Thursday, November 29, 2007

Garden news

It's been a bit of a while since I updated on the garden. The tomatoes are growing a treat, and it won't be long before we have more tomatoes than we know what to do with. The snow peas are going beserk, and the broccoli is being eaten by some white moth type thing; but I've decided to let them eat it, as it's just far too hot for broccoli and now I know that it's a WINTER vegetable, and that it grows well, I'll sort that out in Autumn.



My beautiful day lily. At least, I think that is what it is. It has taken me TWO YEARS to see this flower. Last year, the terror broke the ONE stalk of flowers off; this year, there were two and G broke one stalk of 6 flowers. I'm only just talking to him. Aren't they beautiful??



Another first year flowering Hebe. Goodness they are pretty. And hardy too.

Last but not least; a beautiful flower I never even knew I had. It turned up right in the perfect place.



I will make a big effort to take some photos of the vegie patch over the weekend.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Much Ado about nothing

I've been thinking a great deal. Yes, if you knew me, you'd realise just how scary that is. But, there is so much to think about - about everything.

How do you know that you're taking the right path? Is it a guess? Is it a feeling in your gut that eats away at you until you have no choice but to follow it or die? Or is it something you decide once you've been down the path?

I don't know if I'm on the path I am meant to be on - and who decides where I'm *meant* to be anyway? If I'm not on the right path, but I'm overall content - do I stay on that path? Or do I risk everything; and I mean everything; and follow my heart and my gut?

Even if I were to risk everything - I don't know that I would even want to. I don't even know if that makes sense. But, I'd imagine that, if you were going to turn your life completely, irreversibly upside down; that you'd want to be desperately unhappy with your current one.

Or would you?

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Once upon a time...

Well, I'm really glad I made a pact to post once a day..... ;)

The party was ace. There is no other word for it. Ace. It was a nice balmy evening, full of kids, friends and laughs. There was more than enough food, nothing was hard and all our friends were there.

I met one of G's old school friends for the first time on Saturday night. He is THE nicest person I've ever met. There is something to be said about the simplicity of country people - and no, I don't mean their IQ.

Just the fact that they are not after much. They want a happy life, with lots of friends, some kids, a wife and a place to call home. I think we can learn a heap from them.

He's been travelling the world for the last few years and had some amazing stories to tell. He ended up staying the night and him and G have made a firm promise to catch up more often.

Christmas is well and truly on it's way - I'm very pleased to note that I am just about finished the Christmas shopping. I love being organised at this time of year - mostly because I love enjoying this time; not running around like a lunatic buying things for people that they probably don't need because little thought was put into it! Obviously I have a couple of things left to do, but nothing major.

To all that asked, thank you for your comments. It's quite bizarre to realise that people are actively reading this - even though it was never set up that way. Sounds ridiculous because it's a blog - but every time I see a comment, I get that rush of *OMG someone is READINGGGG - is that a good thing or a bad thing??*

I think it's good.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

I feel like a teenager. Saturday night we are having a party and I am so excited!! I can barely sleep I'm so excited.

It's a "no big deal" party. It's basically, just a celebration of our year, a catch up with friends, and, hopefully, a wonderful night. Nothing fancy, just family, a few friends, a spit & some salad.

It is probably the first time in many years where I feel like it's time for me to have some *fun*. Fun with no issues about what I look like, what I feel like, who is talking to who and what is happening - a fantastic night for me. As me.

The last time I felt this way was a long time ago. I feel like I have come a full circle; but have come to the beginning as an adult. Sounds silly, given I'm 29 years old, but it's true.

My kids are looking forward to it, and my husband can't wait. Our parents are kind of *yeah ok* about it all, but neither of us care; we're going to have a great time. They are all coming, of course, but are staying at my parents house with the grandkids in tow later on in the evening. That way I can let my hair down if I feel the need; and not wake up sick in the morning.

I don't anticipate feeling ill on Sunday - it's not that sort of *letting my hair down* feeling. It's about talking to people without any inhibitions, it's about being Shel. Me. As is, no holes barred anymore and happy.

It's terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time. I can't wait.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Simplify

I'm just sitting here waiting for some bread rolls to come out of the oven, so I thought I'd just update quickly.

Things here are going well. Vegies are taking off and my stockpile is doing really well. I feel much happier, organised and just *peaceful* for lack of a better word.

Tonight I revealed something of myself that I feel a bit odd about. Whilst I am not ashamed or embarassed or anything like that - I just feel that is now officially in my past. And, believe it or not, it's a good feeling.

It doesn't seem to *matter* so mcuh anymore. Which, at the end of the day, feels really good. Like a big weight has been lifted.

Instead of it being some big secret, making it part of who I am feels more appropriate. Not in a sense of *Hi, I'm Shel and xxx* - but in a sense of what happened has built me into who I am today.

