Year End and Lazy Holiday Reads

One thing I really enjoy about this time of year is that I can do plenty of reading without feeling guilty about it!  I’m usually a fairly keen reader anyway - looking back over the past year I’ve realised that my love of books has exceeded any boundaries previously set.

This is my current stack of holiday reading.  Our local library is fantastic, and I’ve not bought a fiction book in years.  I may have mentioned my almost obsessive habit about new release books.   Most times the book that I'm wanting to read is already available through the library.  

Book review blogs make great reading too and one of my favourites is Milo's Rambles (and of course my long-time favourite LibraryGirl).   I have just finished reading Perfect People by Peter James which was Milo's No.1 read for the year also.

It’s a great book, and a real page turner.   Designer babies and a great story combine for a highly recommended read indeed.  I’ve read a lot of Peter James other works, police procedurals featuring Roy Grace, but Perfect People is a standalone novel.

I think Peter James would be one of my fave authors.  I am also awaiting the newly released novels of Nevada Barr and also Sue Grafton.   I think I have read every book written by both these authors and have followed the adventures of both Anna Pidgeon and Kinsey Milhone for many years.  

The other reads in this stack cover a rather diverse range, which shows how my tastes have changed and/or are changing.   I used to be a stickler for mystery/suspense books and would rarely try anything else.  Now I am drawn to various other genres and am currently exploring dystopian books in the YA (young adult) range.  I find that they are usually  better more interesting, not too gory or weird and often with less swearing!  I don't think I'd  handle the really heavy SciFi style!

 

Another book I’d like to mention is Knitting Beyond the Edge, which I was lucky enough to win as a giveaway from Suse at  pea soup.  It’s a drool-worthy book and although my knitting is pretty average, I’m determined to try some of the techniques soon.  One of my nieces is having her first baby mid-year and I’m hoping to knit a baby blanket, maybe with a few fancy bits added on!  Thanks again Suse!

Here’s to a Happy New Year!  Whatever you are doing, stay safe and enjoy the start of 2012.
Hope that it is a wonderful one for us all. 

Cheers for now – Wendy 

PS - the photo is one of my favourites was taken several years ago from the holiday house we were staying in at Iluka on the northern NSW coast about this time of year.    Just so peaceful.   Stay peaceful in 2012.

Merry Christmas!

 

Merry Christmas to all who have perserved

and still read my humble little blog. 

Sorry I haven't been around much lately

Hopefully 2012 will bring more posting and more decluttering!   I can only hope.

Cheers for now - and with very best wishes for a safe and happy Festive Season.

Wendy

Image from here

Poinciana Flowers

 

This year our lovely tree has produced the best show to date. I particularly like this first shot taken at night.

Beautiful colour and plentiful flowers.  It is right at the front of the house and the idea when we planted it there, some years ago, was to provide shade for any visitors cars.

This doesn't always work so well - cars parked underneath are often covered in either leaves or flowers.  Most of our friends don't seem to mind though - it does provide beautiful shade in summer.

 

It is indeed a beautiful tree althought not a particularly uniform shape as it has been trimmed quite a lot.    Poinciana’s all seem to be doing exceptionally well this year.  I’ve seen many gorgeous displays of them around our neighbourhood.  It is not a native tree to our area, but it is still appreciated.

I am at home enjoying a lovely rainy day today.  The rain was badly needed, and we have certainly had a good soaking today. 

However, the reason I'm home is not so good.  I had a little accident with my foot last week and I haven’t been back to work since.  It happened at home, and it was totally my own fault, so I can't blame anyone, not even the dog!  Not wanting to go into any gory details (or show a photo  ... yuk) but suffice to say that it involved the following – one large opened  can of tuna, two toes, and 10 stitches.  I cannot believe that I was so stupid, but sadly, I was!

The next time I post, I am planning going to do a little giveaway.  I just wanted to acknowledge those who read my little blog, and who have maybe perservered when I haven’t been blogging very much at all lately.  

