life with soul

bring you to your knees

2012-01-27T08:12:00.003+11:00

The day after Australia Day - and I've been flooded by tears.

The Australian Government is a pack of puppy dogs wagging their coward tails behind the Corporate Greed Arseholes.

I wish the farmers of Australia the best in fighting for their freedom to own a farm, make a home and drink safe water. God knows the Government is doing nothing to ensure that happens.

Shame on you, Australian Government.

Meet Penelope

2012-01-10T22:01:00.001+11:00

This is the sweetest little addition to our family.
Penelope - or Nelly as we are all calling her.

She's a little Cavocker (King Charles Caviller x Cocker Spaniel)

She is a gift to Gretta - as she's now 4 and a half and still has a very big fear of animals. She had a traumatic dog experience when she was a baby and has been eternally petrified of all animals. Even our farm dogs can make her scream in terror. Well, now she has the adorable Nelly to follow her around and we've got our fingers crossed that this little pot belly girl will help our girl break down some of her barriers so that she doesn't live her life in fear of animals.

By the way... She's very stinkin' cute.

saturday morning this and that...

2012-01-07T11:55:00.000+11:00

My 4 year old is writing words. LOTS of them. Many many pages filled with:

skjeornocywiontoksmklfhiewj
jwkoemmriomcmwo
Gretta

KSDfomiojofm

and the such. Proud mama.

We had a lovely quiet Christmas with a few video messages from the states...

happiness and tantrums

and some excellent summertime fun.

The hay has been hauled in by one extremely charming little blonde boy and his daddy (who cleverly hand made a quick hitch on a very old trailer... smarty pants!)

chugging away in a great summer.

expecting some very special friends to arrive on Monday.

and a little four legged new arrival to come shortly for the little miss in the family (with a fear of animals).

We have a shortlist of names:

Penelope (nelly)

Pepper (pepe)

Celeste

Sally

Manelli

what name gets your vote?

Happy Days. xx

twenty twelve...

2012-01-01T17:35:00.000+11:00

New Years Day, sitting in the sun at Waratah Bay with my dear friend, she asked me to share any reflections I had on 2011.

We shared and laughed, and shouted with rage, and it felt super excellent.

So as I returned home from our most magnificent beach, I wrote down a few reflections and anticipations...

twenty eleven

I am thankful for:

:: my rockin' husband. our marriage in it's 8th year has taken on such an amazing, wonderful glow, and I'm so in love with him.

:: nurturing, uninhibited, happy friendships

:: downsizing:
a. my arse.
b. our "needs"

:: realising our Ruby Hills Bath Milk

:: sitting our feet down in our business and community. Feels good.

twenty twelve

I'm looking forward to:

:: improved contentious parenting - with a conscience rather than 80% overdrive.

:: getting even more fit and trim

:: Chooken it up - increasing our chooky numbers and hooking into that market that we are consistently unable to fill.

:: no more pink house. Cape cod blue with white trim, thank you very much (mom and dad!)

:: marketing Ruby Hills Organics to it's hilt. sharing our sublime, clean, nourishing produce from this magical place.

There you have it. Probably the most I've ever actually thought about the New Year ever... Or maybe it was planning my mischevious nights out in my twenties - but we won't get into that! I'm sure that there's much much more that I could add to all of that, but that's what came to mind immediately...

Happy New Year. May Twenty Twelve bring on awakening, joy, prosperity, understanding, love and much more mindful living from people around the world.

Oh yeah - and could the earthquakes ease up on Christchurch?
Please? Enough is enough!

love and friendship and sandpits

2011-12-17T06:25:00.001+11:00

Mr & Mrs.

we have been to the most exquisite, special wedding last weekend.

seriously - I have never been to such a clever, beautiful wedding, and this stunning couple just emits perfect young love. Sweetest ever.

hubby and I got TWENTY FOUR HOURS off the farm, without kids.

Was lovely. We caught up with old friends, and made some new friends.

We all have this mysterious connection!

who knew rusty ringlock could look so glam!?

the flowers left me breathless.

these fabulously drinkable drinks said, "eat drink and be married"

oh yes. so sweet!

the peonys!!!

dance floor lighting.

only a photographer herself would have TWO photographers. It was photograph madness. I can't wait to see what they've come up with!

only a true bush wedding ends up with mud and grass on her heels and dress.

and... of course she was still stunning.

in Emma's speech, she mentioned a couple of us gals - that have brought her "country mama" inspiration. I felt full of friendship and sisterhood.

Tis' true that family is a part of you, but what is really special is that we get to choose our friends. We choose people that inspire us, support us, and make us generally happy and full of life. What's better than that!?

The last name on the tree is the one that has connected Emma and I - and I'm so glad for it. Happy Trails to Emma and Matt - galavanting north on an extended working honeymoon. If you cross their path - welcome them with open arms - they're special ones.

...back on the homefront...

we've been attempting calm through all of the end of year breakups, Christmas get-togethers, dinners, bbq's, etc... And we're going pretty well, actually! We FINALLY pulled out a sandbox for the smalls. It was not the complicated expensive exercise we thought it would be.

and is bringing many moments of happiness for 3 little people in the household. Right next to the lower veggie patch, so if one gets hungry - one can snaffle up a few sugar snap peas, and then keep diggin!

and the man with the bobcat paid us a very wonderful visit - so although our backyard will look much like this for the Christmas party - it will be easy to mow, lush green grass before long. Man - it was a total mess. Ditches and holes everywhere, stumps, old concrete - gullies where fences have been removed...

simple presents for special people have been made, and are still being thought of, lots of gardening - and expectations of wonderful summer produce (come on, basil!!), milking cows, raising chicks, tending chooks, packing eggs, filling orders.

400 day-old chickens my Mother in Law and a new Imac...

2011-12-09T17:39:00.001+11:00

Don't be frightened little children! It wasn't as crazy as it sounds!

(big sister comforting a fretting little man when the loud claps of thunder and lightening were rolling in) (Look at that pink. Yes, friends - that is my house. Don't worry - dad's coming down unda in February to "de-pink" the house - a lovely Cape Cod blue with white trim, me thinks!)

this was the most lovely bit of driving to Melbourne like a mad woman with two pyjama'ed kiddos... My lovely and wonderful Mother in Law. She was a delight to have all to ourselves for a full week. She made our front garden a showpiece and the kids loved her up properly.

yes, so these little tackers were a main event in the 5:30 a.m. travels... This little girl and 407 of her best friends. Talk about cheep cheep cheep! Little sweetie pies are loving their humble abode... eating and growing, getting strong enough to get outside! This little one had to hitch a ride in my cleavage for a few hours as she had a little encounter with the drinkers. A day old chick that is wet has about 15 minutes to live. literally. So, if you didn't know it, the best place to dry a miniature chooken off in in your bra. I even went to pick up Gretta from Kindergarten with one, and had the teacher in fits of laughter as I withdrew it from my bosoms to show the kids... I do believe someone will need to lock me up at some stage...?

This big puppy was a most excellent Ebay purchase. Our old PC has been dying a very SLOW and painful death for many months and causing me so much extra time in the office waiting for it to unfreeze. So.... we're in Mac land now... A little confronting and frustrating going from PC to Mac, but we're learning (and loving it! - the SPEED!)

lots of calvies being looked after by the mister... Lots of milk in the vat too!

Speaking of the Mister - we're off tomorrow to the fabulous Little Miss Emma / Cinderella at Brindabella's wedding to her beau. She took this picture a couple of weeks ago too. The talent spews from her. Can't wait to see what tricks she gets up to for her wedding!

We're leaving tomorrow.

Overnight.

Just the 2 of us.

I have no idea how I was able to pry him away from the farm, but alas - we're going, and I'm so looking forward to it.

I have mentioned that it might have been easier to give him open heart surgery after working thru the details of going away for TWO WHOLE MILKINGS..., but anyway - I'll shove him in the car and hijack him to the wedding tomorrow if need be.

