
Hi, Everyone! It’s #TenThings Day once again, and today our guest is Rosie Mitchell. Let’s all make Rosie welcome, and hope she has an easier time responding to comments than last time. I think we have the problems ironed out, fingers crossed, so let’s get going. Take it away, Rosie!
Thanks, Marcia!
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TEN THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME
- I AM A KIWI AT HEART, BUT HAVE NOW LIVED OVERSEAS LONGER THAN I HAVE LIVED IN NZ. PERHAPS IT IS TIME TO GO HOME!
- MY HUSBAND VICTOR AND I ARE PERMANENT TRAVELLERS, OR AS WE LIKE TO TELL EVERYONE, WE ARE GLOBALLY MOBILE CITIZENS, HAVING A VERY LONG, EXTENDED SENIOR CITIZENS GAP YEAR! WE ARE CURRENTLY IN CANADA AND NORTH AMERICA UNTIL MARCH 2024.
- MY PASSION IS TRAVEL. THE LONGEST I HAVE LIVED IN ONE PLACE, IS TWELVE YEARS IN CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA FROM 2000-2012. DUTY CALLS WHEN YOU HAVE TO PUT DOWN ROOTS AND LET YOUR TWO BOYS GO THROUGH THEIR HIGH SCHOOL YEARS.
- I HAVE LIVED OVERSEAS IN THE SOLOMON ISLANDS, PENANG AND MALTA. ISLAND LIVING SEEMS TO BE IN THE BLOOD. WELL, A LOT OF COUNTRIES ARE ISLANDS; NZ, AUSTRALIA, UK, ARE ALL SURROUNDED BY WATER.
- MY FAVOURITE COUNTRY IS SWITZERLAND. I LOVE THE PEOPLE, THE COUNTRYSIDE, THE TRAIN NETWORK AND THE FOOD. JUST WISH I COULD AFFORD TO LIVE THERE ALL THE TIME.
- I HAVE BEEN AN INTERNATIONAL HOUSE SITTER SINCE 2011, AND HAVE ENJOYED SOME FABULOUS HOUSE SITS IN THE UK, FRANCE, SWITZERLAND, THE NETHERLANDS, MALTA, CANADA, NZ, AUSTRALIA AND THE USA. THIRTY-SEVEN AND COUNTING.
- NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE BOOKS I HAVE WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED (SO FAR), OPEN THE DOOR AND AVANING AROUND IN ARABELLA, ARE ABOUT OUR TRAVELS AND HOUSE-SITTING ESCAPADES.
- I DO OCCASIONALLY, THAT IS WHEN I AM ACTUALLY IN ONE PLACE FOR A REASONABLE LENGHTH OF TIME, ENJOY COOKING, SEWING, READING, WALKING AND OF COURSE FINDING TIME TO WRITE.
- I WAS A DEFENCE WIFE FOR SEVENTEEN YEARS OF OUR FORTY YEAR MARRIAGE. EIGHT MOVES IN ALL. IT WAS A GREAT TIME IN OUR LIVES, AND WE ARE THANKFUL THAT OUR TWO BOYS APPRECIATE TRAVELLING AS MUCH AS WE DO.
- MY FAVOURITE SAYING IS ‘FILL YOUR LIFE WITH ADVENTURES, NOT THINGS. HAVE STORIES TO TELL, NOT STUFF TO SHOW’.
You Can Buy Open the Door HERE
BLURB:
‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ — Loa Tzu.
Open the Door. Just take a deep breath and one giant leap forward. Venture out into the unknown… As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’
So, take a chance to dream and explore a new way of life. It’s not going to be easy at first, but the rewards and the self-confidence you gain in knowing that you have achieved something you have wanted for a long time will make it all worthwhile.
So why not seize the day? Fear is the thief of our dreams.
You Can Buy Avaning Around in Arabella HERE
BLURB:
When the world was gripped by the Covid19 pandemic in 2020, Rosie Mitchell and her husband sold their property in the Riverina, New South Wales. Trapped by lockdowns and border closures and with no chance of escaping overseas, they bought a small caravan, planning to spend time travelling around the wonderful country of Australia.
This book follows Rosie’s first book, Open the Door, which describes their international house-sitting adventures.
Author Rosie Mitchell
Hello fellow readers. I have now published two books, the first called Open The Door, which is about my early house sitting adventures and other overseas travels through Europe, Malta and the USA. My second book, Avaning Around in Arabella, was written about our caravan travels and house sitting experiences in Australia, which took place during the Covid19 pandemic. I enjoy writing for pleasure. I love to read and when I am at home I enjoy sewing and cooking. Travelling is what I do the most. In June 2022, my husband and I finally escaped overseas on our extended senior citizens gap year. My third book is now under way. I look forward to sharing the dream with you.
You Can Reach Rosie on Social Media HERE:

Globally Mobile Citizens – I love it! And fill your life with adventures not things, I couldn’t agree more.