My thoughts are of taking a photo of where I sit when I blog - looking out the window.  Maybe others would like to join in.  The giveaway will be linked to this future post.

Uploading photos is still an issue until we get the new computer, but I have rigged up a way to get photos loaded using hubbys’ (work) camera.   I think that has made me a little reluctant to post, as previously I have enjoyed being able to share photos.  However, this is an improvement of sorts.  However, we'll see how it goes.  Baby steps in this non-technological household it seems.  Baby steps with me too ... ouch!

Are you familiar with the Poinciana tree?  Do you have any near you?

Till then,

Cheers Wendy

Have been seeing a lot of trains lately

 

Photo courtesy Google Images (www.trackstotravel.net)

Not looking quite like this one, and definitely not quite the same scenery, but you get the picture.  Lots and lots of train miles covered.  I wonder if there is a Frequent Traveller scheme. ... I should see how many bonus points I'm up to!

I'm sure that there are lots of fellow commuters out there who travel similar distances.  However, it never fails to amuse me when I tell friends who don't know that I'm back working, exactly where I commute to.  The look is priceless.  You commute to W H E R E?? !

Of course, working does have its benefits.  Although always at the back of my mind, the thrill came back when it happened.  I was paid!!  Yayyyyy.  Payday is only once a month, so I'll have to wait a little while till the next one..... but still, it was an exciting moment when I saw all those $$ landed in my account which had been looking very bare.

The job itself isn't perfect, and not what I'd really like to be doing long term.  Particularly not commmuting for 2 hours each way!  However, I'm still really grateful for the opportunity and I know that it's really going to help me get back into an area more suited to my skills.

I'm also reading a lot of books... sometimes one a day.  I have noticed my reading standards have lowered a little, and I am now into paperbacks from the library.  Heading towards the more lightweight (literally and figuratively) style of literature.  Not trashy romances, but I've found that I do quite enjoy YA (young adult) books.  They suit a quick read and some surprisingly good.  I like ones with a touch  of the paranormal, but not too heavy.  Then at home, I have my stack of  'heavier' reading.  

Photo courtesty Google

The animals (and the family) and are all surprisingly OK and surviving.  Now that school holidays are upon us, son is looking forward to chilling out at home I think.  Lots planned, and we just have to work around it.

Thanks to all who have read thus far..... if you're still out there!  I have been reading and commenting on some blogs, but this is the first post on mine in a while. I haven't have time to sort out our computer probs, so we are still struggling on via the aged laptop.

Cheers for now 

Wendy

Still Around!

Thanks so much for the comments on the last post.  I'm still here, still around and still able to comment on other blogs - just not too much activity on this one.  We are limping along, hooked up to the old laptop which has limited abilities. ... which unfortunately includes not having a photo card slot?!?

So until such time as as old/new computer is up and running, readers will have to put up with the limited old  photos that were stored on the laptop.  All very basic I'm afraid!

This is Dexter aged about one year old I would say.  The double chinned wonder holding him is now incredibly tall, lean and handsome (you just have to take my word for it).  He would never be seen in a shirt like this, that's for sure.

I'd like to thank whatever lucky star was shining on me the day I approached my old boss to let him know that I was looking for work and to let him know that I needed him as a referee.  He emailed back to say that he might be able to offer some part time work.

Not really the exact work I've done before, but hey who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks.   Nothing like being thrown in the deep end and pretending you know what you are doing!!

So I'm incredibly thankful for this opportunity and will just wait and see how it pans out.  The downside is that it is a 1.5hr commute each way (!?!?) but I'll be catching the train and catching up on my reading as well.  This situation may or may not work out, but at least it is throwing me back into the current workforce which will look a lot better on my CV.

Chooks, dogs and to a certain extent, family willl have to struggle on the best they can. It may be a wake up call for certain members of the family (not mentioning any names of course).

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We have a new addition to the chook yard in the form of a peacock.  Well peahen I think.  It just turned up one day and has made itself at home.  It nests high in the trees at night.  Does anyone have any experience with them?  Would it just be looking for company and/or food?   I've been giving it some grain and it has water access.  I'm guessing though that it is looking for a mate.  We only have Little Dandy the bantam rooster, sorry Ms Peahen.  

