tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82690622882517371542024-03-14T08:45:11.489+11:00Rambling with meMrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.comBlogger248125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-32229533136689530182016-02-21T18:30:00.001+11:002016-02-21T18:31:21.405+11:00MY NEWEST FRIENDOnce again I've been very quiet on my blog and I needed a push or two, or three to get going. I can't promise I'll be more regular but I'll try! We've had a few issues to deal with that have been difficult, they haven't actually gone away but we've come to some sort of acceptance. And I guess that is what it is all about. Acceptance of where we are in the world and learning to live with that. Not always easy but it does get easier over time.<div>And my new friend, or the development of my new friend has helped me more than I can say. Tomorrow she is winging her way off to her new owner who I think needs her more than I do! And I know she, my little friend, will have a very loving home!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mf35lyskFsU/VslnjBpxj9I/AAAAAAAADxc/6_OwRKS2hG4/s640/blogger-image-2015367320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mf35lyskFsU/VslnjBpxj9I/AAAAAAAADxc/6_OwRKS2hG4/s640/blogger-image-2015367320.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nQkHp2AheqY/Vslnlnb4_dI/AAAAAAAADxg/_nNxOfo6bW4/s640/blogger-image--763731437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nQkHp2AheqY/Vslnlnb4_dI/AAAAAAAADxg/_nNxOfo6bW4/s640/blogger-image--763731437.jpg"></a></div> </div><div>She has her cup of coffee with of course a professional swirl on it, her crocheted hat and scarf and red boots to off set her outfit</div><div>I cobbled together a version of Jenny Joseph"s poem, When I'm Old to accompany my little friend to her new home, to my very dear and longtime friend....</div><div><br></div><div>Now that we're old women we wear purple with red hats that don't go</div><div>And slippers to the shops and comfy shoes.</div><div>We sit on the pavement when we're tired</div><div>And gobble up samples in shops, press alarm bell for no reason!</div><div>And run our walking sticks along fences,</div><div>Making bottom noises in the street!</div><div>We run outside when it is raining in our nighties and bare feet</div><div>And pick flowers from other peoples' gardens</div><div>And whistle in the street.</div><div>We wear terrible shirts and grow fat,</div><div>Eat smoked salmon and pizzas</div><div>Every night for a week.</div><div>And we hoard pens and pencils,</div><div>Rubber bands and boxes and pieces of string too short to be of any further use!</div><div>We sit and laugh at our memories,</div><div>Grownup children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.</div><div>We know how to love, family and friends, even ourselves.</div><div>And we know what really matters in life,</div><div>That the wearing of purple with red hats</div><div>Is more important than we ever knew when we were young!</div><div><br></div><div>I really don't do much of the above but I'm hoping one day that I might! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gMHL-E56emQ/VslngvYTuRI/AAAAAAAADxY/4OhkCF1IUCA/s640/blogger-image--595918437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gMHL-E56emQ/VslngvYTuRI/AAAAAAAADxY/4OhkCF1IUCA/s640/blogger-image--595918437.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The "table' her cup is on is actually her stool! I've been saving, very slowly I might add, the little plastic containers from places like McDonalds. They are perfect for stools and I'm thinking I might make them into chairs with a back. I'll see! I've used armature wire as the base for the woman, then plaster of Paris bandages, smoothed over with 'No More Cracks' a plaster filler which is wonderful. Otherwise it is hard to paint as evenly as I would like!</div><div>Happy days, happy painting, happy crafting and happy 'doing'pf what ever does really make you happy! Till next time, xxx</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-12147155631486182122015-10-21T09:41:00.001+11:002015-10-21T11:35:19.701+11:00VALUE YOUR SELF ALWAYS<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0lYq8G6jBVM/VibDEzclAKI/AAAAAAAADuM/9O5GCoETchY/s640/blogger-image-1464357293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0lYq8G6jBVM/VibDEzclAKI/AAAAAAAADuM/9O5GCoETchY/s640/blogger-image-1464357293.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><b style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> If you are reading this post you are amongst the top percentage of people in the world. You can read. You've had someone to teach you to read. You've most likely been to school and had at least a modicum of education. You have a computer therefore some financial income. You have freedom to read subjects of your choice.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And yet we are so often dissatisfied either about who we perceive ourselves to be and/or where we perceive ourselves to be.</b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">How would you describe yourself? Short, fat, lumpy, tall, skinny, clumsy, maybe hopeless or uninteresting might spring to mind. When asked this question why do all these negative statements come to mind first? Why don't we say we are great at loving, or, we've a lovely smile, or perhaps we are kind and compassionate?</b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">None of those negative statements about yourself are actually true. You yourself are interesting. Maybe your body is short or overweight or skinny or lanky but this is not who you are. Your body is just that...your body. Your body is just the 'suit of clothes' you 'wear' for this lifetime. Your body is incidental to who you are.</b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Are you able to walk, talk, eat, love and care for yourself? If you can answer yes to any or all of these questions then you are more than OK. There are millions in this world who are unable to speak, to tell others of their needs. There are millions who are blind, who cannot see anything at all, people whose lives are severely limited by their lack of sight, challenges I can only imagine. Their are millions too who are paralysed in some way or another, people who again can't look after their own needs.</b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And we are privileged when we....</b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breathe air that is fresh.</b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You have the availability to eat good food.</b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You have the capacity to speak, to talk to those you love, to voice your thoughts and needs and communicate with others.</b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You are able to see.</b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You are able to love....yourself and others.</b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You can walk even if perhaps you don't feel comfortable running!</b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You have a brain you can use for positivity in your life.</b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You have talents unique to yourself, we all do.</b></p><p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And much as you might doubt it you are a creative being, you are creative in your own particular way, perfect for you!</b></p><div><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></b></div></div></div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-59472786857031585822015-09-17T14:37:00.001+10:002015-09-17T14:37:11.329+10:00THE VALUE OF FRIENDSHIPS<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UoC0KbvItJU/VfpDYkwMCBI/AAAAAAAADs8/Y1mqBxdEa5s/s640/blogger-image-826094106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UoC0KbvItJU/VfpDYkwMCBI/AAAAAAAADs8/Y1mqBxdEa5s/s640/blogger-image-826094106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pYwERhAcZCE/VfpDa1K8sYI/AAAAAAAADtE/IQCXlnVJryQ/s640/blogger-image-385038821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wd37-1mSxiQ/VfpDdbnvRuI/AAAAAAAADtM/xpYCZLEsBL0/s640/blogger-image-213803259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wd37-1mSxiQ/VfpDdbnvRuI/AAAAAAAADtM/xpYCZLEsBL0/s640/blogger-image-213803259.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b> For some time I've been thinking of writing more about my inner thoughts and my mind-ramblings. My posts have always been about what I've been doing, things I've finished, WIP, or the flowers in my life and somehow now this is not enough. To satisfy me.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>So, often, and not always, I want to open up my blog, sharing more of my thoughts. Not many photos, probably lots more words...I'll see where the mood takes me.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Last night we had two friends of very long standing come to stay, two sisters. Middle daughter came for dinner and we had a very happy night, reminiscing about times gone by, our children being much the same age and having spent lots of time together. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Today's post then is about the value of friendships, old and new, friendships that endure through thick and thin.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>A few days ago I spent a couple hours with three friends who have been part of my life for the last fifteen years, not a huge period of time but nevertheless very important and valuable. We had been playing scrabble when one friend commented on the value of friendship. We are all in our seventies, facing different sorts of challenges. Our discussions had ranged this day from shoulder operations, illnesses, relationships, as well as age related challenges, not just about ourselves but wide ranging through our community and beyond. What was so important about our chatter was the laughter we shared as we 'wandered' through our afternoon. We laughed as we forgot whose turn it was, we laughed as we stumbled over spelling, we laughed knowing that we do all have senior moments, that we really weren't showing signs of early dementia, an illness feared by most people of our age. It is laughter that cements a friendship I am quite sure, laughter that washes away the tears, laughter that keeps one forging ahead. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b> By the way...I was comforted by one of my girls a few days ago when she said, Mum, you've always been absent minded so you're no different now!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>I have moved house, had different situations throughout my life and I sometimes envy those who have stayed in the same home or area most of their lives. But now I could say that each move turned out to be a differnt stage of my life. And accompanying those different stages I've had friends that have travelled beside me.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Sometimes these friendships have endured whereas other friendships have ended or just drifted away. At times I've been saddened by this but I now feel these friends who walked beside me were there to help me through particular stages in my life. And some of these friends would move on as well, to walk beside others who need a helping hand. Like giant shifting tides coming and going, a huge jigsaw of friendships fitting together, circles spinning, moving, joining, and spinning on to other circles.