Weekend T'Was..

Caramel Tarts

Well, the clocks have turned back here and I do feel that I have crammed more into my day even though it was just one hour longer! The Silver Fox scooted off early with Master T to pick up a bike. I took this opportunity to hang in bed a little while longer before taking the pooch for a leisurely walk on the beach. I went to a bush dance fund raiser last night and danced like a Drongo, Stripped the Willow and did a little Doe-See-Doe-ing! Sound painful? Naaah, good fun actually! They had a Bucking Bull which was quite a hoot to watch too. Good clean fun!!

Today was also a time to get the whip out and, ahem, "help" Master T with a long overdue project. I never, ever, do the projects but make my children write the information out first and we discuss it, check grammar and spelling and punctuation l-o-n-g before they actually get to write it up on the computer. My children usually go insane when I do this as all they want to do is cut and paste and be done with it. No, no, no!! With me it is the old fashioned way so I need LOTS of patience so both of us don't lose our minds. I might occasionally point out that this is their homework though that I have already successfully completed their grade! Just saying...

Not a fun way to spend the afternoon but today Master T has risen to the challenge and is currently out riding on his new bike with his Dad. I am just mustering the energy to fold the washing, make lunches for school and make dinner. You know how it is.

The Silver Fox is in trouble because he drove past  our favourite pie shop on his way home from purchasing the bike, and DIDN'T stop in to get the traditional caramel tart with cream that we have once in a blue moon when we actually pass this particular pie shop. He said he forgot but he did also know he would be in trouble. It doesn't matter what health kick I am on, a caramel tart from Yatala Pie's is compulsory!

Do you have a busy week ahead? I think I do. We need to decide if we watch The Voice or not because it does become quite a commitment doesn't it? We are still at lose ends after The Block so I hesitate to replace that with another long running series. My sister and her family went to a Blind Audition taping though and she said it was f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s!!!

Those burritos won't make themselves so....





Ciao for now...





 

Weekend...

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 I l-o-v-e the weekend. I love a bit of a sleep in. I even love doing the washing, tidying etc.

I had my meeting at work. I was a star. Baffled them with logic. It's not over yet as some people like to go down fighting. But. Hey. There would be no challenge if they did. So it continues but if this was a rope contest, the middle would be closer to my side. My adversary is trying to be personal. Not me. I am sticking to the rules and so far smell like a flower. The saga continues....

I am at week 4 of my 6 Week Blitz. I know, I am addicted. After the session today a few of us meet for breakfast. I look forward to that a-l-l week. Bacon, poached eggs and wholemeal toast. Yum!! I ran 2.4km in 12.55mins. Good time for me.

The Silver Fox has a new project at work. Some.......... 2 minutes from home. For the next year at least. Yay! How darn exciting!! Life has been very good to us. I think it is a reward for going away last year and not whinging. Thank you very much I say.

Now it is nearly 2 years since I began blogging. Gosh that time went quickly. What shall we do to celebrate? Maybe a giveaway? What do you think?

What are you doing this weekend?





 Ciao for now...



 

Hello Sunshine...

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Ahhh, the sun is shining here today. So heavenly after all the rain, wind, cold....

Welcome dear sunshine

I have been up pounding it out at the beach, carrying sand bags from here to there and back again. Doing a team challenge, building sandcastles, rolling in the sand. As you do... Then i went to breakfast with some of my team mates. I do that every Saturday. My reward after a busy week: chilling in the sunshine with a nice bircher museli and a skinny latte. Ahhh!

My boys were supposed to do a deep-sea fishing trip with my Dad and brother but the Silver Fox has been doing nights and isn't up to functioning as a..... human really. So, it is put off for now.

So, easy weekend for us. Miss T is going to a movie/sleepover and then tomorrow we are going to Dreamworld as the Silver Fox's work has organised a family day. Very nice.

A bright sunny day makes me excited. Do you get like that? I feel quite happy.

