The life and times of Libby Withnall

I’m not even sure if I mentioned on my blog that we are currently on holiday in Nan & Pop’s van. Just 30mins from home – which everyone thinks is so funny. But it’s a gorgeous part of the world, and it was very handy when Kevin had to come to the rescue to fix my internet (and return the next morning to pick up his laptop bag that he left behind). This was my childhood holiday spot so always has wonderful memories.

It’s been a pretty quiet week, with a cold start but warming up nicely now. And nothing like our last holiday here – thank goodness.The girls have made some friends and I’ve done some reading. I’ve not been having the best holiday but things seem to be improving. I have threatened so many time about going home! And I’ve been reminising about other holidays in the van, when the girls were younger and needed me and other trips when we’ve travelled with Nan & Pop.  But a view like this out the window helps to make up for things.

We did manage to get out for a walk on the rocks.

Do you see us waving hello?

Oh, I do love to be beside the seaside…. never fails to make me happy.

And there have been some lovely sunsets….

The girls have been swimming and we’re hoping to do more over the next few days now that it’s warming up. Today Amy had to go to school for a dance practice and I took Christy horseriding (post to follow) and I feel much better about things. Looking forward to the last few days.

It was the week of rail station pick ups…when Amy went to the Easter show (the day before we went with the Powells) for a school excursion…

and the week the girls painted eggs….

It was the week I discovered some strawberries growing in the garden….crazy that they think it’s Spring/Summer…

and I had a manicure turn bumpy…haven’t had this happen in ages…

It was the week we went the Easter show and saw lots of cute animals…

and the week of Christy’s cross country carnival….

It was the week of a pre-Easter egg hunt….

and the week Amy went as Finnick (from The Hunger Games) for an aquatic themed mufti day….

It was the week I couldn’t bare to part with 2 of Christy’s childhood toys….

and the week of gorgeous sunsets….

And it was the week there were puppies excited for Easter…

Easter Sunday was  a pretty lazy day starting with a sleep in and presents from the bunny – PJs and chocolate…

And goodies from us to the girls…

The wrap packaging WAS a bunny with a Lush egg bath ballastic and carrot bath thing.

I was lucky enough to score some chocolate for myself….okay I bought it for me….

We then get ready…

for Easter brunch with the Powells…

Eats include scrambled eggs, baked beans, hash browns, fresh juice…

and, of course, hot cross buns…

The girls did a egg hunt, organised by Amy…

and Easter craft…

while the guys relaxed…

We finished the day with a movie and takeaway pizza. It’s been different being home from Easter but it still feel like we had a holiday.

After our late night at the show we took it easy this morning and then met the Powells (with Christy) at the Nan Tien Temple.

We explore, watched the fish, took some photos…

then had lunch at the cafe.

I had my usual “mince” with rice.

After lunch we made our way to the Wollongong Science Center.

After the kids (big and little) played and we watched a science show, we had a cup of tea outside….

then watched another show in the observatory. It’s been ages since I’ve seen anything in here and it was really good. Shame I was so tired though as I ended up dozing off for a bit .

We headed home at 4pm. Later the guys cooked a BBQ dinner and later again Amy made up a yummy dessert.

On good Friday we headed up to Sydney for the Easter Show. We met the Powells and drove to the car park together. Unfortunately I had left our pre-bought tickets at home so we had to line up to rebuy them. Worst part was it took us 50mins . The Powells went in ahead and did the showbag pavillion – which worked out well as we weren’t buying any.

Finally inside we headed off on the animal walk.

It’s always fun seeing the animals, esp. the petting zoo. The ducks going down the slippery dip are a firm favourite and I feel in love with the cute little puppy (middle, top row).

Of course no trip to the Show is complete without fresh cooked corn. Lunch part 1.

We then saw a great high dive pirate show.

It had been very hot sitting in the sun so the kids were glad to cool off a bit.

Next up with a circus workshop.

