Beating the heat, one tub of water at a time

Despite the seasons telling us its autumn, this extended summer has been relentless. I can't remember the last time we had a day well below 30 degrees. All I can recall for months on end is being hot, sweaty and uncomfortable. My skin is shrivelled and dry, my hair parched and dull.


I'm dreaming of wet wintery days spent snuggled in front of the fire. Layers of beautiful wool fabrics and pretty beanies with flower clips. Steaming mugs of hot chocolate, rich lentil soup and slow cooked chicken casseroles. I cannot wait for the nights I can cuddle under my doona, rather then swelter in front of the fan.
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Oh how I love winter!
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In the meantime, we are beating the oppressive heat, one tub of water at a time. Thank goodness someone is enjoying themselves!

And in very good news, my camellia plants survived their repotting, and have just started to bloom.

And after an initial hiccup (whoops, too much sheep manure!), our grevillea plants are reshooting and looking really pretty.

Do you share my love of wintery weather? Which season is your favourite?

Growing up

The time has come. My little girl is growing up.
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It seems like only last week that she was a floppy, snuggly little baby. I could sit for hours as she slept in my arms, marvelling at how perfectly tiny she is. Now, she is giggling with delight as she bounces in her jolly jumper. She peers at me wide eyed with fascination as she tastes rice cereal and banana for the first time. My tiny little girl is no more.

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Tomorrow she will be six months of age. Where did the time go? 

Swimming lessons

Part and parcel of living in the country is missing out on the things that people in the city can take for granted. Even the simple things, like swimming lessons. Oscar simply adores the water, and we wholeheartedly encourage his enthusiasm and desire to be a fish. But with open dams situated so close to our home we're increasingly fearful of the fact he has no awareness of water safety. 

You can imagine our excitement then, when our local pool announced that for the first time it was offering baby and toddler swimming lessons. I had considered driving 1 1/2 hours so that Oscar could attend lessons, so I am incredibly grateful that a swimming program was developed locally. 

We've been to three lessons already and Oscar loves them! We're heading to the pool again tomorrow and already Oscar is full of excitement. Next year will be Mathilda's turn, so for now she sits on the sidelines with her Nan and watches her big brother splash, play and sing until his hearts content.

It's wonderful knowing that along with all that fun, my little fish is learning how to keep himself safe.