Monday, November 18, 2013

On the Homefront



The Silly Season is in full swing here on the homefront. I always get to this time of year and take a deep breath in and hold it in until after Christmas where I can finally let it all out and collapse in a heap when "reinforcements" arrive in the form of the Grandparents from interstate. 

Whilst the weekdays are deliciously slow pottering around the home with Flynn (and the Twins when it's not their School days), the social calendar is jam-packed in the evenings and weekends. For the first time all year, we sat down with a calendar and pencilled in all of our upcoming engagements, after which I needed a stiff drink and a lie down. I'm not complaining though. It's simply that time of year where we say 'yes' to everything and have a jolly good time knowing that, although we couldn't maintain this level of intensity the entire year, for the weeks in the lead up to Christmas life is sprinkled with a little extra dose of crazy.  So it's "yes" to all the end of year parties, functions, and school stuff, "yes" to all the additional concert rehearsals and "yes" to staying out until 3am and after 4 hours sleep driving kids around to parties and rehearsals and then going on a Submarine.



My Little Black Dress is certainly getting a work-out. We attended a gorgeous party hosted by this lovely lady. If you love books, art, beautiful gardens and interiors and fabulous frocks, she has a blog dedicated to all of this as well as a glimpse into how she manages being a Mum of 4 with the odd stint living in France. Oh, wouldn't that be nice.

We have also recently attended the state Tourism Awards, a function we have more or less been attending for the last 15 years through Daniel's work. Going to these events year after year and seeing all these inspiring people working in their own businesses and fulfilling their dreams has been a huge motivator for us to set up our own venture. There is a lot going on behind the scenes with our Development but nothing terribly newsworthy. We are in the "fundraising" stage, slowly getting the funds together to be in a position to start the building works. It all takes time but is so far going to plan. We have set up a business website and on the front page you can see the "fly through", a little film which provides a 3D vision of how the Development will look. The technology is fantastic, a little bit whimsy, a little bit "The Sims". Blogger won't let me upload it here for some reason but you can view it here if you are interested. The interior will obviously be very different, a lot more worn and rustic with more natural elements, but the dimensions are accurate and the views are the actual views in real life.



Meanwhile, Flynn has had enough of crawling and is walking! He's been walking for over a week now and hasn't crawled since. I think he's had enough of the onsies too! He semi-undresses himself to make walking easier. He swaggers around like a drunken sailor and when he falls over he just picks himself up, giggles, and toddles around some more. I just can't believe how fast his first year is coming to a close. He's so cute and he knows it. I've been wondering what sort of a complex he's going to have with 6 other people in the family constantly telling him how wonderful and amazing he it. Everyone tells me that this is the fate of the 'baby' of a big family and they are destined to be spoiled with love and adoration and that's just the way it is. Any thoughts? 

He has also stopped breastfeeding. The other morning he just wasn't interested and so that was it. Just like that. I managed to breastfeed all of the others to 12 months before they went straight onto normal milk so I expected it would dwindle off in the next few weeks. It has always been a mutual thing for the babies and I. We all just seem content with feeding for a 12 months period and then moving on - no struggle from either party. But still. It's just another reminder of how quickly this little baby of mine is growing up. If I had more time to ponder it all, I'd probably be a bit sadder than I am but I don't and so I'm not. Sigh.



I'm knitting him an Octopus for his birthday. For someone who finds knitting the second arm of a jumper so tedious the jumper almost doesn't get finished, why I chose to knit an animal with 8 identical arms is beyond comprehension. The mind boggles sometimes. I have 5 arms to go and only 10 days before Flynn turns 1. If only I had the arms of an Octopus myself I might finish it in time! I'm getting by on the cuteness factor of the finished product. Let's hope it looks like the pattern.

Speaking of cute, we have more baby chicks! Eleanor has been busy incubating eggs to increase our flock numbers and to make some pocket money selling chicks. This has lead to some disturbing conversations like "shall we have scrambled eggs for breakfast or are we hatching baby chicks with these?". The conversations are most distressing and prompted a debate on "right to life" issues and whether we were terminating a life by eating fertilised eggs. My mind was quickly put to rest upon finding out that the embryonic development of a chick is essentially suspended until the egg is placed in the right conditions to continue developing -  either the egg is incubated by a Hen sitting on it or the egg is put in an artificial incubator. Phew! So one morning I was walking past the flower bed and I spotted one of our Silver Spangled Hamburg girls just sitting there and not moving. As I got closer she got up and 6 little chicks appeared from under her wings. So I yell "Scrambled eggs for breakfast today Daniel!". Seriously, there is nothing much cuter than baby chicks. Our girls have not gone broody since we bought them almost 2 years ago (hence the incubator) so it was such a delightful surprise.




