tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25726019842413527992024-03-13T11:43:21.030-07:00Between Nowhere else and ParadiseHelenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-75751048938611430802013-03-11T20:54:00.002-07:002013-03-11T20:54:14.828-07:00Exploring an island.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well I am back after a very long break, I have missed keeping a record of our days. I like to be able to look back to see the children grow, to remember the normal little every day parts of our life at present which do change and the memories of them do fade. So Im starting again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Goat Island</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It seemed to some of the children that Goat Island was misnamed as when we arrived yesterday it was neither an island nor were there any goats. However it was a wonderful place to explore, and imagine and daydream . </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the tide at it's lowest we could walk on dry ground all the way out and thankfully all the way back too.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Still the the trek out was rather troublesome for some of our explorers!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can imagine the excitement when the girls discovered a cave. Who need the famous five?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The contrast of colours was stunning yesterday, the sky was a cloudless blue and the lichen on the rocks such a deep orange.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The children led the way bushbashing through tangled branches and squeezing though small tunnels, all very exciting for those who could simply bend to make their way through.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But for the largest party members it was a little more difficult even on hands and knees. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I loved watching the children's excitement, pure joy on their faces. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every high point was climbed, naturally. We let the boys run ahead at the beginning which cut out the competition, keeping things peaceful. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This summer has been so lovely weather wise we haven't been out and about as much as I would have liked but days like this one will be remembered. </span><br />
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Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-23151137265597682842011-10-23T13:44:00.000-07:002011-10-23T13:44:56.730-07:00Enjoying Spring.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've had a true spring here with the weather jumping between wonderful sunshiny warm days to days with snow falling and settling on the mountain while we huddled around the cosy fire which we kept burning all day. Right now we've enjoyed a string of the lovely mild blue kind. The children and I have loved soaking up the sun's warmth, in fact we even called school off one day just to lap up the wonderful weather and concentrate on lots of spring garden jobs.
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Serena showed the boys how to whistle through grass, that made for good entertainment after our picnic lunch.</div>
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James tried with all his might again and agin but still no success, maybe next year.</div>
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Yesterday poor little James must have been totally worn out, Serena found him sleeping like this and kindly placed a pillow under his head, he slept for a couple of hours in the sun. Probably dreaming of what he's going to make with the wood and saw, maybe another sword? </div>
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This week we are expecting some new additions to our mini farm, some pure breed day old chicks and some fertile duck eggs to put under our two ducks who are both sitting on one nest. We had the same shared mothering last year, the ducklings were very well protected which is just as well as we do have a few hungry crows hanging about. </div>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-30041990050185020582011-10-06T13:59:00.000-07:002011-10-06T13:59:59.122-07:00Picnicking with Peacocks and other activities.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We celebrated Joshua's birthday with a picnic at the Cataract Gorge with Zac and Nina recently. The forecast was for afternoon rain and we were so fortunate to be driving out when those rains began to fall. We were hoping to see the peacocks show their splendour to their mates but we missed that, however they did come up to share our picnic and eat from the children's hands, such amazing beauty!</div>
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Last Sunday we made the decision to take a hastily thrown together picnic lunch to the Arboretum after Church, not realising they were having a type of fair that day. The children planted some trees along the creek which we will visit over the years. </div>
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These two were so cute in their planting, soil went everywhere including in their hair! Thomas had to be pulled out of the whole more than once.</div>
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Josh is planting a Mountain Pepper. </div>
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One day I'm going to make things like this.</div>
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And like this.</div>
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We have also celebrated my Nan's 96th birthday with all the family, such a great time to get together with cousins I never see anymore and to meet their spouses and children. We made the stop at the beach before driving home and of course the little ones got soaked. But had such fun climbing over rocks, paddling in pools and even jumping waves.<br />
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Most of the little ones were herded onto the balcony for a photo, unfortunately they were herded to the wrong end and this is the best photo we got.<br />
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The children loved the pool and spa most of all. </div>
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Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-42825283574176809732011-08-21T14:17:00.000-07:002011-08-21T14:17:28.695-07:00A few things I have been enjoying lately.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7xn43FVoq8/TlFrXSe7tlI/AAAAAAAAATo/LeJsk8WLCgc/s1600/IMG_3037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7xn43FVoq8/TlFrXSe7tlI/AAAAAAAAATo/LeJsk8WLCgc/s320/IMG_3037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I haven't spent much time reading lately but I have borrowed all of these books from the library and have enjoyed the little time I've spent with each. Practical Self-Sufficiency is on my wish list as is the Real Food Companion and I'll be borrowing the Charcuterie again for sure but would like to find a book that doesn't depend on Nitrites. I'm keen to make the Spanish Chorizo, Hungarian Salami and air-dried Ham.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VC0KuWAmx_c/TlFrjrHzkcI/AAAAAAAAATs/C3Hf3bqzKtM/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VC0KuWAmx_c/TlFrjrHzkcI/AAAAAAAAATs/C3Hf3bqzKtM/s320/IMG_3027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> A Sunday picnic is always nice but especially when the sun finally shines through after days (or is it weeks) of rain. Joshua, Serena and friend also completed the 40 hour famine over the weekend choosing to sleep in the cubby to take the hardship up a notch. They did very well, it's nice to see their compassion for those whose lives are not as easy as their own,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKz1fflvfkk/TlFr_EjSfBI/AAAAAAAAATw/y5QPuLWNqT0/s1600/IMG_3017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKz1fflvfkk/TlFr_EjSfBI/AAAAAAAAATw/y5QPuLWNqT0/s320/IMG_3017.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This little boy is amazing, here he is on his way home from hospital, he'd spent the night there after dropping a 5kg weight on his big toe which smashed it. The toe was really smashed and was the most unpleasant sight I've seen in my children's injuries. He shed a few tears when his brother and sister panicked at the sight of it and that was it no more tears. He is so tough. He is not likely to go into the medical field, he has a very low opinion of all hospital staff and wasn't afraid to let everyone in the building know it. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayMMPJGtNYo/TlFsq3gxSNI/AAAAAAAAAT4/FeEGUhCMn2w/s1600/IMG_2945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayMMPJGtNYo/TlFsq3gxSNI/AAAAAAAAAT4/FeEGUhCMn2w/s320/IMG_2945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Spelling tests are fun too, especially when there is a little brotherly, sisterly competition. