Morning has broken

Afternoon at the Beach

2012-02-10T11:58:00.000+11:00

Funny Fortune

2012-02-09T11:56:00.005+11:00

Ever have one of those perfect moments when it's just the two of you, laughing so hard that you can't even look at each other?

The other night Eric and I cuddled up in my big bed ... Adam was asleep and Jumps out at a trivia night. While I read and he played games on the iPad, we devoured a box of Fortune Cookies, which I'd bought that afternoon as a surprise gift.

Most of the sayings were complex and mythical ... but then we cracked open the crisp shell of a cookie and this bit of wisdom slipped out: "Confucious say: If you think your whole life can be summed up on one little piece of paper, you are crazy!".

Eric was still chuckling when I put him to bed, half an hour later. And so was I.

Weekending

2012-02-04T10:49:00.002+11:00

So much planned ... a tidy up, savouring the last few chapters of a marvellous book (The Book Thief), browsing through the markets in search of little T-shirts for Adam (where have his all gone?), friends over for a swim and afternoon banana bread, mowing lawns and edging garden beds, picking beans and cucumbers and flowers for the kitchen. And mopping floors ... that is definitely on the list. And discussing a certain little boy's birthday party ... which isn't for six weeks, but he's already coming up with grandiose plans and fantastical ideas (like building a giant papier-mache rock and rolling it down the garden after party guests, Indiana-Jones style). Grocery shopping would be useful, too, and a trip to the library to return overdue books.
But now baby's in bed, Eric's off on a car-wash adventure with Papa, and I plan to settle down with a cup of tea before it all begins.

Fun at the Show

2012-02-02T12:02:00.002+11:00

Every year we look forward eagerly to Toytown's country show. This year all the cousins came down, and we met friends there for lunch, so it was extra busy ... and especially fun!

The puppet show always makes the kids laugh. Once you've paid the entry fee there is so much to see and do for free ... we spent ages at the petting zoo (Rory managed to stroke one of the ducklings to sleep!), marvelled at the amazing Motorbike trick riders, watched working sheep dogs, enjoyed woodchopping, the pet show, horses and the lumberjack show.

And of course I spent ages wandering through the pavillion exhibits .. this year there was a bumper number of lovely entries.
Our family managed two first prizes: one for my bread, and the second for Eric's lego ship (he was generously helped to create this by his 9-year-old cousin). Still, since I mistakenly entered the boys in the 16 and under age group category, I'd say he did very well!

I didn't enter flowers this year ... with four children madly keen to put in entries I think my attempts will take a back seat for a few years. But I do love to see the pretty arrangements and lovely colours.

Eric can choose one showbag -- this year it was "wild west". We deliberated over the whole 'gun thing', and then compromised by declaring that anything with an army focus was out of bounds. Cowboys to my mind are fantastical and part of storytelling, so that's not so bad.

Saturday evening was earmarked for a few rides and games ... Papa and Granny came along, so Eric was spoilt wonderfully, and went on far more than he otherwise would have. He loved every minute.

And little Adam had his first ever pony ride ... look at those shining eyes!

He also won a little truck by putting the balls in the animals' mouths. I love how Gran and Papa never leave him out of anything!

And finally fireworks ... and very sleepy but happy people off to bed.

Next year the kids are vowing to enter everything ... they'll come down to stay a few days before the Show, and keep busy getting their entries ready. I'm looking forward to it already!

Anniversary

2012-02-01T14:50:00.001+11:00

Cheryl

5 June 1971 - 1 February 2007

Cold in the earth -- and the deep snow piled above thee,
Far, far removed, cold in the dreary grave!
Have I forgot, my only Love, to love thee,
Severed at last by Time's all-severing wave?

Cold in the earth -- and fifteen wild Decembers,
From those brown hills, have melted into spring;
Faithful, indeed, is the spirit that remembers
After such years of change and suffering!

Sweet Love of youth, forgive, if I forget thee,
While the world's tide is bearing me along;
Other desires and other hopes beset me,
Hopes which obscure, but cannot do thee wrong!

No later light has lightened up my heaven,
No second morn has ever shone for me;
All my life's bliss from thy dear life was given,
All my life's bliss is in the grave with thee.

But, when the days of golden dreams had perished,
And even Despair was powerless to destroy,
Then did I learn how existence could be cherished,
Strengthened, and fed without the aid of joy.

Then did I check the tears of useless passion --
Weaned my young soul from yearning after thine;
Sternly denied its burning wish to hasten
Down to that tomb already more than mine.

And, even yet, I dare not let it languish,
Dare not indulge in memory's rapturous pain;
Once drinking deep of that divinest anguish,
How could I seek the empty world again?

--Emily Bronte

My Kitchen

2012-01-27T12:32:00.001+11:00

Not neat this morning, since we're all still in holiday mode ... but I'm always struck by how pretty this space is.
I love our dear little country cottage ... I don't think I'll ever get over how lucky we are to live here. There are bits and pieces I'd like to change of course, and one of my plans for the new year is to spend some time painting and rearranging furniture, and getting rid of junk!
We also have big plans afoot to extend two of the bedrooms out onto the verandah ... just by pushing the windows out and adding a few side windows and new walls. We've been thinking of doing this for ages ... although we all fit nicely at the moment, it would be luxurious to have a nice, big, sunny main bedroom, and the boys would enjoy having a play space in their room. One of the rooms will also feature a sliding door out onto the deck, which will be wonderful when the boys are older and able to access to that large play space easily, too. In essence, we'll end up with two long thin rooms, double the size they are now.
When the carpenter came in to look, however, his high quote seemed to put an end to any plans, at least for now. Then Geoff spoke to a handyman friend of his, and while we enjoyed dinner and a swim with all the kids, the men talked about the extensions. The upshot is that it seems we have enough wood leftover in the shed to complete the entire job, and Greg is confident that he can do the work over a period of three weeks or so ... at one third of the price the carpenter quoted! Of course, there will be extras (like the electrician, carpet and painting), but it's still affordable ... and very exciting!

Rainy Days in the Garden

2012-01-27T12:17:00.000+11:00

So much to do ... all helped along by a steady drizzle throughout the day, humid air, and showers at night.

I've been happily busy ... mulching, weeding, transplanting, edging, harvesting and sowing.

Seeds are popping up through the moist, rich soil in next to no time, and fresh blooms open before my eyes.

House Hidden in the Trees

2012-01-23T21:09:00.000+11:00

Holiday for One

2012-01-22T20:06:00.002+11:00

Just one small bag packed: toothpaste, clothes, snacks for the train trip and a teddy bear.

One little person fever-pitch with excitement ... he's off to spend three nights in the city, staying with Auntie Mags, Uncle Robin and his three adored cousins.

There was a little last-minute trepidation and uncertainty, but thankfully Grandma will be his travel companion, and she'll also be staying at Margaret's. So he'll still have his 'someone special' at hand, while still being independent and having time away from the everyday people and places of home.
Better still, when they return home on Wednesday there will be a second little excited boy in tow ... Rory is coming to spend two nights here, and then the whole gang will be down for Toytown's Agricultural Show.
And while my big boy has a holiday, things at home can also slow down a notch or two as well. Today there were many glorious hours for gardening: pruning, weeding, planting, potting and sowing seed. Adam pottered around messily with me, and then later Gran and Papa took him explore and splash in the big river near the sea, which left me free to dig edgings to borders, rip up wandering jew, and dust the chickens for mites (never my favourite job, but one that has to be done.).
Tomorrow baby and I are off to fetch a dozen fertilised Australorpe eggs to slip under our broody hen, do some shopping, and drop in our Show entries. Small things ... peaceful days. We'll enjoy these few before the wonderful chaos of visitors begins again ... and we count down to the routine of school which begins next Monday (already!).

