The Back Shed

JaM & Tea

2012-01-31T08:19:00.002+11:00

Jody asks us this weekhave you got a favourite tea pot or maybe a china tea cupand are you lucky like me and have favourite person to drink it with?

I rarely make a pot of tea because when I want a cup I want it NOW. But I do have a favourite mug. Mum gave it to me after I broke my last one. A cup of tea just isn't the same unless you use your favourite mug and it has to be a mug not a little cup that holds only a couple of sips. It usually takes me a while to find a mug that feels right but this one was perfect.

Sometimes it is nice to have a cup and saucer and this one is pulled out of the cupboard. It is actually quite a big cup. My sister in law gave it to me years ago. It fits perfectly in my kitchen with it's green stripes and very gorgeous chooks.
Usually I drink me tea whereever, sitting at the table at lunch, at the computer while typing Blog posts like this, in my chair in the lounge room reading a book and sometimes outside somewhere. Never in the sewing room because I usually find it half full and cold somewhere because I get distracted.
So where do you drink your tea and do you use a cup or a mug, a bag or a pot?
Pop over to Jody's for more tea stories.

Yesterday and Today

2012-01-30T09:49:00.000+11:00

Yesterday and a lot of days before that we needed this

This morning the sky is like this

and there are puddles everywhere!!!!!

My Place and Yours:Green

2012-01-29T18:14:00.000+11:00

The theme for My Place and Yours this week is Green which is probably one of my favourite colours.
For more Green treasures pop over to Vic's at Punky and Me

Galah's

2012-01-27T07:46:00.001+11:00

I had the perfect chance to get photos of a flock of Galah's in a tree in the backyard early this morning but the dogs decided otherwise and chased them all away. Except this one,

They flew out into the paddock .

Apart from Cockatoos, they must be one of the noisiest birds I have ever heard. Not one bit of melody in their call either!

Looking out the back it is a very typical early morning view of Australia in the middle of Summer.

But there is a promise of the cooler days of Autumn showing in the garden

JaM - Whatcha got.

2012-01-25T18:17:00.001+11:00

This weeks theme for JaM is Watcha Got. Have you found anything lately to add to your collections? Anyone who has been following my Blog know I have more Collections than I know what to do with but strangely enough I haven't really added anything to them over the past few months. (Probably because Christmas totally drained my Wallet!!!) I have been wracking my brain trying to think if anything new had been added and while I was wandering around I found this........

Beau gave me this Vintage Picnic basket a few weeks ago. It has been badly repaired with bits of red and green plastic but it still has a lot of appeal. I love the woven piece inside the lid.

One of these days I will sit down and repair it with something a little better than multi coloured plastic.

Oh Fred!!!!!

2012-01-22T09:42:00.000+11:00

Fred has grown into a beautiful looking cat in the 18 months since he turned up at our place.

But he is the dopiest, under your feet, in your face, feed me every five minutes cat that you will ever come across.

But how could you not love that face?!

JaM - Easy-Peasy Comfort Bag Challenge

2012-01-20T17:39:00.000+11:00

It's not often I post to my Blog twice in one day but I did say this morning that I was going to try and get my Bag done for Jody Pearl's Challenge.
I managed to get everything I needed at the Op Shop this morning which is amazing because usually if you go in there for something specific they don't have it! As it was I got the only two ties in the shop!
I didn't really need another bag and decided that if I was going to do this I would do two and give them to my brother's gorgeous girls. Maybe they can use them when they go to the Pool?

I made them both fairly similar because you know how sisters can argue over the littlest things. The red one has a Vintage buckle instead of a tab and a sweet vintage lace motif on the end of the piece of tie that holds the bag shut. I did do the jeans pocket on the inside and made a loop at the skinny end of the handle to hang things on. I managed to part with some vintage buttons which I sewed to the centre of the lace doileys.

This one is pretty much the same but in greens. It has a Vintage metal buckle and a small vintage button on the lace flower on the bit that holds the bag shut.
They really didn't take too long to make and once they were made I kept thinking of other ways I could have decorated them. Maybe I can do some more another day?????
Thanks Jody it was a fun Challenge. For more bags or maybe even to make a bag yourself go to re-inventing fashion blogspot and join up with this weeks JaM

Getting organized

2012-01-20T11:13:00.000+11:00

I have been playing with my fabrics a lot in the past few weeks and have really gotten over sifting through my very untidy tubs of fabric trying to find what I need. I have a habit of stuffing little bits of scrap back in a tub because I know I can get one more square or triangle out of it and overtime it has just gotten out of control.

So brilliant me decided to retrieve all these little scraps and cut them into squares. All the tubs would have in them would be large foldable pieces of fabric.

So I have sorted. folded and started and I have rapidly started to wonder if I am at all sane! It is the most fiddly time consuming job known to man, of that I am very very sure.

But looking at the lovely baskets and boxes with the squares I have done so far ranging from 2" up to 6" and looking at the tubs of neatly folded and sorted fabric I know that I will be happy that I persisted when or if I ever get it finished. The hardest bit will be stopping myself from shoving little bits of fabric back in the tubs from now on and getting into the habit of cutting them as I get to them.

Today I will take a break and go to the Op Shop for the supplies I need for this weeks Jam with Jody Pearl. All being well I will get her Challenge done this afternoon.

Sunday Afternoon Nap

2012-01-15T16:23:00.002+11:00

Going Batty

2012-01-13T20:17:00.000+11:00

Found wandering on my back veranda this evening. None of the animals even noticed it was there which is anazing although I suspect Fred may have had something to do with it's appearance..
I picked it up and put it in a dark quiet place in the garage, hopefully it will be ok.

Cuckoo in the garden

2012-01-11T18:16:00.000+11:00

I've heard a different bird in the tree out the side the past week and today I managed to spot it. It is a young Cuckoo being raised by a tiny Wren (I think it is a Wren anyway)

JaM - Step away from Your Sewing Machine

2012-01-10T17:57:00.000+11:00

I'm joining Jody Pearl again this week for JaM and this week it is all about what we are sewing and what with.

So I have literally stepped away from the sewing machine to take this photo.

So what am I creating up the back yard in my shed? Quilts!!!The blocks on the one at the back are Fractured squares which really tested how accurately I can piece and is made up from the numerous bits of fabric I have stowed away in the cupboard. I finished Machine Quilting it today The one behind the sewing machine is different size rectangles and is made up of Vintage fabrics. it is ready to be quilted.

The Machine I am using is a Janome DC3050 which is a nice little machine but nowhere as good as my old Janome. I am seriously considering paying the big bucks out to get the old one repaired as it was a beautiful machine to sew with. I also have one of the early computerised Singers and it is a nice machine too though not used very often. It is the emergency machine. I have 3 treadle machines and a hand turned machine as well which all sew beautifully but are a little bit more work to keep them going round and round so I don't use them much. I am extremely lucky to have a huge sewing room up the backyard so I only have to clean up when I run out of table (two large trestles!) and floor space.

So why don't you join Jody Pearl and I and show us what your creating and what with?

Sunrise

2012-01-10T08:24:00.000+11:00

5.30 this morning the sky took my breathe away. The photos don't really do any justice to how vast and beautiful it was

Summer Morning

2012-01-09T12:34:00.000+11:00

It is nice to sit outside early in the morning before it gets too hot .

