We had such fun yesterday at the Play School concert.
Play School has been around for generations and the same songs are still as fresh with the newest generation as they were for the 30 and 40 year olds back in the day.
So of course, a Play School concert is an exciting outing for the whole family, because it brings back wonderful memories for the parents and creates a whole new set of memories for their kids and absolutely everyone in the room feels a connection that is bonded by smiles and happiness.
Being 'Aspie', Chicklet needed lots of mental preparation for this outing, so for days leading up to it, Vegan Chickie described everything that was going to happen and lots of things that 'might' happen and explained to Chicklet the coping mechanisms she could use whenever she felt overwhelmed or insecure.
It was a big day for Chicklet. She was so excited all morning, asking many times if it was 'time' yet and then finally we were in the car for the hour long drive to our concert destination. Within 20 minutes, Chicklet was asleep as the excitement had caught up with her.
This turned out to be a good thing, because the concert was on during her normal nap time!
We got there about an hour early, making allowances for getting lost and finding a good parking spot, and we were hoping to find a coffee shop or a kiosk, but alas there were only vending machines, so everybody got a drink and we sat in the sunshine waiting to join the queue.
Chicklet was coping very well until a child walked up to say hello. It was a brief chaotic moment that didn't cause any damage.
Then we joined the queue. Kids running around everywhere - the kids outnumbered the adults by about three to one - except us. Some kids screaming. Some kids climbing anything that was climbable. Some kids being lectured by their parents. Some trying to undress themselves. Some wanting to eat the 'emergency' food that was in their parents' bags. Lots of noise and chaos.
Chicklet stood quietly behind Vegan Chickie's knees when it became a bit overwhelming - that was one of her coping strategies.
We got inside and luckily were quite close to the front of the stage .. it was 'on the floor' seating, except for a few chairs around the outer edge of the floor, so the family sat on the floor, near the chairs and I sat on a chair where I had a decent view of Chicklet and I could get the happy snaps (which I posted yesterday).
When the show started, she was SO excited. For the most part, she joined in and clapped and danced and sang and did the actions. Every so often she zoned out and did her own quirky thing, but was quite easily brought back to the moment.
Vegan Chickie and the Bare-chested Chef seemed to enjoy the show just as much, if not more, than Chicklet!! They clapped and sang along with the Play School show, but obviously got overwhelming enjoyment out of Chicklet's happiness.
I felt overwhelming enjoyment watching the three of them together. There are no words to describe the emotional fulfilment that you get from watching your family feeling and expressing so much love together. I felt so lucky to be sitting there and sharing a moment that would be a happy memory for us all in the years to come.
The show only lasted for 40 minutes, which is just the perfect amount of time for so many kids in that age bracket. Everybody left the show still feeling happy and excited and no kid complained about it being over, because they played the same closing song as the TV show, so the kids didn't even question that it was time to leave.
Quite a few dollars later, after leaving the merchandise stall, with our arms full of a confusing group of Play School family ... 1 x big Little Ted, 1 x small Big Ted, 1 x small Humpty and 1 x Jemima ballerina ... we then headed off to find some lunch.
The Chicklet family took me to a Gluten Free restaurant at Mooloolaba, where we had a very pleasant lunch and Chicklet got to play in the kid's area.
We all arrived home safe n sound, no meltdowns, no dramas .. just all very grateful for our happy and wonderful day together and a great collection of photos to remind us in the years to come.
Today, Chicklet and I went shopping for a toy.
We spent 30 minutes in The Reject Shop. Every toy that I pointed to, she said, rather vaguely "Um. Nooo."
We spent 30 minutes in The Warehouse. Same story "Um. Nooo."
We spent 30 minutes in Toy World and again, "Um. Nooo."
No to ALL the dinosaurs, including 'Dinosaur Train'. No to all Octonauts. No to all the stuffed toys. No to all the teasets. No to all the dolls. No to all the cars, boats and trains. No to talking penguins. No to dress up clothes. No to balls. No to farm animals. No to aliens. No to 'My Little Pony'. No to Barbie (surprise surprise). No to Smurfs. No to giant spiders. No to reptiles. No to shopping trolleys full of groceries. No to plastic kitchens. No to Monsters Inc. No to giant teddy bears.
