Comfort

I have been offered comfort from many sources over the past few days.

I humbly, say "Thankyou".
Though, I do feel it is not my place to accept the comfort offered to so many, apart from me.

I felt quite ashamed in afterthought, today. We went to our local shopping Village, where the local Rotary were running Raffles to raise funds for the Bushfire Appeal. I bought some tickets, & stood waiting for the spin of the wheel. Gom came up, & asked what I was doing. When I told him, he decided to buy some tickets, along with me, in the next spin. We had no idea of what the prize was... who cared, we were really there to Donate.

I had noticed an unusual name on the winners list. I knew that name. I used to wear that name! We stood & waited as our spin was taken. Number 33! Not our number. Then the wheel skipped to the next number, 14. My number! I could scarcely believe it. I went to collect the prize, which was a $25 gift voucher for meat at the Butchers. I was thrilled.

When I got home, I felt guilty. I wished I had given the prize back, to be given again. It could have raised further funds.

***********************

I was given this award by Brett, at Coachdad. Brett is a courageous Dad, with 4 beautiful daughters. He is a solo Dad, & I think he does a great job. Being a single parent, is never easy.


Thankyou Brett. I am a rule breaker about passing on such things, & am content to acknowledge this is your award, with your sentiments.
Thankyou.


I have posted some pictures, which will not necessarily reflect the subject matter. I just felt like some pretty.

This, a rose at an Aunt's garden in New Zealand. last year.

BTW, Hello reader from Maketu!! I saw your visit on my stats. I spent many happy hours at that beach as a child, & also spent happy days at Newdick's Beach. WAVING!! Please leave a comment. We might have known each other at school...the beach..

*********

We have had many days of rain here, in the state of New South Wales. The skies have been grey, clouded, & have frequently dropped heavy showers of cold tears, almost a mockery of the heated devastation of the fires in the southern state of Victoria.

This is a rose called Tequila Sunrise. Again my Aunt's garden in NZ BOP.

This cool weather, with the bleak outlook, has prompted thoughts of comforts.

Comfort in quilts. Gom has been huddling under his Red Square Dance. Of course, the irony of the fact that he also is dressed in shorts, seems lost to him!

I have cooked casserole food, which would seem to be the ultimate in comfort food. Pork, with a ton of vegetables. A one Pot meal, complete with potatoes, & so delicious & warming, after slow, aromatic, cooking.

Gom is a terrible coward, where vegetables are concerned. His childhood horrors, with force feeding of vegetables have never left him. It has taken many years for me to trick him into the joys, both taste wise, as well as health wise, of eating vegies.

He had a young Uncle, his father's brother, who boarded with his parents, when he was a young boy. The Uncle had preferences, where certain vegetables were concerned. He liked most vegies, but balked at the skins of Broad Beans. He ate the insides, carefully discarding the shells, & leaving them on the side of his plate.

Gom's mother said nothing. When Gom, who was around 9, left his skins on the side also, & finished eating his meal, she flew at him, & demanded he sit there & consume every last skin! Such tales of cruelty fill me with untold anger. I could NEVER have done such a thing.

As a child, I loved all my vegetables. I was happy to eat almost any, & all. My Beloved Brother did not like pumpkin. I was always so sorry for him, when our Grandmother would force him to eat it. I would sit & try to disguise it for him, telling him to mash it up & pretend it was eggs, which he loved.

To this day, he is not fond of pumpkin, but he will eat it. He still loathes chicken, & I wonder if it is a result of seeing our reluctant Uncle having to kill a chicken at our Grandmother's bidding, once it had ceased to lay.

The experience of watching him struggle with pumpkin stayed with me, & I never forced my children to eat anything they disliked. I am glad to say, they grew up to like almost every vegetable, with no hideous memory associations attached.

Mind you, I hated chicken, back in the day, too, & was never keen to have any of the awful, tough meat, that resulted from the roasted bird.


This is another flower from my beloved Aunt's garden in BOP (which is Bay of Plenty, New Zealand).

This afternoon, I decided to make some French Onion Soup. I don't know why, but it seemed the ultimate comfort for a cool bleak afternoon.

I used Ree's recipe- you can find her on my side bar. I have to say, it is the most delicious I have ever made. I didn't use the oven, but I was flitting about basting a long time quilt.

