tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406848375404684132024-02-08T12:05:20.781+10:00Recipes in RichnessKerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440684837540468413.post-53115862557809832212012-01-03T23:06:00.002+10:002012-01-04T13:02:14.052+10:002011...Our Secret Place & Connecting...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzrP6KHpNLa5SxAPkfPYHrdMCwS1uHtp_W3RDjLIXJHrPeU6e6wwkbACW7X9hr0qRgpCfwBchlzDn3YrtcVdi1A0ELoHoh7TJy5pOTpYaUXI_P-ZDSnSqKnQ7STQHaI_kulWUhbt_KkLR/s1600/henandhammoc_se.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzrP6KHpNLa5SxAPkfPYHrdMCwS1uHtp_W3RDjLIXJHrPeU6e6wwkbACW7X9hr0qRgpCfwBchlzDn3YrtcVdi1A0ELoHoh7TJy5pOTpYaUXI_P-ZDSnSqKnQ7STQHaI_kulWUhbt_KkLR/s320/henandhammoc_se.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Courier; font-size: large;">"There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million"</span><o:p></o:p></strong></div><br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><em>.</em><o:p></o:p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>~Walt Streightiff</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p> Reflecting on the year in general, the most poignant thing about this year is summed up in one word...</o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong>Connecting</strong>.</span> </o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p>Connecting with myself, my family and friends, and my surrounds.</o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Me in April 2011. The best I've ever felt.</em></td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Connecting with myself</span> is about being in a place where everything in my life fits together. It makes perfect sense that what you do in life is the most natural thing and that you're doing what you are supposed to. I discovered a few years ago that I am at my happiest when I am active and fit. When I feel good about my body, I feel healthy and alive and I can taste the riches that life has to offer because I am right in the game - physically, mentally, spiritually and can enjoy everything there is to enjoy. </o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p>You can partake in life to its' fullest when you are physically fit and healthy, which becomes an affirmation of your mental state. And opportunities seem to present themselves in a serendipitous fashion. Of course, there must always be gratitude felt and gratitude expressed. There must also be that willingness to work hard and toil at times, because life isn't just handed to you on a silver platter. It means that when challenges present themselves, that you must be willing to tackle them head-on and believe that things will work out. Sometimes they don't work out exactly how you want them to. But I've been around long enough and experienced enough in my life to know that whatever happens, there is the ability to always land on one's feet and when you get up and dust yourself off, take that first step, look around and believe in yourself - life has the most amazing surprises in store.</o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p>Connecting with myself also means that I've worked out what I need to nurture my body and my health. I've worked out what food makes me feel and look my best and allows me the energy to train, work and play all the roles I play in my life, with vigour. It means that when my body needs rest, I rest. When I am injured, I know and do what I need to do, to nurture it back to health. I am so tuned into my body, I feel every little tension or schism or if it's out of kilter, and I know how to relieve it and bring my body back into equilibrium. And when I give my body what it needs, I can feel its' effect, sometimes very subtley, but I feel it nonetheless and it rewards me with continued good health.</o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p>Nurturing my body, I have come to recognise places, people and surroundings that give me energy and sustain my peace of mind, and I try to avoid the same places, people and surroundings that are energy-draining.</o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Anthony & Philomena</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Christmas Eve with the Warnholtz family</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The Warnholtz wives & children</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5s0bQUxVI9AlNHr0MJs3isD6Pm3lnqd4Nf1HsA3qte3Y4NQl3CfjICoty4XrsNibVYNHcn3FrSWs0zeeLzEfqKUlJBEahOA9K7tU5Vsq0FGDDMd5r7PlQlkGGBTZzzTyg5_3SnqeY4AdI/s1600/404702_2298206265497_1559355690_31776611_777592426_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5s0bQUxVI9AlNHr0MJs3isD6Pm3lnqd4Nf1HsA3qte3Y4NQl3CfjICoty4XrsNibVYNHcn3FrSWs0zeeLzEfqKUlJBEahOA9K7tU5Vsq0FGDDMd5r7PlQlkGGBTZzzTyg5_3SnqeY4AdI/s320/404702_2298206265497_1559355690_31776611_777592426_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Philomena making her first recipe 'Creamy Scrambled Eggs'</em></td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Connecting with my family</span> is very important to me. Especially with my husband and daughter, Philomena. I think the reason it's so important now, is that as a child I felt very disconnected. It's not that my own family were unloving or didn't care for me. I know they love me and I love them, dearly. Much sacrifice was made to ensure my safety and well-being and I am grateful. It's just that they never really expressed it in way that felt overly positive or nurturing - not in the way that I feel close families should. I feel that affection, communication and love should be shared freely, unabashed and with respect, in order to help us understand each other and connect more deeply so that we form more caring and stronger relationships.</o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p>So it is with my little family that I wanted a family and home life where each one of us feels love and feels safe to express it freely. To feel safe, where regardless of the hurts of the outside world, they can come home and know that the people who they call family will pick them up and lift their spirits and be comforted with words of solace and encouragement. A home life where they can always be themselves, be accepted and encouraged to discover who they are. I want a family that is willing to share moments which are pivotal in their lives, not just family moments, but also individual ones. Recognising each others' need to pursue and express their own individual passions and pursuits.</o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Our good friends Matt and Chelsea and their brand new baby, Fraser.</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Me and Phil with my bestie, Cheryl</em></td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Connecting with my friends</span> isn't the be all and end all. I have to admit that even though I have alot of friends, I have few close friends. My closest friend will always be my husband, and then my other close friends I could count them on one hand. But I enjoy the company of many different friends. I love people. Not in a way which is stifling, but in an aloof way. I find people fascinating and I love how different they are and how their lives can be so varied. I love to see people excel. But I love them from afar. I am not part of any particular group, but I will drift in and out and enjoy the variety and stimulation of different friends when it pleases me, and then I drift out when I choose. I think its' because I love to have my family so close, but I need time to then be by myself to contemplate and observe and enjoy unfettered freedom. I can't do this with so many people around me all the time. I need my space, so I distance myself. I didn't realise this until recently. I like being around people, but I value my own solitude moreso.</o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXSNDJb2E8eXkEzBChnqFXOve84eZEETR66Mk6jt32e1u-lVYZIqRXoQXtP4UYi1ziSD8YP5ZBLXqcgi2HqovCAOvqUzd7bEsTrv5EqjXuS-vYKsdugVW8ToAxq69Wq5yaSrdw6b4KMXE/s1600/378719_2324215635715_1559355690_31790950_1736364438_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXSNDJb2E8eXkEzBChnqFXOve84eZEETR66Mk6jt32e1u-lVYZIqRXoQXtP4UYi1ziSD8YP5ZBLXqcgi2HqovCAOvqUzd7bEsTrv5EqjXuS-vYKsdugVW8ToAxq69Wq5yaSrdw6b4KMXE/s320/378719_2324215635715_1559355690_31790950_1736364438_n.jpg" width="320" /></em></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Connecting with surrounds</span>, is about living a life and lifestyle which resonates with who I am at my very core. It's one which feels a strong pull towards all things earthbound. Trying to find the words to describe it is difficult, but I feel it most when I am outside in bare feet and I can feel the earth and the energy it gives. When I am toiling in the garden and my hands are digging...immersed in the soft, dark, rich soil full of life - its' texture and heady smell -and that connection becomes strong. Knowing how much life it gives and sustains is invigorating. </o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p>To be amongst the forest and trees for me is to feel ultimate peace and bliss. To listen to the sounds of the trees rustling in a soft, balmy breeze and watch them sway, then drop their leaves as they drift and glide gently to the ground. To watch and listen to the birds sing their beautiful songs; cheekily chase each other and dip and dive with such alicrity. For the butterflies to steal my gaze as they dance so fleetingly but so gracefully. And to watch things grow...that is one of the most amazing experiences. How much pleasure is derived when a plant gives you the most wonderful display of flowers as reward for nurturing it with love and tenderness by giving it everything it needs? </o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p>And who can argue with the tempest of nature...its' power - that sweet smell and quiet in the air before it unleashes its' fury. The change of seasons and the feelings they bring with them. One of the best depictions of the change of seasons and the strength of the feelings which they wrought in our very beings is from the movie <a href="http://youtu.be/KEzzbBc7Tw4" target="_blank">'Chocolat'</a>. The movie begins with Vianne (Juliette Binoche) telling the story of her mother and childhood to her daughter, and describes the lure of <em>'the clever north wind'</em>. That's the power of nature and its' seasons and shows us how strongly peoples' feelings are influenced by nature and how deeply connected we are to it.</o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p><o:p>Connecting with surrounds is also about our home and the aesthetic pleasure it gives. To create a home that feels warm, inviting and relaxed for me is very important. I believe our home should also be a reflection of who we are and allow us to express ourselves at our most creative.