The Pets

It's fair to say we spend alot of time with our pets. It seems these days someone always has the cat with them (I think he is secretly pleased when they are at school, so he can nap in peace!) he gets carried around constantly, dressed up, taken out to see the chooks and guinea pigs, brought back in again, hunted down in his favourite hidey holes so he can be played with and so it goes on. These days there is usually a guinea pig or two in one of the girls arms too. They are pretty cute and getting more used to us every day. the chickens are still a delight as always, and we spend warmer parts of day in the backyard with them. Everytime I go to download photos from my camera, I find lots the girls took of our pets!

Mischief!

One day during the recent school holidays, the girls tidied out the linen cupboard for me (they were trying to earn some money for shopping!) I must say they did a great job. I probably would have done a few things differently but a really good effort for a first time from 11 and 12 year olds. What did amuse me, was when I was uploading some photos from my camera that I took, I came across some they had taken from that day.

Enjoying the Weather

We have all been enjoying the autumn weather. Finally the skies opened up and delivered some decent rainfall. The nights have cooled down, perfect for snuggling under the doona. The garden (and weeds!) are growing like crazy. The cat is enjoying time in the straw while the chooks are out!

Gordon

I took these photos of Gordon last night as he looked so cute! I had just finished making Kates bed up with clean sheets and came back a few minutes later to him fast asleep on it! He has always preferred a made bed to an unmade one!

Busy Tuesday

lettuces

parsley

mint

tomatoes

corn

Photos curtesy of Kate today of the planting that was happening when she arrived home from school. I planted corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, purple beans, lettuce, more parsley and mint, rosemary. Keeping them safe from the chickens will prove to be a challenge, but I will try.
The chickens have started to pick up the laying pace, it's nice to have more than one or two in the fridge again. Gordon, as always, featured in more than one photo today.

Gordon and the Tree

Every night after he has had his dinner, Gordon sits under the Christmas tree, has a big wash and then falls fast asleep until I go to bed, then he follows me to bed. He is going to get a bit of a shock tonight when the tree isn't there. It has to be put away sometime and today is the day!

The Rose Garden

I love roses! My Dad grew the most beautiful roses when I was growing up, so we were always surrounded by them. Mum always had some inside in a vase, and I remember they always smelled divine!

I only have a few roses. SIX to be precise. Four of them were here when we bought this house 8 and a half years ago, I've since planted 2 more - Mother's Love and when Dad passed away, I planted Father's Love in his memory.

They are late in blooming this year, maybe because of our cooler weather for this time of year, maybe because I pruned them a bit later than I usually would. I'm not sure. I know they would never win any prizes, but I do love their colours and smell. They are summer to me.

And I have followed in Mums footsteps and often have some in a vase.

My most favourite rose in the World is "Birthday Present" My Nana had one when I was growing up, and later on Mum & Dad grew one. I think it may only be available in NZ.

Birthday Present

It is a deep red climber, with the most beautiful smell!