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Cheers for now - I think I will go back to commenting on comments, it seems more personal.
Wendy

Small Break in Transmission

Hopefully not too long..... but my computer is Fried / Cactus / Kaputt.  Don't think we've lost anything, but I have limited computer access while we decide which way to go with a new one.

Strangely enough (or maybe not) this has coincided with my decision to actively seek paid employment again - mainly for financial reasons!   Flitting around the property taking photos of chooks doesn't pay too well..... and child raising (he is now a pretty independent 16 year old)  isn't an excuse any more.

I recently updated my resume thinking that it had only been 'a couple of years' break.  However, it's actually 5!!  Time flies.  If and when I do find a job, it will only be part time hopefully, so plenty of time for blogging.

So I should be back soon - just thought I'd let you know!

cheers for now - Wendy

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thanks for all the gooseberry comments!

What was that 'D' word again?

Oh yes .... Decluttering, that's right.  Probably the reason why most people started reading this little blog.  Possibly too, the reason that I started writing it as well.  A way to chronicle my path through the clutter.

I was reminded of this after reading the lovely Fox Lane.  Although Kates' blog  has evolved slightly differently as her family enjoys a really big adventure, my blog too has evolved somewhat.   Now I seem to waffle more about dogs and chooks then decluttering.  This is/was a decluttering blog!

However, today just for something different  I'm showing off my Gooseberries!  Although previous success with Cape Gooseberry escaped us, this year we hit the jackpot.  Well, maybe jackpot is not the right word, but we have some at least.

I'm thrilled to be able to show off my plate of gooseberries.  I love them, and after consulting Mr Google, now know they are high in antioxidants as well.  Not enough to make jam as this stage, maybe if they keep fruiting there will be.  What do you think Gooseberry Jam Karen?

They look a bit rough straight from the garden, and I didn't take a photo of the particularly messy plant in the particularly messy veggie patch at the moment.  It's the end result that counts right?

By the way,  I love to eat them in my porridge (a bit weird?) with my homemade yoghurt (thanks to my thrifted Easiyo and some LSA (linseed sunflower & almond) mix.  Yummo.  After that I'm ready to start on some decluttering.

I have been doing some actually!  Little by little I am working my way through the garage which has seen lots of cluttering over the years.  Nothing too interesting, so I haven't been posting about it.  I mean who wants to hear about all the old books, cassette tapes, broken cane baskets, old sailing and fishing gear?

Although this was potentially a huge Garage Sale in the making, I couldn't get much interest from The Others, so  I've been carting it off to the charity shop.  My new cause is the local SPCA and they are very grateful. 

I've had to be pretty tough and unsentimental and look at it as a donation to a good cause.  I've had to gird my loins which is a strange expression, but when I looked it up, means to prepare for battle, suck it up  and punch through the pain.  Sigh.   A lot of it is pretty good - so someone is going to have fun. Time to move on in terms of material things.

Our colourbond garage could feasibly hold 3 cars.  At the moment it holds 1.  Get the picture??  Once I've worked my way through there I'll start on the house again, which I will post about.

Cheers for now - Wendy

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Waving hi to new follower Angela!  welcome to my little blog

Comments from previous post:

Nelly - glad to hear you have some chooks too.  Good luck with the new pen - and thanks for your help with the Comments.

Kim - I'm kind of new to bantams and am quickly becoming a fan!

Claire - Hi Claire, and thanks for your comment!  I laughed at the ticket dispenser, or should it be chicken dispenser??  I'm actually in the process of creating a separate pen for the bantams, though it all depends on the chooks.  Having said that, we do have a bantam rooster with our other hens.  He seems to manage .....

saving for travel - I thought you were serious about the snake skin actually!  Yes, that is little Dexter in the photo on sidebar.  He looks different all the time depending on his hair cut.

delia hornbook - Hi Dee - yes, it looked a bit like trick photography I thought!