</o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<o:p>So 2011 for me was a pivotal year as I endeavoured to form better and more genuine connections. We waste so many years not realising these connections and all its' subtleties and so, fail to feel satisfaction in our lives because we pursue that which is not conducive to who we feel we are or are meant to be. If we can find how to better connect with people and places dear to us, and most importantly...with ourselves, I think we could all be so much happier.</o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The view from our back patio</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Our house 4 months ago when we bought it. There's more grass than weeds now. It's bigger than it looks in this photo.</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Our back patio</em></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2vntA523Ff4AhKhqXz6qafPKcBulcw6cpwRohi1VLpfHZH2hN2V6EUp4a3onMPQZfyI2zMMRIKeH4XccMfjQerBT4dRbxsb0w_I8ftvNaRjmskoEs2c9bO4kQw76Yw9oSvI5YiiRnLJo/s1600/2012-01-01+15.42.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2vntA523Ff4AhKhqXz6qafPKcBulcw6cpwRohi1VLpfHZH2hN2V6EUp4a3onMPQZfyI2zMMRIKeH4XccMfjQerBT4dRbxsb0w_I8ftvNaRjmskoEs2c9bO4kQw76Yw9oSvI5YiiRnLJo/s320/2012-01-01+15.42.12.jpg" width="240" /></em></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The latest additions to our little family...Barney and Molly</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Building the compost bays which are now in full swing</em></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUG9u1z8qdy86OdTDNIqYEnfkjQY-r5N1e5b_c4QqCLAAJRGRM0K3zGJaxDynuRMiNrR-qY9NX3hlfu8IgLQdSfKHQaRxFZ5R0tht-6r8y4bK_jE687IOd47ibRIAZUOMplIQR4MS-rlDj/s1600/297489_2054363529581_1559355690_31671773_71723510_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em></em></a></div><br />
<o:p>And the best part about 2011 was that I've felt the most connected since being here, in our <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Secret Place,</span> as Philomena calls it. It's <em>'Secret' </em>because you can't see our house from the road. You have to come down a driveway and our house sits in a gully and backs onto a forest remnant and creek and it's so very private and quiet. </o:p><o:p>It's here that everything has really come together and the best parts of me are here. It's really weird, but when I saw this place and I walked out to the back patio and looked out into the forest, I felt an instant connection, and all manner of heaven and earth it seemed, came together to ensure that we would call this house our home. It was a a hard slog and the going wasn't easy, but it was worth it. Because now I wake up to the most splendid mornings, and I am greeted by a couple of <a href="http://birdsinbackyards.net/images/audio/psophodes-olivaceus.mp3" target="_blank">Eastern Whipbirds</a> singing their most spectacular song as I eat breakfast on our back patio and I feel privileged to such enjoy such peace and tranquility.</o:p><br />
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Philomena has room to run and play and have her little adventures. I built our compost bays. I'm still building our vege and herb gardens, and we've recently acquired a couple of fluffy bantam chickens which are such a delight to watch and we look forward to when they start laying eggs. We have so many plans...the playhouse, native garden, building in our carport; new kitchen and dining area opening out to a deck overlooking the forest; landscaping and retaining walls, etc, etc. So much to look forward to, but still enjoying the present - everything we already have - the relationships with family and friends we have. I feel truly blessed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_JZFdNqGDmtOuLmWvKODXiXKMlEkJZuIJhpFOL2WJmF4Fr5QHR-I3hs1JIF3i5mA3_HNUnIaxiGzQoRg2B5OF2jax75hy9opkKhZaUrYzSmTSx50-YEw_Gnx72GHTTTPp0DDjUoN0UG0/s320/382824_2209659571885_1559355690_31735231_1405165021_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Building the vege garden</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_JZFdNqGDmtOuLmWvKODXiXKMlEkJZuIJhpFOL2WJmF4Fr5QHR-I3hs1JIF3i5mA3_HNUnIaxiGzQoRg2B5OF2jax75hy9opkKhZaUrYzSmTSx50-YEw_Gnx72GHTTTPp0DDjUoN0UG0/s1600/382824_2209659571885_1559355690_31735231_1405165021_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em></em></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Tawny Frogmouths viewed from our patio</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNhTWVN3UIJWW7UDXQD-7YHuUoZqUhGN7tv9BOSvHJdVU-VNgPqVJqFxCR5VPUzlH8WEbDPADbB5QBT7gS1mT5qzpdUmnxOJYclk78BBGyg3XcidTvpFCG5bYG_w1wuQEsTmjC01DUj9Y/s1600/DSC08176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em></em></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>An amazing flower from a cactus plant which I think is a Dragon Fruit flower. It flowers for one day and dies. We had a tree covered with these flowers with a spectacular display.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7q6G_-CFTvw0sA6gn884b99nCmEHeQtzHAet_KCe-xs9HJb_4S9UUIxJQdtWg3WluH6wFNzQOhpI4vEZlKAyFC6gR1aHE1bKls_AmvmWEF9-C1q_39aFJe3VsakUOMd6lwaCvAd180eY/s1600/2011-12-22+20.21.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em></em></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Rainbow Lorikeet feeding on the nectar of one of our Grevilleas</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIO_Bs4rbdfEZTH7fuAG6AmqHfYv9o9gG-6tpkThubbX_JBySQto-0pDtfjORwZ2QZVjglPeqf-v7ik5h2F931nJqE2liNiVouxEwR9An1JM4wLyO6QjqHzvfeTW4ziT-zwBI56dKmhYQ/s1600/DSC07876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em></em></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><em> </em></div><em> </em>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440684837540468413.post-52530078207036806052011-06-07T16:56:00.004+10:002011-06-08T14:17:16.173+10:00My Happy Home<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gud5vK4n-GRw123QCg216O1y_H8g8cA5JZXFC3RM0P9AUVKEnnDTvtZTBZLwl_4aLLSFiarygPvyzUAMRnk868xw9aypr-uAYhfweEZDLDHPUIAPD5PKH913tTC3iusEq60LxjGpOvSn/s1600/DSC07688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gud5vK4n-GRw123QCg216O1y_H8g8cA5JZXFC3RM0P9AUVKEnnDTvtZTBZLwl_4aLLSFiarygPvyzUAMRnk868xw9aypr-uAYhfweEZDLDHPUIAPD5PKH913tTC3iusEq60LxjGpOvSn/s320/DSC07688.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Thanks to <a href="http://livingsimplyinbauple.blogspot.com/">Wendy </a>for making me aware of <a href="http://1000homesofhappiness.blogspot.com/2011/06/enrich.html">1000 Homes of Happiness</a> - a lovely site dedicated to spreading words of significance that touch our lives and make our homes all the more happier. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I decided to share my happy home with someone, and I chose the word <strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">ENRICH</span></strong>. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I left my happy home with Philomena's prep teacher, Ms Fillery (it was tricky trying to leave the home on her desk and take the photo without being caught in the act). Her presence in Philomena's life has been significant. With the assistance of her teacher aide, Mrs Brown they've definitely enriched the lives of the children of Prep B at Mt Warren Park State School. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcfQaUg-yKMDjxaTG7KdDdrR08mAx9EO658aB2FmNUu-3I6LKIhmpqY4tRRKz2xvNhz2AJDscZ6qreY8NkLCE0lfDMLiYqVn6v_I1Uy4FYinDc6r8xV4V49bK2_KqEekedj_28UJgPxpQ/s1600/DSC07690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcfQaUg-yKMDjxaTG7KdDdrR08mAx9EO658aB2FmNUu-3I6LKIhmpqY4tRRKz2xvNhz2AJDscZ6qreY8NkLCE0lfDMLiYqVn6v_I1Uy4FYinDc6r8xV4V49bK2_KqEekedj_28UJgPxpQ/s320/DSC07690.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">As you can see by the photos above and below, there are lots of activities that the children enjoy. Lots of vibrant colours, letters, words, numbers and things to stimulate curious little minds. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTE-6f0WJ1KPAEEOMDc0Lvfanj2wB3HpX14vTujGUL7DM54nmO6VjtEPTXGxHQoiWA6Zr_NAlVYwGLkbV7qp2B5cZOhvWs1pLiC6iwNzBTWllPgUzUs7beMTYm-h5KzvnQ3iBzV8KipVca/s1600/DSC07687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTE-6f0WJ1KPAEEOMDc0Lvfanj2wB3HpX14vTujGUL7DM54nmO6VjtEPTXGxHQoiWA6Zr_NAlVYwGLkbV7qp2B5cZOhvWs1pLiC6iwNzBTWllPgUzUs7beMTYm-h5KzvnQ3iBzV8KipVca/s320/DSC07687.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Credit must go to Philomena for taking the next few shots.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehUcIft3T4B2f5zxYe-yYrZwGVvSkDFlSMeT1XHX6_nD-PI5eWz9SuQ5tSsMxSJHDCVgZ98Jip3Bpj9KNN432T7ex-NXYbrK88QX-OjdF6cntliBAt-fNMc40dpz6s20xRXFzkPzarLQb/s1600/DSC07692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehUcIft3T4B2f5zxYe-yYrZwGVvSkDFlSMeT1XHX6_nD-PI5eWz9SuQ5tSsMxSJHDCVgZ98Jip3Bpj9KNN432T7ex-NXYbrK88QX-OjdF6cntliBAt-fNMc40dpz6s20xRXFzkPzarLQb/s320/DSC07692.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0yF-pz66Ybv189N9H8WBcUemizCt-lRGXA5EugrftHxSljFRuF1po8IvBz0moKMDuL0E4hq4S5iZMUc9p317AX62JkqH1OS-OMDv4uGq5H1VF9uZBVYzZVMvCciLpo74wNRrUrWkNECu/s1600/DSC07689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0yF-pz66Ybv189N9H8WBcUemizCt-lRGXA5EugrftHxSljFRuF1po8IvBz0moKMDuL0E4hq4S5iZMUc9p317AX62JkqH1OS-OMDv4uGq5H1VF9uZBVYzZVMvCciLpo74wNRrUrWkNECu/s320/DSC07689.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzBAQP-llnuHpfalY0rhMmeYRrx67Pi_euiyCYmojZdWL8peQ0CqZZ9uKprfhucB8t15Vu8CFbZOPB-ZyFFSCaCCRsmSumERiRIonduh87ZEAHtxW-hmUJBEpx1V4D-9NoqI6HgEoIKgB/s1600/DSC07691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzBAQP-llnuHpfalY0rhMmeYRrx67Pi_euiyCYmojZdWL8peQ0CqZZ9uKprfhucB8t15Vu8CFbZOPB-ZyFFSCaCCRsmSumERiRIonduh87ZEAHtxW-hmUJBEpx1V4D-9NoqI6HgEoIKgB/s320/DSC07691.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And below I've just included some photos of Philomena from this year. She's a lovely little girl. She can be very trying some times, but I suppose having a child so bright and social, it's hard to keep their enthusiasm and determination from bubbling over. Philomena has definitely enriched our lives and made us better people.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElBVOVDANNnq6gefui5mmC6Ow2sVYvoE6TktdZ6TDVz-IzFIkTfzfj3OSOPrjsEXsP81OJol2u4_TUjWeE6fdFMThVCaF7p0ibiJq5qZ_0lJCUdMKKhbVsLY1KTDyNv83vsP9Erv1eYK7/s1600/DSC07567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElBVOVDANNnq6gefui5mmC6Ow2sVYvoE6TktdZ6TDVz-IzFIkTfzfj3OSOPrjsEXsP81OJol2u4_TUjWeE6fdFMThVCaF7p0ibiJq5qZ_0lJCUdMKKhbVsLY1KTDyNv83vsP9Erv1eYK7/s320/DSC07567.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Above pic - Philomena enjoying ricotta cheese pikelets with blueberries and whipped cream.