scarfing maddness

BH&G May 2006 SCARF

In the May 2006 copy of Better Homes and Gardens, I came across this scarf, it said it was for beginners and looked pretty impressive, I was inspired. My relatively recent trip to Albury and surrounds, Beechworth to be exact, and The Ardant Alpaca was the final motivation. They had the balls of 4ply Alpaca and it was soooo soft, and the shop so inspirational, the scarf felt all but done....

A review of the archives puts the purchase of the wool towards the end of May, so the production of the scarf has been approximately 8 weeks. 6 weeks was a fairly solid effort with a couple of weeks away from this project due to my grandmother being in hospital. The scarf is actually for my grandmother for her birthday which is in a couple of weeks, and given she has been so sick I was beginning to wonder if I would have the opportunity to give it to her. Now that she is on the mend though I was remotivated, and ta da!

scarf model

enough already

The scarf is finished, complete with embellishments. It is not quite like the one in the magazine, it is longer, and has a few mistakes. The mistakes bother me a bit but the pattern wasn't as easy as I expected a beginner patter to be. If I lost concentration I couldn't remember what order of passing over, slipping stiches, forwarding and goodness what else was required for the end product to look like lace. There was many an expletive made, family disharmony, throwing down of knitting needles, and unravelling that took place before we even finished the first ball of wool. So much so that the first ball required B's assistance to unroll and reroll so that I could start from the other end, as the wool had become fuzzy. But if I do say so about myself, I am determined/pig headed, although when it came to picking up the needles this last week to finish the scarf, I once again stuffed up the pattern and rather than persist, as the scarf was longer than the patterns prescribed length, undid the stitches slowly the couple of rows I had just done and immediately cast off. So pleased with the finished product, I have decided to have a go at this one, from Notebook.

patons scarf Notebook Magazine August issue

I really like the colour of the wool, however, Spotlight didn't have that colour and as I couldn't be bothered in trawling the stores, I have this wool instead.

next project

cultural exchange update

our guests shopping list goes something like this: opals, pearls, lanolin, leather belt, and must be australian made. Opals no problem. Pearls, well the pearls they want them cheap and cheap pearls they come from China. Lanolin, seems to be made in the UK, although a trip to Westfield and a tourist shop and we finally sorted that one. Leather belts, the tip is the Myer, Reserve brand, otherwise its the Aussie favourite Made in China.

Their tourist must sees, the harbour bridge & sydney opera house being the hottest spots, followed by the QVB, darling harbour, art gallery, Hyde Park, Bondi Beach, and Royal Botanic Gardens.

Their expanding vocabulary: brussel sprouts, zucchini, spaghetti, bloody hell, chinese laundry, hairdryer, powerboard, blah blah blah,

Our expanding vocabulary: Way, ne home r = Hello, how are you. Doaye = Yes. Boo = No. Jol sun = goodmorning. Sek Fan = dinner is ready. Zoo sian = thank you. The Disclaimer being that I have spelt "phonetically" and even still much laughter ensues pronunciation.

chinese laundry

we have had a fair bit of rain of late. In fact pretty much from the day Linda and Celia arrived it has been raining. So, with clean clothes running out the girls requested to do some washing. No problem, or so I thought. With jokes being made about how the house would look like a chinese laundry, I set about explaining to Celia how to use the washing machine, although it would not be a good idea to wash her woollen jumper in it. So far so good, the clothes got washing machined and hung out on the clothes horse in front of the heater, and the jumpers handwashed... all was going well in the Chinese Laundry.

Until, mid phonecall to the chemist to find out whether they had Lanolin, Australian made of course (which they didn't), I heard a yelp from the loungeroom.

Apparently, whilst I was getting the number for the chemist, Celia had asked about rinsing her jumper and B had told her that it could be put in the washing machine on the rinse cycle (such a male suggestion). So into the washing machine went the two jumpers, however our washing machine drains to the basin and the plug was not removed following the handwashing process. You can see where this was heading, we had a flooded laundry, and of course our laundry doesn't have a floor drain, so..... a dozen towels later the problem was under control. That is until a guilty B, decided that washing the towels might be a good idea. Let me remind you it is wet here, I don't like the clothesdryer - for environmental reasons, and it is now 10pm at night. I was not aware of the towel washing decision, until you guessed it the water was flowing into the loungeroom, someone (uhm one of our guests) had left a sponge in the sink, which had a plug effect and we were going for a repeat of the earlier flooding. More towels were required ....our place really does look like a Chinese Laundry.

spaghetti bolognaise with chopsticks

The first night of Linda and Celia's stay we had lamb chops, B thought that would be a fitting Australian dinner, it wasn't. Knives and forks were a problem, and the flavour possibly to rich/fatty, although they liked the mashed potato. Each dish from then on has been a hit, chicken pasta, beef terryaki, and the biggest hit of all spaghetti bolognaise. But, how do you eat spaghetti bolognaise? with chopsticks of course when Linda and Celia visit.

spaghetti chopsticks

kangaroo pause

our visitors suffer very badly from motion sickness, and boy didn't we find out exactly how bad. Linda and Celia inform us that they do not often ride in cars, instead they get about by bicycle. So, although it seemed like a good idea to take a drive to the Blue Mountains, about an hour from our place by car, we were beginning to rethink this when it took about two hours with the pauses required to settle stomachs, and the drive required the windows to be down. It is winter here! and oh the ears from the wind rushing in. The smiles made up for it though when we met up with this fellow,

kangaroo pausing

not quite as good as a kangaroo with its joey. But a kangaroo in its natural environment certainly impressed the girls. We had to remind them though that although they look quite friendly they can scratch and pack a mean punch, so anything closer than 2m distance was taking a real risk.

