Same Same

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LJ (my sister) and I have the same  children. Well, not really the same same. I have a girl then boy. She has a boy then girl. BUT they are very similar!!! Our eldest's are both blonde with blue eyes. Bit strange as both sets of parents are dark haired with brown or hazel eyes. Both are bright wee things, a bit anxious and worriers...'What if we miss the bus Mum?'. They are both sensitive to colours and flavours. They are both the planners of the families. They have the same interests. They were both quick readers "Oh, good, the book is nice and thick!". Both are diligent with homework, chores and the like. They could pass for brother and sister better than the real brother and sister. They have a sense of order and a respect for the rules. They don't need to be nagged. They just do what they should. For now atleast.

Our second children... Well. Different story. They too look alike and could easily pass for siblings. They both have dark eyes and hair and olive skin. They are our 'honesty' children. They sort of, well, get right to the crux of the situation. They see it how it is and say what they think. Usually, they are right, absolutely right. They are a very good judge of character. They are stubborn. When they set their mind to something, that is it. No point trying to change them. No use. 

As they live a short 12 hours drive from us contact is limited to about 4-5 times per year but they tumble in together secure with the knowledge that they are family.

Life sure is going to be interesting...

Ciao for now...

just Martha

Proud Moments...

Unveiling.... Master T. Isn't he gorgeous?

It took me a l-o-n-g time to become a Mummy... about 4 years after my original decision. So, the Silver Fox and I had to follow a very long and winding path to parenthood. We got there in the end, older, wiser and totally in love with our gorgeous babes. We were married for 8 years before Miss T came along. I look at my children with wonder as they are their own people and possess traits and strengths purely their own. So amazing to watch them grow into who they are.

And so it was that I was watching Master T entertain our dinner party with his knowledge on sharks and then his oh-so-accurate impersonation of the one-of-a-kind Mr Bear Grylls. He had the total attention of the table with his antics. I was a very proud Mummy watching him interact with adults and entertain. His capacity for detail was astounding. So, I thought you might like to see a photo of him, my heavenly son. So here it is, as above. He is a sensitive soul with a good sense of humour... and style. I am looking forward to seeing where life takes him....

Life is good....

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Please Explain...

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How is it that, from the very first day of school holidays, both of my children were out of bed and up at.....6.17am!!! How is it that everyday I have had to wake them, cajole, nag....... and when they c-a-n relax and sleep in.... up raring to go! Sometimes Miss T comes down 5 minutes before we are due to leave and still needs to do breakfast, chores etc and here she is full of beans a full 1.30hrs early!!!! Last night they got to be after midnight and yep, you guessed it, up at 6ish...Go figure...



Ciao for now 

just Martha

Brolly...

I need a new brolly. Mine died. The brolly sort of fell off the handle. Just when I needed it. I suppose it was kinda old. It was a red tartan with a timber handle. Aaah! Now the search begins for a new one. I have been a discerning shopper now for a few years after discovering the world of Sarah ban Breathnach.  I only buy things that I am 100% happy with, that tick all the boxes, that make my heart sing. And yes bloggers, it is only a brolly but why not enjoy all aspects of life? Why not enjoy the simple stuff, take pleasure in the everyday? The search begins...   Any ideas? I have looked at Oroton but they are a tad too pinkish for me...

Ciao for now


just Martha

Fridge Confessions...

What is your fridge confession? Anything you want to share? What do you always have in your fridge? What is your secret pleasure? What dies in your fridge?..............

Sometimes, I have fainty carrots....

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Flowers? You Shouldn't Have...

I received some flowers late last week. As above. Aren't they lovely. They are from my neighbour's husband. 'Oh' I hear you exclaim.  Bit unusual I agree. Especially since his wife was walking past the florist when he was buying them as knew they weren't for her. 'This should be interesting' she said to her children.  Yes. It is interesting. They were for me. They were a 'thank you' gift. Plot thickens??? Not really. Apparently I had 'lent' my husband to my gorgeous neighbour to do 'man-stuff' and he felt a bit bad that we were deprived of the Silver Fox's company for the whole weekend!!! So, flowers as a thank you. Heck, between you and I it was nice to have the place to myself for once!!! Knowing the the Silver Fox was doing something he loves with his best friend was reward enough. Heck, I would have p-a-i-d him for the time-out I got!! Don't get me wrong, I adore my hubby but it was nice. So really no flowers necessary.... My pleasure!!!!

