I had encountered the ladies of amitie at the Darling Harbour Quilt Show earlier this year and hoped then to get to their store on my next visit to Melbourne. I was pleased I managed it this time although I was not tempted to buy any of the fabrics. I am not very good at putting fabrics together and there wasn't much in the way of fabric packs already made up. I also didn't really have any projects in mind. Probably just as well, as I have about a dozen fabric packs from a previous trip to Melbourne and the Darling Harbour Craft Show a couple of years back, which I couldn't resist at the time but haven't got around to making up. I couldn't leave without a purchase though, so came away with a new pink rotary cutter (breast cancer fundraising edition), linen thread (it looked kind of vintage, I have no idea what I will use it for at this stage) and a bird door knocker, not what you expect to be purchasing from a quilt store but I couldn't resist. There was to be a real bird theme over the next couple of days. More on that in posts to follow.
08 November, 2006
visiting amitie
I had encountered the ladies of amitie at the Darling Harbour Quilt Show earlier this year and hoped then to get to their store on my next visit to Melbourne. I was pleased I managed it this time although I was not tempted to buy any of the fabrics. I am not very good at putting fabrics together and there wasn't much in the way of fabric packs already made up. I also didn't really have any projects in mind. Probably just as well, as I have about a dozen fabric packs from a previous trip to Melbourne and the Darling Harbour Craft Show a couple of years back, which I couldn't resist at the time but haven't got around to making up. I couldn't leave without a purchase though, so came away with a new pink rotary cutter (breast cancer fundraising edition), linen thread (it looked kind of vintage, I have no idea what I will use it for at this stage) and a bird door knocker, not what you expect to be purchasing from a quilt store but I couldn't resist. There was to be a real bird theme over the next couple of days. More on that in posts to follow.
07 November, 2006
husband flashes virgin
In the same way that he sent me off to Melbourne, he welcomed me back, although I am suprised he didn't attract the attention of the authorities, as he was unsure exactly which plane I was on and flashed more than one virgin.
The purpose for the flight to Melbourne last week was a work trip however, I did manage to get to a couple of my most favourite shops and also a new one. I will hopefully post some of the photos in the next few days, and if not then next week, as I will be on annual leave to study for my final exam.
02 November, 2006
Whilst you were sleeping...
Well 'L', whilst you were sleeping (lucky you), I am yet to get to sleep!
I have been unable to get off to sleep with L in Melb today until Fri. You see, I am off with my recurring bad back, and I am just not at all comfortable at the moment. And, this is compounded with no one to the right! Last night, we tried swapping sides of the bed, but somebody forgot to tell Jasmine the cat. At around 3.30am, she jumped up onto the bed (expecting to see L I think and was suitable horrified when it was me. After the licking (and why is it cats have rough tounge?) and then a bite or two, I gave her the heave hoe and off the bed you go.
So, since Sunday night, I think I have had the grand total of around 10 hours sleep!!
Best be off to (try) sleeping now...
31 October, 2006
change the world ~ no 26
for a while now I have been after this book. It used to be sold by the people who sell The Big Issue, but as I don't work in Sydney CBD I was not able to purchase it when it was first launched. I had actually given up on ever seeing it however, a trip to Borders last Tuesday, I came across it on display and naturally secured a copy.
It is a great little book, I read it from cover to cover before bed and was truly inspired, so much so that I had to have an (over the counter) sleeping tablet to switch my mind off. This was not such a great idea as I felt terrible the next day and when I finally got to work fate had provided me with the opportunity to get started on saving the world in action 26 'Give Blood'.
As a socially responsible corporate, my workplace organises a regular bus trip to the blood bank. I have not participated in the past, but there were a few unfilled seats and apparently Sydney was down to half a days supply, also I had committed to saving the world the night before, and fate had provided me this opportunity so how could I refuse. A few mental calculations, I had eaten breakfast, and could squeeze in a couple of glasses of water before 12.30 no problem.
In addition, No 26 stated
"The medical side-effects of giving blood.
