tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82939610495838690192024-02-19T22:42:04.855+13:00Poppies and DaisiesPoppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.comBlogger535125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-7873405535217118352014-12-21T18:59:00.001+13:002014-12-21T18:59:36.571+13:00BakingWe have had a very busy weekend for visitors. Last night I got an urge to practise my domestic goddess skills and looked up a simple shortbread recipe. This morning I baked. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JA3jWdrUB1nFPBcisJm2vE2hPYF_9XhEd3HIhMZMh0CMjHs5glME_IzE5EitVw1wtU1bKVdaS4bqohD5mnLDb0BmmZ7BkjfgMq_kc2R-frVYIjKwR9EoY4rz9xD25hH77O77YjisPBa3/s640/blogger-image-223425417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JA3jWdrUB1nFPBcisJm2vE2hPYF_9XhEd3HIhMZMh0CMjHs5glME_IzE5EitVw1wtU1bKVdaS4bqohD5mnLDb0BmmZ7BkjfgMq_kc2R-frVYIjKwR9EoY4rz9xD25hH77O77YjisPBa3/s640/blogger-image-223425417.jpg"></a></div>Delia Smith's shortbread with my touch - dried cranberries and chocolate chips. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOt2lAM5U60Q2F8U2EcFmcjNhZa5xMWFkpdLFmsGpyIdetuF4u5K9PMFgNcnu6TduPoV0C9jQVylzd6HDvJB-XGNzgEUGQuqr6sYQ8DF5o1si0QB2wSkkBO4uBMYAEWNj9jDfukMnN9BB/s640/blogger-image-793353136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOt2lAM5U60Q2F8U2EcFmcjNhZa5xMWFkpdLFmsGpyIdetuF4u5K9PMFgNcnu6TduPoV0C9jQVylzd6HDvJB-XGNzgEUGQuqr6sYQ8DF5o1si0QB2wSkkBO4uBMYAEWNj9jDfukMnN9BB/s640/blogger-image-793353136.jpg"></a></div>I was a bit worried about how dry it looked. I measured everything very precisely using my electronic scale. Cute spotty wee thing. When I managed to get it together into a dough I decided it resembled the Loch Ness Monster. 🐲</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsyIIy8fmzjT3r9j7_8-ez-J5f9USChyphenhyphencD0pIMINgwuoW_-UPcCwyN-yfrgX5E6XF-HsC4cGzZWhOyMoYQ06CsZutL_KG_X8IWIz20VFrZTtbY5E7yJqhH84Z1sjukTAwu9sgO9nnlWFv/s640/blogger-image-26817355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsyIIy8fmzjT3r9j7_8-ez-J5f9USChyphenhyphencD0pIMINgwuoW_-UPcCwyN-yfrgX5E6XF-HsC4cGzZWhOyMoYQ06CsZutL_KG_X8IWIz20VFrZTtbY5E7yJqhH84Z1sjukTAwu9sgO9nnlWFv/s640/blogger-image-26817355.jpg"></a></div>The biscuits were tricky little beasts to cut as the cranberries made the edges crumble. </div><div>They turned out just fine though. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwe9aFo_U5B-uz2hf6KbgkBV2tTK5CtJzaR37G3lWY3GTKJqzXP28rq9LIHBkheVR4cSRORu0Ya_nHYL5AVNtbZTDgm1hb057VYl9mTtWQ5u4IPNia0ImJMtMgqAC0eLOi2O3WefwHZbh/s640/blogger-image--1438086207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwe9aFo_U5B-uz2hf6KbgkBV2tTK5CtJzaR37G3lWY3GTKJqzXP28rq9LIHBkheVR4cSRORu0Ya_nHYL5AVNtbZTDgm1hb057VYl9mTtWQ5u4IPNia0ImJMtMgqAC0eLOi2O3WefwHZbh/s640/blogger-image--1438086207.jpg"></a></div>While they were baking I picked some raspberries to make muffins. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVHJY0yekmoAxTlJOyAj-sVFQ1BX1mnZfkNLXxmrdFB4oC7DDBpFdb4t6lf6lGb78E3KHGgjw23Lj-Nyr_47oIwpMnZTQleBkzTWFPHa77UfBAktv6gvOeOmk546IbA1rl5OCuLrB7jZw/s640/blogger-image-629098623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVHJY0yekmoAxTlJOyAj-sVFQ1BX1mnZfkNLXxmrdFB4oC7DDBpFdb4t6lf6lGb78E3KHGgjw23Lj-Nyr_47oIwpMnZTQleBkzTWFPHa77UfBAktv6gvOeOmk546IbA1rl5OCuLrB7jZw/s640/blogger-image-629098623.jpg"></a></div>I used my usual Alison Holst fruit muffin recipe. The mixture looked glorious. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYaEaPJl3ktqntUkNhoFFMiljkQFNpb4Xd5Q1JpHfHN0eIXTpIhP5Rc6aBOPQKx88P98SIHfFFk55c2ePpyo9MFBORrc6criTcKFh8e11sVx-YC3hxjr-keDeNQAvypN8A8Kw3RZ1dVKB/s640/blogger-image--1720699191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYaEaPJl3ktqntUkNhoFFMiljkQFNpb4Xd5Q1JpHfHN0eIXTpIhP5Rc6aBOPQKx88P98SIHfFFk55c2ePpyo9MFBORrc6criTcKFh8e11sVx-YC3hxjr-keDeNQAvypN8A8Kw3RZ1dVKB/s640/blogger-image--1720699191.jpg"></a></div>My kitchen smelled like raspberry jam. Heaven. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lGVFnjNE4zeSl8CtZRjvLkL9oFMX1Y7AzMN6pW3bg6NQNhkXXCeyLxL1lCWLKym8wcHOmitnwUoAhBdDhkvlaqqRt7-7CEtiyNs3UcDB6MKVHh4DZKcUlDQYk4HTjn0xs_PjpUJSh9Oa/s640/blogger-image-103628612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lGVFnjNE4zeSl8CtZRjvLkL9oFMX1Y7AzMN6pW3bg6NQNhkXXCeyLxL1lCWLKym8wcHOmitnwUoAhBdDhkvlaqqRt7-7CEtiyNs3UcDB6MKVHh4DZKcUlDQYk4HTjn0xs_PjpUJSh9Oa/s640/blogger-image-103628612.jpg"></a></div>Perfect!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48nlujeV2mDzpKqaMT_vqccupapSkhZSlljBE8WBjJhtiXxTanOStpg38SiVkt1McIb5ADNYMJlUD4D-3jJZHm6jfa-FMxAgZobj5YRxGOnPCvIjBCAjmJXcMtw9klT33qTWqa5YpE8Yc/s640/blogger-image-740792213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48nlujeV2mDzpKqaMT_vqccupapSkhZSlljBE8WBjJhtiXxTanOStpg38SiVkt1McIb5ADNYMJlUD4D-3jJZHm6jfa-FMxAgZobj5YRxGOnPCvIjBCAjmJXcMtw9klT33qTWqa5YpE8Yc/s640/blogger-image-740792213.jpg"></a></div>Also perfect! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4g4ISDyDuHrVxjSt56bmICy5EcBfU_ExzWaR9Wrfd_duSZ0hemPYPKd-Sr4OhpRg9DqaJ9zNVTwo8VY0ZK3N7v5qetzPnqsIPmWZMQa_lu8IM9CflR28r0jJLtPe27gQtbxjsQiz5_ha/s640/blogger-image--26656483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4g4ISDyDuHrVxjSt56bmICy5EcBfU_ExzWaR9Wrfd_duSZ0hemPYPKd-Sr4OhpRg9DqaJ9zNVTwo8VY0ZK3N7v5qetzPnqsIPmWZMQa_lu8IM9CflR28r0jJLtPe27gQtbxjsQiz5_ha/s640/blogger-image--26656483.jpg"></a></div>I don't bake very often as I only end up eating the delicious results, but with three lots of visitors coming today, it was well worth doing. The shortbread was lovely with the slightly tangy cranberries - highly recommended. Not many people would have a cup of just-picked raspberries on hand, but frozen ones would do. They are less sweet once cooked than blueberries, but make very yummy muffins. Chunks of white chocolate would be fabulous in them. </div><div><br></div><div>We had some incredibly heavy rain not long ago. It pelted down. The day was lovely, but right now you never know what the weather will do next. I need to ride Zanny tomorrow, among other things. Time is racing by. </div>Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-35881857650132860192014-12-18T10:31:00.001+13:002014-12-18T10:31:39.222+13:00Holidays<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The Christmas holidays have begun. I couldn't be happier! Yesterday was actually my first day, and had a lovely morning ride on Zanny. She was a grouchy horse who was missing a shoe on my last visit, so it was great to see her full of beans and jolly. She needed a quiet plod because she was a bit sore after the farrier visited, so we had a few twirls around the arena then had a quiet explore down the road. We always turn left at the gate, but I decided to go right and it was fun cause Zanny was all alert, and I got to spy on properties I usually zoom past in the car. We couldn't go very far cause there is a narrow part just around a corner and I wouldn't like to meet a car suddenly, but it was just right for a short ride. Zanny only jumped a couple of times, and was ok when the farmer with the crazy barking dogs roared past and bellowed at his hounds just as she was eyeing up a big metal blob in a paddock. Good lady! </span></div><div><br></div><div>My afternoon was spoiled by the arrival of The Headache of Doom. Blerk. Never mind, I pressed on and managed to cut out another dress. Look at the fabric I found:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidurj7nDb6hHkmBGaAN2-afSiTKtqbFQVKPAwUd-O2mYqY-Qo_OHjPM-Fp9I-n6ia4_8dHLZAerjezztiFsmr1TEfIpjqHuVNv7RFguqpTNky5m8Syb2uCG-_BTt1gDOX66k0NKZyPrYTb/s640/blogger-image--806567859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidurj7nDb6hHkmBGaAN2-afSiTKtqbFQVKPAwUd-O2mYqY-Qo_OHjPM-Fp9I-n6ia4_8dHLZAerjezztiFsmr1TEfIpjqHuVNv7RFguqpTNky5m8Syb2uCG-_BTt1gDOX66k0NKZyPrYTb/s640/blogger-image--806567859.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fergus likes it and slept on it. I think he imagines me in mohair. The print reminds me of my glorious roses. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhiVOvtmTpm7VHDDSP3X_XJQPp4XNLibYHRKUXaoK9H5xSc4dCbuNke5PHBL5_GdatRDpCpG48MQnCaDCXlOX46qJwVSt_JAKZ8UADZRKoRbKTFxIe7Po7WHNPjZnjVT1P0-Zvrcd-tJO/s640/blogger-image--1730388788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhiVOvtmTpm7VHDDSP3X_XJQPp4XNLibYHRKUXaoK9H5xSc4dCbuNke5PHBL5_GdatRDpCpG48MQnCaDCXlOX46qJwVSt_JAKZ8UADZRKoRbKTFxIe7Po7WHNPjZnjVT1P0-Zvrcd-tJO/s640/blogger-image--1730388788.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFXsfuNgALZmu7kIR9a1f3dUlZxwNAi5adTVZJ6mDrg8ixgqSm59qdfddGv2qlurvw7l4CiukYFicEbWmmf4ikFKSJcHwZlLSVOnbyqyjSJ32I-D27qflB964KyXSfLq-gpQD0yEKmAM-/s640/blogger-image-1637519565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFXsfuNgALZmu7kIR9a1f3dUlZxwNAi5adTVZJ6mDrg8ixgqSm59qdfddGv2qlurvw7l4CiukYFicEbWmmf4ikFKSJcHwZlLSVOnbyqyjSJ32I-D27qflB964KyXSfLq-gpQD0yEKmAM-/s640/blogger-image-1637519565.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The garden has lots of treasures everywhere. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhsHeeS3s49cRBXIf-pnqL8ELeZVDEYourhyp3YdXr4PK4oD_Yw6Fo1Yb9ccaDWjJ5XNU4aSVxBPqsVFupvhK5Uqs5wO-qgZAu4t_6kiJHxjAQHHVq94RDCoa6X09xYSmXBhML8YCNwan/s640/blogger-image-830699154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhsHeeS3s49cRBXIf-pnqL8ELeZVDEYourhyp3YdXr4PK4oD_Yw6Fo1Yb9ccaDWjJ5XNU4aSVxBPqsVFupvhK5Uqs5wO-qgZAu4t_6kiJHxjAQHHVq94RDCoa6X09xYSmXBhML8YCNwan/s640/blogger-image-830699154.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxhhj3cdtkybmxS2oxTmLWK-l7aEWObKr20-bH65DY4oialP8cqv-W3a3jnFHOdOH6PQv9mcSBZVrO-CoTE42Pz_F6zpQVnY6IMAIJX2FE6FnqG7oASuVYTKLjjPCsMTlY0Nwwl2Yw-Oz/s640/blogger-image-546587104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxhhj3cdtkybmxS2oxTmLWK-l7aEWObKr20-bH65DY4oialP8cqv-W3a3jnFHOdOH6PQv9mcSBZVrO-CoTE42Pz_F6zpQVnY6IMAIJX2FE6FnqG7oASuVYTKLjjPCsMTlY0Nwwl2Yw-Oz/s640/blogger-image-546587104.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPFCqdGn73Iz7TqmxP3CKyotSJ9wmP9i2QMohM7QXka79Z0fEqULdbXQ2V2KY0GZ4WNLDijzPnsmYTsfurAcyYDx2ZV1OrB27c-oO-q2kj0UHLOy79KbnuqIB-FQa3MHo7dzZY-RZU1Uf/s640/blogger-image-830278668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPFCqdGn73Iz7TqmxP3CKyotSJ9wmP9i2QMohM7QXka79Z0fEqULdbXQ2V2KY0GZ4WNLDijzPnsmYTsfurAcyYDx2ZV1OrB27c-oO-q2kj0UHLOy79KbnuqIB-FQa3MHo7dzZY-RZU1Uf/s640/blogger-image-830278668.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dCtiWr_B67K0oqm2OwebIiFr5T510bN4D9tVJhcn-s1Hq8ZZr-O5P8Qdx6eV9q7oykDlfoYOiT4wiI-9lQiqOaDXjYs8JodCjRbuEFoQpqZqTuNAhEDt3zA9hfq4JRBhPlX4hXfjCFsM/s640/blogger-image-237465272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dCtiWr_B67K0oqm2OwebIiFr5T510bN4D9tVJhcn-s1Hq8ZZr-O5P8Qdx6eV9q7oykDlfoYOiT4wiI-9lQiqOaDXjYs8JodCjRbuEFoQpqZqTuNAhEDt3zA9hfq4JRBhPlX4hXfjCFsM/s640/blogger-image-237465272.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PPX20CjDz4wBaYeAEqL_nFCHGW0884kdr1K7oqAXz5cKH6LI7jYqFkgQYLhCV1I-FVa1njclo6kudarnmvEZjsioaJrMYnEJoveuWeqyOGRjqMYrBvs8qbsNPAIX5F3u2ze2dmtCfMAx/s640/blogger-image--741330394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PPX20CjDz4wBaYeAEqL_nFCHGW0884kdr1K7oqAXz5cKH6LI7jYqFkgQYLhCV1I-FVa1njclo6kudarnmvEZjsioaJrMYnEJoveuWeqyOGRjqMYrBvs8qbsNPAIX5F3u2ze2dmtCfMAx/s640/blogger-image--741330394.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The raspberry patch has been wonderful this year. It is rather a mess, but going out once or twice a day for a healthy snack has been glorious. Plenty for hungry birds too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVC9hVnxtcdeNAiwn6xIs5AlGKFjDiqK9E-Mmirc52_RZoOhpNIebsol34_JEsSSwfAwr-aQtV00pKvLhnq1QMO6G4W-c5ljI8p6qtI5GsArkwkbkhLtEuyIO1Spx2urL4UFhTs4Zlwcz/s640/blogger-image--1131086480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVC9hVnxtcdeNAiwn6xIs5AlGKFjDiqK9E-Mmirc52_RZoOhpNIebsol34_JEsSSwfAwr-aQtV00pKvLhnq1QMO6G4W-c5ljI8p6qtI5GsArkwkbkhLtEuyIO1Spx2urL4UFhTs4Zlwcz/s640/blogger-image--1131086480.jpg"></a></div>My wee apple tree espaliered on the fence has plenty of fruit too. I think I will have to thin some out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCf9Zh8cTZ13fwbBHUTs3hgXchglgAj3EpYI3Nmy8F6FbGzh0yaq-HRdWtdg9qDxtvjZAzwH-L_VbLWUCoUDsPaUcFyB8cT3PthOD5gvjbVEFQZfNc-1e1FkgnoX8rkz7r-_DEzhBTk_n/s640/blogger-image--475933756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCf9Zh8cTZ13fwbBHUTs3hgXchglgAj3EpYI3Nmy8F6FbGzh0yaq-HRdWtdg9qDxtvjZAzwH-L_VbLWUCoUDsPaUcFyB8cT3PthOD5gvjbVEFQZfNc-1e1FkgnoX8rkz7r-_DEzhBTk_n/s640/blogger-image--475933756.