Some days there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day.
Admittedly, I didn't get out of bed til 9am. I washed and blow dried my hair, pedalled to the shops for my coffee and to pick up some meat that I'd ordered. I visited The Motivator and she did indeed, motivate me. I left there at noon and came home to put my duck broth into containers to freeze.
I did a load of washing and then Adoring Husband arrived home from his visit to the SES shed. While he began to peel a giant bucket load of onions, I put chicken wings in the oven for lunch. I spent forty minutes in my workspace doing 'my new thing' and while I was waiting for the chicken to finish cooking, I assisted AH peel those pesky onions.
AH used the food processor to slice the onions and we bagged them so that he could take them back to the SES shed ready to use at the markets tomorrow.
While he tidied the kitchen, I made a fruit salad with papaya, blueberries, apple, watermelon, banana and lemon juice.
We ate lunch (chicken wings followed by fruit salad) - by this time it was about 2pm I think.
I got ninety minutes in my workspace to do some more of 'my new thing' until it was time to get ready for the club!
It was very busy at the club tonight, which made it really LOUD. Noises always make me uncomfortable. Sensory overload. I'm looking forward to the club's renovations, which will include a raised roof and hopefully the acoustics will be much more conducive to friendly conversations.
We almost didn't need to catch the bus home tonight, because there were actually enough giant mosquitoes to lift each of us separately and fly us home to our respective addresses. The bus driver had locked the bus, so we had to stand outside waiting for him and it was a most uncomfortable experience with those nasty scotch greys.
Sadly, football season is over, so there was no game to look forward to tonight and we had to search long and hard to find something on our hundreds of TV channels to watch. We settled for a movie, an oldie but a goodie "The Untouchables" with Kevin Costner, Robert De Niro and Sean Connery. Can you believe that movie is 29 years old?!? It's still a good movie today.
Here we are, once again, well after midnight so I'm off to bed. Tomorrow will hopefully be more productive in my workspace and I also hope to nab some delicious fresh crabs from The Motivator.
Nite all.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Thursday, October 6, 2016
A Focus Day
Sleep came to me much easier last night.
Adoring Husband woke me at about 5am as he leaned over the bed to kiss me goodbye. He had an appointment in Brisbane with his specialist today, so he was catching the early train.
I was wide awake at 7.00am but stayed in bed for an hour making notes and checking my emails.
It was a glorious day outside, so the ride to the shops for coffee and checking the mail was very pleasant. I didn't know at the time, but the box that I collected from the Post Office contained Adoring Husband's Mum!! I'm sure that she enjoyed her ride home in the trike.
On the way home I dropped in to see The Motivator who was on her way out. This was probably a good thing, because it meant that I didn't waste any creative hours.
I came straight home and decided to make bone broth with the carcass of the duck that I cooked yesterday. I also made a big batch of Hainan Chicken which was easily reheated for AH when he arrived home late this evening from his day in Brisvegas.
I spent a few fabulous hours in my workspace learning a lot and being creative.
Then I remembered that the FROG box needed to be collected, so I sent a text to The Blonde Bombshell and asked if she would be kind enough to drive me to the pick up spot which is half way between here and The Bay. Thankfully, she agreed to do this big favour for me, so she and Molly arrived at 2pm and we enjoyed a leisurely drive and a friendly chat.
Molly sat on my lap and caused a hell of a ruckus with the farm dogs when we arrived - the farm dogs are normally so calm and disinterested!
So a big thankyou to The Blonde Bombshell and Molly.
It was good to have Adoring Husband arrive home safe n sound at 9.30pm and he is now tucked up in bed sound asleep. Which is where I am headed right now. The psychotic dogs are telling me it's time!
Nite all.
Adoring Husband woke me at about 5am as he leaned over the bed to kiss me goodbye. He had an appointment in Brisbane with his specialist today, so he was catching the early train.
I was wide awake at 7.00am but stayed in bed for an hour making notes and checking my emails.
It was a glorious day outside, so the ride to the shops for coffee and checking the mail was very pleasant. I didn't know at the time, but the box that I collected from the Post Office contained Adoring Husband's Mum!! I'm sure that she enjoyed her ride home in the trike.
On the way home I dropped in to see The Motivator who was on her way out. This was probably a good thing, because it meant that I didn't waste any creative hours.
I came straight home and decided to make bone broth with the carcass of the duck that I cooked yesterday. I also made a big batch of Hainan Chicken which was easily reheated for AH when he arrived home late this evening from his day in Brisvegas.
I spent a few fabulous hours in my workspace learning a lot and being creative.
Then I remembered that the FROG box needed to be collected, so I sent a text to The Blonde Bombshell and asked if she would be kind enough to drive me to the pick up spot which is half way between here and The Bay. Thankfully, she agreed to do this big favour for me, so she and Molly arrived at 2pm and we enjoyed a leisurely drive and a friendly chat.
Molly sat on my lap and caused a hell of a ruckus with the farm dogs when we arrived - the farm dogs are normally so calm and disinterested!
So a big thankyou to The Blonde Bombshell and Molly.
It was good to have Adoring Husband arrive home safe n sound at 9.30pm and he is now tucked up in bed sound asleep. Which is where I am headed right now. The psychotic dogs are telling me it's time!
Nite all.
Over Active Brain
I think I over-used my brain on Tuesday.
It took forever for the thoughts in my head to wind down and it was after 2am when I finally fell asleep. I slept restlessly and I was wide awake at 7.15am. It didn't feel like enough sleep.
Luckily, my first commitment for the day was to meet the girls for morning coffee. They always forgive me when my brain doesn't function at full speed. Thanks girls.
Mrs Bucket is in town. It's been 9 months since she was last here, so she is catching up with all her old mates, including us this morning.
There was kind of a tag team operation going on. We started with two, which increased to three when I arrived, then a fourth turned up, then one had to go, then another turned up, one more left, then two more arrived.
It was 11am by the time I returned home.
I had taken a whole duck out of the freezer for dinner and I've never cooked a duck before. Pinterest is my site of choice to find all manner of recipes, so I found my iPad and began my search. I quickly found the perfect recipe.
Who knew, that it takes four hours to cook a whole duck????
There is piercing and scoring and salting and turning and basting involved.
I was very happy with the outcome. Crispy skin and tender meat and a bowl full of duck fat to use in my future cooking.
While the duck was cooking in the oven, I watched the final of the seven episodes of healing autoimmune disease, which was fantastic. I began a short online course which I hope to complete tomorrow.
I remembered that I had committed to a trivia night with Tweedle Dee and The Blonde Bombshell, so it was time to prepare Adoring Husband's dinner and get myself ready for the evening.
AH and I picked up The Blonde Bombshell from her home and he dropped us at the club just after 6.30pm. I knew quite a few people there, which surprised me, so I got to chat with a couple of old friends whom I haven't seen for quite a while.
The trivia started a little late and our team 'The Fab Five' began with a flourish! We were in the lead for every round until the final one when we were pipped a the post! Bugger.
It was a good night. We had some good belly laughs, even without alcohol, and we all contributed in a positive way to the answers. We were home by 9pm.
Unfortunately, due to some major renovations about to commence at the Bowls Club, trivia nights have been suspended for five months, so it will be March before we have the chance to play again.
It's now well after midnight .. I've been catching up on the TV shows that AH recorded for me tonight. You'd think, after only five hours sleep last night, that I'd have been ready for bed well before now!
Really gotta get some sleep!
Nite all.
It took forever for the thoughts in my head to wind down and it was after 2am when I finally fell asleep. I slept restlessly and I was wide awake at 7.15am. It didn't feel like enough sleep.
Luckily, my first commitment for the day was to meet the girls for morning coffee. They always forgive me when my brain doesn't function at full speed. Thanks girls.
Mrs Bucket is in town. It's been 9 months since she was last here, so she is catching up with all her old mates, including us this morning.
There was kind of a tag team operation going on. We started with two, which increased to three when I arrived, then a fourth turned up, then one had to go, then another turned up, one more left, then two more arrived.
It was 11am by the time I returned home.
I had taken a whole duck out of the freezer for dinner and I've never cooked a duck before. Pinterest is my site of choice to find all manner of recipes, so I found my iPad and began my search. I quickly found the perfect recipe.
Who knew, that it takes four hours to cook a whole duck????
There is piercing and scoring and salting and turning and basting involved.
I was very happy with the outcome. Crispy skin and tender meat and a bowl full of duck fat to use in my future cooking.
While the duck was cooking in the oven, I watched the final of the seven episodes of healing autoimmune disease, which was fantastic. I began a short online course which I hope to complete tomorrow.
I remembered that I had committed to a trivia night with Tweedle Dee and The Blonde Bombshell, so it was time to prepare Adoring Husband's dinner and get myself ready for the evening.
AH and I picked up The Blonde Bombshell from her home and he dropped us at the club just after 6.30pm. I knew quite a few people there, which surprised me, so I got to chat with a couple of old friends whom I haven't seen for quite a while.
The trivia started a little late and our team 'The Fab Five' began with a flourish! We were in the lead for every round until the final one when we were pipped a the post! Bugger.