- Slight Euphoria
- Puffed up chest
- Broad smile
One in three Australians will need blood in their lifetime, yet only one in thirty currently donates.
Who would have thought that something so easy to do could have such profound effects? Your one donation could help to save up to three people's lives.
Bloody fantastic."
Well a week later I can confirm that it is a very worthwhile experience, although for other first timers, I advise to prepare yourself properly, don't go on a whim and if you do, drink, eat and drink some more. Don't have an over the counter sleeping tablet the night before, and if you feel in any way strange let the staff know. Otherwise you will faint, be at the blood bank for 2 1/2 hours and even then you may not be able to leave (unless you have a friend to accompany you, thank you C), and feel a bit deflated about saving the world.
Getting back on track, and with other avenues to save the world, I have formally signed up to do more, and will even give blood donoring another go.
26 October, 2006
new layout
But, do you like our new layout?
Tell us what you think, ok!!
23 October, 2006
miserable
20 October, 2006
family flex friday
It was lovely to have them visit as it has been quite a while since they have been to our house, although it couldn't have happened on a worse day as the council was resurfacing the road. To escape the dust and noise we took a drive to Hargraves Nursery and discovered a great antique shop. So many great things, so little money at the moment. I have made a mental note and hopefully before christmas we can return and some of the treasures we eyed off will still be there. I really loved this stuffed puppy but he was NFS.
Mum treated us to a couple of plants whilst at the nursery, one for the pond and a silk tree for the nature strip. B has been after a silk tree for months now, well actually years, we did get one earlier this year but it was quite small and over winter when it just looked like a stick stuck in the ground someone snapped it at the base and it was no more. This one is about 3 foot tall and protected by a stake. We will be nurturing it along so that by winter when it becomes deciduous it looks a bit more substantial than its predecesor.
With the parents needing to get home, we would have liked them to stay for dinner but they had the next-sister-down coming to collect her dog, we treated ourselves to dinner out - payella, and dropped into B's mum for coffee. It had been some time since we had visited her at her place so it was a nice way to round off family flex friday.
19 October, 2006
18 October, 2006
so simple biscuit treat
Ingredients
Marie biscuits, 'top and fill' caramel stuff, marshmallows, chocolate
Instructions on how to make
Spread 'top and fill' caramel stuff on half of the biscuits. Place a marshmallow on each of the remaining biscuits, and doing a few at a time, microwave for 30 seconds or so. The marshmallow will soften/melt and expand. Remove from the microwave and join to the biscuit you have spread with caramel stuff. When this step has been completed, melt some chocolate and ideally with a piping bag, otherwise a snap-lock plastic bag with the corner snipped, pipe melted chocolate over the biscuits. Allow chocolate to set, and serve, or store in an airtight container.
I love these biscuits, they take 10 minutes to make, are guaranteed fool-proof (If you don’t pick up the ceramic plate you have been using in the microwave too soon. This has no effect on the biscuits, unless you drop them of course, but does burn the fingers.), and people seem to like them.
With success going to my head I feel the need to share the recipe with the world. The potential for birthday parties, as a special treat, for school fetes, and morning teas, the opportunities are endless.
The variations are also endless. I am sure if you don’t like the caramel you could substitute for jam, just like a real wagon wheel. Also, if you don’t have the Marie biscuits another plain biscuit could be an interesting twist. On a creative roll now and with a work morning tea tomorrow, this evening I shall be giving Chocolate Ripples a go.
Too exciting!
17 October, 2006
Seed
At the wedding of the ‘next sister down’ the weekend before last, the no 1 nephew and I collected clivia seeds*. Clivia’s are one of my favorite plants, with their dark green glossy leaves and bright orange flowers. Their seeds when ripe turn a deep orange to red, and are just the thing for a four year old with lots of energy to go in search of, when the adults are busy mingling. About a dozen seeds were collected, and would not be wasted; as a momento of the day, my old school and all of that; I plan to grow them.
