tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319976133536851052024-03-13T11:15:48.029+10:00 duchess_declutter_wendyduchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-73915194405204780152015-12-24T16:15:00.001+10:002015-12-24T16:18:30.286+10:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wishing all my bloggy friends a happy and safe Festive Season. It will be reasonably quiet for us this year - and relatively stressless which is always good. Off to lunch at rellies, so I'm off the hook! Though I have mananged to get cracking with some brandied fruit from my Mum's retro recipe book. It had to sit in the fridge for a month, but I 've bottled it up for presents and all looking (and smelling) great.<br />
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Enjoy the holiday break, stay safe and I look forward to powering on with some more interesting posts in 2016!<br />
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cheers for now<br />
Wendyduchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-2775618496727684542015-12-02T13:12:00.000+10:002015-12-02T13:12:23.519+10:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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....,. for so many reasons.<br />
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cheers for now<br />
Wendyduchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-35003664535692425422015-11-09T17:43:00.000+10:002015-11-09T17:48:33.897+10:00What's happening - Rainy Day Flowers, Funghi and a Koala!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On a rainy day - a few flowers to brighten the place up a bit!</div>
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Lots of hippeastrum, agapanthus & day lillies coming along. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGUmVuSlLEA/VkBHm2I6oSI/AAAAAAAADVA/34TZvIFw7Ts/s1600/funghi%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGUmVuSlLEA/VkBHm2I6oSI/AAAAAAAADVA/34TZvIFw7Ts/s640/funghi%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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These toadstools come and go with the rain and seem to like it in the damp of the chook yard.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBhIkShbwRI/VkBJmkIA5oI/AAAAAAAADVc/mr7norTmdp8/s1600/koala.1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBhIkShbwRI/VkBJmkIA5oI/AAAAAAAADVc/mr7norTmdp8/s640/koala.1.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
I spotted this chap in our back paddock when I was out and about in the rain. He has been very vocal the last few nights, so I knew he was not too far away.<br />
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He woke up a bit for one photo<br />
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but found it all a bit of an effort ....<br />
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That doesn't really look terribly comfortable though!<br />
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We are seeing fewer and few koalas every year. Plant a koala friendly tree if you can - if not in your own back yard, then on a community planting day. The amount of clearing of their habitat in our immediate area is disturbing. These guys are very vulnerable.<br />
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cheers for now<br />
Wendyduchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-31337995175658427212015-10-23T13:31:00.000+10:002015-10-23T13:34:17.902+10:001970's style recipe #1 - Simplicity Chocolate Cake (Good)So I baked a cake recently using a recipe from my dear Mum's 1970's recipe book.<br />
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Just choosing radomly I found Simplicity Chocolate Cake.... and it certainly was simple~<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svMtyRjj6LY/VimZ3QXEX7I/AAAAAAAADTw/NpQibX80TGc/s1600/simplicity%2Bchocolate%2Bcake%2B010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svMtyRjj6LY/VimZ3QXEX7I/AAAAAAAADTw/NpQibX80TGc/s320/simplicity%2Bchocolate%2Bcake%2B010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the original recipe in my Mum's handwriting:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOdO-ePQJEY/VimbmWuug3I/AAAAAAAADUQ/ND18r8XqYgo/s1600/simplicity%2Bchocolate%2Bcake%2B007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOdO-ePQJEY/VimbmWuug3I/AAAAAAAADUQ/ND18r8XqYgo/s320/simplicity%2Bchocolate%2Bcake%2B007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m-Y5vCW8P0M/VimnzVySdqI/AAAAAAAADUo/rk8FEMQ1ekE/s1600/simplicity%2Bchocolate%2Bcake%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m-Y5vCW8P0M/VimnzVySdqI/AAAAAAAADUo/rk8FEMQ1ekE/s320/simplicity%2Bchocolate%2Bcake%2B006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and here it is in clear format~<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="background: #FABF8F; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 153; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 7.5pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 2.5pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: triple windowtext 2.5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 462.1pt;" valign="top" width="616"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 88.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 2.5pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 88.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: triple 2.5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: solid .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: triple 2.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: triple windowtext 2.5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 462.1pt;" valign="top" width="616"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>Simplicity
Chocolate Cake (Good)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>from
my Mum’s 1970’s recipe book<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>3
tablespoons Butter or Margarine (melt)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>2
level tablespoons Cocoa<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1
cup SR Flour<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1
cup Sugar<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>½
cup Milk<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>2
Eggs<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>½
teaspoon vanilla or almond essence<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>=====<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>Melt
Butter<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Put
all other ingredients into large bowl and pour melted butter over.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Beat
really hard for three minutes.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Pour
onto greased tin and bake in moderate oven.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>(Be
careful not to burn) <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>This
will stay fresh for days.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.15pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 4.5pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.15pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: thin-thick-small-gap 4.5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: solid .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: triple 2.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: triple windowtext 2.5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 462.1pt;" valign="top" width="616"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc;">duchess_declutter_Wendy</span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
My comments - I used wholemeal SR flour because that is all I buy. It worked out fine, nicely chocolately, moist and dense. I cannot confirm that it stays fresh for days because it didn't last long in our household!</div>
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<div>
As oven temps were not given I cooked mine at 180 deg. for about 35 minutes, but I watched it carefully the last 5 minutes or so, being mindful of Mum's warning not to BURN! It may need a little longer than 35 minutes, but my oven tends to hot.</div>
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So I thought I would use some of my retro props which is likely to happen more often as I change the tempo somewhat with my little blog. Don't worry - I'm not going to morph into another Martha (or anyone of that ilk) but would like to incorporate more of a retro theme. So watch this space - more change is on the way!</div>
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Feel free to use this recipe, I'm sure Mum would not have been happy to share. </div>
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cheers for now</div>
<div>
Wendy </div>
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duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-46734260654126793422015-09-30T10:53:00.001+10:002015-09-30T10:53:41.494+10:00What's happening today<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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spring freesias from our garden </div>
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favourite nasturtiums on kitchen bar</div>
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this sleepy Dexter face on the couch</div>
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Having a lovely day here - after big storms yesterday!</div>
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cheers for now Wendy </div>
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duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-22613109288557310352015-09-15T12:46:00.000+10:002015-09-15T12:46:01.394+10:00Is this the way to Tamarillo?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's a while since I have written about Tamarillos. Well let's be honest here, it's a while since I've written about anything really.<br />
