Enjoying a few hot days here.

We are finally getting some summer temperatures here but now I’m hoping the predicted rain comes through for the garden.

When the temperatures go up it is noticeable how quiet it seems. I don’t get wakened by the combination of the magpies, the cockatoos and the kookaburras all calling out at once. Only a few little cheeps here and there. The yellow-tailed black cockatoos have been in the neighbourhood lately too. They only come down from the mountain when the weather is about to change. They are great weather predictors.

This past week I have finished one book and am in the middle of another. The Green Indian Problem by Jade Leaf Willetts is an interesting little book published by Reynard Press. I received it last year when I had a subscription to their books.

The blurb-

“The Green Indian Problem” is a novel by Jade Leaf Willetts that delves into themes of identity, friendship, and personal struggle. Set in South Wales during the late 1980s, the story follows Green, a seven-year-old boy who is perceived by others as a girl. Green embarks on a journey to understand his identity, confronting challenges such as societal expectations, family dynamics, and the disappearance of his best friend, which deeply affects their close-knit community.

The novel addresses complex issues including child abuse, grief, and the search for self amidst adversity. Green’s narrative offers a poignant exploration of a young boy’s quest to comprehend why he differs from his peers.

“The Green Indian Problem” has been recognized for its impactful storytelling, being longlisted for the Bridport Prize in the Peggy Chapman-Andrews category.

The book has received praise for its authentic portrayal of a child’s perspective and the challenges of growing up with a misunderstood identity. Reviewers have highlighted its combination of humor, warmth, and tragedy, noting its ability to leave a lasting impression on readers.”

I enjoyed it very much and I will remember Jade, known more as Green as he dislikesm his name, for a long time.

It was a quick read, two sittings and then I moved on to Liane Moriarty’s latest, Here One Moment.

I can’t put this 500 page turner one down. On a flight from Hobart to Sydney, an elderly woman leaves her seat, walking up and down the aisle telling each passenger when they will die and how it will happen. Now the flight is finished I am learning more about the passengers and their lives. It is great fun and I am interested how this story will progress.

Other interesting things going on this week.

Monday was a gym day so off I went to get back into it from the holidays. It was HARD!

Tuesday had my body feeling much older than it is. Not that it can get much older than it is. I bought 10 sessions in a local small pool that is part of a spa near the bus stop. It is a lovely, quiet place to swim and do exercises in the pool. I made a 30 minute friend with a lovely Jamaican/Australian pool as we chatted in the Jacuzzi that loved my muscles.

Wednesday, I was back at the gym just doing my 45 minute walk on the treadmill as the weather heated up outdoors.

Thursday I went to my GP to get a new spot on my face checked. It has come up rather recently and was changing a bit. Melanoma? Had to get a couple of scripts. The doctor checked the spot and gave me the medical name for it. When I asked what that means he said, “age wart” . We both had a laugh as I mentioned to him, yet another thing to be encountered on this old age trip I’m on. I can get it removed but it isn’t noticeable enough and is easily hidden with one drop of concealer. I was just glad it wasn’t a skin cancer. Tasmania doesn’t have much Ozone over it and melanomas are rampant here if sun protection isn’t used. (As is much of Australia)

Friday, I was back at the gym with Teresa, my trainer rolling out the kinks in my muscles and back on the floor mat and with the hard foam roller. My doctor once asked me how much I pay for 30 min of a personal trainer. I told her and she thought that was a bit pricey. I told her it is cheaper than going to her and she had to agree.

Then Teresa and I go for a coffee and discuss the world’s ills or whatever is going on that week.

Then that night, three of us enjoyed seeing Little Women at the Playhouse theatre in town. I have loved that story for years and it didn’t disappoint. The actors did a wonderful job and it was a happy evening out for the audience. I think the next play they are performing there is The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. That is something to look forward to.

This weekend we set up a new vacuum Mr P brought home as he is the one who does the vacuuming here. We started it up and had a laugh as the dogs had to see what on earth was happening in their space.

That sums up another week. This has been a week where I am glad to be tucked away in this part of the world and I am grateful for that. We are feeling very sad about the California fires and our thoughts are with anyone affected.

Stay well, stay safe. Do something this week that makes you happy.