Magnolia Grandiflora

Such huge creamy-petalled flowers -- but the real beauty is the soft, rich, reddish-brown hue on the underside of each leaf.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Wednesday 28 April 2010

Outside My Window... The day is bright and sunshiney, with a stiff breeze that swirls the autumn leaves down from the trees. I love this time of year.

I am thankful ... for my good-natured little boy, who is rarely unhappy or difficult or unpleasant or rude, and always wants to join in with whatever is happening.

From the kitchen... A South African meal: Jumps used the sausage machine for the first time yesterday and created homemade Boerwors, so soon I'll put together side dishes of Chakalaka and mealie pap to match.

I am wearing... navy tracksuit pants and a navy short-sleeved top (not a maternity shirt, but it still fits!) ...

I am creating... still more name banners (birthdays every week it seems!) -- this one for Lily ...

I am going... to fetch Granny and Papa from the airport tomorrow afternoon (with Boo) ...

I am reading... Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald -- I realised I'd only read Gatsby, and should poke about his other novels a bit. It's rather marvellous in parts, but also drawn out, plodding, overly dramatic, heartrending and pathetic. I can't be sure if I'm actually enjoying it, and am picking it up and putting it down a lot, but still am determined to finish ...

One of my favorite things... is afternoon naps, and quiet time just for me, when I can laze in the sunshine or read or do whatever takes my fancy. I usually get an hour or so to myself each day, as Jumps, Gran and Papa are so generous with including Boo in their activities. I wonder how I'll cope with a new baby, too? ...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing (proteas on my pretty new tablecloth) ...

Feeling Cared For

All day long yesterday I didn't feel 'quite right', but we none-the-less had a busy and happy day in the Blue Mountains catching up at a school friend's baby shower. On the way home in the car I finally succumbed to the queasiness that had been threatening all day, and as soon as we got home crawled, groaning, into bed.
This morning I was much better, but still not completely well, and certainly tired and weak after 24 hours without food.
When I finally staggered out of bed to make sure Boo had lunch for preschool, my little person asked how I was feeling, then took my hand and led me to a special place he'd made just for me. Pulled into the warm corner by the fire was his Bob the Builder bed, piled high with blankets and a pillow, with a glass of water placed beside it. I was told to hop in, then tucked up all cosily, and Boo patted my head and gave me a kiss before Daddy took him happily off to preschool.
I've had such a peaceful day -- mainly sleeping, reading and watching Mike Moore's documentary on Capitalism. Grandma had Boo for a few hours after preschool, then Daddy fetched him and we had a quiet afternoon together.
Now Jumps is in the kitchen making Boerwors (and it looks great!), Boo's bathing, and I'm getting ready to go to bed once more. Tomorrow is a puttery day, then on Thursday Gran and Papa will be home from their big trip -- we can't wait to see them!

Anzac Day Parade

ANZAC Day – 25 April – is probably Australia's most important national occasion. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, and is celebrated with a dawn service and a parade in many town and cities across Australia.

I hadn't intended to go to the march this year, but Boo was so genuinely interested in the day, that we went along to watch. It was very moving -- only a handful of veterans were present, but many young servicemen and women were there, as well as school children carrying wreaths and the ambulance and fire brigade services.

This was certainly no glorification of war, but a recognition of the spirit of ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice. All these ideals will always have meaning, and are relevant to the Australian way of life.

Flowers by the Window

It's my birthday today: I've been spoilt thoroughly all day long, and had a wonderful time.

I was woken by the stomp of little feet and a piping voice shouting "It's your birthday!". My dear little boy was very generous with his morning kisses and hugs, and two lovely cards appeared on the bedside table (Boo's wishing me a "Happy, happy, happy (x13!) Birthday).

Later I was treated to tea and breakfast in bed (two poached eggs on toast), then Boo and I dressed and spent the morning at a charming children's birthday party in a house perched atop the green hills overlooking TinyTown. Boo never forgot it was my special day, too, and kindly gave me handfuls of the lollies and chocolates he won.

Later we had tea and cake at Grandma's house -- and such a cake it was! Boo and Grandma had spent yesterday afternoon baking and decorating a stunning chocolate extravaganza, which featured a whole box of silver cachous and coloured sprinkles as decoration. And it really was delicious -- light and moist and sweet. My little man was so proud, and had put a great deal of time and effort and love into his treat for me -- I was so touched and honoured to witness his caring, generous heart in action.

One more wonderful thing for me is that this birthday I'm pregnant. I have been given so many gifts in this life, and having a new little person in our world makes the year to come so very exciting! I know that this year will be a special one for us all.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Friday April 23, 2010 ...


