Wonderful Weekend

How lovely it has been having fine weather! I have had two rides on my gorgeous Zanny. Two quite different rides because yesterday we rode in the jumps paddock, and I was a bit anxious (no, we didn't jump), and then today it was Zanny who was in a bit of a spin. I tied her up to get her ready and almost decided to pack it in right then because she was rather loopy. I'm pleased to say I mounted up, and we did have a successful ride in the arena. Spring grass, Tara being a twit and Spurwing Plovers screaming with indignation (I threatened their ground nests by daring to enter their territory), seemed to be the causes of the issues Zanny was having. 

Today Johnny and I headed out to the farm to pick up some feed for the girls and look who I had cuddles with:

Aria and Fergie are looking so cute with their mega fluffy winter coats. They have fuzzy manes and tails. Aria was actually the most friendly today. What sweet, sweet wee ladies they are! When Zanny moves back home I will get to see them every week again, which will be wonderful. I'd love to do some handling work with them if I can. Aria is partly mine, so why not?

I am now officially a year older, and I had a fabulous birthday week. 

 Now I'm older I am baking more. Yummy banana and chocolate chip muffins.

 I got this beautiful cake stand from my very dear friend. It looks very pretty with my muffins on it.

 Mr Mouse approved of my new birthday book. I've been inspired to get out into the garden this weekend. I cleaned up the raspberry patch and came across a simply massive spider which made me actually feel a little nauseous. I love spiders, but I prefer the big ones to be behind glass. Johnny bravely gently evicted the spider so I could carry on working, but I'm sure it has headed home by now.

 Over the holidays I arranged my pretty china on my two amazing new Johnny creations. It is fun to move things around and add new items. I need some more stands for plates so they can be seen.

 The Crafty Neighbour lent me some china to add to the display, and she has fun fiddling with the arrangement too.

 I got this dear wee set (not quite a trio but put together as one) for my birthday from myself. It is my favourite primrose pattern.

 My "Marguerite" pattern chintz plates look sweet together with this coffee pot.

 This dear wee set has been borrowed and looks just perfect.

 I found these two plates at the Riccarton Market for about $10 each. Bargains!

 More muffins! Mmmm blueberry packed goodies. I picked the blueberries down the road in summer.

I'm watching a story about orangutans on TV at the moment. They are wonderful, beautiful creatures. I'm unlikely to meet one first hand, although I did see the ones in Melbourne Zoo, who did not have the air of peace of the ones I can see at the sanctuary. I am disgusted at the greed of humanity, and the destruction of the rainforest so that palm oil can be produced. Palm oil is in so many foods, but I'm going to make an effort to minimize my consumption so that in a tiny, tiny way, I can limit the demand. I'm pleased to be working on my own baking because then I can avoid nasty palm oil which features strongly in the biscuit lane at the supermarket. 

I hope you have a good week. I've got a very busy one coming up, so wish me luck!