IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE

It's time to have a coffee and a chat - I'll tell you all about what's been happening in my world this month #ifwewerehavingcoffee #midlife

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE

It's time to celebrate the end of February, I'm running a little bit late with this post, but there's lots of news to share- so, why not have a fabulous virtual cup of coffee with me while I update you on what's been going on in my life lately. I love a good 'Taking Stock' blog post, so I hope you'll humour me and sit a while as I share my news.

BLOGGING

It's been a busy month of writing - even though I've cut back a bit, I just couldn't not write! Blogging is in my blood and I'm loving doing my Monday posts interspersed with my Saturday Snippets and the letters "C" and "D" of the AtoZ of MORE (every second Saturday). I've really enjoyed writing about being a Midlife Millennial and what that entailed and the conversations that were shared in the comments. Dividing it into two parts gave me more room to flesh things out a little. If you missed the posts here's where you can read Part 1 and Part 2.

And a lovely surprise was to be one of the nominees for the annual Bloggers Bash awards - I was nominated in the Best Lifestyle Blog category - along with some other wonderful bloggers. It's always such a nice feeling to be nominated and considered worthy of being part of an awards event.
Cresting the Hill was nominated for the Best Lifestyle Blog in the Bloggers Bash Awards 2019

MORE-ING

So this is what I've done MORE of in February - I actually guest posted twice in February - writing about my journey into Tai Chi over at Min's blog - Write of the Middle. Then a week later I wrote about enjoying the Empty Nest over at Jan's blog - Retirement Planning.

I think I can include my trip to the East coast of Australia in this category too - I haven't travelled on a plane for quite a while, so it definitely ticked my boxes for more travel, more new friends, more sights to see, and more new experiences to enjoy.

HOLIDAY-ING

My exciting news from February was that I got to head over to Brisbane in Queensland for a week and the best bonus was meeting my BBB (Best Blogging Buddy) Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 and Beyond! We've been promising each other that we'd meet IRL one day - and our meet up met all my expectations and more! I also had the opportunity to catch up with three other lovely Queensland bloggers - Min, Jo, and Deb for lunch on another of my days. So much talking! Here are a couple of pics and if you want to read more about my time in Brisbane and my lunch dates, it's HERE.

    Sue and me                                                            and the lovely Queensland bloggers

CELEBRATING

It was our 36th wedding anniversary last Tuesday (the 26th) - so amazing to think that I've been married to the same lovely man (through thick and thin) for 36 years. Who'd have thought that two people who were 21 and 22 on the day they said "I do" would still be going strong all these years later? I'm so glad I jumped in with both feet back in 1983 and didn't miss all these years of growing together.

36 years of marriage and still going strong #midlife #love #marriage

KITTEN-ING

Our other exciting piece of news is that we have a new family member. I'm sure you would have seen me mention her on my blog's Facebook page, but if you missed it I thought I'd include her in my coffee wrap up. Her name is Luna and she's a Scottish Fold - hence the cute little folded ears and the owl face. We were so sad when we lost Callie - our previous Scottish Fold and couldn't imagine having another cat that wasn't from the same breeder. It meant waiting a few months until one was available and she was the only girl in the litter, so we feel very special to have her in our family.

Luna the Scottish Fold kitten - helping with my blogging. #scottishfold #kitten

READING

Book 1 and Book 2 of Leigh Bardugo's Grisha duology - "Six of Crows" and "Crooked Kingdom" - I really enjoy fantasy novels and once I got immersed in Book 1, I had to find out how it all ended in Book 2. I also knocked off another Nora Roberts series - "The Calhoun Women" for some light relief.


WATCHING

I've been enjoying New Amsterdam - the latest hospital show from the US. I'm liking the characters, the plot, and the fact that so far it's been pleasant and easy viewing (that comes high on my list these days!)

I've also got a soft spot for "Good Bones" where Mina and Karen and their crew go about gutting and rebuilding homes in Indianapolis. I think I like it so much because they're quirky and fun and unpretentious (and not all glamourized up like a lot of the other house flipping shows).


WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Well that's it from my February. What have you been up to? Any new pets, good movies, holidays or family stuff going on in your world?


It's time to have a coffee and a chat - I'll tell you all about what's been happening in my world this month #ifwewerehavingcoffee #midlife

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Cresting the Hill - www.crestingthehill.com.au

52 comments

  1. The best part of February for me was your visit Leanne and I wish we could have spent more time together. I watch Good Bones as well! It is a thrill to be nominated and there are a few of us in the same category - it might be a six-way tie! :) Congratulations on a long and happy marriage and also your new family member who is just too cute! Have a great March and don't forget to make it Meaningful xx

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    1. Hi Sue - yes you're right, meeting IRL was just the best wasn't it? I think we could have talked for a solid week :) I was flattered to be nominated for the award, but have no expectations beyond that, so I'll be happy to see which one of the great blogs gets to the winning post. I'll also be joining you in Meaningful March x

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    2. We should plan our next meetup. I will have to visit you next time, it would be wonderful to have it as a biannual event!. We have reached our limit at #MLSTL so we must be doing something right! I've shared your post on Social Media. xx

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  2. Happy Anniversary, Leanne!

