The Party Wrap-Up

Yes last night was the night of the party and present - and it was a blast.

There is a lot to be said when there is about 40 (ish) people, most in costume (Circus theme), there is face painting for all; a Lady Gaga birthday cake, spit roast for dinner and glow sticks to wear on various body parts!

I went as a fortune teller and was fortunate enough to have my makeup done by a real makeup professional (including sparkly false eyelashes - bought when I was Miss Weasley on the Sunshine Coast a few years ago). I must admit I felt very girly and pretty :-)

I confess that I left early but I did arrive early too so I am hoping that balances out in the scheme of things. I wasn't drinking but I was so hoping I would go through a RBT on the way home - I would love to admit that whilst I was dressed up all silly, had glow sticks on my earrings - and another around my neck, I had my arms painted with "tattoos", I had stars on my face .... I was stone cold sober lol. It didn't happen but it amused me on the drive anyway.

Getting Ready for Baby

It is only a couple of weeks to go now and my sewing projects are almost finished (will they ever really be done ... probably not lol).  Anyway, thought I would share some photos of my efforts.

The diaper bag - fully lined, lots of pockets - and a pillow to lay bump on while he/she is being changed. And yes the actual pillow is waterproof so the cover can be taken off for washing. Hand-sewn appliques, machine sewing for the actual bag..

Rag book - learn numbers and colors and shapes. Most of it is hand sewn appliques, machine finishing. One zebra (black). Two flowers (blue). Three frogs (pink). Four bananas (yellow). Five mushrooms (pink). Six snowmen (white). Seven teddy bears (red). Eight balloons (orange). Nine hearts (brown). Ten stars (purple).

The other bits - curtains for the nursery, "cow jumped over the moon" painting, star mobile for the window, stars and moons mobile for above the cot, nappy stacker, box of bears (for random decoration).

Still to talk to Ayla about sewing some diapers but I have a couple of other projects to make in the meantime :-)

Present Time

It is my much-loved Robbie's 18th on Saturday and I have been trying to figure out what to get him that doesn't involve the semi-traditional bottle of alcohol. I have settled on "pearls of wisdom" (pun intended).

I have bought a mp3 player and I am progressively filling it with music, and recipes, and podcasts and bits of philosophy and anything else I can think of. I am trying to record a little introduction to each of the pre-recorded pieces to explain why I selected them.

I know it is a bit daggy but I am hoping that I am of an age where lovable daggy is acceptable (especially as I was originally planning on doing the love a painting but he "pinched" one I gave his mother a year or so ago lol). And we do actually have a few common interests so not all of it will be from left-field.

In any case, he can put it in a back drawer and just pick it up periodically as he goes through life :-)

And, as it is a costume party, I will be dressing up (not usual for me) AND it will include a dress (which I still reserve the right to wear pants or leggings underneath but I haven't decided once and for all yet). Damn he must be special - it has been maybe 7 or 8 years since I last wore a dress :-) (and yes it does still fit). Photos to come.

I must admit I am getting a bit excited :-)

PS: There will be NO Meat Loaf - I have inflicted enough of Mr Meat on the lad already :-)

Image: "Pearls of Wisdom" by Anya-Lyssa

Friendship Is ...

I have just spent a wonderful evening with Wendy and Simon.

Simon cooked a whole snapper on the weber (stuffed with garlic, lemon, a splash of balsamic vinegar and seasonings). Wendy made an awesome salad. And there was baked potatoes (cooked in the weber) and garlic bread.

Add good conversation and lots of laughter and it was simply perfect :-)

And yes I did take the camera - I was just too busy to take photos lol


Image: "Friends" by Juliejxk

Letter to a Friend

Dear you, I don't know if you will get this, or even know it is for you but here is hoping.

We haven't been friends for a lifetime but some days it feels that way. We are both smart, intelligent people who have shared a journey. We have laughed. we have struggled. We have both kept the lines of communication open, even when it seemed easier not to.