On the work front, I have scheduled a meeting on Tuesday with the top top boss and my 2 managers. And me. I have already written down my argument. I am determined to dazzle them with logic and break tradition. I will be calmly assertive.  They won't know what hit them. Wish me luck.



Ciao for now...



 

Sheer Bliss...

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 I'm back

Fully rested, replenished and relaxed...

After  weekend in Byron with my gorgeous sister

We  had it all:
Massage, walks, movies, beach, dinner, laughter, chatting, sharing, sleeping in...

I like her as a person

That is important I think, beyond being related....

Sigh, back to reality.


Planning the next getaway. Down her way I think.








 Ciao for now...



 

Weekend...

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Hello.  I'm back. Computer problems all fixed. For a mere sum of money. Hmmm. Only 7 months left in my contract....

The weather is beautiful in my part of the world. Challenge this morning involved items of torture such as a rope ladder, steps, a b-i-g- piece of rope and the usual running, running, running.... I felt a bit of a 'pop' in my neck and now seem to have tightness down one side of my back. Oh oh. Hopefully it just needs a rub and some deep heat.

Only a few more sleeps until my nice getaway with my gorgeous Sister. I have a lovely surprise for her. Can't wait!! I am looking forward to the talks, getting ready in five minutes flat and the leisurely meals without having to dash anywhere!! Sheer bliss!! Even though it is only for 2 nights, I think it will work wonders in the relaxation department and we will feel totally relaxed in like - 2 minutes!!

We are having a quiet one here tonight. We had a couple and their lovely baby to lunch. The Silver Fox worked with the fellow when he was in Townsville and they were down this way so popped in. It is nice to meet people important to people you love isn't it? Nice way to spend the afternoon.

So, a quick nachos for dinner and getting ready to watch some recorded Grand Designs then... a sleep in tomorrow with coffee in bed.

Life is good.

wnat the Silver Fox to make you a cuppa too in the morning? He will you know...







 Ciao for now...





 

Family Fun...

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Our crazy weekend continues. I am off to a conference tonight for 2 nights, then the Silver Fox is leaving tomorrow. He has done the usual chores from the 'list' I make for him (including fixing a leaking toilet, putting up a TV on the wall, fixing the still-leaking bathroom and cleaning the pool) but we have had fun too. I sometimes look over at him when we are doing stuff and can't really believe he is there, beside me. He asks me why I am smiling. I just am. I like my 'normal' much better that the other way. Not long to go now until we are all as should be.

He has noticed a big change in the kiddies. He thinks Master T has grown like a weed. But. He notices the biggest change in him too, that he is a bit lost without his Dad and realizes this career-move has affected Master T the most. And wrestle!!!! Anywhere, anytime. Master T can't get enough. I don't get boys but I understand enough not to complain about cushions flying, couches pounded and the occasional 'bang, crash, crunch' noise coming from the TV room.

Okay, well, need to pack and get kids sorted for a sleepover tomorrow at my parent's home. Hopefully it will go okay and my Mother's dementia won't cause anxiety. It is her birthday tomorrow so the kids go armed with presents. Being away causes me anxiety let me tell you! I have packed my gym clothes as I am in Week 4 of my Challenge and am 'on f-i-r-e' as the Silver Fox would say. Who would have thought that I would get a taste for all this exercise. When I get back remind me to tell you about my 10km run. I know. I'm amazed too! A-n-d I survived!!

Stay well, smile and be kind to yourself...


Ciao for now...
 

Interesting Week...

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• Master T has now succumbed to an ear infection and a sore throat that kept us both up a-l-l night. His Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) sure is causing trouble. He told his Dad he had an 'upper body infection' - he wasn't far off by the looks of it!! So off to fill that script. 

• The electric gate doesn't seem to be working so we were held hostage for a while until I rang the Silver Fox. It must have been a bit early for him though because he was telling me to 'see the grey thingy - open that whatsy on it'. What the? That's my language. Miss T is off to see and cheer at the grand final of her soccer competition with her team. Cool huh? (That's how we know the gate isn't working - she had to get picked up by her friend's Dad instead)

• My radiator seems to be leaking which is a pity as I want to drive a l-o-n-g- way today to go to Anaconda - a camping store so I can look at their sale. 70% off sounds just too inviting to me. Do I risk it? without NRMA? Naahh....

