The book signing went really well yesterday! I expected a lot more people there, I guess I expected the whole world to love reading Rhonda as much as I do, but it was very quiet. I had a chance to sit and chat with Rhonda and Hanno about their travels, and important details about who is looking after their chickens while they are away. Rhonda was as delightful in person as she is in print, but perhaps a bit tired from her hectic schedule. She was very nice to chat to though.
However, it was Hanno that stole the show for the Accidental family. He absolutely charmed the girls. He even admired and had a quick play with Bug's "kitty" hand puppet. Peanut woke up this morning and asked to see him again!
The book itself is huge. I didn't expect it to be so thick (so many household and lifestyle manuals are not exactly meaty). And there is so much content!! It will take a fair while to get through it all, which is lovely, because from what I've seen so far it is easy to read, and the layout is very pleasant. it's going to be a keeper, I can tell already. I actually wouldn't be surprised if I end up buying a twentieth edition copy for the girls when they move out of home.
Well, I'd best be off, Bug has been up since 3am this morning (I think she's getting sick too) and she's about two inches from the end of her tether. We're just about to stroll down through the rain to pick Peanut up from the kinder around the corner, have homemade pea and ham soup with fresh rolls for lunch, then tuck everyone up in bed for an afternoon nap. Myself included, today!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Welcome to Autumn
I woke this morning to dark skies and pounding rain. The children and I had slept in an extra two hours. (Well, except for Peanut, she woke quietly at six and played in her room with her dollhouse.) It was so dark that we needed to put the lights on to see our late breakfast, and for Peanut to do her reading practice.
There is a huge puddle that surrounds our house, we are living on the Accidental Island today. My poor potted mint is under two inches of water, and the chicken pen is a swimming pool, far more suited to ducks.
So there is only one thing to do, really. We've bunkered down. It's the perfect day for craft, stories, and playdough. The girls will probably watch an episode of play school, I'll get stuck into the ironing, and then we'll have homemade rolls for lunch.
After nap time, however, we're heading into town to meet Rhonda Hetzel. She's written a book based on her wonderful Down To Earth blog, so we're going to get our copy signed. (If you are not familiar with her blog and you are interested in simple living it's worth a look. It's so damn good that it is included in archives of the National Library of Australia.) I've been reading her for about four years now, so I'm very excited to actually meet her! I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.
There is a huge puddle that surrounds our house, we are living on the Accidental Island today. My poor potted mint is under two inches of water, and the chicken pen is a swimming pool, far more suited to ducks.
So there is only one thing to do, really. We've bunkered down. It's the perfect day for craft, stories, and playdough. The girls will probably watch an episode of play school, I'll get stuck into the ironing, and then we'll have homemade rolls for lunch.
After nap time, however, we're heading into town to meet Rhonda Hetzel. She's written a book based on her wonderful Down To Earth blog, so we're going to get our copy signed. (If you are not familiar with her blog and you are interested in simple living it's worth a look. It's so damn good that it is included in archives of the National Library of Australia.) I've been reading her for about four years now, so I'm very excited to actually meet her! I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
...and now a return to our normal programming...
The chicken house is finished! I attached the hinges and door latches yesterday, and it's now snug and weather proof. Which is lucky, because it's absolutely pouring here.
It was lovely working on the coop yesterday. I dragged it in under our big eaves to stay out of the rain, which fell in drumming sheets just beyond my work area. The girls were napping peacefully, exhausted from a morning at the science centre. I sanded and drilled, hammered and problem solved, and had some space to think. There was a much needed mental clarity that came from working with my hands, without the distractions of the radio or tv (or small children!)
Given my low skill level for wood working, I think this peace was only achievable because I was looking for a practical, not beautiful outcome from my efforts. There were a fair few false starts and work arounds required. As a wise man once told me, "once you've screwed something up twice, the third time you're an expert." I am now an expert hinge hanger, and I can also caulk up unwanted screw holes like a champion...