I have battled with this quilt top, & am still not completely happy with the result. I am hoping the quilting will improve it. It is for my Granddaughter, & she chose the fabrics to finish it off.

Another rose, from my Aunt's garden. A little blurry this one. Photographer's fault. I had been lent a camera, & it took me a while to get the best of it. I probably never did realise it's full potential.

And lastly, my beloved New Zealand bush, which has regenerated on our long abandoned family farm, & I love every inch of it!

Bob Dylan, Not Dark Yet.

Break Out.

I have to break out.
I can no longer wear the muzzle, of politeness.

Just reporting conversations... or fractions, thereof..

"What the hell are they thinking? Why would some female 'reporter' shove a microphone in front of a shocked survivor, from devastating, life-stealing fires, & say "Why do you think you survived?" The woman appeared to almost shatter, or melt. She stammered, confused, "I don't know... the boys??" I thought that one of the sickest monents of commercial TV.

Next to the Ghoulish male reporter, who asked Christine Nixon, "How high do you think the toll might rise?" (breath panting, in the asking) His blanketty blank eyes gleaming! @rsehole! Do these cretins have any idea of the face they present to the world? Do they know how ghoulish they appear?




The female 'reporter', her glittering eyes, as she asks the most inane questions. I take offense, just seeing her idiot smiling face. As she stands in front of the community center, & confesses, it is a "NO GO" zone for media personel.
oh what a surprise, I wonder why??

Watching a staged 'reunion' with a couple. It looked like a f#cking dog trial being filmed, as the cameras circled the lucky reunite- ees. Over the paddock, into the 'flock'...OK the TV channel staged the reunion.. but really? How sick to exploit such human sadness, & despair.

Another conversation, in company.
"What about the stupid cow who had 8 babies... deliberately"
"She is out there, pleading poverty"
"Yeah, well, she wont get any sponsorship will she? She will be like a steaming turd on a shovel to any endorsement companies!"
"They won't want to touch her with a barge pole. She had generated such Odium in the public arena!"
"No "BumComfort Pampers" for her. She is a social pariah"

"I laughed, when they said the "seedy" 'seed donor' doubted he wanted to be part of the upbringing of the babies"
"It is just as I said. 'They can f^ck around, & then f^ck off & who will hold them responsible!"

"The seed donor, deserves his 'nads to be removed".
"I hope, while they were evaluating the mother's mental stability, they used "Discretionary Sterilisation" .
"If only that was a real option!!"
"Is the impregnating (IVF)Dr accountable?"

"I heard they are proceeding with charges?"

I would like to thank the many friends I have, who have cheered me with messages of fun, & laughter, as I have wallowed in this trough of despondancy.
Who am I, to feel such depair. It is not a personal tragedy, though it is a national tragedy, therefore, we are part of it all.

I have personal tragedy, which, upon my soul, resembles all of those photos of devastation & waste. I have lived through that, experienced it all, in my very being. Those pictures represent, my survival.
And, no, I do not wish to sound arrogant over this.

But I have felt that fire of annihilation. I have gazed upon that same devastation. That landscape has been my landscape.
Am I sane? Or completley mad?










I know you never recover. Though you pretend, & life goes on.

No Words

The following link, tells the story in pictures, that words cannot describe.

http://www.news.com.au/gallery/0,23607,5037339-5006020-13,00.html

Some of the fires were the work of arsonists. Murderers.

It is hard to take solace in the fact that we are having violent thunderstorms, with some heavy rainfalls.

It means we are safe for now. A local arsonist was caught last weekend. Luckily no homes or lives were lost, as a result of his evil intent.

Victoria is not having this weather. They still have high winds, & dry conditions. At least it is cooler.

Yesterday was the coldest February day for 17 years, in Sydney.

Facts such as that, astound, when considered with the incredible freak heatwave that fanned the Victorian fires.

Norah Jones, Somewhere over the Rainbow

Tragedy and Devastation.

This country is reeling from the most shocking fire devastation in the history of Australia.
The State of Victoria has been the scene of the most shockingly furious fires anyone has ever seen. Whole towns have been razed, not a building left standing.

Our Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was moved to tears when asked about the destruction. The Premier of Victoria was in tears when he discussed the tragedy.