Christmas party is planned. Festive food ideas are plinking around in my brainbox...

lovely pic of my 3, eh?

Well it's a little bittersweet for me - this original "Aussie" Christmas tree plummeted to the ground and cracked the vase as I was doing milk and egg deliveries on Monday. Not one ornament was broken - thank goodness, and we now have a very secure 2nd Chrissy tree up - and it's even pine. :)

best stuff ever.

and there's even been a couple of creative eruptions happening of late - like my new bag, votive holders with lace for teachers, and a doily bunting. I was afraid I'd make crocheters cringe a bit by cutting intricate lace doily's in half, so I haven't included a picture, but let me just say that it's pretty and lovely, and I like looking up at them rather than having them holed away in the cupboard...

Well, it seems that twenty eleven is slithering out of our hands. I for one am glad, and looking forward to a magical twenty twelve. How about you?

dads and daughters

2011-12-05T07:46:00.001+11:00

This little post probably came around sometime during a fathers day somewhere. It is beautiful, and I needed to share it with you. Especially for my dad. He didn't need this list when I was born - it came naturally for him. Especially 1, 7, 12, 16, 21 & 36. Lucky for me I married a man with a heart as big as my dad's - and he's doing the same for his little girl!
Love you, Dad... Can't wait to get my arms around you in February! xx

1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.

2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.

3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.

4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.

5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.

6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.

7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.

8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.

11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”

12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.

13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.

14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.

Photo Credit :: Danielle Rocke Toews

15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.

16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.

20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.

22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.

24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.

26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.

27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.

29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.

30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.

31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.

32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.

33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.

34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.

35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.

36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.

37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.

38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.

39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.

40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.

41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.

42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.

43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.

44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.

47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.

49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.

50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.

Photo Credits can be found at the bottom of Michael’s original post.

About Michael
Michael Mitchell is an (almost) thirty-something dad who blogs daily tips and life lessons for dads of daughters at lifetoheryears.com. He spends his days practicing the arts of fatherhood and husbandry, while attempting to be a man of God and a professional raiser of philanthropic funds. On the rare occasion he’s not tied up with the aforementioned and other pursuits of awesomeness, he enjoys fighting street gangs for local charities and drinking from a cup that’s half full. Bookmark Life To Her Years, follow Michael on Twitter, and “like” him on Facebook for more “rules”.

tiny dancer

2011-11-26T10:32:00.000+11:00

Our little sweetie pie had her very first ballet concert lastnight. She was so cute!
During rehersals - I was a bit worried she'd just stand there and suck on her posh pingy (her finger),
but she nailed it on the night - with all of the seriousness a little 4 year old could muster.

At one point one of the little dancers got out of place and bumped Gretta out of her spot - I thought there may be a small child hurled across the stage, but no - my little darling kept her cool and adjusted her spot to fit in her friend. So sweet. My heart bloomed.

we gave her a little oppy bunny and a rainbow big girl necklace
for her achievement over dinner at the pub before the performance.
Was very special to have nanny there to see her big night too.

a very dramatic tiny dancer, Nina...

So proud!

our family

2011-11-18T17:38:00.000+11:00

We had the pleasure of having Miss Emma come to the Fishy pub on Melbourne Cup day to take family pics for the Fish Creek Kindergarten Fundraiser.

She and I have a few common threads running thru our lives, and now that we live in Vic - we've met up a few times, and we have the pleasure of attending her wedding next month! (her blog here...)

Anyway - a storm is brewing in the sky, and I'm playing computer instead of creating our dinner.. So we'll let Emma's pics tell the story of our little gorgeous clan. Happy Weekending. x

smoothie recipe

2011-11-14T07:36:00.000+11:00

Good morning! Here's a few pickings from my garden at the moment in my
Great Grandmother's vase.
A lovely way to be greeted in my kitchen this morning.

Do you make smoothies? We do - maybe once a week... Or more - depending on whether or not I want to cook! We had an "accidental" smoothie this morning... And it was a pearler!

You see, I grabbed the 1L of fresh raw cream instead of the 1L of homemade yoghurt. And began pouring - probably 1/2 cup before my brain registered that the cream was going in.
It was sublime.

Here's the accidental smoothie recipe:

3 frozen bananas
1/4 c LSA mix (fresh ground kept in freezer)
4 egg yolks
2 probiotic capsules
1/2 cup fresh cream
1 cup fresh yoghurt
1-2 cups milk
dash of honey

Brain food, body food, gut bug food, energy food -- does it get any better!?

I however will be having my standard protein brekky of Organic, grass fed eggs after I slurp down a coffee that should really be eaten with a fork instead of drunk. *with cream of course!*
23 Kilos down for me! Hurrah!

Wordless Wednesday @ Walkerville & Squeaky Beach

2011-11-09T14:32:00.002+11:00

(spot the dairy farmers on the beach!?)

Crunchy.

2011-10-23T15:11:00.000+11:00

Nasturtium, sage and mint water. Cleansing and refreshing.
There's been a great necessity for cleansing around here at the moment. Strange energy has been lurking in the corners.

It's so hard to take a leap of faith, learn from mistakes, and lead on doing what you love.
Is it always the right thing to do? Live your passion? Work your fingers and heads down to the wire and struggle the whole way through? I don't know. Time will tell, I guess.

I suppose things grow and change every day.
As do we.

Sometimes that growth just comes a bit more difficultly than usual.
And then there's always that ol' surprising glorious rainbow, or stolen moment of sheer happiness.

Ye gads - our house is the same colour of the rose!

Anyway - enough of that glum pondering...

We bought a very necessary piece of yard equipment this week...

Le Hammock!

Hours and hours of fun and special moments between siblings and adults alike.
It's pretty cool to have a hammock in our backyard.

And a few op shop finds... !

...and yet more hammock moments.
Preferably in jammies with the dew still on the lawn, thank you very much!

my view first thing this morning...

-- note to self: don't let Monty come toooo close while holding the camera!

Enjoy the good bits in this crunchy life, eh!?
xx

spring garden

2011-10-05T16:54:00.000+11:00

the artichoke is already in the pot being cooked.
bunnies happily in their outdoor hutch.
new seedlings to be planted out.
blossoms anticipating their luscious fruit in a few months time.
figs plumping slowly
planted the purple king beans and crimson sunflowers today.
weeded the strawberry patch.

There's so much anticipation! I love spring.

"yes" is easier than I thought!

2011-10-04T20:13:00.000+11:00

Today brought a day with a mantra of "say yes"

I scribbled it on our board to remind myself.

Be present with the kiddos.

Do the things they ask of you even if they're crazy or disturb me from what I am doing.
We had many morning teas - apples going out of the crisper left right and centre.
We had many visits outside Gretta's window to view her flower fairy playground that she created out of flowers from the garden.

We painted, we drew, we had a bike ride with a lesson for little miss (who currently thinks that she's to wait till she's 5 until she can ride a big girl bike - I assured her that big girl 4 year olds can do anything when they're 4 and of course she can learn now!)

So - what do you say when a friend brings a little abandoned wombat to you?

You say yes. I'll look after it.

And we did.

even if only for a few little hours.

I popped it into my baby sling and did the dishes, and said yes

to every child that came past me asking to look at or pat the little baby wombat.

He was surely cute. And built like a brick shithouse for being so very small.

We rang the lady that deals with wildlife around these parts and she took him from us

to take back to her place and feed it special wombat food.

I did have a fleeting moment when little Wombat was considered to be raised by us. Abruptly put to rest by a "are you bloody kidding me" look by the Mr. Followed by a very clear and concise, "NO."

But I do believe that we have quite enough of the animal kind to look after for now. So, ooookay....

later... we packed a picnic Leek Soup and headed out for Walkerville. We had a chilly breeze, but warm soup and many faces filled with love.
Cracked some pecans, ate some watermellon, and came back home with a lighter heart.
Walkerville always does that for us.

and tomorrow???

coffee. best ever.