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>The amazingly wonderful thing too is that there are all the close friends who will always be close, whether you see them every twenty or thirty years, every week or more often, or just occasionally, always the same, always able to share in whatever is going on, always with a smile and a hug, the hug that says so much.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>I am so grateful to all those friends who have helped me get to where I am now. In fact I feel incredibly blessed as I look back and remember. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>And that is where I'm at today! </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><br></div></div></div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-37040565717449936292015-08-24T09:16:00.001+10:002015-08-24T09:16:22.742+10:00A FLOWERY POST, GARDENS NEW TO USWe have been here for about 6 months now and it has been a joy watching the seasons unfold, watching to see which flowers appears next. A very bare magnolia began to bud, no inkling of its colour. I cut a promising bud and brought it inside, hoping the warmth would bring the flower on early...which it did! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pqHVuuIOBSI/VdpT8DG7HlI/AAAAAAAADrE/MGu4zyRTXKo/s640/blogger-image-1724043677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pqHVuuIOBSI/VdpT8DG7HlI/AAAAAAAADrE/MGu4zyRTXKo/s640/blogger-image-1724043677.jpg"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And now today the flowers are opening up at the rate of knots!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hAmyMpiOOUs/VdpUD0leGGI/AAAAAAAADrc/aqxBtyfcDgM/s640/blogger-image-1641243218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hAmyMpiOOUs/VdpUD0leGGI/AAAAAAAADrc/aqxBtyfcDgM/s640/blogger-image-1641243218.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The hellebores here are so happy, lots of different colours with thousands of babies popping up underneath the foliage, I didn't know that this occurred so I'm delighted at having lots to replant and give away.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9d5LlNVHRmI/VdpUG90E_vI/AAAAAAAADrk/WSk-cuayO5s/s640/blogger-image-1733606835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9d5LlNVHRmI/VdpUG90E_vI/AAAAAAAADrk/WSk-cuayO5s/s640/blogger-image-1733606835.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TYdb6oGFrec/VdpURAhCUSI/AAAAAAAADsE/2PMCL_D2C8c/s640/blogger-image-1438180721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TYdb6oGFrec/VdpURAhCUSI/AAAAAAAADsE/2PMCL_D2C8c/s640/blogger-image-1438180721.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FFXzS-Eh5nE/VdpUBDPmQCI/AAAAAAAADrU/N1ApB_75Jp8/s640/blogger-image--431064744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FFXzS-Eh5nE/VdpUBDPmQCI/AAAAAAAADrU/N1ApB_75Jp8/s640/blogger-image--431064744.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ouapIQD-Paw/VdpUJnsm2sI/AAAAAAAADrs/7FXUQcGrf9A/s640/blogger-image--1567894590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ouapIQD-Paw/VdpUJnsm2sI/AAAAAAAADrs/7FXUQcGrf9A/s640/blogger-image--1567894590.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iqf42-h3ACk/VdpT-hnRsUI/AAAAAAAADrM/-xeJwblOR74/s640/blogger-image--393820515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iqf42-h3ACk/VdpT-hnRsUI/AAAAAAAADrM/-xeJwblOR74/s640/blogger-image--393820515.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yesterday we went to see StoneFruit's new garden and came home with a wee bunch of violets and some beautiful camellias so now have lovely glimpses of her garden with me. The violets are beautiful, delicious whiffs of scent when ever I pass by! I'm really looking forward to more 'garden reveal' from her new home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ojsVll7W8UA/VdpUME7FkEI/AAAAAAAADr0/EspcRJ29BmY/s640/blogger-image-1584470560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ojsVll7W8UA/VdpUME7FkEI/AAAAAAAADr0/EspcRJ29BmY/s640/blogger-image-1584470560.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O4aW1VomgFI/VdpUOvH5SlI/AAAAAAAADr8/0SYQnkdHqvQ/s640/blogger-image--722773681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O4aW1VomgFI/VdpUOvH5SlI/AAAAAAAADr8/0SYQnkdHqvQ/s640/blogger-image--722773681.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></span></div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-10929359646200014482015-08-21T10:50:00.001+10:002015-08-21T10:50:58.686+10:00TIME FLIES! AND SOME HINTS FOR PLASTER MODELLING!I can't believe it is two months since I last blogged, and just over two months since I came home from NZ with my 'new direction'. All the best intentions to blog more regularly, make more 'creations' as I call my weird women and weird birds! Best intentions gone astray!<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NoHjWihx3ws/VdZ1u6u3OiI/AAAAAAAADqM/KtOqeWrkA1g/s640/blogger-image-1257191188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NoHjWihx3ws/VdZ1u6u3OiI/AAAAAAAADqM/KtOqeWrkA1g/s640/blogger-image-1257191188.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is one I made for an artist friend, with a pallette and a paint brush, the bristles made from dog hair! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not too many squirrels around here!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-efTB5sHArbM/VdZ15olqf4I/AAAAAAAADqs/hGlaVu4tzFM/s640/blogger-image--1313531790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-efTB5sHArbM/VdZ15olqf4I/AAAAAAAADqs/hGlaVu4tzFM/s640/blogger-image--1313531790.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've been using Gypsona and Modroc plaster of Paris bandages on top of some sort of structure such as armature wire, light cardboard, foil, whatever works, held in shape with masking tape. Sometimes I've found it difficult to get the smooth effect ii wanted and this is where a very handy husband is worth his weight in gold, even more than normal! He suggested I used a joint compound that plasterers use such as the No More Gaps ( the one he happened to have in his workshop) to smooth over lumps and bumps or to shape small features and also the plaster 'powder'to pat, stroke on where I needed more plaster cover. They work so well and helped me a lot, especially as I'm learning this new craft.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_5EmrK167d0/VdZ18IjiohI/AAAAAAAADq0/ZzG3wOQQNhg/s640/blogger-image--1124811631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_5EmrK167d0/VdZ18IjiohI/AAAAAAAADq0/ZzG3wOQQNhg/s640/blogger-image--1124811631.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Idwmvu43m4/VdZ13D-l04I/AAAAAAAADqk/--KSDekAIww/s640/blogger-image--223828292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Idwmvu43m4/VdZ13D-l04I/AAAAAAAADqk/--KSDekAIww/s640/blogger-image--223828292.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here half the owl has had the compound smoothed over the bandage plaster, much easier then to paint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YMlZMLXoa38/VdZ1x1sJ5BI/AAAAAAAADqU/p0FXkSUoKQY/s640/blogger-image--2102059405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YMlZMLXoa38/VdZ1x1sJ5BI/AAAAAAAADqU/p0FXkSUoKQY/s640/blogger-image--2102059405.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hO5iTaZ21bI/VdZ10g1VgbI/AAAAAAAADqc/-k2aAXZfIaY/s640/blogger-image--1666633642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hO5iTaZ21bI/VdZ10g1VgbI/AAAAAAAADqc/-k2aAXZfIaY/s640/blogger-image--1666633642.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Something else I worked out with plasticine! I modelled a (rather scary) head with plasticine, sliced the head in half...through the ears, then glad wrap over each half, then use the plaster of Paris bandage to cover each half. Then when the plaster is dry, carefully lift the model off the plasticine , trim off the edges and plaster over the join. With this particular woman I used small pieces of the bandage but now I have the plaster compound I would us it instead, easier to make a good join.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I do hope these hints might help other newbies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm needing to be more organised with my day to day routine. It is so easy to find other things that 'have' to be done and the fun things are left for a 'better'time. So ....good intentions to do more, such as actually scheduling on my calendar my creative appointments...I'll let you know! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-72383927951656708972015-06-21T19:30:00.001+10:002015-06-21T19:30:38.370+10:00MY NEW DIRECTIONWhilst in NZ Kate introduced me to the art of making models using the Gypsona Plaster of Paris over some sort of structure, wire, squished paper, foil and tape of some sort, the. Working in the same manner as happens with papier mâché. I've been getting myself into my work corner, in the cold laundry, whenever I can find a few moments. Really good fun until suddenly I'm coooold! Not having realised earlier as I was so absorbed in what I was doing.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QAi7gMN-mK8/VYaEKN5jhdI/AAAAAAAADmU/TAnDpBHOtYk/s640/blogger-image-2101823013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QAi7gMN-mK8/VYaEKN5jhdI/AAAAAAAADmU/TAnDpBHOtYk/s640/blogger-image-2101823013.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>This is for my artist friend and no, this isn't a model of her as she is in real life!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tE_Ay5uKz-0/VYaEOyH-_aI/AAAAAAAADmk/GC2TaH99nZ0/s640/blogger-image--727652564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tE_Ay5uKz-0/VYaEOyH-_aI/AAAAAAAADmk/GC2TaH99nZ0/s640/blogger-image--727652564.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The paintbrush is made from a match and a snippet of our golden retriever's hair, he had very kindly offered to help in any way he could!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mMQjv3h8uZE/VYaEMkLDdNI/AAAAAAAADmc/9X9QZXraEUA/s640/blogger-image--539479815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mMQjv3h8uZE/VYaEMkLDdNI/AAAAAAAADmc/9X9QZXraEUA/s640/blogger-image--539479815.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This is the beginning of a blue wren for one of my June birthday friends.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EcW0U2f1VQs/VYaEElT6hCI/AAAAAAAADmE/x6dcyMG0EGc/s640/blogger-image-572075166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EcW0U2f1VQs/VYaEElT6hCI/AAAAAAAADmE/x6dcyMG0EGc/s640/blogger-image-572075166.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And a long legged something?! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wFh4vHaowv4/VYaEHDZPG2I/AAAAAAAADmM/YBKOnOuhWxM/s640/blogger-image--350138339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wFh4vHaowv4/VYaEHDZPG2I/AAAAAAAADmM/YBKOnOuhWxM/s640/blogger-image--350138339.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It is very exciting to find this new direction, to have ideas flowing in and through my mind after having felt stuck for so long.</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-48166988553169739372015-06-12T18:39:00.001+10:002015-06-12T18:39:35.747+10:00HOME AGAINA long day yesterday, 12 hours door to door, and very happy to be home! However the pangs of leaving the family are pretty large! But, there will be a next time and I did have a very happy husband waiting for me at the airport...he didn't quite give me the welcome that Bear, our golden retriever gave me....he literally, the dog I mean, didn't stop spinning around, kicking his back legs up in a skip every time he completed a circle, throwing his soft toy up in the air, talking his talk, for at least ten or fifteen minutes all the time with his eyes glowing with love!! So funny! <div>We didn't leave the house much as we were deeply involved in using the plaster of Paris bandages, following different paths with it. Too many great books, yummy meals and lots of chatting!