Now, we have entered a new phase and I don't know what it is. It could be the end, it could be confusion, it could be a break, it could be that I committed some mortal sin I am not even aware of ... it could be anything because those lines of communication are closed. I don't know whether to speak or stay silent. I don't know whether it is me or some other aspect of life.

Somehow the last couple of months have felt eggshells because the silence could mean so much.Which is ironic because we have both said to each other a hundred times "have you talked to them about it".

To be honest I am not really sure I even care what direction this new stage goes in, but the waiting is too hard. If you don't move then I will.

This is not an ultimatum, far from it. I am just laying myself out there.

Image: "Letter to Santa" by mickryan

Proposed Birthday Dinner

This is my menu (at this stage) for the dinner party for 8 of the sistas- I am trying to come up with a combination of dishes to suit a couple of vegetarian guests, those with gluten intolerance, those that don't eat mushroom (yes you know who you are - mwah) as well as my very limited time that I can stand up/move and wallet. Other considerations are over/fridge space, what to do with leftovers, serving possibilities, cooking space, serving space, serving dishes and bowls - well a whole heap of little things. Oh! - and the theme is "Italian".

Upon arrival:
Mixed bruscetta (v) (some mf)
Baked ricotta and crudites (v) (gf) (mf)

First Course:
Roasted tomato bread soup with buffalo mozzarella (v) (mf)
Italian white bean soup (v) (gf) (mf)

Mains:
Slow roasted pork with apple aioli (mf) (gf)
Slow braised beef ragu with homemade pasta rags
Chicken cacciatore (gf)
Eggplant parmigiana (v) (gf) (mf)
Vegetarian lasagne or spinach cannelloni (v)
Italian roasted potatoes (v) (gf) (mf)
Italian beans and zucchini (v) (gf) (mf)
Caponata (v) (gf) (mf)
Soft polenta (v) (gf) (mf)
Garlic bread (v) (mf)

Dessert:
Tiramisu (v) (mf)
Pears Poached in red wine (v) gf) (mf)
Espresso creams with coffee bean toffee brittle (v) (gf) (mf)

After:
Biscotti (v) (mf)
Brutti ma buoni ((gf) (v) mf)
Coffee

More Gifts

As well as warm fuzzies I got cookies. Okay I had to pinch Miss K's pic because these didn't last very long - White Chocolate and Macadamia Biscuits. Now I say this because I mean it and I am not trying to be polite - THESE WERE THE BEST COOKIES I HAVE EVER HAD EVER! And I am not a huge fan of the genre - I mean I can usually take 'em or leave 'em for the best part (cookies and cakes and other sweet things that is) but these were incredible! I don't really know how many were on my plate - and I did make them last for a fraction over 24 hours but that was only because I was trying so hard not to be piggy. The recipe is here. And I mean it - they are soooooooo good - make two batches because one will never be enough lol.

Warm Toes, Warm Heart

I had a visit from the wonderful Ms K yesterday. As she came through the door she handled me a parcel and announced it was my present. Now I was expecting a small part for a plumbing repair and somehow just assumed that she (or one of her sons) had wrapped in many layers of newspaper a la pass the parcel. By the time I had started unwrapping I realised I was way off and this was a REAL present - yes I have a wonderful beanie, bed slippers and gauntlets. Oh dance dance dance :-) And yes she made them all herself - and had even blogged them (not that I had a clue they were coming my way. Oh I am so blessed - with friends and beautiful things to keep me warm. Sigh - happy womblette :-)

That Day

Now that I am even more securely holed up in my hermit life I had initially dismissed "that" day but my mind has been wondering this evening. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have the sisters here, to celebrate that - and I could coincide the dates.

Yes I know we could go out for dinner but I cook, I am me, it isn't an option. I am thinking that if I chose my menu carefully (well more carefully than usual) and spread the cooking over a few days I could pull it off!

So, at this stage I am thinking an Italian theme, four courses, 7 guests (my table seats 8). Hey I can do that standing on my head.