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHYnY2zZBjQ5ypn4g9cPrHJNUa7Sdlf0zLJgHNBetloKKAQHVOy_whV5jAvVZM887s7FT8LMkXmJ84h0OjLKR8V1WXOVHhC9jR65TDymm0692IWTKXgOVEMY7DPKSfdOhZoR390mTzJUy/s1600/DSC07191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHYnY2zZBjQ5ypn4g9cPrHJNUa7Sdlf0zLJgHNBetloKKAQHVOy_whV5jAvVZM887s7FT8LMkXmJ84h0OjLKR8V1WXOVHhC9jR65TDymm0692IWTKXgOVEMY7DPKSfdOhZoR390mTzJUy/s320/DSC07191.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Philomena with her 'Uncle Daz', who is great with kids and is so patient with her.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6M_NM3Ktlb4BaIOXyEaw7fsH11wIsr0l1fVV-FijUNHD-stub_Io2mfSvHwu7txB7HCBbtAySbePZS8emvnyoPugBoEueu5B0ULdIFZ7u0n_IKhzm9zK6OlkXz485wkyR1J8j1E0ieCF/s1600/phil_cindarella_dress_20apr11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6M_NM3Ktlb4BaIOXyEaw7fsH11wIsr0l1fVV-FijUNHD-stub_Io2mfSvHwu7txB7HCBbtAySbePZS8emvnyoPugBoEueu5B0ULdIFZ7u0n_IKhzm9zK6OlkXz485wkyR1J8j1E0ieCF/s320/phil_cindarella_dress_20apr11.jpg" t8="true" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Our little princess. She <em>really is</em> a princess/diva most of the time when she is with us at home. Funnily enough though, everyone else tells us how independent, strong and helpful she is. And I ask myself..."is that my child?". </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm5w2R9LPuz2BseQPFUsZj9RLFtXVj8RednwU3wq2K6SlVS4nqss74-zDRHPM0yBsVpob87DpiCzDRM9pnW_MUpi1NxcO2Q15rT4SimV1ItR3IULG7hydBJGthCROt4nkOROExB8jbqZh/s1600/DSC07402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm5w2R9LPuz2BseQPFUsZj9RLFtXVj8RednwU3wq2K6SlVS4nqss74-zDRHPM0yBsVpob87DpiCzDRM9pnW_MUpi1NxcO2Q15rT4SimV1ItR3IULG7hydBJGthCROt4nkOROExB8jbqZh/s1600/DSC07402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm5w2R9LPuz2BseQPFUsZj9RLFtXVj8RednwU3wq2K6SlVS4nqss74-zDRHPM0yBsVpob87DpiCzDRM9pnW_MUpi1NxcO2Q15rT4SimV1ItR3IULG7hydBJGthCROt4nkOROExB8jbqZh/s320/DSC07402.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Philomena with <em>'Elsie'</em> the Elephant. Ms Fillery thinks it may be the first ever sports day at Mt Warren Park State School, where an elephant ran in the races. Elsie has been with Philomena since the day she was born. Mena has a strong attachment to her <em>little friends</em> as she calls her stuffed animals. Every one of them has a name, so it makes it very hard to 'cull' any of her furry friends. So the menagerie keeps growing at an alarming rate, and we're running out of room to house them all. But, being an only child, we understand her attachment and the need to have her<em> little friends</em>, where she would normally have brothers and/or sisters.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440684837540468413.post-90133148140290733802011-04-03T12:40:00.006+10:002011-04-03T14:00:55.411+10:00Whatever Happens I Will Be Grateful...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPLMy-qVWwehHYeLKwFpduHebNDHhX8V-MjOwQVpoz5rDs2LGPgIOvYkZKXYodDzG2izWRUa875r-5tfQfhJeF10q-Hh-CT_Ljo6C56jUhCjbDQrAIDzvofcPxCptIqsKbPo96h3hJdLY/s1600/firelight.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591183072445511938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPLMy-qVWwehHYeLKwFpduHebNDHhX8V-MjOwQVpoz5rDs2LGPgIOvYkZKXYodDzG2izWRUa875r-5tfQfhJeF10q-Hh-CT_Ljo6C56jUhCjbDQrAIDzvofcPxCptIqsKbPo96h3hJdLY/s400/firelight.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#cc6600;"><strong>"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." </strong></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">- Epictetus</span></em> </span></p><br /><p></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdz_naJXRolNtcjhgg8cKVRp__JWChFBy2ztnkW7jrHCtSXxVWKcpbk4HJUv1hBJOz2DdEpu6Fm6emZuYrPGAwdLySnFQ-lknVteAaJmuONwZGugbywmVoGUcUkcdr6N0-IpUGQkrAGxiT/s1600/phil_mar2011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591183068683589330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdz_naJXRolNtcjhgg8cKVRp__JWChFBy2ztnkW7jrHCtSXxVWKcpbk4HJUv1hBJOz2DdEpu6Fm6emZuYrPGAwdLySnFQ-lknVteAaJmuONwZGugbywmVoGUcUkcdr6N0-IpUGQkrAGxiT/s400/phil_mar2011.JPG" /></a> </p><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff6600;">I am grateful for the blessings of my daughter Philomena, and my husband, Anthony. </span></div><br /><p></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_v2UJmXx9FSz_iJvNwYPbMvs6zWMR4eWuKdup_zf4yv5SQ9PiZLKxKwJAD3FIb9GYC5HtkE1sNKWwZT6DxAbNNG3b882eshvZD5KCLQFW6EitpBxFdL1ezkqh1nAzmO6-svJpSmEcVPF-/s1600/1st+day+prep+family+pic_cropped.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591183061622359234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_v2UJmXx9FSz_iJvNwYPbMvs6zWMR4eWuKdup_zf4yv5SQ9PiZLKxKwJAD3FIb9GYC5HtkE1sNKWwZT6DxAbNNG3b882eshvZD5KCLQFW6EitpBxFdL1ezkqh1nAzmO6-svJpSmEcVPF-/s400/1st+day+prep+family+pic_cropped.JPG" /></a> Today I've had the most touching opportunity to be grateful. I awoke to sunshine this morning, but it soon turned grey, and we've had some drops of rain. I rejoiced when I awoke to rain, and I rejoiced when it clouded over. It matched my mood, and I was thankful to have the opportunity to come home after mass, and after helping Philomena clean her room, sit down to enjoy a <em>Wild Bean</em> coffee, and read. <br /><p>We've all had a nice morning doing our own little things and going into our own little worlds. This afternoon we'll come together as a family again, go out to celebrate Phil's birthday with our good friends Matt and Chelsea and their boys, Ashton and Declan. <br /><p>But meanwhile, this is what we've been doing... Philomena is watching a DVD...<em>G-Force</em> (guinea pigs who are spies); Anthony has been reading the paper, snoozing and playing with his lego; and I've been sitting in Phil's room looking out the window watching the trees and plants sway, reading the paper, listening to Tony McManus, contemplating and being grateful for small things today. It's what I would call a perfect Sunday. <br /><p><span style="color:#ff6600;">Today's title is taken from today's </span><a href="http://www.couriermail.com.au/extras/qweekend/"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Qweekend</span></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"> article, <em><strong>'From Little Things Big Things Grow'</strong></em>. It's a great article by Frances Whiting, and this is the sub-heading..."<em>In the hustle and bustle of daily life, how often do we stop to appreciate the small stuff? Hailey Bartholomew did, and she started a revolution."</em> </span><br /><p><em><span style="color:#ff9900;"></span></em><span style="color:#333333;">Her website <a href="http://365grateful.com/">'365 Grateful' </a>is about Hailey's story which includes a project which is being turned into a documentary. The Qweekend article also includes other people's stories where they were touched by Hailey's quest...to be grateful for something every day, and how it changed their lives and their outlook. If you haven't got today's Sunday Mail with Qweekend, then I recommend you get it (the article isn't online yet).</span> <span style="color:#333333;"></span><br /><p><span style="color:#333333;">Of course, there are so many things I am grateful for. But today, being at home as a little family and enjoying relative peace and quiet, and being able to read and contemplate the blessing of <em>my little family </em>and all the <em>'small things'</em>...sipping coffee...watching the trees and plants sway, and the leaves whirl...reading the paper...reading a good book...listening to soothing music...and generally contemplating the richness of my life...</span> <br /><p><em></em><em></em><em></em>I couldn't find <em>'The Lea Rig'</em> on youtube, so I'll leave you with Tony's rendition of <em>Wonderful World</em>...a great tune to help you feel gratitude... <br /><p><iframe title="YouTube video player" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/I0H-APb6e1k" frameborder="0" width="640"></iframe></p>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440684837540468413.post-17827501807665953732011-01-29T10:31:00.006+10:002011-01-29T11:17:20.843+10:00Philomena's First Week of School<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEse_bSgNwXnmUdxelMiV4ED52rJJx_wSMQpL6O0vy6VQkdYB-YVTQjSs0tAcMO8n9-MDGk5KNJ2jBAZKreDRQBoCNr6751fxQUTREJQPHXnF3waJ9xrfy6TIEE895g_Ajwkn_S_tPBS5/s1600/phil+in+school+skirt.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567399640504730466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEse_bSgNwXnmUdxelMiV4ED52rJJx_wSMQpL6O0vy6VQkdYB-YVTQjSs0tAcMO8n9-MDGk5KNJ2jBAZKreDRQBoCNr6751fxQUTREJQPHXnF3waJ9xrfy6TIEE895g_Ajwkn_S_tPBS5/s400/phil+in+school+skirt.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZwprMCwdvFmwZRIUZjjs90mkDBGMESiT076D2b56iFfgNLxdrfh3Y_Es41wglODXKdL1G4gwiUCJAL31uFFnUvhxGBMdPxOpUx-ceyfWjetfyHuGJJqaap4ZdrVv9fUc-emg4UYHnbf-/s1600/1st+day+prep+phil1.JPG"></a><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7vYpnN-NCAy6PyMJCUgn19caoIlezipMJsfxuNYbQTfXlBwy_ENdQ7UKj4I6mAST5yVipxVNxulQ-3FB6ouwYR2jv5-5kzBOSfesJy8VKZcyLN2KfdoQdQFAQXRjwTbKS-ElW6A6kuY8/s1600/phil_spot_prep+b+mascot.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivORNe8hotjBPoz_9uIiBN9GpdPAUrIdbNWkQXqo-3QCZHNghrLV4blzgQuaYl8jtf_ou1-IXBeztzUeUG106ictTh88TZJ00SqKIaDkhMA-XrRTe4sevZ9Oiw47ylhxJHWsdQDUZpkZi7/s1600/1st+day+prep+family+pic.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567399398668115522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivORNe8hotjBPoz_9uIiBN9GpdPAUrIdbNWkQXqo-3QCZHNghrLV4blzgQuaYl8jtf_ou1-IXBeztzUeUG106ictTh88TZJ00SqKIaDkhMA-XrRTe4sevZ9Oiw47ylhxJHWsdQDUZpkZi7/s400/1st+day+prep+family+pic.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJSZ0mghSH2hyETXckw2thneeIGZPGr6MnzgDQTAE3ZMieF9Op8i8aSjC-2JLqLpwMqHbGZtYrxmOI5AcX_2u73NzuUk_3WeEk1hnk4pmq6SowWAZMP_ocyQeNTBVsu6wfFw3xRBB9rgv/s1600/1st+day+prep+phil_destiny1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567399375403113858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJSZ0mghSH2hyETXckw2thneeIGZPGr6MnzgDQTAE3ZMieF9Op8i8aSjC-2JLqLpwMqHbGZtYrxmOI5AcX_2u73NzuUk_3WeEk1hnk4pmq6SowWAZMP_ocyQeNTBVsu6wfFw3xRBB9rgv/s400/1st+day+prep+phil_destiny1.JPG" /></a><em> </em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Philomena & her little (not in stature) friend Destiny<br /></span><br /></em><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qJimBhk2JlpOl53LSt6ZIkrClId0hkmiQmRDSEOjI0nw5nUDi-GCp5kPDQGx4cVB8VtlOflFGivjxCFf5wQqiP4sQpMSyWp4ImX519sepsmVadx3VBpIhafUHK62306BV9aDgxR-tz-B/s1600/phil_spot_prep+b+mascot.