I am very satisfied with the finished product. I was so excited that I dragged it straight around to the chicken pen, even in the pouring rain. Then, when it was bedded in and solid, I tucked myself up small, crawled inside and shut the door. (It is only a coop for two chickens, not exactly roomy.) The soft light slanted in through the slatted door, the rain beat on the roof, and I was in my own snug world.
I almost convinced myself not to get chickens, and just keep it as my secret hideaway at the bottom of the garden. I was only stopped by the thought of the neighbors calling the men in white coats ("Where's mum?" "Oh, she's hiding in the chicken coop in the yard...") Actually, knowing my neighbors, they'd probably want a go too. We'd need to work out a schedule!
It was lovely working on the coop yesterday. I dragged it in under our big eaves to stay out of the rain, which fell in drumming sheets just beyond my work area. The girls were napping peacefully, exhausted from a morning at the science centre. I sanded and drilled, hammered and problem solved, and had some space to think. There was a much needed mental clarity that came from working with my hands, without the distractions of the radio or tv (or small children!)
Given my low skill level for wood working, I think this peace was only achievable because I was looking for a practical, not beautiful outcome from my efforts. There were a fair few false starts and work arounds required. As a wise man once told me, "once you've screwed something up twice, the third time you're an expert." I am now an expert hinge hanger, and I can also caulk up unwanted screw holes like a champion...
I am very satisfied with the finished product. I was so excited that I dragged it straight around to the chicken pen, even in the pouring rain. Then, when it was bedded in and solid, I tucked myself up small, crawled inside and shut the door. (It is only a coop for two chickens, not exactly roomy.) The soft light slanted in through the slatted door, the rain beat on the roof, and I was in my own snug world.
I almost convinced myself not to get chickens, and just keep it as my secret hideaway at the bottom of the garden. I was only stopped by the thought of the neighbors calling the men in white coats ("Where's mum?" "Oh, she's hiding in the chicken coop in the yard...") Actually, knowing my neighbors, they'd probably want a go too. We'd need to work out a schedule!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Loss
There is a house in my community that is full of children's toys. A tiny table and chair. Soft teddies and balls and a farmyard set.
But there are no babies. No kids. Just two parents with empty arms.
My dear friends have lost another baby, their third late term pregnancy loss. They buried their first, a full term, beautiful, perfect baby daughter in a tiny white coffin. They lost their second a year and a day ago. A little boy, also perfect, but too young for this world. And now, again, today, they lost another baby daughter. They have been waiting, praying and hoping. She has been on bed rest, struggling through mind numbing boredom and constant fear that this baby will be torn from her womb, too. He has been working full time, studying part time, and nursing her with gentle, constant love and attention.
Now the worst has happened. Their precious child came into this world this morning and stayed for just fifteen minutes, then left to spend eternity with her brother and sister. Her mother and father left the hospital with empty arms.
Her parents are devastated. Their family are devastated. The whole, tight knit community is devastated.
And I am left searching for meaning, for reason. Why? WHY? If there is a God with a bigger plan, how could this possibly be part of it? How can continuously breaking the hearts of two devout people be necessary to achieve the outcome He wants? Surely an all powerful deity, this God of Love, could find an easier, kinder way?
I wish I had a clever line to end this on, something to wrap it up neatly and leave you on a positive, but I don't. I just don't. I guess real life is just never neat.
But there are no babies. No kids. Just two parents with empty arms.
My dear friends have lost another baby, their third late term pregnancy loss. They buried their first, a full term, beautiful, perfect baby daughter in a tiny white coffin. They lost their second a year and a day ago. A little boy, also perfect, but too young for this world. And now, again, today, they lost another baby daughter. They have been waiting, praying and hoping. She has been on bed rest, struggling through mind numbing boredom and constant fear that this baby will be torn from her womb, too. He has been working full time, studying part time, and nursing her with gentle, constant love and attention.
Now the worst has happened. Their precious child came into this world this morning and stayed for just fifteen minutes, then left to spend eternity with her brother and sister. Her mother and father left the hospital with empty arms.