Eventually, I said "We will have to go home without a toy."
"Noooooooo!" she squarked.
Finally, she decided on a plush toy octopus with huge shiny eyes, named 'Legs' (and I don't even have a photo!).
So THAT is how I have spent my day .. playing with Chicklet and Legs at the foot of the stairs!
Now, I'm going to watch some Greys Anatomy and get some sleep, ready for another big Chicklet filled day tomorrow.
... and absolutely loving it!
Nite all.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Play School Day
We saw the Play School concert today and I know that I promised to tell you all about it, but I've been so busy editing the photos, it's too late to do anything except share the photos tonight.
Tomorrow night I will try to remember all the details and share the day.
Nite all.
Tomorrow night I will try to remember all the details and share the day.
Nite all.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
55 Minutes Late!
That's how late my train was today! Not that it mattered to me, but it did to some people who needed to catch a plane and were very concerned about getting to the airport on time. Personally, I think it's pretty silly to give yourself such a small window of time and expect public transport to get you there within it!
There were only 8 other people in my carriage and all but one of them had a horrible cough and cold. There was sneezing and coughing and nose blowing for two whole hours, all around me! It will be interesting to see if my body is strong enough to withstand such germ warfare!
Anyway, I arrived safe n sound and my little Chicklet was happy to see me and my bag full of goodies. We've had a lovely afternoon and read lots of books this evening. Tomorrow will be a big day, which I will tell you all about at the end of it.
I have lots of quotes to share with you today .. because we all know how travel days are not newsworthy and they tire me out. The first few are serious and the last few cracked me up!
Nite all.
There were only 8 other people in my carriage and all but one of them had a horrible cough and cold. There was sneezing and coughing and nose blowing for two whole hours, all around me! It will be interesting to see if my body is strong enough to withstand such germ warfare!
Anyway, I arrived safe n sound and my little Chicklet was happy to see me and my bag full of goodies. We've had a lovely afternoon and read lots of books this evening. Tomorrow will be a big day, which I will tell you all about at the end of it.
I have lots of quotes to share with you today .. because we all know how travel days are not newsworthy and they tire me out. The first few are serious and the last few cracked me up!
Nite all.
Packing
How nice that I don't have to get up at 4am to stand on a cold train platform waiting for my ride tomorrow!
I booked myself onto the later train, so that I can sleep in and then take my time getting ready and finishing packing in the morning.
Considering it's already midnight as I write this, I'm feeling even more relieved that I chose to do that.
I got a fair bit of studying done today, as well as all my washing and ironing and most of my packing, so I'm not feeling any stress at all.
There'll be no photo shoots this trip, so I only have to take a couple of lenses for the family and Chicklet pics. That will reduce the weight of my baggage by a couple of kgs.
My next #100happydays photo ...
Happiness is studying while enjoying a pot of liquorice tea :D
... and now I'm outta here!
Nite all.
I booked myself onto the later train, so that I can sleep in and then take my time getting ready and finishing packing in the morning.
Considering it's already midnight as I write this, I'm feeling even more relieved that I chose to do that.
I got a fair bit of studying done today, as well as all my washing and ironing and most of my packing, so I'm not feeling any stress at all.
There'll be no photo shoots this trip, so I only have to take a couple of lenses for the family and Chicklet pics. That will reduce the weight of my baggage by a couple of kgs.
My next #100happydays photo ...
Happiness is studying while enjoying a pot of liquorice tea :D
... and now I'm outta here!
Nite all.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Not Gunna Happen
It's been a very productive day, but not for studying.
Time with my boys at the Seat of Knowledge, morning tea with the girls and then straight home to the kitchen!
I'll be away for 4 nights, so I've prepared some meals for Adoring Husband. He can cook for himself, but he would eat steak with mushroom sauce for every meal if he had his way, so I've prepared some meals packed full of nutritional vegetables.