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eaOew9xU52w/VXqanSodzCI/AAAAAAAADlU/ucL-ZYxtFL0/s640/blogger-image--1523132814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eaOew9xU52w/VXqanSodzCI/AAAAAAAADlU/ucL-ZYxtFL0/s640/blogger-image--1523132814.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QXp0GEGjrJc/VXqau0YzaQI/AAAAAAAADls/Jsh8Fsz25tU/s640/blogger-image--2057139706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QXp0GEGjrJc/VXqau0YzaQI/AAAAAAAADls/Jsh8Fsz25tU/s640/blogger-image--2057139706.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ZIV4keHuvo/VXqap51diZI/AAAAAAAADlc/98OQgfb9Mqc/s640/blogger-image-1584427690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ZIV4keHuvo/VXqap51diZI/AAAAAAAADlc/98OQgfb9Mqc/s640/blogger-image-1584427690.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Kate's butterfly and her caravan...of course a caravan!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A-7koq13Mac/VXqaky5QFEI/AAAAAAAADlM/sRPZ6XvCA-0/s640/blogger-image-670969628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A-7koq13Mac/VXqaky5QFEI/AAAAAAAADlM/sRPZ6XvCA-0/s640/blogger-image-670969628.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Not great photos but Kate will have better ones on her blog I'm sure. Don't you love Hugo's mouse house... Strangely his parents don't want the mouse house to live in their house, to have mice residing with them permanently just isn't on!</div><div>Archie with his sustainable art project, beautifully presented in the box he had made, maybe with a bit of help, I'm not sure. I'm so impressed with this work, so interesting to see what he was able to do.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mJw46wrIgDo/VXqaxOx5HSI/AAAAAAAADl0/IsoY4Ta3C9g/s640/blogger-image--1324375513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mJw46wrIgDo/VXqaxOx5HSI/AAAAAAAADl0/IsoY4Ta3C9g/s640/blogger-image--1324375513.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div><div>No homecoming would be complete without a wander around the garden...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ol0GQMjXE8/VXqasVxJi9I/AAAAAAAADlk/G3ilWHqakZo/s640/blogger-image-1909594898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ol0GQMjXE8/VXqasVxJi9I/AAAAAAAADlk/G3ilWHqakZo/s640/blogger-image-1909594898.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The first daphne, the delicate snow drops and a mushroom gleaming in the grass! </div><div>So good to be home, good to be with family here just wishing we were all in the same country!</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-29735285533169941942015-06-08T06:06:00.001+10:002015-06-08T06:06:31.049+10:00MY NZ HOLIDAYOnce again time is flying, bundled up with my family here, embedded as they say in all the everyday happenings that normally I only hear about. I don't need entertaining or to be taken to interesting places, just being here is more than enough.<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KSGSq9Jbw-A/VXSkGE2HZcI/AAAAAAAADkY/jlUvl1E8a4U/s640/blogger-image-392335588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KSGSq9Jbw-A/VXSkGE2HZcI/AAAAAAAADkY/jlUvl1E8a4U/s640/blogger-image-392335588.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>I look out onto this from my bed each morning, very easy to sit in bed with my cups of tea and watch the sky light up through the last of the Autumn leaves, birds flitting and chatting a few feet from me.</div><div>I've been wanting, needing a new direction with creating, feeling very stuck and uninspired. And...suddenly I'm off in that new direction! So exciting! Kate had discovered the Gypsona plaster of Paris bandage crafting. Using it as you do with papier mâché. Building a structure, and then covering with sloppy pieces of the plaster bandage.</div><div>Kate has been making an amazing caravan, I'll leave that to her to blog about...it is beautiful...of course!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DU-lZhCLM2w/VXSkRGS0B2I/AAAAAAAADk4/NsBMrviYSQs/s640/blogger-image--410325493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DU-lZhCLM2w/VXSkRGS0B2I/AAAAAAAADk4/NsBMrviYSQs/s640/blogger-image--410325493.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>The rather spooky hand cast behind belongs to Archie, photo bombing! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-reVs4Khon6M/VXSkLBa75II/AAAAAAAADko/B-UYEsp6Bbg/s640/blogger-image--738135304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-reVs4Khon6M/VXSkLBa75II/AAAAAAAADko/B-UYEsp6Bbg/s640/blogger-image--738135304.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_hxFxrz9UqY/VXSkOJv6HKI/AAAAAAAADkw/rmBqYdABvWo/s640/blogger-image--614615246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_hxFxrz9UqY/VXSkOJv6HKI/AAAAAAAADkw/rmBqYdABvWo/s640/blogger-image--614615246.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This poor old duck hasn't been quite finished, her pipe cleaner arms are to be covered. And she is rather knock kneed poor thing!</div><div>We've been using Gypsona bandage, bought from the chemist, I do wonder whether they are wondering about the boys, whether they have many broken bones that the parents are hiding from the medical world?!</div><div>Archie had a 'mental health' day on Friday spending a quietly happy morning alongside his aunt, mother and grandmother who were all occupied with various projects and now today we'll have another special time with my extra family so lots of special times. Hugo had his time with the Gypsona yesterday, making a mouse house!</div><div>We did have a library trip just after I arrived to top up all the books Kate already had waiting for me. So many good books with a surprising one for me the best so far...Jodi Piccoult's Leaving Time. Quite different to her other books with a very surprising twist at the end. I think I could have spent my entire time here reading but one needs to talk, eat, (delicious meals!) create, nap and of course, sleep so all these activities do rather distract me from reading!</div><div>And there are persimmons...I love them, eating, looking, appreciating the beautiful colour! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sDtK6B_kJPI/VXSkIjFdx0I/AAAAAAAADkg/zNVCTTs2sh8/s640/blogger-image-1519183591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sDtK6B_kJPI/VXSkIjFdx0I/AAAAAAAADkg/zNVCTTs2sh8/s640/blogger-image-1519183591.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Home on Thursday which of course will be lovely too, but oh, I do so hate saying goodbye! </div><div><br></div></div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-46614099091818449892015-04-26T14:06:00.001+10:002015-04-26T14:06:53.557+10:00SOME BITS AND PIECES, INCLUDING A TADAH MOMENT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AJAJ8l2inQs/VTxkMHXekEI/AAAAAAAADjY/t_zvB8yYZJg/s640/blogger-image-1816422532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AJAJ8l2inQs/VTxkMHXekEI/AAAAAAAADjY/t_zvB8yYZJg/s640/blogger-image-1816422532.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">About three years ago I bought a camellia and planted it is a shady spot where I thought I might have a hope of it growing. Camellias seem to do well in our hot/cold area if they get a good start but I hadn't had any luck with them...until this one survived...but then we left it behind when we moved. And today I've just realised that the camellia I've been ocasionally picking is the same as the one I left behind. One of those happy little coincidences that has happened since we came here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-StEZRfUGPHo/VTxkUzT6vwI/AAAAAAAADjg/j5AAbfCVHvI/s640/blogger-image-1530978904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-StEZRfUGPHo/VTxkUzT6vwI/AAAAAAAADjg/j5AAbfCVHvI/s640/blogger-image-1530978904.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">An at last finished jumper! For the 4 year old J. I was worried that it wouldn't fit him after 18 months of knitting, in very much fits and starts. Lastnight I finished sewing ll those ends from all those stripes and breathed a huge sigh of relief! I have been doing other projects in between knits and now can get going in earnest with my already begun ripple rug....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OKo2BOThysU/VTxkGWi-NkI/AAAAAAAADjQ/KSssfwxMFG4/s640/blogger-image-1819865429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OKo2BOThysU/VTxkGWi-NkI/AAAAAAAADjQ/KSssfwxMFG4/s640/blogger-image-1819865429.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is probably not a good idea to look too closely at the ripples, they aren't altogether in alignment but I'm hoping to be an 'expert' by the end!??!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9dR--AfFWX4/VTxkBIFXDAI/AAAAAAAADjI/5jafiW5xWbY/s640/blogger-image--2128607006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9dR--AfFWX4/VTxkBIFXDAI/AAAAAAAADjI/5jafiW5xWbY/s640/blogger-image--2128607006.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I'm using wool I have in my stash, the brown is not a favourite of mine, nor is the blue but with the other favourites I think they work. And sadly the lime green isn't being produced any more so will have to find something similar. So....hopefully it won't take me two years to finish!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hope you're all having a happy weekend.</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-48385735018130689872015-04-17T17:09:00.001+10:002015-04-17T17:09:49.861+10:00THE DUCK PARTY MORNINGI've neglected my blog so much lately and I do miss it. However I always read my blogging friends first thing whilst having my morning cup of tea. At last I seem to be pretty organised, most things have a home even if I would like a few more shelves...just waiting for E to have some me time...that is time for my wants rather than his time for himself!<div>The weather has been extremely dry in our corner of the woods and the creek which runs through the middle of the town had all but dried up, just a 'puddle pond' left where people tend to picnic instead of the flowing stream. The ducks had deserted the area, not enough water for them to have more than a splash. However! We have now had a little bit of rain, some further up towards the source of the creek and our 'puddle pond' has grown and with the growth the ducks have returned, so many of them it is a treat to see. I'm not sure whether it is 'legal' these days to feed the ducks but decided it would be fun to walk down with our 4 year old grandson who was with me this morning. And it was fun! We scuffled through the leaves, he picked up the conkers from the plane trees, carefully bringning home one that had 'horns' on it and best of all he fed the ducks! Two pieces thrown into the melee of ducks, one piece for him! Obviously the grandson didn't want to go hungry!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m9CGtYcpIrY/VTCxj0WnOlI/AAAAAAAADiI/KMNRaHNVr7A/s640/blogger-image-1332231844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m9CGtYcpIrY/VTCxj0WnOlI/AAAAAAAADiI/KMNRaHNVr7A/s640/blogger-image-1332231844.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_0HubV1fvPM/VTCxqnpa3aI/AAAAAAAADiY/1OeU_Ey-qv8/s640/blogger-image-635961753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_0HubV1fvPM/VTCxqnpa3aI/AAAAAAAADiY/1OeU_Ey-qv8/s640/blogger-image-635961753.