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are two huge cabbages ready. Coleslaw, anyone?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjrbS1qB-pkwWmnVQLXjbLICCvXTvpOmJSrEUFOC1LwdrDX9G-t5-phvBNJ0AQ8KSey5o-xJm1zNO3Ln7IRutzGIZK_UUyk22H0yYnVxel9Dd3roTxOjlmafc7exERv8n_OTt60uz1UUs/s640/blogger-image-1896913028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjrbS1qB-pkwWmnVQLXjbLICCvXTvpOmJSrEUFOC1LwdrDX9G-t5-phvBNJ0AQ8KSey5o-xJm1zNO3Ln7IRutzGIZK_UUyk22H0yYnVxel9Dd3roTxOjlmafc7exERv8n_OTt60uz1UUs/s640/blogger-image-1896913028.jpg"></a></div>Shame the carrots are barely an inch high! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As always, a prowl in the garden is never complete without my dearest friends along for a look in the undergrowth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIft7GIre-pvDSficp615YmSIy7eifCV7fuDtssqS-LtGlFmbsvkUCJvtH7GhD3BoQndoKzVUlzcYqDwzAWnYmia5Epc7Z0gavCcqBkmxlvVA6Vg0ZElnP0qEiaW6tiNNaBtsaax0zyyG/s640/blogger-image--1278694307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIft7GIre-pvDSficp615YmSIy7eifCV7fuDtssqS-LtGlFmbsvkUCJvtH7GhD3BoQndoKzVUlzcYqDwzAWnYmia5Epc7Z0gavCcqBkmxlvVA6Vg0ZElnP0qEiaW6tiNNaBtsaax0zyyG/s640/blogger-image--1278694307.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Can you spot Fergus? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3LhTUrsQ8qNcsy7A1CxJvA4XcdtM-YkKO2ZGeVoqQH_lLlKhKFzy5fv77C7V_l99ntKH77XyNGjgU40HxeuaQyQQO0pF4_KDz-yfvnazOZGan0tMV_Ua0QSMTxxB0mdFNxqYalqTVQYq/s640/blogger-image--897352014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3LhTUrsQ8qNcsy7A1CxJvA4XcdtM-YkKO2ZGeVoqQH_lLlKhKFzy5fv77C7V_l99ntKH77XyNGjgU40HxeuaQyQQO0pF4_KDz-yfvnazOZGan0tMV_Ua0QSMTxxB0mdFNxqYalqTVQYq/s640/blogger-image--897352014.jpg"></a></div>Once we get inside I'll have to brush the bidibids from out of their fluffy coats. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Time to finish my cup of tea and wrap some presents which need to be sent away today. I'm going to give Zanny a rest on those tender hooves, and will see how far I can get with my Christmas rose dress. </div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-931013993008824482014-12-14T10:21:00.001+13:002014-12-14T10:21:18.275+13:00On not having childrenIt is almost Christmas, and not having children, I am apparently supposed to feel very bad indeed. My Christmas should be a miserable affair. The terrible longing I should have felt at my lack of offspring should be magnified by the Christmas lights and mall Santas that appeared weeks ago. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSmVdxtHvuYExG5CEjAKKWvMos6zBGGUL5IyFs3ULtHeCMpBqxOH6wBu5hx5ypFYoUfx1xwQupV44tTvOGc-5qrmovpLqbISCTH_UuIUJYJKK8_7bW0ip19aSGVewWHIC9JNNcy-V0hGT/s640/blogger-image-361726474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSmVdxtHvuYExG5CEjAKKWvMos6zBGGUL5IyFs3ULtHeCMpBqxOH6wBu5hx5ypFYoUfx1xwQupV44tTvOGc-5qrmovpLqbISCTH_UuIUJYJKK8_7bW0ip19aSGVewWHIC9JNNcy-V0hGT/s640/blogger-image-361726474.jpg"></a></div>Well, we chose not to have children for very sensible medical reasons, and I make no apologies for that. It seems that many childless women have had years of dealing with comments and questions about when they are going to start producing. Potential grandparents dropping hints at every opportunity. I, on the other hand, have only ever had one friend insist that I would change my mind about having no children, and would be a "wonderful mother." Our family has never put any pressure on us to have babies, in spite of the gorgeous wee grandchildren my siblings have created. </div><div><br></div><div>Of course there are many women who long for a child that never comes, and I feel fortunate that I have never been at that point in life. I think my doubts about having children started relatively early, when I found out how they came out. I still have doubts about that! </div><div><br></div><div>When I found out there is a massive online community called Gateway Women for childless women, I should have been less surprised. I have come to the realisation that life without children is pretty awesome, and a lot better for my health. Except maybe for all of the candycanes I don't have to share.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6S_DkReu5qW3R-MskY35fq9I-PlWeP5zda5u833ndaayhIgp3YFdPosiiLsCZKA_V4eh-3HkQCQYwFPfsqIAkIY1BZTIdrYRvG-jQ5nX-7WFifLfYMfS3Ifc9QYez9AgMuc_HWAr-GoJg/s640/blogger-image-825339799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6S_DkReu5qW3R-MskY35fq9I-PlWeP5zda5u833ndaayhIgp3YFdPosiiLsCZKA_V4eh-3HkQCQYwFPfsqIAkIY1BZTIdrYRvG-jQ5nX-7WFifLfYMfS3Ifc9QYez9AgMuc_HWAr-GoJg/s640/blogger-image-825339799.jpg"></a></div>So I'm not going to feel bad about my lack of children, and enjoy my sparkly Christmas lights, sing Christmas carols very loudly, work out how to turn Zanny into a reindeer, and hope the cherry season is a good one. And I can get up whenever I'm ready on Christmas morning. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6-YR4cfUd7wYUDi7wck651FB0ohPI13TLGybgz9fQn8iucaoSe1MZnPOsSmWyanLkzvZ_HTpZwQfyVTp0u5hRqu7Z-zFjz67gNqXB1opNp0jSS7yooVqOpJmhKtUfa6GGK7I9jJwmNSW/s640/blogger-image--880748607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6-YR4cfUd7wYUDi7wck651FB0ohPI13TLGybgz9fQn8iucaoSe1MZnPOsSmWyanLkzvZ_HTpZwQfyVTp0u5hRqu7Z-zFjz67gNqXB1opNp0jSS7yooVqOpJmhKtUfa6GGK7I9jJwmNSW/s640/blogger-image--880748607.jpg"></a></div>It's going to be a lot of fun! </div>Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-71860871901072653262014-12-07T09:38:00.001+13:002014-12-07T09:38:39.844+13:00PossibilitiesA new day. A cup of tea. Contemplation. I am relishing the freedom of this moment. <div><br></div><div>In the garden there are possiblities too. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBA3XpqBz2aPJrz2dsoItPPvl0xTaT2aQGJ7oatUCASCJm_wrpAEIlk4y7yURXIzC53PAHzDEj4CstIxW8hcWG_9qtbxLYE3sQtIlGqd8Qxz5RoXO7xWI0Kzcqc0uceZPdVlZcPFJwreDh/s640/blogger-image--1392561349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBA3XpqBz2aPJrz2dsoItPPvl0xTaT2aQGJ7oatUCASCJm_wrpAEIlk4y7yURXIzC53PAHzDEj4CstIxW8hcWG_9qtbxLYE3sQtIlGqd8Qxz5RoXO7xWI0Kzcqc0uceZPdVlZcPFJwreDh/s640/blogger-image--1392561349.jpg"></a></div>Sage going to seed. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEaKpI8AJI4iEMB_fMzRfGUWdD7Bb52QeiNVpbPTpOyqUX2tNN5LAPW1C93ms1QjRXq2VbtfNd7gCrwTfjiPZw6qJE6iHLOxtmDftzE_K0M-kavch1u4GEDB4__rd1iQT77PAQ6JZME6o/s640/blogger-image--707198454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEaKpI8AJI4iEMB_fMzRfGUWdD7Bb52QeiNVpbPTpOyqUX2tNN5LAPW1C93ms1QjRXq2VbtfNd7gCrwTfjiPZw6qJE6iHLOxtmDftzE_K0M-kavch1u4GEDB4__rd1iQT77PAQ6JZME6o/s640/blogger-image--707198454.jpg"></a></div>Italian parsley. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplsJv_202FJCxd_9rDBTn4g5BCC1WFuihGzPzdsbEG7iP_y9S3bqiQIl9UhX3_EywuuvQ3NqhKdNEZgC4nFUv8nuVGBbiTQ-IrwNuvKL5ARFFMAIIxOA_x92ADRAD9Thyy7-rRvgwtUpW/s640/blogger-image--254110746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplsJv_202FJCxd_9rDBTn4g5BCC1WFuihGzPzdsbEG7iP_y9S3bqiQIl9UhX3_EywuuvQ3NqhKdNEZgC4nFUv8nuVGBbiTQ-IrwNuvKL5ARFFMAIIxOA_x92ADRAD9Thyy7-rRvgwtUpW/s640/blogger-image--254110746.jpg"></a></div>Honesty. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBM0oluEtFpGr-rAv0qz59IPY15Kno6jyDt47yQ0SXVJ-PmcblBsxu2lbl_Bqke6qiEkXqO-JOt0My0EvgdvJiiwDd2HjIYn90rtCNtXH_3255Sr6DGpkereXL2a_y2NAk-3ye6DaAc7w5/s640/blogger-image-1944910005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBM0oluEtFpGr-rAv0qz59IPY15Kno6jyDt47yQ0SXVJ-PmcblBsxu2lbl_Bqke6qiEkXqO-JOt0My0EvgdvJiiwDd2HjIYn90rtCNtXH_3255Sr6DGpkereXL2a_y2NAk-3ye6DaAc7w5/s640/blogger-image-1944910005.jpg"></a></div>Candytuft. </div><div><br></div><div>I could chop them off to tidy the garden, but then all of those wonderful seeds would never have a chance to make a new life. That's why my garden is never a showpiece. It is a little piece of nature doing what it is</div><div> meant to do. Perfection. </div>Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-14262463914224156772014-12-06T09:24:00.001+13:002014-12-06T09:24:08.794+13:00Kindness<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I have had a tough year healthwise. Not in a lifethreatening way, and certainly nothing to complain about compared to many people. But after meeting with another Specialist who couldn't have been kinder, I was reflecting on the loveliness of people in my life. I try to be a kind, gentle sort of person, and lately I have been fortunate to have some wonderful people enter my life. Yesterday, for example, I met with a lovely parent who has a dear, sweet boy coming to my class next year. She left smiling, so I was happy. I was popping out at lunchtime and came across a lady we have seen a few times on walks in the neighbourhood. We said "hello" and then she wanted to chat. A bit tricky, as she only has a few words in English, but we managed to introduce ourselves and I found out she is from India. I think she prefers it back home and doesn't really like living here. Maybe she is really lonely. On the way home I popped into the supermarket, and a lovely lady who worked as a relieving teacher assistant came out of the bakery and gave me a big hug. She has a fulltime job there, which is a bit sad because she was a wonderful reliever. </span></div><div><br></div><div>I'm also so lucky to work with some amazing ladies who are now close friends. There are five of us working in our building, and we have so much fun together at work, and get each other through the tough times. Plus after school, I have another gorgeous friend who comes in for a bit of a chat, which is a lovely way to end the day. She's an inspiring lady and we never run out of things to talk about. </div><div><br></div><div>I live very close to one of my dearest friends too. We enjoy cups of coffee (tea for me), grizzles, inspiration, commiseration, and shared interests. I feel so lucky to have her! </div><div><br></div><div>Then there's my dear family. Saturday morning chats with my dear mummy. Messaging the family on the I-pad. Fun times together. I wish we were closer, but get-togethers are big celebrations. </div><div><br></div><div>Most importantly, I live with my best friend, who is incredibly kind and the best husband ever. </div><div><br></div><div>For an introvert who loves the company of animals more than most people, have done really well getting to know so many kind, caring people. </div><div><br></div><div>There's always time for cats though...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc26wscpcP4DJ0Erk-id4ZB9BtrhRkMkOfnt78KkX4RHamUMsuHTV4TeesC7cKhjXqKRDAjBHV9FToMgQZtQFakqqhyphenhyphenaWsG2HTPYot9OMQeIPKfHNcjwnpAx8lK17qvS9bEIf0S07imp7S/s640/blogger-image--1210306005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc26wscpcP4DJ0Erk-id4ZB9BtrhRkMkOfnt78KkX4RHamUMsuHTV4TeesC7cKhjXqKRDAjBHV9FToMgQZtQFakqqhyphenhyphenaWsG2HTPYot9OMQeIPKfHNcjwnpAx8lK17qvS9bEIf0S07imp7S/s640/blogger-image--1210306005.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQZgs1SKM52bnf7gZbl6L7yTr3kNm7JyO6KnfSFFIYYGCGwonW1zqy-lDMFIGK-MqJPNMi97exYBY6JgnTWbzsNi-uDhsXjQ1USpwmtTRbuR9Mi8br_g73K5YZriyTp3oe6GljpV5sfKn/s640/blogger-image--149955246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQZgs1SKM52bnf7gZbl6L7yTr3kNm7JyO6KnfSFFIYYGCGwonW1zqy-lDMFIGK-MqJPNMi97exYBY6JgnTWbzsNi-uDhsXjQ1USpwmtTRbuR9Mi8br_g73K5YZriyTp3oe6GljpV5sfKn/s640/blogger-image--149955246.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxTrD7_PXQg2JOmDn6IVzS3K87j0rLdGO2JlFT34DjnHbtYIjNcHXDzN24xJB4cEpOQ9Ld_YQl8dFrBJZsV6KadYBBG0pmwD-V_JVfT9fYwmC9II2deTJCbxhPRKCm7bWvFRAQIMYDm-z/s640/blogger-image--446595878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxTrD7_PXQg2JOmDn6IVzS3K87j0rLdGO2JlFT34DjnHbtYIjNcHXDzN24xJB4cEpOQ9Ld_YQl8dFrBJZsV6KadYBBG0pmwD-V_JVfT9fYwmC9II2deTJCbxhPRKCm7bWvFRAQIMYDm-z/s640/blogger-image--446595878.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpdWw2YE_i6SP3z_0dJd8llNvslfLEg9qOm1JLXXuPYATbnxXOpEYVYDvEZrmTI-DnKTss6wCfy6pmUxEx0d18cK0TJnjuK15nERLJ2J2rO2_Lv0IJmrxL3dmO8RWR9ErpgTwvQJIEQ8K/s640/blogger-image--1566549889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjKLNizAEgJEEB_ST6xNA1d3QXrvNgRm-QaHGI94y1xGjNqdVb3t8lT8jC6VP5CUGu4cgnaSf5rDzNs_tjENTgxvzzF5yJbMkiGMYHuM9QBdfAnKr6v7lwM74n8GhNiEBi5_j2Eo7FoTa/s640/blogger-image--165207636.