This time last week I was a hot sweaty mess in 37 degree heat. And I had to have a cold shower before bed to cool down enough so I could sleep.
Tonight J&S had to make a mercy run home to pick up jumpers and coats for us so we didn't freeze to death at the Fringe Festival. Right now it's 11 degrees and I'm about to have a hot shower to warm up enough so I can sleep.
Crazy...
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Swap-Bot sketch
My January Swap-Bot package arrived this morning, all the way from... err... New Zealand (Oh sweet irony). Rather than take a photo of it I thought I should draw it instead.
(No charcoal, you'll notice. But no Artline pen either...)
(No charcoal, you'll notice. But no Artline pen either...)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 09, 2009
Back to school
My TAFE course starts tonight.
Whenever I get too nervous about the concept I think of this photo of me taken when I was working on a drawing for the Worsley's Art Competition in Rotorua back in September 1970 (aged 4):
The drawing was an aerial view of the mud pools and I remember being rather disappointed the newspaper photographer turned up on this day rather that the day before when I'd worked on something much less risky which had turned out how I wanted it to. The aerial mud pools didn't...
While I was finding the photo above to scan, I stumbled across this picture I drew of my cat Katina the following year (I suspect I'd just received a new box of crayons):
I've always loved this picture and in an "aha!" moment realised this is what I'd been searching for to put on the lid of my new pencil tin. A 20 cent find at an op shop a couple of years ago, it was originally a DVD tin: lovely and plain and black except for the lid which advertised some action movie. I transferred my charcoal and pencils into it a couple of weeks ago and have been searching for the perfect image for the top since then.
This afternoon I used the same technique I used here and now I have a one-of-a-kind pencil tin to make my first night at school slightly less scary...
(That is definitely a non-scaredy cat!)
Whenever I get too nervous about the concept I think of this photo of me taken when I was working on a drawing for the Worsley's Art Competition in Rotorua back in September 1970 (aged 4):
The drawing was an aerial view of the mud pools and I remember being rather disappointed the newspaper photographer turned up on this day rather that the day before when I'd worked on something much less risky which had turned out how I wanted it to. The aerial mud pools didn't...While I was finding the photo above to scan, I stumbled across this picture I drew of my cat Katina the following year (I suspect I'd just received a new box of crayons):
I've always loved this picture and in an "aha!" moment realised this is what I'd been searching for to put on the lid of my new pencil tin. A 20 cent find at an op shop a couple of years ago, it was originally a DVD tin: lovely and plain and black except for the lid which advertised some action movie. I transferred my charcoal and pencils into it a couple of weeks ago and have been searching for the perfect image for the top since then.This afternoon I used the same technique I used here and now I have a one-of-a-kind pencil tin to make my first night at school slightly less scary...
(That is definitely a non-scaredy cat!)
Sunday, February 08, 2009
The art of living well on less: frugal entertainment...
We spent yesterday evening at The National Gallery of Australia, arriving around 4pm to escape the incessant heat before heading to a free wine tasting in The Members' Lounge at 5pm. 
We lounged round in the cool (splitting a bottle of wine between us: $5 each) before heading back into the heat for the free Summer concert in the Sculpture Garden.
Being at the Art Gallery, there was art involved
and many people 
joined in 
on its creation. 
The sun went down (but, alas, not the temperature) as the music and painting continued. 
It was a lovely treat to be hanging out in The Sculpture Garden at night 
and be able to explore the cooling mist of Fujiko Nakaya's Fog sculpture when the heat got too much... 
The creativity continued 
until, finally, just after 11pm, both the concert and the painting were complete. It was an excellent night.
We lounged round in the cool (splitting a bottle of wine between us: $5 each) before heading back into the heat for the free Summer concert in the Sculpture Garden.Being at the Art Gallery, there was art involved
and many people joined in on its creation. The sun went down (but, alas, not the temperature) as the music and painting continued. It was a lovely treat to be hanging out in The Sculpture Garden at night and be able to explore the cooling mist of Fujiko Nakaya's Fog sculpture when the heat got too much... The creativity continued until, finally, just after 11pm, both the concert and the painting were complete. It was an excellent night.Seven Things Spring/ Summer 2008 Week 23
In:
* 1 CD (free with the Sun Herald. Except I didn't want, or get, the paper so it was just free)
* 5 lots of wool (op shop)
* 3 magazines (subscription)
* 1 magazine (newsagents)
* 2 spare camera batteries and charger (gift from friend)
* 3 CDs, 1 button jar, 3 books (Thursday's op shop trip)
* 1 scarf (gift from Cycling S's trip to Indonesia)
Total In this week: 20
Out:
* 21 magnets, 1 book, 3 lots of wool, 1 small red change purse, 2 black Rock 'n serve containers: given to Taph
* 1 broken tape measure, 1 dead trouser sock, 1 snapped coat hanger: bin
* 2 black face cloths: given to a friend who says she only uses black ones
* 1 book: posted to another friend
* 3 ancient unfinished craft projects: bin
* 1 Dress me up Venus set and 1 spare clothes set: sold
* 5 pallets from behind the garage: picked up by a friend to take to a friend of his who plans to use them to build a compost bin
* 1 pile of junk from the garage: dump.