2011-09-30T07:03:00.000+10:00

Are you obsessed like I am with beautiful coffee?

We're not talking about ultra grande milked down syrupy disgusting excuses for coffee,

but real, strong dark bliss in a little perfect cup.

Well, get a load of this little beauty...

that's right - it's electric!
No stove-top espresso around here - just flick the switch and wait for perfection!

My wonderful parents and grandparents got it for me for my birthday this week from here

with a dash of our beautiful raw Biodynamic milk splashed on the top...

bliss.

spring things

2011-09-24T14:07:00.000+10:00

We've been sowing.

We've been cleaning.

We've been doing lots as brothers and sisters do during the spring.

Cuddling bunnies...

my view this afternoon - lemon butter making...

Practicing
carefully
to write.

Learning
from
eachother.

I painted the side of the oven wall a few weeks ago.
It's since then been full of lists, drawings and reminders.
Best thing a kitchen needs - and since the floor is constantly dirty in there - the dust is a non event.

His..........................................................Hers

I love making these ugly little bits into a scrumptious hot dip.
My hot broad-bean dip is scoffed by young and old around here.
With lots of garlicky goodness, it doesn't stick around for long.

Super delicious dolloped on top of a fried egg and bacon.

Hot Broad Bean Dip:

hull the beans into a small saucepan and boil for a few minutes to soften.
While the cook add to a food processor:
Olive oil (we also had some bacon fat - so we used that today)
a bit of cumin
2 cloves of garlic
salt & pepper

Take straight off the heat and into a food processor.
Blitz till smooth.
Add Olive oil till desired consistency.
Serve straight away.

Oh Spring.

2011-09-19T20:51:00.000+10:00

Can't believe that I'm sharing the mess I called my sewing cupboard.
It looks like a bandicoot has been rummaging through it.
Little wonder there's been very little sewing in chateau de Paul, eh?!

Well, Spring is officially here, folks - and so is full on spring cleaning.
We've been living in this house for 11 months - and we're still perfecting where all should go - shifting it here and there.

Not that there's been a lot of time for organizing anything but milk and eggs!

Baxter is full time full on Dad and farm man. (With his sidekick Rocky)

We've got ourselves organized with a custom milk filling system.
I've organized trucks to do my deliveries twice a week. No more Melbourne Tuesdays truckie Amy for me!

... and people are loving it - orders are growing and growing.
Lovely realizing the dream.

This little man is such a little delight. A very big stubborn, opinionated, independent 2 year old.
Would you expect less!?

and our darling girl is SMITTEN with the new kittens. Baby bunnies are her life at the moment.
She's gone from a petrified girl around animals to gaining teeny steps of confidence.
Have I mentioned that they're extremely cute? Because they really are.

We had a yummy sunny 27 here today. Divine.
Happy days to you and yours from me and mine.

cutest. things. ever.

2011-09-15T13:52:00.000+10:00

Not much makes me squeal like a little girl.
SIX little grey and brown bunny babies make me revert to a child.

Oh my. They are the most adorable creatures I have ever laid eyes on.
I can't wait to catch one or two of them and hug and cuddle and love them all over!

Sorry for my distance between blogging - I've been flat with trucking logistics for the milk and eggs.

But hopefully that adorable little thing up there has cheered you up a wee bit.
xx

P.S. Have you got Laura Marling's new album?
Here's a wicked little bit of it...

Bullies. They're not nice.

2011-09-07T19:34:00.002+10:00

Why do we Australians get bullied so badly?
It's rampant in our schools - and apparently continues through adulthood.

Take Coal Seam Gas for example.
Big business and the QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT (who threw somewhere around 3 BILLION dollars at it just after the Queensland Floods - hmm. an appropriate use of funding Anna Bligh?) are shoving it down our rural families throats.
Their choices are being taken away and their health and future in farming is being stripped of it's future.

When is it going to be that things that are morally and environmentally WRONG end?
Is money enough to ruin the ecosystem and health of rural families?
Is money enough to take beautiful bushland and properties and rape and pillage them to be toxic void wastelands before long?

Let's get behind these innocent people that are being bullied and poisoned and pillaged in rural Australia.

Share and talk about it. It needs to be stopped.

wickedly wonderful father

2011-09-04T12:20:00.000+10:00

What makes an amazing father?
Well, I don't know how, but Nic is the poster boy.

Unconditional love, kind heart, warm arms?
Strong hands, purposeful words, gentle guidance?

That's my husband. A most wickedly wonderful father to my tribe.
My heart grows more full of love every day. How is that possible!?

Lost hope!?

2011-09-02T07:34:00.003+10:00

Hey pssst. Guess what? I've lost 17 kilograms.

Not that I truly "lost" it - because I do not seek to re-find it ever. It can go to hell!

I haven't been blogging about it because it has seemed to make up most of my waking life - what I can actually eat because I'm allergic to nightshades and have been kicking Candida's arse which requires not consuming a lot of foods that I am free to eat and supplementing with some not so pleasant to take remedies. So my typical menu during the day can include any of the following:

eggs

avocado with garlic and basil and lemon

scrambled eggs

rooibos tea

poached eggs

steamed broccoli

fried eggs

fritatta

garlic

asparagus

deviled eggs

coconut oil

ham (the real stuff, not that crap from the supermarket)

raw yoghurt

leeks

coffee

butter

dandelion tea

egg salad on lettuce

ham rolled with cheese and rocket

eggs and spinach and garlic

fresh coconut

roasted venison, beef and lamb with gravy made with cream

hard cheese

beetroot

bacon (the real stuff not that crap from the supermarket)

boiled eggs

raw yoghurt

pumpkin

lots of Oregano Oil and Grapefruit Oil

Probiotics

cinnamon eggs

Acai berry supplements

Biotin

Coconut baked fish

EGGS!

Now that I put it like that I feel like I've got lovely variety!

Our family eats a dozen eggs every weekday morning. If it is a child's kindergarten day - they get to choose which style, otherwise it is usually scrambled or poached. There was a bit of bellyaching to begin with to get off the carb kick, but we are SO much better for it. We have an even keel around here every morning - with energy that lasts till lunchtime. On the weekends we mix it up a bit and I allow their little carb hit. But as for me... I still have eggs. Fancy that!

The one thing that just seems to elude me is exercise. I still do my Zumba and Yoga classes, but I'm hopeless to do exercise on my own free will. I know I know - busy busy busy. But I also KNOW the importance of it - for the rest of my life. Might have to get a trainer on board, eh?

Happy Spring!

blog fog & beaches

2011-08-31T15:04:00.000+10:00

Ahh - life keeps charging ahead, doesn't it?
Apologies for my "blog fog" but it's been business as usual around here. Flat out with Milk and Eggs, Family, Kindergarten, Marketing, Mud and Kid stuff.

Here's a few snaps from one of my favourite things to do at the moment - call an impromptu beach bbq and/or picnic with our great pal's. We just chuck in a basket whatever is edible and see what we come up with. It is always a breath of fresh air and does everyone's heart a whole lotta good. I've made a few new friends and have been enjoying the friends that I already know and love a little bit more lately. They re-fuel me and I cherish friendship. Don't you!?

Hey - guess what - today is the last day of winter!! Hurrah!!
Hope some sunshine floats it's way to you soon.
xx

lighthouses and ambulances

2011-08-17T12:41:00.001+10:00

How lovely it is to have a big brother that goes thru the entire book of transport telling you about ambulances, helicopters, tanks, motorcycles and the like in your very own "mine. new. bed".

Yep - life is good for a little 2 year old around here.

He's developed beautiful little relationships with the big 2 - and the big 2 are pretty happy that Monty is starting to communicate with words rather than grunts and cries.

We nipped off the farm for 2 hours of sunny bliss at Cape Liptrap Lighthouse
with our good friends last Saturday.

It was good for the soul.

It was good for the heart.

It was good for the family.

Whale watching.

good whole food.

exploring, laughing, giggling.

Note to self: do this more often.