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-buATF89pvTc/TlFtEg4ldaI/AAAAAAAAAT8/IfKlKAL3Jpo/s1600/IMG_2983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-buATF89pvTc/TlFtEg4ldaI/AAAAAAAAAT8/IfKlKAL3Jpo/s320/IMG_2983.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We have enjoyed another birthday recently as Thomas turned two. We managed to stick to GAPS legal food quite easily this time, oh except for some cocoa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LU0GwOk9ig/TlFtd-2fOuI/AAAAAAAAAUA/6ZhiEOUCmNA/s1600/IMG_2979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LU0GwOk9ig/TlFtd-2fOuI/AAAAAAAAAUA/6ZhiEOUCmNA/s320/IMG_2979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This train set has been a real hit, I love watching all the children enjoying it together, really it was Thomas's birthday present but he doesn't mind sharing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Be0nPuoEYM/TlFtzaram9I/AAAAAAAAAUE/ZeVfWUknRks/s1600/IMG_2978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Be0nPuoEYM/TlFtzaram9I/AAAAAAAAAUE/ZeVfWUknRks/s320/IMG_2978.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Aunties and sisters are such a blessing, especially this one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--3XaUeJj1s0/TlFuOJRgOGI/AAAAAAAAAUI/mgSbj0PdBpw/s1600/IMG_2918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--3XaUeJj1s0/TlFuOJRgOGI/AAAAAAAAAUI/mgSbj0PdBpw/s320/IMG_2918.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I've been enjoying my new almost complete kitchen, it is taking rather a long time to finish, I'm hoping this week that will happen. </div>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-64416535893968389172011-07-11T14:11:00.000-07:002011-07-11T14:11:16.666-07:00Being nine.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbMT9Gyer48/ThtepxOBegI/AAAAAAAAATI/g0CcR0hDFw0/s1600/IMG_8886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbMT9Gyer48/ThtepxOBegI/AAAAAAAAATI/g0CcR0hDFw0/s320/IMG_8886.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> These two friends share a birthday and they recently turned nine. I had a delightful morning watching them together, discussing like old ladies how time flies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zqN4755AYY/ThtfnKXElUI/AAAAAAAAATM/6re6TzWcF4Y/s1600/IMG_8892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zqN4755AYY/ThtfnKXElUI/AAAAAAAAATM/6re6TzWcF4Y/s320/IMG_8892.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> These three also discussed how they look forward to having their own children one day. When I asked them what it was about having children they looked forward to they all said playing with them and one said sending them to school! While another looked horrified and exclaimed she would definitely be homeschooling her children. The other shot back with, "Oh no it's way too much work."!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1i4Z4jvSFQ/Thtfzr9iCDI/AAAAAAAAATQ/fZX-Z-eZy_I/s1600/IMG_8897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1i4Z4jvSFQ/Thtfzr9iCDI/AAAAAAAAATQ/fZX-Z-eZy_I/s320/IMG_8897.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Thankfully they are not too grown up yet to enjoy crazy dress ups.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUwpQJ0stjE/ThtgALh6dLI/AAAAAAAAATU/tT2A2Jet-so/s1600/IMG_8920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUwpQJ0stjE/ThtgALh6dLI/AAAAAAAAATU/tT2A2Jet-so/s320/IMG_8920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Gracie choose a GAPS friendly lemon meringue pie as her birthday cake which turned out well despite being left in the oven too long.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6IDqYfOWpZc/ThtgO0Txt2I/AAAAAAAAATY/gBGdKbNvzjQ/s1600/IMG_8924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6IDqYfOWpZc/ThtgO0Txt2I/AAAAAAAAATY/gBGdKbNvzjQ/s320/IMG_8924.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> They all love party poppers on their birthdays ...except usually the youngest who find the noise way too scary.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CsCxqyZRo-s/ThtgchxGpSI/AAAAAAAAATc/thWBVuFKviA/s1600/IMG_8963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CsCxqyZRo-s/ThtgchxGpSI/AAAAAAAAATc/thWBVuFKviA/s320/IMG_8963.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> We gave her this lovely book which tells the story of a little girl who was taught to stitch a decorative bread cloth by her Grandmother. The book came with all that was needed for Gracie to make her own cloth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sxvS0mX8OHU/Thtgr4jA7jI/AAAAAAAAATg/NSKs2R0IIlA/s1600/IMG_8962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sxvS0mX8OHU/Thtgr4jA7jI/AAAAAAAAATg/NSKs2R0IIlA/s320/IMG_8962.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The rest of the family went out one afternoon and we took the opportunity to read finish the book and begin the project.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj05dJ-G2o4/Thtg28EW3VI/AAAAAAAAATk/cHEzx-yIwSw/s1600/IMG_8967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj05dJ-G2o4/Thtg28EW3VI/AAAAAAAAATk/cHEzx-yIwSw/s320/IMG_8967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It was such a lovely time and Gracie learnt up the needed stitch very well and has done an excellent job on her cloth. Now she is hemming it up and when it's complete I'll post a photo. I love to see her sitting her self down with her needle work and she loves creating all sorts of items as gifts or to put to use herself. Delightful.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-16707238967142381932011-06-30T00:08:00.000-07:002011-06-30T00:08:56.516-07:00Homemade chocolate.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci8gO3_pe7Q/TguTG2HktyI/AAAAAAAAAS8/oy2h1ZY_F0A/s1600/IMG_8812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci8gO3_pe7Q/TguTG2HktyI/AAAAAAAAAS8/oy2h1ZY_F0A/s320/IMG_8812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The chocolate eggs I made at Easter were pretty poor, dull with honey crystals through them. They helped ease my need for chocolate but certainly didn't have good mouth feel. So it was time to try again and this is what I ended up with, nice shiny chocolate with reasonable mouth feel. I added roasted almonds as it was a little sweeter than I like, the honey flavour was there but wasn't too strong.<br />
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Thomas enjoyed helping with the clean up, as did all the other children.<br />
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Notice the chocolate drip on the chin! He is busy playing a Nancy Drew computer games, they love those games.<br />
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Chocolatey kisses.<br />
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Poor James was running a very high temp so missed the pleasure of clean up with the others.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XlLjHOIwPvw/TguT41MEcMI/AAAAAAAAATE/oUCWdSO4wF4/s1600/IMG_8833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XlLjHOIwPvw/TguT41MEcMI/AAAAAAAAATE/oUCWdSO4wF4/s320/IMG_8833.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This one would have eaten the lot in one sitting I'm sure. I think I may need to make the next batch when they are all sleeping and hide it away! Sure doesn't last long.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-50974318003279759662011-06-26T14:40:00.000-07:002011-06-26T14:40:57.869-07:00No Longer a Teenager.My first born turned 20 this week, no longer a teenager, I think he is a little reluctant to leave those years behind him but I try to assure him life really gets richer as the years roll by. We all love it when he (well now when they) come to visit, there is always so much excitement in the house as everyone waits the arrival of biggest brother and his lovely girlfriend.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd4vhEyHyEc/TgeiJCETwZI/AAAAAAAAASU/Q5hXDD9HdMI/s1600/IMG_8795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd4vhEyHyEc/TgeiJCETwZI/AAAAAAAAASU/Q5hXDD9HdMI/s320/IMG_8795.JPG" width="320" /></a>J</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James has drawn some stars for Zac.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFeqt2ZUixM/TgejwHE6jAI/AAAAAAAAASY/9Hp5-2OmlXQ/s1600/IMG_8793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFeqt2ZUixM/TgejwHE6jAI/AAAAAAAAASY/9Hp5-2OmlXQ/s320/IMG_8793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This game was never finished as no one could remember how to play, we must download some instructions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlFM5sSWIRA/TgekA4gRE0I/AAAAAAAAASc/vE4txV_FP_0/s1600/IMG_8797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlFM5sSWIRA/TgekA4gRE0I/AAAAAAAAASc/vE4txV_FP_0/s320/IMG_8797.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> James doing his first ever sewing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYP0I4V4fOQ/TgekQSQj6dI/AAAAAAAAASg/Rh5CtbHaDMU/s1600/IMG_8798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYP0I4V4fOQ/TgekQSQj6dI/AAAAAAAAASg/Rh5CtbHaDMU/s320/IMG_8798.