In the Living Room

2012-01-22T13:58:00.002+11:00

Home from gardening classes yesterday, a bucketful of perfect water lilies sat gleaming on the kitchen bench, waiting for me to put them into a vase. The boys (all of them!) had been out on the lake in the afternoon to pluck them. Such a lovely gift ... but I am glad I wasn't home to see the little one out in the canoe for the first time!

Playing School

2012-01-20T09:51:00.000+11:00

Long past Eric's bedtime I heard him busily chatting in his bedroom. I wondered if Adam had woken, and peeked around the door to see what was going on. There on the bed, surrounded by toys and waving an admonishing finger at a stuffed dog, was my little boy.
"I'm playing school", he explained enthusiastically. "Batman is the principal, and Superman is the teacher, and all these toys are in the class." It turned out the stuffed dog had been particularly naughty, and Eric had stepped in to lend a hand with school discipline.
I left him to it ... after all, bedtime can wait when you have a classroom to run!

What You Need for a Perfect Holiday Afternoon

2012-01-19T23:00:00.000+11:00

A sunshiny day. Preferably a darling Grandma along for the ride.
A tiny blue harbour filled with bobbing boats. Hot chips on the wharf (even better if the lady at the shop generously gives you a large order for the price of the small one). A whole bottle of tomato sauce brought from home (no need to stint). A walk along the harbour wall to a shady park.
Then clear, warm water swishing over the rocks, in and out of tiny rockpool aquariums.

Places to explore. Pebbles to throw into the water. And for a bigger boy the small thrill of danger and excitement as the little waves sweep over your rocky island and leave you soaking wet.

Summer Bounty

2012-01-19T12:42:00.003+11:00

We've been enjoying such bounty from the garden ... self-seeded baby toms, masses of green beans, eggs, herbs, lemons and limes ... and sunflowers, lupins, lizianthus, snapdragons, cosmos, waterlilies, dahlias and roses (oh! those roses) to delight the eyes.

Holiday Fun

2012-01-17T11:44:00.004+11:00

Evenings at the beach with friends...

... trips to the skatepark ...

... building dams on the little river ...

... a picnic (and a treasure hunt) at the Botanic Gardens ...

... time to potter in the sand and surf ...

... craft -- from longstitch to glitter and glue ...

... discovering the waterslide ...

... chatting to friends at the poolside ...

... a prize for cousin Rory at the library Lego competition ...

... visits to the park ...

... constructing the International Space Station from empty 'fridge boxes -- and eating muffin tin lunches inside!

Christmas Morning

2012-01-16T17:33:00.004+11:00

All still in our pjs ... wrapping paper strewn on the floor ... the excitement of surprises and gifts ... all together. Family, joy, plenty. How fortunate we are.

Christmas Boys

2011-12-24T08:37:00.000+11:00

Bananas

2011-12-23T11:33:00.004+11:00

Finally the little grove of banana trees nestled beside the barn is bearing fruit -- two big bunches of tiny ladyfinger bananas are hanging heavily down.

We'll also cut off the banana flower and eat that in a stirfry -- it's meant to be a delicacy in Thailand, so it will be fun to try.

The Best Buddy in the World

2011-12-21T09:35:00.002+11:00

Eric's school has a program which matches the kindy kids up with a year 5 or 6 "buddy". Each week the two meet up in class, and play games or do craft.
Eric was lucky to get paired with Liam, who's one of the nicest boys I've ever met. He's unfailingly kind, good natured, gentle and sweet.

Since Christmas also marks the end of the school year, we made sure Liam got something special. A gift voucher for the local bookshop (he's a keen reader), and a handmade card, with a smiley face on the front.

"Dear Liam. thank you for being the best buddy in the world. I hope you have a great Christmas. From Eric."

One of the nicest things about this friendship became clearer to me when I chatted to Liam's mum. Their family moved to our little town in March, and Liam left a school where he had been quite unhappy and shy.

But in the last year he has blossomed into a confident, happy, charming and popular young man. In fact, at the end of the school year he was voted in as Vice Captain for next year!

His mum shared that having Eric as a buddy had given Liam a sense of responsibility, and encouraged him to come to school in the first few days, when he didn't feel confident about his new environment. So both boys have benefitted from this friendship ... which will continue as strong as ever next year.

Look What's Coming to My House?

2011-12-20T11:44:00.004+11:00

A kitchenAID mixer in pale blue 'Ice'!

Isn't she beautiful? I have a bad reputation with mixers (I've broken two Kenwood Chefs in my adult lifetime, a feat which is meant to be nearly impossible), so was forbidden to buy another expensive mixer. Instead, I've been trundling along with a $15 hand mixer from Kmart.

But I didn't buy this lovely. I won her!!!! Simply by making a recipe for white christmas (which I covered in chocolate and made into mini puddings) and posting a picture up on a facebook site.

What fun I'm going to have with my new mixer!

Gold Day

2011-12-20T08:35:00.001+11:00

At the end of each year, Eric's school holds a 'Gold Day', which is a special treat for the children who have been awarded a gold merit certificate for their year's work (they first receive two bronzes, then a silver, then the gold). Almost all the kids in the school are eligible -- you have to be really naughty to miss out!
So last Thursday my boy set off to school wearing swimmers, and carrying a towel in his bag. They were set for a visit to the park, a walk to the lighthouse, and a play and swim on the beach.
When I fetched him from school in the afternoon he greeted me excitedly with the news: "I nearly drowned!" He seemed quite proud of the fact, and even showed me his hat, which was still soaking wet (luckily I'd packed an extra set of clothes). It seems the waves were a bit wild, and a big set came in and took a couple of the kindy kids down with it. I was told the headmistress was running wildly along the sand, shouting "Get them out! Get them out!". She's from an inland country town originally, so missed the warning signs.
So the rest of the day was spent on the sand and in the park, and my boy came home exhausted, and thrilled that he had such a tale to tell.
And I'm not worried ... after all, it was a real adventure, wasn't it?

The Beach on the Way Home

2011-12-18T22:31:00.001+11:00

We'd been to see the big boys drum and march at their end-of-year naval cadet's display.

Aren't they handsome? (There's Oliver at the front on the far right, looking very serious).

On the way home, the golden curve of the beach unfolded beside us.

No swimmers, no towels ... but we kicked off shoes and folded up trousers, and decided to stop.

It was only Adam's second time at the beach, and his first time in the waves. Thank goodness Geoff was there to hold him ... baby loved it all, and had no fear at all of the water. In fact, given a chance, he'd be out with the surfers!

We gave up trying to keep dry, and Eric jumped right in and swam in his shorts.

It was a glorious hour ... I wonder why we don't just interrupt the humdrum bits of life and do this more often.

A Glowing Report

2011-12-17T10:37:00.004+11:00

"Eric is a friendly, enthusiastic student who has had an excellent first year at school. Eric always approaches his learning with diligence and is keen to share his knowledge and ideas with the class. He has demonstrated a high level of skill across all subjects and should be proud of his results. Eric is a kind and well liked member of the class and has been a delight to teach this year."

