Solstice

Well, today .. the 21st of June ... in this fair country of ours is the shortest day of the year.  A day of only 9 hours and 10 minutes of sun ( where ?? ) light.  A day that is supposed to herald the middle of winter and then head us in the right direction of the promised warmer weather to come.

The shortest day as usual is a fairly cold bleak day.  I sit here and look out my window at the naked trees which are just waiting to renew their spring dresses with the warmth.  It is bitterly cold so finally I am able to rug myself up in all the wonderful cosy clothes that I love to wear this season.

Often it is not until after this day that the temperature really drops.  The frosts start in earnest and the cold that can get under your skin really takes hold.  Snow is more likely, bringing with it the icy mountain winds.  This is the longest part of winter I think.
If you happen to be in the Antarctic, most celebrate the Winter Solstice.  Days of never ending darkness again promising to return some light to the cold wind blown continent.  The driest place on earth.  The people who work in this fascinating place for months on end I truly admire, especially those who weather the winter. 

In our small community we recognise this day ( or close to it anyway ) with a Chocolate Festival.  All things yummy to tempt the most tough pallet.  A day to try new flavours and sip that hot chocolate to banish the winter blues.  It nearly always rains on this day and I think if it didn't the day would not be the same.

So today we will rug up and stoke the fire waiting for darkness to envelope us with its velvet blanket.
Maybe tomorrow I might be able to notice those few minutes of extra light but I doubt it.  I know I will stop at some stage say to myself that finally the days are getting longer.  To see the first flourish of spring poking its head out and the trees beginning to re dress is a comforting thought.

Enjoy this day as I will for tomorrow will herald a new beginning in this place we call home.

      Cheers Dilly xx

A Room

What is your favourite room in your house?  A space that is special and comforting to you.  A room or even a square of you home that expresses who you are.  I am sure we all have one.

Mine is at the top of my stairs.  It is a landing that I enjoying being in even if only to pass through.  It is a space that I find comforting.  A place where I can go to stop the world for a few seconds if the need arises.  A place where the sun streams in and warms it with a soft glow. Its mine.

I have in this corner of my house of mud, a few things that are dear to me.  I have for instance an old Organ that belonged to my Great Grandmother that she played in the Stowport Church.  It is one of those you must peddle with your feet to build up pressure.  It does not work very well but I don't care.  I love it because it is my history, my families history.

I also have a plant that belonged to my Grandmother.  She passed 13 years ago and I have kept it alive for her.  It seems very happy where it hangs with all the others.  It is also placed next to an oil painting that she did for me.  It is a painting of magnificent Mt Roland from our previous home.  We had the most incredible view over this fine mountain and I can still see her sitting in my garden with an old hat on sketching this view.  I have a photo of her and it is one of my favourite memories.  I treasure it.

I have book shelves loaded with all my favourite stories to peruse through as I sit in my pod chair gazing out the window over my garden.  Joe  (dog ) likes to sit with me and scan the out doors for intruders.  He has a great view over the road from this spot.

My walls are covered with memories.  Photos taking up nearly every inch of space.  Pictures of when the Ferals were little, our wedding, happy snaps and photos of family. Photos with our friends from a trip to the snow and a picture of Lilly and Weedy Feral in bed together.   I also have a large picture of a  Sea Horse framed which I love too.  The whole wall space makes me smile when I walk past and remember these fun and precious times.

 From this space other rooms branch off.  There is the study which I am sitting in as I write this, a spare room that once the Weed slept in and the main bedroom.  Not every one would like our place as it is rather quirky, but it is to me a warm welcoming home ( I hope ! ). 

So what room do you love to spend time in?  What space is yours?  I would love to know about your little place of tranquillity.

                      Cheers Dilly xx

'Tis a season ..

Winter in our small state brings mornings of frost covered grass and frozen ponds.  Cold winds blowing in from the Antarctic freezing us to the core and making our noses run from the chill.


Cradle Mountain
Tasmania

 Frosts as white as snow blanketing the ground, sparkling in the morning sun.  Animals with their woolly coats blowing steam as they have their morning meal.

