tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319335052024-03-19T17:38:51.793+10:00Firebird Flamework - Gardening, Art & What's on my HeartAbout life, gardening, art &amp sometimes lampworkDebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.comBlogger619125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-49153977637487355952024-01-08T19:41:00.002+10:002024-01-09T00:01:48.201+10:00Interchangeable Needle Case Planning<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I’m not precious about knitting needles. In my experience, there is no “one brand fills all requirements” type of solution - different yarns are often easier to handle when we tailor different needle materials to them
I’m also hesitant to pay decent wads of money for sets of interchangeable needles that include sizes that I will rarely (if ever) use. To need to use anything above 4.50mm is <i>rare</i> & over 7.00mm is <i>exceptionally rare</i> in my knitting repertoire. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ac020638-7fff-2e0a-47cc-9dff57996f19"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I also seem to find myself forever searching for pairs of spare tips in the 3.00 - 4.00mm size range. As a result, I appear to have accumulated *rather a lot* of various material, & brand, tips along the way.
It has been on my mind for months that I need to make something to house them more effectively than the zip case I currently use. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I dislike zips near my knitting - the snag potential is real. My project bags are all on the smaller side & I would like something that I can just slip into them - like my HiyaHiya case does.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vAuQg_nPd386s2EPTOfQ3PnC3BFM6VZb0j3IiMfc1TV55DoZl_ERjP3Gf2qxKIhx9hE8AO0B33XrRKDJtRgUOufHZ80qF1irXPUPZzSCd3qzOd7CnEsolUaSWojMgL6DIRjd7qZE10f9o5TuIrerOS_TmJIB8cu7skGZw3h-qJESvLzu4wjn4Q/s3905/IMG_9692.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3905" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vAuQg_nPd386s2EPTOfQ3PnC3BFM6VZb0j3IiMfc1TV55DoZl_ERjP3Gf2qxKIhx9hE8AO0B33XrRKDJtRgUOufHZ80qF1irXPUPZzSCd3qzOd7CnEsolUaSWojMgL6DIRjd7qZE10f9o5TuIrerOS_TmJIB8cu7skGZw3h-qJESvLzu4wjn4Q/w248-h320/IMG_9692.HEIC" width="248" /></a></div><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Along the way, ideas (& my ideals) have been percolating & I’ve finally had time to play with bits of paper & measurements. Rather than go my usual route, which is to make a prototype in cheap fabric “just in case it doesn’t work” (& then end up with something that works rather well in awful fabric) - I’m jumping in feet first & going for something reasonable.</span></span><div><span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Gjh2nLScYd6D-fV53Ryu7v2Nt4YRylohc-vRAqdRNk6CgeX_VwFsxKU_JXCrGqIoSTwafcwQa_Riu6Q2Uxr731DzOYEO2mg9Rei96Tu-6OqXjg-pAMVzlIC6eUEk5q33Lm6ZfqSnVAJx3Xi0whwUW2ANSUfThyphenhyphenyC_I7-aRxmlMjTreiXImQB2Q/s3671/IMG_9685-EDIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3671" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Gjh2nLScYd6D-fV53Ryu7v2Nt4YRylohc-vRAqdRNk6CgeX_VwFsxKU_JXCrGqIoSTwafcwQa_Riu6Q2Uxr731DzOYEO2mg9Rei96Tu-6OqXjg-pAMVzlIC6eUEk5q33Lm6ZfqSnVAJx3Xi0whwUW2ANSUfThyphenhyphenyC_I7-aRxmlMjTreiXImQB2Q/s320/IMG_9685-EDIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b0bbca89-7fff-9a69-8c69-1d79ca3be571"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I thought that it might be time to start putting things down in the fabulous Creators Friend Hobby</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> notebooks that I purchased last year - <b>before</b> I lose all of my bits of paper! Next step cutting & sewing...</span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlojoMQcoYMUThyphenhyphenJKhqzE_I7Z6LlYmkkg21x8Chs7NmwQDKDkRojdEIN8hdARWr1Nhk-6CoXZWfKbtpAyCtAHoYbsNFIi2j_5BxWy-TvGlzwY7YuanPVtitmBDBEYIHrXdzeqZe4yWlVB50Qgksc01Jw78cxQ_qKGVOEULc671VuuSyDqyMT-Mg/s3594/IMG_9684-EDIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3594" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlojoMQcoYMUThyphenhyphenJKhqzE_I7Z6LlYmkkg21x8Chs7NmwQDKDkRojdEIN8hdARWr1Nhk-6CoXZWfKbtpAyCtAHoYbsNFIi2j_5BxWy-TvGlzwY7YuanPVtitmBDBEYIHrXdzeqZe4yWlVB50Qgksc01Jw78cxQ_qKGVOEULc671VuuSyDqyMT-Mg/s320/IMG_9684-EDIT.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br />
</span></span></div>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-48792778722887172622022-09-30T23:07:00.001+10:002022-09-30T23:07:45.457+10:00I like that, but...<p><br /><br />Let's break that down - I don't know about you, but I've lost count of how many times I have seen something that I like overall, but I'd change the colour, a design element, the material or any one of a number of small ( & sometimes not so small) details.<br /><br />I think part of the reason we make is so we can do exactly that; execute the changes that make something unique - or to put our stamp on something.<br /><br />It appears that I've carried the "I like that, but..." attitude over to my knitting.<br /><br />A certain textural striped cardigan caught my attention a few years ago. It sat in my queue on Ravelry for a year before I purchased the pattern, & then for another year after I purchased the merino & mohair yarn... & then a bit longer still because there was a design element that irked me.<br /><br />What had attracted me was a 4-row repeat of stripes one in a solid merino & the other in mohair all the way down - what put me off was that this stripe was not continued at the neckline. There it was at least double the depth of just the merino yarn & it looked odd.<br />I tried to figure out how to change it while knitting top-down & adding the short rows for the shoulder shaping - but just could not get it to do what I wanted,<br /><br />I contemplated other patterns with raglan shaping but wanted more of a boxy fit & a contemporary look than a raglan would allow. Traditionally both raglan & fitted sleeves fit closely around the arm...<br />& show every bunched-up bit of short sleeve tops, dresses & t-shirts worn under them - this was something else that I wanted to avoid.</p><p>Then there is the fact that there are loads of striped raglan cardigan patterns around & not a single one of them fits nicely across the back of the neck.<br />They are all top-down & all have straight, wide ill-fitting necks... as is often the case with top-down cardigans, unless you can use some strategically placed short rows.<br /><br /><br />The only thing left to do was to design something myself. So I did & I couldn't be more thrilled with the result.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuw8iRxG5NQYs49fc339FKtQP2m_6vM3uHJ0cTNkuyoRfx-Vd2E4MJcRqPCZGMaGVIRDcXpbVddA9PXSGlL0NGuaL6_l6hwV9OXY5NIH6R7TxETjL5jSzHmyUwTOaXIGOJFBu_WHDZE2Y98vPqJ8POFvfdiGcUGOofKrn1fFP_gUCfGwjR5E/s934/IMG_4256ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="925" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuw8iRxG5NQYs49fc339FKtQP2m_6vM3uHJ0cTNkuyoRfx-Vd2E4MJcRqPCZGMaGVIRDcXpbVddA9PXSGlL0NGuaL6_l6hwV9OXY5NIH6R7TxETjL5jSzHmyUwTOaXIGOJFBu_WHDZE2Y98vPqJ8POFvfdiGcUGOofKrn1fFP_gUCfGwjR5E/w421-h425/IMG_4256ab.jpg" width="421" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below are a few captures of the design process. I'll explain the steps I went through in a later post.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9CZfCuseuszxyfxn6VjCZKqFvDBLzJ5jBaPyC7S6IM1gEhrxJZ7f-3IJpnWXLiO8YivdZ7Y9LXzx0WbC9KMvHhAibCG698vFwRSbsF4OOm6ykNfATr94vMJsCyMf2iNJVCEhZN2cK7GIjIuATAFjZPYNRJ7YST7bLG9UvN4SEzp85KndNG8/s5120/2022-06-155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9CZfCuseuszxyfxn6VjCZKqFvDBLzJ5jBaPyC7S6IM1gEhrxJZ7f-3IJpnWXLiO8YivdZ7Y9LXzx0WbC9KMvHhAibCG698vFwRSbsF4OOm6ykNfATr94vMJsCyMf2iNJVCEhZN2cK7GIjIuATAFjZPYNRJ7YST7bLG9UvN4SEzp85KndNG8/w400-h250/2022-06-155.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-66371152373127276792022-07-12T09:18:00.000+10:002022-07-12T09:18:50.928+10:00Just a Short Break<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, in the grand scheme of things what is 6 years between blog posts?<br />Right!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's time to dip my toes in again & the fact that I have started spinning is reason enough.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I did think about starting to blog about my knitting adventures on this side of the ditch - but there are enough <b>new</b> experts on the subject to sink a ship.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It often feels as if these days all you need is the ability to watch you-tube, a little bit of knowledge coupled with a sense of self-importance & you can sell yourself as the Yoda of all things knitting & yarn-related.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">No one needs an old fashioned "45 years+ of trial, error & figuring things out for myself" type of experience chiming in. Believe me, when one does - no one listens. Even if they have specifically asked for your help or opinion.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But back to spinning.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've discovered that spinners are awesome, helpful souls that are happy to offer gentle guidance & encouragement. The ones I have encountered are down-to-earth, pragmatic women with none of the clicky elitism that seems to surround the fibres, tools & branding of knitting these days.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This brings me to my point - kinda...sorta.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not long after I started on this spinning journey a long-time knitter, who used to spin said to me</div><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>"all knitters should learn to spin - it teaches so much about fibre characteristics & yarn construction"</i>.</div></i><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even as a newbie spinner I couldn't agree more.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now I understand why woollen yarns containing silk seem to always be a looser spin & feel slightly thinner than the equivalent weight in wool alone - something that irritated me if I wanted to mix yarns in a project. I also understand why merino is probably the worst type of wool to use in a lace shawl that you would like to keep its blocked shape in order to show off the lace.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm looking forward to many more "aha" moments on this spinning journey - to reinforcing what 45 years+ of working with the various fibres has taught me &, most of all, to learning new things.</div><br /><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj-0f_h3Dy0gz55rioY1VDMjt8CEivzSxzdPXZh2M1SULlnzzFutg5coUyAQWn_g0IJX52GPBh6J-w_jUytjwxbMCq-4h4NCedC4up51PDNb2J95PIPR_9zwXlIj-AhWkfEhoAPYUyes9O2EzWb_0PUCWNFEfoK-kRc5c_xLIko-Ep8m1jO8/s5120/2022-05-16%20(4)1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj-0f_h3Dy0gz55rioY1VDMjt8CEivzSxzdPXZh2M1SULlnzzFutg5coUyAQWn_g0IJX52GPBh6J-w_jUytjwxbMCq-4h4NCedC4up51PDNb2J95PIPR_9zwXlIj-AhWkfEhoAPYUyes9O2EzWb_0PUCWNFEfoK-kRc5c_xLIko-Ep8m1jO8/w400-h250/2022-05-16%20(4)1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-63465773155084272392016-12-30T23:46:00.000+10:002017-01-03T23:34:14.539+10:00Merry Everything & Happy Always<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">A couple of days after Christmas I stumbled across a jpeg that I wish I had found before Christmas. I really struggled with Christmas this year - especially in the "putting seasons greetings out there" department!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEysXzfwdrDAURmYSq4UExBYJKyyztmWs-rE8TgjP7tivoAIf2lAzanG4WvBI1Uoo0EDdvepGjIA_nhFM6MJH1RqnLcTa_cXdOjWSNJXhp3wsp849zXMewR5y36hG8qUEwSxoLw/s1600/Merry+Everything.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEysXzfwdrDAURmYSq4UExBYJKyyztmWs-rE8TgjP7tivoAIf2lAzanG4WvBI1Uoo0EDdvepGjIA_nhFM6MJH1RqnLcTa_cXdOjWSNJXhp3wsp849zXMewR5y36hG8qUEwSxoLw/s640/Merry+Everything.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My own version - not too Christmasy.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">Why did I struggle? I can tell you that, aside from missing family, it wasn't so much a personal struggle. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a struggle for the friends that have lost someone during this last year & there seemed to be so many of them. From the one whose son left this world on Christmas day last year - to the one whose son left in April, the dear friend whose Mum died, an ocean away, a few days before Christmas, the one who buried her husband 2 days before Christmas & the one whose husband passed on Christmas Eve. Then there is the one who is being nursed through the final stages of pancreatic cancer, by her daughter, along with the lovely lady I have just met that has had to admit her Mum to a dementia facility.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some of these people I have met & consider friends, others I have known for years online - exchanged cards, beads & emails with & I consider them friends too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The thing is it's academic as to whether I know them in reality - or not. I don't need to have sat down with them in person to know that the first Christmas without someone who once was a part of you & your life is just bloody awful - or that a death anywhere near Christmas is always going to become an inextricable part of the whole Christmas thing from that day on.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't need to have sat down with them to know that often those trite comments, although well intentioned, sometimes just don't help - or seeing another make a comparison to a loss they have suffered is sometimes a bit meaningless because it isn't their loss. Trying to find the right thing to say, while acknowledging that their grief is immense & overwhelming, yet completely unique to them & not comparable to anyone else's grief, is difficult.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Amidst all the celebrity deaths this Christmas Season I felt most for the people I know. While a celebrity will impact our life to some degree & we will mourn their loss, it doesn't actually change our life the way losing a loved one does.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is not that sudden shift in our psyche that tells us in no uncertain terms that life, as we knew it up until that moment, has just changed never to be life as we knew it again.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I do know that it gets better - no, that is not the right word. I do know that it gets less intense as time wears on - but I also know that in those first few months it sure as hell doesn't feel like it is going to.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also know that the last thing you feel is as if Christmas is Merry - or even worth celebrating, & that the New Year that is unavoidably rushing towards you is scary. On the one hand it can't be as bad as the current one because the worst thing imaginable has already happened - on the other hand it can't possibly be happy because you have lost a part of yourself.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One day, in the future Christmas won't seem quite as bleak for these friends as it does now. The happiness will start to sneak back in - but will always be tinged with a little sadness, & a longing for what once was, at this time of year. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With that in mind, & rather than being too seasonally specific, I thought that the greeting</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Merry Everything and Happy Always" was rather fitting for the long term, on multiple levels.</div>
Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-4854008904185271002016-12-26T18:29:00.002+10:002016-12-26T22:48:45.531+10:00Today We Celebrate "Carole Day"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Today, Boxing Day, we celebrate my Mum. First & foremost in our family, Boxing Day was Mum's Birthday.<br />
<br />
I'll never forget her telling us when we were younger about one year, when she was a youngster, no one remembered her birthday until after lunch time.<br />