Then a delightful afternoon refreshment – or lunch part 2. The girls shared some curly fries and the guys went in search of “cheese on a stick”. Look revolting but they enjoyed it.

Time for the Ashton circus.

Then the working dog show – which was one of the days favourites.

It was getting to 5pm so we headed into the food pavillion, where Noel won a special award for chilli eating.

And we got some delicious chocolate dipped strawberries.

The girls got to sit on a police motorbike…

and get a tattoo.

Time for a little break…which my feet were really needing by now….

while the girls watched some wood chopping.

We bought dinner…

found, with some difficulty, some seats in the main arena….

and got ready to watch the Rodeo. I don’t really get it but don’t feel the animals were harmed. Not so the cowboys!!!

Leanne was kind enough to get hot drinks for everyone.

There was a motorbike jump show – which was a bit hard to see on the other side of the arena.

Then the fireworks which were fantastic.

We haven’t stayed into the evening since before the kids were born and it was a great way to end the day. Last up was a ride for the girls as they had been bugging us about rides all day.

Then time to head home. We took Sarah, and Christy went with the Powells for a sleepover. After such long day I was so exhausted I slept on the way home. I was happy and rather sore but very pleased I managed the day without a wheelchair.

Thankfully, things have improved since my last post on living with arthritis.

As you might know a month ago I saw a dietician and started to cut down and dramatically decrease the amount of nasty additives and preservatives in my diet. Almost immediately there was a tremendous improvement with my arthritis. My pains levels went from 5-7 to 2-3 on a daily basis. It has meant reading food labels, making more things at home (which has been possible due to reduced pain levels) and eliminating some foods from my diet – at least on a daily basis. Hence I have not had one iced chocolate or packet biscuit in a month. It’s really not been too hard and it’s a bit scary to think that these food additives have contributed to cause me so much pain.

I started walking my dogs again, alternating with riding my bike so my heal spur doesn’t get too sore.

I half felt unwell (upset tummy) a few times after I had eaten out – I assume due to consuming more preservatives and additives than I’m used to. Other than that it had been a really great 4 weeks. So much so I went to my doc to decrease my meds. But, of course, the day after I had a bit of a flair. I saw the dietician again last week and she assured me this might happen from time to time.

Unfortunately I’m in the middle of another flair – this one lasting a few days. Not sure if it’s because of the hot, humid weather or that I’ve been overdoing things or just one of those things. I’m not happy though. We are headed to the Easter show tomorrow and I don’t know how I’m going to manage. I really feel uncomfortable about using the wheelchair that Kevin got for me when things were really bad, but I don’t know how I”m going to manage otherwise. Still so much to understand and learn about this disease.

On the positive side I’ve gotten back into almost daily exercise and I’ve lost 3.5kgs .

It was the week that all about beautiful skies and lovely, warm days. Summer has finally arrived….just a few months late.

I’ve been alternating between riding and walking and love going to the lake each day.

It’s just magical.

It was the week I got some fun mail – planning books and a DVD for Disneyworld….

I got even more excited when I saw that it was personalized. Gotta love those Disney touches…..

It was the week we went to Jamberoo….

and enjoyed a nice cheese and fruit platter for afternoon tea…

And this week it’s Rosie’s turn to be the featured Goldie…

It was also the week I didn’t seem to take a lot of photos…. besides a day in my life .

Finally the weather co-operated and we were able to get to Jamberoo Action Park. We’ve had the worst Summer but so far a brilliant Autumn. For some unknown reason I have hardly any photos to share. Maybe I was having too much fun or too relaxed.

We discovered that half the park now has heated water which was just gorgeous. Kevin and I were too chicken to brave the unheated part but the girls did. And Christy was thrilled to discover that she is now tall enough to ride the tobaggons by herself – which of course she did a number of time.

The girls have been getting on really well this week and it makes me so happy to see them enjoy spending time with one another.

Unfortunately it clouded over and cooled down around 2pm and we ended up leaving around 3.30pm

.

Until next Summer…..

