Catching Up!

Our Fur Pal, Pops

Long time, no write.
It seems like the past three months have sped by. Weve been on school trips and had visitors to stay which as been awesome - lots of fun, even if it was a bit squishy (See photo of one of the visitors).  EQC arrived, weve had some tentative repairs done... Still waiting for the Big Tick, but it is much warmer, and the new paint smell is fading. Loving my new outside lights!

The older lads are off doing their own things - One on a school tramp the week of the snow (brr!), and the other, to Rarotonga this week...
School Assessments happen soon, May went and with a hiss and a roar, June came and went, and July is busy tying up ends. I start at my new work in August! Just six months til Christmas ... gulp!

This week Im better able to take a breath and catch up with lots of things - and people... but the Mount Foldmore pile (washing) is waiting and so are the weeds. Yesterday I started on the weeds... a beautiful balmy day, slight breeze but warm ~ I like days like these! I finally planted some garlic... and tucked it down into a warm composty bed.

Today is Cultural Day at school. We are having shared lunch and I can hear the kids already.
They will LOVE getting outside after being cooped up while it is cold. I saw some bare feet before, more than one set!

Danebrog Poppy

Tomorrow we are continuing with the school Survival unit, the children will be weeding and planting... in the hope that when they return after the holidays, *something* will have grown! I sure hope it will :)

Have scattered some new flowers this year to attract more of the usual suspects - bees, butterflies, beneficial insects... Lots of blues - lobelia, forgetmenot, scabiosa, larkspur, delphiniums and cornflowers. I love cornflowers, theyre such a happy flower! Have short and tall sunflowers, also some lovely danebrog poppies and double opium poppies... cant wait to see them flower!

Well, break's over. Time to hit the ground running... Off to harvest some yams for dinner and cast an eye over the washing... sob. Might wait til later...

Have a happy day!
Plant something :)
EB
XX

Marvellous Monday...

What a great Monday morning!
A drop of rain overnight, and a rather pesky wind out there, but its going to be nice later, so I can get back out and finish what I started yesterday.
I have a few new plants, so Im looking to get out there and plant them.
I have dug around and  found a pot large enough to put my nectarine tree in. It hasnt set fruit (yet), I dont know if it will this year, but thats ok. Its six foot tall, and Im sure its dying to get into the ground and get some growing done! I keep recalling the taste of  sweet juicy nectarines. I hope it does have fruit this year :)
Ive found that the chick peas are growing. Of all place, under the overhang of the potatoes leaves. About six or eight plants, which sounds good! Ive just read up on them, and I dont know if they will come to fruition given we are in the South, but they do prefer cooler temperatures, so who knows. I will try and see. It would be a real boon to be able to have chick peas on the menu, especially later in the Summer.

The first big opium poppy flower popped open on Saturday. It is always fascinating watching the bees, you can hear them too, buzzing inside the flowers, its really cute. The flowers never last long, but there is always another one or two in progress to follow along.

We are waiting for some compost to arrive, and then we can get sorted over at the school. The garden is in need of a  good weed, and  some companions planted alongside the plants. I see someone has donated some tomatoes, which is fantastic. They have a good system in place, that means all the children get a chance to help if they want to. Strangely, they all offer to help pick or plant. Not so keen to weed :-)
Have been reading about a community garden in Northland that has just planted a massive potato garden. What an awesome idea to support the families in the area. Ive been thinking on this, the idea is awesome, and can be expanded upon given more space... Love the idea that we can help each other feed our families!!

Well best get back into it,
The compost truck is here!

Have a happy Monday,
Love 'n' Shovels!

EB
XXXXXXX

Sunday again... Witches, Fireworks and Other Stuff!

Its that busy time of year again.
The weeks are slipping by very quickly. This year, Mr 12 is counting down. Miss 6 is going to be gutted when she realises she has lots of *non-learning* days. She loves her routine.
I have noticed the calendar has started to have scratchings of busy times ahead added to it... Im not sure why, but Im busier than ever this year, the children are getting more involved as they get older, I guess.
Theres Halloween,  Guy Fawkes, The Santa Parade, Christmas in the Park, and Christmas, New Year... all these events just keep ticking over the weeks...