And then I have further thought that last time I had one of "these days" I had three parties in the one day. Now that is pushing it (it was 10 years ago and a lot has changed lol) but I am thinking about a morning/afternoon tea for another day - and I might even invite boys to that one.

Yes I reserve the right to change my mind but so far I am liking it .... now for the "save the dates" ....

I Have been Awarded

Yay! The wonderful Welshcakes has honored me with the Sweet Blog Award (which is an award that brightens her day).

So in the tradition of the net, I too pass it on (in no particular order) to:

It Was Always Simple written by a true wonderwoman (if if she can't see it all the time)
Sicily Scene (yes I know this is Welshcakes) but it has introduced me to food I didn't think was possible, and a land I have never seen
Rat Sass written by a generous soul who always makes me smile

:-)

Splat!

Learning how to walk is something that most of us only have to do once. An inherent lesson is that you will fall- sometimes it will hurt, sometimes it won't but you need to take the risk in order for that extra degree of independence.

The first time I saw Jaida fall on her butt while learning how to walk (on of those non-hurt-yourselves-fall) I cracked up laughing - it was such a definite "splat", I said it out loud in between guffaws. I noticed her face was about to launch into one of those "I fell over so I must cry" moments but then there was a flicker and then she laughed too. And so "splat" entered our world.

By the time Jaz came along and was going through the same stage, Jaida was an expert. There were "splats" flying left, right and centre. Jaz, ever the entertainer, started doing it just for the reaction. Jaida joined in and instead of playing "statues" we played "splat".

You can never have too much laughter in your life. And it continues over the years as they ask me to tell them a story about when they were little - which is usually a repeat of a core three or four stories.

And I know that as I have grown there are times I too go splat - maybe not literally but certainly metaphorically. I try so hard not to screw up my face and wail in embarrassment and pain that isn't there - I just call out splat and see how long I can laugh for :-)

Writer's Daily Prompts

There Are Friends and Then There Are Friends

Dance dance dance :-)

The legendary David from Texas has sent me seeds - and not just any seeds - seeds from my most favorite flower in the world - Texas Bluebonnets :-). And have I met this guy before, no. Have I farmed with him - oh yes :-) The connection was made in the pixelated soil :-) My wonderful Miss Weasley sent me some a few years ago but I was living in a WA at that stage - which is very similar in weather to Texas - and in Texas these grow everywhere including along freeways and in vacant blocks - so being a responsible farm girl, I didn't plant them. Now though, I am in the sub-tropics and there is no chance of them becoming weeds here. The first seeds have been put into my little seed-raising house and will plant more each week so i have an ongoing display for the spring and summer. I'll keep you posted :-)

So very happy :-)

Rediscovering Music

I have avoided music over the past decade or so - the "modern stuff" doesn't appeal (and that makes me sound like I should be sitting in my rocker) and I decided somewhere along the way that I could use the moments learning something, anything rather than just listening.

That is beginning to change with thanks to a Facebook friend (who I do know in the real world but just haven't seen for 10 years or so) and YouTube. Anyway, she has been posting the most incredible music over the past little while and I must admit that I am being dragged back into the world or melody and lyrics.

Some of it is old stuff (you know the kind that we all grew up with and danced to and now the kids just crack up  at the thought .... until they realize that their fav has either re-released it or mashed a part of it) but the rest is new.

Artists that I would recommend are: Corinne Bailey Rae, India Arie and O-Shen. And if you have any recommendations that I should be leaning towards then, by all means let me know :-)

Oh, and I think the Meat Loaf days might be over ....

Photo: "Music" by KiddyGrinder

Eating with Maya

Well the moment has almost come - I shall be spending a week cooking and eating with Ms Maya (well working from her cookbook Pita sent me) for an entire week - and all of this starts next Saturday.

After playing with menus over and and over, I think I have finally decided on a plan.