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However when I made up these yummy poached Tamarillos the other day it reminded me of some earlier posts I had written - <a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/tasting-some-tamarillos-or-should-that.html">like here</a>, also <a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/bad-blogging-and-tamarillos.html">here too</a>..... and noticing that I am still a very irregular blogger!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25kWbdbgIME/VfeBQxCok0I/AAAAAAAADOE/uLcz5N5RkPY/s1600/tamarillo.1%2B%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25kWbdbgIME/VfeBQxCok0I/AAAAAAAADOE/uLcz5N5RkPY/s320/tamarillo.1%2B%25286%2529.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
The Tamarillo is an easy fruit to grow. The tree looks remarkably uninteresting. However it produces fairly consistently. The fruit is tart tasting. A little like a cross between an acidic passionfruit and a tomato (if that makes sense!). <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eosv48bpWCg/VfeCYJax8YI/AAAAAAAADOQ/H8k8tlCHX_A/s1600/tamarillo.1%2B%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eosv48bpWCg/VfeCYJax8YI/AAAAAAAADOQ/H8k8tlCHX_A/s320/tamarillo.1%2B%25287%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We have found the best way to eat them is lightly poached. They are fine raw - however like passionfruit there is only really one scoopful of seed and pulp. Once skinned (dunked into boiling water for a few minutes, the cold water the skin will peel off nicely like a tomato). Photo below shows pre-peeling.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3QuBpKPfrig/VfeEFDZaRhI/AAAAAAAADOc/xekqZM7vaMg/s1600/tamarillo.1%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3QuBpKPfrig/VfeEFDZaRhI/AAAAAAAADOc/xekqZM7vaMg/s320/tamarillo.1%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
Then I just add some sugar, vanilla and a spoon of honey. This all sounds very sweet, but I taste as I go and it is not necessary to add too much of each. The end result is lovely! Particularly nice over fruit salad.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8dhPUP2ihs/VfeE7IeIi-I/AAAAAAAADOk/aEPmCmY0Lt0/s1600/IMG_3317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8dhPUP2ihs/VfeE7IeIi-I/AAAAAAAADOk/aEPmCmY0Lt0/s320/IMG_3317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
or plain Greek yoghurt.<br />
<br />
Has anyone tried Tamarillos? You can read more about facts about growing them <a href="http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/food-and-recipes/food-health-nutrition/tamarillos/#.VfeFfxGqpBc">here</a>.<br />
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That's all for now.<br />
cheers Wendy </div>
duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-86066015395158252922015-04-19T10:04:00.003+10:002015-04-19T10:29:52.821+10:00Just hitting the pause button for a while ...... <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/may/29/digital-detox-aleks-krotoski">source</a><br />
<img src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Observer/Pix/pictures/2011/5/24/1306243479212/Krotoski-007.jpg" /><br />
Oh that's right, the Pause button has been on for a while now.<br />
<br />
I've said on several occasions that I'm an erratic blogger. I think really I'm just a lazy blogger who loves to read and comment on other's blogs! My apologies. <br />
<br />
I will be back soon. Some major ideas are bubbling away and hopefully next post will be enthusiatic. Summer 2015 has really drained me of ideas. Bring on some cooler mornings and nights and all will be well! <br />
<br />
cheers for now<br />
Wendy <br />
<br />
<br />duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-47937318948213462302015-03-13T11:33:00.000+10:002015-03-13T11:38:09.140+10:00Just some traffic passing by .....alternate title could be - what I found at the bottom of the garden!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3w2EkJXvMq8/VQI1S8beKUI/AAAAAAAADJc/O7QVtvFJzYc/s1600/kangaroo%2B005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3w2EkJXvMq8/VQI1S8beKUI/AAAAAAAADJc/O7QVtvFJzYc/s1600/kangaroo%2B005.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<span class="">It seems they were just passing through.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FhwI0zEygg/VQI0pFMjThI/AAAAAAAADJU/H0-tlvvwKGM/s1600/kangaroo%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FhwI0zEygg/VQI0pFMjThI/AAAAAAAADJU/H0-tlvvwKGM/s1600/kangaroo%2B003.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="">A small muster - not sure if that is the right term for a group of 3 peacocks and 1 peahen.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr97t7c4hEk/VQI2rCZmKwI/AAAAAAAADJo/X7Md5puv12Y/s1600/kangaroo%2B007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr97t7c4hEk/VQI2rCZmKwI/AAAAAAAADJo/X7Md5puv12Y/s1600/kangaroo%2B007.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="">I do not have a very good zoom lens. </span>This was taken looking up to roof of our workshop.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wryFbFdqlRs/VQI3pgRdmDI/AAAAAAAADJw/IMDQ-7gUxaU/s1600/kangaroo%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wryFbFdqlRs/VQI3pgRdmDI/AAAAAAAADJw/IMDQ-7gUxaU/s1600/kangaroo%2B001.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="">and a view of one on the workshop roof..... and yes there are fairies at the bottom of my garden!</span></div>
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<span class="">In the morning they had gone They all appeared quite young, the males had lovely colour but not much plumage. I think a lot of acreage owners buy these birds thinking they are decorative, not realising that they are difficult to contain in a pen. However they do make a lot of noise - so I was happy they had moved along. </span></div>
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<span class="">Then a few days later I spotted these regulars down past the back gate.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qU3BYHaLTlw/VQI6YPGH2aI/AAAAAAAADJ8/yqji22KXq7Q/s1600/kangaroo%2B008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qU3BYHaLTlw/VQI6YPGH2aI/AAAAAAAADJ8/yqji22KXq7Q/s1600/kangaroo%2B008.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class=""><span class="">Often we see groups of them on our block.</span></span></div>
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<span class="">Quite happy to have them around!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P85XqIAtGQs/VQI7FONSqiI/AAAAAAAADKE/sSFAujoyrcg/s1600/kangaroo%2B013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P85XqIAtGQs/VQI7FONSqiI/AAAAAAAADKE/sSFAujoyrcg/s1600/kangaroo%2B013.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our trip to Tassie was lovely. A bit of a break from the hot weather - however it was straight back into the hot humid weather on our return. At least we missed all of Cyclone Marcia. </div>
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Now waiting for an autumn change sometime soon thanks!</div>
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<span class="">A quick glimpse of our 10 day, 2000k holiday - and what an amazing, diverse State.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oQEiV2HO7-Q/VQI8jItzT-I/AAAAAAAADKQ/uRATp4maZnc/s1600/mosiac.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oQEiV2HO7-Q/VQI8jItzT-I/AAAAAAAADKQ/uRATp4maZnc/s1600/mosiac.1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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cheers for now</div>
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Wendy</div>
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duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-91775318653692302432015-02-11T12:41:00.001+10:002015-02-11T12:57:36.873+10:00drumroll please .....and we have a winner!<br />
<br />
Apologies are in order.<br />
<br />
Firstly, this is a very quick post. I am packing, we are off on holiday tomorrow. Tasmania is the destination. Nearly made it there last year.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/time-for-bit-of-catchup.html">The catchup link is here </a> if you'd like to see what happened on the way to Tasmania last time. We didn't get there (long story short) but we are definitely flying off tomorrow for the Apple Isle.<br />
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IFFiyannPN0/UmWwb6sSErI/AAAAAAAACRE/N4P3yvpTMeU/s320/Sept+NSWVic+Road+Trip+006.JPG" /> (from our last road trip to Tasmania!)<br />
<br />
Secondly I have drawn the random winner for the prize link to <a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html">Grow Your Blog.</a> I used <a href="https://www.randompicker.com/Default.aspx">Random Picker</a> which was very easy. I had to bring the date forward on account of our holiday.<br />
<br />
There were 36 entrants ... and the winner - <span style="background-color: #ebf7ff; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 9px;">Debbie1/26/2015 4:53 AM . </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ebf7ff; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 9px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #ebf7ff; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 9px;"><br /></span>
So <a href="http://lavender2debbie.blogspot.com.au/">Debbie</a> could you please email your postal address and I will be mailing to you some vintage hankies and an Australia tea towel which I hope you like. <br />
<br />
Thanks to everyone who left a comment. I hope you keep on reading! <br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14428953268605707094"><span style="color: #909090; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Sue W @ Living
the Good Life</span></a></span></b><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422124938211#c1319487898200664716"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/25/2015 4:42
AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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9:21 PM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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10:57 PM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05140514341597136944"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Carole @
