The birthday girl is ready and waiting.....
We were all in the kitchen cooking up a storm.

The sun was out and the white cloth was so bright that all sunglasses were on.

the familiar German birthday song is being sung.... Commonly known as "oyxta boyxta"

Another birthday up our sleeves.

Today it was Amy's turn . We sat outside at the long table near the house on stilts.

The table was laid with big branches of jasmine over a white cloth.

We piled onto it platters with lots of paper thin crepes, with fillings to put together yourself.
The first was fresh tomato, red onion and basil,
The next was Poached chicken with pesto and ricotta
and the last was pear, bacon and blue cheese with cream cheese.

I also made mini raspberry muffins in a pile for the birthday cake. Followded by a large fruit platter with mango pineapple, strawbs,canteloupe and watermelon .And also the traditional large lolly bowl.

Yeah !!!we had a lovely day.

who is this?

What the hell...... sorry just playing and found a cute lizard.....

Its a birthday

Finally the girl has turned eighteen .such a big weekend we had. There was early present opening followed by rushing off to the movies . Adam and I rushed off to the engagement party of Simon,Suzies son. At the same time for early morning champagne breakfast.

As we had such an early start we thought we should do it properly and head to the market REALLY early.We got to the market at ten past six. We managed to do all the party food shop and be back home by eight thirty .With kisses and hugs in bed followed by presents.

We then went our separate ways and met back again at twelve thirty for the birthday pancakes with icecream and strawbs and candles.

We then lolled about with the viewing of a dancing dvd

that Amy gave Lena "Stepup 1....and 2".With some hilarious copying of the dance moves.

It was then time to get ready for the football event .which was Sue and Chris and Eri taking Lena to the football semi final to see Hawthorn play ....someone (I forget ). I made asparagus rolls and packed them off in the car with Lena driving on her "L's" still, in Amy's Car.....While Lena was away I made the poppyseed cheese cake for the birthday cake.and prepared food for the party on Sunday evening.And maybe caught some breath.

Now as I write their has been new updates. Lena HAS her licence and is ON THE ROAD HOORAY!!!!!
Helping me with some chores involving the car.As she heads off into the sunset I have to try really hard not to be too much of a worrier.But god help us from being like Doro!!!
Sorry no photos yet

first day of spring

Here are our lovely chickees. They have grown heaps and are now in the cage outside. They love the grass and weeds .the best to eat is the oxalis.
And any amount of cut bread slices.
The sun is out today and there is warmth in the air.

It is already September. Lots of things happen in September.

A big eighteenth birthday and also a driving test.

We have to plan a party and think about the big sisters birthday next as well.

My garden is growing and growing.

The peas I have trained up the trellis.

I think they are the pea straw flowering but it doesnt matter they are

the mostbeautiful colour.

Also the broad beans and their red flowers are doing really well
.

time for some news

Wow it has been a while .... sorry.
We have three new chickens inside in a box.
They grow every day and make more and more smells.
We just have to be nice to them for a while until they start to lay eggs for us
.
I have all my jobs still.
The Lane is busy and I cook lots of breakfasts and lunches on my shifts.
At the moment I am there on tTuesday and Friday

I have been near the sewing machine as well.
The couch and its loose cover are coming along well.
It has had three fittings now and all is well. I have been to buy a zip at spotlight and
then sewing on the skirt and some hemming is about all....
oh ....as well as the two seat cushions..It is made out of lovely fabric called Cochin twill in the
colour geranium, from an Indian fabric wholesale place in Fairfield .

my home- grown ......friends

this photo is a new broad bean that I found with red flowers.
they are a bit hard to see but they are amazing...
such a deep maroon and we are yet to see,
the colour of the beans WOW......
. can you guess what I have eaten for the last two nights my own .......

BROCCOLI......

You cant believe the joy I have had watching my broccoli grow.

I dont even mind that I had to share last nights with two large green grubs.

our winter solstice

The big night of the big bonfire.

We had made the precaution of notifying "Vic Fire" about our imminent bonfire,

but we had forgotten about letting the local fireys know about the blaze

and so we did have a visit from the boys in the red truck.

After they said they had been looking for us all over Eltham,

they finally left. as we had done the right thing

and registered the fire in the first place and they did say

"have a good one!"

Also as a regular event on the shortest day we have a requirement ,

that you have to wear shorts if you come.

Lucky for us it was quite a mild night.

And so with the intense heat of the fire you could have your coat off and still be warm.

We made homemade potato wedges and treacle toffee and a wee dram of brandy

to keep us warm.