SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

I suppose my excuse for not writing here for so long is probably one many could use at this time of the year, however it is legitimate! I simply have not been feeling 100%.

A month ago E7 came down with a roaring viral infection and was home from school for more than a week. Eventually after doctors appointments and chest X-Ray, pneumonia was suspected however an antibiotic saved the day for him eventually. For 3 days of that week grandmother was on child minding duty. The following few days saw both daughter and grandmother and then L5 succumb to the same infection. All of us battling through then eventually getting antibiotics when mine turned to bronchitis and L5's to pneumonia.  I managed to struggle through the child minding duty again for the following week while daughter managed to make it to work.

Coming right on top of that, school holidays commenced - 2 more weeks of child minding - I have to say that I am relieved that one week is now over and because of Easter next weekend, there will only be 3 days next week. I'm getting too old for two very active and rambunctious but very normal little boys!

To top this off, I have been having problems with my lower back. This has been niggling since before Christmas but over the past few weeks has steadily become worse.  I do have a referral to see my specialist, have had a new CT scan done and am awaiting his office to phone me for an appointment. He is difficult to get to see at times so I may have to be waiting for a while longer. Meanwhile standing and walking is becoming quite aggravating.

Having been in hospital for nearly 3 months, Mum is finally being discharged next week.  My brother has been working through all the govt processes and trying to find a vacancy in a reputable assisted living facility.  We thought it was pretty much signed and sealed however in the past few days, Mum has decided against that option and is planning to return home to her independent living unit.  Her consultant feels her progress may be delayed if she were to move into assisted living when she really didn't want that.  It means the pressure will be on both myself (from a distance, certainly) and my brother, to make sure she is OK by herself. She will have assistance on a daily basis provided by the hospital for a while so we will just have to see how things go - time will tell!  She will be 92 in a couple of weeks time and DH and I are making the trip to see her and make sure all is OK when she goes home.  I'm sure she still thinks my brother and I are in our 30's - I had to mention to her recently that at nearing 70, we will soon have to be thinking of assisted living facilities ourselves! 

Our weather is cooling off substantially although this past week has been sunny. Today is simply pouring with rain - a lovely Saturday to stay indoors, make soup and generally have a lazy day to catch up with myself.

With blessings to all of you my dear reader friends!

E7 & L5 after feeding the ducks yesterday



Why is it?

Why is it that simply days can go by and I can't think of a single thing to write - despite all that, life has been busy.  Take these past few days for instance - grandson E7 started off the week with a cough which has gradually gotten worse. No school but mum still had to get off to work - grandma to the rescue - sitting with the little fella while he coughed his tummy sore!  Friday came and another doctor appt plus Xray - possible pneumonia!  Second doctor appt on Friday revealed Xray results not pneumonia but chest infection.  Prescribed anti-biotic and hopefully might be well enough for school on Monday.

Easter is not far away - daughter pleads "can you make E7  an Easter hat for the school parade?"  Oh boy I think - what next?  "Mum, you know you could do it so much better than me" - oh well, what's one more thing to line up?  Made a start on it this morning but will reserve the photo till it's finished.

Hasn't rained for weeks - since beginning of January - did the washing this morning to hang on the  line - including bed linen etc - now pouring with rain! Oh well - have hung some on the clothes airer - the rest can stay in the laundry basket until tomorrow to see if the weather takes a turn for the better. 

Garden is looking OK and carrots and mini cabbage are doing well.  I've erected a little netting cage over the top of them trying to keep the butterflies from laying their little eggs and caterpillars chomping the beautifully tender green leaves.  It seems to be working so far.  Put in some more purple runner beans a couple of weeks ago and they're up about 6 feet so far with flower buds just appearing.  I hope the weather stays warm enough for them to fruit.  The 'winter' tomatoes are all doing well - the Giant Tree Tomato has its first flowers open - boy are they big for tomatoes!  Can't wait to see the fruit once it starts. Have taken 7 pumpkins from the vine and one still left hanging. They're looking good too so shouldn't have to buy any for a while.  Cut the first one when I cooked roast lamb the other night.  They could take a  little more ripening but nice and sweet. 

Picked up a poor specimen of a begonia at the plant nursery a few weeks ago - reduced down in price. It seemed to have had far too much water. Let it dry right out and now blooming a beautiful red!