Well done, our darling school boy.

Yes, I Gave Them Cabbages ...

2011-12-16T12:20:00.002+11:00

Eric has been so happy at school this year, and a great deal of the credit for that goes to his two wonderful teachers, Mrs Worthy and Mrs Kunkler. Both have been so kind, generous and attentive towards him ... how can you ever thank them for doing such an important job so well?
Mrs Worthy is a gardener -- we've been swapping cuttings and slips for much of this term, so her gift was easy. A huge bunch of cottage flowers, half-a-dozen eggs from our chickens, three homegrown pot plants, a cabbage from the garden, and a pin angel for the Christmas tree, which Eric and I made last weekend.

Mrs Kunkler has small children, so I baked a gingerbread house and put together in a basket all the things needed to decorate it, together with instructions and a cake board. Hopefully she'll have as much fun putting together the house as we usually do. (We're due to make ours when the cousins arrive next week.)

Granny's Birthday

2011-12-14T10:44:00.004+11:00

Special gifts -- chosen and paid for by someone little -- are unwrapped (in this case by the giver -- not the recipient)...

... duly admired ...

... and discussed at length.

Cards that have been carefully coloured in (by a child who hates to do this) ...

... are read and treasured. (To Grany, Happy birthday. I love you because you are nis (nice) and you are in my family. from Eric).

Even the littlest like to show their love ...

Then there's a roast for dinner, and cupcakes that the boys helped to decorate with marshmallow flowers ...

We're so lucky to be together, and to have such a special lady in our lives!

This is Love

2011-12-14T10:43:00.000+11:00

I caught them just chatting on the verandah, holding hands ...

Nearly Over

2011-12-14T10:15:00.008+11:00

It's nearly the end of the school year, and they seem to be packing as many lovely things into the final days as possible.
Last week we were invited to attend the children's Christmas assembly -- Eric has quite a cheer squad with all the grandparents there as well as Geoff, Adam and I.

The children were darling and sang beautifully -- the kindy item featured "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". My sweetheart is a serious little person when performing -- such an earnest expression!

Next was Presentation Day -- all the kindy kids received an award for 'a wonderful kindergarten year'.

They're right ... it has been a wonderful year.

Old and New Traditions

2011-12-13T21:23:00.000+11:00

This year our decorations are a little different. The little "fiddle fingers" in our midst would make short work of a tree. Instead, we filled a vase with twisted willow branches from the garden, and draped it with a hundered handmade beaded stars.

In the morning light they shine like rainbow-coloured dewdrops.

But there is a tree at Granny and Papa's, so Eric didn't miss out on the fun of decorating.

My Kitchen Helper

2011-12-01T21:16:00.001+11:00

And he washed the floor at the same time as doing the dishes -- there was soapy water everywhere!

Kangaroo Paw

2011-11-28T10:40:00.001+11:00

My mother has the most beautiful border of kangaroo paw along the drive. This is the first year it has flowered so spectacularly, and although I longed to pick a bunch of the velvet soft stems, I knew it was forbidden.

So imagine my delight when I neighbour handed me a pair of scissors together with an invitation to cut as many as I wanted from his garden.

They last for ages ... I'll have weeks and weeks of pleasure seeing them on my dining table.

Baby Birds

2011-11-26T10:42:00.000+11:00

I was so delighted to discover that a Wattle Bird had nested in our grape vine, which twines along our verandah. The first day I peeked into the nest, I saw one perfect egg, and one half eggshell with a tiny scrap of baby bird huddled inside. Over the next week the babies grew, and from the sofa I could sit with a cup of tea and watch the mother bird fly down to feed her ravenous little offspring.

Then yesterday I invited friends over to see our babies ... and when the littlest visitor was lifted up to see inside the nest she shook her head and said "It's empty."
I don't know what happened to our little birds, but I am so disappointed that we will not see them grow up and leave the nest.

First tea party

2011-11-24T19:33:00.002+11:00

Ah, it all began so elegantly.
Clean shirt ... dainty sips of watered-down cordial.

Of course, pouring's a little tricky if it's your first time. You're bound to miss the cup every now and then.

I'm not sure if pouring cordial directly in your yoghurt counts as 'good manners'.

And drinking straight from the pot is likely to get disapproving stares if you're at the Ritz.

But luckily I'd banked on mess and we were camped out on the verandah for our party. And watery mess is part of the fun!

In My Garden

2011-11-22T12:46:00.000+11:00

Firm-hearted cabbages, ready to be picked (and made into coleslaw).

Bunches and bunches of delicately fragrant sweet peas -- for some reason all in mauve and pink this year (but who's complaining?).

Brothers, soaked and happy after playing in the rain and stomping in puddles.

So Many Words

2011-11-21T20:49:00.004+11:00

Today he said "apple" for the first time, and "no", as well as "again" and something that sounded very like "garden". He pokes out his tongue when I ask him to, and waves goodbye (with two very floppy hands) to everyone. He gets a joke, and will offer me a biscuit he's eating ... then as I'm about to take it suddenly pull it away and laugh as if this is the funniest thing in the world. Playing "this little piggy" is funny, too, but "Around the garden" is just too ticklish, and he tucks his hands up under his arms if I ask him to play. He'll make his hands into little stars -- fingers spread wide, with fists opening and closing -- when we sing "Twinkle", and shriek loudly at the end of "Row Your Boat" (our version goes something like "and if you see a crocodile, don't forget to scream .... aaaaahhh!").

He loves to romp with me in bed in the mornings, and he knows that the last sip of tea in my cup belongs to him. There's trouble if I forget and gulp it all down! I keep a box of biscuits next to my bed, and he'll ask for "Bi" (which is distincly different from "Boo" -- which means "book") and point to the box. When I open it he'll help himself to as many biscuits as he can fit in his pudgy little paws, then proceed to strew crumbs about my bedclothes as he nibbles while marauding ... pressing buttons on the phone, putting on and taking off necklaces which I keep in the drawer beside my bed, and poking and pulling apart bits of my blood-sugar meter. These are all unbreakable things, and considered morning 'toys', since they keep him happy while I'm drinking my tea.

Home

2011-11-21T20:32:00.003+11:00

Mum and Dad are home from Africa.
Goodness we missed them -- home just didn't feel quite 'right' without our daily chats and cups of tea, and the boys both pined terrible. Several times I found Adam hammering at their door and forlornly crying "Papa! Papa!", even after they'd been gone for three weeks. Eric talked to them on the phone several times a week, and told them in endless detail every bit of his days.

Since they've been back there's been no time for jet lag -- Eric's had a sleepover already, and each morning he rushes over as soon as he's wolfed down his breakfast and thrown on his school uniform. Adam clings to Granny like a monkey, and shrieks if Mummy tries to disentangle him. And I'm just delighted to have five quiet minutes to myself after almost a month of being the sole entertainer to two little boys!
Yesterday was Papa's birthday -- an evening barbecue, then candles atop a sinful pile of Mars Bar chocolate brownies. Eric made him a card, and we all sang "Happy Birthday" with gusto ... we're so pleased to have them here to celebrate with.

The Strawberry Stealer

2011-11-09T14:03:00.002+11:00

Anytime we're in the garden together, Adam slips away to the strawberry patch. He finds his way through the net and up into the raised bed, and searches among the green leaves for ripe berries.

