Miss Jones is 5 weeks ... a quilt from NZ ...

"what a beautiful surprise ... a new quilt from Aunty P " ...

..."Oooooo it's so smoochy too" ...

Can you believe she is only 5 weeks ???

Sunday Scribblings - FOLLOW.

The Sunday Scribblings girls write ...
I find this whole concept of following very intriguing. Sunday Scribblings, for example, can be followed in Blogger, in Bloglines and Google Reader to name just a few. Who do you follow? How do you decide what to follow? Do you follow anything else? People, pets, television shows, careers, really slow drivers, toddlers, family lines, rules, regulations, paths, routes, celebrities, all need to be followed in one way or another. Tell us your take on 'follow


In every day life I don't regard myself as a 'follower' I attempt to be unique, I think and see things differently to everyone I know yet in the contenxt of the SS prompt I am a follower of sorts.

I follow many TV shows, yes I'm a self confessed reality fan ... Project Runway, Amazing Race, Big Brother, Biggest Loser, Idol, Trinny & Sussanah ... love them all ... amd more! Some of the changes in my life I owe to Oprah, ten years ago that is, not by the Oprah standards of today.
Now my daytime TV followings are Martha Stewart, Ellen and The View, more down to earth ... yes still contrived but more believably so and much, much more fun!

The blogs I follow are numerous. I adore being motivated by the plethora of talented women around the world in blogland. My one and all time favourite is Corey of Tongue in Cheek . This beautiful woman and her photography, her thoughts, her opinions, her ideas, plus her values all full of beauty, ooze an integrity that fills me with joy when I pop by.

Following traditions, mores and values change as we change. I don't decide who to follow, it simply happens. Keeping an open mind leaves the possibility of happening upon something or someone new open to me ... if I followed too closely ... I'd be a stalker then wouldn't I?

Miss Jones ... 18 days old trying to find her wings ...

Miss Jones ... 18 days old ... trying to find her wings ... makes my heart sing!

Sunday Scribblings #158 Scary ... what scares you?

The Sunday Scribbling girls have done it again ... with their "SCARY" prompt ... they say 'I can't recall if we've done this prompt before, but I'm curious: what scares you?'

From twelve to fifteen I was sent to live with my Grandma ... that's another story ... but the most freakiest, scariest, thing living there was the double door linen cupboard at the end of the hall. When you entered her front door the said cupboard was on your left, dark timber doors, each about two feet wide. Straight ahead was the bathroom down the hallway to the left was the breakfast room, as she called it. Ahead was the "middle door" into the living room through to the bedrooms where beyond, the most panoramic, million dollar view of Bondi Beach took your breath away.

As the weather grew cooler she would insist the middle door, that doorway from the living room was kept closed, 'to keep out the draft' ... I was sure it was to keep out whoever lived in that cupboard. Even walking down that hallway during the day, with the sun behind me, the reflection of the sea making my shadow glisten on those doors I was sure someone was going to leap out at me ...

Nights were the worst. She'd not allow the hall light to be left on. To get to the bathroom I always had to stretch from the middle doorway to the breakfast room to get the light on ... oh golly just thinking about it makes me cringe ...

She had no idea. I wonder why I didn't ever tell her?

That three years was torture ... so was walking into the bathroom where she had a curtain hanging behind the door covering brooms and a ladder ... someone was lurking there too ...

No-one has ever heard me yell " ... turn that light off!"

Thursday night I was scared going in to a tunnel. The taxi driver didn't know I don't do tunnels ... you can overcome anything!

Unconscious Mutterings #324 ... I say ... and you think?

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Animal :: magnetism.

2. Temporary :: brief.

3. Moan :: ....er.

4. Rapid :: swift.

5. That’s for me to say :: got it?

6. City :: lights.

7. Bumper :: bar.

8. Eclipse :: rare.

9. Problematic :: life.

10. If? :: no ifs.

Miss Jones ... 13 days ...

Miss Jones after a beauty session ... 13 days ... so precious.