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Daniel making a special gift for someone he loves and misses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTZVudBIHpo/TgekgGuXqsI/AAAAAAAAASk/C2_3RTfxLlo/s1600/IMG_8802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTZVudBIHpo/TgekgGuXqsI/AAAAAAAAASk/C2_3RTfxLlo/s320/IMG_8802.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love to see them getting on so well, I wonder just how tall she will get.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Den0z1tP6xU/TgekslYr0iI/AAAAAAAAASo/1VwmX72ihBU/s1600/IMG_8805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Den0z1tP6xU/TgekslYr0iI/AAAAAAAAASo/1VwmX72ihBU/s320/IMG_8805.JPG" width="299" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"> Zac is holding his gift from Serena, rosemary and thyme potted in boots and Nina is holding some lacto fermented radishes. </div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We enjoyed a quiet afternoon together just enjoying each others company. A game of Mousetrap was started, and some stitching done. One brother spent the day on the couch most disappointed with himself for being unwell on the day his brothers comes to celebrate his birthday with us. But all in all it was a lovely afternoon. I'm very much looking forward to having all of me children together in a couple of weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-75817350581346100362011-06-15T14:40:00.000-07:002011-06-15T14:50:27.006-07:00Happy Birthday Precious!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JwNPj7loNLU/Tfkk4lFRqpI/AAAAAAAAASQ/DuWsrptXDQ8/s1600/IMG_0275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JwNPj7loNLU/Tfkk4lFRqpI/AAAAAAAAASQ/DuWsrptXDQ8/s320/IMG_0275.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>17 times you have been around the sun. 17. What a delight you have been.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAa9-75v9K4/Tfkg86V1qMI/AAAAAAAAASA/SMd9fZFiyZA/s1600/IMG_1094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAa9-75v9K4/Tfkg86V1qMI/AAAAAAAAASA/SMd9fZFiyZA/s320/IMG_1094.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>God blessed our socks off when He gave us you. You are such an amazing, interesting, big hearted person.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6wUFlNOvNk/Tfkij2Tx8aI/AAAAAAAAASE/lC-7KaY3VeQ/s1600/IMG_5740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6wUFlNOvNk/Tfkij2Tx8aI/AAAAAAAAASE/lC-7KaY3VeQ/s320/IMG_5740.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It's been wonderful to watch you grow, you'er growing in wisdom and developing a lovely character.<br />
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I can't wait to see what you do with this life you have been given, I know you will continue to embrace it and live it well.<br />
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We have missed you so much this year but know that you have a wonderful opportunity to learn and stretch your self where you are.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-7600618797270690872011-06-01T14:05:00.000-07:002011-07-11T13:30:50.085-07:00Some new books and a Sri Lankan dish cloth.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o0Fu4OAYspY/Teahrn61ZaI/AAAAAAAAAR4/kMXLprTj_qA/s1600/IMG_8758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o0Fu4OAYspY/Teahrn61ZaI/AAAAAAAAAR4/kMXLprTj_qA/s320/IMG_8758.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After reading this post http://lifeasmom.com/features/booking-it-in-2011I had a little spend up on books online and then had the pleasure of parcels arriving in the mail...all for me! I have so far read 'A Sane Women's Guide to Raising A Large Family', which I enjoyed reading I wish I had taken notes so I could tell you more about it but I mostly read while getting the little one to sleep and taking notes then is not possible. Sometimes it felt like I may have written the book myself as the author sound very like me and sometimes I thought "yes that is an area I need to work on". I'll have another flick through with a pen and paper when I finish the other books that are inviting me in. A lot of this book was written for people deciding if a large family was for them or not, so really didn't apply to me.<br />
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I'm currently reading Organized Simplicity. Again it's an easy enjoyable book to read. I wondered at first if there would be anything in it for me, at first it seemed to me the author was saying growing your own food and using cloth nappies are extreme and that prickled me a bit but as my reading progresses I can see she isn't saying that at all. She is catering for a wide audience is all, and these things are not essential, though to me they may seem to be. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the book and will attempt to take notes this time.<br />
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Cooking for Celiacs, Colitis, Crohn's and IBS, arrived this week and has been a real winner. It's pretty much a GAPS cookbook. Last night I made Sri Lankan feast which was great though as usual I was a little heavy handed with the spices and our 'eyes bled' a little! Still we all enjoyed it and I will make it many more times. There are so many great recipes in there, the children have been drooling over them so I'm using many in my latest menu plan.<br />
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I still haven't finished Gut and Psychology Syndrome, partly because I do need to take notes with that one and partly because I have picked up much of the content on the internet already. It's a book I will refer to often and lend out regularly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KoRHTSr8YIA/TeamYPorGoI/AAAAAAAAAR8/GrvUrS08AS0/s1600/IMG_8731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KoRHTSr8YIA/TeamYPorGoI/AAAAAAAAAR8/GrvUrS08AS0/s320/IMG_8731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Down To Earth recently held a Dishcloth Swap (my first swap) and my swap partner Dhilma send me this lovely dish cloth and locally made coasters. The dish cloth was quickly put to work and only rests while in the wash or on the line. I really like using it. All of my past handmade ones ended up with holes from washing knives carelessly and I'd forgotten how much nicer hay are to have around than the squares of blue cleaning cloth I have been using. I wasn't a very good swap partner, my cloth was a very plainly knitted bamboo one and it was posted late but still I enjoyed knitting for a new friend and I do like knitting with bamboo, it's so soft and lovely.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-4369490820613553412011-05-18T14:04:00.000-07:002011-06-15T14:52:42.884-07:00A Little Backdating.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had an afternoon trip to the beach recently and by the time we were ready to leave the sun was casting great shadows that the children enjoyed playing with. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1Lmhm3ccD4/TdQs4MFRqgI/AAAAAAAAARY/uvDA2Lltfek/s1600/IMG_2240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1Lmhm3ccD4/TdQs4MFRqgI/AAAAAAAAARY/uvDA2Lltfek/s320/IMG_2240.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_L3z7E20wY/TdQtOH0l8sI/AAAAAAAAARc/VUWI7A-HmGE/s1600/IMG_2245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_L3z7E20wY/TdQtOH0l8sI/AAAAAAAAARc/VUWI7A-HmGE/s320/IMG_2245.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjDWKGBtiDs/TdQtaKiPDeI/AAAAAAAAARg/j81-iyj43rE/s1600/IMG_2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjDWKGBtiDs/TdQtaKiPDeI/AAAAAAAAARg/j81-iyj43rE/s320/IMG_2264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> This little boy is rarely without a stick in hand, it maybe a sword or a gun or even a fishing rod but it's always very important.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mGYNxKwGjc/TdQtoD6ZLoI/AAAAAAAAARk/DLarp5unh_Y/s1600/IMG_2270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mGYNxKwGjc/TdQtoD6ZLoI/AAAAAAAAARk/DLarp5unh_Y/s320/IMG_2270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> It was way to cold for me to get my toes in the water, the children really didn't mind the cold and I was happy sitting back watching and listening to the waves.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eOCaEoCDXDM/TdQt3RZ8cMI/AAAAAAAAARo/ho11_XXbkwY/s1600/IMG_2297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eOCaEoCDXDM/TdQt3RZ8cMI/AAAAAAAAARo/ho11_XXbkwY/s320/IMG_2297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Easter provided a challenge as I wanted to have chocolate of course but as we were all on the GAPS diet at that time buying chocolate without a sweetener was impossible. Thankfully I had saved this special bar of Willies 100% cacao from our trip to England. So I mixed it up with sour cream and honey both of which are GAPS legal, (although cacao isn't, I felt it was fine for us) and I made these truffles which were delicious. I also made some Easter eggs with cocoa powder, cocoa butter and honey. They were better than no chocolate but not great.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcvdxZjhuQs/TdQuH25EPHI/AAAAAAAAARs/olYvnuPd09s/s1600/IMG_2301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcvdxZjhuQs/TdQuH25EPHI/AAAAAAAAARs/olYvnuPd09s/s320/IMG_2301.