From My Carolina Home</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422195139156#c3262468461400758093"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/26/2015
12:12 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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12:41 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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1:13 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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1:17 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://prettylittlethingsinabox.wordpress.com/"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">prettylittlethingsinabox</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422200231931#c8557475657110345860"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/26/2015
1:37 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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1:50 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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2:31 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Sandi
Moran</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422205827455#c93255593909578351"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/26/2015
3:10 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14031380418621391089"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Jennifer
Pearson Vanier</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422208782410#c3093376321568858169"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/26/2015
3:59 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15805091181243118583"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Debbie</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422212012012#c6370862694472899986"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/26/2015
4:53 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/08149417042553799295"><span style="color: #909090; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Blue Jeans And
Teacups</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif;"><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422221979585#c7850769618593539072"><span style="color: #909090; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/26/2015 7:39
AM</span></a></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt 126pt;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10149710375520733752"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Bleubeard
and Elizabeth</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422227553685#c791265533721907212"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/26/2015
9:12 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt 126pt;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05595796965034742923"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">**Anne**</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422238606291#c4346601997290081112"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/26/2015
12:16 PM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/06961524021921403281"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Cheri, the
Quilting Nanny</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422243298679#c4169376831217154259"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/26/2015
1:34 PM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/04383326802679076581"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Sue Kosec</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422281237057#c8436559932701418839"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/27/2015
12:07 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt 126pt;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03804094230127512943"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Carol Z</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422319520015#c1135841080500529430"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/27/2015
10:45 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt 126pt;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00839667572702786229"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Judy
Cooper Textile Images</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422323668474#c2131486880113419963"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/27/2015
11:54 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/16660727599623626163"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">africanaussie</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422325966656#c6434384326888141613"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/27/2015
12:32 PM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09433305330968854290"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">CatieAn</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422339227808#c3111701298627088076"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/27/2015
4:13 PM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03408506544726687105"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Shirlee
Fassell</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422367777921#c6186430628756121358"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/28/2015
12:09 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09330322509391184666"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">jeanga6</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422371140257#c4957502259887612089"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/28/2015
1:05 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09259936213524678492"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">FeltByRae</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422386923860#c1819688929780707988"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/28/2015
5:28 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09852241848575954128"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Magpie's
Mumblings</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422394310579#c4112006904055500662"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/28/2015
7:31 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01778561122767076015"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">suziqu's
thread works</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422422995336#c726384328611204983"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/28/2015
3:29 PM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09161151450277970929"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Laura
Quaglia (Fun With This and That)</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422492634238#c4193622344992120991"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/29/2015
10:50 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/12594244181463706442"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Maria</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422531070260#c3183269715932592379"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/29/2015
9:31 PM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10746410631951325989"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">MartiDIY</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422620129547#c9077761757663522996"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/30/2015
10:15 PM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10122807268192715620"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">nicolesender</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422696737380#c8623756133458664294"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/31/2015
7:32 PM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/02608760953744169322"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Gill</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422707143901#c832356936711900195"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1/31/2015
10:25 PM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/12097452631928721895"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Alexis
Borsboom</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1422845937690#c8771622292021132960"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">2/02/2015
12:58 PM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14898041658573558956"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Carol D.</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1423201037474#c1253506887123456253"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">2/06/2015
3:37 PM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Fiona from
Arbordale Farm</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1423219086318#c3058050850675099825"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">2/06/2015
8:38 PM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15755457588438712222"><b><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">AFistfulof
Lemons</span></b></a><a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html?showComment=1423494984662#c2821228114342678210"><span style="color: #909090; font-family: "Open Sans","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">2/10/2015
1:16 AM</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Cheers for now W</span><span style="background-color: transparent;">endy </span></div>
duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-41450964357633846162015-02-06T19:48:00.003+10:002015-02-06T19:50:07.277+10:005/52<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAadtl1AAQI/VNSNHIGzbLI/AAAAAAAADIk/SESLLdEiVVM/s1600/jam%2B005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAadtl1AAQI/VNSNHIGzbLI/AAAAAAAADIk/SESLLdEiVVM/s1600/jam%2B005.JPG" height="356" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_seWV_zoO4/VNSM7OEe8XI/AAAAAAAADIc/vMRboYCrjPA/s1600/jam%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_seWV_zoO4/VNSM7OEe8XI/AAAAAAAADIc/vMRboYCrjPA/s1600/jam%2B001.JPG" height="293" width="320" /></a></div>
If you are looking for the <a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html">Grow Your Blog link ......</a> it is here. Just leave a comment and I will draw random winner on 11 February. <br />
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However - this a gratitude post. <br />