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567399372244053394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qJimBhk2JlpOl53LSt6ZIkrClId0hkmiQmRDSEOjI0nw5nUDi-GCp5kPDQGx4cVB8VtlOflFGivjxCFf5wQqiP4sQpMSyWp4ImX519sepsmVadx3VBpIhafUHK62306BV9aDgxR-tz-B/s400/phil_spot_prep+b+mascot.JPG" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Prep B's classroom mascot, Spot<br /></span></em></div><div></div><p><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Monday was Philomena's first day of Prep.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Like all others who experienced what it is to have their child go to school for the first time, I felt a tugging of the heart strings of what is the start of a new phase in Philomena's life and our lives. Even now as I write this I get all teary, thinking about how quickly our children grow and how they change.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;">The first day was a great day, and AW, myself and Philomena's grandmother (AW's mum) came along for the big occasion. There were no tears from us or her. We knew that Philomena would be fine, and was looking forward to school. I think I was more emotional in the days preceding, thinking about the moment.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;">And on the day when we were told it was time to leave, Philomena gave us a big hug, kiss and <em>'I love you'</em>, waved goodbye and then was off to play. Everybody was happy.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;">So the first week went fairly well, and we seem to now have a bit of a routine. My plan this year was to let go of some roles and responsibilities, so I could focus on my fitness and my family. It's starting to be realised, and it's nice to be able to go and collect Philomena from school (we only have to walk across the road, and through the grounds to her classroom), and be able to have a lovely conversation on our walk home. When we get home, Philomena puts her things away, gets changed and then it's just me and her time to play or do whatever. And no rushing! That's a nice place to be.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;">We have had one little concern, but I envisaged that this might happen. On Tuesday afternoon Philomena was upset when I picked her up because she said she had no friends. When I queried her, it seems she had asked a few little girls if they would be her friend, but they either ignored her or said they already had a friend. On Thursday, the problem sought of grew and she was upset and teary, so I thought we'd have a chat to her teacher (who is just lovely). </span></div></div><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Philomena has no problems socialising, but the thing is, she's more comfortable with older children and adults. Being an only child, she's very conversant with adults. So having to then socialise with children the same age is a bit more of a challenge, as verbally and socially she's ahead of most children her age. Basically, other kids just don't 'get her'. She often gets blank stares from little children because they have no idea what she's saying, conceptually. Philomena is also very confident, so she will just walk up to anyone, introduce herself and start talking. It's even off-putting to some adults, so imagine how much of a shock it is for children.</span></div></div><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;">But I'm glad we spoke to Ms Fillery (nicknamed <em>Miss Honey</em> from the movie, <em>Matilda</em>). She suggested that Philomena's maturity is more the issue, and she had noticed how there were children who were a little lost (understandable given it's only the first week of school), and that they were working on strategies to help the children interact and connect more.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><div><span style="font-family:georgia;">I wasn't too concerned. I know that things will work out, and that being the first week, it's all a bit confusing for all the children. We've just tried to explain to Philomena this, and to be patient, because we're sure she will have lots of friends very soon. And as Ms Fillery said, Philomena is just too beautiful <em>not</em> to have friends.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><div><span style="font-family:georgia;">So Friday came, and when I went to collect Philomena, she was happy. I didn't mention anything about friends. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><div><span style="font-family:georgia;">I did find out that the reason she was so happy was because she was chosen as the first child to take home Prep B's classroom mascot, <em>Spot</em>. Every Friday, someone is chosen to take home <em>Spot</em> the dog, and to bring him back on Monday. He comes with a scrap book and we are given one page to paste photos or whatever of how Spot spent the weekend with Philomena.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><div><span style="font-family:georgia;">Well since Friday, Philomena and Spot have been inseparable! She told me this morning that apparently Spot didn't want to go back to school on Monday. Hmmm...I think there will be a different kind of separation anxiety, come Monday.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div></div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440684837540468413.post-84966069707115172672010-11-12T12:04:00.008+10:002010-11-12T15:06:28.670+10:00Day Trip to Queen Mary Falls<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz5xeqoJZOUq6AlzRKCQ6XIrTSMpfFN0yuce0e3rxPygEQGP4CzSWLSQat2Cj10vb05mRuG4w_AT99I3JvRIu4RAS7Q1H7o9ptD_rLmYDz5RYtsPD9Ia7hQbK6TaWeC6bHcLf8YBjaUbt/s1600/DSC06092.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538484483341204978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz5xeqoJZOUq6AlzRKCQ6XIrTSMpfFN0yuce0e3rxPygEQGP4CzSWLSQat2Cj10vb05mRuG4w_AT99I3JvRIu4RAS7Q1H7o9ptD_rLmYDz5RYtsPD9Ia7hQbK6TaWeC6bHcLf8YBjaUbt/s400/DSC06092.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie0nEKhWa40qWqkUgLzK_PYsa-PStNaMviCP03Xz4B9BYHbHLcZb-L2Wr4fGu0TUSwZub1FuNF7dlD-7VOV8qoiqURfDcmLxEhYZKk2wgBg8zypTMeH7TuJizShlHRIsQ8fypiKZYqTco/s1600/DSC06091.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538484477248902786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie0nEKhWa40qWqkUgLzK_PYsa-PStNaMviCP03Xz4B9BYHbHLcZb-L2Wr4fGu0TUSwZub1FuNF7dlD-7VOV8qoiqURfDcmLxEhYZKk2wgBg8zypTMeH7TuJizShlHRIsQ8fypiKZYqTco/s400/DSC06091.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip189ayuqliRtMy7iNSoxI-m2tHjtklDn1DK4J5xOcM5OLSE3Ib-AvR5cCXzqqf_Sq9H92O4GYNTOhvTa_LVbUPfNM8g3J9-x4iuEDmRu7FQpA_MarmS5vgDe2Qod-P0bHjBjsXYEZn_2p/s1600/DSC06082.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538483643238203282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip189ayuqliRtMy7iNSoxI-m2tHjtklDn1DK4J5xOcM5OLSE3Ib-AvR5cCXzqqf_Sq9H92O4GYNTOhvTa_LVbUPfNM8g3J9-x4iuEDmRu7FQpA_MarmS5vgDe2Qod-P0bHjBjsXYEZn_2p/s400/DSC06082.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div>A couple of weeks ago, Anthony and I took some <em>'couple time'</em>, and went for a beautiful drive in and around Kilarney/Boonah/Rathdowney. Our actual destination was <a href="http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/things-to-see-and-do/queen-mary-falls-circuit/index.cfm">Queen Mary Falls </a>(photos above).</div><div></div><p><div>With all the rain, the drive and scenery was just so beautiful, and I wondered at how green and lush the country side was. And best of all, the falls were spectacular. The trip is about a couple of hours from Brisbane, and we headed out that way via Beaudesert.</div><div></div><p><div>The bushwalk was only a 2km circuit, so pretty easy going, but very enjoyable. If you don't want to do the walk, there is a 100m short cut from the picnic area to the viewing platform at the top of the falls. But the walk is worth it. Especially coming to the bottom of the falls and walking across its' face. The spray off the falls is so refreshing!</div><div></div><p><div>The photo below is of <em>Dagg Falls</em>, which is about 2mins drive south from <em>Queen Mary Falls</em>.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7Cq0StwB-O6xWqPF3nPgiHv6GSX0-LQgxqZageuHmNZs7ViFcy2a_tQRmTvaE9CkN635ADl4fixMP8uo0OeQIin2YqI_rX3hrDNTvugd1IeiNaW_lxB00CX8y7_MnUjgkA-V1AP4oMyM/s1600/DSC06099.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538484492429677570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7Cq0StwB-O6xWqPF3nPgiHv6GSX0-LQgxqZageuHmNZs7ViFcy2a_tQRmTvaE9CkN635ADl4fixMP8uo0OeQIin2YqI_rX3hrDNTvugd1IeiNaW_lxB00CX8y7_MnUjgkA-V1AP4oMyM/s400/DSC06099.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4EEC3LSUnUu5l07CQ50bhTfJxUCbWPzY4-N0UO9xLhMfGPU1Ur2zcDnOLNg-KpeSrRbkS2_FptpsXfcXbfe0ofy_oGBkxDE4axqeHvv9bINB6JdyDvsdau95WScXnb2fSvQjgPetSAFb/s1600/DSC06048.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538483638810008754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4EEC3LSUnUu5l07CQ50bhTfJxUCbWPzY4-N0UO9xLhMfGPU1Ur2zcDnOLNg-KpeSrRbkS2_FptpsXfcXbfe0ofy_oGBkxDE4axqeHvv9bINB6JdyDvsdau95WScXnb2fSvQjgPetSAFb/s400/DSC06048.JPG" /></a> </div><div></div>On our way to <em>Queen Mary Falls</em>, we stopped in at <a href="http://www.springcreekcottages.com.au/">Spring Creek Cafe and Cottages </a>- a beautiful cafe (and cottages) overlooking the <em>Condamine Gorge </em>and <em>The Border Ranges</em>. It is just so relaxing. I imagined if it was my home, I could easily sit and look out over the range all day, soaking in the spectular scenery, snacking merrily, reading, and snoozing to my hearts content.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiUWENi7JqCQDDX671LUoOjlLLenvpYHriEdSKvWarhz_EfsDPf95JWVmDyBwB0M9XGwEB-mXXUsLC0IXKve0SIiLwoB103zVjaZAMy2bz3NsPgikHH1ZcqNGqiff5LjRxvlyJsfykk9Q/s1600/DSC06070.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538483630316868786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiUWENi7JqCQDDX671LUoOjlLLenvpYHriEdSKvWarhz_EfsDPf95JWVmDyBwB0M9XGwEB-mXXUsLC0IXKve0SIiLwoB103zVjaZAMy2bz3NsPgikHH1ZcqNGqiff5LjRxvlyJsfykk9Q/s400/DSC06070.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7q-TmigSkqs983OGF8acpK1Or9HPsFqwfOgul1UsUhZ7RWl1G3AHGGfSv7gR6BO-a0Ool2syw0BqqogGq_aNEn4DB8lXj7q06iOmYXiHoPa3FmkbtAiHWpnf2VZ_EViFKkNiENny2jY3C/s1600/DSC06067.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538483617377977442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7q-TmigSkqs983OGF8acpK1Or9HPsFqwfOgul1UsUhZ7RWl1G3AHGGfSv7gR6BO-a0Ool2syw0BqqogGq_aNEn4DB8lXj7q06iOmYXiHoPa3FmkbtAiHWpnf2VZ_EViFKkNiENny2jY3C/s400/DSC06067.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ACjUR9Eik5rHo98QXawnxsdyPG1h9jZkZotDu-0yep7f64w59K4un_zVwJxCP2Rhfgq4wagIue0xm68PD66JHkeEUV2sE_UlU2Xmn1tEkuPPbNKdZAzW89BKp94BENHaiO-zd9UD-tk1/s1600/DSC06043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ACjUR9Eik5rHo98QXawnxsdyPG1h9jZkZotDu-0yep7f64w59K4un_zVwJxCP2Rhfgq4wagIue0xm68PD66JHkeEUV2sE_UlU2Xmn1tEkuPPbNKdZAzW89BKp94BENHaiO-zd9UD-tk1/s400/DSC06043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538524758407011890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA01uJE8WnpKvYTzhSkGkLSqyZDip1Wc0x11pIQMsmnt7E5g50Qd8b4fsnfEOedpQqCeL_qqaHkUjlKVQoMPZTStFbZoRwBhBGQ8KjHdOJV8xZvcBZNR8ykRDmJB-pqTTBYnIvn6H8wlG/s1600/DSC06053.