•  I'm having the girls over to dinner tonight and am making them a special chicken dish done with yoghurt and coriander and tumeric with a filo pastry basket of sweet potato with ricotta and spinach. Sounds pretty grand doesn't it. Hopefully it works out as I have not had a practice run...

•  I am applying for a casual teaching position which i can hopefully do in the evenings. All part of the plan. all part of the plan...

• Have a lovely weekend no matter what you are doing. Smile at strangers, give kind words when needed and give from the heart...

 Ciao for now...

 

Weekend

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Well, busy weekend here. Kids are off to scout camp and got dropped of before 7am. Pity about the rain. Oh well. It's character building I suppose...

Then it's just ME!!!

So, dinner with friends and I have volunteered to bring a... Butterscotch Cheesecake. Yum. Baked too. I'll make it, do a bit of housework then go out to lunch with my parents. Back, straighten the hair and out to dinner.

Then on Sunday, a movie with friends and then a movie 'Red Dog', lunch and just in time to pick up kids.
Send them to the shower for a scrub, scrub, scrub... Early dinner then r-e-l-a-x....

Sound good?

Yep. I think so...



Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Weekend...

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Oh, I need one of these this morning. Miss T spent the night at a friends place but her alarm clock was trusty as even to awaken her at 6am. Then a phone call to say she needed her soccer shorts and her shin pads. Couldn't find those. I resisted from reminding her that if they were just put back where they..... not the time. See, I'm learning to be a mummy of a teenager.

Master T was up at 6.30 am. Typical. I need to drag him out each school day but come the weekend.... tada!! Go figure. Might tell hime every morning it is Saturday. Hehe. see if that works.

Busy weekend, gymnastics, sushi, coffee with a friend, family..... ahhh, sheer bliss.

Have already done two loads of washing! Go me!! 

Also I just filled out my census on line. Hmmm, why does a part of me think conspiracy, think increased tax, think 'way too much information'? Am I just getting old? and suspicious?

Maybe suspicious. Never old....

Have a great weekend





 Ciao for now...


 

Weekend...

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Miss T has already flown out the door for an early game of soccer. She is getting a lift there and back as I have  to take Master T to gymnastics and the time period and the distance means role conflict to the max. This is his second week and after last week he was stiff as a board. His starts at a more civilized 10am so a leisurely breakfast for us with the washing, cleaning, tidying thrown in.

After that we are driving 1 1/2 hours to drop off the tax to the accountants house. Not bad service for a Saturday afternoon! I thought it might be easier to hand deliver that copy zillions of bits of paper or to put the original in the mail. Some things aren't worth the chance are they?

Next week I have conned coerced the SF to come home for an extra long weekend as I am going to Sydney for a conference but I was going to have to farm my babies out nearly 2 1/2 days to friends and was stressing about that greatly. Not that things would go badly but that is kind of a long time to have extra children I think in the usual busy working week.

When in Sydney I am skipping the conference dinner and catching up with my sister and her gorgeous family. They are picking me up from the hotel and whisking me off for a dinner with them all. How heavenly. We haven't caught up in person all year. Can't wait now I know my family will be fine.

What about your weekend? Care to pop over for Sunday breakfast? I'm making a cooked breakfast and can set an extra place... or two...?

 Ciao for now... 

Weekend...

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Busy weekend ahead dear Bloggers. It is so lovely being a 'whole' again. School holidays now. Master T slept in until 7.45 which is a darn miracle. Truly it is. Extended family down so no doubt a catch up involving food is in order. Friend's birthday drinks, a bit of a sleep in, a bike ride. The kiddies want to go and look at rock pools so we will squeeze that in as well. 

