The bottom line ....

Nappies as we Australians call them, Diapers in other parts of this great world.  An extremely important part of raising a child.. What do I put on the little dears derriere to catch all the delightful parcels that greet us parents on a continual basis?. Oh the joys of parenting !!

Before having a Feral I had never ventured into the unknown world of dirty babies bottoms.  I was not, and still feel at times an overly maternal person.  The thought of changing a babe sent me into involuntary gagging.  Even with the birth of my beloved nephew I still had no intention of venturing there.  I have never though had a problem with wipping the bottom of a baby animal ... explain that !!

They stink was my initial though .. Haven't we all wandered through a place to suddenly be stopped in ones tracks by the overwhelming pong of poo?  I think so !

I remember being told that ones own child never smells as much as others.  Ha I said to myself .. what a silly thing to say..  Ok I admit it ..they were right.  My boys smelt like flowers compared to others.. Maybe the mothers instinct really does exist in me !!

The decision to use cloth or disposable..hmmm.. decisions decisions.  Now I am a true believer in saving the earth from the atrocities that we humans choose to cause, but I am also a HUGE believer in saving my sanity !!  As much as cloth nappies are reusable and have less environmental impact due to less tangible wastage...  water can be an issue due to the never ending washing.  I remember being told by a friend though that nothing gave her more satisfaction as a mother than seeing her pristine white glowing cloth nappies blowing in the wind from the clothes line.  Nope I don't have that much pride with my washing .. my whites are usually a lovely shade of grey !

The decision was made to go disposable.  My argument, besides keeping my sanity was , being on tank water I did not want to waste this precious resource .. liquid gold ! 
So what type to use ??

There are of course so many brands and types to choose from.  It can be rather overwhelming as a new parent struggling through the shopping isle of the local supermarket.  Bright lights and signs seem to call "Buy me !! "  It can be very daunting.
We all do of course want to provide the best for our offspring.  Parental peer pressure also has a way or rearing its ugly head.

What type do you use? .. is a question asked by many a mother.  They may as well be asking what type of bloomer underpants one is wearing after the birth of a Feral ( answer..HUGE ! ). Everyone has an opinion.

There is the pre mentioned peer pressure from others that can be extreme.  I must admit I started with the expensive brands.  The ones that promise no nappy rash or leakage.  The ones whose advertisements on the TV make it look like their product will enhance your life and fill it with fields of flowers that make you want to skip amongst them all the while praising poo catchers !! 
I can confirm that no matter how expensive the brand that they ALL leak and can channel the number twos out with ease.  I ended up using the cheaper brand..after all they only have to hold it for a short duration of time anyway !!

I learnt that a nappy can hold quite a considerable amout of number ones.  If a parent can just hold off changing that bottom for just a wee (excuse the pun ) bit longer, then a nappy a day can at least be saved from the pile at the bottom of the garbage bin. Surley that must be environmentally friendly ??

As for the colour and texture of a babes digested food..well that is another story all together.. I never knew so many colours of the ' rainbow '  could come out of such a sweet faced cherub... and again all smelling of those flowers that I have previously mentioned because my Ferals did not ever stink !!!

I thought of this blog today as I witnessed a mother changing her wiggling daughter on the carpet at my place of employment.  Yep that is a subject I thought to myself that should be discussed.  I am not one to beat around the bush and I believe in saying it as I see it... so yep.. my Ferals did smell like flowers and all other kiddlets do pong !!  But hey.. I am biased although I will quietly admit that I am relieved that this stage of raising Ferals is long gone... Now just to control the loo papers rolls..Surely they dont need to use THAT much !!!

      Cheers Dilly xx

Sunday ....

Today is a day I don't not have to rush off anywhere.  It is a day I have been waiting for. A day to attempt to lie in bed with the sun streaming in the window bringing with it the first signs of spring warmth.  A day to not have to deal with school lunches or rushing to get the Ferals on the bus.  It is Sunday.

Many people still regard this as a day of rest. A day of worship if inclined.  A day of family time. but to me it is a day of catching up with all life has thrown at me this past week and to try and regain control before the next day begins.