Outside My Window... The day is bright and clear, and I can hear the magpies carolling in the Asel tree. We've had an unseasonable spell of hot, sunny days, but the mornings are crisp and autumnal.

I am thankful ... for more things than I can count ... some evenings I lie in bed and feel warm and safe and almost overwhelmed by all the good things in my life ...

From the kitchen... Rice pudding, impossible pie and junket ... all Jumps' work last night and a response to the 3L of milk he found tucked away in the fridge and that needed to be used (quickly!)

I am wearing... a handmade short blue and purple, empire-line cotton maternity dress ...

I am creating... an apron and name banner for 2-year-old Nyah, whose birthday we are going to this evening ...

I am going... to Terese's house for a pizza night to celebrate her baby's birthday and enjoy the evening with friends. We'll take Boo's bike and the kids will ride on the oval and play in the park until it gets dark ...

I am reading... The Element, by Ken Robinson, an educational consultant, who believes that creativity, passion and self-expression will be more important in the future than ever before, and that schools should be encouraged to offer children a much wider and richer educational framework than they currently do. Fascinating stuff ... and plenty of it makes sense. But I think we're on the right track so far, as the other day I heard one of Boo's bionicle toys saying to the other: "I don't want to be rich, I just want to do what I like to do." A good philosophy for life, in my book -- as long as you can provide enough for your family to be comfortable and not worry too much about money (but so many money worries are self-created, by people who buy into the idea that "stuff" makes you happy) ...

One of my favorite things... is the sunlight that streams into this house in the mornings. In fact, I love everything about where we live ... the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, wrap-around verandah, large leafy trees, enormous green field, and being close to family ...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing (fruit in the morning sunlight on the lounge-room table) ...
 

Riches

Finally (after weeks of bare nests, or one egg each day) there are plenty of eggs in our refrigerator!

Poultry Auction

I've been looking for a few more girls to add to the flock and increase my egg supply, so last Sunday we pottered off to a nearby poultry auction to fulfil my wish.

The showground was packed: over 100 people had come to view and bid on four hundred poultry 'lots', from bantams to purebreds, ducks, drakes and ducklings, guinea fowl and quail. I saw breeds I'd never heard of before -- some of which were absolutely exquisite.

I've never bid at auction before -- and of course I know only the barest essentials about poultry keeping -- so before I knew it had got quite carried away and bought two Light Sussex crosses. They're fairly big hens -- and neither particularly famous for laying or for meat! Boo couldn't have cared less what they were -- he was simply delighted that we were bringing something home. (And so, secretly, was I.) Although I did see some beautiful little Welsummers in the last lots -- I'm still allowed two more hens, so might look out for something like these next auction.

Our new (as yet unnamed) girls seem quite happy in their new surroundings. There's been some bullying from the old ladies as they establish a pecking order -- it's quite like a schoolyard catfight, with feather pulling, chasing and even one of the older girls sitting on the newbie and pulling her head feathers!

Still, as long as they know their place and don't expect to eat first, the new girls are left alone to happily scratch for worms and bugs in the grass.

And they're laying already! I've had a big white egg almost every day from these ladies, so I'm counting them as a success in the egg-laying department.

The Best Books

Many of Boo's favourite books have been bought for him by his Aunty Fiddy. She seems to have a knack for knowing just what children will enjoy.

His birthday present this year was a winner: "The Jungle of Peril", a choose-your-own-adventure book with stunning pictures and all the danger and drama a little boy desires. We've read it over and over again, and each time it follows a different pathway, some with puzzles and mazes to solve before you can continue to the next page. Boo loves it!

We sorted through his books the other day, and I was told firmly that Aunty Fiddy's previous gifts -- "The Story of Growl" and "Dudley" -- were NOT going to the secondhand shop. I wouldn't have sent them, anyway, as they're my favourites, too!

Golden Scones

Only too late did Grandma counsel me to call these "Golden Scones" -- Boo had already decided that he wouldn't try anything with pumpkin in it! Still, he enjoyed making cookie-man-shaped scones with his portion of the dough, and Daddy was delighted to eat them for him.

I've never had a knack for scones, but these were divine -- light, fluffy and tasty -- and earned plenty of praise at morning tea.

But I'm not sure if they were worth the mess created in the making. The sticky dough smeared and splattered everywhere, and the kitchen needed a thorough hose down afterwards.

But I am determined to master scones (somehow it's a 'must' in the domestic goddesses' repertoire), so these won't be my last batch. I'll just be sure to have the hot soapy water and mop ready and waiting next time!

