111/365

It was a family day today, spending time together chatting, catching up and doing lots of eating too. This stunning view from my mother in laws home, I would never tire of looking at that. Have a very happy Saturday.

104/365 Fish and Chips by the Bay

The school holidays are coming to an end for us very soon and one of the things left on the list was to go and have some fish and chips by the bay.  We woke to a bit of a dreary morning here, perfect jean weather for me, and thought we would brave it and go just the same.  It actually ended up being the perfect weather.  We got a few sprinkles of rain on us but really that was it.  It was calm, not the usual windy day, no crowds so lovely to sit and enjoy time together.  

35/365 Lunching

When plans first made didn't work out we decided a small gathering, just the four of us on her favourite track was a perfect way to celebrate her birthday.

34/365 Greening Nicely

For the last couple of days we have been having the most beautiful cool weather which is a welcome reprieve from the very hot days we have been having over Summer.  We had a little family gathering at my mother in laws and had to take a photo of her beautiful view.

4/365 Elephant Rocks

It has been a very long time since we have made the long drive down to the coast, with my hubby on holidays and one very keen daughter we decided to go today.  It was the perfect Summer's day, the sun was out, the sand was hot and the ocean was inviting.

Beach Exploring

On our second week of school holidays we decided to go to the beach for a swim.  When we were on holidays in New South Wales, it was quite cool and rainy so the girls didn't have a swim like they wanted.  So we made the trek to the Sunshine Coast, and stopped at Dicky Beach.  It was an overcast day, warm but cold in the water and the ocean was calm and peaceful, perfect for swimming.  The girls and my hubby had a wonderful time, I sat and watched them letting my mind wander and just enjoyed being.  After the swim we went for a walk and explored the rock pools and then had some lunch overlooking the stunning landscape.  I love creating these memories with my family.  I am so very grateful to have them.

A Family Holiday

For the first time in what feels like a very long time we went on a holiday. I think it's been a couple of years by now so we were long overdue.  Last time we stayed down towards Byron Bay, this time we thought we'd drive a bit further south and explore the area of Urunga.  Urunga is about 20 minutes south of Coffs Harbour, inland there is a beautiful area called Bellingen and a little further, Dorrigo. We were keen to explore both the coast and inland so each day of our holidays we did just that.  We also visited Nambucca Heads, Yamba and also the Crystal Castle just inland from Byron Bay.  There was also a little bit of shopping done too, a nice little treat for me.  The time away was peaceful and it was nice to have a change of scenery and pace, time to get away from the usual routine of home and relax.  Next time I hope it won't be this long in between holidays, no it definitely won't be I will make sure of it..

Helloooo

Gee where do I start.... I didn't mean for it to be so long in between posts.  My goal this year was to be more focussed and place importance on things that matter to me like this blog.  Life though can throw some curve balls and attention needs to be focussed elsewhere. 

 I have mentioned how my Nan was ill when we last spoke.  She went to hospital and got tests done and all was ok, she was on the mend which was great.  Then a couple of months down the track she woke with a terrible pain in her tummy, something wasn't quite right.  She was rushed to the hospital and after some tests they discovered that her bowel was full, something that can happen, I didn't think it was anything to be concerned about at the time.  But as you age and with other health complications it mean that it was very serious.  Sadly my Nan did not make it and she passed away in hospital just days later from a blood infection and her body becoming toxic.  It was such a shock to us all.  She had been unwell but was in great spirits and we thought that we would have her in our lives for more years to come....My Nan, Ivy Bertha, passed away at age 88.  Following her passing in March life has been a bit challenging.  There is certainly the loss to adjust to, the finalising of her affairs and the family dynamics that have also changed as a result.  I just haven't felt up to doing much of anything really.  I have done things of course but it has been an effort.  In time things will improve and this week has been a good one, I'm just taking each day as it comes and feel blessed to have family and friends to talk to and lean on when I need them.  

I post on instagram often but if you aren't there I have put lots of photos up here to catch you up on what I have been up to this last couple of months.  I hope to be back here more regularly now as things are slowly returning to a new normal, sharing a bit of crafting and gardening which I am planning on doing on  Monday as we have a long weekend here.  I hope you are all doing well those of you who still like to visit blogs.  

Chat soon.

Catherine xxx