Saturday: Braised Short Ribs of Beef with Twice Baked Potatoes

Sunday: Fried Chicken, Cold Potato Salad and Bob's Boston Baked Beans

Monday: Chakchouka (a Moroccan stew)

Tuesday: Onion Tart with Ashford Salad 96

Wednesday: Smothered Pork Chops with Braised Cabbage and Ginger

Thursday: Veal Medallions with Petit Pois, Minnesota Wild Rice

Friday: Smothered Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits and Haricots Verts

Now I know that is more meat than I would eat in a month of Sundays, and I can't see a whole lotta diet versions there but I don't care - I am going to live wild for a week lol. And I will have enough leftover recipes to do it again another time (it is a VERY good book) - and enough leftovers in the freezer to see me through Christmas :-)

Recipes and photos will be taken in due course..... and bookings are being accepted if anyone wants to join me :-)

I've Learned ....

Sometimes someone does something so wonderful for you, so generous that you can't help but cry. I have been waiting for a mystery package from pita and it arrived this morning. When I originally posted that the package was on its way I speculated it could be anything between a postcard or a million dollars - I was wrong it was a treasure far greater.

Pita had been to see Maya Angelou and sent me one of her books, the newspaper coverage and a letter describing the evening. Oh I was so happy and humbled I cried. I turned the pages of the book which is a combination of memories and recipes and I exclaimed over every page - and I laughed - and cried some more (sometimes it is advantageous to live by yourself).

The talk in Kentucky was on how your actions (the good and the bad) affect others and I say here and now pita that this act speaks volumes - loudly.

How do you thank someone for something so very very precious? For something that changes you the second you see it - and it will carry you for years to come?

I am not sure ...but when I find a way I will be sure to let pita know.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" Maya Angelou

Do You Remember?

A wonderful friend of mine, an older lady, is losing her memory - and it worries her.

She doesn't want to worry people but she confides in me because we see each other so often. Maybe she has confided in others too, but I don't know.

I certainly don't mind helping out, explaining bit and pieces, co-ordinating with agencies and the like for her. I don't feel obliged in any way, I am just happy to help out.

What does concern me is whether she has told others. Her family is overseas but she does have some friends locally. She is a bit frail and wobbly on her feet but that is manageable. Her memory is another thing - she needs additional support with finances and other sensitive issues. At some point soon (ish) she may need either someone to live in with her, or to move somewhere where she has that other additional support - where she will be safe. I don't know if she has any plans made in that regard.

We had a chat the other day about whether she should keep her car or not (coming from a financial perspective). I wondered if there would come a specific day when, because of her memory, she shouldn't drive or whether there would just be a grey area of "maybe" until something happens to make the decision. And if one is losing their memory, are they in a position to cognitively recognize that it may not be safe?

I am more than happy to help but I don't want to pry or intrude into private matters. Do I contact one of her local friends and discuss the matter with them? Should her family be told?

Hmmmm ....

Photo: "Remember" by ZanaSoul

Chelsea

Guess Who?

J3 is on Youtube!!! Dance, dance, dance :-) Now I promised her mom I would never give out details that may compromise her identity so I can't tell you which one is her - and if you guess I won't confirm or deny but she is definitely on here.

Happy little vegemite (me that is lol)

Pearl Gets Flowers

Many thanks Robbie - mwah :-)

Annabel's New Dress

I went to visit friend's and Sue has begun to make a range of dolls clothes. You should see them! While I was ooh-ing and aah-ing over them all (there is everything from beanies to ball-gowns and if you want layette style garments for a real baby then this is the woman to call) I casually mentioned that Annabel would fit into one of them. Before I knew it, the dress was mine.

Annabel is almost 40 years old and hasn't had a new outfit since I sewed her a dress when I was 10-ish (which she wears with her original blue 'fur' coat to this day).

She is perhaps showing her age, just a little (although I think there is some sort of rule about saying that about any woman) but her new dress made her smile.

And if anyone is looking for their perfect gift for their daughter/ grand-daughter/ niece/ Annabel/ themselves just let me know.

Many thanks Sue :-)