The view is definitely looking more like Summer now as the grass goes to seed and dries off

Huge flocks of starlings are appearing but sitting here as the sun rises there is a chorus of birdsong from the many different birds in the garden this year

There is a promise of flowers everywhere I look

And passionfruit

There are apples on the tree

and flowers on the Persian silk tree

It is well worth getting up early to sit in my garden in the cool of the morning.

Gifts from a friend

2012-01-06T18:14:00.000+11:00

Usually my mail brings me bills, junk mail or something I have ordered, occasionally it brings a parcel that lights up my day.

Today I received a parcel from my friend Pam . She has made me this amazing, wonderful and creative cushion with photos of my pets that have been on my Blog over the last year or so. It really is something special and it is a gift that has touched my heart and has made me smile all day.

There was also some gorgeous Handmade Christmas ornaments, also made by Pam.

I'm so glad the Postman came today!!!

(If you haven't checked out her items for sale, pop over to her Blog and find the links to where she sells her creations, I know you won't be disappointed with what you find.)

JaM on Monday - A Sign.

2012-01-02T15:40:00.000+11:00

I'm joining in with Jody Pearl's new Meme JaM on Monday, The very first theme is 'a sign' and I was going to do one on those ridiculous signs on the side of the road that say'Trees close to road' but there isn't one close by that I could photograph and no photos that I could find on the net. While looking for one I found out that public outcry over the stupidity of this particular sign has forced VicRoads to rethink and take them down. At $200 a pop I hate to think what this little exercise cost!

This is a sign I did have a photo of. It is the sign Beau's (now ex) girlfriend and I made to celebrate the end of Beau, Flynn and Elly's walk from Corryong to Lakes Entrance. We will always be so proud of the kids and what they achieved. The friendship they have will always be something just a little more for doing this as well.
Ok, so you can see how easy this little Meme is so why not pop on over to Jody Pearl's and join in?

Learning new skills

2012-01-02T08:18:00.001+11:00

I've been a bit slack lately with blogging and visiting and commenting but I really do have a good reason/excuse. I promise.
I love the the way hand quilting looks. I love sitting quietly and slowly hand quilting my latest quilt and so in the 20 odd years I have been making quilts I have never machine quilted a quilt. I have come to a point in my life where I can no longer avoid learning and using machine Quilting and over the past week I have sat myself down and got on with trying it out.
I can't see the point in doing samples of anything because they are not practical or useful so to begin my Machine Quilting adventure I needed a quilt. This is where the fun bit comes in!!!
I have, (well had now that this week is done!) a small collection of Bark cloth curtains and samples. All at least 50 years old and some in good condition and some not so good. So out they came and after a lot of fiddling and changing things around I came up with this little beauty

The machine quilting wasn't too bad but I really thought I could do much better than I did which meant I needed to make another Quilt.

After this one I think I have got the basics of machine quilting sorted. Well enough to quilt the quilt I needed to learn it for once it is finished.

I used a large piece of curtain for the backing on this one because I had enough to do it and it was in too good condition to chop up!
I am really loving the Quilts though, the fabrics and their colours are just amazing. So now I am going to have to find more Bark Cloth fabric, by fair means or foul!!!!!
(PS The gorgeous garden seat I have the Quilts displayed on is my Christmas present from the Husband!)

Happy New Year!!!!

2011-12-31T19:11:00.001+11:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!!!

Beware

2011-12-28T17:04:00.002+11:00

This link was sent to me today. It is so very funny, especially if you own a cat or two like I do.
http://www.catswhothrowupgrass.com/kill.php

When you have read it, do the quiz at the end and find out if your cat is plotting to kill you!!!!

Counting Down to Christmas

2011-12-22T16:51:00.000+11:00

The Decorating is done and the presents are wrapped..

The Pecan Candy Cake has been baked.

And the Plum Puddings are ready to go to people to say 'Thank You for a job well done'

The Lemon Meringue cheesecake and

the Cookies and Cream Cheesecake have been made for Christmas Day.

And in the midst of my baking Dave and his girlfriend mel iced and decorated Marie biscuits just like (?) the ones I used to send to end of school Christmas parties when the kids were in Primary School.
There is little left to do now before Christmas Day when the Turkey will be cooked and the day will flow into the night hopefully with much food , fun and love.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Christmas Carols and Quilts.

2011-12-18T15:18:00.002+11:00

Recently I popped over to some of the Blogs that were participating in the Blog Hop Party to enter in some of the Give Aways. A couple of them asked what my favourite Christmas Song or Carol was and their was no debating at all because this has always been my favourite since I was a child. Mary's boy Child sung by Harry Belafonte. Every year watching the Carols on TV I am always disappointed in the way this song is sung by anyone else

I have been busy the last two days Quilting the Vintage fabric Quilt and another I started months ago and hadn't quite done the Quilting. They are both finished so my Project Basket is now empty. It is a nice feeling having it all done.

Next week will be getting ready for Christmas. All that baking and cleaning and last minute stuff with the temperature supposed to be climbing everyday!!!!!!

Lavender

2011-12-14T14:26:00.000+11:00

Freshly picked from my garden, it should have been picked a little earlier before it opened as much as it did but it is nice sitting on my desk. I wear Lavender scent all the time but since Yardley's stopped making theirs I am struggling to find another that is as close to the real smell of Lavender as it was. I know, you think it is a scent for Nanna's but I love the smell and nearly every pefume that I have ever tried just gives me a migraine.

LIsa, come get your Caterpillar back!!!!

2011-12-12T09:46:00.000+11:00

My youngest turned 18 on Saturday. I suppose that means I am officially the parent of four Adults now.

A few quiet drinks and a BBQ with his mates. There were a few more turned up later and I think he had a good night.
Walking past the garden to take the Cake up to the party I noticed this...........

I instantly thought of Lisa of Sweet Little Pretties and her love of The Very Hungry Caterpillar! I'm wondering if she slipped a caterpillar in the Op Shop Swap Parcel I received from her recently and this is where it got to. Please come and get your Caterpillar back Lisa or my garden may not survive it!!!!

Ta Dah!!!!!!

2011-12-10T09:59:00.000+11:00

Yesterday Christmas finally arrived at my house. Yes there are three trees! Gold and Silver in the lounge room, Blue and Red in the Dining room and my favourite Prim Tree in the Hall.

The rest is snippets of some of the bits I have scattered around the house.

Makeovers and Steampunk Doll

2011-12-09T08:48:00.002+11:00

It's been a busy week here although it should have been relaxed and cruisy. I headed out to the Caravan we use as a spare room the other day to give it a bit of a clean and ended up doing a mini make over. These mini make overs are becoming a bit of a habit I think (Remember the Laundry?)
So I painted all the ugly brown Laminate walls, made new curtains and blinds and pulled out the Queen size knitted blanket I got for $5 at an Op Shop and ended up with this........

The Blanket isn't really the most beautiful thing in the world, Well it would be Ok apart from the Lime green squares but it does the job.
That distracting table was next and I'm very happy with the way it turned out.

Yesterday I was going to sit and play with a heap of photos I had taken. I wanted to see what a few looked like in Black and white. It took me all afternoon to resize the ones on this Post. Photoshop was being very uncooperative to say the least. So maybe today things might go a little better.
I did manage to get the photos of my Steampunk doll done and posted on to Cloth Doll Artistry for the Challenge. She turned out very well.
Presenting Mrs Cog.