I commenced the process last weekend by rummaging through recent issues of Gardening Australia, remembering there were instructions specifically on clivia seed germination. I found them in the September issue.
Step 1 ~ Remove seed from the fleshy pod and soak seed overnight in water with a drop of bleach
Step 2 ~ Soak two paper towels in a weak solution of bleach and water, drain off the paper towels so they are not too wet
Step 3 ~ Line the bottom of a container with the paper towels, place seeds, and cover with another bleach-dipped layer of paper towel. Cover the container with an airtight lid.
Step 4 ~ Rest seeds in the warmest part of the house to germinate. This can take two to six weeks.
With step one underway, a spot reserved in the laundry for step four, and all going well I should have some well advanced seedlings in progress by the time the nephew is down at Christmas time.
*My apologies for the marigold that got uprooted, there was some confusion given the similarity in colours.
13 October, 2006
commitment
01 October, 2006
momentous birthdays
29 September, 2006
strange customs
* I wonder a lot when I am meant to be doing an assignment.
24 September, 2006
craft withdrawl
This weekend the garden was again the focus of my distraction, with visits to The Indian Bazaar and Wisteria Gardens where we picked up Clivias and Bromeliads respectively for massed displays in the backyard.
22 September, 2006
All about poo and worms
The Tumbleweed Pet Poo Converter is just a tumbleweed worm farm, but actually any old worm farm will do. I just like the tumbleweed one as it seems a bit better designed than its competitors, I particularly like the hinged lid, and the pet poo (how many times can I say this in the one post?) converter tag. And in case you are after the Tumbleweed Pet Poo Converter and can’t find one, it is exactly the same as the Tumbleweed Worm Farm except it comes with different instructions. Tumbleweed Sales will provide you with these instructions if you ask nicely.
Basically, the only difference from the standard worm farm is that you can only feed the worms pet poo. Apparently if you feed them anything but poo, they won't eat it. Can't blame them really!
I have had a standard worm farm in the past, but prefer to compost my vege scraps, it is much simpler than having to worry about sorting the onion skins, citrus, etc from the rest.
21 September, 2006
there'll be no pictures for this post
I went with designer styles by Oroton, Trent Nathan, and a third I can't remember but is a pretty cappuccino colour. Ohhh the choices for tomorrow.
So if you are in Western Sydney (it would be worth the trip even if you are from further abroad)and have not been fitted for a bra, I thorougly recommend the great personal service of Debra's.
*It's hard having stick sisters as siblings. Particularly when your mother goes into shops with you and tells you how great the clothes would look on either of them. Hmmmmmm, pass me another mint slice B.
20 September, 2006
burnt range rover offerings
great excitement, lots of smoke and not in our kitchen for a change. Our early start, to be in the City to set up a display before my favourite annual conference started registrations at 8.30am, was thwarted by the unfortunate combustion of a new Range Rover ahead of us on the city west link. It stopped traffic for over 45 minutes, billowing smoke into the atmosphere, and requiring the attendance of the Fire Brigade, Police, RTA and of course a flat bed tow truck. Special mention should be made of this bloke who gave assistance (he had a fire extinguisher) until the firies arrrived.
Yay for the truckie!
19 September, 2006
anniversary of sorts
And because B is a bit of a romantic I also got spoilt with Floral Fruit which B had delivered to work and that we indulged on when we got home this evening. Appetising Apple, with chocolate covered strawberries and apple, grapes, pineapple and rockmelon, a perfect treat.
I am so very lucky to have a partner who is my advisor (vocational, fashion and life coach), thank you for being so supportive of me, tolerant of my moods, and just plain fun.
18 September, 2006
it'll be all over soon enough
So in the name of integration, value creation, and characteristic ambiguity (apparently this is where the significance of the characteristic itself is difficult to discern or comprehend according to Johnson et al) :
M is for Maud who was swept out to sea
B is for Basil assaulted by bears
A is for Amy who fell down the stairs
13 September, 2006
best wishes
Happy Birthday today to the favourite brother! You get the bouquet mentioned in the previous post.
