It's been so relaxing just pottering around, changing a few things here, making things there, baking, visiting a dear friend, having Blossom drop by most days - all the time lovingly watched over by my beloved husband.
Thank you for your precious prayers on my behalf. After four heart racing/adrenaline surge days I began to pick up again on Monday after starting a course of low-dose aspirin. Caffeine and chili are off my menu permanently as they send my heart into a spin, and I have to be very mindful about being excited too much as this also sends my heart pounding through my chest. It was especially noticeable on Saturday night when I was listening to the football game on the radio. I love stitching while the Cowboys play but by half time I knew I couldn't listen anymore as my heart was crazy and I had difficulty breathing and talking at the same time.
On the natural side of things I'm taking/making a daily tonic for adrenal fatigue and that too is making a difference. Adrenaline surges have been with me all my life, but the older I get the worse they affect me.
Anyhow...
...moving on to nicer things.
Here's what I've been up to the past week.
Last Wednesday Blossom and I drove out to Heather's for some catch up time. Our sweet hostess served yummy pumpkin soup and delicious lamingtons for lunch and afterwards we tried to get some sewing done however we all talked so much there isn't anything to show you. But truly, aren't they the best days with friends?!
Just outside Heather's living room window I spied a parrot looking for seed in her bird feeder...
...and through the kitchen window it was Heather's dog Ghost who caught my eye, playing with my lovely Blossom.
(Blossom is now officially mid way through her pregnancy and as of last Friday we know the baby's gender, but I'd better ask her permission before I let you in on that news okay?)
Back at home I've been working on a quilt for my older daughter Aisha's baby, due in just four weeks...
...and I also did a deep clean of my sewing room. The cutting table is now under the window because the light is much better for measuring and rotary cutting, as well as choosing fabric and threads that blend well.
During the clean up Blossom and I decided to think outside the box and see if we could make use of a few larger pieces of fabric. She put aside a bundle with plans for a cot bumper and nappy (diaper) bag, whilst I sewed quick hems and made myself a couple of new tablecloths... 
These fabrics will be perfect to make a cushion for my book nook reading chair, and I have enough to cover a footstool as well...
After a few days of very simple meals and some healthy take-away options I've enjoyed getting back to the kitchen again. Nana's Baked Rice Custard (recipe here) and a gluten-free banana & apricot loaf came fresh from the oven this morning...
I've also enjoyed relaxed afternoon rests with feet up and my attention taken with a new book...
...and of course there's been some stitching happening too.
It has rained most days, and still is actually with no near end in sight. Sometimes the downpours last for hours and are so loud Mr E and I give up all attempt at conversations. Instead we potter around inside doing this and that, and brew pots of Tulsi tea for me and green tea for him.
When the rain settles to a very light mist we walk around the yard together checking on fallen branches or palm fronds to remove to a safer place.
Today we found a cucumber plant growing under some palms! I toss our vegetable juice pulp over the deck to the garden below so it must be the source of our new plant. Not sure how well it will fare, but now I know it's there it can be watched and tended...
Princess Sophie has been inside more than usual during this late wet season but she much prefers to be out in the fresh air so she can watch the birds in the trees. As soon as the rain slows she is off to play...
I've shown you all the lovely things of the past week because that's what matters most; not the egg that fell from the fridge and smashed at my feet on the polished wooden floor, nor the singlets and t-shirt that shrunk in our used-only-twice-a-year tumble dryer, and we won't talk about the outbreak of bugs I found in our large jar of Basmati rice okay?
Life, it has its ups and it has its downs.
And that's alright, because the life I've just shared with you is mine, a life I share with people (and pets) I love with all my heart, and that in itself is a recipe for the unpredictable.
The most important thing is not to sweat the small stuff, make memories that count, and receive each morning as the gift and blessing that it truly is.
I'm praying you have a beautiful day too,
hugs
