November 2021 I was fortunate to see the Van Gogh Alive Exhibition here in Brisbane. I wasn’t  able to sit and watch the entire 40 minute screen projection of his life….numerous people there and no spare seats. I wandered around aimlessly and took  lots of photos, and treated myself to a souvenir book. I will show some of the photos I took but without an explanation  …enjoy.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Van Gogh Exhibition. 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

No response from the quotes I requested for professional help. I did make phone contact with another service , not available until Friday February 4th and the fee would be $100 per hour.

The cluttered dump.room

I decided to get stuck in and rest whenever I needed to. I threw several bags into the rubbish, made some donations to charity and sold a couple of items on marketplace. I only kept what I reckon I might need for art and craft.

My little storeroom is looking so much better. I can now walk in there and access items on the shelves. I plan to get some hooks on the wall to hang some bags.

In my living area I still have several boxes of photos and DVDs to sort through . Even though my back is saying ouch I am happy with my effort so far. Plus I have saved myself $$$ 👍🙂.

Months ago I bought these boxes for loose photos that haven’t made it to an album. That’s my task to do in the evening while watching TV.

In May 2019 I moved into social housing for seniors. My single accommodation is compact and to be honest no room to hoard. I think who ever designed these units must have thought the potential tenant won’t need any room for treasures, hobbies etc.

They say that living in a cluttered environment can cause your mind to feel cluttered.

I have requested quotes from a couple of professional declutter / organisers firms. Even though we are living in difficult times due to Covid we still have to live and can’t just sit and wait for a better time. I have decided there is no time like the present. I also have to accept that I need help due to my health issues. Meanwhile I will start to dispose of rubbish, advertise some items on marketplace.

To all my WordPress family I hope your festive season is filled with love, joy, peace and happiness. Thankyou for your love and encouraging support throughout this year, much appreciated .Merry Christmas xo

Between the age of 9 – 12 years of age I would often stay with my Nana during the school holidays. I would travel on the old steam train from Christchurch to Oamaru.

My Nana used to get me to make Peanut Brownies in the old coal range. Nana would have previously roasted the peanuts ahead of time. I then had to take the peanuts outside and blow off the skins.

Today I made some to have with a cuppa when my granddaughter visits. They turned well but very sweet, it’s amazing how our taste buds change.

The recipe is from a good old New Zealand recipe book.

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A quick Sunday night meal for one. I had eggs for breakfast, beef dish for midday meal. I decided to make a vegetable pizza for tea.

Mixed Grain Wrap, tomato paste, baby spinach, chunky mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, extra tasty cheese.

I am working on the Family Tree.

Yesterday I came across numbers before names. I will give you some examples of what I found. The following people are all great great +++ grandparents of mine from England.

10 Richard Tuffery

13 Robert Coxhead

13 Anne Smith

15 John C. Smith 11

16 John Compton Smith 1

Please excuse my ignorance. I am hoping someone can educate, enlighten me as to why the numbers. Thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers Ally

I am renowned for hibernating during the cooler months. Even more so over the past year because of the covid situation….forced into lockdown. Recently I was able to escape the four walls and go on a bus trip for the day to look at beautiful spring gardens. We travelled about 90 minutes west of Brisbane to Spring Bluff and then to Pittsworth. We visited an old railway station, a nursery and some private homes and had lunch at a hotel. I was able to take heaps of photos, some of which I will share with you. Sorry I can’t tell you the names of plants, just enjoy seeing the beautiful colours.

Breakfast: Peanut Butter & Berry Crumpet

Speedy Thai Beef Salad Bowl