    SSG xxx

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    1. Thanks SSG! Not sure where the years have gone - time moves so fast sometimes :)

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  3. I got to meet up with Jo in Sydney - it was such a treat! And how cute is Luna?! Now your nest is officially not empty :)

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    1. Isn't if fabulous when you meet other bloggers and feel like you've been best buds for years? And yes, Luna is indeed a cutie :)

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  4. So good to catch up your news Leanne and I'm so happy you finally got to meet Sue, and the other bloggers too, but especially Sue! Your kitten is so sweet and congrats again on your wedding anniversary. We're becoming a rare breed, those of us who were married young and are still together!

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    1. Yes, meeting all those lovely Qld bloggers (and especially Sue) was fantastic Deb - I was rather peeved when I realized Tumbarumba was in NSW and not Qld! And I love that we're both flying the flag for marrying young and staying the distance :)

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    2. Yes we are both flying the flag and happily so!! Popped back for #mlstl

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  5. Happy anniversary! That kitten is just too cute! I have never seen a Scottish Fold before. She's adorable.

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    1. They are the cutest cats - little foldy ears, moon faces and big sad eyes - just adorable (I think I might be a little bit biased though)

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  6. I loved seeing your photo from so long ago....and congrats on the anniversary!! How fabulous!!
    Luna...what a wonderful name for your kitty!! They are such wonderful creatures. We have two right now, although one is not doing so well at the moment...
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. We've still got our old cat (who's not overly impressed with the new arrival, but tolerating her annoying kitten-ness) They do make us feel like a family though and yes 36 years is a long time to be still liking each other for :D

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  7. Happy anniversary and congrats on your blogging award, Leanne! Your meet-ups with Sue and the Queensland bloggers sound so much fun and why not make it an annual event :-) Luna is so cute. It means 'moon' in Spanish. Have a beautiful week! #lifethisweek

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    1. We chose Luna because she has a little moon face - reminded me of Sheldon on Big Bang being called Moonpie by his meemaw. Thanks for the congrats on the award - there's lots of nominations, but nice to be included with such a great crowd.

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    2. Thank you, Leanne, for another wonderful MLSTL link-up this week. I read your comment on Sue's site that you're leaving work. All the best with your new endeavours, whatever you choose to do, including more down time :) #MLSTL

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  8. Wish you a Happy Anniversary!
    I am coming here after awhile. There were some work to be attended to. So, just took a break.
    I just managed to write one post in February. I didn't want a month to pass without even one post!
    It was otherwise a packed month for me. There were many office-related work. And it was an absolutely newsy month too.

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    1. Hi Pradeep - I've missed you at #MLSTL and I'm glad it's because you've been busy IRL and not because you've given up blogging. You're welcome back any time you get back into your blogging mojo. And thanks for the Anniversary wishes :)

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  9. Wow! That's a huge milestone. Congratulations. Thirty six years is a long time! Well done! #MLSTL

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    1. Thanks Lydia - it seems like a long time and no time at all - depending on my mood! :)

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  10. Hi, Leanne - You definitely had an exciting February!! Congratulations on your blogging nomination -- it is very well-deserved. Happy Anniversary as well! February is usually my least favourite month, but your post put a smile on my face and made me reconsider! :) #MLSTL

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    1. I've read that February gets a bad rap Donna but between anniversaries, meeting other bloggers, and new kittens, it's been rather good all round for me.

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  11. Leanne, you have had a very fulfilling month. You seem to be enjoying life in general these days. Happy Anniversary- we will have been married 36 years in August. Where does the time go?

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    1. I know! 36 years seems like such a long time - I can't believe my kids are now 30 and 33 (they were teenagers 5 minutes ago!) Time has certainly zoomed by.

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  12. Hello Leanne, I'm back after a very bust February myself. Unfortunately, I did very little blogging. But I am happy to hear all you did in February and that you are doing so well. Love the new kitty and the adorable wedding photo. #MLSTL

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    1. Hi Leah - glad to see you're back and I hope March is a more productive blogging month for you because I always enjoy reading what you write. And yes, our new little kitten is just the best!

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  13. What a big month you have had and congratulations on the award. I hope you get to come back to Queensland and we can catch up next time. Have a great week x

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    1. Yes, I'd love to meet more Qld bloggers Jan - I also missed out on meeting Janet and probably some more who I don't even know live over there (my Eastern States geography leaves a little to be desired).