Savoury Mince and Veggies, Hot Chilli Chicken and Veggies, Beef and Veggie Casserole and I prepared some sweet potato chips, coated them in coconut oil and himalayan salt and bagged them in meal sized portions, so that all AH has to do is spread them on a tray and cook them in the oven.
I got my washing done ready for my trip.
At 4.45pm, the sky was looking promising for a nice sunset, so I packed my camera gear into my trike basket and pedalled down to the river.
It was less than impressive, but sometimes you can make something out of nothing...
I returned home and made some chocolate bark with premium dark chocolate (sugar free and dairy free) and macadamia nuts, pistachio nuts and hazelnuts. Adoring Husband had a hankering for some chocolate, so the bark should last a few days (I hope).
Tomorrow should be free for mostly study. I know that I won't get my assignment finished, but I'll be able to get a lot done .. all going to plan.
AH photographed a spectacular sunrise this morning .. while I slept soundly under the warm doona. It was a cold morning and I didn't want to get out of bed until almost 8am AGAIN! I'd be willing to get out of bed for a sunrise like that .. let's see what tomorrow brings.
Nite all.
Time with my boys at the Seat of Knowledge, morning tea with the girls and then straight home to the kitchen!
I'll be away for 4 nights, so I've prepared some meals for Adoring Husband. He can cook for himself, but he would eat steak with mushroom sauce for every meal if he had his way, so I've prepared some meals packed full of nutritional vegetables.
Savoury Mince and Veggies, Hot Chilli Chicken and Veggies, Beef and Veggie Casserole and I prepared some sweet potato chips, coated them in coconut oil and himalayan salt and bagged them in meal sized portions, so that all AH has to do is spread them on a tray and cook them in the oven.
I got my washing done ready for my trip.
At 4.45pm, the sky was looking promising for a nice sunset, so I packed my camera gear into my trike basket and pedalled down to the river.
It was less than impressive, but sometimes you can make something out of nothing...
I returned home and made some chocolate bark with premium dark chocolate (sugar free and dairy free) and macadamia nuts, pistachio nuts and hazelnuts. Adoring Husband had a hankering for some chocolate, so the bark should last a few days (I hope).
Tomorrow should be free for mostly study. I know that I won't get my assignment finished, but I'll be able to get a lot done .. all going to plan.
AH photographed a spectacular sunrise this morning .. while I slept soundly under the warm doona. It was a cold morning and I didn't want to get out of bed until almost 8am AGAIN! I'd be willing to get out of bed for a sunrise like that .. let's see what tomorrow brings.
Nite all.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Too Perfect
It was a very cold morning .. just 6C .. so I stayed in bed until almost 8am! No need to get up any earlier when it was so nice and snug and comfortable in bed.
A nice hot shower got me moving and I still made it to the Seat of Knowledge in time to spend fifteen minutes with the boys.
From there I headed to the shops and after checking the mail and getting some meat for tea, I ordered myself a coffee and sat in the sunshine by myself for half an hour. It was a delightful way to spend a quiet morning.
Now we all know that I had big plans for a day full of study .. but the day was just too beautiful to spend it inside, so I pedalled around town for 3 hours, taking photos and chatting with different people along the way.
I saw an Osprey and chased it clear across town, speeding along the overgrown track that circles the lake at the back of the newest estate. The track is so poorly maintained that some of it is covered with pretty deep sand, which I didn't know until I was IN it and almost went over the handle bars! That was a shocking moment that got my heart pumping!
I watched the Osprey dive from the sky straight down to the lake on the other side of the road and even though I had a good view of the area, I didn't see where he landed and I didn't see him fly skyward. I trekked through the bush and along the eroded path trying to find him, but there was no sign of the bird anywhere.
Bugger!
I did find some gorgeous colour that really brightened this Winter's day ...
I finally came home just before lunch and hit the books.
I studied for over 5 hours and caught up on a 2 hour tutorial that would have been only 1 hour and 40 minutes if I could have edited all the 'ums' and 'ahs' out it!
So now I don't feel guilty about my morning fun.
It's been a full day and I think I'm done.
Nite all.
A nice hot shower got me moving and I still made it to the Seat of Knowledge in time to spend fifteen minutes with the boys.
