Long Time Gone

I have been away for a long time but I hope to get back to blogging again on a regular basis. Right now we are flu city in this house. So, between bouts of coughing I am going to get this blog sorted out.

Famers and Makers Market

Tomorrow Cygnet is hosting a Famers and Markers Market just like the old days. There will even be a parade with the past Apple Queens. I have been busy as ever getting ready for it. My friend and I have taken a stall at the market.

The market is being held at Burton's Reserve so there will be loads of space. There will be food stalls as well as craft. There will me music through out the day so it promises to be fun. At least we will be entertained.

I spoek several times with the people in charge. They are hoping to make this an on-going market which would be great for our area. It won't exactly be a Salamanca Market but it could be very good. Right now it is being run in conjunction with Ten Days of the Island. So they are getting heaps of publicity.

I have noticed that it is very difficult to get in to some of the blogs since this change over and have had some emails from people saying that couldn't get in to some blogs. One of those is Foodkitty. So Foodkitty - Leolady in particular sends a big hello and says are you aware of the problem getting to read your blog. And of course - a big hello from me.

Back to packing up goods and I will report back on how the market went. Pray it doesn NOT rain, please.

Be Afraid - Be Very Afraid

I have just spent most of the last two days thinking that it was 2008. Now where the heck is that coming from? I think it is because I have not had a cigarette in the last 48 plus hours. My brain and any thought process is always the very first thing to go. We're in big trouble now!

We went down to the art show in Cygnet, "Watermark". I had no entries this year nor did hubbie have any sculpture or photography on exhibit. Then we went to the 'Bottom Pub' to try their cappacino and the pastry that was on offer. Nothing really special. I had some lemon cheesecake and hubbie had some several layered chocolate cake and cream combo. We would have done better to go to 'Lotus' or 'Divinge' or better yet - 'theapplefactory'. There are so many places in our little area to get coffee that no one could ever suffer from lack of choice. But as this is Regatta Weekend as well as the Taste of the Huon weekend and the start of Watermark exhibit - all the places were pretty full. You couldn't get even a look in at the Red Velvet Lounge.

I'm not really complaining. I say good for all the owners. It is a job you have to love or no sane person would own a restaurant.

Blackberry Time

The blackberries are in overload. We noticed it last night when we went for a wander on our property. I just had to go down to the lower 40 this morning and pick a big bowl full. Since hubbie killed a snake last week I decided to take Ms. Taffy with me. She is about 80 pounds right now (and still under 6 months) and decent protection. She found the snake last week and barked at it until hubbie came over and investigated so I figured she would do me proud today if I needed her. Instead she ate blackberries. lol!

They were so beautiful that I only had to give them a little rinse and then in the fridge they went until tea time. I did sneak one or two and shared a few with Taffy but I showed great self-restraint. And there are heaps more to pick. But I was taking my life in my hands by going down to where they are - without hubbie. I did take the mobile just in case I tripped or my foot gave out though.

A hint - never cut up banana slices to mix in with the blackberries. The banana has a stronger taste that almost over-powered the blackberries. Next picking will be just blackberries for icecream topping and to compliment the museli. But I needed to use up some bananas fast. Does anyone else have a problem when they buy bananas from Purity? Mine seem to ripen quickly when I get them there. Then I end up with too many ripe at once.

So - between card making and blackberry picking and window washing - my day went by quickly. Hey Foodkitty -please note that I blogged along with card making! lol!

theapplefactory

Today we took a girlfriend who is having surgery -out to morning tea. We went to a new place that we have been watching get ready to open. It is on the outskirts of Cygnet, Tasmania and is called theapplefactory.

Theapplefactory is actually a working orchard that has belonged to one family for over 145 years. There are 13,000 fruit trees. Not just apple but pear and peaches. You can have a guided tour of the orchard or just have morning tea in a lovely setting. They have converted the original farm house into a cozy tea house with attached gift shop.

The people were very friendly and not just because we were locals. The food looked incredible. I got a slice of double chocolate cheesecake that about did me in. It was sinful it was so rich. And the presentation - which my husband will tell you is vital (even if it is fish and chips) - was beautiful. The over sized plate held an enormous slice of cheesecake with a light layer of rich chocolate sauce and cream as well as rose petals and a leaf. Beautiful and almost a shame to touch. Of course, I didn't let that stop me. lol! I had to take some of it home as I couldn't eat it all.

One friend had a slice of apricot cheesecake and the other - the biggest rum ball I have ever seen. We all had coffee. The setting was perfect for good conversation and we exclaimed over all the treasures around us. Beautiful quilts handmade by locals graced the walls, as well as little shadow boxes and legends. Family photos helped everyone connect with the owners.

Cygnet is lovely all the time but with apple picking not far off I would highly recommend a visit to this great tea house. Experience the world of primary producers and wallow in a bit of history. The pumpkin lasagna and meat pot pie looked worthy of a try and the pastries will make you salivate. There is a lot more on the menu to tempt you.