He adores them ... and their juicy sweetness is really a world away from those foamy red nuggets you buy at the grocer's.

And if he eats a few worms or grubs along the way ... well, it's just extra protein!

Boots, Hats and Coats, Darling ... (with the odd string of beads)

2011-11-06T11:11:00.000+11:00

Adam loves to dress up. Shoes, hats, boots, beads, socks ... they all get held up to me with gestures and grunts which make it very clear they're the latest fashion and must immediately be put on.

Blue plastic boots, worn with very little else, are obviously big this season ...

... and it's never too early for a little seasonal wear, it seems.

Everything's Coming Up ...

2011-11-05T20:55:00.002+11:00

Roses, of course!
Today Grandma and I wandered through the local rose show, held in the little School of Arts in the middle of town. It was wonderfully peaceful and pretty, especially since we were kidlet-free. Then off to see the local artists' show across the road, and afterwards a quiet cup of tea at Grandma's to admire her new lounge suite.
A serendipitous find this morning at a garge sale, the lounge was bought and installed within the hour! Which made for a busy morning, so a peaceful afternoon was just what I needed.
Then home to swim, bake three gingerbread houses, pick sweetpeas, and pray that my husband didn't fall off the roof while installing the new television aerial!

At the Dentist

2011-11-02T12:29:00.003+11:00

Strangely enough, both my boys love to go to the dentist and the doctor. It seems they enjoy being poked and prodded -- but mainly I think they love the attention and sense of importance it gives them.
Eric went last month and to my embarassment needed his second filling. He didn't flinch (the dentist was very quick and sensible about it all, I must say), and even told his Papa later that he was planning to eat all the sweets in the world so that he could get another cavity and go again!
Adam also relished the attention, smiled and "hallo'ed" everybody in a loud voice, then happily opened his mouth wide. You'd think that the toothbrush they gave him was the best toy in the world, and he's been chewing it and dragging it about around the house since then.

A House Full of Roses

2011-11-01T20:51:00.003+11:00

Last year I bought six rose bushes, and this year put in another 11 fragrant David Austin varieties -- mainly pink, cream and apricot hues. I hoped that in three or four years I would be bringing baskets full of fat-petalled blooms into the house. But it's happening now ... so many buds open each day that I'm already giving bunches away. Heaven!

Adam at 15(ish) months

2011-10-31T09:14:00.006+11:00

How quickly little people grow up!
At almost 16 months, Adam is walking quite steadily, although on uneven surfaces he still wobbles and falls occasionally. At times he'll revert to crawling for a while, but generally now he's up on his feet. He loves shoes -- any shoes! -- and throughout the day brings me pairs to put on his feet. He likes to wear necklaces, too, and scarves ... and adores brushing his teeth at any time of the day!
He has quite a few words ... GaGa (for granny), AGa (for grandma), car (or 'brmmm'), Edic (for Eric), Mummum (for me), more, bus, ball, hat, hallo, and a barking sound for a dog. He understands an enormous amount more, and yesterday fetched his books from the basket and brought them to me when I asked him to. He'll also take things I give him to Eric when requested, which is very helpful!
He continues to be a bright-eyed, smiley person, who loves new places and people. He adores going to school to fetch Eric, and is happy to be the centre of attention when the kids gather round him. He is capable of little temper tantrums, though, and yesterday actually stamped his feet and me and wailed, before falling on the floor screaming and kicking. It was rather funny, actually, and I just left him to it, since there wasn't a real reason for his outburst.
He loves Eric to bits, cries when I try to take him from Granny's arms, and adores Papa. It's heartbreaking to see him banging on the door at their house and calling clearly "Papa! Papa!" while they're away.
He's all boy -- noisy, shouty, solid, grubby, charming and relishing life.

I haven't weighed him for ages, but he's chubby and healthy. He'll eat almost anything with enthusiasm, but prefers fruit, especially pears. (I know these are trivial details, but these little memories are really just for me.)
Adam loves his toys, and will feed them from his bottle, pat them and cuddle them. He also pats me at times, and gives huge and enthusiastic cuddles.

I have to say that we're having enormous fun together -- I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing than enjoying the company of this dear little boy.

So, where have we been?

2011-10-30T15:08:00.002+11:00

Life's been quietly busy ... Adam's growing, Eric's happy at school, Mum and Dad are in Africa on holiday, and I've taken on the school calendar as my project, which means my evenings are full.
Truthfully, though, I haven't really been too busy to blog ... but simply got out of the habit. The mad months of cooking and photographing for the cooking competition took me onto another track, and after it all I put away my camera for a little while, just to recover.
That said, the lovely news is that I WON -- $10,400 worth of groceries -- which means we'll virtually be eating free for a year! It's lovely news and very exciting.
But I'm ready to be back to normal, enjoying the kids and the garden, family and home. And loving my camera again, and taking photos just to please myself.

Lovely Things (301-321)

2011-08-25T08:52:00.001+10:00

#301 Everything I need for a salad, from the garden ...

#302 Basil springing up in the greenhouse (my lens fogs up each time I go in!)...

#303 Garden visitors (an echidna) ...

#304 Making chocolate cupcakes with my big boy (what you don't see: baby spreading batter all over himself in the corner) ...

#305 First pair of proper shoes (saved from when Eric wore them). I just noticed they have the letter 'A' on them!

#306 Adam pushing his large tin of tomatoes! The doll's stroller kept tipping, so now he has a heavy passenger.

#307 Magnolia in bloom.

#308 Adam's first packet of McDonald's fries, which he devoured. Brought home lovingly wrapped in a serviette -- chosen and paid for by his big brother. How could I say 'no'?

#309 Adam says 'hat' now, and will put it on if you ask him to.

#310 Handmade gifts from longtime friends ...

#311 A monkey in a monkey-puzzle tree (I know it's not a real one, but I love the name, and it suits) ...

#312 Little rivers that you can cycle to ...

#313 Babies who are proudly standing up on their own ...

#314 The second year of blossom on my little fruit trees ...

#315 A woodpile that grows and grows (even as we keep using wood) ...

#316 Granny's new greenhouse glowing in the morning light. It took all weekend to erect, and is rather frighteningly flimsy, but it's lovely and warm inside already ...

#317 .. planting out seeds and seedlings ...

#318 Clivias appearing in the shady borders around the house (no TLC needed for these) ...

#319 Sweet sugar snap peas for the picking. I've discovered they get sweeter as the pod get fatter -- but I still find it hard to wait ... and so do the boys, who love them.

#320 Sunlight on the washing pile in the laundry ...

#321 The $500 I won in a magazine competition for my photos of food!

In the Mud

2011-08-20T09:03:00.001+10:00

Ah ... boys and mud ...

... lovely squishy, squelchy stuff ...

... luckily there's an outdoor tap with hot water to get all cleaned up ...

... if you can catch the little one before he starts knocking on the front door to be let in!

CWA Citrus Day

2011-08-15T09:04:00.002+10:00

Each year the local branch of the Country Women's Association (CWA) holds a themed day devoted to baking demonstrations. Since both Mum and my mother-in-law are part of the gang, I'm often lucky enough to be invited along.

This year's theme was Citrus, so there were bottles of marmalade, lemon cakes, orange butter and all manner of citrus delights.

After lunch, plates heaped with citrus-flavoured dainties appeared on every table, and we munched away happily while watching the baking demonstrations.