* 1 magazine: donated to the lunchroom at work.
Total Out this week: 46
Shake-it-all-about:
* Dad's vest (now finished!)
Net items out so far during Seven Things Spring/ Summer 2008: 232
* 1 CD (free with the Sun Herald. Except I didn't want, or get, the paper so it was just free)
* 5 lots of wool (op shop)
* 3 magazines (subscription)
* 1 magazine (newsagents)
* 2 spare camera batteries and charger (gift from friend)
* 3 CDs, 1 button jar, 3 books (Thursday's op shop trip)
* 1 scarf (gift from Cycling S's trip to Indonesia)
Total In this week: 20
Out:
* 21 magnets, 1 book, 3 lots of wool, 1 small red change purse, 2 black Rock 'n serve containers: given to Taph
* 1 broken tape measure, 1 dead trouser sock, 1 snapped coat hanger: bin
* 2 black face cloths: given to a friend who says she only uses black ones
* 1 book: posted to another friend
* 3 ancient unfinished craft projects: bin
* 1 Dress me up Venus set and 1 spare clothes set: sold
* 5 pallets from behind the garage: picked up by a friend to take to a friend of his who plans to use them to build a compost bin
* 1 pile of junk from the garage: dump.
* 1 magazine: donated to the lunchroom at work.
Total Out this week: 46
Shake-it-all-about:
* Dad's vest (now finished!)
Net items out so far during Seven Things Spring/ Summer 2008: 232
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Plum tuckered out
We got the call last week that the plums and apples were ready. (I think I forgot to mention that the owners of the apricot tree also had two plum trees, an apple tree and two fig trees they were happy for us to pick)
So last night we converged and prepared ourselves to spend one of the hottest weekends of the summer locked inside steaming kitchens making jams and chutneys and sauces. *sigh*But when we arrived we discovered two things that made us very happy:
1. There weren't as many plums as we'd thought. In fact, we could probably deal with them by distributing them for eating.
2. The apples aren't quite ready yet. Eta is now two weeks away giving us a breathing space before we have to deal with them.
I don't know about everyone else who was there but I'm pretty happy to have an unexpectedly cleared weekend. Especially as it means I escape hovering over a steaming jam pot in 40 degree heat. Maybe I can catch up on some sleep instead...
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Speaking of Greg Johnson
I got an email from him this morning (don't panic: so did many other people...) offering:
"A Personalized Greg Johnson Song for Your Valentine!
Sick of giving roses, chocolates, and the usual Valentines Day cliche's*?
How about a Personalised Song recorded especially for your Wife, Lover, Girlfriend,Child, Pet Pig, lawyer or Mother-in-law? Send a brief biography about your loved one to: valentinesdaysong@earthlink.net
You will receive
* An Mp3 by email before Feb 14th
* A CD copy by snail mail
* Kudos and probably much more from your better half
Pricing:New Zealand customers NZD $250.00
USA and Elsewhere USD $200.00"
The site says it's:
"A First - In what is one of the first offers of it's kind by an established recording artist, Greg has initiated an affordable and unique way of personalizing his songwriting talents direct to his fans! For the week of Feb 3-10th subscribers and fans can have a personalized Valentines Day tune recorded and delivered.
Says Greg "It struck me with technology as it stands there's no reason why I shouldn't have more direct contact with those that like my music, and this seems like the way of the future.. I intend to add more of these designer services to the company in the near future"
For the pretty version of the announcement click here
I'm so very tempted to pony up the money and order one for myself...
(To the tune of Looking out on Monday)
"The Shopping Sherpa, you're so fine
Always drinking cheap cask wine
You played me on the radio
The other DJs didn't know
The 1980s, they were good for me
But not as good as LA can be
I'm a married man, you can forget me now
And Australia didn't work out somehow..."
(* ARGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!)
"A Personalized Greg Johnson Song for Your Valentine!
Sick of giving roses, chocolates, and the usual Valentines Day cliche's*?
How about a Personalised Song recorded especially for your Wife, Lover, Girlfriend,Child, Pet Pig, lawyer or Mother-in-law? Send a brief biography about your loved one to: valentinesdaysong@earthlink.net
You will receive
* An Mp3 by email before Feb 14th
* A CD copy by snail mail
* Kudos and probably much more from your better half
Pricing:New Zealand customers NZD $250.00
USA and Elsewhere USD $200.00"
The site says it's:
"A First - In what is one of the first offers of it's kind by an established recording artist, Greg has initiated an affordable and unique way of personalizing his songwriting talents direct to his fans! For the week of Feb 3-10th subscribers and fans can have a personalized Valentines Day tune recorded and delivered.
Says Greg "It struck me with technology as it stands there's no reason why I shouldn't have more direct contact with those that like my music, and this seems like the way of the future.. I intend to add more of these designer services to the company in the near future"
For the pretty version of the announcement click here
I'm so very tempted to pony up the money and order one for myself...
(To the tune of Looking out on Monday)
"The Shopping Sherpa, you're so fine
Always drinking cheap cask wine
You played me on the radio
The other DJs didn't know
The 1980s, they were good for me
But not as good as LA can be
I'm a married man, you can forget me now
And Australia didn't work out somehow..."
(* ARGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!)
A day in the life of the gainfully under employed...
Up at 6:45am after a bit of a sleep in.
An hour spent checking and sorting out emails and seeing what was new in the blogosphere while eating breakfast (muesli with yoghurt and fruit, in case you're interested...)
Another hour packing up various parcels, both business and personal. Shower, dress and across to the Post Office (to get rid of the parcels and, alas, pick up the expected letter from the real estate agent putting my rent up again) then the newsagents to see what they had in the cupboard for me. I share "my" cupboard with someone who puts aside gay magazines and someone who buys florist magazines. I often wonder who they are and if we'll ever find ourselves at the counter at the same time waiting to see if there's anything new for us: "Oh! You're the gay mag guy!" "And you must be Ms Wallpaper, Living Etc and Urbis!" Anyway, I digress...
At 9:30am I drove over the J's to pick her up and act as The TSS Shuttle Service. Dropped her off at her appointment and swung over to Y's Buys and Salvos in Belconnen while I waited for her to finish. Spent $5 on three tea towels (gift wrap for presents later in the year), 2 books, 2 vintage postcards and some more jars with black and white lids for the expected plum jam making frenzy that will hit Chateau TSS this coming weekend.
Picked J up and we went to the mall so she could run her errands. I accidentally bought a copy of the latest Presets CD while we were there. But did my usual frugal/ green/ local two step: first stop Flipside to see if it's available second hand then up to The Music Shop (locally owned and, I heard this week, they are one of the distribution points for Big Issue sellers. So double brownie points for them!)
I also bought a copy of a Greg Johnson CD from the bargain bin for $3 as it seemed so sad to leave him there. I offered it to J and she's happy to give poor old Greg a new home...
11am: an iced coffee each at Ha Ha Bar overlooking Lake Ginninderra. Then, when the smell of the next table's lunch became overwhelming we headed back to J's for deliciously fresh and frugal sandwiches made with mustard pickle (aka Chow chow) and cheese with lettuce & cherry tomatoes from her garden. Followed by freshly cracked nuts:
And, for the first time ever, I saw an almond in its shell and realised how scary it was that I'd never actually wondered where almonds came from or what they looked like whole.
An hour spent checking and sorting out emails and seeing what was new in the blogosphere while eating breakfast (muesli with yoghurt and fruit, in case you're interested...)
Another hour packing up various parcels, both business and personal. Shower, dress and across to the Post Office (to get rid of the parcels and, alas, pick up the expected letter from the real estate agent putting my rent up again) then the newsagents to see what they had in the cupboard for me. I share "my" cupboard with someone who puts aside gay magazines and someone who buys florist magazines. I often wonder who they are and if we'll ever find ourselves at the counter at the same time waiting to see if there's anything new for us: "Oh! You're the gay mag guy!" "And you must be Ms Wallpaper, Living Etc and Urbis!" Anyway, I digress...