As a child back in England, her extended family would get together & stay with an Uncle (& Aunt) who was the caretaker for a school over the Christmas season. Both of my Grandparents came from large families & this was the only venue that could accommodate everyone. Mum had wonderful memories of this time - but the 'almost forgotten' birthday had stayed with her, too.<br />
<br />
Knowing that, we always prioritised her Birthday over "Boxing Day". <br />
Mum's wish for her Birthday was always to be surrounded by all of her family - but to not have to do any work. As adults we tried to make that happen with limited amounts of success. The time of year & outside invitations would sometimes get in the way - especially as our family got bigger.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MKvkjVe6FZH8X7ZwlQ5cg4lkY9BoOdsZd-A9WvpOFjfmwWK6NauTcbymi350cl8AJsm7YmYZiXfGwJGCJm7oYYD5KIYMArT5pqlVC3kr3OCNu3PdOsN_WQg-vbuMThQJ4FOg8Q/s1600/2009-01-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MKvkjVe6FZH8X7ZwlQ5cg4lkY9BoOdsZd-A9WvpOFjfmwWK6NauTcbymi350cl8AJsm7YmYZiXfGwJGCJm7oYYD5KIYMArT5pqlVC3kr3OCNu3PdOsN_WQg-vbuMThQJ4FOg8Q/s640/2009-01-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The joy of a summer birthday - picnics & cricket with family.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Although I miss her every single day, I have also come to realise that I carry her with me.<br />
On the surface I miss sharing my excitement at new things & discoveries with her - knowing that she is only as far away as a quick message on Facebook, a video chat on Skype or at the end of a phone line. I miss having someone that shared many of the same interests & the same tastes in things as I do. I miss her encouragement in my projects & joy she would show at their completion.<br />
<br />
<br />
At a deeper level I have realised that I carry her with me in pretty much everything I do. She is there in almost everything I attempt.<br />
Every book I read I know whether Mum would have enjoyed it or not. Every TV program or series I watch has, in some way, been shaped by those that Mum enjoyed. I can't help but think as I watch Outlander, Wolf Hall & Versailles how much Mum would have enjoyed them.<br />
<br />
When I garden & there will be some part of the process that I look up & notice something....& think "Oh, Mum would have loved this one".<br />
I sew & I hear her saying "I wish I could sew like you Deb, I never could sew well"( although that was an absolute crock, she could!!) or I sit with crocheting or knitting, don't like they way things look, so pull the work undone & change the pattern - then hear her saying "You are such a perfectionist, Deb!". I can't even get away from it when I go out shopping - I see clothes & homewares & think "Ohhhhh, Mum would have loved that". She had such great, trendy taste in clothes & knew what suited her & what didn't.<br />
<br />
I think the only thing we didn't share was her love of cooking & baking.<br />
I'm working on that though & I am pretty sure that she was sitting on my shoulder whispering in my ear "texture, Deb - it's all about the dough texture" when I had another go at her shortbread the other day. I know it was her hand guiding me when I made the Mandarin Mousse & had to adjust the liquid to allow for the fact that the jellies here in Australia seem to set a lot firmer than the jellies available in NZ.<br />
I know I was subconsciously channelling her on Christmas Eve when I was making the stuffing, realised that I didn't have any celery & uttered a very specific string of expletives - only to hear Allan say "Yes, Carole". lol!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQPBen9nrYtQATuRtVGObj9d-vBPWaIeE_1E9YMYqdP5d-iuR8mxsE1mAVFTRZJlOaEQVKnyN1GON2xZSb7YbKug828VbaITRBo26c2dRzX_BWVE5gnHZwTtEdOIWFBoIOFUWHg/s1600/MM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQPBen9nrYtQATuRtVGObj9d-vBPWaIeE_1E9YMYqdP5d-iuR8mxsE1mAVFTRZJlOaEQVKnyN1GON2xZSb7YbKug828VbaITRBo26c2dRzX_BWVE5gnHZwTtEdOIWFBoIOFUWHg/s400/MM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This morning I celebrated with the perfect Mandarin Mousse for Breakfast, in one of<br />
her bowls! But this time I had made it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
</div>
As a very wise friend recently said "Birthdays are all about birth, not how many years one reaches, not about them not being here, but about the fact they were here - that is what we celebrate".<br />
<br />
So to the Mum who shaped me in more ways than I ever realised - "Happy 79th Birthday".<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you for all of your beautiful, positive input in my life - for showing me, through example, the true meaning of the word "strength" & for your constant unconditional love & encouragement.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MWOsazcWoCNzG5n3hPCov2F1gZ9ezXdss8mT9miVjDaiYi0oss8iGPJ2dg_5-ssgxU4tkLHWzPrP9cqGfCmH3kR9r4INDt8GrMo1j3OAyn1ph4rvm5bI7XOEdPNUvAIWESxpyw/s1600/Carole+and+Deb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MWOsazcWoCNzG5n3hPCov2F1gZ9ezXdss8mT9miVjDaiYi0oss8iGPJ2dg_5-ssgxU4tkLHWzPrP9cqGfCmH3kR9r4INDt8GrMo1j3OAyn1ph4rvm5bI7XOEdPNUvAIWESxpyw/s400/Carole+and+Deb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
To any family who don't think that "public"(as in within my friends lists) displays of grief or of missing people are appropriate, or that ongoing recognition of special dates are the done thing - you quite obviously didn't understand Mum as well as you thought you did.Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-25774109241737333232016-12-07T21:53:00.000+10:002016-12-09T22:03:45.102+10:00Caroles Shortbread Step by Step<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: justify;">
Originally published in December 2008 I'm reposting this recipe of Mum's (well technically it was Granny Battens) because a couple of people have asked for it.<br />
<br />
It was always a favourite with friends & family, with many people requesting it if Mum offered to make them something for an occasion or event of some sort, often with the comment that no one else's shortbread had that same melt in the mouth texture or tasted as good.<br />
The trick, according to Mum was truly in the texture of the dough & letting the bottom of the shortbread develop a light golden colour when cooking.<br /><br />One of the things I miss is hearing Mum say "I have to make <b>my</b> Christmas shortbread this weekend"...& then reel off a list of all the people she was making some for.lol!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff6db; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: justify;">
Let the baking begin!<br />
Mum's 'basic' Shortbread recipe:</div>
<ul style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: justify;">
<li>1/2 lb butter</li>
<li>2 1/2 cups standard flour</li>
<li>1 cup icing sugar</li>
<li>1/2 cup cornflour</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: justify;">
<br />
When I saw Mum squinting at the scales I suggested that she actually wear her glasses.... then quickly took a photo of her when everything was mixing up. She has her shortbread recipe down to an art - & is more concerned with the correct texture than the exact amounts of anything.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxmy25D1V6EcM9jU5wQhspKOHK4wNovqwMX-74vq6fhNqRrGMYF68FMeOxarhG4aqHpYnWYoxY4TnDsmqhJprNMl16f-N5ButOgV_Jaq1-1V5vD6fzL6A30-kRN5ijEGSEgDCjA/s1600/Mixing+the+dough_O.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxmy25D1V6EcM9jU5wQhspKOHK4wNovqwMX-74vq6fhNqRrGMYF68FMeOxarhG4aqHpYnWYoxY4TnDsmqhJprNMl16f-N5ButOgV_Jaq1-1V5vD6fzL6A30-kRN5ijEGSEgDCjA/s320/Mixing+the+dough_O.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Cream the softened butter, & icing sugar until light & fluffy, almost white. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">(Pour gin & tonic each whilst these are creaming away merrily.</span>)<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Gradually add the flour & cornflour, sifted together . Now when Mum says gradually - she means </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-weight: bold;">gradually</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> & letting it mix in well between each addition (this gives you time to throw together some crackers & camembert to have with the G&T).</span><br />
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
You may or may not use all of the flour, the important thing is to stop adding when you have a soft dough<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
that has just reached the stage where it no longer sticks to your mixer or fingers, if you pick up a bit & pinch it between them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: center;">Have a sip of your G&T, & empty the dough onto a lightly floured surface & form into a log</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3sBelDar5fkWu0GXes3Q6Tl-v9jPnG8rVW1d7kDxICuKAKvDYhro05OtgE5t-2CF-o66tAS-sf5XUe2z6AR2yyuJ5dtD54TB1NQwB9s3tItvTvz5gvhncuRpQjCmQpYoauQ11w/s1600/Rolling+the+dough_O.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3sBelDar5fkWu0GXes3Q6Tl-v9jPnG8rVW1d7kDxICuKAKvDYhro05OtgE5t-2CF-o66tAS-sf5XUe2z6AR2yyuJ5dtD54TB1NQwB9s3tItvTvz5gvhncuRpQjCmQpYoauQ11w/s320/Rolling+the+dough_O.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCVsOofGi8_BIUWimPG84uCigL_qY8NVhFzs7LYy0Uk4RbaGsuPTvnxiMG6jRMcF9L5l3RiJ2IrxCZWkmqJHMRVd9MRYQ8elW-alsdBhSocoF9I0VQycUwTR41LwwRq-bmxybLA/s1600/4_The+Whopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCVsOofGi8_BIUWimPG84uCigL_qY8NVhFzs7LYy0Uk4RbaGsuPTvnxiMG6jRMcF9L5l3RiJ2IrxCZWkmqJHMRVd9MRYQ8elW-alsdBhSocoF9I0VQycUwTR41LwwRq-bmxybLA/s320/4_The+Whopper.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span>Rolling, rolling, rolling until you have a whopper</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUKl1c5bE-FjnHnljjw4lIba4CWIkwL7sPQF_aUmATopJpfZE5jkbmVtc1Z8vEI_QvYj7UNDYiF6c3vzHVGLxGOYQaJf5Zjw3Axkv_WcxHztDHYMyjmdRQL4pWha7pf33RZYdGQ/s1600/Slicing_O.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUKl1c5bE-FjnHnljjw4lIba4CWIkwL7sPQF_aUmATopJpfZE5jkbmVtc1Z8vEI_QvYj7UNDYiF6c3vzHVGLxGOYQaJf5Zjw3Axkv_WcxHztDHYMyjmdRQL4pWha7pf33RZYdGQ/s320/Slicing_O.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: center;">Slice, not too thinly (Mum makes each slice about 10mm thick),</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: center;">& squeeze the log back into shape between each slice.</span><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: center;">Place on a baking tray that is carefully being guarded by the G&T.</span><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27dgZDDCeTeyEESTvtcckUvilXYDy2-r4YEWu9yKxdotFNP8sHZzuYQbh_FD5AH_tATNDQrgi6cvCpNMApGojH2RGpplQ5qLt3mLbtCmCMPPanNrYZWloljkrepDLYo3pJqrGUQ/s1600/Vital+Ingredient_O.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27dgZDDCeTeyEESTvtcckUvilXYDy2-r4YEWu9yKxdotFNP8sHZzuYQbh_FD5AH_tATNDQrgi6cvCpNMApGojH2RGpplQ5qLt3mLbtCmCMPPanNrYZWloljkrepDLYo3pJqrGUQ/s320/Vital+Ingredient_O.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: center;">Place in an oven that has been preheated to 150 celsius - 300 fahrenheit for 30 minutes</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: center;">checking from 20 minutes onwards - if the bottom is lightly golden, it's done! If the bottom is still pale it just doesn't taste the same.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxIw6qlkoNaM_8DVaEya_VyJf3rCNJuMqhgMba_zc1rEDgugkWUvK4eajQ3McRXZTFZ7gLSeQiExciS1cAWgAkSFzRYLfSeYznXnXg_zsn18gAIp3XhILzvFSUTLg-Y4tu6lOWQ/s1600/Testing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxIw6qlkoNaM_8DVaEya_VyJf3rCNJuMqhgMba_zc1rEDgugkWUvK4eajQ3McRXZTFZ7gLSeQiExciS1cAWgAkSFzRYLfSeYznXnXg_zsn18gAIp3XhILzvFSUTLg-Y4tu6lOWQ/s320/Testing.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: justify;">Ahh the part I was waiting for, licking the mixer - a 40 something year old daughter who really only wanted to relive her childhood & see if licking the mixer was the best part of the whole process!</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: justify;"> Perhaps it's the second best thing - these days it seems that warm shortbread fresh out of the oven is the best part.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZaEvWeEO2abJnFqz1EjRz_dRvITcMqcNT_L1Y2cS7t4bTu09kemjVhvTKZXEMWUlmYV_6i9NFNAbTRjeZrA-sNEhqPFrCEjJqX7qebatynkmYeeJn9UvQDkMM_PBPUsbUM6HrQ/s1600/Ummm_ok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZaEvWeEO2abJnFqz1EjRz_dRvITcMqcNT_L1Y2cS7t4bTu09kemjVhvTKZXEMWUlmYV_6i9NFNAbTRjeZrA-sNEhqPFrCEjJqX7qebatynkmYeeJn9UvQDkMM_PBPUsbUM6HrQ/s320/Ummm_ok.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: justify;">
** This was my Grandmother's recipe & traditionally it was rolled flat, cut into squares, pinched at the corners & pricked a couple of times with the fork before being baked. I clearly recall 40 odd years ago watching Mum make it that way & it all sticking to the bench top & tearing when she went to put the spatula under it to remove it. With an exclamation of 'bother - there has got to be an easier way than this' she scooped up the lot rolled it into the log & started slicing , the method she uses today.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br />A link to the original post is below:<br />http://dabatt.blogspot.com.au/2008/12/christmas-carole-cooking.html<br /></span>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-7713829449488035602016-02-18T15:18:00.000+10:002016-02-21T21:54:26.769+10:00Unsettled<div style="text-align: justify;">
There I sat on Valentines Day 2016 - unsettled. Unable to stay focused on anything...except for the fact that Christchurch had just experienced another Earthquake, just a 8 days short of that dreadful day in 2011 when life, as us Cantabrians knew it, changed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The ridiculous thing, for me personally, is the way my body reacted the second I read that single status saying "F!#k - that was a big one". When someone from Christchurch posts that - you know that it isn't just another four point something aftershock type affair - we almost got used to those. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