The latest catch - 4lb Trout 

Mr 16 has been at it again. Catching Stuff. He makes life very interesting, this lad. Hes an all-rounder, generally good at most things. Dont tell him I said that :-) But its true. Hes a great kid. He is working when he isnt at school, or fishing. His greatest love is Fishin' an' Huntin'!! He wouldve made a great cowboy too,  weve discovered this year that hes great with cattle. We are really fortunate to have had two trout to eat this term, and a salmon. I love trout, but the salmon was *delish*... We just bake them with lemon. Its simple and so tasty. We are all mad-keen on fishing, and the yellow-eyed Herrings that come up the Avon river from the sea dont stand a chance when my little family are present with rods in the water. Great skills G!

 We got through Halloween.
Do you celebrate at Your House?
Not here, we dont celebrate it, but there are plenty around here who do. Many little local drifts of witches, ghosts, and vampires. We got passed by. I think the notice on the gate that said We Dont Celebrate Halloween helped. Bad Mummy? Callous Neighbour... meh. My choice. I certainly dont condone targetted sugar collections. Kids get enough sugar these days!
I feel a bit like the Halloween Grinch :-)
Then we head into Guy Fawkes territory. We have a few crackers usually and a bbq if the weather allows. The past two years havent been overly pleasant - usually windy at this time of year here. We do enjoy watching others Firework displays. If youre up at Victoria Park, the view is great.  It is right at the top of the Port Hills -you can see right over the entire city... Awesome!
The view from the sand dunes in North Brighton is awesome too, you can see the council firework display on the pier. Again, its usually pretty chilly, wind mostly, but theres always plenty of people present.

I think I have my own displays erupting in the Garden too. Theres Iris, some nigella, alyssum, soldier poppies, chive flowers, some big displays from the calendula too this year. The french lavender is bursting too, I love the scent when the tips are picked!

The first tall Red Opium poppies are bursting out this week. Theyre so lovely and with them opening, the bees come.




The borage has had a head start this year and its gorgeous blue flowers smother the plants. I have at least 100 strawberry flowers for the bees to get into - I dont think my broad beans were a success. They are smothered in flowers but nothing is *beaning up* Its the first year Ive grown them, will try something different next year once I figure out what went wrong this year...? It may bee (get it? LOL) pollination related.

The cats are enjoying lazing all through the rising warm piles of composting materials. Especially the straw and the grass. Lazy brats...

Have several plants about to give seed.
The carrots - Paris ball and St Valery, swede, black kale (cavolo nero), silver beet (fordhook), yellow chard, golden beetroot, celery, leeks (Caretan), calendula (Orange & yellow), lettuce (3 varieties) parsley (*Afro*), sweet cicely, figwort, purple onions (Purplette), and some sprouting broccoli... though Im not sure, I think the aphids have got to the swede tips. Im almost ok with that, to sacrifice the swede so other things dont get munched.

Still brewing my own comfrey tea.
 Had my eldest over this week to get plants and fixings for his new garden. He is so funny, he absolutely hates the smell of the comfrey tea. Incidentally, it stinks like nothing else, so I dont blame him. I think Gardeners get over the smell when they realize just how good it will be for their plants maybe? Not Dee. He was truly disgusted by the smell. I sent him off with some rubber gloves and a couple of 3 litre containers of it though. Cheap when its free eh?!!  I dont think I will see him with his own tub of comfrey, but he does have a comfrey plant!  We sorted him with some plants, some worms and some tea.


Have been applying the contents of my barrel to the garden over at the school too. The children are excited, as their strawberries are getting bigger by the day. And their potato pile is going great guns! Lots! I just hope it doesnt go the same way as our rhubarb plants. I mean to say, who actually STEALS from a community garden for gods sake. I only hope their need was greater than that of the children at school. We had plans for rhubarb and custard :( Still, the garlic for their garlic bread is well under way, and there are other plans for some wonderful plantings...

Well after the past couple of grey days, its back to beautiful again. Loving the blue sky and fluffy clouds...
I hope youre all doing ok where you are... Our World has certainly had some definitive disruptions of late. My heart goes out to the people of New York. Flooding, Storms... from one disaster to another, it doesnt matter what it is, we all must help where we can, if we can.
You never know when it will be your turn to offer help or accept aid.
On that note, Im still refreshing my water bottles every three months.
Enuff Said.

Love to You
From my Garden to Yours.
E BUTTERFLY
XXXXXXXXX

Happy Shortest Day...

It sure is Winter!