In other news, the recent heavy rains followed by glorious warm Spring weather has caused the Veggie Garden to burst into abundance and we've been enjoying eating fresh produce from it almost everyday - Snow peas, Bush peas, Lettuces, Kale and just look at the bouquet of Artichokes!



The downside is that we suddenly live in a jungle - the weeds, grass and general shrubbery are currently out of control. Just when we couldn't fit another thing onto our overflowing 'to do' list I received this note from the Postman and literally laughed out loud.



Aside from the image of sneaky snakes just waiting to pounce on Mr Postman, the thought that Mr Postman was going to get a nice manicured piece of grass while we continue to live amongst the snakes, the weeds and the 50 acres of waist-high grass that we haven't had a chance to get to yet was just too much.  But mustn't upset Mr Postman so close to Christmas and although it's technically the Council's job to look after that section, we packed the lawn mower into the car and drove it down to the letterbox to mow the one metre strip of grass. The following day we received the backlog of mail - a million bills. Sigh sigh sigh.

That's enough news for now. Thank goodness for Mondays and weekdays where I can momentarily catch my breath while the 4 big kids are at school. There's more parties coming up, a night at the Theatre to see our friend play "Peter Pansy" in the annual bawdy Panto, a Wedding and of course Flynn's birthday. And that's just November. I'd like to start thinking about Christmas but I'm too busy being silly. How do you all cope with the silly season? Is it more civilised in the Northern Hemisphere where the end of the School year does not coincide with the end of the calendar year? I'm planning to take a leaf out of the Swan's book and be as calm and graceful as possible on the outside but beneath the surface I'll be paddling like the dickens!



If you made it to the end of this very long Post, thank you so much for continuing to read my rambles and for leaving such lovely comments, particularly when I have been so time-poor lately and haven't been able to respond to all of your e-mails and comments let alone leave my own comments on your Posts to let you know I've read them, which I have! I'm looking forward to catching up on all your news now. And welcome to any new readers, it's lovely to have you here. 

Have a great week everyone!

Mel xxx



49 comments :

  1. We received a note similar to your postie note from our septic tank man. He kindly asked if we could mow around the septic tank as he had seen snakes!

    >>He's so cute and he knows it. I've been wondering what sort of a complex he's going to have with 6 other people in the family constantly telling him how wonderful and amazing he it. Everyone tells me that this is the fate of the 'baby' of a big family and they are destined to be spoiled with love and adoration. Any thoughts? >>

    Well my 2yr old and current baby just knows the world revolves around him, I know what you mean, they are so confident in the love, it's beautiful, it really is. Well only 4 weeks till our new babe arrives and he will no longer be the baby and the problem will be rectified. A possible solution for you?;) lol.

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    1. I love your logic Erin but I've just shown my husband your comment and his expressions suggests otherwise :-)

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  2. Oh Mel, your baby is just gorgeous! Walking really is the start of the slippery slope into toddlerhood….my baby, and I really can't call her that anymore due to the fact that she is toilet trained (thank goodness), is nearly three yet she will always be our baby! I'm envious of your artichokes….I'm nurturing along one flower at the moment yet have dozens of seedlings that I'm trying to hurry up. Can you believe that we finally have blue skies? Rx

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    1. The weather yesterday was just dreamy.....today, not so much. Come on Hobart! x

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  3. Flynn IS adorable!!
    Have fun with your baby chicks and try to get some relaxing squeezed into your crazy schedule - way easier said then done I know lol!!

    Sarah xx

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    1. Daytimes are relatively relaxing, thank goodness! It's the only way I will be able to manage the evenings and weekends over the next few weeks :-)

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  4. Beautiful pic of your little home buddy, orange and green- perfect. I'm sure that octopus is going to be too cute. Love the chicks, enjoy the craziness before the real chaos begins.

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    1. Thanks Simmone, I love the baby chicks, everyday they venture a little closer to the house and the other chickens....so sweet :-)

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  5. Gosh Mel. You and your brood are busy little bees indeed.
    Flynn has a wise old face, and he is adorable.
    New chicks.. one of ther cutest things around. x

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    1. The chicks are the cutest things ever. I won't tell you how many photos I've taken of them :-) x

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  6. Such a nice post full of updates. You have a lot going on. Flynn has really grown! He looks like a little boy now, not so much a baby. That's such a bittersweet thing, I know, but he's really cute and looks like he's a very happy guy. Too bad about the "snake-infested" grass and the bills in the mail...hopefully soon there will be lots of Christmas cards instead.