Unconscious Mutterings Week 323

I say ... and you think ... ?


1. Log :: Wood.

2. Plaything :: Gigolo.

3. Broom :: Transport.

4. Heels :: Spondylitis.

5. Smoke in :: Stench.

6. Guests :: Girls.

7. Attraction :: Seduction.

8. Shiny :: New.

9. Risked :: Zilch.

10. Velvet :: Lavish.

Haven't done one of these for a while ... Mmmmm

Sunday Scribblings ... #157 CELEBRATE

Sunday Scribblings has done it again ... a prompt so in tune ... 'CELEBRATE.'

The girls ask "what do you have in your life to celebrate" ... my one word reply ...


EVERYTHING!


Hope you're life is as excellent as mine!

6 days old ...

Isn't she looking so wise and worldly for only 6 days old?

You'd swear she knows what's going on ... and just maybe she does ...

Sunday Scribblings ... AGING.

Yet again the Sunday Scribblings topic for this week hits the nail right on the head for me …

This week I became a Great-GrandMaMa (click here to meet Isabella) … yes I know … how can that be you ask, someone so vibrant, so young, yet only 39 with a lot of late nights …


March 25 I was blessed. I’ve said so many times before I am blessed again and again and to be there, no not in the delivery suite, no way could I see my baby have her baby but to be stroking my grand-daughters brow shortly before Isabella made her entrance, was phenomenal!


I’m a cryer, I tear up at movies, parades, sad songs, happy songs, births, deaths, marriages, surprises, graduations, celebrations of any description, jokes both sad and funny, good and bad … you name it I shed tears, get a red, snotty nose …and Isabella’s entrance epitomised what life, tears and aging was all about.


For me aging is only ticking off the numbers. You can’t change it … think old, you’ll be old, worrying about it makes you old, endeavouring to avoid the inevitable simply detracts from what’s impossible to change. So go with it, enhance it, surround yourself with positive, happy, contented people ... trusts me it rubs off. Avoid negative whingers who drain the life out of you, who clog up your pores with their woeful baggage ... choose people who get over it, who don't dwell on what they can't change, people who love being alive no matter what destiny deals.

A dearly departed friend always said she would never hang round with old people, sick people and poor people … that was a funny saying when we were out and about in our prime but not so funny when that same friend died not so old, but sick and poor … says it all doesn’t it?


To have survived, to own a myriad of stories, memories to cry about, to smile, share and hand on to a new generation … makes aging bliss.


To have reached a never dreamt of pinnacle in my precious life allows me to choose a new theme song ... the perennial, somewhat defiant chorus of the Australian 70s group The Masters Apprentices song “Because I Love You” … Do what ya wanna do, be what ya wanna be yeah click here to sing along ... you’ll love it ...

Introducing ::: Isabella Jones.

Isabella Jones ~ arrived March 25, 2009 at 2.22pm.

Isabella was 2.89kg, 48cms long ... Mummy, Daddy & Isabella are healthy,

gorgeous, tired and excited ...

Moi ~ I'm a Great GrandMaMa ...

Now we're four generations ...

Sunday Scribblings ... I come from ...

Sunday Scribblings has done it again ... given me the opportunity to share with you one of the all time, greatest Aussie anthems ever recorded ...

I Come from the Land Downunder.

See the video here ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNT7uZf7lew

Follow the words and sing a long ... courtesy of here

Traveling in a fried-out combie
On a hippie trail, head full of zombie
I met a strange lady, she made me nervous
She took me in and gave me breakfast
And she said,

"Do you come from a land down under?
Where women glow and men plunder?
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover.

"Buying bread from a man in Brussels
He was six foot four and full of muscles
I said, "Do you speak-a my language?
"He just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich
And he said,

"I come from a land down under
Where beer does flow and men chunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover.

"Lying in a den in BombayWith a slack jaw, and not much to say
I said to the man, "Are you trying to tempt me
Because I come from the land of plenty?"
And he said,

"Oh! Do you come from a land down under? (oh yeah yeah)
Where women glow and men plunder?
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover."