How do you get on with visas to stay for extended periods in all these countries? I’m always interested in solutions since we Brits shot ourselves in the freedom-to-travel foot with Brexit. I’m in Moldova at the moment, doing my Schengen Shuffle!
Your books sound amazing, Rosie. As a fellow nomad – right up my street!
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Glad you enjoyed Rosie’s post, Jackie! (I hope she’ll be able to respond to your comment, so she can answer your questions.) Thanks so much for stopping by today, and I hope you have a great rest of the week! 😀 ❤
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Hi Jackie, we can stay in some countries up to six months, UK and Canada we know of so far. Otherwise we just do the 90 days in the Schengen countries and move on. It’s a bit of a pain, but it has worked out okay for us.
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Thank you – we’re stuck with the Schengen Shuffle, and 90 days visa free in most countries. 🙂
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I love to travel also but have not lived in many different places. House sitting sounds like a great way to get around and immerse oneself in the local culture. Like Jacqueline, I have questions about getting visas for long-term stays in various countries.
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I thought house-sitting sounded like a great way to enjoy various countries, too, Sharon, but have no idea about visas and the like. I hope Rosie will be able to answer your questions.
Thanks so much for stopping by this morning, and here’s to a great rest of the week! 😀 ❤
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Hi Sharon, we never apply for long term visas, just make the most of what is on offer. We also NEVER say we are house sitting. Some countries assume you are being paid for your services and won’t let you in on a visitor visa. We say we are visiting friends. We never get paid for house sitting anyway. I think it is a privilege to have the opportunity to stay in some amazing houses and meet such lovely people.
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Makes sense. Thanks for the tip.
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It was perfect timing for me to read about Rosie! I’m looking into buying an RV and it’s exciting to think about! You’re an inspiration!
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I’m glad you enjoyed Rosie’s post, and wish you well with your plans, Debbie. Thanks so much for stopping by today and taking the time to share your thoughts. Hope you have a wonderful rest of the week! 😀 ❤
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Thank you Debbie. Enjoy your travels.
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Wonderful ten things. Wishing Rosie and yourself all the best, Marcia. Hugs and love, my friend 🤗💕😊
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Glad you enjoyed Rosie’s post, Harmony, and thanks so much for stopping by to let us know. Hugs and love right back atcha, and here’s to a great day for you, as well!
🤗❤️🤗
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Nice to meet you Rosie. Great list. I’d love to be able to travel even a fraction of what you have. So far I’ve only made it to Ireland.
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That puts you ahead of ME, Jeanne! I’ve never been out of the
U. S., except when we spent 6 months in Alaska, before it became a state. (I was 12). I would LOVE to see Ireland and Scotland, especially, but I’ll try not to be envious of you and Rosie! 😀
Thanks so much for stopping by today and taking a moment to comment. Hope you have a wonderful rest of the week! 😀 ❤
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I enjoyed reading about Rosie. I’ve always fancied a motor home but the other half isn’t keen to put it mildly. Perhaps one of these days the dog and I will go off on an adventure 😉
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Dogs are pretty good company. Maybe you’re on to something, Cathy! 😀 I’m more of a homebody, though I do enjoy shortish excursions here and there. But I do think Rosie’s method of seeing the world is pretty clever.
Thanks so much for dropping by today, and taking a moment to share your thoughts. Here’s to a great rest of the week, too! 😀 ❤
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Better company and more obedient, most of the time 😂 😉 Have a lovely rest of the week, Marcia 💕
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😂😂😂
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What a great way to see the world! My husband’s friend does this as well and recently I’ve been talking to my oldest son about the possibilities of him seeing the world and introducing his music at the same time. It could be a win win situation. He has the “house on wheels” so step one is complete.
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Glad you enjoyed this post, Wendy, and I hope your son is giving this idea some serious consideration. It could be just the ticket for many of us, I suspect, though I’ve reached the point where I’m fine staying home and just doing afternoon excursions here and there.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to share your thoughts, and here’s to a great rest of the week! 😀 ❤
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I enjoyed reading your “Ten Things,” Rosie. Being a house sitter in different countries sounds appealing, but what is your daily life like? I suppose I’d have to read your books to find out! Thanks, Marcia, for featuring Rosie.
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Reading Rosie’s book would probably be pretty enlightening, Nancy. (Be sure to let us know what you think, if you do.) In the meantime, thanks so much for stopping by today, and I hope Rosie will be able to join us at some point. Have a great rest of the week! 😀 ❤
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Hi Nancy, well I guess life can be pretty routine sometimes when we are house sitting. Cooking, cleaning and walking the pets etc. The best thing is that we are always in a different location and have new neighbourhoods to explore. Sometimes the most amazing houses to live in. I hope you enjoy my books. My new book is at the publishers as we speak and is about our recent travels in the UK and Europe.
