Happy birthday!! What a lovely day you had. 16,000 steps? You’re doing just fine after your surgeries. There are some ongoing habits which continue to bring great joy. I’m so glad that you and your hubby could share another special day. Enjoy this much-needed rain. Hugs dear Prue.
Thank you, Beth. Yes, I'm getting there. Mind you, its taken 2 days to get over the hike! I still get abdominal pain but the surgeon hopes it will settle in time.
Tradition is wonderful, I think. It is something to aim for, to hang on to, to gild and polish and cherish for one's life.
To add to the joy, the rain is wonderful. You can see the gardens and orchard holding up their arms and calling 'Manna from heaven!'
Happiest Birthday Prue - you know, I think this is one of my favourite posts! (In a series of fav posts ha!) I just felt like we were all right there with you with every step. And you are so right about being grateful and happy - I have just this minute tested Negative so Covid has FINALLY left the building! Day 21! So I am right there with you. I also have that recipe for Prince Williams' squares but have never made. Very inspired to do so now - and Halloumi Burgers sound fantastic.
Lucky both of you and lucky us to be invited along on this very magical day xo
I have to say, my husband makes the biscuit cake with such fine skill, never erring from the recipe. It's soooooo yummy and soooooo rich! I've made it myself but not to his level and Ottolenghi does a slightly similar one but its not quite as good. I can see why Prince William requests this one for his special moments. I cherish the recipe - it's looking faded and worn and I MUST scan it and PASTE into my recipe book!
Go for the Royal Trust one. It's the closest to the recipe we have from Hello mag. Ours has golden syrup, orange and some dried fruits which take it to another level.
What a lovely day you had - happy birthday! And the wombats... too much cuteness. Mostly though, thanks for Primavera. What a beautiful piece of music.
Thank you, Joanne. The wombats are prolific on the island. It's rare NOT to sight one. Or two or more... They're honestly our favourite Australian wild animals.
I'm glad you enjoyed Primavera. Einaudi's music is very restful.
Yay for birthdays and not giving a fig about the number it represents! It is all about celebrating another turn around the sun, and a life worth living. Blessings for strong health, family and friends, and also a beautiful place to live. Like Joanne, I loved seeing the wombats, and now am listening to the gorgeous music. Thanks for sharing all your gifts with us!
Isn't 'turns around the sun' a marvellously atmospheric statement? On my birthday - I always see a Tibetan prayer wheel turning, turning - and hopefully bringing good karma to everyone with each turn. Same with turns around the sun, I think.
I think we need to take time and think about where we live more often. In my case, to live on a tiny heart-shaped island at the bottom of the world (even though it's isolated from sophistication) is perfection. In terms of international events, it's a relief to know we're so far away. That's not to say we're immune from it all but it's a good start. Worth noting that overseas folk who can afford it, are starting to move in and buy up places in Tassie and southern NZ because it seems like a good place to be in any sort of apocalypse. Interesting...
I celebrate YOU on your birthday! There is much to celebrate this year after all that has been on your plate! I am following you shortly approaching the mid seventies and only regret the diminishing endurance although I've discovered how wonderful a short nap, snuggling up with my wee 4 legged friend, is.
I love, love, love the photo you took inside the homestead looking up the steps towards a fireplace! Evocative!
Indeed, Susan. Another dance and many more. My aim is to fill my dance card.
That pic you mention is my favourite as well - I can see a whole story emerging from that. Maria Island is always front and centre for a hist.fict story from my pen - it's only a matter of time. I've written about the island as a secondary character and setting in 'Passage' (contemporary fiction) but being such an evocative place, it would thrive on centre stage.
Happy birthday! And what a lovely way to celebrate YOUR life! Loved this post and wanted to send you my best! I’m facing 75 at the end of November and was dreading it…silly, hey! Now I am, as you have, embracing it for what it is, my life! Take care, Denyse x
Denyse, after what you've been through and with how far you've come, I think your birthday celebrations should be the biggest and best that you can have. Life reclaimed...
Oh Prue, happy birthday for Wednesday - what a terrific day you had! I love that you have the same birthday meal every year - and it sounds delicious.
You've had such a big year this last year - I'm reflecting on your posts pre-op and post-op, and golly gosh, you're amazing. Keep up the good work - and remember that rest is also good work! Balance is everything.
You write so very beautifully. I love to read your posts.
Thank you, so much, Rebecca. In all honesty though, its the conversation after the post that feeds any muse. I looked back on my journal to the night before the surgery and read all the strengthening comments I had noted down. More than 3/4's came from Substack friends.
