Thank you so much for your kind thoughts Anita.  I have been thinking about you too!  I hope you are well.

I am okay thanks.  I am doing just a little work ATM.  I have holiday pay owing to me so could afford to not rush in.

My life is very quiet.  My son has spoken to me several times since I was unwell with influenza and CIVID, and he really wants me to sell up here within the next few years and move back to Melbourne, somewhere within half an hours drive from him so he can check up on me and visit me much more often.  He has pointed out that I will need to be prepared to live in a very tiny space because of unbelievable realestate prices, but we bith agree that we could make anywhere nice with paint  floor coverings and furniture.  He wants me to start downsizing in readiness for this.

Part of me would like to do this.  I would love to see more of him, Nd once I retire, I’m not sure I would manage with the mortgage and maintenance here.  He said he thinks I would be able to find a place where I would be allowed to have one small dog.

It’s definitely something I will consider but shouldn’t have to do for another 5 years.

To be truthful, I suppose I’ve been feeling a bit sad sometimes even though I know I have so much to be grateful for.  Most of my life, I believed that I would enter into a happy relationship and share my life with somebody.

Realistically that just isn’t going to happen for me.  I will turn 63 this year.  In my way, I’m also happy – or perhaps relieved is more accurate to be on my own.

I think I rushed into most relationships I had, but I don’t know really if there are more reasons.  These days, I don’t actually like many men although I think there are a few who are okay.

I was happy with the result when I went to hairdresser – hoping to never dye my hair again.  Embracing the grey.  It’s mostly an ash blonde color now.  I put 2 pairs of beautiful colourful French earrings and a colourful silk scarf on layout which I will collect when my tax return comes. They are not that expensive but just about everybody is feeling the financial pinch here.  Fuel prices and food costs affect most ordinary people.

So glad our govt was voted out at the last election this year.  The new PM and ministers are so much better.  I’m not sure they can make a big difference about the financial situation at the moment  but they aren’t as heartless and self-serving as the last lot.

Doggies are doing well, but it appears the wheelchair is either lost or detained in customs so I’m going to start trying to chase that up today.  A quiet day for me today.  Yesterday I was up at 5.30am.  Went to work fir a few hours then looked at shops on the nearest city for a couple of hours.  I must have walked a few kilometres, and I was tired this morning.  I just did some housework and went to doctor for flu shot.  More paid work later in the week.

Keep safe and well.  XXXX