And for birthday's of another kind we wish a belated 'welcome to the world' to Jacob and Mitchell who were born exactly one week ago. Congratulations K&R we hope to get over to meet the boys soon. It would have been sooner, last Sunday in fact but the hospital told us you were no longer 'on the list'.
Also, Taylor, now 3 weeks old, I look forward to another hold.
11 September, 2006
back to winter
Our garden is looking gorgeous - the rain whilst we were away has certainly been needed to add to the City's dam levels, and has reinvigorated our garden. When things dry out a bit I am going to pick some poppies for the house.
07 September, 2006
lollipops
B and I had had words on the way to our fun outing when he cautioned No 1 Nephew before we even got there that when we say it's time to go, it's time to go. I mean how negative, anticipating such a problem, we were all in a good mood and about to have fun.
If only I had consulted the crystal ball, I would have reinforced B's caution and thought twice about sending No 1 Nephew to tell B to come back with the youngest nephew to put their shoes on when it was time to go. As this was the tip for No 1 to high tail it to the climbing type things with balls in one section and requiring us to send one of the staff in to find him after giving us the slip for 25 minutes. It took a further 10 minutes mind you until he was recovered amongst the balls, seconds after I had nervously questioned as to whether there was any chance he could have been taken from the place*. He thought it was a great joke, although I wish someone had told me, and the youngest nephew, who was crabby beyond belief and just wanted a sleep.
Needless to say the lollipops that are administered upon leaving were confiscated for another day and we went straight home for a sleep, and lunch before swimming.
I thoroughly recommend Lollipops, the kids have a great time, the coffee and snacks are pretty good, and the staff are really helpful.
*I was assured there was no chance without the receipt and stickers which matched the stickers attached to each of the boys, phew!
queenslanders
06 September, 2006
eye spy statues
Nephew No 1: just relax
Me: How can I relax, I need a coffee
Nephew No 1: sit quietly
Me: but I need a coffee
Nephew No1: you need to say nuffing for a while, and you'll be all right
Me: ok
Aside: today I was shattered, I had a broken nights sleep, not from either of the boyz, but from the frog/cane toad that was throwing stones at our window through the night. I first woke at 3 ish, to the racket, lay in bed for a bit listening, yep definitely someone casing the joint, woke B and told him to be quiet and listen, then sent him on a mission to check the back door in the dark. He said it was nothing, came back to bed, and promptly fell back to sleep. 3 to 4 ish, and it continued, listen, there is definately someone out there......
B: is that the sound you're talking about...it's a frog, go back to sleep.
back to conversation:
Nephew No1: What goes riddup and has spots?
Me: I've no idea, a frog?
Nephew: No!
Me: I give up, I need a coffee.
Nephew: a leopard frog
We have played a lot of eye spy lately due to a couple of long drives. I particularly like the version which does not involve letters but a description of what has been spyed, although Nephew No 1 particularly likes to spy trees. Yesterday I spoke with a friend in Sydney, who also told me of a game 'statues' her friend plays with her preschoolers. It goes like this, you have to stay very still (and quiet), the first person to move loses. Note however, this is a little difficult to do whilst preparing dinner if you are also in the game.
03 September, 2006
juggling act
Today ~ Yum Cha at King of Kings, great place to go with kids, because any mess (spilt drinks, flung food) isn't out of place. The guy in the photo was pretty cool the way he cleared the tables. The favourite brother took the boys back home for a rest whilst mum, B and I did the Riverside Markets, although I don't know why we bothered, they were terrible, mostly cheap junk. They have gone downhill since the last time I went to them a couple of years back.
Saturday ~ River Cat to New Farm Park, antique shops at Logan Rd (the Gabba), topped off the day at the River Fire Festival to watch the fireworks and F1-11's from the new terminal. And I just love the No 1 Nephew, making sure we got our dinner.
