visiting amitie

amitie window display

I was fortunate enough to have enough time on the Wednesday I arrived in Melbourne to catch the train to bentleigh for a visit to the fabric and quilting store 'amitie'. It was a fairly straightforward trip, about 30 minutes from Flinders St (where I was staying) and no changing of trains.

amitie window display in closeup
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.

And in reply to B's post, while I was supposed to be sleeping, I was actually running a fever, and spent hours trying to get to sleep, and waking at 3am achey, hot and with a sore throat, no fun in an airconditioned hotel room without even a panadol.

husband flashes virgin

plane. I had to laugh when I understood the reason B insisted I have a window seat on my recent trip to Melbourne, and that I look towards the flight tower as the plane took off. My husband is soooo cute, he had parked near the flight tower and waited till my plane was taking off, at which point he flashed the headlights on the car.

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.

view from my hotel window
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.

Whilst you were sleeping...

Sound familiar?

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...

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.

1. Slight Euphoria
2. Puffed up chest
3. 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.

new layout

I know it has been a while since I last made a post....
But, do you like our new layout?
Tell us what you think, ok!!

miserable

yesterday, I found out I didn't get an invite to the hens weekend for the next-sister-down, I also don't think she really liked the wedding present we gave her even though half of it was on the wedding register. We really are very different, I didn't really care if I got presents from people or not when B and I got married, I just wanted people to share the day with us and enjoy themselves. I also tried to include as many people as possible in the ceremony and activities. I didn't have a hen's day, but if I had, I would not have left anyone out. Whatever the reasons I am hurt and I don't believe either for one minute that B not getting an invite to the bucks night was an accident.

family flex friday

mum and dad visited today, and after a relaxing lunch, and a tour of the garden, dad inspected some of the handyman jobs completed, in progress and stalled. He also measured up other jobs that needed doing. Mum noted that she would also need to come back soon to finish the roman blind for the door in the dining room, to complement the curtains she made for the bay window about a year ago. So I guess they will be back for a working bee in the not too distant future.

road milling & road-resurfacing
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.

puppy
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.

biscuits mark II

biscuits markII
I can report that the chocolate ripple version of my biscuits is even better. Although I think I prefer the original version, the compliments from my work colleagues and B confirm this one is best.

so simple biscuit treat

Whilst at the hairdressers, flipping through a magazine, as you do, I came across a recipe for wagon wheel type biscuits. So simple is the recipe, that I could remember the ingredients and instructions a week later when called upon to make something for a morning tea at work.

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.

biscuits
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!

Seed

clivia seeds
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.

commitment

Wedding
congratulations to the next sister down and her new husband on getting married last weekend. May romance and love continue to grow each year through the lifetime you'll share. It was a beautiful day.

Reception venue

momentous birthdays

today is the allocated* birthday for our little Jasmine who is five. This is her 2006 birthday portrait.

Jasmine 5th birthday

And before time gets too far away and we are on momentous birthdays, we had the pleasure of celebrating little B's first birthday, last Sunday. And you've just got to love the cake made by her dad 'faeries and mushroom', it was just too cute.

Breanna's Cake

*the people we rescued her from didn't know the date she was born or even how many weeks old she was when they gave her to us, I am guessing she was only about 6 weeks old. She was too young really but as the mother and litter had to fend for themselves, all but two, including our Jas were no longer. So from our estimations we set the first of October as her birthday.

strange customs

we keep a lidded container the size of a very small bucket (4L) on our kitchen bench, it is for fruit and vegetable scraps to be collected. On a regular enough basis the bucket is emptied onto the compost heap which is located down the back of our yard. I instigated the scrap bucket when B and I first moved in together, although the scrap bucket was used to feed our worm farm. We were renting, and the landlord may not have approved of a compost heap. When we got our own place I introduced a neat compost bin (less fuss than the worm farm, no need to filter out the onion and citrus skins) and vegetable scrap collections resumed. With yet another move and a bigger yard, the bin is no longer and we have a full scale compost going. Now where was I going with this.... yes I instigated the scrap bucket, my mum had one which she emptied on a compost heap, my grandmother, and great grandmother on my mothers side had one, and they too had compost heaps. Although now my grandmother digs a hole in her garden and buries the buckets contents, moving from petunia patch to rose bed, and so on. I can't remember whether my grandmother on my dad's side had one or not. The point is, and yes I am getting to it, it seems like a fairly normal doesn't require explanation sort of thing to do. But, maybe it is. You see we have a house guest with us, and she has taken to the scrap bucket without question, and has even taken on the responsibility of emptying it. The only thing is I believe that she is emptying it when the garbage gets emptied, into the garbage bin. So it is not making it to the compost. I can't imagine what she must think, why we would separate, only to put it all in the garbage bin. Do others have a compost, a vege scrap bucket for the compost, or a vege scrap bucket for the garbage bin? I am intrigued. Is my family weird carrying out a strange custom? Even if we are, we are doing our little bit for the planet, and our gardens. But it does make me wonder about others and their compost heaps and how they manage the kitchen to heap process*.