After the last fortnight, I think cabin fever is rife around here. Ive been knitting some beanies to help ward away the cold!
Its been so wet and cold, snow, rain, sleet, hail, watery sun. We've had The works!
I keep telling myself that this is good. And this too shall pass :)  It means all the soil in the garden gets cleansed, and all the bad things in it get washed away, then it gets frozen so the soil is clean and ready to go in the Spring. I just dont like wet feet. Or Icy sidewalks, Soggy socks, holes in gumboots... yuk :)

We've had a lot of illness in our schools these past two weeks, and its worrying that our children dont have the strong immune systems they might have once. We as parents, need to work on that. Fresh fruit and Veggies. Expensive as ever at this time of the year, when we dont have them in great supply in the garden (Im down to onions, toms (inside) and Silverbeet! ... even if the local supermarket has 1kg of frozen veg for just 99.c - an awesome special - its a good start though.
The Intermediate school my son goes to gave Flu injections free this year. A first. Oddly, they have been down to just 7 at school out of 30 last Friday! Its a worry! After speaking to his teacher, she hasnt had a full complement of 32 in about a month.

Cant wait to start the new seasons growing.
It seems ages since I went out for a morning in the Garden. Ive pulled it all out, the citrus and pots are under cover, waiting for some warmth, which, without being too hopeful may happen this weekend if the weather man has it right :)


There are the odd eqs still happening too, but theyre getting smaller, less often, and wide spread. We share them with a lot of other parts of New Zealand at the moment, and... even Melbourne, Australia. Poor Sods, its scary.
No matter what size, when you least expect it, it is SCARY.


So yeah, Happy Shortest Day.
This means we are half way to Spring? I sure hope so...
Did you plant your Garlic? ... Do you have plans for your new seasons Garden? Ive finally listed some seeds on a local auction site, but Im also giving them away where I can, it makes good sense.
Herbs, Vegetables... dont forget the companion planting...Marigolds, calendula, tansy, and lots more... Then theres mulch and compost, a light fertilizer, working into the soil while you work at keeping warm inside!

Thats me for now,
Stay Warm, stay safe,
Roll On Spring...
XX
EB

Standing Outside The Fire...

Standing Outside The Fire  - Garth Brooks

We call them cool

Those hearts that have no scars to show

The ones that never do let go

And risk the tables being turned

We call them fools

Who have to dance within the flame

Who chance the sorrow and the shame

That always comes with getting burned

But you've got to be tough when consumed by desire

'Cause it's not enough just to stand outside the fire

We call them strong

Those who can face this world alone

Who seem to get by on their own

Those who will never take the fall

We call them weak

Who are unable to resist

The slightest chance love might exist

And for that forsake it all

They're so hell-bent on giving ,walking a wire

Convinced it's not living if you stand outside the fire

Standing outside the fire

Standing outside the fire

Life is not tried, it is merely survived

If you're standing outside the fire

There's this love that is burning

Deep in my soul

Constantly yearning to get out of control

Wanting to fly higher and higher

I can't abide

Standing outside the fire

Standing outside the fire

Standing outside the fire

Life is not tried, it is merely survived

If you're standing outside the fire

Standing outside the fire,

Standing outside the fire

Life is not tried, it is merely survived

If you're standing outside the fire

Love from a very busy place,
School Holidays and All,
E Butterfly
xxxxxxxxxx

Learning Lots... Waterproof Matches and Solar Powered Vehicles...

We thought we might try to waterproof our matches, a good survival technique perhaps!?

 MAKING MATCHES WATERPROOF ... 

Using a double boiler - pot of boiled water underneath, melted wax in top pot

placed matches in wax and pulled them out once well covered

Used plain white candle wax

Look Mum, its WATERPROOFED!

Our first attempt, things got better as we went along.
To use, scrap off the excess wax to light.

SOLAR POWERED VEHICLES

This is the kit we got online. It arrived OVERNIGHT :) Yay! 

Six different things to make from the one kit...All solar powered!

Dad Ponders his methods... and his big fingers

Instructions... Knife..Check! Almost done! Wiring underway...

Father and Son Solar Success! A solar-powered Car!

Our Coconut-scented Pink Play Dough from earlier today... (last post for recipe)

An Awesome Saturday was spent. Mum and Miss 4 waterproofed matches, Dad and Son sat and made a Solar Powered Car... Then today, we made play dough. Lots of fun. Tomorrow is Play Dough sculpting day!