Yesterday was a very resty type of day. Couch, writing, caught up in detailing characters' development in 'Act III'. Time just flipped past as the rain tapped on the windows and the willow fronds slapped back and forth wetly on the roof.
Today its sunny, cool and v.windy. But good for a beach walk with the Terrier. It'll blow the cobwebs away.
Have a good weekend and thank you for sticking with 'Knots...'
A resty type of day sounds absolutely perfect, Prue.
We had a glorious afternoon here yesterday but woke up to monotone grey skies and pelting rain, which I’m viewing as a treat - I’m sitting watching the blustery garden while enjoying my third cup of tea of the day.
I love what you’ve said about the conversation after the post, and like you I deeply value that aspect of Substack. To my regret I haven’t been able to engage quite as much with this wonderful community in the last few months as had been my habit previously - I’m working on it! - but the exchange of thoughts, comments, support, ideas and everything else that comes into those conversations is absolute gold dust, and I’m grateful for all aspects of it.
Happy bath day! That island sounds and looks delightful. Love the photos. If age bothers someone they should do what I do. I identify as a 25 year-old. It works for me.
Thank you Terry. I think I identify (and my family would agree) as a child loaded with adventure and not good thinking processes!
The island is a very special place. Amazing history dating back maybe 60,000 years through our First Nation culture. More recently convict era, probation-station and then cement works and vineyard. Then it lapsed into itself, the island reclaiming what it rightfully owns by growing over the vestiges of colonial settlement. Then the government decided it should become a National Park and so some sort of effort was made to renovate some of the buildings. Sadly, many are still crumbling into dust. Our state government is broke and puts money into things that matter little to history and the arts.
The island has been my Swallows and Amazons life since I was born - many an adventure, travelling over there on my grandfather's boat before ferries were even thought of. Lovely to muse on.
Anyway! Onward. It's a new day. More adventures to be had!
Happy Birthday !! What a lovely pgoto of you and your beloved. Glad that you had a lovely birthday I like the sound of your birthday dinner, it should be what you want, You are doing so well after your surgeries
I know what you mean about birthdays I'll ve 70 next year and I suppose I've slowed down a bit but I still like to keep busy whether thats going out for a walk, gardening, decorating stitching or knitting, I coulnd't just do nothing all day Might take longer to do but its what I enjoy. (I do do housework stuff but that's a neccessity rather than a pleasure ;) ) I know when I did two days last week with Heather and did 5+ miles and had a quiet day and then 6+ miles the next day I had acouple of stitchy knitting days to recover . As long as you enjoy what you are doing then keep on doing it. You're looking well on it for sure . xxx
There's our shared quote! Happy birthday, dear lady. I love the joy in this piece, and I love the traditions, and I love the way you describe the natural world, and I love that wombat mom and little one. Have I ever told you that my Aussie nickname, when I sign off on an email to daughter #2, is "Mombat?"
AND I love that on the 17th, we both appreciated the same full moon!
Last week, I said to a friend in Scotland, how amazing it was that we both watched versions of an aurora within hours of each other. It made me realise what small cogs we are really and that there is so much we need to cherish.
Here's to wonderful birthday traditions that never get old and living your best life, regardless of the number of candles.
Some people live really long lives and don't find the satisfaction and enjoyment that you and the hubby do...Cheers to you both and plantar fasciitis be damned! (Stretching every morning and a night splint resolved mine.)
Happy birthday!! What a lovely day you had. 16,000 steps? You’re doing just fine after your surgeries. There are some ongoing habits which continue to bring great joy. I’m so glad that you and your hubby could share another special day. Enjoy this much-needed rain. Hugs dear Prue.
Thank you, Beth. Yes, I'm getting there. Mind you, its taken 2 days to get over the hike! I still get abdominal pain but the surgeon hopes it will settle in time.
Tradition is wonderful, I think. It is something to aim for, to hang on to, to gild and polish and cherish for one's life.
To add to the joy, the rain is wonderful. You can see the gardens and orchard holding up their arms and calling 'Manna from heaven!'
Happiest Birthday Prue - you know, I think this is one of my favourite posts! (In a series of fav posts ha!) I just felt like we were all right there with you with every step. And you are so right about being grateful and happy - I have just this minute tested Negative so Covid has FINALLY left the building! Day 21! So I am right there with you. I also have that recipe for Prince Williams' squares but have never made. Very inspired to do so now - and Halloumi Burgers sound fantastic.
Lucky both of you and lucky us to be invited along on this very magical day xo
Thank you, Sue. Another one bites the dust.