Ali - I wish I could give you some, but I was planning on keeping the hens. ... pity I can't give you a rooster, but I know the rules of suburbia.  What are the chances I'm have more roosters than hens?!?

 Kate - I'm sure your chooks will be happily waiting to hear of your adventures!  Love your blog.

Hen Happenings

Well nothing too exciting to report - not really sure why I haven't posted for a little while.  Anyhoo.... I'm back with a few snaps of what is happening around the hen house at the moment.

The hens have all been very busy, back in full swing with the egg laying.  This is rush hour in the hen house some days.  There is of course, several other options available for more comfortably egg laying.

However, this is the preferred nesting box it seems.  Looks pretty uncomfortable to me!  Does make for a funny photo though.

Little Banty is going well with her latest batch of little chicks.  They are so cute, and about  6 weeks old now.  She has decided they are big enough to nest on the perch at night.  So there they all huddle, as close as they can get to her... and a couple under her wings.

 I'm wondering now how many little hens there are in this batch.  What are the odds I wonder?

This little beauty is the last of the previous surrogate batch of Little Bantys'.   Sadly, she is the only survivor as the other 5 have all died.  They met their Maker in (when I think about it) very surprisingly different and diverse ways.   Strangely, I don't think snakes were involved.

Can anyone tell me -  what do you think she is?  I'm assuming just bantam Pekin, but her colouring is lovely.  Such a lovely little creature too, so friendly.  Laying eggs already too at about 5 months.

I call her Little Dainty :)

(I have just re-read all this and realised how many times I have used the word 'little' with regards to Bantams.  Apologies, but obviously they are little and cute!)

cheers for now - Wendy

My comments from previous post :

Fiona from Arbordale Farm - thanks so much for linking up Fiona.  Your morning walk definitely looks more rural than mine!  Do you see any cars I wonder.

Bruise Mouse  - yes it is lovely - wish I did feel more invigorated than I do some days!  I do appreciate it though.

muppy - nice to have some un-cultivated spots I think too Muppy.

saving for travel - let me know about the snake skin if you are serious! I still have it.
sophie...^5  - yes it is an attempt at civilisation anyhow!  Dexter loves his walks.

Suzanne - please do, would love to see it!

Judith - Dexter well behaved - I think not - he is a terror/terrier!  Photos can be deceiving.

Morning Walk (Part 2)

I've realised that I didn't continue the post about my Morning Walk - here is Part 1.

The first part of the walk takes in the 'rural' aspect.   I enjoy walking past our neighbouring acreages, most of them being between 5 and 10 acres in size.  Not a lot has changed in this part recently.  The ones who live on these blocks are seemingly like us - enjoying the natural surrounds.

Continuing this walk to the end of the street I can access the park.  It has a concreted track which is open at two street frontages, and it also loops around through the park.   It is (I'm guessing) about 10 acres.

This particular park however,  is a little different from most. 

This is what makes it different.  An innovated person in local Council some years back decided to do things a little differently.

Half the park is mown, with large groupings of native plants, heavily mulched and thriving.

Effectively in the middle, there are the usual park settings of swings and BBQ seating.

However, on the opposite side, land has been left to re-vegetate.  Of course, this area would have already been cleared of a lot of heavy timber many years ago.

 

 

 

The most exciting part for me is to see, over the years - how the natural area of the park has evolved. More and more birdlife is becoming apparent, along with other native wildlife.

I'm no expert, but it seems to me that there are very few areas for little birds to hide when all the undergrowth is cleared from properties.  The little finches are just amazing, but of course I wasn't able to take photos - they are way too fast for me!

A few people I have spoken to on my walks have mentioned 'the lack of mowing' in this section of the park.  What about the snakes?  What about fires?  To my uneducated eye though, it appears that this section of the park is just how things should be in the natural balance of things.  

There is a low lying swampy area. 

Swaying grasses for the seed eating birds like eastern rosellas and others to feed on.

 a nicely undulating hill with scrubby trees like Black Wattle

Plus ones that have been planted to show what used to grow in the area before clearing, like this Blue Gum.