Her parents are devastated. Their family are devastated. The whole, tight knit community is devastated.
And I am left searching for meaning, for reason. Why? WHY? If there is a God with a bigger plan, how could this possibly be part of it? How can continuously breaking the hearts of two devout people be necessary to achieve the outcome He wants? Surely an all powerful deity, this God of Love, could find an easier, kinder way?
I wish I had a clever line to end this on, something to wrap it up neatly and leave you on a positive, but I don't. I just don't. I guess real life is just never neat.
Camping
When I was a kid, we camped often and much. Probably about once a year when I was young (starting VERY young), and then as I grew my friends and I caught the hiking bug and would sneak away for a couple of days whenever we could.
When I left home, I would "camp" with work, but it was very different. The incredible, heart catching beauty of the sun rising over the rolling hills on a misty morning was still there, but it was tempered by the reality of twenty hour working days and a whole heap of digging. I really missed fun, family camping.
I had been given a new tent for mother's day two years ago, but between Mr Accident still "camping" often with work and the young babies, we never used it. Finally, one weekend when Mr Accident was busy, I decided enough was enough and rang my mother... and together we camped.
We went to Wombeyan Caves. I would describe it's verdant loveliness, the interesting caves, the friendly kangaroos and wombats and the great amenities, but then you might want to visit and ruin it's best feature - the peace and quiet. So, instead, I will just share some pictures of our adventures.
When I left home, I would "camp" with work, but it was very different. The incredible, heart catching beauty of the sun rising over the rolling hills on a misty morning was still there, but it was tempered by the reality of twenty hour working days and a whole heap of digging. I really missed fun, family camping.
I had been given a new tent for mother's day two years ago, but between Mr Accident still "camping" often with work and the young babies, we never used it. Finally, one weekend when Mr Accident was busy, I decided enough was enough and rang my mother... and together we camped.
We went to Wombeyan Caves. I would describe it's verdant loveliness, the interesting caves, the friendly kangaroos and wombats and the great amenities, but then you might want to visit and ruin it's best feature - the peace and quiet. So, instead, I will just share some pictures of our adventures.
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| Bug helping to set up the tent. Note muddy pants and bare feet. We go a little feral when we go bush. |
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| Bug was very drawn by the muddy road puddles. I spent most of my time running after her to rescue her from herself. Just before we left on the last day I let her have a little, supervised play. (The road would probably see about one car an hour, at 20km/h, it was really very safe.) |
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| Look at that happy, muddy face. Baby bliss. |
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| Night routine - very important for babies. Especially muddy babies! They both loved their al fresco baths. |
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| They loved their stories, too. This is us snuggled up beside the camp fire. |
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| Exploring the cave. It was very well lit, we didn't really need our head torches, but they were fun anyway. Bug is riding on my back here, you can see a better picture of her backpack in my sidebar. |
Sunday, February 26, 2012
*cough*
There's something lovely about surrendering to being sick.
Sure, the cracked, runny nose and the stuffy head suck, and trying to get the baby to sleep while coughing is hard, but these aren't exactly life threatening. Instead, I'm just sick enough to justify tracksuit pants, home delivered food and a couch day. Usually I'm all about well ironed cotton dresses, food from scratch and no-tv-before-dinner-Peanut-please-don't-ask-again! So it's lovely to just relax and take the easy route.
I started building the chook house yesterday. I didn't want it to be an expensive folly so I headed to the local recycling centre shop for supplies. Some chicken wire, a louvered door, four lengths of timber, a big plastic drum, some PVC pipe and a mower catcher for a nesting box (plus some bowls and a little chair that the kids picked) all for the low price of $15. An absolute bargain! To put it in perspective, the timber alone would have cost $15 at a hardware store. Plus I get to feel good about recycling. I'm stoked! Now the only thing left to do is buy and attach some door hinges, put up the fence and I'm done - chicken ready. I might leave that shopping trip for another day though - we're ensconced on the couch, very busy being sick, and I'm not planning on moving anytime soon. Hooray for sick-days!