* I wonder a lot when I am meant to be doing an assignment.

craft withdrawl

there has been a distinct lack of craft posts due to no craft projects being undertaken in recent weeks, or is it months??? I have been loathe to do anything as I am meant to be studying. Keeping up to date on readings, writing assignments, and studying for an exam always provides more than enough motivation to be distracted by a craft project, to clean the house, or weed the garden. And whilst knitting or cross-stitch have been favourite distractions in the past, this time round weeding the garden has probably come in first, followed by cleaning the house, although the standards here are slipping.

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.

Bromeliad bargain

The Indian Bazaar also provided a much needed craft infusion with this find of fabrics and lace.

pretty paisley patchwork fabric

laces

barkcloth

funky fabric

linen bag

7 weeks and counting and I will be MBA free forever.

All about poo and worms

I have a new toy, as seen on Better Homes and Gardens, a tumbleweed pet poo converter. My new toy is going to make the regular collection of Macc’s droppings so much fun, because a slick team of worms are going to turn dog ‘do do’ into worm poo that will be the best fertilizer the non-edible parts of my garden will get.

pet poo convertor
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!

Ewwww
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.

I am hoping pet poo conversion will be less smelly than bagging the business for the bin. However, I am concerned that Macc's monthly combined heartworm, intestinal worm tablet might have a deadly impact on the pet poo factory workers. The instructions say not to feed them for at least 24hours following a worming tablet but it didn't specify what worming tablet they were referring to. I shot off an email to Dr Harry, but have not had a response to my question. So I guess I am running my own experiment, which I can report back on here. Has anyone had any experience with this already, I would love to hear from you.

there'll be no pictures for this post

and I should really keep this to myself but, there really is nothing like getting a new bra, and tonight I got three! After putting it off and putting it off, I finally made the trip to Debra's. With time running out to find an outfit for the wedding of the next sister down, it was decided to sort out the support, improve the shape, and get a boost in confidence* that a new (proper fitting) bra gives.

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.

burnt range rover offerings

range rover on fire
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.

good samaritan
Yay for the truckie!

anniversary of sorts

although I can't pinpoint exactly the year B and I first met, today is 10 years from when we struck up the friendship that led to us becoming boyfriend and girlfriend, and later be married. We felt this was a significant milestone and considered recreating that momentous occassion, complete with B cooking a baked dinner, me arriving with our mutual friend A, and a bottle of red wine for me to knock over....... but given it was a work/school night and that we'd had a baked dinner on Sunday, we took in a movie instead. I was spoilt with a movie of my choice and what a great night, Unfolding Florence was fantastic, such an interesting, amazing, and inspirational woman. I am so into all things Broadhurst at the moment.

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.

Floral-Fruits

Here's to another 10 years...

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.

it'll be all over soon enough

just so you know, I am meant to be studying/doing my second and final assignment in the last subject (if I pass that is) of my MBA. Also, just so you know, I am loving this at the moment.

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

best wishes

poppies

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.

back to winter

we're back on home soil and even though it is actually spring it feels like winter, it is super wet and COLD! I heard a discussion on the radio recently that describes the warm weather we had started to enjoy (before we went to Qld) as the false spring. The false spring certainly has the gardens about the place confused, all the spring flowers have sprung, poppies, freesias, clivias, azaleas, tulips, there is so much colour.

Spring Flowers
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.

lollipops

it was windy, very windy this morning, and a planned trip to the park did not seem like a good idea. Instead we took ourselves to lollipops, a great place for kids and adults except when it comes time to leave and No 1 Nephew decides we're staying and hides in one of the climbing tunnel type things with balls in one section.