And hurrah to Covid done and dusted!
I have to say, my husband makes the biscuit cake with such fine skill, never erring from the recipe. It's soooooo yummy and soooooo rich! I've made it myself but not to his level and Ottolenghi does a slightly similar one but its not quite as good. I can see why Prince William requests this one for his special moments. I cherish the recipe - it's looking faded and worn and I MUST scan it and PASTE into my recipe book!
Happy birthday Prue - and you certainly spent it well. :)
Thanks Leanne. Its predictable but always a thrill.
Happiest birthday wishes. Wishing you a beautiful spring. Today we enjoyed a perfect fall day. No cake however.
Then I suggest seek cake and eat cake! Thanks so much Alice, for the wishes.
What a lovely way to spend your birthday - and happy birthday a little late. I do agree with your thoughts about aging and agism. It is just a number.
Thank you, Janice. Age? What's that?
happiest of happy happy birthdays Prue. Your day sounds delightful, i love it when seemingly random events evolve into traditions.
off to google your cake, i am intrigued
Thank you, Kate.
Go for the Royal Trust one. It's the closest to the recipe we have from Hello mag. Ours has golden syrup, orange and some dried fruits which take it to another level.
It's really a very upmarket Hedgehog slice.
Thanks for the tip, the one i found sounded almost sickly with just chocolate and biscuits
i shall search more
What a lovely day you had - happy birthday! And the wombats... too much cuteness. Mostly though, thanks for Primavera. What a beautiful piece of music.
Thank you, Joanne. The wombats are prolific on the island. It's rare NOT to sight one. Or two or more... They're honestly our favourite Australian wild animals.
I'm glad you enjoyed Primavera. Einaudi's music is very restful.
Yay for birthdays and not giving a fig about the number it represents! It is all about celebrating another turn around the sun, and a life worth living. Blessings for strong health, family and friends, and also a beautiful place to live. Like Joanne, I loved seeing the wombats, and now am listening to the gorgeous music. Thanks for sharing all your gifts with us!
Isn't 'turns around the sun' a marvellously atmospheric statement? On my birthday - I always see a Tibetan prayer wheel turning, turning - and hopefully bringing good karma to everyone with each turn. Same with turns around the sun, I think.
I think we need to take time and think about where we live more often. In my case, to live on a tiny heart-shaped island at the bottom of the world (even though it's isolated from sophistication) is perfection. In terms of international events, it's a relief to know we're so far away. That's not to say we're immune from it all but it's a good start. Worth noting that overseas folk who can afford it, are starting to move in and buy up places in Tassie and southern NZ because it seems like a good place to be in any sort of apocalypse. Interesting...
Glad you enjoyed travelling with me on this post.
XXXX
I celebrate YOU on your birthday! There is much to celebrate this year after all that has been on your plate! I am following you shortly approaching the mid seventies and only regret the diminishing endurance although I've discovered how wonderful a short nap, snuggling up with my wee 4 legged friend, is.
I love, love, love the photo you took inside the homestead looking up the steps towards a fireplace! Evocative!
Cheers to another "dance" around the sun!
Indeed, Susan. Another dance and many more. My aim is to fill my dance card.
That pic you mention is my favourite as well - I can see a whole story emerging from that. Maria Island is always front and centre for a hist.fict story from my pen - it's only a matter of time. I've written about the island as a secondary character and setting in 'Passage' (contemporary fiction) but being such an evocative place, it would thrive on centre stage.
Here's to just enjoying life - to hell with age!
Happy birthday! And what a lovely way to celebrate YOUR life! Loved this post and wanted to send you my best! I’m facing 75 at the end of November and was dreading it…silly, hey! Now I am, as you have, embracing it for what it is, my life! Take care, Denyse x
Denyse, after what you've been through and with how far you've come, I think your birthday celebrations should be the biggest and best that you can have. Life reclaimed...
XXXX
Oh Prue, happy birthday for Wednesday - what a terrific day you had! I love that you have the same birthday meal every year - and it sounds delicious.
You've had such a big year this last year - I'm reflecting on your posts pre-op and post-op, and golly gosh, you're amazing. Keep up the good work - and remember that rest is also good work! Balance is everything.
You write so very beautifully. I love to read your posts.
I agree with all thiis. Well said, Rebecca.
Thank you, Terry. It's you and others who make the writing presence all worthwhile.
🙂
Thank you, so much, Rebecca. In all honesty though, its the conversation after the post that feeds any muse. I looked back on my journal to the night before the surgery and read all the strengthening comments I had noted down. More than 3/4's came from Substack friends.
