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

Tuesday 20 August 2013

A Simple Woman's Day Book



FOR TODAY ~ Tuesday 20th August 2013

Outside my window...I'm gazing at the undulating landscape. I can see for miles over the farmland down to the river bank. There's a big expanse of sky stretching for miles plus the woods. 
I know that I'm very lucky to have this view from my window and trust me, I'm appreciating it. Maybe a little too much some times because it does take my attention. But then I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. Well not all of the time anyway :$
The photo below was taken before 6am, just as the sun was waking up for the day.


Unfortunately the sun obviously wasn't feeling particularly strong today...maybe it had put too much effort into yesterday...so it's decided to go for a little rest. The sky has a thin grey blanket now with baby blue patchwork woven in-between. If I gaze right across to the hills beyond I can see what the weather is likely to do in an hour or so. At the moment the clouds are looking rather heavy, but there's brightness and hope that the sun will have rested soon and be back with us.
The grass in the field outside is now a vivid green and growing quite high. It waves to me as the soft breeze passes by.  I'm hoping that the farmer decides to put sheep in for the coming lambing season. When we lived here previously we had lambs to watch and keep us amused. Now that was distracting! If no-one is listening I'll admit I must have spent hours watching their antics! (That information is just between you and me you understand ;D)
From a side window I can see my son's handy work from yesterday. He cut a huge laylandii hedge that must have been over 15ft in height! See what happens when you go away and leave these things...they grow!
I was a little nervous with him perched up the ladders with an electric hedge cutter in hand, but we managed without incident. I was the safety adviser for the job and stabilizer for the ladders using my humongous weight to keep them stable. Don't forget I'm married to 'Captain Safe' so those sort of things get drummed in over the years!
Muffin is contently curled up in her basket. She's enjoying having a 180 degree view even without leaving her bed! Typical female...she doesn't like to think she's missing anything. There's the odd gruff and little snorting noises resonating periodically but generally she's silent.

I thought I'd include the photo below in this section of my day book because it was taken at the end of one day last week. I never normally featured this part of the day which is a shame...so here you are.


A misty sultry August evening.



I am thinking...that the owl we've heard "terwit-terwooing" hopefully will be a regular visitor to our garden. 
When we first arrived here there were very few wild birds in the garden, but now with three feeding stations constantly being replenished we have an abundance! 
Here's just a few that we've seen so far...robins, wrens, blackbirds, bull-finches, goldfinches, blue-tit, great-tit, magpies, wood-pigeon, buzzard, sparrow-hawk, crows and chaffinch. And seagulls on occasions in the field.
They don't seem to be bothered by us at all and just go about their business leaving us to watch them with wonder. 

I am thankful...that I'm able to appreciate nature and all of its wonder. I'd hate to be oblivious to it's splendor. I hope that I've passed this on to my children too.  

In the kitchen...hmm...no cakes or baking. I had a Date and Walnut cake in the cake tin, but it seems to have disappeared in record time. Maybe if time permits I'll bake something this afternoon. I did see Nigel Slater bake a very scrummy looking lemon cake last night.  

I am wearing...jeans, long-sleeved t-shirt and zipped sweat-shirt. Slippers are keeping my toes cozy just in case! Oh yes and a revelation I'm wearing nail varnish. It's not as it seems because I'm wearing it to hide the state of my nails after gardening for three weeks! Now I know where that saying 'green fingers comes from! 

I am creating...'thank you' cards for all the wonderful pressies and kind thoughts from friends and family across the globe. I'm really behind but trying to get them into the post as soon as possible. I may even be able to show you one tomorrow if I get to finish it! 

I am going...nowhere! Ha! 
I couldn't resist that one after travelling for 24 years but seriously I'm not really going far at the moment. The main reason being that we are managing with one car. My car is somewhere on the high seas...still on it's way here from Australia. She's having her own little adventure but she should be here in a few weeks. It hasn't bothered me too much up to now as there's always something that can keep me occupied here, whether it's indoors or outdoors. I'm going strictly with the weather and it's been good, so I've been able to have lots of fresh air! 

I am wondering...why we have butterflies who are insisting on living in the house with us. I've now seen three. They're pretty insistent too. I've gently guided them to the open door and watched them fly about outside only to turn around and come right back in. They like to settle in the inglenook which is fine during the day but we are lighting the fire sometimes at night now. All of a sudden we have butterflies flying around the room away from the heat! Very nice but it's really bizarre. 
This particular chap took a liking to the kitchen and settled on my mint plant. I'm thinking they are coming in as the temperature starts to cool. I'm not sure if they die or whether they settle somewhere for winter. I've got so much to research because what I did know about UK wildlife and plants seems to have disappeared.   