When I still had my horse I would love these mornings.  Going out into the paddock, seeing her dressed in her warm rug.  Putting my cold hands inside her blanket and warming them so they would work again.  Breathing in her familiar scent as I rubbed my face on her fluffy neck and watching the steam billow from her nostrils.  Mixing her warm mash with my hands that was tainted with the smell and taste of molasses and hot water.  I loved those days with her.  I miss them so much.

This year so far our winter has been very mild.  The Ferals are still wearing their shorts and T Shirts out side to play.  Yesterday they went swimming ( in their clothes ) at the beach while I sat warm in the car.  The look of delight was priceless and I did not want to ruin their fun.  A quick shower when home fixed the cold that eventually made its way beneath their skin. I love seeing them so happy.

Our home is heated by a wood fire.  I love the cosy feeling of this heat as I curl up on the couch.  It is a comforting heat.  A familiar heat that I grew up with.  It is a heat that penetrates into my body.  To watch the flames brings a feeling of home.  I even don't mind collecting the wood or chopping sticks if it means warmth.

Crisp winter mornings with sky so blue.  Days of wonderful light that shines around us.  The sun sitting lower in the sky finally makeing its way under our veranda to fill the rooms with rays of life.
I love winter.
We do have days though where it is bitter and depressingly cold.  It is a damp cold that can permeate under all the doors and work its way deep within our souls.  Days where we have ' black frosts ' that are so cruel.  Years ago I worked on an apple orchard.  The days of extreme damp and cold out there were unbearable as we fought to warm our selves on the generators that followed us as we pruned the trees.  I don't want to go there again.... although I can prune a mean apple tree !

We will get snow on the mountains in time.  Often this does not arrive until August or September.  I can see the mountains as I  drive around.  They stand there in all their majestic glory with white hats on, shining in the blue sky.  It is breathtaking.

I love winter clothes.  Scarves wrapped around and big warm jackets.  Hats and gloves to keep me warm.  The colours of winter.  The reds and burgundy's to brighten up dull days.  Wearing boots up to my knees that keep the chill out.  I love winter.


Waldheim Cabins

Soon though I feel we will see the tiny heads of spring start to poke through the soil.  It has been so warm surely it will happen earlier this year.  Daffodils ready to make their great entrance and herald the start of another season.  The smell of them wafting around a room making me smile. I am sure it wont be too far away.

We still may though have a late winter, but the  long range forecast is predictingng a warm one.   They have been known to be wrong !!.  I do hope for at least a few days where it is necessary to rug up and sip a warm hot chocolate.  To devour soups and other winter comfort food.  To warm up from the inside.

Curly Haired Feral
 chasing winter wombats

No matter how this season goes though I am sure next years winter will bring some surprises with it.  Maybe it will be the coldest one for years and we will be wishing for this current season again.  Who knows ?? But until then I will enjoy all this one has to offer.  I will head home and pour that hot drink and sip it in front of the fire as I fight for space with my four legged companions.

                  Cheers Dilly xx

Some have a hard life !!

This morning the Weed exclaims " Look there's a wombat on the lawn !! ".  Not thinking much of it I peered out to see one making a mad dash for the bush.  Must have been Lilly I said to myself, but thinking it was strange she ran away. 

 I know Miss Lilly has had an admirer ( much to her disgust ).  They have had a rough game of chasing's around our house of mud and if a wombat could swear, she sure does know how to let the words fly.  As wombats lead a solitary life any intrusion into their territory is not a welcome sight,  and because her territory is our house we are lucky enough to be serenaded by these meetings at all hours of the night.  ugh !

 

Miss Lilly in her not
so natural habitat !!

 Anyway the Curly boy runs out and then declares he can hear Miss Lilly under our house.  I have meanwhile been wandering around the bush in my nightdress and thongs, freezing in the frost, calling who I thought was Lilly.  Not a pretty sight I can assure you. But yes he was right.  From under the depths of our house of mud comes her familiar hissing sound.  Ahhh Lilly you are safe ( insert mushy gooey feelings here ). So the other must have been her not so popular admirer.

Curly boy then decides he needs to get her out from under the house so sets off armed with sweet potato to try and coax her.  I hear lots of calling and cursing as he wiggles himself into places that only a mouse should fit to see if he can bribe her into his arms. 

Finally I hear the sound of them both coming through the door.  He is filthy.  Covered in mud from head to toe and Lilly is not much better.  The look of satisfaction and happiness on his face is priceless. 