Thus far, they are telling us 108 people have been confirmed dead.
Kevin Rudd advised us to brace ourselves as a nation, for there is worse to come.

Some of the stories I have seen, bring tears to my eyes as I write. A four car pile up, where all the occupants perished, as they attempted to flee the flames.

We are lucky in this State of New South Wales. We have some fires burning, but nothing like the Victorian fires.

We have fires burning quite close to us, as the crow flies. It is bush, & at present no homes are in danger.

This is smoke from local fires, which are not currently expected to cause home losses. I took this photo from our balcony on Friday evening. The smoke has lifted a lot now, & today is much cooler, & there is low cloud, mingled with a little smoke.



The weather in Victoria has cooled, thank goodness. There has even been a little rain in parts, but in face of the furnace of destruction those fires created, I guess it would dry before it hit the ground.

Survivors have variously decribed the conflagration as a ball of fire that just instantly enveloped & melted everything in it's path.

The fact that some of these fires have been deliberately lit, seems beyond all comprehension, to sane people.


Meanwhile, in the norther State of Queensland, there are devastating floods occuring from deluges of heavy rain. It seems incredible, & makes one realise the vastness of this great country. The savagery of nature.

We are so lucky we have not lost loved ones.
I am hoping all my blog friends are safe & not in the way of danger.

For an excellent report on the state of Australia today, please visit June, of 70 Plus & Still Kicking.



Franz Schubert, Serenade.

Animals are my Achilles Heel..

I mean, what the hell could be more cute, than some little Polar Bear attacking some leg!!?? I seem to have a freaky fascination with Polar Bears. Though, I do concede I may never see a live one!!

I would love to meet one, & I do dream of having an experience where I may encounter a live Polar Bear. I also

realise they are not to be tifled with, so I would try to be respectful!!

********************

Here are some of my favourite herbs... I love Basil! Such a distinctive herb.. so vital for Pesto!!And here, we see Thyme, such a lovley herb, so versatile.. so good in stuffing mises, or just to include in vegeatables

Parsley.. never fails to please. A good all rounder herb, goes with anything. An added asset.

Slightly Dubious Doings...

If you read here often, you will by now know that I love Garage sales, & Op Shops.

Lately I have found the better option to be garage sales, rather than the Op Shops, (Charity shops) since they are feeling the hard times too, & prices seem to have skyrocketed!

Not having generous amounts of money for purchase power, & also, having rather a liking for what I regard as 'nice' things, I keep an eye out for those things I could not afford, but would rather like to have.

For some time now, I have wished we had a 'drinks' fridge. At various times, when our kinder have come home for 'respite' stays, when their lives have fallen temporarily apart, they have brought their furniture, & fridges with them. The fridges were invaluable for the overflow, of food drinks, etc.

We are lucky enough last weekend to meet a young man, Tor, who is returning to Norway. He has a smallish fridge which he wished to sell. He only asked that he be allowed to keep it, until this weekend, so it was agreed I would pay him a portion of it's cheap very reasonable price. The balance to be paid upon collection of the fridge.

Gom was not best pleased with this arrangement. It is ok for him, he stacks our fridge with beers, but there is no space for my wine. grrrr. He backed off, not wanting any part of me purchasing the spare fridge. Which will, no doubt be packed up with beer before you can blink an eye.

We have a friend who is going to transport the fridge for us. Yesterday, having not heard from the young man, I sought to identify a time when it would be ok to collect the fridge. Gom began to scoff, when I could get no answer to the telephone number Tor had provided. Jeers, of the nature suggesting I had been 'taken', could be heard coming from the direction of Gom.

So, I rang my daughter, & she agreed to come with me on a searching mission, to see, if indeed, I had been 'taken'. Round we went to the flat. We could see through the windows, that there was disarray- back packs on the floor, some dismantled shelving, blankets. We could not see the fridge from the angle of the window.

We knocked repeatedly on the door. I am not sure why, but I tried the door handle. To my horror the door was unlocked! I hastily closed it again, having not actually opened it. We knocked some more. Then my daughter decided to 'peep' in the door, to see if she could see the fridge.