We didn't spend too long at Euroka as there were only a couple of Kangaroos. In the past when we have visited there has been a large mob. I am guessing the campers probably had something to do with this and of course that we had some international visitors to impress.

The views from Mt Portal and Tunnel View Lookout were a hit with the girls as was the pause at Glenbrook Nursery for a look at some Australian Natives, in particular the Kangaroo Paws.

Kangaroo paws

an afternoon of surprises

when we got home from work today, we had this from an american angel, thank you heels!

gifts from the USA

And this was taking place in our kitchen.

asian cuisine

We were treated to an authentic chinese dinner, and it was delicious.

how to boil an egg

our guests like breakfast to go. That is they like a boiled egg they can take with them to eat when they get to university. Now this has presented me with a dilema - how do you boil an egg? You see I like my eggs well done so am happy to let it boil away till the pot is almost dry, whereas B likes his runny so it is in and out of the pot for him. B's however, is not a good way for an egg to go. Sooooooo, for an egg to go (ie not runny) would you boil the water and drop the egg into the boiling water or would you put the egg in cold water and bring to the boil? and how long do you boil????

And you can stop rolling your eyes, because even the experts have difficulty coming to a consensus on cracking the formula on boiling eggs.

And then there was this.

Thank goodness for Burkes Backyard the authority of everything and anything who had this to offer "If you’re boiling eggs for a salad and you want the yolks in the centre of the white, stir the eggs as they come to the boil. For perfect boiled eggs, bring the eggs to the boil from a cold water start. As soon as the water simmers tip out the hot water, and cover with cold water to stop the cooking."

Phew, now I can relax and enjoy 'the food palate'. Although it didn't have how to boil an egg it does look like it could be an interesting read. I especially like the sound of the malt milk muffins.

The Asian invasion...

Well, yesterday our 'Asian Invasion' visitors arrived, albeit exhausted!
L was lucky enough to get the day and arrived at the "pick up point" as advertised in the paperwork we were given when the minders arrived last Friday evening for the inspection.
We have 琳达 (Linda) and Celia (Celia*). L said that they were feeling quite ill after their flights from Beijing to Sydney via Soul. So after an afternoon nap they felt quite a deal better.
When L came to the station to pick me up after work (bloody car still not fixed...), we had our introductions and located their city Tianjin on google maps (just zoom in or out using the tool on the left side).
L and I then went to do some shopping and when we got back, I cooked some dinner, watched some TV before going to bed around 10pm. In my usual midnight walks to stretch out my back (not to mention have a glass of milk and raid the cookie jar) I noticed that they were still awake as the light was shining through underneath the door, but when I went back to bed, it had gone out... But, as they needed to be at UTS at 7.40 this morning, the 5.30 alarm went off too early I thought, but the alarm clock that we used in their bedroom (my PDA) didn't go off resulting in a knock on the door and a very rushed morning.
And to top it all off this morning on the train in (bloody car...) the train, whilst not very many people on it, had to have the last carriage emptied as there was a window missing which made us then go into a very cramped carriage. We arrived with 10 mins to spare!

We will keep you posted as to how things progress, but we are also off to Euroka Clearing in the Glenbrook National Park to see some kangaroos, and to see the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and maybe even up the Centrepoint Tower to see the city from above this weekend.

* Celia translated via Babel Fish is just Celia

how to have an outstanding life

Last weekend I started reading a book by sports psychologist Paul Smith 'How to have an outstanding life'. It is an easy read and quite informally written. I won this book a few weeks back through a lucky door prize at a seminar for women who are aspiring to senior management. It was a fantastic seminar, and I was able to participate in a workshop facilitated by the author Paul Smith. When I attended the seminar, I was already feeling a little low, and the seminar really picked me up however, the last couple of weeks*.....

Well, I didn't want to hang around the base of the mountain I felt required climbing, so the book has come out, and given that B has been depressed due to his back (good pair that we are at the moment) I have been reading it to him, and we have been discussing it together. Whilst B was a bit resistant to this, the anecdotes and thinking exercises have certainly got the dialogue going, and I think I am going to look out for a more in depth workshop to attend in the future.

The message so far from the book is positive thinking, and really I do have an outstanding life already, the weekend really reminded me of that; great friends, thank you to A, B & C you really cheered me up; the next sister down; favourite (and only) brother; and of course my B.

And on another positive note I am at home today waiting for some house guests, more on that next time.

