Absences

What a week, what a month, what a term!

Currently it is school holidays and I have been a 'lady of leisure' for over a week now ... not by choice I might add. At the beginning of the final week of term 3 I went over on my ankle and did quite a bit of damage, consequently I still cannot walk although I can get around reasonably well on crutches. Hence a certain amount of reading, stitching, viewing and 'woe-is-me'ing has been occurring. One small problem (only one?) is my lap tap is still at school, holidaying in my locker. At least my darling is holidaying at home - good timing!

So instead of posting a lovely colourful shot of my leg, I decided to place this recent photo of Belle and Daisy at the park (thanks to dear daughter). It is a much more pleasant sight, even if little Belle is slightly perplexed as to why Daisy wants to steal the limelight.


I was saddened to read that Jewels will no longer be keeping her "Eyes of Wonder" site available to the public (which I competely understand - she wrote so movingly of her decision). I loved visiting her and gaining an insight into her lovely life with her precious family, it was like stepping into a wonderful storybook. I have learned a lot from her. I also used to visit Natalie at "Isabella in the 21st Century" - so refreshing and interesting. She would write about Isabella Beeton (among other things) and for our first wedding anniversary, many moons ago, my darling gave me a facsimilie of the first edition of Mrs. Beetons Book of Household Management. That same year I became the new owner of my grandmother's copy of Mrs Beeton's Cookery Book, so I have a bit of a soft spot for Mrs. Isabella Beeton. Keziah, "A woman who fears the Lord" also hasn't written for a number of months.

Weblogs are an interesting phenomena. I started this one to keep my own record of our wonderful life as a family, but I think it has tended to take on a bit of a life of its own. At first only family members knew ... but now I am aware others do read "ambling along" (which is lovely, thank you for visiting). Consequently I sometimes wonder if I should be writing for an audience rather than myself/our family, this then leads to a feeling of guilt if I haven't written for a while. I still try to keep it family focused but it is a little dilemma ...

So welcome one and all but if I am absent for a while, apologies, there is usually a good reason and I will be back.

Speedy September

September is flying by with so much to do during the gorgeous weather.
Last weekend my darling and I took the opportunity of cycling into the city to enjoy a picnic at the botanical gardens. We went via church, which was a little disconcerting as after much effort uphill I tend to 'glow' and friends were concerned for my welfare!


The ride by the Yarra River is quite idyllic and many were out on the cycle path.
This is the scene from our little spot, surrounded by foliage and birdsong,


and I couldn't resist showing the welcoming(!) Lych Gate.


This weekend is again beautiful and I have been out and about. Today I painted the first coat of another 'found' object - this old high chair - it will suit Belle very well when she is visiting us for dinner each week.


I used bio-paint which I tinted to a light cream (it looks dazzling white in the sunlight). I am continuing to be conscious of 'celebrating a year of abundance' and to recycle resources as much as possible.


We've put in the first fruit tree of our 'orchard' (front yard) - a Santa Rosa plum - and plan to put in another 6 or 7 trees. Another passionfruit vine was planted and I expect three vines will now keep us well supplied. We have planted them two years apart to produce a constant supply of fruit.

My darling is on the annual cycling camp with school and will be back on Monday evening, both boys attended a lovely wedding this morning and are currently at the reception. Dear daughter and little Belle have just visited, and I must continue on my merry way...

Greetings to you all, and Jenny I hope you received my message about the shawl pins - I left it in your comments section a week or so ago.

Springtime

Returning to the comfort of family, home and routine, the days are passing with the promise of spring. I’ve been feeling a bit like Mole in ‘Wind in the Willows’ as (with apologies to Kenneth Grahame),

“Spring was moving in the air above and in the earth below and around her (him), penetrating even her (his) … lowly little house with its spirit of … longing.”

Our little house has been filled with light and sunshine, greenery and blossoms can be viewed from every window, and a gentle breeze flows throughout. With a beautiful blue sky and birdsong beckoning it is difficult to resist the call of activity.


I took my camera to work on a day of sunshine and showers, the blossoms were still beautiful and a contrast to my May post of the autumn colour of the same scene.

My latest project is Rosie’s shawl. I have always loved wraps, scarves and shawls and couldn’t resist this one. I decided on earthy, natural colours and the wool gradually changes from one to another and a bonus was the jar of shawl pins on the counter of the shop – “my uncle makes them out of local wood” the kindly assistant told me as I purchased a dark one of a simple design. My darling later told me it is Victorian Ash.


The shawl is growing quickly and as it is a mix of mohair, wool and silk, should be wonderfully warm next winter. Dear daughter thinks I’ll look like Old Mother Hubbard when I wear it – but that’s O.K. with me.

An update on Belle – she is 7 months old now and cutting two bottom teeth.
She is an absolute delight.