Had a visit yesterday from a baby kookaburra.  We hear them occasionally in our many trees around the yard but don't often see them.  This cutie perched himself in the old dead wattle tree over the back fence - he didn't seem in the least perturbed when I got as close as I could to take a shot at him - photo that is of course!

A couple of birthdays in the family in the past two weeks and a wedding anniversary - made cards to give and was pleased with the frangipani theme I used for E19.

Booked our flights to go see Mum at Easter time.  She's still in the hospital and hopefully is rehabilitating reasonably.  For a couple of weeks after her surgery we were extremely concerned about her condition but she did 'turn the corner' and is now back in the 'older people's ward' recuperating.  Hoping that there will be some kind of assessment by Easter regarding her ability to go back to her apartment and live independently.  If not, then assisted  living may need to be an option.

Have had contact from another second cousin in the United Kingdom who we'd never heard of before  - I am amazed that in the last few months no less than four distant rellies have made contact.  Genealogy is certainly a very popular pastime.  It is so good hearing from these people and being able to link extended families together. 

All for now - blessings!

Baby Kookaburra



Pretty red begonia




Birthday card for E19




Giant tree tomato plant with basil seedlings



B90Days - week 2

Boy am I sure glad I'm through all those rules and regulations - even Deuteronomy's long sermon took some getting through but now I'm on to Joshua I feel sure I really enjoy reading each day.  I was pleased I only had one 'catch up' during last week - my morning reading time just seemed to slip away and I had to finish in the afternoon.

Three verses kind of jumped out at me:  Deuteronomy 10: 12 (Walk in His ways) 13: 17 & 18 (Keep His commands) and had a good chuckle at 24: 5 where a new bridegroom is instructed to not work for one year in order to keep his bride happy.  Wow! imagine that these days? LOL

DH is home on holiday this week - sadly we won't get to spend much time together as I am still required for childminding for another 3 weeks.  Much as I love these two 'nippers', I will be quite relieved when they are both at school for the new term.  While E7 begins on Monday 31st Jan, L5, beginning his first year at 'big school' starts a week later.  Called at the public library today and picked up two Elizabeth Elgin novels to read.  Very light reading - this woman writes novels about conditions during the World War 2 era - nice quick, light  'before going to sleep' kind of novels.

Below are two new acquisitions. I love the colours of the fuschia - just like a ballerina's tutu - and the orchid is tiny and quite fragile looking.

 Beautiful ballerina fuschia

Pretty pink phaeleonopsis orchid

Thanks for calling in - blessings!



Christmas baking

This morning dawned blessedly cool compared to the past three! With day time temperatures around 33C and night time inside still around 27C it was a relief to be able to open the doors and windows and let some coolness in.

Since today promised to be the coolest for the next week, and since I had put the Christmas cake dried fruit to soak in brandy last week, I decided it might be a good day to bake.  I had just put a loaf of banana bread into the oven when a phone call announced that young grandie L5 wanted to visit. Of course his mum was pleased to take the opportunity to do her weekly grocery shop at the supermarket as well so knowing that I was not going to be able to 'entertain' too much with the process of cake making in hand, decided the best thing to do was get some gingerbread dough on the way as well. 

Had just taken the banana bread out of the oven and put the Christmas cake in when young L arrived.  Excited at the prospect of making his own gingerbread men, he got started right away. He kneaded and rolled and cut his way through a stack and we baked three trays full.  Once cool enough, the finishing touches were made with white icing.  By the time mum arrived back to collect him, a large container was filled for her to take home and freeze. Of course L needed to carry out a taste test and reported that they were certainly yummy! 

Banana bread, Christmas cake and gingerbread shapes all baked beautifully. A successful morning indeed.  We made precious memories today. Thankyou L for being part of that special time together!

Blessings!



Christmas craft chit chat

For the past couple of weeks I've been slowly getting my Christmas cards made. This year I've used a Cuttlebug Christmas tree embossing folder and a cute little Magnolia stamp.  Now for the best part - writing inside them and sending them off. 

Has been a hot day here in old Sydney town.  Got to 32 degrees with brilliant sun. Not even a sign of storm clouds in the sky - but I won't hold my breath as they are predicted for Monday.

As long as it cools off a little, I will bake my Christmas cake though so I'm really hoping for another few days of clouds and rain.  I'm really late in making it this year as normally it would be baked in October however being away then, it didn't get done.