From there I headed to the shops and after checking the mail and getting some meat for tea, I ordered myself a coffee and sat in the sunshine by myself for half an hour. It was a delightful way to spend a quiet morning.
Now we all know that I had big plans for a day full of study .. but the day was just too beautiful to spend it inside, so I pedalled around town for 3 hours, taking photos and chatting with different people along the way.
I saw an Osprey and chased it clear across town, speeding along the overgrown track that circles the lake at the back of the newest estate. The track is so poorly maintained that some of it is covered with pretty deep sand, which I didn't know until I was IN it and almost went over the handle bars! That was a shocking moment that got my heart pumping!
I watched the Osprey dive from the sky straight down to the lake on the other side of the road and even though I had a good view of the area, I didn't see where he landed and I didn't see him fly skyward. I trekked through the bush and along the eroded path trying to find him, but there was no sign of the bird anywhere.
Bugger!
I did find some gorgeous colour that really brightened this Winter's day ...
I finally came home just before lunch and hit the books.
I studied for over 5 hours and caught up on a 2 hour tutorial that would have been only 1 hour and 40 minutes if I could have edited all the 'ums' and 'ahs' out it!
So now I don't feel guilty about my morning fun.
It's been a full day and I think I'm done.
Nite all.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
New Challenge
Day three of the #100happydays challenge ...
I look forward to pedalling to the post office every day to check the mail .. especially if I'm expecting a parcel!
The May challenge for the flickr group is 'Repetition in Nature' and I have a great idea for it, so watch this space.
I finally submitted my first assignment .. how scary is it to press that 'send' button!? It asks the question "Are you sure? You cannot make any changes after your assignment is submitted." UGH! Do I? Don't I? *squeeze eyes shut* *press 'send'* B-R-E-A-T-H-E
Next challenge, finish second assignment. So much reading to do. So many questions to answer.
Feeling a lot better today and even spent some time in the warm sunshine by the river this morning. It was only 12C when I left home - cold enough to wear jeans and shoes! Unheard of!
So tomorrow the challenge is to complete all three of the above challenges. Wish me luck.
Nite all.
I look forward to pedalling to the post office every day to check the mail .. especially if I'm expecting a parcel!
The May challenge for the flickr group is 'Repetition in Nature' and I have a great idea for it, so watch this space.
I finally submitted my first assignment .. how scary is it to press that 'send' button!? It asks the question "Are you sure? You cannot make any changes after your assignment is submitted." UGH! Do I? Don't I? *squeeze eyes shut* *press 'send'* B-R-E-A-T-H-E
Next challenge, finish second assignment. So much reading to do. So many questions to answer.
Feeling a lot better today and even spent some time in the warm sunshine by the river this morning. It was only 12C when I left home - cold enough to wear jeans and shoes! Unheard of!
So tomorrow the challenge is to complete all three of the above challenges. Wish me luck.
Nite all.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Feeling Poorly
I missed the First Aid course today.
I woke up feeling very much under the weather and decided to stay at home. I went back to bed and slept until almost 11am! I spent most of the day, after I woke, on the couch and when I thought I was feeling better, decided to cook some muffins, but halfway through the process, realised that I wasn't feeling better at all!
So I'm off to bed early and hopefully, by tomorrow, I'll be 100%.
My second photo for the 100happydays challenge ...
My chickens running amok in the back garden make me happy .. although I would be even happier if they laid me an egg!
Nite all.
I woke up feeling very much under the weather and decided to stay at home. I went back to bed and slept until almost 11am! I spent most of the day, after I woke, on the couch and when I thought I was feeling better, decided to cook some muffins, but halfway through the process, realised that I wasn't feeling better at all!
So I'm off to bed early and hopefully, by tomorrow, I'll be 100%.
My second photo for the 100happydays challenge ...
My chickens running amok in the back garden make me happy .. although I would be even happier if they laid me an egg!
Nite all.
Friday, May 2, 2014
New Challenge
I've started a new photography challenge.
It's called 100 Happy Days.
Every day, for 100 days, I have to take a photo of something that makes me happy.
I've already cheated, because my first photo is of Chicklet, which was taken during my last visit, but I couldn't wait til next week!
