About Me

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Married to Tony mother to 2 children Lucas 23, Gemma 26 & her boyfriend Sean. Carer for 2 crazy Jack Russells. I'm dyslexic so excuse any mistakes. The Stitching Room is where I spend my time playing with Clarice (my camera) and Bernie (my sewing machine). Come on in and see what I'm up to.

Thursday 23 February 2012

Life Changes

Two years ago when I was diagnosed with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) my world shook. Things that I thought I would do changed, no long haul flights was most probably the one that has effected me the most. I was never going to try and climb Mt Everest.
You never know what is waiting around the corner so live life to the full, with that in mind and a great big Australia to see I gave up work last Friday.
I have loved my work but it is time for change. I have worked for a really wonderful Doctor, we have had a lot of laughs over the last 9 years and I will miss her, the patients and the girls still there.
On Sunday we went out to lunch at the beautiful botanic Gardens restaurant, the meal was lovely and the service fantastic.
I was very lucky and the girls really spoilt me.
Tarsha gave me this magnificent bowl.

A gift from Tarsha

It was hard to photograph this photo does not do it justice.

A gift from Tarsha

Catherine and Judy gave me these

From Catherine & Judy

Diana gave me these

From Dianna

and this.
You can see there is a bit of a tea theme here.
I LOVE my cuppa.

From Dianna

I am not sure I will be able to use this magnificent tea cosy it is way too beautiful.
I had bought a book to knit this cosy a while back, now I won't have to.

From Dianna

Diana and I worked along side each other for a number of years. Diana works for another surgeon which means we share office space. Over the years we have done some really funny things together, on Sunday I did my confessions to Tarsha of the few things that we did that we said we would never tell. Like the day Diana put the banking in the trash(computer trash that is) and emptied it. The day I decided to fix a bit of very expensive office furniture which resulted in about 100 ball bearings rolling around the floor and me frantically trying to get the drawer to run smoothly without them.
There were lots more.

From Dianna

Tarhsa also gave me this she has always said I am her tenacious little Jack Russell.

I am a Jack Russell

Here we are enjoying lunch.

Retiremnt lunch

The other reason for my retirement is Tony and I are having a sea change.
We have bought a place at Port Elliot where we will eventually live. It will be in a few years so for now it will be when Tony has days off, with his job he may work 8 or 9 days in a row and then have 4 off so we will head to Port Elliot at every opportunity.
Sean is also very excited about it as he can now surf all day and call in for lunch. He has already planned a surf board rack for the garage.


25 comments:

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Congratulations and best wishes on your early retirement Leanne! Just think of all the extra time you will have to sew:) Your colleagues sound great - and what a lovely lot of presents. Your new home looks lovely - a sea change sounds magical. Sorry to hear of your health concerns and sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

Sheila said...

embrace your retirement, and enjoy every moment. Port Elliott is a fabulous spot, a few quilters in the area i believe, you will fit right in. BTW My brother took the photo on Page 109 of your new landscape photography book.

Kris said...

Oh nice! Pt Elliot is a wonderful place! Gosh, I love both your homes. You will be living the dream.

Leah said...

Your sea change looks lovely - something to really look forward to. I'm looking forward to seeing your photos of such a lovely spot. I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis and will be thinking of you.

Gail said...

Congrats Leanne and wishing you all the best for your sea change!!!

AnitaS said...

I wish you a lot of good days in Port Elliot. I am retired earlier and I can tell you it was a difficult decision but I have not regret it ever. There is so much more to do in live.

Liz said...

Congrats and enjoy, lots of time to play with Clarice..!!
Lizzie
xxx

Shontelle said...

Congratulations Leanne! Your place at Pt Elliott looks lovely. You deserve every happiness.

Chookyblue...... said...

wow what a wonderful change.........love the new house.........enjoy your retirement......

Lorraine said...

Congratulations on your retirement and house at Pt Elliott!! If Tony is working we girls can always have a stitching retreat!! :) You are right...you never know what is around the corner....live life!

seabreezequilts said...

I'm up for a retreat. Enjoy your retirement. The bowl is beautiful, it would make a good lolly bowl for the dining room table at said retreats lol

Fiona said...

All the best in the process towards your sea change and best wishes as you work through the health issues too... what wonderful gifts... I did laugh at some of your 'mistakes' at work!! Looks like you have found a wonderful place to live

Hugz

Lorrie said...

Congratulations on your retirement, Leanne. In spite of the health issues you sound eager to embrace this new stage of life. Your new home looks wonderful!

Marg said...

Congratulations on the early retirement. The new house looks fabulous and what a wonderful lifestyle to look forward to.

Shay said...

I actually envy you the opportunity to stop working to focus on doing the things you love Leanne. What a fabulous time you're going to have.

The house looks like something out of a story book. Have fun!

Sue SA said...

What a great plan to look forward to, days at the beach with your family and no "work" commitments I am so pleased for you. Looking forward to more fantastic pics now your retired....opps just making more "work" for you....I hope that you find you are busier with the things you love in retirement, then you were when you worked. I am sure all these positive steps will help your health and enjoy life to its fullest.

Pip said...

I hope you enjoy your retirement and get plenty of quilting done. Port Elliot is such a lovely spot and not too far from Adelaide. Absolutely love that beautiful bowl, it reminds me of a rock pool.

Shirley said...

Now it seems I shall just have to come and visit you. Stay positive and enjoy your retirement.

Chris H said...

WOW!!!!
To everything, but mostly your new beach house!
I am green!!! with envy... even though it's a wasted emotion!

jodie said...

lovely gifts for a lovely lady. your new home looks wonderful and homely. enjoy your sea change. jodie xx

Anonymous said...

HAPPY RETIREMENT, Leanne! - [Tony too!] :)
Glad you enjoyed your lunch and the gifts are beautiful!
The new house is .... stunning!
Thank you for always being willing to help this inept stitcher! :)
Your generosity in sharing your knowledge and skill is greatly appreciated.
Carpe Diem! Each and every day! :)
Cheers .....
Ellen [you know the one! :)]

Lynda said...

Good on you Leanne. What wonderful news. Such exciting times to look forward to.

Jill said...

Hi Leanne,
Congratulations. We have friends at Clayton and have thought about getting a holiday house - money is the only issue! However, your house looks fabulous - being a Pisces I know eventually I will end up back living by the sea. Think of all the UFO's you can get done!
Hope your health issues don't impact too much on your early retirement. Enjoy!!! Jill xx

Jenny said...

What an exciting time for you. You had such a wonderful send off from your work friends who seem to know you so well by the look of your gifts. It is great that you are looking after yourself and your Pt Elliot house looks just lovely-we will be nearly neighbours you know! Enjoy your slower pace and relaxing doing the things you enjoy

Locket Pocket said...

Big changes Leanne! Hope you have a fabulous time doing all the new things :o) Lucy xx