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.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
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.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
last presents
Sometimes the last presents prove to be the most difficult or time consuming. i know exactly what i want to get but finding this item is proving to be a little difficult so we have changed plans and gone to plan b!
Still looking for cranberries and chestnuts although I have been informed that it should not be too difficult. The places i tried are very small and only stock limited items so that might not have been the best choice however tonight we have my favourite supermarket to visit in Hawthorn. This place has everything including the kitchen sink.
Our little petal was sick last night, amazing how children only vomit when things are dark and quiet. We have told her about the buggies in her tummy and she is refusing to limit her food intake. She absolutely loves her food and has been enjoying all the lovely delights of summer and our garden and now I have to stop this for a bit and give her plain bland food. There has been tears, threats of dying from starvation and lots of crying and complaining that she is VERY hungry. I am not surprised given that her stomach was emptied completely. We are hoping to get her back on top of things for Christmas and in the meantime all holding our breath to see if our hurricane gets it as well. So i am off to do washing whilst there is no rain and a bit of sun. The out for a bit of gardening.
Have a lovely sunny day.
Still looking for cranberries and chestnuts although I have been informed that it should not be too difficult. The places i tried are very small and only stock limited items so that might not have been the best choice however tonight we have my favourite supermarket to visit in Hawthorn. This place has everything including the kitchen sink.
Our little petal was sick last night, amazing how children only vomit when things are dark and quiet. We have told her about the buggies in her tummy and she is refusing to limit her food intake. She absolutely loves her food and has been enjoying all the lovely delights of summer and our garden and now I have to stop this for a bit and give her plain bland food. There has been tears, threats of dying from starvation and lots of crying and complaining that she is VERY hungry. I am not surprised given that her stomach was emptied completely. We are hoping to get her back on top of things for Christmas and in the meantime all holding our breath to see if our hurricane gets it as well. So i am off to do washing whilst there is no rain and a bit of sun. The out for a bit of gardening.
Have a lovely sunny day.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Nearly Christmas
Goodness not many days left till Christmas. I have one more present to get, a couple to make and I am done. Except for the food which I am working on. The turkey I am going up the street to attempt to get now. The cranberries and the chestnuts well goodness knows where I get them? The seafood is being bought tomorrow morning at the Market and the veggies are being collected at the Farmers Market (twilight ones). I am hoping to get the BEST EGGS in the world and garlic at the farmers market!!!!
Oh you missed my birthday, it was nice, I had some lovely friends come the following weekend and that felt more like my birthday than the day which was hmmmm......... I think the less said the better.
We have been busy in the garden again, I have been chipping away each day and all I could see was the mountain that was not getting any smaller until my dear dear friend pointed out that I need to stop and look at what I/we have done. When I did that I managed to smile, there are lovely pockets of garden looking beautiful especially with all the rain that we have had. The lush plant life is there making the garden beds look quite full and beautiful. They are flowering and now that a lot of the weeds have been removed you can see how much they have grown and how lovely some of the plants really are we make wonderful discoveries. The water feature is flowing and makes the whole effect quite peaceful. I love pointing out the new fruit on the blueberries, the strawberries and the apple trees. Quite amazing to see what is happening in the garden now and we are all enjoying it a bit more.
Painting has come to a grinding halt I had better get to the paint shop very soon before they close for Christmas and get the paint needed to finish the jobs. That can wait for a bit.
We were all busy the other night making Christmas trees from this wonderful blog.http://www.craftypod.com/2010/12/07/how-to-make-japanese-inspired-upholstered-ornaments/ It was quite late however they both stuck with it as best they could and the result is just so sweet. I am wondering if they are going to gift them or keep them.
Oh you missed my birthday, it was nice, I had some lovely friends come the following weekend and that felt more like my birthday than the day which was hmmmm......... I think the less said the better.
We have been busy in the garden again, I have been chipping away each day and all I could see was the mountain that was not getting any smaller until my dear dear friend pointed out that I need to stop and look at what I/we have done. When I did that I managed to smile, there are lovely pockets of garden looking beautiful especially with all the rain that we have had. The lush plant life is there making the garden beds look quite full and beautiful. They are flowering and now that a lot of the weeds have been removed you can see how much they have grown and how lovely some of the plants really are we make wonderful discoveries. The water feature is flowing and makes the whole effect quite peaceful. I love pointing out the new fruit on the blueberries, the strawberries and the apple trees. Quite amazing to see what is happening in the garden now and we are all enjoying it a bit more.