The website states that 71% of all people who attempt this challenge fail.
Let's see if I can succeed.
Nite all.
It's called 100 Happy Days.
Every day, for 100 days, I have to take a photo of something that makes me happy.
I've already cheated, because my first photo is of Chicklet, which was taken during my last visit, but I couldn't wait til next week!
The website states that 71% of all people who attempt this challenge fail.
Let's see if I can succeed.
Nite all.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Alive and Well
Gentleman Jim is alive and well. He apologised profusely for worrying me as he did .. but he was out with a woman! *gasp*
The boys all enjoyed their chicken broth too.
I got a lot of study done today and I finished one of my assignments :) It's not yet submitted, but it's a relief to have the first one complete, thanks to some incredibly helpful advice from someone special.
The second assignment is already underway!
This weekend is already booked with a First Aid course, so I won't get much study done over those two days. Tomorrow looks like it might be solidly booked with .. yes .. study!
I need to finish the second assignment so that I can book my trip to the Sunny Coast next week!
My other good news for the day is that my youngest daughter, Bubbles, has confirmed her holiday dates and will be here in August!
This is where I must talk about how precious and wonderful she is and how much I love her!
She is precious and wonderful and I love her very very much, full stop, no returns (private joke).
Now, to plan the theme party!
Nothing else to report for today. No photos. No quotes. I'm done.
Nite all.
The boys all enjoyed their chicken broth too.
I got a lot of study done today and I finished one of my assignments :) It's not yet submitted, but it's a relief to have the first one complete, thanks to some incredibly helpful advice from someone special.
The second assignment is already underway!
This weekend is already booked with a First Aid course, so I won't get much study done over those two days. Tomorrow looks like it might be solidly booked with .. yes .. study!
I need to finish the second assignment so that I can book my trip to the Sunny Coast next week!
My other good news for the day is that my youngest daughter, Bubbles, has confirmed her holiday dates and will be here in August!
This is where I must talk about how precious and wonderful she is and how much I love her!
She is precious and wonderful and I love her very very much, full stop, no returns (private joke).
Now, to plan the theme party!
Nothing else to report for today. No photos. No quotes. I'm done.
Nite all.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
The Bird is Gone!
Yesterday, we noticed that SEB (Someone Else's Bird) had a completely bald head! She rarely comes out of the nesting box, so we don't get to see her very often .. which is why we hadn't noticed her balding appearance.
OB (Our Bird) has been a bit aggressive with SEB lately, so I watched during the day and every time SEB tried to eat or drink, OB attacked her.
I told Adoring Husband that "enough was enough!" and that it was time to get rid of OB. OB has been a pain in the 'you-know-what' ever since we got her. She is loud, aggressive, anti-social and constantly annoying. It's time to go OB!
We've had two offers in the last few months. One from a pet shop in Hervey Bay and one from a plant nursery on the outskirts of Hervey Bay that has a large aviary on the grounds, filled with cockatiels.
While I was out this morning, Adoring Husband decided to get OB out of the cage and take her to the plant nursery.
Unfortunately, he got OB into the box, but the lid slipped and OB escaped!
Meanwhile ... SEB has not set foot out of the nesting box ALL DAY!
We know that there are 5 eggs in the box. Three on SEB's side of the box and two on OB's side of the box. Every time I open the box to have a look, SEB is sitting there guarding her eggs.
I wonder if she is stressed or fretting over the lost OB?
The other strange thing that occurred today was down at the Seat of Knowledge.
I took some containers of the chicken broth that I made yesterday down for the boys, but Gentleman Jim wasn't there .. which was unusual, because he usually tells us if he isn't going to be there.
So I rode to his van at the park. His car was parked there, his shoes and socks were at the steps of the van, his slip on shoes were outside the front door of the annexe, his bath towel was draped over the chair outside, but there was no sign of Gentleman Jim.
I knocked twice and called out his name .. nothing.
I tried to look inside his bedroom window, but I'm too short and couldn't see anything.
I walked over to the caravan park office, which isn't very far from his van and asked the lady if she knew where he was. She came over to the van and knocked on the sliding door quite loudly, but there was no answer. She said he should have been there.