I'm reading...Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey. 
Even though I haven't finished reading this novel (what's new?) I'm recommending it anyway because it's sensational. Yes I said sensational.
I'm really quite annoyed that I'm not able to spend as much time as I'd like reading it, but then that's always the case, especially at the moment with settling in after our big move. 
The book covers really tough topics...racism, injustice, hypocrisy, jealousy, abuse, a beautiful love story, and a wonderful best friends story. I have the feeling that I'm not going to want to finish this book. I've also heard that the audio version is fantastic too, so maybe I'll have to sample that too.

About the Book:
Late on a hot summer night in 1965, Charlie Bucktin, a precocious and bookish boy of thirteen, is startled by an urgent knock on the window of his sleep-out. His visitor is Jasper Jones, an outcast in the regional mining town of Corrigan. Rebellious, mixed-race and solitary, Jasper is a distant figure of danger and intrigue for Charlie. So when Jasper begs for his help, Charlie eagerly steals into the night by his side, terribly afraid but desperate to impress. Jasper takes him to his secret glade in the bush, and it's here that Charlie bears witness to Jasper's horrible discovery. With his secret like a brick in his belly, Charlie is pushed and pulled by a town closing in on itself in fear and suspicion as he locks horns with his tempestuous mother; falls nervously in love and battles to keep a lid on his zealous best friend, Jeffrey Lu. 
And in vainly attenmpting to restore the parts that have been shaken loose, Charlie learns to discern the truth from the myth, and why white lies creep like a curse. In the simmering summer where everything changes, Charlie learns why the truth of the things is so hard to know, and even harder to hold in his heart.

About the Author:
Craig Silvey was born in Australia on New Years Day 1982. He is a novelist and musician. 
He grew up on an orchard at Dwellingup in South-West of Western Australia. He currently lives in Fremantle.
Jasper Jones is Silvey's second novel (debut novel was called 'Rhubard') Jasper Jones was published in 2009 by Allen & Unwin Australia. The film rights for the novel have been sold to the Australian director Rebecca O'Brien. Silvey is also the singer/songwriter for the indie/pop/rock band 'The Nancy Sikes

I am hoping...to organise a trip to Glasgow for next month. Well its not really a hope it's going to have to happen so I need to sort out the details soon. 


I am looking forward to...each day. I know that sounds a little twee...but that's the truth. I just look forward to each day and what it might bring. I adapt my day accordingly to hopefully get the most out of it. Sometimes that's not easy but you can always find something if you look hard enough.

Around the house...Everywhere looks quite organised and tidy considering just under a month ago there were packing boxes EVERYWHERE. Just don't look in the spare room please...it's still chockablock with our bits and pieces. 
The logs are stacked alongside the wood burner which warms my heart...we'll be fine when (not if) the weather turns. There are also books on the bookshelf which always makes me feel happy and content.
A favourite quote for today..."There are only two ways to live your life: one as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is a miracle" ~ Albert Einstein 

One of my favourite things...Is to know that I have so many people who care about me. It's a good feeling. 
    
A few plans for the rest of the week: A bit of everything really...you name it and I'll probably be doing! Well within reason obviously...no ski-diving this week! 


A peek into my day...I'm as busy as a bee!

Bee busy on my tree.

 So that's it for this week; I hope you enjoyed your visit and if it's your first time reading my day book entry, I hope you'll be back again soon.
Don't forget to pop over to The Simple Woman's Daybook and check out the other day book entries.
Thanks for popping in...I really appreciate your time especially if you stop to leave a comment.
I see your flags flying around my globe and it makes me smile. 
It's good to know you're out there listening to my natterings. 
https://secure.quebles.com/content/hotmail/emoticons/1511763.gif I hope to see you again soon...Have a wonderful week.
Have fun and hopefully the sun will shine for you!!!



30 comments:

  1. Ah so lovely to read and to see your world. What a fab view and yes such nature tells us so much. I hope your car arrives soon. We must swap address again, perhaps email me as I'd love to keep in touch like we did when you were OZ. Take care Zo xx

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    1. Morning Zo, how's your week going? Well I hope ;D

      I've still got a few weeks before the car arrives but it's not a problem...well not yet anyway.
      I realise it's Wednesday again and I've not managed to link up with WOYWW. What am I like?

      I'll email you again soon. In the meantime have fun and enjoy your week :D
      Neesie xoxo

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  2. Hi Neesie
    No wonder you get so much done in your day... getting up at dawn to take awesome photos - no flies on you, only bees in your trees and butterflies on your mint!