* My nan has really picked up and is now at home

meet the neighbours III

Our neighbours kitchen window

Lynette and Denis are our immediate neighbours to the left (if you are facing our house that is). They are a retired couple with grown children, reminding me a lot of my parents, actually.

When we first moved in they introduced themselves to us with a letter about their children and their childrens partners, a photo of the family, and contact numbers. It was really lovely, and made us feel instantly welcome in our new street.

Last week, Tuesday night to be exact, we were the recipients of their neighbourliness, by way of a sample of Lynette's baking. It was on our doorstep when I got back from dropping B in Parramatta that evening. At first I was a bit suspicious of the warm, foil wrapped package, with no note. Lynette, however had left a message on the answer machine which explained that she had done some baking and that it hadn't gone unnoticed that we had been mowing the nature strip out the front of their place, and this was their way of saying thank you. It should be noted here that Denis also gives our nature strip a mow when he does the lawns, so that the home baked sultana poundcake was quite unneccessary, although greatly appreciated. And given the week I was having was a truly priceless gesture, that I shall repay with ..thinking.... a bag of lemons, because we all know I can't cook.

how time flys

and I haven't been having fun. I was not going to post any of this but my mum gave me some advice this morning and I am going to give it a go. The suggestion was that I write down what is bothering me in a notebook, and not worry about it for a week or so, refer back to it in a couple of weeks, and if the same things are still bothering me then worry.

I am sure she didn't mean for it to be done here, but here goes. Work, has really been stressing me out, This has been on top of a lot of other things that have been going on; my grandmother has been quite sick, she is 87, and went into hospital a week and a half ago to have her gall bladder removed. This was very traumatic for her (and the family) she became anemic and required a blood transfusion, ended up in the cardiac ward, and suffered a collapse of the lung. It didn't seem good. At the same time my dad is having heart troubles and a procedure he had early in the month was not successful which was really disappointing, and again the uncertainty has plagued me, and all of this has been on top of B's back, which has given him six years of pain, loss of mobility, uncertainty as to whether his work would keep him on, or not, and the constant joy (not) of having to deal with insurers (because this was a workplace injury) for approval to receive treatments and reimbursement of costs. I think this has caused me to get into the habit of worrying about things that might not happen. I have become anxious and depressed, well at least very fragile and teary. Things have definitely got on top of me.

There! Let's see if there is no more worrying.

The naturopath has also suggested Executive Stress B and Withania (something like St Johns Wort).

Funnily enough having put it down 'on paper', why wouldn't I be feeling a bit low. A happier me next time. News this morning from mum was that my Nan was on the mend, and looked really good, yesterday. I think a visit to the hospital tonight to see for myself might also help.

always look on the bright side*

Leunig cartoon, from SMH Leunig 2006 calendar for July
yesterday we celebrated mum's 64th birthday, it is not her birthday till later in the week, but nan is going to hospital on Wednesday to have her gall bladder out and she didn't want to miss out, so this weekend it was to be. B and I were the hosts for the celebrations, and commenced preparations Friday night, with shopping, cleaning, and preping of the food. The main course was African Chicken, I haven't made this for a few years and it took me a few hours on Thursday night to find the recipe, I am going to scan the scrap of paper with the recipe on it into the computer, this might also prompt B to resurrect the recipe page that was linked to the now no longer website. Although, you are meant to marinade for an hour, I marinaded over night, it has about a dozen spices which takes ages to chop, measure out and mix.

cake
I also made the birthday cake, which was almost a burntoffering although once decorated (after scraping off the black bits) you couldn't tell, that is until it came time to cut (it was a bit dry). Thank goodness nan had made jelly (with cherries in it) and pineapple delight (a marshmellow, pineapple and cream concoction that is just delicious), along with the lemon butter I had made to join the cakes together they provided enough moisture to assist with swallowing.

It was a great day, the weather was perfect, the only dampner being that dad had received news that his irregular heartbeat had returned, Tuesday's procedure hadn't worked. Mum was a bit fragile as a result, it was a good job the family could be together to support one another.

mum opening her pressies
Thank you Leunig for your advice.

It has also helped that the gas heater got connected today, thank you to the plumber who was here from 8am to 4pm, it was a big job.

*heading care of Leunig

growing pains

Yesterday was a long and unsettling day that is thankfully over. I had the day off work to take my dad to hospital for cardioversion, some sort of treatment on the heart to regulate the beat. It was only a day procedure but it was a long day, as I had to be up early to trek halfway across town to drop B at work and then pick up my parents and take them to the hospital (my mum doesn’t drive and dad would be unable to drive after the procedure). Mum and I settled dad into hospital at 9am, and then the day consisted of occupying mum so she wouldn’t worry too much until we could collect dad at the end of the day, which ended up around 7pm.

I hadn't anticipated doing anything other than staying at the hospital keeping dad (and mum) company and trying to keep dad's mind off the procedure, but dad in true form didn't want us to think he was worried, and for us to worry, so insisted mum and I go out for coffee and some shopping.

Dad: "Take your mum and do some shopping, I'll be right, enjoy yourselves, and I"ll see you later".

