Winter solstice

@Dimity My hair is a lost cause, and I gave up on it many years ago. I just trim the ends and fringe - unevenly, I'm sure. I'd love to be able to go to the hairdresser.

@Appleblossom I understand "it was a treat that made me feel good, so I stopped it completely"!

Its a delicate path with friends. We want to feel encouraging of successes, except when the push becomes to boasty. Grief of spouses is significant, but sometimes we show strength, when we have grief or other pain inside. A defence maybe?? Finding the balance with being vulnerable too and respecting the genuine daily struggles.

@Dimity @NatureLover

My win. I finished mending my cords. Not the straightest stitching....lol I am almost blind as a bat ... but should hold out for a few more years wear...lol

Will wear Patches with pride... and claim my right to be a quirky lil ole laydee.

Making an omelette with vegies and bacon.

Cooee

Apple

Well done on the mending @Appleblossom . I've given up on trying to thread needles but still have a sewing machine... one day I might try again. Just threw out 2 pairs of socks rather than try to darn them. But was diligent for more than 50 years. As a kid often inadequately clothed in handmedowns, cutdowns and rags or lacking altogether, I'm still conflicted about buying yet I know others have huge turnover and enjoy it.

My friends' expensive tastes and capacity to plan and execute travel and renovations and academic projects are admirable but out of my league. And after years of survival mode I suspect I have executive dysfunction. I think I'm the audience for their exploits, I don't participate or compete.

That made me sad, about your experiences as a kid, @Dimity 😥

I'm so very sorry about your childhood. 🫂

I sewed a lot as a kid, but find it too hard to get my sewing machine out these days. Maybe I should sell it or give it away? Hand sewing seems less complicated and hard work... for some weird reason ...lol Maybe I have executive dysfunction too.

@Dimity

It sounds hard to deal with those friends. A bit uneven. I am not very impressed by too many tall touristy tales. I have my one big trip in the early 80s, and thats enough for me. I am not physically up for travel, (or financially) but figure it is not a lifestyle I aspire to. I was able to talk with 2 ladies from Sri Lanka about my trip this week. I use it as a positive talking point, rather than my family complexities. Keep to my truths, but not too close to the nerve.

@NatureLover 

Truth is I'm envious of travellers (incapable of travelling myself) and in awe of others' financial and logistical prowess in commissioning and managing elaborate repairs and renovations.

I wonder if I'd still have the fine motor skills for sewing even if I had the eyesight. When severely compromised by older antipsychotics years ago I latch-hooked rugs. I'm considering some knitting projects but barely knit - I'm experimenting with a different way of juggling yarn and. needles lol. Poor dim Dimity.

Feeling weighed down by worries I can't resolve. Family drama continues. I'll dry my eyes and hope to start again tomorrow.

@Appleblossom @NatureLover 

That made me sad to read that you wrote "Poor dim Dimity". 😥

Also that you're weighed down by everything. Sending hugs 🫂

@Dimity

@Dimity You are one of the few people I know online or irl ... who latch hooked rugs. My grandfather taight me to do it. Think we have had this conversation before, but still makes me feel better.

I sewed to sell clothes when I was young, after dad died (12-13), as well as to give away and later for myself to wear. Mum organised it. Teachers at school taught better sewing than mum, but we all had our hands full, I just did the best with what I was given. It is hard when people around us seem to have much better situations. Sorry that the early meds had long term consequences for you..

Family situations, are heart breaking. Its been a big week for me, (anniversary and appoitment) in a quiet way (paradoxes). I have had to let go and grieve what is not possible. This modern world is really not doing things better. Maybe we all are beginning to be a bit weary.

@NatureLover You have been stoic and supporting for a long time.

I tried to edit to correct typing, but new system for editing ... hypertexts some content and does not permit changes. lol Anyway I tried.

Sorry to sound so negative @Appleblossom @NatureLover

You've coped admirably Apple. My grandmother tried to get me started on sewing but even patterns and fabric were lacking. I'm glad of your recent successes.

I'm underwater again (or still) familywise and am standing by while the news worsens. I must unfreeze.