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That description of an “extended senior citizens gap year” is wonderful – and I love Point 10. I’m also interested in the technicalities of roaming now that we’re isolated by Brexit. Another great post, Marcia. Have a lovely week! ❤ ❤ ❤
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So glad you enjoyed this post, Trish, and hope Rosie is able to respond at some point so she can address your question. Thanks hugely for stopping by to share your thoughts, and here’s wishing you a lovely week right back! 😀 ❤
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Rosie is quite a traveler, and she clearly loves it. My favorite of her ten things was the last. What a great motto to live by. Thanks for sharing, Marcia, and for introducing me to Rosie and her book!
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You are very welcome, Diana. I’m glad you enjoyed Rosie’s post, and I agree with that last one, too. (Well, except for the fact that I’m also a compulsive collector of “things,” too. 🙄Everything from Wizard of Oz, Santa Claus, cats, and dachshund figurines, to hundreds of books, photos, and more. Doh!) Oh, well … her advice makes sense, if only I’d started listening to it years ago! 😂
Thanks for stopping by today, and here’s wishing you a wonderful rest of the week!
😀 ❤
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Ha! I’m in the middle of cleaning out my parent’s storage unit. It’s hard to get rid of things that are so meaningful. Enjoy your things and you experiences. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. 🙂
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🤗❤️🤗
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Rosie sounds like a fascinating person. I have house-sat before, but never outside of my own town. Rosie is adventurous!
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That’s for sure, Vera. I’ve never even thought of using that as a more affordable way to see the world. Good for her!
Thanks for stopping by today, and hope you have a wonderful rest of the week!
😀 ❤
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Thank you Vera. It just takes one big step out the door to make it all happen. Its a good life and we have met some amazing people along the way.
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Rosie has quite a fascinating background. And I think house sitting (especially in other towns and countries), would be an amazing experience!
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I think you’re probably right, Mae. Sure sounds like a great way to see the world at an affordable price. Glad you enjoyed her post, and thanks so much for taking the time to let us know. Have a super rest of the week!! 😀 ❤
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You, too! 💕 🤗
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Wow! What an amazing history, Rosie has. I am envious of all the travel AND the housesitting. I can only imagine. Thanks for sharing, Marcia and congrats to Rosie on the spotlight!
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A pleasure to share our dream with you. Book number three is awaiting publication.
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Glad you enjoyed Rosie’s post, Jan, and thanks so much for taking a few moments to let us know. Have a super rest of the week! 😀 ❤
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Hello. Thank you for taking the time to read this post today. House sitting may not be everyone’s choice, but it is a lot of fun and a great way to travel and stay long term in many places around the world. It has been my pleasure to share my stories with you. Wishing you well on your journey. Rosie
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Wow! Great to “meet” you! What an amazing way to live. Thanks so much for sharing.
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I agree, Sue, and I’m so glad you enjoyed Rosie’s post. Thanks for stopping by to let us know, and here’s to a great day ahead! 😀 ❤
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Wow. Rosie’s 10 ‘things! I love them. How does one even know how to find these people who need to have a house sitter? No pay is understood.
And she and her husband (I assume) travel. Amazing. Thanks for sharing. Blessing you two. Xoxo
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Hi Selma, thanks for your comment. There are numerous websites out there for house sitting. It takes a bit of organising but nothing is impossible.
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Glad you enjoyed Rosie’s post, Selma. It’s a way of life I never even thought of before, and pretty interesting, for sure. Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a moment to share your thoughts! 😀 ❤
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My pleasure. I learned something I didn’t know I didn’t know. 👏🏽
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😂😂😂
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Nice to meet you, Rosie! As a fellow house and pet sitter (before we adopted our most recent dog four years ago), your books sound very interesting!
My husband and I house and pet sat pretty much full-time for four years in between adventures. The last two of those years (in the US), we bridged the gaps in a camper van.
I love travel as well. It’s pretty much all I do and have done for twenty years. We are currently in Peru with our dog and camper. 🙂
I have one question for you: what is a Defence wife?
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Glad you enjoyed Rosie’s post, Liesbet, and I hope she’s able to respond to your question. I have no idea what a “Defence wife” is, either. It’s fun meeting those of you who have chosen a life on the road, and I’m glad you stopped by to share your thoughts. 😀 ❤
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Hi Leisbet, thank you for reading my blog. My husband Victor was in the RAAF (Royal Australian AirForce) for twenty seven years, so hence I became a Defence wife when we married. We had many postings within Australia and overseas to Malaysia and the Solomon Islands. It was a good life. I have gypsy feet so don’t mind moving on every two to three years. Hope you are enjoying life in Peru. Would love to hear more. We are considering a few months in Costa Rica towards the end of next year.
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I love traveling and have never thought of house sitting. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing Rosie’s top ten things with us, Marcia!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
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You’re very welcome, Yvette. (Be sure to let us know if you try out housesitting one day!)
Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to share your thoughts! 😀 ❤
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What a fascinating person!
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Glad you enjoyed Rosie’s post, Rae, and thanks so much for taking a few moments to let us know. Have a great week! 😀 ❤
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You too. Have a great long weekend!
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