It was a good night. We had some good belly laughs, even without alcohol, and we all contributed in a positive way to the answers. We were home by 9pm.
Unfortunately, due to some major renovations about to commence at the Bowls Club, trivia nights have been suspended for five months, so it will be March before we have the chance to play again.
It's now well after midnight .. I've been catching up on the TV shows that AH recorded for me tonight. You'd think, after only five hours sleep last night, that I'd have been ready for bed well before now!
Really gotta get some sleep!
Nite all.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
New Routine
Today was the first day of my new routine.
Well, it's not actually new. It was my old routine that I've let slip over the past year or so, but I've decided that I need to get back into it.
Getting out of bed earlier. Riding my trike in the sunshine. Fetching my own coffee. Starting the day with lemon water and broth. Putting some small semblance of structure into my days and getting more hours of 'stuff' into my day.
Every so often, I will still remain in bed until lunch time ... because I can.
This morning, I got my coffee, dropped the repaired and printed photos to a customer and then visited The Blonde Bombshell before coming home and preparing a big pot of curried beef which Adoring Husband and I had for lunch.
I spent a few hours in my workspace being creative and learning and writing and planning, which was incredibly satisfying and uplifting.
This afternoon was our monthly barbecue near the water. It was our final gathering at Traviston Park because the Lion's Park barbecue area will be reopened this month and so we will return to our old stomping ground.
Even though we were almost carried away by swarms of extra, extra, large scotch grey mosquitoes, it was a very pleasant evening and it was nice to catch up with good friends. Adoring Husband got to boast about his winning football team and everyone got to congratulate him. I think he loved that part the best.
I didn't drink any alcohol tonight and instead, took some ginger kombucha to drink out of my wine glass. I also didn't feel like eating after my big curried beef lunch, so the only food we took was the leftovers of said curry for AH to enjoy.
That's the long and short of my day.
It's almost midnight, and you know what that means.
But before I go, I wanted to share a few fond memories ...
1927 - If I Could
The Beach Boys - Kokomo
Jimmy Soul - If you Want to be Happy
Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton - You Don't Own Me
My Best Friend's Wedding - I Say a Little Prayer
Nite all.
Well, it's not actually new. It was my old routine that I've let slip over the past year or so, but I've decided that I need to get back into it.
Getting out of bed earlier. Riding my trike in the sunshine. Fetching my own coffee. Starting the day with lemon water and broth. Putting some small semblance of structure into my days and getting more hours of 'stuff' into my day.
Every so often, I will still remain in bed until lunch time ... because I can.
This morning, I got my coffee, dropped the repaired and printed photos to a customer and then visited The Blonde Bombshell before coming home and preparing a big pot of curried beef which Adoring Husband and I had for lunch.
I spent a few hours in my workspace being creative and learning and writing and planning, which was incredibly satisfying and uplifting.
This afternoon was our monthly barbecue near the water. It was our final gathering at Traviston Park because the Lion's Park barbecue area will be reopened this month and so we will return to our old stomping ground.
Even though we were almost carried away by swarms of extra, extra, large scotch grey mosquitoes, it was a very pleasant evening and it was nice to catch up with good friends. Adoring Husband got to boast about his winning football team and everyone got to congratulate him. I think he loved that part the best.
I didn't drink any alcohol tonight and instead, took some ginger kombucha to drink out of my wine glass. I also didn't feel like eating after my big curried beef lunch, so the only food we took was the leftovers of said curry for AH to enjoy.
That's the long and short of my day.
It's almost midnight, and you know what that means.
But before I go, I wanted to share a few fond memories ...
1927 - If I Could
The Beach Boys - Kokomo
Jimmy Soul - If you Want to be Happy
Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton - You Don't Own Me
My Best Friend's Wedding - I Say a Little Prayer
Nite all.
Monday, October 3, 2016
You Little Beauty!
How amazing!
Sharks won their first ever premiership last night!
It was a nail biting finish and Adoring Husband and I were standing beside each other in the lounge room, just feet away from the TV screen, hands clasped tightly and arms linked, screaming at the Sharks to TACKLE!!! Willing the final 20 seconds to pass without incident!
SO NERVE WRACKING!!
When the siren finally sounded, Adoring Husband and I turned to face each other, threw our arms above us and screamed in celebration! We wrapped our arms around each other, jumped up and down on the spot, gasping for breath, with tears of pure joy and happiness flowing freely.
Then came the emotional phone calls with fellow Sharkie fans and family. AH could barely get the words out. He played the Sharks theme song and his friends sang it loud and proud as he answered his calls.
We watched the emotional scenes of celebration at the ground and then we watched the replay on Foxtel - much less stressful the second time round!
I'm so happy for AH. He has been a proud Sharks supporter his whole life - even when they gave him little to be proud of! He has worked at Shark park and attended many many games over the years.
I will always remember that feeling last night - seeing the joy on his face and expressing that raw emotion. His reward, at last, for being a loyal and dedicated fan.
I'm glad that he changed his plans (he was going to attend the game until a few weeks ago when he decided to cancel his flight and accommodation) and I got to share this moment with him at home.
What a moment!
What a feeling!
What a rush!
Up! Up! Cronulla!
I've spent the afternoon editing the final photos from Rebel Mardi's family shoot. I thought I might share a couple more here ...
The Rebel Mardi family have been very understanding and very patient, waiting almost 2 months for their photos! Thank you my lovelies xo
Tomorrow, I only have one very small task to complete and then I get to embark on my new venture! I'm excited!
Nite all.
Sharks won their first ever premiership last night!
It was a nail biting finish and Adoring Husband and I were standing beside each other in the lounge room, just feet away from the TV screen, hands clasped tightly and arms linked, screaming at the Sharks to TACKLE!!! Willing the final 20 seconds to pass without incident!
SO NERVE WRACKING!!
When the siren finally sounded, Adoring Husband and I turned to face each other, threw our arms above us and screamed in celebration! We wrapped our arms around each other, jumped up and down on the spot, gasping for breath, with tears of pure joy and happiness flowing freely.
Then came the emotional phone calls with fellow Sharkie fans and family. AH could barely get the words out. He played the Sharks theme song and his friends sang it loud and proud as he answered his calls.
We watched the emotional scenes of celebration at the ground and then we watched the replay on Foxtel - much less stressful the second time round!
I'm so happy for AH. He has been a proud Sharks supporter his whole life - even when they gave him little to be proud of! He has worked at Shark park and attended many many games over the years.
I will always remember that feeling last night - seeing the joy on his face and expressing that raw emotion. His reward, at last, for being a loyal and dedicated fan.
I'm glad that he changed his plans (he was going to attend the game until a few weeks ago when he decided to cancel his flight and accommodation) and I got to share this moment with him at home.
What a moment!
What a feeling!
What a rush!
Up! Up! Cronulla!
I've spent the afternoon editing the final photos from Rebel Mardi's family shoot. I thought I might share a couple more here ...
The Rebel Mardi family have been very understanding and very patient, waiting almost 2 months for their photos! Thank you my lovelies xo
Tomorrow, I only have one very small task to complete and then I get to embark on my new venture! I'm excited!
Nite all.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
The Big Day
It's Grand Final day!
Adoring Husband's beloved Cronulla Sharks are about to play, so I need to focus on giving them some positive vibes.
We've been sitting here watching all the preliminary rubbish ... drives me to distraction ... JUST GET ON WITH THE GAME!!!
I've spent the afternoon editing photos for the lovely Rebel Mardi and her wonderful family. Here are just a couple...
Now, the Sharks need my support.
Nite all
Adoring Husband's beloved Cronulla Sharks are about to play, so I need to focus on giving them some positive vibes.
We've been sitting here watching all the preliminary rubbish ... drives me to distraction ... JUST GET ON WITH THE GAME!!!
I've spent the afternoon editing photos for the lovely Rebel Mardi and her wonderful family. Here are just a couple...
Now, the Sharks need my support.
Nite all
Today is the Day!
Today, I made a decision.
It's a new beginning.
You will be the first to know when I'm ready to share more information, but I've spent three weeks researching, brain storming, soul searching and finally, actually making the decision. This is what I wrote earlier today ...
I sit here at my desk eating my home-made liver pate with some disgusting GF crackers (that were left over from a recent dinner party) looking at the email that contains the link that will transport me to my exciting and creative, yet unknown future.
At the same time, I'm looking down at the 'to do' list on my desk which I made last night, that contains eight items.
Dilemma.
I know that if I click on that link, the eight items on my 'to do' list will be buzzing around my head like annoying flies and that will be detrimental to my focus on the new venture.
IF I don't click on that link right now, does that mean that I am procrastinating? Does it mean that my doubts and fears are already sabotaging my exciting new plans?
Alternatively, if I complete the 'to do' list, it will give me a fresh, clear head to focus completely on the job at hand AND it will be good practise for my future 'to do' lists, which I expect will be numerous!
...
So I decided to complete my 'to do' list.
But in the middle of all of that, I received an email which led me to a live stream seminar regarding my new venture. Ugh! The seminar lasted for three hours! Ugh!