No, my body went straight into fight or flight response, heart racing, restricted vision & coiled like a spring while I looked around me trying to figure what to do............. then realising I was 2,504 kilometers away.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With shaking hands I put a call out on Social Media for Christchurch friends to check in. My head said "Family & Friends" by my hands weren't listening. My thoughts were rushing trying to remember that old mental checklist of names of everyone I needed to check on. I missed loads of names. Fortunately I got quick responses on Facebook, saw posts commenting on the quake &, as I was starting to really stress, a phone from my eldest daughter, Michaela.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But what was it with that reaction? That surge of adrenalin, that left me shaking, alternating between tearful & unable to focus on anything for the rest of the day. Not to mention feeling exhausted for days afterwards!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know those experiences haven't truly left me - I get reminders. Helicopters flying over will cause a temporary stillness while my mind takes that brief pause to figure it is not another civil defence emergency. Parking under buildings still always triggers that "what if" in my mind as I go in - & for the most part I will park in the open given the choice. The city here - I don't even contemplate taking my car in - preferring to catch the train, not just for convenience.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sitting on a wooden deck having a coffee with a friend, & the deck will shake for some reason.....& there it is, that pounding that triggers my body into high alert. These days at least I manage to stay seated. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first time that happened it was just a bird landing on the patio out of our sight, such a tiny shudder of the floor beneath me & I catapulted out of my chair & froze - waiting to see if that movement got bigger before fleeing. Thank goodness for the gentle voice next to me that realised what was happening with me & said "it's ok, Deb, it's just a bird", bringing me back to earth.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Back when the Earthquakes first started people used to tell me that I was so strong, & I probably was - I had to be for my kids & my Mum. In the months that I stayed with Mum before moving here, I realised that my "strong" had run out. Roles were reversed. Living out near the beach gave a whole new perspective on how nasty each & every one of those "aftershocks" truly was. They just felt different - so very much harsher than just 6 kilometers inland. An even nastier kind of nasty. Hence some of the references to a city divided.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So almost 5 years on I know that Christchurch has little to feel like celebrating.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oh yes, the rebuild is plodding along (if you define the rebuild as being focussed primarily in the CBD). The very first estimate of $20 Billion to rebuild (laughable even at the time), escalated to <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/rebuilding-christchurch/5539238/Christchurch-rebuild-predicted-to-run-15-years" target="_blank">$30 Billion within 6 months</a> & $40 Billion by 2013. But that is only a small part of things.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What about the people? Right from the beginning I have questioned all of this focus on fixing the bricks & mortar, rather than fixing the people. There was support for those that had suffered injury & loss in the early days, those that were suffering because they had been caught in the thick of it - but what about the longer term. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Initially I questioned it on what I was observing around me - the reactions of friends & family. It was a no brainer to figure that some were dealing with it better than others.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How many have given a thought to the medical conditions that are a direct, or indirect result of continued stress? I didn't need any sort of degree to figure that one - dealing with a partner having what was a rather significant heart attack 3 days after the September 4th 7.1 quake taught me the effects of stress rather quickly. Interestingly this timed perfectly to the onset of my symptoms that were later diagnosed as Hypothyroidism. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In hindsight I'm surprised that no one ever bothered to look at <a href="http://www.adrenalfatigue.co.nz/what-is-adrenal-fatigue/" target="_blank">adrenal fatigue</a>, given the events surrounding us at the time. I honestly wonder how many people are struggling with that - especially as the primary causes are prolonged stress, emotional trauma, lack of sleep....</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It doesn't get better alone - & it certainly doesn't help your ability to cope.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, we were strong, or made an appearance of being so - but the resilient, not so much. We were strong because we had no choice - but for the most part "resilient" was a handle that the rest of the country gave us because that is how we appeared to them. I well recall feeling like smacking the next person that referred to Cantabrians as "resilient" over the head by Boxing Day 2011. I also wondered if I was being uncharitable by feeling that way, until I read <a href="http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/296743/christchurch's-aftershock-treatment" target="_blank">this</a> today.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't feel so uncharitable any more.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A city tired....tired of the "<a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch-earthquake-2011/77035088/johnny-moore-stop-telling-cantabrians-to-get-over-it" target="_blank">get over it</a>" attitude sometimes seen from the rest of the country, tired of circumnavigating broken roads, tired of waiting, tired of change, & certainly tired of upheaval.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So on the 5th Remembrance of the February Quake - just take a moment before "labelling" Christchurch & Cantabrians. If you must pick labels then patient, enduring, accepting, loving, valiant & inspiring might be better choices.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Try to comprehend what it is like to lose your bearings in a city that was once as familiar as the back of your hand, because those subconscious "landmark buildings" are no longer there - & everything is unfamiliar....often causing you to grieve all over again when you finally figure what it once was.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Try to understand that many choose to say "I'm ok"- because it is easier than trying to explain why they are not....& that in itself becomes habitual.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNfS1_eqL-2l_K61j86G04lHXdzfWHDLEx8CAdNTEcXuczhRYpizLHmotaCqOr7RtTaCwXMISI4oXZZCF5Y83tKYb97Tuaf_48EXcQ19PfGlOOp5S10Q9h2ljxxCFr0W9FCTPaQ/s1600/Christchurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNfS1_eqL-2l_K61j86G04lHXdzfWHDLEx8CAdNTEcXuczhRYpizLHmotaCqOr7RtTaCwXMISI4oXZZCF5Y83tKYb97Tuaf_48EXcQ19PfGlOOp5S10Q9h2ljxxCFr0W9FCTPaQ/s640/Christchurch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-43926326365719261702015-12-26T01:22:00.003+10:002016-12-26T11:11:47.550+10:00Joyful JourneyThe story of a Mothers quiet encouragement & an Afghan that has been 3 years in the making.<br />
<br />
Back in 2012, not long after arriving here in Australia, I saw a ball of wool that I fell in love with ( nothing new there!) - a nice long run colour changing yarn that would be perfect for the centre piece of some squares I had seen called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fiveoaks66/sunny-spread" target="_blank">Noro Circles Afghan</a>. Of course I bought it, well two balls of it - just to have a play with & keep my hands busy in the evenings. I thought perhaps I'd make a cushion out of the squares.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks later it went on sale & I bought a couple more balls in a different colourway & crocheted away until I ran out again.....which was about the time that Mum came over from New Zealand to stay with us. She saw what I was doing & fell in love with it, encouraging me to make the afghan, despite the fact that I said I didn't know if it would ever get cold enough here to use it.<br />
On one of our trips out & about we were in the store that sold the wool looking at craft supplies & she bought me a few balls of it. I guessed that it was on it's way to becoming an afghan rather than a pillow!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTWZJWiUqD6lAsw3ofxn_fao4ims0KLTAWDCJB1XgNzDHMnaIE-0HFhy98K25BnjUUbTOofOwq4tlCRERe7RVQMalbzHI5vEiLk7nh0fBFF6vB-OS7XpXW7Tf_1Cu1qcbUMJd5w/s1600/WIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTWZJWiUqD6lAsw3ofxn_fao4ims0KLTAWDCJB1XgNzDHMnaIE-0HFhy98K25BnjUUbTOofOwq4tlCRERe7RVQMalbzHI5vEiLk7nh0fBFF6vB-OS7XpXW7Tf_1Cu1qcbUMJd5w/s400/WIP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I well recall teasing her when she said "I'd absolutely love something like that to snuggle up in" - replying with a comment about the bright colours screaming at her decor. Knowing Mum as I did, I knew her comment wasn't intended as a hint that she'd like me to give her the one I was making, she would have asked outright, it was simply her way of encouraging me.<br />
But the seed of an idea was planted & I figured later I would make her one in some of the more muted colourways available in the range.<br />
<br />
So it went on, after Mum went home - when I had a bit of money to spare & the store would have a discount, promotion or sale I'd buy a couple more balls. Slowly the pile of squares grew. Over time the wool had become harder to get & I'd had to search around other stores to get it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv32HxxHfO9dZmNEaR1_S_FpnJUu4aQLvJlORDOhNoFJS4qwT9Vo5xDrwd9Ejpje2wfGTDtRhWBxxBH4iTr26J0oJIr75xGDua-rXrrE0YncDyTpn_rYqW1Gua2yRcfEEJESvJg/s1600/Granny+Squares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv32HxxHfO9dZmNEaR1_S_FpnJUu4aQLvJlORDOhNoFJS4qwT9Vo5xDrwd9Ejpje2wfGTDtRhWBxxBH4iTr26J0oJIr75xGDua-rXrrE0YncDyTpn_rYqW1Gua2yRcfEEJESvJg/s400/Granny+Squares.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The store chain eventually discontinued the yarn & all of a sudden in mid 2013 I was finished, whether I liked it or not! I started laying it out on the spare bed trying to figure how I wanted to put over 100 different squares in numerous different colourways of the wool together....and there was nothing I could come up with that felt "right"...mainly because I was over thinking it before I even started. After an incident involving a cat, her hair & the disturbance of a semi likeable layout I packed the squares away as Summer approached... & forgot all about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pesy_3bnSC63LT9YM8HGqZoWmiDOtJkqnagsb03BGejRnufrRkwhLc3vsDrLossqVqF8zS4TDbqcr5zXHJfk192BqEwM9OKl2yUuZ2L6n-2c2c1bXvh4ZVMQ3_wRKRHfGyWOjg/s1600/Cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pesy_3bnSC63LT9YM8HGqZoWmiDOtJkqnagsb03BGejRnufrRkwhLc3vsDrLossqVqF8zS4TDbqcr5zXHJfk192BqEwM9OKl2yUuZ2L6n-2c2c1bXvh4ZVMQ3_wRKRHfGyWOjg/s400/Cat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Then, in March 2014, I got the call from Mum that she was pretty darn ill. As I made arrangements to go to visit her while she was still "reasonably well" my mind went to the squares sitting there & I knew what I wanted to do with them, but also that I wouldn't have time to sew all the ends in & assemble them before leaving for New Zealand. Believing that she had another 5 months I thought that I'd do it when I got back & send it to her. <br />
<br />
It wasn't to be. When I arrived back after her funeral & right up until October this year I haven't been able to face them. It was actually the Jacarandas that reminded me of the squares, & I determined to somehow celebrate Mum's life & mark her journey through it. I assembled the squares into an afghan during the days that were the anniversary of her time here with me.<br />
<br />
In the end it was easy - take a leaf out of her book. Because despite every stinking illness, & every emergency surgery & hospital stay - Mum stayed optimistic. She took great joy in life & in those she loved or cared about. She always looked on the bright side & was a beacon of light to friends or family going through anything. She always had time to support & encourage others, no matter what she was going through.<br />
<br />
So the layout became easy - push the darker squares into the opposite corners & let the joy & light shine through.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pKLMymhlxiAWlQLEF4UApMtJ8Hd-COsYnVoRoWJwNaTb7ZaTVT0E3aCRrrzi6j9W-Nk_4Vrlj-xN7Sab5j0fmQ6_mSN1LhsrC0efoHh0dyFYPzSByqengJGrrIJMne8RFS6gCg/s1600/Caroles+Joyful+Journey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pKLMymhlxiAWlQLEF4UApMtJ8Hd-COsYnVoRoWJwNaTb7ZaTVT0E3aCRrrzi6j9W-Nk_4Vrlj-xN7Sab5j0fmQ6_mSN1LhsrC0efoHh0dyFYPzSByqengJGrrIJMne8RFS6gCg/s400/Caroles+Joyful+Journey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It would have been Mum's 78th Birthday today - I hadn't given her a hand crafted Birthday present of any significance since I made her a porcelain doll "Joey" back in 1993.<br />
I can honour her memory by celebrating her life this way though -<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk24WaAx_NyQ0w3IjIDmzXoFU0gG-ldX1oiUvirKOYRFg5oo_NYcupz3xKuEvPBygh5qnQzY1N2U1m-SAfhHDnp9AcWE_3TWUuc5DngriKtCvKrLGNxJhUWrd8fEfo-7SIO9k8zA/s1600/Caroles+Joyful+Journey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk24WaAx_NyQ0w3IjIDmzXoFU0gG-ldX1oiUvirKOYRFg5oo_NYcupz3xKuEvPBygh5qnQzY1N2U1m-SAfhHDnp9AcWE_3TWUuc5DngriKtCvKrLGNxJhUWrd8fEfo-7SIO9k8zA/s400/Caroles+Joyful+Journey.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caroles Joyful Journey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-27437603265553495632015-11-02T16:22:00.000+10:002015-12-10T16:36:45.519+10:00Those Purple TreesThe Jacaranda's have been in flower over the last month - stunning trees at the best of times, but when they are planted en-mass, as they are locally, they become absolutely spectacular!<br />
<br />
I spent the latter half of last month celebrating "17 days of Mum" - or rather the last quality time we ever had to spend together when she came over for a holiday just after we had come to Australia. She just loved the Jacarandas & would always admire them pointing them out in the distance as we drove around - or gasp in amazement as we drove the streets lined with them locally.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBq9PMO3TcD7cXjWsrVQqERutEZ7RpNa4whqRDKzUmmC44sF0A9GUgE_u9HwztUYa9sjUahS6jT2jN3ybxxIeEOQyRatnPQuwihtDM7MgvNEBG1DEUWaQqhc_pl_8H0u_-hgLuHg/s1600/Jac3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBq9PMO3TcD7cXjWsrVQqERutEZ7RpNa4whqRDKzUmmC44sF0A9GUgE_u9HwztUYa9sjUahS6jT2jN3ybxxIeEOQyRatnPQuwihtDM7MgvNEBG1DEUWaQqhc_pl_8H0u_-hgLuHg/s400/Jac3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Jacaranda lined streets locally.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sometimes it's a bit difficult to look around this place & imagine what it was like 3 years ago when Mum arrived 3 1/2 months after we had moved here. I wasn't fully unpacked, hadn't replaced any of the furniture left behind in NZ.... & certainly didn't know my way around Brisbane, or a fraction of what it had to offer.<br />
Heck, at that point we had only just got our own car (finally settled in a stress filled rush the week before she got here) & I had been brave enough to drive on the local motorway all of 3 or 4 times....if that!<br />
<br />
Never the less on the day of her arrival I'd put my big girl panties on, plugged in the "specially purchased so I could galavant around the countryside with Mum" GPS & braved the even bigger, scarier motorway down to the Gold Coast. Thankfully, after that, Allan was around for most of the bigger trips. <br />
I suspect that Mum never realised how absolutely petrified I was on that particular drive, a suspicion backed up by the fact that when we were almost back home that evening, she mentioned that she'd like to revisit Robina Town Centre Mall .....which was way back down where we'd just come from. Or maybe she was just trying to encourage me in her own special way ;)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIgnHEW1kBzXr-QPcAN2SgaKIeXHCfHlI3wqKcwZDeYVpi-V77XdzNyfZMCb8OtH0CdThoZR0IWu_5lpOjvV-XQLDeW7RfUZQStQNdXNGs9geGqDFxEWuAiai96aMo3UXj2qt1Q/s1600/Jac2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIgnHEW1kBzXr-QPcAN2SgaKIeXHCfHlI3wqKcwZDeYVpi-V77XdzNyfZMCb8OtH0CdThoZR0IWu_5lpOjvV-XQLDeW7RfUZQStQNdXNGs9geGqDFxEWuAiai96aMo3UXj2qt1Q/s400/Jac2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colour takes on a different hue in the shade.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've always disliked the fact that she'd arrived to a house that still didn't feel like home, a non existent garden &, after an extremely dry winter, a parched lawn & sad looking trees. I was tired & my energy levels at an all time low as I hadn't yet managed to find a Doctor here that could deal with my stupid thyroid & had run out of my prescription a month earlier - most mornings were a battle just to wake up enough to function in a semi human manner. But eventually my body would catch up with my sluggish mind & we'd get going - Mum often leading the race everywhere. I remember teasing her that she should share her excess energy with me - & I my excess body weight with her!!<br />
<br />
