Peastraw and Poo :-)

At the weekend I had 10 lovely bales of peastraw delivered, which dear Mr SFP barrowed down the back for me. This will go on my gardens once I have them clear again from the huge logs still littering them. I'll also use it to build up my second raised bed and put some of it in the compost bins.

Peastraw waiting to be deployed.

Yesterday Mum and I visited her oldest friend whom she's know since her school days and we picked up a load of horse poo. Mum only has a small car, but we managed to pack a few bags in. For the price of a yummy pineapple and date loaf (baked by Mum) and a bag of feijoas (provided by me) it was a worthwhile trade. This will eventually make its way around the rhubarb and into the compost bin. Dad used to hang it in a bag in water and make liquid fertiliser, but I don't have that strong a stomach.

Horse Poo

I also worked on my raised beds- one I cleared of old tomato plants and courgette plants ready to be planted. The other I needed to move a load of bricks before shifting it into place. The bricks will be used in paths in my future potager garden. It was a bit of a mission, but I got there in the end. The ever useful Mr SFP managed to hammer the posts into the rock hard ground- no mean feat! Now it just needs lots of soil and compost to fill it up. It's amazing how much one of these takes. Still a couple of trees to come down around the fenceline to eliminate shade. This will have to wait as we have NOWHERE to put any more garden waste/logs. I'm so excited about my future gardening exploits.

Cleared raised bed awaiting planting.

New raised bed awaiting a ton of soil.

I managed some time to myself before the boys got home from school to work on the May Christmas decoration challenge. Mrs HMM will be pleased. I'm making good progress, but it really needs to be done in the daylight. Sorry about the picture- took it in the twilight.

Frosty Snowman- progress on May make.

New Zealand Master Chef is on tonight, so I will be sitting down and watching it and taping River Cottage on the other channel. I don't watch very much TV, but these are must sees! Have a nice evening......Julie

Timber..............

This weekend saw a very busy working bee Saturday morning. Four men including Mr SFP all toting chainsaws and attitude. The culprits were 2 enormous silver birches and a liquid amber at the front of our property. They were here when I moved in 18 or so years ago and have just continued to grow. They were close to the power lines and with the recent earthquakes in Christchurch, we thought it safer to take them down. I am not a fan of chopping down trees at the best of times, but had to see the sense in the proposal. Plus we were seriously lacking in natural light in our 2 front bedrooms- not any more!!

One tree already down- left hand corner.

The very helpful friends were on the spot at 8.00am ready to risk life and limb- although I think they all had fun. They belong to our Church and always very willing if you need a hand. My job was to feed them which I did with date scones and soup and buns. Everything was down by 1.00 pm. What an amazing days work!!

Hard to believe how big they were!

Now we "just" have to hire a grunty wood chipper and chip all the branches- good for the garden and chop the enormous logs for the fire next Winter. I think the work is just beginning LOL.

Hard at it.

We have 2 huge piles like this to put through the chipper.

After- seems like a different house.

I have to do a double take when I pull up to our house now because it now looks totally different. Next step will be to turn the garden at the front from a shade garden to something else. Always something to do............

A busy weekend in the garden

I have been very inspired by a fellow Cantabrian with a gorgeous garden blog- Ruth at Deep into the Darkness Peering (see link at sidebar). So much so that I rolled up my sleves and spent 3 days in the garden. My aim is to grow plants from seed- preferably heirloom and feed the family. With tomatoes currently $7.99 a kg at the local supermarket this just makes good sense!!

I was so inspired I purchased a plastic glasshouse which was delivered on Tuesday- can't wait to get it up and running. Tomatoes in Christchurch have been very disappointing over the last couple of years- only ripening at the very end of the season. Hopefully this will make a difference. Plus with somes shelves I'll be able to start my seedlings, saving more money.

My new baby- can't wait to get it put together.

I'm also getting 10 bales of pea straw delivered on Saturday and I'll be off to a friends to get some free horse poo. I've taken some before photos of my rather overgrown and unloved garden, hopefully this will be a visual diary of my progress. I've had a go in the past at planting and it didn't "take". I feel more positive with all the amazing self sufficiency and frugal blogs out there, so watch this space!!