Little effort = maximum head clearing and happiness.

jumping in!

2011-08-03T14:26:00.000+10:00

Hello - happy hump day!
It is a magnificent South Gippy Day today.
I'm out planting some flowers - Peony's, Lilly's, Camelia, Lavender and herbs.

We (Ruby Hills Organics) have started a lovely relationship with Ceres Fair Food in Melb's.

Do you ever get those super good feelings that you are doing the right thing, and are in business with some really ace people? Well, that's how we feel. Ceres is a wholehearted, caring, involved group that we're proud to be supplying our farm produce to. If you live in Melbourne, hook yourself up with Ceres. You'll be glad you did.

Our lovely moo juice is creeping out into the greater world as we speak.

There's been a lot of planning to go into our Bath Milk (for cosmetic purposes only), but we're nearly there.
And thanks to Ceres, we've kicked it into action!

Joyful day turning 4

2011-07-31T18:45:00.002+10:00

Hoooooooray! I'm four!

Our little miss had a lovely SUNNY gorgeous day today.

A very small party, with polish, pampering, and lots of quiet happiness and yummy food.

An afternoon trip to the art Gallery to see her new Alison Lester print - "Big Penguin"

- from her Grandparents and us.

You've brought 4 years of cheeky joy to us, my beautiful darling.

You are such a blessing. Thanks for being you. You light up our lives. xx

preparations are being made...

2011-07-30T17:23:00.002+10:00

Oh yes, there's a big day happening around here tomorrow.

It'll be all Pamper, Polish & Princesses for Gretta's big 4th.

We've got pom pom's, petit fours and plenty of shrapnel around to make little girls squeal. (Just check out those butterfly cookies that Liz made for her!)

And for the mama's - mimosas, cups of tea, and a our beautiful massage therapist, Edith doing 1/2 hour rub downs on tired mama's backs and shoulders.

There'll be pedicures for little princesses in the dining room, painting and primping and being little ladies with plenty of delicious treats - chocolate dipped strawberries, petit sandwiches, deviled eggs, ham rolls, and of course Birthday cake Lepage - in a flowerpot theme!

And yes, I will most certainly be taking the day off from eating sensibly to celebrate my darling daughter and all that is wonderful on the day. (Okay Okay - I had to sample the chocolate covered strawberries today too - just to be sure they were perfect...)

How's that for pampering?

heart's desire.

2011-07-22T13:54:00.003+10:00

It is absolutely completely necessary that I have one of these.

It's a dutch tub. And I don't know if I can live without one.

How ace is it!?

My old pal, Lesley got me onto the Avett Brothers last year, and I'm in love with this one.

Happy Weekending. xx

Good to be two.

2011-07-21T10:46:00.001+10:00

Monty had a terrific day yesterday turning two. We had a very quiet day playing, sleeping, playing, eating cake and being happy and chilled out. Monty waited to go into the kitchen where his bed and presents were until Nic came in from Milking. The big kids gave him some new blocks to play with to tide him over!

His first little nap in his new big boy bed. Peaceful little ratbag, eh?

Blew out his candles like a champ and had a good gutsfull of "Birthday Cake Lepage"

I thoroughly enjoyed my piece of cake too - tasted super sweet after 6 weeks of very little sweets!
I'm down 12 kg (27 pounds). Hurrah!

Raining Raining Raining here - meant to be getting 4 inches or so - on totally saturated muddy ground already. Joy.

What have you been up to? I'm off to grow my fins. xx

Baby Baby Baby

2011-07-19T21:32:00.001+10:00

My most wonderfully sublime baby child turns 2 tomorrow.

huh-what?!!??

We've done up his great-grandfather and grandfather's junior bed for him. He'll be chuffed. He likes all other "real" beds and I think secretly at night he longs for one of his very own.

This bed was found in the rafters of the family shearing shed in New Zealand before they sold the family farm. Nic and I rescued it, wrapped the crap out of the header and footer in cardboard and trusted Virgin Blue to bring it back to Oz. We have since then made a new base for it, bought bedding (because, NO I am not clever enough or have enough brainspace at the moment to quilt one like some of you crafty overachievers...! P.S. I love your crafty overachive-y-ness, just feelin' a bit jealous bout that.) and had it powdercoated in flame red.

I think he'll be pretty darn wrapped.

and then rip into the other wrapping as you do when you are two!

Do you think I will have to stop calling him baby now? Please tell me I don't. I don't want a broken heart.

little ones, logistics, labels, love and mud = life

2011-07-15T16:22:00.000+10:00

Hello, how are you!?

Sorry for my slow blogging at the moment (mom!), but we are a hectic little family.

School holidays have been good fun - so nice doing Lego, Yoga, building, playing, etc with the smalls. Baxter and Monty have hit a great little groove of being able to play together - it's so lovely to not be breaking up fights as much anymore. Gretta is busy doing all of her girly girl things and chucking big spacks - she's such a mirror for her mother! After the tantrum, however, we are back to our lovely, wide eyed little darlin - busy making amazing stick figures everywhere we turn.

We have been busy little bees frantically getting our new Ruby Hills Bath Milk on the go.

Who knew Logistics were such a pain in the bum!? There a lot of boxes to tick before it happens, but fingers crossed, they're nearly all ticked... Just finalizing the terrifically complicated refrigerated transport details from the sticks to Melbourne. The good thing is that we are incorporating my egg deliveries with the milk, so I will be gaining 52 extra days in my year that I won't be behind the wheel truck-drivin' in Melbourne! Hurrah!

I hope this Full moon will send all of the organizational vibes it can down to me to get the show on the road!

I'm continuing to do well on not eating crap. I feel great, I'm sleeping better (even with my 2-3 cups of divine coffee everyday...), and I have great intentions of moving more - sometimes it works out and I do, and other times I get bogged down in the daily necessities to get the movement in. Yoga soothes my soul and stretches my bod. I wish I had the discipline to do it 3 times/week as 1 class per week just isn't cutting the mustard - but at this stage, it's better than nothing! With a bit more sunshine, hopefully some more walks and kiddo bike-rides pop into the playing field. Hey - look at my op shop find! I love my new green handbag - and it set me back four bucks! Add my lovely little Elk sparrow on the front, and voila. A handbag that I love.

Don't you just love those pretty little eggs in my hubby's grubby farmy hands?!

Totally blessed.

One must you-tube before beginning projects

2011-07-08T09:51:00.001+10:00

I have been inspired more than a million times by the most wonderful Soule Mama, as I'm sure that most women on this planet have been. I mean, cluck cluck cluck on that new Annabel, eh?!

Anyhoo - I've been collecting our old clothes for a while now, and have decided that since my "creative basket" has been VERY empty lately that I would sit in front of the fire with Masterchef (how good is this season!) and my hubby on these cold evenings and make our very own Paul Family Rag rug.

There's a fair bit of maternity shirts in there - hard-worn hubby overalls, jeans and workshirts - all in neutral darker colours. I've googled rag rugs, and I've seen my fair share of stunning white rugs. Albeit beautiful - what kind of moron makes a WHITE rag rug? Aren't they meant to be made from rags?

Google is the key here. The first attempt was unstiched at about 15 inches in diameter because the string I was using to bind the braids together was breaking. Never fear - I dived back in with a hardy yarn and went to stitching it back into a lovely oval. You would think that by unstitching the first time I would have done a bit of Youtubing to see about the pitfalls of rag rugs, but no. Off I went, and then I had a larger rug that was looking more basket like. I have now learned that the braid needs to be done loosely.
Not tight enough to be waterproof. ahem.

and so now - after Masterchef lastnight and a bit of harumphing I now have a very large pile of unstiched, unbraided rags to assemble LOOSELY into a rag rug. (Good thing, too - as the red was really not working for me. I've decided to set aside all reds, oranges and pinks to make Gretta a rag rug for next to her bed. Me thinks - next year....)

Good thing it's early in winter, eh?
Have you got any winter projects on the go?