All the cakes and jams on display were carefully judged, with the ladies who had won at State level describing what they looked for in each category.

There was also the pudding-making demonstration, a talk on citrus trees and their care, and as much tea and coffee as you could drink.

I so enjoyed the old-time feel, the importance placed on home arts, and the company of older ladies. Such fun!

Violets for Granny

2011-08-14T08:59:00.004+10:00

It takes such a long time to pick a tiny bunch of violets ...

... each slender stalk holds just one tiny nodding purple flower ...

... for a little boy to spend long enough to pick a bunch is an act of devotion.

And he is utterly devoted to his Gran.

So I'm Still Photographing Dinner

2011-08-08T18:33:00.002+10:00

I'm afraid it's addictive ...... both the cooking and the eating ...

... but I did manage to win a $100 shopping voucher and an Italian cookbook ...

... and I've completed the semi-final challenge for the cooking contest ...

... whatever happens, I've learnt an awful lot about food photography.

Gran in the Garden

2011-08-06T06:34:00.000+10:00

Sometimes when Gran's working in the garden, Little One is invited to play beside her.

He might dig nicely in the sandpit alone ...

... or eat his picnic ...... or get completely covered in mud and water, and insist on some attention!

Shadows

2011-08-05T21:41:00.000+10:00

Look at that sweet little profile ...

and oh my goodness! look at those ears!

Cat and Daffs

2011-08-05T11:32:00.001+10:00

In Granny's garden.

The Dam Builders ... and the Little One

2011-08-04T21:24:00.004+10:00

Working hard to build a dam wall from river stones (my, but that water was icy!) ...

... while the little one watches on.

(And gets his feet wet ... and his bottom ... and messily eats a picnic on the lawn, then happily chews stones and sticks and mud and leaves.)
A perfect afternoon for all of us.

Fowl Play

2011-08-03T08:33:00.001+10:00

Sad to tell, but there has been a bit of a ruckus in the henhouse.
As handsome Roosty matured, he moved to the top of the pecking order, and a few weeks ago suddenly decided that little Whitey White (can you tell my six-year-old names all the chickens?) would bear the brunt of his bad temper.

I'd heard that chickens could be nasty, but I was astonished by what I saw. Whitey was chased away from food, hounded when in the henhouse, left to wander alone, and then finally pecked on the crest until she bled!
I lay awake most of Saturday night wondering what to do, then at 1am suddenly remembered friends of ours with a lovely henhouse and free-range chickens, who had recently lost a girl to unexplained sickness (it seems to happen even in the best of homes). So on Sunday Whitey was taken to her new home, and I hear that she's doing quite well.
A happy ending this time.
But if there's any more trouble in the henhouse here, I have a friend who has volunteered to remove someone's head -- and eat the troublemaker!

Suddenly Summer

2011-08-02T20:26:00.002+10:00

After weeks of rain and dull skies, today brought with it a warm wind and bright sun. It was perfect outside, so I stripped off baby and filled his little pool with lukewarm water.

He couldn't wait to climb in ...

And spent a happy half hour splashing, pouring and drinking.

I think he's a water baby ... just like our big boy.

A Good Heart

2011-07-30T08:18:00.001+10:00

At the end of last term, Eric brought home his first school report.
We waited to open it until Daddy came home, then the three of us sat together on the sofa and read about his progress.
He's doing fine. Keeping pace with the schoolwork, and even a little ahead in maths. Most importantly, he's trying hard, and all the comments mentioned his enthusiasm and good manners.
Parent-teacher-child interviews were next. Jumps thought it was all rather a laugh for kindergarten, but I tried to take it seriously, asking about his behaviours and abilities. Mrs Worthy answered all my questions thoroughly, in a way that showed she really knew Eric well.
Then she said something that made me feel that we both had exactly the same goals for Eric this year, and that he's in just the right place.
"He's a nice little boy, with a good heart", she said. "And that's the most important thing."
She's right. It is.
We're delighted with his progress -- at school and in every other way.

Baby Swap

2011-07-27T21:23:00.003+10:00

Mum and I set off this morning for a baby "swap" morning at a community centre -- Jumps asked if we could come home with one that would sleep through the night! (Adam's back to his old tricks.)

It wasn't to swap babies, of course, just children's clothes and toys.
I took a bag of 20 outgrown items, and came home with a xylaphone for Adam, Dr Seuss books, baby shoes, a lunchbox (brand new), and several tracksuit tops and trousers for both my boys. No money spent, less landfill, and a new wardrobe and plenty to play with.
Fantastic!

On my Table

2011-07-25T12:39:00.004+10:00

The garden's become a mire -- we've had a week of steady rain -- and the most I can do outside at the moment -- without having a mud bath -- is to squelch up to the chickens and back.
It's lovely, then, that the bulbs I planted several weeks ago in two terracotta pots have begun to bloom.
I layered them in the potting mix -- big daffs at the bottom, then jonquils, ranunculas and freesias in ascending layers. The jonquils have been the first to bloom, but there are plenty of leaves and buds appearing below. Hopefully it will soon make a lovely show.

And hopefully we'll soon have some sun.

And Someone Else Turned 47 ...

2011-07-23T08:34:00.003+10:00

Unimaginable ... I'm married to an old man (or so I tease him).
He still looks good, though. Not a day over 35.

This was a special party -- all organised by a little boy who thinks his Daddy is the best in the world. He asked Granny to buy streamers and balloons, directed Papa as to where they should be hung, and baked the cake with Grandma. He also made his Dad a birthday crown, and a sweet card with pictures of bicycle riders on it: "Since I like it when Daddy and I ride bikes together".
Today he's gone into the city with his Dad and Grandma. Jumps has to organise an electrician at the flat, Grandma has a 50th wedding anniversary to attend, and Eric will visit Rory (Thanks for having him, Mags). It's been raining for a week straight, so it is marvellous that he can have a change of scenery. Baby and I have some bits and pieces to do at home and a visit into the shops -- but I should fit in tea and a book in bed for an hour sometime!

Meanwhile, Someone Turned One ...

2011-07-22T14:07:00.011+10:00

How did we ever get by without this lovely little person in our lives?

At one Adam is a bright-eyed, happy little boy who loves music and company.

He is always busy ... banging on pots and pans is a favourite game, as is pushing a washing basket along the floor with his toys in it. He'll happily roll a ball to anyone for ages, laughing and shouting "'Ray!" with his hands held above his head every now and then.
Adam can also sit quietly, paging through books, watching "the Night Garden" with great concentration at Granny's house, or methodically emptying everything out of Eric's underwear drawer onto the floor!
He loves to be outside, and now that the verandah has been enclosed it's just like a giant playpen, and I let him out to potter happily whenever the weather's nice. He'll often call out to me at intervals, and as long as I call back he's satisfied to stay where he is and continue playing.
He'd like to be in garden more, but on hands and knees he soon gets into a state, and he puts everything into his mouth, so it's not very practical right now. That said, he adores his bath -- especially when Eric gets in with him -- splashing and drinking from a plastic cup for as long as you'll let him stay in.
Adam says "Up!" very clearly, as well as "Hello", "'Ray!", "Ba(ll)", "Bu(s)" and "Mum, mum".
He's healthy and shiny eyed, and will eat almost anything we give him. He went through a phase of eating two oranges at a sitting, but that seems to have passed now, and pieces of orange quickly end up on the floor. Eric hates to watch him eat, as Adam likes to feed himself, and makes such a mess! If he doesn't like anything, he loves to throw it from a height and watch it fall down.
He's still crawling but will walk holding your hands, and has started to stand along -- just for a few seconds at a time before landing -- bump! -- on his bottom.
Since it was holidays over his birthday we had a small party with all the cousins and grown-ups in the family. There were funny hats and a banner, singing and a cake. Adam wasn't sure what to make of it all ...