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">2015 is my year with some weekly gratitude posts. Keeping it simple might be the way to go for me I think.</span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">Today I am grateful for online friends - and sharing some links. I have been inspired by these two lovelies - <a href="http://jsmwebber.blogspot.com.au/search?updated-max=2015-02-04T21:14:00%2B13:00">Sue from Living the Good Life</a> and <a href="http://youcancallmesue.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/it-finally-rained.html">Sue from You Can Call Me Sue</a> to actually make something from <a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/and-then-there-were-lots.html">all those plums.</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The jaboticabas were eaten just as they came from the tree. However I really wanted to be creative with the box of plums. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't really had much luck with preserves in the past. However I decided to soldier on and try it. By jove I think it worked.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhSjSUvLzR8/VNSJyK9axbI/AAAAAAAADIQ/nEO9Nc-q2qo/s1600/jam%2B007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhSjSUvLzR8/VNSJyK9axbI/AAAAAAAADIQ/nEO9Nc-q2qo/s1600/jam%2B007.JPG" height="137" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using this receipe - thanks <a href="http://www.baby-mac.com/2015/02/things-mother-taught-make-jam/">baby-mac</a> - it was all pretty easy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So now that I have had success (all worked out) I will tackle some other preserves. Certainly we have gluts of fruit and veg at some times of the year. Chilli jam next I think.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cheers Wendy </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><i><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"> </span></i></span>duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-19294692235406772002015-02-02T12:19:00.000+10:002015-02-02T17:49:59.923+10:00and then there were lots ......This is one <a href="http://www.australiantropicalfruits.org.au/tropical_fruits/produce_types/exotic_and_emerging/jaboticaba/">jaboticaba</a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oy-ryL6Tnf8/VM7LwyZVjDI/AAAAAAAADHE/IfHJKHuP2zE/s1600/fig%2Bjam%2B021_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oy-ryL6Tnf8/VM7LwyZVjDI/AAAAAAAADHE/IfHJKHuP2zE/s1600/fig%2Bjam%2B021_wm.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><br />
and a gathering of jaboticaba!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LO_fP1LRMwU/VM7KYH00wDI/AAAAAAAADG4/5zXm6hcghIg/s1600/jabotica%2B(3)_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LO_fP1LRMwU/VM7KYH00wDI/AAAAAAAADG4/5zXm6hcghIg/s1600/jabotica%2B(3)_wm.JPG" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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if they are not picked promptly they end up on the ground </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QHqFpDjPjHg/VM7M8QcXglI/AAAAAAAADHQ/jaIZJu7-gXk/s1600/jabotica%2B(6)_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QHqFpDjPjHg/VM7M8QcXglI/AAAAAAAADHQ/jaIZJu7-gXk/s1600/jabotica%2B(6)_wm.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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and they have a very different growth pattern. Not a good photo as it was taken after fruit had been picked. However I have noticed they are often referred to as the grape tree, and often spelt Jab<i><b>u</b></i>ticaba also.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zo3u26dolKo/VM7NyotHwMI/AAAAAAAADHY/HW-kJV4ZRUY/s1600/jabotica%2B(7)_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zo3u26dolKo/VM7NyotHwMI/AAAAAAAADHY/HW-kJV4ZRUY/s1600/jabotica%2B(7)_wm.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's an easy tree to grow, ours is about 6 years old I think. The main problem is remembering to pick the fruit before other critters get to them, or they fall off the tree. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-pJkg77tB0/VM7O2uU6tmI/AAAAAAAADHg/_wQPNC4E-Hg/s1600/jabotica%2B(4)_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-pJkg77tB0/VM7O2uU6tmI/AAAAAAAADHg/_wQPNC4E-Hg/s1600/jabotica%2B(4)_wm.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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We usually just eat jaboticaba raw, but I might investigate a few recipes. </div>
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They are an unusual fruit with a tough skin and an a grape like texture.</div>
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Not a lot of flesh with 2 of 3 seeds inside. </div>
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However this picking co-incided with my impulse buy at the markets! </div>
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A big box of blood plums (not sure of variety) for $7!</div>
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Another bargain.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn13MPs6MTY/VM7PacnyWYI/AAAAAAAADHo/MbA6Cn5nLWY/s1600/fig%2Bjam%2B022_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn13MPs6MTY/VM7PacnyWYI/AAAAAAAADHo/MbA6Cn5nLWY/s1600/fig%2Bjam%2B022_wm.JPG" height="542" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ioox8Eg3qMo/VM7V9akz0wI/AAAAAAAADH4/3Tu1MbZgifo/s1600/fig%2Bjam%2B024_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ioox8Eg3qMo/VM7V9akz0wI/AAAAAAAADH4/3Tu1MbZgifo/s1600/fig%2Bjam%2B024_wm.JPG" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I'll be washing, cooking and maybe even bottling some plums. Plum Jam, Plum Jelly, Plums in port maybe? Personally I just like them lightly poached/stewed with yoghurt. </div>
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Plum Crumble could feature too.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndc9tGX-PGQ/VM7WXM0TvVI/AAAAAAAADIA/ZmNsJxULNnE/s1600/fig%2Bjam%2B025_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndc9tGX-PGQ/VM7WXM0TvVI/AAAAAAAADIA/ZmNsJxULNnE/s1600/fig%2Bjam%2B025_wm.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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cheers for now</div>
Wendy<br />
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This is the <a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html">link to leave a comment for the Grow Your Blog giveaway</a>.</div>
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Thanks again and waving hi to my lots of new followers! </div>
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I'd be happy for you to leave a comment on this or other posts too.</div>
duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-91081062681715390422015-01-29T10:17:00.001+10:002015-01-29T10:21:17.394+10:004/52<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><i><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">2015 is my year with some weekly gratitude posts. Keeping it simple might be the way to go for me I think.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><i><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"> </span></i><br style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;" /><i style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><b>Grateful</b></i><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"> that all the rain we have received recently has topped up our little dam nicely. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">==========</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">A big welcome to my new followers. I'm grateful too for the <a href="http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.com.au/">Grow Your Blog</a> hop! My giveaway continues - </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6000003814697px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="text-align: center;">if you leave a comment on my blog - anybody can enter, including international readers. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6000003814697px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></span>
<i style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6000003814697px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px; text-align: center;">I have a little parcel with several pretty vintage hankies and two vintage Australian tea towels to be mailed to the winner. Giveaway drawn on </i><i style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 24.6400012969971px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">February 11</span></i><i style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6000003814697px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px; text-align: center;">. </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"> - <a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/i-want-to-see-it-painted-white.html">any comments added to this post</a> will be to the February draw. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><b>Please note!</b> I've had to change the draw to <b>February 11</b> as we will be away from this date until the end of February with no computer access.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><i>Back to the dam though</i> - we are on town water, but use the dam for watering the fruit trees, the vegie garden, washing the car etc. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">However, recently the dam was so low we could not pump from it. I don't have a 'before' photo, but this is how it looks 'after'.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yR__XONHErg/VMlqHh22g_I/AAAAAAAADFg/kkDV2f3vc9w/s1600/dam%2B001_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yR__XONHErg/VMlqHh22g_I/AAAAAAAADFg/kkDV2f3vc9w/s1600/dam%2B001_wm.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">Not only is it of use for watering the garden, but it is also our outdoor entertainment area!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROFXTfHKvic/VMlvM6KM7nI/AAAAAAAADFw/5ySDiSJJcso/s1600/dam%2B004_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROFXTfHKvic/VMlvM6KM7nI/AAAAAAAADFw/5ySDiSJJcso/s1600/dam%2B004_wm.