P.S. I'm changing to an IMac Computer.
Do you do apple? Have you changed from a PC? What do you reckon??

hello sunday.

2011-07-03T10:43:00.001+10:00

Hello. What have you been up to?

We've been listening to a bit of this: (whacky whacky video, but wicked song.)

We've been fighting with a lot of this:

I've been doing Kinder Fundraisers left right and centre:

Why Why Why? I really hate stickers that don't remove without giving up your life savings and youth appearance.

End of Financial year brought us our Organic Inspection with NASAA,

new bank, new files,

Organic Dairy Farmers Meeting, new logo, new pricing structure,

new labels...... and almost the beginning of a dream coming true:

New Logo!

2011-06-22T16:13:00.000+10:00

Hello. We've got a clever lady up our sleeve and she's designed us a new logo!

What do you reckon?

feelin' great!

2011-06-16T09:47:00.000+10:00

Have a look at these great op shop finds in Melbourne this week! Pyrex Agee - can go in the oven! But... I was thinking that I'd have to buy some more kiddo bowls as we only have 3 in use at the moment - and voila! How ace are these!

And here's yesterday's lunch for hubby and me. I am feeling SO good.

I'll share a secret - I've lost 7.8 kilos! (that's 17.2 lbs for you Americans!)

Life is good. Tremendously busy, but it feels so good to look after myself as well as everyone else now.

June Farming @ Fish Creek

2011-06-12T09:36:00.002+10:00

Good Morning. And it really is - the sun is shining again today!

There's heaps more farmy pic's on our other blog, Ruby Hills Organics.
Pop over and peek at what we do...

Have a Happy day.

Light all my Lights

2011-06-10T16:17:00.000+10:00

terribly excited.

I get to go see these lovely ladies with a big ol' group of country town friends next month in Meeniyan.

How cool is that!

Here's my favorite song.

It reminds me of that handful of really really special friends I've got stashed away in my heart...

How's your friday? Mine's great. I feel great, sticking on track to my lifestyle changes. Had a lovely walk around Leongatha today in my super duper new shoes.

These are $279 top of the line running shoes.

In last year's colour. Red (which happens to be my favorite colour!)

A bit over the top you say?? I got them on sale for...... wait for it......

a hundred bucks.

Yay me!

.... anyway- I really like walking around the neighborhoods. I actually prefer to walk around a town rather than a bush track (probably because I'm always in the bush here on the farm). We have a most spectacular bush track here that goes for miles and miles called the Rail Trail. It's only 1/2 K from our house too. I just like the change and to perv on everyone else's stuff and gardens. I'm creepy like that.

Then I went to the op shop and found some shoes and book treasures for the kidlets.

Baxter is right into everything "factual" whereas Gretta still likes a bit of imagination....

And we've got a garlic stuffed fresh venison roast warming away in the oven.

(*Vegos tune out now!!!*)

What's cooking with you?

no. more. baking.

2011-06-09T08:59:00.001+10:00

I love to bake. and bake. and bake.
I love to see my loved ones gobble up goodness and know that they are happy that I made it for them.

but.... unfortunately, all that lovely goodness has been in QUITE too much abundance of late, and has seemed to stuck itself all over my arse. (and everywhere else!)

{image from}

Game plan?

Zumba on Monday's, Yoga on Thursdays, Walking on Fridays and Sundays. After I'm feeling a bit more energy, I'm going to do the Couch to 5 K. Yes, that's right. I'm going to start running.

I'm also revisiting my plans with Atkins. I tried Atkins almost 10 years ago. At that stage in my life - I didn't have a clue about nutrition. I had already spent time doing "Slim Fast" and diet pills since I was about 12 years old.

Sad, I know... But... back to the Atkins days.. I was on day 3 and I was the grumpiest, tired grumpy pants, and I threw a calf feeder at Nic's head. He demanded I go and eat a bowl of cereal and calm the hell down! So, I'm going on a more gentler approach, mostly because it suits my life and the food that we already eat. Minus the flour, sugar, rice, etc. - Organic or not - it's sticking to my guts and it needs to get the boot.

I am not disillusioned that I need to be skinny. I do not want to be skinny. I just need to shift some of this extra chub and aches and pains that prevent me from feeling good. That's it.

Wish me luck. I can't believe I just spilled my guts on my blog, but, that is where the honesty needs to go. It's better here than spilling over my pants! I need support. So, stop posting those damn pictures of warm muffins, thank you very much!

Thursday.

2011-06-02T13:55:00.001+10:00

Hello, how are you?

This snapshot of the contents inside my handbag are a great representation of my life

and brainspace at the moment.

Scattered and random!!

I love reading fellow blogger's post's about the contents of their bags...

Like - "oh what a mess! I have my knitting needles and my wallet, and oh dear! how messy of me -

I have a spent tissue!" -- the horror!

Get a load of the crap in my bag. I especially love the scattering of my Arnica that I keep in my bag. Little white pillules rolled out everywhere.

I'm surprised that there was not a used nappy in there with a mouldy apple.

Anyway - the sun is shining today, and is at least making my scattered and hectic life a happy sunny one.

Hope yours is too.

Sunday morning at our's

2011-05-29T10:05:00.000+10:00

Perfection in a tin awaiting chilling and devouring at the beach this afternoon for our Sunday Potluck with friends. My Grandmother's Rich Rich Cheesecake is so divine. Today's however is missing it's sour cream topping, and is instead laced with fresh Lemon. The citrus in the garden is about to go wild. Hmm. Marmalade recipe anyone? I'll be on the hunt in particular for Grapefruit recipes.

Apples awaiting their destiny either in a tiny hand (as the one in the basket has already been) or in a cake, crumble, sauce, or preserve. We're at the end of our Apple run now. My goodness - there's a lot of apples on this farm. It's lovely to share them.

plants and garlic awaiting the veggie patch. We've had a really rainy and wet couple of weeks, but it is meant to dry out now a little bit. Will consult my moon chart to see when to plant, and get them going outside! Unfortunately I was not disciplined enough to save enough garlic to plant. Too many of those precous cloves were put into the skillet with butter and wine, or blended thru soups, or blitzed in the aoli. I will end up buying some more as we want a BIG crop this year.

I am now making our own cheese. No more $11 blocks from the Supermarket. No, we now have Amy's Farmhouse cheese. The kids like it by the slice, it melts into lovely oooey gooey'ness. We're sold. And it's raw. Could it get any better?

And now, a little tour thru our renovated house. It will be a year in October since we've moved in. My friend Kellie came down from Queensland and put blood, sweat and tears into a rampant week of gutsy renno's and I was on the phone with her yesterday, and she was really wondering how it is working to LIVE in. Let me tell you... we're happy as clams. So... Without further ado - here are a few snaps of the place now that we live here. I restrained myself from going around picking up all the crap that finds it's way onto EVERYTHING, so these are the spontaneous Sunday morning pictures. Enjoy. xx

Our outdoor Queensland table has been brought inside. And we LOVE it. This is the latest change as it's only been in for 2 weeks. The old table made it's new home as my oversized desk/sewing/kids table in my office.

don't worry, Kellie - the 70's boombox is still alive and pumping out music in the kitchen, just a bit more discreet than before!

Well, off to finish up my farmhouse cheese and put the cheesecake in the fridge, and to hmm - get out of my jammies!

Raw Milk Yoghurt Recipe

2011-05-27T12:09:00.000+10:00

Okay, I'm meant to be doing the accounts and paying bills, laundry, blah blah blah blah...

But I figured a better use of my time is to give you wonderful people a recipe for my

Homemade Raw Milk Yoghurt.

Here's the go:

1. Get a stockpot full of beautiful Raw Milk.
Preferably Biodynamic or Organic. Thank you dear husband....

2. get your tools organized. you'll need:

-thermometer (I use Fahrenheit, because I'm still old school American)

-big ol whisk

-Fowlers Vacola or other preserving kit with a thermometer - the point being that you are going to hold the yoghurt at 110 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 hours. Put in just enough water till it's at the bottom of the plate and set to 110 degrees to warm up.