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGrsh7BUJLMrXK9xzM9G01c_YPXVati_oD7UAuaOiCNaHaPElOw9fRhZm_0G6w53RJqYAUEpWwmQ-tsZZtYefJ89n4qVWG0keWVnF4bnuBRTu5_7LbdhkFfiDAPsY5yc4AVYtO2-oq63y/s640/blogger-image--24292386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGrsh7BUJLMrXK9xzM9G01c_YPXVati_oD7UAuaOiCNaHaPElOw9fRhZm_0G6w53RJqYAUEpWwmQ-tsZZtYefJ89n4qVWG0keWVnF4bnuBRTu5_7LbdhkFfiDAPsY5yc4AVYtO2-oq63y/s640/blogger-image--24292386.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8_0_ZvQGlVJWyZMxpeydM8hB11H6t6RUEvn757qOpX3k4WoUFrUcVNc-ZSedLZedqsAqKUK3EpsQuqHE9X1NMxA2VE3edLXRptmC41ksMnCAXvdcMElAVRnYVSTGP5FtvSFp3DtIyzrk/s640/blogger-image--560924573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8_0_ZvQGlVJWyZMxpeydM8hB11H6t6RUEvn757qOpX3k4WoUFrUcVNc-ZSedLZedqsAqKUK3EpsQuqHE9X1NMxA2VE3edLXRptmC41ksMnCAXvdcMElAVRnYVSTGP5FtvSFp3DtIyzrk/s640/blogger-image--560924573.jpg"></a></div></div></div>Have a lovely weekend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-25426283451161829342014-11-30T10:40:00.001+13:002014-11-30T10:40:47.159+13:00Walking with cats<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7dZjphKqohs_klgKaBwyEXliqVuSpbBinOy7GAk7UuCp5p5tVDU78fUw-8FT6GscKPF8Hox1Crk4PVhqBbPEmysoevmOx4NM4feMK_8MBGqPdCF313WDHua4WD2Ak-zIAHafqK0p6KV_/s640/blogger-image--1275006103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7dZjphKqohs_klgKaBwyEXliqVuSpbBinOy7GAk7UuCp5p5tVDU78fUw-8FT6GscKPF8Hox1Crk4PVhqBbPEmysoevmOx4NM4feMK_8MBGqPdCF313WDHua4WD2Ak-zIAHafqK0p6KV_/s640/blogger-image--1275006103.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm out in the garden with Fergus and Mouse. We are prowling around the garden together. I pad pics are not up to par, but portability and instant blogging is fun. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oIKaVAKE5cxdWnsjpYXyMUdl_yUycnK0NzptsAEqzrV8WYGlSlNRQbxwNObJZ4R5ji_fh2qbD6xChRGg-HJCOaNGARRgggSaxXZUZULcz27iYJ9_H9_CrnhQfO3pqNrEDANfwgtul781/s640/blogger-image--980474021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oIKaVAKE5cxdWnsjpYXyMUdl_yUycnK0NzptsAEqzrV8WYGlSlNRQbxwNObJZ4R5ji_fh2qbD6xChRGg-HJCOaNGARRgggSaxXZUZULcz27iYJ9_H9_CrnhQfO3pqNrEDANfwgtul781/s640/blogger-image--980474021.jpg"></a></div>I've got to watch Fergus as he escaped yesterday and has no sense of keeping himself safe, unlike Mouse. Unfortunately the wee devil is very keen to go over the wall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2RPMRz82QLv-j_BXr3LgEvwvRJedLEA_6Z25OTRa80V-8SLE5sfWGnBgVUWlMfMVuRXppDnER5UJ2QaN1EYRptWx64A6R847xRnjZRFhXJWD2uxRl_r9jS25ZOvZT-ta5Z-riYt9glUF/s640/blogger-image-1472211805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2RPMRz82QLv-j_BXr3LgEvwvRJedLEA_6Z25OTRa80V-8SLE5sfWGnBgVUWlMfMVuRXppDnER5UJ2QaN1EYRptWx64A6R847xRnjZRFhXJWD2uxRl_r9jS25ZOvZT-ta5Z-riYt9glUF/s640/blogger-image-1472211805.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The garden makes me so happy, even weedy and rampant. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmvVJJThT1TRnuv5uwqqFnNtp8f8wAvVmwrQPwXEQ5D4kvhANRiizIyKg8W8a_0LUSJeUikpWhfDXUE4mI3SWP__J5QfNuUNA2-Mwwd3inKvYJxZ9sxoTGlm19RdH3p-aZ_ZzSRuFb4-2/s640/blogger-image-569644524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmvVJJThT1TRnuv5uwqqFnNtp8f8wAvVmwrQPwXEQ5D4kvhANRiizIyKg8W8a_0LUSJeUikpWhfDXUE4mI3SWP__J5QfNuUNA2-Mwwd3inKvYJxZ9sxoTGlm19RdH3p-aZ_ZzSRuFb4-2/s640/blogger-image-569644524.jpg"></a></div>I grew these clove pinks from seed, and love to sit on the lawn next to them drinking up their divine fragrance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HRq9WKNmCevHG7G3ULUle1NE3qPfkFnC5qHImNhw7hFunpudc0pw3wZp0fbwZICFvCa9yk94ecue7tb4JMQMN6nRldSHgj2fZ_fsawbP_a7fH3JI7m_e0aEfgK__K39r1WgT-5TyBV_7/s640/blogger-image-25223649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HRq9WKNmCevHG7G3ULUle1NE3qPfkFnC5qHImNhw7hFunpudc0pw3wZp0fbwZICFvCa9yk94ecue7tb4JMQMN6nRldSHgj2fZ_fsawbP_a7fH3JI7m_e0aEfgK__K39r1WgT-5TyBV_7/s640/blogger-image-25223649.jpg"></a></div>There are foxgloves taller than me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROfkCUVX25OMClwdiStjvqNnRD8prWy4b4U7w2_EZbEsUpgMfDMTKxyqj3Z6Mu4y4aVVZVRx1TrV3YGv0XVZl3XUwzmKWObwiKtv0w_RAQgBubUe4i6FmVM0WbufVGDtLmgjerMSQMKff/s640/blogger-image-189763129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROfkCUVX25OMClwdiStjvqNnRD8prWy4b4U7w2_EZbEsUpgMfDMTKxyqj3Z6Mu4y4aVVZVRx1TrV3YGv0XVZl3XUwzmKWObwiKtv0w_RAQgBubUe4i6FmVM0WbufVGDtLmgjerMSQMKff/s640/blogger-image-189763129.jpg"></a></div>And just a few glorious blue delphiniums. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-HjfA_08o0qoJfLEGwta8hscFqOz0GwY2wAt8qaIPsxh40Wn0-CdKs8D2rVcRvtMVHZ5qHrlCgfhVqgF3dYGDrenhdlLj60D4IcJIIT9q7X9sKtKLnZVlMLXnmAe_o_SXOlzr-zwwgwL/s640/blogger-image-79359861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-HjfA_08o0qoJfLEGwta8hscFqOz0GwY2wAt8qaIPsxh40Wn0-CdKs8D2rVcRvtMVHZ5qHrlCgfhVqgF3dYGDrenhdlLj60D4IcJIIT9q7X9sKtKLnZVlMLXnmAe_o_SXOlzr-zwwgwL/s640/blogger-image-79359861.jpg"></a></div>Mouse is checking out the poppies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV15yYiiLAZn0Z67W3QHrfxehKI-MPHp5sbJvFEPBPtUlLBSEtuAVuaOrMH4ikekdOGgtXu68i77ZmTzTRe9vnJv6XSL4Xk3LaCqNPixr-pjNmq_1J3ArkwWZHfvFyXpYc7T968pt4V2j9/s640/blogger-image--54045289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV15yYiiLAZn0Z67W3QHrfxehKI-MPHp5sbJvFEPBPtUlLBSEtuAVuaOrMH4ikekdOGgtXu68i77ZmTzTRe9vnJv6XSL4Xk3LaCqNPixr-pjNmq_1J3ArkwWZHfvFyXpYc7T968pt4V2j9/s640/blogger-image--54045289.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7SAE_EAmEKXn0uTeFk-o5_riKv-ThM00XaRtju6cpYDl6xDoW_WIijE7roWA5VW8kULloNAxMIZvD04cC4tAiX_t-KCKb-qduFdL1ZlD2Z-OPEvaL132Gppjh3CVPzRbD1aVSq_UxWhs/s640/blogger-image--159716382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7SAE_EAmEKXn0uTeFk-o5_riKv-ThM00XaRtju6cpYDl6xDoW_WIijE7roWA5VW8kULloNAxMIZvD04cC4tAiX_t-KCKb-qduFdL1ZlD2Z-OPEvaL132Gppjh3CVPzRbD1aVSq_UxWhs/s640/blogger-image--159716382.jpg"></a></div>Horse poo has helped the tomatoes to double in size in a week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xCs6JXFQyV8366g0clklA-lyFj3vOVKhN-Hrx2v0Ark6FIJZPo6CUcPrBhQZqyu7WzSB0z_zMGLcKS4RBPDT3yV_mHWh7wp-R72Wq8BK-lhlvviKD17pgm8P85LyfZ5GkKXoVcS1Hi5z/s640/blogger-image--2082937041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xCs6JXFQyV8366g0clklA-lyFj3vOVKhN-Hrx2v0Ark6FIJZPo6CUcPrBhQZqyu7WzSB0z_zMGLcKS4RBPDT3yV_mHWh7wp-R72Wq8BK-lhlvviKD17pgm8P85LyfZ5GkKXoVcS1Hi5z/s640/blogger-image--2082937041.jpg"></a></div>Look out, Mouse could pounce from anywhere. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOxyk-cxDuPlMxW8FEtBzz0u-RS3MIQXtXFlXH-Y4adZqvpSnGELo_sxliJlvefBxCRt6XmRT6Uzt5Lu8crnDvMzG_7-P99fD92lY_kziFAgmxf3v1auZNsLpIWqDqpln3Oho7fKrOwOS/s640/blogger-image-263030461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOxyk-cxDuPlMxW8FEtBzz0u-RS3MIQXtXFlXH-Y4adZqvpSnGELo_sxliJlvefBxCRt6XmRT6Uzt5Lu8crnDvMzG_7-P99fD92lY_kziFAgmxf3v1auZNsLpIWqDqpln3Oho7fKrOwOS/s640/blogger-image-263030461.jpg"></a></div>I'm letting the artichokes go to seed. The bumblebees love them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdx_APCGPlYQT2DzPc5YlZIUr74gUQkzL92n9rvLuvhTqpMWHy02nyIYODPLb19DpZq3Pm7_CqchvsLQhNUiK1-28yIQ0UGtHrFT7q1WEcQ6otq9iH_TzwYRRv6UF1f6jdE1tcLB2W0wCA/s640/blogger-image--1795796081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdx_APCGPlYQT2DzPc5YlZIUr74gUQkzL92n9rvLuvhTqpMWHy02nyIYODPLb19DpZq3Pm7_CqchvsLQhNUiK1-28yIQ0UGtHrFT7q1WEcQ6otq9iH_TzwYRRv6UF1f6jdE1tcLB2W0wCA/s640/blogger-image--1795796081.jpg"></a></div>This is Utersen, which looked so gaudy in our town garden, but glows prettily here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_JIT871sEpu85Uh6n8KpikmEoSjbLWvWdB2NA5vFwLcoHe6cx8vIAD5XmZ4vB7TdrkwYsjIOwqmA3g9axrgCmGzORMlgZ28axGdP0vf7VJY6qpMPCFATrd6L_1hAMElYPd7sbwrfGnqt/s640/blogger-image--818773212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_JIT871sEpu85Uh6n8KpikmEoSjbLWvWdB2NA5vFwLcoHe6cx8vIAD5XmZ4vB7TdrkwYsjIOwqmA3g9axrgCmGzORMlgZ28axGdP0vf7VJY6qpMPCFATrd6L_1hAMElYPd7sbwrfGnqt/s640/blogger-image--818773212.jpg"></a></div>I thought Mouse was admiring my tomatoes and chillies, but no, he was looking for a good place for a poo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrDpnNKb1VBQdaJIk-7k7Sz7fBsgyo95TOa4DoAZDJuOdBelVBS7J5MSwSNTByAAFjpLpGhjCVzDYe4qyzdhKSmV6_It-PMBdl_-_9m8VLRMhqiTlvRKloWcevqdBujh2vqhyK7pK9jug/s640/blogger-image-1582144424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrDpnNKb1VBQdaJIk-7k7Sz7fBsgyo95TOa4DoAZDJuOdBelVBS7J5MSwSNTByAAFjpLpGhjCVzDYe4qyzdhKSmV6_It-PMBdl_-_9m8VLRMhqiTlvRKloWcevqdBujh2vqhyK7pK9jug/s640/blogger-image-1582144424.jpg"></a></div>Indoor raspberries - yum! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpH-iII4njyA1cawxNIgIQLGpt5bZaGPZS8KHF3OVtAWC_Bsc4lXjGtwoDLbTa9HqEJgqaw6pyhu3qYxRxkBz-N2s9zZ6C5nB0VOe9B7IkzUCtuOVpkaJ5Mj5ukJhvhYstEkHCCPqtZUxw/s640/blogger-image--722984540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpH-iII4njyA1cawxNIgIQLGpt5bZaGPZS8KHF3OVtAWC_Bsc4lXjGtwoDLbTa9HqEJgqaw6pyhu3qYxRxkBz-N2s9zZ6C5nB0VOe9B7IkzUCtuOVpkaJ5Mj5ukJhvhYstEkHCCPqtZUxw/s640/blogger-image--722984540.jpg"></a></div>My courgette has had masses of flowers. Some fruit would be nice! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_5gQK_CrMzTuLN01fwrtOQ1exovdM3tqZ0K0f4HZxQdU59bttt4ZTbMgN0IGzJXDBT3IOYitfnB0rHexp9P7groOKx402_dzFOwqHtKkx4cFV4pvs1t_wazrIzl5t5J2xUxOUAm5mkky/s640/blogger-image-764088243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_5gQK_CrMzTuLN01fwrtOQ1exovdM3tqZ0K0f4HZxQdU59bttt4ZTbMgN0IGzJXDBT3IOYitfnB0rHexp9P7groOKx402_dzFOwqHtKkx4cFV4pvs1t_wazrIzl5t5J2xUxOUAm5mkky/s640/blogger-image-764088243.jpg"></a></div>Light on leaves. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV5M9pJSUOzoy3b_vshJKeaq-3MLZJoHGTYvcKxf9YJWGCKmPFQZcsluPmeAsU2NocRn3ZpEGDBGJ-MDafNfNk_OFCihHzyVQbq8I3x55EvWkXFMU67TetyA5a3l3_pwk9y8jovTXidhr/s640/blogger-image-1986709998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV5M9pJSUOzoy3b_vshJKeaq-3MLZJoHGTYvcKxf9YJWGCKmPFQZcsluPmeAsU2NocRn3ZpEGDBGJ-MDafNfNk_OFCihHzyVQbq8I3x55EvWkXFMU67TetyA5a3l3_pwk9y8jovTXidhr/s640/blogger-image-1986709998.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is a cat's life around here. </div></div>Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-48984802904385182232014-11-16T21:42:00.002+13:002014-11-16T21:42:50.216+13:00Beautiful <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had another weekend with lovely weather, and even better, we had a holiday on Friday. I worked in my garden and rode Zanny on Friday. I decided to work in the arena because I'm determined to improve my cantering skills. I was much more confident after some successful practise. Zanny was such a good girl. </div>
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Yesterday we went out to visit my gorgeous cousin, and saw her divine cobs. Huck is a handsome boy! He is a gypsy cob cross and has the lovely rounded cob body. </div>
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Look at the dear wee calf! Shame we didn't get more photos - Johnny was too busy chatting, I think. I was too busy loving the animals.<br />
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I did take a few photos of wee Roo (Rue, Ru, Rou- we are undecided how to spell it) today. Tara needed a bit of a haircut and tidy up, and I gave Roo her first brush today. She was delighted!<br />
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Yes - controversial breastfeeding photo! I love watching foals having a drink and find the slurping noises they make totally delightful. Tara has plenty of milk this time around. She was a bit stingy with Aria, but luckily no harm was done.<br />
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"Hello!!!"<br />
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Look at my gorgeous girl too. We practised our trotting and cantering again today. My legs are staying back in a good position now, much more consistently, and now Zanny and I are working on bending her body the correct way as we circle and work around curves.<br />
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She enjoys a snack after her wash. I don't give her a full bath most of the time, but she always gets sponged or washed on her sweaty bits after a ride.<br />
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Zanny and I are quite envious of Frank's amazing coat. He gleams in the sunlight. He has a sore hoof currently. He is pleased about the foal and watches her over the fence, and was also rather interested in chatting to Zanny today.<br />
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All is good in the world, according to Zanny.<br />