Aerial view over black and red currents to raised bed.

Aerial view of raised bed and sad end of season tomato plants.

Rosie dog and nectarine tree on left.

Compost tumbler and cabbage trees now removed.

Raised bed- has had work done on it, so I'll be able to take an after picture.

2 Feijoa trees and convolvulus patch. This needs to be cleared as it is the biggest useful bit I have.

Mint plant, rhubarb, nectarine tree and 2 grape vines.

Strawberry patch- never done well as it's too shady. I have chopped a tree down and may relocate patch.

I have some good features in the garden already- 2 lemon trees, 4 feijoa trees, 3 apple trees, golden peach tree, nectarine tree, 2 pear trees, 2 grapevines, black and red currants and a couple of other productive plants. I have always made compost- I have a 3 bin system, tumbler and small black compost container. A worm farm, one raised bed and now a fabulous greenhouse. What more could a girl want? So......this will be the year of the garden. Over Winter I will get the trees cut down that shade the garden and clear the weeds- I also have a horrible convovulus problem. Come Spring I'll be ready to go.

Wish me luck and I'll be back with progress pictures soon. 

The week that was.......

Well, I thought I was going to be organised this week. I took the pictures and planned what I wanted to share, but got side tracked by life and other people's blogs.

So here is just a general "round up" of some of the things that happened.

Monday is my opshop day. Not as much treasure to be found as in the past, but I did pick up these cute wee tops which will be "repurposed" into designer clothes for dolls.

Old clothes to be repurposed into cute designer clothes for dolls.

I discovered over ripened bananas in the fruit bowl. The family won't eat them like this, but will if made into a yummy cake, complete with chocolate icing. Sorry, no picture of the cake iced, it went too quickly!

Life gives you squidgy bananas.....make banana cake!

Necessities from Spotlight.

Tuesday necessitated a trip to Spotlight, with a list which always must be added to. I needed threads to start our May challenge on Friday and new fabric.

The first 2 of our 4 feijoa trees are producing a bountiful harvest. They are youngest son's favourite fruit- he would sit under the tree with a spoon if he could. They seem to be an acquired taste- I just love the smell, taste and texture. Other family members don't fancy them at all. They are always a pleasant surprise at this time of the year when the garden is starting to shut up shop.

Thank you feijoa tree.

Thursday bought belated birthday celebrations from my lovely workmates- I was away from work last Thursday for my actual birthday. Lovely morning tea spread plus beautiful flowers to bring home- gerberas and roses.

Friday afternoon after work is Mrs HMM's and my time to catch up and do a little crafting. We critique Project Runway and New Zealand's Hottest Home baker. Of course we both think we can sew and bake better than both programmes. I am still working on this little Debbie Mumm cross stitch in funky colours. I am a particular fan of her style- especially the black and white chequer board patterns and borders she uses.

A work in progress.

This will need to be put aside very soon to take up the May challenge which is:

Frosty Blue- May challenge.

Now Mrs HMM didn't think this looked too bad, but I've studied it closely. It looks equally as challenging as Harriet did........we shall see. I think this will be a during the day project in very bright light!! Watch this space........

I hope to post tomorrow about my exciting new garden adventures....we shall see about this too.

I've been busy........

Well, it seems somehow that another week has just sped past. I think they go quicker when you have a blog...either under pressure to come up with something interesting, or just blog before another month drifts past.

First things first, I did actually finish the Christmas cross stitch challenge for March- twice. I loved it so much, I did it in the required colour and branched out and did it in a lovely red as well. I just need to make the red version into a pillow.

Faith, Hope and Peace~ March challenge

The boys were at their Dad's over the weekend, so I had plenty of time to work on the April challenge. Mr SFP was off on a dream fishing trip, so it was just me and Harriet cross stitch (named for Mrs HMM's dog she wants). This has been a work of love and dedication, and Im soooo pleased it's finished and even framed. It was touch and go if I would get there or not, but well worth the effort in the end.

Almost finished.......

Harriet McDoodle Muffin April challenge

Today I had my weigh in at the Cohen clinic. I have lost another 4.5 kg over the last 3 weeks and am feeling really pleased with myself. Brings my total loss to 19.2 kg, or in easier to visualise terms, nearly 4 bags of 5kg potatoes. LOL.

