05 June, 2006

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.

04 June, 2006

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.

02 June, 2006

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

24 May, 2006

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.

15 May, 2006

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

08 May, 2006

07 May, 2006

special day

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

christening-cake

05 May, 2006

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.

04 May, 2006

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.

02 May, 2006

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.

30 April, 2006

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.

26 April, 2006

You little thief!!

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

25 April, 2006

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.


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!


Your Monster Profile

Undead Worm

You Feast On: Starbucks

You Lurk Around In: Olive Gardens

You Especially Like to Torment: Republicans


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.


and last but not least...

Your Hillbilly Name Is...

Clitus Beaver


Have fun trying these for your self!!!

17 April, 2006

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

16 April, 2006

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

10 March, 2006

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)!

07 March, 2006

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.....

27 February, 2006

26 February, 2006

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??

13 February, 2006

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.

28 January, 2006

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

26 January, 2006

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.

17 January, 2006

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.

08 January, 2006

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

03 January, 2006

new years resolution

more crafting

01 January, 2006

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!!!