Wednesday 4 February
With only 4 Hungry Hikers available this past Wednesday, the plan was made to walk 5 km by ourselves in the early morning, and then gather at Southbank in the city, to complete our weekly 10, before sharing a meal at the Casino, where Hiker Laurel was staying with her husband.
At 5am I peeked behind the curtains to discover a glowing sky. It only lasted 10 minutes, but was a very positive omen, for the day that unfolded.
I enjoyed my local 5 k's as always. I didn't make the city 5k's, but did dine with the Hungry Hikers. Dinner finished, we took the lift to the Skydeck to celebrate all that had happened to me from sunrise to sunset.
My husband has wanted to downsize for quite sometime. I have been reluctant to move because of our glorious outlook. On Saturday we visited friends who had recently moved to a retirement village. This visit was the catalyst to make the change, especially given Frank's ongoing back issues. Not for one moment did we imagine, that Wednesday would see us signing into a city retirement complex in the morning and at 3.30 putting our home of 19 years on the market.
Sooooooo, life has suddenly become hectic. I won't be walking with either group for quite a few weeks. I will have little time to drop in and visit you. Downsizing means we will be taking 'very little' with us. Thankfully our wonderful friends are here for us. We can do this!
A sulphur crested cockatoo on Tuesday's walk.
Lorrikeets on our neighbours guttering, 6am yesterday.
Stanley and Stanlietta became a special part of our family during Covid. They have remained with us and have celebrated all the Christmas's, Valentine's Days, Australia Day's etc, since. I made the decision to put them on the footpath on Saturday morning. Many cars slowed or stopped to view them. At 2.30 a giggly group of young girls took them. I feel they have found a happy new place.
Back to the packing!
I would love to read your comment.
Congratulations on a big decision. Wishing you well with all your moving and downsizing. Gorgeous sunrise. B x
ReplyDeleteThank you. An extremely hot and hectic week has followed but great progress made.
DeleteA big decision! I hope everything goes smoothly.
ReplyDeleteThe right decision. Just wish Frank had started emptying the garage when I suggested it last year.
DeleteWhat a wonderful sunrise! Wow - big changes for you and your husband, but I hope you enjoy your new place.
ReplyDeleteIt was a stunner. I was oncerned about being in a unit with no view, until I realised I can take a walk in the large garden that I don't have to look after.
DeleteBest wishes for a smooth transition! Downsizing on space and items yet upsizing on free time to fill! The move may be scary in some ways yet exciting in even more important ways!
ReplyDeleteYou some up the decision very well, Alexandra.
DeleteWhat a lovely start to the day! 🌅✨ I love how you noticed that glowing sky — even if it only lasted 10 minutes, it feels like such a positive and magical omen. The plan with the Hungry Hikers sounds so enjoyable too, from the early morning walk to gathering in the city and sharing a meal together. Truly a day filled with connection and small, uplifting moments! 🥾💛🍴
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI hope the packing goes well, Helen. Take it easy though. Such a big decision! It will be hard to leave that beautiful location I bet, but the work will be so much less in the new place. Take care.
ReplyDeleteA week of downsizing and many appointments in extreme heat has been exhausting but we have broken the back of all that needs to be done. Now to wait for a sale. Open house on the 21st.
DeleteGood luck with the winnowing of "stuff!" We have been trying to declutter - not because of an imminent move - but because I say I need to do it while Randy can still go up and down stairs so that we can haul it away! I'm glad you found a new home that both of you are excited about!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Stanley and Stanlietta will have wonderful new adventures.
Thinking of you as you sort through a lifetime of memories and as you prepare for this new adventure yourselves!
You will have soooooo many many memories stored. Keep decluttering. Thank goodness we don't have stairs.
DeleteI am thrilled that Stanley and Stanlietta have only moved 4 houses down the street! I spotted them sitting on the porch.
Congratulations! What a difficult decision. It's one my wife and I have discussed. Retirement communities have much to offer. Although you will be crazy busy for a while, I would encourage you to continue to make time for hikes. That gorgeous sky is indeed a good omen!
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DeleteThanks Peter. I will definitely be continuing hiking with my friends. The move brings me closer to the Brisgang.
ReplyDeleteIn January I signed up for the 3rd year, to participate in cancer's March Charge. My goal this year 200 km and $2000. Not good timimg but will see how I go.
Congratulations to you on this big decision, 👏 Helen. Your photos are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteDownsizing for myself has reduced stress and gives me less to worry about and less work overall. I hope 🙏 it does the same for you.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful sunrise, it illustrates your new phase of life.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you, Helen. Downsizing will make your life easier and lighter. I'm looking forward to see photos of the large garden. :)
Good luck for the packing and moving out and in! I hope everything goes smoothly.
Warm hugs from Finland (even though -30 C this morning. :))
Sara, it was glorious. I will miss all that this view offers but am positive I will find nature's beauty in our new surrounds. So glad you sent warm hugs on such an unbelievably chilly day.
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