Today whilst driving home from a farmers market my Red Headed Hurricane raised the issue of "bad butchers" with us. These are the people that don't treat animals well when being slaughtered or afterwards by pumping water into the meat. He decided that we should not kill any animals at all. So I said that this is possible and that we could be vegetarians and not eat any meat like my cousin from England. "Doesn't he eat chicken?" No chicken is meat he eats veggies and get his protein from beans and legumes. He doesn't want to eat animals.
We often have a Curry in a Hurry with him and his partner Lovely L. We then enjoy all the veggie delights together. We also explained to my Red Headed Hurricane that he would not be able to have butter chicken. That chicken is meat. He listened carefully and then said to us. "So I would also talk funny too!"
We found a small farmers market at Mulgrave today. It is on every Sunday and I think in times of need we will be going there. It was great fun although a little hot for my liking today. We got caught out yesterday thinking it was the fourth Saturday and we dashing off to find that it was actually the fifth Saturday of the month and no markets, plus we had NO veggies and things needed to go back to school and kinder tomorrow. We now have a stock of Zucchini's and some other lovely things.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Almost back to school.....
It has been a lovely holiday and quite a bit has been done. We went away, we worked hard on the house and garden, we painted and mowed and mowed again and dreamed about all the lovely things yet to do and what we might make work better in the future for us. I love that the garden is actually starting to take shape and recover from all the years of NO rain. Our favourite apple tree is covered in fruit for the first time in 10 years. The children are watching them grow and grow. I love that our home is evolving and becoming nicer than I ever dreamed it would. (with a long way to go yet but lovely progress is being made).
We went for a holiday with the van..... we had the lovely new curtains which were WONDERFUL. They kept the very early morning light out. They made the van look like what it used to. My mother had changed some of the curtains from the purple material to a soft pink with backing. We decided to stay with the backing however return to the purple and a very similar material too. So they all matched with a few minor changes. We decided that the curtains near the bed needed to be a bit longer. The curtains in front of the bed area were made the same length as each other as the one closest to the stove was shorter we kept them without backing another good decision. The rest of the curtains didn't get time to have backing put on all of them however we all found that with the annex set up that was not a problem either and now we are back we can get them finished in our own good time. We needed a whisk (for pancakes as double ingredients is too hard to mix with a fork) and a bigger fry pan which we have (but didn't take with us) and it would be absolutely perfect. We need to make a few minor repairs and touch ups and the van should go well for us for at least another few years.
The kids loved going on holiday in the van and sleeping in the annexe on their new bunk bed. A space saver and bought at a camping shop so nice and low to the ground. The novelty didn't wear off the whole time. They loved going for walks all the days, walking to see the movies, walking in the morning to the bakery and to the coffee shop to get Daddy a fresh coffee. The car hardly got used. They loved being at the beach and playing in the sand and surf and using the boogie board for the first time. My petal loved having her first pair of thongs. With her problems we were able to find a pair of thongs with a strap on the back that meant she could actually wear them and walk in them and the best part of all they were PINK and SPARKLY! What more could a pink girl ask for. She was so happy she told everyone that she meet about her new thongs. We knew what they meant for her to finally be able to wear a pair.
The kids thought that the toilet blocks were a meeting place to make friends and chat to everyone. I was amazed at home many people waved and spoke to them on our walks up the street and around the area. Even the lovely cleaning lady came and gave them a smarties biscuit each when they were leaving and said she would miss them. They had been talking to her and entertaining her everyday whilst she was working hard.
They especially loved going on our good friends boat.... "Secret Men's Business" and going very fast. I managed to catch a fish with my girl on her lovely new "pink" fishing rod. We caught a Pinky seemed very apt! One night my other half caught some lovely fish and we had fish and chips which was very grand. We found a farmers market on a Friday not too far away from where we were and managed to get some lovely fruit and veggies and had the best feasts ever. I think the food always tastes so much better on holiday.