There are new photos on a Feast for Crows today as well. Playing with Black and White.

My Place and Yours-Just a hint of Christmas

2011-12-05T16:23:00.001+11:00

At our house there are just a few subtle hints to say that Christmas is on it's way. A few favourite and precious ornaments are already on display.

And there are a few new ones slowly creeping in to the house,

Parcels are being wrapped ready to send to special friends.

And special friends have already sent tempting parcels.

The Christmas serviettes have been purchased

and recipes are being pulled out of the cupboard.

If only I didn't have the distraction of my youngest sons 18th on Saturday or this table we pulled out of the shed and found out it was an extremely old pine table under the laminex that someone in their infinite wisdom glued on it!! Now I have to clean it up and weatherproof it. It is going to be a beautiful table for the outdoor area!!

And maybe I shouldn't have found the pile of Vintage Aprons in the cupboard when I was cleaning the sewing room on Friday. I spent Sunday making this.......

So of course I have to get it hand quilted and the binding on, don't I??????

The two suitcases and box of trees and ornaments will definitely be pulled out on Sunday. Nicky will be home and I hope to get her help. Christmas is slowly sneaking into our house......
For more dedicated Christmas Partying head over to Punky and Me.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!.

Unexpected Puppy Play Date.

2011-12-05T10:21:00.000+11:00

We had an unexpected visit from the neighbours this morning and as soon as they arrived they were locked out in the backyard, much to Rev's delight. I rang their parents who were still out at the farm.

After a few minutes of wandering around the yard they started to do stuff.

Ty wandered around the yard by himself most of the time checking out all the new and interesting smells and leaving a few of his own

Bugger and Rev played, they had a wonderful time chasing each other around the yard

And Machicho lasted all of 2 minutes and decided that she would rather watch from her spot behind my chair. Such a sook!!!

Carly and Robert called in on the way home from the farm and picked them up, poor Rev was so disappointed that they couldn't stay and play a little longer.

Lizards

2011-12-02T06:54:00.000+11:00

In the Summer a sure sign there is a snake around is if we hear Rev barking under the house. He never attacks, he just follows them and gives out a bark every now and then. Yesterday I heard him under there barking and I quickly ran around gathered up the other animals and brought them inside. Then I bravely went out the back and jiggled the car keys which is a guaranteed way to get Rev to come. Once he was in I walked around inside the house looking out the windows to see if I could see the snake anywhere. And this is what I found......

Poor little thing was only trying to get into the garden. Every time he started to make his way across the pavers Rev chased him back under the house. Eventually he did get there.

In My Garden Today

2011-12-01T09:47:00.000+11:00

Birds at my house

2011-11-28T07:28:00.000+11:00

Everyday this greedy Currawong flies on to the verandah and steals the dog pellets. It is something that happens every year and there are sometimes two or three sitting in the Japanese Maple waiting for their chance.

Lots of water birds in the paddock near the house and even in the yard. A testament to how much rain we have had this year.

Rats and Roadside warnings

2011-11-26T10:01:00.000+11:00

Husband headed off to Gippsland Wednesday night to give his Brother in Law a hand with his harvesting for a couple of days. It was present enough just to have a couple of days at home on my own but he went and bought the rain gauge for my garden on his way home. He said it reminded him of our Ratty Rats.
It did a wonderful job measuring the almost 2" of rain that fell over night.

And then he pulled this out of the back of the ute!!! An old kerosene road warning lantern!!!

Complete with the little kerosene burner inside. There is even a wick in the burner so as soon as I can find the kerosene I am going to see how it works.
He is getting very very good at bringing me home perfect treasures.

The Op Shop Swap has arrived!!!!

2011-11-23T18:22:00.001+11:00

There was much excitement this morning when a big parcel arrived in the mail. So many lovely things sent to me by Lisa of Sweet Little Pretties as part of The Op Shop Swap! A sweet little Xmas gift bag with tea bags, a handmade coaster and a too cute Gingerbread man. An Art to Heart Christmas Quilt pattern, a French Vanilla Soy candle and a Christmas card. I don't know if Lisa is physic or just very very clever because she has chosen the perfect jug for me.I have four other pieces with exactly the same pattern on it.
I'm feeling very spoiled today!

Knowing Lisa knits I found her some gorgeous Vintage knitting wool,needles and a Vintage New Idea knitting book. I made these sweet embroidered Babushka Dolls for no reason other than I thought they were something she might like. For a Christmas themed item I made a Patchwork Table Runner in Christmas colours but not Christmas fabric, then it can be used any time of the year.
I hope she is as happy with the parcel I sent to her as I am with hers!

In my Garden today

2011-11-22T17:35:00.000+11:00

Backyard Games

2011-11-21T18:29:00.000+11:00

The Contestants

The Audience

Sometimes I wonder what he is thinking......

2011-11-12T10:05:00.000+11:00

I went out to the front gate this morning to get a photo of the roses falling all over the fence. The apricot one is an absolute picture this year.
While I was out there I had to take a photo of this...........

I saw husband wander down the drive with something in his hand yesterday but didn't take too much notice. Obviously he is a bit over the drive way at the moment.

And he told me this was a Scarecrow???? Well the beginning of one anyway. Apparently some garden art is on it's way.........

Goal Keeper Buddha came to stay when a friend moved away. He quietly moved his way into the Garden this morning because husband thought he might be sick of standing out near the shed!!

In My Garden Today

2011-11-09T12:29:00.000+11:00

MPAY-My Favourite piece of clothing.

2011-11-07T17:26:00.001+11:00

This week the theme for My Place and Yours is My Favorite Piece of Clothing. Way back in December 2009 in a previous MPAY life I showed my favourite clothing and sadly they still are my favorites. It goes to show that Vintage stays in fashion all the time!
This afternoon I had a phone call from a cousin I haven't had contact with for years. She wanted to let me know she had just finished a Family Tree of my Dad's side of the family and was sending me the link to the Tree in Ancestry. Can you believe we are actually descended from First Fleeters? Not that knowing that will change my life at all but it's an interesting talking point.
So Family Trees got me thinking about my Dad and I remembered a piece of clothing I had of his that is perfect for this post. It is one of three of his baby dresses. Now you have to remember that my Dad would have been 84 this year so dresses were quite acceptable on baby boys back then. It is in really good condition for it's age. A few holes and a stain or two but very very sweet.

Kookaburras in the garden

2011-11-03T09:38:00.000+11:00

These two were making a lot of noise out in the yard this morning so I took the chance and managed to get a nice photo of them. Mum and child I think as one was feeding the other. Another of the Kingfisher family

On the way back to the house I saw that Nanna's Rose was flowering. That's not really it's name but we call it that. My Grandmother had it growing in her garden and I know my Mum and her older sister took cuttings and had it in their gardens. Mum gave me a piece a long time ago and I think it is the only one in the family now. It's a nice family tradition I think.

And finally this is where we are up to with the Herb Garden. Most of the beds are dug up and half have new soil. There is a tap on the side of the middle bed as well.

For those of you who were concerned or just freaked out (fancy screaming in your office!!) the Spider has disappeared from the Loo this morning.

Spiders, Cats and the Garden

2011-11-02T10:37:00.000+11:00

Lurking in the loo first thing this morning

After the fight!!

