A Good Read...

Sorry, I seem to have dropped off the radar for quite some time now. I'm not sure why exactly other than the fact that sitting down blogging seemed to be something that I just couldn't get around to...what with the taking photos, resizing, writing, rewriting and more rewriting and then some self doubt to go with. You know what I mean. Just as soon as you post it you think, "I hope that didn't seem too silly!" I'm sure that everybody must get this from time to time. Anyway, I hope to be a regular again now I feel like I've gotten back into the swing of things.

I have been enjoying this regular rain we are getting just as much as my vegetables.

I have only done a little bit of painting for my charms and hopefully, all things going as planned, I will get stuck into charm making any day now....I'm not very good at ignoring all the other loves I have and tend to get side tracked quite easily.

Cooking is one of my favourite things to do at the moment. I think because the weather has been so beautiful and cool- barely a day has gone over 30 degrees which is really good for summer- turning the oven on at any time of day has been possible as the house doesn't get too hot (no airconditoning).

My good friend Cathy gave me this beautiful book for Christmas and I have really enjoyed reading it. Oh, and looking at all the pretty pictures. I'm afraid I cut the authors name off the bottom of the picture accidently. It is written by Bronnie Masefau and the photography is by Frank Hurrell.
Such pretty pictures to make your mouth water and to get everyone very inspired to create a warm and welcoming home.
Another lovely read has been "Rosehips and Crabapples" by Susan Irvine. This little treasure was given to me by my mother who also appreciates beautiful books of every description.
This is Susan's diary of the restoration of Forest Hall and its gardens in the Tasmanian countryside.
I am enjoying every minute of it.

A happy week to everyone, Angela.

A Big Hello and Happy New Year to Everyone!

What a lovely relaxed Christmas we had this year.
I did get my cooking done and I did manage to make my first plum pudding ever. I think I had never made one before as I use to find them a little too rich. Now that I'm older though I find them quite delicious with a good dose of custard and maybe a dollop of cream...yum!
I love making the Christmas cake and giving it a nut topping that is glazed with warm apricot jam. The cake sure didn't last long! We all enjoyed unwrapping our gifts including Poppy who was so delighted with her new squeaky ball, she didn't put it down all day.
I'm afraid that I have been in a very relaxed mode since the end of Christmas and so I have been neglecting all my blog friends way too much. The computer being in constant use by other house members and the slowness that seems to come with children playing internet games doesn't help either.

Anyway, I just stopped by to wish everyone a happy and creative New Year.

It has been so wonderful to "meet" each and every one of you and I have enjoyed reading your blogs so much. I can't wait to see what marvellous things you all get up to in 2008.

What have I been up to....you may ask?

How time flies! In a matter of a couple of very short weeks the kids finished school (all on different days), there was a year seven graduation, a review performance and so many more engagements that I care not to think about them for fear of feeling exhausted all over again!

And all the while the rain fell and the grass grew. It seems(not seems...I really have been) mowing grass twice a week to keep up with it. Please believe me when I tell you that I am not complaining however as it is so nice to have green lush grass to mow.

The garden has been a seething mass of life as it has been warm and humid. There is so much life everywhere. It has been so wonderful to see the number of butterflies this summer. Sometimes I just sit and watch them as they flutter all about in that ever so magical way they have about them. It's not only me that has noticed and appreciated them but also my Sam. He just this very day said, "Mum. Aren't the butterflies nice? They're magical like in a storybook or something."

Somehow Christmas has appeared on the horizon, that is not so distant now, as fast as a bare-footed person on a bed of hot coals! I have slowly been putting a few things up with much encouragement from the kids. I am really looking forward to doing Christmas dinner for the family, including John's Mum . We often have it elsewhere and so I don't get to be host much. I have a wealth of recipes rattling around in my head and when the time comes (usually the last minute) I will decide what to do and hopefully everything will come together.Basically, I just like to stock up well on everything and make the decision as the mood takes me.
Over the next couple of days I will be doing my mad last minute rush for gifts, some cooking and some more decorating. I hope everyone has a very Happy Christmas full of family, friends and happy memories.