I guess we are pretty fortunate to live where I can enjoy this walk daily.  All in all it is a nice morning walk - a bit rural and a bit civilised.  Dexter likes it too.

I would encourage you to photograph your daily walk.... I know that not everyone has rural surrounds, but it is amazing how different things look when you take photos of the everyday.  I know that just by taking these photos, my eyes have been opened a little more.

Take some photos of your everyday walk and feel free to link back to here!

Cheers for now - Wendy

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saving for travel - I'd be happy to send the snake skin onto you SFT - if you can clear it with Customs first!

**Anne** - chickens are always so cute aren't they - just have to keep them apart from the snakes.  I think we have the pens snake proof (I hope!) now

Fi - I agree with the snake sentiment - &  I can understand why NZ is nice on so many levels!

Shaheen - thanks for the push about my other blog which I haven't started yet!  I will get onto it soon I promise.

Kim - I'm surprised your bantams aren't clucky Kim.  Surely it will happen soon?  when the weather warms up more maybe.

Gooseberry Jam  - yes, she's a very clucky hen and a very good mother too.  Sounds like someone I know!

muppy - yes - absolutely to both!

Spring here means ......

these things - in no particular order -

Lovely wisteria in flower

Spring Chickens

I treated Little Banty with some more little chickens to take under her wing (literally!).   They are buff Pekin and they should end up very much like her.   You may remember from this post that my favourite little bantam is a great surrogate mother.

I happened upon an advert recently for these little guys. They were a little old (2 weeks) to put under her, but I was reasonably confident that she would take them. .... and of course she did!

However, snakes have woken up after winter and are on the move again.  As evidenced by this snake skin that has been shed on our back verandah!

This looks really big, but I'm pretty sure that it was the skin of a green tree snake I spotted lurking a few days back.  Have to make sure those chicks are locked up tight at night.

 

Another wisteria vine, but this is the native wisteria it has more of a rambling growth pattern, and the flower spikes are upwards.  I'm sure there are much better images than this to be found - just Google it.  Very pretty flower and the bees (and birds) love it!

Lastly, thanks for all the kind comments about Dexter.  He is, of course, just fine and back to his feisty self.  Just thought I'd include a close up of his bite mark, which I have highlighted in green (you may have to double click on it).  Can you see the canine mouth imprint!?  Lucky there were only 2 puncture wounds.  Could certainly have been a lot worse.

 

Cheers for now - Wendy 

Waving hello to my newest follower Julia - welcome!

My replies to comments on previous post:

Kim - small dogs are just different somehow aren't they?  Not just size, but attitude!

librarygirl - ouch indeed, and for a few days after too.

Judith- thanks, yes a bit of a shock to both of us!

veggiegobbler - it was so quick, I don't even think he had time to yelp

Lyndel - hugs appreciated by both Dex and the footy boys, thanks Lyndel!

Fi - those cones are just wicked I think... they do the trick (usually) though.  EasyYo- I've found that the greek yoghurt works best for us too. Thanks for the water tip, have tried that and it works a treat Fi.

Shaheen - thanks a lot, that's sweet of you.  He is fine now.

saving for travel - thanks SFT, he is well and truly up and running around now

When Terrier Meets German Shepherd

Not a good end result!  Luckily he is fine, or will be fine very soon anyway.

It could have been a lot worse.  This was actually the result of just one bite - just that the other dog's jaw span goes from the top of Dexter's spine to mid-abdomen!

Fortunately, when it happened (I was walking Dexter on lead) there were several people around who came to assist.  The Shepherd actually ran out of the (open) gate and just latched onto him.  It all came as a bit of a shock to Dexter - who really fancies himself as a mini-Rottweiller!  There was a bit of a skirmish before the other dog was chased inside.

Fortunately (again) the owners, when approached, agreed to pay the $400 (!) vet bill.  Poor Dex had to had surgery and a mini-drain put in to run the yukky fluid out which would have otherwise accumulated.  That will be taken out tomorrow and the stitches out a week later I think.

