Reading ...

I've been spending more time reading in the evenings lately (and therefore less computer time!)





I'm enjoying biographies at present. As much as they are heartbreaking stories which leave me wondering what really happened, I really enjoy them. Sometimes the words make me teary and I have to close the book for awhile before trying again.








I read Joanne Lee's book a few weeks back. I only vaguely remember the case at the time. Snippets on the radio in NZ where we were living when Peter Falconio vanished. By the time the trial came around we were living in Australia and saw much more in the media about the case.








I've just finished Kathy's story last night. I sat up until nearly 2am as I couldn't out it down. What an ordeal that woman went through. It follows her life from her home through institutions - reformatory school, a psychiatric hospital, a Magdalen laundry, and a prison.

Now it's back to the library for something else (hopefully another biography takes my fancy)

What are you reading at present? Any recommendations?

Fun Day Festival

We set off down the road to our local fun festival yesterday. It started at 2pm and we arrived not long after.

After joining a l-o-n-g queue, Kate and Ella finally got to have their turn on the camels!

Ruby loved her pony ride!

As did Ella!

And of course Kate!

You can't go past fairy floss now, can you?






Two butterflies enjoying a sludgy on a warm afternoon!

Operation Clean-up

We are in the middle of Operation Clean-Up around here

We've taken loads of toys, clothes and linen to St Vinnies

The gardens are half done, and looking good

Carpets have been cleaned

Walls washed

A broken cupboard finally fixed

Broken sprinklers fixed

Stand fitted to Kate's bike





It's good to have big catchup days like this when life is so busy

Can you believe we are into March already?

I'm making the most of Phil being home

this is the longest he's been home at one time on about six years

After we do some more in the garden, I'll come inside and start on my desk

Lots of papers to sort

Take Kate to jazz after lunch



Then off to a friends tonight to enjoy a quiet drink

and catch up on our week

Monday Monday

Girls deposited to school

Cleaning the house

Grocery shopping

A nap! Bliss!

Outside play after school

Tap dancing for Kate

Roast dinner

Homework to complete

A walk through the park






Stop for an orange juice






Bathtime






Storytime

Bedtime. Another day over.

I'm going to start painting the bedrooms in the next few weeks.

Kate & Ella share a room and have new butterfly doona's that I got at a very good price. So I'll work with those in mind.

Aren't these cute?

Cute little cupboard


They don't have bunks, but love this space saving idea!

This room appeals to me for its' fresh look

Love this!

This is sweet!

My twenty year old (how did that happen??) would love this:

And this

I think our room will be green. Isn't this refreshing?




And probably yellow for our 4th bedroom , currently occupied by Ruby.

photo source: flickr

Five things in my kitchen

I got this idea from Kate at Our Red House

I would love to see some photo's from you too!

An old wooden penguin Phil bought me about 20 years ago

A special wine glass from Kate one Mother's Day

My favourite water jug

Kate's milkshake maker that she bought with her own pocket money

Ella's favourite cup

Swaps

Anyone remember these?

Growing up in NZ in the 1970's, swaps were a big part of school life. My favourites to collect were those of babies, doctors & nurses and Winnie the Pooh. My friend Sally always had the best swaps ~ I was so jealous of her collection.

I'm a real horder when it comes to stuff like this. My girls enjoy looking through the tin from time to time, with supervision of course. The are too sentimental to me to let go just yet.

I must get out my brownies and girl guide badges next.