Had a bit of sleep in this morning and didn’t get up until nearly 7am (yes, that’s definitely a sleep in for me). In fact I really only got up because Kevin was up getting ready. Kevin had called the dogs up so it was nice getting to snuggle with them.

Unfortunately Bailey decided to rub himself all over the bed and he was having so much fun I didn’t stop him…… oops…. lucky our bedding is getting due to be replaced….

After letting the dogs out it was time for a cup of tea

before saying goodbye to Amy and Kevin who were heading off for some more diving training.

Then some computer time. Got sidetracked watching Enrique videos.

Christy finally woke up just before 9am so I made her some french toast for breakfast.

then headed out with the dogs on the trike. Such a gorgeous day.

After the dogs workout it was time for my workout. 15mins interval training on the exercise bike.

While Christy did some yoga…

and the dogs recovered from their run.

Time for a green smoothie while I cooled down…

and to hang out our bedding. Luckily I found a spare bottom sheet in the linen cupboard (Kevin bought a few cheap spare ones when Bailey was a destroying streak a while ago).

Not sure why but the pups love to lie beside the house in the sun.

I went up to have my shower and get dressed. Just I was finishing up around 11am I heard Kevin and Amy arrive back. They got to work washing all the scuba gear.

Amy is now officially an open water diver. So proud of her. She’s done really well with the course and managing her gear. And I love that Kevin and her have something special to do together.

I made myself a shopping list and Christy and I headed out. First stop was to return some library books.

Then to the supermarket. Christy’s mission was to see what she could buy with the money we would have given her for showbags. After researching the other night we realized they aren’t very good value these days and she could do much better buying EXACTLY what she wanted from the supermarket. This will last her for the whole of the school holidays and she’s so happy with her haul – which she isn’t allowed to touch until the Easter Show on Friday.

Groceries done, there was a stop at Bakers Delight before we headed home.

I got things put away and made lunch – which starred a very delicious baguette.

Kevin and the girls headed out to get a few things and I sat and put my feet up for a bit. Later I made some popcorn.

Kevin dropped the girls home and headed back out. Christy got to work on her project. Don’t you love the little hammer that Kevin got her?

I whipped up a batch of carrot cake muffins – healthy and yummy – I’ll share the recipe soon.

I also made some almond milk….

and cut up watermelon for everyone to eat. Kevin and Amy worked on a trident for a mufty day costume.

I fed the chooks and collected eggs. 15 today. Only 9 chickens so I must have missed collection yesterday .

I started dinner. Lisa’s Honey Pumpkin Risotto – which is now a family favourite.

Yum.

Okay, it’s actually not everyone’s favourite. We’ve been getting tough with Christy and making her eat ALL the dinner I serve her (which isn’t very much). She now has the choice between eating dinner or going to bed early. She almost went to bed tonight, but being family night and knowing we had ice-cream for dessert, she finally ate it all. While we were waiting for her to finish (you can see her at the table) I sorted out my magazines.

I then got into my pjs and painted my nails China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy (flurescent orange – much to Amy’s disgust). Then finally it was time for movie night. Having watched Back to the Future I and II last weeken it was time for no. III.

Midway through we had intermission for some ice cream. I haven’t had any for nearly a month so it was very much enjoyed, esp as it came with an Easter egg.

After the movie everyone headed up to bed. I let the dogs out and got the kitchen all cleaned up. LOVE when it looks like this.

I ended up starting a new book – The Lance Mackey (of Iditarod fame) Story – which I bought in Alaska last year. Such a fascinating man. Loving the book so far. Had to force myself to put it down around 11pm.

I cannot believe it’s just over a week till Easter. That’s crazy. I thought I’d better take you on a quick tour of our Easter decorations before it’s time to pack them away. I don’t have a lot but enjoy adding a few pieces every year.

If you enjoy watching my videos I’ve got another little one for you to watch and if you’d be so kind to pop over to my youtube channel and let me know what videos you’d like to see. You can also subscribe if you’d like.