She offered to take the soup to keep it in the freezer for him and would take it to him later in the day.
I left, still feeling a little worried, but there wasn't anything else that I could do.
I assume that since nobody has knocked on my door with bad news today, it means that nothing 'untoward' has happened.
From there I rode to the shops to get my morning coffee (I can't believe I'm drinking coffee every day again! Just one.) and checked the mail box to find a parcel slip. It was a big box from BGWLBH! My birthday box, full of surprises!
Three pieces of beautiful jewellery, charms for wine glasses, some chocolate moulds with a mini spatula, a set of 3 colourful candle holders, a set of red and white striped ice cream cups. I love our birthday tradition of sending a box full of lots of presents, all wrapped separately. They are such fun to open!
I submitted this photo in the flickr Black & White challenge today ...
I also got a little study in today, but I need to intensify my effort tomorrow .. no distractions!
Nite all.
OB (Our Bird) has been a bit aggressive with SEB lately, so I watched during the day and every time SEB tried to eat or drink, OB attacked her.
I told Adoring Husband that "enough was enough!" and that it was time to get rid of OB. OB has been a pain in the 'you-know-what' ever since we got her. She is loud, aggressive, anti-social and constantly annoying. It's time to go OB!
We've had two offers in the last few months. One from a pet shop in Hervey Bay and one from a plant nursery on the outskirts of Hervey Bay that has a large aviary on the grounds, filled with cockatiels.
While I was out this morning, Adoring Husband decided to get OB out of the cage and take her to the plant nursery.
Unfortunately, he got OB into the box, but the lid slipped and OB escaped!
Meanwhile ... SEB has not set foot out of the nesting box ALL DAY!
We know that there are 5 eggs in the box. Three on SEB's side of the box and two on OB's side of the box. Every time I open the box to have a look, SEB is sitting there guarding her eggs.
I wonder if she is stressed or fretting over the lost OB?
The other strange thing that occurred today was down at the Seat of Knowledge.
I took some containers of the chicken broth that I made yesterday down for the boys, but Gentleman Jim wasn't there .. which was unusual, because he usually tells us if he isn't going to be there.
So I rode to his van at the park. His car was parked there, his shoes and socks were at the steps of the van, his slip on shoes were outside the front door of the annexe, his bath towel was draped over the chair outside, but there was no sign of Gentleman Jim.
I knocked twice and called out his name .. nothing.
I tried to look inside his bedroom window, but I'm too short and couldn't see anything.
I walked over to the caravan park office, which isn't very far from his van and asked the lady if she knew where he was. She came over to the van and knocked on the sliding door quite loudly, but there was no answer. She said he should have been there.
She offered to take the soup to keep it in the freezer for him and would take it to him later in the day.
I left, still feeling a little worried, but there wasn't anything else that I could do.
I assume that since nobody has knocked on my door with bad news today, it means that nothing 'untoward' has happened.
From there I rode to the shops to get my morning coffee (I can't believe I'm drinking coffee every day again! Just one.) and checked the mail box to find a parcel slip. It was a big box from BGWLBH! My birthday box, full of surprises!
Three pieces of beautiful jewellery, charms for wine glasses, some chocolate moulds with a mini spatula, a set of 3 colourful candle holders, a set of red and white striped ice cream cups. I love our birthday tradition of sending a box full of lots of presents, all wrapped separately. They are such fun to open!
I submitted this photo in the flickr Black & White challenge today ...
I also got a little study in today, but I need to intensify my effort tomorrow .. no distractions!
Nite all.
Write Off
I did a lot of cooking today!
I should have been studying, but I've been studying so much, I feel like our diet was beginning to suffer and I needed some time in the kitchen to make something nutritious.
I was given some small frozen chickens that were freshly killed from the farm .. plucked and cleaned, so I used one of them, plus the livers from all of them to make a delicious broth. I simmered celery, carrot, garlic, capsicum, onion and chilli with the chicken for about 10 hours.
I strained the broth into containers and then cooked up some diced carrot, onion, silverbeet, spinach and zucchini and added that to the broth, along with the livers diced up.
