite pan or utensil to then realise...doh...of course it's not there. Oh what fun I'm having having to improvise constantly!!!! :(


I hope you'll join me on this new adventure because there's going to be lots to talk about and certainly lots to photograph. I'd love to have your company along the way :D
That's one of the things I'm looking forward to...showing you all the wildlife and visitors that I remember that used to call into our garden...I wonder if the pheasants, deer, badgers and buzzards still come to visit us?Not to mention the foxes and rabbits. I think there will be lots of fun and games plus challenges ahead as I want to create a veggie garden, plus I may even venture to own my own chooks!
Who knows....the possibilities are endless!
I'm trying not to think about the actual transporting of Mufftypup but at least she won't have to go into quarantine like last time. I couldn't bare to do that again. If you want to see what happened on Muffy's mission from the Middle East click here.
I also worry about how she will get on with the UK weather! I think she may well be an Aga magnet.
But I might have to fight her for that position....remember I don't like to be in temperatures below 16 degrees! She does have jumpers and coats already so that'll help, but I know she likes the heat more than the cold so I'm sure they'll be some antics ahead.
But I hopefully will be able to dispel some of the terrible myths about the UK weather...I've already asked that the thermostat be turned up in readiness for our arrival.
I have lots planned that I'd love to share with you...cooking, baking, gardening, setting up of the new studio, house and garden projects, plus all the historical tours and revisiting of so many fantastic places. We also will be exploring more of Europe now that we've been over this side of the world for so long.
So it won't be all about the weather ~ promise!
Although I suppose it'll be featured in there I'm sure...I'm just thinking what Muffy might think about snow! I can almost hear her now..."we are NOT amused'! ^..^
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Just an additional thought.....
I'm aware that there are many people that are dealing with lots of changes occurring at the moment.
Friends have had family dynamics altered which have completely pulled the rug from under them...others have health issues that are making them adapt to their new limitations and restrictions...but there's also good changes that can occur. Some people hate change of any sort...and I must admit even though I've had many changes to deal with and coped, I do find it difficult initially to embrace them.
But I've been lucky that so far they always seem to work out for the good.
The important thing is how we cope with these changes.
Some changes might well feel horrendous and difficult to cope with at the time, but then who knows what lies ahead...the changes may actually be a blessing in disguise...I truly hope so.

I'll get back to our New Zealand posts soon and I've also been to a French Cooking and Language course which I want to tell you about.
Catch you again soon I hope...in the meantime have a great week...
I'm off to make the most of my last few months here...whoohoo!

Keep smiling and pass it on...someone may need it today
https://secure.quebles.com/content/hotmail/emoticons/1511763.gif

37 comments:

  1. wow! big changes for you! move number 12 no less! Good luck with it all. I love my therapy lamp, otherwise I would have to hibernate through the winter. You must be headed pretty far north!

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    1. Indeed Cat,
      We've done so many of these now that we are quite organised even before the packers come in. Colour coding and a spreadsheet keeps my hubby happy! ;D
      My daughter has one of those lamps too, so I think it'll be on my list of essentials.
      We're not exactly going to the top but we'll be pretty far up there.
      Thanks for your good luck wishes...I'll be reporting back soon. Hehe
      Have a great week whatever is on your plan!

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  2. Oh Neesie, I'm such a selfish little pig I know but I just read your post with HUGE delight that you're coming back to the UK! It quite made my day here - and who knows, perhaps you'll make it to a WOYWW crop ...... just so long as you bring Muffy along to be properly introduced of course :)

    Hope all goes well with the move for you - the packing is all done (you kept THAT quiet) and you'll soon be settled in and planning your craft area.

    Happy dance here, yay!

    Hugs, Di xx

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    1. Aww Di, thank you so much for your lovely chirpy comments. They certainly were positive and made me chuckle...so thanks for that :D
      I know I kept the packing etc quiet, but I was so involved with the New Zealand posts and couldn't fit it in!
      Also the terrible demise of my laptop didn't help. I didn't really mean to keep you out of the loop...promise...but the time just flew past and before I knew it we were done and dusted!
      Experts in the art now obviously!
      Muffy would be beside herself to meet you all in person...that's if I can get her away from the aga!!!! ^..^

      Loving your happy dance and who knows I may be joining you dancing soon. Firstly, I just need that thermostat turned up a notch please. :D
      xoxo

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  3. Well, that really is news! Hope the move goes well, and that you all get safely back. UK is not far from Germany either.... Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Hi Valerie,
      Thanks for you kind good wishes and who knows Germany isn't far? I could perhaps call in for a cuppa one day!???! ;D

