With Christmas and birthdays in July, this is a month that is always my favourite.
July, the 2020 edition was very different with restrictions lifting – yay – but with a nagging feeling that they can be re-introduced any minute – nay! As unsettling as it is, I’ve taken it as a sign to seize the joy where I find it and I’m happy to report that it’s a strategy that’s worked well so far.
Before I throw myself into August – metaphorically not literally – I’m going to take stock of the month that was. I’d love it if you joined me!
Making: This Monster Malteser Cake for David’s birthday.
Baking: This Citrus Delicious Pudding – it’s the ultimate winter warmer.
Learning: How to make my neighbour’s family recipes – think pickles!
Drinking: A take away coffee every morning on my walk with Teddy and David.
Eating: Out. I have definitely made up for lost time!
Continuing: Our isotradition of Cheese Plate Fridays. It’s a hard habit to break!
Recharging: My batteries with a little bit of local adventure.
Weekending: In the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley.
Knowing: That a change really is as good as a rest.
Enjoying: The company of good friends, good wine and good times celebrating our friend’s 40th in the Hunter.
Tasting: Wine in the Hunter Valley.
Discovering: All the pet friendly places in Broke, NSW. What a hidden gem!
Waking: Up to this view in Broke. Talk about an escape to the country.
Staying: At this wonderful Airbnb in Katoomba.
Wondering: If this is what heaven looks like.
Looking: In awe at The Three Sisters. I think Echo Point is my spirit place!
Sharing: My recent reads.
Reading: Mike Gayle’s All the Lonely People.
Watching: Lenox Hill – it’s five stars from me!
Fangirling: Over Lisa Dickenson – she’s so lovely! Did you see her interview in Author Corner?
Reflecting: On the year that was 48.
Turning: 49. My last birthday with a 4 – squee!
Appreciating: All the birthday love and the privilege of getting older.
Feeling: My age with a dodgy shoulder and a sore back.
Needing: To get back to the gym again.
Walking: Everywhere with Teddy Roosevelt.
Clocking: Up 10,000 steps (almost) every day.
Loving: The Birthday Festival – me, David and Teddy Roosevelt have birthdays within 11 days of each other!
Celebrating: All the birthdays.
Marvelling: That Teddy Roosevelt is one already! Can you believe?!
Opening: Birthday gifts.
Smiling: At Teddy’s furmily reunion with his brother and sisters.
Shopping: Online – masks, books and canine couture. I’ve been doing my bit for the economy!
Wearing: My mask. I got it from Jax and Co I’m still getting the hang of how to not steam up my glasses!
Waiting: For online shopping to arrive.
Organising: Teddy’s furdrobe (that’s a thing!) I think I have unlocked the next level of dog mum.
Liking: Looking at the Christmas tree. The decoration is perfectly imperfect but full of memories.
Disliking: That I have to take it down at the end of the month.
Practising: Social distancing.
Worrying: About all the angst and uncertainty in the world.
Thinking: Of the people of Melbourne and how tough they’re doing it.
Wishing: That the pandemic was over. I’m certainly over it.
Missing: My mum.
Trying: To take one day at a time.
Noticing: That the world is still a beautiful place.
So global pandemic aside, July brought a lot of joy… To my little bubble at least. Now I’ve told you about my month, I’d love to hear about yours!
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Linking up with Denyse for Life This Week