I wasn't quick enough to get the camera when the fight was in progress but you can see the fur on the ground. It was funny watching them walk away, the warning glances and finally going off to their separate corners. These fights happen continually during the day and in between they seem to tolerate each other. They sleep in the laundry at night together and never fight in there!!

And finally a couple of things in the garden this morning

Where I Sleep & Laundry Envy

2011-10-30T11:19:00.001+11:00

This week Vic has chosen the theme of 'Where I Sleep' for My Place and Yours. I had to wait for the husband and little one to get up this morning so I could make it presentable but that was OK because I had a few things to do which I will tell you about in a minute.

Most mornings the two of us snuggle up together for an hour or so after the husband has headed off to milk the cows and when I get up I just make the bed over the top of her because she is always very slow to get up in the morning. It's his weekend off this weekend so I left them to snooze the morning away together.

This morning I had to get up and finish a little project I started yesterday. I have been suffering from a very serious case of Laundry envy ever since a certain person told us about her new laundry which is in the process of being built. You can read about it here and here. Yesterday I decided that the least I could do to my Laundry disaster was give the walls a bit of a wash, maybe that would make it a little better. It didn't look any different so I rummaged around the shed and found a tin of white paint and proceeded to paint the walls. Then the laundry tub looked so ratty I found another tin of paint and gave it a touch up too. This morning I had to put it all back together and once again I headed out to the shed and came back with a ladder, there is a chair that was in the bedroom and a hanging rack from my sewing room. Add to that the cane basket and things were looking a little better. I threw a mat I had in the cupboard on the floor though it does leave a bit to be desired but the vinyl underneath is horrible. Later I will go through my Vintage linen and hang some on the ladder. Because it was an unplanned makeover there is no before shot (not that you would have wanted to see it anyway) But here is the finished project.

2011-10-29T18:09:00.000+11:00

Photo from http://birdway.com.au

We used to have Kingfishers in the yard every Summer but I haven't seen one for years. It was so exciting to see one on the back fence this afternoon chatting with a Willy Wagtail. I tried to get a photo but couldn't get close enough to get a decent one.

Later this afternoon I was out watching my wonderful husband dig some of my new Herb Garden and three kingfishers flew over the yard!!!! It's nice to see them back.

In My Garden Yesterday

2011-10-27T12:14:00.000+11:00

The Azaleas are at their best right now and in the background my Clematis is starting to flower.

Also in my garden yesterday was this beautiful sheep's fleece drying in the sun. Perfect for my Extreme Prim Doll's hair.

More blooms from my garden at A Feast for Crows

Sustainable Living or Just Living?

2011-10-26T12:51:00.001+11:00

I have always wanted to put a Herb Garden and now I have the time it is actually going to happen. Husband said I could put it anywhere as long as it was here...typical! It is close to the kitchen and a good area so it will do. I have been out with the pink marking paint this morning trying to work it all out.

I need to get myself moving because the Herb seeds I have put in pots are starting to poke their heads up. This is one of the four varieties of Basil I have put in.

Rocket under wire because Fred the Cat loves sitting in pots.

Last night Machicho buried a bone in the pot where the Sweet Peas are planted. The bone is gone forever and the Sweet Peas are Ok I think.

There is a loaf of Bread almost finished cooking in the Bread Maker and I have a Batch of Yoghurt sitting on the bench all warm and cosy.

In the garden the potatoes are growing nicely and there are a ton of flowers on the upside down tomatoes.

We have been using the baby spinach and lettuce for a few weeks now.

The pot of chives and parsley has also been in constant use.

So have I joined the growing number of people trying to live a greener and more sustainable way of life trying to leave a smaller footprint on the world? Not really. This is my way of life and has been for as long as I can remember. The whole time I was growing up half our yard was a vegetable garden, there was a massive chook pen and all our food was made from scratch. In the thirty odd years I have been married we have nearly always had a good vegetable garden, had fresh milk from the farm and very rarely had to buy meat from the butcher. We eat very little processed food, I don't buy bread and there have always been fresh herbs growing in pots in the yard. The Yoghurt making is a new thing but only because we are eating so much of it now I thought it would be a much cheaper and healthier option. The loaf of white bread I made today is also something that doesn't happen too often, it is a treat for my son who is home visiting. Usually I make a Sourdough Rye. I chose Aromatherapy over Cortisone to treat my sons eczema and have used it for a lot of other ailments as well. This is the way a lot of us in small rural communities live and have lived for a long long time.

I applaud the growing number of people who are also trying to live a more sustainable life, it is a wonderful way to bring up your children and treat the world.

Sunday Outing

2011-10-23T13:46:00.000+11:00

Husband took me for a drive this morning and when we got to our destination I took more photos of the beautiful country around where I live. I'm sorry if it's all getting a bit boring for you.

On the way we passed Rita's house and I quickly got a photo of her Azaleas along the front of the house. Not too bad considering I took this from a moving vehicle!!

And why did we go for a drive?

To load a heap of timber to be cut up for fire wood. An outing and exercise at the same time.

He is such a thoughtful man!

(And yes I did help unload it as well when we got home, after I made us a cuppa)

My Pincushion

2011-10-22T13:45:00.000+11:00

My Place and Yours this week is 'My Pincushion". I made this one years ago just to have a go at 'Cathedral Window' and used it ever since. I have NEVER done any more Cathedral Window though as it was far too fiddly and time consuming! Recently it has been put into retirement and I just use a small plastic container for my pins.

This is one of a pair I made for my Website and decided I liked it enough to keep it.

And this one is purely decorative, given to me by a very dear friend a few years ago.

For more Pincushions visit Vic at Punky and Me

Banksia Rose

2011-10-21T18:12:00.000+11:00

Husband asked me to take a photo of the Banksia Rose this evening before the expected rain comes and ruins it. It has managed to make it's way up the Liquid Amber next to it this year. My white Banksia Rose at the back of the house is a bit sick looking, I have no idea what has happened to it but it's leaves are yellowing and flower buds are drying up. Very disappointing.

Today

2011-10-18T18:28:00.000+11:00

The view from my kitchen window early this morning

I washed some of my quilts to get the 'boy' smell out of them!

I pressure washed the pavers and remembered what colour they were.

The herb seeds I ordered came today. There is a new garden in the planning stage and these lovely things will be in it somewhere. I bought them with a gift voucher the kids gave me.

The tomato plants are growing and flowering.

On the shelf.....

2011-10-15T12:04:00.000+11:00

The 'My place and yours' meme is back thanks to Vic and this weeks topic is 'On the Shelf. I don't really have any shelves as such but on the old Kitchen dresser is part of my Vintage Kitchen bits and pieces. Just some of the 'junk' in my house as youngest son often refers to it.

Visit Punky and Me for more My place and yours

Today

2011-10-13T18:24:00.000+11:00

Today my husband brought me home another old piece of junk. (Beau's words, not mine)

A few more potatoes poked their head out of the ground

And there was Ric Rac in the sky.

This is where your milk comes from.

2011-10-09T17:42:00.001+11:00

Yes he drank all the milk again so we toddled off to the farm a little earlier than last time.

These three were patiently waiting for their turn. I'm not sure if the tongue is sticking out on purpose or not

Another trio. They are such curious creatures.

The business end of it all

Flossie is always willing to pose although it took five tries to get this one. She is very easily distracted and kept moving

Keeping an eye on things.

More of the farm on A Feast for Crows

In my Garden.........

