Winter in Australia

So we don't have much (well none actually) snow in Queensland, nor does mother nature herald the seasons quite so dramatically as in other states or countries in the world, nor do we have to buy huge jackets, toques, mittens, boots etc etc to keep us warm (damn!!) but I tell you what I absolutley love winter on the Gold Coast. I can walk outside without shoes on, I can take the boys to the beach and they can swim and play near the water without getting too cold, we can still feel the warmth of the sun on our faces.
I am reflecting on this as I think about my day. It was a magnificent 24+c today and I took the boys down to the beach where we played by the water, dug holes looking for soldier crabs, ate fish and chips, fed the seagulls and just had a really great day together. I really love winter in Australia.

I Built This

Call me crazy but I recently had this bee in my bonnet about re-landscaping parts of our front yard. Was tired of mowing the lawn and poisoning the clover and dragging the mower up the stairs. So I got a brainstorm in the shower one night - that's where all good ideas are formed for me I find - and decided to build a pond - a frog pond to be exact. I did a bit of research - made a plan - started imagining it in its final form - and wha-la! Here it is. It took three weeks of digging, shovelling, carting dirt, sand, rocks, mixing cement, digging holes - shopping for plants but it is finally finished (well almost - except for the growing and a few ambient lights). The kids love it - especially Caleb who calls it 'his pond'. We are just waiting for the locals (frogs that is) to find the pond and fall in love with it too. We do have to keep a keen eye out for toads however (the warty - very unfriendly variety) and dispose of their tadpoles.


I had a lot of fun doing this project - it gave me a great sense of satisfaction - I loved the artistic side to landscaping as well as the physical aspect - nothing like getting ones hands dirty (as long as I get a manicure in the next few weeks that is!!!) There is also nothing like creating a bit of peace and tranquility in ones yard either - I love how this area makes me feel. Can't wait till summer when the plants really start to grow and the area starts to look more lush and tropical - it will be hard to keep me away.

Are We There Yet?

I didn't think almost two year olds were supposed to use that phrase. I thought that it was reserved only for much much older children. But they were the words (or to be exact, "there yet?") that came from the mouth of our beautiful baby (can I still call him that?) boy the other morning when I was driving to Bunnings to buy some plants for the garden.
He is too too clever and I am enjoying every bit of his development (well almost everything - the tantrums I could live without!!!).