They also loved their freedom to be able to roam and adventure with us saying don't go far, stay near, don't go near the road and all the other things that overprotective parents say to their children all day. They were allowed to cross the road in the park without holding an adults hand, they were able to go out of site for a little while and come back and tell us about all their adventures. They had a wonderful friend and his younger sister to play with everyday and always new people to talk to and places to explore. They had 2 op shops and the children always wondered and speculated on what fabulous finds they would get from their visits to one or the other. I didn't do too badly either. A lovely large embroidery hoop, 2 bowls that I had been searching for a while were found, a book or 2 a lovely japanese square of material in dark indigio, a few placemats and all sorts of wonders for the children including a lovely purple chair for my hurricane with our other daughters name on it. They were thrilled especially with this lovely find.
So now our new adventure begins. My huricane is off to Kinder this year actually on Monday. My Petal is back to school and I am off to do some study if I can get my act together. I will keep you posted. Have to dash so many things still to label and sort out and unpack from the van.
We went for a holiday with the van..... we had the lovely new curtains which were WONDERFUL. They kept the very early morning light out. They made the van look like what it used to. My mother had changed some of the curtains from the purple material to a soft pink with backing. We decided to stay with the backing however return to the purple and a very similar material too. So they all matched with a few minor changes. We decided that the curtains near the bed needed to be a bit longer. The curtains in front of the bed area were made the same length as each other as the one closest to the stove was shorter we kept them without backing another good decision. The rest of the curtains didn't get time to have backing put on all of them however we all found that with the annex set up that was not a problem either and now we are back we can get them finished in our own good time. We needed a whisk (for pancakes as double ingredients is too hard to mix with a fork) and a bigger fry pan which we have (but didn't take with us) and it would be absolutely perfect. We need to make a few minor repairs and touch ups and the van should go well for us for at least another few years.
The kids loved going on holiday in the van and sleeping in the annexe on their new bunk bed. A space saver and bought at a camping shop so nice and low to the ground. The novelty didn't wear off the whole time. They loved going for walks all the days, walking to see the movies, walking in the morning to the bakery and to the coffee shop to get Daddy a fresh coffee. The car hardly got used. They loved being at the beach and playing in the sand and surf and using the boogie board for the first time. My petal loved having her first pair of thongs. With her problems we were able to find a pair of thongs with a strap on the back that meant she could actually wear them and walk in them and the best part of all they were PINK and SPARKLY! What more could a pink girl ask for. She was so happy she told everyone that she meet about her new thongs. We knew what they meant for her to finally be able to wear a pair.
The kids thought that the toilet blocks were a meeting place to make friends and chat to everyone. I was amazed at home many people waved and spoke to them on our walks up the street and around the area. Even the lovely cleaning lady came and gave them a smarties biscuit each when they were leaving and said she would miss them. They had been talking to her and entertaining her everyday whilst she was working hard.
They especially loved going on our good friends boat.... "Secret Men's Business" and going very fast. I managed to catch a fish with my girl on her lovely new "pink" fishing rod. We caught a Pinky seemed very apt! One night my other half caught some lovely fish and we had fish and chips which was very grand. We found a farmers market on a Friday not too far away from where we were and managed to get some lovely fruit and veggies and had the best feasts ever. I think the food always tastes so much better on holiday.
They also loved their freedom to be able to roam and adventure with us saying don't go far, stay near, don't go near the road and all the other things that overprotective parents say to their children all day. They were allowed to cross the road in the park without holding an adults hand, they were able to go out of site for a little while and come back and tell us about all their adventures. They had a wonderful friend and his younger sister to play with everyday and always new people to talk to and places to explore. They had 2 op shops and the children always wondered and speculated on what fabulous finds they would get from their visits to one or the other. I didn't do too badly either. A lovely large embroidery hoop, 2 bowls that I had been searching for a while were found, a book or 2 a lovely japanese square of material in dark indigio, a few placemats and all sorts of wonders for the children including a lovely purple chair for my hurricane with our other daughters name on it. They were thrilled especially with this lovely find.
So now our new adventure begins. My huricane is off to Kinder this year actually on Monday. My Petal is back to school and I am off to do some study if I can get my act together. I will keep you posted. Have to dash so many things still to label and sort out and unpack from the van.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Learning
We are learning all about the caravan. Firstly we have learnt that old things break! We have found that some things are easy to replace with like for like. Other things are proving a bit tricky.
