Riding off into the Sunset.....

I give in....my laptop appears to be sick and in need of help, so I've booked an appointment for a checkup this morning....

I love my laptop but after hours of painful TLC yesterday admit defeat. Nothing gets me more worked up than when these contraptions don't want to play. Yep, that's how angry I was - no more luveyduvy words until its fixed. Harsh I know.

I'm hope its nothing too serious though because I would be devastated.

I really hope that I won't be riding off into the sunset......never to be seen again....I was just getting into this blogging life!

My laptop is two years old and used soooooooooooo much, I suppose its time for a health check.

You just get so used to them being there and doing what you ask.

Wish us luck.....

Lazy Sunday's

Don't you just love lazy Sunday's?

I know Muffin does.....

She had been extremely active and enthusiastic on her morning walk so hence the
'pooped pooch look'

Girlie Getaway...

When I received an invitation to join my friend at her beach house at Point Leo, I couldn't resist. Before the guilt and excuses as to why I shouldn't go set in, I just packed a bag and set off.

The drive was perfect and it was so great to get out of the city to the open countryside.

As soon as I arrived my friend and another girlfriend were standing out to greet me. I was flattered that they were so excited to see me until I realised it wasn't just me arriving. They pointed up into the tree above my car and look who was there.....

Snoozing in the afternoon sun....a beautiful Koala.

Its the first time that I've seen one out in the wild.

There was also a kookaburra laughing nearby....what a welcome.

This was all within the first five minutes of arriving and was worth the drive alone....

Fantastic weather, beautiful beaches, clear cool water, good company - what more could you want?

With hindsight maybe I shouldn't have told you where this beach was situated.....

Willy Wagtail

I feel victorious today, because I've finally won a personal battle

- what might that be I hear you wonder -

a 10k run, a sky dive or learnt to play a particularly difficult piano concerto? Unfortunately none of the above.

I've been challenged by a 'Willy Wagtail'! (Rhipidura leucophrys)

Pathetic I know, but you have no idea how long I've tried to catch him on camera.
Every afternoon he visits my bird bath, loudly chirping his arrival and you can bet as soon as I reach for my camera, he's away....




This has gone on for months...







But today I got him!

It took stealth-like athleticism to reach the decking door, without detection before he took flight.

Numerous times I've just given up, but I never like to lose a challenge and I just couldn't ignore this one.

I have such renewed appreciation for all the wildlife photographers out there, that can spend days, weeks, months and even years to obtain that particular shot. I just wish my photographs were of their calibre

A quick splash.....

Then up, up and away
I can rest easy now when he visits and enjoy his antics...

Get your lovely lemons.....

I wish you could have seen my other half's eyes light up yesterday, when a friend came to call with a huge bag of lemons from the tree in their garden.

I could see his mind calculating how many potential lemon tarts could be made from the bag.
They certainly put my little tree into the shade.....

They are sooooooo juicy, smell really amazing

and they were HUGE!
For the classic Lemon Tart recipe see my previous blog August 2010

http://neesienatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/classic-lemon-tartyummy.html

Hedgeley Dene Gardens

I had enormous pleasure showing my daughter one of my favourite walks recently.

Hedgeley Dene Gardens ticked all the boxes for me, right from my first meanderings. Beautifully kept gardens, trees, flowers, wildlife and manicured lawns, stretching invitingly before you and all within an easy stroll from coffee shops and cafes. What more could you want?

Each time I visit, there's always something new to see and admire.


The bridge gave shelter from the hot sun to a mother and her four ducklings......

And here's the star of the show.......

For more information and the history of Hedgeley Dene Gardens

http://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/explore-stonnington/parks-and-gardens/hedgeley-dene-garden/hedgeley-dene-gardens-history/

Queensland Floods

I feel compelled to comment on the absolutely unbelievable events that have been unfolding in Queensland over the last week or so. Some of the stories and news footage are heart wrenching but at the same time I've been so impressed with the Australian spirit.

These photo's were taken of the creek near our home. Hearing the fast flowing water and seeing it rise and fall so quickly just doesn't compare but it is a reminder of what people are having to suffering in Queensland at the moment.

http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

Also spare a thought and prayer for the Brazil and Sri Lanka victims.

What is happening to the world?

Kriss Kringle Kindle

I should have started off this years blog with my exciting news....

I'm now the proud owner of a kindle! Thanks to my very generous daughter.

I've been wanting one for quite a while, but held back because like her, we both love the physicality of books. But I have to say I'm really finding it fascinating. It's so exciting.....

http://www.amazon.com/Kindle

I've been able to sample books, before purchasing, which is a brilliant marketing tool, but it works for me too, and its so user friendly.
I chose a book and hit the button and within a minute up it popped on my kindle.

Wow...it was impressive!

If your a book fanatic and love to read then I can recommend you give it a try.

My favourite author at the moment is Ken Follett. I adored his 'Pillars of the Earth' and 'World without End' and am about to start 'Fall of Giants'.

If you have any book recommendations then I'd love to hear from you.

Happy Reading

Date and Walnut Cake

I have no wish to spoil anyone's New Years resolution for cutting down on eating cakes, honestly, but I have this delicious Date and Walnut cake recipe I'd like to share with you. It has been a firm favourite of mine for a number of years. And I don't particularly like walnuts!
I just can't resist having a slice fresh from the oven - it smells and tastes devine.

It's really easy to make, keeps well and is handy to produce if anyone just happens to drop in for a cuppa.

I remember when I worked in the Middle East and took this cake into the office for our tea breaks, it was a big hit. Which, when you consider the different cultures, tastes and preferences between the staff was quite a feat. They all enjoyed it so much, that upon leaving, I had to pass on the recipe plus a whole loaf each!

Well, if your wanting a healthy start to 2011 aren't walnuts and dates are good for you....?

I'd like to state here and now that this egg is from a happy hen or as they say here in Australia, a happy chuck! In fact all my eggs come from 'happy chucks'




Sit back and enjoy - perfect for afternoon tea
It also goes well with coffee.

Recipe for Date and Walnut Cake

6oz (175g) Self Raising Flour
4oz (110g) Butter
4oz (110g) Sugar
1 Egg
5oz (150g) Dates
4oz (110g) shelled Walnuts
A little milk

1. Preheat oven to 180C.
2. Place softened butter and sugar into a mixing bowl and cream together.
3. Add egg.
4. Sift flour a little at a time into the mixture.
5. Add dates and walnuts. A little milk can be added at this stage until the mixture is a creamy consistancy. It shouldn't need too much milk.
6. Place mixture in a greased floured baking loaf tin.
7.Place in pre-heated oven for 40 to 45 mins depending on oven.
When the cake is golden and firm to the touch in the centre of the tin, its ready.

I do hope you enjoy it.

Happy New Year to you all

Phewph...2011!

New year with a new look to my blog. I hope you like the new header.

I've got lots of plans for the coming months and hope to share them all with you.

To kick things off I thought I'd just share this photo with you. I loved the texture, pattern and colour of the bark with the orange flower behind. It was taken by my daughter whilst visiting on one of our doggy walks. As you can see, her camera is superior than mine!