Happily busy

I'm busily doing nothing, working the whole day through,
trying to find lots of things not to do ...

Actually, this is not quite true! I find I sing or hum this chorus when I am happily busy - the current situation.

Above is the embroidered mini-block from block 4 of "Butterfly Garden". I'm now doing block five and still not as far ahead as I would like - but that's O.K.

School is back and the routine which encourages time to fly at a faster rate - that's fine too if I can keep it in perspective.

Our plans for Long Service Leave are falling into place nicely. We fly to Hungary and join the Habitat for Humanity team to build near the Romanian border; then walking through Slovenia; time in Brittany and Paris; England and Thailand. Three months altogether - three weeks of it unplanned to go where our fancy takes us.

Each weekend between now and when we leave is accounted for including flying to Canberra to see my darling's parents and extended family - it's actually my M-I-L's birthday today - Happy Birthday!

All in all, much to keep one busily smiling!

Here is the full version of the above (personalised) verse. Apparently it was originally sung by Bing Crosby, William Bendix, and Sir Cedric Hardwicke in a 1948 movie - it's lots of fun ...

BUSY DOING NOTHING
(Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke)

We're busy doing nothing, Working the whole day through,
Trying to find lots of things not to do.
We're busy going nowhere. Isn't it just a crime?
We'd like to be unhappy but we never do have the time.

I have to watch the river, to see that it doesn't stop.
Then stick around the rosebuds, so they'll know when to pop.
Better keep the crickets cheerful, they're really a solemn bunch.
Hustle, bustle, and only an hour for lunch.

(Repeat opening verse)

I have to wake the sun up. He's liable to sleep all day.
And then inspect the rainbows, So they'll be bright and gay.
You must rehearse the songbirds, To see that they sing in key.
Hustle, bustle, and never a moment free.

(Repeat verse)

I have to meet a turtle, I'm teaching him how to swim.
Then I have to shine the dewdrops, You know they're looking rather dim.
I told my friend the robin I'd buy him a brand new vest.
Hustle, bustle, we never do have,
we never do have, we never do, never do, never do, never do,
Never do have the time,
Never do have the time.

Launceston

My oh my, what a thoroughly enjoyable mid-year break this is.


Our time in Launceston was 'surprising' - I didn't realise how beautiful this city is, or how easily accessible, or how friendly the people are.


The skies were wintery grey and wood smoke hung in the air and at every turn there were distant views, beautiful architecture and interesting history,


and we walked everywhere - some streets are so steep!


One afternoon I had the pleasure of the company of Little Jenny Wren and her sweet daughter, Kate. It was lovely to actually meet her and chat away in the real world ... and Kate was so patient!

Jenny kindly gave me some apricot chutney made from the fruit of her own tree, I'm looking forward to trying it with my favourite meatloaf recipe.


We returned to Melbourne, refreshed and enthusiastic - ready to explore more of Tasmania and realising anew how much beauty and kindness surrounds us.

Perth revisited

Here is a little of our recent trip to Perth ...


Eating fish and chips as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.


A walk under the old bridge at Mandurah ...


with poetry pasted to the pylons,


and an interesting view through the mesh of the bus shelter.


We're setting off for Launceston, Tasmania, on Friday!

Winter mornings

As our long second term drew to a close, the mornings were dark and moonlit as I waved my darling off early each day, his cycle lights flashing and he rugged up against the cold.


Last week we began the mid-year holidays and the morning view from our cozy bed at the cottage was very different - but the countryside is obviously in winter dress with a watery sun struggling to shine through the scudding clouds.

We have just returned from visiting my Dad in Perth and winter there is very different to Melbourne. Blue skies and sunshine. We always comment that Perth must be such an attraction for the English who make new homes there - the stuff of dreams ... sunshine and coast all year round.


Other news ... little Rosy, our adopted newcomer, is off to visit the country vet's who cared for her after she was rescued from a dog attack. She has settled in very well - such an easy, affectionate creature. Even Jess, our 'senior' Jack Russell, has made friends with her and I often find them curled up together. Although she is a real mix, looking at her we now think she may have border terrier in her.


'The orchard' (our front yard) is having more trees planted. As I write my darling is putting in a Black Genoa fig and he has prepared a hole for another lemon. When we return from our time overseas we plan on fencing the area and getting some chooks ... I've missed them since we've lived in the city.