Sleep well :)
Hope youre looking forward to the new week ahead!
Take care

E BUTTERFLY
XXXXXXXXXX

All At Sea... Post Quakey Blues?... Lost my Lustre.

Ever made plans that, no matter what you do, just dont work out?
My week has been like that so far. Im not really *blue* about it, just kinda lavender, bordering on a blue.. :) but I do wonder how things will pan out.

I have my son still at home from school. A good opportunity, now that Ive caught up on bills and stocked up, to go somewhere for a short stay out of town... or so youd think...
So, I decided we would go out to the Farm. But no. Things just dont seem to go my way... so we are stuck at home. Pointless going out to spend time on the farm when it is raining as much as it is at present...
The kids are disappointed. Im the worst Mum in the world... and I feel a bit at Sea at the moment.
Enter the idea of Movies and Popcorn. Nope, fail.
Or perhaps a walk through the nearest mall - Northlands... Nope. Fail.
Not a lot on, its post-quake, its mid-week, and there isnt a lot to choose from...
Might be time to extend the crafts box and get some new paintings underway or something...Hehe we have plenty of broken crockery for Mosaics?

Still. We have all our pets home, our house is intact, our family is together, and we are complete.
Lots to be grateful for in the bigger picture. Im going to remind them of this.
Miss 4 is wearing my boots. Stomping... Survival boots Mum, she says.
She is also carrying a new little handbag, in the shape of a tiny corset, and her newest My Little Pony, who she has named Rockstar. All set for Survival, indeed.

Mr 10 has cleaned his room in the hope that he will earn some extra dosh this week. He has a new first aid kit that he bought with his own hard-earned money. And a solar shower, he is itching to try it out. However, now he wants to buy a bottle of arnica and some lavender oil. He has been reading up what might be useful in an emergency. Im so proud, he loves learning, loves reading... and has taken to the emergency preparation really well. He has some homework still to complete, but is loving being at home.

After the 5.1 the other night, yesterday around town was BUSY! There were EQC people in groups of three in their bright dayglo orange vests everywhere, rechecking buildings. The general idea was to have things checked before business commences, due to the Damage On Damage thing. No stories of any collapses, although the Linwood/Aldwins Rd corner is looking particular fragile, it needs to come down, rumour has it that will happen on Wednesday - Tomorrow! The roads are particularly bumpy, and the bumps are particularly difficult to see at any speed, so its a crawl, which is fine. The people in the houses on these badly affected streets just dont need speeding vehicles... so Im like a road-turtle if I have to travel at all.

Ahh well, thats me for today.

Lost my Lustre somewhere, but itll pick up.
Theres plenty of good to look for, and Im sure this is a temporary reshuffling feeling, this sea sick, post quake bluesy feeling... Bring on the better stuff. Im ready.
I know there are plenty of people feeling the same way...
Take time to enjoy your family, smell the flowers, smile, love and be at peace...
Love and Big Hugs

E Butterfly
XXXXXXX 

So, what about Tsunami?... Mini-post

Have been listening to the news, even Campbell live have been talking to Scientists and such about what will happen and when, and what can we predict, what do we need to watch for... Very interesting. Basically, the end story is the same - BE PREPARED.

So... What about Tsunami?
Have a look at this - if youre a Kiwi, this is a start to useful info.
http://www.prepare.co.nz/disasters_tsunami.asp

And I find this a good start to Info to File Away -

The three types of Tsunami 
There are three distinct types of tsunami.
The type you encounter depends on the distance you are from the place where it is generated.
Distant tsunami are generated from a long way away, such as from across the Pacific in Chile.
In this case, we will have more than three hours warning time for New Zealand.
Regional tsunami are generated between one and three hours travel time away from their destination.
An eruption from an underwater volcano in the Kermadec Trench to the north of New Zealand, could generate a regional tsunami.
Local tsunami are generated very close to New Zealand.
This type of tsunami is very dangerous because we may only have a few minutes warning.

As you were... Just a Mini-Note tonight.
Hope youre all enjoying the fine Chch weather, and keeping busy.
Some of our children are back at school for an hour tomorrow to pick up their bags and see their classmates.
Not starting in earnest til next week. Its nice to know theyre happy to go back and get into routine again!