This week we have all battled sickness.  Ferals bring home the most lovely 'diseases ' from school and share them so willingly.  Some how though as a mother no matter how ill we are we must battle through it to take care of our brood. 



Layla

This week we have also welcomed a new addition into our home.  Layla the baby wombat has arrived and filled our house of mud and our hearts with her sweet ways.  She will be with us for quite a while as she grows into the strong adult I have seen Lilly wombat turn into.  But for now she is very content to curl up in my arms and sleep her deep peaceful sleep.  She is divine .. and a huge time waster !

Hub returned from a trip to our nations capital .. Canberra.  He seems to always land the jobs that take him to far off exotic places ( I know Canberra is not that exotic ) but he at least gets to travel and experience different things.  He is lucky like that.

I have worked quite a bit at the theatre.  I have seen the production of ' James and the Giant Peach ' twice and watched in wonder at the faces of the children as they absorb the show.  I so enjoy seeing my Ferals like that.

This week I have been considering cooking something fancy but that is as far as it got.  A thought is better than nothing though ..  I hope !  I have washed clothes, made beds, cleaned up after ill Ferals and kept the house going.  I have looked in the mirror and been surprised to see a stranger looking back .. Such is the life of a busy mum.

So today, although I have much to do, it is now nearly midday and I am still in my PJs, while I listen to the squeals of delight as the Ferals race around in the mud with the Billy Carts.  The sun is shinning finally and hopefully the mountains of washing might dry.  To many this might be a nothing thing to write about but to me it is part of my life .. a part of my history no matter how insignificant but one that will neer be rep[eated.

So I will enjoy my Sunday, my day of  'rest ' as tomorrow it all starts again ....

                  Cheers Dilly xx
 

Pussy cat pussy cat ..

Dogs have owners and Cats have staff .... yep that sounds about right to me.  I work for my cats, they do not work for me.  Such is the life of a cat owner.



Miss Maggie

We as a family have not been cat owners for very long.  A cat is an animal that my Hub swore we would NEVER get.  We have a huge feral cat problem in this little state of ours and the job my hub is employed in requires him to trap and destroy feral cats on a regular basis.  So you can see why he was not keen.

I grew up with cats though.  We had an old black and white one, a ginger one who had a split personality between Jekyll and Hyde and a grey one who was rather thick in the brain area, but I can say they all fitted into our house with ease and all brought with them a personality that was endearing.

The Ferals ( kids that is ) had been pestering their dad to get one for ages.  " No " was the continual answer ... " but why not ? ' was theirs.

We went to visit some dear friends one evening who have 3 cats.  They are all cat lovers and they proceeded to gang up on hub and convince him of all the reasons why we should have one.
I figured with the likely hood of Lilly wombat leaving soon a cat would help fill the hole that she would leave behind.  I don't know how we did it but the word " OK " came out of his mouth and although he tried to deny it we all heard it so the decision was made.. cat hunting we would go.

The following day I figured I better act quickly, so after bundling 2 very excited Ferals into the car a trip was made to our local RSPCA.  Wow what a smorgasbord there was of cats to choose from.  All colours. ages and hair lengths.  I had decided not to get a kitten.  Too much work and older cats are always harder to find homes for.  A white cat with funny markings made himself known to us and the decision was made.  Casper was on his way home with us.

I must say at this point Lilly wombat did not move onto another home, but continued to live with us..so we now had a wombat and cat.. perfect.

Casper wears enough bells around his neck to alert any poor unsuspecting creature that he is around and I like him to be inside at night to help protect our native wild life, although he has proved to be a great mouser over this winter. 

Now, although Casper is a lovely moggie and can be very affectionate when he chooses to ... usually during the night when cold as he attempts to climb under the bed covers .. he is not what I would call a lap cat.  So plot plot ... another cat was needed.

Again " NO " was the answer and  " But why not ? " the reply.  Surely 2 would be no more work than 1 ?.   Hub was going away for 3 weeks so a plan was put into action.  What could he do from another state anyway !!!