    I love the way the whole family are getting involved in helping with all the jobs - give the boy a toy (or electric hedge clippers) and watch him go! Just hope it was only the laylandeii, and that some cover has been left for the nesting wrens?!

    Love having a peep into your new life - thank you

    Wrenx

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    1. Hello Wren,
      It's actually the light that wakes me...now don't laugh but it's true! I thought I'd miss the light in Australia and I do, but over the last month it only gets semi dark for a few hours here.
      I've always been a light sensitive delicate wee thing (well sensitive full stop really ;D) and so once it begins to get light...ping...my peepers open and that's it!
      Now don't laugh...(see I hear you already) but we've now got eye masks (like true Hollywood sweeties) but they work. (ROFL)
      I suppose I could put up some black out curtains but then I think I'd shrivel and die. So until the summer ends we're going to be 'lovies' in the bedroom! OH MY THAT SOUNDS TERRIBLY DODGY SORRY!

      Moving on quickly...(cough) yep the electric tools are getting some good workouts. It seems that every job we have to do, it requires another 'fandabbydozzy' (expensive) new tool. But as long as the jobs get done I'm turning a blind eye ')

      I'm happy to report I've seen the wren most days and he seems undeterred by us, so hopefully I'll manage that photograph I keep promising. All the birds are so friendly and feed from the feeders whilst I'm sitting quite near...which is wonderful.
      It's good to know that you enjoy your visits here because I certainly enjoy sharing my new life with you and everyone else out there!
      Enjoy your week...hopefully it's a good one for you and thanks again for stopping by :D
      xoxo

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  3. Always enjoy your Daybook posts. Such a nice way to get to know you better.

    I think those butterflies are trying to stay inside because they want to tempt you to DRAW them. I can hear them whispering "notice me, notice me".

    Darla

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    1. Now Darla why didn't I think of that? No wonder they keep flying into me!
      I can't believe I never thought of that. I can be such a numpty at times.
      Thanks for giving me the prompt...I'm sure the 'flutterbies' will be relieved that someone finally understands them ;D

      Have a creative week and I'll come to call soon
      xoxo

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  4. I'm stopping by from the Daybook Community. I enjoyed reading your post. What a lovely place you call home! The photographs are beautiful :)

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    1. Hello Kathy,
      Thank you for coming all this way. I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed your visit to my place ;D
      You possibly won't know with being your first time here, but I've only just returned to the UK after living in Australia for the last 3 years. Well we've been travelling for many years but hopefully it's time to settle down now and I'm happy about that.

      Thanks also for your compliment on my photographs. I love to capture 'EVERYTHING' (or so my family keep telling me)
      It's always good to receive feedback especially when it's good.

      I'll pop over to you as soon as I can...see you soon :D

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  5. Beautiful photos.... you are well blessed with such a view. Like you, I love nature... interesting about the butterflies.

    I'm linking on that date and walnut cake.. yum yum.. I can imagine why the tin emptied so quickly.

    Here's wishing you glimpses of heaven in unexpected places.....

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    1. Ohh I can recommend the date and walnut cake Brenda ;D
      It's one of our family favourites. I'd love to know what you think of it if you do make it.

      I'm also happy to hear that you liked the photos and my view. Oh listen to me...my view as if!

      I couldn't even see the wood at the end of the field this morning with the mist (well low cloud really or perhaps best described as "Scotch mist" which is that it isn't just mist; it's a very fine but exceptionally wetting steady drizzle)
      Thankfully it's lifted now.

      Thank you for your glimpse wishes...that's so kind of you.
      I wish you the same ~ enjoy your week and thanks for stopping by :D

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  6. you sound to me happy and contented and right where you should be, you are home.

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    1. :D
      I think you might be right Laurie,
      As you know there's a lot to be said for that 'home' feeling.
      xoxo

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  7. Hi Neesie
    you may be as busy as a bee but your day post always seem so relaxed and calming. I am glad you are enjoying watching the world go by too. you have lots more joys to look forward to with the changing of the seasons and lots of new wonders for the next year as you re-discover your old home ..... gosh I am sounding quite poetic ... for me.
    fab photos too
    janet

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    1. Really...wow that's some skill eh? LOL
      Relaxed and calming :$
      I am looking forward to the changing seasons and all that that brings, but for now I don't want to rush anything. I don't mind waiting especially with the type of weather we're having just now.
      Once winter is in full flow then I might change my mind!

