Blazing Fire

Tonight Jumps went out to an International evening at Rotary, so Boo and I invited Grandma for a bowl of steaming barley-and-bacon soup infront of our new fire. The stove was a birthday gift from my parents, and was only installed three days ago. Although it's not really cold enough to need a fire yet, I love lighting it in the evenings, and watching the orange flames blazing and leaping.

Waffles for Breakfast

Boo frequently has crisp, warm waffles for breakfast, drizzled with golden syrup or honey. I've discovered they're as easy to prepare as a piece of toast ... and much more likely to get eaten.
It's easy to make up a double batch, and freeze the leftovers, each waffle separated from the others by a piece of baking paper.
To prepare, simply slide a frozen waffle into the toaster, and heat on the same setting you'd use to make toast.

Starry Night

A fourth birthday party becomes a campfire singalong ... marshmallows toasting, children running in the darkness, sparklers lighting up cherubic faces, and guitar music filling the starry, starry night.

Hippie Tote

My first attempt at a simple tote has some definite flaws, but the fabric colours and design eclipse any problems, and perfectly suit the hippie friend it's destined for.
The material came from a wad of swatches leftover from home furnishings, and bought for $2 at the thrift store, so I have plenty more to practise with. But next time I'll know to put the handles the right way around!

CWA Baking Day

Each year the Country Women's Association in our village holds a baking day, when the clever ladies who win prizes at the Royal Show or State fairs demonstrate their skills and share tips. Today Grandma and I watched as they mixed, kneaded and whisked, then turned out fluffy sponges and soaring scones before our eyes.
Later we lunched on casseroles and lasagne in the local hall, then downed numerous hot cups tea and scoffed slices of freshly baked sponge.

Tyre Swing

Living with Beauty

Each time I round the corner and catch sight of the road home, I'm reminded of how beautiful our valley is. Especially on a golden autumn afternoon like today.

I don't think I could ever get tired of that view, or lose the feeling of privilege I have when I turn in through white gate, and come home to a cottage tucked among the trees.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Do visit Peggy's to see all the Daybook links this week.

Tuesday May 12, 2009 ...

Outside My Window... The night is dark and cold ... we might have our first frost of the year tomorrow morning ...

I am thankful for... this wonderful, safe, wealthy, good-natured country that we live in ...

From the kitchen... a huge batch of lentil and bacon stew, with fresh herbs and chillis from the garden thrown in. Jumps is out at a tabletennis competition this evening, so I cooked just what I felt like eating (and guzzled steaming bowlful after bowlful, while Boo had bacon and egg-bread) ...

I am wearing... candy-striped flannel pjs, bedsocks, and a warm woolen dressing gown ...

I am creating... yet another little girl's apron for a party gift tomorrow (all the kids in our mother's group have their birthdays around the same time of year) ...

I am going... to the Country Women's Association cooking demonstration in the village hall on Saturday morning ...

I am reading... In Other Words, a marvellous compendium of quirky, almost-untranslatable sayings from languages around the globe ...

One of my favorite things... is getting into a bed that's been warmed by an electric blanket ...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

Kids in the Kitchen

Another little apron finished for one of Boo's girlfriends: this one a riot of polka dots, flowery fields and lace.

As soon as Courtney opened her gift, she begged to cook. It was too late to start a batch of biscuits, so I offered to let them help make the koftas for our dinner. To my surprise, they were enthusiastic -- I guess rolling and shaping the sticky mince mixture is a bit like playing with playdoh!

They did a marvellous job, and before long dinner was done.

Which made both the kiddos and me pretty happy.

I do tend to make only sweet treats, biscuits or pancakes and waffles with Boo. I'm determined now to involve him more in everyday tasks in the kitchen. After all, it can be just as fun, and cuts down on my housework rather than adding to it.

"My Mummy's Name is Mum"

"My Mummy's name is Mum.
She is 15 years old.
She has red hair and black and blue eyes.
I love my Mummy because she gave me a roll-up for school."
-- by Boo

Boo helped me make cards and wrap gifts for the grandmothers. For gifts I traced Boo's little hands onto the front of a black apron and oven glove, then chain stitched around the drawings, and added Boo's name and the date.

Boo gave his gifts at lunchtime, when Daddy and Papa organised a "make-your-own burger bar", where each guest could chose from a multitude of delicious hamburger toppings for lunch.
Rich, Catherine and Fid came to visit, as well as the nephews (of course), so it was a busy, happy crowd.
Later, Boo delighted in showing everyone how his hands "matched" the embroidered ones, then the boys played outside while the adults chatted (and I fell asleep on the sofa!).

Mother's Day

The three of us.
(I'm the tiniest one).

Happy Birthday to Eilish

Happy 4th birthday to a dear little lady.

Monkey Madness

Last week a host of us from my mother's group visited the rainforest.

There was no chance to catch sight of any wildlife -- which undoubtedly scurried off as it heard twelve little feet thumping along the pathways, and plenty of excited shouting -- but we did see some noisy little monkeys climbing a vine.

The suspension bridges were enormous fun, and the kiddos jumped to swing them from side to side.

I can't say we communed with nature, but we certainly got plenty of exercise and had a happy time.

Welcome Autumn

I love these warm, golden autumn days, and the crisp nights that follow. The trees are like rainbows of colour pinned to the lush grass, and full-bellied clouds are pushed across the sky by the persistent winds.

It is my favourite time of the year.

Tilda at Ten Weeks

What a difference 10 weeks makes!

In that time sweet little Tilda has transformed from a curled-in sleepy bundle to a bright-eyed, smiling doll, who is adored by everyone who meets her.

Friends for the Weekend

A stack of fluffy, freshly washed white towels, small posies, clean sheets, dusting and vacuuming done! We're ready for our weekend visitors to arrive.