Wednesday July 1 2020!!!

Peps I scanned your post and will definitely come back to it. I don't agree with food labeling. Although, of course, some things are "better" or "worse" for us at different times.

I'm apparently just going to get on here with bad news. I guess it's because you guys are enough removed that I don't have to worry about it being repeated in my circle, and yet I feel close to you.

My husband just learned this afternoon that a friend and former coworker committed suicide last night. Saying that takes my breath away. It just feels so unfair. So inconceivable.

He worked with Rich for probably 8 years or so. He got let go in the round after Rich. He's been unemployed for about a year. He went into real estate and that hasn't gone well for him, especially in light of Covid. And of course prospects in oil weren't looking up. I had this dreadful feeling that he was vulnerable. He has had a very bad past year. And for that reason, Rich has been calling him and/or taking him to lunch every couple weeks. I feel like we could've done more I feel so ANGRY. Angry at Rich's old company who from my perspective chewed their employees up and spit them out. But isn't that just commerce nowadays? I'm angry at covid for intensifying all of these problems--money problems, work, marital problems--in so many. Maybe anger is typical of grief.

He and his wife and kids came to all of our pool parties and Halloween parties. They often had the best costumes. He was funny, outspoken politically. Really smart.

He leaves behind two kids, 10 and 8.

My heart is actually aching.

Bonnie, I'm so sorry for him, for his family, for you and Rich. The virus has already taken enough. This is the 5th person associated with someone I know who has taken their own life during all of this. When will it end??

Oh I am so sorry to read that BB :( Tragic - sending love to his family

Oh, I am so sorry. My stomach flipped reading this. So, so sad. Breaks my heart.

Best to you and Rich.

Despair everywhere, it seems to touch so many right now. Am praying hope and comfort for your friend's family- the loss must be overwhelming right now. And for you and Rich. I am so sorry.

Bonnie, I am so sorry for your friends family and his friends. It sounds like you and Rich were very kind and supportive to him but he must have been in too dark a place ultimately. The survivors of suicide have an even tougher task in grieving than after any other sudden death.

Good Morning All from the farm. Got up after dark last night. Have very happy puppies as they have freedom and space back. Chooks are in their hen house up here - I will go get them out once its light. The sick chook is looking a tint but brighter - she stood in the crate for a bit in the sunshine yesterday. And ate when I gave her fresh food and water once we arrived last night. Time will tell. I may pop her in the pen with the other girls for a while today and see how she goes - so she can have a forage around.

Today is work then I want to head into Wodonga for fresh fruit and veggies. Will plan a couple of meals as I want to cook for my BIL and nephew. My SIL is still in city unwell. I am super concerned as they just dont seem to be getting to the bottom of it. They were supposed to come back up last night but she was too unwell to travel. I will go over on the way home today and check everything. Apparently 3 ducks have gone missing :(

Liz - enjoy eating out - the place sounds lovely. Nice picture with Paul - beautiful memories x

Peps - Hope the uneasy feeling goes. I was a bit like that yesterday about DSS and his family. Couldnt put a finger on it ......

Miss150 - I hold my hand up and confess my dinner last night was smoked salmon and avocado dip on crackers followed by 4 pieces of chocolate !!! I was tired from a poor nights sleep and didnt know what I wanted. I simply wanted to curl up in bed, watch TV and unwind a little. I tend to find I can basically maintain in or around my weight with the way I eat but I am by no means diligent at all - so often feel its undeserved. It seems to work but I do wonder what would happen if I actually scaled down the sometimes foods and focused a little more if I would actually get down to my goal bottom weight. The thing is I would need to mentally be ready and Im not. This for me at the moment in all the craziness of my life works - so I just keep plodding. Will change it up a bit if I find it stops working. Love to you and sending you a parcel of Aussie winter cool.

Well I had best go and start my work day. Second last day of the week and I have all the consultancy invoicing to get out today

Love to you all

S

Greetings Gems

Same stuff today as yesterday. Did a zoom meeting for the board and as usual I could not get logged in and was late and cranky. Hate that stuff. I am seriously tech challenged

Cecily I sent you a picture of the sweet peas. They must like this cool climate.

DH has been doing yard work today. He is all dressed up in his farmer overalls and hat and heavy boots - you would think we had a ranch instead of a dinky tract lot. But he mowed down all the weeds that are on this little mound garden we call "Alcatraz" and I pruned the few remaining plants. Now I smell like lavender, rosemary and sweet peas - pretty good if I say so myself. I used to have a fairly elaborate little garden there but I am too old for that now. So we will plant it in ornamental grasses. Not gonna be easy because there are hidden rocks. Once they were charming now they are hazards!

I went looking for the pruners and it was amazing what yard equipment I found. Trimmers, choppers and what appears to be a fire ax - so much stuff!!

BB so sorry for the loss of your friend. Suicide is the cruelest of losses. How awful for his family. But I know from experience if someone really wishes for that they will get it done. Sympathy to you and Rich.

Bonnie150 I so remember those stinking hot midwestern summers. But at least they bring fireflies and good tomatoes. Enjoy.Swann needs a wading pool.

Speaking of pools, ours here is not open yet but soon I hope. The other gyms are gradually opening.

We have been watching the new Perry Mason. Its good (two shows).

Weigh wise things are not good here. The covid stuff has turned me into a slug. In fact, I think I will go take a nap. Nite nite.

Diane S

Your sweet peas are gorgeous, Diane!!

Diane, the fireflies are exceptionally bright and numerous this year. Swanny does have a wading pool on the deck, but as yet, is not much interested in it. I need to take him across the road and show him the cattle cooling themselves up to the tummy in the pond. Maybe he might put two and two together.