25 November 2008

afternoon


I've so enjoyed the afternoons this spring. Our front verandah is large and made of concrete and is positioned to attract all the day's sun. The lizards love it. So does the cat. I like to sit in this chair (another tip shop find) and watch the sun disappear behind the hills while the girls play with the masses of rose petals in our garden, or ride bikes up and down, waiting for Swayer to come home... I like to hide behind the white lilac bush with my cuppa and a book and soak up 5 minutes of quiet time if I'm lucky... I'm too busy to enjoy it this week, but hoping to get back there soon and looking longingly at my spot as I race in and out the front door. *sigh*

16 November 2008

Lucky finds


Along the way in our quest to consume less we still get that occasional need for some retail therapy. Or perhaps its just the excitement of finding something useful in the rubbish heap. Not sure... I do know that we love the Tip Shop! This morning Swayer asked me what we have ever bought from there that was useful. I went on to list a large number of items we have found among the rubble. Pyjamas, fabric, records, bowls and plates, bikes, my fave afternoon chair... Today we found some more fabric, a basket, bamboo placemats, a book, a spotty shell and a picnic basket we've wanted for about forever... all for ten bucks!! Love the tip shop.


We did some digging around the backyard too and found there are potatoes growing under the potato patch!

10 November 2008

Holidays


We had a brilliant time in Melbourne. The girls picked a thing to do on each of the free days we had. As Little Owlet is so into animals right now, the Zoo was her pick. She says she loved the Zebras best, but I think the whole day was a success really. We were especially impressed to find her favorite bird of the moment, the Tawny Frogmouth, sunning on a log.


Big Owlet's fave place is always the Museum. She's a science nut these days and particularly into the human body on this visit. The highlight had to be the digestive system display where the food travels the body and, well we all know what happens at the end, but the fart button was a nice surprise for a 5yo! The silly mirrors were pretty great too.

We returned home exhausted and so happy to be in such a peaceful, green place. Melbourne is so much fun... loud, colourful and busy. We love catching up with everyone and packing the days full of fun stuff. But how wonderful to wander out to the garden barefoot and feel dirt and green things growing all around you, to smell that fresh air and hear nothing but birds and the breeze. I'm looking forward to the next visit, but I'm also really excited at the idea of a few summery months right where we are.