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">The little upside down feature is our paddle boat which gets quite a bit of use. Perfect for sundowners on a sunset cruise!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S9c77XgfUds/VMlwX-KrhcI/AAAAAAAADF8/bglP_WHUjZc/s1600/dam%2B006_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S9c77XgfUds/VMlwX-KrhcI/AAAAAAAADF8/bglP_WHUjZc/s1600/dam%2B006_wm.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">Another feature is our 'Iron Bar' (side view) our dam-side entertainment area. It is actually a re-built horse shed and quite a popular spot for entertaining. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtOkJpMNiHM/VMlyS5oxqwI/AAAAAAAADGI/iaxsqInJZ5s/s1600/dam%2B007_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtOkJpMNiHM/VMlyS5oxqwI/AAAAAAAADGI/iaxsqInJZ5s/s1600/dam%2B007_wm.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RR97RbfoYOU/VMlzCJSw2-I/AAAAAAAADGQ/tMpm8gOBsGw/s1600/dam%2B005_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RR97RbfoYOU/VMlzCJSw2-I/AAAAAAAADGQ/tMpm8gOBsGw/s1600/dam%2B005_wm.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">The front .... with big spotlight on awning.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S97gJkpyRt8/VMl0Ivby5gI/AAAAAAAADGc/bI9ug6BX1lw/s1600/dam%2B008_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S97gJkpyRt8/VMl0Ivby5gI/AAAAAAAADGc/bI9ug6BX1lw/s1600/dam%2B008_wm.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">and vie</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">wed from inside, facing the dam.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWXLez4XuJE/VMl1R9MmQcI/AAAAAAAADGo/0pHsDTHEcdU/s1600/dam%2B012_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWXLez4XuJE/VMl1R9MmQcI/AAAAAAAADGo/0pHsDTHEcdU/s1600/dam%2B012_wm.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">Some lovely big gums we planted, they are about 10 years old. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">I thought this might be interesting to some readers and now the secret is out. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">Y</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">ou all know where we often sitting on a hot day to watch the sun go down! Certainly much nicer to look at when there is plenty of water in it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">cheers for now</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">Wendy </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><br /></span></span>duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-91735570601483746732015-01-24T22:32:00.001+10:002015-01-29T10:18:42.204+10:00Grow Your Blog .....<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">I'm joining in with <a href="http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.com.au/">Two Bags Full - Grow Your Blog</a> </span><span style="text-align: center;">so if you have jumped over from there - welcome! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCaXm4B2wYQ/VMONticoX1I/AAAAAAAADEw/XV3Xh378SMY/s1600/phone.3%2B146_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCaXm4B2wYQ/VMONticoX1I/AAAAAAAADEw/XV3Xh378SMY/s1600/phone.3%2B146_wm.JPG" height="320" width="229" /></a>Just a little intro if you haven't been here before. I'm Wendy and welcome to my blog which I started as an incentive to clear out my clutter - hence the name duchess_declutter. However, over time it has evolved a little.<br />
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I blog about life on our little acreage in South East Queensland, Australia where it is hot and humid at the moment! We've had a lot of rain lately and our 5 acres are looking very tropical.<br />
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I also blog about my love of vintage and retro items. I'd like to say I blog about decluttering - but there hasn't been too much of that lately. I love to op shop /thrift / upcycle and have done so for a long time. I love the thrill of not knowing exactly what you are going to find, what's just around the corner.<br />
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Of late though I am more selective and concentrate more on items from the late '60s and early 70s and am particularly fond of retro homewares. Bright colourful, geometric patterns get me every time!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSuwfkFVBJM/VMOVOO9itLI/AAAAAAAADFM/kZ8lyiI-fWA/s1600/phone.3%2B135_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSuwfkFVBJM/VMOVOO9itLI/AAAAAAAADFM/kZ8lyiI-fWA/s1600/phone.3%2B135_wm.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFm7-TkFWEA/VMOBK_WXZWI/AAAAAAAADDc/vsQ9zTKp18Y/s1600/phone.3%2B152_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFm7-TkFWEA/VMOBK_WXZWI/AAAAAAAADDc/vsQ9zTKp18Y/s1600/phone.3%2B152_wm.JPG" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
However, these photos are of recent painting blitz. Our house is dark brick inside and out and after 20 or so years of it, I decided it was time to lighten things up a little.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rY7T043n5NQ/VMOB1r5CS0I/AAAAAAAADDk/EC-rnScD8Oo/s1600/phone.3%2B137_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rY7T043n5NQ/VMOB1r5CS0I/AAAAAAAADDk/EC-rnScD8Oo/s1600/phone.3%2B137_wm.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I've just discovered Annie Sloan chalk paint and absolutely love it. It is so easy to work with and very forgiving to a basic painter like me! So I've been madly painting some of the not so special bits of furniture and oddments that have been sitting in the garage waiting for some attention. </span></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1ICku_PTWQ/VMODoCHAJGI/AAAAAAAADD0/hgrYAoOVZHA/s1600/phone.3%2B136_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1ICku_PTWQ/VMODoCHAJGI/AAAAAAAADD0/hgrYAoOVZHA/s1600/phone.3%2B136_wm.JPG" height="263" width="320" /></a><br />
of course I have my little assistant Dexter overseeing my work!<br />
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This is one from a pair of bookcases from my teen years! At some stage they were bright orange - but my husband removed multi layers of lead paint (at my request) and took it back to the natural timber. Now I wouldn't mind if they orange again - however I've settled for white.<br />
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All items turned out really well - I might try and take some photos inside the house when it's nice and bright.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_9egEMu0eU/VMOFTNLVefI/AAAAAAAADEM/iEf2CrFDVsg/s1600/phone.3%2B121_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_9egEMu0eU/VMOFTNLVefI/AAAAAAAADEM/iEf2CrFDVsg/s1600/phone.3%2B121_wm.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
This our resident brushtail possum. I know I know I know - they can be pests and I should not be feeding him - but he is so cute! He must get very hot up in the roof on some of our summer days though.<br />
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<i>If you've got this far well done! <span style="text-align: center;">I'm offering a <b>giveaway </b>if you leave a comment on my blog - anybody can enter, including international readers.. Of course I would love to have new followers but that is not a requirement. Prizewinner drawn randomly. </span></i><br />
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<i>I have a little parcel with several pretty vintage hankies and two vintage Australian tea towels to be mailed to the winner. Giveaway drawn on February 15. </i></div>
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EDITED TO ADD: I have had to change the draw date to <b><u><span style="font-size: large;">11 February</span></u></b>. My apologies, but I will be away after that with no computer access.<br />
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cheers for now<br />
Wendy<br />
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<br />duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-10722308202742731532015-01-22T21:08:00.002+10:002015-01-22T21:08:46.353+10:00Some finds ....At last the op shop gods were smiling at me. I've had a run of no-shows for a while now. However this is what has come my way recently. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wzfFrt2498c/VMDSYk-48ZI/AAAAAAAAC50/tKZXwnTm8rM/s1600/op%2Bshop%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wzfFrt2498c/VMDSYk-48ZI/AAAAAAAAC50/tKZXwnTm8rM/s1600/op%2Bshop%2B003.JPG" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
These cute little demitasse cups.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-boalxw5tr5w/VMDSvloaKDI/AAAAAAAAC58/xQvQL86IO3U/s1600/op%2Bshop%2B004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-boalxw5tr5w/VMDSvloaKDI/AAAAAAAAC58/xQvQL86IO3U/s1600/op%2Bshop%2B004.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
The best part of course though was the price. Wish I hadn't taken off the 50 cent stickers as proof! I think the sorter must have thought they were from a childs tea set.<br />
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However they are T G Green, vintage ware similar to Cornishware. As it happens I have these in the cupboard.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utIOB1h0VC0/VMDTuIyXeyI/AAAAAAAAC6I/WORBxRsl9Ac/s1600/op%2Bshop%2B007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utIOB1h0VC0/VMDTuIyXeyI/AAAAAAAAC6I/WORBxRsl9Ac/s1600/op%2Bshop%2B007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Bad photo in situ in the cupboard, but they are matching colour, also T G Green. This set belonged to my parents and date back to the early '60s. The cups are a slightly different shape. However at $2 I wasn't going to leave these babies behind. Score!<br />
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Then (same shop) I spied these two interesting plates.<br />
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Cute 70's ware - Wood & Sons Lima pattern. I did think twice about these, but they are in great condition and I like this sort of geometric pattern. <br />