With the sunshine predicted for the next couple of days, I got out into the garden this morning with the spray bottle of weed killer and spent a couple of hours finding those that had sprung up in the past few weeks.  The past two Saturday's DH has done a great job and pulled out heaps of them which had grown down one side of our boundary.  I just followed up today to try to avoid them springing up again too quickly. 

Tomorrow the two littlest grandies are coming for lunch. They have swimming lessons in the morning so their mum will bring them here when they've finished.  They love to get here especially when 'Grumps' is home from work.

Till next time - blessings! 

WIP and Halloween

Have been battling some king of flu bug for the past week and feeling rather under the weather. Sore throat, aches and pains etc etc. Went to the doctor Friday just to get it checked out - came home with a script for an antibiotic in case it turned into some kind of bacterial infection. Feeling still poorly, and it being such a beautiful day in Sydney town yesterday I sat outdoors and took my current cross stitch piece.  I had taken it with me to NZ hoping while mum was in hospital I'd have 'plenty' of time to get some done - little did I know I'd be well occupied with other activities!

Anyway, had taken another photo of the piece prior to continuing with it yesterday so I've included it here to show where I'm up to.

Today has dawned warmer than normal but we are heading for rain by midday and this will continue for the rest of the week.  Whoever the long range forecaster was who told us a couple of months ago that we'd have rain right until Christmas is proving to be correct.  Normally at this time of the year we have quite dry weather but not at present.

October 31 today - doubt if we'll be having any little trick or treating visitors tonight.  There has been a certain reluctance on the part of Ozzie's to get too involved in this kind of activity however there is certainly a huge amount of stuff in the shops egging people on to buy, decorate, and go all out for Halloween this year. 

The two littlest grandies had a school Halloween disco and bbq last Friday night.  Apparently it was a good night for the kids but all eldest E7 got from it was a good head cold!  Boo-ey!

For all of you who do celebrate Halloween - have an exciting one!

Blessings!



Feel Kinda 'Under'

No I don't mean 'down under' cos that's where I live - just kinda sad and disappointed in some ways that my 91yr old mum has to go through hysterectomy surgery in a couple weeks time.  I will be traveling to Auckland the day before her surgery to be with her and drive her to the hospital. I guess its just life isn't it but I have a feeling this might have consequences for her down the track a bit.  Will have to wait and see the results of the surgery and biopsy first though so I'd better not get too much ahead of myself.

As for life this past week - it's been busy. Saturday E18 grand-daughter hosted a 1 yr old party for her puppy. This is the first time I've heard of this kind of thing but then that's probably not unusual as we don't have a dog but it turned out really well and all the little doggie guests behaved really well. Then in the evening looked after the two littlest grandsons while their mum and dad went to a school fund-raiser Trivia night. It was a dress up affair - something beginning with 'B'.  They went as batman and batwoman. Looked great too!

About all for now - need something to pull me out of the doldrums - perhaps bible study in the morning will do it. I pray so!

Blessings!

Texas the birthday girl

Pepsi

EXCITING NEWS FOR A11

Just saw a post on Facebook from Grand-daughter A11 - she's just home from 5 days at Kids Outdoor Zone PINK (for girls) and has announced that while away she not only caught a catfish but has accepted Christ into her heart.  Just jumping for joy - thankyou Jesus!

The Birthday Boy

The birthday was all he'd hoped for - lots of presents, food, playtime and family around him. What more could a kid ask for?

Well only the 'big' 5 party today at "Lollipops" kids indoor playground with his special friends.

As a side issue - I'm having problems with inserting photos - can anyone tell me how they can be placed in specific order? I used to be able to move them by just clicking and holding then moving them but something recently seems to have changed and I can't do that any longer. I'm finding it most frustrating.

Blessings!

Sunset Over the Blue Mountains

Yesterday was a brilliantly sunny and very windy day - a great day for getting the washing dry on the clothes line outside. Although the sun shone until late afternoon, there was little warmth in it - unless you happened to be having a nap on the bed where it was streaming in through the window - which L4 (soon to be 5) was.