Now Miss Lilly is rather a lump in weight now.  She must be around 23 kilogrammes of solid dead weight.  The Weed can no longer lift her, Curly struggles and I can, but not for long periods of time.  She tends to lie on her back in my arms and go to sleep with a contented smirk on her face. She also makes little sucking noises which sound like she is sucking her bottle.  She does not make this noise for anyone else but me as I was her feeder ( insert another gooey moment ) and I do adore her.



A not so lady like Lilly

 She has a habit of lying on her back in the most inopportune places in our house.  Wombats love to lie on their backs and it really is a sight to see.  At this moment she is sprawled out under our dining room table in a not so lady like position snoring, and yes they do snore.

She did however, upon coming inside this morning out of the cold, climb into her old bed, of which she used to fit in so easily, and lie in front of the fire.  She likes the warmth as spending a night in the frost does not really appeal to her. 

Lilly has become a huge part of our lives.  She is a success story to be proud of.  She has released herself back into the 'wild' , but we have the joy of seeing her nightly as she comes back for her bowl of yummy goodies. 

I check her pouch regularly and I know at some stage she will produce young.  This to me will be a sign that all is right in her little world and I cant wait to be a Grandma !!!

                             Cheers   Dilly xxx

Its more than a Bag ..

Well it is, and we all.. well us girls anyway .. know it.  A Hand Bag, Shoulder Bag, Clutch or what ever else you want to call it.  They are more than just a bag !!

I never really thought about having a Hand Bag.  Figured it was only something old people carried around with them in case they needed a tissue or worse.  I was never going to be old enough for a Hand Bag.. Well that didn't last did it !.. I now have quite a few.

A bag, like a pair of shoes can tell alot about a person.  Someone who carries a small one is most likely to be uncomplicated and not into clutter.  Probably the best way to be, especially when seeing mine... I am NOT uncomplicated.

I have discovered the bigger the bag the better.  When the Ferals were small they were a great place to store nappies and baby bum wipes.  I could also carry food and other baby emergency things in case the need arose for them.  I would often find at the bottom, composting along with all the other rubbish that my bags accumulated, shrivelled bread sticks and more.  Not pretty when i put my hand into find something squishy that did not feel like that 5 days ago.. ugh !!!

Bags have a tendency to 'eat ' things.  I can never find my car keys when I need them.  Forget about a hair comb.  That was swallowed years ago.  If the Ferals want money they go to my bag and hunt for the change that has been regurgitated from the depths of this sess pit .  One never knows what will be forth coming from this black hole !

It often, at the most inopportune moment, will spill out the chocolate wrappers that I have denied within my own mind to eating.. I know i did not devour that many...did I ?  Hmmm no wonder my jeans feel snug.. to put it politely.

I have also found my bag handy for transporting any baby animal that I happen to be talking care of at the time.  Some do tend to be a bit shocked as I reach for my wallet and extract a baby wombat instead.  But again it is handy to be able to carry them with me in case of a bottle feed.

My current bag is black and is doing a fairly good job at pretending to be made of leather.  No cows were harmed in the construction of my bag.  It has a pocket for my phone of which it continually falls out off.  A big zippered area in the middle to store very important stuff, but what the stuff is I lost track of ages ago.  It has straps that don't stay up, BUT it fits nicely on my shoulder and is practical ( sometimes).

They say if one empties their bag contents you can tell what people are like.  This again would go along with the theory of bag size too.  If I was to empty the science experiment of my bag, those around me would surely run.  I have way too many unnecessary and useless things that I carry around for the ' just in case ' moment. Still am waiting for that moment I must add though.  So what does that say about me?  I shudder to think !

I like a bag that can coordinate with my out fit.  I have red, floral, hippy and blue bags.  I have little ones and big ones.  I have ones that are used for fancy occasions and ones that have had way too many baby animals in them..phew !! But they all reflect me, who I am and where I am going.  I suppose they are like a time capsule of a person  me.

I don't really tend to go anywhere with out my bag these days.  Its the last thing I grab as I walk out the door and I would feel lost with out it.  Maybe it is my security ' blanket ' !!