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538482108298594610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA01uJE8WnpKvYTzhSkGkLSqyZDip1Wc0x11pIQMsmnt7E5g50Qd8b4fsnfEOedpQqCeL_qqaHkUjlKVQoMPZTStFbZoRwBhBGQ8KjHdOJV8xZvcBZNR8ykRDmJB-pqTTBYnIvn6H8wlG/s400/DSC06053.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo1Zyp4jd07fwnRm9eKsJwyl1nz_S0Qkec_FLCtDo48G7_NqpKdUq0ypJhEodTH-5hhk5sGA7sEcqSMslinfpyVJPQjJpddXOmhSELqznahUOPH-7HwbSIc4KcCEB4ABEExINLsrN0x7Q/s1600/DSC06045.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538482106398432674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo1Zyp4jd07fwnRm9eKsJwyl1nz_S0Qkec_FLCtDo48G7_NqpKdUq0ypJhEodTH-5hhk5sGA7sEcqSMslinfpyVJPQjJpddXOmhSELqznahUOPH-7HwbSIc4KcCEB4ABEExINLsrN0x7Q/s400/DSC06045.JPG" /></a><br />The food was divine because it's cooked on the premises! Anthony and I tucked into some warm home made bread with garlic butter and a lovely spread which I can't remember the name of now, but it had a little lemongrass in it and I polished that one off myself. Luckily Anthony wasn't fussed on that one. So the bread went down well with a much needed coffee. I now regret not coming back that way on our return trip to Brisbane, and stopping and having lunch. I think we will definitely return to Spring Creek Cafe!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUpfX562LlFRUHzeaGjBEfHAdBS8M7GfD_iObTtNFtEszuR4ATcdJz-wIn5JUQsbNd2Szfp4tvXnuAA_t6d3pZUepk1kBafJw_y3TCZOoyblr-TmQXb7f4YxqjtBNm9pjFDX1LdZtR_sS/s1600/DSC06041.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538482099186470850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUpfX562LlFRUHzeaGjBEfHAdBS8M7GfD_iObTtNFtEszuR4ATcdJz-wIn5JUQsbNd2Szfp4tvXnuAA_t6d3pZUepk1kBafJw_y3TCZOoyblr-TmQXb7f4YxqjtBNm9pjFDX1LdZtR_sS/s400/DSC06041.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLH9ZAZcnM10iW4pPaVdNnRdgsl1C9WW8M5i_pA0-H-Bps_bC42zVwNdp9X7uH7PG4cesNQF_MLKdl9AM1Fc-zppirAuV4i7m66MEeU2CcNu1tNPuviUQb16oQrP05PumvZ1xCW3PABXh/s1600/DSC06039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538482092180638386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLH9ZAZcnM10iW4pPaVdNnRdgsl1C9WW8M5i_pA0-H-Bps_bC42zVwNdp9X7uH7PG4cesNQF_MLKdl9AM1Fc-zppirAuV4i7m66MEeU2CcNu1tNPuviUQb16oQrP05PumvZ1xCW3PABXh/s400/DSC06039.JPG" /></a> </div><div>The last photos are of the entrance to the cafe. I just had to take a photo of it, as it was so inviting. And also the towering 'Red Cedar' tree was spectacular.</div><div></div><p><div>We drove back through Boonah and Rathdowney and was drawn to some colourful gardens in Boonah. Some absolutely amazing rose bushes, and climbing roses just growing wild!</div><div></div><p><div>Anyway...I'm so glad that Anthony made the suggestion. It was heartfelt and we needed some alone time, as he's been travelling quite a bit recently and looks like the next 12 months he'll be even busier, travelling. The next month, he's worked out that he'll have only slept in his bed for about a total of 3 nights (one week of that we'll be on our annual sabitical to Caloundra).</div><div></div><p>I was going to fit in some photos of a magical open garden that Philomena and I went to last week in Chambers Flats, but realised that there are just too many photos, so I'll save those for my next post. :)Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440684837540468413.post-19302245377664089122010-10-21T15:23:00.010+10:002010-10-21T16:31:28.413+10:00Home is Where the Heart Is...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpPdEMKh1mdWME2KU3eJdRGAyYjXrLBGzDIP6qoVxIr_ms5KZZz13Px1AyXMLQlswI50wOLXcrsSyc5EyXwaDrQZojeEDmNXInam0Ph70163nczPMHzsU5CMLPmBaH-RO9z2vp0jGgadG/s1600/roses1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530372198875492162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpPdEMKh1mdWME2KU3eJdRGAyYjXrLBGzDIP6qoVxIr_ms5KZZz13Px1AyXMLQlswI50wOLXcrsSyc5EyXwaDrQZojeEDmNXInam0Ph70163nczPMHzsU5CMLPmBaH-RO9z2vp0jGgadG/s400/roses1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0utIHix9-chIi0XlBMGKGzp_T45VdYfbV7G2YuVE6AuQ_EMnxnKVIbYjvfWrbZiggkbHwO__8WBzzXpnrOEW8te8Nq7K9Ex4-hLo5AIIa0-iwgG7BDbOIH-LNdkoAIc9kTy5SYJy3HPp/s1600/roses+2.jpg"></a><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZZzOrAIVKIlNlaNDL4y57qd7sZtuExqI2wBQeT6QKU_39qVy8t1QaMLF_H9q2rTz85X1B8b1apsZvpcNk-Fn5ZaZJ47KZtopC1RNQEQeWAOTrO9I2DlsRWbcHYpkVhosdtDZfFCuk7VX/s1600/roses+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530372069497375330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZZzOrAIVKIlNlaNDL4y57qd7sZtuExqI2wBQeT6QKU_39qVy8t1QaMLF_H9q2rTz85X1B8b1apsZvpcNk-Fn5ZaZJ47KZtopC1RNQEQeWAOTrO9I2DlsRWbcHYpkVhosdtDZfFCuk7VX/s400/roses+2.jpg" /></a><br />I pinched this title from <a href="http://fifidangerfield.blogspot.com/">Frankie.</a> I thought is was rather appropriate, as I too believe home is where the heart is. What I loved about Frankie's post, was that she was talking about <em>people</em> being the heart. My post is about <em>home</em> being where the heart. This is an excerpt (which is most of her post). I just love it because Frankie describes what I think is a <em>recipe in richness </em>to a T! Here it is...</div><div><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;color:#9999ff;">"Eight years ago when I split with my husband, I moved up from a semi-rural area to an inner city suburb. It was a big move. It was scary, and I felt completely alone...but not for long.<br /><br />I moved into a little street that leads to a park. But this wasn't just any street. This was a street where the neighbours care. They want to know you. They hang about on the verge and chat, day or night. The kids play on anyone's front lawn, at any time, even if you are not home. There was 'the tree' - a beautiful climbing tree that swallowed up several children at a time. On summer days when there wasn't a sign of a single child in the street, if you stood under that tree, a faint giggling could be heard. It was a good street.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;color:#9999ff;">My next door neighbours were the BEST. A couple in their sixties who acted as surrogate grandparents for my two (who were 3 and 6 when we moved in). They looked after me through my hip injury, took me shopping, to the physio and made sure the kids got to school. I sat with them and held their hands when their baby grand daughter died. They were like family.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;color:#9999ff;">We lived in that street for six years. I'll always consider it where the kids 'grew up'. And then, one day, we had to leave.<br /></span><p><span style="font-size:85%;color:#9999ff;">That was 3 years ago. We've still kept in contact but it's not been the same..until now. I found a house..right next door to where I lived before - in the street!"<br /></span></p><p>As you might have guessed from the first couple of photos, I love cottage gardens! So much so, I am endeavouring to recreate the feeling of a cottage garden. It takes alot of thought, trial and error in getting your garden to look how you imagine it in your head. So those first two photos are examples of how I want my home to look.</p><p>The rest of the photos are of my garden. There's a long way to go, but I'm getting there. I was so excited this year, because alot of my plants flowered for the first time, and right now I'm enjoying the wafting fragrance of my star jasmine currently in flower. I can't wait for the whole side of the carport to be carpeted in it! The fragrance wafts through my home and it's just lovely.</p><br /><p></p></div><div></div><div></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;">Nodding Violet<br /></span></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8UkQCOCofBt0YfsVbR155lSr_vUgZoMuKWjJGOsS2bdhc8BusVED7978YeQuHgDJz_ivI60DsUSTrlZHqThAk4tP3KVQ-Iz_Vq__pnlIQ_aWti7UxAvTnGyLwJ2WMUlSJ2yAsW8phn8d/s1600/DSC05951.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530372065124257858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8UkQCOCofBt0YfsVbR155lSr_vUgZoMuKWjJGOsS2bdhc8BusVED7978YeQuHgDJz_ivI60DsUSTrlZHqThAk4tP3KVQ-Iz_Vq__pnlIQ_aWti7UxAvTnGyLwJ2WMUlSJ2yAsW8phn8d/s400/DSC05951.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;">Blue Salvia (which looks purple to the eye)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;"><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eXh1i7itS05PUtE-xNi4yUWez_sipoWEVGtnFTReZaQjd9eOkEXGff4SXyT3prqjWbG8coNq7IolUtmO6jYc6E3KE3uz209gpV6BoRD1iUnyMNWxiRFkIBENUOa9UXv62FQd-9EYy8Pb/s1600/DSC05943.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530372062262564226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eXh1i7itS05PUtE-xNi4yUWez_sipoWEVGtnFTReZaQjd9eOkEXGff4SXyT3prqjWbG8coNq7IolUtmO6jYc6E3KE3uz209gpV6BoRD1iUnyMNWxiRFkIBENUOa9UXv62FQd-9EYy8Pb/s400/DSC05943.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;">Geranium<br /><br /></span><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgct2FnLfkuuuOBBW0DPCKtKUQYoERNd6q7D_sKqDW8PRjyesCT4zxRV-mZWegtd2osUd78W6yczKmSiGKeTFTyIq0qQshnoDBBIcdiefpsmUVI5a2eIySET4POqwyfMLAJSZb_PKGzehb/s1600/DSC05942.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530370967712075378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgct2FnLfkuuuOBBW0DPCKtKUQYoERNd6q7D_sKqDW8PRjyesCT4zxRV-mZWegtd2osUd78W6yczKmSiGKeTFTyIq0qQshnoDBBIcdiefpsmUVI5a2eIySET4POqwyfMLAJSZb_PKGzehb/s400/DSC05942.JPG" /></a><br /><br />My morning ritual (when Philomena wakes me up) is to open all the curtains, and I sit in my PJ's with a cup of tea behind the big glass doors at the entrance and I soak up the morning sun. I look out over my front garden and delight at all the colours, the sparkles of dew on the plants and spider webs. I like to see how the garden has changed and I'm always dreaming of what to do next and which plants to grow and where I'll place them. I can think and ponder about this for weeks until I'm satisfied that I've chosen the correct plant and location to achieve the 'look' that I want. It doesn't alway work out exactly as I plan though, but I learn more each time about plants and my garden.</div><div></div><div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;">Red Salvia<br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItmhifWAVRAV8pp8fHYxsqoywRstw8dvBifjYDK3DDMZey-TSGarCkn2kB8celvUpvpPz7qCeVD8qiqwBfYPEUYs8509AorM2F273HqQPvzBaG7zFfAHbC_jqndTiAQFpl8a34T2wt46O/s1600/DSC05940.