Yes, she saw the fridge, & quickly closed the door. I wrote a note on a piece of paper to leave at the door frame. Suddenly my daughter squeaked! There was a figure looming on the other side of the window. A man in undies. I am not sure who was more horrified.

It was Tor's flatmate. He hastily locked the door, then put on a pair of shorts. He opened the door, & after ascertaining our identity, he told us Tor was off out surfing, so he was not home. It was agreed he would be home today, & we can go to collect the fridge!

As we walked off down the drive slightly shocked at ourselves, & sniggering, my daughter was rather horrified to think she had actually almost 'entered'. She reckons that the young man will lock his door in future.

*****************************

I was recently sent an email asking if I would like to be analysed about my writing style. I forget the wording, but the gist of it was, they would study my experiences growing up, to see how that influenced my style of writing.

I decided I dont really want to be someone's study sample, & I don't particularly care how my life to date has 'influenced' my writing.

To me, that seems like asking, "How long is a piece of string?"

I know that I seem to feel comfortable in my skin after years of ups, downs, doubts, & pressures.

I have discovered I like a hotch potch of things. I love mismatched china, odds & ends of cutlery, odd glasses. I feel very comfortable with 'casual', & 'relaxed'.

When we first got married, my brother gave us a Dinner Set. It was Crown Lynn, in an Autumn toned pattern, a design that was very popular in 1966, when we married. I was quite distraught when the first piece got broken. Luckily, Crown Lynn was still making china back in that day, & it was easy to replace pieces if they got broken.

Crown Lynn was probably the most popular china back then. It was reasonably priced, made locally, & was readily available in replacement pieces all over New Zealand.

As it happened the Crown Lynn factory was quite close to where we lived, & Gom got a job there, pouring plates, just after we married. It was even before Gom was HYPH- which was Happy Young Publican Husband- it was before we had moved to his beloved Southern Island. It was before he discovered his true calling in life, which as it turned out, was to be a fantastic Publican. His stint at Crown Lynn, was when he was still "That Bum You Married", to some of my friends. I guess I was the "Fool Who Married Him".

It is true we are chalk & cheese. We are very different people. We don't always like the same things, but we very often dislike the same things. He gives me space to be myself, which is invaluable in a relationship.

I could never afford Villeroy & Boch ware these days. I got this lovely dish in a garage sale for $1. A deceased estate sale. I felt sorry to think of the owner, who had obviously used it. It had little browned on 'leftovers', which easily cleaned off. I love it, & use it often

I like the grape leaves pattern.

Another favourite of mine was Temuka Ware.
My mother knew I loved it, & for my birthday or Christmas she often sent me the money to purchase a piece locally. I still have all of the pieces I got way back when. I have since collected some more, over here in Australia.

I have some in dark brown, but this was my favourite & still is.

This is a pattern of Crown Lynn that became popular in the 70s. I had the whole dinner set, with jug sugar bowl etc.

These are the only pieces I have left now, as it seemed to chip & break rather easily. I am surprised that these 2 pieces have lasted so well, as I use them still.


This is a garage sale find. Beautiful handmade pottery platter, with 2 little bowls. $2.

This is my favourite cultery of all time. I think they called them Sporks, or Splades. I have had my original set forever, it seems, & have gathered more along the way. So handy for eating at a party or in front of TV.

This is some of my current crop of mismatched dishes for everyday use. I use the term 'everyday' lightly... it is my all the time set, posh visitors or not! Some of it is my original china, but most of it is from garage sales. I still love those old colours... am I set in my ways?? Does this mean I live in a time warp?

Haha, I find I dont care at all. It is so relaxing to not worry if a piece gets broken or chipped. It is lovely to just enjoy company, & small fingers don't need to worry if they lose grip on the plate or cup.

I don't have to impress anyone with my 'matching china glassware & cutlery'. I impress myself with oddness, comfort, & ease.

Some of my quilting readers may notice the Bunny Hill Designs button up on my sidebar. I have not decided whether to make this or not, but I really like the first block. I have it all ready to go, should the weather cool down!

Gomez, How We Operate

The Wheel Keeps Turning.

This was going to be a pissed off rant! I seem to have so many things I am feeling angry about.

GOM, aka, The Garden Vandal, has dug up bulbs, that have been peacefully sleeping, & producing magnificent blooms for the past 5 years.