Shopping...Enjoy ourselves?? I had brought my knitting, and a book, I wasn't planning on going anywhere. Mum and I went to Balmain, wandered about the shops, had coffee/lunch, then went to Rozelle where we wandered about the shops, had coffee and then went home to wait for news from the hospital.

I am feeling the roles are realigning, my parents still do so much to help/support us, but they also seem more vulnerable at the moment. So far so good though the procedure seems to have been successful.

sugar overloaded

Whilst the helicopters circled overhead attempting to get a glimpse of the celebrations on the hill, we celebrated my grandfathers 91st birthday.

birthday boy and his sweetheart

It was a small and intimate gathering of family over afternoon tea. And as you can see we well and truly induldged our sweettooth.

birthday treats

Inspired

At the moment I need all the inspiration I can get (with B doing a hospital program for the next month and the dramas with his car). So it was great to make the annual pilgrimage to the Craft and Quilt Fair at the Sydney Exhibition Centre with my mum. I think this was one of the best ones I have attended so far. Financial constraints ment a great deal of discipline was exercised and practice in the art of window shopping, and a great many business cards/flyers gathered for future reference.

Here is my list and links:

• artweave mini kits
• Living Stitches more great designs in tapestry
• Amitie Textiles ~ fabrics, patchwork and quilting, this store is located in Bentleigh, VIC and has been pencilled in for when I am next in Melbourne, they are aparently on the train line. They also have a blog.
• And my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE was Prints Charming ~ a Sydney based store, everything else seemed to be from interstate. Great handpainted on cotton fabrics and quilt kits. I just loved it.
• The Thread Studio for wool felt in great colours. I am sure they had other great stuff but that's what I was most interested in.
• Kaalund Yarns ~ exotic silks, wools & mohairs for embroiderers, knitters and weavers
• Dragonfly Blue Imports online bead shop
• Etelage jewellery kits
• Frances Ergen Designs ~ mum bought me a delicious limey yellow wool and silk pashmina from Frances, and as she doesn't have a website I will have to visit her at the Stitches and Craft Show at Rosehill Racecourse in August. I would love one of her Indian embroidered sundresses.
• Amiegems more beads
• Bendigo Woollen Mills ~ I don't know why these guys don't have a website, they offer a great mailorder service and it must cost them a fortune to supply their shade cards.
• And an old favourite Patchwork on Central Park from whom I got this small pack of fabric to use with a bundle of chenille pieces sourced by B.

fabric pack

I also got this wonderful piece of chenille from Sarah London who told me they will have a website soon.

chenille

And this bead, I just liked it although I am not sure what I will do with it.

bead

what a day...

Well, today we went to Goulburn! Why?
Have a look at what we got on eBay!
We were planning to leave at the Sparrows fart (early in case you were wondering), but alas, when the F.I.L and the M.I.L arrived, we just had to have scones with Chocolate Orange jam with a cuppa tea... And we finally got off around 10am.
We finally got down there to two of the loveliest people in Goulburn. They even offered to have us drop in for a cuppa if were in town again!
Anyway, loaded up and on our way, we headed for Berrima, a quaint little town in the Southern Highlands of NSW. We had lunch, check out a couple of antique shops etc etc and got home quite late, later than what was planned. L and the F.I.L unloaded what was almost quite a heavy load into the garage. All we have to do now is to source some timber posts for the corners, timber for the roof and then some roof sheeting... oh eBay, do you have all of these too??

bloody cars (suzuki's anyway)!

What goes tap tap tap KNOCK?
Well, it is either the bearings on one of the quad cams, or one of the bearings on the crank shaft, right?
Well, that is what I believe has gone in my lil car. I mean, it has done 262,000klms, but hey, WHY NOW? You see, we had just lined up to get a security system, and I was on my way to do a 'Mystery Shop' when it started. As it was, on was on a call to 'L', and I heard this incredible noise, and I had to wait to call 'L' back...
After about 10 mins of self diagnossis, I called 'L' back to tell her my (suspected) bad news. Needless to say, I was over in Menai, and I had to limp the old girl back home... About 20 odd klms! By the time I got home, it sounded like a cross breed diesel/VW!
Anyways, after a couple of phone calls, I was now armed with 3 quotes, $2,200 for a motor that will be taken out of a wreck (2.5L instead of the current 2.0L, and out of a 2003-2005 Suzuki); Another motor out of another wreck for $3,000, or a rebuild for $8,995! Needless to say, I am going for the $2,200 model.
We will keep you posted as to how it all goes, but I am glad that I am currently going to hospital so I will not really need it anyway.

iris and hazel

I am lucky enough to have a job that enables me to have the occassional flexi day. I tend to take these on a Friday and spend the day with my mum. Flexi Friday this time saw us visit Eden Gardens, for their new Farmers Market, then cross the Harbour Bridge to Observatory Hill for the Encounters of Country: Landscapes of Ray Crooke exhibition and lunch, and then onto Paddington to take a look at Iris and Hazel as recommended by Douglas and Hope in Melbourne. Disappointingly they didn't carry much Douglas and Hope merchandise, however they did have some great things, all be it very expensive. Because they don't have a website, here are some photos to tempt.

iris and hazel, Paddington St. Paddington

window front

knitted giraffe

knitted toys

knitted toy

embroidered cushion

Douglas and Hope cushion (the round one)

Iris and Hazel tiles

Paddington St

any further bids

Not from me… but my dad on the other hand. What started out as a visit with mum and dad on Saturday ended with a trailer full of items on Sunday.

