Saturday, October 16, 2010

Of France and Greece and Ducks and Geese...

You know those days that just seemed to happen, the ones that start out with a small amount of planning and end up so much more than what had been planned?
Today was one of those days...
Earlier in the year H and I had decided to take J back to Goolwa to enjoy some of the things we had loved there. Little shops, cafes and the beach, a place that she adores. As many of our plans are wont to end, time flew by and they were replaced with the 'must dos' of life. Last week tho' saw the perfect opportunity to revisit our idea and off we went.
J was given minimal information about our plans, mostly because we had minimal plans. An early start saw us head to the Willunga Farmer's Market via Nairne (dropping off a grand daughter.) With 'Karen' our Aussie GPS voice leading the way we were 'up the creek' in no time, literally. Paris Creek that is. A rather large mud rut stood in our way and the ever cautious H handed over the '4WDing' to me. The little white car did us proud and soon we hit the market.

Complete with the obligatory 'hippies and yuppies with puppies' we wandered the gourmet stalls. Chai tea, Chai honey, mmmm cheese, some tomatoes, mushrooms, bread and dukkah later, we began the third leg of our journey. Conversation flitted from scenery to life and all its complexities, as it does in a car of sistachicks.
Goolwa finally loomed on the horizon and we found ourselves perusing the art galleries and gift shops. Very cultured, very chic, then after much giggling and gasping over price tags we realized that the thunder in the distance was actually our rumbling tummies and headed off to find some lunch.
A short time later we could be found enjoying coffee and fish'n'chips at The Flying Fish Cafe at Pt Elliot. Complete with an awesome view of the crashing waves of Horshoe Bay. Perfect!
Now for the trip home... Step 1. Set the GPS to Francine the French direction giver, Step 2. Try to translate her French to our English. Step 3. Stop abruptly as we were blown away by the most gorgeous little house that came into view!
It turns out that 'Maison Blue' is a B&B and a High Tea and cupcake venue!
So our next trip is planned.


Oh and the title, Paris Creek, Feta Cheese, Tall, Duck & Handsome and us silly geese...of course.

PS. What is the correct French translation of, "sucking on white rice"?

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Empty Boxes


Well, 33 days after moving into our 'next adventure' I have come to the end of the final box! Our family's entire possessions have been transferred from home A to home B.
The last of the boxes contained the photos that used to hang or sit around our previous house. To me they are a big part of making our house a home.
Now the dilemma is, where do they go...
... part of me is wanting to place them exactly where they were before. Not easy to accomplish in a rental home where I no longer have the privelege of whacking in picture hooks to my hearts' content (I was afraid to count how many hooks are left in the walls of home A:)
... the more creative part of me wants to sort through, change and move almost all of them. A cathartic clean through has been a big part of this move and it seems to have taken on a life of its own. I am reminded by this move that I have MUCH, yet as I throw or give things away, I am constantly accumulating more.
In this last month, my mixmaster, kettle and food processor have all breathed their last. My vaccuum cleaner and sewing machine have both been on life support (read 'cash investment required') These dramas, along with the inevitable bits and pieces that are needed in a new place, have seen me more than a little frustrated with the 'stuff' of this world.
How I yearn for a heaven, a place with no decay - nothing breaks or dies, needs replacing or only half works. A rest from work that frustrates and constantly needs doing over. A place where God will be eternally glorified as I return to Him the gifts He has given me...
Beside this, I am feeling thankful for this gift. "Montgomery Acres" (for now) is a blessing and I am enjoying it and seeking to share it. Come on over, anytime. Enjoy the trees and birds, the wood fire and eventually my horse and chickens will welcome you too...