Friday ~ Went to Paddington, in the morning, this was really pleasant, had coffee in Paddington Flowers and I did a pee with a view of Brisbane because the No 1 nephew came in to show me something and when I told him I would have a look when I finished, he didn't close the door behind him.
Thursday ~ It rained again today, this was not so bad for the 2 hour drive to Byron Bay and then onto Bangalow. Had lunch at Mongers, in Byron Bay and a pretty fantastic icecream although I wouldn't bother with Byron Bay again I don't think. Bangalow was great, got some funky pj's from Lazybones, and discovered Sharon Steel, a linocut artist whose only art in the gallery was sold, dammit. The visit to Bangalow was well worth the drive.
Wednesday ~ Collected B from the airport whilst No 1 nephew was at daycare. Had a look around the shops at Bullimba, Hawthorne and Balmoral with mum whilst B rested his back, and took care of the youngest nephew (No 2 doesn't sound very nice).
Tuesday ~ Whilst both nephews were in daycare mum and I went to the city by Rivercat. We had a slow start having to wait for the tuxedo to be altered, just as well it was for the favourite brother. We really only managed Queen St Mall, the favourite being Brisbane arcade because of the shops, and in particular Details. I will be hinting to B about a pair of boulder opal earrings I really like.
28 August, 2006
just too early
The early start and weary from a full day of learning the ropes consisting of a trip to day care and introductions (both the boys will be there tomorrow), being shown the venue for swimming lessons (for next week), where to pick up a tuxedo (tomorrow), coffee at the Riverside Cafe Bookstore (this could be daily), lunch, naps, termite inspection assisted by Max (or should this be vocational experience as Max is going to be a "bug guy" after helping the pest inspectors carry out a termite inspection on the house), watching Ice Age (great DVD, made me laugh), play dohing, dinner, baths, then a trip to the airport to see the SIL off on her holiday (this was also so that I will know how to get back to the airport Wednesday to collect B), and finally learning (well actually providing guidance/moral support more than anything) how to hand tie a bow tie.
So really, its not too early to retire for the evening.
27 August, 2006
Bullimba bound
21 August, 2006
20 August, 2006
camellia craziness
A visit from A with Memoirs of a Geisha on DVD, and hours spent in the garden and I feel somewhat revived.
Less than seven days to go and I will be in Queensland.
19 August, 2006
window
I love how it matches the painting B gave me for Christmas a couple of years back. It was so meant to be.
18 August, 2006
7 days in review
The last night did not go quite as planned I was losing my patience due to a lack of sleep from the day before (1.20am bedtime on a “school night”) and Friday night we were repeating the whole exercise again when we had a 4.30am start the next day to get the girls to the drop-off point by 5.15am for the coach to the airport.
We had planned to take the girls out for coffee on their last night but, Celia, who could be a bit bossy informed us that she didn’t like coffee. Tea?? NO. Hot milk, soft drink?? No?? Well OK, then...we won’t go. B had started to quietly remind me how many hours we had to go, when he could see I was about to explode. So when they got up at 3am (an hour and a half earlier than planned), I was so pleased I had less than 2 hours to go (because I had to work that Saturday, B was taking them to the coach so I could get a bit of extra sleep). I do have a good husband, although I was so awake by the time they left I got up anyway and started the stripping of beds and washing of sheets and towels. Crazy, crazy, crazy… as I was shattered by early afternoon and we had B’s brothers birthday dinner to go to, which thank goodness was held at his mum’s because I was the one snoring on the coach at 8.30pm.
Sunday, we went to a street fair at Fivedock, before attending my Nan’s 87th birthday celebrations.
At the street fair we discovered Embellish Jewels and I was thoroughly spoilt with two necklaces and a bracelet. Both necklaces are long, lariat style, one of pink dyed pearls, garnets, and with pink tassels, the other black onyx, red coral, carved turquoise, and black tassels. The bracelet is plain in comparison, being a navy crystal, but I just liked it.