Ciao for now


just Martha

Topsy Turvy...

The phone rang last night. Very late. About 9.51pm  to be exact. Even with daylight savings allowances it's a bit late. A ringing phone late at night can strike fear into your soul. 'What's happened?', 'What's gone wrong?'. Brace yourself for tragedy. The world seems a little topsy turvy at the moment. Maybe it is with getting older, losing innocence that such things as a late night call can mean life and death, tragedy... Change... good or bad but definitely change.

Sometimes it is just an innocent phone call from a friend or relative who has lost track of time. It was in this case but the shear relief it brings reminds us we have been holding our breath, getting prepared. We let out a huge sigh of relief. This time. We know from past experience that these calls can bring grief, have us planning..'now, I'll change out of my pyjamas...', 'call the neighbour to watch the children...' Getting prepared. It happens. We know it happens. Hopefully not to us but no doubt we have all received too many calls in the past. Even one is too many.

So hooray to late night calls from those who forget the time. I give thanks for my family and friend's health, happiness and well being and support those whose life has suddenly turned in the wrong direction. May everyone be safe, well and happy. The blogging world definitely included...


Ciao for now




just Martha

Positive Thoughts...

There is a site called positive-thoughts.typepad.com  which is both beautiful and inspirational. I am keen on celebrating the everyday and this site is full of beautiful words and photos to be enjoyed. Take time dear bloggers to enjoy the simple things in life. Spend your 20 minutes each day doing something you love. Give it a go...

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Frizzy Hair...

 I am of the 'Frizzy Hair" breed. Give me a bit of humidity and zzzzzz = instant frizz! Are you at peace with your hair? or are you a 'wannabe'?. You know, a 'wannabe straight' or a 'wannabe wavy'.... My goal is to be at peace with my hair. I even went to a hairdresser once and said 'please cut my hair how it wants to be cut'. I am sick and tired of trying to tame my untameable locks. Why is it? Why is it that we want what we don't have? I have hair that is keen to frizz at the slightest temptation. Send me to the hairdressers girls and as soon as that straightening iron comes out, it will rain. Every time. It is true. What a waste of money! 

I am determined to accept my hair for who it wants to be. If only it would make its mind up. I went to Canada once and my hair was perfect!! Different climate. No 'frizz' here!! Bit extreme just for hair though relocating across the world. Now, I have learned a few secrets of late...

1. Here is my secret weapon:

Moroccan hair products...

They work people.  No oil slick but just tame hair.

I also learned another secret. If I wash my hair and blowdry it when it is wet, it is also less likely to frizz. Didn't know that!!! So now, after x amount of years, I can finally look sleeker. Hooray!!!

Ciao for now

just Martha

Who Would Have Thought?...

Saturday morning. Fitness challenge. Swimming involved. Gross. I don't really 'do' swimming. However. Great teacher. Back to basics. You know: arms, legs, breathe, kick, breathe... breathe ... Job done. I even managed to have a good time! Infact, a great time! I may have counted atleast 20 laps which usually would have had me quaking in fear. Nope. Nicely distracted by technique. Good one Teacher! So nice to come back from exercise cool and relaxed rather than hot, sweaty and dirty. Hmmmmm, maybe I could have a few more lessons..... Maybe not quite to the standard above but hey, a girl's gotta have a goal!!!

What does the weekend hold for you? Easy one for us which is nice but that means the usual: washing, shopping, cleaning, cooking, ironing..... Well, for me any way....

Have a good one folks.....

Ciao for now 

just Martha

This Won't Hurt a Bit...