On my way home from child-minding duty I thought it would be a great opportunity to get some photos of sunset. Here down-under they say if the wind is coming from the north-west it's a good time to take photos as it blows the smoggy filth away out to sea. So armed with camera and about 4.45pm I drove to a spot quite close to where I live to await the disappearing of the sun behind the Blue Mountains situated directly to our west. These photos are the result. I was disappointed to see so much cloud which prevented a clear picture of the sunset. Still some of the formations were quite interesting and the light certainly showed why this low mountain range is named. When taking the time to view this daily miracle, I cannot help but still be amazed at the wonders of God's creation.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY BAKING MORNING

The proof of the pudding is in the eating!

The sleepover wasn't too bad. An afternoon's activity of reading, building Lego and watching football on the TV built up an appetite for dinner of beef casserole and chocolate icecream! From a family which doesn't practice the saying of 'Grace' before meals, this little guy surprised us by 'reminding' us of that 'thing' we say before our dinner. It was a good opportunity to explain why we do thank our Lord God for His provision! Bedtime was somewhat delayed by 'little kid away from home' tactics but by 9.30 L4 - soon to be 5 was asleep.

An hour later he stirred but didn't seem to wake so the grandparents got to sleep too. At 1.30 there was a certain stirring noise again and eventually he hopped into bed with "Grumps" and Grandma retired to 'his' bed. Sleep held him until 8.10am when the ringing of the telephone woke him.

Breakfast consisted of one 'square' of toast and vegemite - getting stuck into the baking was far more exciting. First we made shortbread cookies then some wonderful mini pizza's. While the pizza's were baking, the cookies were being iced and decorated. The excitement and longing to taste were just too much and as soon as the icing on the cookies was half set, he was into them. "Oh Granma... these are just so yummy!" (a hit here I think).

We were certainly helped by a lovely kids recipe book which I purchased recently "The Baking Book" by Jane Bull - ways to bake delicious things to eat. Every recipe was simple and used the least amount of ingredients. I'd recommend it for all future junior cooks!

By 11am when the baking was done and the tummy was full, it was time to go check out what big brother was doing at home. He'd 'done' the sleepover.

PICS FROM THE BIRTHDAY

Grandson blowing out the candle

Son and DIL join in the fun

Granddaughter's boyfriend shared the same birth day

DH and daughter with the hot air balloon ride voucher

Cutting the cake is serious business

A view of some of the group

A good time was had by all. I think the birthday boy felt very special!

HOORAY FOR THE BIRTHDAY BOY!

It turned out a nice evening. The family gathered to celebrate with DH for a nice meal at a local (newly renovated) watering hole. We had balloons and cake as well and the birthday was shared with young Glen who turned 20 yesterday as well. Grandies had a great time. Hope to have some photos by next post - son was planning to take his camera but forgot it in the rush to get out of the house - just as well son in law remembered his! Now I need to wait until he can send them to me via internet.

A lot of heavy rain overnight has left everything rather soaked so I think the washing will need to wait a day or so till the sun comes out again. Today might be a good day to catch up on a scrapbooking album I've started - oh yes, and another cake has to be baked for a special lunch tomorrow. Off to make a large pot of vegetable soup then put the cake in the oven.

Blessings!

THURSDAY ALREADY?

Is it just that I'm getting older - or are the days just flying past? I think it's a bit of both.

This week seems to have gone so quickly - Thursday already! It's probably because I've had lots to do this week. DH celebrates a very special birthday tomorrow so I've been out shopping on a couple of occasions gathering little nick nacks to use for baking his birthday cake.

The family are going out for a meal together tomorrow night to celebrate and birthday cake will be on the menu for dessert. I think it will be 'Devil's Food Cake' - at least I'm hoping it will be! Yesterday I made an old favourite's - banana cake - a very old recipe from a very old recipe book - one most Kiwi's will be very familiar with ' Edmonds'. My copy is a 1959 publication but it hit the book shelves earlier than that in NZ. It is still my favourite recipe book and has some lovely recipes that 'mother used to make'. You know the ones like Overnight pudding, Aotea biscuits and Afghans!

Tomorrow just happens to be E18's boyfriend's birthday as well so another cake will be made to celebrate that special day. I'm planning to be busy baking most of the day!