We had a good time - loads of laughs, lots of travel, wine o'clock every evening & lots of shopping. Mum was an encourager & an enabler in that aspect - gosh, how she loved the shops!! We made memories, of course dreaming at the time that we would make more once we were more settled over here. The only thing there wasn't enough of were photos of the two of us together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpVS6FZ5jOPrqOC0qiVxnlzU2selYAwe-q5Q-0F-96r-fflnNRMWe08FazX7MrMdsgjDoDNLyqBS4-2Kk2TSn9jLf6f2Yg0XBJLLVj514mG1C-aFoB6MGlkZkS96UrcRgnSyIkg/s1600/Jac4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpVS6FZ5jOPrqOC0qiVxnlzU2selYAwe-q5Q-0F-96r-fflnNRMWe08FazX7MrMdsgjDoDNLyqBS4-2Kk2TSn9jLf6f2Yg0XBJLLVj514mG1C-aFoB6MGlkZkS96UrcRgnSyIkg/s400/Jac4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pops of purple throughout the suburbs really make an impact.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, this last month has been a bit of a journey in more ways than one. I've revisited some of the memories we did make while she was here....& had a few laughs about some of the smaller memories such as big ass spider that would always choose Mum's shower time to visit the bathroom!! Determined to celebrate her life, rather than focus on the huge space she has left in mine, I finished a project that I had been working on when Mum was here - & there is a story behind that, so I will leave if for another post.<br />
<br />
These days gardening seems bitter sweet somehow. Mum was one of the few people that understood my passion for it (heck, she was one of the few people who understood & encouraged my passion for anything!). So as I intermittently plod on trying to liven up what was once crispy grass & overgrown bush, I think often of Mum & wish so much that she could see what I have done. I know it would make her smile - & draw in a contented breath while saying to herself "ahh, Deb has settled into her new life".<br />
<br />
As for the Jacarandas' - now when they are in flower they will always remind me of Mum & her visit here. <br />
They are also bright, vibrant & offer up a note of positivity in a landscape of sameness - just as she was.<br />
<br />
Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-62851790812447156152015-01-19T21:59:00.000+10:002015-01-19T21:59:03.379+10:00Monday Blues.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I've never quite understood why some people don't like Monday - unless of course you are still at school & not that fussed about it. Because lets face it when you are still at school - the weekends are <b>never</b> long enough! But after we've finished school the rest is about choice. Plain & simple.<br /><br />I have always loved Monday ( I don't profess to have always liked school though....) & I still do. To me it signifes a fresh beginning & often a chance to catch up on the things I didn't get done the previous week.<br /><br />The only thing I don't enjoy about Monday these days is that they seem to be getting closer together, coming around just that bit too quickly.<br />
<br />
The up side to that is that today was a spectacularly "Blue Monday" - everything with even a hint of blue in it was showing off.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1sNQpt-M4AEpTcsXV8pAEHZ6PR1g92nDq2RyPipdNeZsMbt2mccdpNDXjkUdTv7rF-FcpYgqY-Gd62E1MCmuC9KNfV2LQTjzL0KZCJhi3_GjhRd2dtv-N2UvpIWRys1vxXEsGA/s1600/Monday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1sNQpt-M4AEpTcsXV8pAEHZ6PR1g92nDq2RyPipdNeZsMbt2mccdpNDXjkUdTv7rF-FcpYgqY-Gd62E1MCmuC9KNfV2LQTjzL0KZCJhi3_GjhRd2dtv-N2UvpIWRys1vxXEsGA/s1600/Monday1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoCAxFM_gohrzZ3qVVLrLq9lyVPlqOXGh0uf9GBL0QOkJ80auGtBFzWR46jGbgAtxcOi5Klf8lmBmrIXS9F-nCbR1jKbKxi0_PZjK0ZeThteqH1SFuXpqFmn4wkJtuLfgeXh7ug/s1600/Monday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoCAxFM_gohrzZ3qVVLrLq9lyVPlqOXGh0uf9GBL0QOkJ80auGtBFzWR46jGbgAtxcOi5Klf8lmBmrIXS9F-nCbR1jKbKxi0_PZjK0ZeThteqH1SFuXpqFmn4wkJtuLfgeXh7ug/s1600/Monday2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My gorgeous waterlily was showing off yet another bloom.</span><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM-2TZbWvAl8gQoBBos5O5uqCn7b_mlCFfp8GIGMs9ueVnNBGdVR44q1QQw43_PiMgZRebQGj9jpuJvA60gLIvmasOz4v5a9N0rfIJCVX3aQzp1IlOXYZ_2MUmwHAIYfviBi95g/s1600/Monday2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM-2TZbWvAl8gQoBBos5O5uqCn7b_mlCFfp8GIGMs9ueVnNBGdVR44q1QQw43_PiMgZRebQGj9jpuJvA60gLIvmasOz4v5a9N0rfIJCVX3aQzp1IlOXYZ_2MUmwHAIYfviBi95g/s1600/Monday2a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Plectranthus caninus ( Dogbane) getting in on the act</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCNOOuMMX-_lpHSPx6Y92wf0jMkes3-0ZNebZ5LYPCco0podYRjAAr3kG3ESJVJsl29o-k0SahOINyMpeuqXgFKqoQHA_Pd3A1O-wH3AkVjI90ExxvMLHkuSexFOVdWQkLF6NDg/s1600/Monday8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCNOOuMMX-_lpHSPx6Y92wf0jMkes3-0ZNebZ5LYPCco0podYRjAAr3kG3ESJVJsl29o-k0SahOINyMpeuqXgFKqoQHA_Pd3A1O-wH3AkVjI90ExxvMLHkuSexFOVdWQkLF6NDg/s1600/Monday8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This poor baby is blue because I can't recall it's name.</span><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3cMRM901GeYUkXKypGHTF4xMW1lhp0izZ0GFdxYgTbKETvPJmUdWWnvXHRaV4_ZRqGdtM5RjfLKFkQmBHs2iQAxgI4KCZ8arrkr3-Vh9GIE2Y9S5cZ3A0e_1davMqw0wuYfx3Q/s1600/Monday6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3cMRM901GeYUkXKypGHTF4xMW1lhp0izZ0GFdxYgTbKETvPJmUdWWnvXHRaV4_ZRqGdtM5RjfLKFkQmBHs2iQAxgI4KCZ8arrkr3-Vh9GIE2Y9S5cZ3A0e_1davMqw0wuYfx3Q/s1600/Monday6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa - Yellow Passionfruit </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FQZTeDzOFVwzVxzJHt67ZT3exgKSPzlkpYKBehTNNNP6GI3Lg_3TKaRNRpcN8zp86_J8rkh6j5yFWxn0EG6za_zXIOALbK-vtceCN0WkAqFDkk1eBL9yygjcYQ7skJcPey39ew/s1600/Monday7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FQZTeDzOFVwzVxzJHt67ZT3exgKSPzlkpYKBehTNNNP6GI3Lg_3TKaRNRpcN8zp86_J8rkh6j5yFWxn0EG6za_zXIOALbK-vtceCN0WkAqFDkk1eBL9yygjcYQ7skJcPey39ew/s1600/Monday7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clitoria ternatea - Double Blue Butterfly Pea is <br />singing the blues...at the top of it's voice.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHT4H7v07rcLMF5OX2_V4uy43JEyqZfVQTZNHgBro3R5vqwAF8HuhM1GchJQv6oofadc8Lpk5tu6vqjTXyWaik5yUPNr2Ug0h7YIzUCuUyLJGB0IYa_YnRF-3wm3wK27H-6lvaQ/s1600/Monday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHT4H7v07rcLMF5OX2_V4uy43JEyqZfVQTZNHgBro3R5vqwAF8HuhM1GchJQv6oofadc8Lpk5tu6vqjTXyWaik5yUPNr2Ug0h7YIzUCuUyLJGB0IYa_YnRF-3wm3wK27H-6lvaQ/s1600/Monday3.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Argyreia nervosa - Elephant Ear Vine with friendly grasshopper.<br />Not exactly blue - but she's certainly"In the Pink"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wB71UYLO2RTJiYuWO1CWTpulIsuMLlt5fhEcb6hxrvuKGPa0Lp4sZBQFjfCJVc9-agj4zE6qmjT8yOWE9aMLXxQO-pKnHCWZ5cSbS-2E95OICHBDvmiKMyP2BJGCUAFopzGynA/s1600/Monday5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wB71UYLO2RTJiYuWO1CWTpulIsuMLlt5fhEcb6hxrvuKGPa0Lp4sZBQFjfCJVc9-agj4zE6qmjT8yOWE9aMLXxQO-pKnHCWZ5cSbS-2E95OICHBDvmiKMyP2BJGCUAFopzGynA/s1600/Monday5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even the weeds were getting in on the act!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />Oh, yeah - I do so love me some Monday Blues & hope that the prettiness involved in this form of "Blues" brings a smile to the start of your week.Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com1Australia-29.228890030194215 150.1171875-57.164758030194214 108.808594 -1.2930220301942157 -168.57421899999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-13434018921173848802014-10-13T11:50:00.000+10:002014-10-14T00:23:13.483+10:00Here Be Dragons<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been meaning to visit a particular location ever since we moved here over two years ago, but for one reason or another had not got around to doing so. A prompt, by way of "it's really pretty right now - the iris are all blooming" from a visiting friend this morning, put a much need fire under me to set off & explore this oasis in the central city.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tucked away between train tracks & tall buildings, right on the edge of the central business district, lies the oasis otherwise known as <a href="http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/roma-street-parkland-and-spring-hill" target="_blank">Roma Street Parklands</a>. It's magical, really it is. Perhaps especially so at this time of year when the Iris are in bloom & the Eastern Water Dragons are prolific....in all shapes, sizes & places</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiZPrahuuW6LW-zYjtL_o7_Ow5k_FeLq5k-B12nnsfh2ypxxFc9WA7qzD33v6XmSST1oX-tgoFbpX24jivUku3baasWDwWQ_lScVHXsm9yRwmdj4gN9q9zpuyWW4-Tg7N_CP_5Q/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1796a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiZPrahuuW6LW-zYjtL_o7_Ow5k_FeLq5k-B12nnsfh2ypxxFc9WA7qzD33v6XmSST1oX-tgoFbpX24jivUku3baasWDwWQ_lScVHXsm9yRwmdj4gN9q9zpuyWW4-Tg7N_CP_5Q/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1796a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyME0bw655MAQN9_RyvJ57WKOSY2PzNg4410D3aOg4pWa0TrWv_jqoKaRqFhAmNvmAgXoWsQabeznFSpbOY0YhiiJihYfc_2-SyblGn-4S4l25VRayh-4Y9CbTw0x433hhzIk4fQ/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1801a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyME0bw655MAQN9_RyvJ57WKOSY2PzNg4410D3aOg4pWa0TrWv_jqoKaRqFhAmNvmAgXoWsQabeznFSpbOY0YhiiJihYfc_2-SyblGn-4S4l25VRayh-4Y9CbTw0x433hhzIk4fQ/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1801a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Y6vv7EZA38fO9nu6Rav4Z-xwLB6x7f1RlOfDGqn30ZRjM-OdFZaJvjWwGoM5UWzGVh4R6a69jR58Vk1cbXY73jIsH7CEGw8IzB7gGLa5hkz5Fl0Ku_Pa4qjfbImR76e0HVbapA/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1816a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Y6vv7EZA38fO9nu6Rav4Z-xwLB6x7f1RlOfDGqn30ZRjM-OdFZaJvjWwGoM5UWzGVh4R6a69jR58Vk1cbXY73jIsH7CEGw8IzB7gGLa5hkz5Fl0Ku_Pa4qjfbImR76e0HVbapA/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1816a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9hlJgHDyOxNvkCSVDln_JlZdaKdy4FfC6IoX9xjcp2vZO8xdOPtXcF-8vSYTueGcyre99IEetC8VbMgobivPdg2R59PlZfnlBfiLz7ejNyK_kDxiptLVT8pex2pHp0dc_rzhVg/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1839a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9hlJgHDyOxNvkCSVDln_JlZdaKdy4FfC6IoX9xjcp2vZO8xdOPtXcF-8vSYTueGcyre99IEetC8VbMgobivPdg2R59PlZfnlBfiLz7ejNyK_kDxiptLVT8pex2pHp0dc_rzhVg/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1839a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHE3x4jz3rcoL8OrXUFVry-aAcRi9iz_OUXkYovGiDk5G4Jgz4Pt74w_d76v8Dhpq7Damfix5akQgvY5lqYvoiHHumSxxFfuhuUPWLDcalzsvVSVyyHdV05tN6PrEwIGG-TSf2w/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1845a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHE3x4jz3rcoL8OrXUFVry-aAcRi9iz_OUXkYovGiDk5G4Jgz4Pt74w_d76v8Dhpq7Damfix5akQgvY5lqYvoiHHumSxxFfuhuUPWLDcalzsvVSVyyHdV05tN6PrEwIGG-TSf2w/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1845a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one you might have to enlarge, in order to spot all 5 dragons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbnks-Yop8waQtV0dbh-F-1NF0MPvh3DF8bWiguVPzlyNg0JKexcv7vILgI3PPVZr_3DVogyhu1mfi9kRPOb_5Mlbn_q21UnkqNJg3j_wzAOKNRq0qcYeJBU8oMlQtJbyQnLHqw/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1847a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbnks-Yop8waQtV0dbh-F-1NF0MPvh3DF8bWiguVPzlyNg0JKexcv7vILgI3PPVZr_3DVogyhu1mfi9kRPOb_5Mlbn_q21UnkqNJg3j_wzAOKNRq0qcYeJBU8oMlQtJbyQnLHqw/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1847a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFbR5oTHbWFbiJbwQg1xTmAGLTPBO6TxRVli1TJjHehz2BRX741TDqOrNIoC2Ll_0o0z0tH0puvZFjtn_fHTaSFDtk8wvnV9QZ4rarHlCgg-hAOuEnPxyBCGnaVwN0Z6ox16-uQ/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1934a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFbR5oTHbWFbiJbwQg1xTmAGLTPBO6TxRVli1TJjHehz2BRX741TDqOrNIoC2Ll_0o0z0tH0puvZFjtn_fHTaSFDtk8wvnV9QZ4rarHlCgg-hAOuEnPxyBCGnaVwN0Z6ox16-uQ/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1934a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCJotS4va8wmjLfq7dUiPT-Zpiqb5o3gsAaNeVt5dOQFspNWo9D1XMPMovJENHD3iPhjlM9vYgyURXo9WGlB4E2XxKVKLVMf3VnttOTP-Oc0hV27U1-m7FlUnlALPGOidePa_OA/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1834a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCJotS4va8wmjLfq7dUiPT-Zpiqb5o3gsAaNeVt5dOQFspNWo9D1XMPMovJENHD3iPhjlM9vYgyURXo9WGlB4E2XxKVKLVMf3VnttOTP-Oc0hV27U1-m7FlUnlALPGOidePa_OA/s1600/watermarked-IMG_1834a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com1Roma Street Parkland, 1 Parkland Boulevard, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia-27.4624457 153.01864690000002-27.4659682 153.01360440000002 -27.4589232 153.02368940000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-20856134545216385702014-10-05T07:30:00.000+10:002014-10-05T11:51:45.440+10:00Minutes, Hours, Days & Months.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday marked 6 Months since my gorgeous Mum left us. I chose to escape...distract myself from that huge tightness in my heart that, at times, threatens to overwhelm me. Especially those days that seem to mark significant passages of time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Those days that I feel I've forgotten what she sounded like, how she smelled, or the feel of her lips on my cheek or arms around me as we hugged & kissed in greeting or departure.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yet I still remember what her tiny, wasted frame felt like in my arms on in those final two days all too vividly, along with the final kiss I was ever able to give her - & those days I would like to be able to forget. They are not the memories that I want to carry around with me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Isn't it strange though, how over time one can think they are losing the essence of a person so loved, that the person has been gone longer than they were here - yet at the same time it seems like only yesterday that person left. I struggle with that & I know my children, nieces & nephew do too. Essentially we fear we will forget - but we wont.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In our eyes Mum/Nana was a winner &, most definitely, a "keeper". We simply weren't ready to let her go yet - but are we ever? Her capacity for love knew no bounds - how a heart that big survived in a frame that small is beyond me. Her often naughty sense of humour was almost as large as that heart of hers. Her laugh, when let loose, was an absolute joy to hear - & that is <b>almost</b> what I miss the most.</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Fu4ZmbfobOl0GDVTnaS2G_ta9FplkJftqZejoxJUI3pW8ZyG5dhr4qB9sF66yxqO-30enozr_7iSeR6pc_4dVl57KptvP3ms8zQkxHiTLAfdJYnch1kfsv4ePDGHHuGoK-x1Eg/s1600/Mum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Fu4ZmbfobOl0GDVTnaS2G_ta9FplkJftqZejoxJUI3pW8ZyG5dhr4qB9sF66yxqO-30enozr_7iSeR6pc_4dVl57KptvP3ms8zQkxHiTLAfdJYnch1kfsv4ePDGHHuGoK-x1Eg/s1600/Mum.jpg" height="640" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Winner<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So for myself, my children, my nieces, my nephew....& all those, close to Mum, that cared I think Marcel Proust, in his letter to George de Lauris - whose Mother had just died, sums it up very well:<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now there is one thing I can tell you; you will enjoy certain pleasures you would not fathom now. When you still had your Mother you often thought of the days when you would have her no longer. Now you will often think of days past when you had her. When you are used to this horrible thing that they will forever be cast into the past, then you will feel her gently revive, returning to take her place, her entire place, beside you. At the present time, this is not yet possible. Let yourself be inert, wait 'til the incomprehensible power that has broken you restores you a little, I say a little, for henceforth you will always keep something broken about you. Tell yourself this, too, for it is a kind of pleasure to know that you will never love less, that you will never be consoled, that you will constantly remember more & more.</span></i>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-59069424981915602072014-10-03T12:11:00.000+10:002014-10-08T12:13:35.759+10:00Busy Bee's and Silver Linings<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Osteospermums, the African, or Cape, Dasies - those stalwarts of the perennial garden, always in flower, tough as old boots & can be planted anywhere....right? Not so much here in my part of Queensland - I've been advised on more than one occasion that it's better to stick to the older varieties, rather than some of the newer hybrids, as they seem a bit more heat tolerant.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Of course I was told that *after* I'd tried & lost my favourite "Tradewinds Terracotta" that I'd surprisingly managed to find here ....along with a rather pretty un-named pale terracotta with a mauve centre that looked very similar.<br />