It was very interesting and I learned a lot.
Upon it's completion, I returned immediately to my 'to do' list and eventually ticked off six of the eight items. This means that I only have two items remaining and I'm certain that I can knock them off before lunch tomorrow.
After that, the fun begins!
Two years ago, Adoring Husband planted the top of pineapple in a pot. We knew that a pineapple takes between 18 months and 2 years to bear fruit and for this guy, the two years was just about up. I had given up all hope and was preparing to throw the plant away, when suddenly, out of nowhere and without warning, this appeared!!
I'm not sure how long it will be until it's ready to pick and eat, but I'm so excited!!
At the end of our lady's lunch on Wednesday, I took this photo of The Designer and her close friend Organika ...
They are both lovely ladies. Quite beautiful inside and out. Organika is new to the group and expects to be attending more of our luncheons in the future.
It's time for me to sleep. I have a big day planned for tomorrow AND the NRL Grand Final is being played tomorrow evening. GO SHARKIES!! I need to find my very old, very large Sharks shirt to wear for the occasion.
Nite all.
It's a new beginning.
You will be the first to know when I'm ready to share more information, but I've spent three weeks researching, brain storming, soul searching and finally, actually making the decision. This is what I wrote earlier today ...
I sit here at my desk eating my home-made liver pate with some disgusting GF crackers (that were left over from a recent dinner party) looking at the email that contains the link that will transport me to my exciting and creative, yet unknown future.
At the same time, I'm looking down at the 'to do' list on my desk which I made last night, that contains eight items.
Dilemma.
I know that if I click on that link, the eight items on my 'to do' list will be buzzing around my head like annoying flies and that will be detrimental to my focus on the new venture.
IF I don't click on that link right now, does that mean that I am procrastinating? Does it mean that my doubts and fears are already sabotaging my exciting new plans?
Alternatively, if I complete the 'to do' list, it will give me a fresh, clear head to focus completely on the job at hand AND it will be good practise for my future 'to do' lists, which I expect will be numerous!
...
So I decided to complete my 'to do' list.
But in the middle of all of that, I received an email which led me to a live stream seminar regarding my new venture. Ugh! The seminar lasted for three hours! Ugh!
It was very interesting and I learned a lot.
Upon it's completion, I returned immediately to my 'to do' list and eventually ticked off six of the eight items. This means that I only have two items remaining and I'm certain that I can knock them off before lunch tomorrow.
After that, the fun begins!
Two years ago, Adoring Husband planted the top of pineapple in a pot. We knew that a pineapple takes between 18 months and 2 years to bear fruit and for this guy, the two years was just about up. I had given up all hope and was preparing to throw the plant away, when suddenly, out of nowhere and without warning, this appeared!!
I'm not sure how long it will be until it's ready to pick and eat, but I'm so excited!!
At the end of our lady's lunch on Wednesday, I took this photo of The Designer and her close friend Organika ...
They are both lovely ladies. Quite beautiful inside and out. Organika is new to the group and expects to be attending more of our luncheons in the future.
It's time for me to sleep. I have a big day planned for tomorrow AND the NRL Grand Final is being played tomorrow evening. GO SHARKIES!! I need to find my very old, very large Sharks shirt to wear for the occasion.
Nite all.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Down with Wine
Episode 3 of the Autoimmune Disease Solution movie (you've only got til 11am)
Never thought I'd utter these words, but ... I'm giving up wine. In effect, this means that I'm giving up all alcohol because there is nothing else gluten free, sugar free or dairy free that I like.
My body has become increasingly angry with me on Friday nights, even after only two glasses of wine. The monthly lady's luncheons are the same. So my body needs me to remove the toxic alcohol from the menu.
I don't know how long I will need to do this. Possibly forever.
I'm not bothered by it.
This is short and sweet (well maybe not so sweet) because it's after 1am and I really need to get to bed.
I have a 'to do' list a mile long for tomorrow and I'd like to be on the ball for all of it.
Nite all.
Never thought I'd utter these words, but ... I'm giving up wine. In effect, this means that I'm giving up all alcohol because there is nothing else gluten free, sugar free or dairy free that I like.
My body has become increasingly angry with me on Friday nights, even after only two glasses of wine. The monthly lady's luncheons are the same. So my body needs me to remove the toxic alcohol from the menu.
I don't know how long I will need to do this. Possibly forever.
I'm not bothered by it.
This is short and sweet (well maybe not so sweet) because it's after 1am and I really need to get to bed.
I have a 'to do' list a mile long for tomorrow and I'd like to be on the ball for all of it.
Nite all.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Day of Rest
Today was my allotted day of rest.
No commitments. No responsibilities. No deadlines. No appointments.
I did nothing. I stayed in bed until midday! Adoring Husband had SES duties, so he bought me a coffee and delivered it before disappearing for the morning.
I cleaned up my emails. I had over 3,000 unread emails!! I now have 275 unread emails, which I hope to clear tomorrow.
I finally got to the dog food and made up sixteen days of food for them.
I did two loads of washing.
I sat down to do some photo editing, but got two phone calls one after the other, which used up an hour of my editing time, so that was put back on the 'to do' list. I have a free weekend, so I should be able to finish them! Woohoo!
It rained for a good part of the day. Nice, soft, steady rain until this evening when I watched a nasty black storm approaching on the BOM. It had me very concerned, but not long before it hit us, it weakened. It only lasted five minutes and the lightning and thunder was pretty amazing ever so briefly. The rain pelted down for about two minutes and then it was all over!
There are waves of storms approaching from the north, so we may have an interesting night - not as interesting as poor South Australia at the moment who are copping some horrendous weather due to cyclonic storms in a huge low pressure system. The weather is lasting for days (not like our five minutes!) and I think I'd struggle if I was having to deal with it for that long.
It's now 1am - there are a series of seven movies that are only available to watch for free for a 12 hour period each day. They are about autoimmune diseases (arthritis (all forms), thyroid, lupus, psoriasis, MS, mental illness, dementia etc) and the differences between conventional treatment and functional treatment. Most importantly, they delve into 'gut health' and how crucial that is to the immune system and healing the diseases.
I just watched the second of these movies. It's available until about 11am Friday. The first is locked and can't be viewed now. Here is the link to watch episode two and then you just go back each day to get the next episode. Very interesting.
I guess I should get to bed before the sun rises!
Nite all.
No commitments. No responsibilities. No deadlines. No appointments.
I did nothing. I stayed in bed until midday! Adoring Husband had SES duties, so he bought me a coffee and delivered it before disappearing for the morning.
I cleaned up my emails. I had over 3,000 unread emails!! I now have 275 unread emails, which I hope to clear tomorrow.
I finally got to the dog food and made up sixteen days of food for them.
I did two loads of washing.
I sat down to do some photo editing, but got two phone calls one after the other, which used up an hour of my editing time, so that was put back on the 'to do' list. I have a free weekend, so I should be able to finish them! Woohoo!
It rained for a good part of the day. Nice, soft, steady rain until this evening when I watched a nasty black storm approaching on the BOM. It had me very concerned, but not long before it hit us, it weakened. It only lasted five minutes and the lightning and thunder was pretty amazing ever so briefly. The rain pelted down for about two minutes and then it was all over!
There are waves of storms approaching from the north, so we may have an interesting night - not as interesting as poor South Australia at the moment who are copping some horrendous weather due to cyclonic storms in a huge low pressure system. The weather is lasting for days (not like our five minutes!) and I think I'd struggle if I was having to deal with it for that long.
It's now 1am - there are a series of seven movies that are only available to watch for free for a 12 hour period each day. They are about autoimmune diseases (arthritis (all forms), thyroid, lupus, psoriasis, MS, mental illness, dementia etc) and the differences between conventional treatment and functional treatment. Most importantly, they delve into 'gut health' and how crucial that is to the immune system and healing the diseases.
I just watched the second of these movies. It's available until about 11am Friday. The first is locked and can't be viewed now. Here is the link to watch episode two and then you just go back each day to get the next episode. Very interesting.
I guess I should get to bed before the sun rises!
Nite all.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
8 Ball Meat Balls
From behind the eight ball yesterday, I eventually found my way to the front of the eight ball and everything fell into place today, very nicely.
Even with my relaxing start to the day, I was able to get almost everything done.
After coffee in bed, I showered and rode down to meet the girls for more coffee. It seemed like forever since we'd spent any quality time together and it was especially nice to catch up with Lady Lynn, Rebel Mardi and Maid Marian. Everybody had lots of news to share and the time passed so quickly, that before we knew it, we all had to rush off to different commitments.
I rode home with enough time to cook up the meatballs, find a recipe and cook up a delicious spicy dipping sauce, figure out how to transport it all, pack my drink cooler with wine, ice and a glass, organise my camera gear and make myself presentable for lunch.
I didn't have time to make up the dog food, but Adoring Husband made a suggestion that helped me postpone that until tomorrow. Thanks darling.
My ride arrived a little bit late, but I was the first of three to be picked up. I thought I had a LOT of gear to fit in the car, but crikey!! The other two were loaded up with a big esky and bags of goodies that had to be loaded in the back of the ute.