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

one of the really nice things about the location we are in are the fabulous queenslanders. The use of colour, the timber work, and detailing. This morning we took photos of some of our favourite houses in neighbouring streets.

queenslander

another queenslander

yet another queenslander

and another queenslander

and another

boab tree out the front of the queenslander

another view

it's another queenslander

....queenslander

you guessed it another queenslander
and for something a little different, another queenslander

no really something different, an elkhorn in someone's garden

eye spy statues

Me: I need a coffee
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.

juggling act

before turning in for the day, I will catch you up on what has been happening (working backwards) ~

plate juggler
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.

is my dinner ready
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.

just too early

a quick post before I head for bed. Mum and I have had a great day with the SIL and my nephews. It was an early start with Max waking and welcoming us, well me actually, firstly at 4am before my brother sent him back to bed, and then again just before 5.49am (I know it was before this time because it took me a while to adjust to the lights being on and to gather my wits enough to turn on my mobile to see what time it was).

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.

Bullimba bound

I am heading north this evening for two weeks of Qld sunshine and to play au pair to my nephews, Max 4 and Will 16 months. I am very excited because I don't get to see my brother and his family all that often now they are in another state, and the boys are growing up so quickly. I also have over 3 and a half months annual leave (and that's not counting the 3 months long service leave) so am well deserving of some time off.

Oh and I finished the scarf

scarf

Thank you to my patient model.

camellia craziness

Just feeling yucky and too tired to do anything this week, I decided the remedy was fresh air and sunshine this weekend. Remedy or not, it was also a necessity as Friday, I had purchased a few kangaroo paws, and some black mondo grass, the ‘goode’ husband had also tracked down a Finger Lime that he surprised me with on Friday afternoon, we also had bulbs purchased a couple of weeks back that needed planting. At least one day in the garden was required, except that a couple of short trips here and there also led to some sort of camellia craziness; getting a couple of keys cut, we bought two camellias (unnamed but one was pale pink, and the other hot pink), grocery shopping, another camellia (eastern red), a trip to the hardware, another two camellias (strawberry blonde and white waratah). A couple of azaleas, and heucheras, and the weekend was all about the garden.

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.

window

I forgot but last week the ancient air-conditioner got transformed into this…….

window
I love how it matches the painting B gave me for Christmas a couple of years back. It was so meant to be.

painting by Vicki Langham

7 days in review

Under a haze of sleep deprivation all I can remember of the week is that our Chinese guests have returned to their homeland, and we have almost caught up on our sleep. The last night of their stay really hit us for six, Celia and Linda went to bed late, as there was the whole reweighing of bags thing to be done, redistributing items, and reweighing…..

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.

Five Dock street fair

fruit and vegetable art

vege art
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.

birthday present cat
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.

the goode huswife

tonight Celia commented in response to B complimenting dinner which, both she and Linda had cooked, that she thought that she was a very good cook and also wife, as she cooked dinner for her husband every night. Ohhhh, should I then feel that I am a bad wife? I am actually not sure whether this was directed at me or not, anyway I choose not to take offence. I am lucky to have such a great husband who likes (and is good at) cooking.

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.

seven dozen eggs

we are less than 48 hours from saying goodbye to our guests, it has been a great experience albeit a lot more work than we both anticipated; getting meals, downloading photos, and a few too many late nights. Tonight also looks to be no different, there is a lot of packing going on, and weighing and reweighing of bags. I am amazed that the pallets of lanolin, boxes of perfume, and truckload of tacky stuffed koalas and kangaroos (made in China) seem to be fitting into their bags.

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.

procrastination day one, two, & three

Day one ~ I have three days off work, the purpose of which is not to wash the windows which I finished doing at 9am, nor is it to weed the garden (3 weeding sessions of at least 30 minutes duration carried out by 2.30pm), watch Judge Judy (3-3.30pm), do some knitting, update the blog, peruse ebay, or check the mailbox.

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.

chinese cooking lesson

we learnt to make pork and chive dumplings last night. They were relatively easy, very messy, and most importantly delicious.

dumpling preparation

There was lots of chopping, and apparantly we didn't have a big enough knife.

dumpling preparation II

Eventually, the chinese cabbage, chives, spring onions and pork mince concoction were ready for the production line to commence.

dumpling preparation III

We had an endless number of trays lined up ready for boiling, enough to feed a chinese army, let alone 4 people.

finished product

They were so delicious we ate more than we should, which B and I regretted, although me more so I think, because of one tiny but powerful ingredient ~ MSG. Although I had two tall tumblers of water with dinner. I had 1.5L of water immediately after dinner which made me feel extremely bloated and didn't seem to quench my thirst.

Sauces to accompany the dumplings included Hot Chilli Sauce, Malt Vinegar, Malt Vinegar and Sesame Oil, and Soy Sauce.