So what does it all mean?

According to Wkipedia ...

The term Down Under is a colloquialism referring to Australia and New Zealand. It locates Australia as "the land down under" because it lies totally within the southern hemisphere. "Down Under" is also attributed as the inspiration for the underwear brand Gilly Hicks, from the internationally recognised American lifestyle brand and company Abercrombie & Fitch.[citation needed]
The persistence of the media use of the term has led to its wide embrace and usage. The Men at Work song "Down Under" became an instantly recognisable, patriotic rallying song. The famous Australian boxing champion Kostya Tszyu was nicknamed "The Thunder From Down Under".

So now y'all know ... I come from the land downunder ... and mighty proud of it too!!

My Dad's Gone Fishing ... 3.7.1915 - 14.3.2009

Dad was born in Heaton near Newcastle on July 3rd 1915.

Dad was the eldest son of Sidney and Ethel. They were ‘dirt poor’ and Dad would tell you how, from his earliest days, he would rather fish than anything else.

He described himself as a wild scrawny kid. He wagged school to fish, left school to fish and he changed schools half a dozen times. His Mum even sent him to St. Bernard’s Catholic School at Matraville hoping the nuns would straighten him out but fishing remained number one.

His Dad was an itinerant sign writer. When his Dad wasn't working my Dad managed to bring home a feed of oysters, cockles or leather jackets. He caught blackfish/ Luderick, the fish that became his favourite, at Bunberra Point near Bunnerong.

Dad would also take home wood from foreshores of Botany and would follow the coal truck, picking up coal that fell off to keep the family in light and heat for cooking and water. He knew two old blokes who had a camp out at “Pussy Cat” a spot on Botany Bay. Dad used to go there to bludge sandwiches from them when there was no food at home and to pick up any fishing gear they saved that washed up.

By 14 Dad had left school for good. By 15 he was sent away from home because of the depression to the north coast to go fishing as a paid job with his Uncle.

At 18 Dad joined the 55 battalion Militia at Zetland, like today’s army reserve, then transferred to the the regular army because there were no jobs at that time. His Dad had died and he needed to support his Mum, brother and two sisters.

Fishing played a major role in Dad's life and when he married he supplemented his wage by selling fish on the beach at Bondi and to the Bondi Fish Shop. His beloved wife was a ‘fisherman’s widow’, she never complained. He lived and dreamt fishing, he made all his own rods, reels, sinkers and floats and had his name and photo in the newspapers because of it. He also used fishing as an excuse to go shagging…

They called Dad the "Pied Piper." No matter where he fished whether it was the Merk at Bondi where he built the first ladder down the cliff, on a break wall or the banks of the Georges River - when no-one else could catch any Dad would be reeling them in!

Despite his meagre beginnings Dad became a fitter and turner by trade and rose to become a cost investigator, costing weapons and missiles with the Department of Defence, a good provider and an extremely private man with unique esoteric beliefs.

Now he's gone fishing fishing again … Hoo Roo Dad!

Photo taken 1942 ... handsome devil!

Sunday Scribblings ... Listen up etc ... My Dad's health ...

The past week has been turmoil with the unexpected decline of my Dad's health.

Last December a bout of flu became pneumonia. Dad also had a mild heart attack resulting in heart failure which has slowly worsened and confusion has become dementia. Dad's conscious, his breathing is laboured, he knows who's around, he tells the staff to 'get nicked' when they tend to him! Palliative care has started.

This pic was on his 92nd birthday surrounded by staff at the nursing home. His major priorities, wine, women and food remained foremost despite his age!

Listen up this is important ... it doesn't matter about the man he once was, it's of no consequence what's transpired in the past ... he's my Dad. He did what he thought was right, he worked hard, he was a good provider, he did the best he knew how with what he had!

Now his dignity, peace and most of all his comfort are paramount. I'm sitting with him every day. This isn't a sad time.

Lisianthus ...

To brighten a dull day ...




Lisianthus blooms ...



from MJ ...

The stupidity of ebay ...