Saturday, B and I popped over to my parents place in the afternoon for a cup of tea and a chat, as well as to take a sticky at an open house across the road from my family home. However, a few delays and distractions on the way from our place to their place meant that we missed the actual open house. Not to worry, as Mum had Plan B, which was to view house contents to be auctioned the next day in Northbridge. This would also be a trip down memory lane of sorts, the house and its contents being in the same street that my dad grew up in and I remember spending many a happy hour with my ‘grandmother’ (she didn’t like to be called that) until she passed away in the late 80’s. So mum, dad, B and I took off, and what started out as hanging out together and mere curious exploration with a bit of window shopping thrown in, led to the purchase of a catalogue and arrangements for meeting the next day.

B and I had our budget, and a few items picked out - a victorian footstool (thought I might embroider a new top for it), 26 piece set of continental cherub cups, saucers, side plates and 2 cake serving plates, a pair of leadlight doors, and washstand. All items I could live without if I didn't get them, and technically I didn't, as I pulled out a couple when my limit was reached, however, Dad decided I was having the washstand and B (who really wanted the doors) was having the doors. Mum and Dad who didn't really want anything ended up with at least half a dozen other bits and pieces including a hinged cedar dining table, sterling silver frame, granite tabletop, and golfclubs.

It was a lot of fun.

Albury bound links and photos uploaded

cute-rugs

I draw your attention to the second post down. It has been something of a mamoth effort - loading photos and establishing links.

off to hospital... again

Well, dear readers, listeners and others!

After yet another night of NO SLEEP, I am again off to hospital with my dodgy back this morning. It is not that bad this time, I will be in at around 10, and out again around 2pm. I just hope that I can stay awake long enough for it!!!

L has had a bad cold all of this week, and for her not having to do a presentation at work on Wednesday night, she should have been off work this week. So all is well in this house, or at least Macc (asleep either on my side of the bed, or hopefully on his), and Jasmine (definitely on my side for I keep the electric blanket on overnight). But they are off this afternoon to the vet for the annual shots!

Cheers

B

albury bound

In the blink of an eye B, mum and I have been to Albury for a week. Whilst B was conferencing, mum and I made day trips taking in Beechworth, Uranquinty, Wagga Wagga, Walbundrie, as well as having a day in Melbourne.

Here is a link to the pictorial.

There were however so many other sites and things that I didn't get photos of so I have attempted to remember them all here starting with.

The best bakery is at Uranquinty.. so good in fact that mum and I had morning tea there (I have been before and felt that she needed to experience it for herself), we then returned for a very, very late lunch, and then felt compelled to buy a sample of their cakes and a loaf of bread to enjoy over the next couple of days.

The Wagga Iron Foundry, just fascinating, they are able to recreate any cast iron item. Verandah posts, chairs, tables, you just name it. I was a after a price for flat decorative verandah posts.

The Ardent Alpaca in Beechworth, I loved this store, I bought the softest baby alpaca yarn which I am knitting into a lace type pattern scarf. The pattern is from either this or last months Better Homes and Gardens. A picture will surely be uploaded when it is finished. I will be so proud of myself if I actually finish it.

Divine Linen, also in Beechworth.

Mad About You - I didn't actually view any of their stuff apart from a cute little catalogue I picked up in a coffee shop in Albury. But you never know when it might come in handy, and some of their things were adorable. I can't share it with you now though as they don't have a webpage. Very strange when they rely on direct sales. Oh well. For a catalogue Tel. +61 2 60565911 or email madaboutyou@hotkey.net.au

Zakkaya, Fitzroy, Victoria, "contemporary Japanese goods for your life". Just cute stuff, really really cute.

And finally, La Parisienne Pates, Lygon St Carlton, Victoria. Yummy, Yummy stuff here, we had the best pate for dinner that night, and rabbit and prune pies to die for. No web link but I will be going back for supplies next time I am in Vic.

my favourite shops

I have been braving the cold of Melbourne this week attending first a workshop and then a conference which has ment that I have had the briefest of moments to indulge in shopping. My most favourite shop is Douglas and Hope, they have a shop in Melbourne CBD and one on Brunswick St. I purchased a brass hook with a porcelain rose on it for the bathroom, and a tea towel which I am going to sew into a quilt. I just had to buy something from here.

douglas and hope
Other favourites are 'A jewellery store named Desire' again there is one of these stores on Brunswick St and one in Melbourne CBD in the Melbourne GPO building. I bought an Ayala Bar bangle from here. I spotted it on my first day and couldn't stop thinking about it so bought it before leaving for the airport home.

a jewellery store named desire
And of course Haigh's chocolates, I believe we now have one of these in Sydney, but I still associate this store with a trip to Melbourne.

haighs chocolates

And one of my favourite places for dinner is The Quarter, located in this laneway beside the hotel.

favourite eating

everyone, meet percy

adopt your own virtual pet!

please feed me...

special day

happy birthday to the littlest sister, and happy christening Breanna.

christening-cake

Can't be

B and I have been working very hard; long hours, uni work, housework, family commitments, all sorts of stuff. I am telling you this because I am way overdue for a holiday, in fact if you add in long-service leave I could have the next 6 months off work on full pay (there's a thought...), I am very tired, and this means that I have the occasional blonde moment..... like this one, which has actually been more than a moment...