At 9:30am I drove over the J's to pick her up and act as The TSS Shuttle Service. Dropped her off at her appointment and swung over to Y's Buys and Salvos in Belconnen while I waited for her to finish. Spent $5 on three tea towels (gift wrap for presents later in the year), 2 books, 2 vintage postcards and some more jars with black and white lids for the expected plum jam making frenzy that will hit Chateau TSS this coming weekend.
Picked J up and we went to the mall so she could run her errands. I accidentally bought a copy of the latest Presets CD while we were there. But did my usual frugal/ green/ local two step: first stop Flipside to see if it's available second hand then up to The Music Shop (locally owned and, I heard this week, they are one of the distribution points for Big Issue sellers. So double brownie points for them!)
I also bought a copy of a Greg Johnson CD from the bargain bin for $3 as it seemed so sad to leave him there. I offered it to J and she's happy to give poor old Greg a new home...
11am: an iced coffee each at Ha Ha Bar overlooking Lake Ginninderra. Then, when the smell of the next table's lunch became overwhelming we headed back to J's for deliciously fresh and frugal sandwiches made with mustard pickle (aka Chow chow) and cheese with lettuce & cherry tomatoes from her garden. Followed by freshly cracked nuts:And, for the first time ever, I saw an almond in its shell and realised how scary it was that I'd never actually wondered where almonds came from or what they looked like whole. After lunch we checked out a new-to-me op shop and a couple of ones I've not been to for a while then finished the afternoon by dropping into Vinnies Belconnen where Patricia greeted me like a media star and I bought a copy of the latest Kathy Lette for $3:
Which Patrica was half-way through so we had a chat about Kathy Lette's other books.
J and I headed back to my place just before 3pm for afghans and tea. Then we swung past Lyneham IGA for groceries for J and I dropped her home and picked up more freshly picked cherry tomatoes:
Tonight's big plans involve knitting (Dad's now overdue vest), cooking (the gazpacho I didn't get to last night as I was out with a friend from Brisbane who was in town unexpectedly), house cleaning, lawn mowing and bread starting. We'll see how many of those I get through before I collapse in a puddle of sweat...
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Frugal February: The zucchini report
Brunch: Frittata made with onion (I have a pile leftover from my apricot chutney making), grated zucchini, smoked salmon and feta cheese. I ate it all in one sitting because it was so delicious and washed it down with free organic Papua New Guinean coffee.
(It seems that this is common knowledge but I figure if I didn't know, you might not know: if you buy your smoked salmon in a 100g packet at the supermarket it will cost you $5.99. But buy the same amount from the deli counter and it comes to $3.69. I feel like such a doofus for not knowing that all these years!)
Evening (it was supposed to be dinner but I ended up at Tilley's): Aforementioned ratatouille made with the addition of eggplant and capsicum from the 99 cent table at the greengrocers in Dickson. Which is why it had to be cooked tonight. I stretched the recipe so am guessing here: 2 servings for lunch with Taph tomorrow plus 6 for the freezer (still waiting for it to cool down)
And I still have 1 3/4 large zucchini in the fridge. It would have been less but I forgot to load some off onto Cycling S when she dropped me off this evening...
Tomorrow looks like it'll be all about* Gazpacho as two of the zucchini turned out to be giant cucumbers and I've been given more tomatoes since last Friday.
(*Can I just say I really hate that phrase?)
(It seems that this is common knowledge but I figure if I didn't know, you might not know: if you buy your smoked salmon in a 100g packet at the supermarket it will cost you $5.99. But buy the same amount from the deli counter and it comes to $3.69. I feel like such a doofus for not knowing that all these years!)
Evening (it was supposed to be dinner but I ended up at Tilley's): Aforementioned ratatouille made with the addition of eggplant and capsicum from the 99 cent table at the greengrocers in Dickson. Which is why it had to be cooked tonight. I stretched the recipe so am guessing here: 2 servings for lunch with Taph tomorrow plus 6 for the freezer (still waiting for it to cool down)
And I still have 1 3/4 large zucchini in the fridge. It would have been less but I forgot to load some off onto Cycling S when she dropped me off this evening...
Tomorrow looks like it'll be all about* Gazpacho as two of the zucchini turned out to be giant cucumbers and I've been given more tomatoes since last Friday.
(*Can I just say I really hate that phrase?)
Linguistic lunacy (a tantrum on Tuesday)
A couple of years ago Roruu published a blog post which I believe is a classic.