I have wept, begged, threatened, & sworn, with what my mother would have termed a navvy's* toungue, to preserve these precious bulbs.

I am not sure if it is the onset of dementia, or something worse, that makes Gom forget these things.

I come to regard his acts as 'spiteful'. Which tends to breed bitterness, & resentment. It tends to generate a thirst for 'revenge'. Which is utterly lost on those that are 'losing it.'

As I discovered when my MIL developed Alzheimers. You can never 'pay them back'.

I have also learnt, over the years, that forgiveness is not mine to give~ it is theirs. So I ceased to lose energy or sleep over the percieved 'wounds'.

Why not rejoice in what we can, & enjoy the present wonders.

Regard, this joyous, loved, & beautiful child~

He is so innocent, so free, so beautiful, & so expectant about life!

Here he is, on his Grandfather's knee. Surrounded by Uncles, & his father on the extreme left.

Here is his Great Grandmother, with his father as a baby. A picture of love personified. She just adored that little man!!

Here he is, on a holiday to the South, to stay with his Aunt (me) & Uncle, & cousins, with his beloved Grandmother. I have always loved this photo of him. My heart swells with pride, to think he is now such a proud father of his own son.

This is a recent photo. He appears so serious. He has a very 'heavy' job. He carries repsonsibilities, & cares about his status, his staff, & his standing in the company he works for. He is very skilled at his chosen career.

His Grandmother would rejoice at the realisation of his wonderful potential. We all love you, DJ!

****************

Here are some pics of our little visitor. He/she looks so cute. Alarmed, maybe, at being discovered in our kitchen!!

Nervous, & anxious to leave, as soon as possible!

A longer shot, below, to give persepctive. It is really not that large a lizard. It is so cute...but... I have observed the 'waste elimination' - outside I hasten to add! I am glad we are not finding evidence of indoor waste processes!

In the background of this shot, the oven & some cupboards.

Perhaps the lizard is 'housetrained?' I think I will name it Slinky the Skink. It seems to sneak in when the dogs are dozing, so full marks to it, for slinking!!

***************

The rants have receded.

But why...??

Does Gom need to stir his coffee 40 times to dissolve one teaspoon of sugar??

Do they have to dress the TV presenters in fecking suits that would cause a grown wonan, or man, to weep??

Why does one male reporter on TV look like a Pox Doctor's Clerk?? His suits, in broad stripes, are deplorable!!??

Why do some of the gorgeous girls get dressed in severe 'dyke' suits?? If they are of Lesbian persuasion does it matter, & do we need signals to state the fact??

I think many of them are not of the "L" persuasion, but that may be the impresson left? Is this intentional??

To really go out on a limb here, why does every TV station have to have duplicate 'gay' males, providing the Hollywood CRAP report on daily shows??WTF???

Or, to put it another way, a "Pet Poof"???

As for TEN's miserable unattractive speciman... well how embarrassed does one celebrity have to be, (Brendan Frazer) before they get the message...

Lard & Gay poof does NOT cut it!!! It has nothing to do with the sexual orientation of the person, but that display was squirmingly odious. Flick the 'person'.

I suppose I will be seen as intolerant, but I am not. We have many family members, who are loved, & accepted, who are of the 'third gender'. It is life, & nature. We love them., & accept them , as they are.

In the Still of the Night...

First & foremost, it is Australia Day here, today, 26th January.
I have mixed feelings & judgements & reservations about the timing, naming, & celebrating, of this day.


After living here for over 26 years, & having an Australian-born Grandfather, I feel quite 'Australian', I suppose you could say. I also have many rellies, who are born & bred here, so it is just rich & full, family history.

Being born in New Zealand, I also have an alliance with that country, & suspect my heart will always remain there, though my earthly thin ashes remains, will probably be scattered somewhere upon these shores. Or even flushed to sea!

I was struck with recognition when reading Ian at "Or So I Thought" with a post about where our allegiance should lie.

I find no real recognition with the "Royal Family" or the 'Queen of England, & Her Realm'.

I find I am repulsed by the divisiveness of "Patriotic" or "Regional" days or observations. It appears to me, to be a subtle way of increasing 'seperateness'. Why not try to unite? Why not devise a day of Unity for all countries? & peoples? for all Mankind?