A Darling Mate of mine has been selling on ebay for seven years. On Sunday he was notified by ebay that two items he's listed had been withdrawn ...

One was a 'BONE necklace' the other was 'a set of BONE handled knives' ...

the ebay reason for the action ... use of the word BONE ...


When questioning the ebay decision he was told by the unbudging, over zealous, supercilious, pillock on the other end of the phone was "to use the term bone you must stipulate what sort of bone it is "


My mate wonders ... how on earth is he expected to find someone to do the DNA, the research and who is going to foot the bill?

For now he's having fun with ebay ... his listing reads ...


According to ebay policies I have to specify the 'species' of animal the bone came from. This listing was previously removed for this reason. In a piece this age it is a ridiculous suggestion so my feeling is that it is either unicorn or wookie but certainly not a protected species ...


If there's no response from ebay they've more than likely satisifed with the listing edit ...

Unicorn / Wookie ... WOTHA ...

Unconscious Mutterings ...

Week 318


I say ... and you think ... ?


1. Pain :: neck.

2. Lego :: blocks.

3. Trooper :: super.

4. Flicker :: pics.

5. Character :: individual.

6. Determined :: always.

7. Wing :: it.

8. Control :: freak.

9. Automatic :: pilot.

10.Yeah :: Man!

Sunday Scribblings #152 ... LOST ...

My previous post reminds me of how losing things, obvious things, everyday things, increases with age hence my cynical suggestion that a small keepsake purse might have been a good idea at surgery.


Women in our great grandmothers era wore a chatelaine round their waist. What a splendid idea. A belt with the then necessaries of life attached. The scissors, pencil, thimble, keys, watch, spectacles all suspended from an individual chain. Todays chatelaine might have your mobile phone, digi camera, credit cards and other essentials in easy reach yet individually attached so as to never become lost!


How can you put keys down, glasses, scissors, a pen, the lid of a jar or bottle, an implement that you’re in the process of using and in one nano second they’re lost?


Is it age? Is one side of your brain slowing down? Does someone have an answer?


This week I’ve lost my right thyroid and the attached 2.6cm nodule, as well as my keys, the cover to both my camera and mobile phone, two sheets of paper with addresses written on them plus my reading glasses … please don’t reply till the glasses turn up!

NEW LOOK NECK ...

How's this for a new look?

6 cms incision, stitches on the inside, will heal to look like a natural wrinkle ...

If only they'd tightened the skin a bit more ...

Should have asked for zipper to be fitted ...

Maybe a purse for small change or a key holder ;)

Sunday Scribblings #151 ... TRUST ...

TRUST …

Pondering this Sunday Scribbling prompt immediately reminded me of my first confrontation with trust concerning my so called best friend at the time and my husband. My immediate plan was the write about this ultimate betrayal. How trust was broken, the consequences plus think about trust. But I remembered other episodes.


Like the two girls I employed, how I trusted them implicitly in the business, how the business went bust yet, later, they took a trip to Greece. I congratulated them. Years later I realised more than likely I paid for their trip. The next one was about how I set off to open a restaurant with the then loser of my life. I put up the collateral. When he couldn’t take the heat he fled the kitchen. Before he left town he filled his mates car with petrol on the business account. I heard for the next month flashed plenty of cash


The thread in my experiences wasn’t trust it was my stupidity. Yes I’d trusted these low lifes with friendship, familiarity, confidence and honesty to be by my side. I’d neglected my personal short comings by believing I was such a good judge of character, always sure I could trust with the belief of ‘do unto others.’


These episodes, over three decades, were because of who I was at that time.
Thankfully I’ve learnt to trust you must first trust yourself … isn’t hindsight a wonderful thing??

Sunday Scribblings # 150 ::: SPORTS

SPORTS


Gadzooks it's Sunday Scribblings 150th prompt … my last entry was at 123 …

Let’s talk about sports ... I’ve known a few … good sports!