Trip to the RSPCA and we came home with a Tabby cat we named Maggie.  Besides the fact that Joe dog is very protective of his Casper they all get along fine, and yes she is a lap cat.  I think we are now done.

We have quite a few animals with in our menagerie now and I would not have it any other way.  Hub continues to ignore the cats but that's ok with me.

So yes we are now cat owners.  I have had my feet pounced upon and mice dropped before me.  I have been smooched on during the night and have really come to learn that they are nothing like dogs.  We are their staff.  What they want they will get... but hey I wouldn't change it for the world.

I am quite prepared to be on beck and call if it means a warm purring body to snuggle with on these winter evenings.

       Cheers Dilly xx

To market to market .. !!

Recently I took my parents and the Ferals to a market.  To sniff around and try and find the bargain of the century.  I love going to markets.

Evandale market was the one of choice this fine brisk winters day.  A place steeped in history of our convict and early colonial past.  Homes of exquisite beauty and an atmosphere to cherish is how I describe this place.  A beautiful town so close to the bustle of our second largest city, but one may as well be in another world.

Anyway off we went armed with enthusiasm and excitement to see what treasures we could uncover.  One never knows when the bargain of the century may turn up and make us a squillionaire !

I love browsing markets.  To see someone elses trash becoming treasure to another is quite humbling.  I love to sniff the handmade soaps and see warm hand made hats that still smell of sheep with their natural oily aroma.

I am passionate about pottery.  The more rustic and unusual the better.  They fit nicely with the feel of my home made of mud.  An organic feeling that I love to cultivate.  Delving into that inner Hippie that I know is buried within my soul.

In my local area we have a few small markets.  Most are filled with things others are trying to off load like tools and old toys.  Local vegetables are sold amongst the hustle of music and old shoes.  They are great to visit but by far the best is Salamanca Market in our capital city Hobart.

This market has everything .. well nearly every thing but mostly it has an atmosphere that can not be copied.  It is one of Tasmania's true gems.

Nestled alongside the Hobart waterfront on a street draped in history of years gone by, Salamamca offers a smorgasbord of senses for both the mind and the pallet.  Food from different countries mingles with music from South America and a boy playing a violin.  Flowers of all different sizes and scents waft their perfume as one wanders past.  It is a delight for the recipeient.

Of course their is lots of my beloved pottery which has been turned with care on a wheel for me to drawl over.  All the colours of the rainbow enticing me to take them home.  It is hard to walk away.

There are the cheap tacky souvenir stalls selling Tasmanian Devils made in some obscure far off country and T shirts emblazoned with Tasmanian slogans that I have never heard of but these when combined with the others is what makes Salamanca what it is.

Years ago my sister bought me a blue pottery horse from this place.  It is one of my most loved possessions.  It reminds me of a time when I lived and worked in this environment and was absorbed within its grasp.  I had many friends with in this tight community and felt protected and welcome whenever there.

This horse is a symbol of why I love markets.  To find the unique and unusual to me, personally, is what they are all about.  To loose ones self in the clatter and bustle of a busy market on a crisp blue sky winters day is priceless.

The Ferals love to explore and taste the delights but I find it hard to slowly peruse the rows of  creations when they are constantly wanting me to hurry and look at some shark tooth necklace that I am convinced no sharks were harmed in the making of.  But I think it is important to give the Ferals a touch of another world within their own.  A chance to taste something different and to hear music that is not pumping out of their Ipods.  I know they will thank me one day !!

If you have a market near you, have you been recently?  Have you found something that you are sure you have been waiting for?  Have you enjoyed all it has to offer in more ways than one?  I hope so,  for if not, take that time out of your busy life to again tread into the world of a market as you never know what may catch your eye!

                       Cheers Dilly xx

A wild ride..

Woooosh  ...  ahhhhhhh ... squeeeeel ... A flash of colour is again zooming past my window.  All I can see is a dog running along beside two machines as the coloured visions scream in delight.  Yep the Ferals have Billy Carts and fast ones at that !!