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It seems the younger children can't get enough of cooking lately. Ella-Grace and Daniel sat together and prepared their own breakfast menu plan for those days the are allowed to make their own breakfast. So here they are making omelette together.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpqVwjF8tNA/TdQzkmUvBzI/AAAAAAAAAR0/xBCqK_YVhrE/s1600/IMG_2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpqVwjF8tNA/TdQzkmUvBzI/AAAAAAAAAR0/xBCqK_YVhrE/s320/IMG_2357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-14307063812474705672011-03-03T11:35:00.000-08:002011-03-03T16:06:50.289-08:00So, whats been happening?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7DGyzlVSoU/TW_vBf9USfI/AAAAAAAAARQ/d99wWhU2B1s/s1600/IMG_2031.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579941272372922866" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7DGyzlVSoU/TW_vBf9USfI/AAAAAAAAARQ/d99wWhU2B1s/s400/IMG_2031.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I've been reading on different blogs a little about GAPS, so I've been looking into that as much as time allows and have now ordered Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Natasha Campbell-McBride. It all sounds very interesting and fits very well with Nourishing Traditions which I own and love. It is all about healing the gut and improving gut flora and how doing that can have such dramatic effect on overall health, apparently it has healed people with Autism, ADD/ADHD, Dyspraxia, schizophrenia and depression as well as less drastic conditions like food allergies. Fortunately we don't have any of those conditions in our family (except food allergies) but I'm always interested in optimising our health and would much prefer to prevent illness than have to cure it. From what I have read so far if the gut is truly healthy it will readily remove toxins we ingest. From my reading I was inspired to make some sauerkraut. I hope it is received better than the kimchi I made last year which I loved but everyone else complained loudly about as soon as I removed the lid. Maybe I used too much garlic. I'm keen to start some gingered carrots from Nourishing Traditions and some pickled turnips from Wild Fermentation. I watched a presentation by Natasha Campbell-McBride here http://gapsaustralia.com.au/gaps-utube/ and started watching one by Sally Fallon author of Nourishing Traditions they were both speaking at the Wise Traditions conference in London.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2FwOGhDwYo/TW_vA-tAAlI/AAAAAAAAARI/1T60TYDhSh4/s1600/IMG_2008.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579941263446114898" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2FwOGhDwYo/TW_vA-tAAlI/AAAAAAAAARI/1T60TYDhSh4/s400/IMG_2008.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Totally against both GAPS and Nourishing Traditions Serena made this very yummy Danish apple pie. We've always has such trouble with the very buttery pastry but she made it work very well.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gxO72xwVl6M/TW_vApbobLI/AAAAAAAAARA/HcTIJzK-X6I/s1600/IMG_2029.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579941257736121522" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gxO72xwVl6M/TW_vApbobLI/AAAAAAAAARA/HcTIJzK-X6I/s400/IMG_2029.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I finally finished this cupboard and am really happy with it. It was in quiet a state when I bought it but has come up beautifully.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_xt4zJanCE/TW_vAVXJNMI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/GuOj2ZZXam4/s1600/IMG_2015.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579941252348589250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_xt4zJanCE/TW_vAVXJNMI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/GuOj2ZZXam4/s400/IMG_2015.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>An even worse photo but I wanted to include it because she is so lovely and I'm so prooud of her, she made herself this nighty from an old sheet. It was her first time using the sewing machine. Now she wants 'old fashioned dresses' and twirly skirts.<br />
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</div><div>Other random happenings, Tim and I are both listening to the one year Bible in our separate quite times, I've read the one year Bible for the last two years but it's rather nice to have the iphone app with someone reading it to me. It's even nicer to know Tim is reading the same thing as me so we can talk about it together.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Thomas' s toilet training is going very well. He sometimes tells me when he needs to go but mostly it's a matter of me just taking him regularly.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We are back to doing school work every day, the children had been doing maths through most of the holidays but now we are back to a full load. It's going well as I continue to try different approaches. This year instead of covering every subject every day we do either science, history or geography as our core subject for the day and all writing stems from that subject. I think its going to work well for us.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Apart from that I keep feeling a strong pull to my spinning wheel and as is so cold now and my feet are so cold all the time I think I'll start by spinning and knitting myself a pair of slippers. Maybe I'll be able to start today, maybe.</div>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-11129062645889521032011-02-13T11:37:00.000-08:002011-02-13T12:30:45.542-08:00A growing garden and a growing boy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6jWgALSTBg/TVg58nbhSnI/AAAAAAAAAQw/CkFdlBN03JQ/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6jWgALSTBg/TVg58nbhSnI/AAAAAAAAAQw/CkFdlBN03JQ/s400/IMG_1849.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573268252410333810" /></a>The sweetpeas self seeded from last year and are tangling up with the climbing beans. The children are busy in the sandpit, they are spending as much time as possible there at the moment.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hr02BnivmjE/TVg1XCftuQI/AAAAAAAAAQg/TLNgFyJKyOE/s1600/IMG_1778.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hr02BnivmjE/TVg1XCftuQI/AAAAAAAAAQg/TLNgFyJKyOE/s400/IMG_1778.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573263208794142978" /></a>Our strawberry beds have done well this year despite being transplanted so very late. However it has been rare that a bowl full of strawberries have made it into the house, most being plucked straight from the plants by little hands like these and popped straight into little mouths.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zW2bAiIjzIA/TVg1WZsueEI/AAAAAAAAAQY/554bxU8yJr4/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zW2bAiIjzIA/TVg1WZsueEI/AAAAAAAAAQY/554bxU8yJr4/s400/IMG_1853.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573263197842864194" /></a>This is Daniels bed. We have had such a cool summer everything is slow to mature, I only hope the frost can hold off for at least another month. Daniel has very much enjoyed caring for his bed, weeding it and watching the little cucumbers develop.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33NfSeuhywk/TVg1Vrd0pBI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/LcUoloKzC7E/s1600/IMG_1851.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33NfSeuhywk/TVg1Vrd0pBI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/LcUoloKzC7E/s400/IMG_1851.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573263185432323090" /></a>These are my temporary beds, in place while my big veg garden gets it's major face lift. They have done very well too, though again some heat would be great.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4adM9Ott9Hs/TVg1U5ZhdbI/AAAAAAAAAQI/ilVeoKmglcI/s1600/IMG_1895.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4adM9Ott9Hs/TVg1U5ZhdbI/AAAAAAAAAQI/ilVeoKmglcI/s400/IMG_1895.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573263171992516018" /></a>One little boy turned 4 yesterday. What a lovely day it was too. He wanted a 'ginerman' house for his birthday cake this year after reading Jan Bretts The Gingerbread Baby. He believed his house was the exact house that was in his library book.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pcuN0ZtsTCg/TVg1USLTsBI/AAAAAAAAAQA/zyuVpv4prsg/s1600/IMG_1839.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pcuN0ZtsTCg/TVg1USLTsBI/AAAAAAAAAQA/zyuVpv4prsg/s400/IMG_1839.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573263161463910418" /></a>Yes his birthday present, and a refilled sandpit to use it in. All of the children have loved playing in the sandpit since it's refilling. It's been so lovely watching them play together.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfLDQRM48yY/TVg58LvUytI/AAAAAAAAAQo/NOLf7Et4d9Y/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfLDQRM48yY/TVg58LvUytI/AAAAAAAAAQo/NOLf7Et4d9Y/s400/IMG_1857.