Australian male’s calling each other sports began in WWII when Aussie soldiers, according to Sidney J Baker’s The Australian Language called each other “feller”, a form of fellow used mainly as a genial form of address, comparable to the use of “digger” or “mate”.

Reference to females as good sports probably began around the same time! The very un PC reference to a girl who was easy or loose, with the boys that is, led to these friendly your things, looking for love in all the wrong places, as being identified as a ‘good sport’ resulting in them being stigmatized by society.

In Queensland the northern state of Australia sport was used to describe an isolated coral outcrop.

Cyril Hopkins wrote a biographical notice of the life and work of Marcus Clarke where he wrote “If you invite a stranger to partake of supper, you say, “Hullo Mate! Come in and sport your Dover!”

As for sports, I’m a major sports fan! Whenever Australia is on any field, oval, running on to a major sporting venue, on the ocean, in the surf, on a tennis or race course, I’ll be seen wearing the green and gold screaming Aussie, Aussie Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi … but that’s as good a sport as I’ll be!

Another New York reason ... The Tuck Shop

No need to yearn for a good Aussie pie 'n' sauce, a sausage roll, a vanilla slice,

a lamington or a host of other Aussie delicacies ... get along to The Tuck Shop

on 68 1st Street ... it's all there ... they stock Vegemite, Tim Tams, plus heaps

of other Aussie groceries ...


The guys are pushing to get VB into the US pop over here to sign the petition

photo by Reinhard Hunger. Styling by Adriana Castro

Papabubble ...another reason to go to New York

Martha did a fabulous segment on Papbubble ... click here to see them in action ...

Is it art? Is it glass? people ask when they happen upon the gorgeous Papabubble store in Broome Street, Manhattan / New York. Opened in 2007 the gourmet candy "sculpture" is prepared, twisted, stretched and packed in the store.

The concept belongs to Australian papabubble originators, Tommy Tang and Christopher King, who opened the first shop in Barcelona in June 2003.

Stores are in Seoul, Amsterdam, Tokyo, head office in Barcelona ... lollies have never looked or tasted so good.

Victoria bush fires images ... how sad we are ...

A power station in the forgeound ...

A 737 taking of from Melbourne airport ...

Ash ...

Words can't express ...

Spot fires looking like fairy lights ...

Australia is united for the people of Victoria ::: 80 people missing ::: almost 200 people dead :::

almost five million dollars raised so far :::

Makes me proud to be an Aussie hearing and watching out country unite ... Oi, Oi, Oi!

Images courtesy of online search.

Victoria, Australia burns ... Bushfires rage ...

The southern state of Victoria has been engulfed with bush fires for days ... this image from the

National Geographic News site here ... shows the ferocity that people and animals have, and

are, enduring.


They want money, not essential items at the moment, not food or clothes, they need money to

give these people back some kind of dignity and hope ... they don't want sight seers ... how

morons can drive to the area for a 'look' makes my skin crawl!


A well known and much publicised blog Meetmeatmikes has plenty of details on how and

where to donate. If you feel inclined please ... click here to find out how to make a donation.


C'mon people if everyone only gave one dollar ... imagine the accumulated difference this would

make ... more heartbreaking stories are emerging ... they need our help!

Tinsel Trading ... another reason to go to New York ...

Martha Stewart calls it "my favourite store in all of the world" ... it could be mine too.


Treat yourself ... take a look at the stunning video made by Kaari and Molly as they uncover interesting finds in the basement at Tinsel Trading before the move to 37th Street


Check out their web site here Tinsel Trading 1 West 37th Street ...


or the MSN clip 'All in the Family' here ...


Allow plenty of time for browsing ...


Mmmm another reason to save the shekels for New York!

Chikalicious ... thanks Don ...

I was elated to see a few hours after posting about 'Chikalicious', owner extraordinaire Don, hubby of Chika, posted a comment on my previous post ...

For that they deserve another plug with pics ...


Here's a peek at the delectable creations of Chika from Prix Fixe menu that awaits you ...