... but he did love having a whole chocolate biscuit to devour!

Count Down ...

2011-07-21T14:15:00.006+10:00

10... 9 ...

8 ...

7 ...
6 ...

5 ...

4 ...

3 ...

2 ...

1...

Done!

Ten to Go ...

2011-07-14T15:17:00.002+10:00

128 down ... 10 to go before 26 July.
And then ... I think I'll lock up the kitchen and go on a diet!

Hungry Yet?

2011-07-03T08:31:00.001+10:00

Something Savoury ...

2011-06-30T08:46:00.002+10:00

Afternoon Tea Treats ...

2011-06-22T18:14:00.003+10:00

What leftovers?

2011-06-20T19:59:00.001+10:00

Still at it ...

2011-06-19T20:10:00.002+10:00

We've certainly been eating well ...

A Short Break ...

2011-06-10T21:42:00.001+10:00

I've been away from blogging, I know.
But I have been busy.
Cooking ...

Baking ...

Eating ...

Photographing ...

I'll let you know more about it soon, I promise!

Every Days

2011-05-30T20:29:00.007+10:00

We've had such a busy, happy time lately, enjoying the rhythm of the everyday.

The autumn weather is glorious, with sunny days and crisp nights, and it's lovely in the evenings to snuggle infront of the the warm fire while we listen to Eric's reading homework.

There's been an almost magical transformation in his ability to recognise and sound out words -- Geoff and I were speechless when we heard him almost effortlessly read his way through a level 11 reader this evening. All of a sudden it's clicked into place for him -- and while he's not the best or most advanced reader in the class by any means -- he is improving on his own personal best every time we hear him read.

He's also loving soccer, both the practise and games. It's fairly time intensive for us, as he needs to be at training on Wednesday evenings, then play on Saturday mornings. But his coach is marvellous and lets the boys have fun while giving them gentle instruction, and Eric is nothing if not enthusiastic!

With a friend's help Jumps felled this large tree in the corner paddock on the weekend, then cut and stacked it for next year's firewood. I love that he's so sensible and is willing to work towards the future.
We're having much more success with our seedlings in the hotbed now -- I replanted vegies and sweetpeas, and the latter are already up and setting their first seedleaves in the open. Hopefully Dad and Jumps will get my borders netted over this weekend, and when the next load of manure arrives we'll finish up the second new circular border. I have 10 new David Austen roses (barerooted) arriving in June, and the beds need to have settled by then.

I've been cooking, too, and trying a host of new recipes. Tonight was Indian -- a golden egg curry, chana masala curry with a coriander salsa, spiced rice, and fresh chapatis made by Jumps. A feast!

Grandma and Eric popped out to the school's music night last week. I loved seeing them having an excursion together, and they had a fabulous evening by all accounts. Mum and Dad have generously offered to pay for music lessons for my little boy, and Grandma has agreed to fetch him from school one evening a week so that he can practise on her piano. Such a nice idea, and a whole new world for Eric to enjoy!
Jumps and I also went to see a longtime schoolfriend friend perform in a musical -- she was fantastic, although the musical perhaps needed some tweaking -- while Papa and Eric spent the day together at the big zoo in Sydney, and the Grandmothers minded baby.

And we've been to two birthday parties -- one for little Hannah next door, and the other for a puppy who just turned one! Bouncy Dulcie wore streamers, received presents and cards from her guests, and even had a cake shaped like a bone!

Lots to Learn

2011-05-26T20:44:00.002+10:00

Our first attempt at growing seedlings in the hot bed wasn't at all successful. These long, thin, weak sprouts are useless. It turns out we need to take the babies out of the little greenhouse as soon as the first seed leaves appear, then toughen them up outside.
I've thrown these out and put in new batches of brussels, cabbage and English spinach.
Hopefully we'll have better results in a few days -- I dream of having dozens of punnets of sturdy seedlings at next to no cost. They'll make lovely gifts for like-minded friends, too.

Autumn Baby

2011-05-26T09:02:00.000+10:00

Lights, Camera, Action!

2011-05-25T08:53:00.002+10:00

It was Book Week at school, and the theme "Lights, Camera, Action!" meant movie heros were all about.
Eric decided to wear his uniform to school, but when he and Geoff arrived and saw that most of the kids were already in costume, he quickly changed in the car, then spent the day as a Clone Trooper.

One of the other boys in his class dressed as Darth Vader -- I wish I'd got a picture of the two of them together -- Eric said Noah spent the day in character, bossing him around!

After the parade the little kids were called up on stage to receive awards which the older children had made for them. I love that the school encourages the big kids to enjoy the younger ones (at Easter the year 6 class drew chalk bunny prints all over the playground, then donned a pair of giant bunny ears and hopped past the library window!).

Warm Mash

2011-05-23T20:42:00.002+10:00

On these cold, crisp mornings, the chickens cluck excitedly when they see me walking down the field towards their run. In my hands I usually have a jug full of kitchen scraps, doused in plenty of hot water, with a teaspoon of garlic and a dash of milk powder in it.
I open the gate to the run, pry off the lid of the feed bucket, and scoop four cups of ground pollard and a few handfuls of grain into a large plastic container. Using a stout stick I mix until I have a witches' brew with a porridge-like consistency.
Then I let the girls (and boy) out, and try to avoid tripping over them as they cluck frantically around my legs while I empty the warm mash onto a pile on the ground.

They love it -- and I'm hoping this bit of loving care will keep me in eggs throughout winter!

Ah ... Much Better

2011-05-21T10:53:00.000+10:00

Same crisp, deep-brown crust. Same beautiful, hearth-baked look.

But a second cool rise produced a fine, smooth crumb, and a silky texture.
By Jove, I think we've got it!

Lunch Alone

2011-05-20T19:50:00.005+10:00

Baby in bed. Boy at school.
Autumn leaves on the table. Tomato, basil and cannelini bean soup. Crusty homemade bread. And a new Good Taste magazine, just arrived in the mail.

Half an hour of bliss.

No Knead Bread

2011-05-19T09:09:00.002+10:00

The highlight of the 'Jam and Preserves' workshop yesterday was neither jams nor preserves -- but instead the crusty artisan loaf, upon which we smeared tastes of homemade jam.
Suddenly the bread I bake seemed spongey, pale-skinned and insipid. At the suggestion of the baker (another student at the course) I was inspired to try the no-knead recipe listed on Breadtopia.
And this was the result ...

Crunchy, chewy, crumbly ... and divinely easy-to-make. Definately a marvellous addition to a bread-making list.
I'm not convinced on texture, though, as this has a springy, holey inside, reminiscent of ciabatta and other Italian loaves.
What I do like, however, is the baking method, in which the loaf is cooked inside a cast-iron crock, heated to blazing temperatures in the hottest oven you can manage. It's this that elevates the loaf to 'artisan status', and gives it that beautiful burnished look and crackling hide.
Next, an attempt at a kneaded dough cooked this way, then maybe a sourdough or part rye loaf.

