Twenty-twenty Too

 

Fireworks view from my balcony

Happy New Year! It's been a long time between posts. I hope you've all been well so far whereever you are reading from. I hope that this year brings better conditions for everyone.

Last year was challening to say the very least. I dealt with all the perks of getting a new job as well as interesting issues with my team. Hubby also got a promotion and so here were at both working from home. Last year saw home schooling struggles as well as my sister getting Covid of the Delta kind. It wasn't fun at all and it was huge shock. It was scary and everything in between as she wasn't vaccinated. I prayed to Mother Mary that all would be well and my prayers were answered. Thank God for that. It was also new to me having to be a support person, like for real. I mean, people talk about it like it's just a normal thing but you also have to be strong and positive. For some I guess it doesn't come naturally but I think I got better as the days went on. You have to be a good listener and more importantly you need the time and be available, which I was. Actually I still continue this day to be her main support person and I am ok with that.

Rolled oats with lsa and apple

Since we've been in lockdown in Sydney from August it meant lots of time at home doing things we normally don't make time for. For me that meant baking and cooking new dishes. Suffice it to say that I put on some weight during Winter and now I have to figure out how to lose a few so I can fit into my old clothes again. lol. Do you know what I mean? It is hard but small steps lead to these changes. Although, don't get me wrong, eating delicious home-made meals was terrific. Spending time at home wasn't actually too bad but after a while the novelty does wear off. I did some trending things like re-organising my pantry and linen cupboard. I also bought some pots to report the swiss-cheese plants for the lounge and bathroom. I am happy to report they are still thriving and in fact, three of them have already sprouted a new leaf ! That is amazing considering how badly I garden. 

Divine Mercy colours

I did go for short walks when we were allowed to. Yes, it was a bit like being in jail for a few months. We had terrible restrictions like when we could go grocery shopping (one person per household), masks to be worn outside, masks to be worn while exercising, you could only meet with one other friend etc. So when lockdowns were lifted around Nov we were all stocked. But the damage was done. Businesses had gone broke from having to pay rent and no customers coming in. It was truly very sad and continues to be a sad state here. These days we are now learning to live with covid. Omicron is widespread and today I learned we had 34, 994 cases just in my state. It's not a lot compared to the US and UK but still higher than we've ever had to experience.

Christmas was the first celebration we had after the lockdown where we had all family members gathered together. It was a hot day and I made tiramisu. We had a jumping castle with a pool on the bottom for the little kids. Everyone enjoyed themselves and I was exhausted!

Remember these little morsels of deliciousness? Well I had the recipe so I made them for my in-laws side. They were delicious and I still have a box of Japanese flying fish roe and I've no idea what to do with them. Make these until we run out I guess. My sisters decided not to do anything for Christmas as we had too many cases rising. At least I got to hang out with mum the other day at the Royal National Park in Audley. It was a good day, even if I did get sunburnt.

This is after we came back from the Seafood market. They do a 36hr trading marathon before Christmas and it's a tradition that we go and buy prawns and oysters. We went for a walk to get ice- cream at Darling Harbour. It's a lovely place and I haven't been for such a long time. It's actually nice when it isn't crowded and we check out the new architecture.

My Christmas tree theme was white and gold this year. I just wanted it to be simple. I even put up lights around the walls and we watched Home Alone.

I made some simple goals this year. Spend quality time with my family. Listen to Father Mike Schmidt on his famous Bible in a Year podcast. Be nice to everyone even if they are mean to me.

I pray that we all have a much better year and thanks for reading.