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Then my ebay purchase arrived. Thrills! My retro wallpaper all 6 metres of it.<br />
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Photo doesn't do it justice. I absolutely love this pattern. Sadly I think it is because I might have seen it before back in the day. Did I have curtains like this? Pants? I'm not sure. However I plan to re-purpose it. Unfortunately my husband did not seem so enthusiastic about the potential wall feature I was raving about, but it will be put to good use anyway.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lLoK3xkfETk/VMDXG2bNZCI/AAAAAAAAC6o/hw-a7jgslFM/s1600/op%2Bshop%2B010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lLoK3xkfETk/VMDXG2bNZCI/AAAAAAAAC6o/hw-a7jgslFM/s1600/op%2Bshop%2B010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Can you read that price tag? I know I had to put my specs on to make sure it really did say $13.99 reduced to <i><b>$1.47</b></i>!! Score! and it was still 2 days before use-by date. So I put all 600grams of it to good use and whipped up a Spinach and Feta Pie.<br />
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You'll have to take my word for it that it tasted very good as it does look a bit of a mess here.<br />
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That's all for now.<br />
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cheers Wendyduchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-52581507177453709552015-01-22T11:07:00.005+10:002015-01-22T11:07:59.877+10:003/52<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><i><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">2015 is my year with some weekly gratitude posts. Keeping it simple might be the way to go for me I think.</span></i></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><i><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"> </span></i><br style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;" /><i style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><b>Grateful</b></i><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"> that I was able to get this shot in the late afternoon. Technically it is probably rubbish and the background is fairly ordinary - but I'm pleased with it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">Mainly because I've never seen these insects before. Are they bumblebees? I think so, but unusual here nevertheless.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">Short and sweet this time - but more to come soonish I promise!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">I have joined with <a href="http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/grow-your-blog-2015-party-this-is.html">Grow Your Blog</a> organised by the lovely Vicki at <a href="http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.com.au/">Two Bags Full</a> (see button on sidebar). Looks like fun and a swagful of other bloggers joining in too. A great way to look at other blogs and also an </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">incentive to really get me up and blogging regularly again! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">Cheers for now</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">Wendy</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><br /></span></span>duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-27264533409109009482015-01-14T09:54:00.000+10:002015-01-14T17:02:02.513+10:002/52<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">2015 is my year with some weekly gratitude posts. Keeping it simple might be the way to go for me I think.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"> </span></i><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;" /><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><b>Grateful</b></i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"> for even more long awaited rain. Our place is now looking very tropical and that darn lawn needs to be mown a couple of times a week it seems!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Grateful </i> too for our humble above ground pool. When we bought it we thought that if we had it for 5 years or so we would have had our money's worth from it. However, we've had it now for about 10 years and we seem to be using it more than ever. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;">It is certainly a sanity-saver on on these hot days (and nights). We have a pretty good set up too - it directly faces the back verandah - and our outdoor entertainment area & TV!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many a night lately we can be found lazing in the pool with a cool drink at hand watching a movie - or lately the cricket or tennis. It's a hard life! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cheers for now</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.6400012969971px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wendy </span></span>duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-29437853635497147682015-01-06T10:26:00.001+10:002015-01-06T10:26:29.448+10:001/52Happy 2015 to one and all! I'm starting off this new year with some weekly gratitude posts. Keeping it simple might be the way to go for me I think. <br />
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<i><b>Grateful</b></i> for some long awaited rain we have been receiving lately. Nice light rain this morning.<br />
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Thanks for those who are staying around to read my little blog. I'm definitely a sporadic blogger, but I'm in it now for the long haul I think.<br />
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cheers for now<br />
Wendyduchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-68525527249499529032014-09-15T09:26:00.000+10:002014-09-15T09:32:16.371+10:00Time to put down the clippersI love to prune. I love this time of year when pruning is fun and it shows rewards quickly. I pruned back our wisteria vine - hard - about two weeks ago. It has sprung back beautifully and the flowers are going to be lovely.<br />
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The veggie garden is powering on. Some lovely carrots which has been a nice change from the weird ones we produced several seasons ago (<a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/planet-carrot.html">planet-carrot</a>). Just proves a bit of effort and TLC does work!</div>
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This is different wisteria vine, growing on one of the sheds and just coming into flower too. It is a<a href="http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/climbers/native-wisteria/1553/#.VBYZKvmSx8E"> native wisteria</a> which can be seen in another post (<a href="http://duchessdeclutter.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/september-looked-little-like-this-here.html">here</a>) with photos taken later in September. It is a nice vine to have, because although it has rambling growth, it does not lose leaves and creates a nice shady vine in summer.<br />
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Some nice jonquils have popped up. Such a nice surprise when they do. We planted some bulbs purchased on a visit to Armidale NSW. As is it so much hotter here we weren't sure if they would take or not - but they they have just been getting better and better. Not much scent at all last spring, but quite scented this time round.<br />
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However, enough garden talk. Time to put down the clippers for a while. Hubby & I are off on another grand adventure. This time a fly/drive trip to South Australia. Neither of us have been there before so it will all be new to us. We have a few ideas of things to do, and a rental car waiting for us at airport, but no real plans. This seems to work best for us, unplanned and spontaneous. <br />
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<i>Transitioning to retirement</i> is such a great phrase isn't it? I sure my husband rolls that idea around in his head at least a few times a day, lately anyway. He has taken some long service leave, so we don't have a fixed return date, nor any return travel plans, but will be away at least 3 weeks. I have to add that <i>I am so much younger than him! </i><br />
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A running joke in our household is that I used to tell our son when he was young my age minus about 10 years.... which was fine until he could do the maths. Then in one conversation he overhead me saying that I was 5 years younger than my husband. He piped up with 'well if you are 5 years younger, why is he 10 years older than you?? Oh well it worked for a while.....<br />
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Personally I am <i>transitioning to being an empty nester</i>. Our son will be house and pet minding while we are away. Although we will be in touch via phone/text (probably more then he would like) I'm finding it easier to think about him leaving home sometime in the near future - if we leave home first. Reverse psychology at play?<br />
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cheers for now<br />
Wendy<br />
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duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-1986036857272953532014-09-03T14:42:00.001+10:002014-09-03T14:42:14.591+10:00Today I ...........continued with my healthy eating program. I've been reading the <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/">I Quit Sugar</a> website and trying to go along with a sugar free September. Whilst I don't necessarily eat a lot of sugar, it is a real wakeup call to see how much sugar is in just about everything. Well, most processed goods and (gasp) alcohol. So I am reading labels and trying to follow the Just Eat Real Food (JERF) strategy.<br />
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Big breakfast / lunch of rye toast, some cottage cheese, home grown greens (parsley, baby spinach) with home grown tomatoes and eggs.<br />
