Christmas Dinner For Two

A weird Christmas for me. No family, just Barry (hub) and I. Kids away either overseas or in another state, what on earth do we do???

At first I thought "OK, adult time". Hub wanted to take the boat out Christmas Day and I was thinking - hmmm chance to laze about, run around the house with no clothes on or even skinny dipping in the pool. No chance with any of it. The morning turned out humid and quite warm but by lunch time it was raining and rained all day and through the night.

What did we do? Play on the computer and watch the TV.

I also didn't have a clue what to do for Christmas dinner. Turkey was too big and neither of us fancied a thigh. So we opted for a small joint of beef, roast vegetables, potatoes and hubs favourite, brussel sprouts.

The other night we were watching Jamie Oliver and not sure if I remember this right but this is what I did and it was yummy.Firstly I had 3 potatoes, 3 carrots and 2 parsnips. Sliced and cut them. Popped them in a roasting tray with a little oil. I then added 2 gloves of garlic, cut in half and sprinkled Rosemary all over them.

A couple of hours later our Christmas dinner looked liked this. And the garlic and rosemary flavouring was awesome. Funny how the roasties become the feature of a beef dinner.
Oh and that isn't lumpy gravy <<<<< before my daughter makes a comment. I made the gravey with a bit of brussel sprout water and the juice of the beef.

Another Sky Report

Absolutely awesome. After almost a day of rain we have a night sky of colour.

You can hardly see the mountains due to the low clouds.

Rest In Peace My Angel

They are faithful, loving and are just like children.When cancer strikes you pray but sometimes you just have to let go.I cannot put in words how this family feels today. We are broken hearted.Spice, my sweet angel, goodnight. Thursday 3rd December 2009.

We're Back

Well we arrived back from our trip from Uluru to Darwin early. I will up date every one on our travels in a few days as Dad is still here and is due to fly back to the UK later today.

We arrived home to bush fires and the Hawkesbury being declared a Section 44 (all hands on deck). Unfortunately I was still on light duties and could not volunteer to help. Once seeing my consultant I was given the go ahead.

This Wednesday I arrived at the brigade station at 6.30am and returned at 7.30pm. Noope no fire fighting but support for our volunteer helicopter pilots and crew. What an interesting day to see these helis come and go knowing that they were water bombing those areas of bush that are unaccessible to fire fighters.Well here is my favourite big girl, I say girl coz she is called "Wild Cat" so got to be a girl.
And this one has to be the all time fave girl helicopter.
An awesome job these guys do.
To check on NSW bushfires - click here.
For Grose Wold RFS - click here.

Off We Go!

Well this will be the last post for a few weeks. In a few days we will be off on our holidays.

My Dad arrives from the UK tomorrow and then we all set off for Alice Springs. First stop Ayers Rock then we have 2 weeks to drive up to Darwin for our flight home.

Only 2 days have been booked at Ayers Rock then drive, drive, drive and hope we can find places to stay in.

Should be fun.

Now This Is Just So Funny

Most of you guys know what pain in the backside it is when you have to take pics and edit to be able to list your handmade creations in your Etsy store.

Today I completed another gorgeous Amber necklace and earrings and whilst taking the pic for the earrings this is what my dogs were doing, in tandem. How on earth my camera focused on them and not what I was actually taking a pic of has baffled me!

New Design

I am been playing around with Amber and funny wiggly shapes to see what i can come up with. Firstly thinking, why on earth do I buy these goodies and then not have a clue what to do with it.

My first piece of handmade jewelry was just with the Amber beads. I created these beautiful amber cluster earrings with sterling silver ear hooks.
After a few days my inspiration was back. Using the wiggly silver things, Amber beads and silver plated flower patterned chain I created this lovely necklace

and matching earrings.

Spring Is In The Air Again, October 2009

Another wordless post!

Spring Is In The Air, October 2009

Only one word for this post - cute!

My Cervical Spine Operation

For a few weeks I was a bit quiet on the blogging front. Think nerves took over before my operation.

Well for almost 5 months now I was suffering with severe pain in my arm. Many weeks were spent to and fro from my GP with x-rays and scans on my arm with nothing found. As a last resort the doctor, who had 'tennis elbow' on the brain referred me to a physiotherapist.

My visit to the physiotherapist was short. She got me to move around in different positions and just said "I want you to have a CT Scan on your neck before I can do anything".

After the CT Scan my problem was found. I had 2 bulging discs, C5/6 & C6/7, which were also trapping nerves. My arm pain was then diagnosed as 'referred' pain. Not once did O have pain in my neck. Pain was by now in my left shoulder blade and chest area with electrifying pins and needles.

The physiotherapist popped me on to a neck traction machine for about 6 sessions, it didn't help. A referral to a brain and spine specialist was then made. Firstly the specialist wanted me have an MRI and then to try cortisone in to the discs. I must say this was not nice and I had to have Valium to calm my nerves. This didn't work.

Second option was the 'surgery of the cervical spine'. I had this operation on 21st October 2009 and on waking the next morning the horrendous pain in my arm and pins and needles had gone. just ached in the neck area from the operation. After 2 days I was released, after they removed the few staples in my head and the drain from my operation area.

To put it bluntly the surgeon shaved bone from the 2 discs to make a hole for the trapped nerve to escape in to.

It is now 30th October 2009 with tingling in my fingers and still aches in my neck and shoulder area. I am hoping this will go away but only time will tell. I didn't need any stitches to be removed as they were dissolvable and as you can see the scaring is minimal. Quite neat eh?

New Beginnings

I have waited many days to capture these cuties. My son said that he had seen the little ones and they had cute white faces. Every time I went out there they must have been over the other side of the field.
And yayyyy today I captured them. Cute little calves with Mom.

Now I just need to walk up the road and get some more pics of the gorgeous foals that have recently been born.

New Visitor

Well he/she's beautiful, noisy and disruptive!These cockatoo are beautiful and close up I couldn't believe how big they are.
Problem is we cannot feed them and encourage them to visit, like we do the King Parrots, as they are so destructive with homes.

Awesome Night Sky

Just popped out to get some washing in the machine and was greeted with this amazing site.Looks stormy and angry red. Absolutely beautiful.

New Creations In My Store

As I am getting more confident with my kiln I am trying different molds and glass.

Just lately I have been using a small round mold, half filling with glass frit. I then have 30 little round glass pieces. From these small glass 'buttons' I was able to create ear studs, bobby pins and cuff links.

I have now been able to list a few cuff links and ear studs in my Etsy store http://radicalglass.etsy.com the bobby pins will be listed shortly.

Got The Sewing Bug Again

I just wish I had more initiative to sew more often. Tons of material pile up in my cupboard with patterns to make clothing but the 'bug' is just not there at the moment.
Anyway i had an idea of making little coin purses for the girls at work and fill them with chocolate coins for Christmas. We always give each other a small gift.

They are so easy to make. I actually purchased the instructions from another Etsy seller, she even puts pictures and makes it look so easy. You can check out her goodies at http://whatsewever.etsy.com
Well this is the first few and then I may make myself a handbag. If the bug expands a bit!!!

Some More Photos From The Art And Craft Show, Glenbrook

I just like to say it was great meeting some fellow Etsy artists and more.
Please check the Mountain Makers blog here for details of all the artists.

A Few Photos Of The Art and Craft Show, Glenbrook Hall, Glenbrook

I was hoping to get photos of everyones stall but unfortunately the glare from the sun ruined some. So here are a few to wet your appetite. Hopefully I can take some more good ones today.
Hey guys, don't forget if you are in the area pop in to Glenbrook Hall, Glenbrook, just in the Blue Mountains on the way to Katoomba.