Chicken livers are high in protein and are a rich source of Iron, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin A.
I got a dozen containers of broth out of that chicken, so I'll take a few containers down to the Seat of Knowledge in the morning and give them to the boys. The Little Gnome will get a couple of containers, because he gave me the chickens.
While the broth was simmering, I made the Four Cheese Spinach Tart for our lunch to accompany a Prawn, Avocado and Grape salad.
Then for dinner I made Sweet Potato Chips and a Baby Spinach Salad to have with the Four Cheese Tart.
I got a bit of housework done today too, so even though I didn't study, I still had a productive day.
I want to finish two of my assignments by the end of this weekend, so that I can plan to spend a few days down the Sunny Coast to visit my Chicklet family.
I'm also doing a First Aid course at the SES shed on the weekend too, so that will take up some of my study time.
There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done around here. How the hell did I ever work full time?
Nite all.
I should have been studying, but I've been studying so much, I feel like our diet was beginning to suffer and I needed some time in the kitchen to make something nutritious.
I was given some small frozen chickens that were freshly killed from the farm .. plucked and cleaned, so I used one of them, plus the livers from all of them to make a delicious broth. I simmered celery, carrot, garlic, capsicum, onion and chilli with the chicken for about 10 hours.
I strained the broth into containers and then cooked up some diced carrot, onion, silverbeet, spinach and zucchini and added that to the broth, along with the livers diced up.
Chicken livers are high in protein and are a rich source of Iron, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin A.
I got a dozen containers of broth out of that chicken, so I'll take a few containers down to the Seat of Knowledge in the morning and give them to the boys. The Little Gnome will get a couple of containers, because he gave me the chickens.
While the broth was simmering, I made the Four Cheese Spinach Tart for our lunch to accompany a Prawn, Avocado and Grape salad.
Then for dinner I made Sweet Potato Chips and a Baby Spinach Salad to have with the Four Cheese Tart.
I got a bit of housework done today too, so even though I didn't study, I still had a productive day.
I want to finish two of my assignments by the end of this weekend, so that I can plan to spend a few days down the Sunny Coast to visit my Chicklet family.
I'm also doing a First Aid course at the SES shed on the weekend too, so that will take up some of my study time.
There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done around here. How the hell did I ever work full time?
Nite all.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
A question asked of me recently .. the difference between regular table salt and Himalayan Pink salt .. in a nutshell
I did a stupid thing today .. I had a coffee at 3pm. It's now almost midnight and I think I'm wide awake .. I mean REALLY wide awake! Ugh!
So I've played with a couple of old photos while watching a movie ...
... and now before I get involved in the next movie, I am going to attempt to sleep.
Nite all.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Study Free Day
I took today, Sunday, as a day of rest and spent most of it on the couch watching movies and the football.
I woke up to the smell of chicken stock still on the heat after almost 24 hours gently simmering, so I had to spend some time packaging that and loading it into the freezer, before heading off to the Seat of Knowledge.
I returned home to find Adoring Husband making a delicious bacon and egg breakfast for us, which was a good way to start a lazy day.
I've decided to make a 'vision' board for my work space. A vision board to inspire and encourage me to study hard and fulfil the dream and plan that was in my head when I chose this course. I still feel out of my depth, though every day gets a bit easier and I'm feeling more comfortable, so a vision board will be just the thing to help keep me focussed and enthusiastic.
I'll take a photo of it when I'm finished.
This is an old photo from a shoot that I did with some photographer friends at Coolum Beach last year, The Nikonian being one of them .. the same lovely people have invited me to Bunya Mountains in June for a weekend of friendship and photography and I'm really looking forward to that .. I always learn a lot from them when we are together.
I've missed my photography a bit lately .. I may have to rearrange my study schedule to include a couple of hours out and about with my camera. I'd very much like to do some portrait photography of some of our local characters around town, but I know I don't have time for that right now. If I can get ahead with my assignments .. that could be my reward!
Meanwhile, a friend suggested that I turn off my computer an hour before I go to bed .. to help me fall asleep easier at night. So I'm doing that tonight and will turn off all technology while I sit and read one of my text books .. if that doesn't put me to sleep, nothing will!