600g Kent pumpkin, steamed until tender
3c self-raising flour
pinch salt
60g butter, frozen, in cubes
1 c buttermilk (or 1 c whole milk plus 1T lemon juice)
1 egg

1. Preheat oven to 240C. Line a baking tray with greased paper.
2. Rub the butter int othe flour and salt until it looks like breadcrumbs (or just blitz the lot in the food processor for a few seconds, like I do).
3. Add the pumpkin, egg and buttermilk, and use the spatula to mix lightly until the dough just hold together.
4. Turn onto a floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Press out to a 2.5cm thick square. Cut 15 discs from the dough using a floured pastry cutter.
5. Bake 12 minutes or until scones sound hollow when tapped on the base.
6. Serve with herb butter, made by mixing rosemary, sage, oregano, chives and chopped thyme into a pat of softened butter.

Carbs: 23g per scone

Holidays at Home

The week after Easter is a time for relaxing and enjoying the company of family and friends.
Fishing in the evenings ...

... cricket on the lawn ...

... bike riding at the skatepark ...

... picnics in the garden ...

... hours and hours pottering in the shallows at the beach, building moats and dams and castles ...

...running through the rainforest, swinging on suspension bridges ...

... baking, crafting, swimming, flower-picking, watching DVDs, making lego, playing X-box, and doing whatever we feel like!

Kids at the Temple

A trip to the Nan Tien temple with Terese and her gang.

First (and Only) Fig

I'd been eyeing the dozen or so figs for a few weeks, hoping to nab them before the birds did: unfortunately I managed to save only one. And it really wasn't that tasty (I am a fig connaseur!). Still, they are the loveliest fruit to look at.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Boo's idea entirely: bake the sweet dough without cutting into rolls, to create crusty loaves with a swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar inside. Sliced and toasted, this morning the kitchen smelled delicious at breakfast-time!

Fruit Delivery

I'm never happy with the quality (or the huge size) of the fruit at our large supermarket, although they do deliver here. The local shop is just too expensive, and I can't count on getting down to Bigtown -- where there are several superb fruit markets -- once a week for supplies. And as I get more pregnant -- and also more breathless -- I need an easy solution to cut down on hauling groceries.
Much to my delight, friends told me about a little fruit shop in Toytown which does home deliveries. Each week you simply fax through your order, with the varieties of fruit or veg you need ticked on the order form, then leave an envelope with money on the front step.
I've had three deliveries so far, and I am thrilled with the service. The quality is generally very good, and I think the price is competitive, especially once you factor in the delivery service.
So now when I pop into Toytown with the kids (of which I've had three often this week, since the cousins are here) to go to the beach, or park, there's no need to haul them out of the car and through the market to pick up anything.

Boo-isms

Boo woke when it was still dark this morning. As he climbed into bed with me, I mentioned that Daddy had just left to take Gran and Papa to the airport. "Oh, I wish I could have gone, too", said Boo wistfully. I quickly jumped up and phoned the manor, to discover that the travellers had not yet left. So Boo cheerfully bundled up in warm clothes, took a bottle of hot chocolate and a DVD with him, and was snuggled into the back seat for the ride and a chat.
He hates to miss out on anything social, and is always enthusiastic and willing to go anywhere, with anyone -- at anytime! I love this about him.
**********
Boo sleeps on a mattress on our bedroom floor at the moment (he's very easily scared at night, and feel more secure there), and yesterday the very first thing he said to me when he woke was "Show me your tummy!" He hopped into my bed and I obliged, and after looking at it thoughtfully for a moment of two he stated: "I think it's time for Alphonse to pop out now!".
He's getting impatient to meet his brother -- and so am I! I am 26 weeks, and of course am hoping that baby will "cook" a little longer, but at same time this pregnancy seems to be taking a long time! I've felt very well and have managed my BGLs quite calmly, but while last time the emphasis was party on being pregnant, this time it's really a means to an end -- something that has to happen before our baby can arrive!

Early Gifts

My birthday isn't until the end of April, but Granny and Papa are leaving in the morning for three weeks in South Africa (how will poor Boo bear it?), so last night I was treated to a special birthday dinner and surprise gifts.

We dined on lamb roast with all the trimmings, followed by divine pears poached in a spiced red wine syrup, with vanilla bean icecream.

I was spoilt even more with gifts: a pink-tinged varigated cyclamen in a pot (perfect for a splash of colour at the front entrance), and a pretty handmade nick-nack and stationary cuboard, which is already doing duty in the kitchen.

For my large gift I've asked for some landscaping and plants for the garden: Mum has vision and a knack with gardening, and I know I won't have time or energy for this hard physical work in the near future ('Alphonse' will be here in just three months). I can't wait to collaborate with her (and her new gardener, Richard) on their return from afar!