A big thank you to The Blonde Bombshell's husband 'Oscar the Grouch' (who really isn't as grouchy as he tries to make out), for dropping us off and picking us up from the luncheon.
There were quite a few ladies already perched and drinking at The Designer's house when we arrived. The Designer's home was stunning and the outdoor area where we gathered was spacious, comfortable and beautifully decorated. Everybody had brought at least one plate of food and there was a table set up in the middle of the area to hold it all.
We served ourselves and then sat at the huge table at the other end of the room to eat.
Luckily, I made my gluten free meatballs, because the only other food that was GF, was The Speckled Hen's avocado dip. I got to enjoy half a dozen of my meatballs, but not the devilled eggs that I'd made because my tummy is no longer 'egg friendly'. I'd also like to add that everybody pounced on my meatballs and devilled eggs and they were the first plates to be emptied!
Aside from the food situation, it was a really enjoyable day. I got to spend time with quite a few of the ladies and met a new young woman who has recently moved to the area. I had a very interesting conversation with The Designer who told me all about her home and how it came to be as it is today. She is certainly a talent.
I took a few happy snaps and one group shot, which unfortunately was taken after a couple of the ladies had already left.
There were sixteen of us (I think) and we all had a very nice time. I'm glad that I made myself go, because for a little while, I was considering staying at home.
The Speckled Hen failed to tell everyone to bring their togs (swimmers), so she was the only one who actually went for a dip in the pool. Two other ladies took their togs but chose not to go in.
It was about 3pm when we all offered our sincere gratitude and bid our farewells to The Designer.
Oscar picked us up and drove us to his and BB's house, where we all had another drink to end the day on a tipsy and jovial note. Just as I was about to phone Adoring Husband to come pick us up, Oscar offered to drive us home. What a good man :)
Needless to say, I was a bit peckish by the time I arrived home, so crispy skinned chicken and salad was the quick and easy way to go for dinner.
It's almost midnight, so you know where I'm off to now?
Nite all.
Even with my relaxing start to the day, I was able to get almost everything done.
After coffee in bed, I showered and rode down to meet the girls for more coffee. It seemed like forever since we'd spent any quality time together and it was especially nice to catch up with Lady Lynn, Rebel Mardi and Maid Marian. Everybody had lots of news to share and the time passed so quickly, that before we knew it, we all had to rush off to different commitments.
I rode home with enough time to cook up the meatballs, find a recipe and cook up a delicious spicy dipping sauce, figure out how to transport it all, pack my drink cooler with wine, ice and a glass, organise my camera gear and make myself presentable for lunch.
I didn't have time to make up the dog food, but Adoring Husband made a suggestion that helped me postpone that until tomorrow. Thanks darling.
My ride arrived a little bit late, but I was the first of three to be picked up. I thought I had a LOT of gear to fit in the car, but crikey!! The other two were loaded up with a big esky and bags of goodies that had to be loaded in the back of the ute.
A big thank you to The Blonde Bombshell's husband 'Oscar the Grouch' (who really isn't as grouchy as he tries to make out), for dropping us off and picking us up from the luncheon.
There were quite a few ladies already perched and drinking at The Designer's house when we arrived. The Designer's home was stunning and the outdoor area where we gathered was spacious, comfortable and beautifully decorated. Everybody had brought at least one plate of food and there was a table set up in the middle of the area to hold it all.
We served ourselves and then sat at the huge table at the other end of the room to eat.
Luckily, I made my gluten free meatballs, because the only other food that was GF, was The Speckled Hen's avocado dip. I got to enjoy half a dozen of my meatballs, but not the devilled eggs that I'd made because my tummy is no longer 'egg friendly'. I'd also like to add that everybody pounced on my meatballs and devilled eggs and they were the first plates to be emptied!
Aside from the food situation, it was a really enjoyable day. I got to spend time with quite a few of the ladies and met a new young woman who has recently moved to the area. I had a very interesting conversation with The Designer who told me all about her home and how it came to be as it is today. She is certainly a talent.
I took a few happy snaps and one group shot, which unfortunately was taken after a couple of the ladies had already left.
There were sixteen of us (I think) and we all had a very nice time. I'm glad that I made myself go, because for a little while, I was considering staying at home.
The Speckled Hen failed to tell everyone to bring their togs (swimmers), so she was the only one who actually went for a dip in the pool. Two other ladies took their togs but chose not to go in.
It was about 3pm when we all offered our sincere gratitude and bid our farewells to The Designer.
Oscar picked us up and drove us to his and BB's house, where we all had another drink to end the day on a tipsy and jovial note. Just as I was about to phone Adoring Husband to come pick us up, Oscar offered to drive us home. What a good man :)
Needless to say, I was a bit peckish by the time I arrived home, so crispy skinned chicken and salad was the quick and easy way to go for dinner.
It's almost midnight, so you know where I'm off to now?
Nite all.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Behind the 8 Ball
I put myself there. Serves myself right.
During the week that I returned home in the middle of my babysitting gig, I was given the details of our lady's luncheon, which would be held two days after my permanent return.
Usually, we attend a cafe or restaurant or bistro within a 30km radius of town. This month, however, we've been invited to one of our lady's homes, on the outskirts of town. She hasn't been able to attend many of our luncheons this year due to parenting responsibilities. Circumstances have changed in her world and it means that she is free to attend on Wednesdays again, and we're all happy that she will be back in the fold.
The deal is, that we all take a plate. I very vigorously, almost aggressively, selected marinated chicken wings as my plate of choice. It's a paleo recipe that I love and which is easy and quick to make.
Anyway, Adoring Husband and I spent the morning in The Bay doing our grocery shopping, and not once did I remember my commitment to lunch.
It was 3pm when I realised that tomorrow is the luncheon and that I did NOT have the chicken wings!
We jumped in the car and drove to the local butchers. Unfortunately, he had JUST used the last of his chicken wings to make mini cutlets.
Now what?
I told the butcher my tale of woe, not that he could do anything about it, and I also told him that I expected, in the future, for him to be more intuitive and to KNOW when I would be making these requests. Next time, I advised him, I expect him to have exactly what I require!
He promised to try.
I decided, instead, to make chicken and pork mini meatballs with a dipping sauce. For good measure, and because we have a glut of home grown eggs, I also decided to make devilled eggs.
I boiled the eggs when we got home, and then at 8pm, I opened the kitchen for service. I winged it, and made the devilled eggs, not from a recipe, but from my imagination. I mixed up the mince with a bunch of other stuff and made 50 mini meatballs, which are now in the fridge waiting for me to cook them up tomorrow morning.
I cooked 4 of them for a taste test and they are ok, but will definitely require a nice dipping sauce.
My other chore tomorrow morning, will be to make up some dog food! I've cooked up the pumpkin, so it's a matter of blending all the other goodies and then mixing it all with the raw meat and packing it into containers.
Honestly, I've put myself unnecessarily behind the eight ball and I'm feeling the pressure. Hopefully, it will all run smoothly tomorrow morning and I can enjoy a relaxing lunch with the girls.
Time for bed.
Nite all.
During the week that I returned home in the middle of my babysitting gig, I was given the details of our lady's luncheon, which would be held two days after my permanent return.
Usually, we attend a cafe or restaurant or bistro within a 30km radius of town. This month, however, we've been invited to one of our lady's homes, on the outskirts of town. She hasn't been able to attend many of our luncheons this year due to parenting responsibilities. Circumstances have changed in her world and it means that she is free to attend on Wednesdays again, and we're all happy that she will be back in the fold.
The deal is, that we all take a plate. I very vigorously, almost aggressively, selected marinated chicken wings as my plate of choice. It's a paleo recipe that I love and which is easy and quick to make.
Anyway, Adoring Husband and I spent the morning in The Bay doing our grocery shopping, and not once did I remember my commitment to lunch.
It was 3pm when I realised that tomorrow is the luncheon and that I did NOT have the chicken wings!
We jumped in the car and drove to the local butchers. Unfortunately, he had JUST used the last of his chicken wings to make mini cutlets.
Now what?
I told the butcher my tale of woe, not that he could do anything about it, and I also told him that I expected, in the future, for him to be more intuitive and to KNOW when I would be making these requests. Next time, I advised him, I expect him to have exactly what I require!
He promised to try.
I decided, instead, to make chicken and pork mini meatballs with a dipping sauce. For good measure, and because we have a glut of home grown eggs, I also decided to make devilled eggs.
I boiled the eggs when we got home, and then at 8pm, I opened the kitchen for service. I winged it, and made the devilled eggs, not from a recipe, but from my imagination. I mixed up the mince with a bunch of other stuff and made 50 mini meatballs, which are now in the fridge waiting for me to cook them up tomorrow morning.
I cooked 4 of them for a taste test and they are ok, but will definitely require a nice dipping sauce.
My other chore tomorrow morning, will be to make up some dog food! I've cooked up the pumpkin, so it's a matter of blending all the other goodies and then mixing it all with the raw meat and packing it into containers.