-calcium chloride drops, real yoghurt culture, and pro-biotic culture all available easily from Green Living Australia.

-glass jars - enough to contain all of your yoghurt with lids - all sparkling clean and sterilized. (I don't do the latter - I like bugs)

3. Pop your milk on a low heat.

4. put in about 4 drops of Calcium chloride - this makes it thicker.

5. put in about 1/2 cup of good quality milk powder. this too makes it thicker. Stir it thru completely.

6. drink tea. stir occasionally, check temperature... we're aiming for 105-110 Fahrenheit here.

7. bring slowly up to 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit. Have a chat in the middle with husband re: boring part with bearings.... blah blah blah blah....

8. bring off heat. add the teenyist tinyist bit of yoghurt culture and about 1/16th of a teaspoon of pro-biotic culture. Stir 30 seconds.

9. decant into your bottles.

10. pop into your fowlers - preheated with water just to the plate at the bottom. You only just want the water touching the bottom of the jars.

11. Pop the lid on and let it's magic happen for 10 hours.

12. thoroughly chill.

13. watch it disappear into the mouths of babes and all mankind alike.

We eat it nearly EVERY morning, and sometimes thru the day.
Our favourite ways are with some frozen black or blueberries.

But mine is with a dollop of fresh lemon curd stirred thru with meusli.

Bon Appetit!

Chilly, no?

2011-05-26T22:10:00.001+10:00

Oh these boys.

Good mates. --Finally. It's taken a while to blossom, but brotherly comaradarie has hit.
Monty is seeming to keep up with the full bore of a 5 year old.

Doesnt matter it its mud, trucks, drawing, reading, building, bouncing, wrestling.
Half pint will always give it a red hot go. And now... Mr 5 will tolerate the inexperience, and have a good belly laugh to see him thru.

Be still my heart.

time marches on...

2011-05-26T19:23:00.000+10:00

How much longer will I be able to squash them all in the tub for a scrub all together?

How in the world are we chugging almost half of 2011 away?
Stay small and innocent, my babes. Forever.

sourdough

2011-05-12T12:56:00.000+10:00

Oh Dear, it's chilly out there!

I've been honkering down inside waiting for a break in the cold and rain to do anything outside! Lucky I got my broccoli planted the other day. You should see the bunnies. They are so sorry looking bracing themselves in the wind trying to nibble on their grass and silverbeet.

A dear friend of mine has shared some sourdough starter with me, and we've made a few loaves. Some better than others, but we are using Spelt flour and so it's a bit more of a guessing game than it would be with wheat. It came with explicit and strict instructions, and as long as I play by the rules - we get a good loaf. Playing by the rules is never a strong suit of mine.... but... I digress....

All batches, bar one have been totally edible and enjoyable. One batch however were named "hockey pucks" and we were worried that we would have to undertake some dentistry work if we continued trying to eat them.

Hope you are staying warm and happy. xx

oh yes, we are!

2011-05-07T08:59:00.001+10:00

Happy Mother's Day to all those fab mama's out there!

and to my mama...

and... a little message for Grandma Jo and Nanny...

Thursday.

2011-05-05T13:30:00.000+10:00

don't you love it when a pile of fluff get's a few stitches and becomes a treasured possession?

This little ballerina sure does.

She's having a rest in it before taking her daddy to his first ballet practice this arvo.

I told him he'll be in fits of giggles while he watches the little girls do their practice with all the seriousness of a judge. They are truly too cute.

But as for this morning - it needed a good workout first...

and we have a very happy little miss fluffing about today...

Bax loves climbing this tree to collect the apples.

Monty is far too busy to strike a pose.

Making sure his daddy doesn't get more than earshot away to hear his constant calling of "Daaa"

Made my Grandmother's delicious apple sauce today. Well - not exactly.... These apples need no added sugar, and very little else than a cinnamon stick thrown in for the boil and the zest of a lemon. And of course - the bit that really makes applesauce perfect - a tablespoon of butter at the end - to gloss it up and make it just right.

Have a happy day. xx

Duke and Dutchess

2011-04-30T09:15:00.000+10:00

How beautiful was that wedding?

I got all goose-bumpy when the princes got into their car in their stunning uniforms.
And Kate - so beautiful. I reckon the borrowed crown was amazing!

from

Pippa was so lovely. How much fun do you think that was for their "commoner" family!?
I guess that they have had a few years to get used to the royal traditions, but this wedding must have been ultra special.

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...and one fail for the day...

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what did you think of it all? Did you stay up for the kiss?

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T15:50:00.000+10:00

Our morning started with chocolate and hot cross buns... How about you?

We decorated 37 easter eggs and gave 30 to Fishypalooza's brekky efforts. Heaps of messy fun.

Have a go at my BEAUTIFUL homegrown beetroot! Roasted with a bit of Olive oil and fresh Tarragon.

loving my new egg shaped stacking bowls. a wee bit "easterish" no?

big kids still have remnants of their most awesome face painting from lastnight.

they also have very dirty pillowcases.

the egg hunt was fun - that E. B. was very generous and clever!

afternoon of a snuggly nap and we're back off to Fishypalooza for some more music and fun.

Whoever invented the Tiramisu is not welcome in my house.

I made homemade mascarpone and cream and blah blah blah blah blah blah.

Fairly in depth if you want authenticity.

After spending many hours - authenticity is for the birds.

I hope it tastes good - but will not know as I can't bear to look at it again till tomorrow!

Happy Easter. Don't get a tummy-ache and don't make Tiramisu.

Fishypalooza!

2011-04-24T06:19:00.002+10:00

Have just returned home from a little big party called fishypalooza. Happy easter friends. Xx

lucky duck

2011-04-20T20:34:00.000+10:00

I'm one lucky ducky. My friend Emily and her beautiful family have graced us with a visit from Queensland! We have just spent the last 3 days farting around at the beach, Melbourning, and Penguin visiting with our little tribe of 6 children in tow.

Monty and Skye had matching jammies. I reckoned they looked like oompa loompa's.

Skye makes me clucky. She is such a little piece of work.

Those ringlets had me wrapped around her little finger and bingee belly.

Missing them already. Feeling rather blessed to have good friends.

Mama Connect

2011-04-15T14:50:00.001+10:00

We had a monumentally mama fantastic day on Wednesday - making making making.

This is my favourite picture of the day - Mama Sita busy with it all

Mama Elizabeth - rolling the verrrry looonnnng piece of Organic Spelt Lasagna

kids were entertained - we had NINE little ones at our my house for the day 9 to almost 5.

ABC 2 did get a bit of airplay!

Our group met at 9 to discuss the makings and split up to 2 houses. There were 7 of us in all with a multitude of children.

FOUR kilos of flour & FOURTY eggs make.....

a whole lotta pasta!

All in all we made all that pasta, 4 stockpots worth of fresh Ricotta, 2 Fowlers kits of Apples and Pears preserved, a lot of Lemon Curd, and a lot of fresh Pesto. It was a lot of fun, and produced a lovely stockpile of fresh homemade food for our fridges and pantry's.

This is what I do on a weekly basis - fresh yoghurt. I love to share it, and we have it nearly every morning with a bit of muesli, fruit, whatever on top. I make it using proper yoghurt culture and Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium cultures from Green Living Australia. I make a stockpot full and fill into these 600ml jars, pop them in the Fowlers overnight on 110F. The yoghurt is amazingly creamy and the kids love it. It has no added fluff and sugar. Yummo!

I know it may seem like we make a lot of our food around here. And we do! The kids love to help me make our food. Nic milks the cows and tends to the chooks and runs the farm. He often has a kid on his lap, in the paddock, or holding and handing out tools. We have an abundance of fresh food, and it feels so good to make something that is wholesome, raw, and not full of rubbish.

These lessons of making food are the lessons that I hope to pass to the next generations. I often think of my Grandmothers and Great Grandmothers and Grandfathers - living from what they had - from the land, and in frugality. Doing these things makes me feel so much more connected to LIFE.