      Have a fantastic week with lots of fun and arty activities!
      :D

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  4. Oh best of luck with your move - may it be the easiest and happiest move of all!! x Jo

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    1. Thanks for your good luck wishes Jo...I really appreciate it.
      I think you could be right about this move at least we know exactly what to expect :D

      Have a great week...whatever you get up to. Have fun ;D

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  5. Well, good luck with the move, it sounds like you have a lot to look forward to. The only thing I wanted to know...did you get a new lap top? lol waving hi from the hills of North Carolina ♥

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    1. Hi Sandee, thanks for your good luck wishes...so far everything's going to plan but it is early days so fingers crossed it carries on!
      Nope no laptop just yet even though it was Mother's Day last weekend! :(
      Waving backatcha from DownUnder...for the time being anyway! xoxo

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  6. sounds to me you have been a busy bee, very exciting news! I'm sure your family will be over the moon to see you so often, take care, safe journeys,

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    1. Hi Laurie,
      Yep it's certainly been full on for the last few weeks...well since Christmas really if I think about it. Hence not as many arty projects completed as I would have liked, but hopefully from August onwards things will be a little less hectic (she says with the emphasis on 'hopefully'.
      It will be great to catch up with everyone back home...it's been a staggering three years since I last saw all my family. That's the longest I've ever been away without having a trip home to check in. Previously I've always gone home every six months.
      I'm hoping when I come to visit you that the sun will be out and that snow will have finally disappeared!!!
      xoxo

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  7. Oh wow! We may yet get to meet up one day! Like Di says perhaps at the WOYWW crop. I hope the move/travel goes well and that the weather is warmer and drier here when you arrive home! Take care Zo xx

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    1. Hi Zo...wouldn't that be funny meeting up with the WOYWW gang! When I first visited and participated in the group I never thought for one minute that I'd be coming back.
      So who knows...never say never eh?
      It would be a help if you could warm things up a little before our arrival please ;D
      I have been following your tweets about Baxter and I think you're doing a brilliant job....oh yes and Happy Belated Birthday! It sounds like you had a great day.
      I'll be across soon but in the meantime give Baxter a pat from me ^..^
      xoxo

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  8. Hi Neesie,

    Like Di said above, I imagine there are lots of UK people excited to see you return. How fortunate you've been to travel the world! I've always wanted to go to New Zealand and Australia. Also, since meeting so many wonderful Brits (hope that's right), I want to go to the UK also!

    Packing done - that's the hardest part of the job. So glad Muffy doesn't have to be quaranteened!

    Hugs,
    Kay

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    1. Hello there Kay,
      Great to see you again ;D
      I realise just how lucky I have been to have seen and lived in so many places, but we haven't finished yet! We've visiting and checking off all the locations on this side of the world, but haven't really 'done' Europe yet. So trips across the channel will be on the cards.
      I do hope you get to visit all three destinations on your wish list, but just remember that the Brits (yes you were right) are the best!!! Woo...that'll start a diplomatic incident for sure. LOL
      We are all really relieved that Muffy won't have to go through the quarantine process...I just don't think I could do that to her again. But we are really bothered about her doing that long journey. She's a tough nut though and the vets have confirmed she's fit and healthy, so there shouldn't be any problem!
      I'll be a nervous wreck until I collect her at the other end for sure.
      I'll be across soon to check up on what's been happening in your part of the world.
      In the meantime...have a great week :D
      xoxo

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  9. Hi Neesie
    Wow how exciting for you i wander what you will notice has changed first ... if anything. I do hope you have packed your winter woolies because even though it is May it has been freezing I put the heating on today and I live in the south. But I dont want to put a dampener on your trip ... it will be fab for you to finally come home
    janet

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    1. I'll have to remember to make a note of what I notice and report back Janet...although I suspect it might be how grey everything is!!! (sorry I couldn't resist that...I promise I'll not do that again. I've got to remain positive LOL)

      HEATING IN MAY...oh mercy! There goes the positivity :(

      No joking aside it will be great to finally settle back home. I've been thinking seriously about it for some time now and there is so much that I've missed. I suppose with being away I'd bloked it out. I think it'll be exciting and they'll be so much to show and tell. :D

      Thanks for your weather report but please could you turn up the heating up a weebitee?!!?!
      I'll pop by to see you soon if you do! No pressure ;D

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  10. Just such a shame we didn't get to meet in person but I feel like we have been friends for years and I'm so glad we can still meet on the internet. Australia will miss you and I will send lots of sunshine in my emails to you. I don't envy all that packing you had to do, it would take a whole container ship to pack up my house!! I'm looking forward to seeing your new home and all the animals that come with English country life.
    My computers are being installed tomorrow so I will be back firing on all cylinders soon, thank goodness.
    Hope Mufftypup can handle the cold, just give her lots of cuddles and she'll be fine. Screen is fading in and out so better close before it dies again. Talk as soon as new computers are up and running.
    Luv Von.

