cold and chilly for SEQ today

Well not as cold as other parts of the country today - or NZ for that matter!

However, it was a low temp day today - grey and bleak.

Dexter doesn't miss a chance to snuggle up that's for sure!

We had a lovely couple of days away, back home now.  Husband has the horrible cough that is doing the rounds and spent a nice day by the fire.

Hope all is well in your part of the world - and it's Winter Solstice isn't it?

Cheers for now
Wendy

After the party

The Party went well and thankfully no accidents or incidents to report!  When I was out shopping pre-party and mentioned to anyone that we were having an 18^th party, I was met with looks of horror/sympathy or wishes of Good Luck! 

source

So we weren’t really sure what to expect.  We know a lot of son’s friends, but not all of the ones coming.  We also hear so many media reports of wild parties, gatecrashers etc. So it was a little daunting.  We had a few security measures in place and a few friends over to help and give moral support.

However on the whole it was a great success.  It was all pretty casual.  The kids were organised, responsible and most of all had fun I think.  It’s a bit of a novelty for some to be on acreage – we had a big bonfire but it was a bit of a fizzer due to lack of aged wood to burn.  I think they enjoyed it though.

 The after looked a little like this...

 However I was really hoping this visitor didn’t come out on the night.

 

I spotted him above the kitchen window the night before.  The photos aren’t very good; I was just holding the camera up and taking the shots hoping I had it in the frame, but you get the picture!

It does look like it’s trying to get in under the roofing iron, but the hubster assures me it can’t get into the house (I often remind myself, it can't get into the house).  I have to admit to racing inside to check that it hadn’t!  I guess it was just looking for a warm spot to spend the winter.

Look at all those geckos!  Obviously we live in Queensland.  I wish the snake would take a liking to them.

Earlier in the week I had seen this snake in the yard when Angel our big boofy dog made a funny yelp.  When I went out she was cowering from it.  She had obviously investigated its' transit across from a garden bed (probably making its way to the house). 

Yes she did get a bite on the snout, but she is fine as carpet snakes / carpet pythons are non-venomous.  I  rang the vet to check.

So all in all, it’s been a big week.  Two over-stressed worn out parents combined with one fully aged 18 year old!

I thought I would throw in a photo of Angel.  This is a few years old, she is much greyer now.  Especially on that sticky-beak snout!

We are heading down to northern rivers NSW for a few days to catch up with some friends.  I'm looking forward to some serious market-time!

Cheers for now

Wendy 

Introducing vintage_declutter

It may seem strange for a blogger such as myself who doesn't blog too frequently - but I'm happy to announce that I've just started another blog!

vintage_declutter  is where I will be listing my vintage and retro items for sale. ... all in the name of decluttering of course.

I have in the past sold a lot of vintage and retro items (including these items)

alongside a lot of other household type things ....

such as these items.







However I have now created a new ebay account (also called vintage_declutter) which will be limited to retro and vintage items and linked to the vintage_declutter blog.  At the moment I only sell through ebay.  This may change over time and the blog may well change over time too.  These are early days.

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The majority of items I sell online are direct from our own home so can tell you a little about them - I know the history.  Most things have come to me from family and after a long time I realised, that I just can't keep it all!  I actually grew up with a lot of these family possessions and it has been difficult to make decisions to part with them - however I'm a very much realist too.

Also I have to admit that I have always collected and have definitely been a op shopper from way back!  I still love the thrill of finding something special to add to my collection.  I love all things vintage and retro and being of a 'certain age' I can certainly relate to a lot of them!

However, I just wanted those who read this blog to know that I will still be blogging here, but adding on items with minimal blogging to the other one.  Make sense?  I hope so, because I'm confused already.  I've found that I can't log in as duchess_declutter anymore, and I'm hopping between the two ebay sites and the two blogs!  It will settle down I'm sure.

So please pop over there and have a look.  You can click on the clock on the sidebar on this blog which takes you straight to the vintage_declutter blog.  The clock on that blog takes you straight to the ebay listings.  I think I will keep a status report on the items on the vintage_declutter blog and that way readers will know what is sold and what is not.  There are only a few items there at the moment, but that will be growing.

If anyone choses to buy something and is a follower on either this blog or vintage_declutter, I'm sure I can organise a little discount or maybe a little something extra in the post.  I'm starting to confuse myself now with all these links and references so I'd best be off.  Normal blogging will resume next post I promise!

cheers Wendy

PS: the party was a great success - no accidents or incidents - just two stressed out parents who were glad it was all over!

I'm baaaaccccckkkk!

Well yes, I am here after all.  It’s been a while I know.  Lots of reasons and excuses, but now, at the end of the day – I’m here!

Great frivolity here as we prepare for son's 18th party tomorrow night. 

As the marquee was erected yesterday at our place, I had a sudden flashback to where we stayed in Las Vegas, the Luxor Hotel, on our wonderful trip to the States in February.

 Suddenly I wished I was still there, in that over-the-top, surreal city.  It was a great trip, though not long enough!  We saw bits of California, Utah and Nevada.

  
..... oh it was so much easier when I could just pick him up!

 
(sorry for the poor quality snap of our wee lad - they are def not dandruff flakes!)

Now he is about to turn 18 - and we are all busily preparing for his party tomorrow night.  Lots of trepidation (on our part) but hoping against hope that it all goes well.  Forty  teenagers at your place tomorrow anyone?  All well behaved angels .... oh absolutely.   Wish us luck!

I will be back with some ‘after’ photos – can’t guarantee any ‘during’ photos!

Till then

Cheers Wendy 

Tasting some Tamarillo's or should that be Tamarillos or maybe Tamarilloes??

Linking up with the lovely Veggiegobbler.   I've decided to join in her Thursday Garden Gobbles - what's happening in our gardens this time of year.

It's sort of an in-between time here, while we wait for things to cool down and plan for the winter plantings.

These tamarillos looked a little sad on the tree, so it was time to do something about it.

They seem to fruit a couple of times a year without much ado, and are getting a little sweeter as they go along.... which is nice, as they can be a little tart at times!

So I decided to just steam them to remove the skin just like tomatoes (they look a bit weird I thought).

Then I just poached them lightly in a little sugar, honey and vanilla, and let them cool in the syrup.

Yummo!  especially with some home made (easiyo) greek yoghurt, it is a nice contrast.

These trees are fairly new to us, I'm sure there are many more ways to deal with tamarillos.  However, I was definitely surprised how much they looked like tomatoes!

Sorry VG but I won't be able to join in next week - but I've got a good excuse!  We are off the California for a 10 day break........ squeeeeeeeealllllll!

Cheers for now
Wendy