Playing Boo

2011-05-17T18:18:00.002+10:00

On My Table

2011-05-17T13:08:00.001+10:00

Everything's been moved about at our house.
The living-room sofa and chair are -- at least for now -- in the lounge room, helping to wall off the dining room as a 'lego and craft' area. Adam is just too interested in putting anything he finds in his mouth, and Eric needs a play space of his own, where his creations can be left safely, and won't be destroyed by baby fingers.
All of this means that the dining-room table is now in the small family room beside the kitchen, and it looks wonderful there! I can sit with my cup of tea and look out of the big, light-filled window, and open the front door in the afternoons and enjoy a lovely breeze.
The downside? Anyone who passes (myself included) is tempted to put whatever they're carrying down on such a handy space -- and leave it there!

Lovely Things (281-300)

2011-05-14T13:37:00.002+10:00

#281 Home Readers by the fire before bedtime.#282 Teachers who notice and reward hard work. Eric decided to practise reading and writing over the school holidays, just so that when he returned to school his teachers would see a difference. They did -- and rewarded him with a Merit Certificate and an advancement to reading level 8!

#283 Weekends and afternoons with my big boy -- having him away at school during the day makes these times all the more precious.

#284 My mother's lovely autumnal arrangements to decorate the tables loaded with goodies, at the yearly CWA Opera function.
#285 An evening of glorious music and incredible voices. Free tickets for both Geoff and I in exchange for help ... he served wine at intermission, and I took photographs for publicity (hopefully one of these will appear in the local paper!)
#286 Long mornings in bed with both my boys.
#287 The perfect Mother's Day card and gift. I love how Eric has made just the card that he would want most himself, with the thought that I also would value it. The gift (chosen with great care from the mother's day stall at school) was a nail-care kit with a completely gold case, which zips up to look just like a pure gold bar. I did have to stop myself laughing when I opened it! He was so proud of this shiny gift, and told me that another child had begged to swap gifts with him, but he refused since his was so precious and special.

#288 Papas who are pleased to see babies even early in the morning.
#289 The boys huddled around their Gran, on Mother's Day.
#290 Zucchini slice, fresh and golden from the oven.
#291 A new place to explore -- the flood shifted so much along the riverbed, that now there are new pools, streams and stone quarries to discover.
#292 Our first batch of seeds planted and placed in the hot bed -- we're excitedly waiting for the seedlings to appear!
#293 A vegetable garden that grows huge, flower-spangled marigold plants. Nothing else at the moment, unfortunately, but at least these orange globes look lovely!
#294 Babies who'll eat anything -- even lemongrass!
#295 Getting ready for winter ... first time wearing gloves to school.

#296 Little cheese and bacon quiches, cooked and frozen for quick meals for the boys.
#297 Big boys who are kind to little boys.
#298 A visit to the firestation Open Day, where Eric climbed into the fire engine, chatted to the firemen, enjoyed a sausage sandwich, and had his photograph taken to appear in the local paper!

#299 Each Tuesday morning I spend a few hours helping in the classroom at Eric's school. I love the welcome I get from the littles, really enjoy working with them, and treasure the lovely comments Eric's teacher makes to me quietly, telling me about my little boy's wonderful progress and good manners.
#300 School movie night -- a big screen set up under the stars on a crisp night. Children swaddled in hats, gloves and scarves, playing and running in the evening light. Me serving sausage sandwiches as fast as I can, and chatting with the other lovely mums while we pack up, while Eric cuddles up in a sleeping bag and watches with Gran and Papa. Chilly, but what a night to remember, and such a wonderful school community to belong to.

Looking Up

2011-05-14T10:16:00.004+10:00

When I put Adam in his swing these days, he leans back as far as he can and gazes upwards into the rustling gold-and-green of the Liquid Amber tree.

It's so beautiful -- and reminds me that we should all look up more often.

White Camellia

2011-05-07T12:33:00.000+10:00

Adam at Ten Months

2011-05-05T08:24:00.002+10:00

This morning I slept and slept and slept. I could barely get out of bed. In fact, I didn't get up until 8am ... Geoff took Eric to the bus stop, and Adam spent an hour being spoilt at Granny's house.
You might think I was tired because baby kept me up all night. In fact, last night was the second full night of sleep I've had for months, and I think my body was catching up. For the last two nights I've given Adam a full bottle of milk at night, and little person has slept until 5am. It's a wonderful way to begin his eleventh month -- I can only hope it continues!

At ten months Adam is a bright little baby with sparkling eyes, ready grins and a hearty, chuckling laugh. He is as good tempered and contented as ever -- he loves company, and is always happy to be out and about.
He is happiest in the garden, and will crawl off the rug and across the field, putting sticks, rocks and leaves into his mouth as he goes. I'm always racing along behind pulling things out before he chokes or poisons himself! Thankfully, in the last week we've managed to fence in the verandah, so he now has a huge, safe outdoor play area, where he can explore while enjoying the sun and wind, while I don't have to worry too much about what he'll get up to.
He pulls himself to standing on anything -- especially up my legs, which can make it difficult to get anything done. He'll also cruise along the sofa, and loves to 'walk along' if you hold both his hands. He crawls quickly and on all fours (he stopped the 'mudskipper' crawl quite a while ago), although he much prefers to be upright. I won't be surprised if he's walking before he is a year old.
For a while now he's been saying "UP!" quite clearly when he wants to stand or be picked up. If you ask him to clap he'll oblige, and he's happy to wave and say "Bye, bye" to visitors. In the last month his usual vocabulary of various forms of "Bah!" has changed, and he now babbles with all sorts of sounds and intonations, including "Mum Mum Mum". I don't think this is something he does more around me ... infact, it's mainly heard when he's tired or frustrated.
A tiny little white tooth has finally appeared in his bottom gums. I can see another there, too, and feel several suspicious bumps further back. I've a feeling all his teeth will pop up at once, to make up for being so slow to appear. Whether or not this is a good thing is uncertain ... in the last few days he's certainly become a little bit miserable, and I think these emerging teeth are bothering him. But if he's sad it's generally easy to distract him ... we go for a walk, or visit the chickens or Gran and Papa. A few pushes on the swing are guaranteed to set him laughing, especially if I tickle his toes each time they come near.
Adam's hair is growing and coming in quite dark, and I'm curious to see exactly what colour it will be. As Grandma says, "Once he has hair and teeth we'll know what he looks like!".

He now makes it very plain that he adores the family, and he is less ready to smile at strangers. When we went to fetch Eric from a church fun day last week, Adam calmly accepted all the fuss and attention from the grey-haired ladies there, but when Grandma came by he held out his arms to her and gave a huge smile.
Eric is a source of great delight and entertainment, and is kinder to Adam than I could ever have imagined. He insists that Adam be included in almost anything, and will interrupt his games to give baby a proper kiss and cuddle goodnight.

Adam will still eat anything and everything with enthusiasm ... yesterday's potato and leek soup was a bit hit, and all sorts of fruit are eaten with relish. He loves finger food, and is becoming very dextrous ... although it's funny to watch him trying to keep hold of a piece of peeled pear! Lately he's losing interest in nursing, and is taking milk from a bottle quite often. We still nurse a few times during the day, but it seems he's self-weaning, and quite honestly that will suit me about now.

Lovely Things (271-280)

2011-05-03T11:32:00.006+10:00

#271 Little leather lion shoes -- soft and warm and non-slip. Just right for someone who pulls himself to stand on any surface!