Offspring

2011-04-14T17:45:00.001+10:00

Hurrah! Offspring is coming back. I loved the first season, and can't wait for the second.

Five F

2011-04-10T10:18:00.001+10:00

Okay - so you might be wondering why I haven't been blogging much lately.

Well... I've been being mama socialite. Enter.... Five F

Fish Creek

Fortnightly

Friday night

Family

Foodies

and here we are in our second gathering:

Here are the bits and pieces that we gather by:

The Nitty Gritty:

1. Fortnightly Friday nights on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month – come if you can, don’t if you can’t.
2. Bring Homemade food to share. Please bring your own crockery and cutlery if possible.
3. Leave the host’s home cleaned up and sparklier than it was before the dinner
4. BYO - No excessive drinking/disorderly behaviour - be respectful
5. Use Organic and Homegrown (spray free) produce wherever possible.
No coloured food or MSG.
6. No TV/DVD’s for children – just play and friendship
7. 6:00-6:30 eating time
8. Let your host know by lunchtime Friday that you are coming.

9. Sign up for a dinner at your place, we can email nights a month in advance so that everyone knows where the dinner is.

we ate and drank well.

We had a great time and ate some terrific food.

But I must say that the company was even better.

We had osso buco, marinated chicken and cous cous, ricotta and spinach pie, roasted venison, organic sourdough, salads, red cabbage and apple, pesto pasta, homemade ricotta, vegetarian lasagna, apple and berry crumble, and Bavarian Apple Torte.

I can't wait to see what's on the menu for the next gathering!

There were a few requests for my Mother's sublime Bavarian Apple Torte. Don't let the name scare you off. It is a beautiful torte that isn't overly technical.

Bavarian Apple Torte:

crust:

1/2 c butter

1/3 c sugar

1/4 t vanilla

1 c flour

blitz in your food processor till small crumbs, or work thru the butter with your fingers till thoroughly combined with small crumbs.

- press into a springform (I line mine with baking paper on the base)

bake till a teeny bit golden.

Filling:

1 1/2 pkg. Philly Cream Cheese

1/2 c sugar

1 egg

1 t vanilla

process till rich and smooth

pour over base

Topping:

1/4 c sugar

1/2 t cinnamon

4 c peeled and sliced apples

toss together and put on top of filling

use a drip pan underneath the torte to catch liquid drips from wrecking your oven

bake at 190 C for 10 minutes reduce heat to 175 for 10 minutes

add slivered almonds to the top and bake for 15 minutes more.

cool completely in pan

serve chilled with a dollop of vanilla'd cream.

We are pretty keen on any recipes involving apples these days. We've got apples for days around here. It's great to share them too - we really need to get a stall at the end of the drive by next summer to sell our farm goods.

Stay tuned next week to find out about the OTHER group we've mustered up... Mama Connect.

xx Amy

around here...

2011-04-02T20:49:00.000+11:00

we've had cuddles on the couch with bunny wearing a special top made from
Kate at Foxes Lane (how spesh!!? much??)

made some homemade chai for a friend's birthday. have spent whole day with said friend preserving apples and dehydrating apples and wrangling kids and having lovely homemade hot cross buns!

got a lovely little parcel from Georgie Love
How lucky am I to have won a spunky little green scarf just in time for winter!

made homemade pasta with Elizabeth and Erica. WHAT A TREAT! If you have never had homemade fresh pasta - or if it has been a while - DO IT. Totally delicious.

got our wood heater installed - hurrah! - on it's custom Nic made, Amy designed hearth. What do you think? The fella that installed it walked in and said, "where's your hearth?" then saw it and in a monotone said, "oh. that's different." Something said to me that he didn't really fancy our taste.??

have had a very toothy fevery boy with two new eye teeth giving him curry. he hasn't been a difficult teether, so if this is all that we have to cope with - so be it. he's looking up today - off doing all the farm chores - driving tractors with mama and dad, terrorizing all children, destroying any assemblence of a household with transporting toys and breaking anything possible, throwing food, throwing cutlery, refusing to eat in a highchair, feeding calves with dad, doing ANYTHING with dad......

a gruffalo party

2011-03-25T17:09:00.000+11:00

after some hard work making some super spectacular birthday party invites...

and opening some super special birthday presents - mainly the most coveted of all - Lego...

We had ourselves a Gruffalo party for my biggest boy's 5th birthday.

He came equipped with purple prickles all over his back!

how delicious is my Montyzooma? I mean, come on!

After a Gruffalo reading, lots of Gruffalo food ie: Roasted Fox, Scrambled Snake Crackles, Gruffalo Punch, and Strawberry Mice, playing pin the wart on the Gruffalo, yummy Gruffalo cake, bubbles and playing.... we had the Gruffalo screening with Organic Lolypops.

..Other than that, March has been business as usual. We got a dehydrator and have done a LARGE batch of bananas before the prices went thru the roof, and ooodles and oooodles of apples. I have preserved apples today and there is a rather large and scrumptious smelling apple and blackberry crumble in the over for after dinner. Feeling a bit flat - what with the horrendous natural disasters around the globe, gloomy cool weather, and that whacky ol' moon. I hope this funky flat time passes soon. Are you feeling it too?

ninety!

2011-03-17T07:07:00.001+11:00

This is my Grandpa with each of my boys when we were back in the states for holidays.
He is turning ninety today.
It is hard for me to fathom just how much this wonderful Grandpa has seen and felt in his days!

My Grandpa is an epic fisherman and hunter. When he came to visit us at Lake Almanor - which he did a lot - he would always take us fishing. I used to love going fishing with Grandpa, drinking a Shasta Grape Soda and learning how and where to catch delicious rainbow and brown trout. The latter being the best because, "those ones are good eatin!" with their beautiful brown belly fat. Of course - he'd always clean my fish. He and my dad are always good like that!

My Grandpa also has the best lemon tree - hands down.

I reckon it's because he put the fish guts underneath it!

He has always had a veggie patch and brought us loads of homegrown produce.

His nickname for me is "Miss America!!!"

I love him very dearly and I wish for him a magical day surrounded by friends and family. And many more years of the same and out there with his line in the water!

I wish I could magically appear and give him a big Grandpa cuddle.

"This Way of Life"

2011-03-15T07:03:00.000+11:00

So busting to see this film. This family - living on love. Isn't that enough sometimes?
Peter's thought provoking quote for the day...
"Everything that lives is Holy. Having that in your life helps you to make decisions based on conscience rather than rules."
Ordered it here.

fantastic five

2011-03-09T12:05:00.000+11:00

My big boy turns 5 tomorrow.

It's been five years since I learned that my heart was going to walk around outside my body.

I love this little man so much, and I treasure the "one on one" times that I get with him, because that's where he and I really connect. He was only 16 1/2 months old when I gave him a sister, and just 3 something when we gave him a brother.

I wish I had more time to give you, my little man. I love you so much, and it made my heart bloom looking back at these photos today. You are such a little bright spark, and a clever little fella. We are so proud of you and love you more than the sun and the moon and the stars above.

Wednesday.

2011-03-02T14:41:00.002+11:00

I think we've finally hit the rhythmic patch and we're rolling along full steam here. Kids are enjoying their new activities, business is good, and I've just remembered that we've now been here in Victoria for a year (I think even a year ago today!)

we've still got oodles of blackberries to pick - and I'm happy for that, because blackberries are my favourite and my best. Hands down. The picture above just shows you that drains and ditches and mud do not keep us away from plonking fat, juicy little parcels of vitamin C and antioxidants into our buckets.

I drink tea in teacups. Am I the only and last one on the planet? It just tastes better - don't you think?

This one here is from my great grandmother's collection.

look at miss fancypants having a ultra fun mama day in Melbourne with me.

Spoilt or what?

especially when we have chocolate dipped strawberries from Max Brenner for dinner before we go home!

she also has amazing musical talents.....