So yes in the end it is just a bag but its what secrets it holds inside that make it more.  My bag may be past its used by date, and yes to be honest, I am currently eyeing off a burgundy coloured bag that would go great with my winter wardrobe, but until then the black faithful will have to do.

I will head off into the world today ( actually the dreaded  'S word ' ( see Blog ) is where I am going next..ugh ) , with my trusty companion and hope that my car keys do actually make it to the top of the pile so I don't have to stand around like a dork hunting for them as people watch, smirk and say to themselves that I really need to be more organised !  Fingers crossed ...

What does your bag say about you?? 

       Cheers Dilly xx

A feeling ...

This morning I was lying in bed with my 2 Ferals.  The Weed was running a Lego motor bike over my face and the Curly boy was snuggled in to me telling me something he deemed important.  I have to admit a wave of contentment flooded over me.  This feeling does not often happen but when it does and I have time to stop and appreciate it.  To remember it is a wonderful feeling.

Life has been hectic of late.  Rushing off to work ( and forgetting to turn up for a shift !! oops ), racing the Ferals around to their activities and somehow managing to keep the home in a sort of acceptable manner.  I don't know how mums who work full time do it as I struggle with what I do now.  Credit to them I say !!



Boys toys ...

These school holidays, although only onto day 4 have tested me with the "I am bored " already.  Yep I admit I am counting the days till school back but please don't judge me for this.  We all have our opinions and different family issues.  But this morning it was lovely just being with them in a calm peaceful way.

At this moment they are down stairs surrounded but zillions of soft toys as they arrange them for whatever their intention.  Its like walking into a zoo with the different animals they have !  Even at their ages of 9 and 6 , they still love a soft toy and this innocence makes me smile.

Its freezing out side.  A cold wind is blowing through the trees sending us rushing for warmth.  I will not push them out the door today.  If the choose to they can.  I will encourage them to rug up in warm clothes but my two being the way they are tend to be happy wearing shorts and t shirt with sandals.  They don't seem to feel the cold.  If they are happy with that well, I wont fuss.

Tomorrow is their Dads birthday.  They are quite excited ( although they wont see him tomorrow at all ).  We will have a birthday for him on Thursday. Family are coming and all chipping in with yummy food.  I still have not decided what to give him .... will think about that.

I hope today continues as it started.  With calm and smiles.  I am sure their will be the odd eruption to unsettle the peace but I still have this morning to remember. Maybe these holidays wont be too bad.  I must remember to choose my battles and be grateful for the little things.  They areally are good kids and I love them to pieces.  Now just to convince them to clean up !!!! ha

The show must go on....

I love going to the Theatre.  It takes me to places that I have never dreamt of and transports my mind to places unknown.  It gives me the chance to imagine I am someone else and absorbs me into the story.  I love it.

I have seen many productions over the years.  Some professional and others local productions but I always take away something from each.

I am one of the lucky ones.  I work at the local theatre so I am privileged to see many productions.  Its is a fantastic job.  I have also been able to rub shoulders with the odd celebrity too ... this job has its perks !!.

But the theatre to me is more than that.  I have to admit I am terrified of performing on stage.  As mentioned in my blog " I thought I could dance " stage performances and I just don't get on.  It does not stop me though, being in awe of actors who positively shine in the spotlight.

Remembering lines while trying to compose my nerves is not a good look.  I always have to rush to the loo as stage fright takes hold for the umpteenth time.  I mumble and don't seem to be able to remember anything at the right time.  I don't think i was destined for the stage..

My Ferals love it too.  i have been taking them since they were babes and to see their faces totally memorised by what is before them is priceless.  They have watched shows based on their favourite children's stories and seen magic flash before their eyes.  " How did they do that? " is a common question.  The fascination is enchanting, and the innocence enviable. 

I actually prefer the theatre than going to the cinema.  Yes the cinema is fun but it lacks the  personal touch.  The feeling of being involved within the story line.  It amazes me so many people happily spend money on a movie but complain over the price of a theatre ticket when it is usually less expensive, and if not cheaper, it is defiantly more rewarding than sitting and watching an over sized TV screen.

The small city in which I work is a lovely place but many residents are reluctant to attend the theatre unless it is a story that is well known.  I have seen shows that have been incredible with only a small audience and have seen others that I would personally never choose to see and they have been totally booked out.  I realise it is personal taste, but we should support our local industry and step out into the unknown world of theatre more often. 