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>The one magpie who tried to attend the party! But wasn't allowed to participate but the ducks!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iAHwVH1nIXA/VTCxmyGzFsI/AAAAAAAADiQ/4jaGcm49eTw/s640/blogger-image-1815913654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iAHwVH1nIXA/VTCxmyGzFsI/AAAAAAAADiQ/4jaGcm49eTw/s640/blogger-image-1815913654.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wjpr_M7aVsM/VTCxfYoskeI/AAAAAAAADiA/gdUXtjYHG_s/s640/blogger-image--1913504811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wjpr_M7aVsM/VTCxfYoskeI/AAAAAAAADiA/gdUXtjYHG_s/s640/blogger-image--1913504811.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ympo9ii_vk/VTCxu-VKXbI/AAAAAAAADig/MfswOGPp-C8/s640/blogger-image-382276788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ympo9ii_vk/VTCxu-VKXbI/AAAAAAAADig/MfswOGPp-C8/s640/blogger-image-382276788.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Al in all a happy morning, for little J, for the ducks....and for me!</div><br></div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-34967347193169579382015-03-12T10:52:00.001+11:002015-03-12T10:52:52.195+11:00OUR NEW HOME!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-q53ulW5JUQM/VQDVIJclSPI/AAAAAAAADg4/KyHwT_cKupI/s640/blogger-image-1414121673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-q53ulW5JUQM/VQDVIJclSPI/AAAAAAAADg4/KyHwT_cKupI/s640/blogger-image-1414121673.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gnvTcP5BJmY/VQDVQi248zI/AAAAAAAADhA/Y-yapo5idBE/s640/blogger-image-1955789159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gnvTcP5BJmY/VQDVQi248zI/AAAAAAAADhA/Y-yapo5idBE/s640/blogger-image-1955789159.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>It has been such a long time since I wrote, so much happening here in our corner of the woods...packing yet again and moving house. Not far this time, only a kilometre away from where we were renting. But now it is our permanent home, no more shifts for us...I now need to get rid of all the packing boxes we have accumulated with each move, maybe keeping them might be a subconscious message we are to move again! No thankyou Universe, we are very happy here and intend to stay for our forever!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And no, the above picture is not where we are living! I'm not quite prepared to livie in a tiny cottage like this as someone so obviously did years ago, the old tank stand on the right hand side of the house showing that the rain would have been collected from the roof, every precious drop. I have seen the cottage on morning rides before but this morning it inspired me to write my first post I think for the year. Our house is a little bigger than this, probably at our age one might say too big but we have nestled down very comfortably. One of our requirements for our home was to have a big shed that didn't dominate the entire back garden, not so easy in a small town to find exactly what we wanted. We have our shed, not mine you would all know but the domain of the very industrious, clever and handy husband of mine. We all think he can do anything, going right back to Kate from Greedyforcolour who at the age of 11(think) bought me a special tumbler for a present, dropped it and broke it. She came home and said to E that she had collected all the pieces as she knew he could mend it! Well, not quite!! Sad for Kate! The shed is a very big double garage with an extension at the back, just perfect for our needs....sorry...for HIS needs!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm still sorting out boxes of all my 'making' and 'doing' stuff I've collected, that has been in boxes since we left the farm. The tricky part is where I'll put it all as I haven't the same cupboard space as I luxuriated in before. So there is some culling, more op shop with all sorts of 'stuff'. I won't show you the state of two rooms, one is to be cleared with the conglomeration going to somehow fit into 'my room'! I feel so lucky to have a ’room' to call my own and can't wait until there is some more order and calm in there. I have an armchair in there and a desk from where I can look out onto the prettiest part of the garden, particularly in the afternoons when there corner is in shade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u3nX4awJ0rg/VQDVTivwoaI/AAAAAAAADhI/AMY9wbfSQ7w/s640/blogger-image--1136927805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u3nX4awJ0rg/VQDVTivwoaI/AAAAAAAADhI/AMY9wbfSQ7w/s640/blogger-image--1136927805.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not a great photo as it was through the fly wire sliding door...I'm sure you can imagine! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Moving isn't much fun but the nesting sure is! Happy day to you all!</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-59570617244320164732014-12-04T17:52:00.001+11:002014-12-04T17:52:29.633+11:00WHITE<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-b4wb2UKl2X4/VIAEncSAd-I/AAAAAAAADew/eg7eafGMdPM/s640/blogger-image-219560853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-b4wb2UKl2X4/VIAEncSAd-I/AAAAAAAADew/eg7eafGMdPM/s640/blogger-image-219560853.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was just browsing through photos thinking I hadn't been in blog land for a little while so looking for some inspiration found a theme of WHITE. As our days are lengthening and becoming hotter I see so many beautiful snow photos, stunning snow photos and I sigh for the cooler weather. I do know that for many the snow becomes very tedious but from this little corner in Australia I'm rather envious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h6o2iOBGh9g/VIAEkf9QYKI/AAAAAAAADeo/zw0IUaEZgZ0/s640/blogger-image-1231488833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h6o2iOBGh9g/VIAEkf9QYKI/AAAAAAAADeo/zw0IUaEZgZ0/s640/blogger-image-1231488833.jpg"></a></div><br></div>This photo was such a fluke...the pair of cockatoos had been sitting quietly, but as I snapped away I caught this one taking off. They are such naughty chaps and are now haunting our garden again. They have stripped a crabapple of all of the beautiful dark red fruit as well as little offerings of the ends of the branches and leaves. Then today I caught them in the apricot tree, it doesn't really matter as the fruit was destroyed by fruitfly last year and no doubt it will be again. The apricots are green so they aren't nipping them off to eat them, just to have fun. And then later this morning the baby quinces were being attacked! Ugh!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lRH9K2iZh4Y/VIAEepu0d-I/AAAAAAAADeY/5ZhrAbp6aBA/s640/blogger-image--1176060014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lRH9K2iZh4Y/VIAEepu0d-I/AAAAAAAADeY/5ZhrAbp6aBA/s640/blogger-image--1176060014.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Gardenias...such a favourite!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2eEhtHCS9fI/VIAEhhyI7tI/AAAAAAAADeg/_BrdmjamYC0/s640/blogger-image--1673639462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2eEhtHCS9fI/VIAEhhyI7tI/AAAAAAAADeg/_BrdmjamYC0/s640/blogger-image--1673639462.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Quince flowers, so delicate and sweet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n8Oyjxdzub0/VIAEqn-pTXI/AAAAAAAADe4/VN4Xz9xa_JU/s640/blogger-image-1090570620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n8Oyjxdzub0/VIAEqn-pTXI/AAAAAAAADe4/VN4Xz9xa_JU/s640/blogger-image-1090570620.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And our visiting white rabbit. He is wild, very timid but seems happy to visit. For some strange reason our golden retriever absolutely ignores him, will happily be in the garden at the same time ignoring him. Just lately a small grey rabbit visits too and it has been funny to see the white one chasing him, pulling him into line. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C5e0tC21Rss/VIAEbr84tiI/AAAAAAAADeQ/1SQNJ68XUa0/s640/blogger-image--973102267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C5e0tC21Rss/VIAEbr84tiI/AAAAAAAADeQ/1SQNJ68XUa0/s640/blogger-image--973102267.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We visited a beautiful garden a couple of weeks ago where we admired these romeneya poppies. Luckily my sister-in-law knew their name so could look them up when we arrived home. The next morning I discovered them flowering here and I hadn't noticed them before. They weren't as good specimens but still beautiful as you can see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So lots of white even if it isn't Christmassy snow! How are your plans for Christmas? I'm slowly getting there, the pudding and now the cake as of today are made. I have at least a million, slight exaggeration, cards to write as I'm putting in our change of address for when we move, a bit premature for our move but it will help later on and save 'double handling.' Only a fortnight now until our NZ family arrive, how exciting for us all!</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-25018143866875888612014-11-20T17:47:00.001+11:002014-11-21T08:35:54.159+11:00CHRISTMAS PUDDING MADE!Today I made the pudding for our family Christmas, one of my beginning steps to being a bit organised. The recipe I always use was given to me years ago by a school mother who was a wonderful cook and in fact catered as a business. It is so simple to make and really is delicious, bringing the fruit to the boil and letting it cool before adding the final ingredients.<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rBXo5I84ZVw/VG2OAWM8tmI/AAAAAAAADcw/9mFFfI0RIDU/s640/blogger-image-360992769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rBXo5I84ZVw/VG2OAWM8tmI/AAAAAAAADcw/9mFFfI0RIDU/s640/blogger-image-360992769.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--axFFavgiRo/VG2Oh7He1pI/AAAAAAAADdo/qYK6CJ094mY/s640/blogger-image--1751424027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--axFFavgiRo/VG2Oh7He1pI/AAAAAAAADdo/qYK6CJ094mY/s640/blogger-image--1751424027.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-377QfPgu-9w/VG2OQtL-5oI/AAAAAAAADdQ/8YrxO0ueIkA/s640/blogger-image--1784116200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-377QfPgu-9w/VG2OQtL-5oI/AAAAAAAADdQ/8YrxO0ueIkA/s640/blogger-image--1784116200.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And don't die of shock....</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YB4XWbAy6rY/VG2OIfMAHuI/AAAAAAAADdA/ei6qmLLNgVM/s640/blogger-image-1532030797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YB4XWbAy6rY/VG2OIfMAHuI/AAAAAAAADdA/ei6qmLLNgVM/s640/blogger-image-1532030797.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div> RECIPE </div><div>2 1/2 lbs mixed fruit, I use lots of raisins, some sultanas and I I have any some currants. You could use craisins...dried cranberries, apricots, your choice really but lots of raisins, leaving them whole so they are good and juicy!</div><div>2 oz mixed peel...I don't use because none of us like them!</div><div>4 oz chopped dates</div><div>Pinch salt, </div><div>1/2 tsp salt</div><div>1/2 tsp nutmeg</div><div>1/2 tsp bicarb soda</div><div>1/2 tsp mixed spice</div><div>If I haven't got the particular spice I might substitute cinnamon, ginger etc</div><div>3/4 cup brown sugar</div><div>1/2 cup water</div><div>1/2 cup brandy or rum, I always use brandy...