Knitting Update

The Downton Abbey MKAL gauntlets are done! These were not without some stupid mistakes on my part that I had to correct. The photo is for your amusement, certainly not mine :)

A picture says a thousand words! Yes two right hand gauntlets. In reversing the pattern for the left hand I firstly put the eyelet holes in the wrong place and having begun over for a second attempt I forgot about reversing the thumb gusset position. I blame knitting in the early hours of the morning for my stupidity.

Now they are completed and they do look lovely. They will be a great addition to the Winter wardrobe.

Cheers,
Lynda

White Night Melbourne

Last night Melbourne came alive as people poured into the city for an all night culture party. It was White Night in Melbourne. This festival began in Paris in 2002 and is now a worldwide event having been celebrated in many countries each interpreting the original idea in their own style and perspective.

Melburnians love the arts and we were not disappointed with all the sights and activities. There were performances and artworks hidden in arcades and laneways and spectacular light displays illuminated the architecture of Melbourne. Buskers and rock bands added a great vibe and people could dance the night away at Federation Square. The crowds were huge.

My favourite is the last picture of the iconic Flinders Street Station. It is such a lovely old building dating back to 1909 and to see it in colour with lightning flashes in the dome was awesome.

What a spectacular event for the 300 artists who participated in the displays and for Melbourne to be transformed into another space for the night.

Cheers,
Lynda

I Win!

It's been awhile since I've done a sewing project but I was inspired by a photograph I saw in an old Handmade magazine to make this little noughts and crosses game pouch. It came together quickly and satisfied the need to be creative with fabric.

 

 

Cheers,

Lynda

Love and friendship

"You don't love someone for their looks or their clothes or their fancy car but because they sing a song only you can hear." Oscar Wilde

Happy Valentine's Day.

Cheers,
Lynda

Sand Sculptures

For the last five years Frankston waterfront has been transformed by sand sculptures for 4 months over Summer time. This year the theme is Under the Sea and it doesn't disappoint. Artists from around the world and locally have carved temples, mermaids, a reef, all kinds of sea creatures, Atlantis and even feature Australian author Graeme Base's book The Sign of the Seahorse. Graeme Base is doing book signings on particular days but we missed that. My kids grew up reading all his books so a signed copy of one would be lovely.

 

 

They're rather awesome, aren't they?

Cheers,
Lynda

Do you love ricotta ?

Have you ever made it?  I tried making it for the first time recently. I was skeptical so I halved the recipe so as not to have heaps to throw out when it went wrong. I was surprised. It turned out deliciously good. It took just minutes to have a lovely batch of ricotta. I could have eaten it all. Yes I would have been sick but it really was delicious. Four ingredients, milk, cream, buttermilk and salt, that's it. I've seen recipes where you can use lemon juice or vinegar instead of the buttermilk but I stuck with buttermilk. I've made several batches now and it works perfectly everytime. I've added chives and other herbs and spices to the ricotta and all have been very successful.


draining the curds

the finished ricotta

What I love about making homemade ricotta is that you can make it spreadable, crumbly or moist and creamy depending on your own preference. I don't think I will ever buy ricotta in a tub again. Fresh and yummy, go make some!

The link to the recipe I used is here

Cheers,
Lynda

Still holding hands

 

 

 

 

How apt that I came across these kids' drawings today.  Some things are just too precious to throw out. They are both fridge worthy today. They were drawn many many years ago now but we are still holding hands and there is our family complete with Tilly, the dog, who now lies peacefully under the rose bush. That would be Mum and Dad, 5 bufrs and two sistas. I promise, Jeff did grow up to be very intelligent :)

 

Today is my wedding anniversary. Hubby and I were childhood sweethearts and have spent many happy years together and I hope there are many more to come.

 

"To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part"  As true today and it was all those years ago.   To my best friend and soulmate, Happy Anniversary!   Cheers, Lynda

It's a beautiful day, don't let it get away

"How beautiful a day can be
When kindness touches it!"

                                                            George Elliston


Today I am thankful

• for the special people in my life
• for music and song as the words from Les Miserables play over and over in my head
• that we are safe from both bushfire and flood as some parts of our country are not so lucky
• that it's Friday because I can spend time with my husband over the weekend
• for the rain this morning that refreshed and revived the garden, Summer is harsh!
• for my puppy, Ruby, as she sits quietly beside me with her head on my lap, unconditional love
• for the imperfections in my life for they make me appreciate the little things
• for every single day - good, bad, indifferent with all the highs and lows that make life interesting

and mostly 

• that a kind deed can bring tears to my eyes. Thank you so very much Natalie. 

 

Yes, when kindness touches your day it is indeed beautiful.

Cheers,
Lynda