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Eye of the Storm

These last few weeks, and a few more to come I suspect, have been a whirlwind. I feel decidedly blown about. We are selling up and moving out. So my days have been spent cleaning this house, looking for a new one, trying to sort the mountain of materialness that has accumulated in the last 5 years and fitting in the day to day of ordinary life. Personal circumstances of those around me and general busyness has left me tired and soul sad at times but I have found a haven. I love how in the busyness I can find my God. He does not hide from me when I am weary or frustrated. I can speak to him whether I'm packing boxes, scrubbing walls or fighting the tears.
I love the imagery of the twister, it seems to fit how I feel. Yet in the midst of the movement, there is a quiet place of peace and rest. A center where I crawl up into the lap of the Creator and take time to see things from His perspective, to tune in to His heartbeat for myself and those around me.
Be still and know that I am God....

Monday, March 22, 2010

CWCI



Friday evening found us heading of to Victor Harbour for the Christian Women Communicating Internationally Conference. We had packed our things...most of them, made our plans...slightly sketchy tho' they were and yes there was going to be a lot of communicating going on between us Christian women!


To sum up my weekend...


...I am constantly amazed by God's generosity toward me in His provision of my friends! Those like me, those not so similar, all who challenge, encourage and build me up.


...I adore the vistas that God gifts us with. This time it was wide seas and wider skies, encircling clouds and skipping seals. Grey tones on grey then blue skies and piercing sunlight. Praise God for eyes to appreciate His handiwork.


...Speakers with passion and personal accounts that draw us back to His grace. Grace upon grace and even more grace. Amazing Grace, Glorious Grace.


...They say actions speak louder than words. I watched one of the key note speakers as she sat on the platform and waited to speak. We were all singing and one of the music leaders was obviously touched by the song. She began to weep and stepped back to a corner to compose herself. I watched as Joan crossed the stage to comfort her and thought how priveleged I was to witness a speaker whose heart was for others not on her own promotion.


...Long night conversations on life, past & present, on God's thoughts and heart. Laughter and tears.


...Markets, food, coffee, clothes, craft and jewellery. I guess that's why missing my all boy family is more difficult in these times 'cos I know they would be just itching to be somewhere else...except for the food times!


...Chance (divinely orchestrated) meetings with old friends.


...I thank God for my family who despite my need to be needed, are awesome enough to thrive while I am away and love me when I am not.


No, I didn't make it to every session but if the weekend is about communicating with Christian women, that was surely accomplished.


Green Tomato Pickle Progress

I now have 4 jars of very tasty Green Tomato Pickle. You can find the simple recipe at www.abc.net.au/tasmania/recipes , look for Chef Sally Wise Green Tomato Pickle. It's a very easy recipe and there is something special about using your own produce. If you don't grow your own, they are available at some of the grower's markets.
I am slowly saying farewell to my backyard garden. Last week saw the disappearance of my two hens, Peri & Satay. They are now staying with a friend's chickens, enjoying a much larger enclosure and undoubtedly the attentions of a few roosters who also reside there. We have begun moving the garden beds to allow the lawn to grow back in preparation for selling & moving. All that is left of the vege patch is a rather large, unidentified melon vine of some sort that is gradually taking over. It grew from seed in my compost heap and being curious, I have left it to see what might eventually produce.
It makes me think of those verses in Matthew 12:33 Make the tree good and its fruit good or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. I am yet to see if this vine's fruit is good... watermelon? or bad... paddy melon? but it cannot produce anything other than what it has contained in it. v35 A good man out of the treasure of his heart brings forth good things,and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. May giving glory to God be the treasure of my heart and from that may good things grow.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Green Tomato Pickle

So much for my goal of blogging on a weekly basis. Once again my monumental plans are wallowing in the dark recesses of the 'guilt' file in the back of my mind. I recently watched 'Julie and Julia' and was somewhat amazed that anyone could be that consistent about two things for so long. Not me. If there is anything consistent about me it is my inconsistency!
Praise God that He is always consistent and consistently perfect!
So I will not bore you with my failure to blog about our wedding anniversary, a romantic, surprise getaway... my eldest son's coming of age, 16 years old and now with a car and a boat license... baking the BEST cake ever for Ryan's birthday... attending a horse riding clinic where I was labelled a pacifist, (he has never seen me get upset in the privacy of my own home)... meeting up with an old school friend...
Life goes on whether you blog about it or not. What is most important is that you live it!