      Beautifully poetic Janet...way to go! ;D
      I hope you have a creative week. I wanted to end poetically too but words escape me. I'll leave it to you, the expert :D
      xoxo

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  8. As always, I feel like I've been sitting at your kitchen table listening to you talk. Your view is wonderful. The butterfly and bee pictures are amazing.

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    1. Quite a few people have made a similar comment Boo, which is wonderful because when I'm writing the journal, I feel that I'm just chatting with a friend ;D
      I'm also happy to hear you liked my photos.
      It's always good to see you :D

      Have a wonderful week...I'll visit soon
      xoxo

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  9. What stunning photos, Neesie. The butterfly picture is amazing.

    Thanks for your lovely comment - yes, it's all go now, with simply tons to do. Mum's furniture arrives on Fri, but she won't move in till after we move on 16th Sept. - probably sometime at the end of sept. depending on how organised we are by then!

    Happy WOYWW,
    Shoshi #94

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    1. Thanks Shoshi,
      I did take quite a few photos of the butterfly because he just hung around...fluttering and landing at will ;D

      Good Luck with your move. Hopefully it'll go like clockwork!
      xoxo

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  10. A beautiful view out of your new old window. As always, reading your day journal gives me a glimpse into a life I can only imagine. So thankful for technology and the friends I've made through it ' round the globe. The pics are gorgeous. I was of the same thought...look who's welcoming you home and posing for you. Have a wonderful day. Hugs

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    1. Hello Nan,
      The journal does seem to be popular.
      I feel just the same way about technology helping to keep connected with people. I've find and managed to keep wonderful friendships close thanks to being online.

      Well if I draw the butterfly then I'll have to draw dragonflies, spiders and cobwebs too because they're all around me!

      I hope you have a wonderful day.
      xoxo

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  11. I do so enjoy your entries, as many have said above It is like just sitting down and visiting with you. Your pictures are just gorgeous. I'd certainly get lost in that view out your window! Thank you for sharing this glimpse into your life so beautifully.

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    1. It's my pleasure to share with you and everyone else who comes to visit my space ;D
      I know I'm very lucky.

      Thanks for all your lovely comments...I really appreciate it :D

      Have a great week and an even better weekend.
      xoxo

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  12. A wonderful post Nessie as always, Love your beautiful view, great news that wee Muffin is still nosy but Happy....I knew you were special even the butterflies visit....Have a wonderful week... Hugs May x x x

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    1. Morning May,
      Thanks yet again for your lovely words especially about the butterflies :D

      Yep, Muffin has settled in well and in fact has just had a run in with one of the neighbours cats! ^..^
      Well it was hiding in a little tree near one of the bird feeders. Thankfully with Muffin sniffing all around the base (she's so dumb she didn't realise he was right over her head) it made a run for it. I think Muffin heard it's little tinkling bell more than seeing it, even though it was totally black and like a panther! The kitty scooted up a wall with Muffy in hot pursuit. So much so she launched herself into a rose bush! Not recommended! :$
      It'll take her at least a day to stop looking for this cat now...constantly making little gruffing noises and behaving like a bloodhound...nose to the ground.
      Well that's her activities sorted for the day lol
      How dare it come into HER garden!

      Have a thrilling Thursday, a Fabulous Friday and a Wonderful weekend.
      Hugs to you too (((♥)))

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  13. I always enjoy your daybook entries. :) What views you have! I do hope you get to watch lambs cavorting about. And butterflies in the house--LOL!
    That book sounds pretty good. I put it on my list, but not sure the library way up here will have it. Doesn't hurt to ask. ;)
    Awesome pictures! Happy rest of the week. :)

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    1. Hi Rita,
      Thanks for your lovely comment.
      If we are lucky to have lambs cavorting I'll be sure to let you see.

      It appears that one of the butterflies has taken a liking to my walk-in-store cupboard. Not sure I'm happy about that, but there's nothing uncovered or food-wise in there, so I suppose it's okay ;D

      I read for quite a time last night and I'm still loving the book. It's definitely one I won't want to end.
      I hope the library will be able to obtain a copy for you. If you do get to read it then don't forget to let me know what you thought.

      Happy rest of the week to you too, plus a fabulous weekend :D
      xoxo

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  14. LOVE all of you gorgeous photos! So filled with serenity... Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. I'm so sorry to have taken so long to reply to your lovely comment Catharina,
      Where does the time go? I just wish I knew!
      I'm happy you enjoyed your visit.

      Have a wonderful weekend whatever you have planned :D
      xoxo

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  15. you probably hear this a lot, but I hope I can visit England someday.

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    1. Well it's a pretty special place Jennifer...I can recommend it! ;D

      Hopefully one day you may...who knows?

      I always say never say never :D

      Blessings

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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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