Post 437 Walks, anniversaries and a productive workshop

 

Although it was grey and wet on Wednesday, I took advantage of a break in the rain to do another walk in the Pakapakantha Wetlands(!) sticking to paved paths for the first and last stretches, but on to the packed soil paths in between. There was a lot of water around and I was very careful on the numerous slippery patches. This was the first of my 30 minute Week 3 walks for the Heart Foundation program. While there were few birds visible this time, they were making a lot of noise - a flock of sulphur-crested cockatoos way up in the tree tops.

I was so pleased with my walking success that I stopped off at the General Havelock pub for a late lunch. I haven't been here for over a year and it turns out they have a new chef and menu. The garfish I previously enjoyed is replaced with barramundi. I eschewed the batter and, as well as feeling virtuous, enjoyed the moist, succulent fish inside. I did eat the chips - and yes, that is a glass of prosecco, only the second glass of alcoholic drink I have had in a year.  It was a little chilly sitting outside when the sun wasn't out, but still pleasant.

I capped off the day with a spectacular sunset and advancing the little horses. I love the way this building reflects the last rays of the sun.

Thursday was dry and sunny so I took advantage, washed and hung out some woollens - dry in 4 hours. 

After Pilates, I shopped, buying the ingredients for moussaka for Monday night - and also an extra one for tomorrow's rescheduled lunch with friends.  I indulged a bit. Iceberg lettuces have come down from $10 to $6.90! Expensive by past measures, but now a bargain. Thursday's sunset was quite a contrast - more like a cloud blanket!  

The bougainvillea at the Pilates Studio was shedding flowers, so I retrieved one to photograph on my phone. It matches the top and socks I was wearing!

This one (left) is pretty much the actual size. There has to be a way to use these in embroidery! 

A couple of books also arrived on Thursday - a bit of a mixed blessing, as they signal a lot more work to be done. These are part of a 'how to' series, so provide leads to follow up - so signal a lot more rabbit holes to explore.  I am, as I've said before, a glutton for punishment

On Friday Jim would have been 75. Katherine and I had lunch at the River Cafe - a low key affair and a welcome time out. We had to rely on electronics to connect to Alison. It remains an indelible marker.  As a friend said to me, Jim would have been pleased.

Saturday brought a fabulous Guild Certificate Course Workshop - Boro with Barbara Mullan. It was such good fun. I have finished the pocket that Barbara suggested we make. Details in my embroidery blog.

Sunday was Book Club, another great session. There is a lot of sharing in this group - the books we've read or discovered, the sub-genres we like, what we are or are not doing. I didn't greatly like either of the books we read for this session (Twelve Secrets by Robert Gold and Distress Signals by Catherine Ryan Howard), but it doesn't matter - views differed, are respected and worth discussing.

Monday's moussaka was a big success - which was great, as I have another one in the fridge for tomorrow's lunch! One interesting thing is that for the first time I've made this (and I've made it more times than I can count) the eggplant cost more than the lamb. Our economy is changing. I suspect that the secret to the success of this one is the half bottle of red wine I used up! 

I had planned to make a batch of gingerbread biscuits for after-school snacks, but didn't get to it. I made them this evening as part of tomorrow's dessert.

                                         

I've finished appliqueing the woollen horses behind the embroidered ones and am working blanket stitch around the edge. I've decided, however, that I need a few more horses in some blank areas in the corners.  The girls agreed with me yesterday on this, so I have printed another sheet of Solvi with 6 horses. The blanket is hard to photograph.

I also whipped up another needlework roll from a banner I found while looking for Boro fabric.

Yesterday marked twelve months since I began my weight loss project and daily weight record. The loss at 1 year was 21 kg. For a couple of months now, I have settled around this weight. My renal specialist is happy and both my renal and diabetes readings are no longer at levels of concern. While I'd like to lose more weight I have enjoyed adding a little bread, potato and pasta back into my meals. I haven't reintroduced alcohol, nor moved above 2 serves of fruit.  I think I will rest here for a while over winter then reduce further.  I will continue to weigh myself each morning to ensure my weight doesn't creep up, but think I can now stop recording daily weight.

Today I did the first of this week's Heart Foundation walks in the South Parklands. I've moved from 3 walks a week to 4. A challenge. The sun was out and it was very pleasant. I managed to get close to this magpie, but I missed my chance to photograph a couple of Adelaide Rosellas.

My balcony gardens are doing well in the colder and wetter weather. I'm still waiting for the carpet cleaner and Vergola servicer to get in touch. It's just about time to make more phone calls. I've also been closing the heavy curtains at night and using the heating sparingly, preserving power where I can in times of shortage. I haven't suffered from cold.