Honestly, I've put myself unnecessarily behind the eight ball and I'm feeling the pressure. Hopefully, it will all run smoothly tomorrow morning and I can enjoy a relaxing lunch with the girls.
Time for bed.
Nite all.
Monday, September 26, 2016
Train Trauma
Yes, I exaggerate a little, but comparatively speaking, it was my most traumatic experience on the train.
If this was my first train trip, it would probably be my last! Luckily, the majority of my trips on QLD Rail have been extremely pleasant, which means that I always look forward to travelling on the train. I must have done this trip thirty times by now, if not more.
Firstly, today, when I joined the train, there was an older woman sitting in the seat next to mine, and on my seat, she had put food, magazines, her handbag, a cushion, a blanket, pens and paper. She was sound asleep.
Rather than wake her and then have to wait for ten minutes while she found homes for her crap, I noticed that the two seats directly across the aisle were empty, so I sat there instead. The conductor, who checked my ticket, told me that I could stay there for the duration of my journey.
The moment I sat down, I was harassed by a male child, perhaps 3yrs old, with green, runny, slimy snot all over his face and running down to his top lip. "Hullo!" he repeated in a very loud voice over and over and over again .. even after I had greeted him with my own smiling "hullo".
His father was on the phone mid conversation and literally demanded to know what station we were stopped at. I politely told him it was 'Cooroy' and at that moment decided to escape and go searching for the club car.
I was travelling on an old diesel train, so the club car was an old dining car, which suited me just fine. Large cubicles with big comfy padded seats and large tables to spread out my belongings.
I had to weave my way through four carriages of school children (bloody school holidays), none of whom were actually sitting in their seats, to reach it.
The dining car was relatively empty. A young 'Goth' girl in full garb was eating a hot meal at one table. A man in his early twenties was seated nearby enjoying a beer and three young girls, maybe in their late teens were sharing the last cubicle. One of these girls spent the entire trip to Gympie complaining loudly.
She complained about how slow the train was travelling, how late it was running (less than ten minutes by my watch), how uncomfortably crowded it was, how expensive the alcohol was at the kiosk ($8.50 for a bourbon and coke) and then when she'd finished finding fault with the train trip, she began, very loudly and very colourfully, relating the tales of woe that had befallen her since her day began.
I felt like she was channelling her mother. I felt like she enjoyed the drama that she was creating with her story telling. I felt such terrible negative energy coming from her every word.
Just as I was tempted to turn around and say ... JUST - SHUT - UP!!! ... she left the train at Gympie.
I'd only been on the train for 45 minutes and it felt like 4.5 hours!
Between Cooroy and Gympie, the train had made up so much time, that we had to wait at Gympie for eight minutes. The passengers were given permission to exit the train for a nicotine hit.
I must say, it's always pleasant to have a wave of people, wreaking of nicotine, board the train and sit in close proximity - NOT.
I returned to my seat before we left Gympie Station. I thought my luck had changed, because the man and his child were no longer in their seats, but alas, he was one of the smokers and soon returned with his loud, tired, sick little boy.
The boy was even louder than before. He was obviously very very tired. He began whinging and that developed into full blown bellowing, while his father remained perfectly calm and uttered "C'mon Axell (he spelled it out for the conductor earlier), you're wearing me out."
Suddenly, there was silence. Axell had fallen asleep on the floor under his father's feet.
Somebody, somewhere in my carriage, had a music box, which played 'happy birthday'. They continuously wound it up and let it play out til it got slower and slower and slower, then stopped, then started all over again. I know where I wanted to put that music box.
When the music stopped, the man sitting behind me whistled the same tune, just softly enough for me to hear. I know where I wanted to put the whistling man.
When we were still an hour from my stop, I noticed that I was in the third last seat on the entire train. I looked out the back and could see the rail tracks trailing behind us ...
Tempting.
I wondered if Adoring Husband would have coffee waiting in the car. He did last time.
We finally reached Maryborough. Less than half an hour til my stop.
The bottom of my seat detached itself from the frame so my butt was sliding and floating with every movement from me or the train.
I discovered that the people who were sitting in the seat before I arrived, were moved because they complained about Axell. Axell and his dad disembarked at Maryborough.
FINALLY, we reached my destination!!
Adoring Husband was waiting on the platform with a big smile on his dial, but no coffee in the car. It was ok though, because we drove straight to Foodworks and bought coffee and food.
Right now, I am sitting exactly where I want to be ... where, during my traumatic train trip, I imagined I would soon be relaxing. My lovely welcoming lounge room, on my comfy sofa, with my feet up, in front of my big TV, watching a favourite movie.
I've unpacked both of my bags and cooked dinner and opened my mail and inspected the new furniture and yelled at the dogs for attempting to jump on the new furniture. I am home :)
I hope that Vegan Chickie has had a pleasant journey home. She should be landing soon and then will still have a few hours before she reaches the comforts of her home. Welcome home lovely daughter. I know your family is very excited to be seeing you!
Nite all.
If this was my first train trip, it would probably be my last! Luckily, the majority of my trips on QLD Rail have been extremely pleasant, which means that I always look forward to travelling on the train. I must have done this trip thirty times by now, if not more.
Firstly, today, when I joined the train, there was an older woman sitting in the seat next to mine, and on my seat, she had put food, magazines, her handbag, a cushion, a blanket, pens and paper. She was sound asleep.
Rather than wake her and then have to wait for ten minutes while she found homes for her crap, I noticed that the two seats directly across the aisle were empty, so I sat there instead. The conductor, who checked my ticket, told me that I could stay there for the duration of my journey.
The moment I sat down, I was harassed by a male child, perhaps 3yrs old, with green, runny, slimy snot all over his face and running down to his top lip. "Hullo!" he repeated in a very loud voice over and over and over again .. even after I had greeted him with my own smiling "hullo".
His father was on the phone mid conversation and literally demanded to know what station we were stopped at. I politely told him it was 'Cooroy' and at that moment decided to escape and go searching for the club car.
I was travelling on an old diesel train, so the club car was an old dining car, which suited me just fine. Large cubicles with big comfy padded seats and large tables to spread out my belongings.
I had to weave my way through four carriages of school children (bloody school holidays), none of whom were actually sitting in their seats, to reach it.
The dining car was relatively empty. A young 'Goth' girl in full garb was eating a hot meal at one table. A man in his early twenties was seated nearby enjoying a beer and three young girls, maybe in their late teens were sharing the last cubicle. One of these girls spent the entire trip to Gympie complaining loudly.
She complained about how slow the train was travelling, how late it was running (less than ten minutes by my watch), how uncomfortably crowded it was, how expensive the alcohol was at the kiosk ($8.50 for a bourbon and coke) and then when she'd finished finding fault with the train trip, she began, very loudly and very colourfully, relating the tales of woe that had befallen her since her day began.
I felt like she was channelling her mother. I felt like she enjoyed the drama that she was creating with her story telling. I felt such terrible negative energy coming from her every word.
Just as I was tempted to turn around and say ... JUST - SHUT - UP!!! ... she left the train at Gympie.
I'd only been on the train for 45 minutes and it felt like 4.5 hours!
Between Cooroy and Gympie, the train had made up so much time, that we had to wait at Gympie for eight minutes. The passengers were given permission to exit the train for a nicotine hit.
I must say, it's always pleasant to have a wave of people, wreaking of nicotine, board the train and sit in close proximity - NOT.
I returned to my seat before we left Gympie Station. I thought my luck had changed, because the man and his child were no longer in their seats, but alas, he was one of the smokers and soon returned with his loud, tired, sick little boy.
The boy was even louder than before. He was obviously very very tired. He began whinging and that developed into full blown bellowing, while his father remained perfectly calm and uttered "C'mon Axell (he spelled it out for the conductor earlier), you're wearing me out."
Suddenly, there was silence. Axell had fallen asleep on the floor under his father's feet.
Somebody, somewhere in my carriage, had a music box, which played 'happy birthday'. They continuously wound it up and let it play out til it got slower and slower and slower, then stopped, then started all over again. I know where I wanted to put that music box.
When the music stopped, the man sitting behind me whistled the same tune, just softly enough for me to hear. I know where I wanted to put the whistling man.
When we were still an hour from my stop, I noticed that I was in the third last seat on the entire train. I looked out the back and could see the rail tracks trailing behind us ...
Tempting.
I wondered if Adoring Husband would have coffee waiting in the car. He did last time.
We finally reached Maryborough. Less than half an hour til my stop.
The bottom of my seat detached itself from the frame so my butt was sliding and floating with every movement from me or the train.
I discovered that the people who were sitting in the seat before I arrived, were moved because they complained about Axell. Axell and his dad disembarked at Maryborough.
FINALLY, we reached my destination!!
Adoring Husband was waiting on the platform with a big smile on his dial, but no coffee in the car. It was ok though, because we drove straight to Foodworks and bought coffee and food.
Right now, I am sitting exactly where I want to be ... where, during my traumatic train trip, I imagined I would soon be relaxing. My lovely welcoming lounge room, on my comfy sofa, with my feet up, in front of my big TV, watching a favourite movie.
