My new bread hambag!

For a long time now, ever since I got the breadmaker last year, I have been on a quest of how to best store the bread once baked. I bought a bread bin, and have been really dissappointed in how the interior keeps the bread damp and makes it go mouldy far quicker than I would have thought.

I then came across the idea of how some bloggers make calico bags and store the fresh loaves in there with much success. Since I didnt have any calico/muslin at home in the stash I kept putting off the purchase, and today I came across something that really made me stop and almost shout hurrah in the store.

I was looking at all the Christmasy stuff, calendars, scrapbook making kits, and pudding and ham bags. I looked at the ham bags and decided that it would be the perfect thing to store my bread in. I bought one - at $3 what a steal! I had to wash it once home, again the smell of the inky print on the front of the bag didn't smell too good, but now that its been washed its great. It has a drawstring tie, so what could be better? Off to be put into good use tomorrow!

Fish and chips tradition

Thank cod its Friday! Its been a long and cold week, so come on over to my plaice and share in our traditional feast on fryday - fish an’chips! Every Friday we order fish and chips and it means I don’t have to think of a menu for that day or cook anything . . . sheer bliss!

We’ve had a touch of winter here all week, with rain storms and strong gale force winds. Almost makes me want to put the fire back on!! Last night I sat wrapped up in my winter dressing gown and finally made myself tackle the Christmas card list. I did begin to write them all early in August but gave up when I started working. So looking at that pile of cards just sitting there saying - 'write me', I got stuck into it and have almost finished this task. Like everyone, I love getting cards but hate the task of writing them! Still, its all done for another year.

Now back to that supper - pull up a chair, relax, as its nearly the weekend, and pass the vinegar!

Tar tare for now!

Strange Brew

I guess I really should have posted this nearer Halloween,(had I thought of it) but it was only created yesterday.

I had my old CD's playing and remembered listening to a band called 'Cream' - they were a heavy band and were well known back on the seventies. Strange brew was one of their tracks that I liked, and before I knew it I was sitting at my desk humming the tune and cutting and pasting the art like it was going out of fashion, really enjoying the creative process of it! I think the art break has done me good.

Blogging without obligation

I found this post on the blogging without obligation blog and am posting it in verabtim, as I think its a really good post to take on board. I often feel HUGE pangs of guilt after neglecting my blog, especially in receent times, and when I came across this, it seemed like the healthy option to follow! What are your thoughts?

After coming across what seemed to be the 4000th or so post on someone’s blog starting with “I’m sorry I haven’t posted in awhile.” I decided it is time to rethink what makes a good blog and the expectations that have come to be part of it. I am thinking that no one should utter those words again . . .and with that thought I give you Blogging Without Obligation.

If you feel the same way feel free to grab the logo, make a logo or whatever you would like to do!

I release all the logos, thoughts and words mentioned here about this concept into the public domain. Take the idea and run with it. . .or walk away. It is all good.

Because you shouldn’t have to look at your blog like it is a treadmill.

Because its okay to just say what you have to say. If that makes for a long post, fine. Short post, fine. Frequent post, fine. Infrequent post, fine.

Because its okay to not always be enthralled with the sound of your own typing.

Because sometimes less is more.

Because only blogging when you feel truly inspired keeps up the integrity of your blog.

Because they are probably not going to inscribe your stat, link and comment numbers on your tombstone.

Because for most of us blogging is just a hobby. A way to express yourself and connect with others. You should not have to apologize for lapses in posts. Just take a step back and enjoy life, not everything you do has to be “bloggable”.

Because if you blog without obligation you will naturally keep your blog around longer, because it won’t be a chore. Plus, just think you will be doing your part to eradicate post pollution. One post at a time. . .

Wash, stack, put away

. . . . and repeat many times over! Ah, such is life after a renovation. All the stuff we have, and there's so much more than I realised, got all dusty from the upheaval. My fingers are prunelike from all the washing up of the delicate stemware by hand.

But looking on the bright side, I think its good to have a look at what lurks beneath/behind the cupboard doors once in a while and what better time than now! So, lots to wash, lots to toss, lots to write down on an inventory of 'must gets' and life goes on.

Update

Thought you may like an update and hear what I've been up to lately?

* The fish pond is all empty, fish have gone – all sold to a happy new owner. I’m so glad and relieved that they have gone to a wonderful new home where they will be cared for. Work about to begin on the pond converting it from just a fish pond to a more decorative eco- pond. I am excited about getting new plants and things for it and planning the new design!

* Painting and reno work on the lounge and dining room is almost over too. I find choosing paint quite stressful, so many/too many colours to choose from. We chose fairly neutral tones – can’t go too far wrong with those can you?? Now waiting for the carpet and curtains to arrive. I had a quote for some sheer curtains this afternoon, and was horribly surprised by the cost – I tried to look calm and collected after hearing the quote, but inside I was very disappointed that it was just over the top and way over my budget!

* Garden beds have been stripped bare from the winter veggies, broad beans harvested and mostly eaten, some remain frozen for a delayed treat in summer. Have planted out our tomtoes, this year sticking with Roma variety, as last year they seemed to do well with no disease.

* I received a book from a friend in Holland the other day and have begun to read it, will let you all know what I thought of it once I’ve finished reading. I think its wonderful to pass on books that one has finished reading and can recommend, the title of it is – Simple Gifts – lessons learn living in a Shaker village.

* I haven’t done a scrap of art at all, mostly all my supplies are put away due to the reno work and also ‘cos my work schedule has probably dimmed the little of creativity that I did have. Being tired, and creative do not belong in the same sentence! Maybe once the work contract is over I will again think about art again. I hope so!

Time, as I mentioned in the last cartoon post seems to be slipping away so fast, and as the festive season approaches, the hamster wheel has to go ever faster. The oppressive heat we’ve had here today isn’t helping either! With Christmas being in summer here, I never know if I want to buy summer stuff or Christmas stuff, its SO much easier when the two things are separate as in the northern hemisphere!

Ok, this will have to do for now, hope you’ve enjoyed my update, I am so loving reading all your blogs and not posting here. A touch of the lazies I think, although I think its more a case of blgging without obligation. More soon!