Visiting the Estate

Today we went out to the estate to have a look at the new back fence. I can't wait for the side fences to go in so I can see how it is going to look. You can see the entrance to the private right of way, the end of the right of way, plus a look across our land. They have sown grass seed, but we haven't had decent rainfall to get it going.

My lovely Canterbury Tales friend has been shopping again at So Tread Softly. She is giving me one of Al's lovely doorstops for Christmas, but I had to choose which one I wanted and I couldn't! Al, you must be thinking about tranferring your production to a factory in China based on 
the amount of items travelling to the South Island (believe me, Al would never do that!!!!). Go handmade all the way! By the way, if you are into handmaking things take a look at Victoria's fantastic tutorials at her Cupboard Love blog. I bet she has an amazing Christmas tree!

Ps. I figured we could plant about 15 climbing roses along the back fence. And clematis to grow through them.

Yay! Friday!

I'm excited! It is Friday, and we have two whole days in front of us to enjoy. The house is a mess, so that needs some attention, but it is nearly Christmas, so I am happy. I love Christmas because it means fun with the family, delicious food, decorations and presents. Plus the school holidays start just before Christmas, and we have weeks of freedom. We have to do some Christmas shopping over the weekend. I wanted to make lots of presents this year, but school is really busy, so I am tired by the end of the day. So far I have two pretty presents purchased. I'm popping in some photos from Christmas 2002 to get the family in the spirit. Believe me, these are the good ones! We are a strange lot when we all get together.

The Wedding of the Year!

Guess where I have been! Mr Black and I went to Whangamata for my brother's wedding. We flew up to Auckland, then picked up a rental car and drove to Whangamata, arriving about midnight on Friday night. On Saturday we went shopping and found a few goodies. I tried on two lovely pairs of shoes, but sadly my giant hooves didn't look graceful jammed into the pretty things. After lunch we got dressed for the big occasion. I wore red, which coincidentally fitted in beautifully with my brother's kilt. The wedding took place in a garden overlooking the beach, and was a gorgeous spot. The bridesmaids wore black long dresses, and the bride looked stunning in ivory with crystal beading, and delicious crystal buttons.
The reception was at the Whangamata hall, and the tables looked pretty with rose petals, glitter and calla lilies. There were masses of glasses by each place setting, and I thought we would never use them all, but believe me, we did. I discovered a liking for bubbly wine and danced up a storm even when no one else was dancing. The food was fabulous. I feel really hungry thinking about it. There was chicken, beef filet, salmon with a moroccan seasoning, new potatoes, asparagus, salad plus chocolate wedding cake and pavlovas for pudding. The bride and groom both looked so happy, and were really happy with how everything went. I was especially pleased that I made a wise choice of shoes and was still spinning and skipping late into the night. They were bridesmaid shoes from a previous wedding and were comfy even with heels. Mind you, if I had been wearing spiky stilettos the heels would have snapped off under the pressure of all that dancing.
On the Sunday we all staggered out of bed for breakfast at a local cafe. Sorry to admit that I felt rather seedy. I've never had a hangover before. I thought that they involved headaches, but I just needed some good stodgy food. We had a barbeque at the bride and groom's house, which is a great spot perched up high with a view of the sea. We had a great roast potato salad made with jacket potatoes and a yummy creamy dressing. Sadly we had to drive back to Auckland for the flight back to Christchurch after that. I miss my family and can't wait for Christmas!!!!!

Sweetpeas and Roses

How lovely! Look at this divine bouquet of flowers I gathered from the garden to give to a friend when we went to brunch at her house. I was so excited to find the sweetpeas. I'm afraid the garden has been sadly neglected due to hard school work. It was such a hot day here today. My lovely friend N. bought along a big parcel of goodies she got from Alison at So Tread Softly. We were all delighted to see and touch the divine fabrics that she uses. Everyone loved the little raffia and felted wool nests. I should have taken photos but was too busy looking at everything. I can't wait to order doorstops for my new house. By the way, we went out to the plot for a visit and it is all lovely and flat with grass seed scattered liberally over it. They have marked the boundary accurately. Mr Black kept saying how bit it is. The little road is almost finished. Having been inspired by the land we went and bought a 40 inch television. Having had our wee 21 inch for 14 years we thought it was about time we updated. It is spectacular!!!! We watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix last night. What a treat!

By the way, take a look at who is checking out my flowers. Of course his motives were not pure, he started munching on a sweetpea once this photo was taken. Typical.

Salad Season

We took a drive out to visit our section on Saturday. They have ploughed it up and flattened the huge pile of earth at one end. I guess they will be putting grass in soon. We were excited to see they have planted some lovely big flowering cherry trees along the grass verge around the cul de sac.
I am pleased to say that it is salad season. I am tired of my flabby tum, so am going to try very hard to shrink it somehow. Asparagus is in season now. I like it raw in a salad, or soggy as anything in asparagus rolls. I love sprinkling a few capers into salads too. Yummy, salty little morsels.
I am off now. Feeling a bit yuck. Will write again when it passes.

Dedicating life to the bow

I have just rushed home from my cello lesson inspired to practise. Have been making a disasterous sound but after some intensive bowing instruction from Jenny I am keen to focus my attention on my right hand instead of the left. You do the fingering with the left, but it is the bowing that makes the lovely resonant singing sound. I tend to grip the bow like it is going to escape and strangle me, so I stop everything vibrating nicely. Plus I am going to buy a new bow as mine is warped and getting a bit bald.

On the house front, the road to our section is almost complete. The title is coming through in late January, which gives us an extra month to save money. Excellent.

I can highly recommend running first thing in the morning as a mood booster. I have been getting up at 6am and trotting along with Miss Dog for half an hour. She loves snuffling around, and I love getting a sweat up and spying on other people's gardens. I am ahead of schedule with 2 major end of year jobs at school and have loads more energy. It is a bit nasty getting up so early, but worth the effort.

Back again!

I have had two very busy weeks and am back in blogging action now. I'm not looking my best as I have Lush henna in my hair and my head is wrapped in plastic wrap. I was feeling a bit bland, so wanted a chestnut lift. I love treats from Lush! Mmmm, some of my favourites are Ruby Red Slippers, Happy soap, Lemslip body butter and Rockstar soap. Actually I love so many of the things I would be happy with anything from there as a present. John usually gets me some things for my birthday.
We had the appointment with the colour consultant today. The interior is going to be quite neutral with creams mainly. Mr B is having his office green!!!! We are having the same green above our bedhead. It is called Dried Grass. The exterior is quite a light taupe colour with cream trims and a charcoal/blueish colour (New Denim Blue) roof. It won't look blue, more charcoal. We still have time to change our minds, and have quite a few more decisions to make.
Looking forward to seeing some of our friends at Christmas. Above you can see Oscar, Lily and the sheep. See you soon!