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573268244977208018" /></a>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-60564918220899961512011-01-18T14:12:00.000-08:002011-01-18T14:41:43.250-08:00Rain, rain and more rain.<div><br /></div><div><br />We have been feeling for the flood victims on the mainland, amazed at how suddenly people's lives were changed, the damage done to the land and the way people came together as a community offering support with money and deeds. Sometimes the worst situations bring out the best character.</div><div><br /></div><div>Over the weekend we had our own little taster of flooding, just a wee taster but enough for us. We had water over the floor in two rooms but managed to contain it with constant mopping from 7:30am until about 9pm. The flow had stopped before my 2am mopping shift. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TTYS0fB0m5I/AAAAAAAAAPw/lccRKd7uXkM/s1600/IMG_1431.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TTYS0fB0m5I/AAAAAAAAAPw/lccRKd7uXkM/s400/IMG_1431.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563655082554465170" /></a>The girls were a great help in mopping up without complaint. One wonderful neighbour spent much of the day digging out side trying to stop the flow into the house and inside mopping. He was soaked though all day just helping us. We are so blessed with the neighbours we have. We are surround by wonderful neighbours.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TTYS0G3_s5I/AAAAAAAAAPo/akR-jWTxUec/s1600/IMG_1433.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TTYS0G3_s5I/AAAAAAAAAPo/akR-jWTxUec/s400/IMG_1433.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563655076070798226" /></a>Railton was struck pretty badly with many houses and businesses flooded.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TTYSzihwmjI/AAAAAAAAAPg/BVRkxSZ6Aqw/s1600/IMG_1436.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TTYSzihwmjI/AAAAAAAAAPg/BVRkxSZ6Aqw/s400/IMG_1436.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563655066313857586" /></a>Josh spent the morning after our clean up in Railton with Tim digging out gutters and drains. He enjoyed his work and the ice-cream one business owner gave him! By lunch he was ready to leave Tim and the others to the task. There is still much work to be done.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TTYSzbJwJHI/AAAAAAAAAPY/rig2MAknRa0/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TTYSzbJwJHI/AAAAAAAAAPY/rig2MAknRa0/s400/IMG_1435.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563655064334115954" /></a>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-41134542414079640302011-01-08T13:03:00.000-08:002011-07-11T13:28:12.967-07:00A visit to Tasmazia.Yesterday the children requested an outing to <a href="http://www.tasmazia.com.au/">Tasmazia</a> So we very quickly packed a picnic and headed out. We also packed books, thinking we might get a chance to read while the children played in the mazes. The books were not opened as we spent so much time lost in the mazes!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TSjV67nwirI/AAAAAAAAAOo/jm9AlUj22n4/s1600/IMG_1363.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559928948402457266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TSjV67nwirI/AAAAAAAAAOo/jm9AlUj22n4/s400/IMG_1363.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TSjV6Wja8jI/AAAAAAAAAOg/HfW4VifH3JY/s1600/IMG_1359.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559928938452152882" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TSjV6Wja8jI/AAAAAAAAAOg/HfW4VifH3JY/s400/IMG_1359.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" /></a><br />
The children loved Cubby Town, running off to explore each house, dashing quickly from one to another and back again.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TSjV7UXb2gI/AAAAAAAAAOw/nQIHdoeryKg/s1600/IMG_1370.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559928955044878850" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TSjV7UXb2gI/AAAAAAAAAOw/nQIHdoeryKg/s400/IMG_1370.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>We had planned a picnic at the 'Three Bears House' but what fun trying to find it! The great maze trapped us until the children were hot and sweaty and the mothers we well ready for a lunch break.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TSjV8dW6RcI/AAAAAAAAAPA/KfgkNNvg298/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559928974638466498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TSjV8dW6RcI/AAAAAAAAAPA/KfgkNNvg298/s400/IMG_1403.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I found this little boy smelling the daisies. He had a lovely time and selected his own house from amongst those along 'The Yellow Brick Road'.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TSjV8FjlLvI/AAAAAAAAAO4/YMDqQAKZnVU/s1600/IMG_1397.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559928968249159410" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TSjV8FjlLvI/AAAAAAAAAO4/YMDqQAKZnVU/s400/IMG_1397.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Of course the fairy house found a fan too. The lavender was so lovely not fully open, just looking delicate.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TSjb3pcCQII/AAAAAAAAAPI/TzA3EHf_Dmc/s1600/IMG_1404.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559935489051607170" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TSjb3pcCQII/AAAAAAAAAPI/TzA3EHf_Dmc/s400/IMG_1404.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TSjcra9UesI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/7ePAYura7dY/s1600/IMG_1409.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559936378517879490" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TSjcra9UesI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/7ePAYura7dY/s400/IMG_1409.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Rain threatened while the children played on the balance maze and bought an end to our outing.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-70744593339580672402010-11-02T22:07:00.000-07:002010-11-02T23:12:42.525-07:00To England and Bangkok and Back again.<div><br /></div><div>I had a fantastic trip with my older girls and little Thomas. The girls were great travel companions, we had so much fun! We all love markets and food and lovely accents and well we pretty much loved everything. We'd love to go back again but I don't suppose we'll ever all travel so far together again.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TND0mKuSYjI/AAAAAAAAAN0/ZuD0nhbahxo/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TND0mKuSYjI/AAAAAAAAAN0/ZuD0nhbahxo/s400/IMG_0646.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535192878589043250" /></a>We just loved exploring the history, it's just so amazing for us to visit such old sites. We did an audio tour of this castle, I could have spent hours there, it was just so interesting and amazing to hear how different historical figures lives fitted together.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TND0l3YdxOI/AAAAAAAAANs/OyNXaaGQtXc/s1600/IMG_0731.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TND0l3YdxOI/AAAAAAAAANs/OyNXaaGQtXc/s400/IMG_0731.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535192873397241058" /></a>We had a great time is Windsor, again we would have liked more time based here to explore both Windsor and to take day trips to other places of interest to us.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TND0lUUi0GI/AAAAAAAAANk/VgJVHMN1p3E/s1600/IMG_5187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TND0lUUi0GI/AAAAAAAAANk/VgJVHMN1p3E/s400/IMG_5187.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535192863985553506" /></a>Niels Yard, I loved it 20 years ago and loved it again this trip. I think the girls loved it as much as I did, it was so nice to share those special places and experiences with them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TND0lL9Ko7I/AAAAAAAAANc/jL7BEfNf_9U/s1600/IMG_5276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TND0lL9Ko7I/AAAAAAAAANc/jL7BEfNf_9U/s400/IMG_5276.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535192861740016562" /></a>Borough Market was smaller than I expected but great to see, especially the chocolate shop!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TNDwD8hr0DI/AAAAAAAAANM/4EY_tvJzf5k/s1600/IMG_5657.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TNDwD8hr0DI/AAAAAAAAANM/4EY_tvJzf5k/s400/IMG_5657.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535187892616024114" /></a>In Bangkok we had a mixed experience staying here at the lovely Windsor Suite Hotel with it's air-conditioning and having one night in the slum at Klong Toey.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TNDwDim1ubI/AAAAAAAAANE/luhYWYNd0cc/s1600/IMG_5647.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TNDwDim1ubI/AAAAAAAAANE/luhYWYNd0cc/s400/IMG_5647.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535187885658323378" /></a>We had a Thai cooking class in Klong Toey and this was part of our wonderful meal. Before the class we were taken to the market to buy our ingredients, that was quiet an experience! Rather different to Borough Market!