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I was so pleased to get some photos of her smiling today. She seems to put her grumpy face on on purpose every time I get the camera out.<br />
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Spring - you are almost over. Time to start thinking about Christmas!Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-71122921101579221052014-11-09T10:44:00.001+13:002014-11-09T10:44:44.738+13:00Beautiful morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Who wouldn't love a sunny morning prowl around the late spring garden? Mr Mouse and Fergus were busy exploring somewhere. Then Mouse told me that naughty Fergus had escaped out of the garden, so he needed to be retrieved. Birman cats are confident, curious and extremely pretty, so many appear listed as lost/stolen. My heart would be broken if something happened to my boys. Luckily he hadn't got far so he was taken inside to have his paws cleaned (they were filthy) and all sorts of bits picked out of his fluffy coat. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our back garden is looking prettier than it ever has before. The roses are flourishing, and the herbs, fruit and vegetables are looking lush and healthy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9ehC2SC06-U1woSujhoNtE6MnI0tQMPXQT9tiSatOLptZDsoJBDM6T4FrTHKIJUXQ3XzcUDG16bpVAOMO2Yxaq6Z3h3IhyphenhyphenTZVHtOpSn9DBrzLSWD2qYVUEzL-Dc9eM21xArY9Y7olJvi/s640/blogger-image--1151527086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9ehC2SC06-U1woSujhoNtE6MnI0tQMPXQT9tiSatOLptZDsoJBDM6T4FrTHKIJUXQ3XzcUDG16bpVAOMO2Yxaq6Z3h3IhyphenhyphenTZVHtOpSn9DBrzLSWD2qYVUEzL-Dc9eM21xArY9Y7olJvi/s640/blogger-image--1151527086.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWhfac5bTognx4J36c9jSvXvOeWGe_RGjIIdieqNzsnODlhT6_8kYjhmi2eiMQvKCMiMBeKXDQWcI6Fvt0VF2DEuELAbwEzR29h-ECrLFgaE-rTJlXs6xGlIIfckzqFMEJ4wFV9QuJVWs/s640/blogger-image--668212767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5oRDKwOSxhLam1JPQbuEiG1u4wA_agEWjWT-NS1dW-BRxDZmvR6VNvchYsHhBeZBLTqS4Kxt-UKwU76zZa9eTDAu6Odx-6lH5DFhe2FCOZFNWcX7r4Svjji92-E0tEuL5KxS5gD34f1G/s640/blogger-image--479999383.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtfyVKQ4Mr6MCYAlWJsyCmMCcihy5Shg5fFEq_l4xNWqonMFf1RpdQXAFLFVOe98bw20AWxUFsE1tvylaZUDre8bqQY0Dqtqo9D5lPxgFBsgMCf53wE9zvEZ3cK_Rwa8D3dPXwRma5KX3/s640/blogger-image--26574978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtfyVKQ4Mr6MCYAlWJsyCmMCcihy5Shg5fFEq_l4xNWqonMFf1RpdQXAFLFVOe98bw20AWxUFsE1tvylaZUDre8bqQY0Dqtqo9D5lPxgFBsgMCf53wE9zvEZ3cK_Rwa8D3dPXwRma5KX3/s640/blogger-image--26574978.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLCOm07Uv76KTNyiZveX8ir3v_bug-vvRKsDnNn0aA7c7IgljqAPHrTPqkm6so8PQdhwcnJ23VuyrFICp3q20-aYWBC_r7w-FgS2rjCdgvNlb1ZUL9inxvlW0XRLc5UWlVvG_F0WOWpFi/s640/blogger-image-1692385061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLCOm07Uv76KTNyiZveX8ir3v_bug-vvRKsDnNn0aA7c7IgljqAPHrTPqkm6so8PQdhwcnJ23VuyrFICp3q20-aYWBC_r7w-FgS2rjCdgvNlb1ZUL9inxvlW0XRLc5UWlVvG_F0WOWpFi/s640/blogger-image-1692385061.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had a busy day yesterday helping Em at the South Island National One Day Event Championship. It is lots of fun, and I know what needs doing now, so keep moving all day. I took out so many plaits, which is trickier than you'd think because they are all sewn in. We had our biggest team of horses that I have worked with. I'll be back on my own beautiful girl later today. Our wee foal is doing beautifully. Tara has had a relaxed attitude to the fireworks blasting everywhere, so her wee lady has too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Housework and shopping this morning. Four day school week this week as it is Show day on Friday. Yay for long weekends. </div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-90772265839880140462014-11-05T21:15:00.000+13:002014-11-05T21:15:40.169+13:00Surprise!In the middle of our wee jaunt around our holiday in Australia I have a newsflash! Welcome to the newest member of our herd.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8iseVlsriEqKP3uG8Xuj1-CbxcS9y4PnaaQDQkJBh7uZqdqq2RBnPJw895qfjMq5oqPQaSGfUl0Y3ZiFtVhs4B6V2FZexBYO2I2yhJJwqBr5sRcz9wXoRmhBIVYekoh9CivDcGhAQShj/s1600/219+(Small).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8iseVlsriEqKP3uG8Xuj1-CbxcS9y4PnaaQDQkJBh7uZqdqq2RBnPJw895qfjMq5oqPQaSGfUl0Y3ZiFtVhs4B6V2FZexBYO2I2yhJJwqBr5sRcz9wXoRmhBIVYekoh9CivDcGhAQShj/s1600/219+(Small).JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tara has given birth to a dear wee filly! She has an amazing star and three pretty white socks. She will be bay, which is not a surprise as her father is bay and the three other offspring of his that I have seen are all various shades of bay. She is inquisitive and playful, just as she should be. Tara is being a lovely mummy. We were thrilled when they both came over to say hello, and Tara leaned over for a face rub and neck scratch, which she always enjoys. She is looking really good. Her wee one came over and almost sniffed my hand.<br />
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At this stage we are debating names. Ru was suggested, which makes me think of Roo (which is really cute as she did look a bit kangarooish trying to canter) and then Rou was mooted, with her "going out" name being Revere. Watch this space! I can't wait to visit her again asap.Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-18539924424176928722014-10-26T20:10:00.000+13:002014-10-26T20:10:22.092+13:00Sunny Days at the Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Welcome to the seaside! We took the train to Port Adelaide and had a wander around the streets. It was rather strange because the area had very few people out and about due to the holiday weekend. I felt a little creeped out by the lack of fellow adventurers. </div>
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There were more people along the waterfront, and next time we visit we might go on a dolphin watching trip. The big sailing ships were very interesting. </div>
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The Port Adelaide Maritime Museum had an exhibition of ship's surgeon's items and information. Of course we couldn't possibly walk past that! I'm really glad I never emigrated from foreign lands on a sailing ship. All kinds of things went horribly wrong. My big problem would be sea sickness, and I'm sure it would all go downhill from there. The Maritime Museum is well worth a visit, whatever the special exhibition. It is really fascinating. Apologies for the murky photos- the light was rather dim. </div>
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Johnny was lucky he didn't get harpooned.<br />
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After that happy morning beside the sea, we decided another watery adventure was a great idea. We took a tram out to Glenelg, which was a much busier place. </div>
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There were families, dogs, sporty types, swimmers and even people setting up for three different weddings. It is a beautiful spot. We even saw a dolphin. </div>
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We walked to the end of the jetty, then I took my shoes off and paddled along the beach in the waves. The water wasn't warm, but really pleasant on a hot day. The sand is soft and there are lots of shells to look at. </div>
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Yes, I'm wearing my orange dress again. I purchased three of these floaty vintage-style dresses from Ezibuy recently and they are so fabulous to wear. No ironing required, so perfect for travelling.<br />
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This amazing house was situated right on the waterfront. Maybe it isn't a private residence, but I'd move there in an instant.<br />
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There were rocks with interesting creatures living among them, so I spent some time peering into cracks and crevices. Not very practical in a dress, but I didn't care. <br />
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There's a great little museum at Glenelg, right near the jetty, which is free to visit. It is well worth taking the time to have a look around.<br />
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The public transport in Adelaide is fantastic. You can get a pre-paid card just like they have in Melbourne, and then jump on and off the trams, trains and buses. In the central city you can easily walk around, but it is easy to go further afield too.<br />
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Next time we are taking a day trip out of the city.Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-251654882286439362014-10-25T20:05:00.000+13:002014-10-25T20:05:41.722+13:00Adelaide Botanical Gardens <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Botanical Gardens are one of my favourite places to visit. I was determined to visit the Adelaide Gardens and managed to have two prowls around. Once with Johnny, and then by myself (because I felt like we had missed some good bits).<br />
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The gardens are very elegant, and are a combination of the old and the new. There are huge trees lining wide paths.<br />
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The wisteria walkway was simply stunning.<br />
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The fragrance was incredibly intense.<br />
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The garden is both exotic and familiar.<br />
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This restored Palm House is very special.<br />
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I love the glamour and detail in the architecture.<br />
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In contrast, there is an enormous modern tropical glasshouse, which is also stunning.<br />
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It seems to be pushing its way out of the earth like the spine of some amazing creature.<br />
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There are walkways that curve up and down among the plants. </div>
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The mist adds to the tropical atmosphere. The plants reach up high, and I guess they will grow to fill the space with a canopy of green. <br />
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These two photos captured the mist beautifully.<br />
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Another total contrast - the rose gardens. The roses were starting to come out. They are earlier than here at home. Mine are getting underway now (making me very happy indeed). </div>
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I'd love to return when the roses are in full bloom.<br />
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I'm definitely returning to the Adelaide Botanical Gardens, because I'm sure there is more to see, plus we didn't have time to explore the garden museum and shop or the cafe. </div>
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Another great place we visited was the State Library. There is a lending library, which we didn't enter, but we enjoyed a fascinating photographic display from World War One. We actually saw several very interesting displays of World War One items and images during our holiday. I didn't take photos. I did (try) to take some photos in the stunning historical library (The Mortlock Wing). The light was very dim, and I avoid using the flash in public areas or in museums. </div>
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There was a gallery space on the bottom and two floors of really old book collections. I could have lurked among the shelves for days. I wanted to move in. </div>
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There were students quietly studying. The top floor was a special science book collection, I believe.<br />
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I was also very fortunate to visit the Art Gallery of South Australia, which is a stunning building that makes you feel very special, and houses a collection well worth a visit, if you enjoy art. Sorry, no photo. Not sure if you are allowed to take photos, but I would feel rude taking photos in an art gallery.<br />