Speaking of Green Tomato Pickles, I am halfway through the process of making some with tomatoes from my neglected home garden (more monumental plans). I'll let you know how it turns out... maybe...

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Adelaide to Sydney - Part II



Day 4 - As we travelled the silver glisten on the roadside had us intrigued until we realized that if each web was home to one spider....!! We quickly took our photos and then meandered out toward the NSW coast stopping at Bega (I love cheese!). We stopped in a small inland town called Mogo where I could happily have spent far more cash than we had on alpaca rugs and the like. After a text to our NSW expat friends we changed course to explore
Kangaroo Valley. A gorgeous spot where Phil and Jack swam under the oldest bridge in NSW. Then finally we drove into Sydney itself. As we arrived we saw small odd looking birds darting between the city buildings and trees. After closer inspection we realized they were bats. As we arrived at our destination we were warmly welcomed into Sam's apartment and slept soundly that night.

Day 5 - We woke with the intention of walking the Harbour Bridge. After a short walk to the train station and a train trip we arrived and walked across the famous icon. Folks were already taking up positions on the grassed areas, ready for the fireworks that evening. We walked through the Rocks and to Circular Quay which was such a hustle and bustle of preparations for that night. Our hungry tummies were searching for the fabled Guylian chocolate cafe. Once seated at this oasis of delights we chose a white chocolate cheesecake, a chocolate hazelnut gateau, iced chocolate and a latte. $43 later and yes it was worth it, in fact I was so bewildered by the gastronomic masterpieces before me, I forgot to photograph them. They were wonderful to behold and amazing to taste. We are looking forward to returning to Sydney for this and a visit to Lindt cafe.... but I digress. Then back to the apartment to organize supplies and meet up with the rest of the family...

Day 5 - Part II Armed with snacks of many varieties we once again boarded the train and headed for 'our spot' thanks to Sam's work contacts we were able to view the New Years Eve visual spectacular from the 17th floor of the Samsung building. Our vantage point overlooked Luna Park, the Bridge, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, an amazing view. The refreshments kept us and the children amused as we waited for the first instalment of sky tinsel at 9.30. The 'kid's' fireworks were appreciated with much ooohing and aahing. A short walk to the deli for an icecream proved an interesting experience of people watching and a 'near death' experience for my brother as he exited the building doors...no they are not like elevator doors, they will crush you if you stand there too long. It was a long wait til 12.00. Two small children didn't make it and some of us oldies were fading but it was worth the wait. The bridge and at least 4 other displays were visible and the lights of the boats and harbour set a magical atmosphere. A once in a lifetime privilege...

Day 5 - Part III After a tidy up and rearrangement of the office we headed for the station. Two children still sleeping and two very tired plus two teenagers and five adults headed into the tunnel at the first station. Nose to nose, hand in hand with the multitude flowing in the general direction... until the noise and movement of the crowd felt a little unsafe. We turned tail and decided to walk to the next station... and the next where we waited for ages to get onto the platform. Three trains came and went, looking decidedly full as they arrived and much fuller as they left. Not wishing to play sardines, we were despairing of making it home at all when the inbound train was reversed to an outbound direction. It was empty as we boarded but rapidly filled. We spent time preparing to alight as navigating our way to the doors involved traipsing over prams and the like. We finally made it home at 2.30am and slept soundly.
Day 6 - We woke early...why?!... packed up, said our goodbyes and headed home. The short way! Sydney to Junee with barely a break. An overnight stay in a cabin...heavenly!

Day 7 - A straight through drive to Adelaide and home. This was the first time driving into familiar surrounds that I longed to still be on holiday rather than the familiar homesick feeling that I usually have...










