The last day of being totally in charge.

First stop was Kmart to buy a warmer top and some longer pants as it was quite chilly this morning and had been raining.

Today was the last full day we have with her before her parents and sister arrive tomorrow so it was a TWO doughnut day. This was the second. The first was identical.

Himself joined us as we explored the chocolate shop. She was rather taken with the 2.5 kilo freckle at $70 but settled on this more reasonable version ...

Himself then took her to play mini-golf and I came home and enjoyed the peace and quiet! They came home and she played on her ipad for a bit before asking if we could go to the beach and the playground.

And who am I to refuse.

Initially we went to the lake and she was happy to have a paddle before she needed the loo which just happens to be next to the path to the main beach ...





... so of course we went ...

My nifty phone allowed me to edit out the other people in the photos. I wasn't letting her frolic in the ocean all by herself and the flags were out and the surf lifesavers were in attendance or she wouldn't have been anywhere near the water. Not on my watch!

Granny was getting a bit twitchy as the grandchild was getting more adventurous and the other swimmers were oblivious to her (she wasn't part of their group so was thus invisible - a common tourist trait, sadly) so it was strongly suggested we return over the footbridge to safer play.

Water but no waves ...

... and she had a ball and made some friends and we were there long enough for Granny to regret not bringing a hat. 

Eventually the other children's parent decided it was time to go (thank god) so we also came home. 

As we were driving into our street she noticed planes in the sky. It was the Roulettes who are based in Sale which is not far away at all if you are an aeroplane. I assume they were practicing for Australia Day celebrations.

We are lucky to see them quite often but today I was driving so all I could capture on my phone was the aftermath - I am sure you get the idea!

Herb and garlic sausages for dinner (her choice), a 20 minute shower and some quiet time before bed. 

I think it has been a relaxing holiday for her and she has had lots and lots of fresh sea air and exercise.

We are all looking forward to Three, Amy and Alice arriving tomorrow.

Chips and icecream

First of all I just want you to know that I am reading comments but have limited time on the computer so don't reply, but thanks so much for all the lovely words.

I woke to an 8 year old playing quietly on my computer (permission given prior, of course.)

Today's breakfast was a doughnut for said 8 year old and a coffee for Granny. Himself stayed home. 

Then we went to the playground as requested instructed ...

We had a quiet afternoon with some craft and the highlight for a wee lass was being allowed to walk around the block (really not very far and mostly in view) with my headphones on her head and my phone in her pocket being very cool as she listened to music of her choice.

Her request for dinner was the "fancy restaurant" (aka the pub) that I knew Himself would agree to as soon as he was asked. Wrapped around a little finger?

She loves being given coin to go and buy an activity book ...

... we had a delicous meal (fisherman's platter for he and me and chicken nuggets for her) ...

... and she helped finish my chips ...

... before her ice cream arrived (again - the joy of being given money and ordering it herself) ...

She is an absolute delight but I am so pleased that she is also homesick. I would be worried if she wasn't.

Tomorrow is her last full day with just us and I am sure doughnuts and minigolf will be involved.

Another fun day

Doughnuts for breakfast followed by a trip to the shop we bought our fridge from. We were expecting a replacement mid-January but received an email on Monday saying it was now mid to late April or we could have a store credit. We have decided on the credit and a Fisher and Paykel fridge/freezer model that we had both in Bonbeach and Langwarrin. 

After that Sally and I went to the playground. Always a great view ...

... they have tubes that kids can play music on ...

... while I make friends with some of the locals ...

 

... no food so they didn't hang around for long.

I had my regular coffee group so Himself and Sally had a game of mini golf. Himself played "rather poorly" I was told later. A trip to the local book/games shop where Granny spent too much money on a puzzle book that was completed in less time that it takes to drink a gin and tonic (Sally doesn't drink G&Ts in case anyone was wondering - she's a water only kid).

After being allowed to go to the little playground up the road from us by herself (watched closely from the window) we had lamb chops for dinner (as requested) followed by icecream with lollies, oreo biscuits and sprinkles ...

.

A long shower, teeth cleaning and quiet time in bed and a small girl is fast asleep.

Granny is not far behind!

In pictures

After a very early start (everyone else had to be at work or daycare) we stopped at the cafe in Yarragon at her request for breakfast. Last time she didn't like the fruit toast - too artisan for her, today she spied english muffins with nutella on the menu so she had that with a hot chocolate.

They gave her a huge bowl of nutella which had to be finished with a spoon because ... nutella!

After a couple of wrong turns leading to some unexpected exploring of the glorious countryside that is Gippsland we made it home

We have been to the library where she borrowed three Enid Blyton books and made a tie-dyed bag, played at the new playground where she sustained a couple of friction burns, visited the chemist for cream for said burns, have consumed lollies (sweets/candy) and a lemonade icy pole (ice lolly) and she is now sitting quietly playing on a computer game. She is a delight to have and the next few days will be very busy.

She does love being on Lakes' time as she calls it. Time for chilling and recharging - and playing mini-golf, eating donuts and icecream and exploring the parks and playgrounds. 

 

A wee break

I know I had planned to post every day in January but I am about to head down to Melbourne to collect Sally and she will be with us until next Monday. Her parents are coming up on Saturday.

I will be busy!

If I can I will pop in here otherwise I will see you all next week with lots of photos (if I remember) and stories to tell.

A walk

I went with Himself when he walked the dogs this morning.

Wander with me ...

I walked further than I have for a long while then sat and waited for him to come back. This is the view from the table looking right ...

... and left.

Came home and the Mermaid rang which turned into a two hour chat. I told her I was coming down to Melbourne on Monday to collect Sally which has turned into a visit to her as well. I shall have to leave early in the morning to make it worthwhile. I need to pick something up from One's place so I am hoping that can be done on Tuesday morning as we head off. 

It has been windy and so far, no whistling from the resealed windows. I did hear some from our bathroom but it turns out the window in the loo was just ajar - enough to create a whistle which I would expect. 

I am over planning meals and cooking so have decided to take a break for the next week and a bit and shall get back into it after Three et al have returned with Sally after the long weekend (Australia Day). Of course we will still eat but it won't be following the F800 plan and Himself can cook some meals. 

I am currently reading "A Year of Marvellous Ways" by Sarah Winman. I can't remember why I am reading this author - I bought three of her books in 2022 - but just love the way she uses words. "He came with bluebells behind his ears and ramson stalks in his mouth and was trailed by lovelorn bees who knew the scent of a good man".

Time for a gin and more of a read before Himself cooks dinner!!

Snaps from my house

We call her Dorothy. Dot for short. When you touch her head it wiggles from side to side. We have had her for over a quarter of a century. 

Here is one of my most loved things. Those paws. That face. I have probably shown him before but you can never get too much of toes, ears and a tail!

I had a phase of collecting coloured glass. These are not fancy urinals but how fun if they were. They do, however, display a single bloom to perfection. 

I dabbled with resin art a few years ago. I loved the process and the result but it's expensive, messy and smelly (and probably not that good from a health perspective) so this is my one and only creation.

Without doubt my favourite kitchen appliance. My only regret is wasting money on cheaper versions and then eventually buying this. 

 We had vietnamese style pork in lettuce cups for dinner and bloody delicious it was.

Arguable a lazy post but it was fun. Pick the constant ....