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Prior to this feast, I had acquainted myself with my new best friend (who am I kidding?). A kettleball purchased recently (Aldi $8). I have to say I am surprised how much I am enjoying exercising and following some beginner kettleball exercises found online. I think 4kg is possibly the lightest kettleball ever made but it still gets heavy after 5 minutes or so. I remind myself that my son weighed over 4kg as a newborn and I certainly did my share of lifts, squats, bicep curls etc. back then - so this should be a piece of cake.<br />
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All part of my new found Spring enthusiasm. I am alternating this with increasing my daily walk just that little bit further each day. I'm up to about an hour at the moment. You see, we are off on another holiday soon which will involve a lot of walking. Not organised walking, but tourist walking and bush walks. I think I will to be a bit fitter - our holidays certainly seem to involve a lot of eating! As long as it's healthy right!?<br />
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cheers for now<br />
Wendy<br />
<br />duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-43035669302060521802014-09-01T12:17:00.000+10:002014-09-01T12:17:03.750+10:00Play on Words Word of the day is <u>Leaning</u><br />
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<b>From a gardeners' journal ........</b><br />
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I am <i>leaning </i>toward thinking that this year has brought us the best crop of broccoli we have grown for a long time.<br />
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<b>From a childs reading book (or maybe an adventure movie)</b><br />
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Look! The clothes line is <i>leaning</i>! See Wendy run (not pictured)<br />
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With apologies for my weird sense of humour.<br />
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cheers for now<br />
Wendyduchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-19451644873818067462014-08-29T10:20:00.000+10:002014-08-29T10:56:06.959+10:00Spring has Sprung. Apparently.I think it's a tropical apricot or maybe peach. It's down in the 'back half'. The back half of our five acre block which is pretty much left as bush, apart from a few things we have tried to grow over the years.<br />
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This tree was one of a few 'tropical' stone fruit trees that we have tried to grow. However it doesn't fruit very well, but the blossoms are pretty. For the 5 or so minutes that they are out. Or so it seems. I saw it in flower one week. Intended to take a photo the next week. Actually went down to take a photo.<br />
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and found that only a few of the blossom remained. Still pretty.<br />
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The signs of spring are everywhere.<br />
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Our garden has really been producing well. <br />
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<i>This was the garden back in April this year </i><br />
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Plenty of kale and cauliflower and broccoli outside the shadehouse too. It seems to be quite the season for broccoli - it seems just about every blog I read is proud of their broc.<br />
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Everything nice and green. Some nice rain has helped, but more would be nice too. </div>
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I have to wonder though how many more Spring seasons our old girl Angel will see. She is such a funny dog, always happy. She has some weird habits though. She will be 12 in December and has really just started to slow down. Prematurely grey, she does look a bit older than her years. Probably a bit like me after surviving her first <strike>TEN</strike> few manic years! </div>
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cheers for now </div>
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Wendy </div>
duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-20995718942339970802014-08-22T12:36:00.000+10:002014-08-22T12:48:53.732+10:00On AnonymityI should be ironing. However, I've had this post running around in my head this morning and really thought that I would put it out there. To the universe. To the readers of my humble blog.<br />
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.... and I have to say that I am always astounded that anyone even reads my ramblings, let alone follows my blog! Thanks so much for doing so.<br />
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My point of this post though, is anonymity and more definitively - blogging under the radar. I've been blogging now for some 3 years (January 2011 to be precise). My initial feelings were to blog about my decluttering process. Ha. Ha. It hasn't quite worked out that way.<br />
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So, recently I read online of the Problogger Event happening soon on the Gold Coast.... and I realised that I never really want to 'come out' as a blogger. Just my personal feelings, but I don't want to front up and shout about my blog. I don't want to make money from my blog. I really like anonymity. I like that no one really know who I am or where I live. <br />
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I have always been a quiet voice on my own blog, as I am in life. However it has taken me a couple of years to feel comfortable about blogging. About not having to try <i>too</i> hard. That people aren't always judgemental, and that over the years I have some online friends who are always there with a comment or a thought.<br />
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No one in my family knows that I blog. I keep it quiet. I am neither ashamed or overly proud of my blog, it is just a work in progress. I show photos of aspects of my life and our rural lifestyle, and hopefully some decluttering or I will have to change the name!<br />
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This was not really intended to be a 'deep and meaningful' post. However I have been thinking about my blog a lot lately and working on the best way to present it and the thoughts I want to put across. Maybe this is a start.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How about you? Do you blog under the radar or are you loud and proud!?</span></b><br />
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Can I give a shout out too for another blog <a href="http://mummyspitsthedummy.wordpress.com/">mummy spits the dummy</a>. She is actually my niece (and of course she doesn't know I'm mentioning her here) and she is new to blogging. With post titles such as<span style="color: #76a5af;"> <a href="http://mummyspitsthedummy.wordpress.com/2014/08/21/i-was-once-a-paragon-of-parenting-then-i-had-kids-and-ruined-it/">I was once a paragon of parenting then I had kids and ruined it</a> </span>she is a witty and creative writer. <i> Just don't tell her that I sent you!</i><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: small;">cheers for now</span></span></h1>
Wendyduchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-38525297083960170912014-08-12T09:53:00.002+10:002014-08-12T10:02:53.630+10:00Taking Stock.02<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
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<a href="http://www.weekendnotes.com/the-august-supermoon/" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: small; line-height: 150%;">source</a></div>
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<span style="color: #244061; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19px; line-height: 28px;">Another taking stock post - a quick way to catch up with what's been going on around here.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 28px;">Firstly though - a super moon. Has it been lovely in your part of the world? Although I didn't take this photo, I certainly enjoyed the glow last night. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #244061; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19px; line-height: 28px;">So what's been happening?</span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Making:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">
pathetic attempts at crochet granny squares.
Still knitting squares in a variety of patterns. One day I will crochet together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Cooking:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> made
chicken </span><em><span style="background: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">parmigiana</span></em><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> last night. Easy leftovers
tonight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Drinking :</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">
English Breakfast w skim milk. Some
things are constant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Reading:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">
Simon Beckett’s new novel <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18189475-stone-bruises?from_search=true">Stone Bruises.</a>
Liking it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Looking:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">
through window at lovely blue sky morning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Deciding:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">
which jobs to tackle first this morning.
Clean windows?<b><u> <o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Wishing:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> that
the flu bug hadn’t caught us this winter.
It did - well & truly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Enjoying</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> : the wonderful library services we can access online. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Waiting:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> for
my first try at preserved lemons to be ready.