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TNDwDXX93XI/AAAAAAAAAM8/RqQcpIg0QH4/s1600/IMG_5627.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TNDwDXX93XI/AAAAAAAAAM8/RqQcpIg0QH4/s400/IMG_5627.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535187882643152242" /></a>There were many interesting creatures for sale, fortunately we didn't buy any of them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TNDwDA5x1_I/AAAAAAAAAM0/EPzPNKc1Uys/s1600/IMG_5630.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TNDwDA5x1_I/AAAAAAAAAM0/EPzPNKc1Uys/s400/IMG_5630.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535187876610955250" /></a><br />We didn't get photos of the live toads tied together with rubber bands, or the turtles scurrying about in buckets, or the fish parts fermenting about the place<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TND6mwwuboI/AAAAAAAAAOU/-Ft3wY5w6c0/s1600/IMG_0277.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TND6mwwuboI/AAAAAAAAAOU/-Ft3wY5w6c0/s400/IMG_0277.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535199485869584002" /></a>Out of all the wonderful places we visited Iffley was our favourite and we'd love to house swap with someone for a time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TND6mj1ezBI/AAAAAAAAAOM/3YfM2emh174/s1600/IMG_5579.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TND6mj1ezBI/AAAAAAAAAOM/3YfM2emh174/s400/IMG_5579.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535199482399869970" /></a>WE walked down this road to the Thames which has a walking path running beside it, it would have been so lovely to take this path into Oxford but again we didn't have time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TND6mKrKvSI/AAAAAAAAAOE/I5aA-DwF5yM/s1600/IMG_5612.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TND6mKrKvSI/AAAAAAAAAOE/I5aA-DwF5yM/s400/IMG_5612.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535199475645725986" /></a>This is part of that walk we did manage walk. When we find someone willing to house swap with us we'll be able to walk the path when ever we want. In our dreams. <div></div>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-13018722057187799822010-09-07T02:31:00.000-07:002010-09-07T02:52:29.716-07:00Daffodils!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TIYHyxe_yTI/AAAAAAAAALs/Nngy_vz9ggw/s1600/IMG_8413.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TIYHyxe_yTI/AAAAAAAAALs/Nngy_vz9ggw/s400/IMG_8413.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514103362619951410" /></a>Every year we look forward to a wonderful flush of yellow in the paddock as the daffodils burst into flower. They were flowering like this when we first bought the house and the children thought it was so wonderful to be able to play amongst such beauty.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TIYHyeYwvgI/AAAAAAAAALk/3FgNdUTFScg/s1600/IMG_8402.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TIYHyeYwvgI/AAAAAAAAALk/3FgNdUTFScg/s400/IMG_8402.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514103357493526018" /></a>They also very quickly realised other people would enjoy the beautiful blooms too and so they began their first business, selling huge bunches of yellow daffodils.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TIYHx6TqpSI/AAAAAAAAALc/lyrbIcMROYo/s1600/IMG_8400.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TIYHx6TqpSI/AAAAAAAAALc/lyrbIcMROYo/s400/IMG_8400.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514103347808478498" /></a><div>There is a lot of excitement at the prospect of making some pocket money but I think most of all they simply delight in the abundance of the wonderful yellow daffodils. Aren't the colours great? I love the vivid yellow against the vivid green with the blue mountains in the background.</div><div><br /></div>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-54975317184414755612010-08-26T03:21:00.000-07:002010-08-26T04:27:23.815-07:00Geocaching<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/THZFOqqmFOI/AAAAAAAAAKc/8Sb2wbdNgY8/s1600/IMG_8188.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/THZFOqqmFOI/AAAAAAAAAKc/8Sb2wbdNgY8/s400/IMG_8188.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509667312407811298" /></a>It's been so wet and cold lately. One sunny day we decided to head back through these hills geocaching. It's feeling a bit like treasure hunting. The children and their Daddy love it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/THZFOFdkm9I/AAAAAAAAAKU/_cEulKRwVAc/s1600/IMG_8168.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/THZFOFdkm9I/AAAAAAAAAKU/_cEulKRwVAc/s400/IMG_8168.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509667302421076946" /></a>This little one enjoyed his trip in the car but it was so cold outside I left kept him in the car most of the time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/THZFNn2rrrI/AAAAAAAAAKM/LSW0vayl_qM/s1600/IMG_8194.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/THZFNn2rrrI/AAAAAAAAAKM/LSW0vayl_qM/s400/IMG_8194.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509667294473334450" /></a>Isn't that lovely what a little mother she is! (I can imagine her Mummy smile down on this picture.) And he loves being fussed over.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/THZFNAzG3fI/AAAAAAAAAKE/bBMZgCWm1Uw/s1600/IMG_8222.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/THZFNAzG3fI/AAAAAAAAAKE/bBMZgCWm1Uw/s400/IMG_8222.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509667283989356018" /></a>So where are we then? This was a truly stunning lookout, sorry no photos of the view though.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/THZHSghYvAI/AAAAAAAAAK8/zjxEo3MJwWQ/s1600/IMG_8163.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/THZHSghYvAI/AAAAAAAAAK8/zjxEo3MJwWQ/s400/IMG_8163.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509669577427565570" /></a>The first cache we found, it was just so wind blown here, icy cold as you can see from the way they are huddled with hands in pockets.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/THZFPY1X1_I/AAAAAAAAAKk/lIBOiHazy7M/s1600/IMG_8201.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/THZFPY1X1_I/AAAAAAAAAKk/lIBOiHazy7M/s400/IMG_8201.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509667324801046514" /></a>All eyes are on the prize, what is it? They don't really mind, the excitement was in the adventure of the hunt. And I guess the shared goal.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-34869239168292405832010-07-16T14:00:00.000-07:002010-07-16T14:27:53.591-07:00Sourdough Bread<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TEDK7qAbE_I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/7mWgMnL5B6c/s1600/IMG_8133.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TEDK7qAbE_I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/7mWgMnL5B6c/s400/IMG_8133.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494614671629161458" /></a>I've wanted to try to make a ciabatta style sourdough bread for a while but couldn't get my head around working with such wet dough. Finally I just jumped in and did it. Not nearly as difficult or as messy as i expected. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. The dough was soft and had a great flavour. Serena made some more of her wonderful dukkah to go with it, perfect.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TEDJMFpLISI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/Kg0e5wk_Gw8/s1600/IMG_8100.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TEDJMFpLISI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/Kg0e5wk_Gw8/s400/IMG_8100.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494612754902491426" /></a>This is the whole wheat style I have been making most days. I'm experimenting with wetter doughs like the books I've been reading say to use. The results are good in flavour and texture but I'm not happy with the crust of the free form loaves. Too rough. I definitely have plenty of learning to do but it's fun learning. I was able to cook some loaves in the neighbours new wood fired pizza oven this week. That was fun. The bread turned out great, the tinned loaves we're a little dark on the top and I excepted them to be under done in the middle but no, they we fine. The Turkish style breads were great. And the smell was wonderful. Maybe one day we might have our own pizza oven ...maybe. Surely much better than a solar oven in Tasmania.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-87152184016924569542010-07-01T13:29:00.000-07:002010-07-01T14:15:27.322-07:00And Then She Was Eight.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCz-jiBr7_I/AAAAAAAAAJs/f-DFrv_xV2Q/s1600/IMG_8005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCz-jiBr7_I/AAAAAAAAAJs/f-DFrv_xV2Q/s400/IMG_8005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489041932240547826" /></a>Such perfect weather for a birthday! Lots of blue sky and sunshine. By midday it was a balmy 10 degrees. The birthday girl had lots of fun with her little friends including her birthday buddy. How special it is to share your birthday with your friend.