Not to be deterred when I recently found a divine pale lemon yellow variety called '"Flower Power Lemon", I purchased it. You know the saying "I came, I saw, I conquered"? Well, "I buyed, I tried, I failed". (Yes, I know - lame AND bad grammar, but hey it's my blog...)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The plain of fashioned white variety, however, survived the first years heat, then near drowning during January storms & is now going great guns down in the back garden. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_Lq2toScEM/VC4n8C-1vcI/AAAAAAAAGz0/vGFM5WHk9t0/s1600/Osteo1watermarked-Osteo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_Lq2toScEM/VC4n8C-1vcI/AAAAAAAAGz0/vGFM5WHk9t0/s1600/Osteo1watermarked-Osteo1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
A couple of single petaled almost "Terracotta" coloured plants that I found are, so far, doing quite well in front of the patio - the Native Stingless Bee's seem to like them too. Perhaps they share my love of that colour....</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdvHdTOM-cA/VC4n-HLkpII/AAAAAAAAGz8/9TkfvGy_bbg/s1600/Osteo2watermarked-Osteo2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdvHdTOM-cA/VC4n-HLkpII/AAAAAAAAGz8/9TkfvGy_bbg/s1600/Osteo2watermarked-Osteo2-2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Native Stingless Bee appreciating "orange".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">Then, at a Garden Centre in Toowoomba ( a slightly more tolerant climate than down here) a couple of weeks back I discovered this beautiful Osteospermum called Coral Sands.<br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r50Fc3htlh8/VC4n-jCEfAI/AAAAAAAAG0E/td22TLeviCk/s1600/Osteo3watermarked-Osteo3-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r50Fc3htlh8/VC4n-jCEfAI/AAAAAAAAG0E/td22TLeviCk/s1600/Osteo3watermarked-Osteo3-3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osteospermum 3D "Coral Sands"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
A bit hesitant to set myself up for another failure I promptly called my friend over to ask the ultimate "will this one thrive - or turn up it's toes" question ....& lost it the second they laid eyes on it!lol! A nearby nursery assistant found me the only remaining plant of it in the nursery. Sadly it wasn't as healthy or floriferous as the first, & some of the flowers didn't have the gorgeous double crest - instead just being the usual Osteospermum dark purple/blue.<br /><br />The silver lining to getting the plant that I did, is that the Native Stingless Bee's, while not landing on the fancy double crested flowers (probably at risk of getting stuck!) seem to like the plain flowers & it is so important to encourage & keep these little creatures in our gardens.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqZgheytW9s/VC4n_zrmvYI/AAAAAAAAG0M/2y_86gWYVOw/s1600/Osteo4watermarked-Osteo4-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqZgheytW9s/VC4n_zrmvYI/AAAAAAAAG0M/2y_86gWYVOw/s1600/Osteo4watermarked-Osteo4-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The un-crested flowers that the Bee's prefer<br /><br /><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Hopefully it will come away & thrive - but right now, with the onset of the <b>really</b> hot weather I'm just hoping for survival.</span></div>
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh3vMOk2gbRFac-qxnNebEnuWuDs2xc7ooukMHDpKmQWbW65u_mpu5CqISb1mSVQeou63bQG_SGcJ-8__TU80rvF0_5uFe73txEDwRn6DUky5pMO6b4dkT55Ij7GpQk_w8u1CVA/s1600/Purple+Osteowatermarked-Purple+Osteo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh3vMOk2gbRFac-qxnNebEnuWuDs2xc7ooukMHDpKmQWbW65u_mpu5CqISb1mSVQeou63bQG_SGcJ-8__TU80rvF0_5uFe73txEDwRn6DUky5pMO6b4dkT55Ij7GpQk_w8u1CVA/s1600/Purple+Osteowatermarked-Purple+Osteo.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As a gardener, & one that is concerned about the future of our planet, this has been a good reminder in not getting too carried away by all of the fancy new hybrids. While our senses may be delighted by something new & different - our wee friends & helpers in keeping the food crops alive seem to prefer the plainer stuff ;)</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_25D4Jq3-VPcm1NYzAi_UltIYz68oEx12fDiHyLJ57jSwwM658_s_ZMVlx0ngtATmUIdZclwlKKjtA989RUZ8yFpnS8_l4ubAt3Pa4FaUF5GlnhDqfj9kSsf5EPI8uXGorSShg/s1600/beewatermarked-bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_25D4Jq3-VPcm1NYzAi_UltIYz68oEx12fDiHyLJ57jSwwM658_s_ZMVlx0ngtATmUIdZclwlKKjtA989RUZ8yFpnS8_l4ubAt3Pa4FaUF5GlnhDqfj9kSsf5EPI8uXGorSShg/s1600/beewatermarked-bee.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: left;">Rosa '</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: left;">Crepuscule</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: left;">'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com0Bellbird Park QLD 4300, Australia-27.646722 152.872387-27.6748555 152.8320465 -27.6185885 152.91272750000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-8647836269210003502014-09-28T22:00:00.001+10:002014-09-28T22:00:09.466+10:00Slow Learner<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sadly, that's me! You'd think two years living in Australia, or more correctly Queensland, would have taught me a thing or two about gardening & it's seasons here. But no.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In my defense I do know that winter is the "dry" season (even though it rained for almost 2 weeks solid when I first got here) & that Summer is the "wet" season. OK - so I'm blindly disregarding that fact that we didn't get a single substantial storm or any rain to speak of here last summer.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Somehow I have killed more plants since moving here than I had in the previous 34 years of gardening. On the flip side I have also had significantly more success with striking various cuttings. With constantly warm temperatures germinating most seeds is a walk in the park. Keeping the buggers alive once in the ground is a whole different ball game though.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But nature has a way of telling us....sometimes. The second planting of lettuces last summer simply bolted & as a result we've had fresh, garden picked oak leaf lettuces available all WINTER! Those lovely garden volunteers almost made up for having to buy tasteless store bought lettuces to eat for the rest of last summer. Of course they came up in the exact area that I wanted to try some direct composting in. Rebels!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't really complain though - the rest of the garden got the compost treatment so at least 3/4 of it is done in preparation for summer....but wait, most of the stuff I wanted to grow thrives over winter.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oh, bother!<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBayvcui3n7OHtE4MENhdODNDHfagS1hk-Ux03KDQ7GwJIXbgE0xENIgA1vu0ccjENcQVNy-Yx8kWvqCvboxAiZGQxM73I3ua2YdoQTbqS5ymucHHZjFzXJYwB5lEQg1qAcFYxA/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBayvcui3n7OHtE4MENhdODNDHfagS1hk-Ux03KDQ7GwJIXbgE0xENIgA1vu0ccjENcQVNy-Yx8kWvqCvboxAiZGQxM73I3ua2YdoQTbqS5ymucHHZjFzXJYwB5lEQg1qAcFYxA/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">The curly leafed Parsley that just sat there wilting in the summer heat, then seriously sulking over Autumn decided to come alive & have a Parsley party mid winter (whenever that is here - who can tell, stuff just never really stops growing) then go positively rampant in Spring.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gardening & landscaping is big industry here....not to mention expensive. With most soils needing amending somehow before being ready to plant in the sales in soil additives to remedy clay or sandy soil alone must be phenomenal, then there are more additives required to aid in water retention, fertilisers, plant foods, mulches & the water itself. Then you have to arm yourself for the battle of the squillion & one pests & diseases that seem to thrive here.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many people just plant in pockets of a "quality" potting mix - but in my experience the plants do well for a while then once the roots outgrow the mix & hit the crappy soil they just become stressed & very soon start failing completely.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the traps I fell into was believing that because stores sold certain flower & vegetable seedlings it was the right time to plant them....or that they would survive & (hopefully) thrive here. Wrong!<br /></span>While some smaller nurseries will have ethics & only sell what will grow locally - big box stores have no such qualms about stocking the shelves with the latest cultivars whether there they are suitable to the climate or not. I've learned that lesson the hard way - more than once. It can become expensive.<br />
<br />Then there is the incorrect labeling of plants - not something I'd normally worry too much about, except when it comes to buying, nurturing & actually managing not to kill a particular rose - a rose I bought as David Austins "Leander"...only it isn't. Lucky for that rose it's another old favourite "Crepuscule" &, as it happens it's a good performer in warmer climates - so it gets to stay, even if it doesn't quite look or behave as I'm used to.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RXQ2yVAzV9pAN6VdhlOoxwPJ1a86iPX2MOEL4awXc9vjmeATYcH6RnRLlJsQ61xgviUkrSfxP35O6uvvUELKN5n4DzppxTQ4rujwAy2N4qvq8it9FNJkgvoBjuQT7qwff7xixQ/s1600/IMG_1409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RXQ2yVAzV9pAN6VdhlOoxwPJ1a86iPX2MOEL4awXc9vjmeATYcH6RnRLlJsQ61xgviUkrSfxP35O6uvvUELKN5n4DzppxTQ4rujwAy2N4qvq8it9FNJkgvoBjuQT7qwff7xixQ/s1600/IMG_1409.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">The trick, I am discovering, is to know your plants (although bare rooted roses can be a tad difficult to identify....) & choose where you shop wisely. <br />In my case it is more like take everything you thought you knew & either throw it out the window - or fast forward some seasonal tasks by 3 months, rewind others by two & turn the seasons upside down, just for good measure!<br /></span>I'm still trying to get my head around why some old favourites from my temperate climate gardens will grow here & others won't - or why those that will grow here grow so differently to how I've grown them in the past. It's a learning curve, a very big one - but I'll get there...<br /><br />....well, unless the Brush Turkey decides to strip another few gardens of their carefully laid mulch.<br />But that's a whole different story - & one for another time.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnzfYbdRjNHn-r-hZF4i-oDVBZcWMvGEscNv3wiT_GiAV5koOkD-qg8mJ6YoWPLt0Bg_p9Q1hvCeSqef2TVoRnJ-2ZiEH4JaznAPyhAq3t2mU9AEXRMzi6yMmgma-julj8y41XQ/s1600/Bush+Turkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnzfYbdRjNHn-r-hZF4i-oDVBZcWMvGEscNv3wiT_GiAV5koOkD-qg8mJ6YoWPLt0Bg_p9Q1hvCeSqef2TVoRnJ-2ZiEH4JaznAPyhAq3t2mU9AEXRMzi6yMmgma-julj8y41XQ/s1600/Bush+Turkey.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-33539792003519556492014-04-21T00:21:00.000+10:002014-09-28T20:55:34.880+10:00To Think...<div style="text-align: justify;">
...That at the time of my last blog post I imagined starting posting somewhat regularly again about my gardening adventures here in Australia.<br />
<br />
...That I believed Mum had a few more months left & that we'd have time to talk, laugh & cry again together.<br />
<br />
...That the hardest part of my upcoming trip home to New Zealand in a little over a week would be leaving to come home, not knowing if I'd ever get back in time see her alive again.<br />
<br />
...That those phone calls I was making to her room in the Hospice were enough to keep me abreast of how well she was doing.<br />
<br />
As it turned out none of the above were true.<br />
I arrived in New Zealand just before midnight on the 2nd April planning on some rest before spending the next day & every one of my stay there after with her, only to be told by my brother during the trip from the Airport to Mum's place that I should go to the hospital that she'd been transferred to right then as he thought she was only hanging on to see me. I was stunned - shaken to my core.<br />
<br />
I was further shaken when I saw her - a far cry from the photo that had been sent four days earlier, taken when her Doctor brought her dog in for a visit.<br />
Thirty Four sleepless hours later, surrounded continuously by the three women closest to her (my two gorgeous Aunts & myself) she was gone.<br />
<br />
The last thing I expected to be doing on this trip was to have to try & compose a eulogy for<b> </b>my Mother<b>.</b>Apparently she hadn't wanted a formal funeral - rather a celebration of her life. While I could respect the fact that she didn't want us to be somber & sad, I found it incredibly difficult to be light hearted & frivolous when my heart was so heavy. I also struggled with whether I had the ability to hold myself together while reading anything at all out - let alone anything too evocative.<b><br /></b>I hope that I did her justice with the following:<b><br /></b><br />
<b><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-NZ</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-NZ;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-NZ">And now she rests at peace. The amazing,
vibrant, beautiful woman I called "Mum".<br />
Yet she was so much more than just my Mum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was Sister, Wife, Nana, Sister-in-law, Aunty, Cousin & Friend. I
know that I will not be alone in feeling the void that her passing will leave in my
life.</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-NZ">She was also a lot more than just “Mum” to
me – she was a friend, confidant, staunch supporter of my many endeavours &
of course the ultimate enabler <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when we
went shopping together … something best avoided at all costs as we would both
end up spending more than we should!<br />
<br />
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t realise how blessed I have been to
have landed the Mum that I did…well ok, maybe there were a few rough patches in
my rebellious teenage years, but for the most part I knew I’d scored pretty
darn well in the Mother stakes! As I told her, & a number of other people,
I couldn’t have had a better Mother if I’d been able to choose one for myself.<br />
<br />
I’ve always known that it takes a pretty special person to be able to take on
& love a baby that they didn’t create themselves & Mum did that…&
then some! Both her & Dad’s capacity for unconditional love was immense –
along with their ability for complete forgiveness ( & Heaven knows they had
to practise that a few times!). <br />
<br />
I always admired the fact that Mum could be upset, hurt or angry about
something – work through those emotions quickly, then move on & put those
feelings behind her, once again seeing only the good in people & taking
pleasure out of the part they played in her life. From that I learned that
while we can’t control the way people act – we can control how we react to
it….. & that a sense of humour <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">always</span>
helps!!<br />
<br />