#272 A bright little man who's always willing to clap handies when requested to do so!

#273 Sweet potato vine starting to spread from the little runners I planted not so long ago.

#274 A first lost tooth -- bottom front -- but there's not much of a gap since the big tooth was up and waiting right behind.

#275 Fresh, warm eggs.

#276 Porcelain teacups for tea from a flask, at the beach. Plastic mugs just aren't acceptable!

#277 Autumn leaves on the windscreen.

#278 A new swing for Adam, hung in a tree near the washing line. Now the chore of washing has become lovely fun for him.
#279 Children and babies having lunch together -- it's great to be part of the 'gang'.

#280 A handsome fluffy white hen.

Fejoas

2011-05-01T09:04:00.000+10:00

While feeding the chickens last week, I noticed a little tree, covered with heavy green fruit, planted in the middle of their pen. I didn't recognise the thick-skinned, sweet-smelling fruit, so picked a few and took them to show my mother.
"I think they're fejoas", she told me, surprised to discover a new fruit in the garden.
We searched the Net to find out how to eat them: it turns out you cut the fruit in half and scoop out the centre with a spoon. They're pungent, sweet and taste almost like a guava, with a hint of fruit salad. A very nice -- but unexpected -- addition to the fruit bowl!

My Heart Leaps Up ...

2011-04-30T21:58:00.000+10:00

Eric tells me that, while there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it turns out there's a wishing stone at the beginning. And he'd rather find the stone, because then of course you can wish for a pot of gold (and for many other things, too).

Bunny Bread

2011-04-28T21:57:00.000+10:00

A last little taste of Easter fun ...

The Concert

2011-04-27T21:54:00.003+10:00

The programme of events ...

Music and dancing, while the audience watches from infront of the curtains ...

Refreshments, which were served with tea after the performance.

Easter Joys

2011-04-25T15:40:00.010+10:00

Crafting ...

Hunting ...

Finding ...Feasting ...

Playing ... Beaching ...

Paddling ... Walking... Loving ...

Autumn Light Touches the Garden

2011-04-23T09:36:00.000+10:00

Simple Gifts

2011-04-22T08:15:00.000+10:00

I've heard Lord of the Dance many times, but never realised that it is actually a recent version of this hauntingly lovely Shaker dance tune.

Listen to Simple Gifts

'Tis the gift to be simple,
'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come 'round right

-- Elder Joseph

Easter Ritual

2011-04-22T03:51:00.001+10:00

We make hot cross buns only once a year.
Grandma is always there to help.

This year we made miniature buns ... little morsels are so much more tempting.

There were choc-chip versions for the children, and fruit buns for the rest of us. (I snuck a couple of the chocolate ones when they were hot and oozing straight out of the oven. They were so delicious that next year I'll make double the chocolate dough -- after all, Easter's not the time for restraint.)

Adam was happy to help out with the eating. He adored the sultana version -- he had two for breakfast ... and another one for afternoon tea!

Too Soon

2011-04-21T09:26:00.002+10:00

This little one seems to think that nine months is not ...

.. too early to be pulling himself up to stand, and thinking about starting to walk!

Please wait until you've turned one, baby. I'm not ready for a toddler yet!

The Truth

2011-04-19T20:30:00.004+10:00

Eric adores his eight-year-old cousin, who seems to him to be so much wiser and faster and bigger and more worldly. And Rory is kind, generous, loving and patient with the littler boy -- and he's also happy to shock Eric just a little with new 'naughty' words and slightly older cheekiness.
When Rory recently stayed, the two relished each other's company. They played Lego together, spent hours on the Xbox, laughed and joked and told each other silly stories in raised whispers.
They insisted on both sleeping in the double bed, and Rory read choose-your-own-adventure books to Eric until 9:30pm.

By that time, I'd snuggled into my own warm bed, but left the door open so I could hear the boys chat. And so I was listening as Rory educated Eric on the true nature of the Tooth Fairy, and then Santa to boot.

And you know what? I didn't mind -- and nor did Eric. He was suspicious last year, and I never quite gave him a 'yes' or 'no' answer. Now he feels that he's been let into the 'big boys' club, and it's his turn to join the grownups and let Adam enjoy the make-believe.
The official motto from me is still "If you don't believe, you won't receive", and Eric is still willing to toe the line, but now it's with a twinkle in his eye!

Gloves, Shears & Roses

2011-04-18T08:23:00.000+10:00

Waking

2011-04-16T15:01:00.000+10:00

Peek-a-Boo

2011-04-15T08:25:00.002+10:00

Boy 'n' the Hood

2011-04-14T14:47:00.001+10:00

Nine months must the the perfect age for pure 'babyness'.

Lovely smooth skin, bright eyes, chubby cheeks, wet kisses handed out to anyone who'll accept them, plenty of darling baby chatter, and enormous cheeky grins.

What would we do without him?

Tiger

2011-04-13T09:39:00.000+10:00

Face painted at our dear little cousin's party.

Turning Pages

2011-04-12T13:31:00.002+10:00

As it was unusually quiet in the children's bedroom, I peeped into the doorway too check that all was well ... when I saw this ...

We often read this book together, and he scoots over to me excitedly when I pick it up, ready to listen silently. He'll even turn the pages, nowdays, if I push over the corners for him.

Easter Parade

2011-04-12T09:28:00.000+10:00

For the last few weeks, the kindergarten children and their year 5 buddies have been making Easter Hats together. Eric's marvellous buddy, Liam, was responsible for much of this masterpiece, which my little boy wore as he walked with Liam in the school's Easter Parade.

And Then There Was One ...

2011-04-11T09:11:00.003+10:00

Eric's been in a torment of excitement for days, waiting to set off on his long-anticipated birthday trip. His little suitcase stood packed and ready at the door since yesterday afternoon, and this morning he was up and dressed at 5am. Finally it was time to leave, and he hugged me tightly (and even gave a tiny sob) before climbing into the car to with Granny and Papa. We waited at the front gate and waved wildly as the car went by, knowing that he will have the most marvellous three nights at the Gold Coast, visiting all the theme-parks and swimming in the pirate-ship pool at their hotel.

As for me, it's a holiday of sorts with just one little person to enjoy and look after.

Although it would have been lovely if they'd wanted to take him, too. At least then I might get an unbroken night's sleep!

We Have a Rooster

2011-04-10T09:40:00.000+10:00

I'd tried to avoid noticing the obvious signs -- a luxuriant tail, massive legs, and a proud comb. But when I entered the coop and heard a throaty, low, and almost querulous "cock-a-doodle-do?" last week, I knew I had to admit we have a rooster. We'll do our best to keep him, since flocks with a male head are meant to be happier and less prone to bickering. But he'll have to keep his head down -- or our neighbour has offered to take it off!

Autumn Border

2011-04-07T09:40:00.002+10:00

Not many months ago this borden was scrubby, bare and forlorn. Now it's putting on a lovely show of autumn colour, with Japanese windflowers, geraniums, forget-me-nots and salvia in bloom. To my satisfaction, every plant here has been grown from cuttings, or taken as a self-seeded baby from the manor's garden.

Now my mother's looking at buying a heat bed -- which means we'll have a failproof way to raise our own annuals. Imagine -- hundreds of pansies, asters, larkspur and vegetable seedlings -- for the cost of a packet of seeds!