these chairs

In 1963 my Mum and Dad bought these set of chairs in a shop my brother-in-laws Dad worked in. Both them and the dining table they bought to go with them hold so many dear memories for me. From birthdays and christmases around the table, sitting beside my left handed sister bumping elbows as we ate. Sitting for hours in them refusing to eat the sunday roast, squeezing around the table with my 5 other siblings after watching Dr.Who, the Goodies or Sweet and sour.



Over the years the chairs have had a few reincarnations. They started out blue/grey stripes with a white middle, then in the 70's they became bright apple green, then black much later on. They cam to live with me about 10 years ago and I do so dearly love them. For about the last 5 years they have desperately needed a bit of care. The black vinyl was badly cracked so off the went to the upholstery man. Yesterday they came home, a new reincarnation of themselves. Mum would never have chosen red for them, it's just not her colour but I LOVE them red!



These chairs are more than just something to park my bottom on. They hold a lifetime of wonderful times and memories for my family. They are so strong, sturdy and well made they will be here long after my children's bottoms leave home. these chairs that cost my parents a whooping 10 p nearly 50 years ago, well for me they are an heirloom that one day I hope one of my little people will take into their home for their family to park their bottoms on. I wonder what colour they will choose for the next reincarnation.

back from the outback

I have always wanted to visit the flinders ranges after hearing about the awesome light and escarpement so when Lach mentioned he needed to take 3 weeks leave before the end of Oct, my vote was for the outback.

Well I had never really considered the flinders the outback, and I bet alot of people who live in Central Australia may not consider it either, but geez it can be pretty remote. For nearly 3 weeks we jammed out gear into our trusty Jackaroo(aptly named hungry jack)and camped in some of the most amazing country this golden land of ours has to offer. Amazing light has greeted us, along with equally amazing dust storms so thick we couldn't see beyond the bonnet of poor jack. We've hiked till the little miss could hike no more (which in many cases was further than many adults!) , explored and investigated trees, gorges, ruins and sacred sites.



The little people have developed an afinity with "olden day houses" as the land abounds with so many ruins from broken dreams and river red gums which abound and astound us with their girth. We've nestled in their shade, cautious of their limbs which creaked and swayed. We climbed some beautiful giants and marvelled at the old "fairy trees" and their hidden treasures within their burnt out trunks.



We tried our hardest to find the stories of the original inhabitants, but sadly they were hard to come by, although we were very lucky to visit Sacred Canyon in which engravings can be found. It's a truly amazing site and my favourite place from the whole trip.



We drove for hours into a land where there was nothing to see but dirt and tufts of dry grass. A barren and remote land littered with ruins and an occasional oasis. Mazzive wedges gazed at us from alongside the road (awesome!), kangaroos of at least 3 different types; my first siting of a red in the wild, emu's abounded everywhere often with a tribe of youngsters and we were so lucky to come across a group of yellowfooted rock wallabies, awesome indeed!



3 weeks of dirt, dust and lots of flies, but it was great! Now for the washing *sigh*

the block

it's started to rain....and rain and rain and rain.... That was our weekend away at the block, my brother-in-law, Andy's family bush block. it was so lovely though. Tucked away in the warmth by the fire, trying to figure out how to crochet and make granny squares with no luck, drinking many many cups of chai and watching on as children played happily, most of the time.




It's an awesome place to relax and get back to nature and feel the softness and beauty



and catch up with cousins



play some tunes

and get those welly's on and splashing in the puddles with a splish, splosh, splash

beside the seaside.....

We're squeezing in as much as we can before the bubba arrives at the moment. Figuring it may be some time before we can go bushcamping again we set off for the long weekend down to a pretty little spot near Port Macdonald. We'd been told there was quite a bit of a drive off-road to get to the spot, no worries, we have a 4wd and are used to having to travel a bit off road. ummm not when I'm 37 weeks pregnant!!! By gosh I thought that baby was going to make an early arrival! All's good though and we're back home with everyone still in their right places...might have to give it another go in a few more weeks though.

Anyway it was a lovely spot. Great camp sites, nice calm sheltered beach, pity about the young hoons who decided to camp there as well and celebrate aus day with much hooning around sand dunes, playing very loud music and partying all night and most of the next day. Sheesh! ahhh the serenity of bush camping. This is just why we usually avoid camping over public holidays. Better remember it next time....

We did have a lovely time beside the sleeplessness. The weather was perfect. The kids had a bit of a fish on the jetty with Lach. Both got to wind in their first fish. Tully caught three different species, which is apparently very impressive.



She also spent a bit of time chasing Mr.Percival around and wondering where "Thunder boy" was.



Whilst the little rednut avoids the water and particularly seaweed as much as possible. Loves the beach, the waves and weed freak him out though.



So there's a bit of bushcamping crossed off the list for the moment. I wonder how old the little one need be before we go again. I keep thinking maybe easter but the thought of the crowds/hoons out camping sure doesn't inspire much of a want to get back into nature.

oh and watch out for Clara over the next day or so. She'll be up in the shop soon:)

summer lovin'

Finally a little bit of summer the last few days. It's been way too mild around here and although I'm not cherishing the thought of heatwaves or anything, it's so nice to have some real summer weather for a change.

We went for a quick visit to Warrny this weekend and Lach took the kids for a quick spin in the little boats down at Lake Pertobe. A huge hit for Asher, although Tully was lost in dreams of wedding boats and castles on the water.

I've also started thinking it's about time I get some stuff ready for the newest little member of our household. I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy has flown by and am a bit sorry to say I have made pretty much nothing for this little bubba. So I've been pulling out patterns and fabric from the stash and planning away. Pixies are in the plans of course, along with some printed tee's. But there are also plans for little quilts from these charm squares. I've never made a quilt before, I'm very lucky to have a clever mumma who makes them for my kiddies and myself. I have bought fabric so many times with the intention of making quilts though. This little charm pack has the perfect amount for a little quilt for the hammock or pram and are perfectly gender neutral. I've had a go at laying them out and getting the colour flow right so now just to sew them together.




I've also been adding to the stash. Found some great yellows finally via Kelani fabric store. Why are good yellows so hard to find?




I've also been very lucky that my clever mum is also a great knitter. These soakers are for the new bubba and are from wool from my stash which has been knitted and frogged a couple of times (I'm so not a knitter). Finally they have a new life and are just perfect. They're everlasting wonder soakers which is a definite fav pattern here for great fit and longevity.



And the last little number is from the ever talented and generous Tikki. Two little fish washcloths and some great washers for the bubba. The cloths for the bub were meant to be dishcloths but the cotton is too soft and lovely to be used to wash dishes and will be great for the bub. Tik whipped up another for Lily whilst they were staying before they kids bathed in no time flat, bloody amazing that girl....



3 weeks until D-day, although I know it will be more likely to be 5 weeks.....I'm a slow cooker

guests

we've had someone with gorgeous little chubby toes and an equally gorgeous smile visiting for the last few days. So much fun to be had every time we have these guys stay or catch up, which happily can be much more often these days.

There has been many, many hours of princess play, kiddy shenanigans, guitar noise and crafty discussions.

i've had help building on my wooly stash, although I've given up my attempts at knitting, a very kind and talented lass is happy to knit for me. I know, lucky aren't i! This is what is intended for this particular yarn.



Oh and cuddles...there has been lots of cuddles. I'm stoked to see how sweet and gentle my kiddies are with young Toby. Only 4 weeks until our due day so it's great to see how good they are around a little bundle.