Computer says "NO"

Well I'm back online at last. Our computer finally keeled over last Wednesday and even though we've only been offline for nine days it feels like forever.

After receiving a very generous Christmas bonus I'm now the proud owner of a laptop. This is the first real experience I've had with a laptop and I've got to say its taking a bit of getting use to. So bear with me as I learn my way around my new toy!

Firstly I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas or holiday celebration. Ours was very low key and wet. We stayed at home, watched the rain and a bit of the telly, had dinner then played a game of the new Trickster Scrabble I got Tony for Christmas..

I had hoped to do a little post before Christmas on the gifts I made for friends and family, but that wasn't to be. So I'll do a little pictorial review of what I've been up to for the past two weeks.

As you can see there was lots of cooking and even some sewing

Now after all that, its time to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Hope you have a lovely New Year celebration. I'll most probably be in bed before midnight rolls around....party pooper hey!

See you in the New Year
Cheers Lisa

PS I'm having some spacing and editing problems, sorry if it looks a mess

This is on my mind

I'm a day late.....sorry

"Unrequited Love"

Olivia (the cat) loves Chester but Chester couldn't give a hoot about Olivia. Chesty is a real gentleman and puts up with all the attention she lavishes on him. He just lays there stock still as she throws herself about, rolling around, rubbing her face on his, trying to get him to play with her.
On the other hand Chester loves our older cat Jesse and will lick his face and ears till he is drenched.

Funny things they are.

Pop over to Rhonda's to see what others have on their mind.

Here we go again...more rain!

The rain has returned after sunny days on Thursday and Friday. Yesterday afternoon we had a sudden down pour that lasted about 15 minutes, not sure how much rain fell. Then it stopped and we trundled off and took the dogs for a walk.

The view from our front verandah

Overflowing drains

Our front yard

Our neighbours backyard

and front yard

I'm not complaining really, just a bit sick of the rain and the humidity that it brings.

Now for a bit of a catch up of goings on this week.

Wow its been a week since we went to see Joel Salatin. I had intended doing a little post about that earlier but the week turned into a blur of work, headaches and generally feeling sick.

Anyway back to Joel. What a fantastic evening; like minded people, gathered under one massive tent, in amongst a permaculture garden, listening to a very inspirational man, what more could you ask for.

I only wish I'd taken some notes as there was so much to take in. Sonya over at Permaculture Pathways has done a great post about the talk, you can read it here.

If you've not seen the movie Food Inc. I would strongly suggest you watch it. I know its been out for a while and is now available on DVD. It's such a wake up call, I think it should be compulsory viewing for all adults and senior high school students. Joel appears in the movie and you can see first hand how he works his farm.

On a slightly more frivolous note, I found some more vintage sheets for my quilt. I've cut out all the squares and I hope to do some sewing this afternoon.

Hope you have a lovely weekend
Cheers
Lisa

This is on my mind

Homemade Panettone

Not too bad for a first attempt and it tastes nearly as good as the boxed variety. The texture was a bit of a let down, I guess that means I'll have to do a bit more practice. Yumm

I wonder what others have on their mind - pop over to Rhonda's for a look

Mr Squiggle

One of my earliest and favourite childhood memories was watching Mr Squiggle. Norman Hetherington the creator and voice of Mr Squiggle passed away on Sunday the 5th of December aged 89.



RIP Norman and Mr Squiggle.

This is on my mind

Squares of lovely vintage sheets that I've swapped and collected, waiting to be sewn into a picnic blanket or quilt top.

Check out Rhonda's blog, to see what others have on their mind.

Cheers Lisa