Secondly if the van is not level the fridge does not work and caravan fridges are VERY expensive to replace. I was quite shocked to find the price of a new one was over $1200.00 yes you are reading that correctly. Luckily ours is now working once we leveled the van. Nice and clean too.
We have found some material very similar to the original to replace the curtains and later we will replace the seat covers, the second can wait a bit. The first we are making a few changes to in length and adding block out. I like light but full on at 5am is a bit much for me every morning when enjoying a holiday. i have a wonderful friend making them for us. YEAH to wonderful friends who help out, If I was doing them we would still be making then for a year or so. She is extremely patient and working hard for us. It will not go unrewarded. Always value good friends!
Whilst cleaning out I found that my mum had collected over the years quite a few vintage tablecloths. They are lovely and i am loath to just shove them in the van. They are mostly staying home now. I have popped 2 in the van to use and they look so lovely on the table. I cannot wait until things start to come together. At least it is clean now inside and out.
We are finding out how to paint the outside as there are some panels that need some more white paint. We are also going to paint the strips back on with the kiddies. I think they will enjoy that. I wish I could find out the exact colour and return that to the van however I am not sure how to go about it. I have found a vintage caravan club however we don't really qualify as our van is too new. I am sure that they would have amazing information to pass on. I might try to see if they will accept us all the same.
I am also learning that when good friends are quiet that it can be that they are not well. I wish more than anything that I could do something. Sometimes things can be so hard for others and we are almost powerless to help. I will think carefully about this and see what i come up with. I am sure that there will be something.
Queensland is also in my thoughts, to see what is happening and realise how lucky we are is heartbreaking. I am praying that more people are not killed in this awful flooding. For all those having a tough time at the moment you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Secondly if the van is not level the fridge does not work and caravan fridges are VERY expensive to replace. I was quite shocked to find the price of a new one was over $1200.00 yes you are reading that correctly. Luckily ours is now working once we leveled the van. Nice and clean too.
We have found some material very similar to the original to replace the curtains and later we will replace the seat covers, the second can wait a bit. The first we are making a few changes to in length and adding block out. I like light but full on at 5am is a bit much for me every morning when enjoying a holiday. i have a wonderful friend making them for us. YEAH to wonderful friends who help out, If I was doing them we would still be making then for a year or so. She is extremely patient and working hard for us. It will not go unrewarded. Always value good friends!
Whilst cleaning out I found that my mum had collected over the years quite a few vintage tablecloths. They are lovely and i am loath to just shove them in the van. They are mostly staying home now. I have popped 2 in the van to use and they look so lovely on the table. I cannot wait until things start to come together. At least it is clean now inside and out.
We are finding out how to paint the outside as there are some panels that need some more white paint. We are also going to paint the strips back on with the kiddies. I think they will enjoy that. I wish I could find out the exact colour and return that to the van however I am not sure how to go about it. I have found a vintage caravan club however we don't really qualify as our van is too new. I am sure that they would have amazing information to pass on. I might try to see if they will accept us all the same.
I am also learning that when good friends are quiet that it can be that they are not well. I wish more than anything that I could do something. Sometimes things can be so hard for others and we are almost powerless to help. I will think carefully about this and see what i come up with. I am sure that there will be something.
Queensland is also in my thoughts, to see what is happening and realise how lucky we are is heartbreaking. I am praying that more people are not killed in this awful flooding. For all those having a tough time at the moment you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Happy Birthday
Today is my dearest Husbands birthday!
Happy Birthday to you......we are having a lovely time making cards and wrapping a couple of presents. Nothing big but nice all the same. The kiddies enjoyed chosing something for their Daddy plus decorating it. They had a lovely time of thinking of things that Daddy would like and were careful with their choice. It was fun to see what they wanted.
Happy Birthday to you......we are having a lovely time making cards and wrapping a couple of presents. Nothing big but nice all the same. The kiddies enjoyed chosing something for their Daddy plus decorating it. They had a lovely time of thinking of things that Daddy would like and were careful with their choice. It was fun to see what they wanted.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Molly
Molly is a fairly recent addition to my Hurricanes collection of pretend friends. This one is extra special. He came to me a couple of weeks ago and explained that he was really starting to fall in love with Molly. We believe that Molly might be the yellow train from Thomas the Tank. Sometimes she is human and other times she is not and doesn't have legs. Most of the time he is the same age as Molly and sometimes she has children.