Simplifying. See? It doesn't just apply literally - it can apply emotionally too.

Night!!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Being organised seems as though it's an inbuilt trait. Either you're organised, or you're not. I think that is little more than a furphy - I think that once you actually GET organised, staying organised is easy.

Over the last couple of days, I let the house get away a tad. Nothing out there, but enough for it to be a pain. It LOOKED awful. There were bits and pieces everywhere, scattered all over the house.

15 minutes. That is the time it took to have it back to normal. I think, because everything has a home, it's simply a matter of putting it there. There's no thinking or *I'll leave this until I find a home for it* - because everything HAS a preordained home. If I *do* get something new, it's in a home as soon as I get home.

Rhonda was talking about how this lifestyle takes over. And,as she described her post, it sounded like the path I was on. Obviously not THE same path, but similar mindsets in the beginning. And I think most people get to that point of *ENOUGH!!!* at some point - but simply don't know what to do next.

If I get to that point with say, a cupboard, I simply pull everything out. I give myself 15 minutes and right then and there decide that, for 15 minutes, nothing else matters. Well, if someone loses an eye, that's obviously up there; but essentially, my mind is on this one project.

Ask Questions. Do you REALLY NEED 18 spare sets of sheets? Why? do you very rarely wash? Are you a bed changing maniac? Or, is it just a collection of things that are too good to throw away?

In every case, there is a question to be answered. Do I use this? WILL I use this? Do I even really LIKE this?

Surrounding yourself with only things that make you smile is the first step in being organised. Once you are smiling at your surroundings, I feel it makes you want to KEEP smiling. And, I've gotta say - that self appreciating smug smile every morning when I walk into my kitchen is worth every cent. You can't buy organisation - but you can make it happen.

Friday, November 9, 2007

Perfect end to a perfect week.

Dinner with my husband, kids at grandparents, perfect balmy evening and a couple of the greatest longest friends one could hope for.

All in all, a wonderful end to a great week.

It's nice to relax and watch the world go by for a little while; particularly as things start gearing up for that crazy time of year.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Can I just say....

Ooops. So much for this posting every day thing. I figure, I don't write in my own journal every day, and I'd rather not bang on too much about nothing. I have changed NaBloPoMo to *try and post every day, but no biggie if you don't* month.

Yesterday we had a wonderful day. We woke up to a beautiful morning, so got organised early and got outside into the garden. G took the kids to the park next door while I went to the nursery and bought a few things to brighten up our decking area. I will take photos when the batteries are charged.

After we'd done all that, we headed off to a friend of ours annual Cup Day shindig. We had SUCH a lovely time catching up with people we hadn't seen for ages. By the time we got home, it was past dinner time, so we pretty much ate and went to sleep!

Today was more of a catch up round the house day. Because we're having this party, I have been writing list after list of stuff *I'd* like to have done before the party.

I get funny like that. *I* have this thing where everything has to be just right - before people come and trash it. And trash it they do; I have no issue with 18 4 year olds rumaging through every toy imaginable. But, for that small minute; I want *everything* to be done. I feel, that way, I can truly sit back and enjoy myself.

So today has been a day of sweeping paths, clearing out old leaves and trimming hedges etc. I think another day of this is on the cards, and I will be really pleased.

Photos tomorrow. ciao.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Harvest...

Here are some photos of my 3rd harvest of spinach and first harvest (ok, nearly the first, any previous strawberries didn't make it to the house..) of strawberries for the year;






My snow peas are growing wonderfully; it won't be long before I start having an influx of beans. Tomatoes are nearly ready for picking on one vine; the other is still at flowering. But I think we're going to have a bumper crop this year!

Dinner tonight was a winner; I have to say I was very impressed. Awhile ago, I'd bought some sausage mince on a ridiculous special and froze it. I made some sausage rolls with some of it, and this lot I was meant to make some meatloaf.

Didn't work out; I decided to chuck some stuff together to come up with my *sausage pie/casserole*. Kids LOVE it; and I have to say, it's pretty darn nice myself.

500g sausage mince (I used 1kg, but made two pies)
6 potatos (for one pie)
cup peas
cup carrots
cup broccolini
cup onion
cup whatever else you feel like
Gravy (2 tsp powder)
Tomato sauce (2 tblespoons)
Tobasco sauce (1 teaspoon)
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp margarine
Salt / pepper

Cut up sausage mince into thick slices whilst still in packet. Unwrap packet and cook slices in frypan until cooked. Remove and chop into smaller bite size pieces.
Cook onion in frypan.
Cook potatoes until done; add milk, margarine and salt and pepper. Mash until creamy.
Cook vegetables and once cooked, fold gently through mashed potato.

