Magnificent Monday and Other Stuff

A Magnificent, Moving Monday... Well, it started out just magnificent, but since I decided the magnificent part, its been a bit shaky too! A 4.3 to help us digest our breakfast with... Shake those cornies down...

So, where have we been lately? ... Not outside so much, a week inside at least because of three days of very heavy snow, though the snow did leave us on good terms with the beautiful weather post-snow.
Gorgeous blue skies, those billowy white clouds and some knock-out days in the garden!
Been cleaning and tidying mostly. Trying to organize the spare room into something other than Survival Central. Of course, now Im reconsidering :-) Maybe the Survival Stuff can go back where it was, and me and The Boarder - well, we can all just huddle in the lounge or curl up on The Sofa together and admire the view.  

Have had the kids down with *suspected measles* - they had some of  the symptoms, and Miss 4.11 came down with a  rash, but nothing seemed to *happen* other than temperature spikes and night and lethargy.
All over now,  ten days and we bounced back again very quickly, pleased to report... My children touch wood, dont tend to get ill apart from the occasional cold. Im very grateful for that I might add!

We have Tomatoes! <--- technically, just the plants... of course... But our seedlings have sown nicely and are cheerfully growing so they can see out the lounge window... Weve been watching them grow morning by morning, and noting who grew first - Tomato Chocolate is the laziest, and our Bloody Butchers seem to be having issues with which way is UP!  The little yellow cherry tomatoes just grew and grew - they took three days to sprout, and they have their first set of *grown up tomato leaves* now.
So most of these varieties we chose are supposedly early, so I hope they remember to Grow Strong.
We have a bbq dinner riding on whose tomatoes fruit first --- we cant have Uncle N winning because he cooks superb bbq!!

All in all, we have some fenugreek seedlings looking fantastic, some awesome Basil Red Rubin - very pretty purply red shoots! and then theres assorted tomatoes... Its going to be fantastic if we can successfully grow them all, Im stocking up on the Tomato recipes in anticipation...
Have some companions going in too, some calendula, some parsley and some marigolds, also looking to snip some cuttings from my lavenders.

The Police are blitzing this part of town lately checking warrants, registrations and licences.
It seems ironic that because of our bottlenecks with traffic works, they use that to their best advantage.
The traffic is so slow at rush hour anyway because of the holes that open up so frequently, or the roadworks that is ongoing, but this morning they had the incoming traffic slowed to a halt almost as they checked the cars...
It isnt a worry for me at the moment, but sometimes it can be a few days in between getting things ship shape, and its a big stress for most people round this part of town.
In My opinion, the cost of living has risen, but wages and benefits do not reflect this rise. I do worry about where it will leave people, as their first and foremost concern is surely family care and comfort - power and food, warm clothing and footwear, over whether vehicles are legal?
Another stressor now of course, is having to have a *second supply* of things, in case of power cut or earthquake. It IS a stressor here.
It doesnt always equate to *bad planning* if you dont have everything you need, it may be that there is just not enough funds to spread between the things you need from day to day, and the things you *may possibly/probably* need in case of emergency.
ARE YOU PREPARED? Do you have things stored for your family?
It is something I am coming up against, but I tick along ok. It is a question that is often asked when you talk to people - Do you have a first aid kit? Do you have stored food or water?
For me - it is a must. Basics. As I said to Mr EB yesterday, God I hope we dont have to survive on my survival kit, as RICE is the main component! Im sure I love rice... sigh.

 Im committed to planting my garden with vegetables and companion plants rather than the usual perhaps showy plants/flowers that I would like...
It is simply, it makes sense.

Well, on that note, I must go and rethink my supply cupboard.
I have masks and gloves, water and matches, lantern and tarpaulins to find homes for.

Healing Thoughts to my friend Spencer,
We love you Spence.

Thinking Of You, and Your Garden
May all Your weeds, be edible :-)
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EButterfly






       

Early Morning Shake Awake!

Time for an Update.
It seems like ages since I sat down to write...
And why not write now --- I cant sleep. I dream of Gardens lately, but this morning my dreams came to a standstill by way of a 4.3 that just seemed to go on for a while, and Im not good at settling again. I tossed and turned, but meh. Im up now. Early Bird, ME!!
Things have gotten quite busy, and we are making good progress with the new garden and other things.
Since the EQC people put us on the *Critical Fix* list, we have had a few visits from people doing things. First it was the Landlord putting in new curtains and filling in holes and gaps... Then the Heat Pump was installed. Ahh, instant heat!
Well, we have since had two or three visits, and we now have no chimneys, just the spaces where they were. Yesterday and today saw our second chimney being taken out, giving us back the corner of a room and soon our second heat pump will be installed. We have a big *gap* where the old fireplace/wetback was, and our room looks so much bigger! Theyve gibbed it all, and are replacing the tiles in the roof and its hard to imagine there was ever a fireplace in the corner at all...
The front room too, is quite appealing now with the extra warmth, the kids love it.
We also have a new instant hot water unit, thats powered by gas! The landlord put it in, and changed the size of the pipes, so we have added pressure in the shower, which is like hot massage needles... Awesome when you get in from the Garden in the evenings!!
So thats inside.
Outside...Another gorgeous block of Winter weather here in Canterbury.
We got through the snow, and came out the other side with gorgeous days full of high blue skies, no cloud, but frrrreeezing cold frost in the mornings.
Almost like Spring in fact! Wheres the rain gone? I dont know, but I hope it catches up soon. We need the cold snap to help kill off the bugs in the soil, so towards the Spring, the plants can grow furiously... In my new Garden!!!!!!