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Finally, for today's post, we visited the Migration Museum. This is located in a group of buildings that have a ghastly history. It was a "native school" where Aboriginal children were educated away from their families to "civilize" them. It was also a destitute asylum. I enjoyed seeing the displays, but I actually felt a big sick being there. Not sure if it was just because I knew it had been a place of utter misery, or whether my imagination was running wild. I didn't take any photos - it just didn't seem right somehow. Am I weird? (Yes, is the right answer to that question).<br />
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I'm enjoying revisiting Adelaide. What a wonderful place it is. If someone said I had to move to Australia, it would be top of my list currently. Next time, we're off to the beach.Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-87787047036508040762014-10-24T20:09:00.000+13:002014-10-24T20:57:45.549+13:00Time Passes so Quickly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Where have I been?</div>
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Well, we can't get Solo lemon fizzy here in New Zealand. That stuff is good! Over the holidays we took a jaunt to foreign lands. Here's another clue:<br />
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And a new friend!<br />
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I LOVE visiting Australia. We went to Adelaide first, because Johnny went to a conference.<br />
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Adelaide is such a beautiful city. It is not huge like Melbourne, but has lots to see and do.<br />
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Rundle Mall is the central city shopping hub, and there was a celebration on while I was there, with activities for children.<br />
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The Torrens River is beautiful.<br />
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We visited the Museum of South Australia. What a fascinating place!<br />
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I would love a mineral collection like this one:<br />
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The Adelaide Zoo was a real highlight for me. I had a special experience visiting the pandas before opening time, and it made such a difference quietly enjoying them (and having a bit of a chat with them) without the crowd. I was so lucky because I was the only one who booked for the Panda Experience, so I had the lovely Rob all to myself, and he told me all sorts of things about the animals living at the zoo as he took me on a tour.<br />
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The pandas are just divine. No, they are not cuddly. They are very large and strong creatures, so are treated with a great deal of respect by their keepers. Wang Wang is the male, and Funi the female. Hopefully next year's breeding season with be successful. There is a very small window of time for breeding activity, and even though Wang Wang performed admirably, he didn't quite get the job done. Apparently panda ladies like strong, dominant gentlemen callers, and Wang Wang is still young and is learning the ropes. The capybaras have no such problems. There seemed to be hoards of perfect miniature capys, and I read on the Adelaide Zoo website that a new litter of babies arrived recently. They are like enormous guinea pigs, without the variations in colour and fur length. I desperately want one.<br />
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Well, that is plenty for this post. Gosh time has passed so quickly since my last blogging session. I just didn't feel much like blogging for a bit, and sadly, we lost our dear doggy, Miss Dog, to liver cancer. I named the blog after Miss Dog (Poppy) and my mum and dad's darling yellow Labrador, Daisy. They are both gone now. For a while looking at the blog was just a bit too sad. I guess the lovely thing about blogs is that we can look back and remember our special friends if we write about them.<br />
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Check in soon for more about my adventures in Australia!Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-53098734295114726202014-08-31T19:01:00.001+12:002014-08-31T19:01:12.641+12:00Looking back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last weekend I just didn't have it in me to blog. Everything felt crappy. Blogging didn't feel worthwhile because I felt pressure to produce. Normally I regard my blog as a little record of whatever I fancy, for my family mainly. Suddenly it felt like a burden. But then today I had a look back at September last year and the year before. Just like this year, I was sick both years around now. And spring led to more and more colourful blog posts throughout the month. There is so much to look forward to right now, so it is time to record and celebrate the beauty of spring, just like I have in previous years. </div>
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I'm pretty pleased with the Corner of Doom, which has been hideous for years, and is now neatly under control. I took this photo on a frosty morning recently. Look at that glorious sun!</div>
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Mr Mouse likes to keep an eye out for his little brother. Fergus was naughty this morning and managed to get over into our neighbour's place, but couldn't get back over the tall fence. There was nothing to climb on over the other side, so I had to go on a retrieval mission.<br />
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How could something so sweet be so naughty. Right now he's still enjoying tearing rolls of toilet paper into a million pieces, and he loves the "Little Shop" items from our supermarket. They are wee versions of supermarket items that you get when you spend a certain amount. Fergus has no intention of setting up his own little shop. He loves patting and chasing them around the house. He wasn't so pleased when we returned home with a tiny replica cheese and a wee bag of flour. They don't roll very well.<br />
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The boys love prowling around in the garden.<br />
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After all of that hard work playing Mr Mouse enjoys time relaxing.<br />
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So does Miss Dog, on her bed.<br />
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Fergus knows how to flatter his colouring when he is resting.<br />
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Last weekend we had John's mum to stay. She had a busy time while she was here, and we went out for tea to <i>The Flying Burrito Brothers</i> - so good! On Sunday we went to the big market, and Johnny's mum bought us this beautiful chintz plate for our anniversary. We have been married for 20 years! Incredible! (Yes, I must have been a child bride).<br />
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Look what else I got from Johnny's mum - this perfect wee birdie!<br />
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I've popped it up on one of my special shelves and am hoping Mr Fergus never finds his way up to capture it. I can imagine he would be ruthless with his teeth and claws. On the bird theme, we did bird screen prints with my students at school this week. We have developed a simple technique which allows all of my students to screen print successfully. Every print is different and they look really effective.<br />
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Miss Dog hasn't been feeling great recently. She has gone off her biscuits, and isn't even stealing the cat biscuits. We will have to get her mouth looked at. She was very pleased that I bought her some dog sausage. Fergus was also pleased, and mauled the packaging thoroughly before it had made its way to the fridge.<br />
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Miss Dog hasn't been getting out much lately, so I took her out for a quiet walk yesterday. She is really stiff in the hind quarters, but we managed a slow meander to the Nature Park where she made the most of the opportunity to sniff every bush and grassy clump. <br />
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The pond is full and Miss Dog was quite keen on the idea of a swim. I was less keen on smelly, wet dog for the rest of the day, so we had to give that experience a miss.<br />
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She was exhausted when we got home, but I know she had a lovely time checking out interesting smells. It certainly isn't the same experience walking her as it was when she was younger. It is now quite a pleasure just wandering along slowly. She has never been a joy to walk because she was so strong and couldn't be trusted off the lead. She was prone to getting very excited at the sight or smell of anything interesting and suddenly dragging me in her wake, which did not help my poor decrepit back. Now my back is much better (riding regularly, without falling off, has been great therapy), Miss Dog is not a challenge to walk any more. </div>
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It makes me so sad to think of her as being an old lady, and even worse to wonder how much pain she is in, but she is still a waggy, smiling doggy. </div>
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Well, tomorrow is the first official day of spring. Zanny and I had a wonderful ride together today, and her dark brown coat was warm from the sun. There is a one day event in a couple of weeks that I'll be grooming at. Emily is building her team again following the birth of her dear little girl, so there are some exciting developments there. I'm working on the front garden as it has been bothering me for ages. It felt good to move some things around and make plans. There is a lot to look forward to and it is pretty good right now too. Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-68913013975615270462014-08-16T19:40:00.002+12:002014-08-16T19:40:44.986+12:00Happy Birthday To Me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lucky me, I got to spend my birthday at home. Well, actually not so lucky, as I caught horrible cold off Johnny and spent three days moping around at home miserably. This morning I still felt pretty rough, but things brightened up as I tidied up my craft room this afternoon. Painting my toenails a lovely bright red also helped. I feel bad that I didn't see Zanny today, but hopefully tomorrow we'll be reunited for a nice relaxing ride.<br />
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As usual, I flit and flutter between crafty pursuits. I'm working on papercrafts at the moment, which are easier to potter with when I'm busy. I've had a (hopefully) brief pause in sewing activities. I really want to find the perfect 50's style dress pattern that fits me beautifully, so that I can make heaps for summer. Mmm- tea length. No knicker flashing when I bend over. Meanwhile, I'm making up a little scrapbook of some photos from the past year, and today I made the first scrapbook page in my new birthday scrapbook (thanks Johnny), which features Henry and the birthday cake he made so that he could send me a piece. My printer is getting a workout, and is doing a good job.<br />
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So that's a wee update. Johnny and I have matching snuffly noses and coughs. I hope we both wake up in jollier moods tomorrow and have a productive day. Johnny said "You're a bit prickly today!" to me. Who me? I'm always a delightful angel! I've been possessed by some unpleasant viral evil that makes me short tempered and inclined to accidentally trip up on the dog, causing her to look at me reproachfully. Sigh.Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-5416200016398768162014-08-09T19:39:00.000+12:002014-08-09T19:39:07.824+12:00Feeling SpringyI'm annoyed. My anxiety disorder has relapsed after a long peaceful time of ticking along merrily with it tucked away. My doctor is amazing. She says "Be kind to yourself" and just having warmer, sunnier days makes me feel brighter. The damn anxiety disorder has cost me a lot but I just have to look at what I have achieved in spite of it, and I'm proud of myself.<br />