2011-10-08T14:36:00.001+11:00

In my garden today the Apple Tree is covered in blossom and there are flowers on the Upside down Tomato plants

The strawberry plants give us a promise of lots of fruit

There are creatures everywhere

And lots of new growth and flowers

In the paddock, childhood memories are brought back of Daisy Chains

and buttercups held under the chin.

There is more of my Garden at A Feast For Crows

On the Farm

2011-10-05T08:11:00.000+11:00

As usual Beau managed to drink all the milk after Ross left to milk so we took a drive out to the farm to get the bucket filled. The farm is about 15 minutes from where we live and is a bit of driving practice for Beau. I've been meaning to go out and get some photos for ages so took the camera with me this time but we were a bit late to catch the cows in the Dairy. My husband share farmed here when the kids were little then moved on to work elsewhere for a few years and is now back where he started. We are having amazing weather so the country is looking beautiful. You can find more of the farm on my photo blog-A Feast for Crows

Open Gardens

2011-10-02T17:04:00.000+11:00

Yesterday it rained so we put off going to the Open Gardens until today. A Much better day!
The first garden is Tandara Gardens and Arboretum. Grevilleas, Bottlebrush, 350 species of Conifers and a mix of native and exotic trees. Once the new plantings grow it will be an amazing place!

The other garden was Aquila, built on a hill and very different to Tandara. A focal point is the Observatory.

Both were very inspiring and gave us much to think about when we came home and looked at our garden!!

Home Again

2011-10-01T10:29:00.000+10:00

On Monday I took Nicky(my eldest), Beau (my youngest) and his girlfriend Nat over to Lakes Entrance for a few days to visit my Mum. There really is nothing more depressing than the coast when it is raining, which it did nearly every day. We did manage to get some Op Shopping done (there are 7 in lakes) went out for lunch at Metung which is about half an hour away , went for walks between the rain and generally just relaxed. It was nice just to get away and spend some time with some of my family.

I was very very slack with the camera, probably because it was so wet but did manage to get one of Machicho relaxing in her new Bandana. There is a new collar too, pink with daisies on it but Beau has flat out banned me from putting it on her!

Yesterday I stopped up on top of the Mountain Road we travel on to get home and took a couple of photos from the car (yes, it was raining!!!)

There are so many dead trees along the road, a legacy of the bush fires a few years ago. I always cross my fingers for the hour and a half over the mountain hoping that there won't be a tree across the road.

But it is a pretty drive and usually the road is really good. Yesterday it was a slow trip because the road was greasy and any acceleration just sent you sliding all over the place and in some spots there isn't much road to do that on so we just took it gently for most of the way.
So, home again. This morning was catching up on washing and tidying up a bit. . I raided Mum's garden while I was there and have heaps of bits and pieces to plant in my Garden over the weekend and there are three Open Gardens here this weekend and if there is a break in the weather Husband and I will go take a look.

Gone fishing

2011-09-26T08:09:00.000+10:00

In My Garden Yesterday

2011-09-23T06:57:00.000+10:00

Garden Pests

2011-09-22T13:31:00.001+10:00

Many years ago my husband planted Bamboo along the side of the yard as a screen. The Golden Bamboo was fine but the other one has been travelling under the pavers and anywhere else it could find. There was also some Ivy that came from somewhere that was becoming a pest as well. Time to pull it out!!!! It looks absolutely revolting along here now but once the Bamboo roots are out my Rusty tin fence will be extended and a new garden bed put in.

The whole backyard is exposed but I have to be patient because nothing every happens in a hurry here.

At least I will have some bamboo stakes to make frames for the beans this year as well as anything else I can think of to use them for. If anyone wants any just pop in and take them. There are 100's

Sunday. Picnics and Photography

2011-09-19T07:55:00.000+10:00

We packed morning tea and set off for a friends shearing shed. Husband wanted some manure for his vegie garden. While he was busy under the shed filling bags, Nicky gave me a few lessons in manual photography. It is so much easier to work out when there is someone talking you through it and she is really good at explaining it all to me.

The shearing shed is up on a hill with the most amazing views. I was limited by the lens I have but I think you can see the beautiful country we have here.

This is from the shearing shed looking towards where I live. Waaaay over there!!!

From the hill above the shearing shed. It is behind the trees.

It was a lovely weekend with amazing weather and lots to do. Nicky went home with pots of herbs from the garden , treasures from the Op Shop and a couple of Tadpoles in a jar. Last night I managed to get a couple of hours Quilting done, so all round it was perfect!

Saturday

2011-09-18T09:25:00.001+10:00

Nicky is home for the weekend and we had such a lovely day yesterday. After a very busy morning at the Op Shop, Second Hand Shop and the local Gift Shop we had a bit of lunch and decided to walk down the lane to check out where they have been pruning the willows.

It looks very raw and ugly right now but in time they will grow again.

The dogs had a lovely time checking out all the new and interesting smells.

Heading home

While we were walking we noticed there were tadpoles in the water along the side of the road. That started Nicky on the remember when's.

We took the dogs home, collected up some containers and headed back to see if we could still catch a tadpole or two.

Yesterday and Today

2011-09-15T10:28:00.001+10:00

It is no secret that I am an avid collector of China that is decorated with Violets. I have steadied up a bit in the past year or so because my collection is getting bigger than places to put it. Now days I look for the more unusual pieces and not just anything that has a Violet on it. Every year for my Birthday a very dear friend always turns up with another piece for the collection and she always manages to find something a little bit different. A bowl with holes in it??? Turns out it is a Colander. Bit fancier than the common old stainless steel one I use all the time.

Another very dear friend sent me this absolutely gorgeous tin spice set which fits perfectly just above the stove. Birthdays bring home to me how truly blessed I am and it has absolutely nothing to do with the gifts.

A special part of my day is a phone call from Betty. She isn't related and we rarely see each other during the year but she never fails to ring and wish me Happy Birthday just because I share the same birth day with her late husband. She turned 90 this year and still lives independently, still drives and doesn't seem a day over 80.

There were lots of other gifts, the one from my husband will be in a later post as I have to set it up in the garden, phone calls and visitors. Two of my sons cooked dinner AND cleaned up . A very very nice day.

Today I went over to where I used to work and bought heaps of seedlings, a couple of azaleas, a jasmine and some other bits and pieces for the garden. They only get plants in a couple of times a year at really good prices but you have to get in early to get a good selection. No time to plant them today as I have to list on my website then put a quilt together ready to hand Quilt. It is for a lady in town who can put a quilt top together but hasn't a clue how to Quilt them so I said I would do it for her. It's only a Cot Quilt so won't take to long I hope.

But then it is a beautiful day outside, perfect for playing in the garden...................................................

Tomatoes and a gift

2011-09-07T17:42:00.000+10:00

A few weeks ago husband visited his cousin at Batemans Bay and was fascinated with the Tomato plants he had hanging in a couple of these. Anyway he sent a couple over for us to try and they arrived today. Normally we don't put tomatoes in until well into October or even early November depending on how long the frosts hang around so it will be nice to get early tomatoes for a change. They are Upside down Tomato planters and we will be able to hang them under the veranda at night for protection. I think they look a bit silly but I suppose it doesn't matter if they work.

On Monday my Sister in law gave me a great big bag with a 'surprise' for me. She thought it might look nice sitting in a corner of the sewing room. Obviously she hasn't seen the sewing room for a while cause there is so much @$%^ in there that it will probably get lost. Maybe one day when I have nothing to do I can find some instructions on how to use it and have a little play??? One day..................!