My father or Papa as the Ferals call him loves to tinker and make things.  He is renowned for his creations using the most unlikely objects.  This time it is Billy Carts.

These are not any ordinary Billy Carts I might add, these are ones with big bike tyres that positively fly !!  The faster the better apparently.

I get  asked " Are you not worried about the Ferals hurting themselves ?",  Am I not concerned something bad may happen? ... answer .. Cotton wool (read previous blog of this name to get my views on this ).  I totally refuse to wrap them up and if they do hurt themselves at least they had fun doing it.  As my Curly Feral says regularly .. " but mum..we are boys !!! " yep they are boys !!

These Billy Carts have been made after numerous trips to the tip shop.  This place is one of  the Ferals  favourite outings with Papa.  They love to hunt around and see what they can purchase with the handful of 5cent pieces he has collected for them.  They honestly love these trips.

The first cart is made of timber and big wheels.  A soft comfortable chair has been added and the frame is an old bike tandem child carrier.  It has a step on the back for the weed to stand on as they fly past at a rate of knots that I would personally not cope with.  They have worked out how to lean into the corners and while there is a brake, they would much rather crash into some bush to stop themselves.

There has been a second cart made now for the Weed.  It does not go quite as fast as the wheels are smaller but he can still keep up.  Races around trees and through puddles are so much better when chasing each other I have been informed.

They have worked a track from the top of our dirt driveway to the bottom of our garden which includes a friendly slope in which to gain speed.  They have also placed logs in various spots to use as bumps and to try and flip their machines.  Oh to be a kid again !!!

The young boy from up the road has discovered our machines and is now a regular visitor which the Ferals love .  To watch the three of them fly past makes me feel all gooey.  I love seeing them be kids. 

I  do wonder what my dear father will come up with next.  Who knows the Ferals could be off to the  moon!!

 

Allowing my Ferals to enjoy being kids is one of may main aims as a parent, and again,  even if they do come crying in with a bloodied nose or broken limb,  as long as they had fun doing it well good for them !!

         Cheers Dilly xx

Time alone

This past fortnight my hub has been away.  He still has a few days to go. It has been a time for myself and for the Ferals to forge on by ourselves.  Hence the reason I have not written.  Too busy.

I have been asked if we all miss him.  "Must be hard for you" I get asked,  "How do the kids cope? ".  Well the answer is we are all great.

He understands I am not the type to get all mushy at a home coming.  His going away is something we are all used too.  The Ferals dont even want to speak to him on the phone.  It is a normal part of our life.

I am a person who thrives on my independance.  A person who enjoys my own company.  I think this is a good thing.  I am capable of handling most that is thrown at me and I figure having the remote for the TV to myself must be a bonus !

There are plenty of women out there who are on their own far more often than me and do an amazing job.  We are often seen as the poor other half left in a mans world as they sail off into the sunset to do what ever they please.  But to me I find the time alone totally liberating.

The Ferals and I are far more organised and the amount of mess in the house decreases dramatically.  We are probably more relaxed regarding the day to day goings on.

I can sprawl out in the bed in what ever position I like and have the cat snuggled with me.  I can watch my "crap " on TV and consume that bottle of wine that has been staring at me for ages just waiting for the quiet of a night time house hold to materialise so I can enjoy it in peace.

Dont get me wrong... I will be pleased to see him.  I know the Ferals will be too .. especially with the promise of a present .. typical kids, but knowing I am more that happy to tackle all by myself to me is reasuring and rewarding.  I am not a useless woman.  We never know what life will throw our way so knowing I am strong and independent offers confidence in this challenging world.

So he will return and all will return to normal.  He goes straight back to work and then away again the following week.  I will keep that other bottle of wine for such an occasion and maybe just maybe keep a drop for him when he comes back again !

So to all you women ( and men ) out there.  Be proud to admit you can cope with out your ' other half '.  Dont let others make you feel guilty for enjoying ' me ' time.  Embrace it full on and enjoy it for all it has to offer.  Life is too short.

                           Cheers Dilly xx