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I think my dear blogs help me to celebrate the lovely things in life, so I will continue recording special things in photos and words, regardless of whether anyone actually visits.<br />
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Over the last week there have been lots of lovely and interesting things going on. My darling Johnny, who is the centre of my Universe decided to make yo yo biscuits. Yummo!!! A husband who occasionally gets the urge to made delicious biscuits is well worth holding onto. <br />
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We shared these with our very special friends The Crafty Neighbours. We love our weekend get togethers for coffee o'clock. Well, tea in my case. I have some lovely, lovely friends. My dear friend Donna gave me these Tete-a-Tete daffodils in a wee bucket yesterday. What a treat! </div>
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She gave me this delicious pansy trio another time. I adore it.<br />
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Today Johnny arrived home today with a treat for me. Macarons. The pretty pale pink on is rosewater flavoured - my favourite - and the glorious plum coloured one is blackcurrant. So delicious with a cup of tea.<br />
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Oooh, why not? Another view of the sweet wee daffs.<br />
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Of course you know what else makes me happy. Yes, Zanny. Here she is after our ride today. That is the rubbish pile waiting to be a bonfire in the background. She loves the grass by the fire pile. </div>
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She is wearing her lovely warm winter cover. We went up the road and around the triangle block today. We even negotiated a flock of sheep coming towards us. Zanny was all wide-eyed, but I'm sure she remembered her days as a stock horse when she was young and was very good. The sheep wheeled around and started following us, so I stopped so that the shepherds could push them on where they were supposed to be going.<br />
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I'd like you to meet my newest horse friend. He suddenly appeared and is now Zanny's paddock mate. Tara has been moved to a big, grassy 10 acre block with the yearlings to fatten up the foal in her tummy. This is Hubee (Hughby???). Well, however you spell it, he is a sweetie. Zanny seems to like him.<br />
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And here is his mummy. Yes, my friend Dolly!<br />
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Hubee has had a very successful career as a trotter. He is a Standardbred. With his lovely nature and amazing career, his owners decided he deserves a chance of a post-racing life. I don't even want to think about what happens to so many race horses who have been unsuccessful or injured. It is horrible that they are not regarded as potentially fantastic pleasure or competition horses. Pacers have an especially unpromising future, because they have difficulty trotting and cantering smoothly, which makes them an uncomfortable ride unless successfully (and I'd imagine intensively) retrained.<br />
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Lucky Hubee is hopefully going to have a fun future, although he did unexpectedly pace on his first practise with Emily on his back. What was that all about??<br />
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Hubee and Dolly have lots to discuss. Maybe she is telling him that if he paces he will end up in a cat food tin. As she is well into her 20's and hates most people, she must have the secret to Standardbred longevity.<br />
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Yes, this little darling probably eats washed up race horses:<br />
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Who me?<br />
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Well, maybe. They are delicious.<br />
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<br />Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-41831940089110771142014-08-02T19:21:00.001+12:002014-08-02T19:28:37.844+12:00My Birthday Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has been a week for birthdays in our family this week. Happy birthday to my darling sister Meg, and my dear, sweet niece, Lucy, who is very excited about starting school next week. Wow five years old! I remember the excitement of waiting to be an auntie for the first time. I'm not a mother (well, not a person mother), which does have advantages. But I have also missed out on so much not having my own wee people to nurture. I've got plenty of children in my life with work, and I do have my furry children to love. I do find the three children of my siblings fascinating, and I love to hear what they are up to. </div>
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This was an especially big week for my biggest furry friend. Zanny turned the grand old age of 20! She is looking a bit like it in these photos, as she was rather lethargic standing in the yard before our ride. She's got her full winter woollies on, but has started shedding already. It was quite warm, so I was hoping she was just sleepy standing in the sun. Thoroughbred horses in New Zealand have their official birthday on the 1st of August, so I celebrated today. I did ask Zanny if she had a hangover after a fantastic birthday party last night, but she wasn't telling! </div>
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Our lovely friend Heather made Zanny a birthday cake, which she was extremely excited about. If you want to make your big best equine friend a present, molasses, rolled oats, carrots and apples make a very delicious cake for a horse. Heather had arranged carrot sticks on the top like candles, and it looked amazing, but Mrs Zanny wasn't holding back and I didn't get a photo of the masterpiece. Here it goes after she had a good go at it. She also gave some to her friends Tee and George, who thought it was a great treat.<br />
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Obviously it is hard work being 20. Once we got going she perked up a lot as the wind was blowing and she had to keep an eye out for spooky things. My balance is getting much better and I feel so much more confident than a few months ago. I think I'll ask Emily for another lesson because I have questions.<br />
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I decided that I wanted to get Zanny a leather halter for her birthday, so went to <i>The Saddlery Warehouse.</i> Sale time! Wooo hooo. I found a well priced halter (see top photo - I haven't oiled it yet, so it looks a bit stiff), and also got a black saddle blanket and a "monkey" strap, which is a leather strap that you buckle onto the front of your saddle for extra security should you need it. Handy in a spook, but I like using one to hold onto when I am hacking with long reins. Another bargain find was a pair of lovely black leather boots in my perfect size. My old boots are really shabby now, but I'll still wear them on wet days because they are waterproof. <br />
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Mouse approved of the boot box.<br />
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Here are my boots, with black half chaps. They are really smart and I am convinced I rode better with them on! Yes, they have laces like paddock boots, but a zip up the back for access.<br />
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It was lovely and warm today. We have had a good week with the weather. I enjoyed feeling like spring is on the way. Look- snowdrops in the school garden.<br />
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I am back to more regular 'cello lessons this term. I missed my 'cello playing so much and I have reached an interesting level of ability, so it is a waste not to keep working at it. I'm currently playing Bloch's <i>A Jewish Life</i> which you can see being performed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNC0MqafuCM">here</a>. I can now say I specialize in playing pieces composed from the late Romantic and early Modern music periods - the moodier the better! My little finger is giving me a bit of trouble, and curses to that. Left little fingers are essential for 'cello playing, and lots of other things, I've discovered. </div>
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I hope the weather is good again tomorrow because Zanny has leftover birthday cake to finish off, and it would be fun to go for a road ride as we worked in the arena today. Now the evenings are getting lighter I am determined to have a ride during the week. It would be good for both of us. </div>
<br />Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-87230310286471870722014-07-27T20:32:00.000+12:002014-07-27T20:32:11.192+12:00Back to workWell, as always, getting back to work means a lot less adventures and creating at home. I get really tired, so just have to do what I can. I rode Mrs Zanny yesterday out along the road. We went for quite an adventure, past the first spooky hayshed, past the big rows of plastic wrapped bales, past another spooky hayshed, along past some interesting properties, and past a wool shed. The road verges are very wide, and safe for trotting in most places. Zanny likes to go FAST when she trots. She'd be amazing in a trotting race. I have to try to keep her pace under control in case she stumbles. It is fun to race along though!<br />
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We are trying to get the front garden under control. Johnny pruned a big rose bush today, and did a great job. I'm hoping he'll help me with some more (hint hint). His dad was brilliant at pruning roses, and I think it might be hereditary.<br />
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I'm having fortnightly 'cello lessons this term. I'm starting this week, but I have a sore little finger on my left hand, which is important for playing. I'm hoping it will be OK, but it didn't take kindly to gardening today.<br />
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There's been a little bit of sewing this week. Pop over to <a href="http://poppysews.blogspot.co.nz/">my sewing blog</a> to check up on what I have been working on. </div>
<br />Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-83059316296246942662014-07-19T17:40:00.001+12:002014-07-19T17:40:36.767+12:00This and That<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've had plenty of very dreary days over the last two weeks. I managed a bit of a garden tidy up, Zanny got her shoe put back on (yes - I found it!), we've been out and about a little bit. Last night I went to the movie <i>Jersey Boys, </i>which is about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, so had lots of great music and I really enjoyed the story. The Crafty Neighbour wanted to see it, so I went with her, and was so glad I did. </div>
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The garden is looking really damp and the grass has mud tracks every where. It showered on and off today, yet again. I do have some lovely hyacinths opening up. These three are supposed to be the same, but one is lagging so far behind that I'm wondering if it is a different variety. </div>
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These big plump ones look so promising.<br />
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I planted several rows of garlic. This was some from a big daddy bulb given to me by Fisherman Jim (my Garlic God brother).<br />
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I also did some work on one of my quilts.<br />
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I have been a bit sidetracked by clothes sewing, so this has been lurking in the wings waiting for a day in the spotlight. I adore the fabrics.<br />
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Mr Mouse approves too. What a scruffy man he is, and his head looks enormous here! He isn't weird looking like this in real life.<br />
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Here's my latest clothing project, after a night out. You can read more about it on <a href="http://poppysews.blogspot.co.nz/">Poppy Sews</a>.<br />
