MANNERS AND OTHER MATTERS

My journey as a "rookie renovator" is almost at an end. Six months ago I began the journey when I bought full equity in a beach house I shared, as told here . I have learnt so much from a great group of local "tradies" who all worked together, with impeccable manners shown towards each other and the rookie renovator! The kitchen has always been the hub of the house for me...I gain enormous pleasure from cooking for family and friends.  The "new" kitchen is open plan and has a great use of light. The back room opposite the kitchen and beyond the lounge room was opened up by removing the dividing wall, et voila, a huge, modern open space. To all of those who assisted me with thoughts, advice, corrections, hugs, wines and laughs, many thanks...you all know who you are. Geoff the 'project manager' and Steve 'handyman extraordinaire' Geoff was such a great teacher and support The old kitchen with little

I am the child of parents who knew all the words to all of the musicals of the '50's and '60's, and my mother's favourite movie was West Side Story. ..so this song by Barbra Streisand and Josh Grogan was part of my emotional development. And as I reflect on my life of love and longing, it resonates with a singular truth. Recently I was asked by a friend for advice about her love life because, as she offered, she respected mine.  Well, that certainly opened the repository of memories! I have loved and been loved.  My first love is still in my life, albeit from the other side of the world.  We are friends who share memories of a teen love, but a very real love which impacted on both of our lives and remains a testimony to the innocence of youth. My children's father remains one of the great loves, and friends, of my life. So many of the friends I have loved, and sometimes lost, remain in my heart.  As I explained to my friend, friends can be loved without