He is fine - only indignant that he has been confined to the laundry for the time being (and has to wear a bucket on his head)!

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Football news - great game, but unfortunately the boys' team weren't the winners.  They lost 32/34 - but it was such an exciting game!  It could have gone either way.  Lots of sad faces on the night, but they brightened after the team BBQ on the weekend.  They played a good fair game and that's the main thing.  It has been a wonderful season for them all.

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Strange weather over the weekend here - very windy on Saturday.  How was your weekend?  I made my first batch of Esiyo overnight and it's now setting in the fridge.  Those of you who make it - do you mainly make the natural Greek one?  or what is your favourite?  Do you find that it works out a lot cheaper?

Cheers for now - Wendy

Comments from my previous post

S - how did you go?  did you try the recipe?

Fiona from Arbordale Farm - thanks for the link, another interesting blog to follow!  We didn't make it over your way after all.  Hope you had a great time.

Kim - thanks for your hints.  I will definitely be trying a few different ways to make the yoghurt once I get used to it.  Good advice re the cupboard too - luckily I have a spot already set aside.

**Anne** - glad to hear of another Esiyo fan!  Give the slice a try and see what you think.... I've now restocked my supply of ground ginger and ready for some more ....... that could be dangerous!

Fi - I knew that it was a popular Kiwi recipe.... I know that I'll be tempted to make it again.  Glad you're a EsiYo fan also.

Shaheen - I've always thought the Esiyo was a bit gimmicky, but glad that I've got one now. I know that yoghurt can be made with a  thermos - let us know how you go!

Just one more - please?

This is a wonderful recipe for Ginger Crunch  I found here.

However, it should come with a warning.  These are terrible!   Terrible as in - it's very difficult to just eat one.  They are so yummy, but should be avoided if you are counting calories, sugar levels or cholesterol I think!  They are very sweet and more-ish.

The caramellised icing is just lovely, and I think I might even try it on plain biscuits.  I added extra ginger in just about all of this, my ground ginger was almost out of date, so I doubled it.  Plus I had some fresh ginger in the fridge, so I grated some into the base.  Obviously we like ginger here.

I have cut and sliced and put in the freeze in some hope of portion control!  ... and yes, I am the main offender.

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New purchase of this Esi-Yo gadget.  Yes, another case of re-cluttering for sure.  However, I have thought about buying one for some time.  I found this in an op shop for bargain price - have not seen a thrifted one before.

If it can save some money on store-bought yoghurt then it will be a great investment.  I noticed that Tania has just bought one too!  Maybe we can compare results!

I'd just love some advice / tips if anyone has used one recently.  Any special recipes or methods that work would be much appreciated.  I'll try it over the weekend and see how it performs.

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Sports news - on the football front, big excitement tonight.  I know that there will be a lot of major games played elsewhere this weekend.  However, this is Friday night football in a far away suburb (oh joy).  Our son's team plays the district junior rugby league U'16s Grand Final.   It would be wonderful if they could win the title 2 years in a row!  They have had a really exciting year this year.  This will be his last year playing - he has decided that Year 12 will be busy enough.  Wish us luck - it will be a l o n g drive home otherwise!!

Cheers for now  - Wendy

Waving Hi to new followers Tania & S too!

My reply to comments on Is Your Tea Cosy?

Suzanne - thanks for hosting!  Great idea and lots of lovely cosies. 

Tania @ Out Back - yes, I think you're right Tania.  See how bad I am, can't even tell the different between knit and crochet!  That is probably why I can't crochet.
Kate - I'll let you in on a not-so-secret fact about the red tea pot.  It's a Maxwell Williams and easily sourced from most kitchen shops.  ...... not so sure about Broome though!

Judith - I like your blue one too!  So many variations on a theme aren't there?

Ali - show us your chicken Ali!  How about hosting a tea cosy swap!?

saving for travel - well have a cuppa SFT - I've now prompted you with tea and coffee.