Then last week when we were driving to visit someone. My Hurricane announced to me that he was not going to live with Molly anymore. That he was going to turn his life around. Molly was moving to Japan and he would like to visit, everyday! (A sutble hint that he would REALLY like to go back to Japan again soon). I normally reply with "fair enough."
His other friends include Astro Boy, James, Thomas and "M". Only one is real and gives him cuddles everyday that she sees him. Sometimes this collection grows and sometimes they are not talking to him and he is fighting with them all and then it is all out war. Normally these are days that he goes for a nap. It is quite complex and I have to fill in my other half on the days proceedings so that he doesn't get told off, for asking questions that he should know the answers to. My Hurricane does not hold back telling anyone and everyone off when he feels the need.
Then last week when we were driving to visit someone. My Hurricane announced to me that he was not going to live with Molly anymore. That he was going to turn his life around. Molly was moving to Japan and he would like to visit, everyday! (A sutble hint that he would REALLY like to go back to Japan again soon). I normally reply with "fair enough."
His other friends include Astro Boy, James, Thomas and "M". Only one is real and gives him cuddles everyday that she sees him. Sometimes this collection grows and sometimes they are not talking to him and he is fighting with them all and then it is all out war. Normally these are days that he goes for a nap. It is quite complex and I have to fill in my other half on the days proceedings so that he doesn't get told off, for asking questions that he should know the answers to. My Hurricane does not hold back telling anyone and everyone off when he feels the need.
oil of cloves, bi carb and vinegar.
These lovely ingredients are my friends. i have been using them constantly whilst cleaning the caravan and all the things from it. SO many things, it took me nearly a day to empty. I am finding some lovely things that I had totally forgotten we had. Plus a bit of a cull is occurring however I am finding that a lot of Australian made products are staying and the made in china newer things are out! Lovely to see all the things we used to make in Australia and took it for granted such a shame that we don't anymore.
So firstly the bi carb has been cleaning all the stains from inside the lovely old dinner set and all other things. Then I have used it to take the smell out of the fridge a bit of vanilla as well. (Fingers crossed that when we test the power that this works otherwise off to Good Guys.) The oil of cloves has been used on all the mould inside and out and makes the van smell lovely. The kiddies love it, the smell was very old prior to this. The vinegar and lemon has been used to remove the rust on the van and on some of the utensils. This also smells like fish and chips night and again the kiddies love it.
Hot soapy water is great too and has been used in abundance. I have really had to be very careful cleaning things as they are old and some things cannot take the rigours of normal cleaning. Shannon Lush has been wonderful and so too have helpful hints from the computer (thank you google).
I found this lovely website today in a down time moment and thought that it might be interesting for a few.
http://shewearsmanyhats.com/2011/01/handy-dandy-photography-tip/
Not related at all to what I am doing but good all the same.
Have a lovely day. Back to it.
So firstly the bi carb has been cleaning all the stains from inside the lovely old dinner set and all other things. Then I have used it to take the smell out of the fridge a bit of vanilla as well. (Fingers crossed that when we test the power that this works otherwise off to Good Guys.) The oil of cloves has been used on all the mould inside and out and makes the van smell lovely. The kiddies love it, the smell was very old prior to this. The vinegar and lemon has been used to remove the rust on the van and on some of the utensils. This also smells like fish and chips night and again the kiddies love it.
Hot soapy water is great too and has been used in abundance. I have really had to be very careful cleaning things as they are old and some things cannot take the rigours of normal cleaning. Shannon Lush has been wonderful and so too have helpful hints from the computer (thank you google).
I found this lovely website today in a down time moment and thought that it might be interesting for a few.
http://shewearsmanyhats.com/2011/01/handy-dandy-photography-tip/
Not related at all to what I am doing but good all the same.
Have a lovely day. Back to it.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Happy New Year
Well that year went very quickly or so it feels and I am trying to get on top of things still. I am mowing and painting and weeding and ironing like a women possessed.