It was a wonderful way to spend a few hours. and it cheered our friend no end and took her mind off her surgery. What more could you ask for?

They have a website: www.theapplefactory.com.au

Dont' Come Back From Deadman's Curve Or something Like It

My baby brother runs a towing service and has for 20 years. He is very experienced at it. The other day he got a call and had no other driver to send so he went on the call. A fuel truck for home fuel had broken down. Of course, it was blocking traffic so he got right on it. As he was adjusting something inside the truck in order to hook it up - some woman decided she had waited long enough. She put the pedal to the metal and headed straight for him. She connected.

The only thing that saved him was fast reflex action. Plus, he lifts weights and tow truck chains on a daily basis. He is a large physical specimen. She ran over his foot and took out his shoulder and hand. Then she drove away.

Over people were stopped and someone called 911. They caught her. She was arrested and charged with 'hit and run'. I figure attempted murder about covers it.

I am just furious. What is happening to our society that people think it okay to suffer road rage. I drove those highways for a number of years. I was caught - more than once- in-between exits on the interstate for as long as four hours. Where the nearest exit was only 2 miles away but you couldn't gain entry - and I never once went in to road rage. What is so important in peoples lives that they get so mad that they try to run an innocent party down? It is sick. And a testament to our society.

I hope this woman is extremely grateful that she didn't kill someone. She could never claim it was an accident. It was deliberate. And lucky for her that she didn't kill him or she would have had some righteous anger flowing down on her by our brother's four siblings and assorted family. I hope she is grateful but I fear there was no lesson learned.
Today I feel that as a society we don't need to worry about terrorists - we are imploding. And why isn't anyone noticing. Nothing is more important than a human life. Certainly not running late for an appointment.

My Cards Freckle Girls Series

Taffy

Taffy at 19 weeks. Taffy swimming with her friend Tax. And taking over the couch again. lol!

Who Knows Where The Time Goes

I can't believe how fast this year is flying. Yet, when I sit down and try to figure out what I have accomplished - not much gets crossed off my list.

I have been investing heaps of time in my setting up shop on Oztion. It all seems so simple until you get going. I am still in card making mode, templete mode, fillinf orders ,mode and even manning a market stall.

Most of the Circle seem to have drifted away. Well, life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. A big thanks to Foodkitty for ordering cards from me and I hope she likes them.

It is late again. So I have to close. Taffy is still growing like a weed and Pugsley has gone walk about tonight and I am not happy with him. He is lucky he is so little and cute and the neighbours like him.

Oztion

Hi everyone and sorry for not blogging in so long. I have been making cards and they are everywhere. In order to get myself up and running on the website I posted a few really simple cards. My favorites plus some paintings will be posted when my stock arrives. It is in the mail - I hope.

While I am waiting I hope you will all have a look at the Oztion website. It is fairly new and there is lots of good shopping for you finger exercises. lol!

Here is the link:
http://www.oztion.com.au/buy/auction.aspx?itemid=1334648

I hope everyone is well and I will get back to reading all your blogs this week.

Thanks!

Blessings In Shades of Orange

I was going to write about a quote from Charles Dickens in 'A Christmas Carol.' I planned on it all week. Then my husband came home with orange Tiger Lilies for me. I placed them in a long black vase. Tehy were so beautiful I wanted to try and capture the image with my paints.

Last night I sat down and blocked in the painting. Then this morning I sat down and while sipping coffee and chatting with my husband, I started to lay down color. When I looked up to get my bearings with the painting I noticed something was off. A closer inspection showed me that one of the buds was incorrect. It was fuller now - more open. I made the adjustment and continued on.

A few minutes later I looked up and the setting had changed again. While I was concentrating so was the flower. It was slowly opening up to display its full glory. A game started. If I stared nothing happened. If I looked down for a few minutes - it opened more. In two hours it was fully open.

I marveled at the miracle that was happening in front of me. Well, almost in front - if I squinted. Nature was sharing a special moment. I was suddenly grateful to be able to live a life that allowed me to sit patiently and watch nature work her wonders. And even more grateful for a husband who allowed me the time and space to try and capture that wonder in the best way I know how.

When I think about all the special things I wish for my loved ones at this time of year - my family and my friends - I think that moments such as these must be at the top. I wish for you all the wonder that is life and the ability to enjoy every moment. Make the small times count. Never discount them. They are what makes life worth living.

Merry Christmas to you all and a safe and happy holiday season. Thanks for stopping in and for all the support you have given me. May you be blessed.

Christmas Thoughts - Homemade

It's The Holiday Homesick

It's the holiday season. I thought I was doing pretty good considering I am frustrated, still in pain, and can't keep my foot down for long. Then today, I was having some female friends down for coffee. This means two hours of chatter and solving the world's problems. I had put out a few decorations, set the table in the barbie area with holiday tablecloth etc...and put some Christmas music on for background. I had everything ready and then sat down with my foot up to wait.