Think about 'Divide & Conquer'. What is the other side? Unite & Survive? I am sure I have got that wrong somehow, but you may know what I mean.


Here, some examples of the ridiculous flags of our Countries.

First up, Australia~
Then New Zealand~

Here for your regard, Australia, Canada, & New Zealand.

I am not sure of the origin of the Canadian Flag. But I sure do adire it!!

It is unique, & NOT merely a clone of the Union Jack!! FFS, what is wrong with Australia & New Zealand, for not standing up for their own bloody flag of glory to wag??

*******************************

OK Soap Box over!

This appeared in the 'still of the night'.

How gorgeous is this little frog?

I took this photo of the little guy/girl on our fence last night. In the dead of night, the still of the night. ( & my mother would wish to flog me, for the use of "guy". She abhored that term, & always it insisted on it's meaning to originate from the 'Guy' of Guy Fawkes fame, a figure of ridicule!!)

We had guests, last evening, & as we sat in the humid air, in our backyard, I looked up at the fence, & was startled to see what appeared to be the outline of a tiny frog.

I went to get the camera, & got these shots with flash. The little frog was totally unphased by the flash. My Granddaughter took many shots with her mother's camera, too. With no visible effect on our little amphibian friend.

This is the pose he/she adopted after a few minutes. Still glued to the fence, & seemingly uncaring about intruders observations.

We have no idea what the brown patch on the frog's head is. It may be a leaf, or some type of scrape. I love the way it has tucked in, it's little limbs!


Here is a shot, with the leaves of the Camellia in the foreground, which gives some perspective as to how small this little Green & Gold Tree Frog is!

All I see there this morning, is a slight blobby mark, where the little frog sat.

It is raining a gentle, but very wetting rain, & I can't help but think of our little frog guest, & how much it will enjoy this gentle rain.

*******************

Here is a symbol of Australia Day.

The humble Thong. Or as Kiwis might say, the Jandal! (which is a trademark brand from long ago, when the rubber thongs were first introduced to NZ)

This simple footwear item has featured in many an Australia Day party. The Throwing of the Thong has been a very popular game. The one who manges to chuck a thong the furthest up the street, becomes the winner- until next year.

We have been to many happy Street parties. We have been to many happy Barbies- which are Aussi "Bar B Ques", & jolly nice they usually are! We tend to shie away from BBQ's. Our last one rotted & rusted away, from misuse.

Gom hates cooking the meat. Give him a deep fryer, & he is in heaven... but a BBQ, ... not so much.

*****************************
Last, but by no means least, our Daughter made this fantastic Lemon Meringue Pie for her father.

This is Day 2 of it's existance, so it has 'worn well'!

The taste is to die for!! I do believe it is a low fat recipe too.

Note the grubby crumbs where the Gom has been nibbling!!

How happy it has made him!

Talking to the Carrot.

I am going to cheat with the photos on today's post. They all have absolutely nothing to do with the subject.

When 'talking to the carrot' it will not always be a carrot or piece of carrot. It can be any number of things, but it happens often, & is almost impossible to ignore, or avoid.

You will all recognise the phenomenon. It happens when the person you are talking to, has a small piece of carrot, or poppy seed, or spinach, caught in between the teeth.

As they talk, & you answer, your eyes are irresistably drawn to the 'carrot'. Often the 'carrot' is not food in the teeth, but a facial blemish, or distinguishing mark. Perhaps a large cold sore. A huge mole, or a winky eye. Or even a scar. I find I am fascinated with scars, & always want to ask what caused it?

As you talk, your eyes return to the object again & again. You begin to suspect you must be looking 'shifty eyed' as your eyes flick to the 'carrot'.

The GP we used to attend when we lived another life, in a different place, had a wife, who often did receptionist duties. She was a pleasant woman, who tended to be very down to earth in her views of life. She wore no makeup, & her face had several large prominent moles on the cheeks.


(Totally unrelated photo of one of my Camellias, after some rain.)

As it happened I had a mole I was 'over' & I wished to get it removed. I became paranoid about asking Dr M to get it removed. I felt he might feel it was not necessary, since his wife J's moles were much larger, & twice as prominent.

