Itchy fingers

Australian summer of tennis. I'm hooked on it. 

And I have to have a hook in my hand watching it. 

And some wool. Sewing won't do. 

This is going to be a big throw blanket. 

Not sure which year it will be ready. But it will remind me of tennis. 

Like the smaller one I made in 2008. 

Watching Australian Open in Karratha. 

Outside temperature over 40 degrees. 

Inside in aircon just cool enough to have a pile of wool in your lap. 

Holidays

Finnish traditions on Christmas Eve with family. Done.

Seafood lunch on Christmas Day with family and friends. Done.

Kids' excitement and joy with new toys.

A bit of shopping.

A bit more of sewing and ideas.

All done.

This view is from our couch. In a horizontal position.

Afternoon naps and no rush. The best thing.

Separation anxiety

This week Popeye had his first day in daycare.

A BIG DAY for mummy.

My tiny "big boy" in the wide world all by himself.

It was like somebody was squeezing my heart in their hands the whole time.

I got rewarded though.

Lots of kisses when I picked him up.

And now he's got fever...

It's all happening here

In Scarbs, my neighbourhood.

Hot Friday afternoon and they are setting up for a concert.

Couldn't really find a place with more beautiful views.

Living here is like a box of chocolates,

you never know what you're going to find.

I love it.

Birds & worms

Poor worm.

Little fingers were not disgusted by it at all.

In fact the little fingers almost took it to the little human mouth.

The blue wrens got fed as well.

Wine master

It's all dry.

Except for the grapevines.

They are bright green.

And need a lot of care.

Wine master here checking out the situation.

One jarrah down

The days in the sleepy countryside are full of action.

A 30 meters tall jarrah came down today. 

One loud crack and a thump.

The foliage was marinating in the hot sun on the ground.

A beautiful eucalyptus perfume wafted all around. 

I wish we had a sauna here.

Local curiosities

The local police station in the country.

And the sign in the foyer of that police station.

Makes you wonder...

At least the library was beautiful and brand new.

I could easily spend more time there.

Sitting and reading. Staring out into the bush and creek.

The main street of this little town

is a great place for chance encounters.

I met a friend from the city there

among others.

Country break

Rolling hills, 

winding roads, cows grazing in the paddocks. 

Pretty flowers, bright green young grape vines, 

fresh veggies from the ground.

Electric blue tiny wrens, frogs playing their banjos in the pond.

Morning and afternoon naps 

and an exhausted dirty little boy sleeping through the night. 

Popeye and I are in the country for the week!

Purple

It's this time of the year again.

Purple everywhere.

Jacarandas must be one of the prettiest trees around.

Best displayed lining a whole street.

Even the ground is covered in purple when the flowers fall.

An early visitor

It's amazing how much children change you and your ways.

Christmas was never allowed in our house outside of December.

But what do you know!

Here's the tree all decorated just a bit after mid-November.

It is so pretty and brings a smile to everyone's face.

The best tip

To store leafy greens.

I've tried the fridge and the crisper in the fridge.

Had them in vases on my kitchen benchtop.

They last a couple of days and start to wilt.

Some with roots I've planted in a pot outside.

They do well, even delight me with flowers.

But the tip.

Wet a tea towel, wrap your leafy greens in it and store in the fridge.

Your greens stay crisp and nice for ages - just remember to keep the towel moist.

Thanks Jamie O!

Today was a good day

Swimming and splashing with the water baby.

Ice cream in the car wash.

Shiny floors after vacuuming and mopping.

Bit of crafting and screen printing inspiration.

Healthy dinner.

Beautiful sunset walk on the beach.

Clouds had a silver lining.