Nan’s birthday celebrations were great, she liked the scarf very much. I think it was also the only non-cat related gift she got. The whole cat related gifts because she was given a cat (Yvette), she didn’t want a kitten, for her birthday.
Due to the earlier sleep deprivation, the working week was spent counting down the days to the weekend. It could have been more interesting as I was invited to a preview as well as the opening night of an exhibition of my most favourite artist, Kerrie Lester. But alas I was too tired to make the trek to the other side of Sydney after work on Tuesday, and not really having the money, although I had promised myself this time to get a (small) painting.
11 August, 2006
the goode huswife
It reminded me of an American reproduction cross stitch sampler pattern I bought a couple of years back from one of the craft shows 'one seed for another' by 'the goode huswife' the saying on the sampler being
" the goode huswives in summer will save their own seeds against the next yere - as occassion needs.
One seed for another - to make an exchange with fellowlie neighbourhood seemeth not strange."
Whatever the last bit is supposed to mean, I may even do this one next if I ever finish L'ete.
10 August, 2006
seven dozen eggs
I will also be more than happy if I do not see an egg for a while. I did a rough stocktake today of how many eggs have been consumed by the girls and was shocked. In the last three and a half weeks, they have consumed seven dozen eggs, B and I have consumed possibly 2 eggs in the same timeframe. The girls have eggs for breakfast, use them in the cooking ~ to bind the pork meatballs, but also add them to soup.
I have tried the soup a couple of times but didn't really like it, it was a bit too watery and the egg which they whip up and then stir into the soup (looks a bit like noodles in the soup) doesn't add anything to the flavour so I don't really see the point.
07 August, 2006
procrastination day one, two, & three
Day two ~ repeat of day one with the exception of window washing, although I was tempted as the enviro gloves for window washing (only use water) have left water drop marks all over the windows, and it is irritating me.
The other exception, a purchase made on ebay, a bulk lot of hippeastrum bulbs.
Day three ~ repeat of day two with the exception of an ebay purchase although there is still time in the day, and the other exception of dropping B off to pick up his car, got and getting (very) irritated with him for interrupting my assignment time, the reason I am home for 3 days.
05 August, 2006
chinese cooking lesson
04 August, 2006
our nations capital
Enough whinging, I had a great 48 hours in Canberra, the drive down saw me accomplish a fair bit of knitting of the new scarf (not sure what my Manager thought of that one). And dinner on the first night with the participants of the Alliance was pretty sensational. We went to a restaurant called Benchmark, which is a short walk from the hotel. I dined on the pan fried western australian goat's cheese with semi dried tomatoes and an oregano balsamic syrup as an entree, frenched lamb rack with paris mash and forest berries finished with a rosemary jus for my main, and then super indulged by having the rhubarb and apple crumble with cinnamon and rosewater ice cream for desert. Each dish was served with a specially matched glass of wine. I slept really well that night.
On Tuesday night, I was lucky enough to have dinner with Uncle R, Auntie B and Cousin M1. Uncle R was kind enough to collect me from the hotel, I was too chicken to borrow the Managers car and drive myself as I have the uncanny knack when in Canberra of getting lost. I get disoriented at the best of times, so add in a circular grid pattern kind of development, and well forget it. Anyway, I thought the dinner the night before was great, but my Auntie B cooked a sensational 3 course meal; kumera and peanut soup, tasmanian salmon accompanied by steamed veges and a salad that had almonds in it, and a sticky date pudding (the whole thing made from scratch, yes even the sauce). Following dinner we had coffee and more Auntie B delights (dried apricots and fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate) at M1's new abode. Great food and company, it was a lovely evening. I am very fortunate to have such a warm and welcoming extended family.
31 July, 2006
wedding guest dash
It was a beautiful day, and a very moving ceremony, in lovely surrounds. The geese were well behaved, and no one disgraced themselves by falling in the reflection pond.
We managed a cup of tea back home in between the ceremony and reception, and more importantly wrapping of the present.
Lotsa luv and good luck you two..... may the dance continue for the rest of your lives.