Finally I plucked up the courage to ask Dr M for a referral to have my mole removed. The thing about these things is, when you have one, everyone notices, & though they don't remark about it well, most good mannered people don't you can see their eyes talking to it.

Once it was gone, no one could even remember where it had been. When I next visited Dr M, J began a discussion with me about her moles. She said she kept thinking she would have them removed, but then chickened out, as she is a coward. I assured her the Plastic Surgeon had not caused pain at all.


(Another totally unrelated flower. This time a white Camellia)

I have no idea if J got her moles removed, since we moved away. Last time I saw her, she still had them.

I know some actresses who make a feature of their moles or beauty spots or whatever you care to call them. I guess they are not in the same category as the 'carrot in the teeth'.

(Totally unrelated pink Azalea, with exquisite spider web, in the morning dew)

We spent a part of the day yesterday at a Court. It has been my experience, limited as it is, & thank goodness for that, as they invariably disappoint, & even if you win, you lose somehow that a Court is a dismal, depressing place to spend much time.

We went to support our friend, who was assaulted very badly, & the police are charging the offender with grievous bodily harm (he shattered our friend's arm with a skateboard, you may remember). Our friend had given his evidence, when the court broke for 'morning tea', around 20 to 12 noon. Then everyone went back into court, then everyone filed out again. I had been 'sitting' with the children, who are yet to give their evidence.

The case has been adjourned to another court, at a future date. It is all very complicated, as different courts deal with different cases. Yesterday's court is a children's Court mainly. However the perpetrator of the assault has since become an adult, so it is felt he is better dealt with in the adult Court, or possibly even the highest Court in our district.

All is in suspense until our friend is either notified of the case moving to the higher court, or settling for the Court where the matter is currently listed, 2 weeks hence. It all takes a toll on everyone, & is quite harrowing having to relive the hideous assault over & over again.

( Another pic of the Azalea)

On the eye front, Gom has been to consult with the Opthalmolagist, & has been given bad news. It seems he has macular degeneration. What remains to be determined is how bad, & we are not sure there is anything that can be done.

The Dr does recommend vitamins so Gom is prepared to give those a try. He does have some cataracts, but the Dr seemed to feel they do not warrant treatment -yet.

Gom's mother went blind. She had a blind sister, & a blind brother. Somehow though, it never occurred to us that Gom might go blind. He has always had good vision, & is still apparently quite good at playing pool.

(Here is a pic of the lovely Kookaburra that came to sit in our Lilly Pilly some time ago.)

Ben Harper, Waiting on an Angel.

A ramble in my head

On Sunday morning, we realised we were out of some of life's luxuries, such as bread & toilet paper. So off we went to the local Supermarket.

It was not long after opening, so it was lovely & quiet, & the heat of the day had not yet intensified.

We were amiably browsing along, at a slow pace, discussing quietly, what items we 'needed', as opposed to what items we would 'like', ~as you do.

In came a tall Hyena, with long wet hair. She was accompanied by younger Hyena Mark II. They shattered the cool quiet air, with loud shrieks & barkings....shrilly yaps, in fact!

The loud yaps & shrieks discussed the food. Discussed "What your father likes" "He has to have his chippies!!" grrr.

Then tall Hyena's mobile phone rang.

We were then treated to a verbal tour of her - seemingly messy- house. The caller was looking for some item. Tall Hyena was giving instructions on where to look & how to look. "Look under the pile of washing blah blah..." "Oh I know, Open the blah blahdee blah" " move the mountain" "Pull out the chains". On & on.

Gom & I slunk around the corner beyond the soap powders, & the drinks, & quietly wished she would just. shut. up! Why do people seem to feel it is ok to shout out their boring lives to all & sundry.

As we travelled around the shop we came upon a small child, with an open bag of sweets, gobbling them as fast as she could. Her mother pretended to be utterly unaware. I wondered if they would be gone before they reached the checkout, & if the empty packet would be proffered for scanning.

We hurriedly paid for our groceries & came home for peace & quiet.

**********

Sunday evening friends called up to see us. We spent a very pleasant time, laughing & Gom did his 'thing' & fired up his deep fryer & cooked the boys potato chips- fries if you prefer.

I slipped out onto the balcony to take these pics of the pretty sunset.
It has been awhile since I have taken any.