Painting has come to a grinding halt I had better get to the paint shop very soon before they close for Christmas and get the paint needed to finish the jobs. That can wait for a bit.
We were all busy the other night making Christmas trees from this wonderful blog.http://www.craftypod.com/2010/12/07/how-to-make-japanese-inspired-upholstered-ornaments/ It was quite late however they both stuck with it as best they could and the result is just so sweet. I am wondering if they are going to gift them or keep them.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Happy Birthday My Petal
My little Petal is 7 already. I can hardly believe that this much time has gone by. My girl had a lovely day at school and bought home a little present which she was very happy about and a dress covered in stickers from all the teachers. She is loved! We had a little party for her, well it was a gathering, (A couple of surprise visitors) fish and chips and CAKE, which seems to constitute a party. I love that she had a table of pink presents and was thrilled with each and everyone of them. the cupcakes turned out well on the second attempt. I found that using natural red colouring does not give it the correct colour and adding un-natural red colouring turns them BROWN ARGHHH so on our second attempt we stuck to the recipe and they worked a treat. The cake which I did was not grand, it was very simple butterfly cake decorated with icing and hundreds and thousands. (I realised that I desperately need to do a cake decorating course if I am going to continue the tradition of making them each year) was very happily received by all. That is what really counts. My petal told me at the end of the night that she was VERY happy that she received quite a few books, a barbie, a strawberry shortcake girl and other lovely things. I didn't make her something to wear this year. I was a bit distracted so I will have to save it for Xmas I think.
Last night we went to Bunnings to see Vasili! HOW MUCH FUN DID WE HAVE!!!! YEAH. I won a prize, by answering a question on water savings amazing that one of the facts and figures floating around in my head came in very handy. It is his new magazine "good gardening". This is not the first time that we have spoken to him however the kids are a bit older now and thrilled to bits. Especially as we were watching him on tv just before we went to see him. My red headed hurricane told him that he is VERY magical as he was able to pop out of the tv at our house and come down to Bunnings even when the tv was turned off! It was a wonderful evening of amazing things that we learnt. About grafting as many species of citrus to the lemon tree as we like. 23 or more! Look out lemon tree, he solved the problem for our little lemon tree in the wine barrel. We learnt about life cycles of the gall wasp and his campaign to have a national gall wasp pruning day. I do hope he succeeds! He talked about eco-oil and other natural remedies for getting rid of pests in the garden. Told stories of his lovely house that he used to have, more importantly of the garden that he has left behind and would desperately wants to buy it back. We had pizza and was entertained with Greek music. We made friends and watched the children play on the jumping castle, do crafts and listen to Vasili and get our book signed and a photo taken nothing was too much trouble! What an amazing man he is. Make sure you watch him on Chanel 31 7:30pm Wednesdays or download his show from the website. All in all it was a great night.
http://www.vasilisgarden.com/
I bought my first online magazine. Toffee! I haven't had a look yet been so busy culling, more culling and painting. I am trying to get the rest of the inside open plan area painted or at least undercoated. I need to keep busy at the moment. Plus it is a busy time of the year. Ideally I would like to renovate during the day and sew in the evening however that is not happening at the moment.
Being summoned I will talk again soon
Last night we went to Bunnings to see Vasili! HOW MUCH FUN DID WE HAVE!!!! YEAH. I won a prize, by answering a question on water savings amazing that one of the facts and figures floating around in my head came in very handy. It is his new magazine "good gardening". This is not the first time that we have spoken to him however the kids are a bit older now and thrilled to bits. Especially as we were watching him on tv just before we went to see him. My red headed hurricane told him that he is VERY magical as he was able to pop out of the tv at our house and come down to Bunnings even when the tv was turned off! It was a wonderful evening of amazing things that we learnt. About grafting as many species of citrus to the lemon tree as we like. 23 or more! Look out lemon tree, he solved the problem for our little lemon tree in the wine barrel. We learnt about life cycles of the gall wasp and his campaign to have a national gall wasp pruning day. I do hope he succeeds! He talked about eco-oil and other natural remedies for getting rid of pests in the garden. Told stories of his lovely house that he used to have, more importantly of the garden that he has left behind and would desperately wants to buy it back. We had pizza and was entertained with Greek music. We made friends and watched the children play on the jumping castle, do crafts and listen to Vasili and get our book signed and a photo taken nothing was too much trouble! What an amazing man he is. Make sure you watch him on Chanel 31 7:30pm Wednesdays or download his show from the website. All in all it was a great night.
http://www.vasilisgarden.com/
I bought my first online magazine. Toffee! I haven't had a look yet been so busy culling, more culling and painting. I am trying to get the rest of the inside open plan area painted or at least undercoated. I need to keep busy at the moment. Plus it is a busy time of the year. Ideally I would like to renovate during the day and sew in the evening however that is not happening at the moment.