I have been having acupuncture at the gym as part of my 'challenge' and apparently my hormones are up the creek, so I have been having some regular sessions. One of the acupuncture needles goes between my eyes so I like to imagine my wrinkles disappearing as I lie there listening to relaxing music and trying not to think of the washing/cleaning/what's for dinner...
Deep breath....
Calm...
Relax....
Well last week the spot between my eyes bled like a you know what and I ended up with a huge bruise. Yep. Right between my eyes. A very classy look. It has gone the whole colour wheel... black, green yellow...I have been talking to people all week who suddenly say 'Oh my is that a bruise?' Yep. It is. No, it's not dirt, or a shadow. It's a bruise. And then explain how one gets such a round bruise smack bang in the middle between one's eyes... 

Now you know

Ciao for now


just Martha

Must Haves...

Kikki-K

 Whizzed up to my fav shopping centre on the weekend with a short list to purchase and this calender is one of my "Must Haves". Have searched for years to find the right one and this is it. This organises my life, family, events, bills, birthdays.... Aaaaaahhh, the joy. It is not fancy. But, it is ready for action... Thought I would get in early as I would be lost without one.... AND I still have one column left!!!

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Do We Dare?...

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Do we dare?...................... Take the blankets off the bed? What do you think? It was a glorious Summer's weekend here, filled with sunshine. But. We have been lured before. Into a false sense of security. It all went pear-shaped. Back on with the flannels. Even the brollies had to come out. But now, well. It looks so promising.... So  "I have arrived"-ish.  So watermelon, sunscreen, hats, swims, beach-ish.... We even had a summer storm last night: lots of lightening and thunder (you know soooo loud you fall out of bed...) and not much rain. Aaaah, now that is real Summer stuff that!

What do you think? What will you do?......

Ciao for now


just Martha

I Do...





The chapel made of glass and near the beach. Breathtaking view...

Big church and just lil ol' us!!!



 The Silver Fox has been cleaning the garage and he is on a long overdue mission so I hesitate to get involved interfere with his 'creative flow'. I have known him a while now. Would you like to know more about us?

We met at a nightclub. As you do. Well, that is not strictly true as our brothers were friends so I suppose he came with references really. Well from there it progressed and we married some 25 months after we met. We were both in our early twenties and looking back that seems very young. I guess when you meet the right person, there is no reason to wait.

We have been married now for 20 years (!) and the time has literally flown by. I know people say that but, well, it is true. This year we decided to renew our wedding vows with the Tweenies as witnesses and we decided to do this on a little island in Fiji. Our first overseas holiday as a family. Even though it was a sort of 'while we are there we may as well...' type of decision, it proved to be very touching and deeply reassuring. Reassuring that we had made the right decision all those years ago. We thought 20 years was something to celebrate, especially in these times. There was even a tear or two shed.

The whole thing was very moving, even for the Silver Fox who is as romantic as a dirty sock, usually. We decked ourselves out in matching white, casual but wedding looking. Anything posher would have looked overdressed really. I toyed with the idea of getting my original dress remade into something but I am glad I didn't as it was a very informal day. The Islanders went to so much trouble with all the finishing touches like decorating our burre with flowers, frangipanies for us to wear and bringing champagne for us and lemonade for the children after.  It was quite hot but a glorious day...

We were the talk of the Island and given superstar status for a while. We had our own table by the pool and had a romantic dinner by candlelight. Just magical. It was wonderful....Nice to know we would do it again really. The priest was so heavenly. S-o heavenly. He wore a navy pin-stripped suit with a sulu skirt. He spoke like Sebastian the crab out of The Little Mermaid. I got the giggles and I had to concentrate really hard on what he was saying. At one point he asked me...' do you promise to be conscious' (silence)..... 'of'...... Well, yep. I could certainly promise to be conscious, most of the time anyway!!!  How could I not giggle? The vows were based on the island and very poignant. A great day really. A-N-D I got a new ring! as you do!!


Got to have a new ring after 20 years....... Agree?



Men have the best legs and hips for skirts I think... Do you agree?

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Things I know...