2011-08-31T09:44:00.000+10:00

It's the last day of Winter and even though the days are warming up we still have cold frosty nights. Cold enough to cook up a casserole or two before it gets too hot for them. Last night it was Tomato, herb and garlic.

With Damper too mop up the gravy.

(Happy 18th Birthday Wen!!!!!!!!)

In my yard today.........

2011-08-28T08:46:00.000+10:00

After only three and a half years the fence is going up that will keep the dogs in the back yard and off the road. Apparently it is going up in a temporary sort of way and will get fixed up later with a top rail. and in some parts, proper wooden posts. I can see this being the permanent fence, because later doesn't seem to happen very often.

Spring has arrived with the trees putting on their spring coats

The daffodils blooming along the drive

And the wild ducks grazing in the paddocks around the house. Somewhere along the creek will be nests!

My brother's passion

2011-08-26T08:30:00.000+10:00

Well.......The Torana is finally roadworthy and my brother brought it down to show me. I have seen it before cause it has been sitting in his shed for a while but now it is on the road, so of course it is different to what it was before ??? This is his dream car, the boy toy that he will restore to its 1970's glory.
There is still heaps to do because the previous owner tried to turn it into the model after what it is. So new interior, grill and the vinyl on the roof has to come off. (See Pete, I was listening!) In case your wondering, that's Pete's daughter Genna in the car. There was no way she was getting out!
What is it about men and engines? The bonnet goes up as soon as the car stops and they gather around. Beau knows no more than I do about engines!!!

But just in case anyone out there does know about them,,,,here it is.

Wheelies in the sky.

2011-08-19T09:37:00.000+10:00

Usually when you look up in the sky you see the lovely straight lines that the big planes leave behind. This would put you off flying forever!!!!!

Raining Cats and Dogs

2011-08-17T14:38:00.002+10:00

After an amazing day yesterday with brilliant sunshine and all the doors and windows open we are back to wet and miserable again. The yard is a swamp and there is no going outside unless you really have to.

Fred and Cato have taken the spot in front of the heater and won't even move out of the way for me to put wood in it.

So Rev and Machicho have taken a chair though I'm sure Rev would happily move the cats if I let him.
Beau has gone back to bed and husband reluctantly went off to milk the cows this afternoon. He really isn't enjoying his twice daily slog through the mud. It is getting really hard to be glad that it is raining and there will be a plentiful water supply for the towns and a good season for the farmers.
Suzanne over at Enchanted Moments has made a huge effort NOT to complain about the rain and I'm sure everyone knows exactly how she feels.
I'm just hoping that it eases up a little bit so I can get to the woodshed without getting too wet and get some wood for the lounge room fire. There is still one bit of wood there so I can wait a bit but as I type this post the rain is getting heavier so keeping dry may not be an option.
For more Winter Wednesday's pop over to Hazeldene

Synchronised Travel

2011-08-13T16:35:00.000+10:00

Vic suggested we might like to join her this week on a little walking and photo taking. It has poured rain for days but finally I have managed to get out the door. Not living in town makes the directions a little hard to follow to the letter but I have done the best I can.

I decided to wander across the paddock towards the Murray Goulburn Store so the starting point is the door of the machinery shed.

Walk in any direction for 50 to 100 paces then turn 180 degrees:

Continue walking in that direction until you see something blue:

This is the backyard of the Murray Goulburn store. There are a stack of blue pallets in the background.

Make a left turn and walk 50 to 70 paces:

One of our babies. I took the dogs with me and rev managed to chase one away but this little man stood his ground!

Walk in any direction until you see something that either looks like the number 7 or 11

I know I'm stretching it a bit but it was the best I could do.

Take the first left and continue walking until you find somewhere to sit

Yes I know it's not the most comfortable thing to sit on but that is all I could find! Really it was. Looks a bit like a seven as well.

Choose any direction and walk 25 or 50 paces.

Continue walking until you see an unusual colour, shape or texture

Keep walking in any direction until you see an archway or unusual architectural feature:

Well...it is sort of arch like

Head for home but continue looking for something that catches your eye.

My red letterbox always catches the eye and it was much easier to take Machicho's photo with it.

One of my front gates.

Thanks for inspiring us to do something different Vic. maybe we can do something similar in the future.

When I grow old.........

2011-08-04T16:16:00.000+10:00

This is Edna. She was the local Pre School teacher in Corryong for over 30 years and was there when all of my children went to Pre school. She is now nearing 80 and still loves to have a go at new things. Last year horse riding was offered locally during Seniors week and she was the only one that went. She wants to ride pillion on a motor bike just one more time because when she was a child she often went on the motor bike with her Father. She still has a child like enthusiasm for life and when I grow up I want to have that too!

Banana's

2011-08-01T15:45:00.000+10:00

I haven't bought a banana since they became so expensive but today they looked so nice. I bought two at the magnificent price of ......................$4 each!!!!! But all that Bananary goodness was so worth it and I'm hoping that no one eats the other one before I get to it tomorrow.

Pruning Roses

2011-07-29T16:16:00.001+10:00

Once the fog had lifted and the frost and melted it was an absolutely beautiful day today. This afternoon I finally got energetic and pruned my roses. I have even managed to get the cuttings on the pile in the paddock, three little bush roses planted out and all the thorns dug out of my hands.

In My Garden Today......

2011-07-28T17:05:00.000+10:00

The vegie garden has been turned once in preparation for planting in late Spring, early Summer. Sometimes we have frosts right up to the end of October so nothing goes in too early.

We have two of these Thrush in our garden. They are very very quiet and the cats think they are easy prey. Turns out they aren't that easy to catch because the Wagtails always seems to be around to protect them. Fred has been on the end of a tongue lashing more times than he can count from the resident Willy Wagtails!

Now that Winter draws to a close we are seeing more and more birds returning to the garden.

As the afternoon passes and the sun begins to drop behind the Mountain, the fog prepares to roll in on us again. It is already freezing cold outside but at least with a Fog we won't have a Frost in the morning!

Op Shopping

2011-07-23T10:42:00.000+10:00

I popped into the local Op Shop yesterday afternoon 'just in case' and actually did really well for a change.
Lovely lovely wool enough to knit a garment or 2. And vintage embroidered tablecloths, doilys and runners.

There should be enough in here to knit me a little something or a new coat for one of the dogs.

This is Vintage Patons Fuzzy Wuzzy. 55% Angora 45% Wool. It is unbelievably soft and light and there is so much in the bag! Definitely be knitting something amazing from this.

Somebody has already done the work on this. So very very soft! Just long enough for a neck warmer.

In My Garden Today......

2011-07-21T16:16:00.000+10:00

???

2011-07-20T09:59:00.000+10:00

Does anyone find the Hungry Jack's rabbits as disturbing as I do?

Something Rare

2011-07-15T14:05:00.000+10:00

Usually in the Winter our day starts with fog and we may get an hour of sunshine in the afternoon if it's not raining but today we had a massive frost and sunshine. So instead of everything hanging on airers in the house I dusted off the clothes line and did lots and lots of washing. It really doesn't take much to make me happy!!!