'I'll Be Home For Christmas' started to play and suddenly - tears fell. The Wee Welshman was at work. The dogs were lolling about and I was going through tissues at an alarming rate. It happens every year. Generally, on Christmas Eve around midnight. I will put out all the lights, put some of my favorite holiday music on low and sit there in the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights speeding down memory lane. Niagra Falls.

I wait until the WW is in bed. I also wait for the kids to go to bed if they happen to be home for the holiday. This year - it has all been a bit to much for me. The waterworks started early. I don't want hubbie to see this because he thinks I am very adult about the whole homesickness thing. And I certainly didn't want my girlfriends to see it. Sympathy was the last thing I needed this morning. I needed a butt kicking.

All my family is alive and basicly well. My friends are the same. We have heaps to be thankful for. Tears are really not necessary. There is just something about this holiday and how much I love it. I miss doing it New England style. I want Currier and Ives and Norman Rockwell. I want to see a fire in the fireplace, smell pine, hear little children plot, put cookies out for Santa, attend a Christmas Eve Church service where I have to bundle up and my nose is red from the cold. I don't want to melt from heat if I bake too much.

Christmas makes me a kid again - every year. I think I better go put out our stockings just in case Santa can get through all the smoke from bush fires run amuck.

Another Look At Our Gel - Oh To Be So Relaxed!

When 2 Dogs Go Out Walking - Guess Who Does The Talking?

Learning To Be Friends

  

Taffy Under 12 Weeks

  

Catching Up

I need to say I am sorry to everyone who has been kind enough to respond to my last post and never heard back from me. I still can't keep my foot down long enough to write much although I am checking my emails. I work in my studio and there is no good place for me to prop my foot up. It dislikes being down at the moment. Better days are coming though.

Yesterday my friend Traci was down visiting and we decided to weigh Taffy. She has done so much growing that she is really leggy at the moment but she also feels really heavy. For all you Americans - she weighs 28 pounds and she isn't even 12 weeks old at the moment. For all you Brits etc...she weighs 12.72 kilos. Incredible!

Fortunately, Taffy is gentle and has the sweetest nature. On top of that she is really smart. She likes routine and responds well to a soft voice command. We have lucked out with this puppy. We love her to pieces.

Thanksgiving was lovely. Tony had his coronation/pledge of allegience and became an Aussie and then we had nine people to tea. So for the first time in 11 years - we celebrated Thanksgiving. I mean to every year and every year it falls apart. Our son and his partner were here and I never stopped smiling. Plus, for the first time since I was a child I got out of all the cooking and dishes. lol!

I just finished reading, 'The Diary of A Young Girl' by Anne Frank. I have been reading it every year since I was about nine. I love the book. And I am ever impressed by what an excellant diary it is for someone that young. We blog and journal but few of us come up to the standards of that book. Of course, what she was journaling was done in dramatic times. Yet, any girl even in the 21st century can relate to much of what she writes. I am humbled by her efforts and I always hope that someday I will be able to write that way. And I always end up feeling devastated by the huge loss of life and in particular - Anne's.

I hope that the grand reunion of many of the Circle went well and look forward to reading about their visit. I really wish I could have been there for the sole purpose of spending time with such lovely women. The older I get the more I love my female friends.

Well, my foot is sending out warning signals so I am off to elevate it. I have been trying to design labels and logos for my soap and cards. It is slow when you can't sit long enough to really format your ideas. But they are coming along and I have several versions good to go. I have also been printing out some of my drawings as cards. Working out all the bugs on cheap paper. Soon, I will be able to start using better quality paper. I am also crocheting together the 140 circles I made for a bedspread. On top of that, I am roughing out a few paintings for gifts. So I am making decent use of this down time. But, I feel a scream coming on as I am longing to be outside roaming the bottom 40 with the dogs and wading at the beach. Patience - patience - patience.

Thanksgiving

American Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays - especially since I always had a four day weekend with it. Since moving to OZ I haven't celebrated it. I have had good intentions but it has never worked out. This year it is happening - by accident.

Our son is arriving on Wednesday night with his partner. He has to be bestman at a wedding up North on Saturday. He told me he was telling anyone who wanted to see him to come here as he doesn't have time to run around visiting people. I said that was fine but reminded him that I can't have the foot down for more than 5 minutes so I can't be cooking. But it is important to us that our children always consider the family home as theirs - no matter how old they get or where they move off to. So I told Tris to invite down anyone he wanted for whatever he wants. That would be dinner for nine.

On Thursday night, which is Thanksgiving in America, it is dinner for nine. And our son, who is a great cook, is doing the meal. And his parnter is really good at dishes. We are subbing salmon for turkey.

Thursday is also the day on which hubbie takes his pledge in Hobart to become an Aussie. Our council never got their act together. Taking Foodkitty's advice I sought out help and we managed to schedule it for when our son is here. He is delighted and so is hubbie.

So on Thanksgiving we will have lots to be grateful for. Our son's visit, hubbie becoming a citizen and me not having to cook for a mob. Let the celebrating begin.

Taffy all worn out from a hard five minutes.