But I think it's time for an update. Here are some misuses that set my teeth on edge and make me lose track of what you're actually trying to say in your post:
* It's should HAVE not should OF (you should have picked that up already...)
* What's this new word "Segway"?! I've seen it used several times recently. Today's was a sentence that went "He was the son of a farmer and became a brick layer who segwayed into a large company..." Fine, I thought. He was a lazy git who didn't fancy walking. But this was in 1920 so the Segway most definitely wasn't invented yet. Perhaps you're looking for the word segue?
* As for peaking your interest? What are you, a mountain?! Pique, people, please!
* I know envelopes don't usually move but that's not a good enough reason to call them stationary. Just remember E is for envelope and therefore it is stationery!
* And, while I'm out here on my limb waiting for the Flame War, can we talk for a moment about apostrophes? They're not that hard to work out. Either they show ownership (my daughter's carrots) or missing letter or letters (should've). I get confused when I read about "my daughter's and son's". Your daughter's and son's WHAT? (Happy Spider will confirm my crusade against the rogue apostrophe: while in Wangaratta we popped into the pub for a drink. I perused the page headed "Bubble's" and, of course, said to the barman "your bubble's what?". He looked blankly at me and I suspect Happy Spider would have kicked me if I'd not given up the fight and just ordered my drink.)
Do you have any to add to the list(s)?
But I think it's time for an update. Here are some misuses that set my teeth on edge and make me lose track of what you're actually trying to say in your post:
* It's should HAVE not should OF (you should have picked that up already...)
* What's this new word "Segway"?! I've seen it used several times recently. Today's was a sentence that went "He was the son of a farmer and became a brick layer who segwayed into a large company..." Fine, I thought. He was a lazy git who didn't fancy walking. But this was in 1920 so the Segway most definitely wasn't invented yet. Perhaps you're looking for the word segue?
* As for peaking your interest? What are you, a mountain?! Pique, people, please!
* I know envelopes don't usually move but that's not a good enough reason to call them stationary. Just remember E is for envelope and therefore it is stationery!
* And, while I'm out here on my limb waiting for the Flame War, can we talk for a moment about apostrophes? They're not that hard to work out. Either they show ownership (my daughter's carrots) or missing letter or letters (should've). I get confused when I read about "my daughter's and son's". Your daughter's and son's WHAT? (Happy Spider will confirm my crusade against the rogue apostrophe: while in Wangaratta we popped into the pub for a drink. I perused the page headed "Bubble's" and, of course, said to the barman "your bubble's what?". He looked blankly at me and I suspect Happy Spider would have kicked me if I'd not given up the fight and just ordered my drink.)
Do you have any to add to the list(s)?
Monday, February 02, 2009
Monday munching
First up, if you're a slightly homesick Kiwi in Canberra get ye to Sam's Warehouse (ex The Warehouse) in Phillip where you shall be able to feast thy eyes on this:
I was so intent on the very cheap penne pasta across the aisle that it took me a moment to realise that it wasn't usual to see such a thing in Australia. Unless it was at ridiculously marked up prices.
I bought Krispies ($1.59 a packet), Afghans ($2.59 a packet) and Meal Mates (can't remember how much and the wrapper is now in the bin as I delighted in having meal mates with cheese and cherry tomatoes for afternoon tea today.)
In other food related news the zucchini glut is being dealt with. I made zucchini parmesan fritters yesterday (one lot to eat right away, six lots for the freezer) and zucchini and sundried tomato risotto today (one lot for lunch, five lots for the freezer). Tonight I'm thinking of making some ratatouille. Or maybe I'll save the pleasure of cooking that for lunch tomorrow and just eat Meal Mates and cheese for dinner while reading my latest book and knitting that damned vest...
I was so intent on the very cheap penne pasta across the aisle that it took me a moment to realise that it wasn't usual to see such a thing in Australia. Unless it was at ridiculously marked up prices.I bought Krispies ($1.59 a packet), Afghans ($2.59 a packet) and Meal Mates (can't remember how much and the wrapper is now in the bin as I delighted in having meal mates with cheese and cherry tomatoes for afternoon tea today.)
In other food related news the zucchini glut is being dealt with. I made zucchini parmesan fritters yesterday (one lot to eat right away, six lots for the freezer) and zucchini and sundried tomato risotto today (one lot for lunch, five lots for the freezer). Tonight I'm thinking of making some ratatouille. Or maybe I'll save the pleasure of cooking that for lunch tomorrow and just eat Meal Mates and cheese for dinner while reading my latest book and knitting that damned vest...