In casserole dish, put sausages, gravox and tomato sauce. Add sprinkle of water to help mix the gravy powder. On top of sausage, put mashed potato and vegetable mix. Sprinkle with cheese and cook in 200 degree oven for 1/2 hour.



It is, in my humble opinion, the PERFECT winter meal. Somethin we will be seeing a great deal more of in the winter. The kids loved it and it was nice for a change. AND the entire meal maybe cost me $5. The kg sausage mince was 2.00, so $1 for the meat per casserole/pie, 6 potatos per pie, and the carrot and vegies. So, at a guess, I'd say I fed our entire family for $5.

Simple living eat your heart out!! :)

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Well, I made up for yesterday anyway....

Had an excellent day today - we got a HEAP of beautiful steady rain today!! We got some last night, but for a whole DAY of rain; I honestly couldn't remember the last time that happened. So, I got out in it and turned all the mulch over in the front and backyards. I can already see it doing good for the garden, so I'm particularly glad I got off my butt and did that.

This afternoon was meant to be out helping a friend sort out her world; but she's going through some stuff right now and I think, needed some time out. So, instead I sat down and watched the beginning of a series of DVD's I'd gotten at one Christmas gone called 6 feet under.

I am ADDICTED!!! It's hillarious, and sensible, and sweet and...it's just great. Reminds me of another show I started watching called "my brothers and sisters" or something similar. But anyway, I got most of the Christmas cards done, so I'll do what I usually do and wait until I receive 5, and then send mine.

Christmas is most definately sneaking up this year. Although, I'm pleased to say that we're going to the farm for the week break; I'm kind of sad to say that it's only us, the kids and my parents for christmas lunch. I don't mind that at all, actually, it does have some appeal. However, since I have finally come out of this fog - I want to socialise. And have fun and be ME. This new me who is extrordinarily happy with herself, but never really realised it.

Anyway; this is the sort of entries you get if I am forced to post every day. Mindless indulgent ramblings.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Alcohol - Not to be undertaken lightly whilst trying to be productive.

There is a reason drinking should not be something undertaken lightly. If one does end up taking a bottle of red wine lightly, one tends to end up one rather ill person the next morning.

Talk about a complete right off of a day. I very rarely drink; and I'm positive that this writing off business is the reason why. I have done very little today apart from folding washing and forced myself out to pick up a few things.

Tomorrow will be a better, more productive day. The only reason this post even made it tonight was because I promised. I have undertaken NaBlPoMo or whatever it's called, and I feel obligated.

Night all - A big sleep and I'll be ready for the world again.

Friday, November 2, 2007

NaBloPoMo has commenced!!

So here we go. A post per day. Can I do it??

I was so sick yesterday afternoon. I feel much better today though; but I don't recall having such a bad headache for a long time.

My strawberries are going wonderfully; I'll have nearly a punnet shortly! I have only got 4 plants, so am deliriously happy with that. Tomatoes are also flowering everywhere; hopefully in the next few weeks, I'll be able to show you!

Not much else going on in my life - the stockpiling is going wonderfully. Whilst I was stockpiling to a degree (just a side effect of being organised I guess?) I never stockpiled to the extent I am now.

Shopping Day yesterday knocked off nearly $100 of my old, before I started, total, so it's definately helping.

Christmas is coming. I love Christmas, and all it entails. Except, this year, I am trying to not spend money willy nilly. I wish I had the ability to make something; but I'm almost positive that if my parents opened a made present from me, that they would laugh. So, instead, I have looked into useful things that they can USE.

We're going to have christmas morning just with us this year. Every other year, my family have raced up at 7am, to be there when the kids wake up. This year, we're going to their place, so we get to spend that magical time of christmas morning together.

A few more things left to organise, and then the Christmas festivities will commence!! We will have work functions, friend functions, then Christmas; then we're off to G's familys farm for a week. With his 4 brothers and their families. It's something I look forward to every year; just a simple week for all at the farm, and it's just glorious.

Hope everyone has a delightful Friday.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Daylight savings

I love daylight savings. Truly. I love the time that is all MINE after the kids have gone to bed and we still have light. That is my pottering about the garden time, and the longer the days, the more time I'm guaranteed.

However. You know, when daylight savings comes around and you have to forward your clock one hour? I find that, at some point, I really start missing a particular hour of the day. When I was working, it was around about 4pm (new time). I felt like it was only 3pm and I had so much more to do!!

These days; it's now. Just before daylight savings starts, dawn is a magical time that seems to last forever. The first lights of the day used to come on early; and I felt a whole day would pass just in that small time.

Now; I feel rushed. Like I'm missing that time. I know, as days go by and get longer, that my nights will become longer - but I feel saddened that these early mornings are gone for another year.

Not a big issue in the scheme of things; but I often wonder where people feel they lose that *hour*. Is it sleep? Is it that ratty time of day that you're already rushed? Or, is it the early morning, like me?