A couple of years ago I planted a tiny camellia shrub in a little corner at the front of the house. I already had several japonica variety in another part of the garden but this one is a sasanqua. Named "Volcano" the picture on the tag looked fabulous - bright red/pink and large. The first year it managed a few little buds and the flowers were puny and the next summer it almost got taken out completely by the heat. Half of it died off and I did a trim job on it. It hasn't grown all that much but this year it has a few buds, the first of which has turned out just gloriously. It is large and showy. I'm hopeful the other buds will bloom just as beautifully. Next time I'll report on the birthday bash and hopefully will have some photos to post as well. In the meantime -

Blessings!

GRAND-DAUGHTER'S GRADUATION

This is the time of the year when family and friends celebrate with their 5th graders as they graduate after spending 6 years in junior schools all over the USA. It seems strange to us 'down under' that something like this is done in the midst of our winter season - ours is done at the end of the year just as the kids are finishing school for their 6 weeks summer break.

The hard work through the year is acknowledged during the ceremony and those who are fortunate receive awards, certificates and ribbons and parents ooh and aah about how well their kids have done and how clever they are.

We heard that the hunt was on for the perfect dress and shoes and when finally they were found. We heard about the great tulle bows and balloons which decorated the hall. And when at last we received the photos we felt so proud to see for ourselves that Miss A11 had 'scooped the pool' both in awards and in the fashion stakes. What a proud night for her Mom and Dad and indeed for herself.

With her Certificate, letter from the President and ribbon worn around her neck (what is that called?) she looked so confident and beautiful. Her grandparents are also very, very proud. Well done Miss A.

Blessings!

TIME FOR ANOTHER UPDATE

More than a week has passed since I wrote - the days are just flying past - I know people say that's what happens when we age but this is ridiculous! LOL

An update on BIL's health. His surgery last Thursday went well. The whole tumour was removed and now he is amazing the medical staff with his progress and recovery. The biopsy result won't be in for another few days but we are still praying that it will have been found to be benign. I'm sure his speedy recovery and progress are a direct result of him being uplifted to the Great Physician in prayer - plus the fact that his very new wife is paying him so much attention that he cannot help but want to get well and home. Haven't heard yet when that might be - maybe the doctors are waiting for the results of the biopsy. We still leave him in the Lord's hands.

Granddaughter E18 had her party on Saturday night. It was themed 'a character from a movie' so most of the younger set who attended dressed accordingly and there were some very good ones including 'Queen of Hearts' 'Zorro' (and his wife in typical Spanish getup including the rose between the teeth) Captain of a pirate ship, Cleopatra, Moe and Homer Simpson (Homer's large belly being attributed to a near due pregnancy) and Wonder Woman. Many others - Cruella de vil from 101 Dalmations made a grand entrance with her Indiana Jones husband - all were excellent. Small 'oscar' trophies were given for Best Couple, Best Female, Best Male and Most Outrageous. E18 had a ball and all in all it was a great night for her. DH and I were the first to leave at around 10pm - having had a heavy dose of allergy (hayfever) since the afternoon, by then the noise, laser lights and 'smoke' were adding to my very stuffy head.

I was very happy visiting the new doctor last week. She was thorough and pleasant to talk to. Blood work results need watching and I'll have another lot done in 3 months. Meanwhile a jab in each arm to fight against this coming winter's flu bugs plus pneumonia should set me straight as the season approaches, despite two fairly painful and swollen upper arms! All is good, the swelling has almost gone.

Runner beans are doing really well with heaps of pretty purple/mauve flowers but I'm not sure if there will be enough heat in the sun now that autumn has arrived to bring the bees for pollination. Even if that happens, I fear we will miss most of the fruit as we plan to be away soon. Oh well the neighbour will harvest them I'm sure. The few lettuce I planted out have all matured at once as I thought they probably would but there's only 4 left so they won't take long to consume.

Have a good week friend - blessings!

Granddaughter E18

18 Candles

Moe and Homer Simpson

CHRISTMAS DAY IS ALMOST OVER

Christmas day in Sydney NSW. The day proved to be a lovely cool, overcast 27 degrees before a few brief showers about mid-afternoon.

The big Christmas Day cricket match! (all for fun of course)

Daughter in law talks to family in Texas USA



Daughter Kate with yummy turkey cooked in the bbq with a special cranberry marinade

SIL with the wonderful ham he cooked

Grandson E6 - Lego - just what I wanted!

Grandson L4 got a scooter and play costume

Grandsons - good mates!



Visitors for Christmas Day - pink and grey Galahs

Lovely memories of Christmas day 2009 together with family.

Blessings All!