Love to You
EButterfly
Information Searcher-Upperer.
 PS Enjoying the stillness - not a lot of shaky shaky today! Dare I say it!?

Whirlwinds and Beans... Fresh and Hand-picked!

Woo hoo! It is Friday again. Another week slips by.
I have to say, its been a real whirlwind this week (see the dog above)!
It went so quick, Im sure I didnt blink. Its been a low-energy, no motivation week unfortunately. Well, we all have days/weeks/months where things seem static.
Heres how it went...
It rained some days, big drops... The washing pile expanded... I looked  the other way and did some gardening...
I admired green tomatoes, of which we have plenty growing - all tucked up in their little green leafy nests... I oohed and ahhed over the non-acid tomatoes growing, theyre orange - transitory stage til red, Baby! So thrilling to think we will be eating our own toms soon! And another success story is our Scarlet Runner beans - a handful a day we pick. Theyre awesome. Im trying to decide which way to store the beans... At present we munch through them cooked as a stirfry... The kids like their crunch.

On Wednesday, We, as a family, walked on the beach... I had a hand or two and we collected some seaweed and made seaweed food for the Garden... Im sure I heard the capsicums singing as they soaked up their seaweed goodness! I love the way plants look when theyve just had some water/fertilizer. Its like they *perk up* and stand up straight :) Basil plants are delightful to grow. Their pretty green leaves gently pucker, like someone did some sewing and pulled the threads to gather their leaves... And the bonus is, they smell heavenly.

Pic From HERE

Theres a new resident on the Echinacea plant.
The plant has some broad leaves at the top, and under one of these leaves, there is a preying mantis. It was out on the top yesterday as we sat there weeding (I weed, Miss 4 sits on my knee) ...
The mantis caught a fly - a green bodied fly. The noise was terrific. A real battle til the death, of course the mantis won.
We watched, dear darling daughter was horrified at the ferocity of the mantis. *Let him go*, she said. *Let him go! ... Awww, youre awful* she said to the Mantis... who was sucking the innards out of the fly relentlessly. Hehe.
He didnt let go, he wasnt listening, and as we watched, one of the fly's wings fell off onto the leaf. Miss 4 couldnt look away. I have to say, it was quite interesting, but it lead to a few questions... Why?... Where?... When?... But Why Mum?

I spent time digging in boxes trying to find coloured paper and glue, so I scrapbooked with my darling daughter...(She loves glue and is very good with scissors around shapes!)...
I have yet to sit down and actually get working on any particular craft project, but Im picking up some ideas from ONE PRETTY THING which is one of my favourite places to visit online at the moment...
Also, there are places like Crafty Tart , Better Scrapbooking and Absolutely Crafty  that I spend time drooling browsing over.

Im planning to do more scrapbooking this year. I have a *To Do* list...I really enjoy the headspace I get to when Im creating something, and Id like to spend more time with Arlais in an enviroment that she enjoys too, and I love the way she picks up on new skills... She isnt interested in writing her name or counting, though we do spend time with those skills, we are both happier when colour, paint, glue or paper is involved... other skills will come from that too Im sure...

To my surprise, I found myself channelling my Mother this morning, and it wasnt to growl :-) ... My Mother loved to sing and she had a lovely voice. This morning while Arlais got dressed, we had a cuddle and I sang to her, she nestled in, which doesnt happen often, and I remembered songs that my Mum used to sing. It is now part of me, that part of her.
It makes me happy thinking about the times she and I spent together when I was little, though she has been gone for... wow, almost 14years! I want to create times for Arlais to remember of her and I, and our times together, so she can recall them when she is an adult. I hope that doesnt happen too quick. I like being Mummy to a little girl, confusing and cute, curious and annoying and all the other things that go with it.
I can hear Mum saying * She is so like you...* And that might not be an altogether good thing :-)

Two little Dicky-birds sitting on a Wall,
One named Peter,
 One named Paul...
Fly away Peter
  Fly away Paul...
Come Back Peter,
Come Back Paul...

 

graphics from HERE
 
The Pre-teen is happy. Still happy with his new class. Finding new friends... Discovering old friends from last year. The friends thing is getting confusing. Boys - friends. -Girls - friends. Boys and Girls... argh!! We are just discovering that some boys dont like it when their mates get friends that are girls, and who want to *hang out* too... Its just *that age* I think...And hes a good lad. We started homework last night... He did well.

