So much changes in five years, so much is different from five years ago and five years before that. I disappeared down a rabbit hole of amazing dimensions earlier today while I was looking up something on the computer … and set myself off thinking.
Where was I in November five years ago and what was I up to?
We lived in our house in Wales, we had owned it since the previous September and things were taking shape. We had our four dogs, Rosy, Suky, Mavis and Charley, as well as Ginger the cat.
I was showing people how to make what looks like soft cheese and vegetable pasties on my blog.
Ooh they look nice.
I should find the post and see the exact date I did this.
And guess what … I was supervising building work!!
Slowly over the course of a week the builders turned our cold plastic roofed conservatory into a proper room on the house. How I remember well living with no roof and just a couple of sheets of plywood keeping me and the animals safe from the outside world. When that was done the outside work cracked on and the slate chippings were eventually tarmacked over.
What was happening five years before that?
We were living on our farm in Oxfordshire, and seemingly I was in the midst of doing the Christmas Fairs and Farmers Markets. Setting up my stall and making a small living to supplement our income.
Showing blog readers how I made bread and tomato sauces and soups.
Getting used to keeping our first flock of chickens. Rescued free-range White Stars, they were a lovely bunch of ladies, full of character.
Helping the first of the pigs to settle in.
Only inexperienced pig keepers bring pigs onto soft Oxfordshire land just in time for Winter!!
I wallowed in mud, then skated round with buckets of hot water to thaw out their troughs through heavy frosts for what seemed like months and months.
And it would appear I harvested the worlds smallest melon!!
What were YOU doing five years ago, ten years ago … it's very thought provoking.
It also shows that I have no idea what I will be doing five years from now. Maybe I'll be blogging about this post ..who knows!!
Sue xx
Its fun isn't it looking back. I've only been blogging again for the last couple of years but even looking back to then when there was snow on the ground and we had been stuck in doors for a week reminds me of what we have done to the garden and the crafting achievements since then.
ReplyDeleteMx
The beauty of a blog is that you can almost instantly whizz back in time, reading and seeing what you were up to. And as you say it's good to see how our gardens and homes evolved. After blogging for over 11 years I have a lot to read back on 😃
DeleteLove this post, sue. I used to have a white star Ben. She laid amazing eggs.
ReplyDeleteTen years ago almost to the date, I had just been discharged from Burnley hospital after having a cancer removed from my breast/ chest wall. I certainly can't forget that! Five years ago probably celebrating being cancer free for five years.
Life is so very precious, isn't it.
As I've said before, i love your blog. You're so honest and real.
Best wishes. X
The White Stars were honestly the best birds we have had, brilliant personalities.
DeleteBrilliant news that you are now ten years cancer free ♥️
Yep, I'm real warts and all 🤣🤣
I now find looking back a bit difficult. So on the whole I don't anymore except when remembering something when I'm with the children.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't think we would have changed much of what we did even if we had known what was on the horizon.
Every day is precious now
Yes, I know it can be very hard and yes every day is precious, as are our good memories.
DeleteVery interesting looking back, love all your blogs Sue.
ReplyDeleteFive years for us thinking about moving again, this year the 5 year all clear from cancer, in five years time it WILL be the simple life (hooray!!) x
Brilliant news on the five year all clear ♥️
DeleteYou're on a good journey to your simple life, it's not too far away 😃
What an interesting post Sue and what food for thought! What shall I be doing in five years time - well it is unlikely I shall still be here - if I am I shall be 92 and I am not sure I wish to be that if my arthritis deteriorates at the rate it is doing. But I shall soldier on enjoying everything as much as I can. As for what I was doing five years ago - farming, travelling, enjoying a happy married life and thank goodness quite unaware just how soon my beloved farmer would come to the end of his life.
ReplyDeleteWe never know what's just around the corner do we ... possibly the best incentive to do as you say and enjoy everything we do as much as we can 😃
DeleteGoodness, it was 5 years ago this month that our two elderly yorkies were put to sleep, they lived all their lives together and went together, both poorly and their time to go, it was awful. Our cocker spaniel missed them so much so we got her our little terrier for company. 10 years ago my son came home to live with us after having brain damage, a hard time but lucky to still have him, he is now living independently and recovering well from brain surgery. In 5 years time I would love to say what a wonderful 5 years we have just had ,just that.
ReplyDeleteI just can't imagine how dreadful that must have been to lose two dogs at once. That was the reason we got Bella this year as our two are 8 and 9, we thought a pup would be good company and stagger the age range, it just wasn't to be though ☹️
DeleteI'm so pleased that your son is improving, and yes just a clear and peaceful five years ahead would be enough for most of us.
I don't suppose my day 5 years ago was much different from today. Same house, same partner (who's away a lot), same little cat. I've been medically retired for over 20 years, and my condition has not improved. I'm at home, alone, most of the time, but that's fine. Some days I'm in more pain than others, and I get fed up with that, but otherwise, I'm quite happy with my lot.
ReplyDeleteI expect that in the next five years we'll have had a few things done in the house, when husband has retired and will be here to cope with the builders, but day to day life will probably be much the same.
There's something to be said for continuity and calmness. There are lots of people that would be envious of most parts of your lifestyle, but not the pain, that just sucks ☹️.
DeleteThere's adifference between being alone and being lonely ... I do hope you're not the latter. But this is where the internet, especially blog and vlog land are wonderful for keeping us connected ... if we want to be. Xx
No, Sue, I'm not lonely. Thanks. I was quite a solitary child, the youngest, and was used to spending time on my own, so that was good training! Also, I worked in a field where I was constantly dealing with people and their situations. Combined with dealing with management and staff issues, and, at the time, a difficult relationship and major house renovation, I was glad of any peace and quiet I could find. The cat's little snores and Classic FM on quietly in the background suits me just fine!
DeleteFabulous post Sue, and what a rabbit hole to fall down - there is a serious danger I will follow you down one of my own 😀
ReplyDeleteHaha … it's dangerous isn't it to have years and years of old photos and blog posts all so easily accessible on the computer, tablet or phone. I can sometimes very easily lose many more hours than I mean too ;-)
DeleteRemembering years gone by and seeing how far you have traveled is a wonderful rabbit hole to fall down. Lovely post and I may just have to go down that same rabbit hole very soon.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Do it ... it can be a lovely journey down memory lane. xx
Delete