I have not unfortunately seen any of the large lavish productions that are produced in the Capital cities of other state of Australia.  I would love so much to see some.  To take the Ferals and to absorb all these shows have to offer.  One day, when financially able,  I will bundle them onto a plane and head off into the world of large theatre productions.  I know they will love it. 

For the time being though,  I will continue to support our local theatre.  I will also do my best to convince friends to come and see what we have to offer.  There are some fantastic kids shows coming and the Ferals are already booked in to experience the magic.  Quite exciting I think.

So to all you non theatre buffs out there.. give it a chance.  You may find you actually enjoy it and realise what you have been missing all this time.  Let your mind escape the day to day hum drum of life and slip into another world.  I can guarantee you that even if the show does not live up to all you wanted, you will still take away the feeling of having seen a live production and I think  it is an experience worth having.





 

That time again ...

Well, it is that time again.  Yep School holidays.  End of term 1, and only 2 terms to go.  I know I should be looking forward to it but honestly I am a bit nervous of the next two weeks. Why you may ask? Ferals !!!

Now don't get me wrong I do love my Ferals, BUT they are hard work.  Two weeks of trying to entertain them while hanging on to my sanity by a thread will not be easy.  Vino anyone ???



My beautiful boys are a joy most of time to be with.  They are funny and loving.  Adventurous and high spirited.  Enthralled by the outdoors and can tackle most things head on.  They amaze me with the little creatures they manage to find hidden under some rock deep in the bush and I admire their resilience when their adventures end up with one of them being hurt.  BUT ... they are at times difficult to keep amused.

My curly haired boy is extremely bright.  A thinker who does tend to think a bit too much.  He has never been good at entertaining himself and often needs a shove in the right direction.  "MUMMM I am bored " is often heard echoing around our house of mud.  Ugh.." well find something to do " is my usual answer !!!  "But there is nothing to dooooo".  Now when a kid I did not have computer games.  I did not have anywhere near the amount of stuff they have but I still managed to keep myself entertained.  How things change.  The Weed is a bit easier but when you put two bored boys together it is like lighting a stick of Dynamite and tossing it in a bag of fire works .. Rather explosive.

We are intending on taking them to a wildlife park and museum for a day.  They will be going to friends places while I am at work and also attending a theatre production at the end of their break.

I will encourage them to relax and sleep in.. not likely though. 

The question is asked why we cant take them places like other kids are going.  Why cant we travel to the mainland Australia for a holiday in the sun? Easy answer.. Cant afford it.  I would love nothing more than to whisk them off to some exotic location full of pythons for them to see and reefs of wonderful fish to explore but alas the purse strings don't stretch that far.  One day I say to myself....



Ferals being Feral !!!



Rules I give myself for the holiday are as follows:

•  Remember to breathe.  Choose battles wisely.
• Purchase copious amounts of good Red Wine.
• Cook and get them to help ( as long as the mess is handled by them as well !! )
• Go bike riding and get them really tired so they will fall into bed with exhausted smiles on their faces.
• Drink copious amounts of the wine purchased.
• Have one on one time with each if able. 
• Remember that when a child I loved holidays and try to make it a positive experience.
• Have school bags packed for next term way in advance to make the get away faster !!!
• Send them out side to explore and collect slugs and bugs.
• Love them no matter how crazy they make me and tomorrow is always another day .

I really hope though when they return for their next term that they will have something good to say about their holidays.  We may not be going away but if even one little thing brightens their days well I feel it has been a good break.

Unfortunately their dad is working the whole holidays.  They want to do 'Bloke' stuff but alas not being a bloke it can be rather difficult to fill that roll.  I will be encouraging their dad though to do as much as he can with them in the evenings.

Hub said to me this morning which I think sums it all up rather nicely " School holidays.. what are we going to do with them for 2 weeks ? " ... What !! ... " We "  I said .. "Don't you mean me!! "  His time will come ... ha !

Anyway the holidays will end and I can guarantee I will miss them when the day arrives.  I will though, be waving them off to school on their return and then if no one notices creep back into bed for my short ' holiday ' too..  Wish me luck !!!!

                             Cheers Dilly xx