I'll leave you with 2 cute pictures of "the boys" Zack and Spock- brothers, but totally different personalities- see you soon!!

Zack, one laid back Kitty, just out of bed.

Spock- very regal.

 

This one's for you Mrs HMM

Oh dear, Mrs HMM and I had a bit of a deal that we would embrace this blogging thing together. She's been way better than I and blogged on a regular basis. Alas, I've let the side down a little.

Well here goes again and perhaps I can be better at it than I have been. 

Now Mondays and Tuesdays are great days for me. I get to "play" at home usually by myself. The teenagers are home for 2 weeks of school holidays, but they just amuse themselves. My routine for a Monday is to visit my 2 favourite Op shops first thing and any other stops I need to make at the post shop or supermarket while I'm out.

Today from the Op shop I got a lovely cream Jean Jones long cardigan and a nice black top for work which was half price. I love that you never know what treasures you may come upon, it's spoilt me for normal retail shopping!

When I got back I was all set to finish a small order for Baby Alive clothes. I sat down, turned on the sewing machine and the light bulb had gone. This meant a trip out to Spotlight, any excuse I hear Mrs HMM whispering. Of course I couldn't just get what I'd gone for and came home with a lovely selection of cotton to knit up some cardigans for my Blythe doll. Can't wait to make a start.

Wool from Spotlight

Now in a house hold full of 5 cats, it doesn't pay to leave your seat for too long!! Mr Spock thought he would like to sit there, can't see him doing any sewing though.

Mr Spock asleep on my seat

Anyway, after a muddly start to the day, I managed to get the order finished and ready for posting. I hear there is one excited wee girl waiting for the Postie to visit.

Finished order ready to post.

 After "playing" until 3.00 it was time to get down to the practical (boring) chores that keep the home running- washing in, tidying and tea. At least if I can get some sewing done each day I feel I've achieved something that will last longer than the dishes LOL.

I am very privileged to have my very own studio (too grand)/craft room. I see all the lovely ladies on blogs I follow and their spaces are always organised and tidy. I feel bad as I don't tend to "love" my space and keep it tidy to appreciate it. So yesterday I tidied one of the bookcases in my room. I'm hoping I'll feel the love if I can keep my room tidy.

It's going to be a wee bit quiet tomorrow as my sister Mrs HMM is away all day on a road trip. We talk at least 2-3 times a day on the phone, more often if we have an idea to share. Maybe I'll get more done......... Safe travels family HMM.

Unfinished business LOL

Well, it was the last day of the month yesterday and sad to say my February cross stitch ornament didn't get finished. Even with an extra day in the month I didn't find time.  I can't keep it a secret from my sister the lovely Mrs HMM, as I fear she is the only one reading my blog LOL. OK, I confess. But as she's coming for a crafty afternoon tea tomorrow I will get it completed tonight. I'm OK with the stitching part, it's the finishing part that I need inspiration with. Watch this space. We plan to start our new one for March tomorrow, can't wait!!

February Decoration "not quite finish"

Once again the biscuit tins were bare. I usually stick to my same old same old recipes, but decided to try something new to me. Pulled out the illustrated Edmonds Cook Book and hit upon Belgium Biscuits. The mixture was a wee bit dry and crumbly so next time I'll add less flour. Plus it was a pain having to roll out the mixture. They look and smell really nice- iced with raspberry icing and topped with jelly crystals. I didn't samwich them together with jam to make them go further- stingy me. I can't eat any as I'm five weeks into the Cohen diet, but that's another story. I gave them to the chief taster who proclaimed them great. Just worried how the teenage boys will get on pulling out biscuits with hot pink icing at school tomorrow, thanks Mum.

Belgium Biscuits with hot pink icing for teenage boys LOL

 It's been a busy day at work, I manage to pack heaps into the 6 hours I am there. Easy tea tonight- get your own everbody. I hope to do some more on the "Kindy order"- 30 outfits in total, with 11 completed. I also want to watch Project Runway as well.

I'll leave you with this cute card I've bought for a friend, bye for now Mrs SFP

We never grow up, we just learn how to act in public.....