Being summoned I will talk again soon
Thursday, November 4, 2010
so much has happened....
I have to start with our beautiful big black monster boy died the next day and that is all I have to say at the moment. All our hearts are very sad.
It is my girls birthday tomorrow. I always find this time a very difficult time, We have 2 Anniversary's for our loved ones that have left us. Now a third one with Stanley. First is Lily and oh I cannot even talk about that day. Next Stanley and then my dad. On the last day of October we have our wedding anniversary and it always reminds me that with death there is still life and on it goes.
We went for a lovely pre-birthday stay down the coast. It was lovely even though it rained. We visited Toast to the Coast and had friends come and visit and did all the things on my girls list that makes her feel very special. She went swimming with her daddy whilst mummy made breakfast, a big cooked breakfast no less. We went to the organic shop and bought lots of lovely things for lunches and dinners. We had the CURRY night and Fish and Chip night and a sleepover so that they are in the Bunk beds. We had a walk and bought milkshakes and went to the beach to make sandcastles. We went Op shopping to get a book or 2 and a toy! I love her precious little list for the simplicity and enjoyment.
I am busy preparing cupcakes for our Petal to take to school and Fairy wands., it is funny how she always chooses 2 things for her birthday and we happily compile... I think I am thinking of both my girls then and it just makes it a bit easier doing things for both of them or that is what it feels like. (The red velvet ones) http://melbourneepicure.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-red-velvet-cupcakes.html and the Fairy wands (I cannot find the direct link however I am sure that the lovely Kate from Fox's lane gave us all the amazing conception and as it is her birthday today Pop over and say Happy Birthday) http://foxslane.blogspot.com/ They are both amazing women and fabulous blogs and goodness I have no idea what we would be doing for our girls birthday if I didn't have them!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY My lovely Daylesford Women (Belated) for ROB and (today) for KATE and (tomorrow) for my other very good friend JENNII (fellow Scorps) You look fabulous and what an amazing women you are!! I feel very privledged to have you as friends.
As for us today is cake(fingers crossed) and clean up time I am dashing off to do this. SO many things to do preparing for a birthday.
Have a lovely day ESPECIALLY the birthday girls! :)
It is my girls birthday tomorrow. I always find this time a very difficult time, We have 2 Anniversary's for our loved ones that have left us. Now a third one with Stanley. First is Lily and oh I cannot even talk about that day. Next Stanley and then my dad. On the last day of October we have our wedding anniversary and it always reminds me that with death there is still life and on it goes.
We went for a lovely pre-birthday stay down the coast. It was lovely even though it rained. We visited Toast to the Coast and had friends come and visit and did all the things on my girls list that makes her feel very special. She went swimming with her daddy whilst mummy made breakfast, a big cooked breakfast no less. We went to the organic shop and bought lots of lovely things for lunches and dinners. We had the CURRY night and Fish and Chip night and a sleepover so that they are in the Bunk beds. We had a walk and bought milkshakes and went to the beach to make sandcastles. We went Op shopping to get a book or 2 and a toy! I love her precious little list for the simplicity and enjoyment.
I am busy preparing cupcakes for our Petal to take to school and Fairy wands., it is funny how she always chooses 2 things for her birthday and we happily compile... I think I am thinking of both my girls then and it just makes it a bit easier doing things for both of them or that is what it feels like. (The red velvet ones) http://melbourneepicure.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-red-velvet-cupcakes.html and the Fairy wands (I cannot find the direct link however I am sure that the lovely Kate from Fox's lane gave us all the amazing conception and as it is her birthday today Pop over and say Happy Birthday) http://foxslane.blogspot.com/ They are both amazing women and fabulous blogs and goodness I have no idea what we would be doing for our girls birthday if I didn't have them!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY My lovely Daylesford Women (Belated) for ROB and (today) for KATE and (tomorrow) for my other very good friend JENNII (fellow Scorps) You look fabulous and what an amazing women you are!! I feel very privledged to have you as friends.
As for us today is cake(fingers crossed) and clean up time I am dashing off to do this. SO many things to do preparing for a birthday.
Have a lovely day ESPECIALLY the birthday girls! :)
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