Tuesday 23 December 2014

December

What an interesting month it has been so far.  Two weeks spent in Western Australia with my Mum and then bringing her back with me to spend time with family in Victoria.  The trip to and from Western Australia is a long one.  It involves a two and a half hour train journey to Perth, a taxi ride to the airport and then waiting time for the plane departure and a three to three and a half plane ride depending on the wind.  We get on the train at 11.00am and get back into Melbourne about 11.30pm which includes a three or two hour time difference depending on daylight saving.  It's a hour by car from the airport to our home so it makes for rather a long day.  Mum is just the best person to travel with and despite her mobility difficulties and age, she never complains.  

One very sad thing happened before we left Western Australia, we had to say goodbye to Mum's beautiful 18 year old cat Humphrey.  He has been a great farm cat catching mice and rabbits and a loving companion to Dad and Mum.



Last Tuesday I took Mum to one of our large shopping centres for a little Christmas shopping and a bit of a look around.  We had a fun girly time and were successful in our purchases.  And then on
 Thursday evening we took Mum to see a productions of the ballet Sleeping Beauty at the State Theatre, at The Victorian Arts Centre, Melbourne.  It was such a treat for us all but especially Mum who has never seen a live ballet production of that quality before.  The dancing, costumes and orchestra were wonderful and as we had a special seat for Mum, we were quite close to the stage and had a very good view.

Members of the household were ill last week with a head cold, thankfully Mum only got it mildly, and in amongst that our washing machine broke down.  It was only 5-6 years old, they just don't make things to last anymore.  Genevieve and I became sick on the weekend and are still recovering and hoping to be feeling much better on Christmas Day.  My sister is hosting Christmas this year so the pressure is not great.  It doesn't matter if the house isn't cleaned, that can be attended to after we feel better.   I have some baking and cooking to do for Christmas lunch which can be done tomorrow.  The big grocery shop is on today after the delivery of a new washing machine.  Hubby is on holidays so I'm enlisting his help.

In other news, we have been enjoying cherries from a local orchard and bought from a road side stall.  They are big, sweet, fat and juicy.




We also had our first harvest of home grown beans with our dinner last night.  They were beautiful.  Even the youngest lady in the house who doesn't care for beans said how much nicer they were than those bought from the supermarket.


A little bit of seasonal decorating has been taking place.




Just the other day I received a lovely calendar from Louise of Ramblings of a Roaching.


I get to try a different recipe each month and here are two I'm looking forward to trying.  The scenes in the calendar are beautiful.


 
Thank you Louise for such a lovely calendar.

I would like to wish everyone a beautiful, peaceful and happy Christmas sharing this special time of the year with family and friends.  Thank you for continuing to follow my blog despite my sparrodic posts, it is much appreciated.

Take care,

Anne xx

8 comments:

  1. So sorry to read of Humphrey's passing and that you've all been ill, but happy to know that you've been able to get out and about to enjoy your mum's visit too. Wishing you all a happy & blessed Christmas time together.
    Ooh, and those cherries look so yummy! 😉
    Hugs, Gilly xx

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  2. It sounds like you've spent some good times with your mum :) Sorry to hear about Humphrey, but at least he had a long, happy life. I'm glad the calendar arrived and you like it! I thought you might enjoy some of the recipes :)

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  3. Here's hoping that everyone is feeling better and you all have a very Merry Christmas. Have fun with the baking and eating all the yummy food you will have around you. How wonderful is that to have your Mum visiting for the holidays! That I'm sure is the best part of all. : )

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  4. Thank you, Anne, and a very merry festive season to you and yours.
    xx

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  5. Yes so sorry to hear you have been ill and that Humphrey has passed. I hope your mom will be able to get another cat companion. They do make wonderful pets. I see you're very busy preparing for Christmas and want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. xx

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  6. How wonderful to take your mum to the ballet.
    My mum joins us today & we ALL have horrible coughs & colds !
    Love your decorations.... Hope you feel better for Christmas xx

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  7. What a gorgeous puss Humphrey was, I can see he will be sadly missed, just like a family member when we lose them.

    Hope your mum is enjoying her time with you in Victoria, and having a great time catching up with family.

    I also hope you are feeling better, not a good time to get sick just before Christmas.

    The calendar that Louise sent you is lovely. A nice idea to add traditional recipes to try :)

    Wishing you a great New Year Anne, I hope it is full of all the things you love the most xx

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  8. Hi Anne,

    I hope you have all recovered from the Christmas colds and lurgies and had a nice Christmas.

    Those cherries look yummy. We had a cherry farm open here just before Christmas with huge, dark, juicy cherries but they completely sold out within a week! I didnt get a chance to buy any, will have to get in quick next year.

    Its annoying when appliances give up the ghost at the most inopportune times, eh? I think my washer is on its way out too.

    Dear old Humphrey, he looks gorgeous. I bet he had some tales to tell. I hope your Mum is okay with his passing, do you think she'll get another?

    Its back to the grind for us today. Not looking forward to the hot days ahead.

    Cheers - Joolz xx

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