Yesterday was a very resty type of day. Couch, writing, caught up in detailing characters' development in 'Act III'. Time just flipped past as the rain tapped on the windows and the willow fronds slapped back and forth wetly on the roof.
Today its sunny, cool and v.windy. But good for a beach walk with the Terrier. It'll blow the cobwebs away.
Have a good weekend and thank you for sticking with 'Knots...'
A resty type of day sounds absolutely perfect, Prue.
We had a glorious afternoon here yesterday but woke up to monotone grey skies and pelting rain, which I’m viewing as a treat - I’m sitting watching the blustery garden while enjoying my third cup of tea of the day.
I love what you’ve said about the conversation after the post, and like you I deeply value that aspect of Substack. To my regret I haven’t been able to engage quite as much with this wonderful community in the last few months as had been my habit previously - I’m working on it! - but the exchange of thoughts, comments, support, ideas and everything else that comes into those conversations is absolute gold dust, and I’m grateful for all aspects of it.
Hope you’re having a lovely weekend. xxx
“…Rest is also good work” and “balance is everything.” So wise!
Happy bath day! That island sounds and looks delightful. Love the photos. If age bothers someone they should do what I do. I identify as a 25 year-old. It works for me.
Thank you Terry. I think I identify (and my family would agree) as a child loaded with adventure and not good thinking processes!
The island is a very special place. Amazing history dating back maybe 60,000 years through our First Nation culture. More recently convict era, probation-station and then cement works and vineyard. Then it lapsed into itself, the island reclaiming what it rightfully owns by growing over the vestiges of colonial settlement. Then the government decided it should become a National Park and so some sort of effort was made to renovate some of the buildings. Sadly, many are still crumbling into dust. Our state government is broke and puts money into things that matter little to history and the arts.
The island has been my Swallows and Amazons life since I was born - many an adventure, travelling over there on my grandfather's boat before ferries were even thought of. Lovely to muse on.
Anyway! Onward. It's a new day. More adventures to be had!
Happy Birthday !! What a lovely pgoto of you and your beloved. Glad that you had a lovely birthday I like the sound of your birthday dinner, it should be what you want, You are doing so well after your surgeries
I know what you mean about birthdays I'll ve 70 next year and I suppose I've slowed down a bit but I still like to keep busy whether thats going out for a walk, gardening, decorating stitching or knitting, I coulnd't just do nothing all day Might take longer to do but its what I enjoy. (I do do housework stuff but that's a neccessity rather than a pleasure ;) ) I know when I did two days last week with Heather and did 5+ miles and had a quiet day and then 6+ miles the next day I had acouple of stitchy knitting days to recover . As long as you enjoy what you are doing then keep on doing it. You're looking well on it for sure . xxx
"photo" Must spell check before posting... doh.......
Thank you, Libby. I think the surgery and post-surgery adventures (!!!!) may have been the kickalong I needed to make the most of every day.
As for you and your energies (and Jeff's!) - I think you're amazing. Much love.
There's our shared quote! Happy birthday, dear lady. I love the joy in this piece, and I love the traditions, and I love the way you describe the natural world, and I love that wombat mom and little one. Have I ever told you that my Aussie nickname, when I sign off on an email to daughter #2, is "Mombat?"
AND I love that on the 17th, we both appreciated the same full moon!
Carry on, Prue. You're doing just fine.
Last week, I said to a friend in Scotland, how amazing it was that we both watched versions of an aurora within hours of each other. It made me realise what small cogs we are really and that there is so much we need to cherish.
Mombat! LOVE it! Do you waddle too? And have an astonishing burst of speed when needed and do square poo? That's true by the way - wombats do square poo. https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/general-animals/facts-about-wombat
And thank you for the birthday wishes - it makes the day more special.
I do not poop cubes. And any burst of speed is likely no match for the real wombat. But I'm not giving up my Mombat-ness.
Here's to wonderful birthday traditions that never get old and living your best life, regardless of the number of candles.
Some people live really long lives and don't find the satisfaction and enjoyment that you and the hubby do...Cheers to you both and plantar fasciitis be damned! (Stretching every morning and a night splint resolved mine.)
Thank you. His foot is getting better, slowly but surely.
What a wonderful birthday celebration! Thank you for sharing your lovely day 😊 And the gorgeous pics, especially your ballet pose!
And a moonlit walk after your long day of hiking…Your vitality always inspires me!
Thank you, Susan.
I'm surprised I had energy last week 'cos this week I'm as limp as a lettuce leaf.