Im going to take photos *of course*, but for now, just imagine bricks. Lots of them. All lined up in rows ... beds of soil... full of Compost, Mulch and other good growing stuff...
Canterbury has a dearth of bricks at present, given all the chimneys that have been removed! We have edged our gardens, and it looks nice... but will look better when things start growing over the edges of the bricks...
Ive started some seeds off. Planning beds of herbs and flowers like Parsley, Marigold, Calendula, Basil and Heirloom Tomatoes... Some wildflower mix in the front garden will add colour to our bland expanse at the front
Amazingly enough, after me thinking it was too early, the seeds I have sown are already poking through the soil mix at four days old! Maybe theyre just really keen to be here, or my luck is changing!

Have had a wonderful week, a bit stiff in the shoulders, have raked, bricked, dug, weeded, planted, sown, sighed, slept, and thunked about Gardening... and really enjoyed it all.
Even the kids got in on the act yesterday, out there with shovels and forks... Giggling and helping.
Nice family unit we have going on there...
I love it. This is definitely where I belong.
What is it they say --- *Bloom Where Youre Planted*
Im glad I was planted here. Im grateful for what I have.
I love them all.
Just been reminded of where I belong.
Firmly planted with my family, which is where my home is.

Keep Safe and Warm
Love til next time,
E Butterfly
Gardener!
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In Loving Memory of Colin ... 23/04/11

                   A name of Irish, Scottish and Gaelic origin, the meaning of Colin is *young creature*

•Your name Colin gives you a strong sense of responsibility and the practicality and determination to make a success of anything you undertake.

•Your ability to organize and direct the efforts of others enables you to excel
•This name has allowed you to develop depth and breadth of mind.
•You are able to retain facts, to grasp new information to your existing store of knowledge.
•The name Colin creates the urge to be reliable and responsible

The One

(Elton John)

I saw you dancing out the ocean

Running fast along the sand

A spirit born of earth and water

Fire flying from your hands

In the instant that you love someone

In the second that the hammer hits

Reality runs up your spine

And the pieces finally fit

And all I ever needed was the one

Like freedom fields where wild horses run

When stars collide like you and I

No shadows block the sun

You're all I ever needed

Baby you're the one

There are caravans we follow

Drunken nights in dark hotels

When chances breathe between the silence

Where sex and love no longer gel

For each man in his time is Cain

Until he walks along the beach

And sees his future in the water

A long lost heart within his reach





Welcome Home Colin,

Much Love,

S

Was it really FOUR weeks ago TODAY? - One Month Anniversary -

Hard to believe that it was a month, four weeks ago today, that the Earthquake happened. Crazy how those first days were so long, everything so manual. Then there was a period of tiredness and lull, and then it sped up a little, clean up and getting sorted... Its just amazing.
How far weve come. Today, travelling through the city in search of food meant we went around the city centre. Today the cordon was opened so some people could retrieve their cars. It meant the traffic was crazy, and the sight of the broken buildings near the centre of town made us sober with disbelief. It is one thing to see the brick piles on TV, but when you see the devastation firsthand, it simply adds up. The Cost. Not only the Human cost, but the time it will take to bring us back to something. Not as it was, obviously. There is no way Christchurch will ever be the same again, but... it is exciting to ponder the possibilities of the new beginnings, the progressive changes... that will follow when the time is right.
We passed by the funeral procession of one of the ladies who was killed in the CTV building today. Many Cars followed the hearse, I feel for all the families of those who were killed. It really has been such a big event, without the loss of loved ones, and there are families who have lost friends and colleagues as well as family members, this has touched so many... I hope they have support when they need it. Sunny days when theyre ready for them, love and cuddles if required...
The sun made an appearance today.
Weve had quite determined rain for a couple of days, but it was nice to see some sunlight, heat and somehow things seem happier. Theres been a few little aftershocks, nothing much here, but I see on Geonet the wee stars are everywhere again, signalling other earthquakes in other parts of our beautiful country. Today, Tauranga was the lucky city...
We are put on notice, I think.
No more Mrs Mother-Earth Nice-Gal. Its about Change.
Now we live in a country that is going to shake. We have to learn to deal with it, to live with it, and endure through it. Things are just not going to be as easy as they were, but with our experiences and our knowledge at the forefront, we will do okay.

Thank God for Spongebob and The Simpsons.
The kids have really enjoyed watching the cartoons this week...
Hoping things are happiest where you are.
Love and Light,
Take care of You and Yours,


E BUTTERFLY
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PS Glad to see, the BIRDS are BACK in my yard, eating BREAD and chirping beautifully!

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
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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 

Happy Birthday Dear Arlais, Happy Birthday to you!!

I Remember When...
Four years ago, I remember the delays, the waiting, the anticipation, the delight and the tears of joy...
Today, it seems amazing it has been four years since Arlais was born...
She has been very laid back, we havent made a big fuss, as we have a birthday party planned for the weekend, and family coming to share cake and cuddles with the Birthday Girl.
Last night, I snuck in and took one last photo of my 3yr old baby girl...

This morning I watched my Big 4 yr old eating her favourite breakfast -
*Goldfish and Cornies* (Tinned peaches are known as Goldfish here!)
Strawberry Cake (dolly) had to help too... They are firm friends.

Four Years old and still so much of life to enjoy and discover...
Youre a whole bundle of mischief, fun, curiosity and little girly-ness -  
We love you Arlais, your big expressive green eyes, your giggles, the stubborn streak, your delightful smile, the way you annoy the cat, (but only out of love for her!) your caring hugs and kisses and the little random tickles, the posies of snapped off blooms *grin*, and  especially, the *Boop, Gotcha Nose* game we play... The late night stories you tell, the songs we sing together... The early mornings we have... Its all You!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

DARLIN!

Love from a Proud Mummy
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