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530370965859906946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItmhifWAVRAV8pp8fHYxsqoywRstw8dvBifjYDK3DDMZey-TSGarCkn2kB8celvUpvpPz7qCeVD8qiqwBfYPEUYs8509AorM2F273HqQPvzBaG7zFfAHbC_jqndTiAQFpl8a34T2wt46O/s400/DSC05940.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#666666;">Native Violets<br /></span><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgjEifmOOlNy9aD2kyFjvSw40sDi-BglaNzJy655vMvqI_lWGisb9X6sxKXVrNQF_qiMA08Lzbhs4zD-2UTHuBjZ4ZNFgd2OrxEa9x324tOyJLOdgBUNEJTM7oUHIw7l0lkrnZv9VbHz-/s1600/DSC05936.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530370954822206850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgjEifmOOlNy9aD2kyFjvSw40sDi-BglaNzJy655vMvqI_lWGisb9X6sxKXVrNQF_qiMA08Lzbhs4zD-2UTHuBjZ4ZNFgd2OrxEa9x324tOyJLOdgBUNEJTM7oUHIw7l0lkrnZv9VbHz-/s400/DSC05936.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;">Native Violets, Rhododendron, Azalea<br /><br /></span><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznd_mbQQdFGM_M23Kt3xF_emnWdAFrlGOy59vpNlpAqy6Ylspdrhj8KNXj-O2OUCBFw9INWAZnXe3LIMQbqsr68fucWhVuN0ds6kaSSr_896SONZWjhUgTX_EPQCVAJYrRsE7k8tAZB-o/s1600/DSC05931.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530370951362475714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznd_mbQQdFGM_M23Kt3xF_emnWdAFrlGOy59vpNlpAqy6Ylspdrhj8KNXj-O2OUCBFw9INWAZnXe3LIMQbqsr68fucWhVuN0ds6kaSSr_896SONZWjhUgTX_EPQCVAJYrRsE7k8tAZB-o/s400/DSC05931.JPG" /></a><br />So the last plant I'm waiting to flower is my Gardenia bush. I didn't get a chance to prune it in August, so the flowers aren't as robust as last year, but I'll prune them back when they've flowered and they should come back much better the next time.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;">Iris<br /><br /></div></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P-ErUxGYLmiASH2yjYA62ikgJTJP-loLuV1a2v7YS0oXxacgagIQRrMaDjlpqZ0nFSFid_k3-HjbX9VXola6RaIC9w_-XZXZnd9WfOv1oCLf42MsggeZAvNP2CxqnvKTH6yWzvIYaRUE/s1600/DSC05929.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530370949726259890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P-ErUxGYLmiASH2yjYA62ikgJTJP-loLuV1a2v7YS0oXxacgagIQRrMaDjlpqZ0nFSFid_k3-HjbX9VXola6RaIC9w_-XZXZnd9WfOv1oCLf42MsggeZAvNP2CxqnvKTH6yWzvIYaRUE/s400/DSC05929.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;">Star Jasmine (on lattice), Geranium, Daisies, Lavender, Ivy Geranium, Violas,</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;">Agapanthus (which is about to flower)<br /><br /></span><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6pa0o3alxVQbCzaKWcFCWb91mS3N7Ccq7wAW2lMRzno4UxPjeDPETPm2uerTvAnmC2lwSOgFfNMZvEJnWP1VTRliKXj2DLRe0qjoF5stqunuYespQ-OB6l1TNRxN9RaRGKGOQScW_ZPo/s1600/DSC06006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530369318463004322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6pa0o3alxVQbCzaKWcFCWb91mS3N7Ccq7wAW2lMRzno4UxPjeDPETPm2uerTvAnmC2lwSOgFfNMZvEJnWP1VTRliKXj2DLRe0qjoF5stqunuYespQ-OB6l1TNRxN9RaRGKGOQScW_ZPo/s400/DSC06006.JPG" /></a><br />This picture is of the front of our home. I wanted to show how the jasmine is starting to grow onto the carport, and I really love this. I can't wait for it to not only cover the lattice but also snake up and across the carport facade.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">My garden is due for some more mulching and a little cleaning and pruning back, ready for the next line of showers and rain. You can see where in one of my photos of the front entrance and path with the table and chair, where the native violet has just about covered once side of the path. I'm now waiting for it to be completely blanketed on that side, and the other side is coming along nicely too.</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;">American Wisteria (a smaller and less aggressive type of Wisteria)<br /></div></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz-sbDgAFs5PHryaCnKS82mZg4Q5oCN2KC0zP8hI-6LeU2Rf8hMTn6sWTBLAL7tl4CHKLre0DqyYcsqNjWKV5skVN1GNkengAfdbI1oNsbG5YPaCZ8DmIvCweDshB_yY9lHLctXvFQaxU/s1600/DSC06002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530369317899571458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz-sbDgAFs5PHryaCnKS82mZg4Q5oCN2KC0zP8hI-6LeU2Rf8hMTn6sWTBLAL7tl4CHKLre0DqyYcsqNjWKV5skVN1GNkengAfdbI1oNsbG5YPaCZ8DmIvCweDshB_yY9lHLctXvFQaxU/s400/DSC06002.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUX00O5lNvVhDUhvJMLWKY8i8QvyMtflxVdJkRjvkKoNHnIw7cCwZrAAh4tmPmRqHbk6xaSxX3nKOdBsJOlq2df7TDm3_fuWja2U54UV2VL0Pf5OrErGgrr00mkBpoAZwO7bX10xFSoPj/s1600/DSC06001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530369312732715858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUX00O5lNvVhDUhvJMLWKY8i8QvyMtflxVdJkRjvkKoNHnIw7cCwZrAAh4tmPmRqHbk6xaSxX3nKOdBsJOlq2df7TDm3_fuWja2U54UV2VL0Pf5OrErGgrr00mkBpoAZwO7bX10xFSoPj/s400/DSC06001.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTYtnkml_ANpl0GTwP56bE8CQqHyrg2uZmHGghYuj-h1IrKcPeprF8SUAEww5ZaJ6GnT2Vcx7wD_n6pdmCv6hD_MD73bkLQfYIyspJUG6WNZvxuWPpn1BT866rL34TGpeqfhqI6weTE8j/s1600/DSC05998.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530369303787857634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTYtnkml_ANpl0GTwP56bE8CQqHyrg2uZmHGghYuj-h1IrKcPeprF8SUAEww5ZaJ6GnT2Vcx7wD_n6pdmCv6hD_MD73bkLQfYIyspJUG6WNZvxuWPpn1BT866rL34TGpeqfhqI6weTE8j/s400/DSC05998.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdYkUVEtn9lVRD1ghRC9kAK08_uUHfibL4sY5LdhRAHhiQwhAiNEaFKOBOkPEFjzw2whdGUBu3cTStNLL_kxysDjfw4If2ICOBsAJMCkgueOi6F9_XPPnIzOUlgkXtyt08puTfak6KVIk/s1600/DSC05993.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530369299172742834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdYkUVEtn9lVRD1ghRC9kAK08_uUHfibL4sY5LdhRAHhiQwhAiNEaFKOBOkPEFjzw2whdGUBu3cTStNLL_kxysDjfw4If2ICOBsAJMCkgueOi6F9_XPPnIzOUlgkXtyt08puTfak6KVIk/s400/DSC05993.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><div align="left">And just quietly, I have to tell you that at the moment I have a new love...Climbing Roses! Well actually, I've always loved them, but I'm planning the next stage so that the entrance, or to the side of it, will be blanketed with climbing roses! </div><div align="left"></div><p><div align="left">I'm going to move a beautiful palm I've got growing in a big pot, and replace it with two large pots with climbing roses. I'll be establishing a support on both walls for the rose plants. One will be red in colour and the other white and I want to intertwine them. So I'll be starting this project in the next couple of months.</div><div align="left"></div><p><div align="left">You can see where my Eden Rose (Pierre de Ronsard) is growing nicely and currently blooming (the rose is out the back of my home). I've only just discovered how to get climbing roses to look more voluminous and get lots of roses, so I'll start working on getting that going, as I want to fill that whole trellis with masses of beautiful roses!</div><div align="left"></div><p><div align="left">Well, that's about it. That's part of what makes my home feel like a home, and I'm very much a romantic when it comes to how it looks, and without a beautiful cottage garden, it just wouldn't be the same! </div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440684837540468413.post-50164629132181805382010-09-08T10:46:00.005+10:002010-09-08T11:14:13.214+10:00Spring is Here!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZrGSYGcCM-gMdGmt9LZC63PA9dOF691vAzsnwTaGLxrn4fpYZcFldNteqNiDjMHpUZT0PEN-j6-csDM_wJqtyFu1XTy2M4qddOx-oo7LzYgvY6yozijLiONzZYL9dZjYZWLiEXyCzN2P/s1600/DSC05733.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514339460903230882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZrGSYGcCM-gMdGmt9LZC63PA9dOF691vAzsnwTaGLxrn4fpYZcFldNteqNiDjMHpUZT0PEN-j6-csDM_wJqtyFu1XTy2M4qddOx-oo7LzYgvY6yozijLiONzZYL9dZjYZWLiEXyCzN2P/s400/DSC05733.JPG" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> The entrance to our home</span></em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUDnjyeHx35wn7sncjMPGRjOR7P4o4pEsS2WdE7DGDVmLmeIv0qkhX4S7X6ip84VOgqPuCQ9CBrGmxQe9QwMkDcnb0RsoSIj8ufR5khyAvvukuHDHqrc21VeTpjErvJ0NfI5mibEGkoAw/s1600/DSC05737.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514339472852588850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUDnjyeHx35wn7sncjMPGRjOR7P4o4pEsS2WdE7DGDVmLmeIv0qkhX4S7X6ip84VOgqPuCQ9CBrGmxQe9QwMkDcnb0RsoSIj8ufR5khyAvvukuHDHqrc21VeTpjErvJ0NfI5mibEGkoAw/s400/DSC05737.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqRtsetcAOlGkpCYLAWlY71befp6uhmwztSQZKZ-EaCko2vZsTMJQAtNJkD8O-gd_tTkjXNymCjcaZVbFtSMkgLbYBEZo6RHnj6zNcDCIqFPCUu2avzQESGFa46wopj5WxNaKIEcqBBd6/s1600/DSC05892.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514338603168665042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqRtsetcAOlGkpCYLAWlY71befp6uhmwztSQZKZ-EaCko2vZsTMJQAtNJkD8O-gd_tTkjXNymCjcaZVbFtSMkgLbYBEZo6RHnj6zNcDCIqFPCUu2avzQESGFa46wopj5WxNaKIEcqBBd6/s400/DSC05892.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9ucQ8LiTKeiyvyqDS_VW0dvBgDRd3g6S6GkcQFNvTa6cL2WYGbfzBNxkse5Ha9KO0_QlGCLM9cWz5CdOlsUf7QShVLRFJZ9O-kLPLBaboY4pvXeKN7jlj92Hg8Zwj0f_88cXGOnVDROg/s1600/DSC05893.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514338596025502786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9ucQ8LiTKeiyvyqDS_VW0dvBgDRd3g6S6GkcQFNvTa6cL2WYGbfzBNxkse5Ha9KO0_QlGCLM9cWz5CdOlsUf7QShVLRFJZ9O-kLPLBaboY4pvXeKN7jlj92Hg8Zwj0f_88cXGOnVDROg/s400/DSC05893.JPG" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">My Rhododendron flower<br /><br /></span></em><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNldfKybls1uRYIMH8nGhIm0xd_zgkhYjorWicUZudWjTEyk80TbXJW4RLY82LTvVcoG6aT1bWY9_ZeOLid-k4Kj6z1tgivXbbhJJVKrEwp_TlQ6uNVH4KGCPNwscjK8_l_gGcEIbVNep/s1600/DSC05891.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514338585162670002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNldfKybls1uRYIMH8nGhIm0xd_zgkhYjorWicUZudWjTEyk80TbXJW4RLY82LTvVcoG6aT1bWY9_ZeOLid-k4Kj6z1tgivXbbhJJVKrEwp_TlQ6uNVH4KGCPNwscjK8_l_gGcEIbVNep/s400/DSC05891.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsnO2a53LNudaZbRRcoR_QOilv1Flr_88hSanSIvmjMba_n55SKAcvy_2OXXLzPoxB8Mv7eLGKj7E8M5wlooupiN9Ev7lZbMWs4oR-UR4e3WNq3cCGckMcxiUHV2orwg_BBjp7Qgk0Tay/s1600/DSC05886.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514338576513364194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsnO2a53LNudaZbRRcoR_QOilv1Flr_88hSanSIvmjMba_n55SKAcvy_2OXXLzPoxB8Mv7eLGKj7E8M5wlooupiN9Ev7lZbMWs4oR-UR4e3WNq3cCGckMcxiUHV2orwg_BBjp7Qgk0Tay/s400/DSC05886.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div align="left">One of the things that really enriches my life is gardening. I love plants, flowers and trees. Gardening is truly a creative and artistic pursuit. I think for those who love gardening, their gardens are a reflection of their personalities, and give a sense of where they and how they feel at home.