So all in all, I think it is fair to say, its been *One of Those Weeks*...
Looking forward to the Weekend...
Family time, Shopping, Gardening, Sleep-ins... Even Sunday.

Love to Your Heart From Mine.
PS Dont forget your Valentine...

EButterfly
xxxxxxxxx

Feeling Hot! Hot! Hot! ...

So hot here today, in the late 30s. 
Everyone is remarking upon it, and some of us are hiding inside, trying to avoid a good dose of sunstroke or sunburn as the temperature soars.
And It is Sunday Again! So quickly the week went, and we are back to our own routines as if the holidays and Christmas were a month or so ago... Wait! It WAS a month or so ago!
Whodve thunk it?
Im waiting for the heat to subside overnight so I can become animated about the things I should really be doing, although I seem to have become quite soggy and not at my best :)
 
Off we trudged to the local swimming hole - a Christchurch Council pool in the garden park just around the road. It was GOOD. Apart from the pretty trees, the expansive green things, the flowers and the sweet scents, it was really nice to be out... We shared the pool with lots of other young children and their families, and I watched the boys and Miss 4 enjoy the shallow but goodly sized pool...

I wrote to Mr EB, who is away on the farm...
  *Well we went, we conquered and we are ALL wet.

Even me*... (which wasnt by design, but by the kids good management. I was on a hiding to nothing)...

On reflection, Arent people are funny, there were so many possibilities for the kids to make new friends at a local swimming pool, but apart from the very dark sunglasses that say NO because you cant see peoples eyes, today made me very aware of how people shield their kids from interactions with anyone they do not know, making the generation of up and coming kids possibly unable to socialize effectively, or even fearful of interaction. Meh. Im definitely guilty of it myself, but after today, and the looks the children got when trying to be friendly to others, Im more open now than ever to rectify this. I think Stranger Danger has got mixed up with the *I am* energy, topped off with Politically Correctness gone mad... Our kids are on a hiding to nothing :)

 

Hmm, so here I am. The children are in bed, but in no way asleep as it is still hot out there. Im praying for a slight cool breeze... The doors are open, and my delicious longhaired persian pussycat who has so many factors against her in this heat, is nowhere to be seen. Im picking she is somewhere safe under something dark and cool... her long black fur must be hotter than ever today!
Our other (new) black cat, Zander, has been spotted - lying stretched flat out on the concrete. He has short fur, and it doesnt seem to bother him as much. He doesnt go far, apart from loving food and being handfed, he also loves smooches and head rubs. He is very easy to find...

 

Well thats all that is happening here at present...

Im hoping youre all surviving the heat, I enjoy watching the peas and beans spring up with some water in the mornings and evenings.

How great is it, that they grow so much every day in this weather!!?

Zander the Soldier Cat

 

Happy Living,

Blessings and Love

From Our Hearth to Yours.

 EB

New Beginnings, Fresh Starts, Happy Faces...

Lots to do this week!
Have been enjoying the last days of the school holidays, and the buzz of anticipation and excitement that has surrounded our son as he readies himself for school.
First day back today, the hottest day of the year mind you, it was sweltering heat, and everyone was packed into the Auditorium to hear where their new classrooms were... Parents and Children alike.
 Mr 10.5yrs was pleasantly surprised to find some of his old friends nearby in other classes, and others have moved to other schools... Four hundred + new students starting at this school, quite amazing when you see them all moseying along...

Me, well Im there, trying to be supportive without being too Mumsie and hoping not to let on that Im as anxious for him as he is. I love my boy, he is a good lad and Im so proud of him - his Dad is too, we really think the world of him.
He is my Sunshine. Even at ten and a half.  My memories drift back to the happy wee Sunshine baby who used to sit and grin effortlessly at everything, and demand cuddles and loved kisses...
So anyway, we were in Staunch Mode this morning. See Ya Mum. Bye Dad... but little sis got a hug. She cried. Hmm, not even a tear from Mum (Me Brave!). But my heart swelled.
He fits in, he looks good. He looks so grown up. Its a good thing, I tell myself and we leave as requested by the Principal before anyone falters...
But its not about me - It is about Organization!
Weve been buying uniform pieces, we have it all accumulated. Ive just paid for his first Day Out, which sounds exciting - a team building exercise to get the classes working well together. Good Ideas!
 He has a new calculator... Ive written names on everything - for sure, the boy will not forget his name in a hurry...

