The Roaming Stevens

It happens - temperatures in Australia during January and February can be excrutiatingly HOT. Adelaide has broken records, but towns outside of the city have reached even HIGHER temps.  I will give my American mates and others some examples with the Farenheit equivalents.  Last Thursday, every living creature suffered greatly.  Many did not venture outside.  Henry, our Bullmastiff, would not move OR eat.  We place low water bowls outside for every living being, but...strangely enough - did not hear ANY birds singing on Thursday.  The birds normally wake us in the mornings.  Thirsty and depleted wild koalas are gladly drinking from plastic water bottles when presented to them.  Words cannot describe properly the kind of exhaustion all living creatures are experiencing from the heat.  NO ONE can consume enough water.   Adelaide 46.6C = 115.88F Port Augusta  49.5C = 119.5F Ceduna   48.6C =  119.48F Port Piri...

PLEASE know that that this is not a 'preaching' post. This is a discovery post. And...since I am in my 6th decade on this Earth, I see and experience life differently these days.  I also see changes in the body, in the mind, and in my outlook on life itself.   Small changes, some nice, some uninvited, but nonetheless, happy to be here sharing life with the man I love and everything that comes along with him. Monday, I began a fast.  I used to fast 3-4 days a month when I was in my twenties and thirties...then, not so much anymore.  Not certain why I stopped fasting...I did began again while caring for my dear Mother, in 2014- 2016, but that was not a proper space or time to fast and I was, quite frankly, an idiot to do so.      You do need to be in a quiet, stress-free place, in my humble opinion.  You need to cease being an amateur athlete - you can place your running shoes to the side, for a bit!  You also need to sleep more ...

A small, yet loving tribute to my only sister, Constance, whom was killed in a tragic car accident, in Australia, 19 years ago today. YOU remain in our hearts, our thoughts, and you are alive and well in our memories.  We have strong rememberances of you AND your brilliant art is sprinkled about The Maxwell House. YOU will not be forgotten.  You made an impact on so many peoples' lives and I am the grateful and fortunate one to have had YOU as my sister. Thinking of you - missing you and YOUR WAYS enormously. Blanco of The Roaming Stevens ❣️🌵🎨 Larger than life...xxo

Tinto and I have been working our socks off on The Maxwell House.  Never before have I seen Tinto take on so many projects at the same time - mind-boggling, but his efforts are beginning to pay off.  It is true, however, with a house this old, renovations may never end completely. And a gentle kind reminder when working with Super Glue.  DON'T DO IT!  Ha!  Every single time I pick the up the stuff, MORE lands on me and I literally seal my fingers together.  As you would know, more items are broken when cleaning them than any other time.   A few belongings were a bit damaged being moved to the shed and being moved back into the house, too.  I suppose I move too fast...at times.   IF I could have snapped a pic, I would have, but a Super Glue tube was attached to my forefinger and thumb and Tinto had to cut off the tube - small portion remained behind and I thought I would simply wrap it with gauze and continue with my duties.  ...

ROAM TO AUSTRALIA ~ you won't be sorry!  And, NO, we do not encounter scary creatures throughout our days.  Yes, they are out there, but you will still have the BEST time of your life in this grand and brilliant country!  Tinto and I had to make some tough decisions when our lovely house guest stayed with us prior to Christmas.  There is an abundance of wineries and restaurants in the Barossa and Clare Valleys, so you need to plan your trip ahead of time.  You want to enjoy the special places and perhaps when you taste a wine you prefer, enjoy one glass...and drink sparingly.  One winery is sometimes enough for some people!  It IS a hard job! Ha!  The wines ARE divine in both regions. This very special guest is the daughter of Tinto's dear mate in the U.K.  She has now made Melbourne, Victoria her home and had never visited South Australia before.  When I took her to Seppeltsfield, the JamFactory, and Vasse Virgin, (olive oil, na...