One of my favourite artists is Rebecca Cool, who is based in WA, I occasionally do a web search to see if there might be any exhibitions in Sydney, and about 12 months ago I discovered that Rebecca Cool was a feature artist of the Canterbury Art Exhibition. Since that time I have been checking to see if / when their next exhibition will be and if Rebecca Cool will be a feature artist. My constant checking was rewarded a few weeks back and so B and I decided that attending opening night complete with champagne and nibblies would be fun. That is, until B checked the details on the web, you know exact address, time, cost.... it was Canterbury VIC, not Canterbury NSW.

romantic dining

lean cuisine style. We don't often use our dining room and with a week in Melbourne coming up B decided it would be nice to suprise me with a 'romantic' dinner - candles, rose petals scattered on the table, wine glasses. It looked like this...

romantic-dining

This fine dining experience was completed with our choice of lean cuisine and cordial, a glass of wine would have seen me fall asleep at the table. Anyway, it's the thought that counts.

check your ethics

Recently, B came under attack for questioning the ethics of the actions of a colleague on a committee for which he is a member. The scenario went something like this:

A committee member distributed an email she had come across within her place of employment to all committee members. The email was titled “strictly confidential” and detailed a request that was made to the organisation she works for that was refused. It was a useless piece of nothing really, unrelated to the business of the committee except to provide a tasty bit of gossip that might give some members of the committee a sense of self-righteous satisfaction.

The author of the email request (made of organisation for which the committee member works) is viewed as being a source of irritation to the committee in that she represents a body that has a similar goal to that of the committee and seems more successful in accessing funds, and doing what she does.

Upon receipt of the email B commented that he didn’t believe it was ethical for the committee to be participating in the distribution of emails obtained from their places of work and therefore not intended for them.

The committee member went off the deepend at her actions being questioned and resigned. This in turn led to a flurry of emails including B, asking the said committee member to reconsider, and a right bollocking from the President of the committee who came down on B for his ‘tactless’ email, and while she was at it thought she’d have a go about anything and everything where B was concerned.

Whoa, and what were the good intentions of this group, I forget…..

In an attempt to get things back on track, B apologised to the committee member, although what he was apologising for I still don’t know – the committee member who distributed the email did the wrong thing. Would her employers have given their blessing that an email sent to them had been forwarded to a committee that has no business in their business? Would the person who sent the email request feel indignant that her email request and response had been distributed to sources not intended by her? I betcha!

And does it make any difference even if they are unlikely to find out?

I have this for the committee member* and President…..

Check YOUR ethics

§ Does the decision violate any of my values?
§ Would I feel embarrassed if my decision became a newspaper headline?
§ Would I feel comfortable describing my actions or decisions to a client? Fund Provider? Employer? my family?
§ Is the dignity and liberty of others being maintained by my decision? Are their opportunities increased or decreased?
§ Are the rights, welfare and betterment of those without power being considered? Is the decision being made on genuine merit-based criteria?
§ Do I hope that others will treat me in the same way?
§ Is the possibility of personal gain clouding my judgement?
§ Would those unfavourably affected by this decision accept the fairness of the way the decision was made?

* the committee member retracted her resignation, and accepted B's apology very mean spiritedly suggesting that B give up his ‘occupation of the morale high ground’, secretly I think she was enjoying the drama.

old but new

mum and dad visited today bearing gifts, an enormous shabby chic rug and a linen cupboard. Treasures from their garage. The rug is gorgeous although a bit odouriferous at the present time, due to the napthalene that it has been preserved in . The rug has been in the garage for at least 15 years, apparently it was used on the floor of the marquee for my 21st birthday, so it has done well not to be eaten by the moths. Yay for napthalene.

The rug was intended for our bedroom but was too big at 10 foot x 13 foot. I can't say I am too disappointed though as it is a perfect fit in the lounge room, size and colour wise, and will bring some warmth this winter against the tiles.

new but old rug

closeup

And even though I love the look of the floorboards the search for a rug for the bedroom continues.

You little thief!!

We might have to teach Macc to do this...

five days straight

I have managed a five day weekend, which commenced last Friday and ends today. Whilst it was for no reason in particular,it has ment that I have been able to get a few things done around the house including finishing laying the brick path to the shed, mowing the lawns, a trip to a couple of nurseries, a trip to Bunnings, getting the car washed, planting seeds and plants, baking biscuits and bread, and doing some housework.