And here's my ultra cute Montyzooma having South American lunch with mama yesterday

on Gertrude Street. He had every single businessman and woman in their black and grey and brown suits smiling and commenting on how adorable he was as they rushed past to their next meeting.

I just beam proudly and nibble on him a bit more.

How blessed are we?

P.S. there is a certain young fella that doesn't get to make it to Melbourne with mama on Tuesdays because it's kindergarten day. However, I think at the moment he would not choose to come with me anyway because he's FAR too busy with Legos. (insert eye roll and nod of understanding here).

favourite kids song

2011-02-26T09:15:00.000+11:00

Okay - usually kids music drives me around the bend. But this chick rocks!
Her name is Frances England and she has the coolest kids music.

Happy days.
xx

abundance.

2011-02-20T16:03:00.000+11:00

I think any person that has ever grown their own food has a huge amount of gratitude for the abundance that the land offers us.

I just went out to the veggie patch to collect my corriander and mustard green seeds and noticed that my onions needed plucking out of the patch.

We've been picking copious amounts of blackberries round here. There's been many 'a ' crumbles devoured in these parts lately. And there's been much sharing too.

we've even managed to put a few in the freezer. I think I'll have to be a bit more disciplined on doing that to preserve for the winter time vitamin C hit. We're just being greedy at the moment.

these have been pickled.
My kids gobble up beetroot (much to my mother's disgust!) - what a powerhouse of nutrients.

my Grandmother's apple cake recipe is one of the favourites of the children at the moment. Good thing because we have at least 7 apple trees here at the house and about 15-20 more in the paddocks.

Pears and kiwifruit are on their way from the old house block. Pumpkins have ransacked my lower veggie patch and we've realized that tomatoes really like to climb around in the pumpkins. I hope we get a bumper crop because there's nothing I like more on a cold winter's day than a hot bowl of Pumpkin Soup.

We also have a cattle beast to put in the freezer over the next few weeks.

and.... Look at this little Ukrainian beauty...
(bless you ebay!)

Oh cream! Glorious cream!!

I've already whipped up a batch of AMAZING gobbled up ice cream - using all our own BioDynamic milk and cream and eggs. I've got yoghurt culturing in the Fowlers - I do a giant batch and then drain whey on a lot of it to make thick yoghurt and yoghurt cheese (like a very firm cream cheese). The kids like to take a little pottle of homemade yoghurt with a few blackberries plonked in it for their lunchbox treat.

Abundant and blessed are we.

iron and wine

2011-02-19T12:23:00.000+11:00

{from}

apparently I've been living under a rock.

I have only just discovered Iron & Wine. Open that link and play his music immediately.

I am mesmerized by Sam Beam's intoxicating voice and clever lyrics.

I've just bought his newly released album "Kiss Eachother Clean" and I venture to guess that his older albums will make a permanent place in my music library as well.

just another day of love for us...

2011-02-14T12:30:00.000+11:00

Hello and happy Monday.
As some of you know... I grew up in the States. And I love holidays. However, this is one holiday that I can honestly say I really think is crap. The above sentiment is my sentiment exactly. I'm so glad someone put it so eloquently. Perhaps if it wasn't so commercial it would actually mean something.

I do have one memory though - my mom gave me a heart shaped tin with chocolates in it when I had first started school. I was very proud of it and brought it on the bus whereby a heathen of a high-schooler smashed it. My best friend, Lizzie's brother told him off for it and fixed it and handed it back to me. It felt nice that my momma loved me and my best friend's brother had the guts to stand up for me.

I really do miss Thanksgiving though.

My little girl has just gone off to her first day at 3 year old Kinder. She was terribly excited. I on the other hand am not. It's actually quite a pain in the bum to toddle her off to kinder from 9:30 to 12:30. Three hours and one third of that time is spent eating.

Do you like the skirt that I whipped up for her lastweek? She's yummylicious in it. And of course her Hello Kitty backpack from Uncle Jimmy and Auntie Roneita all the way from the USA.

My Monday is spent at our magical little Learning Group at Koonwarra.
This is the teepee that Baxter and I made from some branches... The kids loved bringing their projects out to set up under it.

This is where the kids will go to school in the future. We can go when we want and leave when we want. The food we bring is Organic and we share. We spend the day doing what the children want to do. We learn numbers, play games, ride bikes, take bush walks, interact with each-other, make school decisions.... I'm beginning to wonder if she might have a more fulfilling day coming with her brothers and I to the Learning Group and skipping out on 3 year old Kinder. I am taking her with me for the first time this afternoon, and I will ask her what she wants to do and let her know that she can do whichever one she wants to do.

Anyway.... Off to do the kid stuff. Am a bit gutted because we cannot get a time slot that works for swimming lessons to suit us. They've been going SO well. Maybe it's time I jumped in the pool with them and continue?

How's you week starting out?
xx

first ballet lesson

2011-02-11T12:49:00.001+11:00

There have been many good happenings around here lateley... One of which is the little Miss' very first Ballet lesson. It was SO much fun. The girls were allowed to express themselves and have fun, and the teacher and her 2 sidekicks were able to actually get them into first position and a few other moves. Gretta cracked it for the first 3 minutes and then had a ball. Her friend Nina from Fishy also came along and together they did great! Not bad for a 3 year old girl. I shock myself when I am reminded that she is only 3.

Baxter also started Karate this week. We are so lucky to have so many activities so close and handy and of such good caliber surrounding us here.

Swimming has been a smashing success - with both of my big kids (age 3 & 4...) dunking under water, torpedoing to the steps, kicking on their own with faces in water... I'm terribly proud and glad that I didn't push myself while we were in Queensland to start them too early. The 70k each way trip to town didn't excite me, nor the cost of doing it too young. I think we've made the right decision.

We also started our week out at the Koonwarra Village School unofficial Homeschooling group. Baxter and Monty and I had a terrific day at the new grounds. Baxter spent most of the day riding his bike (of which he does with complete confidence and expertise! - no training wheels ever!) and Monty spent the day trashing the place but in a good way. We built a teepee out of some big branches, played games and had a load of fun. I'm so excited to be a part of this "unschool school" and anticipating an amazing education for our children there.

I also have some exciting news...

this is MY VEHICLE parked in my .... wait for it....... SHED!!

Holy Crap - and hell has not frozen over yet!

I've been waiting nearly a year to have a shed to park my car in. To have the freezer and dryer in, to have a spare washing line in for those rainy days.... and low and behold - here it is. Hurrah!

and.... we've had some more additions to our family...

they have adorable fluffy tails and are a bit camera shy...

Peter Rabbit and Beatrice Bunny.

Welcome to our menagerie of a family.

God Bless Basil

2011-02-10T10:44:00.000+11:00

I'm a Basil lover from waaaay back. I however had never made pesto until this year as my crop of Basil just keeps on giving. I've made 4 batches this year, and I cannot think of anything better to have on a warm summer's evening than a big plate of Spelt Pasta smothered in spicy, garlicy, pesto mixed with a bit of cream.

How do you make yours? This is the gist for mine...

Amy's Pesto:

Massive bunch of basil leaves

a few good sized hunks of Pecorino or Grana Panado Cheese

a good sized packet of pine nuts - toasted and still warm

a few lashings of good quality Olive Oil

2 gigantic cloves of garlic - grated in

Squash the basil leaves and the grated garlic into a small food processor - add about 3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil and start blitzing it. It should be thick. Continually add Olive Oil until a firm smoothy consistency appears. Add the pinenuts (still warm) and chunks of Pecorino. Blitz until a thick consistency, but not runny. If a bit runny - add more Pecorino.

Eat everywhere possible: pasta, on fritatta, on Scrambled eggs, on crackers, on sandwiches and wraps.

We've also been Blackberry picking. My very favourite berry. Oh how I love late summer.

Funny thing is that we're out there enjoying the fruits of the prickly canes and husby is out there whacking them down with his slasher.

What do you do with your pesto - how do you make yours?