Witty, amusing, slightly naughty – that was my Mum!<br />
<br />
I have so many memories of her part in my life (& lets face it – it was a
pretty big part, given that she is the woman who has influenced me more than
any other) – that it would take me hours just to scratch the surface.<br />
The one that outshines them all though was being brought up surrounded by love
& security - something that, when I think back, was like a big warm fluffy,
blanket. This wasn’t only provided by Mum & Dad – but also by my
Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles & Cousins. Family gatherings full of love, laughter,
intriguing tales of Malta, England & New Zealand. Then there were the family
holidays, &<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>later the bach at
Waikuku, parties & dinner parties. Life was never dull.<br />
Oh, yes – I do remember the bottles of Galliano & Vok, the mixing of Martinis
- along with the wines, spirits & great food!!<br />
<br />
So I get to add amazing cook, cocktail mixer & adventurous, outgoing lady
to the list.<br />
<br />
My earliest memory of Mum is of her lifting a blanket & saying “ boo” to me
when I was still in my cot…& for some reason sitting completely under my
cot blanket when I suspect I was meant to be sleeping (perhaps getting into
practice for later years when I’d read under the blankets with a pilfered torch
when I was meant to be asleep).<br />
One of my last memories will be Mum saying that she just wanted to be normal –
I knew what she meant, but told her “Normal is a cycle on the washing machine,
Mum… & you have never been normal – how boring would that be!” I should
have added “ You were outstanding”.<br />
<br />
So to all of those people who have ever been there for Mum – I thank you.<br />
To my two fabulous (yet slightly crazy) Aunts, Yvonne & Elaine – you have
my eternal gratitude. Not only were you there for Mum in those last days – but
you were there for me as well, offering care & hugs, sharing tears &
laughter at the time when we were all on the edge of despair. I love you both
with all my heart!<br />
Of course you do realise that now you have another daughter….don’t you?</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-NZ"></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-NZ"></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-NZ"><br /></span></i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDFn_6mvCypjrTq6a78cL58V8D9yPKwg6QUiH5vkI70gl30XXdkcdFZOCjhomxeugE8sImz4pQUdeVHMisfWE189pSb7gYX_d8FT8sT6f-MsXavHXNGD4B9p31SuT2tiFNaO0zQ/s1600/orchid1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDFn_6mvCypjrTq6a78cL58V8D9yPKwg6QUiH5vkI70gl30XXdkcdFZOCjhomxeugE8sImz4pQUdeVHMisfWE189pSb7gYX_d8FT8sT6f-MsXavHXNGD4B9p31SuT2tiFNaO0zQ/s1600/orchid1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>
</i><b><br /></b>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-88491629923624451722014-03-21T23:15:00.000+10:002014-03-21T23:15:40.494+10:00Yesterday<div style="text-align: justify;">
How can it be that one morning you get up, hear the birds chattering as you look at the view of your patio,with the sunlight demonstrating it's wonderful ability of light play over plants & furniture, through to the garden beyond & remark "how blessed are we to have this beauty to wake up to every day" with a smile playing across your face - then the following morning you wander out there, not even noticing the view, while wondering why the birds are even bothering to sing.<br /><br />Yesterday we were looking forward to the job & going out & buying a new fridge...well, perhaps not looking forward to it so much, but enjoying the thought that we weren't going to have to put up with a fridge that freezes everything we put in it, at seemingly random intervals.....thereby providing the compost & worm bins with what I believe to be the most expensive compost fuel in Brisbane some weeks.<br />Yesterday I was anticipating unpacking the last carton of my gear to arrive from New Zealand - a whole 21 months later.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday I believed for the shadow that had shown up on my Mum's pancreas while she was having a kidney scan to be "just a shadow" or, with her health history, perhaps a blockage somewhere.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This morning I knew better. <br />This morning I didn't want to be awake once that time where my eyes slowly open & the <span class="st">obliviousness</span> that sleep has afforded is still upon me, before I became fully aware of the day, had passed. I didn't care about cartons or their contents & couldn't have cared less if the new fridge was delivered today - or not at all.<br />By this morning I knew that the shadow, just a bit they caught in a scan for something completely different, is inoperable cancer of the pancreas that has progressed into Mum's spleen as well. I also know that chemo is not an option as she is so underweight & weak that they have admitted her into the Hospice to try & get some weight on her while figuring out the best medications to keep her out of pain, so she can go home....& what? I'm believing for a miracle.<br /><br />To think that she went to the Doctor a week ago with back ache which, as it turns out is unrelated, & now this. As if the last 7 years, & in particular the last 3 since the earthquakes, haven't been enough for her already. I always knew that she was a strong woman - but bloody hell, enough already. She's had her share of poor health & more than enough to cover a few other people too.<br /><br />Speaking to her today I realised that, although she accepts this is terminal, she ain't going down without a fight baby. She was talking of being able to drive again - once her back is better. Heaven help Christchurch is all I can say about that.<br /><br />I think I can safely say my Mum, myself & my family liked yesterday a whole lot better than today.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWUEN5IAAnLERyS_p1Z7X9bVnJF-DduOUXJtUcctdFQvlV9IdE-u44SHAo5v4j3Lee-ep94BC7vj88WapQedLOg2l7N_GFwn60FNJ6QdC_Nnij_LAvhC1j-lLoMobcptBzNXpeg/s1600/Water+Lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWUEN5IAAnLERyS_p1Z7X9bVnJF-DduOUXJtUcctdFQvlV9IdE-u44SHAo5v4j3Lee-ep94BC7vj88WapQedLOg2l7N_GFwn60FNJ6QdC_Nnij_LAvhC1j-lLoMobcptBzNXpeg/s1600/Water+Lily.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tropical Water Lily - "Tina"</div>
Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com2Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4710107 153.02344889999995-29.275130700000002 150.44166189999996 -25.6668907 155.60523589999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-42272208732728964062013-03-17T08:25:00.003+10:002013-03-17T08:27:39.716+10:00Focus on Life - Week 11 "The Possibilities are Endless"This week the prompt for the "Focus on Life" photo challenge, the brain child of <i>Sally Russick</i> of <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/author/studiosublime/" target="_blank">Studio Sublime</a> is "The Possibilities are endless".<br />
Each week Sally sends us a photo prompt to encourage us to look at,
& document, our lives in an unique way as we travel through 2013. As
this weeks phrase has different meanings it can be interpreted in a
number of different ways.<br />
<br />
When I look at a length of fabric, a ball of yarn, bundles of glass, a beautifully grained piece of timber, a blank page or canvas - I see endless possibilities. When I'm faced with a bland, bare room or a patch of undeveloped or unkempt land my brain & imagination go into overdrive as I visualise the potential of what they could become. <br />
<br />
However, when I see a storm damaged tree being felled, I tend to see just that! Oh yeah, my mind might wander to the possibility of some nice mulch for the garden if the tree crew have a grinder/shredder they use. But as a rule it's just about the tree coming down.....& a stump being left.<br />
<br />
And so it was earlier this week when the crew arrived to remove a wattle that had become unstable in recent storms.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJlqLqQOZTS8e09x3MEh3ecjY0uJNUl_SbDqfj6D-ovh9mLySehZP0U3nvrUXA0VZBdfRo8xGoxjqiopUQxy1KKOGiN8Vc3CgIzYOaPxqXZCHmUK7GdLZIKcpcPzomQiggiJ_rw/s1600/T!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJlqLqQOZTS8e09x3MEh3ecjY0uJNUl_SbDqfj6D-ovh9mLySehZP0U3nvrUXA0VZBdfRo8xGoxjqiopUQxy1KKOGiN8Vc3CgIzYOaPxqXZCHmUK7GdLZIKcpcPzomQiggiJ_rw/s400/T!.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I watched as they worked on it - whittling away bit by bit.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil61_85IZE3pMtR7xyKVWCKz682X80LXAq-Hp0Xl-bBn8AyuA07dp0g0f99M03vW9a8aalSYeVhje3s8_HPfuL9j2PMHP7VphiZv0VmvrOnYOjuoSgnuY_ZRZ-2tePDI53kTC7Zw/s1600/shred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil61_85IZE3pMtR7xyKVWCKz682X80LXAq-Hp0Xl-bBn8AyuA07dp0g0f99M03vW9a8aalSYeVhje3s8_HPfuL9j2PMHP7VphiZv0VmvrOnYOjuoSgnuY_ZRZ-2tePDI53kTC7Zw/s400/shred.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got excited at the potential of some garden mulch...<br />& even helped drag over some of the branches.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRXbNAx9JxfDshGD0wb6hScLjAfwFNwQ6mta3D3yKsxsXiFgfVJaaMBxilH3jT36yQzR-Ep1Zp-zESco5XbRLpSeLosh0lgy41q0Cmn0m21CM7miTgqrM8b3e2-D6lkqVsjmg2A/s1600/throne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRXbNAx9JxfDshGD0wb6hScLjAfwFNwQ6mta3D3yKsxsXiFgfVJaaMBxilH3jT36yQzR-Ep1Zp-zESco5XbRLpSeLosh0lgy41q0Cmn0m21CM7miTgqrM8b3e2-D6lkqVsjmg2A/s320/throne.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I burst into laughter as I looked out from the patio & saw what they were doing with the stump!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Apparantly I'd been nice, the coffee & the cake at smoko time passed muster, & the guys said I deserved a throne complete with foot rest. Even tree stumps have endless possibilities.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">That will teach me for teasing them about the height of stumps here in
Brisbane. I've noticed there seems to be a bit of a thing about leaving taller than
normal stumps in. For some reason a lot of tree's only get taken
back to fence height & it looks exceptionally odd! </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxkIw9_vS_NHgmJMr52e2wH83aDe-61lpEKXQyby_Kbp_evkVg3gzE2jZBjGsVeHCWkMFfxvi5vmIuRQOI6ynz-AQvhxypmQyWtdEPy74NeY4ueAKQjBFMXuwtJnUEACpKNTNLw/s1600/FocusonLife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxkIw9_vS_NHgmJMr52e2wH83aDe-61lpEKXQyby_Kbp_evkVg3gzE2jZBjGsVeHCWkMFfxvi5vmIuRQOI6ynz-AQvhxypmQyWtdEPy74NeY4ueAKQjBFMXuwtJnUEACpKNTNLw/s1600/FocusonLife.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Please pop on over to <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/03/01/focus-on-life-week-9/" target="_blank">The Studio Sublime</a> & catch what everyone else is up to.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com15Bellbird Park QLD 4300, Australia-27.646722 152.872387-27.6748555 152.8320465 -27.6185885 152.91272750000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-83694403722347882792013-03-10T00:18:00.001+10:002013-03-10T00:22:44.322+10:00Focus on Life - Week 10 "All Wrapped Up"<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week the prompt for the "Focus on Life" photo challenge, the brain child of <i>Sally Russick</i> of <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/author/studiosublime/" target="_blank">Studio Sublime</a> is "All Wrapped Up".<br />
Each week Sally sends us a photo prompt to encourage us to look at,
& document, our lives in an unique way as we travel through 2013. As this weeks phrase has different meanings it can be interpreted in a number of different ways. <br />
<br />
I managed to both start & wrap up a small DIY makeover project this week ...& I was pretty thrilled with that, but what I immediately thought of when I read Sallys prompt was a project I started on not long after moving to Australia.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the time I needed something to keep my hands busy in the evenings, while also wanting whatever project I chose to be easy to pick up & put down, not requiring constant reference to a pattern & being completely transportable. I've always loved the colour shift yarns that are
available - yet time & time again, upon attempting to knit them up
into a garment of some sort I would discover that I far preferred the
way they looked in the ball. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
It seemed that crocheted squares would fit the bill &, at the end, would result in a wonderful warm blanket or throw to cuddle up in outside on the patio next winter..... not to mention give me the perfect excuse to delve into some of those luscious colour shift yarns on the market.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVA6MOSC1P1-bTkGyMvCOOx-MzOIqzezCHASeVK5r08mvrA_sNyo3AdW-P7bcWk9Y8LBPjgRoQBRIT3DqUTvsvRjG8rYj0-1IXAGP1PUvkU3nJ5L4UuAnegTZZMQLKsku-sxO6g/s1600/WIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVA6MOSC1P1-bTkGyMvCOOx-MzOIqzezCHASeVK5r08mvrA_sNyo3AdW-P7bcWk9Y8LBPjgRoQBRIT3DqUTvsvRjG8rYj0-1IXAGP1PUvkU3nJ5L4UuAnegTZZMQLKsku-sxO6g/s400/WIP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy yarns and forgotten skills.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I revived my crocheting skills that have lain dormant for many years. Many, many years in fact....it wasn't so much revive as exhume!!<br />
Fortunately the pattern I chose was exceptionally easy to remember so I've just been able to relax with hook in hand & watch as the colours bloom.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-o9XbTmWlJf-G0H-adn2DKFBzU4fQOWxGy7bdy9xoT3ZpNvX5CwqLn2PQC0anigWrEPjIa-NkeKo49v07IN1ooUfoTZlwNeR1alVQU8T8Xxg8Lj0L1M1Zw0392BgK6FTH_nDoA/s1600/Granny+Squares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-o9XbTmWlJf-G0H-adn2DKFBzU4fQOWxGy7bdy9xoT3ZpNvX5CwqLn2PQC0anigWrEPjIa-NkeKo49v07IN1ooUfoTZlwNeR1alVQU8T8Xxg8Lj0L1M1Zw0392BgK6FTH_nDoA/s400/Granny+Squares.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piles of colour - these squares are all wrapped up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Of course, after I've watched the centre colour bloom, it's a bit hard to get enthused about finishing off the black borders on each square. I tend to lose interest when it comes to repeating the same process many times over. Sewing the ends in should be interesting......<br />
Of course it helps my motivation that it's the black that makes them square ;)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH5K6sZYyFAPy6YW_FjjiyYyHaaMYPP7kYwUx9I55MLg93vEcGT9qx4MTQVI1QspBy2aq9eYJptUe0Q-EGKMuy34bYMA8Op2lgz_3dFLcCGbOx1tkVkZm2Hj3XPVL1qYNaqyr_A/s1600/Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH5K6sZYyFAPy6YW_FjjiyYyHaaMYPP7kYwUx9I55MLg93vEcGT9qx4MTQVI1QspBy2aq9eYJptUe0Q-EGKMuy34bYMA8Op2lgz_3dFLcCGbOx1tkVkZm2Hj3XPVL1qYNaqyr_A/s400/Group.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gratuitous group shot - with lashings of small DIY makeover for good measure.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So that's me; 80 fully finished squares, 20 pretty rounds waiting for
their black borders, 3 1/2 balls left to crochet up & then comes a
whole lot of end sewing in & sewing together before I can finally crochet
the black border around the whole darn thing & say "Well
that's that all wrapped up" - then proceeding to wrap myself up in
it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxkIw9_vS_NHgmJMr52e2wH83aDe-61lpEKXQyby_Kbp_evkVg3gzE2jZBjGsVeHCWkMFfxvi5vmIuRQOI6ynz-AQvhxypmQyWtdEPy74NeY4ueAKQjBFMXuwtJnUEACpKNTNLw/s1600/FocusonLife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxkIw9_vS_NHgmJMr52e2wH83aDe-61lpEKXQyby_Kbp_evkVg3gzE2jZBjGsVeHCWkMFfxvi5vmIuRQOI6ynz-AQvhxypmQyWtdEPy74NeY4ueAKQjBFMXuwtJnUEACpKNTNLw/s1600/FocusonLife.jpg" /></a></div>
Please pop on over to <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/03/01/focus-on-life-week-9/" target="_blank">The Studio Sublime</a> & catch what everyone else is up to.</div>