Saturday, January 23, 2010

Adelaide to Sydney - Part I

Shortly before Christmas my husband and sil hatched a plan to visit Sydney for the NYE fireworks. This being their last NYE in Australia before heading off to Texas for 4 years, combined with the fact that her sister lives in Sydney laid the foundation for this somewhat crazy venture.Christmas was over and Boxing day was spent packing and organizing ready to leave early Sunday am. Organizing included the usual but also the extra bonus of readying our new 'old' car, the Patrol (commonly referred to as 'the beast'). Sorting out the stereo 'cos we can't drive all that way in silence and tinting the windows..... ourselves. This job will never be attempted again! it was worse than covering school books with contact. Note - this job began the day before Christmas, in between preparing the vegetables and everything else that needed to be done:) An awesome oppurtunity for patience and service. Praise God His grace is available even the day before Christmas! We packed our tents and sleeping bags as this was to be an 'on the cheap' holiday and next morning the adventure began.

As we sat in the driveway my husband's comment went something like
"So, which way do you want to go, the long way or the short way?"
NYE was 5 days away so we decided on the 'long way'...

Day 1 - Adelaide to Port Campbell... we stopped in Mt Gambier where I managed to take about 14 photos of the sinkholes before realizing I had no film in the camera (yes it is an old one!). Showed the boys the Blue Lake and they wanted to swim in it:) Headed along the coast and then arrived in Port Campbell to find that this little seaside village is very popular and very full. We found ourselved above the local oval on a makeshift overflow camping ground with a few others and set up tent to the bizarre sounds of some unseen bird. After a shower at the Rec Centre we were off again...


Day 2 - Port Campbell to Leongatha... In and out of the car to see the sights of the Great Ocean Road. Wow, have they changed since we were there 20 years ago. London Bridge is no more and so many place that we just walked up to last time, were fenced and have great tourist centres surrounding them. More photos (with the film in!) The boys continued with their DVD watching, SG1 series...I don't know. Another snap decision and we were aboard the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento. We got a little lost on the Mornington Peninsular and more than a little waylaid in the coastal traffic down there but eventually wound our way through to a little spot called Leongatha. Here we managed to find another cheap overnight tent site...thankfully with showers of a higher quality...and set up camp again. That evening we went to see 'Avatar' which we thought was intruiging but a little too close to Pocohontas story line for me. But I was tired...
Day 3 - More driving but this time we detoured inland and somewhere around Lakes Entrance we headed up to the Snowy River National Park. Buchan, Mackillop Bridge to Delegate River. Sounds simple... you must be joking! It was awesome! We scaled mountains, crossed bridges, saw breathtaking views, hiked to nonexistent falls and swam in the Snowy River. We saw deer, nearly ran over roos, wallabies, foxes, rabbits and an incredibly fast moving wombat. My camera broke.. and then we fixed it. We almost set up camp along the river but our boys were too spooked to stay 'in the wild'. We eventually camped at a camping ground in Delegate River at about 10pm. We woke to a mist over the small creek beside where we had stayed and then it was...

Monday, January 11, 2010

Christmas is Over

Yes! All that planning and excitement is all over,
but what a day it was. Christmas Eve was spent with friends for tea and then with church family for a Christmas Eve service. This year my oldest son played the role of Joseph... no mean feat when you think that he is 15 (almost 16) and I'm sure it was not the 'coolest' thing to do - following a singing, Mary around the church, carrying a lantern. I was having a 'proud mummy' moment. He had said yes to a request from a friend, who was to give Glory to God with her voice, in spite of the possible embarrassment.
When we returned home my husband gathered us together and committed us and the new day to the Lord. I would have been satisfied with these two gifts.
Christmas day began with our traditional 'opening of the stockings'. These seem to grow each year. Then breakfast and the last minute preparations. This year I was determined to enjoy the day, not waste it in whining (under my breath) about the lack of help etc. Both boys had been happy to help peel and cut veges the day before so all that was left was to pop the veges in the oven and arrange some platters to share with my husband's side of the family. Time even to calmly shower and dress, then off to enjoy lunch with family, some of whom I also count as my closest friends. Plenty of food and gifts to share, then home again.
The turkey and more veges in the oven, time to relax, then around the corner to my brother's home to celebrate with my side of the family. Plenty more gifts and food and a puppet performance from my nieces and nephew which left us doubled over in laughter.
Home to bed, abundantly blessed, eternally thankful.

I wonder how we will celebrate next year?