This is my wrap up of things that made me smile during the month of June. Earlier in the year I made a commitment to myself to make a concerted effort to think about the great and positive things in my life, and in particular, those things that make me smile. These days, most of the things that make me smile are the simple, every day things that many would consider to be unremarkable. No longer do I need big things or big events in my life, to make me happy.
When I decided to write monthly, about the happy moments during each month, I had no idea that Covid-19 was about to appear in our lives, causing life, as we know it, to change. I’m sure most would say that the past few months have been quite stressful and worrying. But this post isn’t to dwell on the worries of Covid-19.
Winter came with a vengeance in August, with heavy rain and very cold days and nights. Despite that, there has been much to smile about during the month. Due to self isolation, I’m still staying close to home, only venturing out for groceries and exercise. Life in isolation has forced me to slow down, and take a look around me. For a change, I have time to appreciate my life and realise that, amongst the negatives, there is so much positivity and much to be grateful for.
Not being able to see my three grandsons at the moment, does not make me smile. But when I saw these two photos which were taken on a weekend at The Gold Coast with their Dad, the smile immediately came back. They are growing so quickly, and I desperately want (need) to see them. As I’m in Victoria and they live at Noosa, Queensland, the borders are closed to us. I have my fingers crossed that it won’t be too long until they open, but I’m not feeling very confident about that happening.
I couldn’t stop smiling as the weather improved, in the last few days of August. We have endured a dreadfully cold winter in Victoria, this year, and I have been counting down the days until spring. We were very fortunate to have received lovely sunny days and mild wintry weather before spring arrived. This day was the first blue sky that I’ve seen in what seems weeks.
This rose has flowered prolifically since spring, right through autumn which is usual. But this year it has been covered in flowers for the entire winter. It’s a Delbard rose but I can’t remember it’s name. In spring and summer it’s a beautiful pink and more creamy coloured in winter.
First daffodils of the season. They are definitely smile inducing. I’ve made a mental note to plant many more bulbs next year.
Being able to get out onto the rail trail with Oscar, four times during the month has been fantastic. At the moment I’m just walking, but the bike will be coming out very soon.
More Highlights
- Early mornings in the gym
- Active August which was organised by Sue from Women Over 50 Living Well
- Walking every day
- Stretching every day
- Face masks being made mandatory
- New greenhouse arrived and was erected
- Succulent iso project going well (more to come on this)
- Binge watching West Wing for second time
- Listening to West Wing podcast
- Harvesting green vegies from the garden. At the moment there is silverbeet, snow peas, peas, cabbage, brocolli, cauliflower and lettuce.
- Waving goodbye to winter
- Seven new standard roses to plant
- Sunshine on the last two days of winter
Here’s a puppy who made me smile. Hope he makes you smile too.
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Hi Jen – lovely to hear that you’re managing to still do so well despite the rise in COVID cases in Victoria. I sympathize with you deeply over not being able to see your grandsons – that was the one thing that really got to me when they shut the zones down in WA and it was an absolute joy when they opened again. Every time I read about a selfish person breaching the border or quarantine I get so angry because they impact on so many others – and slow the return to normal.
Thanks for sharing all your highlights – you and the others who post about gratitude inspired the change to my taking stock posts (the first one went up yesterday) 🙂
I share your feeling about the rule breakers Leanne. They make me so angry. I missed your taking stock post yesterday. Thanks for mentioning it. I’m off to read it now.
Jen…that rose is beautiful and I can almost…almost smell the fragrance.. we are in the Greater Melbourne so Lockdown stage 4 is extremely hard. I avoid the shops where possible only taking one shopping bag and filling that and leave. I am visiting our butcher and green grocer more to stay away from the big supermarkets. Im struggling as never before and I understand your feelings about not seeing your grandchildren and your children. i zoom my youngest every wednesday – she lives in Melbourne but is more than 5kms away plus she is intellectually disabled and dosnt understand this whole thing. My other daughter is in Sydney so seeing her wont be for a while. sigh…thinking of you xx #mlstl
Thanks Bree. There are so many challenges for us all at the moment. It isn’t easy. Fingers crossed that Stage 4 finishes very soon.
Hi Jen, there is always something we can find to smile about and you are a wonderful example of someone who can do this despite what life throws at you. The photos of your grandsons would certainly bring you joy and the photos of the daffodils (which are one of my favourites) makes me smile. Have a lovely day. #mlstl
We have to keep smiling Sue. Thanks again for visiting
It’s lovely to see these smiles and flowers but being shut off from family really does suck, doesn’t it? I know it’s a necessary evil at the moment but the longer it goes on, the more I wonder how much longer it will continue and whether we’ll be kept apart for another six months or more. I can’t imagine how awful it is for those who are cut off from people who are gravely ill. Thank goodness for technology.
The separation is all in a good cause, but I agree it’s getting a bit tedious now
It was great to read your August Smiles Jennifer! We’re like you in the cold country but the last few days of August were awesome and hopefully an example of what’s to come. I do hope you can get to Qld to see your grandsons soon, they are all very smile inducing. Your rose is beautiful and we also said we’re going to plant more daffodils this year, they are such a sunny flower and arrive just when we need them. I loved the puppy pedaling along :). All the best for September #mlstl
Thanks for your comments Deb. ‘Smile inducing’ id the perfect description of my grandsons
Lots to smile about. I laughed when I saw the comment about binge watching The West Wing. I reckon I watch all seasons back to back at least once every 2 years or if I need a reminder about what good writing looks like. I ador that rose & the blue sky over the country road. I want to walk up that road.
The writing on West Wing is amazing Jo. Have you listened to WW Podcast where they dissect each episode? I love that road too. It’s our main road out from our house.
Hello Jen. I love that you are smiling over the little everyday things. The truth is our life is made up of those small moments strung together. The roses and daffodils are beautiful, as are your grandsons. I hope you are holding them again very soon. That first hug from my youngest granddaughter after keeping ourselves apart was one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve ever had. Keep smiling–and keep sharing your happy moments with us. Take care!
Thanks Christie. We will all come out of this dark time and my goodness, we will appreciate our lives.
Wonderful pictures and adorable Grands; Sharing because of the COVID content. I don’t want to sound harsh but a lot of people in the states have no idea the sacrifices people in other countries are having to make, as though it only affected us. I hope you will be able to see your family soon. For myself, I am seeking “normalcy” and rejecting the concept of “new normal” and not sure things will be the wayy they were, but I will settle for a normalcy that involves families being able to see each other. Best, Michele
Fingers crossed that we can visit our families soon, Michelle