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    1. Hello Von, it's lovely to see you in my in-box once more especially when you say such wonderful things.
      I too hoped that maybe we would meet up one day, but we'll have to be content with the internet. Well it did introduced us in the first place didn't it?
      I'll look forward to your sun filled emails but can you ensure that a little heat comes with them please? ;D
      I've been trying to get to email you plus the other two amigo's, but it's been difficult when I only have a few hours on a borrowed laptop. I hope to rectify this soon...but then you know all about the trials and tribulations of 'puters don't you :(
      Still it sounds like you are all sorted tomorrow...so we'll look forward to catching up with all of your news then.
      Mufftypup doesn't like the cold but thanks to Jenn's mum knitting, she now has a beautiful warm Aran jumper that will be well used I'm sure. She likes to wear it here, so I'll probably not get it off her there! I have a vision of both of us attached to the Aga and unable to move...but then it will be summer when we first arrive, so hopefully it'll be a good one and we'll have time to acclimatise before winter hits!
      I hope your installation is a success so that you can get back out there...have fun!
      I'll email soon I promise xoxo

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  11. You know what they say: "There's no place like Home." I hope everything works out OK for you. You have certainly timed your return right. You wouldn't want to get back to the UK in the middle of Winter. Even now in May they are forecasting a nighttime temp of 2C tonight!!

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    1. I do like the sound of 'There's no place like Home' Mark. It's got a nice ring to it hasn't it?
      The timing of our arrival back is no coincidence as it has been well planned to coincide with hopefully the best months to allow us to acclimatise before winter sets in!
      I just think it'll be such a difference no matter what that I just might have to hibernate when winter does arrive!
      It's been really cold here today and we've even seen our first hail storm, but as I check the temperature now it's a tropical 11 degrees at 11.30pm! It appears I've become a southern softy :(
      I'll have to nip across to see what's happening on your plot. I always used to love May...it's such a fantastic time for potential and new beginnings! :D

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  12. Best of luck with this great big change! In addition to your light box - remember to take lots of Vitamin D in the winter months. I swear by it up here in the 49th latitude - it makes a huge difference in my mood.

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    1. Thanks so much Kim for your good wishes and advice.
      The light box and now of Vitamin D are on my list! ;D
      I'm going to be so organised by the time winter comes...but I want to enjoy the scourching summer first! Ha!
      Well you have to be optimistic don't you?

      Thanks for stopping by...it's always great to see you. Have a fantastic Friday and an even better weekend :D

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  13. Wow - big changes afoot! Yes moves are challenging and can be stressful, but the best part of your move???? You're moving close to family. I know when we moved back to Seattle after over 10 years away, the very best part was being in the same city as the boys and our long-time friends. The weather isn't our favorite, BUT, family cures much. I've loved seeing all your NZ pics and now can't wait to see your new ones - I'll love traveling vicariously! :)

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    1. Hi there Terrie, yep BIG changes ahead!
      I agree that this move will be a doddle to previous ones because we know exactly where we're going and what to expect, so that's a big help.
      I'm so happy to hear you've enjoyed my NZ posts and yes I've been editing some more photos tonight ready for Part 3.
      Thanks for taking the time to comment...it's lovely to hear from you again. I've been wondering how you're getting on.
      Have a wonderful weekend whatever you have planned :D
      xoxo

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  14. Ooooooooooh! I. am. so. EXCITED for you!!!!!! Hubby and I watch endless hours of Escape to the Country, Grand Designs (ANYTHING Jane Austen), Spooks... heck we even watch 60 minute makeover when we're desperate!! (She admits while blushing) ANYTHING just to get a glimps of Ol Blighty. One day we hope to stay there for an extended adventure. Hubby has English heritage so we should be able to get a visa. Now I get to enjoy even more of the Uk through you!! Yahoooooo!

    I am sending you tons of good vibes and I just know that you'll settle in very quickly and we will all be the richer for it here in blogworld.