I like this view, with our badly burnt palm leaves in the foreground. I like the palm trees in the centre of the pic, they are very tall, & when the wind is fierce, I am amazed at how far they can bend.

Yesterday morning the Kookaburras were kicking up a real racket laughing their heads off. They sound quite maniacal at times. They were aross the road on this telephone pole, & this was the best shot I could get of them.

On going into the kitchen this morning, I came across the little lizard visitor. He scampered out the door, before I could snap his pic. He is getting quite bold, & sat on the concrete just out of the back door.

I left this photo wide, to give an indication of his/her size. Just a little one, really.

I couldnt get closer, it was very jittery.

*********************

Have you ever had an ancestor who has fascinated you?

Someone you never met, but who you wish you could meet, & get to know.

This is a photo of my paternal Grandmother's Parents, so they would have been my great- grandfather & mother.

It has often been told in the family, of how grumpy the old Grandmother was. I could believe every word of the tales, when I see that grim face! She was known to think she was pious, adhereing to the Presbyterian Scottish religion of her ancestors. She had a lage Bible apparently, which she loved to bash!

Apparently she was very disapproving of the grandchildren, & she even referred to my favourite Aunt as "The Limb of Satan". I was so shocked when my aunt told me that. I suspect my father was another Limb, in her eyes. It was said the only ones in the family she liked were the eldest 2, a boy, & a girl, who died at 8 years of age, so I suppose she never had a chance to turn into a "LIMB". The remaining 4 children should not have been there, according to "Grandma Grump."

This couple had a house in a city, & Grandpa had a business. I think they were shocked when my Grandmother married my Grandfather, & he took her off to live on a 'godforsaken' bush farm, in the middle of nowhere!

I digress a little. It is the Grandpa I would have loved to meet, & get to know. My mother knew him a little, & she said he was a fine gentleman. He was a very skilled cabinet maker, & my mother said he had made the most beautiful furniture for his daughter. He designed things himself, & she said he always put storage & secret cupboards & drawers into everyday items, to utilise space.

It was rumoured in the family, that the first born son, was not really his son, but the son of his elder brother. Grandma had apperently been engaged to the brother, & had travelled to Australia, to be with him, & supposedly to marry.

No one knows just what took place, but soon after her arrival in Australia, she returned in haste to New Zealand & was quickly married off to Grandpa! Apparently Grandpa might have been the scapegoat. It is all worth a giggle these days, but I would love to know the truth about it all.

Another rumour has it that Grandma was addicted to her 'medicinal gin' which she swigged with a freedom!

What fun it is to laugh about such things now. We have been so lucky to have close family to keep repeating these stories, which possibly grow a little in the retelling!

I wish I could have met Great Grandpa.

Qulting Excitement!

I suspect this may be seen as blatant advertising, which I am dead agianst!

But, these following friends are featured in the current addition (Feb) of "Quilters Companion" magazine. It is worth the effort to obtain it, for the wonderful projects. But most of all for these talents. "Peppermint Patcher", Tracey Peterson.
Kellie Wulfsohn., of Don't Look Now.
Wonderful Aussie talent! Delightful designs of absolute original thought!

But I feel like jumping up & down, & saying "These are my friends!!" "
"They are Bloggy Friends I have had for ages!"

Please visit them & appreciate their brilliance!
It is so exciting to read, & watch the progress of someone of talent, & brilliance, develop & gain recognition.
Please visit this Blog, & follow the links. You will find other links to blog sites & wonderful, exciting, modern, Giveaways.
Innovative ideas. Bright Original designs!




Kellie!!
This lady is featured in the magazine Quilters Comanion too. Kellie's designs are so bright & colourful, she is instantly appealing to children.

Since she had 4 children of her own, we can see she has plenty of material to work with, & has a unique understanding of what children like Love!
Kellie's designs are fresh & unique.

Feeling a bit guilty here, as we have had a lovely cool day, & I have achieved no sewing miracles!! Naughty!! I did read many chapters of my current reading project, so time not wasted!




Pheobe Snow, Poetry Man. I really love her voice, & hate what was done to her career.




Sneaking 2 favourites. Odetta, Pheobe Snow, & Janis Ian.
Hymn.