I've unpacked both of my bags and cooked dinner and opened my mail and inspected the new furniture and yelled at the dogs for attempting to jump on the new furniture. I am home :)
I hope that Vegan Chickie has had a pleasant journey home. She should be landing soon and then will still have a few hours before she reaches the comforts of her home. Welcome home lovely daughter. I know your family is very excited to be seeing you!
Nite all.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
One More Sleep
This babysitting gig is over *insert sad face here*
I can't wait to return to Adoring Husband and sleep in my own bed tomorrow night *insert happy face here*
It's all kind of bitter sweet.
Chicklet fell asleep tonight with her arms wrapped tightly around my arm. The first time I attempted to slide my arm out, she stirred and squeezed even tighter! It took another two attempts before I could escape her clutches!
Our superhero characters today were Spiderman (me) and Flash (Chicklet). My arms were incredibly tired from reaching and stretching to create my stringy web to swing from the ceiling.
We watched the Lego movie again this morning. Created lots of artwork for Mama. Ate our final creative lunch, which was plants from the 'Plants v Zombies' game plus a mouse eating a cracker ...
... played Plants v Zombies (of course).
When Dadu came home for his work break, I took the opportunity to hibernate in my bedroom for an hour to catch my breath ready for the second shift this afternoon. The afternoon shift is always shorter than the morning, but involves play, dinner, bath, storytime and bed. Timing is of the essence! We generally run pretty smoothly though and she enjoys her routine.
Her favourite book for the entire two weeks that I've babysat (I had a week in the middle at home), has been 'My Farm' by Alison Lester. Except for the first night when I read a disappointing dragon book, 'My Farm' is the only book that I've read the entire time. She just about knows the words off by heart - depending on what character she falls asleep as - for example, tonight she fell asleep as a dragon and because the dragon had never heard the book before, she didn't know any of the words.
Chicklet and Dadu are very excited about Vegan Chickie coming home .. especially Dadu, who has been declaring a countdown every day for the last three days with a 'wahoo' at the end.
Anyway, now I am going to study Netflix and see what I can fall asleep to tonight. I may just rewatch some 'Grace and Frankie'. It's always good for a laugh.
Nite all.
I can't wait to return to Adoring Husband and sleep in my own bed tomorrow night *insert happy face here*
It's all kind of bitter sweet.
Chicklet fell asleep tonight with her arms wrapped tightly around my arm. The first time I attempted to slide my arm out, she stirred and squeezed even tighter! It took another two attempts before I could escape her clutches!
Our superhero characters today were Spiderman (me) and Flash (Chicklet). My arms were incredibly tired from reaching and stretching to create my stringy web to swing from the ceiling.
We watched the Lego movie again this morning. Created lots of artwork for Mama. Ate our final creative lunch, which was plants from the 'Plants v Zombies' game plus a mouse eating a cracker ...
... played Plants v Zombies (of course).
When Dadu came home for his work break, I took the opportunity to hibernate in my bedroom for an hour to catch my breath ready for the second shift this afternoon. The afternoon shift is always shorter than the morning, but involves play, dinner, bath, storytime and bed. Timing is of the essence! We generally run pretty smoothly though and she enjoys her routine.
Her favourite book for the entire two weeks that I've babysat (I had a week in the middle at home), has been 'My Farm' by Alison Lester. Except for the first night when I read a disappointing dragon book, 'My Farm' is the only book that I've read the entire time. She just about knows the words off by heart - depending on what character she falls asleep as - for example, tonight she fell asleep as a dragon and because the dragon had never heard the book before, she didn't know any of the words.
Chicklet and Dadu are very excited about Vegan Chickie coming home .. especially Dadu, who has been declaring a countdown every day for the last three days with a 'wahoo' at the end.
Anyway, now I am going to study Netflix and see what I can fall asleep to tonight. I may just rewatch some 'Grace and Frankie'. It's always good for a laugh.
Nite all.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Winning Grinning and Tearing Up
I can't believe how emotional I felt when the Cronulla Sharks won their final last night, to secure a place in the Grand Final next week. I wished that I could've been at home jumping up and down and hugging and whistling and singing and celebrating with Adoring Husband!
What a great game it was. Stressful, but exciting!
Chicklet and I have had a super superhero kind of day. I was Batman. She was Batgirl. We set up a camp fire situation for all of her superhero lego figurines to sit in a big circle around the fire. We used a big craft book to act as a giant tent for them all to sleep in. We sang many Nursery Rhymes, changing the words to incorporate the superheroes.
I introduced Chicklet to The Flintstones, which she loved, because of all the dinosaurs ... however, it was difficult to convince her that Bedrock is a fictional place and that she can't actually go there. After the Flintstones movie, we watched the Lego Justice League movie, which, at the end, she declared was FANTASTIC!! She decided to change her superhero character from Batgirl to Martian Manhunter.
I swear that there are more superheroes than you could ever imagine and I have never heard of one third of them!
There was no Minecrafting today. We spent about twenty minutes each playing Plants v Zombies and Minions. The neighbourhood kids came knocking on the door at around 4pm, so Chicklet spent about half an hour outside with them, before they all skated down the hill and left her behind. It was ok though, because we had paused the Flintstones movie, so she was happy to continue watching that instead.
Lunch was an alien greeting the rocket ship that just landed on the moon ...
Only two more sleeps til Mama arrives home. Chicklet is excited that Mama will be home, but also sad because I will be leaving.
We have had a great time together. Mama will have 23 manilla envelopes to open, which are full of our colouring in, sticker art, drawings and letters. I don't know if Chicklet will remember these times in the years to come, but I will treasure these memories forever. She has been an absolute delight and her vibrant smile and twinkling happy eyes have melted my heart every single day.
Tonight, just before she drifted off, she pulled my hand to her mouth and kissed the back of it. *sigh*
My little sweetie possum.
Nite all.
What a great game it was. Stressful, but exciting!
Chicklet and I have had a super superhero kind of day. I was Batman. She was Batgirl. We set up a camp fire situation for all of her superhero lego figurines to sit in a big circle around the fire. We used a big craft book to act as a giant tent for them all to sleep in. We sang many Nursery Rhymes, changing the words to incorporate the superheroes.
I introduced Chicklet to The Flintstones, which she loved, because of all the dinosaurs ... however, it was difficult to convince her that Bedrock is a fictional place and that she can't actually go there. After the Flintstones movie, we watched the Lego Justice League movie, which, at the end, she declared was FANTASTIC!! She decided to change her superhero character from Batgirl to Martian Manhunter.
I swear that there are more superheroes than you could ever imagine and I have never heard of one third of them!
There was no Minecrafting today. We spent about twenty minutes each playing Plants v Zombies and Minions. The neighbourhood kids came knocking on the door at around 4pm, so Chicklet spent about half an hour outside with them, before they all skated down the hill and left her behind. It was ok though, because we had paused the Flintstones movie, so she was happy to continue watching that instead.
Lunch was an alien greeting the rocket ship that just landed on the moon ...
Only two more sleeps til Mama arrives home. Chicklet is excited that Mama will be home, but also sad because I will be leaving.
We have had a great time together. Mama will have 23 manilla envelopes to open, which are full of our colouring in, sticker art, drawings and letters. I don't know if Chicklet will remember these times in the years to come, but I will treasure these memories forever. She has been an absolute delight and her vibrant smile and twinkling happy eyes have melted my heart every single day.
Tonight, just before she drifted off, she pulled my hand to her mouth and kissed the back of it. *sigh*
My little sweetie possum.
Nite all.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Too Much Pressure
It's footy finals time and Adoring Husband's team, Cronulla Sharks are playing against the Cowboys tonight. I'm watching via the Foxtel app on my iPad and the pressure is intense! Sharks are winning 14 nil at half time, but the Cowboys will not lie down. They will come out fighting in the second half and I fear that the Sharks can be run down from here.
If the Sharks play as well in the second half, and don't spend the entire time trying to defend their score, they should win. Fingers crossed. I'm not sure if my head can stand to watch the second half .. I feel like it's going to explode off my shoulders!!
It's been a quiet day today. I enjoyed a coffee from Zabe Espresso Bar and soaked up some sunshine in the park.
Chicklet and I played Superheroes. She chose to be 'Huntress' ...
... and she selected 'Blue Beetle' for me!
We also did lots of artwork today, with sticker pictures and drawings.
No Minecraft, but we did spend a little time playing Plants V Zombies.
It's been a happy day with lots of giggling and our new giggle trigger is a funny voice saying "ET phone home" with our index fingers touching.
Now, I must go and watch the remaining 27 minutes of the Sharks game and will them over the line. The score is now 20-6 to Sharks.
Nite all.
If the Sharks play as well in the second half, and don't spend the entire time trying to defend their score, they should win. Fingers crossed. I'm not sure if my head can stand to watch the second half .. I feel like it's going to explode off my shoulders!!
It's been a quiet day today. I enjoyed a coffee from Zabe Espresso Bar and soaked up some sunshine in the park.
Chicklet and I played Superheroes. She chose to be 'Huntress' ...
