KTP

Started behind this weekend. I was in Shepparton for two days for my first LLL Board meeting. It was fabulous to see the new Lutheran church that has been built there after the growth due to the African and Sudanese started worshiping there. But the flight home from Melb was delayed due to the weather, so after a couple of bad night sleeps, a 10.30pm arrival, Sat left me feeling pretty drained. My lower back had seized up so felt slightly better after a physio appoint, got on top of the shopping and washing, and then felt a million dollars after an afternoon nap. Lauren and the crew came for dinner. I did see Sadie fall for the first time, into Lauren’s arms, but just realised how random it could be.  Sadie had a lovely long shower (inside this time), but I did keep a close arm nearby.  Today, I was on morning tea duty at church. I meant or swap it but just hadn’t got organised. Plus I was due at the Special Children’s Christmas Party at the zoo. Partly due to work sponsoring ...

I listen to a lot of Podcasts, and recently heard Annabelle Crabbe interviewed on “Don’t Shoot The Messenger” about her new cookbook. Annabelle is an ABC journalist and is just wonderful to listen to. Anyway the new cookbook is mainly for entertaining or when people drop in, or when you take a plate somewhere. And she mentioned that many people don’t host dinners as it requires too much preparation, effort and coordination (trying to get people organised on the same date).  Her co-author (or photographer, can’t remember) in London mentioned that she has “Happy Hour Drinks” once a month when people know they can pop in between certain times (say 3 and 6pm) and there will be Gin and Tonics and nibbles. What a fabulous idea I thought, so we’ve just hosted the inaugural Pienaar Happy Hour Drinks from 4 to 6.30pm tonight. Success! Persian love cake platter. Patricia and Neil, Neil’s parents, Sharon and Martyn, Anna and Phil. A great gathering, easy food, easy drinks, just a bit fresh in...

So these little poppets will be joining the Pienaar household soon...well that’s if I can keep the husband from his cold feet. He would get so much joy from the puss cats but he’s so worried about what would happen to them in the future if we move away or do an extended travel trip.  I overheard a lady at work talk about these four kittens and my ears pricked up.  She is taking two for her boys, and I chatted to Tim about taking one, and he suggested two to keep themselves company. We went to visit them today, only 4 weeks old and about 400grams, maybe only 300 for the girl. The girl has the brown nose and the boy a white nose. I was holding the little girl and she pooped all over my top, blah!!! So stinky!!  Lucky I always seem to have clothes with me, so I had a spare singlet in the car I could change into. Oh they were so sweet though. The little boy fell asleep in Tim’s arm.

The weekend of the 3/4th Nov, we took the camper up the Murray near Renmark for a night camping. It was easier than I expected. Still need to get a couple of lists organised so I know what is in the camper at any time (food staples) etc.  Chowilla National Park, Border Cliffs Campground We called in at Barmera on the way back, the Murrayman half Ironman was on. Nice to watch some others doing the hard work whilst we enjoyed the sunshine with a coffee. (And I can’t resist and local market, came home with 3 plants).

I’ve been waiting for spring/summer to see if everything would grow, and yes, the gardening is alive and flourishing. I didn’t plant anything in this box....it’s all growing from the compost we mixed through.  I think they are pumpkin or zucchini and tomatoes. Plums are appearing. Hard to see...but a good crop of blueberries. I’ve caught Tim in the act...his nightly routine when he gets home...wanders around the garden having a snack. Picking leaves from the lettuces 😊 Looking neat. And the outdoor shower strip and growth. Sadie and my favourite spot 😂.