    A quote to honour change:

    “Sure as I am breathing, sure as I'm sad
    I'll keep this wisdom in my flesh
    I leave here believing more than I had
    This love has got no ceiling”
    ― Eddie Vedder

    ♥♥♥

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    1. Hahaha....Oh Angy I had such a laugh reading your comment.
      Yes think Escape to the Country and you'll almost be there with me! ;D
      Hopefully you won't need to watch any more '60 minute makeover' or heaven forbid 'flog it' and 'bargain hunt!
      You must put a visit to the UK on to the top of your wish list because I'm sure you'd love it.
      You'll also have to fill me in on your Hubby's heritage as you've got me intrigued now.
      I'm certainly feeling your good vibes Angy that's for sure, thank you so much. It's really lovely to hear your fantastic enthusiasum. I just hope I can deliver!
      I know I've got so many plans and things I'd like to share so it should be an interesting time ahead.
      Eddie Vedder's quote is wonderful...thanks for bringing it to my attention. I think I may write it out and create some art work to accommpany it :D
      Have a wonderful weekend with lots of fun...you've certainly entertained me tonight! LOL
      xoxo

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  15. oh, neesie, a wonderful adventure going home! i am so excited for you. i was hoping to see a 'what's on my desk' post today, haha! there's not even a desk to be seen. i am going to enjoy seeing all the photos and reading stories about revisiting old things/making them new. what an excellent adventure you are about to embark on. yay!!!

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    1. Hi Alice...oh I'm missing my desk so much.
      Well not just my desk but all of the bits and bobs I had in the studio. I've just got a few journals, pens and paper but everything else is sailing back to the UK as I type.
      I'm hoping that I can spend some time doodling or doing something arty in the last few weeks before we leave.
      Well I've got rid of the furniture so there's less housework at least so I should be able to make some time!
      I hope you'll find lots to see and enjoy over this next adventure. I've got so much I want to post...in fact that's where I'm heading after answering a few emails.
      Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by
      Ciao for now xoxo

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  16. I don't care for the hassle of packing when you move and having to say goodbye to friends, but I do love adventures. Setting up your new home (especially your studio), traveling throughout Europe, reacquainting yourself with old friends, and seeing all the changes in your original hometown area certainly qualify as part of a grand adventure. May the Lord be with you and your family during your move, my friend!

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    1. Neither do I Arnoldo but I seem to keep doing it!
      I think they'll be some adventures ahead for sure...lots planned anyway ;D
      Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate them.
      I hope you're having a fantastic weekend.
      Blessing to you and yours too :D

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  17. Hello Ros,
    Yes of course I'd love to meet up for a cuppa or lunch before I go...in fact I was going to send you an email to check when you might be free. I know I've been so busy gallivanting but then we wanted to try and see as much as we could whilst still here

    That yawning container wasn't so scary in fact, but the worry was that everything wouldn't fit into it. Thankfully
    it all did. We are tracking it now and it's already left Australian waters already!

    I've loved getting to know you even though it's been very fleeting but hopefully the internet will work its magic and we can keep in touch.
    Have a great week and let's get that meeting organised soon.
    Hugs to you too xoxo

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  18. Hi Neesie! I signed up to follow you by email and just got one email with six posts in it--LOL! So I am having a cup of coffee and going to read them all and catch up. What a huge move! I get very sentimental when I move. Have done it far too many times (lost count at 30--now you know why I am so thrilled to have been in my same little apartment here for eight years). I hope you already have a new laptop by now but I am going to keep reading and find out. :)

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    1. I'm not sure how the email notification works Rita but I know that I have a few come to me that way and they are always a little behind the actually date they were posted.
      Six at once doesn't sound right though...but as long as you enjoy receiving them then I suppose that's okay. ;D

      Wow I can't imagine moving more than 30 times! I think 12 is far too many and I hope there's not too many more lined up in the future.
      Not exactly a new laptop yet Rita, but a borrowed one which is fine for now. I don't want to get a new one until I get home. I've got lots of equipment to buy, so want to make sure they are all compatible. Exciting times ahead!

      Have a great week and hopefully I won't take up too much of your time :D
      xoxo

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  19. Just catching up... and oh my there is exciting stuff to catch up on. What a big move. I'm delighted for you.

    Darla

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    1. There has been quite a lot happening Darla.
      It's been full on since last October I think and looks like it will continue until at least next September. Hopefully then we will be able to settle down and keep still for a little time at least! ;D

      Thanks for stopping by...have a great week :D

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I get so excited to see you here and love to read your thoughts and comments.
I always try to answer each one personally (I think it's only polite)
...♥...I truly appreciate your precious time here so thank you ...♥...

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