Relishing the thought of being cool
After vacating the beer fridge yesterday (we figured they might throw us out if we set up camp with fold up chairs, books and maybe a radio) we did the only sensible thing we could think of to stay cool.
We made tomato relish
(well, to be precise, Taph made relish and we watched and then helped bottle it)
Wait! Before you think we've completely lost it, there was method in our madness. We made tomato relish at Taph's Mum's place. And Taph's Mum has air conditioning!
We finally had to leave the air conditioned comfort and head back here where, knowing that The Old Flame loves a challenge, I set him onto my not-quite-oscillating-properly fan
which the stupid electrical fixit place said couldn't be fixed.
It's not perfect
but it's working much better now...
We made tomato relish
(well, to be precise, Taph made relish and we watched and then helped bottle it)Wait! Before you think we've completely lost it, there was method in our madness. We made tomato relish at Taph's Mum's place. And Taph's Mum has air conditioning!We finally had to leave the air conditioned comfort and head back here where, knowing that The Old Flame loves a challenge, I set him onto my not-quite-oscillating-properly fan
which the stupid electrical fixit place said couldn't be fixed.It's not perfect but it's working much better now...
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Redraw!
So the deed has been done. And the apron was returned for a redraw.
Rachel, email me your address details and I'll get the apron in the post to you this week...
Blogging from the beer fridge
Taph emailed me after today's ABC 666 interview where, when asked if I had any frugal tips for dealing with the heat, I replied "Hang out in the beer fridge at Woolworths"
"But can you blog from the beer fridge at your local supermarket?" she said.
Well yes you can....
(Sorry, my Kiwi heritage go the better of me there...)
Posted from the Woolworths Macs Liquor Cold Room in Dickson:
"But can you blog from the beer fridge at your local supermarket?" she said.
Well yes you can....
(Sorry, my Kiwi heritage go the better of me there...)Posted from the Woolworths Macs Liquor Cold Room in Dickson:
Seven Things Spring/ Summer 2008 Week 22: still lots to get through...
In:
* 1 US Elle, 1 US Vogue (subscription)
* 1 Hornsea container (op shop)
* 1 Wallpaper magazine (newsagents)
* 1 striped top , 2 books, 2 CDs, 1 zipped pouch, 1 gift box, 2 black and white tea towels (a little op shop and bargain shopping trip on Thursday: total cost, $13.50)
* 3 CDs, 1 mini rug, 3 mini cushions and 1 mini Eames lounger to replace the one which broke at my exhibition (Saturday's errand, with a side trip to the op shops while I was in Tuggeranong)
Total In this week: 21
Out:
* 11 Black and White items: posted to Black and White Swap partner
* 26 blog giveaway items: given away!
* 1 tea towel: sent to CMAG wrapped around scones (with jam and cream) which was morning tea for everyone who worked on my exhibition.
* 1 in tray and 2 tomato stakes: donated to J who was going to buy them new.
* 6 half finished craft projects which have been sitting round for over a year: bin
* 1 spare cat collar, too tatty to use (bin)
* 1 large pile of crap from the garage (polystyrene packing for computer boxes belonging to computers used in a job I left 4 years ago?!): dump
Total Out this week: 49
Shake-it-all-about:
* Dad's Vest
Net items out so far during Seven Things Spring/ Summer 2008: 206
* 1 US Elle, 1 US Vogue (subscription)
* 1 Hornsea container (op shop)
* 1 Wallpaper magazine (newsagents)
* 1 striped top , 2 books, 2 CDs, 1 zipped pouch, 1 gift box, 2 black and white tea towels (a little op shop and bargain shopping trip on Thursday: total cost, $13.50)
* 3 CDs, 1 mini rug, 3 mini cushions and 1 mini Eames lounger to replace the one which broke at my exhibition (Saturday's errand, with a side trip to the op shops while I was in Tuggeranong)
Total In this week: 21
Out:
* 11 Black and White items: posted to Black and White Swap partner
* 26 blog giveaway items: given away!
* 1 tea towel: sent to CMAG wrapped around scones (with jam and cream) which was morning tea for everyone who worked on my exhibition.
* 1 in tray and 2 tomato stakes: donated to J who was going to buy them new.