Sure, the cracked, runny nose and the stuffy head suck, and trying to get the baby to sleep while coughing is hard, but these aren't exactly life threatening. Instead, I'm just sick enough to justify tracksuit pants, home delivered food and a couch day. Usually I'm all about well ironed cotton dresses, food from scratch and no-tv-before-dinner-Peanut-please-don't-ask-again! So it's lovely to just relax and take the easy route.
I started building the chook house yesterday. I didn't want it to be an expensive folly so I headed to the local recycling centre shop for supplies. Some chicken wire, a louvered door, four lengths of timber, a big plastic drum, some PVC pipe and a mower catcher for a nesting box (plus some bowls and a little chair that the kids picked) all for the low price of $15. An absolute bargain! To put it in perspective, the timber alone would have cost $15 at a hardware store. Plus I get to feel good about recycling. I'm stoked! Now the only thing left to do is buy and attach some door hinges, put up the fence and I'm done - chicken ready. I might leave that shopping trip for another day though - we're ensconced on the couch, very busy being sick, and I'm not planning on moving anytime soon. Hooray for sick-days!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Insanity, thy name is Mrs Accident
Chickens. I want chickens. I stayed up last night googling chickens, I dreamed about chickens, I woke early this morning and lay there thinking about chickens.
We waste SO much food in this house, and it's not due to lack of planning, just two young kids that have varying appetites and tastes. Today they will eat three bits of toast, tomorrow three bites. They might like carrot today and loathe it tomorrow. And since I don't want to add their leftovers to my daily energy input, into the bin they go! (The leftovers, not the kids...) I contemplated feeding the scraps to Archie the dog, but he has his own chunky issues so that option's out. So.... Chickens it is.
A few years ago I built a dog kennel for our wonderful German Shepherd (vale, Baya) but it isn't used at the moment. I reckon if I slap a roost, a nesting box and a feeder in there, and rig up a water supply, the chickens will be safe from any predators, weather or atomic attack that may come (I over engineered the kennel just a wee bit. It's as solid as a guest house and almost as big. Every time we move the removalists need hernia operations afterwards. It took two whole bottles of liquid nails and about three hundred real ones to build. It's also the ugliest blue in creation.) I'll also need to add another access door, and make a door for the entry hole. I love a bit of woodwork! Hooray!
So, this morning I will drag the kids out to the tips recycling shop, and see what we can pick up to make some chickens comfortable.
And yes, for the record, I am keeping ridiculously busy with new projects so I can try and forget that I am missing Mr Accident with everything fibre of my being. And no, it's not working. But at least this way I can be sad WITH CHICKENS. So much better than being both sad and chickenless.
We waste SO much food in this house, and it's not due to lack of planning, just two young kids that have varying appetites and tastes. Today they will eat three bits of toast, tomorrow three bites. They might like carrot today and loathe it tomorrow. And since I don't want to add their leftovers to my daily energy input, into the bin they go! (The leftovers, not the kids...) I contemplated feeding the scraps to Archie the dog, but he has his own chunky issues so that option's out. So.... Chickens it is.
A few years ago I built a dog kennel for our wonderful German Shepherd (vale, Baya) but it isn't used at the moment. I reckon if I slap a roost, a nesting box and a feeder in there, and rig up a water supply, the chickens will be safe from any predators, weather or atomic attack that may come (I over engineered the kennel just a wee bit. It's as solid as a guest house and almost as big. Every time we move the removalists need hernia operations afterwards. It took two whole bottles of liquid nails and about three hundred real ones to build. It's also the ugliest blue in creation.) I'll also need to add another access door, and make a door for the entry hole. I love a bit of woodwork! Hooray!
So, this morning I will drag the kids out to the tips recycling shop, and see what we can pick up to make some chickens comfortable.
And yes, for the record, I am keeping ridiculously busy with new projects so I can try and forget that I am missing Mr Accident with everything fibre of my being. And no, it's not working. But at least this way I can be sad WITH CHICKENS. So much better than being both sad and chickenless.
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