Every year I make at least two Christmas Cakes. A few years ago I made 17 cakes because people at work put orders in, not that I was advertising.

One down one to go.

Bush fires too close to home, am safe as long as I avoid inhaling the smoke due to potential asthma attack.I am mindful of people who have lost loved ones and also their homes during this current state of emergency. I offer prayers 🙏🏼and support to those in need.The sky is shrouded with a thick smoky haze here in Brisbane.Numerous fires burning in Australia. I read an article yesterday that indicated that the smoke in the sky has traveled from Australia over to New Zealand.We are praying 🙏🏼for rain and lots of it.

Today I needed to learn to paint with arcylics on canvas. I thought the best way would be to practice on smaller boards first and then when I feel confident I can progress to the 11″ x 14″ that I plan to use to paint a dinosaur for my grandsons 5th birthday.

I am happy with my learning today.

I am not one for doing book reviews. I just want to say this book was truly inspirational, sad and happy, tears and laughter. A book I couldn’t put down, I was hungry to read more.

I found this post on Facebook which I will share with you courtesy of OldTimers.

Have a wonderful weekend 💕xx

A couple of years ago I did the DNA test.

Recently updated results indicate estimations of:

65% England, Wales, Northwestern Europe

35% Ireland and Scotland

2% Sweden.

I should mention that both my parents were born in New Zealand and the same for myself and three siblings. My paternal grandfather was from Northern Ireland , my maternal grandfather from Scotland.

I have had several contacts with possible cousins mainly 3rd-5th from both sides of the family.

Today I received a message from a lady asking if I knew certain people because she might be related.

My reply opened up a can of worms so to speak.

It turns out the lady is a 1st cousin to me. My uncle (dad’s brother) had an affair in the 1940s. This lady has 5 half siblings who all grew up nearby her , has never met them. I have met one of her siblings. My new cousin and I have already spoken on the phone tonight. We both live in Australia in different states.

I was able to give her information about our mutual grandparents and other family members.

This is only the start. I now need to find photos etc for her. The good thing is she did have regular contact with her father for the first 16 years of her life. The Lady is now 70, her father passed away in 1988.

I now need to settle my mind and get some sleep.

Who would think a retired 69-year-old woman sits in front of TV all day and does nothing. Think again, I have amazed myself with how busy I have been.

1st: Sightseeing on Brisbane City Buses. Since the first of October all seniors can ride free on the buses in the off-peak time during week and all weekend. They can also take trips on the ferry up and down the river but not in the weekend.

2nd: Day at home doing Art Work which is one of my passions.

3rd: Visited the local Post Office and couldn’t resist doughnuts and coffee.

4th: Day of Rest.

5th: Medical Check Up – 25 minute bus trip each way.

6th: Housework – well someone has to do it – there’s only me here.

7th: At home being creative with art stuff.

8th: Reading a fabulous book that I couldn’t put down – The Happiest Refugee – A memoir by ANH DO. A true story of his journey from starvation at sea to becoming one of Australia’s best-loved comedians, plus an awesome artist.

9th: Back to the Medical Centre for my yearly health planning review.

10th: A visit to the cinema – Senior’s morning Tea and Movie – The Farewell.

Oops I have messed up the calendar

11th: Dentist for some believe it or not painless treatment. Had to get enamel replaced on some top teeth.

12th: Day out home . Baking – Cinnamon Pinwheels with added slices of apple.

13th: Another day at home – Reading, watching TV, blogging and relaxing,

13th: – double up … Another Day of Rest. The 13th wasn’t even a Friday 😂.

14th: Washing Day – the weather was good.

15th: A visit to see a Dietician which was recommended by the doctor because I am 12 kg overweight and have been diagnosed as being obese. OMG what a laugh you should have seen the dietician who looked about 40 kg overweight. I mustn’t criticise because I don’t know her story.

16th: Shopping for healthy food, so much fun.

17th: Review at the Eye Clinic. It was one month since my first Cataract Surgery. …good result….waiting now for the left eye to be done.

18th: Can’t Remember . Maybe I was recovering from the day before 🙂

19th: Memories of my Mum – I made a batch of Shortbread .

20th: Art sketching and WordPress blogging.

21st: Couch Potato – TV

22nd: Pot Plant Gardening, removed a few weeds, rearranged them and gave them some nutrients and water. Happy Plants.

23rd: Back to the Dentist (Murder House), needed a numbing injection this time. All good for another 6 months.

24th: A visit to the Podiatrist for the necessary nail trim, buff and cream, plus general check .

25th: Doodling and probably eating and making coffee.

26th: Another bus trip and shopping

27th: Relaxing at home in the sun, we all need some Vitamin D

28th: Nothing

29th: Google research for art projects. It’s amazing how distracted you can get when using the internet.

30th: Ladies Day Out – Toasted Sandwich / Coffee/ Chit Chat with my best mate Joan. We usually do this every 6-8 weeks.

31st: Breakfast in Brisbane City. Then returned clothes that I wasnt happy with to the retail shop and got a refund.

Well folks that was a record of what I did in a month. I really don’t have the time to get bored with life. Below is the chart I made and messed up the dates. I don’t think I am developing senile dementia yet , maybe I wanted to be different, why not.

Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m having a wonderful day, how about you?