* 6 half finished craft projects which have been sitting round for over a year: bin
* 1 spare cat collar, too tatty to use (bin)
* 1 large pile of crap from the garage (polystyrene packing for computer boxes belonging to computers used in a job I left 4 years ago?!): dump
Total Out this week: 49
Shake-it-all-about:
* Dad's Vest
Net items out so far during Seven Things Spring/ Summer 2008: 206
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Summertime bounty
Look! From the garden:
Unfortunately not from my garden. Things aren't looking too good out there:
but I take comfort in the fact that at least this year it's taken two extra months before all my plants die on me. That's progress, right?!
The massive zucchini, cucumbers and the Italian parsley are from a colleague at work who was saying she was overwhelmed by giant zucchini and masses of parsley and seemed quite surprised that I offered to take any she didn't want. Until I explained that I had a very good distribution system worked out and that they should end up feeding 5 households and I could probably get her lemons and plums in return if she needed them. Which she seemed quite excited about.
These really are giant zucchini.
They make last year's delivery look like a dwarf variety...
The cherry tomatoes are from J&M and were swapped for zucchini #1 (not shown).
I'm loving this too-ing and fro-ing of free produce and have been incubating a mad plan to set up a Fruit tree register in Canberra (if there isn't one already). You've heard of Freecycle (where people offer stuff they no longer want for free and other people who need it take it): I'm thinking of Fruitcycle where people with trees (or crops) they can't or won't use can register and be matched up with people who will use the produce that would otherwise go to waste, perhaps supplying the tree owner with jam, chutney or preserves in return.
I'm sure there are issues I haven't even considered which means it won't float: if I fall out of your tree while picking your fruit are you liable? If you eat my chutney and get sick can you sue me? Could some unscrupulous person use the info to work out who's elderly and lives alone with nasty consequences?
While I think about that you'll find me searching through my recipes to find something that uses a rather large amount of zucchini. Preferably without needing a beater or blender: still broken, alas...
Oh, and if you're at a loose end tomorrow morning you might like to tune in to ABC 666 around 10:40am. Just saying.
Unfortunately not from my garden. Things aren't looking too good out there:but I take comfort in the fact that at least this year it's taken two extra months before all my plants die on me. That's progress, right?!The massive zucchini, cucumbers and the Italian parsley are from a colleague at work who was saying she was overwhelmed by giant zucchini and masses of parsley and seemed quite surprised that I offered to take any she didn't want. Until I explained that I had a very good distribution system worked out and that they should end up feeding 5 households and I could probably get her lemons and plums in return if she needed them. Which she seemed quite excited about.
These really are giant zucchini.
They make last year's delivery look like a dwarf variety...The cherry tomatoes are from J&M and were swapped for zucchini #1 (not shown).
I'm loving this too-ing and fro-ing of free produce and have been incubating a mad plan to set up a Fruit tree register in Canberra (if there isn't one already). You've heard of Freecycle (where people offer stuff they no longer want for free and other people who need it take it): I'm thinking of Fruitcycle where people with trees (or crops) they can't or won't use can register and be matched up with people who will use the produce that would otherwise go to waste, perhaps supplying the tree owner with jam, chutney or preserves in return.
I'm sure there are issues I haven't even considered which means it won't float: if I fall out of your tree while picking your fruit are you liable? If you eat my chutney and get sick can you sue me? Could some unscrupulous person use the info to work out who's elderly and lives alone with nasty consequences?
While I think about that you'll find me searching through my recipes to find something that uses a rather large amount of zucchini. Preferably without needing a beater or blender: still broken, alas...
Oh, and if you're at a loose end tomorrow morning you might like to tune in to ABC 666 around 10:40am. Just saying.
Friday, January 30, 2009
It's a hammer!
I got a call from Dad last night. It went something like this:
Dad: "I've been thinking about my birthday present..."
TSS: "Yes?"
Dad: "And I think I've worked it out."
TSS: "Uh huh?"
Dad: "Well it's not a scarf cause they're boring to knit"
TSS: "Correct"
Dad: "And it's not socks because no one knits them anymore"
TSS: "Err.... actually lots of people do, myself included, but you're right. It's not socks" (Thinking: DAMN! Should have knitted him socks, They would have been quicker...)
Dad: "So I'm thinking it must be a cardigan or a jumper"
TSS: "Wrong!"
Dad: "But you know that I don't wear cardigans. And the only jumpers I wear are fisherman's rib ones that I wear until they fall apart"
TSS: (Makes mental note... Fisherman's rib jumper... Size 104 cm...)