... and she selected 'Blue Beetle' for me!
We also did lots of artwork today, with sticker pictures and drawings.
No Minecraft, but we did spend a little time playing Plants V Zombies.
It's been a happy day with lots of giggling and our new giggle trigger is a funny voice saying "ET phone home" with our index fingers touching.
Now, I must go and watch the remaining 27 minutes of the Sharks game and will them over the line. The score is now 20-6 to Sharks.
Nite all.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Blue Skies & Sunshine
I believe that today is the first day since I arrived two weeks ago, that the sky is absolutely clear and blue, and the sun is shining brightly! It truly is a glorious day!
Since the Bare-chested Chef is off work again today, I was able to stay in bed for an extended morning of delicious laziness. I got up at about 10am and made a filling and healthful breakfast of fresh raspberries, plain coconut yoghurt and sprinkled with a generous handful of nuts and seeds and shaved coconut.
The decision to go for a walk to get my morning coffee, was a good one. I thoroughly enjoyed soaking up all of that vitamin D and the exercise, walking fast-paced over the undulating roads and paths. I sat in the shade at one of the tables outside the bakery to drink my jumbo coffee (triple shot!) and watch the world go by for about an hour.
By the time I returned home, with a second coffee for later, it was BCC's turn to leave the house. He packed his camera and headed out for some nature photography, while Chicklet and I played .. you guessed it .. Minecraft.
It's only mid afternoon now, but I plan on watching a Netflix movie tonight, so I'm blogging early.
This is what's sitting beside me on my bedside table (my bed is where Chicklet and I do our best Minecrafting)...
I'm off to watch my movie.
Nite all.
Since the Bare-chested Chef is off work again today, I was able to stay in bed for an extended morning of delicious laziness. I got up at about 10am and made a filling and healthful breakfast of fresh raspberries, plain coconut yoghurt and sprinkled with a generous handful of nuts and seeds and shaved coconut.
The decision to go for a walk to get my morning coffee, was a good one. I thoroughly enjoyed soaking up all of that vitamin D and the exercise, walking fast-paced over the undulating roads and paths. I sat in the shade at one of the tables outside the bakery to drink my jumbo coffee (triple shot!) and watch the world go by for about an hour.
By the time I returned home, with a second coffee for later, it was BCC's turn to leave the house. He packed his camera and headed out for some nature photography, while Chicklet and I played .. you guessed it .. Minecraft.
It's only mid afternoon now, but I plan on watching a Netflix movie tonight, so I'm blogging early.
This is what's sitting beside me on my bedside table (my bed is where Chicklet and I do our best Minecrafting)...
Later ...
Chicklet has seesawed back and forth between BCC and I all day, playing various computer games or just talking. I'm going to enforce a 'computer game free' day over the weekend and attempt to unfrazzle our brains! Perhaps it's just MY brain that's frazzled!
I found this today. I LOVE lots of colour and I can't even comprehend what it must be like to be colour blind, so this made me feel a little bit emotional and I could relate to the joy and surprise that these people felt when seeing colour for the first time. I can't imagine living without the vibrant colours of the world.
I'm off to watch my movie.
Nite all.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Out For The Day
I had a lovely day. Just me, myself and I.
I started at Zabe Espresso Bar where I bought myself a take away coffee - Zabe coffee is 'to die for' - but while I was waiting, I noticed that Val was at the piano. The same Val for whom I bought a gerbera to thank her for her beautiful music, about a year ago.
Of course, I had to hang around and enjoy her music, and she had a mate with her, playing the banjo, which added to the fun. It was VERY VERY loud in that small coffee shop, and there were a lot of middle-aged and elderly people in there, all attempting to converse over the loud music, but I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent there.
If I lived in the area, I would sit in this coffee bar every day. I love the atmosphere. The staff are warm and friendly. It attracts a very eclectic crowd. The coffee is divine. The entertainment is delightful. It's my kinda place.
I left there to follow up on some retail therapy. There are two clothes shops that I like in Tewantin and I must have spent about 40 minutes in each of them trying on clothes. Unfortunately (for me) or fortunately (for my wallet), I did not find a single thing that I liked.
There is also a shoe shop nearby. I didn't even get to see all of the shoes, because I found two pairs that I loved within 2 minutes of walking in the door. The shoes are a little pricy, but luckily, one of the pairs was on sale!
After spending my money, I popped into the RSL and while I was signing in, I overheard a woman introducing herself to somebody .. it was a name I recognised. When she stated where she was on holidays from .. Perth .. I realised that I knew her from more than forty years ago. We actually walked to high school together on our first day as high schoolers.
I got her attention and she remembered me too, although, I would never have recognised her to look at. She seemed a lot older, both physically and mentally, than me. I discovered that my mother had still been in contact with her mother right up until the late 90s. We spent more than an hour together catching up and reliving memories of our youth.
We didn't exchange phone numbers or any contact details. While it was nice to catch up, we are very different people, and I can't imagine a future friendship with her. 1972 was a long time ago.
I arrived home in time to see Chicklet before she had a shower and bedtime story with her Dadu.
I had a glass of wine today, on an empty stomach, and I can still, seven hours later, feel the effects of it! That may be because I still haven't eaten! I've had three coffees and a glass of wine all day. Full of healthful goodness and very high in nutritional value - NOT.
Note to self: Eat a hearty and healthful breakfast in the morning. Make up for today's slackness.
A good night's sleep will also help.
Nite all.
I started at Zabe Espresso Bar where I bought myself a take away coffee - Zabe coffee is 'to die for' - but while I was waiting, I noticed that Val was at the piano. The same Val for whom I bought a gerbera to thank her for her beautiful music, about a year ago.
Of course, I had to hang around and enjoy her music, and she had a mate with her, playing the banjo, which added to the fun. It was VERY VERY loud in that small coffee shop, and there were a lot of middle-aged and elderly people in there, all attempting to converse over the loud music, but I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent there.
If I lived in the area, I would sit in this coffee bar every day. I love the atmosphere. The staff are warm and friendly. It attracts a very eclectic crowd. The coffee is divine. The entertainment is delightful. It's my kinda place.
I left there to follow up on some retail therapy. There are two clothes shops that I like in Tewantin and I must have spent about 40 minutes in each of them trying on clothes. Unfortunately (for me) or fortunately (for my wallet), I did not find a single thing that I liked.
There is also a shoe shop nearby. I didn't even get to see all of the shoes, because I found two pairs that I loved within 2 minutes of walking in the door. The shoes are a little pricy, but luckily, one of the pairs was on sale!
After spending my money, I popped into the RSL and while I was signing in, I overheard a woman introducing herself to somebody .. it was a name I recognised. When she stated where she was on holidays from .. Perth .. I realised that I knew her from more than forty years ago. We actually walked to high school together on our first day as high schoolers.
I got her attention and she remembered me too, although, I would never have recognised her to look at. She seemed a lot older, both physically and mentally, than me. I discovered that my mother had still been in contact with her mother right up until the late 90s. We spent more than an hour together catching up and reliving memories of our youth.
We didn't exchange phone numbers or any contact details. While it was nice to catch up, we are very different people, and I can't imagine a future friendship with her. 1972 was a long time ago.
I arrived home in time to see Chicklet before she had a shower and bedtime story with her Dadu.
I had a glass of wine today, on an empty stomach, and I can still, seven hours later, feel the effects of it! That may be because I still haven't eaten! I've had three coffees and a glass of wine all day. Full of healthful goodness and very high in nutritional value - NOT.
Note to self: Eat a hearty and healthful breakfast in the morning. Make up for today's slackness.
A good night's sleep will also help.
Nite all.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Less Art More Fart
We did nothing in the way of art or craft today.
We did, however, have lots of giggles over the words 'fart', 'pee', 'poop' and 'knickers' ... all day. Not just once or twice. Frequently. Fits of hysterical giggles. She incorporated 'pee' into our story at bed time and 'pee', 'poop' and 'knickers' were her last words before she fell asleep.
Crazy kid.
We rebuilt our castle and spent too much time playing all three games on the iPads. We did dress up as the Flash this afternoon. Chicklet wore the mask and I wore the cape. We flashed around the house and clearly proved that she was the fastest Flash in the whole world!
Lunch was an interesting take on Angry Birds ...
... but she wouldn't eat the bird stating that 'the white bit looks yukky'. It was egg white and she was happy to eat all the other egg white on the plate, along with everything else, so I gave her a pass on the angry bird.
The Bare-chested Chef has the next two days off work, so tomorrow, I will have a day to myself. I think I'll have a pedicure and maybe find a hairdresser to do something amazing with my hair. Some retail therapy wouldn't go astray either.
While Chicklet was in the bath tonight, she said "I miss my Mama". Twice. I think she'll be excited to see Vegan Chickie when she returns next week.
I'm off for some beauty sleep.
Nite all.
We did, however, have lots of giggles over the words 'fart', 'pee', 'poop' and 'knickers' ... all day. Not just once or twice. Frequently. Fits of hysterical giggles. She incorporated 'pee' into our story at bed time and 'pee', 'poop' and 'knickers' were her last words before she fell asleep.