</div><div align="left"></div><p><div align="left">It's very hard to describe the feelings that ensue, when you create something that you first picture in your mind. The end result doesn't always match that picture, but the main thing is, that you derive a sense of pleasure from not only the end result, but the process of your gardens' evolution. Because gardens are always a work in progress. It takes time for some plants to grow to their full maturity, so your garden isn't always complete.</div><div align="left"></div><p><div align="left">I love cottage gardens! I love rambling, unpredictable gardens. Not too precise, but not too wild either. I love differing textures of plants, to give balance amongst the greenery, and then splashes of colour to break it up. I love the soft light of the morning sun, and my favourite part of the day is opening up the curtains and looking out to the soft splash of that morning sun on the leaves and flowers, adding light and life to the garden. I love listening to the birds in the morning, and watching the delicate flowers of the native violets in my garden, sway in the gentle breeze. I love watching the spiders in their webs and the sparkles of dew glistening on them, from the early morning.<br /></div><div align="left"></div><p><div align="left">At the moment, the azaleas are in full bloom, and they are just gorgeous! As you can see in my photos, my Rhododendron has begun to bloom. Last year, I was leaving for Kapooka and they hadn't quite bloomed. This year, at least I get to enjoy them before I leave on Friday for Bandiana. I've asked a neighbour (who also loves gardening) to take care of my beautiful garden while I'm away, which gives me so much pleasure.</div><div align="left"></div><p><div align="left">So I can't wait to return to sit and enjoy my garden and watch it grow. Though I'm a bit worried about my flowers, since Philomena is a serial flower picker! She does love flowers just like me and loves to help out in the garden too. She especially loves the worms!<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div></div></div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440684837540468413.post-79871321900566807832010-08-29T10:16:00.010+10:002010-08-29T20:16:29.360+10:00I Love the Rain Washing Down the Window...and I Love You...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSLwKtkX3fxl5M7MsEDIpUfBNa1wZGtRXIbvNCO_JsWDpnYfxfkBsiwtNLiesdFHOKPVDptk_qr3f2nTEap8XXHIHjeAXhW49PmvNfRup7gIVrKx5M5EPwWylZvysThzq-7Gn_4ssdDhZ/s1600/DSC05664.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510621268430227698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSLwKtkX3fxl5M7MsEDIpUfBNa1wZGtRXIbvNCO_JsWDpnYfxfkBsiwtNLiesdFHOKPVDptk_qr3f2nTEap8XXHIHjeAXhW49PmvNfRup7gIVrKx5M5EPwWylZvysThzq-7Gn_4ssdDhZ/s400/DSC05664.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;"></span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;"><em>Philomena</em><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwUp1Pb8NmrO8PC2AVeFlpua4IaSEvtjFynX64irOq2gz9m0B_EXPRs0Bx77INMrYATr-jDfByEYGoJ9DOvSJ6hnxqFBH9zPj6uG8l7OP5lhvrzSRf1rQiPN2d3jCej01E666RJSgJdVU/s1600/DSC05665.JPG"><span style="color:#999999;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510621254436020098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwUp1Pb8NmrO8PC2AVeFlpua4IaSEvtjFynX64irOq2gz9m0B_EXPRs0Bx77INMrYATr-jDfByEYGoJ9DOvSJ6hnxqFBH9zPj6uG8l7OP5lhvrzSRf1rQiPN2d3jCej01E666RJSgJdVU/s400/DSC05665.JPG" /></span></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;"> Philomena & Kitty-Kat<br /></span></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-mjFiDcwCnh3I-WzZvlXlNzn16hXRWIZdlI9Q0e_aPaiqgchLKTU3RawqICkz8-LQyZFfw5Ypp8qHsai8q5hB7_khcLcE5PvD7gyDOfkVgJqX2bl1OOw2bdUmRYTURveoP0GfxIsVaQA/s1600/DSC05741.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510621246925474530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-mjFiDcwCnh3I-WzZvlXlNzn16hXRWIZdlI9Q0e_aPaiqgchLKTU3RawqICkz8-LQyZFfw5Ypp8qHsai8q5hB7_khcLcE5PvD7gyDOfkVgJqX2bl1OOw2bdUmRYTURveoP0GfxIsVaQA/s400/DSC05741.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;"><em>Fawn (the fairy), Lady Bug & Tinkerbell, in my pot of mint<br /></em></span><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#999999;">(Photo courtesy of Philomena Warnholtz)</span><br /></span></em><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-QvOTjYHwEg3enJbJ52MJIgt_JuD-9zmZRRBS_CUwB-P5g0njfhTc44JAL1OSRjTw-rt9S_dLS5CqWQo__c1DHXiaiFxKP-pEX9yW3V-CULfSYxXBljyY7TxaOFlv3I1aOywRZEGATCQ/s1600/DSC05742.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510621237722161122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-QvOTjYHwEg3enJbJ52MJIgt_JuD-9zmZRRBS_CUwB-P5g0njfhTc44JAL1OSRjTw-rt9S_dLS5CqWQo__c1DHXiaiFxKP-pEX9yW3V-CULfSYxXBljyY7TxaOFlv3I1aOywRZEGATCQ/s400/DSC05742.JPG" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;">Tinkerbell (the fairy) in my pot of mint<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;">(Photo courtesy of Philomena Warnholtz)<br /></span></em><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VKKDxlLSxTA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VKKDxlLSxTA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Rainy Day Dream</strong></span><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">by Nadia Sunde</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Soft as cobwebs</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">so the rain, falls down.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Leaving tiny diamond drops...on the ground.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">And I love the rain falling down the window.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">I love the sound of it on the roof.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">I love the rain washing on the garden,</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">and I Love You.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">We've got nowhere, that we need..to be.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">I've made a cosy nest of blankets, for you and me.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">And I love the rain falling down the window.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">I love the sound of it on the roof.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">I love the rain washing on the garden,</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">and I Love You.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">I love the rain falling, down the window.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">I love the sound of it on the roof.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">I love the rain washing on the garden...</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">and I Love You...</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">and I Love You..</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">and I...Love...You.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span></p>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440684837540468413.post-48044976011663095462010-08-03T11:49:00.007+10:002010-08-03T13:12:59.287+10:00A Mothers' Protective Instinct<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7OBuoiCproJidDmtKTuqbquf7t_u_nsl3bwqMa3i_vcjGfqWJYZo1sD3dzWL1lDjQRSSk87d3LVfjKkM36AElRoS0R5Uy547koUVcJODH9_HviG1FYJN7vlzzAb_KwhAo1ZOEcLxCyuU/s1600/DSC05643.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500997057757572210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7OBuoiCproJidDmtKTuqbquf7t_u_nsl3bwqMa3i_vcjGfqWJYZo1sD3dzWL1lDjQRSSk87d3LVfjKkM36AElRoS0R5Uy547koUVcJODH9_HviG1FYJN7vlzzAb_KwhAo1ZOEcLxCyuU/s400/DSC05643.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> Philomena's First Sunflower</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;"><strong>"Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;"><strong>before the dark hour of reason grows."</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;color:#999999;"><em></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;color:#999999;"><em>- John Betjeman</em></span></div><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Last night I slept terribly. I should know better, but I watched a DVD before going to bed, and I really do need to be more mindful of the content. It's just that while Anthony is away, I tend to try to fit in some time to watch DVD's, as I rarely watch any television these days.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Last night's instalment was </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0914798/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas'</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. You probably already know basically what it is about, but this the basic plot as per the link...</span><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"Set during World War II, a story seen through the innocent eyes of Bruno, the eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences. " </span></em></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">It was an unexpected ending (as the plot alludes to), and one that left me feeling quite hollow and empty. Stories coming out the holocaust are never really uplifting, but these sorts of stories though they can put things into perspective, can also leave you wondering about the human races' penchant for creating suffering for others.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">The quote is the intro to the DVD. Not only did I think it described well, a child's innocence and subsequent initiation to the selfishness, cruelty, and debauchery of adults during the holocaust (in particular, inside the concentration camps), but I thought how well the quote describes that passage from childhood into adulthood in modern times.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I was talking with a friend last night about the upcoming reuinon, as to becoming a mother, and how this for the majority, is the most influential and life changing period of our lives, and adds such a depth and dimension to our lives that we could never have imagined.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Anyway...lying in bed I was, unable to fall asleep and turning things over in my mind. Philomena was lying next to me (which she often does when Anthony is away) and I was listening to her breathing and reached out to touch her little fingers and warm hands.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I was thinking of the movie and how children are so oblivious to what is obvious to you and I, only seeing the world as living in a polyanna existence. And here we are, the 'supposed' adults, so ready to strip them of their innocence and wonder, in our bid to help them 'grow up' and mature.