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• Going to the markets every Saturday morning has changed our cuisine life. It is amazing how different fresh food tastes folks!!!And I would go as far as to say it is cheaper too because it lasts longer...
• Planning meals for the week has also reduced stress, saved time and enhanced family life
• A girl needs girlfriends
• The things I can't do with mince are not worth mentioning...
• Perform random acts of kindness when possible
• Be thankful for the life you have
• Let people in your life how how important they are. Cherish them
• Christmas is in the air. Can you feel it?
• Touch, hug, snuggle... We are tactile beings...
• Keep the real friends. Cull the fake ones..
• Spend 20 minutes everyday doing something you love
•  Love yourself and be happy
• Take pleasure in the everyday. Enjoy doing things because you can, not because you have to...
• Do something different. Take a risk! Challenge yourself
• Encourage your children to try. Don't restrict them with your fears. Otherwise, eventually they will be too fearful to try. Be there to support...
• Exercise! you will feel so much better and have so much more energy. Eventually...

Ciao for now


just Martha

just Rain...

 Raining here. Still. There is only so much TV watching, sleeping and relaxing to be done by a 10 year old. Out come the cards and whaaallaaa, building taking place. Concentration. Tongue held j-u-s-t right.... 

What about you? Is it raining today?

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Bike Track

We have fantastic bike tracks in my area which you may know as I have rabbited on about them before. What you may not know is that the  same tracks are responsible, to the unsuspecting rider, for many an injury due to the uneven ground at times or the shifting of the path or even the lights not always working. I have been flirting with danger by taking photos of interesting houses and features one-handed, as I whiz by on my bike ride. Everyone  has a story regarding the bike track: broken arms and legs, missing teeth, grazes, gouges, split lips.... I kid you not.  Even my own little Master T was riding next to me one minute and the next thing, he was missing. I look back to see him surrounded by people and him, a little crumpled bleeding mess in the middle of the crowd. He didn't really know what happened so I needed to take him home and bandage him up. Like an Egyptian Mummy. 

 So it doesn't really pay to get up to fancy tricks like 1 handed photography. A girl needs to keep her wits about her...



Ciao for now 

just Martha

Spring in My Step...

Out having a walk. Learning to take my camera with me. Look!!! A nice 'pop' of colour to brighten the day. Spring has sprung in Aussie-land...


Ciao for now 

just Martha

Eyebrows or Caterpillars?....

What Not To Wear

Do you know Trinny and Susannah? From What Not to Wear in the UK? Not a show I usually watch but I was flicking past the other day (on my way through pay tv but that is another story...) and apart from noticing the botox etc, they said something very profound. It got me thinking. Still. And I thought we could open the comment for discussion.....

They were talking to a lady about her eyebrows, or rather her lack of maintenance of said eyebrows. Nothing profound so far I hear you sigh. But, here is the thing. What they said was that maintaining eyebrows, getting touch ups to grey hair, wax/shave legs etc had n-o-t-h-i-n-g to do with  money, cost or time management. It had everything to do with how a person perceives herself. How aware she is of herself. The lady in question said she had no time to do these things. Their answer was that she wasn't  'in touch' with herself. She didn't give herself the attention she deserved and it was really important to do so.


I think I agree with them. I think awareness can be on many levels and obviously there is a difference between being obsessed and being indifferent but generally, it might be a good indicator that a girl needs to be more aware of herself. It might be a good place to start.


What do you think?......



Ciao for now 

just Martha

Encouragement...



kikki-k My favourite...

 I coerced made encouraged a good friend at work to peek at the wonderful world of blogs and told her about  my 'bloggy love' and my blog. She finally got some time to herself and access to her own computer and settled down to have a look. She was amazed at this 'other world' that was at her fingertips.And she bought me a present. A little beautifully decorated notebook which slips easily into my handbag to be ready anytime and anywhere to jotted down by ideas, thoughts and wisdoms. Isn't she thoughtful. Thank you sweet friend... It will encourage me no end...


Ciao for now

just Martha

PS: I have had 2000 views of my blog. I am amazed and very grateful! Thank you dear readers...