Nite all.
I woke up to the smell of chicken stock still on the heat after almost 24 hours gently simmering, so I had to spend some time packaging that and loading it into the freezer, before heading off to the Seat of Knowledge.
I returned home to find Adoring Husband making a delicious bacon and egg breakfast for us, which was a good way to start a lazy day.
I've decided to make a 'vision' board for my work space. A vision board to inspire and encourage me to study hard and fulfil the dream and plan that was in my head when I chose this course. I still feel out of my depth, though every day gets a bit easier and I'm feeling more comfortable, so a vision board will be just the thing to help keep me focussed and enthusiastic.
I'll take a photo of it when I'm finished.
This is an old photo from a shoot that I did with some photographer friends at Coolum Beach last year, The Nikonian being one of them .. the same lovely people have invited me to Bunya Mountains in June for a weekend of friendship and photography and I'm really looking forward to that .. I always learn a lot from them when we are together.
I've missed my photography a bit lately .. I may have to rearrange my study schedule to include a couple of hours out and about with my camera. I'd very much like to do some portrait photography of some of our local characters around town, but I know I don't have time for that right now. If I can get ahead with my assignments .. that could be my reward!
Meanwhile, a friend suggested that I turn off my computer an hour before I go to bed .. to help me fall asleep easier at night. So I'm doing that tonight and will turn off all technology while I sit and read one of my text books .. if that doesn't put me to sleep, nothing will!
Nite all.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Saturday
It was a most glorious day today. It was a sparkling sunshiny day to celebrate and this morning, by the water, was positively exhilarating!
Unfortunately, I had to spend most if the day inside studying ... but I did get to do some reading on the garden swing in the fresh air.
This afternoon, when it got a little warm, we spent the time on the couch watching the football, which was pretty relaxing.
So, with no news to share, I have some facebook quotes instead!
I'm all footballed out, so I'm off to bed.
Nite all.
Unfortunately, I had to spend most if the day inside studying ... but I did get to do some reading on the garden swing in the fresh air.
This afternoon, when it got a little warm, we spent the time on the couch watching the football, which was pretty relaxing.
So, with no news to share, I have some facebook quotes instead!
I'm all footballed out, so I'm off to bed.
Nite all.
Friday, April 25, 2014
That's My Team
I'm watching a very exciting game of NRL football between South Sydney Rabbitohs and my team, Brisbane Broncos.
The score is 28-26 to South Sydney with 30 seconds to go. Ugh!!
Rabbitohs have won.
Some poor refereeing decisions .. especially in that last few minutes .. so there is a little controversy, according to the commentators.
Ah well, you win some, you lose some!
Not much to report for the day.
Oh I sold a photo!
Somebody who bought a photo from my exhibit in 2012, contacted me to ask for a photo of a pelican, so I took all of my pelican photos to their house today, and they selected the one they liked best.
While I was there, I got a shot of a lorikeet in their back garden ..
So, selling a photo .. that's pretty special!
We didn't win anything at the club tonight.
It's 10.30pm and I think I will go to bed and try to rise early for a sunrise. I've heard that they've been pretty spectacular lately, but I have been sound asleep every time.
Let's see what happens tomorrow!
Nite all.
The score is 28-26 to South Sydney with 30 seconds to go. Ugh!!
Rabbitohs have won.
Some poor refereeing decisions .. especially in that last few minutes .. so there is a little controversy, according to the commentators.
Ah well, you win some, you lose some!
Not much to report for the day.
Oh I sold a photo!
Somebody who bought a photo from my exhibit in 2012, contacted me to ask for a photo of a pelican, so I took all of my pelican photos to their house today, and they selected the one they liked best.
While I was there, I got a shot of a lorikeet in their back garden ..
So, selling a photo .. that's pretty special!
We didn't win anything at the club tonight.
It's 10.30pm and I think I will go to bed and try to rise early for a sunrise. I've heard that they've been pretty spectacular lately, but I have been sound asleep every time.
Let's see what happens tomorrow!
Nite all.
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