Day 91: Lindsey's moonshine studs

Recently my dear friend Lindsey (Day 20) went home to Edinburgh to see her Mum Arlene, brother Richard and sister-in-law Sian (Day 33). While she was there she bought me these gorgeous studs. They are made by Shelia Fleet an Orkney jeweller, and are called 'Lunar'. The soft blue and silver enamel captures moonshine beautifully. They are a wonderful link to Lindsey, to Scotland -a place I feel very connected to, and also to Mum. Rob and I are lucky in that moonlight pours into our bedroom, especially during a full moon. Since Mum died, I feel especially close to her on these nights; the beauty, brightness and calmness of a full moon always gives me a sense of her essence and presence.

I wore these earrings today as I caught up with Linz, her gorgeous children Evie Star and Gabriel and Frankie the spaniel. They came over - laden with delicious treats - to have a walk with Molly and morning tea. I haven't seen Linz for ages so it was wonderful to have the chance to catch up, although as usual, we only touched the surface.

My morning stroll, although short and gentle, still knocked me out so I rested on the couch for the rest of the afternoon interspersed with some phone calls, including with dear Andy (Day16), plotting out my return to work later in the year . This will be the start of an exciting new chapter for me, and something I'm greatly looking forward to.

Around 4pm Paulie arrived to come with me on Molly's afternoon walk in the late afternoon sunshine. After all his years in Melbourne, I still pinch myself when I realise that he's a short drive away and we can have regular catch ups like today and yesterday.

When I was leaving the house this afternoon I found a parcel at my front door including some delicious fruit and a new puzzle - Van Gogh's Starry Night - courtesy of darling Deb and Mel. I feel like I have Deb's imprimatur to put Maria away for awhile and start afresh! It's a needed distraction and it's such a thoughtful gift. I can't wait to get started.

Off to the bush 6.30am

Day 91 and I'm on my own because Rob and the boys left at the crack of dawn this morning for a trip to the Jenolan Caves and to have a night camping in the bush - it's a last blast before the boys are back at school on Wednesday. It's stunning weather so I'm sure they'll have a great trip. I'm having a very quiet time at home binge-watching Season 6 of Girls uninterrupted...but I am missing my lads. The tiredness and aches and pains continue, but I'm definitely crawling out of the pit.