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-46095761931619762982013-03-03T00:37:00.004+10:002013-03-10T00:20:22.391+10:00Focus on Life - Week 9 "Knock, Knock"This is my first post in the "Focus on Life" photo challenge, the brain child of <i>Sally Russick</i> of <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/author/studiosublime/" target="_blank">Studio Sublime</a>. Each week Sally sends us a photo prompt to encourage us to look at, & document, our lives in an unique way as we travel through 2013.<br />
<br />
Of course I was late to the party - but all that matters is that I am here now. I think it is quite apt that I'm in time for this one.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Let’s open some doors to see what awaits us on the other side.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is it a door that holds opportunity?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is it a door that holds a story?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is it a door you have been hesitating to open?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is a gate to a new life?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A door to a new adventure?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is it a door that holds a memory?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is it the perfect door for a simple picture?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You have arrived at the door for a reason, open it up and step in! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The second I read the brief I knew what my photograph would be of. It
had to be the door that I crossed the ditch to walk through 7 months ago
- which also just happens to answer "yes" to every question posed above.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6uhN9d-B5dAD0_TomYuAL2Nisjc4sxV-nQjyEmRgaHjtY0jJ5cV1XVkXZw5CjXIiRiD6uXAWeE4n2nlgKSfNMYi96nnQ_NWcFZJWo4YMY7MeWIf2hwl5jbo7EZ3GbsttTDqWxQ/s1600/Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6uhN9d-B5dAD0_TomYuAL2Nisjc4sxV-nQjyEmRgaHjtY0jJ5cV1XVkXZw5CjXIiRiD6uXAWeE4n2nlgKSfNMYi96nnQ_NWcFZJWo4YMY7MeWIf2hwl5jbo7EZ3GbsttTDqWxQ/s640/Door.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
This time last year when I was sitting in Christchurch, New Zealand trying to find suitable rental accommodation online for a small family & assorted pets across the Tasman Sea (commonly referred to as the ditch or the pond by Australians & Kiwis alike) in Brisbane, Australia - what the front door looked like wasn't high on my list of priorities. <br />
<br />
In fact when I finally managed to find a place that seemed it could
work for us the first thing I noticed was what a boring shaped house it was - a simple brick rectangle plonked towards the front of a large block of land.The second thing I noticed was the fabulous outdoor patio that ran the entire length of the house & the somewhat dated tiles used under the covered part of said patio, & at the front entrance, had a
sort of quaint character to them.<br />
<br />
It's surprising that I never really picked up on this front door in any of the photos I perused online, given my long standing fascination with doors. I think the very first board I started on <a href="http://pinterest.com/dabatt/there-is-always-a-door-to/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> was a "Door" board!<br />
<br />
The appeal of this door struck me when I arrived in a new country, still weary from the stress of an International move...& facing wall to wall cartons & packed furniture. It's 3 panels of carved decoration make it seem a slightly elaborate door for such a plain house....that made me smile, I know there must be a story there somewhere. <br />
<br />
For the first few weeks this 1970's solid timber beast, with it's carvings & panels, was the barrier against the winter rain & chill. As the weather warmed up this door stayed open to welcome in the warmth & fresh air, the sounds of nature & the occasional critter.<br />
<br />
Before coming here I knew that there would be a new life - that much was a given. As for this door - there has been many a time I have said to my partner that I'd love to pop it off of it's hinges & turn it into a bed head....& yeah, I so would!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(if I didn't have a landlord to answer to...)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But, it's potential as a bed head aside, this door was not only one I was hesitating to open but also one that represents a new life, new adventures, new opportunities & right now I'm pretty sure it's absorbing some of our stories to keep safe for the future.<br />
<br />
That is assuming it doesn't end up as a head board ;)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxkIw9_vS_NHgmJMr52e2wH83aDe-61lpEKXQyby_Kbp_evkVg3gzE2jZBjGsVeHCWkMFfxvi5vmIuRQOI6ynz-AQvhxypmQyWtdEPy74NeY4ueAKQjBFMXuwtJnUEACpKNTNLw/s1600/FocusonLife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/03/01/focus-on-life-week-9/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxkIw9_vS_NHgmJMr52e2wH83aDe-61lpEKXQyby_Kbp_evkVg3gzE2jZBjGsVeHCWkMFfxvi5vmIuRQOI6ynz-AQvhxypmQyWtdEPy74NeY4ueAKQjBFMXuwtJnUEACpKNTNLw/s1600/FocusonLife.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Head on over to <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/03/01/focus-on-life-week-9/" target="_blank">The Studio Sublime</a> & catch what everyone else is up to.</div>
<br />
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-82886943877483612242013-03-01T00:00:00.000+10:002013-03-01T00:00:01.095+10:00Easily DistractedThis week has been wet. It's also been overcast - but mostly it's been wet. <br /><br />Wet here apparently involves huge drops of moisture alternating between pelting down manically, flooding guttering so that it overflows drenching humans, pets & plants within minutes, & stopping suddenly leaving a person wondering where the heck it has gone. The saving grace is that it is also warm - with temperatures still being 24° - 29°C ( 75° - 84°F those of you stateside).<br />
<br />
Given that the rainy/storm season has finally arrived I had made plans for the days when I couldn't be working outside this week. They involved a little painting &, more importantly, unpacking the rest of my glass now that I finally have more storage sorted. Or so I thought.....<br />
<br />Right up until the time that I stopped to make my first cup of coffee & looked out the kitchen window...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfe-3hXQptJrXR3RIzlk0GpO-wrdqa9qfWPV4joAIzerWHq2_Qg7xCLol_GZ88X35L7g8TNCY3gfPACWjtyDohmYn8Dm70IxppMUhR2jumKA4Dx-yxNY2k7rrUP69h7vMxncupg/s1600/RL1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfe-3hXQptJrXR3RIzlk0GpO-wrdqa9qfWPV4joAIzerWHq2_Qg7xCLol_GZ88X35L7g8TNCY3gfPACWjtyDohmYn8Dm70IxppMUhR2jumKA4Dx-yxNY2k7rrUP69h7vMxncupg/s320/RL1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />This little guy was sitting on the patio railing. Now don't get me wrong there is nothing at all unusual about Rainbow Lorikeets in the garden - apart from the fact that they don't usually venture up to dog & cat territory. Just as well the dog is a rain wimp & was curled up in a pathetic wee ball on his beanbag - with the cats doing similar in the bedrooms.<br />
<br />
This particular Lori wasn't at all afraid of the human that, feeling sorry for them that the bird feeder had just received an impromptu clean out & was now a water bowl, ventured out with a freshly peeled lychee & two slices of mango. He just sat, not even a foot away along the rail, & watched me - then when I backed off he invited his friend up.<br />
<br />
What happened next was as funny as a play! Straight off he knocked the first piece of mango off...<br />It really doesn't need a dialogue but I couldn't resist.<br /><br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgjJkz3v743-03sYi9B3LSuNCQvv7LJ3RLHKHoPOttjDyxTzB9BENc1MAy0Z0km1uBCDJR-puPUGA1pPoOKQKFxOsPZdosBAt5hI80w-yo0UgjdixBqV_XeIjK7iBJfcx0fGYuQ/s1600/RL2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgjJkz3v743-03sYi9B3LSuNCQvv7LJ3RLHKHoPOttjDyxTzB9BENc1MAy0Z0km1uBCDJR-puPUGA1pPoOKQKFxOsPZdosBAt5hI80w-yo0UgjdixBqV_XeIjK7iBJfcx0fGYuQ/s320/RL2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Oh darn, Ethel - that's one down."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBhyphenhyphenMhVfGNFX13r8YB7rga_p3KDaox-0BGG1wo-f4OzvscDMAfVGiZd9kkQyZsjZEP8IrfRVO8NwYeonTI3XsmLVRgLQYZm-gewk4F5bEaG6JTsF2OfecbcnJcr70AqjRK0PfdQ/s1600/RL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBhyphenhyphenMhVfGNFX13r8YB7rga_p3KDaox-0BGG1wo-f4OzvscDMAfVGiZd9kkQyZsjZEP8IrfRVO8NwYeonTI3XsmLVRgLQYZm-gewk4F5bEaG6JTsF2OfecbcnJcr70AqjRK0PfdQ/s320/RL3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You go for the next thing, Archie - I'll just keep an eye on 'er over there!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRT15Yac29P8NRsQkMPf1pHDDlwturwCZK6JH4ZMvx5aTxcBzvnFiZ17XtHRZnxrSSahHJdVKncTF2v9NFdWLSxs9Gl2gV8m5M4ERDvProrGv_Yru9Z3oH2QSzXeaQpQPTSryDw/s1600/RL4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRT15Yac29P8NRsQkMPf1pHDDlwturwCZK6JH4ZMvx5aTxcBzvnFiZ17XtHRZnxrSSahHJdVKncTF2v9NFdWLSxs9Gl2gV8m5M4ERDvProrGv_Yru9Z3oH2QSzXeaQpQPTSryDw/s320/RL4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Easy there Archie - don't scoff too much, you never know what it could be."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTD7zBveZ-WvuADSaS_dNosni0lTtoCZyKNGDo8pgT6Hpw3Z_o0MGAznm9sNIPF_BatgiFUPcuoEMfyjB6bA7O3LyrjH-aAYhk5xt5imTQzNtKYE5NzYYhvLfW1t6olmPiv3PTA/s1600/RL5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTD7zBveZ-WvuADSaS_dNosni0lTtoCZyKNGDo8pgT6Hpw3Z_o0MGAznm9sNIPF_BatgiFUPcuoEMfyjB6bA7O3LyrjH-aAYhk5xt5imTQzNtKYE5NzYYhvLfW1t6olmPiv3PTA/s320/RL5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hmm, Ethel - I'm not so sure about that one...unusual texture." <br />"Careful Archie - you nearly knocked me off!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUD42Vxo4sgNkIF02hNhGLpp9ut8BXSAp9sdi5JEs_RSWvv9HLOVG0QbfR_yo6VNkybgs8mPPT1RjlrdmQKoV6f9HiHJXXp0QAMerg_HNVCqLHRIk6tB4QbwwZxdBVkmugU0wPYQ/s1600/RL6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUD42Vxo4sgNkIF02hNhGLpp9ut8BXSAp9sdi5JEs_RSWvv9HLOVG0QbfR_yo6VNkybgs8mPPT1RjlrdmQKoV6f9HiHJXXp0QAMerg_HNVCqLHRIk6tB4QbwwZxdBVkmugU0wPYQ/s320/RL6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You sure it's not some sort of egg?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-tS4CpeJjbcrEcd_8Exz03adU7Lo9JYzecsxcjqokRvm7Ufo78-Risxn-3OS_tVAXUj26N3qJvNZcXTeOCmvKvd7jDFcnS4y9FfpgSpgrjUrT2RJGmK78Q4lwRZzlYrtOmdM7A/s1600/RL7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-tS4CpeJjbcrEcd_8Exz03adU7Lo9JYzecsxcjqokRvm7Ufo78-Risxn-3OS_tVAXUj26N3qJvNZcXTeOCmvKvd7jDFcnS4y9FfpgSpgrjUrT2RJGmK78Q4lwRZzlYrtOmdM7A/s320/RL7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Oopsy, seems it just joined that other thing."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjxTmuuiXoXlR07iY7IGztUiHW-c3VvjA30DXb_tI18dlV1qU5INJe2SNn2Vtq5Azwvs6MWSNotcD90umwmwTVjurtKwXc7xRdxpBvmbgkjLiL9wuwJE9htr9QnYrhV9QJh-1oQ/s1600/RL8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjxTmuuiXoXlR07iY7IGztUiHW-c3VvjA30DXb_tI18dlV1qU5INJe2SNn2Vtq5Azwvs6MWSNotcD90umwmwTVjurtKwXc7xRdxpBvmbgkjLiL9wuwJE9htr9QnYrhV9QJh-1oQ/s320/RL8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"This isn't so bad - you hold that end & make sure it doesn't fall."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfdlhh6py5hOFdMx24ROuX2Yrkd7WoEeJY0HMCvW_GrdX4SaGlJ5cQAPTIUwP1ukwUxpjRgWuShyD3b9xCHOwbJIiPi34hVPJ9xIumLU5Q8ZYdsgePkfuO_JYMvW7-4akbMR97Q/s1600/RL9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfdlhh6py5hOFdMx24ROuX2Yrkd7WoEeJY0HMCvW_GrdX4SaGlJ5cQAPTIUwP1ukwUxpjRgWuShyD3b9xCHOwbJIiPi34hVPJ9xIumLU5Q8ZYdsgePkfuO_JYMvW7-4akbMR97Q/s320/RL9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Grr - I said hold it Archie!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuGE7LEz3ql2Xaf7Rjzs_uto_yy-yWw8T32GNYGwJUW9HZTw8aAI_omg6g2y0CZlvDl82Zj4n0Z_oqaoDUEFABsW5JT51jzknNhIJPoPS0-0MQu0pziUXcj0lMTw69dz2ttL8Kg/s1600/RL10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuGE7LEz3ql2Xaf7Rjzs_uto_yy-yWw8T32GNYGwJUW9HZTw8aAI_omg6g2y0CZlvDl82Zj4n0Z_oqaoDUEFABsW5JT51jzknNhIJPoPS0-0MQu0pziUXcj0lMTw69dz2ttL8Kg/s320/RL10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By the next downpour the mango & lychee are forgotten as my latest distractions take refuge in the tree right next to the deck & groom each other in an attempt to dry off.<br /><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These birds are so entertaining to watch - gregarious & unafraid,
for the most part, of humans. They did go down onto the patio & eat
the fallen mango between showers - but left the lychee for the ants. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just as well
really - it could become time consuming peeling lychees for the Loris ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com1Rosemary Street, Bellbird Park QLD 4300, Australia-27.6325876 152.89127310000003-27.6396216 152.88118810000003 -27.6255536 152.90135810000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-70844254984936156902013-02-22T15:56:00.000+10:002013-02-22T15:56:00.640+10:00The Grass Isn’t Always Greener On The Other Side Of The Fence….<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Or in this case, the ditch. …..in fact sometimes the grass
can be a crispy brown – so crispy that it’s like walking on shredded brown
paper. Hot, shredded brown paper.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The grass isn’t always greenest where you water it either –
especially if there are water restrictions on & you can’t water it at all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
No, this isn’t an analogy about life…it’s a fact. Australian
grass is completely different to New Zealand grass. I suspect the fact that it
gets so hot here you can smell it heating up & marinating for a bit, before
cooking itself, under the sun’s intense rays has something to do with it….along
with the type of grass planted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It’s also high time I posted about my arrival in Australia –
something I started to do months ago, but somehow I got side tracked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Oh yeah, side tracked by a country that is sensory overload
on every which level. I’ve been visually distracted by birds so behaviourally
bold & colourful that they refuse to be ignored, by dragonflies that
resemble helicopters & butterflies & moths the size of small aircraft. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My ears are constantly assaulted by sound - birds from dawn
until dusk with cicadas & crickets adding to the wonderful cacophony on
warm days (which is pretty much every day), frogs, possums & owls pitching
in once it gets dark.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Perhaps I should save chatting about how easily distracted I
am by the readily available tropical & sub-tropical plants that thrive in
this climate for another time…. & about how excited I was to find a stand
of Blue Ginger among the bush & weeds down the back or how I was hooked
when the neighbour threw the first Bromeliad over the fence…..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
And all of the above distraction is before I even leave
home!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99Ptn79dXpOKjJoXTO692zubZ0zfpj9h_ndK8bvrNRNBsltuHFUsq-g8U3R9Ntng2FhPTg1bopPFFxdhnFSMcVWZmIKinINYl00eXQYrLRkE2q8VDWZb7bKTiA0WJ9nlAS2Y_Fg/s1600/Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99Ptn79dXpOKjJoXTO692zubZ0zfpj9h_ndK8bvrNRNBsltuHFUsq-g8U3R9Ntng2FhPTg1bopPFFxdhnFSMcVWZmIKinINYl00eXQYrLRkE2q8VDWZb7bKTiA0WJ9nlAS2Y_Fg/s400/Garden.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A few quick snaps from today in the garden ....<br />see what I mean about distractions!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This is city full of huge glitzy malls accessed by large
busy highways bulging at the seams with loads of BIG cars (& even bigger
trucks) often driven by people wearing maxi dresses…the cars that is – not the
trucks! Just thought I’d throw that in there while using nouns relevant to
size.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
On one hand it’s a fast paced city, one that wakes early
& ‘appears’ to sleep early too. On the other hand, once one discovers where