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  14. Hi Leanne,
    You certainly have been busy. What have I been up to? The tail end of an epic trip to Costa Rica, lots of company at our new place in FL, and now in snowy Michigan taking care of my brother following his surgery. Life never ceases to amaze...every day is full it seems.
    No good movies...but really enjoyed Marvelous Mrs. Maizel on Amazon...

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    1. From Costa Rica to Florida to Michigan - I think you've officially covered every type of weather pattern possible in one month - that must rate as an achievement of some kind. Hope your brother is recovering well x

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  15. Congrats and Happy Anniversary and Congrats!! It has been a busy month for you! Winter is not relinquishing her hold on us here in Canada so I'm happy to hole up and keep the woolies close by!
    I've never heard of that breed of cat but she is a cutie!!
    Happy March!

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    1. I think Scottish Folds are a reasonably rare breed Agnes - but they are certainly very cute cats! Sorry you're still freezing in Canada - your winter this year seems to be very long-winded and intense.

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  16. Congratulations on your nomination and on your wedding anniversary, Leanne! And of course on your new family member. You had a wonderfully busy February! Here's to March!

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    1. Yes February was pretty fine Christie - and March is proving to be interesting as I make some big work decisions and spend more time at home.

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  17. I love our coffee catch ups Leanne! lol You've been married 2 years longer than I have. I was married in January 1985. It already seems ages ago that we met up for lunch while you were in Brisbane! I know we sat there chatting for quite some time but gee that time went by quickly! I absolutely love your new little 'Luna'. She'll be a lovely comfort while you go through the uncomfortable removing yourself from your work situation. Not long now and you'll be free of it and wonder why you didn't do it sooner. xo

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    1. I know what you mean about lunch Min - it seems strange to have it in this post because it feels like more than a few weeks since our visit. That lunch date (and the one with Sue) went for hours, but seemed much shorter. I love how we all have so much common ground thanks to our blogs and being a similar age and stage. And yes, Luna is making my decision to step away a lot more pleasant.

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  18. Great to catch up with you via coffee. Meeting with bloggers in real life is the best because you already know so much about each other. That's why blogging conferences were fun. I attended the first one in Australia in 2011 and then went to two Problogger ones before that became too big and was a speaker at one in 2012 and got to meet so many people I now call friends. We were wed at age 21. Hub was 22 within the next month and we have 48 years on the board. Congrats to you both!!
    Thanks for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week's optional prompt is 10/51 Share Your Snaps #2. 11/3/19. Denyse

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    1. You're right about the commonalities we bloggers have Denyse. I loved that there was no awkwardness or dead air - we just talked and talked (and could have kept on talking!) All those conferences seem a bit big and scary to me, but I imagine they'd be great resources and a wonderful way to connect with other bloggers.

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  19. I like the idea of a 'virtual' coffee catch up!

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    1. Thanks Erith - I've been doing them for a couple of years at least and always have plenty to write about each time I reach the end of the month.

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  20. Congrats on your anniversary. We just celebrated 6 years married last month. Your new kitty is adorable, so happy you have her in your life.

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    1. She is just the sweetest little thing Cherie and a lovely consolation prize after losing Callie last year. And happy anniversary to you too x

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  21. OMG! That Scottish Fold is adorable. I've never seen one before but she is so cute! Happy Anniversary.

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    1. They mustn't be a "thing" in the US Jennifer - maybe I should start a breeding program and export them. I could make a fortune and start a new career :)

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  22. Phew, I finally got here. Sorry I'm late (she says out of breath and collapsing into my chair). Make mine a black tea. That kitten is more adorable than I can find words for - oh and happy anniversary. Very pleased to have been part of your February.

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    1. So glad you could make it Jo - it wouldn't feel like a coffee/tea date if you hadn't rocked up to the party. Luna thanks you for admiring her adorableness and thanks for the anniversary wishes xx

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  23. Great to catch up with you, Leanne. That kitten is adorable. We cancelled out our Netflix, because Amazon Prime turned out to be a better deal for us since they also store our photos, and I get free books on my Kindle. We started watching that series that I think you mentioned before called, The Amazing Mrs. Maizel. Really enjoying it!

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    1. I haven't actually seen that series Christina - but one of the other commenters has and was enjoying it too. I'll have to google it and see what it's about and if I can access it anywhere x

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  24. Congrats on the anniversary! We reached 23 this February. I hope you enjoy this work move you are making in March!

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    1. Thanks Janet and congrats on your 23 years as well! I'm not sure what March is going to hold for me as I plan to move on but whether that means re-invention, retirement or a re-direction is still up in the air!

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  25. What a fabulous February! Congratulations on the well-deserved blog award, and I'm thrilled you had such a lovely holiday. And... the upcoming retirement is the icing on the cake :)

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