So proud. Ooh hes doing Spanish this year, hes interested to hear about Social Studies, and hes got his nose in his student diary already, writing notes of things that are important to remember. Homework, he has scribbled alongside... Dont Forget PE Gear. ... So Proud!  Hey Look, theres things to look forward to - Art Camp, or Sailing Camp... Swimming lessons...
And then theres the big smile... He has a Happy Face on, which is totally bloody awesome, that soothes my anxious Parent Brow... and the crinkles in the corners of my Parent Eyes well up as seeing him happy makes my heart soar, and I smile too. Awesome. Its Working!!

Onward with the learning...
Hope this is the precursor to Good Things.
Love to all,

EB
XX

Love is the Seed...

*Love is the Seed from which Happiness Grows...*

Well, I think thats a beautiful quote.
Today has been rather sleepy, the weather started the day with fine drizzle. The sun came out, and the seeds on our windowsill decided to kick into gear. Cabbage, Cauliflower and Basil seeds are looking good, all seeding...
The School Child is anxious to go back, just one more day then its off to Intermediate... The uniform is ready, and SURPRISE! He can now tie his laces like a Professional! It has taken us a while... he struggles with fine motor skills at the best of times, but tying laces when being taught by a South Paw (Left Hander) has lead to issues. Ive had to show him righthanded, and we got there in the end. So now, The Independence Begins.

The plum tree down the back of the section has created a riot. The two of them have been down there with their buckets and the rake, doing the traditional Plum Shuffle, swinging the rake up into the tree to bring down the massive plums that are just *on ripe* In a month, theyll be gone, the birds find them tasty, and the wasps like the carcasses... and by then, the kids will have *Had them Up To Here* (their chins) and had their fill...

Not alot to report on this fine Monday, just stopping in to tap out a wee post so I keep my hand in...
Did you hear the collective sighs of relief as NZ Mummies sent their babes back to school this morning? And on it will go, each morning this week, til theyre all back to regular routines... I have heard whispers of missing their children... its true!

Love and Blessings
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EButterfly 

Daylight Savings & School Holidays...

What an awesome idea, Daylight saving.

Sitting on the raised pavement beside the damaged footbridge on Avonside Drive

Like anything you enjoy, I wish it were longer!

Tonight the children and I wandered alongside the Avon river. We werent alone, this is the first weekend since the EQ that Avonside drive has been open to walk through, and this patch of beautiful weather & extended daylight has meant people in the neighbourhood were all out doing similar.

On our part, it was a little about seeing how our wee neighbourhood has fared, but also to take in the gorgeous sunset, enjoying the great weather to its very last sunbeams at sunset, which given the Daylight savings, it was an hour later - the kids love it.

Nice to catch up on progress, as this suburb has been one of the more badly damaged parts of town  still suffering since the Earthquake - residents along the riverside on Avonside Drive have lost their footbridge, and still have no sewerage in places,  port-a-loos still take their places, dotted along the landscape, like guards in guard towers beside gates.

It makes me sad to see rude slashes left by chainsaws where graceful riverside trees once stood. Some of the trees have been here for longer than the road or the housing, as in this area, Canterburys first farms were tilled long  before the very first housing was built. There are oaks from that very early era along the river, mingling now with huge tortured willows and elms that soar into the skyline. The occasional Kowhai tree adds some playful colour against the greens of the bigger trees, in Spring, and as Ive said before, when its as good as this, it is pure Beauty on the Avon!

Sunset and the pixies are out :)

We have missed the duckling season, or so we thought. Tonight we found several small clutches of just two or three ducklings, which is a joy. Theyre so cute and fluffy, we all love feeding them and watching them grow.

Its really nice to have all this good stuff happening, and be in Holiday Mode.

The children have just finished their third term at school for the year, and it is two weeks holiday until they start again. We love the break in routine, to spend mornings lazing and chatting, watching cartoons, playing in the sun, bouncing on trampoline, walking and talking, planning... Movies are on the cards, we have baking planned, and there will be the usual arguements and differences of opinion, long showers, messy floors, lots of dishes, junk food and not enough sleep...

But I have to say, I love it all.
I love having my children around me. I like them, and they make me proud.
Roll on Holidays, not too quick please, let me just enjoy watching them grow...

Signing off for now,
From My Hearth to Yours,
Love
Earth Butterfly
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