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I'm trying to decide whether this gets another outing tonight. We are going out for dinner (Indian - yummmm!) with Johnny's colleagues. Plenty of room around the tummy for expansion.<br />
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It has been a bit dull around here. Never mind. I guess when your biggest disappointment is that you have finished watching all of your <i>Downton Abbey </i> DVDs, things could be a lot worse.Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-3759896385333917952014-07-12T16:47:00.001+12:002014-07-12T16:47:03.770+12:00The Lost Shoe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The weather has been cold and windy around here. Not good for riding. Today I headed out and was pleased to discover the sun was shining out at the farm, so things were looking great for a lovely ride. That was until I brought Zanny in and realised she had lost a shoe somewhere in her enormous paddock. So I settled for a grooming session, then had a hunt for the shoe. Zanny's paddock not only has some pine trees at one end for shelter, but a large pond in it. There was no sign of the lost shoe. I could possibly ride her gently with a missing shoe, on soft ground, but her hooves tend to crack easily, and her shoes protect them from crumbling. I might just have to wait until the farrier visits the farm, which hopefully will be soon. What a bummer for the holidays. Zanny just looked at me knowingly, like she'd done it on purpose, and knew exactly where the shoe was hiding. </div>
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Fergus has been a busy boy playing, sleeping and eating. He loves his cat tunnel. </div>
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Look at those enormous blue eyes! They don't look real because they are so brilliant, gleaming like jewels. </div>
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Mr Mouse has gone for a nap somewhere. I'm sure he'll appear when the fire is lit, and will take over Miss Dog's bed, stretching out so she has no room. They all love basking by the fire.<br />
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I'm going to make a big pot of minestrone soup for tea, and I couldn't be more pleased.Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-67723240541126893912014-07-09T18:22:00.001+12:002014-07-09T18:22:10.363+12:00Pretty things for a grey day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a dreary grey day today. It was drizzling for most of the day, but luckily yesterday was just cold and grey, so I was able to have a lovely ride on Mrs Zanny. We went on a wee adventure, exploring down a road we have only been on twice, when we did the big block a while ago. Zanny and I are getting on beautifully, and she was so well behaved. I'm much more confident, and we did quite a lot of trotting on the drier, smoother areas. The roads around the farm have very wide grass verges in most places, so it is a perfect area for hacking. Zanny is fantastic with traffic, ignoring everything we have ever come across, so I am very lucky. Actually, I lie, she did jump out of her skin when a cyclist suddenly appeared on the spooky hayshed corner. We don't come across many cyclists because some of the roads are shingle, and lycra clad cyclists seem to avoid those with their skinny wee tires. </div>
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Zanny is getting quite excited because it is her 20th birthday soon. She wants a lovely new halter. I think I might see if I can surprise her with a brown leather one. I have a special sheepskin raiser pad for under her saddle ordered, but that might take a while. I use Em's one usually, but as other horsies use it we need our own. Emily said Zanny looks like a hairy pony at the moment. I'd have to agree! </div>
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No use hoping for a ride today, so Johnny and I went out to do a few jobs. I joined the library! Yay! The Lincoln Library is now in a beautiful new building, and I have been looking forward to becoming a regular library user again. We were members of the Christchurch libraries, but when we moved out of the city we were no longer allowed to stroll on in and leave with armfuls of books. Today I felt that joy again, as I staggered back to the car with my load. I had to tell myself that we'd be back again soon, so I could leave some books behind for another day. </div>
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I had a little poke around the house to take photos of a few pretty things since action has been slim on the ground. In fact this afternoon I had a nap on the couch, which I haven't done in ages. I found some little birdies (thanks Meg, Ryan and Henry for the gift). </div>
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Look - a summery magazine to make me look forward to warmer weather. I need lots of sundresses.<br />
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Oh, Fergus, you are so pretty too!<br />
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Afternoon nap time.<br />
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Where's Mouse? Not exactly handy for a photo. He has a lovely spot up on top of my shelves of pretty things. Even better, it is a kitten free zone. For now.<br />
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Fergus has taken to destroying rolls of toilet paper, so we bought him his own toy, which he can kick and shred as much as be likes. He rather likes his new bunny, but fell asleep hugging it today. Something tells me the toilet rolls are still not safe.<br />
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I love all of the pretty things in my chintz collection. I think it is time I found some more treasures. This wee delphinium cup is all alone, with no matching friends. The shape is so sweet, and I love the pattern.<br />
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The Crafty friend bought me the "Keep Calm and Quilt On" fabric sticker.<br />
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This was another market find, for only $15.<br />
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Johnny rescued my wee embroidered pincushion from Fergus the Fiend last night. Hours of stitching slobbered on and munched by our wicked kitty. Luckily it didn't get the same treatment he gives to toilet rolls. Maul your bunny, Mr Kitten!!!!<br />
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Hopefully the photos are going to work properly - I had a bit of trouble with Blogger today. Grrr. Pop over to the sewing blog for some more action.<br />
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<br />Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-11567711682508474252014-07-07T15:37:00.000+12:002014-07-07T15:37:22.454+12:00What's on your "Bucket List"?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was with a close family member when she died. I literally felt the life leave her body. As awful as it was to lose someone special, as a result of the experience, I'm not afraid of death. It was a transition to peace for the dear person who died. After that I lost other close family members- unexpectedly, suddenly, not so suddenly, after a long illness, and one very peacefully, so I know life is precious, and to be celebrated each day. I don't consider any discussion around this to be morbid, but to be a reminder that we must do those little things we long to do when possible, and not put them off. </div>
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A good old "Bucket List", which I'd never heard of until I saw the movie of the same name, is a kind of fun way of thinking about special things we'd like to do in our lives. Take a look at my Bucket List Birman, just scooped up for a big under my chin cuddle, which he loves:</div>
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I could have left Mr Mouse as an only child, my best furry friend. I could have headed to the SPCA and rescued another kitten (yes -I did feel somewhat guilty about not doing that). But I had to listen to the wee message tucked away from childhood that told me I wanted a cat just like one I saw as a little girl. A Birman with points like a Siamese, fluffy fur and perfect white slippers.<br />
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My Bucket List Birman has brought so much joy to our little family. He is delicious.<br />
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Now I'm thinking about what could be my next goal, but right now I'm pretty happy with a soft cuddle from my dear, perfect furry friend. Oh, and his wee white slippers are not quite so pristine after a good prowl in the garden!Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-65093592610489019622014-06-29T17:56:00.002+12:002014-06-29T17:56:54.890+12:00Winter DayBrr - the wind was so cold today, even though the sun was shining. We had things to do around home, and popped out to do a bit of shopping. Yay, our brother-in-law Ryan arrived this afternoon for a wee visit. We're making homemade pizzas for tea.<br />
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This morning before the wind really came up I opened up the back door to let the herd out to play. My pots of bulbs are making me very happy. The hyacinths especially.<br />
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Mouse surveyed his domain.<br />
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Miss Dog supervised every move the cats made.<br />
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Ahhh, time for some cat yoga.<br />
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So much to sniff and snuffle. Mr Mouse has huge fluffy britches on.<br />
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Everything is new and exciting for Fergus.<br />
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The damp lawn was very interesting. I wonder if Fergus will have a tail to rival Mouse's enormous plume one day?<br />
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After a whole lot of hard work exploring and playing the boys settled down for a snuggle up on Johnny's beanbag. The beanbag lives in my sewing room because Mouse often insists on sitting as close to me as possible when I'm sewing, and I find it easier to nestle him down next to me in the beanbag than moving him off my chair constantly.<br />
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There has been plenty of sewing over at the sewing blog, so pop over for a look. Oh, and if you are tired of cats, you are reading the wrong blog. </div>
Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-2935237297825342752014-06-28T19:21:00.000+12:002014-06-28T19:21:24.058+12:00I'm back in actionOh dear, we had a blogging hiccup last weekend when Blogger was too slow to work with, so I'm hoping we are back to the usual speed. I wasn't feeling the best the week before last, so was pretty unmotivated anyway. The last week has been better, with brighter days and more fun times.<br />
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Today dawned frosty and clear, with the hideous stench of cat poo from the pussycat ablutions facility in the ensuite bathroom. Oh dear, someone had an upset tummy, but at least he chose to use his litter tray. Both boys got outside for a while today because I thoroughly aired the house out. I had to block some gaps in the perimeter of the garden to prevent Fergus from escaping. What a naughty boy he is! Mouse keeps an eye on him, but he can't stop him getting into mischief.<br />
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The day was just lovely, so I was pleased to head out to spend time with Zanny and her friends. It was quiet out at the farm, so we were on our own for a ride. We headed out along the road and around the triangle block. The ground is pretty squishy, so we only had one trot and the rest of our ride was very leisurely, with Zanny choosing her own path most of the way. We did meet up with a huge hedge trimmer tractor hiding noisily on the other side of one of the big pine shelter belt hedges. I'm glad it didn't scare her. Mind you, she was heading towards home, and doesn't usually let things bother her as much on the way home as she does when we're heading away.<br />