to look it’s also a city full of beautiful parks, outstanding gardens, speciality markets, farmers markets & a seemingly endless round of
entertainment &<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fun community events
….often involving fireworks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It’s a wonderful cultural mix. Locally there are many
beautiful Sudanese women – tall & stately with a proud bearing & long
slender legs that never seem to end. It’s always a highlight when I see the
older women gathered outside a shop in their traditional colourful costume
& head wraps.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Vibrant & colourful is the name of another game here too
– tattoos. Large tattoos. Large, vibrantly coloured tattoos. Lots of full sleeve
& leg tattoos…on woman. I'm pretty sure that I’ve seen more since I’ve arrived here than I have
seen in my entire life before.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I’ve been here 7 months & one day. In that time I’ve
been initiated into the Australian lifestyle by way of bush fires close by
& a couple of good tropical storms – one the tail end of a cyclone. I’ve
seen some rather substantial spiders, evicted some messy house geckos (well
actually I might have set the cat onto one or two of them), stumbled across my first bearded
dragon in the garden, have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>killed a
*few* cane toads & now drive willingly on that highway that I was <b>never</b>
going to drive on – ‘never’ being right up to the point that I discovered a
plant nursery that I needed to visit.<br />
<br />
I've made new friends, met lampworking friends previously known only online, discovered that I have great neighbours & that tropical storms & flooding can bring about good things - such as enjoying the company of fabulous house guests & forging lasting friendships.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I love it here - even though I have to admit that the
settling in hasn’t always been easy. The first 5 months were often fraught with
obstacles in getting some of the more important things done such as arranging
schooling, medical care, bank accounts, internet & a landline. You know,
just the little things. Red tape, more red tape & all that. Now that I
finally have myself a Doctor (one quite knowledgeable about thyroid issues – finally,
thank goodness) & a bank account. I’m not sure which I’m most thrilled
about ;)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Post Script: This post was intended for yesterday – I fell asleep in my
chair last night before checking the draft & posting it. Remember those
early starts I mentioned?....</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It seems appropriate that I post it today though – as it
helps me to focus on the positive rather than dwell too heavily on the
significance of this date. I feel as if it can’t possibly be two years since
that horrific day when<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>life, as my home
town of Christchurch knew it, changed forever… for everyone. But there you have
it.</div>
Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-39282688285483715472012-05-27T21:05:00.001+10:002012-05-27T21:06:40.431+10:00Doubly Blessed<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ever since I can remember I have wanted my own piece of NZ Jade - or Greenstone/Pounamu as it is called here. I recall as a child looking at a wonderful piece my grandmother had in her jewelry collection & later wondering what happened to that when she passed away.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently I expressed my desire to have something to take with me to Australia & my two wonderful sons bought me this gorgeous piece of carved Greenstone/Pounamu - a Fish Hook (Hei-Matau) with a Fern frond (Koru) worked into it. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All I knew was that I wanted a Hei-Matau & it wasn't until after this piece chose me that I realised there was a Koru worked into it as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">When I was told of the traditional Maori meaning of the two symbols worked into this piece I understood why this piece had caught my eye &, more importantly, that of my son.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hei-Matau, the fish hook, represents strength & prosperity and is said to represent good luck and safety when travelling over water.</div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">The Koru, or fern frond, represents peace and tranquillity along with a strong sense of regrowth or new beginnings. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is a long history surrounding Pounamu & requirements that must be met before it can be sold. According to ancient lore it should be gifted....with love.</div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">For a lovely excerpt from a Barry Brailsfords Book </span><a href="http://www.stonestudio.co.nz/greenstone.asp" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">"The Story of Pounamu The Sacred Stone of Aotearoa"</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> scroll down the page in the link.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFI0KBFLrNdI1O5EJTkoQI5yMa80syKhDOchlC2VRtErbGnhR6-Tf9iqu7M_COo3fCTCn5P28-Q0FBXHwLarrinCpZGMW0TdmatyBhxubF4FQ9WUsU2oX9EK6vSvLa9BGvcgaUg/s1600/Hei-matau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFI0KBFLrNdI1O5EJTkoQI5yMa80syKhDOchlC2VRtErbGnhR6-Tf9iqu7M_COo3fCTCn5P28-Q0FBXHwLarrinCpZGMW0TdmatyBhxubF4FQ9WUsU2oX9EK6vSvLa9BGvcgaUg/s320/Hei-matau.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-82239257750371245792012-04-25T07:25:00.000+10:002012-04-25T07:25:00.683+10:00Happy Birthday & Welcome Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqst6Au69MrSdamC5I7K1bipN7T7FYFaPpoRY2kkT712tXsL2CjUU0Pc3OiMBg6wbvgNgA4eEjulElPCkC3gH0MvTiHmbQ42fE2t-Q5Ac9uYOE1gLeK4FZiZL82y0v4mZpA8rPQ/s1600/anzacs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqst6Au69MrSdamC5I7K1bipN7T7FYFaPpoRY2kkT712tXsL2CjUU0Pc3OiMBg6wbvgNgA4eEjulElPCkC3gH0MvTiHmbQ42fE2t-Q5Ac9uYOE1gLeK4FZiZL82y0v4mZpA8rPQ/s400/anzacs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My baby boy turns 27 as this publishes (all going well). At 6.03 am on ANZAC Day, 1985 he made his debut into this world.<br />
This ANZAC Day he arrives back home from a 7 1/2 month deployment in Afghanistan. I can't wait to see him!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Birthday Baby Boy!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you to pieces!</div>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-49178219302029585022012-04-12T21:23:00.000+10:002012-04-12T21:23:29.308+10:00You'd Admit to That...to a Woman?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes it is really just too darn difficult to take some men seriously. Honestly - it is!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This isn't me being sexist, or manist or whatever other 'ist' you can think of. This is me telling a true story of two men and a washing machine.... or is that four men?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It all began a week or so back when I put my washing machine up for auction (or Buy Now) on our local auction website. Someone hit the Buy Now button the day after I listed it & duly rang me a day later to arrange pick up. I gave him my address & asked what day he wanted to come - which typically was the day everyone else seemed to want to do their pick-ups of some of the larger items I've been selling.....same time too. What is it about 11.00am anyway??</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next day 11.00am rolled around & the lady who had bought my two huge yuccas had been & gone, the people that wanted to pick up the upright freezer arrived & paid, the guy that had bought my scroll saw arrived & paid...& so on. I even sold another couple of things with out having to list them - so far so good.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mr washing machine man still hadn't turned up at lunch time..... just before 1.00pm the phone rang with him asking for the street name again. Why, because they were out the other side of town in the wrong street. Apparently NavMan said there was no such street as mine..but I guess that depends on how you spell it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, how hard is it to spell Palm? Obviously quite difficult because I had to spell it out for him.... 4 times. After he repeated it to me correctly it was only a matter of a few minutes before they were pulling into my driveway, handing over the cash & loading up the washing machine into the back of their van. So far so good!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Two days later I get a phone call saying the washing machine wasn't working. UGH! I asked him what it wasn't doing - was it not filling, washing but not spinning, not draining or what?... ( symptoms guys - I need symptoms!!)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The response: It's not working & we didn't drop it or anything.(how reassuring)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: Is it filling?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mr Wmm: It's starts to, but then it stops & does nothing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: OK, have you tried changing the inlet hoses over (thinking he could have them the wrong way around)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mr Wmm: What good is that going to do? I just want to do some washing!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By this stage I was somewhat exasperated & figured if he had to ask then it was no good trying to explain that it would "make the darn thing work". </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I asked for his address & offered to go over & see what it was doing. I was informed that would be good - but it would have to be the next day as he was busy....any time after 1.00pm would suit. No thank you, no nothing. Hmmmmm!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As it turned out at 1.00pm the next day I was waiting for someone to arrive to pick up some plants - they were late. The phone rang & Mr Wmm quite bluntly stated that he was waiting to go out & I'd said I'd be there at 1.00pm. Say what??? Well shoot, I corrected him on that one!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I duly trotted over to look at the delinquent washing machine. Turned it on & voilà' no sound of water going into it at all. I turned it off, turned off the taps at the wall, pulled it out & swapped over the inlet hoses - while he stood there & once again said "what difference will that make? water's water". I just bit my tongue, hid my smile & said "We'll see", as I pushed the machine back in, turned it one & put it through it's paces.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It filled & ran perfectly - it isn't called a "SmartDrive" for nothing .</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There was still no "Thank you" forthcoming. However what he said next made up for it because it's made me smile every time I think about it for the past few days...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"I don't know how you did that, four of us guys<b> stood here</b> trying to figure out how changing the hoses would make a difference......"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You'd admit to that?? To a woman who has just fixed your washing machine by doing what she suggested you try in the first place??<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well there's your problem - Do, or Do Not. There is no try . </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MreRsBWIPR90Ph3Ug4os36-Y0h7AmQEnAVZFLVx_bakh0a-yq4v9nFi6f4yHDB0CwRG9RM6VPwdGSS9bjXJZpCD3EfRVEYNNPeOonrrQOurTNWyMQ9Z0VDBlwNZw7MaCOhSTeA/s1600/2011-Chevrolet-HHR-LS-Front-Angle-Pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MreRsBWIPR90Ph3Ug4os36-Y0h7AmQEnAVZFLVx_bakh0a-yq4v9nFi6f4yHDB0CwRG9RM6VPwdGSS9bjXJZpCD3EfRVEYNNPeOonrrQOurTNWyMQ9Z0VDBlwNZw7MaCOhSTeA/s320/2011-Chevrolet-HHR-LS-Front-Angle-Pictures.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
Gratuitous car shot - because this is far nicer than a photo of a washing machine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I need it!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com2Christchurch, New Zealand-43.5320544 172.6362254-43.7162454 172.3203684 -43.3478634 172.9520824tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31933505.post-81754714771418478822012-04-09T21:59:00.000+10:002012-04-09T22:17:36.918+10:00Moving to Morocco<div style="text-align: justify;">
Life, such as it is, seems to be happening around me. While I've been sorting, minimising & packing I've had a lot of outside influences to factor into my choices of what to take with me, what things need me to find another place to store them here & what to let go of completely.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's almost 6 weeks since I first started on this post at the beginning of March & I still find the title apt for the way I have come to think of things. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It would be far easier if I were moving to Morocco - or anywhere in the world where the culture was significantly different to here. For my purposes I'm saying Morocco because I have wanted to go there ever since I can remember....along with pretty much everywhere else in North Africa.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I have sifted through 'stuff', with vague recollections wanting to be an archaeologist at some point in my childhood, I've realised the decision making on pretty much every level would be a lot easier if I were moving somewhere that wasn't quite so 'westernised'. It's difficult not to make comparisons between New Zealand & Australia as our cultures & lifestyles are very similar. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have homes & we fill them with stuff. A lot of that stuff is electronics & appliances. So while I'm making decisions I can rationalise taking "such & such" as I have a whole container to fill & if I leave it I will just have to replace it on the other side of the ditch which will end up costing me more than the space that it takes in the container.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now if I were going to Morocco to live, a whole heap of that very same stuff would be superfluous.Even if it wasn't & could be used there, I know in my heart that I wouldn't want to take it as I'd rather immerse myself in their culture & do things in the way of their culture.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Perhaps I'd ship over my torches & a bit of glass, some metalworking tools & such - but that would be about it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me, a backpack, a few items of clothing (because it'd be wrong to travel naked & could cause a whole heap of hold ups - not to mention mass exodus at airports & traumatized passengers), a laptop & my camera.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dammit - I wish I was going to Morocco! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_yX6dU3cvuPOBV6EgRixaAsRvYhpLr71JVyPIMlTuULCpQgJAxlRVCc6iNcMvHheMDCOS05b2l27he5ocSsQwj6eW1sfkT6nTqKPHCzRCNhH74UwDX0ynbWtDU8yFFOdHAOJrQ/s1600/moroccan-pottery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_yX6dU3cvuPOBV6EgRixaAsRvYhpLr71JVyPIMlTuULCpQgJAxlRVCc6iNcMvHheMDCOS05b2l27he5ocSsQwj6eW1sfkT6nTqKPHCzRCNhH74UwDX0ynbWtDU8yFFOdHAOJrQ/s320/moroccan-pottery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB77q2gw-pk4dg8OJAMcW6fyMlsOPXlOlIsHohIplKdn8pttmgQ4fv-F_OGBNYONlLXrBzlRzSJKmjgromRio1FfY3pQTNpoFF1xVPlF7Q_6LhP-Pt3phhMC-vnkQvbKysR4pwjQ/s1600/Morocco3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB77q2gw-pk4dg8OJAMcW6fyMlsOPXlOlIsHohIplKdn8pttmgQ4fv-F_OGBNYONlLXrBzlRzSJKmjgromRio1FfY3pQTNpoFF1xVPlF7Q_6LhP-Pt3phhMC-vnkQvbKysR4pwjQ/s320/Morocco3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152008716680160516noreply@blogger.com1Christchurch, New Zealand-43.5320544 172.6362254-43.7162454 172.3203684 -43.3478634 172.9520824