Harry Potter-The end of the story

2011-07-14T15:24:00.000+10:00

So the very last Harry Potter film has hit the theatres and the die hard fans have dressed up for the occassion. Did you dress up like my son Beau's girlfriend Nat? Or maybe you got in the Newspaper, just like her?
http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/local/news/general/harry-potter-hits-albury/2224705.aspx Nat reckons it was the happiest night of her life.

Soup and Sewing machines

2011-07-10T15:24:00.000+10:00

I am a firm believer in if something is meant to be it will be. I have been eyeing off an antique sewing machine in the local second hand furniture shop for a few months now but having decided that I really didn't need anything else in the house (mainly because I have run out of room) I have resisted the urge to make it mine. Popped in just to fill in some time before an appointment on Friday and it was still there right next to a very sweet little table. Once again I was strong and walked out the door. Friday night Beau tells me he will definitely be moved out by the end of October if not sooner and there you go, more decorating space is suddenly available!!! Poor husband got dragged out Saturday morning in the rain and cold to help me load the machine and the table on the back of his work ute. Neither cost an awful lot of money and they will sit in the shed until Beau finally leaves home but that's OK I can wait.

c1890 Wheeler and Wilson Treadle Sewing Machine

This will be perfect beside a bed with a little sassing up

As a thank you for dragging husband out I made him a big pot of Pumpkin soup for dinner

And Cornish Pasties complete with homemade pastry

Perfect for a cold wintery night I think.

Better with age.

2011-07-06T17:45:00.000+10:00

Every time we travel to Gippsland we pass this old farm shed just before the turn off to Omeo and for ages we have been saying we must get a photo before it falls down. My Camera was handy when we traveled over there last weekend so I finally stopped and got the photo. There is just something about old farm buildings isn't there? The windows with there tiny panes, the weathered timber and the rusty tin all blend to give it a personality. The old wooden fences look so much better than the wire and steel posts of today.

There to the side is another bit of a shed and the outdoor dunny which has started to lean forward a bit. I'm sure you'll agree that anything that is built today won't age like this and develop the charm of these old buildings.

In my Garden this week

2011-07-01T06:50:00.002+10:00

The days are cold and foggy here with a couple of hours of sunshine in the afternoon, typical winter in the mountains. Yesterday I saw a beautiful splash of colour in the back garden and managed to get a couple of photos before he flew away. (I really need a better lens on my camera)

Cato is still earning her keep as you can see. I just wish those little mice weren't so cute!

That was in my Garden yesterday.

I headed off an hour ago to take a friend into town to catch a bus. She is off to Alice Springs for a couple of weeks and I hope it's warmer there than here. The trip sounds fantastic but the highlight for her I think is going up in a hot air balloon. That is one thing I would like to do. I hope that when I am in my 70's as she is I will be able to do what she does.

I have to go to work today for the first time in 5 months only because it is stock take day. I think it will be a very long day. It's also my son's Birthday today and I managed to get his cake cooked yesterday though it will probably be Take Away for dinner. Tomorrow I'm off to the coast for the weekend, for our nieces engagement party. It will be nice to catch up with family and spend a few days with my Mum. Maybe I can get a few winter photos of the coast, they'll certainly be different from the ones I took in February.

Good things.

2011-06-24T17:16:00.000+10:00

Good things come to those who wait and it did!! Yesterday Ben gave me my Mother's Day present and as you can see they are the most amazing rusty old scales you will ever see. They are Mercury Scales and we have no idea how old they are but do know they originally came from an old Pie Factory. Now I just have to find somewhere for them to live.

A Cat's Life

2011-06-21T09:41:00.000+10:00

Cato is not generally a cat that will cuddle up on your knee but this morning that's where she was determined to be. It probably has something to do with the day outside.....windy, wet and generally miserable.

She started off here getting her belly scratched, it's her very favourite thing though it doesn't look very comfortable. She is curled up on the chair now all warm and comfy and definitely settled in for the day.

This is another favourite spot for sleeping, The Rats are curious and try to get as close as possible. They have no fear at all but I think she is over caged rats, though probably not free range rats. I am not about to test that theory though!

Any ideas what this is????

2011-06-19T08:46:00.002+10:00

It looks harmless enough doesn't it? A little tin thingy with a Bakelite knob on the top.

And when you twist the little knob all these wire bits come out.

Has anyone got a clue as to what it is? It turned up in a bag of old sewing bits and pieces ages ago and is a complete Mystery to me.

This weekend

2011-06-13T15:43:00.000+10:00

Finally, after a morning of Fog and Frost and the temperature at minus something ridiculous yet again, the sun came out after lunch. Husband cleaned up the woodshed and filled the Fire Pot up . These two found the perfect spot to be, in the sun next to a warm fire. I've rediscovered knitting cause machicho sits and shivers these cold mornings even in the house. She has taken to staying in bed (my bed!!) later and later every day. Machicho has her new little black and grey jumper on. I've been using wool I had in the cupboard and Rev really doesn't want to wear his. Can't imagine why this manly dog wouldn't wear a Pale pink and Purple jumper??

We caught up with my boys on Saturday in Wodonga. The one in the middle is Ben's flatmate Errol who also comes from our hometown. He's sort of one of the family now. They travelled from Bendigo for the day to celebrate Dave's school friend Zeb's 21st Birthday. Being Zeb's 'other mother' as Zeb's Mum says meant Ross and I went too. It was nice to see the boys even though it was only for a couple of hours but especially because they took Beau back to Bendigo with them. Very peaceful here at the moment!!!

Proud Mum and Dad with Zeb

So this week is the trial run of living together without any children in the house. Not that any of our four are children any more. It's quiet, the house is tidy , I don't have to fight anyone for the Computer and I'm not getting woken up at ungodly hours of the night because Teenagers keep very different hours than adults. But I'm sure that in a day or two I will be missing him just like I miss the others even if life is that bit easier without them here. It's just what Mother's do I guess.

In my Garden today

2011-06-06T16:34:00.000+10:00

We had a very rare sunny day today, such a lovely change from the cold foggy days we have been having. As I came up the drive this afternoon this caught my eye. It's amazing what comes up in the lawn and garden without any help from me.

Straight from a Fairy tale. Sorry to say Suzanne there are no fairies living underneath!

Garden Stove

2011-06-04T14:16:00.000+10:00

Husband arrived home with this in the back of the work ute the other day. The bottom is a warming oven from a different stove but it all went together beautifully. I think he really does know what I like!!!

Boys and their toys

2011-06-02T17:54:00.000+10:00

Monday night during the Winter is Carpet Bowls night. I have had a team for over 12 years and last year my son Beau and his friends put together a team. Because two of his team live quite a way out of town they stay with us and it is so nice having the boys here. It is good to have more than the three of us at the table for dinner and the boys fit in as if they are part of the family. So here is Beau's team on Monday night, the three boys and Elly (you can just see her legs behind Woodsy) trying to make a toy gun shoot foam bullets better than it did. They pulled it apart and much to the cats and dogs delight had no idea how to put it back together again. It's still in bits on the lounge room floor. Woodsy and Flynn have put in an order with me for one of these guns each for their 18th Birthday's!

In the garden and other stuff

2011-05-23T17:47:00.000+10:00

I finally managed to get out in the garden a couple of days this week. The fog lifted reasonably early and the sun was warm. This little Blue Tongue was enjoying the sun as well until Machicho found it. We caught it and put it outside the fence so she couldn't get it but it was back in the yard the next day.