We might invite some friends over for breakfast on Sunday because I l-o-v-e cooking a nice B-I-G breakfast. Nice relaxing way for a catch up I think. It is nearly my first anniversary of blogging! (6/7/11) It has come around so quickly. Must prepare a special post for that day...

Enough about me. What will you do? 



 Ciao for now...

 

Weekend...

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Aaah, the weekend again. Miss and Master T much improved. I think I might sing the praises of good old Vicks as a remedy back to health. The Silver Fox is out deep sea fishing with some buddies on an overnight trip and my parents are driving back today as Mamma is much improved. They should take 2-3 days to get back depending on how much jiggling bruised ribs can stand. I have collected their mail and dropped off some milk and bread so all they can just defrost something to eat and climb into bed. 

So, the weekend to ourselves..... What to do? I would l-o-v-e to curl up in the corner and read a good book as above. But. Still have 2 assignments to do for my course and then I am done. Might load the kids up with movies and Playstation and have a pyjama weekend. Sound good? What are you going to do?

The weather today is fantastic. Have a lovely weekend all

 Ciao for now...


 

Weekend...

Beginning of the school holidays for us. As it traditional, Master T has been up since 6.15 and is watching TV. Perplexing why I have to drag him out of bed 5 days per week and 1st day of hols he is up bright as a button.... 

I'm off to do some kayaking, swimming, running and bike riding in a sort of iron man thingy... Wish me luck!! Miss T has a new laptop from school and has learned to Skype those people she just spent 6 hours with. Teenagers, got to love them...

Silver Fox is going fishing today with his work crew as a reward for all his hard work so trust he has fun.

I recently purchase a copy of Handmade Living from the divine Posie Patchwork and can't put it down. It is a beautiful book with crafty projects galore so if you want some Mother's Day delight, pop over to Posie and get your very own copy. It also came with a little surprise as seen in the picture.

Have a great weekend everyone. I am I have decided.... 

Ciao for now...
 

Weekend...

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Well, we have a gorgeous weekend down here. The Silver Fox arrived home yesterday at 4pm looking exhausted and skinny!! I think he has lost about 7 kg from working hard and perhaps not eating enough. Hmmm, lucky it is not forever!! It was quite surreal to have him standing in the kitchen having a chat. I have missed him so much. He has had lots of hugs and smooches. Kiddies are very excited to have him back. Master T and SF are off to see Nitro Circus tonight which was Master T's birthday gift. Then SF is away again on Sunday at 11am. Not long enough but very much appreciated. He has whizzed off for a haircut and to buy some aftershave then I am taking us all out to lunch. As a family. 

It is great to appreciate the everyday... 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone

 Ciao for now...
 

Weekend...

I wake on a Saturday to be at my Challenge by 6.45 and set my alarm clock on radio.  The problem is that I listen to the ABC (I know - who would have thought it) and there is a fishing show on at that time of the morning. It does get me out of bed though because I can't stand it... So running, sit ups, push ups, burpees... sweat, dirt, panting.... started my weekend. I am not a natural athlete and still the thought of getting dirty when I exercise is foreign to me. I;m more of a 'mop my sweaty brow' type of exerciser but this is what I like about group training. They m-a-k-e me do more than I ever would normally. I l-o-v-e it....

Quiet weekend for us. Miss T is having a sleepover which is very good of me to let her go as I usually don't allow anything like that during the term. Just trying to ensure friendships blossom. Master T and I will do a big bike ride and hang out. What about you? What are you doing?

 Ciao for now...
 

A Magical Weekend...

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You might remember it was My Dad's birthday a few weeks ago and he is usually a bit tricky to buy for. He has had slippers for 20 years and rarely wears any of his clothes threadbare. We usually all put in and buy him something big like a fishing trip but as my heavenly Mum is dancing daily with dementia, time is really what he wishes for. He is quite desperate for it. He wants time to relax, take deep breaths and build up his energy stores. But. We all know time is very hard to come by.

