34/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella:

and Josie. This little girl adores Stella and Stella adores her right back.

Ruby:

and Ruby. These crazy kids were right back into their old ways two minutes after we arrived.

This weekend we went to Sydney to visit old friends. It was lovely watching all the girls get on so well.  We did stuff. Lots of stuff. 

But best of all for me was the time spent with my treasured friend. I miss her every day here.

Joining in with Jodi.

33/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella and Ruby:

Life in a bubble. Four minutes of trying really hard to get up and run, yet getting nowhere at all and exhausting yourself in the process...

We had a great day at the Ekka. 

It's been a long, long weekend. Lots of fun, lots of friends, lots of family. 

I am tired and it's time for bed.

Joining in with Jodi

a parcel and some reflection

On Monday, I received the most gorgeous parcel in the mail. 

I was the lucky recipient of Zara's birthday giveaway last week..

Each little gift beautifully wrapped with care and love...

Each item handcrafted, repurposed and/or op shopped...

A glorious handmade cushion cover which was quickly snaffled by my eldest daughter for her room...

Beautifully made and carefully finished, lovingly labelled...

 And this bunting...oh my...I will find somewhere very special for this...

Thank you so much, Zara. I love everything...absolutely everything. When your shop is up and running, let me know. 

 And joining in with Pip, this seemed like a nice way to spend some quiet time reflecting on what I have actually been doing with my time lately

Making : more knitted hats. Something a little different from my previous beanies.
Cooking : with anything from the garden. We've got lots of lettuces and herbs.
Drinking : coffee, as always. And lemon and honey tea with ginger to keep the bugs at bay.
Reading: Mr Wigg. Just finished. It was beautiful. Happy and sad and just about life and fruit...
Wanting: a holiday...
Looking: at real estate on Bruny Island.
Playing: backgammon and card games.
Wasting: time checking my work emails. I need to learn to switch off when I'm not there.
Sewing: a patchwork pillowcase with my daughter. In oranges and limes.
Wishing: I was over my virus.
Enjoying: this amazing winter weather.
Waiting: for my weekend in Sydney.. booked so long ago and so anticipated.
Liking: the fact my parents moved up the Coast.
Wondering: when I'll get my tax return started.
Loving: PK. And getting out on my bike. And walks on the beach.
Hoping: my magazine subscription will arrive this week.
Marvelling: at Stella's tomato plants. they've outgrown our tallest stakes.
Needing: sleep. And chocolate. And red wine.
Smelling: the jasmine flowers on the front fence. Reminds me of my childhood.
Wearing: PJ's.. whenever I can.
Following: all those lovely inspiring blogs I've discovered this year.
Noticing: and ignoring the dust and dirt in my house.
Knowing: I am happy.
Thinking: it will be lovely to catch up with an old friend from the UK this weekend.
Feeling: relieved last weekend is behind me.
Bookmarking: pages from online holiday specials.
Opening: a parcel from Zara..see above!!
Giggling: over Ruby's "blues" singing.
Feeling: shabby but on the mend.

32/52

Stella:

late in the day, after the riding is over, as the shadows lengthen, Stella's job is to hose and brush Millie and make sure she is tucked safely into her rug for the night. 

Ruby:

loves this shower cap. And she is utterly delightful and just scrumptious in it.

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Joining in with Jodi, at Che and Fidel

life and stuff

My sisters and I bought Dad a gliding adventure for Christmas last year. On Sunday, he finally got to use it. The weather was perfect; just rewards for having two previous cancelled attempts. After watching him take off, Mum and I sat outside with a coffee, chilled out and enjoyed the sunshine.

Horse riding on Sunday. The highlight of Stella's week. Ruby came along as well. Although she wasn't a hundred percent, she had a great time helping out. I think we may be up for two sets of lessons next term. Eeek...

School gardening. Slowly, slowly, there is change afoot. Last week we made vertical gardens with the grade 4/5 class. It's so amazing and special to see such enthusiasm from this lovely class.

The veggie boxes are coming along nicely, too..

The weather has been gorgeous this week. With my two intensive working days over with early in the week, I can stretch and relax and get back to doing the things I love. I've been out twice this week on my bike already. My back is feeling better. My lungs are coping well. I have more energy and feel happier.

How's things going so far in your week?

31/52

Stella: harvesting some baby carrots.

Ruby: playing on the boat ramp jetty. There's secret stairs along the side. 

It's been a perfect weather day. The kind of day that makes you just happy to be alive.

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Joining in with Jodi, at Che and Fidel

(Thank you everyone, for all the lovely comments on my last few posts. I have been slow this week getting around to a lot of the blogs I love; next week should allow me some more time).

taking time out

I've realised that with balancing home life and two part-time working roles, life does get a little crazy. My focus has always been on keeping up, getting things done and enjoying time with my family. Recently I've come to see that means there's very little time left over to just do the things I love to do for me. I've let that slip and I think my body is suffering for it.

So here's some snaps from Wednesday's bike ride. I set off mid morning for an hour. It's a route that takes me over some hills initially, then down onto the flats along the waterways.

It was hard going at first. My lungs were bursting and painful and my muscles were aching. It's been far too long..

The weather was perfect though.. sunny, cool, with a slight breeze helping me along.

I'm heading out again today. Meeting a friend at the River Read, for a coffee and maybe even to look out for a copy of Kate's book Vantastic. Check it out. if you're into caravans then this is for you!

Happy Friday, everyone