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCz9rfwdLKI/AAAAAAAAAJk/hWFycTLE4aE/s1600/IMG_7985.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCz9rfwdLKI/AAAAAAAAAJk/hWFycTLE4aE/s400/IMG_7985.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489040969558731938" /></a>Putting the neighbours paddock to good use. A game of soccer was played and lots of running done.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCz9q3Zm6KI/AAAAAAAAAJc/aVVhKBBqDYc/s1600/IMG_7986.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCz9q3Zm6KI/AAAAAAAAAJc/aVVhKBBqDYc/s400/IMG_7986.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489040958725482658" /></a> A picnic lunch and a surprise visit from her much adored big brother a visit to wish her a happy birthday.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCz9qUcv-gI/AAAAAAAAAJU/FQWuq_PhtxQ/s1600/IMG_7967.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCz9qUcv-gI/AAAAAAAAAJU/FQWuq_PhtxQ/s400/IMG_7967.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489040949343418882" /></a>Look at those beautiful birthday crowns, so special, to be treasured.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCz9p1vAx8I/AAAAAAAAAJM/LasqTyDy5QQ/s1600/IMG_7988.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCz9p1vAx8I/AAAAAAAAAJM/LasqTyDy5QQ/s400/IMG_7988.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489040941098518466" /></a>This aunty was a gem, how would we have managed without her. What a wonderful aunty she is.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCz9pCMUZ7I/AAAAAAAAAJE/TLmOHzzO6jk/s1600/IMG_8068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCz9pCMUZ7I/AAAAAAAAAJE/TLmOHzzO6jk/s400/IMG_8068.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489040927262795698" /></a>Her most special birthday gift, this cocktail. It's bringing her so much joy. Yes it has been in some scrapes and lost some feathers but we are sure they will regrow in a few weeks. We were so amazed at how quiet this little bird is, it's perfectly secure on Gracey's shoulder and doesn't she love that! A perfect day for a perfectly beautiful little girl.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-235118406125264632010-06-30T13:45:00.000-07:002010-06-30T14:05:33.876-07:00A transportable birthday.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCut005TZ-I/AAAAAAAAAI8/9-ROqUYwpb8/s1600/IMG_7924.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCut005TZ-I/AAAAAAAAAI8/9-ROqUYwpb8/s400/IMG_7924.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488671693944874978" /></a>The second birthday of our birthday season, for this one we took the party to him. He is a lovely lad. Growing up nicely. We all enjoy the time we get to share with him. As you can see he is very much admired by his brother, all of his brothers in fact. We had a very simple meal together and simply relaxed and enjoyed being together for a couple of hours.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCut0cHRHpI/AAAAAAAAAI0/nxdEkeBOE3M/s1600/IMG_7917.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCut0cHRHpI/AAAAAAAAAI0/nxdEkeBOE3M/s400/IMG_7917.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488671687292558994" /></a>The little ones have decided this birthday season that fairy bread is an important part of birthdays. It's not something we usually have, doesn't sit very well with me but it brings then a lot of joy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCutzw_andI/AAAAAAAAAIs/SS102zUAqcY/s1600/IMG_7928.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCutzw_andI/AAAAAAAAAIs/SS102zUAqcY/s400/IMG_7928.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488671675716902354" /></a>Relaxing and enjoying one an other. My precious children. There's nothing like watching them having fun together.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-71367891849410522392010-06-22T13:39:00.000-07:002010-06-22T15:05:49.535-07:00Winter SolsticeWe celebrated Winter Solstice for the first time on Monday. I know it's not something Christians normally celebrate but I think it's great to celebrate the amazing way God created this universe and the amazing planet we live on. So we draped the walls with pine and holly, made some candles and gingerbread men and some winter comfort food and away we went. We had little time to organise as it was a last minute decision to celebrate at all.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCEg6Cj_geI/AAAAAAAAAIc/_ReE_LPRSAE/s1600/IMG_7894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCEg6Cj_geI/AAAAAAAAAIc/_ReE_LPRSAE/s400/IMG_7894.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485702002606309858" /></a>The children enjoyed setting decorations to make a festive table. We had gingerbread laid amongst the pine and candles which were rather tempting to this little one. Here he is simply drawn in by the wonder of candle light and expectation.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCEg5o_RacI/AAAAAAAAAIU/xnfwx2W6fGg/s1600/IMG_7893.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TCEg5o_RacI/AAAAAAAAAIU/xnfwx2W6fGg/s400/IMG_7893.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485701995741407682" /></a>The birthday trip to the chocolate factory finally happened this same evening. The girls worked away on preparing the food and when it was all ready we rugged up jumped in the van and headed out for a late hot chocolate. It was lovely to huddle around the wood fire and admire the beautiful pressed tin and led light windows of the factory's cafe. And so lovely to come home to hot food, good smells and a lovely celebration. In fact we've decided to celebrate each solstice and equinox.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-13567149936658380252010-06-17T13:49:00.000-07:002010-06-17T14:32:08.721-07:00Sweet 16<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TBqPapPx_7I/AAAAAAAAAIM/sEHFrpZv8L4/s1600/IMG_7868.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TBqPapPx_7I/AAAAAAAAAIM/sEHFrpZv8L4/s400/IMG_7868.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483853184188415922" /></a>Yes time does fly as we all know it is just that sometimes it really hits us just how fast it's flying by. Really it was no time at all that she was a precious babe in my arms and I was feeling so ecstatic at having a beautiful baby girl. I couldn't take my eyes off her nor the smile off my face. She has grown into a lovely person with a strong character and a determination to make her life count, to use it in someway to help others. We are so proud of her.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TBqPAAqEfsI/AAAAAAAAAIE/2fGR4rfE4WM/s1600/IMG_7877.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TBqPAAqEfsI/AAAAAAAAAIE/2fGR4rfE4WM/s400/IMG_7877.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483852726616227522" /></a>Pass the parcel was played for the little ones. I love the way the older children include and involve the younger children in their activities, for this birthday funny face biscuits were made and hide and seek played. Still there was time for big kids games while the little ones slept.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TBqO_ePIgsI/AAAAAAAAAH8/r6eVfa_K8GQ/s1600/IMG_7879.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TBqO_ePIgsI/AAAAAAAAAH8/r6eVfa_K8GQ/s400/IMG_7879.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483852717376438978" /></a>Part of our birthday banner which was made for the last birthday and will now be used for each one. I guess it will stay up for the next 3 weeks as we work our way through a little winter birthday season. Somehow we forgot to have the mulled wine and didn't get around to the New York Cheese cake she had chosen as a birthday cake. Thankfully they keep. We decided not to embarrass her by giving her our traditional birthday blessings in front of her friends. That too can wait, she won't miss out. And with some sick ones in the house we couldn't stick to the plans we had to visit the chocolate factory. We hope to make it on the weekend when all of the family should be able to make it including big brother who's birthday is the following week, we'll make it a double celebration.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-65292663299428864932010-06-02T14:16:00.000-07:002010-06-02T15:48:16.509-07:00First winter days in the forest.We took a break yesterday and headed to the forest for a little while. Most of the leaves had fallen and the ground was deeply littered with them. Amongst them we found brightly coloured fungi and other surprises. We decided we need to go back for a longer next time with blankets, hot drinks, good food and our nature study notebooks. We'll have a good few hours just to enjoy the season and the forest before the real cold of winter sets in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbWmWUcA-I/AAAAAAAAAG0/76Df6vqBsc0/s1600/IMG_7492.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbWmWUcA-I/AAAAAAAAAG0/76Df6vqBsc0/s400/IMG_7492.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478301951057462242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbWncbqSXI/AAAAAAAAAHE/gAE2CRlIM68/s1600/IMG_7548.