Dad: "And I wear sleeveless vests to work"
TSS: "It's a hammer!"*
Dad: "So I think you're knitting me a sleeveless vest"
TSS: "Argh! You figured it out! But yay: I can now officially be late since you know what it is AND post photos on the blog!"
(* Quote from a very long ago Christmas when Mum tried disguising Dad's presents as he always tried to work out what they were. We thought we had it sorted: we put a hammer in a large box. I think we even sprayed the box with perfume (but don't quote me on that bit). Of course, we forgot that if you pick up any box which is significantly heavier at one end than at the other it's pretty obvious what's in it... Hence the "It's a hammer!" quote)
Dad: "I've been thinking about my birthday present..."
TSS: "Yes?"
Dad: "And I think I've worked it out."
TSS: "Uh huh?"
Dad: "Well it's not a scarf cause they're boring to knit"
TSS: "Correct"
Dad: "And it's not socks because no one knits them anymore"
TSS: "Err.... actually lots of people do, myself included, but you're right. It's not socks" (Thinking: DAMN! Should have knitted him socks, They would have been quicker...)
Dad: "So I'm thinking it must be a cardigan or a jumper"
TSS: "Wrong!"
Dad: "But you know that I don't wear cardigans. And the only jumpers I wear are fisherman's rib ones that I wear until they fall apart"
TSS: (Makes mental note... Fisherman's rib jumper... Size 104 cm...)
Dad: "And I wear sleeveless vests to work"
TSS: "It's a hammer!"*
Dad: "So I think you're knitting me a sleeveless vest"
TSS: "Argh! You figured it out! But yay: I can now officially be late since you know what it is AND post photos on the blog!"
(* Quote from a very long ago Christmas when Mum tried disguising Dad's presents as he always tried to work out what they were. We thought we had it sorted: we put a hammer in a large box. I think we even sprayed the box with perfume (but don't quote me on that bit). Of course, we forgot that if you pick up any box which is significantly heavier at one end than at the other it's pretty obvious what's in it... Hence the "It's a hammer!" quote)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The week that was
How was your week? I had a grand time while on my faux blog break:
* I watched Mamma Mia (big thumbs down) and Factory Girl (big thumbs up) on DVD.
* I spent Australia Day listening to The Triple J hottest 100 as any good Aussie should. I knitted, too: not sure how Australian that was but needs must as that Feb 4th deadline is fast approaching...
* I cleaned out the garage for the first time in ten years. Things have taken a bit longer than expected (a friend who offered to help set up shelving was sick) but should be done and dusted by this weekend after a trip to the tip.
* I finished reading the copy of Affluenza I borrowed from the Library on Quilting Mick's recommendation. Library books are stressful, I've decided...
* My sample Moo postcards arrived:
They're very nice but a tad too expensive to consider reselling so I'm visiting local printers this week.
* I helped demount my exhibition and dealt with the influx of boxes into Chez TSS.
* I successfully managed to not buy lunch twice and instead trotted home from town and created delicious meals from the freezer. I'm so proud of myself!
* I enrolled part time in Design Fundamentals and remembered what I loved most about school: the list of stationery you had to buy before school began. On my list is very exciting stuff like a visual diary, charcoal and a smock. That last one has me intrigued and wondering if I'll look like a complete tosser if I make me something interesting out of Stash Mountain rather than buy one...
* I watched Mamma Mia (big thumbs down) and Factory Girl (big thumbs up) on DVD.
* I spent Australia Day listening to The Triple J hottest 100 as any good Aussie should. I knitted, too: not sure how Australian that was but needs must as that Feb 4th deadline is fast approaching...
* I cleaned out the garage for the first time in ten years. Things have taken a bit longer than expected (a friend who offered to help set up shelving was sick) but should be done and dusted by this weekend after a trip to the tip.
* I finished reading the copy of Affluenza I borrowed from the Library on Quilting Mick's recommendation. Library books are stressful, I've decided...
* My sample Moo postcards arrived:
They're very nice but a tad too expensive to consider reselling so I'm visiting local printers this week.* I helped demount my exhibition and dealt with the influx of boxes into Chez TSS.
* I successfully managed to not buy lunch twice and instead trotted home from town and created delicious meals from the freezer. I'm so proud of myself!
* I enrolled part time in Design Fundamentals and remembered what I loved most about school: the list of stationery you had to buy before school began. On my list is very exciting stuff like a visual diary, charcoal and a smock. That last one has me intrigued and wondering if I'll look like a complete tosser if I make me something interesting out of Stash Mountain rather than buy one...
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