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Then I started to think of Philomena going to prep next year, and the experiences she's already had with bullying, disppointment, hurtful people, ignorance, rudeness, obscenities, etc, etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I've been thinking of how I can help prepare Philomena for the 'big, bad, world' out there. As they get older, your ability to be there for them is just not possible and in reality, not helpful to them growing and maturing. So I'm thinking of ways that I can teach her or pass on ways that she can protect herself when I am not there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">The problem is, there is only so much you can tell your children at this age. You want them to be wary of strangers and the deceit of other children and adults, but on the same token, you want to preserve their innocence and their beautiful, carefree and friendly natures. You don't want to them live in constant fear, because as we all know, this only proves to restrict them and stifle their growth, and enjoyment of everything that life has to offer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I've starting explaining about 'stranger danger' and I've even been impelled to show her a couple of self-protection techniques when she was exposed to bullying from a (not-so-small) boy in her previous daycare. I've also tried to explain to her about bullying and about the need to protect herself, and why some children/people do what they do.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Trying to tell Philomena that there are people who do 'bad things', is such a difficult thing to do. She saw the cover of <em>'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas'</em>, and asked if she could watch it, because she saw the picture of children on the front. It was the most difficult thing for me to try and explain that it was a movie for adults, to which she responded by badgering me and asking me what the film was about. I tried to explain her the best I could about '<em>Wars'</em> and that people do terrible things to each other in war. She then asked, "even to children?". To which I replied with a look of forlorn..."Yes, even to children".</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Last week there was an article in the courier mail about the increase of sexual assault in primary schools! With these sorts of stories and everything else to contend with out there, is it any wonder that parents of today fear for the safety and well-being of their children?</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">So I've been thinking of how I can help Philomena to become confident and strong, without taking away her innocence and love-of-life, because she is such a little butterfly. She loves people and her ability to bring sunshine and happiness to those she comes into contact with, is not lost on me. And I want her to always be herself and not be afraid to share her warmth with others. But I want her also to have the ability to be strong and assertive too, if ever the need arose.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I've always had in the back of my mind to teach Philomena martial arts when she was old enough. I think that time is fast approaching, and I will now consider how I go about doing just that. It will also be a way for me to reconnect with the 'love-of-my-life, i.e. martial arts, at a deeper level again, and it will be something that we can share and enjoy together as mother and daughter. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I'm kind of looking forward to seeing her grow and learn with the martial arts, just as I enjoyed watching the little ones grow and learn when I taught children martial arts many moons ago.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">So I awoke this morning with a renewed hope, and even though sometimes the thought of all the horrible things that can happen and what adults do to children, can be overwhelming, I still believe that you should always have the best expectations in life, and so should our children.</span></p>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440684837540468413.post-66823200510452043782010-06-19T19:00:00.006+10:002010-06-19T19:45:41.481+10:00Melting Hearts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV3SQEklrYycHCPwPUHFPGM_Z9K6hfarUnCw8n2KFSqpOapGQNAJh83iaSk1BL3T8u4gTqx6vJtwJbnAQ-nH7K0RclnH9IW_L__J2Rtyo_MZ1rCPrbJ5bNZkJRfvVCcUo_tyHnolASVZD/s1600/meandmissphil.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 397px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484413265388643794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV3SQEklrYycHCPwPUHFPGM_Z9K6hfarUnCw8n2KFSqpOapGQNAJh83iaSk1BL3T8u4gTqx6vJtwJbnAQ-nH7K0RclnH9IW_L__J2Rtyo_MZ1rCPrbJ5bNZkJRfvVCcUo_tyHnolASVZD/s400/meandmissphil.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="left"></div>I've just been reading <a href="http://lastchancetraining.wordpress.com/2010/06/19/the-curious-gene-pool/">Liz's latest post</a>, where she talks about her girls and a 'melting heart' moment. I commented on her post about my 'melting heart moment', and really wanted to share it with you....<br /><br />After bathing Miss Phil, and helping her get dressed, she was sitting on the bed in her pyjamas and I was asking about her day (I had left for work before she awoke). Out of the blue came this from the mouth of babes.<br /><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">"Mummy...I miss you when you are gone, and when you leave it breaks my heart. But when you come back, my heart feels better."</span></strong></em><br /><br />It's moments like these you really come to cherish and keep close to your heart. ***sniff***sniff<br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsj7AQz_XB7WZ1-zyENReYoPVqry4OySeHkKbTdBJZ5qq2v4qMxre7Ytuh9NPWu0652Lt1bgZtyIWotDXmTk-kg7lbmZAzvIoE3XU4Lsws_nhd9Ve5ruuaQbV4vrPPTwc-Kgzwl9ArDb1/s1600/kerry+and+miss+phil.jpg"></a><br /><br /></div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440684837540468413.post-2330208347623110592010-05-17T22:25:00.004+10:002010-05-17T22:36:46.250+10:00You Fill My Heart With Love...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UnrrDTPwmRdekMJCjqUKo8wViwhBBapTZnNalGQVv0v0ypNrGldXBm3ZAyWSqw2wzt0XH5h91D296d7ceKgO8G5lPaP1EyV8PsZzKhtNjCcGTtFulqRl72TJhLSGqd0B92zqCrMEYyY0/s1600/fill+my+heart+with+love.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472214110365899138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UnrrDTPwmRdekMJCjqUKo8wViwhBBapTZnNalGQVv0v0ypNrGldXBm3ZAyWSqw2wzt0XH5h91D296d7ceKgO8G5lPaP1EyV8PsZzKhtNjCcGTtFulqRl72TJhLSGqd0B92zqCrMEYyY0/s400/fill+my+heart+with+love.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff6666;">You Fill My Heart With Love</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">You came into this world<br />So wanted…so tiny…so helpless.<br />Then you looked up at me.<br />You filled my eyes with tears<br />and filled my heart with love.<br /><br />You came into our home<br />So wanted…so tiny…so helpless.<br />I felt so afraid and unworthy.<br />You filled my eyes with tears<br />and filled my heart with fear.<br /><br />You came and lay upon my breast<br />So wanted…so tiny…so helpless.<br />You suckled so hungrily, gazing up at me.<br />You filled my eyes with tears<br />and filled my heart with love.<br /><br />You came to rest in your cot<br />So wanted…so tiny…so helpless.<br />You cried with pain for which I could not ease.<br />You filled my eyes with tears<br />and filled my heart with fear.<br /><br />Now dear child, you’ve grown so big<br />Still wanted…growing bigger…not helpless.<br />I watch you skip along the path and sing with pure delight.<br />Your face is filled with smiles of joy and you look into my eyes.<br />You say those words I long to hear…”I love you!”<br />Oh how you fill my eyes with tears, dear child<br />and fill my heart with love. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#666666;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666666;"></span> </div><p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;"><em>- Kerry Warnholtz</em></span></div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440684837540468413.post-45054058415372663432010-05-17T09:56:00.001+10:002010-05-17T10:35:18.225+10:00Kerry's Recipes in Richness...New Blog<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtoOPmJzkhF9r3ffIck6NRaHhxKzyFd8cQuDceELUpc0J0yYpfkXYhxedq_lV7aQrR0p7vcSONPHhmZjYkK4iSTUGSF7Q_hQ57csvT8afzEKzVV_VLdI4w0F6-ijHSuTRZNjxYkw7Mqhf/s1600/richnessrecipe3.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVeS9eiiJsK9AU03JPtWNJjXOVVRq69UzRWUSD3xIQruBs4pVD-kBppwpO067oiTFwOCEMsr20E9B86AJ7tPyIFC31ypATj6ivV1A4LMc9ckfi64IkHu814NBjdXgIP7TpU2VUbZsKg0q/s1600/richness+recipe.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472026211026823986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVeS9eiiJsK9AU03JPtWNJjXOVVRq69UzRWUSD3xIQruBs4pVD-kBppwpO067oiTFwOCEMsr20E9B86AJ7tPyIFC31ypATj6ivV1A4LMc9ckfi64IkHu814NBjdXgIP7TpU2VUbZsKg0q/s400/richness+recipe.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><em>'Recipes in Richness'</em> is about sharing with you <em>Recipes</em> which make my life the richer for experiencing. For a change, this is not so much about my <a href="http://kerry-fit-and-fab-at-40.blogspot.com/">personal (health and fitness) journey</a>, but more about what I have found has enriched my life, and my secret ingredients for a deeper, richer and more meaningful life.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVxwHjSv5hJim82rU5adDVhHIXVpfC_YgKX7048lGHcSYRm8qHRSkCsD_ZCkvGAl4xoU81BT84rMwBbRXwjhLgtfHDAFr-MXfFuxLn0665bpkN00VCrqxmEv6XV26RwuSA-UU-aRstqgv/s1600/richness+recipe+blog+intro.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472029461779024978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVxwHjSv5hJim82rU5adDVhHIXVpfC_YgKX7048lGHcSYRm8qHRSkCsD_ZCkvGAl4xoU81BT84rMwBbRXwjhLgtfHDAFr-MXfFuxLn0665bpkN00VCrqxmEv6XV26RwuSA-UU-aRstqgv/s400/richness+recipe+blog+intro.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>It's about family, friends, people and experiences, that you discover along life's winding path, which become more important as you get older, than anything you can buy. It's about living life simply, and sharing it with <em>people</em> in a way that touches their lives and yours if you let it, however fleeting it may be. </div><div> </div><p><div><em>'Recipes in Richness'</em> is about discovering the magic which is life.</div><div> </div><p><div>In sharing my own recipes, I hope you can discover, create, reflect upon your own recipes! :)<br /></div><div></div></div><br /><br /><div></div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com7