Tomorrow, Thursday, we can have our Christmas Eve celebrations here at my place in Dapto. The Corona Virus update says, ten adults are allowed to come plus a number of children under twelve. My great-grandchildren, that live near here, happen to be all under twelve, namely eight, six, four and one. So they can all come! I hope the weather will be fine so that they can play a bit outside.

Today was a lovely day. I had a beautiful walk in the sun. There was a slight breeze that felt quite pleasant. It was so good to have sunshine all day after having had so many grey and very wet days. Conditions seem to be becoming rather tropical this year, meaning warm tempratures and constant precipitation makes everything grow enormously. I find it hard to keep everything a little bit in check. I feel like I live in a jungle. Up to a point I do like this lush greenery. But then comes a time when everything needs to be trimmed for the space on my property is limited. I intend to apply for reasonable help in future, because the work I am still able to do myself is quite limited. I quickly get out of breath, and if I am not careful, I am in danger of falling. I am so glad that I can still do some walking, even if it is slow, and I have to do it with the rollator, it is still very good to be able to walk outside and enjoy nature!

The last few days I have been totally on my own in the house. I am still not quite used to have the whole house to myself after the hectic times when any number of people were involved in looking after my dearly loved Peter. Palliative care to moderate the pain of a dying person, especially when it can be done at home, is mind boggling. I am so grateful that this could be done for Peter.

I am contemplating now, what will the end of year bring? If anybody should think that I do get bored with less action and excitement, be assured, that this is not so. I am happy when I get the chance to do everything slowly and at my own pace. If this is getting slower and slower, so be it. I have no desire for a hetic pace any more, none whatsoever. Besides, if I am left to do everything slowly, I might perhaps be able to celebrate my 90th birthday in four year’s time!

In the New Year some reovations to my house and backyard are going to be done. Luckily, I am in a position to pay for all this, within reason of course. I am saving now, for I think a lot of travelling is for me out of the question, especially with the virus still going around. But I’d like to stay with Martin, my son, for a while. He assured me, I could stay with him whenever I needed a break. His spare room will always be availabe to me. After Peter’s funeral, Martin and his lovely dog Millie made it back in time to their place in Benalla, Victoria, before the border was closed. Now I wait for the border to be opened again, so that I can visit my son and see Millie again!