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbWncbqSXI/AAAAAAAAAHE/gAE2CRlIM68/s400/IMG_7548.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478301969878239602" /></a>Waiting for the leaves to fall, the tree was being shaken to encourage the last leaves down. Here they are waiting to try to catch them as they fall.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbWm2cizaI/AAAAAAAAAG8/K1xsg99uNGk/s1600/IMG_7497.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbWm2cizaI/AAAAAAAAAG8/K1xsg99uNGk/s400/IMG_7497.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478301959681396130" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbNSL5YSsI/AAAAAAAAAGk/DXkND0_QjFY/s1600/IMG_7508.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbNSL5YSsI/AAAAAAAAAGk/DXkND0_QjFY/s400/IMG_7508.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478291709057583810" /></a> The little girls had so much fun fungi hunting. They had a ball.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbNRz-QDZI/AAAAAAAAAGc/99lQ7ELidYk/s1600/IMG_7526.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbNRz-QDZI/AAAAAAAAAGc/99lQ7ELidYk/s400/IMG_7526.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478291702635564434" /></a><br /><div>Constructing a fort. Of course we left the forest at just the wrong time when the boys had found the perfect site for their construction.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbNRW85q3I/AAAAAAAAAGU/UjiTMwXgQww/s1600/IMG_7506.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbNRW85q3I/AAAAAAAAAGU/UjiTMwXgQww/s400/IMG_7506.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478291694845274994" /></a>One of the surprises a bright yellow worm, we will look up some more information about him.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbNS0UbCJI/AAAAAAAAAGs/-eW9A5DKunU/s1600/IMG_7554.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbNS0UbCJI/AAAAAAAAAGs/-eW9A5DKunU/s400/IMG_7554.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478291719908427922" /></a> With all the noise we disturbed someone sleep. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbdRId65UI/AAAAAAAAAHc/RtvUeR4tcuY/s1600/IMG_4777.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbdRId65UI/AAAAAAAAAHc/RtvUeR4tcuY/s400/IMG_4777.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478309283143279938" /></a><br />I know these are not the best photo photos but I wanted to included them to show their lovely colour. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbdQuGmmBI/AAAAAAAAAHU/Y1AAxb1CZhw/s1600/IMG_4778.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/TAbdQuGmmBI/AAAAAAAAAHU/Y1AAxb1CZhw/s400/IMG_4778.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478309276066158610" /></a>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-79128128449573627672010-05-26T13:43:00.000-07:002010-05-26T16:58:36.840-07:00In the yard at the moment.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_2lM5t6lII/AAAAAAAAAGE/bgmzFKTvuP4/s1600/IMG_7438.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_2lM5t6lII/AAAAAAAAAGE/bgmzFKTvuP4/s400/IMG_7438.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475714363022808194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_2lMZlsQsI/AAAAAAAAAF8/KWRrQZcnRiE/s1600/IMG_7444.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_2lMZlsQsI/AAAAAAAAAF8/KWRrQZcnRiE/s400/IMG_7444.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475714354398380738" /></a>Some of my apple trees seem confused, they seem to think it is spring and now have new little apples forming on their branches. I'm just going to watch and seem what happens to them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_2j2uMy6qI/AAAAAAAAAF0/uDtOO4wUOlM/s1600/IMG_7450.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_2j2uMy6qI/AAAAAAAAAF0/uDtOO4wUOlM/s400/IMG_7450.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475712882462354082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_2j2GA4bjI/AAAAAAAAAFs/0Ldxgr8FSjY/s1600/IMG_7448.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_2j2GA4bjI/AAAAAAAAAFs/0Ldxgr8FSjY/s400/IMG_7448.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475712871674965554" /></a>Josh helped me fix the bottom of a new fence in the veg garden so the chooks and ducks don't get out from underneath it...hopefully. He's developing great working man hands.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_2j1VoQS1I/AAAAAAAAAFc/CLstDQf_D4w/s1600/IMG_7424.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_2j1VoQS1I/AAAAAAAAAFc/CLstDQf_D4w/s400/IMG_7424.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475712858686770002" /></a>These ones are content in there new home. We bought them as day olds and have enjoyed raising them, it's something we will do again. Currently I'm trying to work out the cost of raising them, I suspect it isn't as economical as I hope. We plan on eating the roosters and hope the others will provide us with more eggs than we need. It will be lovely in the spring to have a surplus of eggs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_2j0kyzTPI/AAAAAAAAAFU/b0wtyOC0H6E/s1600/IMG_7434.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_2j0kyzTPI/AAAAAAAAAFU/b0wtyOC0H6E/s400/IMG_7434.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475712845577669874" /></a>These ducks we supposed to keep us in eggs while the chooks have their winter break but we've had two eggs from them in the last couple of weeks. The Rouen Clairs are a recent addition and still have a few weeks to prove themselves. The lady I bought them from assured me they would be wonderful layers and would start to lay in June. The Indian Runners I've had since January I think but they have given me very few eggs. We did get the odd one when they first arrived and then nothing until last week. Maybe they're not satisfied with their diet?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_2VzwAh2AI/AAAAAAAAAFM/hra4-ciD87k/s1600/IMG_7413.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_2VzwAh2AI/AAAAAAAAAFM/hra4-ciD87k/s400/IMG_7413.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475697438245378050" /></a>These children had lots of fun zooming around on their bikes yesterday, it was such a lovely sunshiny day. They are happy little possums.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2572601984241352799.post-51059211909141070052010-05-25T13:47:00.000-07:002010-05-25T14:21:30.736-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_w9JDTYWQI/AAAAAAAAAFE/dtYyxtfTW60/s1600/IMG_7401.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_w9JDTYWQI/AAAAAAAAAFE/dtYyxtfTW60/s400/IMG_7401.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475318472690391298" /></a>Our autumn nature table. Autumn has been mild with only two really heavy frosts. Saturday however was very cold all day but that lovely 'after a frost' kind of cold. We were very busy with two extra little ones but still we managed a little work around the yard, very slowly things are coming together around here. Our extra little ones ment we had 5 children under 4, I'm so glad for the spacing between our children. 5 under 4 is VERY busy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_w5S5roQVI/AAAAAAAAAE8/lc2JQunN8SY/s1600/IMG_7345.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_w5S5roQVI/AAAAAAAAAE8/lc2JQunN8SY/s400/IMG_7345.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475314243859923282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_w5SZvsKLI/AAAAAAAAAE0/FOLq_nUVZPo/s1600/IMG_7388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_w5SZvsKLI/AAAAAAAAAE0/FOLq_nUVZPo/s400/IMG_7388.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475314235287021746" /></a>This little boy is loving these toys, Robyn brings them with her and he spends hours alone playing with them totally absorbed in his own world.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_w5R0DDyUI/AAAAAAAAAEs/bioIUAgjjG0/s1600/IMG_7373.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_w5R0DDyUI/AAAAAAAAAEs/bioIUAgjjG0/s400/IMG_7373.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475314225167714626" /></a>We harvested these beans which were such a disappointment to me as they were too stringy to eat green but hopefully they will make a nice meal as dried beans. They are cooked, in the freezer and on the menu plan for this week.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_w5RTYX1RI/AAAAAAAAAEk/BZIERXWWnh0/s1600/IMG_7377.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_w5RTYX1RI/AAAAAAAAAEk/BZIERXWWnh0/s400/IMG_7377.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475314216398738706" /></a>Loving stamping. Aren't they lovely and such good friends too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_w5Q6HkMkI/AAAAAAAAAEc/AS6sH5WijM4/s1600/IMG_7387.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b48vDC9z8NE/S_w5Q6HkMkI/AAAAAAAAAEc/AS6sH5WijM4/s400/IMG_7387.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475314209617359426" /></a>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508267358638601254noreply@blogger.com0