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    1. He has grown a lot recently and he is such a placid baby........here's hoping there'll be less bills and more Christmas cards in the coming weeks :-)

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  7. I made it to the end!! I love your chook and little chicks!! Makes me want some!! And making 8 identical legs sounds like my worst nightmare, I would never finish I am sure of it!! Hope you get it done in time!! x Karen

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    1. Well I've already got distracted today and put the Octopus aside to make a Softie....I figure if I don't get it done for his Birthday, Christmas is just 4 weeks later :-)

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  8. Glad to catch up on all your news. We plan to keep it simple this year for Xmas and since there are only adults it is easy to do. One gift per person and everyone brings something for each course of Xmas lunch.

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    1. Simple Chritmases are a must around here. We often do Kris Kringle for the adults in the extended family which works well :-)

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  9. And there was me thinking you Southern Hemispere folks would be chilled out for Christmas just enjoying the sunshine! Just as frantic here in the UK because we have to take our minds off the cold and dark evenings! Your business website looks fab - can't wait to see how it all develops.

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    1. Thanks Anne! And January is the time for chilling out for us :-)

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  10. So many things to say!!! Busy is the fate if the time of year, but I love how visit a submarine was on your list, not many people have that one on their list!! Flynn is obviously having a spurt of independence, walking, no breastfeeding- he'll be running the place soon!! Just trying to catch up on my blog reading so I will come back and look at your business details. Love the postmans note, not one you are likely to get here, but we still get notes from the postman - no one escapes, if I thought snake harbouring grass was a defence against the bills being delivered I would try it!! xx

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    1. I was going to split this Post into 5 separate ones - it would have made for much calmer reading - but it seemed easier to have a bit of a catch-up Post so I can move on and keep up with life :-)

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  11. Look at your little one toddling around and I love that first photo, he is so very cute and growing up so fast, the youngest seem to:( It sounds like things are super busy all in a good way around your parts. Oh my goodness that octopus is going to look great. Love your postman's note:) not all the bills that found there way into your letterbox, it was same here last week too sadly. Have a lovely week Mel. x

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    1. Yes, busy but in a very good way is a perfect way to describe things right now x

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  12. Oh Mel, so much loveliness in one post!! Love the video about Coal Valley Farm... very fancy. Flynn is absolutely adorable... such a little cutie. I adore that first shot of him and the one of him proudly toddling around with his onesie half-whipped off :) I can't believe he's almost two!! I was so sad when my girls stopped breastfeeding (13 months for them both)... they also went straight onto normal milk from breast milk. I can imagine how loved and adored your little man must be. As for your chicks... they're adorable too :) Things here are becoming a bit busy too. However, I'm doing all I can to keep the lead up to Christmas as simple as can be. I have my Breast Cancer Fundraiser this weekend which I'm madly preparing and cooking for, then I'll begin thinking about Christmas, hopefully doing my present shopping as early as I can... (wishful thinking???) Wishing you a lovely week ahead Mel xx

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    1. The end of breastfeeding is a bit bittersweet really......
      Good luck for your Fundrasier Amanda! I'm a bit like that, focus on just one thing at a time before I can think about the next thing...Christmas, ahhhhh! x

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  13. I didn't realize your kids finished school at the end of the year. Our kids just started back to school in September and will be finished end of June (April if you're in university). Silly season indeed! Great read about your right to life chickens ;) I can't say I blame that postman for being worried about snakes in the grass ... maybe he heard about the deadly copperhead found on your property and is taking no chances! And little Flynn is adorable ... too much love and cuddles can never be a bad thing. Enjoy your parties & plays Mel ... you look gorgeous in your little black dress!! Wendy x

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    1. For a split second I thought "oh no, the Postie has seen my snake Post" but the increase in snakes around here at this time of year is well documented elsewhere....x

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  14. Ooh it's like recieivng a letter. I love these updates. Life continues on. Things to do and what not. Flynn is a babe. The media are starting to ratchet up Christmas over here. I am averting my eyes, and steadily stockpiling my homemade presents. They are playing festive pop songs at my corner shop.....

    Leanne xx

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  15. Silly season, that's an apt description. Although I love Christmas during the winter, what I wouldn't give for some beautiful sunny weather so I could send the boys outside while getting things done inside... Beautiful shots of Flynn, good luck with the snakes, and enjoy every bit of silly season!