Crazy kid.
We rebuilt our castle and spent too much time playing all three games on the iPads. We did dress up as the Flash this afternoon. Chicklet wore the mask and I wore the cape. We flashed around the house and clearly proved that she was the fastest Flash in the whole world!
Lunch was an interesting take on Angry Birds ...
... but she wouldn't eat the bird stating that 'the white bit looks yukky'. It was egg white and she was happy to eat all the other egg white on the plate, along with everything else, so I gave her a pass on the angry bird.
The Bare-chested Chef has the next two days off work, so tomorrow, I will have a day to myself. I think I'll have a pedicure and maybe find a hairdresser to do something amazing with my hair. Some retail therapy wouldn't go astray either.
While Chicklet was in the bath tonight, she said "I miss my Mama". Twice. I think she'll be excited to see Vegan Chickie when she returns next week.
I'm off for some beauty sleep.
Nite all.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Done for the Day
Today, for the first time in a long time, I was worn out by late afternoon! I looked at my watch at 4pm and thought to myself 'can I make it through to Chicklet bed time?'
I realised, as I was emailing BGWLBH tonight, that I filled my water bottle up at 8.30am and it is still half full! That is very unlike me and not good for my body, or my brain, to be running on empty like that all day. I've given myself a forehead slap and will try to be more aware of my fluid intake in future.
We created a LOT of artwork this morning. Mostly dragons and superheroes. We used stickers, felt tip pens and highlighters to create some fabulous masterpieces (no photos), which are now sealed in Mama's envelopes awaiting her return.
That took up most of the morning. We became superheroes ourselves, me as Batman, and Chicklet as Ironman and ran through the house for about thirty minutes until it was time to make lunch. A Catwoman lunch!
We decided to go to the park this afternoon. The weather forecast is not good for the next few days, so while the sky was clear-ish, we walked to the park - Chicklet decided that she was going to the park as a pink puppy, cleverly walking on two legs, until we reached the park, and then she was down on all fours.
This was all good in theory ... except some jerks had broken an amber bottle and a clear glass in the play area and even though I cleaned as much as I could see, I was concerned that Chicklet would accidentally find the one piece that I couldn't see. When I asked her to put her shoes on and to not be a pink puppy any more, she opted to go home and build a castle instead.
Doesn't she look tiny in this pic? Once the castle was built to our satisfaction, we sat inside it and played Minecraft for about an hour, followed by some Plants v Zombies and then very briefly before bath time, some Minions.
She was sound asleep by 7.30pm and I was wishing that I was too! Nah, not really. I got my second wind at about 6pm.
Our new couch was delivered today and Adoring Husband sent me this pic that he took with his iPad. I will take some when I return home to show the wall art and the lovely 'coral' shaped lamp in more detail.
A rug would look excellent, but our old dogs like to use mats and rugs as doggy toilets, so bare floor it will stay, for now.
I'm off for some well earned rest.
Nite all.
I realised, as I was emailing BGWLBH tonight, that I filled my water bottle up at 8.30am and it is still half full! That is very unlike me and not good for my body, or my brain, to be running on empty like that all day. I've given myself a forehead slap and will try to be more aware of my fluid intake in future.
We created a LOT of artwork this morning. Mostly dragons and superheroes. We used stickers, felt tip pens and highlighters to create some fabulous masterpieces (no photos), which are now sealed in Mama's envelopes awaiting her return.
That took up most of the morning. We became superheroes ourselves, me as Batman, and Chicklet as Ironman and ran through the house for about thirty minutes until it was time to make lunch. A Catwoman lunch!
We decided to go to the park this afternoon. The weather forecast is not good for the next few days, so while the sky was clear-ish, we walked to the park - Chicklet decided that she was going to the park as a pink puppy, cleverly walking on two legs, until we reached the park, and then she was down on all fours.
This was all good in theory ... except some jerks had broken an amber bottle and a clear glass in the play area and even though I cleaned as much as I could see, I was concerned that Chicklet would accidentally find the one piece that I couldn't see. When I asked her to put her shoes on and to not be a pink puppy any more, she opted to go home and build a castle instead.
Doesn't she look tiny in this pic? Once the castle was built to our satisfaction, we sat inside it and played Minecraft for about an hour, followed by some Plants v Zombies and then very briefly before bath time, some Minions.
She was sound asleep by 7.30pm and I was wishing that I was too! Nah, not really. I got my second wind at about 6pm.
Our new couch was delivered today and Adoring Husband sent me this pic that he took with his iPad. I will take some when I return home to show the wall art and the lovely 'coral' shaped lamp in more detail.
A rug would look excellent, but our old dogs like to use mats and rugs as doggy toilets, so bare floor it will stay, for now.
I'm off for some well earned rest.
Nite all.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Happy Rainy Sunday
Petrichor (n.) a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather.
There hasn't been any long spell of warm dry weather here on the Sunny Coast .. but that lovely smell still exists. It has been lightly raining on and off all day here.
We left early this morning to attend the Noosa Farmer's Markets and, because of the weather, we expected it to be a small crowd, but it was busier today, than it was when Adoring Husband and I were there a couple of weeks ago on a sunshiny day!
It was drizzling rain for the entire time that we were there, so I rushed around the stalls and bought what I knew I wanted.
Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, mulberries, 2 bags mixed lettuce, carrots, cucumber, snap peas, beans, red onions, avocados, a tub of mixed sprouted beans, tub of basil pesto feta, a tub of basil pesto, a jar of kimchi (fermented veg), ginger, fresh coriander, 2 whole chickens (pasture raised), organic pork sausages and lamb chops.
That should well and truly feed us for the 8 days that I am here ... and hopefully there is enough colour there to create some artistic lunches for Chicklet!
We built another castle today, much larger than yesterdays. We cut out paper turrets to tape to the chairs, made a flag with the family crest on it and drew and cut out a dragon to protect the castle.
We made a throne, a secret tunnel, a moat with a drawbridge and a stable for the horse (unicorn). We even had a lake where the pink flamingo and a water dragon lived. It was a pretty cool structure and Chicklet decorated it with a book shelf and drawings of dragons.
We ate lunch AND dinner in our castle.
We galloped, cantered and trotted our horses through the house and around the castle.
We swung the cutout flowery dragon from the ceiling fan and watched her fly round and round in circles.
There were lots of pictures drawn today - all of them contained dragons. One climbing up a castle, one jumping over a rainbow, two big dragons chasing tiny dragons from their food source, a super hero dragon with a red cape, a dragon sitting on a mountain and many more.
We played Minecraft (of course) for about an hour before dinner. Earlier in the day we played Minions and Plants v Zombies.
Then it was time for a bath and Dadu read some of Narnia at bed time.
It's been another full day ... which I managed with flying colours! I even baked a chicken in the middle of all that! Chicken and salad for lunch and chicken soup with ginger and coriander for dinner.
Sometimes I marvel at myself!!
Nite all.
There hasn't been any long spell of warm dry weather here on the Sunny Coast .. but that lovely smell still exists. It has been lightly raining on and off all day here.
We left early this morning to attend the Noosa Farmer's Markets and, because of the weather, we expected it to be a small crowd, but it was busier today, than it was when Adoring Husband and I were there a couple of weeks ago on a sunshiny day!
It was drizzling rain for the entire time that we were there, so I rushed around the stalls and bought what I knew I wanted.
Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, mulberries, 2 bags mixed lettuce, carrots, cucumber, snap peas, beans, red onions, avocados, a tub of mixed sprouted beans, tub of basil pesto feta, a tub of basil pesto, a jar of kimchi (fermented veg), ginger, fresh coriander, 2 whole chickens (pasture raised), organic pork sausages and lamb chops.
That should well and truly feed us for the 8 days that I am here ... and hopefully there is enough colour there to create some artistic lunches for Chicklet!
We built another castle today, much larger than yesterdays. We cut out paper turrets to tape to the chairs, made a flag with the family crest on it and drew and cut out a dragon to protect the castle.
We made a throne, a secret tunnel, a moat with a drawbridge and a stable for the horse (unicorn). We even had a lake where the pink flamingo and a water dragon lived. It was a pretty cool structure and Chicklet decorated it with a book shelf and drawings of dragons.
We ate lunch AND dinner in our castle.
We galloped, cantered and trotted our horses through the house and around the castle.
We swung the cutout flowery dragon from the ceiling fan and watched her fly round and round in circles.
There were lots of pictures drawn today - all of them contained dragons. One climbing up a castle, one jumping over a rainbow, two big dragons chasing tiny dragons from their food source, a super hero dragon with a red cape, a dragon sitting on a mountain and many more.
We played Minecraft (of course) for about an hour before dinner. Earlier in the day we played Minions and Plants v Zombies.
Then it was time for a bath and Dadu read some of Narnia at bed time.
It's been another full day ... which I managed with flying colours! I even baked a chicken in the middle of all that! Chicken and salad for lunch and chicken soup with ginger and coriander for dinner.
Sometimes I marvel at myself!!
Nite all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)