A little late!

Okay so I was meant to draw my giveaway on Tuesday and all of a sudden it is Thursday morning! Does that happen to anyone else?? I did try posting a photo of my lovely green dish with all the comments folded up for the drawing in it but for some reason blogger kept putting it sideways so as time is precious I gave up!!!
The winner is
Maree from Farmyard crafts!!!!!! Congratulations!
There are also 2 runner ups - 'just because'!
Brandie from ABC and Ally from Born to read and knit.
Could you all please shoot me your snail mail addresses and I will get some parcels in the mail.
Early start at work today so best run for the shower.....

Hi!

Just a quick Hi! I am about to run out the door to work at the Boarding House for the day (not the night this time thank goodness!). Have worked full time this week and tomorrow the Pony Club we belong to has its annual One Day Event competition. Same story - lots of jobs and too few helpers!!! SH has headed out there with all kinds of tools for a final working bee before playing in tennis finals this afternoon. I have not been idle this morning - I have made 4 slices - 2 Hedgehogs and 2 Mars bar and a batch of Smartie cookies and have just had the sewing machine out (yes it still works!) and mended a horse rug! Better run.....

Pink....

I realised that I still haven't posted what I sent for the color swap. I sent to Carole from Serendipity raindrops and roses blog. She had also chosen pink as her color. You had to send 4 items, thread,a fat 1/4,something pretty (this could be bought or made), and something yummy to eat. I sent some Cottage Gardens thread, a cute pink fat 1/4, some coconut ice and a gorgeous mug. It was a fun swap to be part of, thank you so much again to Maree from On my verandah and Ollie and May for organising it.

3 Years!

Today is my 3 year Blogiversary! Over the last 3 years I have made the most amazing 'bloggy' friends whom I have laughed and cried with. Some I have met and it has felt like meeting a long lost friend. The community really cares for each other. We support each other through good times and bad. I love learning about other cultures and religions, different crafts, sharing recipes and parenting experiences. Thank you to each and every one of you who pop in and say hi or look to see what I've been up to , who support me when I'm down or encourage me to achieve. Thank you , you make the 'blog' world a pretty special place!
I haven't had a giveaway for a long time so what better reason. Leave me a comment and say Hi to be in for a chance. Please don't blog about it and there is no need to become a follower. Not sure yet what the prize is but sure I can come up with a parcel of bits and pieces.If anyone has any ideas be sure to let me know! I will draw it next Tuesday evening - Aussie time!

Mary Poppins!

Early Saturday morning the 'horsey' one and I set off for the big smoke picking up Mum on the way. We arrived nice and early, managed to get a park in the hotel carpark and our room was even ready for us so a good start to the day. Into the city we walked. A cup of coffee later and I was even happier!!! We had a wander , Mum and I checking out all the Easter goodies in Haighs and the 'horsey' one checking out the fashion. Time to meet my friend Karen and my goddaughter Bianca and have lunch before going to see the musical Mary Poppins. It was fantastic. We had trouble getting good tickets and were worried we wouldn't be able to see properly. We didn't need to worry, we saw everything and were in the perfect place to see Mary fly. The singing was great and the dancing exceptional. Bianca was so cute singing along to the songs she knew.




We followed up the afternoon with diner in Lygon street which is always enjoyable. Sunday I was up early to walk to Vic Market to get the 'horsey' one some fresh pasta, oops only problem it doesn't open until 9 on a Sunday. Oh well down for some breakfast then hit the road with a quick stop at Costco to see what is new. Mmm this plan came unstuck when after breakfast our door wouldn't unlock, the lock was broken and an hour and 15 minutes later just as they were contemplating unscrewing the hinges they found a key that worked!!!! Sure that key will now be labelled!!!
A lovely weekend and good for the soul!

Poor Pete!

Poor Peter is under the weather! He isn't eating or drinking and has spent all day sleeping which is not like him at all . The 'horsey' one and I even bought him a piece of KFC to tempt him without success!!! Lets hope its a virus and he is back to normal tomorrow.
More bad news this week with one of our college students passing away in a quad bike accident on the family farm on Monday, only 11, far too young. There was a special service at school today. As I was hearing about it I was brought to tears when told his dog wouldn't leave his side and stayed with him until the very end. The school has provided reflection rooms, a counsellor and pastor to help the students deal with their grief.

Book No. 4 2011

At the boarding house on Saturday I started a book and finished it yesterday and although it got me in it will not be one I will be passing on to Mum or encouraging the 'horsey'one to read. Testimony by Anita Shreve was a tale of an alcohol fueled sexual assault taking place in a private boarding school! There was more to it than just that but I found some of the description more explicit than was necessary. Another one in the not highly recommended pile!!!
At the boarding house again today, public holiday here in Victoria. Another quiet day, managed to get a basket of ironing done this morning while the girls were still sleeping. Back to work tomorrow (at the real? job) but have a day off this week which will be a bonus!

Time....

Life and time have a way of running away all by themselves, usually with no warning and at times all you can do is hold on tight and wait for it to slow down just a smidgen. Between work (with lots of extra hours and a lot busier than normal), school, sport and life in general I have been on a hurdy gurdy where the best I can do each day has to be enough. I am getting better at prioritising and unfortunately blogging hasn't been top of the list lately.
Add to that the personal struggles that some friends are dealing with and the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan. It is all consuming and apart from our prayers I think we need to take out of it the reminder that life is uncertain, live your life and love your friends and family each and every day.
Please keep my dear friend Anne's Mum in your prayers, she is in ICU after major emergency surgery and now has pneumonia
My colleague and friend Kate's husband Bob is recovering from 7 hour long heart surgery following a major heart attack. She is also worrying about her daughter who is having health struggles at the moment and not wanting to live.
My blogging friend Margaret's granddaughter Abbey as she begins a long recovery after a car accident, may there be only steps forward and none back.
Everyone affected by the disaster in Japan - our prayers are with you all xxx
I am at work at the boarding house tonight and again on Monday as it is a public holiday here in Victoria. Tomorrow we are spending the day in Geelong with SH's family , the weather will be nice and it will be lovely to catch up on everyones news.

Color Swap parcel received!

In case you are not sure the color I chose for the color swap was pink. I received my parcel yesterday and my swap partner was Karen from Just Purrfict. I haven't met Karen before but know it won't be the last time I visit her blog. She spoilt me SO much! We had to send a fat 1/4, thread, something edible and something pretty (either bought or made) all in the color of your partners choice. All the parcels arrived in pink tissue paper. I received this beautiful pink cat that she made. It is gorgeous and I will get a lot of enjoyment from it. Very cleverly Karen sent me Cadbury strawberry easter eggs (wrapped in pink foil) - Yum! I didn't receive just one fat 1/4. Karen sent me 5 fat 1/4's and 2 fat 1/8's all from the same range. They are from the Pink Chocolate and More Pink Chocolate range. I love them and can't wait to play with them. I also received a skein of Cottage Garden thread. I am blown away with her generosity and amazing parcel especially when she is in the midst of trying to clean up after her house being affected by the Victorian floods. Thank you so much Karen xx