February is the shortest month of the year but also one of the busiest for me as I attempt to ease back into real-world busyness after a couple of months mostly away from it.
It’s hard not to be in denial about routine and efficiency when the last month of summer has been as (mostly) stunning as it has been. But duty calls.
It’s been out first month of ‘big school’ and the routine is becoming more familiar. I’ve been roped into doing all sorts of unusual things like finding our contributions to the sound table and then having to send them in with accompanying notes to explain the left of field object choices.
Valentines Day has come and gone. Not a day I observe to any degree but I did pause to appreciate the handiwork of the fruit and veg team at Woolies this week.
Chinese New Year was (unsuprisingly) my preferred holiday of the month.
Noodles have been eaten for long life and prosperity, red packets have been given.
Master SSG and I did our customary lap of Circular Quay again this year in search of the giant New Year animals that are displayed each year. In a novel twist, the Guide Dog Association invited schools, local businesses and celebrities to reimagine the Guide Dog coin donation boxes that most of us will remember fondly from childhood trips to the shops with our parents.
We then moved on to the Opera House forecourt to meet the giant cheong sam attired dog that stood guard at the steps.
These silk lantern horses are a favourite of mine. I enjoy visiting them each year. Their location varies but they always lend a kind of stateliness to proceedings.
The pom pom fringed umbrella that tops the horses’ carriage against the palm trees and blue sky just says summer to me as well.
‘
A golden snake slithered under the railway line near Circular Quay station and a tiger lounged atop the ferry wharves a little further on.
The mice were looking ready to party and also to support Mardi Gras with pride.
Most locals probably cringe at the thought of visiting tourist Circular Quay on a regular basis but I love going to see the neverending parade of colour and celebration as well as the everchanging and endlessly different people that pound its cobblestoned and wrought iron fenced walkway.
With autumn just around the corner, I’ve rebooted my hair and skin product regime courtesy of an indulgent order from Adore Beauty. It was my Valentine’s gift to self. Expect a full report in a few weeks.
February’s been a month for taking stock of my wardrobe. I’ve taken a good long hard look at my wardrobe ahead of the new season and have decided that I love what I have. That’s possibly the first time you’ve heard those words from me. Hopefully not the last time either. Shoes have been sent in for repair because, again, I love what I have on my feet right now.
Other than that, I’ve just been getting through a list of little jobs that just need doing.
Rivetting things like getting more sticky tape rolls for my heavy duty desktop dispenser. I had to step away from the very attractively priced eight roll pack. Chances are the last few rolls would likely be yellow and desiccated by the time I get around to using them.
What’s February been like for you?