</div><div>Heat all of the above until it reaches a boil, turn off and leave until COOL. I usually do this the night before the actual cooking. </div><div>When cool add 3 large well beaten eggs, 4 oz glacé cherries...I never weigh these just maybe 3/4 cup, left whole again so you get a juicy piece of fruit, 2 oz almonds chopped but I always use walnuts, broken into pieces by hand, much easier than getting out the chopping board, and lastly add the 375 </div><div>gram packet of pastry mix. Sounds peculiar but of course it is the flour and shortening...butter? ...already mixed. Believe me it DOES WORK! </div><div>Cover he top and boil for 5 hours, 1/2 mixture for 3 hours.</div><div>I have a couple of tips, after greasing the pudding bowl I place strips of baking paper across the base of the bowl, making it easier to get out of the bowl on D Day.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iUpXvSLSIYU/VG2OerwgW7I/AAAAAAAADdg/faXgCL_uYpo/s640/blogger-image-389535208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iUpXvSLSIYU/VG2OerwgW7I/AAAAAAAADdg/faXgCL_uYpo/s640/blogger-image-389535208.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yzwow02rpWA/VG2OEGVf6WI/AAAAAAAADc4/3GTASwlbld4/s640/blogger-image--1813238127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yzwow02rpWA/VG2OEGVf6WI/AAAAAAAADc4/3GTASwlbld4/s640/blogger-image--1813238127.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>Covering the top with a couple of layers of baking paper...which I leave on unless it is very wet after the cooking, it doesn't seem to be a problem.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Qowi1pztcQ/VG2OlIwd4AI/AAAAAAAADdw/fss5ytVCTRc/s640/blogger-image-776974233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Qowi1pztcQ/VG2OlIwd4AI/AAAAAAAADdw/fss5ytVCTRc/s640/blogger-image-776974233.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Then I put strips of foil across the base of the very large pan which then makes it easier to get the pudding out.</div><div>This bit has been added today, the day after the original post as I realised I didn't say to add water to the pot! A big OOPS! I put some in at this stage, after the strips of foil are in place, maybe 2-3 inches. Then put pud in! When the bowl is in place just check that the water comes up to at least 3/4 of the sides of the pud. I have to carefully pour water in as my bowl is only a tad smaller than my pot. Then you bring pot and pud to a boil and let it simmer away for the five hours, checking to see if the water needs topping up. If I can hear a gentle simmer I know it is right! Good luck!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vpdDYZNNGyQ/VG2OMisQdeI/AAAAAAAADdI/im1fXu76TnE/s640/blogger-image--1210285305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vpdDYZNNGyQ/VG2OMisQdeI/AAAAAAAADdI/im1fXu76TnE/s640/blogger-image--1210285305.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qp1YWodcKOY/VG2OUKVJihI/AAAAAAAADdY/ObuU5ZD_1hI/s640/blogger-image-1340080806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qp1YWodcKOY/VG2OUKVJihI/AAAAAAAADdY/ObuU5ZD_1hI/s640/blogger-image-1340080806.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The only thing I haven't written down in the recipe is the size of the pudding bowl, maybe you can work it out from my photos. I store in the fridge until Christmas Day, a cool pantry would be fine.</div><div>On Christmas Day I boil again for 2-3 hours, doesn't really matter, it gets put on and just left, a slow simmer. </div><div>So there you are, our Christmas pudding made! Hope you try this pudding and do let me know how you go!</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-38822115754061280422014-11-04T11:48:00.001+11:002014-11-04T11:51:54.511+11:00BUSY, BUZZING BEES AMONGST THE ROSES<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XKb42na68Vw/VFghwQUH3YI/AAAAAAAADbk/Tm7DYjcl9xI/s640/blogger-image--58911091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XKb42na68Vw/VFghwQUH3YI/AAAAAAAADbk/Tm7DYjcl9xI/s640/blogger-image--58911091.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another rose I've discovered in my garden. I don't know the name so would love someone to tell me. The bees adore it, rolling around in ecstasy to get as much pollen from the delicious stamens as possible! I'd almost say they were in a frenzy, squabbling to be the one to get the most pollen! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Wmuw8Qrj5h8/VFgh0MPBgLI/AAAAAAAADbs/HTROH0_zVUU/s640/blogger-image--1326131596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Wmuw8Qrj5h8/VFgh0MPBgLI/AAAAAAAADbs/HTROH0_zVUU/s640/blogger-image--1326131596.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_OSAla4Pc8s/VFgh-pQge-I/AAAAAAAADcE/3vufb1iM40A/s640/blogger-image--1613446231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_OSAla4Pc8s/VFgh-pQge-I/AAAAAAAADcE/3vufb1iM40A/s640/blogger-image--1613446231.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4JEsRBXDRas/VFghqFakplI/AAAAAAAADbc/3ifjddyWGxU/s640/blogger-image-875755028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4JEsRBXDRas/VFghqFakplI/AAAAAAAADbc/3ifjddyWGxU/s640/blogger-image-875755028.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j-ULJGBx9OU/VFgh7B0msqI/AAAAAAAADb8/Az-XeKBr0VU/s640/blogger-image--562866391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j-ULJGBx9OU/VFgh7B0msqI/AAAAAAAADb8/Az-XeKBr0VU/s640/blogger-image--562866391.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gVEUcckN0pU/VFgh3jPbdaI/AAAAAAAADb0/-5O8gSkMQew/s640/blogger-image-257520636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gVEUcckN0pU/VFgh3jPbdaI/AAAAAAAADb0/-5O8gSkMQew/s640/blogger-image-257520636.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CXwOp_4nfu0/VFgiRDsH41I/AAAAAAAADcc/PYXbMzB4-1g/s640/blogger-image-75446329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CXwOp_4nfu0/VFgiRDsH41I/AAAAAAAADcc/PYXbMzB4-1g/s640/blogger-image-75446329.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The flowers fade, the outer rims of the petals quite creamy and the main part a beautiful pale apricot, softer than the orange that it first shows. The scent is beautiful but not a strong one and the stamens loaded with pollen, come out from quite a red centre...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0BIZjC7_crI/VFgiOcs0lAI/AAAAAAAADcU/nmi9xDP0JbY/s640/blogger-image--912902004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0BIZjC7_crI/VFgiOcs0lAI/AAAAAAAADcU/nmi9xDP0JbY/s640/blogger-image--912902004.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VrJj7fo1D4E/VFgiD-ICxbI/AAAAAAAADcM/LGMQCO_wFEM/s640/blogger-image--1981439327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VrJj7fo1D4E/VFgiD-ICxbI/AAAAAAAADcM/LGMQCO_wFEM/s640/blogger-image--1981439327.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>These last two photos are from some that have been in a vase for a few days, the pollen has simply dropped onto the petals, I've not seen this before.</div><div>See you soon!</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-49306209593239809822014-10-26T11:23:00.001+11:002014-10-26T11:23:25.182+11:00MORNING BIKE RIDES<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ucojugEkLK0/VEw9201nEhI/AAAAAAAADZM/vOKFIBYOcSI/s640/blogger-image--2116175853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ucojugEkLK0/VEw9201nEhI/AAAAAAAADZM/vOKFIBYOcSI/s640/blogger-image--2116175853.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As you may know I ride a three wheeled bike around our little town for some exercise! I'm really enjoying these early morning rides, especially at the moment...after the cold mornings...and before it gets really hot. A bit like the story of the three bears...my 'porridge' at the moment,the temperature is just right! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But is is more than just the temperature...it is all the fragrances that fill me with delight as I ride. This morning there was the scent of freshly mown grass, a jasmine flowering over a post, wisterias in bloom, the 'whiff' of delicious roses as I ride past. On one of my 'roads,'on the edge of town, there is a horse farm so I have the lovely...to me....horsey smell as I ride right past.This morning a sheep truck drove past me, no sheep on board but I could still smell them, again to me a smell that brings back memories. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then there are the birds I see and hear. So many different ones and some elusive, I hear them but they are well hidden high amongst the foliage in the trees I past. There are of course the magpies dive bombing me, crows and Indian Mynah birds strutting their stuff, very important in their own eyes. Willie wagtails, masked lapwings, blue wrens and so on, a real feast of them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So come with me and I'll show you some of what I've seen in the last couple of days...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ojl6ynxdy6Q/VEw-ux49kBI/AAAAAAAADaU/fuyLnSM8ZNw/s640/blogger-image--702276091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ojl6ynxdy6Q/VEw-ux49kBI/AAAAAAAADaU/fuyLnSM8ZNw/s640/blogger-image--702276091.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AjYqcXzPFvs/VEw-m-1bFqI/AAAAAAAADaE/zhCsmpbV1cI/s640/blogger-image-1657373213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AjYqcXzPFvs/VEw-m-1bFqI/AAAAAAAADaE/zhCsmpbV1cI/s640/blogger-image-1657373213.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UcZEFdKlo-E/VEw9ySNoazI/AAAAAAAADZE/FwsL53nuF6I/s640/blogger-image--1924621466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UcZEFdKlo-E/VEw9ySNoazI/AAAAAAAADZE/FwsL53nuF6I/s640/blogger-image--1924621466.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4l0zNvSSgTA/VEw-zRLY7DI/AAAAAAAADac/-LyiCuMYqmg/s640/blogger-image-361212623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4l0zNvSSgTA/VEw-zRLY7DI/AAAAAAAADac/-LyiCuMYqmg/s640/blogger-image-361212623.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KoWxeSxdW1Y/VEw-CVmp-TI/AAAAAAAADZk/YsxRTP8oEVE/s640/blogger-image-1000440298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KoWxeSxdW1Y/VEw-CVmp-TI/AAAAAAAADZk/YsxRTP8oEVE/s640/blogger-image-1000440298.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uHLg8a2HWhU/VEw-qphF55I/AAAAAAAADaM/V3W2bbo1nTc/s640/blogger-image-842931119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uHLg8a2HWhU/VEw-qphF55I/AAAAAAAADaM/V3W2bbo1nTc/s640/blogger-image-842931119.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CtuWUN7dUps/VEw96irJC2I/AAAAAAAADZU/WfnhCr3Z0xM/s640/blogger-image-1057522620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CtuWUN7dUps/VEw96irJC2I/AAAAAAAADZU/WfnhCr3Z0xM/s640/blogger-image-1057522620.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8wdNKaQF8kg/VEw9-MzurCI/AAAAAAAADZc/0FYxVqK6hLk/s640/blogger-image--2090111528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8wdNKaQF8kg/VEw9-MzurCI/AAAAAAAADZc/0FYxVqK6hLk/s640/blogger-image--2090111528.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-liIgfbzoWPM/VEw-KFX9F-I/AAAAAAAADZ0/c57A4PRt2cU/s640/blogger-image--1887534004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-liIgfbzoWPM/VEw-KFX9F-I/AAAAAAAADZ0/c57A4PRt2cU/s640/blogger-image--1887534004.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MgY_2TiV-gQ/VEw-iwU85DI/AAAAAAAADZ8/JeY4uFi9h2k/s640/blogger-image--1701719361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MgY_2TiV-gQ/VEw-iwU85DI/AAAAAAAADZ8/JeY4uFi9h2k/s640/blogger-image--1701719361.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QI4wDzRmtZw/VEw-GE2T4GI/AAAAAAAADZs/ARilJihA1es/s640/blogger-image-2001023319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QI4wDzRmtZw/VEw-GE2T4GI/AAAAAAAADZs/ARilJihA1es/s640/blogger-image-2001023319.