Blue and Green

Toowoomba seems to be swathed in a sea of blue and green at the moment.  Everywhere Jacaranda trees are in full bloom and our yard, like so many others, is awash with agapanthus.

Growing up I heard horror stories about how agapanthus' attract snails.  My grandmother's neighbour had planted them on their common fenceline.  I must say, however, we haven't noticed an excess of snails and I think the punch of colour is delightful.  We actually went into a cafe in Ipswich a week or so back and saw a vase full of them - what a great idea.

Blue has also infiltrated the house with a beautiful new vase, a christmas/birthday gift from my dear friend, hand delivered on Friday night.  Of course, my best friend accompanied it and we had the pleasure of her company for the weekend.  I have filled it with Peruvian lilies Mr Provincial got at the markets on Sunday.

Unfortunately, illness also made it into the house with Ginger and I succumbing to Summer colds on Friday.  We are much better now, I just have no voice.  I am having to communicate with Ginger in a stage whisper which is fine at home but a pain when we are out.  Mr Provincial seems to have picked up the baton though, so hopefully he only gets a mild dose as there is much to do in the garden this coming weekend in preparation for moving out Monday.

We continue to clean out and have finally switched off our second fridge.  Ginger rather liked it when I took out all the components to wash them.  Apparently it made a good cubby house.

I also just have to mention the most amazing spider web in our front yard.  The web itself was beautiful, covered in rain drops, but the engineering was amazing.  The spider had literally spun a 3 metre long thread from the garage to the start of the web.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Apologies for the break in posting, my Mother-in-Law came from Singapore for a visit and consequently I haven't touched the computer for emails let alone blogging!  My google reader account had over 400 unread; now 200 - I think I need to revise my subscription policy:)

Outside my window...it is pitch black.

I am thinking...about what still needs to be done before we lose the internet in a weeks time and our removal in two weeks.

 
I am thankful...for having my old energy levels back.  Morning sickness I am glad to be rid of you.

In the kitchen...I am grateful for a week of not cooking.  DH wanted to cook fancy meals for his Mum last week and I managed to freeze enough leftovers for Ginger and I to eat this week while DH is out field.

 
I am wearing...ballet tights, leotard, gym shorts and a t-shirt.  I just had my last ballet lesson until after this baby arrives.

I am creating...well nothing.  I am cleaning out a lot though in preparation for our move and that should create a more harmonious experience unpacking in Darwin.

 
I am going...to have my best friend (aka Ginger's god-mother) up for the last time this weekend.  Brisbane and Toowoomba are much closer than Brisbane and Darwin. 

I am wondering...what moving tasks I have totally forgotten about and how to get rid of a non-functioning dishwasher.

I am reading...Human Traces by Sebastian Faulks, a novel about the advent of psychiatry.

I am hoping...we get everything done before the removalists come.

 
I am looking forward to...my 18 week scan the week after next (the day we move out - so DH can't accompany me) and our upcoming trip to Singapore for Christmas.

I am hearing...silence, finally.  It only took Ginger an hour to fall asleep tonight!

Around the house...I have so many piles of stuff, some for charity shops, some for the dump and some that need to buy a storage crate for.

I am pondering...how much we truly need to make us happy.

One of my favourite things...the stone fruit is in season - apricots, peaches, nectarines and cherries are all calling my name from the fridge

A few plans for the rest of the week...continue my clean out (fabric stash is next) and get the house cleaned ready for the weekend.

A random assortment...

The names of the soldiers released yesterday revealed that the Captain killed in the rogue soldier attack was one of DH's RMC Duntroon classmates.  It has hit DH as a little close to home.  The families of all the soldiers killed and those recovering in Germany remain in our prayers.  

As do those impacted by the horrendous NATO bombing that occurred the same day.

 ******

On a more cheerful note, Ginger and I were in town yesterday twiddling our thumbs while we waited for DH to finish a law exam - we are a one car family and Ginger had a chiropractor's appointment mid-afternoon.  We got on with the Christmas present shopping, and called in at our local Christian bookshop as I had seen Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet Spy - a book Sarah at Yellow Pencil Stub has been raving about - on special and I wanted to get it for DH for Christmas.  We also picked up In The Beginning: The Story of the King James Bible by Alister McGrath and The Book of Books by Melvyn Bragg; both of which DH had indicated he wanted from the catalogue.

I also bought Ginger the Veggie Tales Christmas CDs for her stocking.  A purchase I had planned from the catalogue but had not told DH about as he can't stand the Veggie Tales music!  He does concede however that Ginger loves them.  Anyway, while I was searching the CD section for the Veggie Tales CD, Ginger was busy reorganising Koorong's CD selection and picked up a CD called Bedtime Prayers: lullabies and peaceful worship by Twila Paris.  I took a look at it while I was returning the CDs to their rightful place.  I decided to buy it and am so glad I did.  It is a really beautiful CD.  I love the words (and music - see above) of track 6 - Your Whole Life Long.  I thought I would share them with you.

I pray the Lord will hold you close and keep you through the night,
That you will wake up smiling in the early morning light,
That He will always comfort you and make you brave and strong,
I pray that you will follow Him your whole life long.

I pray that you will grow up to be wise and good and true,
I pray that you will please the Lord in everything you do,
I pray that you will hear His voice and learn to sing His song,
I pray that you will follow Him your whole life long.

I pray the Lord will bless you with His presence every day,
I pray he will protect you every step along the way,
Help you love what's right and lead you far away from wrong,
I pray that you will follow Him your whole life long.

This CD has definitely become my go-to for birth and baptism presents.

 

*****

Also, Melbourne Cup day to day.  The race that stops the nation.  Ginger and I have just returned from watching the Regimental Jewel and Vatican Guineas run by the soldiers down on the oval. The latter has its origins in the Vietnam War, the Regimental Jewel was added when females joined the ranks. Human horses of course!  There was a photo finish in the females race, but the male winner was quite convincing. 

I suspect I shall have to watch the actual race alone, Ginger will be asleep and DH has a function up at the mess. Fortunately, no fancy hat needed to do that!