Thanks <a href="http://lifeatarbordalefarm.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/preserved-lemons.html">Fiona @ Life at Arbordale Farm</a> for the prompt. Still a few weeks to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHKgpAiZx_0/U-lWaQV2GtI/AAAAAAAACuY/Bc2Ssv84dgQ/s1600/blog+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHKgpAiZx_0/U-lWaQV2GtI/AAAAAAAACuY/Bc2Ssv84dgQ/s1600/blog+002.JPG" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
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<b style="line-height: 150%;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Liking:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> lots
of eggs our hens are giving us lately.</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Wondering:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">
whether any exciting mail awaits at PO Box – or bills?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Loving:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> my stitching from the lovely <a href="http://sweetbirdylove.blogspot.com.au/">Claire @ Sweet Birdy Love</a>. Just loving it in my kitchen. My poor photography doesn't capture the beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0F_7UQ75rVk/U-lVdEEebGI/AAAAAAAACuQ/ponuiJYG5bg/s1600/blog+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0F_7UQ75rVk/U-lVdEEebGI/AAAAAAAACuQ/ponuiJYG5bg/s1600/blog+005.JPG" height="320" width="215" /></a></div>
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<b style="line-height: 150%;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Pondering: </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> if I can get back into my regular walking
routine soon.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Considering:</u> </span><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">cleaning
windows next week<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Watching:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">
Offspring finale. Big
sigh. I loved this season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Hoping:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> that our house really is snake-proof.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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husband and I married 8/8/92 and we have just celebrated our 22<sup>nd</sup> wedding anniversary!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Needing:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> reassurance
that carpet snakes don’t really want to get inside the house!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Smelling:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">
Nothing specific. Still getting over
flu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Wearing:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> jeans
& cotton peasant top. Mild day here
22 deg.C<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Following:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> some
new blogs - I’ve added to my bloglovin
list + my blog<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Noticing:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> how
much plastic is on <i>every product</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Knowing:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> that
it is possible to avoid plastic. Must
try harder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<h1 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 3.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1;">
<u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;">Thinking:</span></u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;">about victims MH17 disaster - National Day of Mourning</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div>
<u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></u>
<u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Sorting:</b></span></u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"> out my priorities in next few
weeks. Time flying past.</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b style="line-height: 150%;"><u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Buying</span></u></b><b style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">: </span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">groceries in bulk where
possible. I think it is working - combined with managing
household expenses more strictly. One
wage only goes so far ......</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Getting:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">
excited about some travel plans in next 12 months. Ignore previous comment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Bookmarking:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> some
new farmers markets to attend soon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Disliking: </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">loud
rap music son favours. Sorry, sound like
oldie here!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Opening:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> Some of those lovely window faced envelopes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Giggling:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> have recently rekindled friendship with 2 old
school friends. We have picked up where
we left off many years ago and recently had a girl’s weekend away. Fabulous time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Feeling:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">
somewhat better now thanks. Being sick
is no fun.<b><u> <o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Snacking:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">
stewed apple, plain yogurt & cinnamon.
Yum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Coveting</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">:</span></u></b><span style="color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> <a href="http://www.ock-du-spock.com/search?q=garden#.U-lNTPmSx8E">Virginia @ Ock Du Spock</a>'s garden! Serious Garden Envy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Wishing:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> we really could do with some rain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><b style="text-decoration: underline;">Helping:</b> </span><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">our
household budget by being more aware of what we buy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Miriam; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Hearing:</u> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #244061; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">washing
machine competing with old 70’s song on radio - Joy to the World –Three Dog
Night:</span><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">{</span><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Jeremiah was a
bullfrog - Was a good friend of mine ....}</span></span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #073763;">cheers for now</span></span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #073763;">Wendy</span></span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #073763;">PS - has any one else noticed that there are 5 Sundays in August this year?</span></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-89085277201490901772014-08-06T14:53:00.003+10:002014-08-06T14:53:55.403+10:00This Time of Year Ahh. The simple things in life.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39x6DU86m9M/U-GwY6OUTlI/AAAAAAAACtU/Tdp3CkGuvfM/s1600/august+(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39x6DU86m9M/U-GwY6OUTlI/AAAAAAAACtU/Tdp3CkGuvfM/s1600/august+(7).jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNZ6RDYY9dI/U-GwJY0Gs3I/AAAAAAAACtM/HrORvbMaTgk/s1600/august+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNZ6RDYY9dI/U-GwJY0Gs3I/AAAAAAAACtM/HrORvbMaTgk/s1600/august+(1).jpg" height="320" width="300" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_994833679"></span><span id="goog_994833680"></span>a little gathering from the veggie garden, including a bouquet of greens. Kale, silverbeet and parsley.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Some lovely tomatoes at last.... it's been a while.</div>
<br />
Flavour of the day - on rice biscuits with cottage cheese and avocado - with a sprinkle of salt and pepper!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75VNjw71tNk/U-Gy2NXJCrI/AAAAAAAACt4/D0XV08wkHwI/s1600/august+(8).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75VNjw71tNk/U-Gy2NXJCrI/AAAAAAAACt4/D0XV08wkHwI/s1600/august+(8).jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5YzS8csEO8/U-Gw0814p7I/AAAAAAAACtk/zk9MFNdvF8M/s1600/august+(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5YzS8csEO8/U-Gw0814p7I/AAAAAAAACtk/zk9MFNdvF8M/s1600/august+(9).jpg" height="320" width="252" /></a><br />
a few small pumpkins which have been very sweet indeed.<br />
<br />
My favourite (and it seems, only) flowers at the moment. Nasturtiums.<br />
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<i>Then there is this</i>......... the warmer weather means that carpet snakes think it must be time to make a move. Maybe a spot in the sun somewhere whilst deciding on dinner material. Just stay away from my hens big fella! <br />
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There is definitely merit in having the house safely screened (I hope)!!<br />
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Cheers for now<br />
Wendyduchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431997613353685105.post-86261028253420997102014-07-25T12:49:00.000+10:002014-07-25T12:49:30.936+10:00Self Appointed Slack Blogger Award!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes it's true - I am a slack blogger. It is almost the end of July and no post update.<br />
<br />
Probably for the following reasons :-<br />
<ul>
<li>I have taken a whole lot of photos to include here - but cannot find the cable link thingy for my camera. I guess I could re-take some on my phone - but haven't.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I have a huge case of blog envy and spend way too much time reading other much more interesting blogs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I have taken to online shopping in a big way and spend way too much time looking. Just looking, and sometimes buying.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Not really an excuse - but the weather here at the moment is just glorious and I've been spending time outside enjoying it. Not gardening so much as just enjoying it.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I'm learning to crochet. Not succeeding very well. Even after a lesson, even after many youtube tutorials, and viewing many online how-to's. Being left handed isn't really an excuse, I just can't get my head around it...... and it looks so easy.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>My husband has just bought a saxophone. No, he has no previous experience (in anything musical). Yes he is having lessons. Yes, he does practice. A lot. I am very proud of him for tackling it. Not so proud of myself wearing headphones</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>I knit a lot. Still only squares which I am hoping to crochet together one day.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I read a lot too - have just finished Paris Letters by Janice MacLeod. A good read.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Have taken advantage of some cheap interstate flights. Planning some trips.</li>
</ul>
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Not really meaning to sound despondent or desperate! Just telling it how it is at the moment.<br />
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For no other reason than some photos of laundry trolley I've added a nostalgic one of our boy (now 19). Just loving the spider watch gadget! I had forgotten all about that one.<br />
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So .... any other recipients of the Slack Blogger Award out there? I'd be happy to pay it forward!!<br />
<br />
cheers for now<br />
Wendy </div>
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duchess_declutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763062839151537111noreply@blogger.com7