Yesterday afternoon the sky darkened and the rain started putting a stop to the gardening. At least it is warmer now!!

Since the days have turned cold the cats snooze on the lounge all day. I'm not sure how comfortable Fred can be all twisted around like this!
Lots of rain due this week so it's a good excuse to stay in the sewing room and hopefully get something done.

The other family members.

2011-05-19T17:59:00.000+10:00

Just in case you missed the furry members of the family....... Machicho and Fred are very good friends and rub along really well together.

Fred started it!!!! Honestly he did and not 2 minutes after I took this photo he was the one on top!!

Cato just looks on from a safe place.

And the Rats look on from an even safer place!

Leona's Quilting Adventure Give Away

2011-05-16T12:51:00.000+10:00

Leona's Accuquilt Go Baby giveaway is one you really don't want to miss. Hurry over to here and enter now.

The Price of Fame?

2011-05-16T10:23:00.005+10:00

One day in the future people will look back at us and just shake their heads. Everyday too many young people are dying senseless and unnecessary deaths through escalating random violence on our streets, war, cars, drugs, alcohol and taking risks because they believe they are invincible. On the weekend another young man died not because of an act of violence, a drug overdose or reckless driving but to get his picture up on the internet. Planking?? I don't understand it at all and to take the risks that some people are just to have your picture on the internet is just beyond my brain. Young people and probably some not so young risk their lives doing all sorts of stupid and dangerous things just to get their 2 minutes of fame somewhere on the internet and I don't understand that but Planking??? This is just a whole new level of senseless risk taking!!!! Can someone explain it to me please?

A Perfect Day

2011-05-08T20:48:00.000+10:00

This Mother's Day I indulged myself and took the first step back into Quilt making. I had a lovely day in the sewing room playing with fabrics and patterns. I really do need to get a new Rotary Cutter blade though. Now comes the hand quilting.

Quilting bug

2011-05-04T10:21:00.003+10:00

Over at Its Sew Kiki is a Give Away of gorgeous Flannel Fabric. Now I'm not usually one to go looking for Give Aways but since I've been a follower of Quilary's Blog and drooling over the gorgeous fabrics she keeps adding to her stash I have decided to gather up some fabrics by fair means or foul. I have been a Quilter for many years but that's been neglected while I have been doing other things. The bug has been awakened and there are fabrics and ideas being pulled out everywhere. Now I just have to get a little more organized time wise and try and fit in the Website, the garden, the house and my newly awakened passion for Quiltmaking. Also have to remember NOT to go looking at all those lovely places with hundreds of Fabrics for me to purchase cause that just leads to a whole lot of trouble.

Happiness tinged with sadness

2011-04-27T08:59:00.000+10:00

Today we celebrate my second son David's 21st birthday. The little man who always seemed to be in something whether it was a cupboard, a big box or in trouble. It seems like such a long time ago since he was born and it also feels like it was only yesterday.

I made him this quilt for his birthday. Something I hope he will treasure for many many years ( and much cheaper than the video camera he asked for!!!)
Tonight there will be a cake and quiet family dinner. He had his party with his mates on Saturday night and I think he's still trying to recover from that!!

This week The Chocolate Crow Trader quietly closed it's doors. It was where I first started selling my Craft online almost 6 years ago and where I received the encouragement and support to go on and open my Website. Thank You Bev for making your dream a reality and Chris for keeping Bev's dream alive.

I remember when...........

2011-04-20T17:39:00.000+10:00

You know those conversations where the sentences start,"I remember when......". We were talking the other day and my husband and I both remember going home from school and making a batch of Honeycomb. Not really the ideal afternoon snack but so good!!!!! I decided to have an all day baking day today seeing as I will have a house full over Easter. Flicking through a recipe book I found Honeycomb and I couldn't resist making him a batch.

Honeycomb

1 cup sugar

1 cup Golden syrup

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 tablespoon bicarbonate of soda

Place sugar, golden syrup and vinegar in a large saucepan (a really big one or it will be a MESS at the frothing stage!!) and stir over a medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Continue cooking, without stirring, until a little of the mixture, dropped in cold water separates into hard brittle threads that snap easily. Remove from heat and stir in the bicarbonate soda. The mixture will immediately bubble up. pour into a shallow greased tin at least 9 inches 23cm square (I found this size was a bit small) and place tin on a wire rack to cool. When quite cold break into pieces. Store in layers in a tin with a tight fitting lid with sheets of foil between each of the layers.

It tasted exactly as I remembered.

Toast

2011-04-17T19:53:00.000+10:00

There is nothing like toast that is cooked in a camp fire. So what do you do when there is no camp fire? Open the stove door of course.

It's all downhill from here!!!

2011-04-14T12:05:00.000+10:00

Last year I celebrated turning 50. I didn't get depressed about reaching the half century mark or worry about getting older, I embraced this new milestone in my life. I looked forward to that next phase with no children left in the house and the time to do all the things I had put off because I was too busy with life before that. Little did I know that once I turned 50 my mailbox would turn into a scary place that held small messages telling me I am old now and everyday could be my last. First a parcel turned up with a free Bowel Cancer test Kit. Congratulations on turning 50 but beware you are now at an even higher risk to contract bowl cancer. Just follow the instructions and we will take it from there. Ok that was a little bit of a worry. Next came the letter telling me that now I am 50 my risk of Breast Cancer had increased significantly but not to worry you can ring this number and book in for a free Breast Screening. Blood pressure, cholesterol you name it apparently once you turn 50 you are probably going to be afflicted by one of these things or a myriad of others no one has sent me a letter about yet. Now instead of enjoying this time of my life and doing all the things I had planned on doing I will be too busy having all my ins and outs poked, prodded, squeezed and xrayed.

2011-04-10T17:17:00.000+10:00

I swear life would be very boring around here if we didn't have our pets. Cato found the perfect hiding spot the other day until Fred sussed her out. He annoyed her so much that she had to get out and leave. Judging by the look on her face she wasn't very happy either.

Not 5 minutes later I found this sticking out of the bottom of the pot!!

He can't help himself , always has to do what the others do.

Do you remember the fence?

2011-04-05T07:38:00.000+10:00

After a tiny bit of nagging the rusty fence has been finished! There is obviously a little bit of work to be done yet, pavers to be put down and the garden has to be redone. Last night Beau decided we were having a BBQ and he was lighting the fire pot so we could eat outside. It's cold here at night now but the area was very cosy with the fire. I think the fire pot is going over in the corner eventually with plenty of standing room around it according to the husband.

Butterfly

2011-04-02T12:15:00.002+11:00

Not only does our apple tree attract birds but now there is rotten fruit on the ground (I know they should have been picked) the bees and these gorgeous butterflies are coming for I assume the sugar in the fruit. I spotted this one yesterday and couldn't resist seeing how close I could get to take a photo.

It never moved, in fact it was there for a couple of hours. Double click on the photo for an even better look at it

Playing with Patchwork

2011-04-01T09:20:00.000+11:00

For my Website this week I made two very simple mini Patchwork Quilts to pop on a table. I love the whole process of Patchwork and then quilting by hand but the past few years I have been time poor and haven't really been able to do much.

I have two separate stacks of fabric which means two Quilts patiently waiting to come into being. After playing with these two small projects I don't think it will be long before I start cutting up at least one of those stacks. The hardest part will be deciding which one to start first.