Drying Game

One of the things Aly has learnt in her trade is to make chickens out of tea towels. 

Makers of Macarons

Aly, as a reward for her hard work and efforts in her bakery and patisserie courses has been promising herself a Kitchen Aid.  It arrived a week ago. Today a session with Kim resulted in melt -in- the -mouth delectable salted caramel macarons.

Empire Red Artisan Kitchen Aid - a stand out in the kitchen.

Kim & Aly together again in the kitchen - different kitchen.

Who wouldn't be proud of these?

Mulching the Natives

This year's mulching effort has gone on the natives at the front of the house. A trailer load was not quite enough to finish the job so another 4 wheelbarrow loads were added on a separate occasion. The whole native area has been weeded, some plants trimmed and then the mulch spread. The continuity of the pink-red bark makes for a great contrast to the green foliage and creates a uniform, neat appearance.

Two hardwood sleepers have been replaced and some of the bricks reset . The deteriorating state was potentially dangerous for these well used steps to and from the front door.

Our pussy-willow down by the pond has split in two. Rod has
been cutting up the broken branches and was able to cut these
5 stepping rounds from the substantial trunk.

Some of the older Correa's have been cut back quite hard here
to encourage the new growth.

Scleranthus biflorus was one of the plants I saw whilst at the
Mt. Tomah Botanic Gardens. This small emerald mound will
hopefully spread to become quite a feature.

In the centre of this picture is Eucalyptus caesia Silver Princess
which will change this area significantly once it becomes a small
tree. 

The Brachycome has been cut back quite hard in the hope that
it will put on good new growth. Some have already but others
may need to be replaced.

This hollow log has  recently been added to the garden. Native
Violets have been planted in the hollow in the hope that they
naturlise in and around the log.

The scribbly gum totem poles contrast against
the new mulch and make more of a statement.

I like corners.

The garden bed has been extended and mulched behind the
seat. Plants that were randomly planted have now become a
garden.

Room for more ground covers.

The view from our dining window.

This is the view from our kitchen window. The dragon ornament is a new addition to add some interest to this area. Eventually it should appear that Whomee is peering through the grass.

When purchased this was the colour of the upturned pot
that Whomee sits on.

The artist named this work "Who Me?" I am
much happier with the black upturned pot.

Winter Cheer

I haven't picked any flowers for ages and once again I have been surprised to be able to find enough flowers and interesting foliage to make a satisfying arrangement. Dinner with Lynh and Andrew was the inspiration.

Virburnum tinus, Hakea laurina, Correa Chef's Cap, Euphorbia, Abelia and Hebe

Fiona's Fairies

When I was looking for an area of my garden to dedicate as a private memorial to my Sister in Law - Fiona, the nook with my terracotta Fairy ornaments seemed so very appropriate. I know that Fiona would approve.

Created by G. Kasch  - Garden Jargon Australia  1990

This one suffered a casualty - but
a bit of glue and a lot of love holds
her together.

I have had these precious ornaments for so long I can't exactly
remember when I got them, but I do remember the garden decor
shop in Hahndorf where they were purchased. At least one would
have been a gift.

I do not have a sign or make a point of telling visitors that the nook garden is dedicated to Fiona, but I know and I think Fiona knows too. That is all that matters.

Wheat Bags

 Using the small remnant of fabric left over from Aly's quilt cover I made my very first wheat bag. Hopefully this will be just the thing to relieve Aly's stomach cramps. 

Double stitched for strength.

Important not to over heat as they have been know to combust. 

While I had the sewing machine out and since I still had plenty of wheat
left I decided to make one for Penni who has been feeling the cold of late.

Library toys

 More dusting has been the inspiration for today's feature -  toys. Along with books we have a few toys on display. They are almost all from Rod's childhood. Back in the day when toys were crafted from wood and not mass produced in plastic.

This tractor is screwed together with wooden screws. The
wooden screwdriver is shown on the very RHS.

The steering wheel turns the front wheels.

Rod often comments how unfortunate that I don't have any
toys from my childhood.

Wooden skittles.

The clown is made of 14
wooden pieces.

This is not really a toy but it was given to me by
my parents. In fact they gave one to each of my
sisters too. This was so we could no longer accuse
them of not giving us bicycles.