I have also managed to do some more of a cross-stitch that has been hanging about for a year (?).

Oh and I have watched a stack of DVD's including:-
~ the first series of 'Love my Way' which was great although episodes 4 and 5 brought with it about 3 hours of crying from me,
~ 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose' B's choice and its not bad,
~ 'Bewitched' minus 5 stars. It was sooooo boring both B and I didn't recall exactily how much of the movie we saw as it put us to sleep (really) and neither wanted to try and watch it again,
~ 'Wolf Creek' also minus 5 stars, it was way to revolting and,
~ 'Prime' which was ok.

grey, gloomy .. study day...

With respect for the ANZAC's here are a few things to 'brighten up your day...

What Your Underwear Says About You

You buy the sexiest underwear you kind find, and always have something hot on underneath your clothes. You're not afraid to lay around resting your hand in your pants.

The Underwear Oracle

Your Job Dissatisfaction Level is 39%

Your job is not bad, but it's probably not a long term thing. You're just not happy enough to stick around for too long... And there's little that can change how you feel. Start looking around for other options, but only quit for something really good!

Should You Quit Your Job?

Your Monster Profile

Undead Worm You Feast On: Starbucks You Lurk Around In: Olive Gardens You Especially Like to Torment: Republicans

What's Your Monster Name?

People Envy Your Generosity

You're a giving soul, and you'd do almost anything for those you love. And they'd do anything for you! People may envy how giving you are, but more than anything, they envy those you open your heart to.

What Do People Envy About You?

and last but not least...

Your Hillbilly Name Is...

Clitus Beaver

Hillbilly Name Generator

Have fun trying these for your self!!!

meet the neighbours (part two)

Here we have part 2 in the long awaited story of our meeting the neighbours in the street...

'Postie Pete' (PP) as he is locally known, (also as the ...St chronicle, but Mrs Johnson up the road is more so that!!). He is ok, except to say that NOTHING gets past him! Not long after we moved in, I was up late (2.30am, but there's nothing new here...) upstairs where the PC is, and a couple of days later it was commented on that, "... the light had been on and I was wondering what you were doing..."

Anyway, today when we got home from the Royal Easter Show, some of the teenagers from across the road were coming out of a house further up the street. This, whilst at first seemed strange, was confirmed moments later when World War III broke out. We were still in the car! The teenagers from across the road whilst walking back down the street towards their house had stopped looked down the driveway of PP's new house and then started to throw tennis balls over the house! A couple of minutes later, eggs were being thrown, people were in other peoples property and phones were being thrown onto the road and broken into a million pieces!!!

Welcome to the street...

Postie Pete II

Easter Birthday

We were lucky enough to celebrate a birthday this easter - my first nephew turned 4!

Max's birthday cake

I'm not shy

What was even better was having almost everyone in town to celebrate.

the family

Happy birthday!!!

Ready to sing everybody??

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday, dear BBBBBBBB,
Happy birthday to youuuuuuu.

That was great everyone, I could hear you from here!!!

Ah yes, how old are you I hear you ask??
I am happy to say that I am 21 (with 17 years experience)!

meet the neighbours (part one)

suffering insomnia, I have been trawling through some of the photos on the computer when I came across this one....

meeting the neighbour!!

this reminded me of a series of blogs I had planned, which would profile some of our neighbours. So here goes, meet our neighbour over the back fence. I believe his name is Eddie, B introduced himself some time back when he retrieved our patio umbrella wnich ended up in his yard after a particulary windy evening. We don't really see or hear much from this neighbour, and I am ashamed to say that until wash day I was not sure who lived behind us, if anyone at all. From the washing line I have guessed that Eddie lives alone and is an older gentleman who is very orderly. He puts my washing line to shame - on my Hills Hoist you will find undies next to a tshirt or tea towel, next to a pillowcase, next to another set of undies, then a sock whose mate may still be in the wash hamper.....

New post's, just scroll down!!!

i am still up and it's 2.53am!!!

Can someone please give me a cure for insomnia, or at least a cure for the bad back that is giving me the insomnia!
You see, here is the problem I have been having (particularly) for the last couple of week. Of an evening, either with dinner or not to long after, I have my medications: 2 x 150grm Lyrica; 2 x Myrsyndol (??grm); and if it is REALLY BAD 1 x Oxycontin (??grm). I become somewhat tired and go to bed. Now this is where I just do NOT get it.
As soon as my head touches any one of the four pillows I have got, 3 for my head end and 1 for under my knees (romantic now isn't it. I mean a pillow under your knees doesn't get you much action...) I wake up! Now I hear you asking why he has a pillow under his knees. Well it is strategically placed. It is under my knees so as it puts my spine into a 'neutral' type of a position, thus more comfortable. More comfortable my ass, as I can't get to bloody sleep and I am forced to come out to the lounge room and sit on bloody eBay all night!!!!! (Or look at bloggs or even make a post in my blogg... how novel!).
Any ideas??

three birthdays in one day

it was a rather busy weekend...