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A 'bee' tree caught my eye!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WXLEIFNVQa8/VEw-4mjD8qI/AAAAAAAADak/dbWK6VVO_rw/s640/blogger-image--945945773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WXLEIFNVQa8/VEw-4mjD8qI/AAAAAAAADak/dbWK6VVO_rw/s640/blogger-image--945945773.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you look very carefully you can see the bees above...I just happened to pull up beside the tree this morning and noticed the bees very busily flying in and out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bmNG2D5v2pU/VEw-8yGrb_I/AAAAAAAADas/Ee9Dz0K68zc/s640/blogger-image-1635068582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bmNG2D5v2pU/VEw-8yGrb_I/AAAAAAAADas/Ee9Dz0K68zc/s640/blogger-image-1635068582.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So...I hope you've enjoyed your ride along with me! And that you're enjoying your Sunday too!</div></div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-88157796265901345192014-10-25T18:15:00.001+11:002014-10-25T18:15:44.201+11:00ROSE HEAVENI hope you won't be bored with this post....more rose photos! The first bunch I picked was given to the owners of our rental, they were so gorgeous and so scented I thought she would like them as I know they haven't yet developed their new garden. And it was easy for me to pick my second bunch, so much choice!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VlMWEnl-VbA/VEtOCny8ZPI/AAAAAAAADYs/XcSa3b_ERmc/s640/blogger-image-387837660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VlMWEnl-VbA/VEtOCny8ZPI/AAAAAAAADYs/XcSa3b_ERmc/s640/blogger-image-387837660.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kheYIv5Gy4M/VEtNfr9nCFI/AAAAAAAADYM/rRxy3VLfoN8/s640/blogger-image-1406167018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kheYIv5Gy4M/VEtNfr9nCFI/AAAAAAAADYM/rRxy3VLfoN8/s640/blogger-image-1406167018.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T32U8xP-ap0/VEtNEBRcJLI/AAAAAAAADXc/cSXtSUfaX9U/s640/blogger-image-871197308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T32U8xP-ap0/VEtNEBRcJLI/AAAAAAAADXc/cSXtSUfaX9U/s640/blogger-image-871197308.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And my third, all the same variety this time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UcRWz21dKWw/VEtNa6ibARI/AAAAAAAADYE/9UOzwB38o-o/s640/blogger-image--1974236399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UcRWz21dKWw/VEtNa6ibARI/AAAAAAAADYE/9UOzwB38o-o/s640/blogger-image--1974236399.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today I visited a friend, taking a lovel bunch of pale pink roses for her as she has lots of stronger coloured roses in her garden. I wish I knew all the names of the roses here so I could sound knowledgeable! Before we leave here I will ask our landlady to walk around the garden with me and a I will WRITE down the names of my favourites and will then plant them in our new garden next Autumn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">AND my friend gave me a beautiful big bunch of her roses to bring home! I put them in a bucket when I got home, up to their necks to give them a good drink and a cool down...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zeCpgqo3vQ0/VEtNosPWorI/AAAAAAAADYU/IrTdnzuq4SE/s640/blogger-image-970151250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zeCpgqo3vQ0/VEtNosPWorI/AAAAAAAADYU/IrTdnzuq4SE/s640/blogger-image-970151250.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>Two vases later, preserving jars actually as most if my vases are still packed and I've run out of the ones that I do have...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K2edAyJwge8/VEtOGzvIswI/AAAAAAAADY0/iwlrpp5oGLI/s640/blogger-image--496202894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K2edAyJwge8/VEtOGzvIswI/AAAAAAAADY0/iwlrpp5oGLI/s640/blogger-image--496202894.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-r50F8xHsfR4/VEtNxKRK1hI/AAAAAAAADYc/sVAA8XKKfVU/s640/blogger-image-374766545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-r50F8xHsfR4/VEtNxKRK1hI/AAAAAAAADYc/sVAA8XKKfVU/s640/blogger-image-374766545.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C48dcEf0EHg/VEtNVCNBTQI/AAAAAAAADX8/oitHFNuVE0E/s640/blogger-image--1313753263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C48dcEf0EHg/VEtNVCNBTQI/AAAAAAAADX8/oitHFNuVE0E/s640/blogger-image--1313753263.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cRAdUflw9rY/VEtNIFp27MI/AAAAAAAADXk/PFSaL3UfdLw/s640/blogger-image--1320315766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cRAdUflw9rY/VEtNIFp27MI/AAAAAAAADXk/PFSaL3UfdLw/s640/blogger-image--1320315766.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QwGfJ0E5Tw8/VEtNLnPGa8I/AAAAAAAADXs/6HuSkD6se6w/s640/blogger-image--1743115787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QwGfJ0E5Tw8/VEtNLnPGa8I/AAAAAAAADXs/6HuSkD6se6w/s640/blogger-image--1743115787.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qD8lU0wdIdw/VEtN-5JW55I/AAAAAAAADYk/Vp-ow1cvxbg/s640/blogger-image-1178695579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qD8lU0wdIdw/VEtN-5JW55I/AAAAAAAADYk/Vp-ow1cvxbg/s640/blogger-image-1178695579.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WEpo9x74aAU/VEtNPKrIIpI/AAAAAAAADX0/lxr0lAC9Aw4/s640/blogger-image-2136943479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WEpo9x74aAU/VEtNPKrIIpI/AAAAAAAADX0/lxr0lAC9Aw4/s640/blogger-image-2136943479.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I wish you could smell them! I have one vase now waiting in our bedroom, one beside the chair I sit in at night, one on our table, and more on a shelf in our kitchen area, how spoilt I am!! </div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-37471809802421699382014-10-23T09:58:00.001+11:002014-10-23T09:58:49.576+11:00MY FIRST BUNCH OF ROSES!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NquuqS0V0lQ/VEg2kXWt-OI/AAAAAAAADXE/qoZJGhxpdYg/s640/blogger-image--78990502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NquuqS0V0lQ/VEg2kXWt-OI/AAAAAAAADXE/qoZJGhxpdYg/s640/blogger-image--78990502.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are millions of roses, welllllllll, perhaps that is an exaggeration but it did seem that way when Lucy, Joe and I pruned them all! I've been watching the delicious buds appearing and waiting for the day I could seize the seccateurs and pick a bunch! E had picked the first pink one for me a couple of weeks ago so we did have that to adore!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So this morning I could do it! With seccateurs in hand, Bear, our dog, and I went into the garden, just the back garden mind you and we collected this lovely bunch, yellow, the deepest dark red which the photo doesn't do justice, pinks, and pink with apricot tones, most of them scented, how lucky am I to have such a collection to choose from!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XD21DhrExm0/VEg2pY5kNAI/AAAAAAAADXM/flvAs1CC7vg/s640/blogger-image--1713152890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XD21DhrExm0/VEg2pY5kNAI/AAAAAAAADXM/flvAs1CC7vg/s640/blogger-image--1713152890.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-52YT4tWbSsE/VEg2hbCxtXI/AAAAAAAADW8/Uye0Wa7de40/s640/blogger-image--129720181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-52YT4tWbSsE/VEg2hbCxtXI/AAAAAAAADW8/Uye0Wa7de40/s640/blogger-image--129720181.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g4xtWDiBmWk/VEg2U5idVYI/AAAAAAAADWc/Ln8TnIAaez8/s640/blogger-image-1628401513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g4xtWDiBmWk/VEg2U5idVYI/AAAAAAAADWc/Ln8TnIAaez8/s640/blogger-image-1628401513.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-55Lq-pwCl6I/VEg2Y4R3bHI/AAAAAAAADWk/nVEOyRYct0U/s640/blogger-image-1368686890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-55Lq-pwCl6I/VEg2Y4R3bHI/AAAAAAAADWk/nVEOyRYct0U/s640/blogger-image-1368686890.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GsqXNJLsMBM/VEg2eor5Z5I/AAAAAAAADW0/zm0evSfPAyc/s640/blogger-image--2051243363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GsqXNJLsMBM/VEg2eor5Z5I/AAAAAAAADW0/zm0evSfPAyc/s640/blogger-image--2051243363.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NxhKxpsxe5M/VEg2Ot_6cJI/AAAAAAAADWM/1HDAmTgbePA/s640/blogger-image-690280446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NxhKxpsxe5M/VEg2Ot_6cJI/AAAAAAAADWM/1HDAmTgbePA/s640/blogger-image-690280446.jpg"></a></div><br></div>And beside me as I write there is this beautiful scented pink rose, short stems so I'm floating them in a bowl as I didn't want to lose any of their 'sisters' who were budding up with such promise!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8YOR_YeWevE/VEg2R_wsR1I/AAAAAAAADWU/kDqpwkO3yWQ/s640/blogger-image-1033473644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8YOR_YeWevE/VEg2R_wsR1I/AAAAAAAADWU/kDqpwkO3yWQ/s640/blogger-image-1033473644.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-23R02KmlSNY/VEg2bjT7TmI/AAAAAAAADWs/BZfgqRTUIsM/s640/blogger-image--1203178488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-23R02KmlSNY/VEg2bjT7TmI/AAAAAAAADWs/BZfgqRTUIsM/s640/blogger-image--1203178488.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I wish I could give all my readers a bunch of them so you could all enjoy the fragrance as well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Maybe tomorrow I'll pick some fro my front garden and show them to you. Have a good and rosy day today!</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-77565534229075379992014-10-16T17:35:00.001+11:002014-10-19T20:09:39.027+11:00HOUSE NEWS AND SOME SPRING PHOTOS<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Our big news this week is that we have bought a house. Very exciting as we have been looking for ten months to get something we liked. I'm looking forward so much to unpacking all the boxes in storage, probably getting rid of even more as we unpack. We are not sure when we will move, the present owners have to find somewhere to live while they build. All my art and crafting materials in one place! All the things I've had to manage without! </span></div><div>One of the joys of a new garden is discovering all the treasures in the garden. I know in our new garden there are some lovely gardenias, camellias, a silver birch, all favourites of mine and there will be room to plant all the roses I've brought with us that are now in pots. A really good lemon tree....always great to have! And, I'm hoping for lots of surprises as the seasons roll round. Things do have a habit of popping up...bulbs would be lovely!</div><div>The garden here in our rental is a beautiful Spring garden, the blossom trees, in particular a flowering cherry and a couple of stunning crabapples....</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yjt_5-29QZA/VEN_vyhmJTI/AAAAAAAADVw/EUa8oY1bUdk/s640/blogger-image-766313403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yjt_5-29QZA/VEN_vyhmJTI/AAAAAAAADVw/EUa8oY1bUdk/s640/blogger-image-766313403.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WZmZfnTZSBw/VEN_TViB4vI/AAAAAAAADVQ/cIXmi8YY0sQ/s640/blogger-image--127884632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WZmZfnTZSBw/VEN_TViB4vI/AAAAAAAADVQ/cIXmi8YY0sQ/s640/blogger-image--127884632.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-guJIpyJhKAY/VEN_IGM2Y5I/AAAAAAAADVA/zkfE9gZY8d0/s640/blogger-image-1605385262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-guJIpyJhKAY/VEN_IGM2Y5I/AAAAAAAADVA/zkfE9gZY8d0/s640/blogger-image-1605385262.