My next main goal is to get the caravan ready. We have found a temporary home for it and moved it from my parents house, (which is now mine) and I am about to clean it out. First I have to empty it out. We have done this before. A few years ago, when mum was still alive, me and my other half emptied it out and cleaned it out and got it ready for going away. Unbeknown to us my mum managed to in spite of a broken hip and broken back fill it up again. So when we collected it from it home and looked inside we found all sort of things in there. I know she would be sitting up in heaven laughing about it wondering why we took so long to find her little surprise. So now I am getting busy on the inside, the outside can wait, although we have had it serviced so some of the outside was first. This little trip will be a great time to work out exactly what we need to take with us and what we need to update inside. It a vintage about 1973 one so things are very cute inside. It is only 3 berth so that will make things interesting hopefully we can get the annexe up and then the kiddies will happily sleep in there. We have to buy a couple of blow up mattresses although in the future I would prefer to have a bunk bed for them. Takes up less room and it is quite fun for both of them. Camping has to be fun after all not just something that you do. We are not going to our favourite spot this year, but a new place with another family too.
The mulch pile which has been haunting me for so long is finally gone, one barrel load to spread out and then it is done for the time being. The garden has come along and it looking quite nice to a point that I am mostly happy with. Although the area that Stanley lived in will have to be tackled next, i am not sure what to do there. Maybe a few more fruit trees would be good. Stanley loved to eat all the plums and apples and often had a big sleep afterwards.
We had a quiet new year, just the way we like it. A friend came over and a few drinks were had by all. We watched our amazing friends fireworks that he does in the city and finally they were properly broadcasted on tv this year. Absolutely amazing nothing less than I would expect.
I think i will have to think of a wish list for this year.
1. Get the deck done and have a sit down on the deck (which involves me finding a table and chairs for out there)
2. Painting inside and out
3 Especially doing the Hurricanes room installing cupboards etc
4. Go to Japan again
5. Get a puppy (we are all so sad not having our big black monster anymore)
6. DO SEWING
7. Do Knitting (see Kate and learn how to knit using those dreaded needles)
8. Enjoy what life has to offer.
9. Spend more time walking and playing with the kiddlies.
10. Visit Daylesford a bit more and have visits too.
My next main goal is to get the caravan ready. We have found a temporary home for it and moved it from my parents house, (which is now mine) and I am about to clean it out. First I have to empty it out. We have done this before. A few years ago, when mum was still alive, me and my other half emptied it out and cleaned it out and got it ready for going away. Unbeknown to us my mum managed to in spite of a broken hip and broken back fill it up again. So when we collected it from it home and looked inside we found all sort of things in there. I know she would be sitting up in heaven laughing about it wondering why we took so long to find her little surprise. So now I am getting busy on the inside, the outside can wait, although we have had it serviced so some of the outside was first. This little trip will be a great time to work out exactly what we need to take with us and what we need to update inside. It a vintage about 1973 one so things are very cute inside. It is only 3 berth so that will make things interesting hopefully we can get the annexe up and then the kiddies will happily sleep in there. We have to buy a couple of blow up mattresses although in the future I would prefer to have a bunk bed for them. Takes up less room and it is quite fun for both of them. Camping has to be fun after all not just something that you do. We are not going to our favourite spot this year, but a new place with another family too.
The mulch pile which has been haunting me for so long is finally gone, one barrel load to spread out and then it is done for the time being. The garden has come along and it looking quite nice to a point that I am mostly happy with. Although the area that Stanley lived in will have to be tackled next, i am not sure what to do there. Maybe a few more fruit trees would be good. Stanley loved to eat all the plums and apples and often had a big sleep afterwards.
We had a quiet new year, just the way we like it. A friend came over and a few drinks were had by all. We watched our amazing friends fireworks that he does in the city and finally they were properly broadcasted on tv this year. Absolutely amazing nothing less than I would expect.
I think i will have to think of a wish list for this year.
1. Get the deck done and have a sit down on the deck (which involves me finding a table and chairs for out there)
2. Painting inside and out
3 Especially doing the Hurricanes room installing cupboards etc
4. Go to Japan again
5. Get a puppy (we are all so sad not having our big black monster anymore)
6. DO SEWING
7. Do Knitting (see Kate and learn how to knit using those dreaded needles)
8. Enjoy what life has to offer.
9. Spend more time walking and playing with the kiddlies.
10. Visit Daylesford a bit more and have visits too.
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