Farmers markets in Camden on the Saturday, and catching up on February birthdays on Sunday, with some gardening on both days thrown in.

Sunday very plesantly started with a breakfast birthday celebration for Nat, we took her out to our favourite Sunday breakfast location Kafenio's in Cronulla. They make the best coffees although I always have a Chai Latte (also the best) and I also almost always have their special bread, Banana, Pear and Raspberry being my favourite. This time however, I had the special museli which was fantastic but too filling, it was a struggle to finish it, but too good to leave any. With breakfast in our bellies we had a look in a couple of shops, dropped Nat back at the place she is houseminding, and then it was on to the next birthday on the list for the day.

Happy belated birthday to Dad, we celebrated with him on his Birthday, 3 Feb, we just didn't have a pressie for him, he is sooooo hard to buy for. You aren't allowed to spend much money on him (his rule, otherwise he will take it back, get the money back, buy himself something else and present you with the change. He's done it, and don't ask me how he managed it without the receipt!!!). So a gift voucher for Bunnings and jar of gourmet chutney was the answer. Thanks mum for the suggestion.

And, finally, at the end of the day it was over to A's for someone very special's birthday, for a monumentous birthday, the first of the double digits, being one decade old. Happy Birthday, and best wishes for many more decades to come.

bathurst... what the???

What is it with Bathurst?
After taking several drugs to aleviate neessary back pain, we wait for 'A' to turn up... an hour late mind you!
We were supposed to leave at around 6.15am this morning, which ended up at 7.15 or there abouts!
We stopped 'up the hill' at McDonalds ?? for breakfast of their new toast. I had the Bananna and Date.
And then we were off to the Bathurst Growers Markets. We had a lovely drive, even though the drugs taken earlier this morning were not doing that much at all. But upon arrival at the Markets, we trudged around, brought ample amounts of Nectarines, Peaches, Squash and a mix of Granny Smith and Sundowner Apples. All of which were suitably taste tested prior to buying! We also got a couple of plants.
But, after the markets, we came across a very strange thing in Bathurst! What is it with naming shops with two of the same letter?

bernard's bakery

stolen engagement ring

some bastard stole my mum's engagement ring whilst my parents were staying with my brother and his family at their home in Bulimba, QLD. Actually, the bastard stole money, her keycard and other items of jewellery, but the engagement ring was the one that really causes the most grief. For what it is worth I am putting mum's drawing of her ring 'out there'.

Julies Ring

The items were stolen from my brothers home on Monday, 23 January around lunchtime from a downstairs bedroom whilst the family was upstairs having lunch. Mum had unfortunately taken off her ring because of the heat and put it with her other jewellery.

a very bad week for cats

this week we farewelled Mottie my 16year old moggie. Although this was sad, she died peacefully and at a ripe old age. Passing away quietly in the front yard of my parents house mid afternoon.

Mottie is fondly remembered as being the last kitten left at the RSPCA and almost not making it out of there alive, for she was a little bit too quick with the claws. This however, was soon forgotten and I put it down to being more a product of that environment; a bit scary for a tiny kitten. Better remembered for her support whilst many an hour was spent studying for my undergraduate degree and just being there, I hope you are chasing plenty of mices in pussy heaven.

Our thoughts go out to A, S, M and W for the passing of Wallace, truly the fluffiest feline that was. And thumbs down to Virgin baggage handlers for what can only be guessed was leaving him out on the tarmac for 90mins in 40 degree heat. You bastards.

And for Molly the cat even though we didn't know you, our thoughts go out to you, and your owners A's dad and L. Your fateful demise really did surmise that this was a VERY bad week for cats.

a donna hay day

my new years resolution may have been for more craft but I have had a constant calling for all things creative in the kitchen of late. This weekend saw the creation of split pea, barley, lentil and ham soup which was ready for consumption today, and at the same time the fruition of lemon cordial.

I have not made either before, the soup was the inspiration of the ham bone from Christmas and a packet of McKenzies Soup Mix that had been sitting in the pantry for quite some time that it was nearing its use by date. The soup was actually intended for Friday night's dinner however, I hadn't anticipated the lengthy soaking the soup mix required, which is why this became a weekend long creation. The end result was great though not quite the same as pea and ham which was also the original idea, I guess this was more like a minestrone. I also hadn't expected that we would have so much soup - we will be eating this all week. Before I attempt this again I will be purchasing some suitable tupperware for freezing leftover soup.

Our super productive lemon tree inspired the lemon cordial- we have had so many lemons, bagful after bagful in the last few weeks that we have been giving them away by the bagful to anyone who so much as glanced in the trees direction when they came for a visit. The lemon cordial was so easy to make and really delicious that I think it will become a burntofferings kitchen staple.

lemon cordial in the making

lemon cordial made

new years resolution

more crafting

Happy new year!!!

Our special friend P sent this, and we loved it so much we have borrowed it to wish you:

12 months of happiness

52 weeks of fun

365 days of success

8760 hours of good health

525600 mins of good luck, and

31536000 seconds of love.

Happy New Year everybody!!!