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I had a surprising experience with the wee pony who shares her paddock with the girls. He was in with Dolly and Thistle, but today I found he was in with Zanny and Tara. Poor wee man. The girls are really mean to him, and I have had to work hard to gain his trust. He has been on the farm a while and I'm not sure of his future as he is really spooky, headshy and scared of people. He's about 12.2 hands high, I'd say, and still young. I think he was backed and turned out again. Today I said hello to him as always and his cover was badly ripped with a big piece of lining dangling right down over his hind legs. Zanny! Naughty girl! I spent some time sorting out the cover as best I could, tying up the lining, watching out in case he kicked out suddenly. But he just stood there. He let me lean my arms on his back. He stood totally still while I fussed over him, and ended up snuggled up with my arms around his furry neck, cuddling him for ages. What a treat! He was so relaxed and I was really surprised. I do get teased a bit about being a "horse whisperer" out on the farm, and maybe there's something in it. Horses are the most divine, beautiful creatures.<br />
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There has been some serious sewing over at the sewing blog. Plenty of problems too.Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-20007236765672245422014-06-15T20:13:00.000+12:002014-06-15T20:13:53.540+12:00The new projectIt has begun! My vintage sewing adventure is underway. Now you can zippity zip your way over to <a href="http://poppysews.blogspot.co.nz/">Poppy Sews</a> and take a look at the first two posts. The blog is still under construction, so the various elements on the layout will built up in number, and change as I get new ideas. There has been a bit of sewing undertaken today. As usual, my furry assistants were on hand. Fergus was particularly insistent that I needed his input.<br />
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Don't worry, I am not making a dress in this horrible fabric. It is an old sheet I am using to make a muslin - a mock up of the dress - to ensure it fits before hacking into my dress fabric.<br />
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Worryingly, Fergus loves playing with pins. No! Dangerous!<br />
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He still looks quite little, but is eating like a Labrador, and is getting more solid with each passing day.<br />
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Today the sun came out and warmed up the back yard for a while. I decided to open up the back door and let the fresh air in. It was Fergus' first day in the garden. What a wee adventurer he is!<br />
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You can see mud on the decks and paving. Johnny hosed it away and Miss Dog tracked more everywhere. The grass squelches when you walk on it. We are supposed to be getting another week of rainy days this week. More mud.<br />
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Fergus tiptoed over the wet grass.<br />
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Mouse was there to lend a hand and kept a close eye on his wee brother. Johnny put those sticks in on the lawn to try to make Miss Dog walk a different way. She has left a muddy path like a pacing cheetah at the zoo.<br />
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That's right Fergus, you might as well add your pawprints to Miss Dog and Mousie's ones on the cutting garden. No respect. Make yourself useful and pull out some weeds please!<br />
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After a bit of pottering in the garden, I headed out to the farm to see my Mrs Horse. Zanny and I really enjoyed another ride out around the roads. She was a little more alert and looking for danger today, and we did have a couple of discussions about potential monsters. She always thinks covers hanging on fences are about to eat her, and today I didn't let her get away with any nonsense. Apart from that we did some lovely trotting out along the wide grassy verge, which wasn't too mushy, and walked the bumpy areas. Heaven! The mountains are covered in bright white snow, and gleam when the sun shines. </div>
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When I returned home we popped over with some flowers to see our friends (and neighbours) who had a horribly unexpected death in their family. It brought back some sad memories for my darling Johnny, who lost his wonderful dad suddenly in similar circumstances. They were the same age. Life is very precious and each day is special. I hope you can find something to celebrate about each day in the next week of your life. XXX </div>
Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293961049583869019.post-79306082570827394492014-06-14T22:48:00.000+12:002014-06-14T22:48:25.353+12:00Poppy Sews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Greetings all! It has been a busy week, with some big challenges, a smooshed bumper on my car (someone hit it when it was parked at school) and horribly rainy weather. Meanwhile my busy brain has been ticking away considering a new project. I adore vintage clothing. Well, specifically clothing from 1900 through to the 1950's. Half a century is a lot of time, and women's clothing went through so many changes, but the elegance, the fabrics, the accessories and the styling fascinates me. I already have a few 1950's style dresses, which suit my figure. I'm not slim, but I do have a much smaller waist than my hips and bust. I'm not really suited to the slim evening gowns of the 1930's, or the flapper era 1920's (but the embellishments!!!! Oh so glorious). But the New Look of the late 1940's through into the 1950's, with the nipped in waist is perfect for me. Hunting down actual vintage clothing in my size would, I'm sure, be a frustrating exercise. The solution? Sew my own vintage wardrobe. </div>
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In honour of the vintage style sewing enterprise, I am considering starting another blog. I've already got one set up for gardening, but haven't starting posting on that yet. I'm uninspired by winter gardening. I think a blog dedicated to my sewing would encourage me to keep working on skills, and to try new things, without boring the living daylights out of most of the family, my dedicated readers, who can read about my general exploits on <i>Poppies and Daisies</i>.</div>
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Well, until I get the new blog set up, I have made a start on the first official clothing item from my vintage sewing adventure. I have already dipped my toes into some vintage-style sewing with thanks to the lovely <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/">Gertie</a> who wrote <i>Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing. </i>I possibly have the biggest collection of her portrait blouses in the Southern Hemisphere. Thanks to Gertie I am willing to get stuck in and experiment with changing the fit of garments to suit my purposes and style. I'm definitely an amateur so far, having limited experience with more complex techniques. Unfortunately I also come with a history of disasters when using patterns from the big pattern companies. I might be post graduate university educated, but when it comes to following directions for sewing patterns (or any other), I'm not sure I graduated primary school. It is time to get my pattern following diploma and have some moments of sewing brilliance. </div>
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I popped into <i>Fabric Vision</i> and picked up a couple of patterns that appealed and that I could buy in my size. They are both Vogue 1950's reproduction patterns and and very much in the style I prefer to wear. Vogue 2903 is fabulous for my figure, and I'd love to wear View B to the school formal in August. Elegant, but modestly covered. This dress requires over 7 metres of fabric (OMG!!!). I need to do some practise before tackling a project that could result in the expensive destruction of that much fabric. Unless I can find something perfect for $2 a metre, of course. So instead I am starting with the sheath dress in Vogue 8875. I love the coat as well, which is actually inspired by riding coats from the 1800's. How cool is that? The coat will have to wait. It looks like it needs expensive fabric. </div>
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Today was a lovely day after our horrid wet week, so I had gardening and riding to do too. Time to hurry, hurry and get some pattern preparation done. Look at all of these tissue sheets.<br />
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Here's where Pattern Reading 101 begins. I'm scared already. There are pages of instructions. Luckily half of them are in French, so I'll just ignore those.<br />
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Look- great to see measurements to fit the curvy girl. Don't be fooled by sizing on patterns. Always measure your body and match to the measurements on the pattern, because they don't match ready to wear sizing. Wooo hooo - I perfectly match one of these sizes - and guess what? It isn't the largest one. Cool.<br />
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Now we meet the first hurdles in my sewing experience.<br />
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I removed cat number one, and along came cat number two. Pattern tissue makes the most delightfully enticing crinkly sounds. Very appealing to my furry familiars.<br />
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Once I took a good look at the pattern, I realised that once cut in my size, I would be unable to re-cut the pattern smaller because of the overlapping lines, so I took the time-consuming route of tracing the pattern onto my preferred pattern making material, which is actually frost cloth. We are bringing the garden indoors. Note the cans holding everything steady. The technical term for these is "pattern weights" I think. <br />
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I got this box out and put the cut out pattern pieces into it to stop the cats playing with them. Then someone hopped in for a little rest. It is hard work making patterns, thinks Fergus. <br />
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By the time I had got half of the pieces traced and cut out it was time to do my gardening. I set myself some times to work on jobs at the weekend, because I'm on a tight time schedule. I cleared the front border of dahlia stems and other dried up foliage and filled the green waste bin. Then it was time for lunch and I headed out to ride Zanny. The dear girl was pleased to see me, and we both enjoyed a hack around the small block in the sun. We met our friend Viv and Frank halfway around, so they joined us for the second half, and a good chat. Zanny didn't even squeal at Frank when they touched noses to say hello. She was very chilled out today.<br />
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Tara's tummy is already hanging down below her cover. She's due to have her next foal in November. I remember she was really plump when pregnant with Aria, so I'm not too concerned that she's so big now. We don't want twins as horses rarely successfully carry twins to term. Poor Zanny lost two beautiful colt foals during one pregnancy. She was heartbroken. Zanny loves being a mummy. I'm a bit sad she won't be one again, but it wouldn't be a good idea at her age. I bet she'll be pining after anything male with four legs in spring. She's a real tart.<br />
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I managed to fend off the furry assistants long enough to finish tracing and cutting my sheath dress pattern. I do have some fabric in mind for it, so hopefully I'll have enough of it to use for the job. I think I should really make a muslin to see how the dress fits (i.e. to check whether it hides or emphasises the curves in the wrong places).<br />
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I think Fergus would rather I put the scissors down and played instead.<br />
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Poppy Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288867028294659038noreply@blogger.com1