Pullet's Eggs

Somehow my new chickens must have known it was Easter Sunday, as each left me a freshly laid egg in the hen house. It's the first from both of them: one brown (that's Reddy Red's) and the other snowy white (thankyou, Whitey White!).
I never cease to be amazed at how tiny a pullet's first egg is -- in the picture above you can see the difference.
There's a chicken auction nearby on April 18 -- I'm planning on buying four more lovely beasties to add to our coop. Hopefully I'll be able to find one or two interesting breeds -- I'd love an Arucuna (they lay blue eggs) or perhaps a Sussex or New Hampshire. It will be exciting!

Tiny Treasures

I noticed these exquisite little creatures sitting like living dots on the leaves by the ornamental pond this morning, soaking up the rain. I spotted seven, each about the size of my thumbnail, and each so very different.

What wonders there are in a garden!

Easter Celebrations

Flowers at each place setting ...

... fifteen for brunch ...

... then the hunt was on!

Afterwards we talked over tea, coffee and muffins, then strolled along the country roads in the autumn sunshine. The children ate until they couldn't fit another thing in (Cordelia even stated she thought she'd "had enough chocolate"!), then paddled the canoe in the lake and played X-box and lego until late into the evening.

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road, which is one of the world's most scenic routes, wends its way along the coast of south-west Victoria. Jumps and I travelled from Melbourne to Port Campbell, with plenty of stops along the way. There were plenty of beautiful sights everywhere: from the lush rainforest walk at Mait's Rest (above), to wild koalas snoozing in trees (below) ...

... the Cape Otway lighthouse (which we climbed to the top to see the light and lens, up a spiral staircase) ...

... and the stunning view of the huge rock stacks known as the "Twelve Apostles" glowing in golden morning light.

Good Friday

Chocolate hot-cross buns (we made a dozen of the spiced fruit version, too, but these were the favourites) ...

... and the Easter tree, decorated with Russian-inspired motifs and bunches of flowers.

We have a house full of guests, with more due to arrive on Sunday, and all the cousins popping in and out. Easter has really begun!

More Birthday Celebrations

Two more birthday treats for Boo before we wrap up the bonanza: a chocolate clown cake to take to preschool for a celebration with his friends (note the gummi 'glasses' the clown is wearing -- all Boo's work) ...

... and a family dinner to which Gran, Papa and Grandma were invited. We decorated the dining room, ate Boo's favourite foods (lamb cutlets, followed by chocolate icecream with chocolate sauce and lollies on top), and lit a sparkler to celebrate his coming year. As it burned down we each told Boo something we loved about him -- there was so much to tell!

Happy birthday to my beautiful 5-year-old -- you have brought such joy into our lives!

Melbourne

I certainly can't excuse my lack of blogging entirely to absence, but in defence of my lack of posts recently, we have just come back from five days' holiday.
While Boo went on his birthday trip to Dubbo Zoo, Jumps and I were lucky enough to have a trip away to Melbourne -- just the two of us (and Alphonse, of course).
We stayed the night in Sydney, then flew down on a cheap-as-chips flight early the next morning.

I've always loved Melbourne -- the history, beautiful buildings, exotic and inexpensive food, and the many parks right in town. In fact, we stayed in an apartment across from the Fitzroy gardens, so the stroll into town was delightful, past fountains and along winding tree-lined paths.

In the centre of the garden stands Captain Cook's Cottage (which he never actually lived in, but where he visited is parents and siblings while on leave from the navy). I remember wandering through the cottage when I was very small, and dreaming that one day I might live in a quaint house just like this in some far-off English village.

Nearby is the "Fairy tree" -- a carved and painted stump with all manner of fairy antics adorning it. It charmed me as a child -- this time I was intrigued by the number of pixies it showed being carried off in the talons of eagles, or about to be fed to Kookaburra fledglings.

Unlike Sydney, Melbourne retains its tram system, which makes it quick and easy to get around. Crazy to drive in, though, as trams have right of way, and there is a complicated system of hook turns and other special road rules which we don't have anywhere else.

The highlight of the city trip for me was a day at the International Flower and Garden Show, which I've been to twice before and is an absolute treat.

It's held in the Exhibition Centre, and the day is packed with talks, competitions, panel discussions on gardening, floral art demonstrations, and masses of floral and gardening stalls and exhibits.

Outside, every flower grower in Australia seemed to be trying to outdo the others with massed displays of bulbs and roses, and even complete display gardens were on show.

On the morning that we left the city to drive down the Great Ocean Road, we stopped at the Queen Victoria markets to stock up on continental bread, Swiss cheese, Italian sausage and strawberries to feast on as we picniced along the way.