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    1. Actually Liene, I would love some decent weather too! It's been so up and down here, one day sunny the next cold and rainy. I wonder if the "silly season" is an Australian saying then.....must investigate :-)

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  16. Busy, busy, busy! Sounds like you are having lots of fun, enjoy! I thought the note from the postman was hilarious! :) x

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    1. It's like we've consolidated a year of fun times into a 6 week period! Glad you found the note funny too, I was thinking it was maybe just me :-)

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  17. Oh Mel! I hear you sister! I dread/ love those end of year concerts between three schools and some have more than one! That reminds me I have to pick up the double base this afternoon! I have been known to say I'd quite like to fall asleep about December 1 and be woken up on Christmas Day to reap the benefits of everyone else's preparations. Don't see that happening any time soon!
    HOW can he be one??! HOW?

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    1. We haven't got to the 'instrument' stage yet. Will I need a bigger car? We have the Kia Grand Carnival, you don't drive a minibus do you? :-)

      I know, how can he be one already!!!! HOW???? x

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  18. cutest little doodle photo ever (the top one), flynn is such a doll. enjoy all of it mel, beautiful you, your handsome husband and gorgeous family. really such a blessing. :)

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  19. Mel , I read this post yesterday whilst waiting in the car line, but only got around to replying now!
    That first shot would make an Anne Gaddes calendar, Flynn's inquisitive gaze is priceless and the colours of the composition saturated and beautiful.
    I'm still trying to convince hubby of the need for chooks....but "they'll bring snakes" continues to be his mantra?!?!
    We have snakes anyway, but do you actually find them in and around the coop (looking for eggs and water) ???
    My kids would love them.
    And those artichokes....look amazing, i would love to paint that image (perhaps minus the pink dressing gown!)
    but I think they would end up in vases rather than on my dinner plate. STUNNING! x

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    1. Actually, our chooks have alerted us to 2 of the snakes around the house so I think they are helpful. They make a racket if there is one nearby and if it is super close they go as still as a statue when they see one which looks odd and has brought the snakes to our attention. We collect the eggs every morning so I haven't ever seen snakes around the coop and one of our hens managed to hide somewhere with a clutch of eggs and the snakes didn't find them, so not sure..... I was hoping no one would notice my pink dressing gown :-) x

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  20. ps: A beautiful shot of you and hubby too x

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  21. I love your long posts. And you absolutely look great in your black dress, it really is a color that makes one feel good when wearing it sometimes! It is so nice to get a look into your farmlife as I've just taken the leap and moved to my boyfriends one in the middle of nowhere. It gives me inspiration on what to do!

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  22. Can't wait to see how your octopus turns out. I love knitting!

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  23. Well, dear Mel, I was leaving a visit to your space until a quiet moment this evening and I am delighted I came to visit. So much to comment on. First things first: Flynn is walking already? Where did those months go? I imagine you may be pondering that question too. I don't know if you are hoping to have another little cherub in the future to add to your fold but I knew Angélique was my last and when I weaned her (at fifteen months the others were around 12 months too) I felt terribly nostalgic. I loved breastfeeding although, I must confess it is quite liberating when it does stop.

    You look ravishing in your black dress. And mostly I am so happy your life is so full of rich experiences.

    Hugs to you and thank you for the email this morning.

    Stephanie

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  24. Oh what a gorgeous little man. Sounds like things are very busy at the moment, but you are well and truly rocking that lbd. Glad you are getting lots of opportunities to wear it!

    Laughed at your postie's note - very specific.

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  25. A lovely post, Mel. Firstly, your black dress is HOT. If you can believe it, I don't have an old faithful black dress..really need to hit the shops one of these years. Your son is just divine - I love how tots waddle around like drunk ducks! And baby chicks....well, I have such a soft spot for them. I had one as a child - it ended up getting stepped on by my friend which I don't think I ever recovered from. Love the letter from postie...! Have a lovely weekend xo

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  26. It's lovely to catch up on all your news Mel, gosh you are so busy, hidden snakes and all! I can't believe Flynn is about to turn 1 though, this year has whizzed by!

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  27. That first photo of Flynn is gorgeous! And lovely to see you all dressed up.
    Yey for your progress on the development, even if it's slower than you might want, every step helps!
    Hope you get some lovely restful moments each day the next few weeks!

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  28. Full busy days, but good ones by the looks of it. Flynn just gets more gorgeous! And wow, that video ... the development really is going to be awesome :)

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  29. I enjoyed your full, newsy post, Mel. The silly season, oh yes, it's arrived here good and proper. From now until Friday 20th December, when the schools break up for the two week holiday, it's bonkers, just bonkers. We are busy every weekend, morning, afternoon and evening from now until Christmas. It's lovely, but it's also crazy. I was actually happy that a friend cancelled plans this morning as it gave me some unexpected free time. Your Flynn is totally gorgeous - he makes me quite broody. x

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  30. Hello Mel, It was great to meet you on the boat the other day, thanks for your company! Your blog is lovely (and your children are beautiful). Hope to see you again some time,

    Michelle

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