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-voT7TU_Gwlo/VEN_XOkhK5I/AAAAAAAADVY/aybiUVESrBo/s640/blogger-image--1492818270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-voT7TU_Gwlo/VEN_XOkhK5I/AAAAAAAADVY/aybiUVESrBo/s640/blogger-image--1492818270.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7J4Cno77oOc/VEN_gvtIi2I/AAAAAAAADVg/1yvIvzVfM8c/s640/blogger-image--1814972233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7J4Cno77oOc/VEN_gvtIi2I/AAAAAAAADVg/1yvIvzVfM8c/s640/blogger-image--1814972233.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--O5oJxRBC2A/VEN_NoDe0nI/AAAAAAAADVI/dmOOj2QJsqA/s640/blogger-image-509530280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--O5oJxRBC2A/VEN_NoDe0nI/AAAAAAAADVI/dmOOj2QJsqA/s640/blogger-image-509530280.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The roses here are also beginning to burst out, all beautiful. And I'm delighted to see some of the roses I potted to bring with us are flowering too, always a bit of a gamble not knowing whether they will adjust to going back into a pot. The following yellow rose is a very treasured rose, a cutting taken from a really old rose in the original garden at the farm.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i0h_kT3mcxw/VEN_kOPHwpI/AAAAAAAADVo/EqfYneIcCmA/s640/blogger-image-643368415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i0h_kT3mcxw/VEN_kOPHwpI/AAAAAAAADVo/EqfYneIcCmA/s640/blogger-image-643368415.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oKt9cHLZ8O0/VEN_zyB2EEI/AAAAAAAADV4/eBKC9Fn0eLI/s640/blogger-image-984028580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oKt9cHLZ8O0/VEN_zyB2EEI/AAAAAAAADV4/eBKC9Fn0eLI/s640/blogger-image-984028580.jpg"></a></div><br></div>This pink rose is the first for our season, picked and brought into me by E, I'm sure that makes it even better!</div><div>Hopefully I'll be back soon with a lovely bunch of roses for you!</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-84736226092814922432014-10-06T09:32:00.001+11:002014-10-06T09:32:11.908+11:00ATTACKING MAGPIES!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e6bwYFwrbuo/VDHGyEuDOLI/AAAAAAAADUQ/21-urV8SXYE/s640/blogger-image-737139896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e6bwYFwrbuo/VDHGyEuDOLI/AAAAAAAADUQ/21-urV8SXYE/s640/blogger-image-737139896.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When I was a little girl my brothers and I rode our bikes to school every day, heat, rain, frost, no matter! Off we toddled 2 miles, approx 5 Ks, for the six years we attended the tiny country primary school. In Spring time we were attacked by a family of magpies. Every year the same tree! We would ride reasonably close, pause, and then peddle hell-for-leather hoping we would miss the ping as the sharp beaks connected! I don't think the beaks often did connect but we always heard the snap as they flew past our ears, warning us I suppose!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Little did I think many moons later that I would hear those familiar snaps again! As most of my readers would know I now have an adult (thank heavens) three wheeler bike which I ride around our little town in the mornings. A couple of weeks ago there was the familiar sound which I instantly recognised, as well as the flap of feathers as the magpie swooped at me. One morning he/she followed me, flying from tree to tree, swooping between each one! BUT the good thing NOW is that I wear a helmet so I'm perfectly safe if I were actually caught by those beaks! No helmets back in the days of the dinosaur, just our delicate little heads!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love to have magpies around, I adore listening to their warbling, a lovely start to the day! Here we have lots of blackbirds and thrushes who welcome the day with their songs. What a beautiful start to the day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Before we left the farm I heard a scrabbling from a window and looked up to see a magpie silhouetted against the sky, on the fly wire. He probably could see his reflection and was flirting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5kD8b6yiZes/VDHG3NeGXQI/AAAAAAAADUY/fOJhPZHUrPo/s640/blogger-image-1286424423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5kD8b6yiZes/VDHG3NeGXQI/AAAAAAAADUY/fOJhPZHUrPo/s640/blogger-image-1286424423.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n-CScnapfhU/VDHG6Go3tDI/AAAAAAAADUg/71rUZGo6NiI/s640/blogger-image-1738802877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n-CScnapfhU/VDHG6Go3tDI/AAAAAAAADUg/71rUZGo6NiI/s640/blogger-image-1738802877.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Funny old maggies or mudpies as one small grandchild called them!</div><br></div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-41145340037033783062014-09-29T18:45:00.001+10:002014-09-29T18:45:35.076+10:00ANOTHER UNEXPECTED VISITOR AND SOME MORE SPRINGWhat do you do when you get into the shower, you are wet all over and you see you have a huuuuge spider very, very close to your head! Well, no one is near, no knight in shining armour, and you are all wet. Well, I just decided I would finish my shower!! <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jq3qoxrmtMo/VCkb7jV_fbI/AAAAAAAADTg/U-S3-hVWGCg/s640/blogger-image--621258210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jq3qoxrmtMo/VCkb7jV_fbI/AAAAAAAADTg/U-S3-hVWGCg/s640/blogger-image--621258210.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And do you see the gap in behind him, I'm sure it was a him he was soooo big, he decided he needed to hide from the sight of the naked me! I wonder why! Well, he squeezed into the crack but had to struggle to get the 'last' half in. The legs twisted and waved, absolute clumsy ballet steps, really hilarious! At last he managed but as I bumped the door in my haste to leave the shower he rushed out, I'm not sure who was moving the quickest at this stage. Now I'm waiting for him to climb out of the shower and then I'll try to catch him with a towel and pop him outside.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5WNBYUQTak0/VCkcFZ8xxYI/AAAAAAAADT4/udnr2u45pEE/s640/blogger-image-371519066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5WNBYUQTak0/VCkcFZ8xxYI/AAAAAAAADT4/udnr2u45pEE/s640/blogger-image-371519066.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another brilliant sky today and the blossom trees are looking beautiful against the blue backdrop...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MXGIrOaiKXE/VCkb-2Wip_I/AAAAAAAADTo/JtAmyowK6mo/s640/blogger-image--1090394508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MXGIrOaiKXE/VCkb-2Wip_I/AAAAAAAADTo/JtAmyowK6mo/s640/blogger-image--1090394508.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NPL610TT1Uc/VCkb3FzkrUI/AAAAAAAADTY/CfWI0iqn534/s640/blogger-image-1273347195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NPL610TT1Uc/VCkb3FzkrUI/AAAAAAAADTY/CfWI0iqn534/s640/blogger-image-1273347195.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1Afd2_9bZ4M/VCkcCaK3qqI/AAAAAAAADTw/3mbeKXXgqu0/s640/blogger-image--1892366193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1Afd2_9bZ4M/VCkcCaK3qqI/AAAAAAAADTw/3mbeKXXgqu0/s640/blogger-image--1892366193.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Hope you have all had a lovely day. See you soon!</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-29432540454668912362014-09-25T12:23:00.001+10:002014-09-25T12:23:40.312+10:00WISTERIA AGAIN AND CROCHETED RUGS IN A SPECIAL PLACE<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Z86kQEbh4LI/VCN8IcfQh_I/AAAAAAAADSA/1W5desnHPGw/s640/blogger-image--929103498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Z86kQEbh4LI/VCN8IcfQh_I/AAAAAAAADSA/1W5desnHPGw/s640/blogger-image--929103498.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">A stunning wisteria glimpsed this morning...you may realise I loooove wisteria, the scent is just divine and brings back many memories for me. You've probably gathered already that I do loooove it!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4GsubWCByOM/VCN8hsckZWI/AAAAAAAADS4/4zxCeacu7ME/s640/blogger-image-222632226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4GsubWCByOM/VCN8hsckZWI/AAAAAAAADS4/4zxCeacu7ME/s640/blogger-image-222632226.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gvcBxe3__E4/VCN8MFLwstI/AAAAAAAADSI/nKAmY_rJNqQ/s640/blogger-image-1744203158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gvcBxe3__E4/VCN8MFLwstI/AAAAAAAADSI/nKAmY_rJNqQ/s640/blogger-image-1744203158.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then we popped into a church, we hadn't been here before and thought the crochet and knitted rugs were a wonderful idea for those cold Sunday winter mornings. AND look at the toys in readiness for the children...wonderful ideas!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VKWIRJszVag/VCN8QBKks_I/AAAAAAAADSQ/o6RVGkj1J7Q/s640/blogger-image-2068751417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VKWIRJszVag/VCN8QBKks_I/AAAAAAAADSQ/o6RVGkj1J7Q/s640/blogger-image-2068751417.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YwhbwX1g3r0/VCN8lo-1tgI/AAAAAAAADTA/cGoKIFFQC_s/s640/blogger-image-212252437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YwhbwX1g3r0/VCN8lo-1tgI/AAAAAAAADTA/cGoKIFFQC_s/s640/blogger-image-212252437.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3mo5y7lT7T8/VCN8paC0xXI/AAAAAAAADTI/TscVTT99KvY/s640/blogger-image-1779382566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3mo5y7lT7T8/VCN8paC0xXI/AAAAAAAADTI/TscVTT99KvY/s640/blogger-image-1779382566.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uhA37NhqTY8/VCN8W92p8hI/AAAAAAAADSg/HtBQpol0uSQ/s640/blogger-image--1971729930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uhA37NhqTY8/VCN8W92p8hI/AAAAAAAADSg/HtBQpol0uSQ/s640/blogger-image--1971729930.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div> Handstitched kneeling cushions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RVfnv1ij0Y8/VCN8a2c9l7I/AAAAAAAADSo/dJ4I-KkLnKg/s640/blogger-image--426980332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RVfnv1ij0Y8/VCN8a2c9l7I/AAAAAAAADSo/dJ4I-KkLnKg/s640/blogger-image--426980332.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cuJVjesGhHg/VCN8UOYKC5I/AAAAAAAADSY/s1P3k0er_cM/s640/blogger-image-299823817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cuJVjesGhHg/VCN8UOYKC5I/AAAAAAAADSY/s1P3k0er_cM/s640/blogger-image-299823817.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L17uYTXJXiI/VCN8eX0iCJI/AAAAAAAADSw/u3SJpPQLsTU/s640/blogger-image--257845582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L17uYTXJXiI/VCN8eX0iCJI/AAAAAAAADSw/u3SJpPQLsTU/s640/blogger-image--257845582.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Very thoughtful additions to the church!</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-54554658596369082992014-09-22T13:45:00.001+10:002014-09-22T13:45:01.619+10:00THIS MORNING's BIKE RIDE<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Really no words necessary this morning....</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7vCja-uiOJU/VB-a3W91BtI/AAAAAAAADQ8/qeOVttmaHCw/s640/blogger-image-1053859575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7vCja-uiOJU/VB-a3W91BtI/AAAAAAAADQ8/qeOVttmaHCw/s640/blogger-image-1053859575.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gk-rSzIy34M/VB-awidq6lI/AAAAAAAADQs/HWP2pkDgN8E/s640/blogger-image-433831737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gk-rSzIy34M/VB-awidq6lI/AAAAAAAADQs/HWP2pkDgN8E/s640/blogger-image-433831737.