Left to right is the genius behind Chikalicious ... Chika, Don and Donna Ryan (hope I got that right) from a photo by Laura Morriss of Pastryscoop

If only they'd come downunder to tantalise us ... my taste buds are screaming ...

'Chickalicious' 10th Street New York

One day, I'm taking a trip to New York!

A dear friend asked me 'why'?

Well here's one very good reason ...

Today on Martha Stewart, as part of her 10th street restaurant tour she took us to 'Chikalicious' ...

Est. 2003, Husband and Wife team Don and Chika Tillman feature fresh,
fun and innovative individual desserts, as served in NYC’s top restaurants.

This intimate, 20-seat eatery is built around an open kitchen where the chefs
and sommelier work and serve customers directly.

If you are passionate about food, here is your chance to enjoy fabulous
desserts while watching both their preparation and plating.The 3-course Prix Fixe menu, described as American desserts,

French Presentation and Japanese tasting portions (guests wishing a quantity
based “brimming at the seams” experience, are encouraged to order additional
or “add-on” desserts @ $7 per), is $12; and includes an amuse, dessert of
your choice, and assorted petit fours.

They also offer a select list of wines, dessert wines, ports, and champagne,
along with organic coffees and teas.

The menu provides suggestions for the best pairing for your dessert.

Proving so popular they've opened across the Dessert Club Chickalicious check here

To top the Martha segment off Chika demonstrated how to make the delish and delicate Vanilla Port Bosc Pear ... recipe here

If this isn't one of the best reasons to go to New York then I don't know what is ?

I'm on a mission to locate more New York must see, must have ideas ...

Dad's made a comeback ...

Yesterday Dad was transferred back to the twilight zone aka nursing home ... but sent me into crackup mode when he "lost" his watch.

In the over thirty degree temperature with a nasty hot wind blowing I traipsed to buy him a watch.

Dad believes the more you pay the better it is - so I selected a $99 Citizen watch ...

As I returned, hot and bothered, at the nursing home gate I got a call to say the watch had been found ... in his bed.

I was livid ... yet another a useless excursion ... I was so over it!

As I stood beside his bed listening as he critised the watch. I cried like a big girl and through my tears I proclaimed "I can't do this anymore, you're a full time job, nothing I do is right or ever enough, I get no thanks from you" ... I flounced into the bathroom blubbing with the image of his eyes like saucers, at my performance, in my brain!

Did it shake him back to reality ... who knows ...

They did a mini psyche geriatric test on him before leaving the hospital ...

Dad scored 15/30 ... so does that mean he's only there half the time ?

We arrive as babies, why do so many people leave as them too?

Dad has a watch on each arm ...

I'm having a rest day today no visit till tomorrow ...

I'm tired, fed up and want my life back ... situation normal ...

Please don't let me do this to my girls ...

My new diary ... courtesy Rebound Books

In December while browsing the Finder Keepers Market at the Carriageworks we discovered Rebound Books.

Natalie and Ben turn old books into timeless treaures ... diaries, journals or notebooks ... I was enamoured.


For years I'd lugged round a Golden Book, apparently for this very reason.


I contacted the wonderful Natalie and Ben, yes send your book they said and today it arrived back to me as my 2009 Diary ...


I am ecstatic, can you believe this gem ...

The introduction inside the first page tells the story of Rebound. Each book is printed locally using vegetable based inks on Australian made, 100% recycled paper ... wait till you see what they do with the spine of each book

Next comes a page for New Year resolution notes and the Auslan alphabet ...

Next 2009 and 2010 calendars ...



Then the beautiful introduction page from my Little Golden Book ... yes the story from my cover book is included ...


Every page from the original book is sprinkled throughout the diary ...


... as well as a blank page for notes or whatever take your fancy ... bliss.

I've told you early enough to start and plan for gifts throughout the year. Be the first to give these beautiful gifts.

Natalie and Ben came up with this brilliant idea and deserve optimum support in another step to saving our planet with their recycling, ingenious, invention ... gotta go and fill in my diary ... Yayyyyyyyyy

I'm Rebound Books number one fan ... check them out here