So, after some very lateral thinking about something he would really enjoy, I have bought him three tickets to a magic show. Yes, he was perplexed too by the number of tickets but one ticket is for him and 2 are for my children. So, my gift was time. Time to relax, time with his Grandchildren and time away from my Mum to recharge his batteries. Sounds a bit harsh? Naaaah, just the way it is really. My Mum? She was with me. We planned to go to a movie and have a cuppa somewhere. Not to be. We were a bit late so instead we caught up with a friend and had afternoon tea. Then, a few hours later we met up with everyone for dinner.

It was a wonderful day. Apparently Grandpa was asked up onto the stage where he promptly had a $50 note torn to shreds only to have it reappear whole, with his name on it, from the inside of a lemon! Riveting stuff that!! I got to feel the note and it WAS sticky!!! I didn't plan the Grandpa- thing but centre stage 3 rows back is within 'being chosen' distance. They also had acrobats doing death-defying stunts. A good time was had by all. Fantastic really as it all went as planned.

What sort of presents do you give these days? These days I try to go for experiences...

Ciao for now... 

Weekend...

Amazing action packed weekend this weekend!! Saw Belinda Carlisle in concert last night. Remember her? She was pretty good. A lovely singer was on before by the name of Francesca De Valance. SHE was amazing. I got home at 1.30am! Just back from my Challenge: Iron man series. (sounds impressive doesn't it?). Grandpa and the kiddies are off to see a magic show whilst I take Mumsy off to see a movie and then maybe afternoon tea at a friend's house. Birthday parties, sleep overs.... action action...

What about you?  Anything exciting happening or are you having a quiet one? 

Ciao for now... 
 

Weekend...

Imagine this as a view! Noice!    Decorpad

We are having an outside weekend this weekend, probably going to the creek with a picnic and some swimming. My brother is coming this weekend with his little son. Isn't that nice? He hasn't been well and my spidy- senses tells me he probably needs his gall bladder whipped out!

We have had a busy week and with Miss T starting 'Big Big' school she is a little exhausted from a) getting up before 11am and b) a bit of stress from all the changes. Thank you for all your kind comments. She l-o-v-e-s it! I want to thank you all for your kind words for my chest of drawers/dress exchange this week and guess what? I'm now totally guilt-free. Thanks!!! Welcome to new followers and ye old faithfuls... I appreciate you all.

I have just started a-n-o-t-h-e-r challenge at the gym. Bit of an addict I think! So, I have done the beep test, push ups, sit ups, dips, brace and a 2.2km run - all before 8am!! Go me!! Best get the day started so... have a lovely weekend everyone


 Ciao for now...
 

Waiting, Waiting...

Big grade fiver...

I have just dropped Master T off at school for his first day back and am waiting for miss T to get ready so I can take her out to breakfast. I have a little gift for her as a celebration to commencing "Big Big' school. It is a bracelet engraved with her initials. She is taking a very l-o-n-g time so here are a few pics from the weekend...

Chicken nuggets and chips at the creek

Ahhh, the creek...

Well deserved after a l-o-n-g bike ride...

Maybe not r-e-a-l-l-y healthy though...

Bit of boogy boarding...

Trust your weekend was grand. Life returning to its usual routine after today....

 Ciao for now...

 

Weekend...

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Weekend again. Friends visiting which is wonderful. These were my last-before neighbours and the ones we Master T and I recently visited. We love them and they have brought their cav/poodle cross 'Summer' who is 4 months old and a h-u-g-e hit with Master T who is practicing all his Caesar moves, with quite good results. It was Summer's first visit to the beach which was heavenly to watch her run and dig with delight, eat sand and have a swim. Boy, was she skinny after her swim and her coat was all wet! Too funny! There is a rodeo in town which I am keen to take the family and visitors to as I have seemed to missed them for the last 5 years some how... A girl needs one rodeo experience under her belt (not to be confused with R-o-d-e-o Drive!!)

For something different, it is raining here... I feel quite excited! Not about the rain, but about life, friends, health, happiness... Life is good. I am grateful and thankful...

Have a great weekend dear Bloggers...

Ciao for now 

just Martha