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kFTayCK2ah8/VB-atblEhlI/AAAAAAAADQk/cu6RIi2nOq4/s640/blogger-image-911050433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kFTayCK2ah8/VB-atblEhlI/AAAAAAAADQk/cu6RIi2nOq4/s640/blogger-image-911050433.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-52KM5kqCagM/VB-bHTYRKtI/AAAAAAAADRk/Y8fDXwTUw2I/s640/blogger-image--283779750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-52KM5kqCagM/VB-bHTYRKtI/AAAAAAAADRk/Y8fDXwTUw2I/s640/blogger-image--283779750.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SHyuWePDdX0/VB-bOFcR51I/AAAAAAAADRs/aq70UNWoIzk/s640/blogger-image--750597317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SHyuWePDdX0/VB-bOFcR51I/AAAAAAAADRs/aq70UNWoIzk/s640/blogger-image--750597317.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BIlgnFupzBY/VB-a6YhitfI/AAAAAAAADRE/2b9zMMAhMUo/s640/blogger-image--1433147882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BIlgnFupzBY/VB-a6YhitfI/AAAAAAAADRE/2b9zMMAhMUo/s640/blogger-image--1433147882.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6rc9qV7jwGI/VB-a9vfQUyI/AAAAAAAADRM/scO2S19QC04/s640/blogger-image-295923409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6rc9qV7jwGI/VB-a9vfQUyI/AAAAAAAADRM/scO2S19QC04/s640/blogger-image-295923409.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Wisteria and grape vine tangled through the sweetly scented pittosporum, (I think!) the scent was amazing!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LEcERdhFiyM/VB-bBDaEWvI/AAAAAAAADRU/ofNkXWn-Gpw/s640/blogger-image-440794918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LEcERdhFiyM/VB-bBDaEWvI/AAAAAAAADRU/ofNkXWn-Gpw/s640/blogger-image-440794918.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BNfp3HDcpaU/VB-bEC-qWHI/AAAAAAAADRc/jLeOOdqGNfc/s640/blogger-image-1037464050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BNfp3HDcpaU/VB-bEC-qWHI/AAAAAAAADRc/jLeOOdqGNfc/s640/blogger-image-1037464050.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r2ZLHcAX4jY/VB-apy4kkYI/AAAAAAAADQc/okkaIJTBqdY/s640/blogger-image-557813971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r2ZLHcAX4jY/VB-apy4kkYI/AAAAAAAADQc/okkaIJTBqdY/s640/blogger-image-557813971.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uIsfYprfpRE/VB-a0UrAe_I/AAAAAAAADQ0/kBxxeqig1Xw/s640/blogger-image-1893666765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uIsfYprfpRE/VB-a0UrAe_I/AAAAAAAADQ0/kBxxeqig1Xw/s640/blogger-image-1893666765.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Beautiful Spring!</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-77767845024967958862014-09-21T18:34:00.001+10:002014-09-21T18:34:26.823+10:00OUR SUNDAYE has had a birthday today and we have had family here to celebrate at lunchtime. The lovely thing about grandchildren and birthdays is how they make it such fun for the rest of us. Cards drawn, words written that touch the heart.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fh40_tWkIsE/VB6Njue6uZI/AAAAAAAADQM/ZX0TQ1God60/s640/blogger-image-500894010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fh40_tWkIsE/VB6Njue6uZI/AAAAAAAADQM/ZX0TQ1God60/s640/blogger-image-500894010.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HTmssLzH_5w/VB6NWHnSNHI/AAAAAAAADPk/9xkUOBbxGdQ/s640/blogger-image-1105859499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HTmssLzH_5w/VB6NWHnSNHI/AAAAAAAADPk/9xkUOBbxGdQ/s640/blogger-image-1105859499.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hC7X84ogsRs/VB6NeC6cReI/AAAAAAAADP8/elNkSg2jJKA/s640/blogger-image--469185716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hC7X84ogsRs/VB6NeC6cReI/AAAAAAAADP8/elNkSg2jJKA/s640/blogger-image--469185716.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DItAh0O7rI4/VB6NTK3j9CI/AAAAAAAADPc/bEIB_wVTOlY/s640/blogger-image-890166779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DItAh0O7rI4/VB6NTK3j9CI/AAAAAAAADPc/bEIB_wVTOlY/s640/blogger-image-890166779.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And the 3 1/2 yr old had to join in, note the writing!! Not the best photos here but you get the picture!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m_5T1MO_vGo/VB6NbL0FhMI/AAAAAAAADP0/y7OFxdXQcpo/s640/blogger-image--1064707646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m_5T1MO_vGo/VB6NbL0FhMI/AAAAAAAADP0/y7OFxdXQcpo/s640/blogger-image--1064707646.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OZe20ooKyZo/VB6NgsB7cvI/AAAAAAAADQE/ykWGJqFMHFE/s640/blogger-image-250084892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OZe20ooKyZo/VB6NgsB7cvI/AAAAAAAADQE/ykWGJqFMHFE/s640/blogger-image-250084892.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>I love love love the effort the kids put in! </div><div>Now you all know that Pa is bald and has a beard, wears boots, is 69 and is much loved by all his grandchildren. Just wish they all could have been here! </div><div> Kate asked me tonight which book I was reading from my lovely pile....</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MQcJVRlib38/VB6NYiGXx0I/AAAAAAAADPs/KJXYcRCFLfE/s640/blogger-image--2017800045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MQcJVRlib38/VB6NYiGXx0I/AAAAAAAADPs/KJXYcRCFLfE/s640/blogger-image--2017800045.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The book is set in Northern Australia, going between past and present, a mystery involving two families and I'm really enjoying it. I don't normally enjoy reading outback type books but this one has something that has me interested. Stayed in bed rather too long this morning as I didn't want to put the book down. Now we have our fire going, the room is nice and cosy and dinner is heat-ups! Bliss!</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-89633784939794341542014-09-20T17:04:00.001+10:002014-09-20T17:04:16.521+10:00A SHELFIE! SOME PROMISING BOOKS FROM THE LIBRARY.<div>I've been looking forward to using this term...a SHELFIE as opposed to a SELFIE! I read it somewhere, I'm not sure where now but thought it was very funny! I'm very happy taking SHELFIES, and never would I take a SELFIE!</div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">There is almost nothing as good as a large pile of books waiting for me at the library...all those books full of promise, mystery and hours of quiet delight! </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LbUa8C6xcvE/VB0mzVXrKzI/AAAAAAAADO4/CbzY42dT-4o/s640/blogger-image-1850359987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LbUa8C6xcvE/VB0mzVXrKzI/AAAAAAAADO4/CbzY42dT-4o/s640/blogger-image-1850359987.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Reading is almost the most relaxing thing I can do, it can block out the world when my world isn't quite the way I would like, it can just be the deliciousness of getting stuck into a book that almost makes me salivate, it is so good. But then, when this delicious book is finished, nothing else is as good and some of the pleasure of reading has disappeared for a short time! Luckily though the passion for reading comes back to some sort of equilibrium and on I go to the next book.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've been thinking of this quite a lot as I have just finished the latest Louise Penny book, THE LONG WAY HOME. She is a Canadian writer, writes mysteries that have such depth in them, such understanding of our human foibles and every word is has to be read. A good thing for me as I learned speed reading when studying to be a teacher and I often skim through a book too quickly and probably miss too much. Anyway, back to Louise Penny! She has written a series, all stand alone, concerning an Inspector Gamache and a tiny village tucked away in Canada. Her writing has matured and deepened so much over the years, fascinating to watch. So, if you need a good series to read give her a try!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-weJE8HbPv3g/VB0m4LoEKWI/AAAAAAAADPA/lQmoS7qGpFA/s640/blogger-image-1933816061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-weJE8HbPv3g/VB0m4LoEKWI/AAAAAAAADPA/lQmoS7qGpFA/s640/blogger-image-1933816061.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XFCqqLsWDV8/VB0m7CV3ceI/AAAAAAAADPI/QQUaLXNLidg/s640/blogger-image-1818403239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XFCqqLsWDV8/VB0m7CV3ceI/AAAAAAAADPI/QQUaLXNLidg/s640/blogger-image-1818403239.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm not sure whether Bear enjoyed the book, he does look a bit bored!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm looking forward to reading THE TAXIDERMISTS DAUGHTER. Kate Mosse's other books have been good. Hopefully lots of enjoyment her for me!</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8269062288251737154.post-46132440593460670042014-09-18T16:39:00.001+10:002014-09-18T16:39:20.195+10:00FAMILY TIMEWe have had a lovely few days with daughter Kate here from NZ, all too short, always is! Not so long though until Christmas when all the family will be here. Lots of talking and laughing, sisters, nephews and niece, mothers and fathers all clamouring for little bits of her. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gYiaTi9Yrhg/VBp9-Vb-IMI/AAAAAAAADOY/pPvCbSZ77Xw/s640/blogger-image-1599167732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gYiaTi9Yrhg/VBp9-Vb-IMI/AAAAAAAADOY/pPvCbSZ77Xw/s640/blogger-image-1599167732.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Painting swans as you may have seen on Kate's blog, Greedy For Colour.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ag46BMNW8dA/VBp-Bxe-YII/AAAAAAAADOg/aujpNj58MKc/s640/blogger-image-842625790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ag46BMNW8dA/VBp-Bxe-YII/AAAAAAAADOg/aujpNj58MKc/s640/blogger-image-842625790.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>No time to stop for a phone call from her brother in Perth!</div><div>She will be home now even though her flight was cancelled and she had to wait for another couple of hours at the airport after I dropped her off. The one time when I didn't go in with her as I had to get our car home for E to drive to Melbourne and she had to wait all that time on her own...we could have had a little extra of that special time!</div><div>I left her at 7.00 am and toddled on home, having to stop at a layby to make a few phone calls. Paddocks and paddocks of canola beside me. I always think I would love to lie down in the middle of all that yellow...I'm sure it would be magical!! However I do think the canola crops have a mass of chemicals poured on them so I'm not sure that lying in them would actually do me much good!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_6_ytPRAZPU/VBp96Vst18I/AAAAAAAADOQ/JfDuwvXDHis/s640/blogger-image-1810036040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_6_ytPRAZPU/VBp96Vst18I/AAAAAAAADOQ/JfDuwvXDHis/s640/blogger-image-1810036040.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wlm4W6VWnr4/VBp-FOJzaDI/AAAAAAAADOo/PRUOcH9BWIk/s640/blogger-image-106814939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wlm4W6VWnr4/VBp-FOJzaDI/AAAAAAAADOo/PRUOcH9BWIk/s640/blogger-image-106814939.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zRoeHy_jyp8/VBp91XkoO4I/AAAAAAAADOI/bNPFIrQv0T8/s640/blogger-image--1148203079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zRoeHy_jyp8/VBp91XkoO4I/AAAAAAAADOI/bNPFIrQv0T8/s640/blogger-image--1148203079.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Beautiful early morning light....I love it.</div>Mrs Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566905690766588172noreply@blogger.com3